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Post by Dave B. on Nov 20, 2019 22:10:53 GMT -4
Shorak mans his post, but continues to listen in on what he can hear. "Maybe the slaadi will turn their focus on the cogship, if they decide to leave us be." He says. "Doubtful, but one can hope." He keeps his eyes open to the surrounding area, especially for any overt hostile actions from the slaadi.
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Jeff
Administrator 
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on Nov 21, 2019 8:39:27 GMT -4
Thul listens to the dwarfwoman and nods his thanks. "Looks like I'm in for a long, and weird, conversation." "Aye. Just be sure you're the one in charge," the dwarf says. Once the Sulatar zombie reaches the second platform—her leaps from one to another are awkward but strong—the paddle wheel beneath the stern of the Dragonfly starts churning; you can feel the steady vibrations in the floorboards. Kurra then walks up between Belarin and Adamant. She gives the warforged a sympathetic look. "I want out of this place now, too. Let's not wait for you to climb up and back again. There are other ways to get this done..." She unslings a wand, one Adamant thinks he remembers seeing the artificer use to discharge magic missiles. " Unerringly. Aye?" To Belarin she turns her head. "When I get your girlfriend back, your job is to make sure she doesn't rage against the rest of her for this clean-up. I for one am glad to have the shuffling dead off this ship." Something in the dwarf woman's eyes tells Belarin she doesn't regard getting Histra back a foregone conclusion, but he can see she will certainly do her best. The Dragonfly starts to pull away from the lowest of the azer platforms. There are no azers in sight now. Shorak and Thul—and Brack to a lesser extent, as he is mostly fixed on the course ahead—have eyes on the water behind you. And so they're the first to see several blue slaadi climbing down the walls from where they'd been. When they're halfway down, they leap out and curl up into balls, hitting the water with a big splash (that surely hurts!). They seem intent on the Sulatar canoe, perhaps. That one red slaad, however, climbs down the wall and hugs the side of the cavern where it remains dry just above the water line. This one looks like it's following after the Dragonfly. Those watching the gloom to the south—and the way ahead—now hear and then see the waterfall Captain Brack mentioned before. A great torrent of water is streaming from somewhere in the unlit dark from the right-hand (western) side of the cavern and widening by the time it reaches the opposite wall (eastern). It doesn't look like it's an absolute barrier to you: the water is flowing on its own gravity just above the level of the deck of the Dragonfly. The ship will get pummeled a bit and certainly sprayed down from the sideways waterfall, but Brack doesn't seem worried about it. You can also see another softly glowing cluster of blue crystals protruding from the western wall of the cavern.  Refresh the map indeedy.
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Nov 21, 2019 9:51:54 GMT -4
Streko walks up to Melethos. "Is there some way to pass a message to the Azurs. Ask them to bring down their gate as soon as we pass so that anything behind us would remain here. It would seem a sensible precaution. You, Kal and Thul have ad the most dealings with them thus far. And if there was a way to contact the water elementals as well, that would help, but I am unsure as to how to do that and convey our messages." Melethos searches for sign of the fiery azer. "They're gone, Streko." he says. "We'll need to handle the cogship without their help." He smiles down at his friend. "We need rest. I don't know about you, but I had to fight my way back to that cave. I'm sore and tired. Afterward, Kal can call us together and we can talk. For now, I'm going to watch for the cogship." He rests a hand on the halfling's shoulder. "It's good to see you again." As the ship moves forward, Melethos strides to the back of the Dragonfly. That cogship was still out there, and its purpose remained unknown, though he suspected they planned no good. He didn't intend to let them catch his friends by surprise. |
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Nov 21, 2019 10:38:47 GMT -4
"As fast as she'll bear, Captain," Kal says to Brack.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Nov 21, 2019 11:31:44 GMT -4
"I'll manage Histra's anger," says Belarin to Kurra. "She's tried to murder me." He relishes Kurra's reaction.
To Adamant, he adds, "That--" he indicates Kurra's wand "--would fulfill your promise nicely."
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on Nov 21, 2019 12:18:37 GMT -4
"I'll manage Histra's anger," says Belarin to Kurra. "She's tried to murder me." "Doesn't everybody, though?" Kurra says smartly as she turns her attention towards the bow and beyond. |
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Elvis
Thul (Human)
Thul
Posts: 1,139 
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Post by Elvis on Nov 21, 2019 12:26:13 GMT -4
"That's probably one of the reasons I like her." Says Thul to no one in particular, as he walks past the warlock and dwarfwomen.
He joins the dryad as the bow. The roar of the strange waterfall growing in volume.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Nov 21, 2019 12:52:39 GMT -4
"Doesn't everybody, though?" Kurra says smartly as she turns her attention towards the bow and beyond. Belarin considers this for a moment. "She's not wrong...." he says to Adamant and Thul. |
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Joe
Streko Tavven (halfling)
Streko
Posts: 3,518
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Post by Joe on Nov 21, 2019 20:15:56 GMT -4
Streko walks up to Melethos. "Is there some way to pass a message to the Azurs. Ask them to bring down their gate as soon as we pass so that anything behind us would remain here. It would seem a sensible precaution. You, Kal and Thul have ad the most dealings with them thus far. And if there was a way to contact the water elementals as well, that would help, but I am unsure as to how to do that and convey our messages." Melethos searches for sign of the fiery azer. "They're gone, Streko." he says. "We'll need to handle the cogship without their help." He smiles down at his friend. "We need rest. I don't know about you, but I had to fight my way back to that cave. I'm sore and tired. Afterward, Kal can call us together and we can talk. For now, I'm going to watch for the cogship." He rests a hand on the halfling's shoulder. "It's good to see you again." As the ship moves forward, Melethos strides to the back of the Dragonfly. That cogship was still out there, and its purpose remained unknown, though he suspected they planned no good. He didn't intend to let them catch his friends by surprise. "I'm glad you survived the place. I will keep eyes on front, in case there is anything still awaiting us." With that, Streko moves to the front of the ship, looking both down into the water and up...into the water fall crossing their path just ahead. "This place makes my head hurt." _____________________________________________ Streko takes a place near the bow and acts as a forward lookout. |
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Post by Dave B. on Nov 21, 2019 21:47:14 GMT -4
Shorak nods to Melethos when he comes to the aft section of the ship, then turns the crossbow towards the blue slaadi. He doesn't think he'll need to use it, but better to be ready. "Melethos," Shorak says, "keep an eye on that red one." He points to the wall of the cavern, where the red slaad seems to be pacing the Dragonfly.
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Nov 21, 2019 22:57:38 GMT -4
Adamant is clearly ready to argue with Belarin. His faceplate is placid as ever but his metal hands are closed as if holding on to something with all his strength. But Kurra interrupts with her suggestion of her wand. To Adamant, he adds, "That--" he indicates Kurra's wand "--would fulfill your promise nicely." "It will be enough." He tells Kurra. "Do it and let us leave this place." "I understand," he says to Belarin, "how difficult it is for all of you to live with me. What you don't understand… what you literally can't understand…", he slides a finger along his faceplate, "is how hard it is for me to live like this." Adamant moves to the stern to watch Kurra take down the drow. He silently says a prayer.
I was going to have a great rant but missed my shot… sorry I've been behind all week...
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Nov 21, 2019 23:51:54 GMT -4
Belarin nods, but says nothing. He looks toward the drow zombie clumsily ascending the platform.
______________
Belarin will use the wand to kill the zombie, if Kurra is too busy with getting the ship underway.
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Nov 22, 2019 6:10:14 GMT -4
Shorak nods to Melethos when he comes to the aft section of the ship, then turns the crossbow towards the blue slaadi. He doesn't think he'll need to use it, but better to be ready. "Melethos," Shorak says, "keep an eye on that red one." He points to the wall of the cavern, where the red slaad seems to be pacing the Dragonfly. "Right," Melethos says to Shorak, taking up a position at the port crossbow. He doesn't aim it at the red sladdi, but he's ready to attack the creature if it looks like it will threaten the ship. |
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on Nov 22, 2019 7:51:00 GMT -4
Shorak and Melethos see that the blue slaad climb up onto the Sulatar canoe, which bobs awkwardly. The red one keeps following along the wall's edge in pursuit of the Dragonfly. The Dragonfly is picking up speed. The sideways waterfall draws close. Thul and Streko are the first to feel the spray upon them, like spindrift on the open sea—but instead it is dark ahead, and only the lanterns of the Dragonfly provide any light. "The end of this cave isn't far," Kurra says. By the time Belarin takes the wand and turns to face the Sulatar zombie, it has reached the final platform. He discharges the arcane instrument. Three magic missiles explode from the wand and slam into the creature. She then whirls around to face the threat. Dead though her eyes may be, Belarin feels certain she—it—is looking right at him. Judging him. It almost feels like Histra's eyes upon him. It takes a second blast from the wand to finish the undead creature off. The force of the missiles send the former warrioress stumbling back. Then begins to crumble to the ground... Just as the Sulatar girl steps into view only feet away from the zombie, emerging from the shattered gates of the keep. She stands watching for a moment, taking no action. Her sword is out, and she still looks as you last saw her inside the Cave—lacking even a shred of Sulatar clothing. Adamant can feel her eyes upon him as well as she looks down at the departing Dragonfly. She inclines her head. Maybe in solemnity, maybe in acknowledgment. At the stern, Shorak and Melethos now see motion to the north. A moving fog. The prow of the Cogship oozing slowly into view from the gloom. • Magic missile damage: 12 force damage
• Magic missile damage: 10 force damage
→ Sulatar's zombie reaches 0 hit points. Its Constitution saving throw: 4 (failure)
• Sulatar zombie is slain |
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Nov 22, 2019 9:12:50 GMT -4
Melethos's eyes narrow at the sight of the approaching vessel. He isn't surprised by its appearance.
"The cogship is moving," he calls out. "Kal, we might need you at the ballista."
They really need the rest, but getting out of the cave safely, and away from that damned cogship, have to come first.
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Nov 22, 2019 12:11:50 GMT -4
Adamant seeing the Sulatar girl finally unclenches his fists and raises an open palm to her. "May you find peace." He says softly.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Nov 22, 2019 14:32:36 GMT -4
Kal moves slowly, nearly stumbling, towards the back of the ship. As he walks, he draws forth Skyfang and carelessly flings a bolt of fire in the direction of the red slaad. He doesn't even try to hit it...he's just trying to send a message. He peers towards the cogship, then leans against the aft ballista. "I believe the slaadi may hinder the ship. Let us hope. Prayers to Olladra, if you please, Streko."
___________________
Kal will cast Fire Bolt towards the red slaad. Not even sure of the range (Kal can launch that 240') but it doesn't matter. He's not trying to hit.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Nov 22, 2019 15:33:23 GMT -4
Belarin, despite his experience, is somewhat shaken by the zombie's final look. He turns his head to stare at the unspoken communication between Adam and the Sulatar girl.
He's about to say something, but his attention is drawn to Kal's fire blast, and he only now notices the red slaadi disturbingly keeping pace with the ship.
"I can still 'ghost' someone if need be," he calls back to Melethos. He pockets Kurra's wand and unsheathes his pact dagger, Valk's Tongue.
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Nov 22, 2019 16:09:34 GMT -4
"I can still 'ghost' someone if need be," [Belarin] calls back to Melethos. He pockets Kurra's wand and unsheathes his pact dagger, Valk's Tongue.Melethos nods. "I hope we won't need it, but if we do..." He shrugs, then reaches into his pouch and pulls out a stoppered potion bottle. He calls to Kurra. "Could you look at this sometime in the next day or two and see if you can identify it? We found it in the sladd chamber, near a bowel of water. The last time I used an unverified magic item, we nearly died. I don't want to make that mistake again." |
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on Nov 22, 2019 17:30:39 GMT -4
Kal's spell hits the water far from its hurried target. The red slaad seems to take notice but is not deterred. Yet as the Dragonfly draws near the waterfall, it's gliding not only south but westward, putting more distance from the toadlike monster. Kurra marches over to Belarin and yanks back the wand of magic missiles he just tucked; she says nothing, all business. He calls to Kurra. "Could you look at this sometime in the next day or two and see if you can identify it? We found it in the sladd chamber, near a bowel of water. The last time I used an unverified magic item, we nearly died. I don't want to make that mistake again." "Let's just worry about today, man." Kurra throws Melethos a look of warning. "My ever-growing To Do list has been crammed into my back pocket, to be reviewed only after my new To Do list: Item One, see that this boat isn't wrecked in getting out of here. Item Two, try and unlock a very complicated, genie-wrought planar-exiling vessel and get one of my passenger's girlfriend back. Don't be giving me new work just now." The dwarf woman's tone is sharp but Melethos feels no real menace in it. He never knew any dwarves in the Demon Wastes and has only met a few since leaving it; but a stubborn, usually dignified stream runs through every one. The spray of the sideways-falling water now starts to hit everyone else. After the recent heats and fires, it actually feels good. But...it's about to get strong. Somehow you can sense this is more than just casually falling water. The fire-stream is one incarnation of this Kythri manifest zone; this water-jet is another. "Batten down, the lot of you!" Brack shouts out to everyone on deck. "Just in case, aye?" "Grab something!" Kurra translates. The thick stream of water skims the bowsprit and is about to rake its away across everything on deck. Calirataia is the first one struck, but she's rooted herself to the wood of her "tree" and actually seems to embrace the falling water. What about the rest of you?
In your next post, state as specifically as you can what each of you intends to hold onto, hide behind, or whatever. If you're counting on brute strength to hold against any surge of water, then give me a Strength (Athletics) check. If you're counting on in ducking beneath the gunwale only, or behind something else or someone, then give me a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Have fun with it! |
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Dave W.
Adamant (Warforged)
Adamant
Posts: 4,643
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Post by Dave W. on Nov 22, 2019 19:16:12 GMT -4
Instinctively Adamant grabs the railing right in front of the wheel… and immediately considers that this is part of the dryad… "SORRY!" he yells… He adjusts his anchor so his arm is linked around the railing instead of clamped on. "HOST GRANT US THE STRENGTH TO PASS BACK IN ONE PIECE!!" the warforged prays into the tempest.
It's a check not a save so I can't add the Aura of Protection…
Athletics Check:
dlw32:1D20+3 → 16(13 + 3)
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Joe
Streko Tavven (halfling)
Streko
Posts: 3,518
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Post by Joe on Nov 22, 2019 19:20:20 GMT -4
Streko races to the largest object he can find that will protect him form the cascading waterflow and holds onto it for dear life. He also notices that, if Thul doesn't move, he might also be able to block some of the water. The overall fatigue in his body hampers every acrobatic movement he would like to make. Further, the initial spray band makes his footing precarious at best. Streko has a bad feeling about this. He fears the best that could happen is he's about to get a very powerful shower! "I should have spared one more prayer to Olladra while I had the chance." ________________________________________________ Streko Dexterity (Acrobatics) check: 9(6 + 3) |
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Elvis
Thul (Human)
Thul
Posts: 1,139
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Post by Elvis on Nov 22, 2019 23:42:15 GMT -4
Thul is an unabashed landlubber. He jams Syndra into his belt, finds the closest rigging, and holds on tight. He keeps an eye on the halfling without making it look like he is... --- Jeff, can you roll? Not near laptop at the moment.
DM's Edit: Thul's roll is an 8. Hey, you wanted me to roll for you...  |
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Brian
Melethos (tiefling)
Melethos
Posts: 5,085
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Post by Brian on Nov 23, 2019 7:28:21 GMT -4
The sound of water crashing down gets louder, and the ship starts to rock at the bow lances into the waterfall. He turns in time to see Thul and Streko slammed by the waterfall. The Dragonfly doesn't stop, though. Captain Brack is almost fixed to the wheel, a mad grin on his face. "Well, shit," Melethos mutters. He has seconds before the waterfall reaches him. He grabs the only thing nearby—the crossbow. When the thunder of water reaches him, his knees nearly buckle. He pushes back against the pressure, tightening every muscle. Unfortunately, his finger is on the crossbow trigger. A bolt goes sailing into the air and right at the red sladdi. Then the full impact of the rushing water hits Melethos and he feels himself torn free from the crossbow... _______________________________________________ Melethos:1D20+4 → 6(2 + 4)#Strength(Athletics) Check Well, shit. lol
Melethos:1D20+9 → 21(12 + 9)#crossbow shot at the red sladdi
Melethos:1D8+5 → 11(6 + 5)#damage from crossbow bolt |
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Elvis
Thul (Human)
Thul
Posts: 1,139
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Post by Elvis on Nov 23, 2019 12:59:07 GMT -4
He sees it too late. A battering ram of water seems to peel off the torrent and curve, with malice, into a colossal hook punch.
"Oh f-"
He doesn't finish his interjection.
---
At least it was an epic fail.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on Nov 24, 2019 0:02:39 GMT -4
Seeing the approaching wall of water, Kal moves quickly over to the wall of the sterncastle, sheltering against the wall and grabbing hold of any railing that might be permanently attached. He feels the cold water hit him with far more force than he thought possible and is not sure his grip will hold...
___________________
Blerg. Athletics check is a 9.
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Post by Dave B. on Nov 24, 2019 3:07:17 GMT -4
Looking over his shoulder at the sound of the waterfall, Shorak moves with as much speed as he can muster, pushing through all the aches and pains. He makes his way to the stairs on the opposite side of where the water is flowing from, putiing his back against the outside wall of the cabin and crouching down to make his body as small as possible.
Acrobatics check: 1d20+12=19.
Wasn't completely clear on which direction the water is flowing, just tired I think. If it is flowing frome the west, Shorak goes half way down the east stairs. He'll go half way down the west stairs if the water is flowing from the east. He is trying to use the outside wall of the cabin to block the full brunt of the waterfall.
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Nov 25, 2019 0:47:49 GMT -4
Belarin dives down the stairs to the main deck, heedless of any additional bruising he may take, and attempts to crouch underneath the stairs once he reaches bottom. Sorry to keep you waiting. Acrobatics roll is 1d20(17) + 4 = 21. |
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on Nov 25, 2019 11:03:14 GMT -4
The powerful blast of water sweeps hard across the deck, and it seems to intensify suddenly and appear less erratic and more... deliberate. Calirataia falls into herself, half-submerged into the bow, and the Dragonfly begins to glow with a green light, as if the dryad is exerting some of her power within it. It rattles the rigging and sways every hanging latern. The mast creaks but holds. The two efreeti urns slide and bang into each other but come to a stop against the port side stair. Adamant hooks his arm against the water, and his weight and strength hold him in place. Shorak hastens down the port side stairs and runs out of time—so he flattens himself against the stairs and rail, turning his body as much as shielding himself with part of the sterncastle stairs. Belarin slides past the halfdrow, rolling over the railing of the stairs just in time before the water crashes into him. He is sheltered from its brute force but not the hard spray itself. Kal hurries for the shelter of the sterncastle, but the water hits first and he is blasted off his feet and thrown against the gunwale on the port side. Tangat yelps he is bodily lifted and pushed right after his master, coming to rest against the wall beside him. Melethos doesn't see where the bolt goes, grabbing at the mounted crossbow in front of him, realizing too late it might have been better to crouch beneath it against the gunwale. When the water slams into him, it pushes him against the wall, and he starts to go over it—but manages to cling to the railing of the ship, his legs now sticking straight out from the edge. Thul looks to the nearest rigging, find it close, but he takes too long in deciding which part to seize...the rope, the hooks, the curiously shaped mechanisms that hold them all together...and he's left holding onto a few flapping things, left with his boots over the edge of the ship. Streko tries to grab onto...something big...but finds nothing. His small frame is dragged across the deck, at which points he smacks into one of the forward capstans. His size keeps him from actually going up and over the gunwale. The whole time, Brack keeps his place at the helm, snarling like a defiant animal. Kurra hooks an arm around the rigging before her, hunkering down as she is blasted by the water. Sem is tossed like a rag doll against the wall of the stairwell beside Shorak but at least he stays on deck. Starg, unfortunately, wasn't even close to being ready for this. The old minotaur's size and age both work against him, and he was already standing too close to the opening of the gunwale—where a gangplank can be set. The water shoves him overboard and anyone happened to be looking his way quickly lose sight of him! And yet even as the sideways waterfall completes its "rinse" of the Dragonfly's deck, the column of water seems to take a more solid shape. It weaves and turns and flows tightly around the ship, like a great elemental constrictor! The water wraps around the sterncastle, exhibiting some form of agency... Brack's Athletics check: 21
Kurr's Athletics check: 13
Tangat's Athletics check: 10
Adamant, Belarin, Shorak, Brack, and Kurra each take 3 bludgeoning damage.
Kal, Tangat, Melethos, Streko, Thul, and Sem take 6 bludgeoning damage.
Not only does the column of water now constrict the ship, it actually halts its progress—then four tendrils of water explode from the larger column in different places and take on shape of their own: large serpent-like independent forms that twist and writhe and hiss. Yet instead of a proper reptilian hiss you hear a water spray when they open their mouths. Each is tethered to the greater column. Water weirds! Elemental creatures that, in old bedtime stories, are usually associated with magic fountains in lost dungeons. One rears upon the sterncastle beside Brack and Adamant, while the other three menace you on the main deck. Kurra swears a vile Lhazaarite cruse and she looks around at the new foes. "Keep these things off my back," she calls out. "I'll deal with that." She points at the constricting column of water.
Battle is afoot! No surprise rounds. Now, at the start of this combat, Kal, Tangat, Melethos, Streko, Thul, and Sem are all considered prone. (Which just means until they "get up," right themselves, and otherwise untangle themselves or pull themselves back from the edge of the ship (as the case may be) on their turn, they're effectively prone.
Round 1
24 - Belarin
21 - Streko
19 - Melethos
18 - NPC allies
15 - Shorak
14 - water weirds
11 - Thul
6 - Adamant
4 - Kal & Tangat
The water weirds are Large and occupy 4 squares. |
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Ken
Belarin Malizia
Belarin
Posts: 5,691
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Post by Ken on Nov 25, 2019 13:12:57 GMT -4
Belarin feels the impact of his head against the railing a split-second before the water hits. That'll leave a bump. Hearing Kurra's call for aid, he stands up and moves toward the creature that's closest to the artificer. As he moves, he mutters a few syllables. Once more, ice crystals start spreading across his face and clothing. "Hey, stupid!" he shouts at the water weird.
_________________
Belarin casts Soulsorrow's arrow and gains 25 temporary hit points. He moves south (forward!) 20 feet to get in the water weird's face.
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