Act I - Before the Storm

[VennDygrem]

Act I - Before the Storm

Red gates of iron cast their black shadows on this land, Dividing souls... far below;
The gathering winds the armies watch are rising from the west, Foretelling news... of freedom's hand

The year is 1489, by Dale Reckoning. The realm of Faerun has seen many changes over the years, as the influence on world-shaping events has ebbed and flowed with the will of Gods and mortals both. Peace is a rare commodity in this day and age, one that few seem to have any interest in trading. Many once-secure kingdoms and trade cities have been ravaged by war and treachery, while others still struggle to remain standing. The great conflict between order and chaos rages ever on, even as forces beyond common reach conspire to rewrite the laws that govern them; Such an act could reshape Faerun, the Gods, and, perhaps, even the very planes of existence- with good intent or ill.

You awaken to the gentle rocking of waves and the bracing sensation of the ocean’s breeze, cool and salty against your face, and the night sky seems to have left a calm hush in your immediate surroundings. At sea, it seems, you have found peace. However, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Your head is groggy and you can’t quite recall what happened within the last day, particularly the circumstances that led you here. Your hands are bound before you, and a length of iron chain connects you to others in the same situation. You are captives cramped into a small dinghy, trailing behind a larger vessel by thick, braided rope. Two guards are positioned at the rear of the vessel; one facing you, and one facing toward the front of the ship. The guard facing you seems to have a crossbow at the ready, though it does not seem to be pointed directly at any one of you and is instead pointed slightly downward, but at this distance you're not quite sure what. Upon checking, most of your equipment is not present in the pram; it must be on-board the ship.

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Anyone with Darkvision and a Passive Perception of at least 13 can tell that the guard facing you has fallen asleep. The other guard does not seem to have noticed.

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If you have any equipment that is small and concealable, you can make a retroactive Stealth check to have it hidden on your person.

If you don't have darkvision, you can make a Wisdom (Perception) check to try and recognize something about the guard. A result of at least 13 lets you peek at the Perception results above.

[Raineh Daze]

Phyrfryn'ual was annoyed. Being taken prisoner, presumably to be sold as a slave or just as a backup galley slave, was not her plan after getting out of the Underdark. Nor, for that matter, was this much water. Fortunately, she'd stashed away a key item to getting out of this sordid scenario--if she could get the scissors stashed on her person, between her teeth and her agility she ought to be able to cut herself free. Then she just had to work on the chains... she didn't plan to stay caught in this trap for long.

Trapping a drow? Hah, amateurs knew nothing.

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Want me to roll anything to free my hands? Scissors... probably a boot or something. Somewhere accessible.

[VennDygrem]

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You'll need a Dex check to get your tools unhidden. Furthermore, the scissors won't be strong enough to cut through the rope fully themselves, but might cut through enough fibers to make them breakable. It'll be easy enough for you to pull the scissors from your hiding place, if they're in your boot, though working them with bound hands will be more difficult. I'll say DC 11 to retrieve the scissors, and 15 to work them. You'll also need to be careful not to make enough noise to wake the guard.

[Gazzien]

Bigogan frowned. Boats weren't very good, he didn't like boats. It made playing with fire a lot harder to do, and on top of that they took weeks to get anywhere, and the food always sucked. That in mind, though, he only had his pouch on him, and he was stuck in a tiny little boat with a bunch of other people - one of whom he recognized! - but... ugh, how had he gotten here? Relaxing again, Bigogan tried to wiggle one of his tiny gnome-hands free surreptitiously... though it didn't seem to go well. (7).

[bhu]

John sighed inwardly.  He had enough enemies he supposed this was inevitable.

On the plus side it had been a while since he killed anyone, and these two had just volunteered themselves.

[Michael Lightning]

Kalavar looks around to see who else he was chained to. A Dark Elf, a Gnome, a Half-Orc, a Half-Elf, and a Human. Odd company. But he isn't focused too hard on them, more on these fools who chained him up. Torm is a deity of fair battle and courage, not these underhanded tactics. When he breaks free, his bonds won't be the only thing he breaks..... 17

[Michael Lightning]

Kalavar notices the Dark Elf suddenly is no longer bound by the rope that held her hands. Despite her being a vile corruption of fellow elven brethren, he will work with her to be free of this ship. If only he can get his hands free......

[VennDygrem]

Both Elves contort and wriggle their hands and wrists, managing to get their hands free. The gnome doesn't have as easy a time of it.

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As demonstrated, wriggling free of the bonds requires an Acrobatics check, though Athletics can be used to break the bonds with brute force. This is a DC 17 check.

I'm also willing to allow other creative skill usages, but you'll have to explain it in a plausible manner. History might allow you to recall a story in which a clever prisoner of some sort escaped a similar predicament, and how they did it, giving you a leg up on escaping. Things like that. However, no matter what you do, Performance (Comedy) won't slip you free of the rope.

[Michael Lightning]

Kalavar tries talking to the elf about getting out of here; "You there. It seems like the only ones who can help themselves out of this predicament are us. I'll try to take care of the one facing away; you take out the one with the crossbow. Wouldn't want something as small as you to be hurt in the process, do we? Then again, with your kind, you have all kind of tricks, don't you?" he tries to say quietly.... and probably failed 8

[Raineh Daze]

Phyr decided, on trying to reach down to her boots to receive the scissors, that it was easier to just rid herself of the binds entirely--and slowly start filing away at the chain, keeping it quiet enough that the guards wouldn't expect suspicious activity. Now, talking? That was normal--but she kept quiet nonetheless, replying bluntly in Elvish, "I specialised in unarmed combat. I can do it alone."

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13 as a result for being quiet. Probably not saying anything the guards can understand if they overhear.

[VennDygrem]

The guards do not seem to hear the noise coming from your boat. The guard facing you absent-mindedly wipes at his nose, causing you to freeze briefly, but goes back to his undisturbed slumber immediately.

The half-orc among you makes a concerted effort to break the rope binding his arms together, but apparently your captors took extra measures to ensure his bindings were especially strong.

[Michael Lightning]

When Kalavar sees the elf getting close to freeing herself from her bonds, he begins chanting quietly, so the guards do not hear, readying himself to use a spell. 15

[Gazzien]

The gnome spoke up in elvish, whispering as well (22). "If one of you would be kind enough to free one of my hands, I could assist you with spells from back here. Nothing like fire to screw up someone's day..."

[Raineh Daze]

And then, finally, the Dark Elf was free, and sliding out into a clear run up of the boat, focusing herself. This was a power that couldn't be bought through favour, like divine magic, or through dusty tomes, like magic. It was a power that was hers from dedication and focus--sheer martial might and knowledge of her own body. Thus, when Phyr moved forwards once again, it was with a speed that defied common sense, and the jump to the far boat was a single bound. The near guard would wake--but by this point, it didn't matter, as she was kicking out to deal with him, and maybe his friend, as fast as able.

It was a strange thing, but the girl seemed to prefer using her feet, seeming more inclined to go through odd contortions and acrobatics to bring them round again than strike normally. Should the near guard fall, she intended to move forwards and face the foe facing away--simple enough, really. Still, he might be able to react... but for now, Sir Sleepy was the target.

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Step of the Wind lets me use Dash as a bonus action and doubles my jump. So I get to striking distance. Sleeping idiot gets attacked. Rolls here, and as normal I have bad initiative.

[Michael Lightning]

Kalavar attempts to remove the wizards bonds quickly before everything started, forgoing the stealth for speed 7

[Michael Lightning]

When Kalavar sees the elf spring into action, he finishes his chant, and a bolt of light shoots from his hand, careening towards the far guard. However, with his combined haste of removing the wizard's bonds, he may have shot wide. The roll results

[Gazzien]

Bigogan tugged at his bonds... nope, no change. "Finish them off first, then help me. I'd rather we not all die because of surviving guards."

[VennDygrem]

Phyr takes the guards by surprise, landing on board the ship beside the slumbering human guard and striking him with lightning swiftness. He jolts awake at the attack, managing just barely to keep hold of his weapon. His momentary confusion turns to panic as he shouts, "Ah! Don't kill me, please!"

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Once on board, your raised position at the stern of the ship grants a better view of its layout. This part of the deck is clear except for some miscellaneous crates and barrels, and of course the two guards you noticed before. Both are humans. Aside from them, however, there is also an Orc manning the helm, both hands guiding the Ship's wheel. He glances at you, his eyes wide with surprise, then narrowing with rage. Besides these three, you do not notice anyone else on board. More barrels and crates are strapped down to the main deck, and just past the mast in the center of the ship you notice a huge, heavy net holding a giant, lumpy pile of something. In the current excitement, you're not entirely sure what it is without more direct focus.

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Erenor 21
Orc navigator 20
Bigogan 13
Phyr   9
John   9
Kalavar 8
Guards 7
Volsk    ?
Ginger ?

Surprise round!

Everyone can use the round of actions before the first round comes up. Erenor is up, though for this round everyone can post out of order.

[Raineh Daze]

Apparently trying to break someone's neck with her legs, Phyr set on the sleeping guard with obvious anger--which was apparently messing up her aim.

[VennDygrem]

Phyr twice strikes air as the guard makes a cowardly attempt to back away, even dropping his crossbow while holding his arms up in surrender, but her assault does not relent. On her third strike, her foot connects with the guard's head, and he drops to the floor, a sickening terror contorted into his face.

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You can still move, if you like, though you're still within reach of the other guard where you are. The Orc navigator is another 5 feet away