IC Area - Chapter Four - "High Seas Gambit"

[apn]

The sailor is still petrified but calming steadily...

Glancing about he rises. Probably late thirties, bit skinny, thinning hair, few teeth missing but not your usual stereotypical Pirate type person.

"They... they all gone? There was more o us, but we 'ad ta split up, draw some away. Bort Meggins went down ta the 'old. Not sure what 'appened to Sherrick or Blaines. Think th' others musta found somewhere ta 'ide. No point jumpin' overboard cause sharks'll get ya fer sure."

"Started wi' th' food a few days ago. We took on supplies at Jepistra an' hung about. This ship, the Sea Fox is not a nice ship! Pirates they be and a whole bunch o us ended up 'ere wi'out knowin' it! Some like me an Jullick 'ere..."

Jullick pops his head up. Late thirties, thinning hair, the odd missing tooth, skinny... maybe there was a 'type' for sailors. He glanced about. "They gone Trevis?"

Trevis nods. "These two... never seen nowt like it. Stormed in, smashed 'em ta bits." He looked at the food preparation bench. "This is gonna need a good clean..." he said whilst pulling a face at the dark grey flesh and gobbits of gore amidst the oily black blood.

"Anyway, filled up wi' supplies. They was watchin' us like 'awks ta make sure we didn't nick any boats an' run fer it. One lad... wassisname?"

"Ummm... Fred? Fred Fredson?" muttered Jullick.

"Yeah, Fred son o Fred. They wasn't feelin' too imaginative when ee was born..." said Trevis.

"...Think ee said ee was 9th son. They run out th' good names long before." said Jullick.

"Anyway, ee swum fer it. Sharks were on im! The Pirates was laughin' an' coin were changin' 'ands from th' bettin' an' we stood there mouths open. One minute we was cheerin' Fred..."

"Son o Fred..." interposed Jullick

"Thanks. Yeah, we was cheerin im, then the water went crazy an' ee vanished leavin' a pool o blood. So we was stuck. We get given th' rubbish stuff ta do...."

"Spuds. We peel a lot o spuds." muttered Jullick.

"Spuds. Yeah. An' the Pirates come back wi' supplies. They go into Jepistra, stock up, see which fat merchants 'ave sommat worth nickin' then take up after em. Swines." said Trevis, shaking his head.

"Anyway, the Captain, may the gods curse 'is black 'art, says we been hired as escort to a fat Sonan Ie Merchant! It's like..."

"Turkeys invitin' 'unters round fer dinner?"

"Yeah. Turkeys. Dinner. 'Unters. Like that. We couldn't believe it. They musta been desperate. Or stupid. We noticed sommat straight away though. The food an' water just seemed ... off. An' the Pirates got grumpier, e'en more than usual. Th' worst of 'em were downright 'orrible an' they started bad so you can imagine what they was like when they got worse."

"Then there was a scream." said Jullick.

"Yeah, from the Captain's cabin. Next thing people are runnin' round bitin' people. Chasing people about. Changin'. Bort..."

"Meggins..." added Jullick, helpfully.

"Meggins, yeah. Ee said we needed ta split up an' was 'eaded to th' 'old. Don't know if he got there. There was some new lads too. Really tall fella. Elf I think. Another guy looked like a tramp..."

"Tinker?"

"Maybe. Anyway, they got sent down th' 'old ta make an inventory but I 'eard say they was Delvers set on ta 'elp wi' some Trade thingy. Anyway, that didn't seem ta matter when th' Pirates went crazy an' started bitin' folk."

"And eatin' em." muttered Jellick. They both slowly peered over the bench to look at the mess that had been a sailor, half eaten and now thankfully expired.

"So who are ya? 'Eeroes come ta save th' day?" asked Trevis.

[houndle]

Will Darness
Will puffs his chest out before remembering his armour was originally made for a female.

 "Heroes? Well, some people would call us that, I suppose," he says modestly. "Right, before we can get the ship under control we'll need some more crew to sail her. Let's try the hold, see if we can find this Bort character and the other two." He looks at the hapless sailors. "You can come along if you want, or stay here and look after the galley. There must be something in here you can arm yourselves with. "

A flicker of unease stirs his psyche. The last time he met someone as inept as this, it turned out to be a shapeshifter in disguise.

 "You're not feeling in any way... strange are you?"

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

Klarrrrchur put a hand under Will's elbow to hold him steady. “You look a bit drained there lad, ya better rest a moment!”

The Dwarf stared wide-eyed as he stood memorised by the babble coming from the two cooks, “yeah, uh, uh, hmm hmm, comprehend ('nod, nod,' blanch)! The Dwarf inherent rage started to rise.

“Yes, thank you fir your interpretation of events!” Grunted Klarrrrchur, “naw Will be best take them with us. We need ever man ready and able. Especially a cook!”

Actions:

Actions of Dwarf...The Dwarf pulls the meat cleaver out the shoulder of one if the dead Ghouls and gives it to one of the cooks.

OOC: Ah, I fine, I Conan S&S, blood and guts and limbs flying through the air is a must!

[apn]

Trevis and Jullick looked at each other then nodded eagerly. "We'll come with you. I don't know anything 'bout how all this 'appened but we're safer wi you than wi'..."

Jullick held up the Cleaver Klarrrrchur gave him.

Trevis looked on the floor and brought up... a rolling pin. With a shrug he added "If you want I can show the way ta th' hold. I mean, that's where all th' supplies are an' Meggins maybe 'ad a point. Do 'im no good if he's dead like, sure ee were chased that way but we didn't see much seein' as us three..." he glanced at the body "Two now were chased around in 'ere. At least we got outta peelin' spuds."

Jullick shrugged at Wills question. "Don't feel funny, just a bit queasy. Not been on a ship long. I mend boots see, an' work wi' leather plus I suppose I can sew sails an' that. I needed a job, asked 'em what th' pay was then they bonked me on th' 'ead an' I found meself on board. The pay is 'we don't kill you' apparently. Not much better than me old job." he says, glum expression on face.

Without further ado the Delvers move into the corridor holding the torch and with Trevis refilling the lamp and lighting the way, though he'd not walk in front. "That way." he whispered pointing down the corridor.

As they passed a doorway there was some muffled bumping and bashing about inside. The door was closed but not locked, Klarrrrchur determines.

Something is moving about in there...

Jullick mutters "What if it's more o them things?" He looks at his rolling pin and pulls a face.

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Yes, show the way Trevis, but I go first. Will take the rear and stay lucky!”

“Yeah, peeling tatties can be a bit monotonous after a few hundred spuds!” Agrees the Dwarf, “I remember a long time ago when I first joined a crew, I had spud duty, but after I crushed the throat out of a raging bull not a blip by my puberty year, they got mi a more important job of climbing into the high rigging and hanging on for grim death in a full blown gale!”

Klarrrrchur listen at the door, trying to determine if he hears munching or just a lost sailor pacing in fear.

Actions:

Actions of Dwarf...Try determining if someone is barricading door or being eaten.

[houndle]

Will Darness
Will falls in behind. Hoping there isn't a raging bull behind the door and wondering how one got on a ship in the first place. Perhaps they get blown into the rigging on a windy day.

[apn]

OOC IQ checks

apn: Klarrr then Will IQ checks (listening)
apn rolls 2d6 = 2 +2=4 DARO
apn rolls 2d6 = 5 +6=11
apn: DARO and follow up 15 (30 total L3SR pass 45AP total 645AP) for Klarrrrchur
Delver doesn't apply on a ship where there are constant creaks, groans of wood, sloshing of waves and such. It would help inside a dungeon where delvers generally delve.

apn rolls 2d6 = 3 +3=6 apn: DARO
apn rolls 2d6 = 6 +4=10
apn: 16 (28 total L2SR pass For will. Maybe making up for some of those dreadful fumble rolls... 33AP gained and total for Will Darness)

Klarrrrchur placed a finger to his mouth and leaned against the door.

His hands gripped his weapons and at his insistence the light sources were held back to keep light away from the underside of the door. Canny this one was.

He heard... muffled bumping about, hissing, grunting, growls...

With a wave to Will he brings the young Warrior forward for a listen. Will hears the same. The two look at each other and draw the following conclusions...

OOC Saving Roll results:

L1 - the room is occupied and there is more than one person/thing inside the room
L2 - from the sounds of it at least one if not two ghouls are in there eating noisily.
L3 - Klarrrrchur also heard something else. Whimpering, snivelling, crying... even a hissed muttered prayer being said. From that conclusion he thinks that there are two ghouls in there eating someone and another person is crying and snivelling. There may be more - but no other sounds make themselves evident.

KLarrrrchur and Will step away to confer.

Trevis and Jullick move a few steps away to whisper.

"What you think about these two?" asked Trevis.

"Which two?" asked Jullick leaning in whilst looking directly at Will and Klarrrchur who were in a huddle.

"Can we trust em?" sighed Trevis

"Trust oo?" asked Jullick.

Trevis sighed.

[houndle]

Will Darness
 "What do you think?" asks Will quietly. "Take 'em down or move on? Quick and quiet's the word. Well it's three words actually, but you get the idea. Maybe if we can open the door quietly we might get a shot off with the Dhesiri bows. These things don't seem too bright."

That sparks another thought. "The sailor back there. He seems incredibly stupid. You don't think it's a sign that he's... on the turn?"

ACTIONS
Ready to follow Klarrrrchur's lead. Pondering what to do with a drunken, or at least punch-drunk, sailor.

OOC way back on page 21 (8 November) Will had 462 AP of which he spent 450. So I think he has an extra 12 in hand. Every little helps.

[apn]

OOC Amended. Good spot. I updated a post at work on one of the days and meant to go back to look as the Excel sheet I used to track AP is on this (home) laptop so yeah, keep me honest by all means! Will has 45AP right now.

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Bow is a good idea, but they powerful, we need to smash bones and skulls to end them, not pierce their hides with needles!” The Dwarf whispers, “I say we move fast and destroy them quickly with good steel in hand. We must go now as there is a crew person beyond, and they will die soon!”

He looks at their two new comrades, staring intensely at them till they look at him and he points at his weapon and at theirs' and make an action a baboon could comprehend about hitting a thing on the napper and then points at the door and draws his finger across his throat. Put up three fingers, then drops it to two, then to one and then burst in through the door and shouts.

“RRRRRAHHHAAAAA!!!!”

Actions:

Actions of Dwarf... Slaughter any Ghoul quickly before it has a chance to get off the floor, while they munching on a corpse.

OOC: Perhaps a flying buffalo got caught in a storm and came to roost on ship?

Yeah, forgot Dwarf's Self-defence Talent which is based on STR.

Nialldubh rolls 21d6+69 = 3 +4 +4 +5 +4 +4 +6 +4 +2 +2 +3 +2 +2 +1 +2 +6 +1 +5 +6 +6 +1 + 69 = 142 (three 1s, four 6s).

Exploding: 1d6: = 3.

Total: 147.

Self-Defence: Nialldubh rolls 2d6+66 = 4 +2 + 66 = 72 (darn only three DARO in a row, one cannot expect miracles?).

[houndle]

Will Darness
 "Quick, but scarcely quiet," tuts Will . His swords are naked in his hand, though neither of them is made of steel. Swiftly stepping through the door, he follows Klarrrrchur's lead. The song of battle is on his lips. His magic sword quivers in anticipation.

5 WIZ to boost the sword please. Now on 5/20 by my reckoning.

Asuwil.
WillDarness rolls 10d6 = 1 +2 +3 +4 +1 +5 +1 +3 +6 +6 = 32

Vorpal sword.
WillDarness rolls 6d6 = 2 +1 +1 +2 +5 +1 = 12

Four implode
WillDarness rolls 4d6 = 4 +6 +6 +5 = 21

Personal adds 14 after latest boost
TOTAL 37

Somehow Will manages to stumble on his way through the door, his swords turn in his hands and his voice falters as his bowels turn to gravy.

[apn]

OOC Fending off with a weapon or self defence (using anything to hand) both same effect!

Cracking implode rolls houndle ... *groan*

With one of the two not really sailors holding a lantern high the light shines in on a cramped crew quarters with hammocks strung up to either side of the room one above the other.

On the floor in front of the delvers about ten feet away two ghouls tear at a dead sailors stomach. Another Sailor lies prone only a foot away. He can't move aside from his eyes and he looks terrified as he sees the foul creatures feasting on a mans body only inches away!

On the other side of the paralysed man two more sailors are huddled under the bottom hammock trying to stay out of reach of the Ghouls but unable really to go anywhere!

Then “RRRRRAHHHAAAAA!!!!” as the Dwarf and a clumsy fellow with fabulous hair (dahling!) pile in, see the Ghouls and charge at them! Behind them come two petrified looking sailors. One is holding a meat cleaver and a lantern shedding light on the gore splattered scene, the other is holding a rolling pin.

Neither look like there's much fight in them, but not surprising given the turn of events that saw Pirates turn into ghouls!

OOC Delvers total
W Darness 37 (with a whole 6 points of that being vorpal)
K Deathaxe 147
Total 184

SURPRISE ROUND - Half adds and if the Ghouls win they inflict no damage (just avoid damage)

Ghouls 2x MR100 (21D6+100 adds and special paralysis effect see last fight)
apn rolls 21d6+50 (normally 100 adds) = 5 +5 +3 +1 +1 +5 +3 +5 +5 +2 +6 +4 +5 +5 +2 +1 +4 +2 +6 +6 +5 + 50=131 Total for the Ghouls (EIGHT fives though! And they won't count this round!!!)

53 difference plus vorpal apn rolls 2d6 = 6 +6=12 apn: DARO apn rolls 2d6 = 6 +1=7 (19) making the total 72 (and 25 of that goes to Ghoul #1)

The Crystal sword somewhat makes up for Wills clumsy attack by sliding in and out of the Ghouls' body! It howls in pain and rage and waves ineffective hands at the Delvers! Klarrrrchur doesn't really need to defend against them but had positioned well so that to reach him or Will they'd have to go through the sword and mace he now wielded!

CRACK! on the noggin.

SLICE! with the sword!

Black ichor sprays all over the room and Ghouls hop around in agony thanks to the new slices and cuts (and battered flesh) on their bodies!

OOC Ghoul #1 takes 25 vorpal (now MR75) and 23 further damage (down to 52 MR) whilst Ghoul #2 takes 24 (down to 76 MR). The Ghouls have 21D6 + 64 adds (with their combined 128MR)

Klarrrrchur earns 6AP (131AP total)

Next round! Go!

Oh by the way if you want one of the feeble twins to actually fight one of you guys will have to step aside so they can apply their 2D6 plus no adds.

I'm taking that's a 'let's not bother with that' then?

[houndle]

OOC For some unfathomable reason I rolled the wrong number of dice last night. For what it's worth the extra dice would have been worth:

WillDarness rolls 2d6 = 3 +4 = 7

Last night it would probably have been a double 1. Onward!

Yammering in panic, Will lashes out once more. He had intended to save himself for future encounters, but this is no time for half measures.

OOC uses his last 5 WIZ in a desperate attempt to take the ghouls down.

Asuwil
WillDarness rolls 12d6 = 5 +6 +5 +3 +6 +6 +6 +1 +4 +3 +4 +3 = 52

Vorpal sword
WillDarness rolls 6d6 = 5 +2 +2 +4 +4 +3 = 20

Three explode
WillDarness rolls 3d6 = 6 +3 +6 = 15

Personal adds 14
TOTAL (for this round only) 101

Bracing himself against the rolling of the ship, Will strikes. Hard and fast. "More like it," he says in satisfaction. But his arms are beginning to ache and that indefinable something which spurs him on to super-human effort is dribbling away...

[apn]

OOC Yeah it's short on dice, I should have noticed but I trust you guys to get stuff right because you are such good/experienced players (more so than me with T&T that is plain to see!) but don't sweat that two dice miss. I'll stick it on the total (up to 108, another cracking round).

Mention of superhuman effort steers me towards the Power Trip discussion/spitballin' of ideas thread HERE so if you guys get chance or are bored and want to pitch in any ideas feel free to offer advice/opinion/what are you on about Paul? type discussion. As mentioned I'm a returning player to T&T and prone to slip ups so don't ever worry about missing something and keep pointing out my slips!

Intention (once you drop these Ghouls - combined 8 level Warriors can comfortably take two Ghouls it seems, unless the dice decide otherwise) is to steer you guys towards the Hold and we'll get the other two players in on the action and getting earning AP. As such I may have to railroad/steer you down there after this fight, so please don't think that's a normal occurrence!

[houndle]

OOC No problem I'd been sort of hoping we were going in the right direction anyway, without acting with more knowledge than Will should realistically have.

I have been reading the other thread, not quite got my head around it yet but sounds very promising. The whole superhero thing rather passed me by (Alan Moore's stuff excepted) but I can see considerable scope in the mechanics.