Yusef #7

[GM Mad]

Yusef #7

On the docks of Kaff, the adventurers make plans to remove the undead pirates of Kaff.

"I am, Khalid, but my order of warrior-monks were not trained in that discipline. Our bodies are our weapons." Yusef shrugs. "That would make it easier, though."

This bit of conversation sparks and idea in Melisende. She turns and speaks to Shajar directly. “I seem to recall that you’re priestess of some kind. Can you repel undead? You may speak.”

“I can repulse lesser undead,” Shajar answers in a soft voice that has a melodic quality to it. “Ghouls most of the time, ghasts are more problematic.”

“There,” Melisende states before Shajar can say more. “We have the ability to repel undead amongst us.”

Yusef will pull out a handful of gold coins. "We can use this to buy the things we need - don't forget some strong rope for pulling the ships. Melisende, do you have any that you can contribute to the cause?"

“I have some gold on me,” Melisende offers in a non-committal manner.

After she responds, he will continue. "Okay, lets split into two teams to get this shopping done quickly. Melisende and Shajar know the town, so we'll need one of you on each team." Yusef hands about half of the money to Khalid. "Khalid, you take Haji and Shajar and scour that end of town," he says, gesturing. "Melisende, Rat and I will take the other half of the town. Meet back here when you're done. Oh, and if you can enlist anyone to help - all the better."

An hour later, everyone meets back at the docks. You have what you hope will be enough rope and all the oil you can carry.

Ready to put your plan into motion?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

“I can repulse lesser undead,” Shajar answers in a soft voice that has a melodic quality to it. “Ghouls most of the time, ghasts are more problematic.”

“There,” Melisende states before Shajar can say more. “We have the ability to repel undead amongst us.”

"Thank you, that is good to know," Yusef says, though it's not clear whether he's speaking to Shajar, Melisande or both. Clearly Shajar's ability in this area is limited, but may prove helpful if things get dicey.

“I have some gold on me,” Melisende offers in a non-committal manner.

"It is of course up to you whether deposing your father is worth a few paltry coins to you or not..." Yusef will let that hang there in the air; her response should tell him quite a bit about how committed she really is to defeating her father's necromantic plans.

The two teams scour the city for the equipment they need. Between them, they come up with some rope and quite a bit of lamp oil.

The next step in Yusef's plan proves to be his summoning of his ship. He guides it into the dock and has everyone but himself, Shajar and Rat board the ship. "Melisande, once the ghoul ship clears the dock, torch it and do whatever you can to keep it burning. Haji and Khalid, your task is to keep the ghouls from boarding our ship." They attach one end of the rope to The Wanderer, then Yusef slowly edges it out from the dock, but not so far that there isn't a fair bit of slack in the rope.

"Shajar, your task is to stay here on the dock and make sure none of the ghouls or ghasts attack the city. Okay?"

Yusef then turns to Rat. "We need to cut this ship's lines and attach this rope to the ship for towing." Yusef indicates the end of the ghoul ship that is pointing out into the harbor. "That is your job; when you're done, signal me and then start traversing the rope back to our ship. While you're doing that, I will be pouring as much of this lamp oil as possible all over the deck. Hopefully, it will be able to soak in a bit and help it burn. You ready?" When Rat gives the signal, Yusef will command The Wanderer to begin slowly taking up the slack in the rope, and then ease the ship away from the dock and out into the harbor. Since Yusef is immune to fire, he's not particularly concerned with leaving the ship before it starts to burn.

Once everyone is in place and knows their job, Yusef and Rat will begin. They will both be as sneaky as they can and Yusef will use up to about half of the lamp oil they bought - if he has time to get that far. If the ghouls start to emerge, he will do his best to keep them occupied.
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Please let me know if you have any questions about details of the plan that I haven't fully described.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

"It is of course up to you whether deposing your father is worth a few paltry coins to you or not..." Yusef will let that hang there in the air; her response should tell him quite a bit about how committed she really is to defeating her father's necromantic plans.

“Very well,” Melisende relents and will offer what gold she can.


The plan is then set into motion. The Wanderer is brought closer and its passengers get on board. Rat glides forth and begins to cut the lines holding the ghoul ship to the dock.

The ship itself is called a ‘boom’ in this part of the world. In style, it’s not all that different from the Wanderer, just longer. It’s about 25’ wide at most, and over 100’ long. There is one main lower deck section in the rear with numerous smaller areas underneath the main deck used for storage and cargo. These smaller areas are only a few feet high. Comfortable for a halfling, but otherwise too cramped for larger beings.

Rat cuts the last rope and signals to Yusef that he is going into the water to attach the closest cable to your line already in the water. While that is going on, Yusef sneaks on board and starts to pour oil on the deck, starting with the area nearest the crew quarters and working back

After a few minutes, you can see Rat starting to swim towards the Wanderer. He gives the all-clear signal and continues on. The Wanderer starts to move away slowly and the slack of the rope is quickly taken up. The ghoul ship finally starts to move away from the dock.

Once far enough clear, Melisende goes to work. She casts Fireball and it engulfs the rear of the Ghoul ship. The oil that Yusef poured already is ignited and the flames race along the paths made by the oil. Yusef was far enough away from the spell, to not be covered by it.

The spell definitely gets the attention of everyone in the area! Movement is heard from the burning lower section of the ship. Two burning pirates emerge and rush out on deck, but the flames quickly put them down.

Yusef becomes catches a glimpse of Rat in the water. Suddenly, there are other creatures in the water with Rat! These creatures are closing in on the swimming halfling when he suddenly starts to swim at what only could be called superhuman speeds! Rat reaches the Wanderer and climbs up on deck. Those on the ship prepare to repel boarders as the creatures in the water are closing in.

Movement is spotted on the other ghoul ship as three ghouls come out. They see that the first ship is too far away from the dock to reach, so instead they rush towards Shajar.

A creaking sound reaches Yusef’s ears and he can see a pair of ghouls emerging from the cargo hatches on the ship he’s on. The flames haven’t reached them yet and they are closing to attack.

Now what?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

“Very well,” Melisende relents and will offer what gold she can.

"Thank you, Melisande," Yusef says, accepting the money.

The plan moves into motion. Rat does his part while Yusef spreads the oil about. Soon, they are towing the ship out to sea. Once away from the docks, a Fireball blossoms on the deck - no doubt a present from Melisande. The undead begin to emerge, summoned by the movement of the ship and the roar of the flames.

Looking overboard, Yusef sees Rat being pursued through the water! Suddenly, he begins to swim much faster; Yusef can only presume that there is magic at work here.

Turning his attention back to the undead, Yusef notes three from the other ship heading toward Shajar. At the same time, two emerge from the cargo hold and come toward him. Yusef uncorks and tosses his last couple bottles of oil into the hold, then moves to meet the pair. Hopefully, he can put them down quickly, then try to help Shajar.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:


The attack on the Pirates of Kaff has begun! The first of their two booms has been towed out into the harbor. Oil has been poured and lit with a Fireball. The rear of the ship goes up in flames, killing most of the undead crew.

Two ghouls rush Yusef from the crawl ways underneath the boom. The first ghoul he kicks in the chest, sending the undead pirate flying backwards and into the fire. A pair of chops downs the second ghoul and Yusef retreats from the flaming vessel.

By the time he reaches the docks, Shajar has turned undead and repelled the pirates that had been rushing her. They retreat back to the second boom.


Out in the water, lacedons, underwater ghouls, are threatening the Wanderer. They went after Rat while he was still in the water, but he possessed a Ring of Swimming and was able to out distance them.

With Rat safely on board the Wanderer, the lacedons try to make their way up the side of the ship. Haji sends one back to the water with his scimitar. Rat stabs another with his long dagger. Melisende casts Burning Hands and fire covers two more lacedons. Khalid kicks the last one back into the water.

By now, the first boom is fully engulfed in flames. No other threats are emerging from the second boom. The citizens are Kaff are keeping their distance, having no desire to become involved in this.


Now what?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

The first attack goes well. The ship of the dead is dragged out to sea and torched. Rat makes it safely back to The Wanderer, and he and the crew fight of the swimming ghouls. Meanwhile, Yusef's own attacks put down the two ghouls attacking him, after which he swims for the docks. Arriving there, he notices that Shajar has successfully driven off the undead creatures that had menaced her.

"It is good to see you are well, Shajar. I think we should remain here on the dock and guard this second ship until the other has finished burning."
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BTW, does Yusef's ship have any cannon on board? If not, is it capable of mounting them? Seems like a useful upgrade.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The first of the two pirate ghoul ships has been dealt with. The crew of the second was sent back thanks to Shajar turning them. Out on the Wanderer, the water ghouls (lacedons) are repelled. The first ship is towed further out and then cut. The Wandered then begins to return.

"It is good to see you are well, Shajar. I think we should remain here on the dock and guard this second ship until the other has finished burning."

Shajar nods her understanding. Seeing that she has the opportunity to speak with no other listening, she’ll quietly add, “You are all in great danger. Alims Baybars is an evil, evil man and his daughter is no better. She is cruel and power hungry. She’ll use you to gain what she wants and then dispose of you when the mood strikes.”

Commotion behind Yusef attracts his attention. There, people concealed by dark hoods are rushing from the city towards the wharf. The people in the city give them a wide berth. There’s about a dozen in the dark hoods, but they are spread out, so you won’t have to contend with more than 2 or 3 at a time.

“More pirates!” Shajar utters as she prepares to turn the on rushing horde. “Prepare yourself!”

---

No cannons on the Wanderer. Yusef has never seen a cannon, or even heard of gunpowder as of yet. Those kind of projectile weapons are virtually unknown in this world.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

Shajar nods her understanding. Seeing that she has the opportunity to speak with no other listening, she’ll quietly add, “You are all in great danger. Alims Baybars is an evil, evil man and his daughter is no better. She is cruel and power hungry. She’ll use you to gain what she wants and then dispose of you when the mood strikes.”

"I know, Shajar. But she's not the only one around here who is dangerous."

Yusef spins in response to the commotion. The crowd of townsfolk pull back, avoiding those in dark cloaks as they rush forward.

“More pirates!” Shajar utters as she prepares to turn the on rushing horde. “Prepare yourself!”

"Indeed," Yusef replies with a grimace. "Good thing we have a priestess handy..." Yusef moves forward to meet the onrushing pirates - or ghouls, or... whatever they are - casting Protection from Evil on himself as he goes.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:


More undead pirates flood the dock areas, coming from outside the town from the jungle. The first few reach the dock areas, but Yusef and Shajar are ready. Shajar easily turns the first group and they go running off back the way they came.

The next group engages Yusef who is under a Protection from Evil spell. The pirates’ attacks are clumsy and easily avoided. Yusef spreads his attacks to engage the three pirates rushing him. The first is kicked off to the side and is sent flying off the dock. The second pirate gets a palm driven into his chest and Yusef can feel bones snapping under the strength of the blow. That pirate takes a few steps backwards and then falls to the dock. The third pirate is easily tossed over Yusef’s leg and sent into the water.

While that is going on, Rat makes the treacherous swim back to the docks. There are still lacedons in the water, but the halfling easily avoids them thanks to his Ring of Swimming. Taking the rope, Rat rushes towards the second pirate ship and begins to secure it on deck, as it is too dangerous to attach the line in the water.

Another group of ghoul pirates is sent running away as Shajar turns another bunch of them. Three more pirates reach Yusef and they are as easily disposed of as the first batch was. One of them is killed in the process, while the other two are sent floundering into the waters.

Rat completes his mission and makes his way back to the dock.

“Yusef! The ship’s ready to be towed!” The halfling calls out, as he stabs a ghoul climbing back to the dock from the water with his long dagger.

Looking around, Yusef can see no more pirates rushing from the shore. Those who Shajar turn have fled from sight. Three of the four pirates sent by Yusef into the water are trying to climb back up to the dock, along with an equal number of lacedons. Rat slew the fourth pirate Yusef sent into the water.

The second pirate ship is ready to be towed, but no oil has been spilled on it. There are also pirates on that ship that Shajar turned earlier.

Now what?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

Wave after wave of the undead pirates attack Yusef and Shajar, both of whom battle fiercely. Fortunately, the ghouls just aren't equipped to deal with their power and are either subdued or driven away. Yusef is too busy fighting to notice what Rat is up to, but does hear his friend call out.

There seems to be a pause in the fighting, so Yusef moves to aid his friend. "Good news, my friend! Shajar, can you deal with these few trying to climb from the water while we deal with the ship?"

If she agrees, Yusef will proceed with the next phase of his plan. "Rat, help me douse the ship. We can open the bottles and then toss them onto the ship or try to throw them so that they break. If we can get a few to fall down into the hold, that will be helpful too. You ready?" Yusef will move to the pile of remaining vials of oil and begin chucking them toward the ship.
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Yusef will try both techniques - open bottles and breaking them - and go with whichever seems to work best. If it's too far to toss them accurately, he'll gather them up in his shirt and move closer.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:


The second pirate ship is ready to be oiled and towed. While Yusef and Rat start to spread the oil about the ship, Shajar turns the three pirates climbing back up to the docks. Her prayers are answered and the pirates fall back into the water and start to swim away.

The larger containers of oil are opened and then thrown on the ship, while the smaller ones are just thrown and smash upon impact. The ship is quickly covered in oil and Yusef directs the Wanderer to pull the vessel out into the harbor.

Once the ship is far enough from the docks, Melisende casts Agannazars Scorcher and a jet of flame leaps from her hand. The jet lasts for a long time and the oil finally ignites. The fires quickly spreads and the second pirate ship begins to burn.

No other pirates threaten you. The ones in the water and the lacedons all swam off to safer places. A large crowd has gathered on the dock, but for the most part they remain quiet. One middle-aged man does come forward.

“What have you done?” He questions in disbelief. “They have other ships out to sea besides those in port. The vengeance of the pirates against Kaff will be great!”


Now what?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

If anything, the process goes smoother with the second ship than it did with the first. Shajar is really the key this time, and she does an excellent job of keeping the ghouls off the docks while Rat and Yusef go about their business. Soon, the ship is flaming out in the harbor, and Yusef looks on peacefully.

“What have you done?” He questions in disbelief. “They have other ships out to sea besides those in port. The vengeance of the pirates against Kaff will be great!”

Yusef silently looks at the man for several moments. "Now?," he asks. "Now is when you finally decide to step forward and give us this information that we have been asking for all morning? Your silence has brought this upon you more surely than anything we have done."

Yusef takes several calming breaths. "Since you have finally decided to speak, can you give us some idea of where these other ships are? If so, we may be able to go deal with them before they reach here. If not..."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Yusef silently looks at the man for several moments. "Now?," he asks. "Now is when you finally decide to step forward and give us this information that we have been asking for all morning? Your silence has brought this upon you more surely than anything we have done."

Yusef takes several calming breaths. "Since you have finally decided to speak, can you give us some idea of where these other ships are? If so, we may be able to go deal with them before they reach here. If not..."

The man does not answer; instead he turns and slips back into the crowd.

“He speaks out of fear,” Shajar suggests. “Not from any real knowledge. There might be other pirate ships, there might not be. I’ve only ever seen two here in port at any one time, but I cannot say that they were all the same vessels.”


The Wanderer returns to the dock once more and Melisende disembarks. “A fine job and fine vessel you have! Shall we begin the next phase of our plan?”

Now what?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

“He speaks out of fear,” Shajar suggests. “Not from any real knowledge. There might be other pirate ships, there might not be. I’ve only ever seen two here in port at any one time, but I cannot say that they were all the same vessels.”

"I understand," Yusef says. "I should not have let my frustration to overwhelm me like that.

"If there are more ghoul ships, they are unlikely to come before nightfall, which gives us the rest of the day to work. We should see to dealing with those in the woods."

The Wanderer returns to the dock once more and Melisende disembarks. “A fine job and fine vessel you have! Shall we begin the next phase of our plan?”

"Thank you, Melisande," Yusef replies with a bow. "Yes, I believe now is the time to act. Let us search out the rest of these undead pirates. Would you care to lead, my dear?"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The two ghoul pirate ships have been destroyed along with many of the crew. The events seem to have a mixed reaction from the citizens of Kaff. Some are overjoyed that the undead that they’ve lived in fear of for so long are being destroyed, while others fear their retribution.

Reunited on the dock, the group as a whole moves off to hunt down the last of the ghouls hiding in the woods. The pirates are not hard to find as they’ve created well-worn paths over the years. Only small pockets of them are found and the larger adventurer group easily defeats them.

It is now in the mid afternoon.

“As exhilarating as all of this has been,” Melisende will say, “the time has come to deal with the source of all this trouble. How do you plan to defeat my father?”


Now what?