I figured what the hey, I'd board the Colossus and get some good treasure. I forgot that I was on my lv31 pirate with my weapons all around lv13-16. I get on board and all of the NPC's are lv28. Oh, snap!
So, I get out my doll (lv13) and start the chicken run. No good. Can't attune all of them and I've already gone through a tonic without killing any NPC.
Toggle through weapons and see grenade lv17. I figured again, what the hey, I'm gonna go to jail anyhow, and pull out the boom booms.
I start the backwards fast walk, lobbing when I could and running when I had to. Pretty soon, there is only one NPC left. I take him down and wipe my brow.
Two tonics and approximately 10 minutes after boarding, I get........wait for it.......3 cargo crates!!!!!!!
But, it was a valuable experience. Next time I won't board the Colossus alone!