DM Warren Monday July 18th, 2016 4:52:38 PM
Nikolai eventually does make it into the boat, confirming that it is empty, except for the scorched corpse of one archer that could not avoid the fire. He sees no sign of any of the other men, and neither does Anna, and together they row it back to shore. Michael finds no targets in the waves either.
Tinker and Trayvin gather up all their weapons and see that the villagers are no longer in danger. They are huddled together, sobbing after their ordeal, glad to see each other alive after a harrowing experience.They don't seem to have any inclination to harm the unconscious man that is tied up on the beach.
Pru is mortified that these men would rather face drowning than Fist justice. Perhaps they feared something more than her out here.
The expressing the gratitude of the village introduces himself as Malister Brompf, the titular Mayor of Cove. He has his arms around a woman around his age, and one in her teens, most likely his wife and daughter. We cannot thank you all enough. Your skills are most impressive! To dispatch of an entire squad like that! How did you manage to overthrow them all so quickly?
each: 2,500 exp for intercepting the bandits and 3,000 for saving the villagers 1 Hero Point to all
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 Monday July 18th, 2016 9:16:29 PM It's what we do, it's all in a days work for the us. I am Sargent Michael Wittman, Wolf Company, Hurricane Troop, 1st Agents, Nikolai's Fist, Of the Mailed Fist Mercenary regiment. We were sent here to help out. We heard you had a bandit problem.
Michael thinks to himself Of course they have a bandit problem, upwards of 15,000 unemployed mercenaries let loose in your backyard...what in Wardds name did they think would happen.
AC 23 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 33/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday July 18th, 2016 9:59:14 PM
Tinker sits by the prisoner, waiting for him to wake up. "Now you just lay there nice and safe. You don't move and I don't bop you with my cosh eh?"
He slaps the lead filled bag over and over in his palm...
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 35/58] [Mage Armor] Monday July 18th, 2016 10:22:12 PM
"Well," Pru shifts uncomfortably. "Well, I'm not sure we got them all. Oh, don't get me wrong--I doubt they'll be back in force," she assures them. "But...well, there's at least one more leader we know of, and there may be others as well. Best stick close to the village for now."
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Monday July 18th, 2016 11:15:17 PM
"Weren't some of them reporting to someone inside one of these buildings?" Trayvin thinks more opposition may be close at hand.
Trayvin checks all the villagers for injury and then gathers the Fist close as well. He channels energy to heal wounds, and even the tied up prisoner will benefit.
"We need to more about what happened here. Can any of you tell us?"
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 4d6=13 ; Monday July 18th, 2016 11:15:48 PM
and.......forgot the roll
hp healed = 13
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 35/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Monday July 18th, 2016 11:28:33 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Stunning Fist 2/5 Ki Pool 2/5
Nikolai jumps out of the boat when it hits the beach and pulls it up onto the sand enough that it won't get taken out to sea soon. He greats the villagers with a smile despite having numerous bruises and cuts that ooze blood, the saltwater adding to the pain of the cuts.
"Hi, I'm Nikolai of the Mailed Fist. As my friend explained, we were sent here to assist your town in fighting off some bandits. This group that we defeated here is only a small portion of the whole bandit gang. There is a Cybrine that seems to be in charge, at least to some degree, that we were supposed to meet in some caves somewhere. One of the bandit lieutenants that thought we were one of them said we were to get into the boat and go to the caves. Would you know where these caves are?" he asks once he greets the mayor.
The healing energy from Trayvin helps ease the sting of his wounds.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/19; vs AOO: 27/18/23- HP 37/49 -- CMD 16 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 3:08:36 PM
Anna hops off the boat as she and Nikolai take it into shore.
"My name is Anna Morphling and I too am a member of Nikolai's Fist. I am also an emissary of both King Eberyon and My lady Queen Ma'ab." She bows to the villagers.
"Besides what my companions said we also have this chain with a holy symbol attached to it that your occupiers seemed interested in. Do any of you know the significance of this object? We are here to help you but we need intel in order to best figure out how to thwart those who attacked you."
DM OOC - sorry, this popped up as I was posting. Will address in next post.
DM Warren Tuesday July 19th, 2016 5:05:52 PM
The mayor seems a bit surprised when the Agents introduce themselves. They looked a bit like bandits themselves, lacking any identifying insignia, and he was almost ready to not believe them until they produced their hidden badges.
Regardless, he could care less who saved them, and doesn't seem to have any of the attitude that the Agents had been seeing towards the Fist in general. Actions do truly speak louder than words here.
Tinker's captive wakes up after Trayvin's healing washes over him, and he struggles a bit with his bonds before giving it up as useless. He doesn't respond to the threat though, and is waiting to see what will happen to him.
When Nikolai speak of the bandit gang, the Mayor's eyes widen. Small portion? How big can this gang be? At least 30 came to Cove, I can't imagine that Ailthmar would let a gang even that big exist so long, and you're saying it's bigger!
AC 23 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 33/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=30 ; Tuesday July 19th, 2016 8:07:56 PM
Tinker keeps watch over the prisoner and begins to look around. He'll put away the sap and take the time to reload his repeating crossbow to be more able to support his battle mates.
Perception -30
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 35/58] [Mage Armor] Tuesday July 19th, 2016 9:10:18 PM
"I don't think they've been around very long," Pru assures the Mayor. "And they won't be around much longer if we can help it."
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 9:12:31 PM
"Nikolai, what's our count on the bandits? If they are saying at least thirty came here, then we should start looking for the rest."
Trayvin asks the mayor a few questions about them. "Did they say what they want or what they were doing here?"
OOC- I still see some injuries, did everyone get the healing last round? or need anymore?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/19; vs AOO: 27/18/23- HP 37/49 -- CMD 16 Tuesday July 19th, 2016 10:56:53 PM
(OOC: Anna took the healing but she is still dinged up a little)
"I used some of my better abilities during that fight." She says to her companions, "I still have some tricks up my sleeve and can use a scroll to grow myself if I need to but my abilities are stronger when they are those that my lady has granted me. I'm not backing down from a fight mind you, I'm just saying we might wanna be more thrifty with our use of fire power if we are expecting to combat a much larger force this day."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 35/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Tuesday July 19th, 2016 11:20:25 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Stunning Fist 2/5 Ki Pool 2/5
"Malister, fact is, we don't know how many there really are. This may be just one of many small groups or part of a larger one. We do know that they are organizing and recruiting form other areas, so it would seem that there is one powerful leader trying to band all the bandit groups together into one. We know of one leader, a certain Cybrine. Either they attempted a ruse to get us into a boat or this Cybrine really is in a cave somewhere waiting for more recruits. So any information about sea caves or caves in general in this area would be very helpful. I don't relish torturing that bandit for the information."
Nikolai tries to count, from memory, how many there were. "I think there were 9. There's the robed wizard woman, the leader, three halberdiers, and four archers. That's what we know of. I didn't see anyone else hanging around, did anyone else notice a spectator?"
"Tinker, Trayvin, and Martin, go up to the tavern and gather up those dead bandits and bring them down here. See if there is any identifiable markings on them or their gear."
Nikolai keeps his attention on the mayor, hoping the man has enough local knowledge to help them out.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 33/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=18 ; d20+12=14 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 5:59:31 AM
Tinker listens and flips a vague salute to Nikolai. "Up we go young fellow", he tells the prisoner as he helps the halberdier to his feet and marches him over to the leader of the Fist. "They wanted us in the boat before they got suspicious. Seems to me our quarry is across the water somewhere."
The dwarf moves to the tavern and stows his crossbow, getting out his familiar-feeling Dwarven urgrosh. Waiting for Trayvin and Michael, the dwarf then takes the lead about going into the tavern, on full defensive and rushing the door and stepping to the left to clear the kill zone.
His darksight has no need to adjust to light conditions as he looks about for dangers before searching the building.
Full Defensive +6 AC, can't do AOOs
Perception for enemy 18 Perception for search 24
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 48/58] [Mage Armor] Wednesday July 20th, 2016 1:04:07 PM
[OOC: Whoops! Didn't see the healing. My header is now updated.]
DM Warren Wednesday July 20th, 2016 5:36:55 PM
The Agents scour the town, but there is no sign of any additional bandits hiding out here. They gather the bodies of the slain, and between them and their captive, find the following equipment.
leader: chain shirt spiked chain masterwork composite longbow (+1 Str) with 20 arrows sap dagger
Halberdiers: 3 x masterwork full plate, 3 x halberd 3 x Composite longbow (+4 Str) with 20 arrows 3 x dagger
Sorceress dagger ring light crossbow with 20 bolts emerald earrings and pendant
Archer: Masterwork breastplate Longbow with 20 arrows Longsword
When he realizes that at least 2/3 of the bandits are gone and Nikolai asks about the sea caves, the Mayor sighs, and tells his tale.
Mayor Malister Bromphf tells his tale:
The secret of the islands. There can be no doubt. I tell you this because the village has failed in its mission to watch over the islands and what they hold, and you may be the last remaining hope. The islands hold something dark and dangerous and it is the duty over the villagers to make sure it remains undisturbed. That secret is undoubtedly what they seek.
This tale goes back many years. A pirate named Andras used to sail these waters and was the scourge of the Bay of Elenna. Many merchant ships were wrecked in his thirst for gold. There, in the caves beneath the two islands, he had his lair. Few sailors were so skilled as he was for many a ship found it’s doom navigating between the islands.
There was nothing that could stop Andras until one fateful day he raided the Kendry. Just another merchant vessel he would have thought. But this one had an unexpected passenger - a necromancer called Cybrine Pavilion. They say Andras slaughtered the entire crew before he came across Cybrine. She was very ready for him. You see, from what I hear, a lot of those necromancy spells require gems and gold in their casting. Especially the real dark spells. Andras’ gold would allow her to perform all sorts of evil. So she made a deal with Andras. Spare her life, and she would use her magic to make him immortal.
Andras readily agreed, and brought Cybrine to his lair. He showed her all of his treasures and told her to use whatever she needed to cast her spell.
Well, Cybrine kept her word but perhaps not in the way Andras was expecting. It’s said she killed him somehow and brought him back as something undead. Yes he was now immortal but he was also under her absolute control.
Half of Andras’ crew followed suit - killed off and raised - while the others tried to escape. Only a handful made it out of the caves alive. It’s said when they dragged themselves ashore they dropped to their knees and begged Lord Gargul for forgiveness. And in His benevolence, Lord Gargul raised the waters to flood the caves - trapping those remaining inside, never to be seen again. No one knows what became of them. But one thing is for sure the caves below the islands need not be disturbed. I suppose the lure of gold can be too much for some.
Those that survived settled here and vowed to keep watch for their captain. When he didn’t return some decided to move on, others decided to stay here guarding the entrance to the lair clouding it with drunken sailorman's stories. One of the men guarding this place was my grandfather. Like my grandfather and father before me I now was responsible for safeguarding the secret.
I know it is much to ask, but can we count on you to prevent Cybrine from unleashing her dark powers upon the world?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 Wednesday July 20th, 2016 8:11:54 PM Pavilion, hmmm...I wonder if she is any kin to the late Pavilion Neutronis? Could Pavilion have changed his name up to cover the connection? sure, we are here to stop the problems you are having, Evil Necromancer, undead servants, bandits...all in a days work.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 33/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 20th, 2016 9:36:28 PM
Tinker straightens up and listens intently. This sounds more important than just a couple of bandits! "Lots of treasure, undead, and a necromantic witch? And the bandits are on that island?" The dwarf looks at Nikolai but is certain everyone's mind is already made up. Now that they are Agents, they have broad discretion on what actions are included in their orders. "I say keeping the land safe from an undead scourge is part of our orders, Nikko."
He remembers the zombies the original team fought in Cheerful Stay. Difficult and no quarter, that he remembers.
The dwarf waits, knowing the others will have more questions before they are prepared to depart.
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 4d6=14 ; Wednesday July 20th, 2016 9:49:49 PM
"It would seem too much a coincidence that they share part of a name. And we know how it turned out with Neutronis. Maybe insanity runs in the family? Regardless, this Cybrine is obviously active in the area now. Maybe she was trapped for awhile but not anymore. I don't think we can ignore this."
Seeing some injuries still prevalent among the Agents, Trayvin channels energy once more. Hp healed = 14 hp
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 48/58] [Mage Armor] Wednesday July 20th, 2016 10:15:34 PM
Pru's eyes are shining. Prevent somebody from unleashing dark powers on the world? She is so there! "We will do our best," she says, "and may the gods smile on our efforts."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Wednesday July 20th, 2016 10:19:47 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Stunning Fist 2/5 Ki Pool 2/5
Trayvin's second wave of healing removes most of his wounds. All that is left is some superficial scratches and that darn saltwater sting.
"Maybe his birth name was Neutronis Pavillion and he just switched them around? How long ago was this? You said many years ago?"
Nikolai glances over the loot, some of it still with his own blood on it.
"Mayor Bromphf, the Mailed Fist has a binding contract to assist Alithmar in fighting banditry that is a direct cause of the war our now defeated Mailed Fist Knight Commander, Pavillion Neutronis, caused. To adhere to that obligation Alithmar asked for help in dealing with the banditry in this area and our Mailed Fist Commander sent us."
Looking at the dead bandits and the live one, he continues, "Obviously this small lot won't do in accomplishing that goal, and from your story, only finding Cybrine Pavillion and putting an end to her will bring any hope that things will return to a semblance of normality.
We'll need a day to prepare and two boats would be preferred, as well as any information about these islands you can give. I'm pretty good a sketching decent maps, you just tell me the islands layout.
Now, about this prisoner. If we could get the truth out of him without violent means, we might be able to get the cave layout as well. If we can't get anything out of him, he's yours for your justice system."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 Thursday July 21st, 2016 7:54:49 AM
Nikolai gives Michael an idea. he takes Nikolai and the village leader to the side to explain his plan. here is the plan:
Nikolai: you questiion the prisioner, maybe get Pru to help, if he gives us info offer him a boon. if not. The village gets him.
Mayor: have your people make up a woodpile for a fire. put two stout uprights on each side of it and a crossbar beween it. I will ask what you are doing, we will pretend to argue for a few minutes about it, then I will leave in a huff.
I will go argue with Nikolai about how torturing the enemy to death by roasting him over hot coals is inhuman. Nikolai willl say sadly that he has given his word that if the enemy does not cooperate he is the villagers for justice.
ooc: Highlight to display spoiler: {I figure with the whole village and all the theratirics it aught to amount to a prettty stout intimidation bouns for the roll say +15 or so. if this is an idea that could work, Everybody post a yes in their message box. if they are in with the plan. }
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/19; vs AOO: 27/18/23- HP 49/49 -- CMD 16 Thursday July 21st, 2016 2:17:02 PM
Trayvin's healing energies knit together the last of Anna's injuries. "Thanks Trayvin." she says smiling.
She takes Michael and the rest of the Fist aside and says, "I have a better idea Michael; lets give him a confidante first. I can become Gerard for 4 minutes. I put on some sort of outfit that obscures my features so that I don't have to turn into Gerard until I'm practically on top of him. You put me in the cell with him, I say I was captured on my way into town by the same mercs that delayed the party in the first place and then pump him for information like how far they got in searching for the caves, if they have an idea of the layout, if there is any plans in case of a villager uprising / capture of our forces. You could then take me from the cave then I cast alter self from a scroll and make my voice mimic Gerard in screams of agony. This way he will think we mean business."
DM Warren Thursday July 21st, 2016 6:24:10 PM @Trayvin - remember to roll your healing dice individually, as 1s get a free re-roll!
The Agents listen to the story, and ponder about possible connections to their recent foe, Pavilion Neutronis. Trayvin is ready to lop another crazy branch off of that family tree, should they end up being related.
Tinker reminisces fighting zombies what seems like long ago, and prepares for a foe that will not retreat and show no mercy.
Pru is eager to stop the spread of Necromancy, and Nikolai confirms that the Agents are here to help. While Michael and Anna discuss ways to get information out of the prisoner, Mayor Brompf related the rest of his tale.
I wouldn't say that they're on the island, but rather IN it. There is some ritual involved in finding the entrance. I don’t know the specifics. All we know is that it requires standing on a boat in the exact center of the cove, and that it involves a 30ft silver chain and a holy symbol of Gargul. You are welcome to use the boat from the boathouse, and another could be made ready for you. It may need some repairs though, depending on how roughly the bandits treated it.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=22 ; Thursday July 21st, 2016 7:29:33 PM
Tinker smiles and rolls up his sleeves. "Let's see what we can cobble together, eh?" The dwarf's hands fidget in anticipation for some good, solid, skilled work.
He takes his time with the boats, accepting assistance from any villager or hero that knows anything about shipbuilding or engineering. Tinker is confident that he can make them water-worthy, but not pretty.
Know Engineering - 22
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Thursday July 21st, 2016 11:18:25 PM
Pru sighs in relief as the healing washes over her.
[OOC: I forgot to update my header yesterday, but Pru is back to full health.]
"A chain and a symbol of Gargul!" she echoes. "But we found those, didn't we? That must be what they were for!"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Thursday July 21st, 2016 11:44:22 PM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Stunning Fist 2/5 Ki Pool 2/5
'So we've been carrying a holy symbol of Gargul all this time. Go figure!' "We'll, we've go the chain and holy symbol, all we need is the ritual. Any chance it might be written down in some old tome somewhere?"
The irony of using a holy symbol of Gargul to open up caves where undead live is not lost on him.
Nikolai listens to both ideas of how to extract information from their prisoner. "Both ideas have merit of their own. I find myself more partial to Anna's in that I just like the tricky subterfuge style. Anna can wear my Hat of Disguise to aid in the deception. There's no harm in letting the man see the villagers build a fire pit for Michael's plan as well. Maybe both together is best.
Michael, talk to Mayor Brompf and see if he'll go along with your idea. As it grows dusk, Anna can implement her phase of the plan."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/19; vs AOO: 27/18/23- HP 49/49 -- CMD 16 d20+27=42 ; Friday July 22nd, 2016 3:56:44 PM
Anna dons the hat and sculpts the illusion of a heavy outfit that colors her head to toe only letting her eyes be seen. She is careful to make sure her eyes look like Gerard's.
(DIsguise : 42; +10 H o D; +2 disguise kit)
She is planning to wait until she gets in the cell with the prisoner to use her alter self SLA to make herself actually take on the appearance of Gerard given the limitations of the hat.
Hopefully she can get all the information she needs before it expires.
DM Warren d20+8=22 ; Friday July 22nd, 2016 8:04:28 PM
Between the villagers and Tinker, a second boat well on its way to being restored, and by nightfall, Tinker deems it seaworthy.
Pru and Nikolai quickly connect the chain they took from Gerard with the one mentioned by the Mayor. In regards to a written ritual, he seems doubtful. Many of the villagers here today barely know their letters. The pirates generations back were likely less so. I don't know of any written lore in the village. This legend was passed down orally from father to son.
Nikolai also gets the villagers to work on their information gathering plan, should they not be able to trick the man out of any information.
Anna crafts her disguise, using makeup to change her face in subtle ways and the hat to provide the illusion of the clothing Gerard was wearing. She is escorted into the makeshift cell with their captive, looking haggard and beaten, but quite like Gerard. The rest is up to her words.
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Friday July 22nd, 2016 10:36:34 PM
Trayvin smiles and grunts to himself, satisfied that the Agents injuries were now properly treated. He asks the mayor, "Is there anyone outside of town who may still know the ritual? I could try praying to him directly for the knowledge, but that sort of thing is likely to be....dangerous at best."
OOC- ty DM, I keep forgetting about the heal rolls. Also, Trayvin will not object to the plan unless the prisoner is actually lit on fire.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday July 23rd, 2016 8:33:40 AM
Tinker dusts his hands off, happy in a job well done. He gets his equipment ready for the next part of the quest, quietly efficient. "If I were a person would knew the ritual, who would it be?" He asks himself.
An idea forms. "Gerard had the chain, right? So maybe he knew the ritual too. Too much coincidence that the bandits got suspicious of us having the chain. I think Gerard was recruited special and not at random."
But what to do with the information? Not a clue.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Sunday July 24th, 2016 6:55:09 PM "Well, if the ritual isn't written down, then it must be in someone's memory, otherwise how'd these bandits figure on meeting Cybrine? Who's the oldest person around these parts?" he asks.
Gerard had the chain and was expected to take us all out to meet this Cybrine, so they must have had a clue about the ritual. Go back and get Gerard, if he's still alive? If all else fails, they'll just go out to the cove and jump, and holler, and sing every pirate song they can think of and hope that works. If that fails, then go get Gerard, or talk to his remains.
Anna Morphling[Gerard] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 49/49 -- CMD 16 d20+9=28 ; Sunday July 24th, 2016 8:13:35 PM
Anna uses her alter self SLA to further bolster her disguise right before she is dumped in the cell. (Disguise is now 52 & she can mimic Gerard's voice) (Bluff:28)
"What happened here? I was delayed in reaching Cove because my men and I were attacked by some Fist mercenaries. Unfortunately my men were captured or killed but I managed to evade capture myself despite losing my holy symbol with chain and mount."
She waits for a response from the other man and if this would be appropriate goes with, "Is there any contingency plan in the event of a village uprising? Like a rally point or plans for a counter attack or is it up to us to find our way out of here somehow?"
She tries to steer the conversation to the caves if the rally point was not anywhere near the cave; "I was told the chain with Gargul symbol was some sort of key to reaching some caves. What can you tell me about them? If we can escape and reclaim the chain could we get there?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+9=11 ; Sunday July 24th, 2016 9:56:28 PM
Michael watches the villagers build the roasting pit, the talks with the head man, where the bandit can see him, but outside his hearing range. he puts on a show, then outside of the prisoners cell he does the big reveal. Sir, you can't let those villagers torture this guy, I mean roasting him alive is a horrible way to go.
bluff. 11 (I'm figuring there are some bonuses due form the villagers and the chief playing along as well as Nikolai's reply to my statement.
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] d20+9=11 ; d20+6=9 ; Sunday July 24th, 2016 10:10:00 PM
Pru tries to work out, in general terms, what such a ritual might entail based on her knowledge of both arcane and divine magicks. She comes up blank.
[Knowledge Arcana 11, Knowledge Religion 9. Yuk.]
DM Warren Monday July 25th, 2016 8:42:49 PM
Tinker, Trayvin, and Nikolai ponder over who could know the ritual. Maybe some old duffer is still alive who saw it done, or heard tell of it from his own pappy. They set off to ask the mayor who the oldest man in town is, and are directed to a house on the edge of town belonging to one "Ophir."
When asked about the ritual, he mutters with a shaky voice Ritu-what now? What do those fancy pants mages have ye all thinkin? I don't know exactly who done it, but I do know that any old sailor could get in there, if they had the right tool. Now get! You're trampling the daisies.
Perhaps in this case, Pru's lack of knowledge may be a blessing. Maybe they're over complicating things.
Anna's disguise could not be more spot on. She asks her questions and waits for a response. Escape? They dumped you in here just like they did me. No weapons. No tools. But that doesn't matter. Listening to that half king, it sounds like we'll be put to death soon. Then we can be with our mistress! I only wish we could have taken some of those dratted Fist dogs with us!
Anna Morphling[Gerard] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 49/49 -- CMD 16 d20+1=13 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=12 ; Monday July 25th, 2016 8:48:50 PM
"Right, we can be with our mistress...Will she raise us to immortality in death like she did Andras of does she have other plans? I have been a way for a bit and between you and me she seems fickle sometimes" Anna says
(Sense Motive: 13) (Perception: 21 OOC ignore second roll)
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Monday July 25th, 2016 9:39:11 PM
"Well, if the mayor is to be believed, we should just head out there and see what happens. Maybe the answer will present itself once we are there."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Monday July 25th, 2016 9:49:03 PM "Well, sounds like you are right, Trayvin. I wonder if we are to try it on a Moonless night, or a Full Moon night, or not at night at all? At high tide? Low tide? Sigh... I guess we try it one way then another until something happens."
While Anna does her impersonation ruse, Nikolai sits with any of the villagers that know the islands well and sketches them out on a piece of parchment. "Ok, you say the cove is right here on this island? We'll go tomorrow and see what happens during the day. If that does not work, we'll try it at night."
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Monday July 25th, 2016 10:23:50 PM
"Perhaps Anna will have more for us," Pru says hesitantly. "But I suppose you're right; we just keep trying. Maybe we'll luck out--or maybe she'll get tired of waiting and come to us."
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 26th, 2016 12:25:01 AM
Tinker stands by the boats and is ready to support the plan and team.
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 d20+6=14 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 9:09:22 PM
Trayvin tries to recall anything he can remember regarding such rituals, and what they may require.
kn religion = 14
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+4=18 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 9:09:34 PM
Michael approaches Ophir, with a bottle of good quality rum, some tobacco and some chocolate. (give me a price for this stuff and I'll take it off my sheet.)
he starts out easy. I heard you were a sea faring man back in the day. I've booked passage on my share of ships. Have you ever heard of the ship "Money for nothing?" or the "KnuckleDuster" He takes a swig of the rum, lays the package of tobacco on the table and settles back in a chair. OOC:(money for nothing was the trader that found me as a babe, knuckleduster was the ship that carried us to Neutronis during that encounter. )
diplomacy: 18
DM Warren d20+8=14 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 10:27:46 PM
Trayvin does no better than Pru in coming up with some sort of ritual practice. Nikolai suggests that they just go by trial and error, doing things until they elicit a reaction.
Michael ingratiates himself with the old man. Hah! Someone here knows how to treat an old man. Nah, I've never been out to sea. My father though, he was salty as they come. Taught me to ply the waters near our peaceful little town and bring in fish enough for dinner. Anything more than a rowboat is beyond me.
Tobacco is a gold for 2lbs - some would be available in the village somewhere. Chocolate depends on the quality. If you brought some from wedding city, it can be as much a 1gp per square. A bottle of rum would run about 3 sp.
Tinker and Pru support the plans and offer advice as they are able. Whatever happens, they will be ready with their best effort when it comes down to it.
Anna continues her interview. You know she will, if you're truly faithful. The mistress can surely see into our hearts and judge us true. You haven't been straying from her path, the path of true happiness, have you?
roll bluff
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Tuesday July 26th, 2016 10:43:03 PM
Pru continues to wait and watch.
Anna Morphling[Gerard] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 49/49 -- CMD 16 d20+9=20 ; Tuesday July 26th, 2016 11:54:07 PM
(Bluff : 20)
"I still believe in our mistress and the path to true happiness I just have been away from her presence for to long. Please brother remind me again of the path. It would do me a lot of good to hear it. I know we are close to joining her but they may do terrible things to us in revenge before we join her and it would help to bolster my resolve. I envy yours, you will have much prestige with her when we join her in death." Anna says trying to lay it on thick and get some intel
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+11=13 ; Wednesday July 27th, 2016 12:44:52 AM
Nikolai admires Michael's sense of etiquette in offering the old geezer goodies and is dismayed that even that does not help. So the plan to wing it remains Plan A unless Anna gets any information from the prisoner that can help.
He studies his new map carefully then consults the villagers. "We may need to go under water for a spell, do you have any gourds that grow around here that we can hollow out and stopper as a means to transport air for an underwater venture?"
If there are such gourdes that grow in the area: Survival +11 (look for such plants) = 13
DM Warren Wednesday July 27th, 2016 4:02:17 PM
Nikolai searches for gourds, but with soils this wet and alkaline by the coast, growing conditions do not support such crops.
The old man is free with what information he possesses, but he cannot give what he does not know.
Ger-anna continues her interrogation, but without too much success. The former halberdier doesn't seem to suspect anything, but at this point, she thinks all his information must be generalized. Must be too low on the totem pole to have been let in on any other plans.
How can you forget the path, brother? She is never long gone. She speaks in our dreams, promising power and glory. She beckons, and we come at her call. Only death now can free us of our captivity and deliver us to her arms! Driven to some level of insanity, he pulls a large splinter that he must have found on a worn plank and plunges it into his neck, a look of rapture on his face as his life's blood begins to issue forth.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=16 ; Wednesday July 27th, 2016 5:01:23 PM
Tinker tidies up his gear and ensures the rowboats are tied to not escape on the tide.
He then finds a good place to watch the water and sets himself as a sentry.
Perception. 16
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Wednesday July 27th, 2016 9:39:55 PM
Trayvin joins Tinker by the shore. It would appear to be time to head out. Not much information seems to be left to wring out of the village.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Wednesday July 27th, 2016 10:12:25 PM
Nikolai returns from an unfruitful hunt for gourds. He remembers the Water Breathing spell they were able to use to escape the Eagle Regiment. He'd almost forgotten about it. It had the bad side effect of leaving a very fishy salty taste in one's mouth for days but hey...
"Tinker, good idea. We need two sentries watching the shoreline during the night. We'll switch out turns. I'll ask the mayor to assign a couple of villagers to watch the roads."
With that said, he chooses the middle watch then finds the mayor and asks him to have a couple of villagers watch the road in and out of the village during the night.
"Wonder how Anna is doing?" he ponders.
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Wednesday July 27th, 2016 10:43:39 PM
Pru takes whatever watch is assigned to her, and mentally reviews all the prayers to Gargul she has learned. She really only knows the basics; he never was her favorite. Still, we have to start somewhere, she thinks.
Anna Morphling[Gerard] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 49/49 -- CMD 16 d20+1=16 ; d20+18=30 ; d8+1=8 ; Wednesday July 27th, 2016 11:55:32 PM
"TRAYVIN!!! GET IN HERE NOW!!!" Anna yells not caring if she breaks her cover.
(Heal Check : 16) Anna tries to help the prisoner as best she can using her limited knowledge of first aid and a scroll of cure light wounds to hopefully staunch the bleeding (OOC: If she has it with her hidden in the disguise) (UMD:30 = success ; 8 damage healed)
DM Warren d20+8=26 ; d4+3=4 ; Thursday July 28th, 2016 4:42:02 PM
Tinker, then Nikolai seize on the idea of monitoring the shoreline for any sign of the other bandits. Villagers that are at least familiar with woodcraft are set to watch the road. Pru is still mulling over potential rituals and ceremonies pertaining to Lord Gargul. She still can't help but think that a simple answer is best.
Answers regarding the progress of the interview are quickly answered as Anna calls for help to heal the suicidal cultist. Luckily, there is only so much damage one can do with a splinter, and the wound is quickly closed by Anna's spell. Unfortunately, now she has an angry, suicidal and murderous man on her hands, and he quickly turns his improvised weapon on Anna instead.
hit AC 26 for 4 damage
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Thursday July 28th, 2016 9:36:07 PM
Trayvin comes running at Anna's call, concerned since he knew she was alone with the prisoner. He comes to the prison to find the prisoner attacking Anna. "Agents, get over here!"
After he calls for help, Trayvin retrieves his morningstar and waves it menacingly. "Listen bub, we can either do this the easy way or the hard way. Stop now or it will hurt. A lot."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+9=22 ; d4+1=4 ; 4d6=10 ; Thursday July 28th, 2016 10:26:50 PM
Michael leaves the rum and tobacco with the old sailor. it was a good talk even if it was unproductive. He sees commotion going on at the jail so he beats feet in that direction.
when he sees the prisoner attacking his friends he is torn. killing of prisoners is strictly prohibited under fist code, but then again, he did start attacking first. Hmmmm.... best to stab now and worry about it later.
he flanks the man against whoever is closest and puts a nice little leaker on the inside of his thigh, right about where the femoral artery would be.
to hit AC 22 for 4 points 10 points of flank damage +4 points per round of bleed damage starting his round.
step back guys. he'll get weak from blood loss in few minutes and then we can cuff him and stuff him.
Anna Morphling[Gerard] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 Thursday July 28th, 2016 11:14:34 PM
Ger-Anna says "Hey that hurt....rude"
Anna takes a 5-foot step back and then reaches into her bag of tricks and draws forth a heavy flail (full round action)
To the rest of the Fist she yells, "I healed him but he seems to be angry!"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+12=29 ; Thursday July 28th, 2016 11:17:15 PM
Nikolai hears the shout and figures that somehow the guy must have discovered Anna's ruse. But what could he possibly think he could gain by attacking Anna? Nevertheless he rushes over to the prison hut to help.
First thing he sees is Trayving waving his morningstar around. He felt it odd that they would try not to harm him so that they could execute him later. They'd have to tie him once they subdue him and keep him tied up.
When he gets the chance, he jumps into the fray: Grapple(Improved) Attack +12 = 29 vs CMB
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Friday July 29th, 2016 12:27:00 AM
Pru rushes to the aid of her Fist-mate, but the others seem to have the situation well in hand, and it appears nothing needs to be set on fire. Pru stands aside and waits for her skills to be needed.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=19 ; Friday July 29th, 2016 10:41:02 AM
Tinker maintains his vigil. He is confident the others can take care of one prisoner.
Perception 19
DM Warren Friday July 29th, 2016 5:11:44 PM
The Agents quickly re-subdue their prisoner. His wound is bleeding freely, and he isn't intimidated by any of the threats of violence. He struggles in Nikolai's grasp.
Go on and kill me. Then you'll see. You'll all see!
DM Warren Friday July 29th, 2016 5:24:01 PM please let me know if you'd like to move this along - seems like it's going pretty slow right now
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Friday July 29th, 2016 9:29:23 PM
Trayvin stabilizes the prisoner with a cantrip while the others subdue him. "He seems a bit anxious to die, and that is a bit concerning. Even beyond my normal tendencies to solve problems without violence, I feel it would be in our best interest to keep him alive."
OOC- If there is nothing else to be gained by gathering information in the town, I have no objection to moving along.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=14 ; Friday July 29th, 2016 9:35:00 PM
Tinker makes sure nothing can sneak up on his companions. He is a little distracted by all the yelling...
Perception. 14
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Friday July 29th, 2016 9:59:00 PM
Pru says, "they'll need to watch him carefully, to make sure he doesn't do away with himself. I wonder if it's a magical compulsion of some kind?"
[OOC: Moving things along suits me just fine. :) ]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+8=14 ; Friday July 29th, 2016 10:25:11 PM
Nikolai has Michael tie the bandit up real good. "You'll get your wish to die tomorrow. I'm sure the village trial will be short and the sentence will be death and we will insure the method is quick. You'll find that death may not be all that you think it is cracked up to be, though."
Nikolai leaves and then gathers Anna and Trayvin. "This guy seems to think that in death he meets Cybrine, or something. If Cybrine is an Undead, she could have imparted some power on these men to come back as Undead as well. I want you two to go over every inch of the dead bandits' bodies and see if there are any sings of such possibility. I'll help. Once that is done, we burn the bodies."
Knowledge Undead +8 (Ranger Favored Enemy) = 14 Looking for signs a vampire might make, or other undead markngs.
OOC: once we are done burning the bodies, rest the night, we are ready to go. The trial can be done in one DM post. No need to play it out. Execution can be Arrow to the Heart.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 d20+12=25 ; d20+8=20 ; Sunday July 31st, 2016 2:42:13 AM
Anna says, "Guys, he WANTS to die. Cybrine is leading a death cult and she visits her followers in their dreams. He tried to kill himself and I healed him and then we got into the fight. He also doesn't seem to know about the ritual but if we can't somehow ward him tonight Cybrine may know about us & my deceptive abilities. Anyone have a spell we could use to block her contacting him tonight?"
(Know[arcana]:25; spellcraft:20) (OOC we can move it)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Sunday July 31st, 2016 6:39:19 PM "Any reason we can't have the trial now and get it over with before nightfall? Assuming the Death Penalty is given, that will take care of any visitation by Cybrine tonight," Nikolai suggest.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 Monday August 1st, 2016 8:12:04 AM We need to burn the body after he is dead, Undead don't function well as ash.
DM Warren Monday August 1st, 2016 7:01:04 PM
Sensing that they will get no useful information out of the man at this point, he is given over to the village authorities. He undergoes a brief, but fair trial, and as expected, the penalty for invading the village, beating, torturing, stealing, ransacking, and attempted murder of at least 10 villagers, is death.
A sturdy man with a large axe acts as a headsman, and the man is dispatched quickly. He is unrepentant to the end, sure that Cybrine will save him, in this life or the next.
Once that unpleasant task is done, the bodies are gathered and burned before being added to the village refuse. The mayor is available to reiterate any information he has previously given, but has nothing new to add. He thanks them again for saving the village, but implores them to continue their mission and go after Cybrine, before she can do worse than has been done already, to Cove, and the entire region. The villagers are willing to take care of the wagons, horses, and whatever supplies the Agents aren't taking with them on their undersea venture.
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Monday August 1st, 2016 8:11:04 PM
Trayvin says a few prayers over the smoldering ashes. The bandits may not have appreciated such in life, but they may have a new perspective once the meet Gargul.
"I'm ready. Let's not waste any more time. If we hurry we may still be able to catch them unawares, and by our best count, they still outnumber us by a bit."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+13=30 ; d20+11=29 ; Monday August 1st, 2016 9:28:15 PM
Nikolai is satisfied that the villagers took care of things. It was as it should be. Justice can be harsh, as when against the Mailed Fist members that had rebelled and followed Neutronis. But justice usually isn't as harsh as the crime that brings it about.
"Tinker, Trayvin, get those boats ready to shove out. The rest of us, let's start loading our gear. I'd rather had done this early in the morning but Cybrine may be suspecting something is up since Gerard didn't show up when expected. Do we still have that Water Breathing spell? If not, oh well. Those with heavy armor might want to tie a rope to a oar loop just in case you get knocked overboard."
When all is ready and whatever gear is being brought has been loaded, they shove off. Nikolai consults his map and points the way. He takes turns rowing so no one gets overly tired. If it gets dark, he has his Everlasting Torch handy to keep the map lit, although he keeps its light covered as much as possible and still see the map.
"Keep your eyes peeled. Any disturbance in the water, give a holler."
When they get to their destination, he lets everyone do what they need to prepare for what may come. "All right, I don't know what will happen, but do your preparation things."
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor (i think, if not, let me know)
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=25 ; Monday August 1st, 2016 10:04:54 PM
Tinker smiles, the two boats have been ready for a while. Shoving off when ready, Tinker puts himself in the more rickety boat; they are, after all, floating on his efforts. If someone should sink, it should include Tinker.
He keeps his eyes peeled for dangers.
Perception 25
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Monday August 1st, 2016 10:11:21 PM
Pru is not fond of public executions, but she manages to get through this one. She helps load the boats by folding things up and tying them neatly, by sorting and organizing, and by carrying all the light stuff.
[OOC: Pru's extended Mage Armor lasts for 14 hours, so it's probably still good.]
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 d20+7=8 ; Monday August 1st, 2016 11:47:03 PM
(OOC: Is it still the same day still?)
Anna helps get things ready leaving her frog box and dancing plant behind. She keeps her eyes out for anything odd but gets distracted (Perception : 8).
"I can't do anything for water breathing anymore as I'm no longer a druid and I do not have a scroll of it on me."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 8:12:59 AM
Michael helps. Cross loading equipment so that if one boat sinks not everything will be lost. this includes people. Tinker, Nikolai and Pru in one boat. Michael, Trayvin and Anna in the other. He is kind of excited about this. hidden treasure, undead, necromancers and the chance to stick it to one of Pavillions ancestors...it's like an all you can eat buffet of good and bad. He remembers a prayer he heard an old grizzled Bear sargent say one time...perhaps it's is apt for this mission...
Give me, my Gods, what you still have; give me what no one asks for. I do not ask for wealth, nor success, nor even health. People ask you so often, O Gods, for all that, that you cannot have any left. Give me, my Gods, what you still have. Give me what people refuse to accept from you. I want insecurity and disquietude; I want turmoil and brawl. And if you should give them to me, my Gods, once and for all, let me be sure to have them always, for I will not always have the courage to ask for them.
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 5:19:43 PM
"Nicely done Michael. Have you had any formal training?" Trayvin keeps rowing till they reach the destination. "Should we go lights out once we get closer? No need to give our position away if we can help it."
DM Warren Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 6:10:44 PM
The Agents have rested since their last battle, but Nikolai gets the Agents moving before another night passes, to allow Cybrine less time to wonder where her reinforcements have gone.
Tinker smirks, knowing that the road would lead here and having long since prepared for it. He and Pru load the boats, and Michael helps while waxing nostalgic about a prayer he once heard, and hoped to find danger and excitement in equal measure.
Trayvin makes sure that honors are given to the souls that have passed here. Hopefully they learn the error of their ways in the afterlife, and don't suffer too much at the hands of the Lord of the Dead. He prepares himself mentally for the upcoming battle, and hopes to keep his friends from visiting the other side as these men have.
Nikolai distributes his people among the two boats, sharing out rowing to avoid tiring anyone out unduly. There is not much rowing to do however, as their target is not too far off shore. He has some foresight, and suggests that those who are more encumbered tie themselves aboard. Their target fast approaches, and peering through the water, the dim outline of a cave is visible to Nikolai and Tinker, though it is some 20 feet below them in their boats.
Please advise to the distribution of people in boats. Someone in each boat makes a Profession Sailor DC15 or else the boat crashes against rocks in the choppy waters, dealing 2d6 damage to the boat and forcing a DC20 balance check to avoid being thrown overboard.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 d20+9=16 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+7=9 ; d20=14 ; Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 7:50:48 PM
(OOC: can you substitute survival for profession[sailor], I thought some of the boat controlling rules allow for survival rolls?) (Survival : 16) Anna tries to use her survival knowledge to guide the boat into shore, activating her darkvision SLA in order to get a better view. (Perception:9)
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=26 ; Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 9:05:10 PM
Tinker is no sailor, but he is agile enough to avoid any bump. "OK, now we're here, now the ritual is supposed to be easy enough. Any thoughts? Maybe just dip the chain in the water?"
Acrobatics. 26 to maintain balance.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 9:43:46 PM
OOC: I think the DC20 balance check applies if we crash onto the rocks. Just sitting out in the boat should not require such a check. But if we fail the Sailor check, then hitting the rocks due to the swell will certainly cause a balance check.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+15=16 ; Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 10:50:02 PM
OOC: Since any Profession check must be Trained, if none of us have Sailor then we crash. I don't see any reference to sailing in the Survival skill section. Just rowing would be like riding a horse without the Ride skill, you are OK until things get bumpy.
IC: Seeing the the underwater cave, which he intuitively thought it would be underwater, he gets the chain out into the open from under his shirt. He does not have much time as the ocean is pushing the boats towards sharp rocks!
Holding the amulet he cries out "Be still, oh waters of Doom! Show us the way, into the cave!" Then he dips the chain and amulet in the water.
Not very poetic but about as good as he'll get on the fly.
Acrobatics +15 = 16 great!
Leaning over to dip the chain and amulet in the water the crashing waves knock him overboard (provided none make a Sailor check).
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] d20+3=12 ; Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 10:58:21 PM
Pru is no sailor, so she helps by staying out of the way. If their boat hits the rocks, Pru winds up in the water.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20-4=0 ; d20+17=37 ; Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 7:24:27 AM
Michael knows nothing of small boats like this, he does know acrobatics though and the tossing of the boat is easier to grok than the bucking of a land shark. he rides out the crash with practiced ease, then starts attempting to help any who were thrown overboard.
sailor =0 acrobatics 37 nat 20!
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 d20-4=11 ; Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 7:55:15 PM
"It's getting awfully choppy, if there is a time to make the ritual work, this might be it!"
acrobatics check in case no one made the sailing check: 11
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+11=27 ; Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 9:29:07 PM
OOC: Nikolai's Survival roll +11= 27
Just pretend I didn't post he fell in the water.
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 11:14:27 PM
Pru clings to the boat and hopes she doesn't end up getting wet.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 Wednesday August 3rd, 2016 11:35:05 PM
(OOC: Checking In) Anna prepares to disembark.
DM Warren Thursday August 4th, 2016 12:23:41 AM
Between the natural skills of the ranger and the former druid, no boats are upset, and though there are some close calls, the Agents are only wet from the spray, and not from a full dunking.
Leaning over the edge of his boat, Nikolai slowly lowers the holy symbol on the end of the chain into the water, watching it descend into the waters. Once he reaches the end of his chain, they only have to wait a moment before a quiet, yet powerful rushing sound begins. As they watch, the water around them begin to recede, lowering slowly, exposing the rocks they had navigated around as a dam-like wall leading to the cave that they had spotted under the water.
They look around from their new vantage, a bit awed that the water just a few hundred feet away is now 30 feet over their heads.
Perception DC 25: Highlight to display spoiler: { The moving waters have disturbed a slumbering beast. A giant octopus has emerged from its lair and is coming towards the boats! It's only 20 feet away! }
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+13=17 ; Thursday August 4th, 2016 12:38:44 AM
Perception +13 = 17
Nikolai is very pleased that his hunch was correct, but he holds back any smugness as he begins to wonder how they are going to reverse the process for their return trip.
"One bridge at a time," he mutters.
When the boats hit the seafloor, he motions to get out and pull the boats into the cave.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=25 ; d20+10=25 ; d8+4=10 ; Thursday August 4th, 2016 9:04:43 AM
Tinker's eyes go wide as the water recedes, very happy that they managed to have the symbol and chain!
As the boats rest on the muddy bottom, he looks at the cave and then around at the stone dam holding back the water, when movement catches his eye...
"Giant Octopus! Right on top of us!", he shouts and brandishes his Dwarven urgrosh while pointing out the monster only 20 feet away!
Tinker Readies an attack to chop at the first tentacle that strikes at any of his companions in the boat! ......
Perception 25
Ready Attack. AC 25. Dam 10
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19; vs AOO: 26/17/19- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 d20+7=16 ; d20+5=9 ; Thursday August 4th, 2016 6:20:13 PM
(Perception : 16) Anna does not notice the octopus herself but has her attention drawn to it by Tinker's shouting.
She attempts to use the Queen's creations ability her lady has blessed her with but finds that her etiquette when it comes to Octopus customs is sorely lacking and she doesn't think she did a good job of trying to communicate to it that they mean no harm to it. (Wild Empathy : 9)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+13=19 ; d20+9=26 d20+9=20 d4+1=2 d4+1=3 Thursday August 4th, 2016 8:56:47 PM
Michael is overawed by the spectacle of the water....in another life he thinks that being a wizard would be really cool. he steps out of the boat and draws his rapiers...he puts his game face on and is ready to go. Tinkers shout draws his attention to the giant octopod and all he can think of is how much he likes grilled octopus. He readies an attack should the beast decide that he is lunch.
To hit AC 26 for 2 To hit AC 20 for 3
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Thursday August 4th, 2016 9:14:37 PM
"Well, that was better than the other way to the bottom, eh Tinker?"
"What octopus? Where?" Trayvin draws his Morningstar and readies his shield. "Any chance we can convince it not to attack?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) Thursday August 4th, 2016 10:51:14 PM
Nikolai was too busy worrying about the cave to notice the octopus. "Shoo! Go AWAY!" he blurts.
Prudence Gundle [Mage Armor] Friday August 5th, 2016 12:12:55 AM
Pru doesn't see any octopus, but she's learned to trust her companions for spotting things. "Do you suppose it's a guardian of some kind?" she asks. "Maybe it won't attack if we're expected."
DM Warren d20+11=18 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=25 ; d4+2=4 ; d4+2=3 ; Friday August 5th, 2016 9:38:27 AM
When the water level stops dropping, Nikolai begins to get out and push the boat into the cave, but discovers there is still 10 feet of water or so below them! Instead, he commands the Agents to start rowing inside, only to be forced to deal with this new threat at Tinker's warning.
ENVIRONMENT NOTES: DC15 acrobatics to fight from the boat while standing, or will take -4 to melee attacks from fighting prone. Anyone standing in a boat is effectively balancing which means and is flat-footed unless they have at least 5 ranks in Acrobatics. Anyone who takes damage while standing must make a acrobatics check DC15 + damage to remain standing, or become prone.
Pru hopes that it's a guardian of some sorts, but it doesn't look like it, or else it knows that the Agents are not the expected reinforcements. It ignores Anna's attempts at calming it and begins reaching tentacles out to attack!
It reaches out with long, sucker covered tentacles, trying to ensnare its prey. The first 3 are batted back by strikes from Tinker and Michael, but there are still 5 more unanswered.
It can't get a grip on Tinker, suckers seeming to slide right off of his armor. But two connect with Michael, and he is grabbed around the waist and neck! Michael takes 4 and 3 damage, grappled
Note: there is room for two of you side by side in each boat
Giant Octopus AC 18 - 15 damage
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+7=8 ; d20+7=8 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=5 ; Friday August 5th, 2016 10:26:57 AM
Michael likes hugs, but this one...not so much..still it's not like it's juking and dodging around a bunch now, he tries to stick his rapiers into it, but apparently its jerking around more than he thinks, he misses with both.
To hit AC 8 (natural 1) for 3 To hit AC 8 (natural1) for 5.
Prudence Gundle [Haste; Mage Armor] [AC 20; HP 58/58] Friday August 5th, 2016 2:43:21 PM
Pru has no illusions about her ability to balance in a sloshing rowboat. She sits down on the bottom of the boat and stays there.
She casts Haste on the party. Everybody is Hasted.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 53/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=26 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=18 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=5 ; Friday August 5th, 2016 3:31:59 PM
Tinker maintains his stance, spelt wasn't his legs wide and expertly keeping his balance as his Dwarven urgrosh rises and falls against the rubbery attacker! "You have better fare elsewhere, you monster of the deep!" He growls. .....
Acrobatics Check- 26
Attack. 19 and 18 (haste). Damage 8 and 4
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 Friday August 5th, 2016 8:32:34 PM
Trayvin knows what is likely to happen if he stands up in the boat. So instead, he puts his weapon and shield away and retrieves his crossbow instead.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 25/14/21; vs AOO: 29/18/21- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 Friday August 5th, 2016 11:17:08 PM
Although she studied some acrobatics it wasn't enough to keep her steady and fight an octopus from an unsteady rowboat. So she activates her barkskin SLA for the time being this round.
Active Effects: Darkvision : 4 hours Barkskin : 40 minutes + 2 nat armor haste : +1 atk; +1 AC +1 reflex save + extra attack + 30ft move
DM Warren d20+11=24 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=23 ; d4+2=5 ; d20+13=23 ; d8+5=12 ; d3=1 ; Sunday August 7th, 2016 1:08:20 PM
Michael has difficulty putting any force behind his attacks, wrapped up as he is. His attacks bounce right of the Octopus' rubbery skin.
Pru lies in the boat, but employs her magic to speed everyone else up.
Tinker gives the impression of being an experienced sailor, having no problems riding the currents, and he deliver two more solid blows to the octopus. doesn't he have an iterative attack though?
Trayvin readies his crossbow, knowing he'll be able to fire it more reliably than he'll be able to use his morningstar.
Anna improves her armor, hoping that the octopus won't get a grip on her as well. And good timing, as more tentacles are coming at her right now!
Both tentacles miss Anna, but Tinker cannot dodge all of the sheer number of attacks aimed at him. % damage and Tinker is grappled.
The two arms around Michael drag him out into the drink and towards a wicked looking beak. It bites into him, and Michael feels something enter his bloodstream that tries to sap the strength of his limbs. 12 damage and poison - DC 19 Fort save or take 1 str damage, 2 consecutive saves to cure
Giant Octopus AC 18 - 37 damage
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP48/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+6=7 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=14 ; d4=3 ; d4=2 ; Sunday August 7th, 2016 9:45:07 PM
The beak bites into him and the poison burns as it enters his bloodstream, he's focused on the maw of the thing and tries to put his rapiers into its bulbous head, the burning saps his strength though and his blows fall weaker than he would have liked.
AC 21 for 3 points of damage AC 14 for 2 points of damage.
Fort Save 7
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP37/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 Sunday August 7th, 2016 9:46:40 PM
header adjusted.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 22 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+15=34 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=23 ; d8+3=8 ; d20+11=23 ; d8+3=8 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+11=13 ; Monday August 8th, 2016 12:16:53 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge, +1 Ref, +30 Move, extra attack on Full attack)
Acrobatics +15 DC15 = 34
Friday DM Post: Nikolai stands and beats back tentacles, feeling energized by having gotten this far and determined not to let some giant octopus get in their way.
Flurry Att1 +6 +1 (haste) vs AC18 = 16 Flurry Att2 +6 +1 (haste) vs AC18 = 23, dmg = 8 Haste Att +10 +1 (haste) vs AC18 = 23, dmg = 8
Total dmg = 16
Sunday DM Post: Acrobatics +15 vs DC15 = 30
"Oh no you don't!" Nikolai exclaims as the tentacled multi-armed creature grabs Michael and bites him.
Flurry Att1 +6 +1 (haste) vs AC18 = 16 Flurry Att2 +6 +1 (haste) vs AC18 = 16 Haste Att +10 +1 (haste) vs AC18 = 13
Despite his anger, he is unable to negotiate the swinging flapping tentacles to do any harm.
Prudence Gundle [Haste; Mage Armor] [AC 20; HP 58/58] 4d4+4=14 ; Monday August 8th, 2016 6:45:14 PM
Michael is too close to the octopus to risk any kind of ray, so Pru unleashes a spread of Magic Missiles instead. The octopus takes 14 points of force damage.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 25/14/21; vs AOO: 29/18/21- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 d20+4=7 ; Monday August 8th, 2016 8:10:38 PM
Anna draws her greatsword and moves to the bow of the boat attempting to hit the octopus with her large blade but her effort is wasted as she can't land a solid blow from prone. (7 vs AC = miss)
Active Effects: Darkvision : 4 hours Barkskin : 40 minutes + 2 nat armor haste : +1 atk; +1 AC +1 reflex save + extra attack + 30ft move
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 48/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=28 ; d20+9=18 ; d4+2=3 ; d4+2=5 ; d20+9=19 ; d4+2=4 ; Monday August 8th, 2016 9:56:35 PM
Tinker has arms all over him and has trouble using his urgrosh. Before he is too wrapped to fight back, Tinker drops his urgrosh into the bottom of the boat and draws his dagger. Speed enables him to strike twice, confident to draw more ichor. "I'll cut 'em off until you have to float like a pile of seaweed!", he shouts uncharacteristically. ...... Grappled
AC. 28 crit! 18 yes! Dam 3+5= 8 Haste AC. 19. Dam 4
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 d20+1=16 ; d8=2 ; Monday August 8th, 2016 10:07:12 PM
Trayvin fires his crossbow at the octopus, trying to aim around Michael.
Hit AC 16, damage 2
"This thing seems pretty aggressive, is this normal behavior for it?"
Active Effects haste
DM Warren Tuesday August 9th, 2016 12:30:35 AM
After a flurry of attacks from all sides, the Octopus decides that it has had enough, and these prey are not good for its digestion. Dropping Michael and Tinker, it expels a massive jet of water and jets away, buffeting Michael in its wake, and spinning the boats as well.
standing people in the boats make another dc15 acrobatics or fall out
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 22 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+15=18 ; Tuesday August 9th, 2016 12:47:50 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge, +1 Ref, +30 Move, extra attack on Full attack)
Acrobatics +15 DC15 = 18
Nikolai's monk training, walling on narrow ledges, tiptoeing across rice paper without making a footprint, all pays off as he keeps his balance when the boat goes a-spinning.
Glad that the giant octopus gave up its prey, it probably was not used to its dinner putting up such a fight. Once the boat stops spinning, he calls out, "How are we doing? Michael? Tinker? Anna, Trayvin, save your healing spells and use my wand of Cure Light Wounds," and hands it to Trayvin. "There's lots of charges still, so use what you need."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 25/14/21; vs AOO: 29/18/21- HP 45/49 -- CMD 16 Tuesday August 9th, 2016 4:03:57 PM
(OOC: Anna never stood she was prone)
Anna rides around in the bottom of the boat as the fleeing octopus spins it around.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP37/60 Me+11(7)10 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+6=13 ; d3=1 ; d20+18=32 ; Tuesday August 9th, 2016 5:31:37 PM
fort save 13 -1 str. -2 total. acrobatics 32
hnnnn....that blasted thing bit me, It put something in me that burns like fire. it makes me feel weak and shaky, anybody got a cure poison or something this stuff ain't no joke
After he gets done getting the boat under control, Michael sets down in the bottom of the boat and starts sucking on the wound and spitting blood over the side of the boat trying to siphon the poison out of the wound.
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 48/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+6=18 ; Tuesday August 9th, 2016 5:37:24 PM
Tinker, dropped by the Octopus, starts kicking and comes up out of the water, sputtering. He waves and grabs hold of a gunwale. "Just a couple of scratches, Nikko. Where's Michael?" Tinker's head is sure that the halfling will succeed at anything, but his heart wants to make sure the rogue is Not drowning somewhere in the water.
The dwarf looks about and sheaths his dagger. "Looks like the way is now open, yes?"
After Michael surfaces, Tinker will heft himself back into a boat.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 22 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+10=21 ; Tuesday August 9th, 2016 5:52:57 PM
Nikolai fetches his Healer's Kit out and starts tending to Michael's bite wound.
Heal Check +8 +2(healer's kit) to treat poison = 21 vs DC19 of the poison.
Michael gets a +4 competence bonus on his Save against the poison.
Healer's Kit 9/10.
Shane P posting for Trayvin. d20-4=15 ; d20+8=16 ; d8+1=7 d8+1=6 d8+1=8 d8+1=9 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 d8+1=6 Tuesday August 9th, 2016 8:36:59 PM
Acrobatics 15
Trayvin wobbles a bit but manages to keep in the boat. gods, why do have to go places in small boats. , he thinks to himself. He takes the Wand from Nikolai and starts to triage the damage. It seems that Michael is the worst off so he touches him with it till he is healed, he then goes to Tinker, Nikolai and Anna in turn. He uses his Heal skill to help Michael with his poisoning but due to the rocking of the boat and other factors is unable to do much.
Heal 16.
Michael heals: 4x1d8+1 for 29 full hp Tinker heals: 1x1d8+1 for 7 full hp Nikolai heals: 1x1d8+1 for 8 full hp Anna heals: 1x1d8+1 for 6 full hp
7 charges expended from wand.
Prudence Gundle [Haste; Mage Armor] [AC 20; HP 58/58] Tuesday August 9th, 2016 9:56:22 PM
Pru is still on the bottom of her boat. It doesn't smell very nice down here, but she's a lot less likely to tumble out. As her Fist-mates scramble about recovering people and healing the injured, Pru assists by staying out of the way.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 22 Ffted 19 HP 49/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d8+1=9 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=5 ; Tuesday August 9th, 2016 11:29:38 PM
OOC: I should have mentioned this: a standard wand functions at the lowest possible caster level for the spell in the wand. In this case, Cure Light Wounds, the lowest caster level is CL1, so the healing would be 1d8+1 per charge, since CLW is 1d8 +1/caster level.
Trayvin used d6 with no caster level bonus. Re-rolling it using the proper numbers: Michael = 9 + 7 + 5 This puts him at 58/60
Tinker = 9 and full hp
Nikolai = 5 and at full hp
Anna = 5 and at full hp
for a total of 6 charges.
DM Warren Wednesday August 10th, 2016 2:05:10 AM go ahead and make 4 more saves, or stop after 2 successes, as the poison lasts 6 rounds.
After the waters settle, everyone is back in the boat and more or less whole. Michael feels the poison coursing through him, leeching the strength from his limbs. Otherwise, things seem quiet, and they orient themselves towards the cave mouth and begin rowing themselves in. The tunnel goes for a little over 100 feet, and quite soon after entering, all light from the outside is lost, and it is almost pitch black.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP60/60 Me+11(7)9 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+10=16 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=16 ; Wednesday August 10th, 2016 2:09:22 PM
The poison rocks through Michael, it burns making him fell like he is on fire, but at the same time he cannot keep from shivering, and sweating. His vision swims and vertigo causes him to lose his breakfast over the side of the boat. A handful of minutes later it begins to abate and he lays in the bottom of the boat breathing hard his eyes closed from the ordeal. ugh...that really really sucks, I think I still hate Will-o-wisps more, but big oct..octopi...they are definitely on my list.
for save +6 base +4 for help save 1 16 -1 str save 2 30 no loss save 3 11 -1 str save 4 16 -1 str
total loss 5 points 12 -5= 7 str. ooc: how long does the str penalty apply? how do I get the points back? do they come back after the effect ends?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 24/13/21; vs AOO: 28/17/21- HP 49/49 -- CMD 16 d20+7=10 ; Wednesday August 10th, 2016 3:57:57 PM
Anna tries to get a feel for what the cave looks like in the black and white shades of her darkvision (Perception:10)
Active Effects: Barkskin : 40 mins - ? Darkvision : 4 hours - ? (OOC: Oh kindly DM can you give me an estimate of how long Anna has on darkvision / natural armor?)
AC 29 T 16 F 18 CMD 22 26 vBull Rush or Trip; HP 48/53 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=24 ; Wednesday August 10th, 2016 4:47:32 PM
Tinker is helpless to assist Michael, and can only hold the halfling's head so he vomits on the right direction and not on his clothes or that of his friends. By the time the halfling recovers his sense of humor... "You look like death warmed over" is Tinker's assessment.
But as the boats drift slowly into the caves, Tinker goes back on watch, checking the ceiling and walls with his Darksight to earn his fellow Agents of any approaching danger.
Perception 24
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 22 Ffted 19 HP 53/53 CMD 27/29(Grapple) d20+5=15 ; d20+13=31 ; Wednesday August 10th, 2016 10:20:32 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge, +1 Ref, +30 Move, extra attack on Full attack)
Nikolai feels bad about Michael's condition. And they've not even gotten into the cave yet.
Knowledge Nature +5 = 15 vs 10 +CR.
He tries to recall any details he may have heard from those sailors months ago when taking the boat trip to the Wererat town but comes up blank.
"Unless we have a Restoration spell, I'm afraid we'll have to wait and see how long that poison's effects last. We'll just not give you the pirate treasure chest to carry," he chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.
Paddling into the cave, Nikolai pulls out his Everburning Torch. "I have some Sunrods too if anyone needs one. Here, Michael, take a Sunrod but use it only if you need it. It doesn't last as long as an Everburning Torch," he grins.
Rowing into the cave with the magic light giving plenty of light in a 20' radius and some light out to 40', he scans the walls, ceiling, and even the water. Are there other holes? Ledges? Man-made markings on the walls? Eyeballs glowing back at them?
Perception +13 = 31
Trayvin AC 18/10touch Hp 59/59 d4=2 ; Wednesday August 10th, 2016 10:21:53 PM
"Michael, I'm sorry I couldn't do much to stop the poison, I promise I will work on that. But I can help a bit with the after affects."
Trayvin casts lesser restoration on Michael, restoring 2 points of the STR loss.
Prudence Gundle [Haste; Mage Armor] [AC 20; HP 58/58] Wednesday August 10th, 2016 11:12:26 PM
"Remember, Nikolai, I can cast Dancing Lights and move them around at a distance. If you want," Pru says.
DM Warren Thursday August 11th, 2016 12:20:37 AM
Michael is on his feet, but noticeable weaker than normal. Ability damage heals at one point per day, or through use of restoration spells. Tinker assists by helping him not make a fool of himself by doing something silly, not vomiting on his clothes. Trayvin is able to heal some of the damage, and hopefully will be able to take care of the rest after recovering some spells.
Tinker and Anna look around in the cavern, able to steer the boats with their darkvision. only been about 15 min since shoving off in the boats. The island wasn't that far out. Nikolai makes the point moot by pulling out a torch, with Pru adding some light in the corner to help them make out details. Things come into focus slowly as they row themselves out into a cavern. Once inside, they notice the water level rising again, presumably to where it was before they performed the ritual to lower it.
On the opposite side of the cavern can be seen a wide mouthed cave that leads further into the island. It looks like the cave used to be sealed by a large wooden gate. That gate has been thoroughly smashed open. Tied to the gate are 3 small rowboats.
Perception checks :- DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: {With the water level lowering and then rising again and the ambient moisture in the air, any wet footprints that would have been left on these rocks are impossible to find. } DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {Based on the discoloration of some of the wood, the gate hasn’t been broken for long. Some time within the past 24hrs given the lack of water residue. In the centre of the gate was the high woldian symbol for Gargul - a lidless eye. It has been split in two. } DC20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The gate was made from dark wood. It could may have been here for many many years and looks to have been very tough.}
2000 exp to all - hero point to Michael for RP with the old man and to Anna for the valiant, though unsuccessful attempt at interrogation.
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