DM RobC - All is quiet Tuesday September 16th, 2014 6:19:33 AM OOC: I'll assume those that posted before Aex will follow with the rest of the group...
Zeoll doesn't believe the corpse of the half-elf to be the monk they were looking for. He is adamant that the man they are looking for must be a cleric of pantheon. Then again, would Brother Engev refer to any cleric - regardless of their chosen deity - as brother? Where's Kane when you need him to Speak with the Dead!
The group cautiously make their way towards where Air-Aex is indicating. In her current form she cannot communicate easily with the group - in fact, only those that understand Auran can understand what she's saying (Anyone speak auran? I don't believe so)
Aexana has the lead, but Sam and Jozhur are quickly on her heels. Coer, Zeoll, Spire and Magana follow close behind.
Trudging through the sand the group can see what it is that Aex was gesturing about. There is a large patch of light blue right in the middle of the beach. Blue sea weed perhaps? But as you get closer, you realise the gravity of the situation.
Clustered together in mass are the bodies of some blue-skinned creatures. Dozens of them. 30, perhaps 40 bodies in total. They look like tiny (one--foot tall) female elves with delicate features, emerald unblinking eyes, long golden hair, and pale blue skin. No clothing of any kind is worn by any of them, though many have sea-shells woven into their hair, and strands of sea weed tangled on their arms. No weapons, armor, or equipment of any kind lies nearby.
The waves lap gently at the shore, as a sense of sadness washes over Zeoll as if from nowhere.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+8=24 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+4=11 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2014 6:44:52 AM
OOC: Not from nowhere. The sadness comes from his heart.
Zeoll looks at these slain creatures. Are they fey? Of what kind? Zeoll says a prayer to Queen Maab for her insight. [Know Nature with Guidance: 24]
Zeoll looks for tracks to figure out how these bodies got here ... who piled them so? [Survival 26]
He also tries to tell the cause of death: Are there wounds on these poor creatures? [Untrained Heal 11]
"Is this the villany of the new false god at worrk?" Zeoll asks. "Shameful!" he declares, wiping at his eyes. His tail swipes back and forth in anger and grief.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 d20+10=11 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2014 10:41:19 AM
Sam approaches with the rest of the group. With all of the horrors the gnome has witnessed, his innocent nature still finds a way to rule his reaction. The sage has no ability to assist Zeoll identify the race of the fallen. As tears stream down his face, he falls to his knees and sobs. (Knowledge=11...nat 1)
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] d20+7=16 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2014 11:50:47 AM
Terser approaches his friend, offering what comfort he can, which is little enough in this case. He has no idea what creatures they may be, but it matters little in the end. Whatever force that killed them needs to be prevented from doing so again. Perhaps they were lured here by another version of the song from Gullport, or they could have just been thrown together after they were killed. Are there are tracks to indicate anything?
Survival 16
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 d20+15=19 ; d20+12=28 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2014 3:36:09 PM
Spire simply gapes behind the scarf covering his face, attempting to recall what these creatures might be.
Arcana: 19 Nature: 28
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] Tuesday September 16th, 2014 4:05:15 PM
(ooc: sorry for missing post y-day.. was a very busy day at work)
Magana opens the mouth of one of the blue bodies, wanting to know if the teeth might indicate a monstrous origin.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+10=12 ; d20+8=22 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2014 4:12:10 PM
Jozhur tries to remember if he's ever heard tails of such a creature. He also checks the area for amy sign of where they came from or what brought them here.
------------- Perception: 12 Knowledge local: 22
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+15=17 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+15=33 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2014 5:15:33 PM
Aex floats over the patch of blue skinned-people and is shocked... what happened here?!? She also observes for injuries... Are they here scattered in a random pattern or do the bodies make a circle? Could they have been carried here perhaps by the tide of the sea? Is the water residing now? She does not want to touch them yet... She also checks if she can see tracks around the bodies other than those her friends are making right now... (perception 17, Knowledge nature 17, Survival 33 for tracks)
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) d20+13=19 ; Tuesday September 16th, 2014 8:30:35 PM "What are they. They have no weapons... why were they killed? Bah! This place already makes no sense."
Distressed by the sight, Coer reacts with anger. He storms away from the bodies and keeps a lookout further inland. This place is still hostile as far as he is concerned.
~~ perception 19
DM RobC - Won't somebody think of the fey! Wednesday September 17th, 2014 6:39:22 AM
Zeoll looks at the creatures and feels even worse - if that's possible.
A number of the group - Zeoll, Aexana, Spire and Sam - have heard tell of creatures such of these. Asrai. Good natured aquatic fey, that are closely related to pixies. Zeoll and Spire have further insight and know these creatures to be water dependant and that they can survive only briefly on land. Spire has heard tell that they are immune to cold based attacks and - when alive - know a number of enchantment spells.
Magana takes a more hands on approach and carefully pries open the mouth of one of the little folk. It's cold, tiny jaw easily opens against Magana's large taur hands. What she finds looks unremarkable to her. The creature's teeth appear, well, normal. Certainly not fangs or anything like that.
Zeoll tries to determine cause of death. He isn't trained as a medic, but has been around the Wold long enough that his instincts aren't too bad. What he first notices is that the bodies are cool to the touch - though this could be the norm for these creatures. He confirms no heartbeat on a few of the corpses. As to cause of death, he can find no signs of bodily damage to any of the corpses he examines.
Aexana looks on from above. The bodies aren't scattered in any random array or in any sort of formation. It appears to her that they look huddled together. Perhaps they died as a group? Perhaps this is the scene of a mass grave and the bodies have just been 'dumped' in a pile?
Jozhur can't come up with anything. These creatures are foreign to him, and no matter how hard he looks, all he sees is a pile of dead bodies. Perhaps they were evil and someone has done the Wold a favour by killing them off? His usually keen eyes are unable to tell how they got here however.
This is a very confronting scene for Sam, and the bard is not afraid to cry openly in front of the others.
Terser tries to comfort Sam, and when done, sets his task to looking for tracks.
In fact, Terser isn't the only one he considers this. A sandy beach should have much to tell. Terser, Zeoll and Aexana methodically check the sand around the current scene. The tide and weather have well and truly washed away tracks by the sea edge. Some tracks can be seen between the bodies and the sea. Judging by the size of these tracks and the lack of damage to the bodies it almost looks like these creatures walked out of the water to die. Surrounding these small tracks are other tracks though. Three toed footprints, not at all humanlike - more reptilian or avian in nature. And larger than those a man would make. Minotaur-sized reptiles perhap?
Coer is frustrated by this land. Or is it all lands? He turns to storm away when something catches his eye. One corpse is not like the others. A humanoid woman some 6ft tall clad only in sea foam and her long, white hair, which cascades over her body. She is lying face down amidst the fey corpses, and like them, she is not moving.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+20=39 ; Wednesday September 17th, 2014 9:40:59 AM
Zeoll sighs.
"Well, we must burrn these dead, or lay them in consecrrated grround. Has anyone seen a grraveyarrd or chapel anywherre? If not, I think that flame may be ourr best choice."
Then Coer points out the dead human woman. Is she truly human? Zeoll sys a prayer (Guidance) and looks at her, trying to determine her race, and any other details about her, searching for clues.
Perception 39
A thought comes to Zeoll: Those footprints, like lizards, maybe ... could they have been made by the seaspawn that served the new cult god back in Gullport?
It troubles Zeoll that there are no women or children among the dead. "Eitherr they werre capturred and taken away, or they fled firrst and escaped. If it is the latterr, then therre will be signs of theirr passage leaving the village."
"What happened herre? What happened herre? If only we had a witness still among the living ..."
Zeoll looks up at the hovering Aex-in-air-form. "Aexana! Aexana! Can you underrstand us?" The old liontaur wonders what it sounds like to hear speech if you are an elemental ... and resolves to learn Auran soon.
"Aexana, trry yourr new powerr! The plants on this beach, the kelp in the waterr, the trees growing in town, and arround the settlement -- any of them may have clues or storries or worrd about what has happened herre! We saw some scorched bodies - the plants will have noticed firre, I bet! and if any grroups of people snuck away out of the village, maybe they passed by plants on the way!"
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+10=30 ; Wednesday September 17th, 2014 10:31:27 AM
Jozhur approaches the body pointed out by Coer. He rolls her onto her back to get a better look. Is she another sea creature, or could she have been a resident of the town? Does she have any visible injuries?
--------------------- Perception: 30
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 d20+15=24 ; Wednesday September 17th, 2014 2:44:37 PM
Spire touches Zeoll lightly on the arm. "These are creatures of the sea. They will likely want to return to it in death, not burn or be trapped on the land. It might be best if we consign them to the sea, instead of here, on this island." Spire tries to recall anything about burials at sea and the funerals surrounding underwater creatures. (Religion: 24)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) Wednesday September 17th, 2014 2:51:31 PM
Zeoll nods and thanks Spire for his insights.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Wednesday September 17th, 2014 3:47:38 PM
Magana is disgusted at the slaughter with no sign of battle. It does not appear they died honorably, and this makes her wants to show the perpetrator how to do it right; personally and up close.
With nothing more to learn from the bodies, she joins Coer in looking outward for the source, but in her case it is toward the water, not land. She wades into the surf a ways to see if there is any underwater clues to be had.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Wednesday September 17th, 2014 5:02:44 PM
Aex-Air nods as Zeoll asks her to test her newly acquired powers. There must be some vegetation around the beach or so that might have seen something! In elemental shape she again scans the surroundings for something that looks like live plantlife. Even swimming is possible in air elemental shape (she can't even drown then).
Once she found planlife that looks invitingly enough to talk with she tries to gain as much info as possible about what has happened out here on the beach or in town...
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] d20+7=12 ; Wednesday September 17th, 2014 6:23:27 PM
The fact that they appear to have walked themselves out of the sea only confirms in his mind that something like the call of the sea is in play here. Maybe having had little success killing off the land creatures, Billoopl is trying to rid the oceans of good folk that may oppose him. If the saurian tracks look like the seaspawn feet, then there is even more reason to follow them to their makers.
Survival 12 to identify the tracks.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 Wednesday September 17th, 2014 11:45:21 PM
Sam collects himself and studies the situation. Seeing the aquatic creatures dead on the shore helps him to realize the powers of Billoopl. The "call" apparently can be used to pull its victims in any direction. The results, tragically, are the same.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) d20=7 ; d20+13=29 ; Thursday September 18th, 2014 6:25:22 AM
Curious, Coer returns to the pile of dead Fey and carefully moves them from the humanoid. No one had checked her pulse yet so he does so. He is not a skilled healer - normally causing pain instead - so he has difficulty so he uses his honed senses to see any other signs of life... is she breathing, is she cold etc..
"why is she here" he mutters, thinking out loud as he assesses the woman
~~~ heal; 7 perception; 29
DM RobC - Won't somebody think of the fey! Thursday September 18th, 2014 7:06:47 AM
Zeoll wants to see these poor souls treated with dignity, that they may find their way to the afterlife. His first though is to burn them or bury them in consecrated ground.
Spire though is quick to offer another suggestion. Based on what he knows of the Wolds religions and various traditions, a common way to help send aquatic folk to the Lands of Rest would be to wrap their bodies in seaweed (which would also serve to preserve their dignity) and return them to the ocean. Burning or burying things would not be common practises for life under the seas.
Jozhur and Coer have to move a number of the asrai corpses aside to get to the humanoid body, and they treat each one with the respect they deserve. Jozhur rolls her (it is a her) onto her back so that he may get a better look. She is humanoid but definitely not human. An extremely beautiful woman, her naked form is barely covered by sea form and her long flowing white hair. Her unblinking eyes stare vacantly back at Jozhur.
Coer checks for a pulse, but finds none. Her body is cold, limp, and dry.
Zeoll too is curious about the woman and treads carefully behind Johur to get a better look.
Terser tries to identify the tracks surrounding the deceased. The seaspawn from Gullport were no larger than a human. These tracks are much larger and their depth would indicate weight too. There are a number of possibilities that come to his mind. Perhaps a different variant of the seaspawn - a much larger one? Perhaps just a normal one that had been magically enlarged by a spell? And there has been tell of giant lizard type creatures in Cthonia that could easily leave footprints like these (and larger!). And that just covers some of the many reptiles and creatures on the northern continents.
Interestingly whilst the asrai footprints all lead from the water to the sand, the large 3 toed footprints look to go in both directions.
Sam is almost convinced that the 'Call' has something to do with this. Though he has only witnessed it used to draw people from the water, perhaps it can be used to drive them from it also?
Magana wants nothing more to do with this scene and makes a beeline for the water. She wades in to the water and finds that the slope is very gradual. There is no sudden drop, just a gentle decline as the water gets deeper and deeper. How far does she dare venture in though?
Aex is given the idea to try asking some local flora what they might have seen or noticed. No plants or flowers grow on the beach. The only ones currently present are dead seaweed. She does get the idea though to try venturing into the water to perhaps find some still living. Aex doesn't have to venture far into the water (it would only be waist deep for Magana) to find all kinds of seaweed.
"Oooo pretty" the seaweed gawks as Aex approaches in elemental form. Aex tries to ask some questions of the plant - what happened around here? Did it see unusual? "Some go out. Some come back. Not like us." Somehow talking to these plants does not feel odd for Aex. It's like it was an ability she was born with that has only recently awakened. (Aex - Highlight to display spoiler: {From the spell "A normal plant's sense of its surroundings is limited" and "the more stupid ones may make inane comments". I'm not sure what a plant with an Int of 0 would really be able to know :) Feel free to ask some specific questions if you like and I'll try my best to give an appropriate response})
Jozhur, Zeoll & Coer - Please check your emails
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+15=27 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+9=10 ; Thursday September 18th, 2014 1:07:15 PM
The remarkable beauty of the dead fey-like humanoid woman is entrancing ... so beautiful ... so sad ...
But Zeoll has seen beautiful and amazing things the Wold over. He is not captivated by the sight of the dead maid, although he can imagine that others might be.
[Will save 27].
For decency sake, he covers the dead woman with whatever is at hand. Wrapping the dead in seaweed, as Spire suggests, seems like a worthy use of his time. He says prayers and sings funeral hymns he may know, thinking that Queen Maab would like him to care for these, maybe her kin.
Untrained Know Religion with Guidance ... 14 to recall a sumple funeral hymn used by followers of Maab (Zeoll IS a cleric of Maab, after all!)
Perform Song with Guidance ... a 10. The old liontaur's voice cracks with age, and he coughs. Maybe Sam can help out with a finer version of the hymn.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Thursday September 18th, 2014 1:35:57 PM
Magana continues her off shore exploration, going no further than chest high into the water.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Thursday September 18th, 2014 2:00:12 PM
Terser assists the others in wrapping the small fey in whatever seaweed is available so as to give them back to the sea.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 Thursday September 18th, 2014 2:32:53 PM "M-Magana! Be careful!" Spire calls out as she wades into the water. With a shake of his head, he sets about the task of wrapping these creatures in any seaweed he can find and laying them in a neat row about fifteen feet away from the pile of corpses.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Thursday September 18th, 2014 5:14:53 PM
Aex returns from the water and shakes her head to show that she hasn't learned anything from the questionning of plants... When she sees Magana go further into the water, Aex accompanies the Taur just in case. She looks below the water instead...
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+4=18 ; Thursday September 18th, 2014 10:34:46 PM
Jozhur is shocked when he rolls the woman onto her back? Who could harm something so beautiful? He glances over her, then stares back into her eyes as he kneels over her, completely still.
DM RobC - What do they know? Friday September 19th, 2014 5:56:48 AM OOC: Happy "Talk like a Pirate Day", mateys!
Zeoll admires the beauty of the deceased woman. He does the decent thing and covers her with seaweed.
Jozhur had been stunned by her good looks, and is only able to take his eye from her when her face is fully covered by Zeoll. She was ... breathtaking.
The old taur says a few fine words, and sings as best he can (which is to say not well). Those listening catch some very moving words. "A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come". There is something about that verse that is reminiscent of a fey creature returning home.
In fact, if he is not mistaken, this beautiful creature is fey too (OOC: Your kind DM assumes a Take 10 on your Knowl Nature check for this). Now that he has seen her up close, Zeoll believes her to be an Oceanid, fey-kin of nymphs and dryads. Tales are told of how oceanids can be quite helpful toward mortals and their vessels. What's more, they are water dependant and can survive only briefly on land.
All the bodies accounted for are of good natured, intelligent, sea dwelling fey.
Spire, Magana and Zeoll set to wrapping the deceased in sea-weed. Or what sea-weed they can find. There are just so many bodies.
Magana ventures into the water, but only as high as her chest. The water is cold and clear, and she feels the ever so slight push of the waves that move past her to lap at the shore. Perhaps some 40ft ahead of her a few gulls bob up and down on the water.
Air-Aex returns from her trip to the water. The sea-weed she had spoken with seemed friendly enough, but communication with them did not yield the result she was hoping for.
Without warning, all of the birds take flight and head inland. The gulls that bobbed in the water ahead of Magana, the ravens that were pecking the few bodies in the streets behind you. Even the vultures that earlier headed east can be seen flying up into the air and now head straight north.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Friday September 19th, 2014 4:08:26 PM
"Ahoy, Mateys!" Magana cries out. "Danger from the deep blue, methinks! Aaarrr!"
She takes a few steps back to she is not in so deep, and frees her flail for action.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Friday September 19th, 2014 4:52:30 PM So guys...what does it mean when birds do that?
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+9=17 ; Friday September 19th, 2014 6:17:09 PM
(knowledge nature 17)
Aex-Air observes how the birds suddenly take flight away from the water... She immediately takes to the sky and hurries after one of them!
"What's wrong? What's goign to happen?!"
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) d20+11=28 ; d20+13=23 ; Friday September 19th, 2014 11:19:47 PM "Yarrrrr..... Blow me down Magana. Get out the water!" Coer's voice is more rough than normal, letting his pirate heritage slip through.
He readies his crossbow, preparing for any danger as he looks out to the water
~~~~ Happy "Talk like a Pirate Day" - the holiest of days in Bonetown Will save 28 pass....not that it matters because i missed a post perception 28 - looking out to sea.
[i]question - can a crossbow be loaded out of combat and be ready to fire? Ie I load it in the morning and when attacked in the afternoon it is ready to go?[/]i
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 Saturday September 20th, 2014 5:06:41 AM
Sam watches as the birds fly suddenly in a uniformed direction.
"It means one of two things. They are flying to something, or from something. Either possibility could prove dangerous. Let us assume first that something approaches from the south. If nothing arrives, I vote that we follow the birds north. They might lead us to the cause of all of this."
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+2=15 ; d20+10=18 ; Sunday September 21st, 2014 7:18:48 PM
"Avast! Seems they be trying to get away from something, maybe it be the same thing that caused all this destruction.
Jozhur peers to the south, expecting something to appear soon. ---------------- Perception: 18
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 d20+14=18 ; Monday September 22nd, 2014 2:43:08 AM "Magana! Get out of the water!" Spire scans the surface for any disturbance that may look like something breaching. (Perception: 18)
DM RobC - The skies are red, and the sea is dark Monday September 22nd, 2014 6:11:22 AM
The sight of the birds heading inland causes some disconcern amongst the party.
Magana takes a few steps back towards dry land and makes sure her flail isn't too far away. She still stands with the water up to her knees.
Terser looks on curiously. Birds and nature aren't really his forte.
Aex takes off after the birds, however, finds her ability to talk to animals has long since subsided (OOC: The gnome ability is usable 1/day, for a duration of your level/mins. Since you used it to speak to the birds/vultures when the Lionfish docked, I think it safe to assume that more than 7mins has passed. If you have some other ability or way to communicate with them, please let me know and I'll try to respond asap)
Coer and Spire are both concerned about Magana remaining in the water. Coer readies his crossbow and loads a bolt (OOC: Please see the discussion that just occured on the rules forum on this very topic. Ruling is that you can keep it loaded while you are holding it, but it can't be stowed/packed while loaded)
Jozhur looks out to sea to see what he can see see see.
Sam is the only one to look at this event as having two possible reasons - the birds are flying away from something OR flying to something. His gut tells him though to expect the worst - which means trouble may be coming.
The clouds now block out the sun. The sky has turned a garnet red and perhaps most disturbingly, the clouds directly overhead are now a swirling maelstrom. They ominously circle the town as the sea starts to get more rough. The wind has picked up, and starts to blow the sand about. It is not bad enough that it hampers movement or vision.
In the distance the sea starts to turn dark. As if the someone has spilled a giant vial of ink, the darkness in the distant water is growing. Spreading. And coming closer.
Aex : Highlight to display spoiler: {Based on your knowledge of nature, you are positive that this is NOT natural}
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+7=25 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+19=36 ; Monday September 22nd, 2014 11:41:01 AM
"What could that be?" wonders Zeoll.
Know Nature 25 Know Arcana 23 Perception 36
The old liontaur applies his hard-won lore of the Wold to try to figure out the spreading stain on the sea and the strangeness in the sky. He wonders if these omens are tidings of things yet to be.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Monday September 22nd, 2014 12:57:33 PM
Magana backs completely out of the water and bellows, "We are too exposed here. Let us put our backs to the buildings!"
She takes her own advice and moves to the building where she kicked the door in earlier.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Monday September 22nd, 2014 5:24:29 PM
Aex realizes this is not something natural but she has no way to tell her friends...
She returns to her friends and shakes her head while she points tobthe sand, sea, plants ans sky..n
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 Monday September 22nd, 2014 5:49:04 PM
Sam takes a few steps backwards as the sky and sea seem to work as one against the land on which the group stands. (Nature=20 after taking 10)
"Get away from the water! If a storm is coming, we might get pulled out to sea!"
The bard continues stepping backwards away from the foreboding weather.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Monday September 22nd, 2014 6:26:24 PM
Everything having been said already, Terser says nothing, but leads the group back to the most secure building he was able to find in his earlier perusal of the town to weather the storm, whether it be natural or conjured.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) d20+13=27 ; Monday September 22nd, 2014 7:16:02 PM
As Magnana heads for the house she opened Coer follows. He looks to see if it is big enough to hold them all (3 taurs take up a lot of space), and if not looks for a more suitable base.
Perception 27
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 Monday September 22nd, 2014 9:59:33 PM
Jozhur wastes no time following Coer in search of shelter.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 d20+15=19 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+14=15 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 1:24:22 AM
Spire gapes at the darkness spreading across the water and the oncoming maelstrom. "By the Gods..." is all he can manage as his mind races in an attempt to figure this out. He will wait for Magana to exit the water before retreating with the others to find shelter. ---------- Arcana: 19 Nature: 20 Religion: 15
DM RobC - Army or navy? Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 6:07:03 AM
Spire and Zeoll look at the surrounds with curiosity, more than concern. Both have a knowledge of the natural and supernatural, and on this occasion, both agree that this is anything but natural. Sure, there are certain spells that can control the weather - the aptly named "Control Weather" for example. But even that powerful spell can only call forth weather appropriate to the area. A red, swirling mass of cloud does NOT seem appropriate for this area!
Magana wants to head back to the building where she kicked the door down. Unfortunately that particular building is quite a bit far away from the groups current location (the nearest building to the pier in fact). With how quickly the weather changed and how quickly the black sea mass approaches there is no time to reach it now. There is an equally 'dull' building not far the the shoreline of the beach that the party currently stand on. Hopefully it too will be unoccupied. It may even be big enough for the entire party to squeeze inside.
The group follow Magana's lead and take shelter under the eaves of the nearest building. Aexana (I assume) stays in elemental form just above the shelter.
From your vantage point you still have a clear line of sight out to the ocean. The darkness in the distance has spread closer. Much closer. It is only a few yards out from the shoreline now.
Finally the party are able to see what it is. A row of sahuagin rise from the water. There must be fifty of them lined shoulder to shoulder and all advancing towards the shore in formation. As they approach another row of sahuagin rise from the water behind them. They are followed by another row, and another row, and another, and so on.
Literally hundreds of sahuagin marching in formation. Tridents held firmly by their sides.
When the final row of sahuagin set foot on dry land they come to a halt. All of them. And with military like precision every sahuagin bangs the handle of their trident to the ground with 3 deliberate jabs. BANG BANG BANG.
Then... silence. The army hold their position as the glowing red clouds circle overhead. Given the pure number of sahaugin it is likely that at least one of them spotted you. (OOC: No stealth checks made and you'd think at least 5% of them would roll a Nat20 perc check)
Everyone please make a Will Save vs DC15 or be Shaken for 1d6 rounds due to the frightful presence such an army commands. This is a fear effect.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+11=20 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 11:23:19 AM
(Will save 20)
Even though Aex is not frighthened by the sight of the massive army, she is to say 'Impressed' by the grandeur of the Sahuagin. Still in Elemental shape she slowly lands next to her friends and bows... she also assumes the more communicative or diplomatic souls of this endeavor will talk on behalf of the group.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] d20+8=17 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 1:16:57 PM
(will save 17 - YES! FINALLY!)
A low rumbling growl starts deep in Magana's chest as the sahuagin emerge from the sea. Today is a good day to die, she thinks to herself as her blood starts to pump in anticipation of a glorious battle.
She shakes her flail free and mutters a quick prayer to Gargul for strength and for an honorable death in his name.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] d20+3=21 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 2:33:07 PM
In classic barbarian fashion, Terser does not fear the oncoming army, though he has a healthy respect for its capabilities. will save 21 Still, he wonders why they didn't enter the building like he had suggested with the apparently destructive storm coming on. It would have hid them from Sahuagin eyes as well as the fury of the approaching clouds.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 d20+8=25 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+15=16 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 3:22:47 PM
(Will=25)
Sam sees the army rise from the water and Magana waiting for a possible fight. He weighs the options and decides to play diplomat if possible. The bard did just learn Auquan days ago. Hopefully his silver tongue can get the group out of this situation. If not, he can at least turn most of his friends invisible if things disintegrate.
Sam approaches Magana as quickly as his little legs can carry him.
"Easy Magana! We might have a common enemy!"
When within range of the army, he calls out in Aquan,"Mighty Sahuagin! Please tell us of the reason of your march onto this land. I am guessing we share a common enemy. We seek Billoopl. He is the one who did this." (diplomacy=18. Hit the button twice somehow)
With that, Sam gestures to the bodies on the beach.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) d20+11=16 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 5:34:34 PM
~~will save; 16~~
"19, 20, 21.... carry the 3.... Thats a lot of tridents. Cool heads Magana. I don't think even we can take on a whole army"
Coer rummages around in his bag and pulls out a mage armor potion - just in case.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+4=21 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+10=16 ; Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 7:40:07 PM
Jozhur isn't rattled by the presence of such a large force, afterall, they haven't attacked...yet.
He gives Magna a nudge, "Put that thing away, they're far enough away to ready it if you need it."
He hopes some of them speak common, "We are NOT here to fight with you, or anyone for that matter! We did not harm those beings on the beach!" ------------------------ Will save: 21 Aid Sam's diplomacy: 16
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 d20+10=12 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday September 24th, 2014 1:45:16 AM
Spire cannot believe the size of the army before them, and slinks behind Magana, hoping they'll simply go away. (Spire is shaken for 5 rounds.)
DM RobC - Army or navy? Wednesday September 24th, 2014 6:33:16 AM
Aexana is suitably impressed by the size and coordination displayed by this army. She shows it due respect with a bow, but stays in air elemental shape for the moment.
Magana is equally impressed, but perhaps for different reasons. With her flail now free, she cannot help but envision the scale of the battle. Win or lose, songs would likely be sung of her achievement.
Terser has a healthy respect for any armed force, but cannot help but wonder why the group have not ventured indoors. If it comes to battle, let the groups last stand be lengthy.
Coer does a quick head count and settles with 'lots'. Lots and lots of sahuagin and lots and lots of tridents. Like Sam, Coer urges Magana to show restraint.
Sam is the first to try an openly diplomatic approach. He asks for the reason the sahuagin are here. Could it be they share the same enemy?
Jozhur adds on to Sam's comments, noting that the party isn't here to seek a fight. What's more, he states that the party were not the ones to cause the death of the fey on the beach.
Spire takes cover behind his usual taur sized shield (ie: Magana). All he can do is hope things will not lead to a fight.
Whether or not the sahuagin have understood the remarks made by Sam and Jozhur is unclear. But something does happen...
A group of 6 clearly unarmed sahuagin, draped in bright red robes advance to the front of the army. 1 sahuagin in golden robes follows (also unarmed). The 6 form a circle around the one in gold and start chanting as one in ancient sahuagin tongue. The chant is a low toned, repetitive drone to those who do not understand the language. The one in gold remains tight lipped.
Save for these robed sahaugin, none of the others make any obvious movements. They blink, they sway a little as they stand but they don't take any obviously aggressive actions. Unlike others the party have encountered though, no weapon are pointed at you and no sharp teeth are bared.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+16=17 ; Wednesday September 24th, 2014 6:58:54 AM
Zeoll is liking this less and less. This is not magic that a mortal might cast ... so what is it then? A miracle? The workings of an artifact?
And this display of the might of an army, but with no attack?
"Hmmmm," muses the old liontaur. "Amazing visuals. Strrange sounds. No attack. Excuse me, frriends, but I'm guessing that we arre being conned. I bet this is all an illusion of some kind!"
The old lontaur says a prayer to Queen Maab for Guidance. Then Zeoll does his best to clear his mind of the fogs of enchantments, to disbelive his own lying eyes.
Will Save 17, a natural one!
"Whelp, it's rreally rreal, all rright!" he declares.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Wednesday September 24th, 2014 3:45:55 PM
Magana relaxes slightly. Although a little disappointed at the lack of action, she nonetheless clips her flail back on to her belt and awaits the outcome of the boring, diplomatic approach. She eyeballs the army hoping to glean information that will help her defeat it.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+13=18 ; Wednesday September 24th, 2014 4:14:01 PM
Such a vast army doesn't come from the water without a purpose! So either Zeoll's suspicion about this being an illusion is true and then someone is indeed trying to play tricks on them but else... someone has seriously angered the Suaghin race! (Will save vs illusions 18)
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 Wednesday September 24th, 2014 6:08:16 PM
Sam speaks again,(in Aquan) "I am Sam. I am the navigator and sage of the ship 'Lionfish'. Under the command of our esteemed captain, Coerator, we have sailed here to investigate Billoopl's involvement. It appears that his works are indeed present."
Sam waits for introduction or declaration from the contingent.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Wednesday September 24th, 2014 6:18:16 PM
Terser has little to add, not knowing any languages helpful for the situation. He instead holds himself ready to shield Sam if anything threatening makes itself known.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+10=15 ; Wednesday September 24th, 2014 9:28:58 PM
"Zeoll, I think the robed ones are going to speak with us. At least I hope they just want to talk, that'd be a lot of Sahaugin to kill."
Not sure if they understand common, Jozhur waits for them to say something.
------------------------ Perception: 15
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 Thursday September 25th, 2014 1:00:23 AM
Spire continues to cower behind his shield - that is to say, he stays behind Magana. (Shaken - 4 rds remaining)
DM RobC - Kali Ma! Thursday September 25th, 2014 6:16:39 AM
Zeoll hopes his eyes are deceiving him. Surely this is an illusion! Surely noone could have amassed such an army without him hearing word of it! But the more he looks, the more he is convinced what he sees is real.
Aex too tries to disbelieve what she sees. Unfortunately though, she is convinced what she sees is real. Someone must have really upset the sahuagin for them to be ready for war like this. But what is their purpose?
Magana relaxes her muscles - but only slightly. Most wouldn't notice such a subtle change. By the way the sahuagin carry themselves they are a well trained military arm. They would likely be far more challenging in battle than the inexperienced sahuagin the party fought previously. Though that could make a battle all the more heroic.
Spire stands very still next to Magana. Perhaps he is mentally going through his list of spells? Where's a wand of fireball when you need one?
Terser has little to add to the situation. He's found through experience that Sam is generally good at this talking stuff. When it comes time to cracking skulls, well, that's where dwarves excel.
Sam tries speaking to the sahuagin again, this time in aquan. He introduces himself, and name Coer as the captain. He even goes so far as to mention the party being here to investigate Billoopl's possible handiwork. Sam cautiously stays neutral in his talks, wary that the sahuagin themselves may be emissaries of Billoopl.
Sam's vast knowledge of things leads him to believe that what the group is witnessing is sort of ritual. A rite of passage for the 6 in red perhaps? It is almost certainly spiritual in origin.
Jozhur suspects the robe ones are going to do the talking. In his experience large armies usually send forward small delegations to do the talking.
In fact, Jozhur is the only one to give the sahuagin a hard look. These sahuagin are not young. Each carries a trident, but is unarmored save for a few trinkets and piercings. Pieces of seaweed hang from shoulders and heads. They appear different to the common sahuagin, such as those the party have previously battled. They look... meaner? These ones all wear some sort of plant on their chests. An emblem worn like a uniform for this army perhaps?
The chanting of the 6 red-robed sahuagin grows in volume.
The sahuagin in the gold robes approaches one of the 6 in red. With a swift, decisive action he reaches a scaly claw right at the chest of the sahuagin in front of him and tears something away. The sahuagin in red slumps to the ground and does not move. The sahuagin in gold drops whatever he held in his hand to the sandy shore.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 d20+10=18 ; d20+8=27 ; Thursday September 25th, 2014 9:17:34 AM
(In common)"I believe this is some ritual or rite of passage we are witnessing. I've introduced our group and generally stated our purpose. I'd advise letting them do what they will and..."
As the Sahuagin falls to the ground, Sam tries to identify what he has witnessed. (Perception=27)
With the combined information, he tries to specifically understand what is going on. (Religion=18)
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] d20+8=18 ; d20+4=24 ; Thursday September 25th, 2014 11:30:29 AM
Terser tries to get an idea of what the plant on the warriors is, and what purpose it may serve. Perhaps it is something symbiotic, and if it is the same as what was ripped off of redrobe, he may be weakened, or even die without it.
Perception 18 Knowledge Nature 24 (Nat 20)
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Thursday September 25th, 2014 1:35:25 PM
Magana doesn't like what she is seeing. Another death without battle, like the asrai. Another ritual killing, like the half-elf.
She moves to take position at Sam's flank, opposite Terser, to present a disciplined front to the gold-robed one.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Thursday September 25th, 2014 5:39:13 PM
Aexana watches the plants on their chest more closely. She's disturbed also by the apparent death of on of these strange fellows but she's hesitating to help heal this poor one... she doesn't want to disturb any ritual of any kind...
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+10=21 ; d20+2=6 ; Thursday September 25th, 2014 8:41:49 PM
The sudden death of the Sahaugin peaks Jozhur's curiosity. He squints his eyes and steps up next to Magna to try to make out what happened and why the Sahaugin collapsed. ----------------- Perception: 21 Untrained knowledge nature: 6
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) Thursday September 25th, 2014 10:58:16 PM
"OOH!" Zeoll urges Aexana, "Talk to those plants, Aex! I bet THEY have something interresting to say. My guess is they'rre some kind of gillyweed that lets these things brreathe airr."
DM RobC - No, it can't be.... Friday September 26th, 2014 2:35:06 AM
Magana does not like this. Death should be the result of glorious battle! Not this, this infighting? Minotaur Isle has the right process. Honourable Kayleb - where one taur battles hand-to-hand with his single opponent for honour and glory.
Jozhur's interest is piqued. How often do you get to see one sahuagin kill another for no apparent reason? Though he takes it all in far more closely now, his knowledge of wordly things doesn't give him insight into what exactly it is he is witnessing.
Zeoll notices the plants now that Jozhur has pointed them out. His first suggestion is that Aexana should try speaking with them. Perhaps having a greenmage on hand will come in very handy for the crew of the Lionfish.
Aex is taken with the plants. They are unlike anything she has seen before. Just looking at them, she doesn't get the impression they are quite normal. Plants this size rarely grow on living beings.
Sam and Terser stand side by side - Scab friends to the end. Sam relays that he believes what they are witnessing to be some sort of ritual - though it is unlike any the bard has heard tell of before. And now that Jozhur has pointed it out, both Sam and Terser stare at the plants worn by these sahaugin. The plant looks like some sort of growth. Seaweed perhaps? No, it can't be... those are Heartseeds!
The sahuagin in gold continues with his ritual. Reaching his hand out at the next chanting red robed sahuagin, tearing the heartseed from its chest and dropping the plant to the shore. He repeats the process with the next sahuagin, and so on, until all 6 of the sahuagin in red lay lifeless on the ground next to 6 pulsing heartseeds. Once again there is silence.
The sahuagin in gold raises his hands in the air and bellows loudly in common "Noble racesss, bear witnessss to your sssalvation..."
The heartseeds have merged together into a glowing green gelatinous mass, that throbs as if it has a pulse. You watch as the mass morphs into a humanoid form. Details start refining and the mass changes colour. It slowly shapes into a tall (wow 7ft? very tall!), bronze-skinned, muscular man. His chiselled good looks make him quite attractive to those so inclined. Shirtless, yet wearing clean red pants. His short hair is jet black, contrasted by his pale piercing eyes. Now fully formed he smiles towards the party, showing a mouth full of pointed teeth.
"... the benevolent, GA'AL!"
Every sahuagin once again bangs the base of their trident to the ground with 3 deliberate jabs. BANG BANG BANG.
Everyone to make a Will Save vs DC25: Failure means Shaken for 2d6 rounds due to the frightful presence of the God of Domination. If you fail the Will Save by 10 or more, you are instead Cowering for 1d6 rounds. This is a fear effect.
--------------
OOC: Everyone - by my record this is Ga'als first appearance in mortal form in the Wold! Monday will have a special guest DM. Ooohhhh!
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 d20+8=14 ; d6=4 ; Friday September 26th, 2014 3:46:43 AM
Sam's calm, diplomatic demeanor evaporates in the god's presence. Any hopes of lending comforting aid to the others is nothing less than impossible.
Will=14 Cowering for 4 rounds
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+11=18 ; 2d6=7 ; Friday September 26th, 2014 5:54:27 AM
(OoC: OOH GREAT STORY LINE DM'S !!!!! )
(Will save 18 - failure - 7 rounds shaken)
With ever growing eyes Aex witnesses the appearance of Ga'al... she's amazed with the Heartseeds or whatever it is this plant does... somehow she heard rumors of it before but she has never witnessed it. Thoroughly shaken she stands in awe at the chiseled God of Domination...
(7 rounds shaken)
(OoC 2 - friends I'm flaying home from Slovakia today so I can't guarantee I will be able to post this evening.)
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) d20+11=13 ; d20+11=31 ; Friday September 26th, 2014 7:31:17 AM
Coer is amazed that an actual God has appeared before them, this being his second meeting with one. He bows out of respect to the mighty being, and says nothing, waiting for Ga'al or his emissary to address them first.
~~~ OOC: - igone first roll, it was for my Wednesday post that i never finished or posted - will save 31 - Coer has previously met Gargul
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+15=26 ; Friday September 26th, 2014 10:16:47 AM
"Okay," says the old liontaur quietly, breathing faster as he slowly comes to comprehend the enormity of the situation. "Okay. Well, if we werre all just gonna die, we would be dead already."
He remembers his old friend Ashira who was forced to take a Heartseed and to join a Quad. She was never the same again, exactly, even after her friends dug it out of her. That changes a person. Maybe the party is still alive because they are going to be Heartseeded.
"I do NOT want a Heartseed!" he murmurs. "Oh please, I do not!"
THEN THE ACTUAL GOD APPEARS!
Okay, Zeoll remembers when Marteus tricked a cleric of Domi into bringing him back from the dead, and then the god reinserted him into his old party with a secret mission to spy for the enemy. He was polite to the god then, but it did not matter, and Zeoll was tormented. He remembers being under a god's control, unable to speak the truth, compelled to be silent, to make reports. A Heartseed would be like that, maybe worse.
"Not again," he sighs. With a deep deep fear on him, he tries just to be silent and to keep his mind empty.
Will save 26.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] d20+3=18 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; Friday September 26th, 2014 11:09:26 AM will save 18 - shaken for 6 rounds
This experience is quite different from when he met Domi, and being dead at the time, Terser was much emboldened. He is trembling from trepidation, but refuses to cower in fear, trying for a respectful obeisance instead, though any grace it may have had is ruined by his shivers.
He whispers quietly to Zeoll The Gods have charged him to only install heartseeds in those who request it. Do not ask for one and you will be spared that fate.
Spirysn'rar Kilarn (Ian) AC 15/11/15 - CMD 15 - HP 28/28 d20+10=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Friday September 26th, 2014 1:23:31 PM
Spire glances out from behind Magana for just long enough to see the God in his mortal form before shrinking back behind her, clutching at her clothes to keep himself standing. "This... this is too much..." he mutters in a shaky voice, knees knocking together. (Will Save: 19, Shaken for 7 rounds)
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] d20+8=10 ; 2d6=11 ; d6=6 ; Friday September 26th, 2014 4:23:49 PM
(will save 10, shaken for 11 rnds... oops, no cowering for 6 rnds ... wow... almost worst possible rolls... i must have some really bad karma today!)
Once again, the presence of a god strikes fear into the heart of Magana. She falls to her knees and hides her face from Ga'al.
Silently, she prays to Gargul, admitting to him that she is a poor servant of his will and begging for an end to this torment.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+4=22 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d20+19=38 ; Saturday September 27th, 2014 12:39:48 AM
Jozhur is shaken by the sudden presence of a god in mortal form, and this whole event in general. He bows respectfully, but continues to stand tall and keeps a brave face on, hoping to hide his fear.
He gives Magana a quick nudge with his foot, "Magana! Snap out of it!"
------------------- Will save: 22 Shaken for 8 rounds Bluff check to hide shaken condition: 38 (not really in the rules for bluff, but I'll try it)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) Saturday September 27th, 2014 11:38:02 AM
Zeoll is too shocked, if not awed, to do more than watch at the moment.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Sunday September 28th, 2014 5:11:43 PM
Aex realizes she stands with her mouth wide open... before drueling on the sand she snaps it shut.
Ga'al, God Of Domination (Guest DM & ACDM Cayzle) Monday September 29th, 2014 7:35:32 AM
Ga'al's grin changes from a toothy rictus to an amused smile ... and just like that, in a flash, the fear and awe effect turns off, so that those who failed their saves are no longer quite so dismayed or cowed.
Ga'al, the image of perfection in bodily form, clasps his hands behind his back and paces the shore, looking at the pile of fey corpses. He also looks toward the village, now inhabited only by the dead.
"These creatures are not mine, but that does not make this work less ill done. Know, you heroes, that I, Ga'al, am indeed the god of prosperity and peace; these poor imperfect creatures had little enough of either, but the cult god who robbed them of their lives stole from them what little they had."
"You assembled here have already struck a blow at Gullport against this usurper. Your actions were imperfect, of course, for you are mortal, and flawed. You failed to save the followers of the cult god from themselves, but at least you have sent them on to Gargul, and that was not ill done."
"Would you, then, you heroes, lift your hands again against this intruder, this slayer of innocents, this disruptor of the peace?"
You realize, as Ga'al falls silent, that he has asked you a question: Would you be willing to fight again against the power that attacked you in Gullport, and that seems to have been responsible here for a massacre?
Does your answer change if the one who asks is a god? If it is THIS god?
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 Monday September 29th, 2014 11:22:23 AM
The answer springs into Sam's mind.
"Yes."
Unfortunately, the word stays burried in his brain, as he is unable to do anything other than cower in fear.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Monday September 29th, 2014 11:37:15 AM
Terser finds his voice with the lifting of the imposing aura. He maintains his respectful posture and speaks with conviction. How to speak to a God though? He settles for how he would address royalty, and hopes he offers no disrespect.
My Lord, it has long been our purpose to help those in need. We have fought against injustice done by men and gods alike. Having your blessing in this only reinforces that we are on the right path, and we will not stray from it.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Monday September 29th, 2014 12:51:59 PM
Magana mistakes the sudden cessation of fear as a sign from Gargul himself. Suddenly infused with certainty that her deity has her back, she rises, exultant, and states firmly, "I will."
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Monday September 29th, 2014 4:44:42 PM
Aex senses it as an act of mercy that she's no longer shaken by the appearance of this God... she knows little about religion but when she was travelling from Plateau City towards the Taur Islands she travelled through Aisildur. There she heard stories of this divinity... but she has never heard of him as being the God of Peace and Prosperity...
Even though she's no longer shaken by this God and he appears to be rather friendly, she eyeballs the Heartseeds with lots of suspicion. Is he going to ask them to fight this Billoopl and 'earn' a Heartseed as rewards?!? Whatever it is, she doesn't favour it... having noticed what it did to the Sauhuagin that just felt on the sandy beach...
In the face of Ga'al Aex feels she should return to her own, imperfect, form... as she does now stands a small Gnome with Purple Pink hair in front of this perfect form and she gazes into his eyes.
"Is perfection what you realy want?!" Aex thinks to herself, "I know I'm far from perfect but doesn't that make us all real? Isn't making mistakes part of life... isn't that what makes us all grow?"
Then softly she answers to this god: "I have chosen to travel with the Lionfish and stand against the wrong or injustice we encounter... if that means fighting this cult god who is responsible for the death of these wonderful creatures than I shall.
But, with your permission Lord, may I inquire why this is of such importance to you that you have chosen us, imperfect creatures, to gaze upon your perfection?!"
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+9=19 ; d20+19=22 ; Monday September 29th, 2014 7:18:09 PM
Zeoll bows his head in respect, but he is suspicious, and he keeps his ears and eyes open.
Sense Motive 19 Perception 22
After his friends speak, he also says, "Yes, sirr, we will stand up to the evil that killed these innocent fey."
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) Monday September 29th, 2014 8:52:18 PM
Coer smiles at the words of Ga'al. 'Heroes'. He has not previously received this title from a fellow woldian, let alone a God.
He raises his head and gives a definitive "Yes"
But then a question pops into his mind "How does one defeat a god?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+10=22 ; d20+6=13 ; Tuesday September 30th, 2014 2:16:19 AM
Jozhur nods his head in agreement with the otgers, but stays silent for now. He remembers the tricks of Gargul and wonders if this and other gods are the same way. He waits to see what it is Ga'al wants from them.
---------- Perception: 22 Sense motive: 13
Ga'al, God Of Domination (Guest DM & ACDM Cayzle) Tuesday September 30th, 2014 9:37:10 AM
The god nods as each member of the party agrees to fight the evil that massacred the fey here and the people in town. He seems even to senses Sam's mental agreement, nodding at the gnome's thought.
He answers some of you who have dared to speak further.
"Ah, Terser, you are wiser than most dwarves, to declare that the Blessing of Ga'al would be a welcome thing to you."
"Aexana, you ask why I would deign to put my hand to such an imperfect tool as your band of adventurers. Indeed, it is rare that I would stoop so low. But even an imperfect tool may be the best tool for one's need, even for a god's need, in the right place and the right time. So it is here."
"Coerator Asterion, know that you may not defeat a true god. The very idea is blasphemy. But a false god, a cult god, against such as that, perhaps powerful mortals might prevail. Whether you are mighty enough ... remains to be seen. For now, you serve my divine and noble purpose in the striving."
Zeoll fails to detect anything extraordinary about the god, so dazzling is his magnificence, but he does note that the sahuagin are awestruck.
Jozhur, however, is able to discern that deep voice of this god reverberates with some divine harmonic. His voice is strangely hypnotic, almost intoxicating.
Ga'al turns, facing the line of the beach, so that you see him in profile. He speaks more softly, almost as if to himself, saying, "The cult god, the false usurper, is named Billoopl. He was indeed responsible for the fey deaths. These fey had the choice to side with Billoopl. Realising that his power would only grow if they worshipped him, they refused. Billoopl's followers forced the fey onto land, where they slowly suffocated to death."
"Billoopl was also behind the attack on this town. He used the attack to test out a 'war machine' that has come into his possession. It is a sign of his divine weakness that he would resort to such a device, that his own native power is not enough."
The god falls silent, perhaps just thinking, perhaps offering a chance for you to comment or ask a question?
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 Tuesday September 30th, 2014 11:27:09 AM "It is our intention to continue fighting Billoopl, but he is rather powerful. How should we go about fighting him? What is this war machine he possesses? Any advice you can offer would be helpful, I'm sure."
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Tuesday September 30th, 2014 1:11:40 PM It is a good sign that creatures are resisting. Speed is of the essence as well, before his power grows out of hand. A way to find him is all we need. This war machine will be as vulnerable as all the others that I have constructed, used, or fought against. Perhaps we can even turn it against him.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Tuesday September 30th, 2014 1:48:00 PM
Aex too wonders what this 'War machine' can be for if it's powerful enough to destroy a whole town it must be fearsome...
"Any cult god, or god for all that matters, who is responsible for the death of soo many deserves to be destroyed. It will be thanks to our flaws that we will be able to bring down this false deity.
But why reaching out to a tool of imperfection such as ourselves to destroy this Billoopl while having such a formidable force of Sahuagin behind you, Lord? And... what will you require from us in return if you were to help us to bring down this adversary? Please forgive my paranoid nature... after all... I am imperfect... "
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Tuesday September 30th, 2014 6:30:34 PM
Pondering Ga'al's words, Magana too wonders what kind of war machine could sinks ships, blast buildings with fire and slay the entire population. A simple catapult might do some of that, but seems a bit too ordinary for an entity such as Billoopl.
Perhaps, like the manner in which Ga'al was summoned, the machine is powered by the sacrifice of his followers? A disgusting way to do war, she thinks to herself.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) Tuesday September 30th, 2014 10:33:07 PM
Zeoll nods respectfully, but keeps a wary silence. He notes to himself that the god has not actually asked them for anything yet, at least not anything concrete.
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) Wednesday October 1st, 2014 9:24:56 AM "What exactly would you have us do?
Coer's question is blunt but necessary. No disrespect is intended, Coer just does not mince words.
~~~ ooc: can I have a phonetic sounding of Billoopl? i need to know if I am reading it correctly :)
Ga'al, God Of Domination (Guest DM & ACDM Cayzle) Wednesday October 1st, 2014 11:31:08 AM
The god smiles at you all.
"It is appropriate and meet, Jozhur Derile, that you should ask for my advice. And Coerator Asterion, you please me in asking what I would have you do."
Then his face becomes grim, although you think his ire is not directed at you.
"But it is a fact that I have agreed to refrain from counseling mortals as I have in the past. It is not the time for me to give you further guidance, not to direct your actions. Actually, I have asked if you would be willing to stand against Billoopl, but I have not commanded you to do so. Indeed, it is your own flawed judgements that must suffice."
"Similarly, I will will show restraint, and I will not send my followers directly into battle, Aexana."
"It will be enough, perhaps, that you have acted appropriately in the past. That we all desire an end to Billoopl will be enough."
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Wednesday October 1st, 2014 1:28:33 PM
Magana bows respectfully to Ga'al, acknowledging the necessity of distancing Himself from direct intervention. She remembers having read about his rebirth into the pantheon under the tutelage of her uncle.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Wednesday October 1st, 2014 4:37:36 PM
Since it seems they will get no new information from the God, Terser is all for continuing their interrupted investigation of the island.
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Wednesday October 1st, 2014 4:40:58 PM
Surprised that this deity almost literally says that he, along with the other Woldian gods, is looking for mortals to destroy the cult god, Aexana simple nods and makes a small bow. Even though this is not her god, he deserves her respect none the less.
"... and so we face this new peril... with only the knowledge that the Woldian Gods might be looking down on us... sounds good... count me in... Father and Mother Wold too will hopefully look favourable upon their children... ", Aexana thinks as she stands quietly in front of Ga'al...
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 Wednesday October 1st, 2014 6:35:23 PM
Sam remains silent (not sure if he's still cowering). He fearfully takes in the sight before him. He studies every detail of the encounter and commits what he can to memory.
Guest DM Cayzle Comments: All shaken and cowering effects ended when the god stopped grinning with his pointed teeth and merely smiled.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 Thursday October 2nd, 2014 12:21:41 AM
Jozhur nods understandingly, or maybe approvingly, as Ga'al speaks.
"We thank you for your blessing. You have my word, we will confront Biloopl and his followers wherever we can find them. This great evil needs to be wiped out."
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) Thursday October 2nd, 2014 5:42:53 AM
Coer considers Ga'al's words and mumbles to himself, but out loud.
How do you find a god? So far they have all found us."
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] Thursday October 2nd, 2014 11:37:44 AM ooc: checking in, in case I don't have a chance later. flying out for the weekend =)
Ga'al, God Of Domination (Guest DM & ACDM Cayzle) Thursday October 2nd, 2014 11:48:05 AM
The god smiles at the mention of his blessing -- and you see again the shuddering sharp points of his teeth. "Ah, my blessing! Indeed, there is one blessing I am always willing to bestow! Step forward, and I will do you the honor of personally bestowing upon you a Heartseed of Ga'al!"
"Will any of you willingly and freely come here for my greatest blessing, allowing my perfect and divine will to guide you in all things forevermore?"
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) Thursday October 2nd, 2014 11:49:54 AM
Zeoll steps hastily back, tripping over his own tail.
"Oh, no thank you, Great One!" the old liontaur says softly, looking at the sand, and not at the deity.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] Thursday October 2nd, 2014 1:23:50 PM
Magana briefly considers pushing Sam forward as she takes step back, but decides this might not be the best time for such a jest. She instead just shakes her head to decline Ga'al generous offer.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 Thursday October 2nd, 2014 11:51:10 PM
Jozhur seems a little startled. He keeps his feet planted firmly and shakes his head.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 Friday October 3rd, 2014 12:07:04 AM
Sam shakes his head "no" silently. He has little interest in becoming a slave
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids Friday October 3rd, 2014 9:16:39 AM "As tempting as it may sound Lord, to benefiting from a life without flaws I will respectfully decline your generous offer. We should learn from our faults and imperfections... it's what makes us mortal. we do not deserve this divine power... at least not yet..."
Ga'al, God Of Domination (Guest DM & ACDM Cayzle) Friday October 3rd, 2014 10:10:53 AM
"Ah, ever fearful of your precious 'free will' -- even when it leads you to error and failure. Well, let it not be said that I forced my blessings on you! Fare well, then, oh heroes, even without my blessings, for the sake of the defeat of our common foe."
Ga'al grins again, and again a wave of shock and awe falls on you. Will Save vs DC30 or be Shaken for 2d6 rounds. If you fail the Will Save by 10 or more, you are instead Cowering for 1d6 rounds. This is a fear effect.
"Well, children, I have been here long enough now to attract his attention. Be strong and win. I'll be watching."
There are three increasingly bright flashes of lightning and loud claps of thunder -- and on the third clap, Ga'al has disappeared ... and so have all the sahuagin. All that remain are the six red-robed sahuagin corpses lying in green blood on the sandy shore.
Silence.
The clouds overhead have dissipated, and the sky is becoming blue again.
The squawk of a single seagull breaks the silence, and signals the slow return of a few birds.
Terser (Warren G) [22/13/19 -- CMD 23 -- HP 78/78 (raging AC 20, 92 hp)] d20+3=5 ; d6=4 ; Friday October 3rd, 2014 11:07:56 AM
The reinstatement of the God's presence is apparently enough to send Terser to his knees for several moments. Once he is gone and Terser has a chance to recover, he will treat the priests with the same respect that they gave the ocean fey and give them back to the sea, after wrapping their bodies in seaweed. If there is anything to give a clue as to what happened here on their bodies, he will examine it, though he doesn't find it likely.
Magana (Craig) [HP 81 of 81] [DR 1/-] d20+8=20 ; Friday October 3rd, 2014 12:52:50 PM
(will save 20)
Magana falls to her knees again, cowering from the overwhelming presence of Ga'al. She closes her eyes and prays to Gargul again to help her through this.
Sam (David W): 14/12/13 -- CMD 14 -- HP 43/48 d20+8=11 ; d6=1 ; Friday October 3rd, 2014 1:08:17 PM
Sam cowers in fear as the god addresses them for the final time. (Cowering for 1 round)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+15=29 ; Friday October 3rd, 2014 9:18:51 PM
The old liontaur is shaken (rolled a 29), but remains standing. When the god is gone, he helps his friends to their feet.
"Why do I feel soiled and used?" he asks.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+4=24 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; Friday October 3rd, 2014 11:46:40 PM
Obviously rattled by the encounter, Jozhur is relieved to see Ga'al vanish. He takes a moment to gather himself, then sets to helping with the bodies.
(Brock) Jozhur AC20/15/15--CMD 20--HP 55/55 d20+8=18 ; Friday October 3rd, 2014 11:48:42 PM
Mindful of Ga'al's warning that Billoopl would be drawn by his presence, Jozhur keeps an eye out for danger.
---------- Will save: 24, shaken for 7 rounds. Perception: 18
Coerator (Mark) AC17/16/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 80/80 (Ki 7/7) d20+11=21 ; 2d6=7 ; Saturday October 4th, 2014 1:17:47 AM
The meeting with Ga'al leaves Coer shaken by the experience.
"Billoopl or his minions will be on the way. We need to prepare."
He looks for the best defensive position
~~~~~ Wil save = 21, fail, shaken for 7 rounds
(StevenVdB) Aexana HP 42/54 - AC20/18/15 - +4 vs Giant - CMD 19 - +1 vs Lizards & Goblinoids d20+11=15 ; d6=3 ; Sunday October 5th, 2014 12:03:16 PM
This is just too much for Aex to handle... she seems to freeze in place and can't do anything else but gaze at the spot where Ga'al was earlier.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC22 - HP 38 of 45) d20+21=31 Sunday October 5th, 2014 7:34:39 PM
Coming to himself, Zeoll detects magic on the dead sahuagin bodies. Do they have heartseeds? He would not like to get within striking distance of those things! If those heartseeds are living, he urges the group to leave the bodies be. If the heartseeds are dead, then sure, let's give them a water burial ... and finish giving the dead fey the same respect.
So ... funeral duty takes priority ... unless Billoopl is attacking right away?
Suddenly startled by that thought, Zeoll says a prayer to Queen Maab, casts a MinoTaur's Try, and scans the horizon carefully.
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