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When Legends Attack


Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d20+26=43 ; d20+10=25 ;
Sunday March 5th, 2017 10:25:17 PM

Upon our return, Rill keep a sharp eye out for any changes since we left (Perception 43,) and an ear for any recent rumors (Diplomacy 25 to gather informaiton.) In particular, he will seek out any info on the ship Soul Driver that was mentioned in song before we left.

With the others, he will thank the Harbormaster for his gracious reward.

DM Kathy 
Sunday March 5th, 2017 10:26:30 PM

[Everybody please take 11,000 XP for the previous scene.]

Back in port, Reggie and Jozhur discuss options for finding slavers, and possibly, Reggie's son. Jozhur asks for information, and finds all kinds of people who have seen "young half-orcs" on various ships in and out of Bonetown, acting as cabin boys or junior crew. When you finally specify, however, that you are looking for a half-orc toddler, the information dries up. As for slaver activity, there's the usual amount around Bonetown, but nobody has noticed any changes they would call noteworthy.

Zeoll begins to arrange for the Great Sea Serpent Celebration! The Harbormaster, somewhat bemused, agrees that the Harbor itself is probably the best location, and suggests a two-part event. "In the morning," he says, "we'll stretch the thing out so that people can get a look at the whole thing. Then we'll let the cooks get to chopping and preparing, and have a feast in the late afternoon."

For now, though, there's nothing much to do except celebrate your victory! Later that evening, you find yourself at the Shipwreck Ale-House, listening as a bard sings his latest composition. It's a ballad, and it's about the Soul Driver the same ship of undead that the halfling bard spun her yarn about a couple of weeks ago.

Tonight's bard has a very good singing voice, and accompanies himself by tapping on a small drum. Verse by verse, he lays out the terrifying scene--the moonless night, the terrified sailors, the Soul Driver swooping in! His song has more information about the Soul Driver's crew. There's a verse about her dreadful captain, known only as the Necromancer. Two more verses describe the rest of the crew: the first mate Death, the navigator Reaper, the bosun Spectre, and the cooper known only as Darkness. Each is described in terrifying terms--the living dead, driven and merciless, needing no sleep or food or comfort.

The last verse is a warning to beware moonless nights on the sea, because you never know when the Soul Driver may strike! The bard ends with a little flourish on the drum. He takes a couple of bows, then laughingly calls out. "A word of caution, my friends! Tonight is a moonless night! Beware the Soul Driver!"

Nervous laughter and more applause fill the tavern, and thirsty patrons order new rounds. Amusing to think of some undead ship sailing around out there, but it's just a tale, right?

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 139/139, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 3/28, channel 1/5) 
Monday March 6th, 2017 12:55:58 PM

"Perhaps the Soul Driver has come to seek us out, since we seemed determined to ignore it. Or more likely, some smuggler captain is paying bards to spread tales so that he has fewer ships to fear in his midnight voyages.

Hey Rill, has your God sent you any visions of a ship full of undead that need to be destroyed?"

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d100=32
Monday March 6th, 2017 2:10:14 PM

"Good question Terser - I'll check."

Rill will spend some time in prayer seeking Gargul's guidance this ship that has been mentioned twice now in Bonetown. This will include casting Divination, asking, "Will the Soul Driver come to Bonetown within the next few nights?" (Divination roll is a 32 vs. an 82% chance - Success!)

As a follow-up, he will check with any local astronomers or such to determine how many moonless nights are expected.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Monday March 6th, 2017 2:59:54 PM


OOC: Was the night at the inn with the Ballad of the Soul Driver the night AFTER the Sea Serpent Feast, or the night before? Either way, as the beast is butchered, Zeoll is sure to stay n hand in case there is anything interesting in the Belly of the Beast.

The night after hearing the ballad, Zeoll too uses some divination, relying on his Read Dreams ability to find out if the ship and its undead crew really exists, and whether it poses a threat to Bonetown and the waters around it.

(MikeK)Bralin AC35 / T17 / FF32 CMD 29 - HP 134/141   d20+5=21 ;
Monday March 6th, 2017 6:23:06 PM

Bralin uses the day to enjoy some solitary time on dry, non-moving, rock. By evening, the dwarf is once again in a mood for some company, not to mention food, and joins the crew at the Shipwreck Ale House.

Another bard. Same story.

Curious, Bralin seeks out some of the tavern's regulars to try and find out if the story of the Soul Driver has come up while the Lionfish was out, or is it merely a coincidence that its the only story he's heard while here.
[Diplomacy 21]

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Monday March 6th, 2017 6:55:12 PM

Tishe' enjoys her day and the feast that night. She never has cared for spooky tales, knowing too well how many tales can be all too real. She laughs as Terser has the most likely explanation.6

DM Kathy 
Monday March 6th, 2017 10:45:55 PM

[OOC: This is the same day you returned with the sea-serpent's body. The plan is to display it tomorrow morning, then cut it up and cook it during the day, then serve it tomorrow evening. So the feast has not happened yet.]

Hearing the ballad, Terser has a more mundane explanation for the tale: perhaps some smuggler is spreading it to sow fear. Tishe' laughs and seems inclined to agree.

When the tale is done, Bralin seeks to learn whether the Soul Driver has featured in any other tales or songs since you left port. You find that the old tale is enjoying a brief fad of sorts; people seem to want to hear it. You run into Captain Atuell again, and he seems just as eager for this song as he was for the halfling storyteller's tale when you first met him.

Zeoll and Rill make plans to do a little foretelling this evening, which you will still be able to do, but the events of the evening are not over yet! As the bard puts away his drum and calls for ale, a group of sailors burst into the tavern, looking very excited.

"The Soul Driver is real!" one of them exclaims. The tavern patrons turn to look at them, not sure what to make of this announcement.

"It's true!" says another. "We just come from the Harbormaster's office. The Agate was attacked! The ship's at the bottom of the sea now, it seems, and her crew are dead--all but the three survivors in the Harbormaster's office right now!"

This announcement causes a great deal of excitement, but fortunately no panic. Soon, the tavern is buzzing with questions, rumors, and speculation.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+20=24 ; d20+17=37 ;
Monday March 6th, 2017 11:56:37 PM

Jozhur finds it a bit suspicious that Captain Atuell is so excited to hear this story...again. When the sailors come rushing into the tavern, he keeps a close eye on Atuell. What is his reaction? Jozhur assumes they will be headed to the Harbormaster's office, but he keeps quiet about it.

Perception: 24
Sense Motive: 37

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Tuesday March 7th, 2017 12:52:29 PM

Rill looks at the bard, and give him a gold piece. "It seems you're story just got a lot more popular. If you have any more specifics, please ask for Rillett Savenport or any of the Black Lions as we'd be very interested."

Rill looks at the bard and Captain Atuell to see if they are undead (Deathwatch effect from an item.)

Then he puts down his cup and stands, absently smoothing out his clothing as he does so. To the rest of the Black Lions he will say, "Well - it looks like we need to pay the Harbormaster a visit."

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Tuesday March 7th, 2017 5:27:14 PM

Tishe' stops laughing quickly; pain and death are nothing to laugh at. "She stands and immediately walks w the others to the Harbormasters. "We need to get the real wool to know how to weave the pattern."

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 139/139, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 3/28, channel 1/5) 
Tuesday March 7th, 2017 5:40:56 PM

"Yes, the story straight from the source would be best. We can see if these men even know what a proper undead is. They could still just have been tricked by a normal vessel. "

Terser also wonders how far off the Agate was attacked. It seems that if Bonetown were the intended target, then the "ghost ship" would have made it here before these men could swim or row a lifeboat back.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Tuesday March 7th, 2017 6:21:27 PM


Zeoll agrees that a visit to hear these witnesses firsthand is a good idea.

"I just hope this does not interrferre with the feast," he mutters.

(MikeK)Bralin AC35 / T17 / FF32 CMD 29 - HP 134/141  
Tuesday March 7th, 2017 6:22:14 PM

On the way to the Harbormasters, Bralin relays that he's learned the Soul Driver story has been told repeatedly at the tavern ever since they first heard it.

"Tis a ploy," the dwarf asserts. "Spread a tale. Reinforce that tale. Someone crafts a crises,"

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18 
Tuesday March 7th, 2017 10:32:06 PM

Reggie has little concern for the ghost story
The seas are abound in them. Far to many to count.

But still, some supposed eye witnesses sounds interesting.

Reggie isn't one for being diplomatic, but she can sometimes frighten the truth from some.

When the dwarfsuggest it is a ploy, Reggie is even more interested in the survivors.

"Let's give em something really afraid of, shall we?" She says as she heads for the door.

DM Kathy 
Tuesday March 7th, 2017 11:02:24 PM

Jozhur is suspicious of Atuell. What kind of weirdo still gets excited about a story they've heard before? [Someday you should ask your DM how many times she's seen The Avengers :) ] You don't see anything about him to arouse suspicion, but you do get the impression that he isn't as surprised by the news of the attack as everyone else.

Rill can tell that neither the bard nor Captain Atuell are undead.

The rest of you decide that the Harbormaster's office is the place to be, and accordingly you head down there. It is not a large office, and it's already pretty crowded: there's the Harbormaster, the three survivors, and Brother Lansel, who seems to be tending to their wounds. All three men are shivering despite the warmth of the evening, and all seem to have been injured. Heal DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {They are clearly in shock.}

"No, I didn't see who got the cap'n," one of the men was saying. "And then that big fellow, the one they call Spectre, he knocked into me and I went over the rail. I thought I was done for until Hob and Avur pulled me into the boat. And that's all I know."

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141   d20+9=24 ; 3d6=13 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 6:35:24 PM

[Heal 24]

Taking in the condition of the three sailors, Bralin pushes to the fore.
"I have healing ability," he tells this Brother Lansel. "May I assist?"

Should permission be granted, the dwarf reaches into his haversack, holds aloft a fist sized sphere of blackest obsidian, and channels positive energy throughout the room.

Heal 13 hp damage. Oh, and if any undead happen to be close, DC12 Will save halves damage

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d20+15=19 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 6:40:13 PM

As Rill arrives with the others, he can see that the men are injured and in rough shape. He Channels energy, healing all withing 30 feet of him for 30 damage.

He looks at the men to see if any of them are undead in disguise. He'll wait for the Harbormaster and these men to finish their conversation, but will eventually say, "Forgive the intrusion, but is there any way we can help you? Brother Lansel, do these men need any more healing? Are there more alive out there? How did you get from your ship to here?"

Rill is sure the rest of the party has additional questions, but Rill is initially focused on the welfare of these poor souls.


Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 6:41:29 PM

(oops - cross post with Bralin. His healing will likely address what's needed with these men.)

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 139/139, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 3/28, channel 1/5)  d20+7=23 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20+8=25 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 6:55:41 PM

Not wanting to be left of of the positive energy party, Terser releases a wave of his own. Everyone should be feeling peachy by now! Physically, at least.

"Hmmn - Spectre you say? How long ago did he bump into you? Did you feel any draining feeling?"

Terser examines the man to see if there are any signs of his energy having been drained.

knowledge religion 23 for info regarding the a spectre.

Heal 25 to examine him.


(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18 
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 7:22:23 PM

Reggie simply listens, and lets the healers do their thing.

She looks forward to the chance to really interrogate these guys, but right now it time for the "good cop" to talk, she is ready to take the role of "bad cop"

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+20=25 ; d20+17=19 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 10:09:55 PM

Jozhur stands by next to Reggie, quietly watching the sailors. He takes the time to closely examine the sailors and listen for holes in their story.

Perception: 25
Sense motive: 19

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+25=30 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 10:38:59 PM


Zeoll apologies for the group barging in, but hopes the Harbormaster will not mind the intrusion. He tries to set everybody at ease and assure the sailors that they are now safe.

Diplomacy 30

He tries to calm things down so that the sailors can tell their tale clearly.

DM Kathy 
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 11:22:21 PM

Bralin, Rill and Terser flood the room with positive energy, startling the sailors and Brother Lansel alike. "Well, erm, thank you," he manages.

Nobody seems to be undead, but the sailors are still in shock.

Terser can tell that the sailor has not been drained. "He weren't ghostly-like," the man explains uncertainly. "He was able to knock me into the water."

Rill asks how they got here. "Took the dingy," the man called Hob replies. "And then it was Domi's good grace and Wardd's own luck, because it was dark and we didn't have a good heading, and we was all hurt. But we kept goin'."

Reggie and Jozhur stand nearby, ready in case anybody needs the tough stuff.

Zeoll tries to calm everyone down, but there simply isn't room in the office for a liontaur, especially after all the healers have jammed in there. Zeoll finds himself making his soothing speech through the open window.

The sailors repeat their tale. Shortly after sunset, with no moon in the sky, their ship was attacked. Most of the sailors on the Agate had heard the tales of the Soul Driver, and couldn't quite believe what was happening. The undead crew of the Soul Driver were just as merciless as advertised, and the men give quite horrific accounts of shipmates murdered before their eyes. Two of the sailors, Hob and Avur, happened to be sleeping in the dingy when the attack began; they were able to launch it without the undead crew being any the wiser. The third sailor, Harl, was knocked into the water; the other two managed to haul him into the dingy. "The Agate's lost," Avur concludes. "We saw her heading for the bottom. She was a good ship, but I guess the Soul Driver crew scuttled her."

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+17=26 ; d20+20=28 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2017 11:58:08 PM

Jozhur chimes in (crowding his way in if he has to), trying to calm the sailors down, "You're safe now, they won't be harming you in Bonetown. We will be getting to the bottom of this and making sure more people don't fall victim to it, but we are going to need some information. What cargo was the Agate carrying? You say your ship was scuttled, did you see the crew of the Soul Driver unloading anything?"

He pauses to allow time for answers then continues, "What was your captain's name? What about your itinerary?"

Jozhur carefully eyes the sailors for any signs of deception while they answer.

-----------------------------
Perception: 28
Sense motive: 26

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 139/139, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 3/28, channel 1/5) 
Thursday March 9th, 2017 11:02:18 AM

Hmmn - a mate named Spectre who isn't a spectre.

"What about the crew marked them as being undead to you? It would sure help us plan an attack. Sure would be nice if there are no ghosties among them."

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Thursday March 9th, 2017 12:13:40 PM

Bralin nods at Terser's question, and waits for any answers.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d20+26=39 ;
Thursday March 9th, 2017 4:39:28 PM

Satisfied that these men are in good hands and represent no threat to Bonetown, Rill will pull back and let the other do the questioning.

He pushes his way out of the crowded, noisy Harbormaster's Office smelling of unwashed sailors, and into the cool evening air. His white robes return to their clean and pressed condition, making him stand out a bit in the darkness. Ever present wisps of mist curl up from the hem of his robes.

He looks at the harbor, and squints a bit as he looks out toward the open sea. He half expects to see a glowing, ghostly ship sailing into port. Does he see any activity or shapes that catch the lights from the town? Is there any sort of light out on the open water?

--------------
Perception 39



Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Thursday March 9th, 2017 6:38:28 PM


Zeoll wants to know, if the others called the big undead "Spectre," then that means the other undead spoke among themselves. He tries to elicit enough of a description of the undead that hopefully Rill can figure out what kind of undead they were.

Privately, he listens for clues that might indicate these might be just humans in disguise.

For example, if the sailors saw light shining THROUGH ribcages, that suggests either they are real undead, or they had really really good disguises.

Did they say that this is a new moon? What, both moons happen to be dark? How often does that happen? Will they have the same configuration again soon?

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18 
Thursday March 9th, 2017 8:46:22 PM

Reggie checks the harbormaster's office for any local maps.

If he finds one she will place it in front of the sailors, "If we are to rid the seas of this menace, can you show us where you encountered this ghost ship?"

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Thursday March 9th, 2017 9:24:31 PM

Tishe' is a little scatterbrained and doesn't have any questions, being fascinated by a ships looking glass in the harbormaster's office.

DM Kathy 
Friday March 10th, 2017 12:41:45 AM

Jozhur asks about the cargo, the route, and the captain. "We was headin' into Bonetown," Hob says. "Comin' from Farungia and the Taurs. Cargo was cloth, mostly--silks from Aisildur and cotton from the Taurs. Cap'n was Cap'n Towhee." Jozhur feels that the man is being honest.

Some of you vaguely recognize the name Agate and Captain Towhee. You're pretty sure they were aligned with the Shipping Guild.

Terser asked what made the crew seem undead. "Skin like death," Avur says. "Nobody's that pale," adds Harl, "'specially sailors workin' in the sun the way we do." "And a couple of 'em glowed," Hob chips in. "Yes," Avur picks it up again. "And they had unearthly voices, shrieks that would curdle your blood."

Rill leaves the Harbormaster's office to scan the horizon, looking for lights, or anything out of place. There are no lights, but something nags at you. Something is off. It takes you a while to tease it to the surface, but then you realize that it's not something you do see; it's something you don't see. You don't see the Insight anywhere. Which is odd, considering that Captain Atuell was just up at the tavern.

Zeoll listens, and isn't sure. The sailors don't report seeing through any of the Soul Driver's crew, so they could be humans in disguise. Or they could be "solid" undead such as vampires. The Soul Driver is said to attack on moonless nights, and indeed tonight is such a one. With two moons in the sky, the frequency of moonless nights is somewhat uneven, but you believe the next one is in a couple of weeks.

Reggie is able to find charts of the local region, and the sailors can point to the approximate site of their attack.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Friday March 10th, 2017 10:56:27 AM


Zeoll suggests that with the next moonless night in a few weeks, there's no IMMEDIATE urgency. He suggests that we enjoy the feast tomorrow, see what the divinations reveal, and sail out to the site of the attack the day after tomorrow. Swim down to the ocean floor, find the wreck, maybe some bodies, Speak with Dead maybe. Look for clues.

What do you guys think?

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Friday March 10th, 2017 11:51:57 AM

Rill keeps an eye out for Captain Atuell. He will mention to party, Jozhur and Reggie in particular, "Captain Atuell's vessel, the Insight seems to be missing. Any idea where he went?"

Rill will proceed with his Divination later that night.

"Although the story is this ship only appears on moonless nights, that does not mean we will only encounter it on such nights. We may even see it beneath the waves. We will need to proceed carefully. Tomorrow I should use a Commune spell to see what other info we can find. To bad that Bard had to leave."

"Zeoll, I agree we should check the site out tomorrow, including checking the wrecked ship. It may be difficult to find - perhaps you can speak with the local fauna to see what the fishies know."

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Friday March 10th, 2017 1:51:44 PM

Tishe' is a little more worried. "If the ship only attacks on moonless nights and tonight is a moonless night, and the Agate was attacked close enough to the harbor so the survivors are here now... well, why don't we take the LionFish out and see if we can't intercept the Soul Driver? We have several hours of sailing available!"

Tishe' is agitated. She wants to stop those undead bullies!

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Friday March 10th, 2017 2:33:46 PM

Bralin shakes his head at Tishe's suggestion.

"We are ill-prepared to launch an expedition with no destination, no plan of attack, and no actionable information as to the nature of our foes, in the unlikely event we encounter them.

Zeoll's strategy is sound. Wait. Learn. Prepare. Attack."

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 139/139, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 3/28, channel 1/5) 
Friday March 10th, 2017 6:26:55 PM

"The spells and dreams haven't led us wrong yet - might as well take a nice off and see what they tell us in the morning. "

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Saturday March 11th, 2017 8:48:05 AM

"But, but... there may be people in trouble!", worries Tishe'.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Saturday March 11th, 2017 4:28:08 PM

Jozhur scratches his chin at Rill's news. "That is suspicious. He has been awfully interested in the story of the Soul Driver. It could be that he is out looking for the ship himself. Or he is involved."

He takes the harbormaster aside to speak with him privately. Jozhur explains his suspicion of Captain Attuell and requests any information available about him and his vessel. Is there a log of the Insight leaving the harbor?

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18 
Sunday March 12th, 2017 8:10:41 PM

Reggie takes a look at the map, and marking the map according to the sailor's story, she plots out a course along the major shipping lanes and compares that to the location they indicated as the attack.

"if we can learn of other attacks, we can attempt to set up this ghost ship's hunting grounds." she remarks.


DM Kathy 
Sunday March 12th, 2017 10:45:38 PM

Zeoll suggests that since the next moonless night is a ways off, you have time to investigate and plan.

Tishe' points out that there's still some moonless night left tonight! Maybe you should go out right away! The rest of the group, however, seems to favor the more cautious approach.

Jozhur has a private chat with the harbormaster. "There's no formal log kept," he explains. "This is meant to be a free port, after all, where people can come and go as they please. Some captains choose to check in with my office, and inform us of their routes in case something befalls them. I knew the Agate was overdue, for example, even before the survivors turned up. Other captains prefer not to have me know so much about their business." He checks his records, but finds nothing about the Insight. "Sorry," he says. "I couldn't say when they left. Odd, though, that they'd leave Captain Atuell behind."

Reggie begins plotting the attacks on her chart. Of course, you've only got the one attack to plot so far--everything else has been tales and songs without any specific location. But maybe you'll have more information later.

Rill casts his Divination spell, and it works this time! His question is: Will the Soul Driver come to Bonetown within the next few nights? Here is his answer: Legends often lie. Seek the truth.

Zeoll (I assume) uses his Read Dreams ability as he had initially planned. He seeks to find out if the ship and its undead crew really exists, and whether it poses a threat to Bonetown and the waters around it. His answer is No and Yes. That is, it does not exist, and it does pose a threat.

The next morning, you learn that the Agate may not have been last night's only casualty. Another ship, the Dealer's Choice is now overdue.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+18=36 ;
Sunday March 12th, 2017 11:10:34 PM

"Odd indeed." Jozhur replies to the harbormaster. "You may want to keep tabs on Atuell, he stinks of...something."

He lets the others know he may want to snoop around the Insight if it ever returns to port.

If the captain has no other orders for him, Jozhur will spend the morning trying to gather information on Captain Atuell and the Insight.

Diplomacy: 36

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)   d20+8=15 ;
Monday March 13th, 2017 8:18:57 AM

Tishe' accepts that it would be difficult to find Soul Driver, but her worries double when Dealer's Chance is overdue. The information from the Harbormaster and divination spells don't from a pattern to her either. But...

"Whatever happens, we know we're going to hunt at the next moonless night, so I may as well help get ready."

She spends her day with the LionFish, assisting in sailor tasks as she can.
.....

Sailor. 15

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 139/139, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 3/28, channel 1/5) 
Monday March 13th, 2017 3:47:49 PM

"How overdue is the ship? Could it still just be delayed by storms or a lack of good winds?"

To Cap'n Zeoll, he offers his services as an imposing presence. "If Joz can't find anything snooping about, maybe we can get some answers the old fashioned way. " He strikes his most intimidating pose, then goes off to ask Tishe' about putting some frightening designs in his beard. Normal braids aren't terribly threatening.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Monday March 13th, 2017 6:30:49 PM

Rill will tell the others, “I asked Lord Gargul if the Soul Driver would come to Bonetown. His answer was, ‘Legends often lie. Seek the truth.’ Certainly, Captain Autell seems to have more information than he’s letting on. I will attempt to contact Lord Gargul again. Can you think of another way we can seek the truth?”

Rill will prepare and cast Comune. He asks the following 12 yes/no questions.

1. Can the crew of the Agate be saved, beyond those three that made it to Bonetown?
2. Was the Dealer’s Choice attacked by the ship referred to as the Soul Driver?
3. Are there crew of the Agate or the Dealer’s Choice lost at sea that we can go now and rescue?
4. Did Captain Atuell come to Bonetown on the Insight?
5. Is Captain Atuell in league with the Soul Driver or its crew?
6. Is Eloi Kole in league with the Soul Driver or its crew?
7. Is Captain Renchild in league with the Soul Driver or its crew?
8. Are the crew of the Soul Driver undead?
9. Will Death Ward provide us protection in a fight with the crew of the Soul Driver?
10. Will we face magical cold in a fight with the crew of the Soul Driver?
11. Will we face magical fire in a fight with the crew of the Soul Driver?
12. Can we find the Soul Driver in the Living World before the next moonless night?

Rill also makes a visit to the Catacombs.

(By the way, we sold some treasure and eveyone got 5,225 GP!)

-------------------------------------------
Commune: You contact your deity—or agents thereof—and ask questions that can be answered by a simple yes or no. (A cleric of no particular deity contacts a philosophically allied deity.) You are allowed one such question per caster level. The answers given are correct within the limits of the entity's knowledge. "Unclear" is a legitimate answer, because powerful beings of the Outer Planes are not necessarily omniscient. In cases where a one-word answer would be misleading or contrary to the deity's interests, a short phrase (five words or less) may be given as an answer instead.

The spell, at best, provides information to aid character decisions. The entities contacted structure their answers to further their own purposes. If you lag, discuss the answers, or go off to do anything else, the spell ends.


Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+25=35 ; d20+22=28 ;
Monday March 13th, 2017 6:30:51 PM


Zeoll's divine knowledge makes him think -- "it does not exist, and it does pose a threat." What could that mean? What does not exist but could still be dangerous. Lies? Stories?

Where did the stories first come from? That storyteller? He thinks things over through the day.

Still, there is a Sea Serpent Feast to run! Zeoll delegates what he can to the Harbormaster and the Lionfish crew. He spends 600 gp for expenses (removed from sheet). And he goes seekingout entertainers.

Zeoll thinks maybe that entertainer who started the tale knows something. What was her name?

He uses his magic to Sense Motive better and uses the cover of sea serpent feasting to talk to entertainers, minstrels, and bards. He wants to invite several to come to the feast and perform. And he diplomatically asks about the story of the Soul Diver. Who was the first to tell it? Where did the story come from? Is it a new story? an old one? If it is old, has it been told more lately? Who has been telling it the most?

Diplomacy to Gather Info: 35.
Sense Motive to figure out the lies from the truths: 28.

He asks his friends if they want to wait for daylight of the day after the feast to set sail for the site of the Agate's loss? Or go in the night after the feast?

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Monday March 13th, 2017 8:41:40 PM

Listening to Zeoll, Bralin merely nods his head.

"Your question said undead crew. Tis not. Tis a raider using the rumor and fear of the Soul Driver to take his prey all the more easily. We will meet flesh and blood, and must prepare for such."

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18  d20+4=6 ; d20+16=21 ;
Monday March 13th, 2017 8:53:49 PM

Reggie simply rolls up the map, taking it with her. She spends the remainder of the night enjoying some rum and listening to tales of the various sailors as they pass through. spending time in some of the seedier taverns.

Early in the morning, Reggie makes her way to the docks, taking in the general mood of the workers and the others that frequent the piers. also on the lookout for any signs of those affiliated with her former captors (most likely any Orc types)

{OOC: perception = 21, sense motive = 6}



DM Kathy 
Monday March 13th, 2017 10:56:03 PM

Jozhur warns the harbormaster to keep an eye on Atuell, and spends the morning trying to gather information. You don't learn much. The Insight is pretty much just another ship. Captain Atuell is generally well-regarded, though most people don't know much about him.

Tishe' spends the morning working on the Lionfish. The cargo hatch needs repair, of course, after its encounter with the sea-serpent body. And the cargo hold itself is pretty stinky and could do with a thorough cleaning.

Terser wonders how overdue the Dealer's Choice is. In fact, she isn't overdue by very much, and it's possible that something completely ordinary has delayed her. Or so you think until Rill does his stuff (see below).

Rill prepares and casts a Commune spell. Your first few answers are as follows:

1. Can the crew of the Agate be saved, beyond those three that made it to Bonetown? No
2. Was the Dealer’s Choice attacked by the ship referred to as the Soul Driver? The Soul Driver does not exist
3. Are there crew of the Agate or the Dealer’s Choice lost at sea that we can go now and rescue? No
4. Did Captain Atuell come to Bonetown on the Insight? Yes

In light of your answer to the second question, I'm going to assume you didn't ask the remaining questions as listed, so go ahead and re-do them.

In the morning, as promised, the sea-serpent is displayed for all to see. It is stretched full length along the wharf--and wow, it is big! People file past, exclaiming and pointing out features like the very sharp teeth, or the hole in its neck where it looks like something carved its way out.

Because of this excitement it is difficult for Reggie to get a good read on the mood of the town. Right now, they are excited and curious about the sea-serpent, though some people do express concern about the overdue Dealer's Choice. You see any number of half-orc sailors, but none you recognize.

Zeoll is puzzled by the answers from his dreams, although Bralin has a possible explanation. He spends the morning trying to find bards. The halfling storyteller you heard the first night has moved on, but it isn't too difficult to find the human singer from last night--in fact, he seeks you out. He wants to hear all about the sea-serpent fight so he can immortalize it in song!

He says the tale is an old one, though it has enjoyed an increased popularity of late. He isn't sure why; there are fads in bards' tales just as there are in everything else. People want to hear about the Soul Driver so that's what he gives them.

Other bards you speak to say much the same thing. It is an old tale; it has enjoyed a surge in popularity of late; they're not sure why, and it really doesn't matter to them as long as people want to hear it. Your Sense Motive tells you a couple of things. With most of the bards, there's.....something, when they say it's an old tale. It isn't a lie, exactly. But there's something there, something off. Also, there's one bard in particular, another human, who is flat-out lying when he says he doesn't know why the legend has grown in popularity of late.

It is about noon now. People have had a nice gawk at the sea-serpent, and now the chefs have descended on it with knives and scalers, ready to prepare the feast.

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)   d20+8=26 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+17=32 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 7:08:24 AM

Well, hard work and stink have never deterred Tishe'! With several scarves holding a potpourri of sweet spices over her mouth, she helps cleaning the hold. Weaving a Light cantrip, Prestidigitation cantrip, and a lot of elbow grease, by the end of the day, its a dip in the water, then a scrubbing herself that needs doing!

She enjoys the feast Zeoll puts on, the salty steak of the sea serpent "taste like shark", and can't help but dancing whenever the music takes her; whirling, sinuous, and graceful. She will dance with partners when she can and when none, she produces little finger cymbals and does a counterpoint to the bardic music.

Profession Sailor: 26
Perform (Dance): 24
Perform (percussion): 32

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141   d20+9=25 ; d20+6=8 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 12:33:11 PM

Bralin takes in the size of the sea serpent with some pride, knowing the he and his companions vanquished such a mighty creature. The dwarf takes part in the feast, and helps himself to more than his fair share of rum, but does not join in the dancing.

The veteran warrior also spends a bit a time walking the area. He wants to get familiar with both the lay of the town and the people who live in it. Bralin works on memorizing names, faces, who's supposedly in charge, and who is really in charge.

And if he happens to find a stonecutter he can talk shop with, bonus.

[Perception 25, Sense Motive 8]

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 139/139, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 3/28, channel 1/5)  d20+21=28 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 1:02:32 PM

Should Zeoll indicate that the human is holding something back, Terser will lean on him a bit to try to induce him to cough up some more accurate information.
intimidate 28
Otherwise, he will just enjoy the feast with the others, elaborating on the tale of the battle with the sea serpent with each drink, and trying not to confuse it with the battle with the ice worm/serpent that they fought just days before.


Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 2:32:28 PM

Having been told by Gargul that the Soul Driver does not exist, Rill changes his remaining questions.

5. Has Renchild been involved in spreading tales of the Soul Driver?
6. Is there a ship posing as the Soul Driver?
7. Are the people presenting themselves as Dealer’s Choice survivors telling the truth about their story?
8. Was the Dealer's Choice attacked two nights ago (or whenever it was)?
9. If yes, were those that attacked the Dealer's Choice actually living people disguised as undead?
10. Is Captain Atuell actually Renchild in disguise?
11. If no, is Captain Atuell working with Renchild?
12. Will Death Ward provide us protection in a fight with the crew of the ship posing as the Soul Driver?

--these will be asked if some of the above are not needed:
13. Will we face magical cold in a fight with the crew of the ship posing as the Soul Driver?
14. Will we face magical fire in a fight with the crew of the ship posing as the Soul Driver?
15. Is Reggie’s son being held by Renchild?
16. Is Reggie’s son within seven days sail of Bonetown?

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+18=19 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 4:14:35 PM

While the others seek divine answers, Jozhur tries more detective work. He meanders about the docks, talking to various workers. His goal is to pin down a rough time/day the Insight left the docks by asking when people had last seen the ship and when they noticed it was not there. Maybe someone even noticed it leaving.

Diplomacy: 19

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 7:07:26 PM


At the feast, Zeoll asks a few of the performers to stay behind for individual performances for the crew of the Lionfish, on the deck of the famous ship. As he invites each performer, he mentions that there will be a nice token of thanks from the heros. After each one comes aboard and performs a song, he or she receives a generous tip of 100 gp.

Before the performers come aboard, Zeoll fills in each of his friends so they will know the plan and their part to play.

The third entertainer to be invited aboard is the one that knows more than he is telling. While he is performing, Tishe checks out his magic items and existing magic effects. As he is performing, the heroes cast a few spells, one after the other, in quick succession, boom boom boom, before he can react [OOC: ie, spells cast during a surprise round, before the performer gets to act]. First Tishe dispels magic if he has any, especially if he has a magic cloak. Then Rill casts a Prayer, to give the fellow a -1 on saves. Then Zeoll uses his staff to charm the fellow. That's a Will DC base 10 +4 level +5 cha +3 feats +2 cradled = DC24. With luck he will be charmed.

If not, then Terser will use his intimidate.

The goal of all this is to get him to tell the truth. Maybe Rill has a spell to ensure that he does so, and Zeoll's spell-enhanced Sense Motive may help. We need to know:

What does he know about the tales of the Soul Driver? Who has been promoting them? Where are they now? And why?

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d20+41=52 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 8:15:33 PM

Working with Zeoll's Plan, Rill does cast Prayer. He will also cast Deeper Insight, boosting his Sense Motive. Then, after observing this Bard for a minute, he'll use Probe Psyche (52-success!) to see who this guy really is.

-------
Probe Psyche - After one minute of observation and/or conversation, a seeker can use this ability, with a Sense Motive check at DC 30, to know the creature's alignment and fully understand the creature's personality. This also gives the seeker insight into that particular creature, gaining a +2 Insight bonus to attacks, armor class, and spell DC against the creature.


(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+8=26 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 10:13:16 PM

Assuming he gets word in time, Jozhur will ensure he is present when Zeoll's plan is carried out. He will simply standby, prepared to aid Terser with intimidating the bard if necessary.

Intimidate (aid Terser): 26

DM Kathy  d20=12 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2017 10:47:31 PM

Rill's Commune spell also yielded the following answers:

5. Has Renchild been involved in spreading tales of the Soul Driver? No
6. Is there a ship posing as the Soul Driver? Yes
7. Are the people presenting themselves as Dealer’s Choice survivors telling the truth about their story? Unclear [OOC: I think you wanted Agate there.]
8. Was the Dealer's Choice attacked two nights ago (or whenever it was)? Yes
9. If yes, were those that attacked the Dealer's Choice actually living people disguised as undead? Yes
10. Is Captain Atuell actually Renchild in disguise? No
11. If no, is Captain Atuell working with Renchild? No
12. Will Death Ward provide us protection in a fight with the crew of the ship posing as the Soul Driver? Unclear

Tishe' spends the day cleaning out the hold, which is no longer stinky.

Bralin spends some time acclimating himself to his new hometown. He does not find a stonecutter today.

Jozhur[ tries to work out when the Insight left, but it's rough going. Part of the appeal of Bonetown is that everybody minds their own business, so helpful busybodies are few and far between. And you hear a lot of, "well, I know she was in port at such-and-such a time because I saw Captain Atuell," and you're not sure whether that's an accurate conclusion or not. The last reliable sighting was a couple of days before the moonless night, but you don't find anybody who saw her leave.

The cooks are busy all afternoon, and as the heat of the day begins to fade, they bring out their creations. The harbormaster has made it a contest of sorts; cooks from the various inns and taverns have each made a sea-serpent dish, and are serving them from temporary wooden stalls hastily assembled near the docks. There is serpent pie, spicy serpent gumbo, grilled serpent with chiles and lime, sautéed serpent with garlic cream sauce, baked serpent with root vegetables, and of course, deep-fried serpent on a stick. Oh, and there's ale. Lots and lots of ale. Townsfolk taste the dishes and argue about their favorites.

Zeoll has invited various bards to come aboard the Lionfish to perform. The third performer is the one who lied when he said he had no idea why the Soul Driver tales and songs were so popular. Tishe' is able to detect some low-level magic on him, and at the signal, you all hit him with your spells! He is Zeoll's friend now, and Terser's intimidation is not strictly necessary.

The bard is only too happy to explain to his good friend Zeoll about his good fortune. A fellow paid him, pretty good coin, to spread the old tale of the Soul Driver, and to try to make it popular in the region. Not just here, but in Rum and Dirt City and all over. Well, a bard sings for his supper anyway, right? What's the difference if he gets paid to spin a specific tale? So that's what he did. The bard smiles, proud of himself.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 12:13:50 AM

Though it isn't much, Jozhur reports his findings to the others.

When the bard spills the beans about being paid to tell the tale of the Soul Driver, Jozhur cracks a smile. Such useful information, and it seems to point to Attuel once again. He would want to be present if he was paying the bards to tell the tale. He waits for Zeoll to further question the bard.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+5=23 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 3:24:32 PM


Zeoll praises his new bard friend and gives him an extra 50 gp. (That's 350 gp removed from my sheet to pay performers.) He asks his friend to tell him everything he might remember about the fellow who wanted him to sing about the haunted pirate ship.

Charisma check if necessary ... 23!

Afterwards, a bit of circulation as the feast winds down, thanks to the harbormaster for his great help with the feast, and then to bed aboard ship for the evening. Zeoll meditates on Captain Atuell, hoping to read in his dreams some clue as to the man's whereabouts, plans, motives, or aught else that the spirits choose to reveal.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5)  d20+4=24 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 4:08:49 PM

Seeing that his imposing presence isn't needed, Terser switches to a supporting role of Zeoll's friendship. He laughs heartily with the man's jokes and shows great appreciation of his story.

"This man must have sensed something great in you. None other could have spun the story so well. It would be great to met him and join in his patronage of great artists, such as yourself. "

Charisma check (temp rage boost) - 24 (nat 20)

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 5:06:19 PM

Eating and drinking ale is much more Bralin's speed than getting people to tell him things. He lets Zeoll and company do what they do best, while he does what he does best. The fading light finds the dwarf sampling whatever alcoholic mixture he can get his hand on.

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18 
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 7:21:15 PM

{ooc: sorry all, no power all day yesterday, thus no internet.}

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18 
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 7:48:22 PM

Reggie had spent much of her days working the docks, helping the various dock workers load or unload ships. listening to the scuttlebutt as she mingles with the various people.

Feats time comes, and Reggie has some of the serpent, and a fairly larger portion if rum.

any that ask if she helped to kill the serpent, Reggie takes the time to tell the tale, embellishing a bit in her favor. how she wrestled the beast to the surface so her comrades could do their thing, and how Bralin was swallowed whole and survived thanks to Reggie being able to beat serpent hard enough to force him out.



Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 8:38:20 PM

“Gargul was gracious in providing some insight. Praise be to the Lord of Life and Death.”

When we are out of earshot if the locals, including Zeoll’s new friend, Rill will share the following responses from his spell with the others:

1. Can the crew of the Agate be saved, beyond those three that made it to Bonetown? No
2. Was the Dealer’s Choice attacked by the ship referred to as the Soul Driver? The Soul Driver does not exist
3. Are there crew of the Agate or the Dealer’s Choice lost at sea that we can go now and rescue? No
4. Did Captain Atuell come to Bonetown on the Insight? Yes
5. Has Renchild been involved in spreading tales of the Soul Driver? No
6. Is there a ship posing as the Soul Driver? Yes
7. Are the people presenting themselves as Dealer’s Choice survivors telling the truth about their story? Unclear [OOC: I think you wanted Agate there.]
8. Was the Dealer's Choice attacked two nights ago (or whenever it was)? Yes
9. If yes, were those that attacked the Dealer's Choice actually living people disguised as undead? Yes
10. Is Captain Atuell actually Renchild in disguise? No
11. If no, is Captain Atuell working with Renchild? No
12. Will Death Ward provide us protection in a fight with the crew of the ship posing as the Soul Driver? Unclear

“Even if I got a bit confused between the Agate and the Dealer’s Choice, we know much more. We know that both the Agate and the Dealer’s Choice were attacked and presumably lost. There is no Soul Driver, but we cannot let on that we know this. It does not seem to be populated with undead either. There is a ship out there though, and it will likely attack again in a couple weeks. I don’t want to wait around for weeks. Renchild and Atuell do not seem to be in league, but which if any are associated with these attacks? Any suggestions on what to do next?”

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 9:12:34 PM

Tishe' plays her part with Zeoll's plan, but she really doesn't like the idea of ambushing the bard.

DM Kathy 
Wednesday March 15th, 2017 10:47:29 PM

Zeoll questions the bard further about the person who paid him. "Well, I never did get his name," he says. "But he was a human fellow, youngish, on the thin side. Dark hair, cut short. Eyes that looked every which-a-way, like he was expecting trouble, but no trouble came while we were talking. Met him in Rum." His description does not match Captain Atuell or Captain Renchild.

Bralin and Reggie are more interested in the feasting and drink than in unraveling the mystery of the Soul Driver, at least for tonight. Reggie's tales are welcome, and her listeners exclaim and gasp and applaud at all the right moments.

Rill summarizes the results of his Commune spell. It would seem that you are dealing with a real ship, which is not called Soul Driver, and real attackers, who are not undead. Beyond that, it's hard to say.

The feast winds down. There are a few halfhearted fist-fights, and then the revelers stagger back to their ships or their lodgings. That night Zeoll again attempts to read his dreams, focusing on Captain Atuell. He gets a series of images: a hunter's blind, a smoke-screen, a curtain.

In the morning, you awaken to the sounds of the temporary booths being dismantled. The operation is happening a trifle early for some of last night's revelers, judging from the pained curses wafting out from various open windows. It's going to be another hot day.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Thursday March 16th, 2017 4:07:59 PM

"Well my guess was right, but I would almost prefer to have been wrong. It's one thing to seek out and destroy undead that are attacking the living, but there must be a foul motivation indeed behind the ones using the tale to scare people off. What are they hiding that they prefer to send a ship to the depths with its crew rather than take it as plunder?"

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Thursday March 16th, 2017 5:19:18 PM


Zeoll thanks everybody for making the feast a success.

The next morning very early, Zeoll wanders over to the Portside House, hoping to find some bacon and to talk over plans with his friends, before preparing spells for the day.

"The way I see it, we have two main leads. Firrst, we can head out to the site of the attack on the Agate, check out the wrreck for clues, maybe talk with local fauna and speak with the dead. Second, we can head to Rrum to follow the lead on the thin young human with the shorrt darrk hairr who paid ourr pal the barrd to sprread tales of the undead ship."

"Since the wrreck site is not farr away -- the surrvivorrs werre able to rrow to Bonetown in an evening -- we could check that out, and then sail on to Rrum if we need to?"

What does everybody think?

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Thursday March 16th, 2017 6:48:40 PM

Jozhur points out to Rillet that the questions asked and answers given neither implicate nor clear Attuel in the matter.

"I tried to determine when the Insight left port. The last sighting of the ship that I could come up with was a couple days before the moonless night. I'm convinced Attuel is somehow involved in this." He lets Zeoll know that he would like to check into Attuel and the Insight more, but who knows when the ship will return.

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Thursday March 16th, 2017 7:20:34 PM

Zeoll lays out her plan, and Bralin's brows furrow in confusion.

"Would not the wreck be at the bottom of the sea by now"? he wonders. "How would we find it, and then examine it?"

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Thursday March 16th, 2017 9:16:20 PM


Bralin asks how we investigate a sunken wreck, and Zeoll answers the dwarf, "We use magic, my landlubbing comrrade! We have alrready been once to the bottom of the sea to rroust an evil demigod frrom its lairr. Waterr Brreathing is ourr frriend!"

He adds that a Locate Object spell and speaking with fishes and summoning dolphins to help search are all good possibilities.

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Thursday March 16th, 2017 9:29:50 PM

Tishe' smiles at Bralin. "Why, Magic of course! We get to the area and a few divinations or speaking with aquatic animals to find the location, and then there are lots of magic spells or items that can let us move and breathe underwater."

"What I don't know is what would finding and diving onto the wreck would do to help us find out who is doing this?"


Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Thursday March 16th, 2017 9:36:12 PM

Rill is up for checking the wreck. He has Water Breathing at the ready.

Checking the wreck may reveal some clues we don't anticipate. And it's better than sitting around for two weeks.

DM Kathy 
Thursday March 16th, 2017 11:15:44 PM

You discuss a few possibilities for what to do next. Many of you would like to find and examine the wreck of the Agate, and possibly head to Rum to find this person who paid the bard. Jozhur is still concerned about Captain Atuell and the Insight, but most of you are eager to set sail again.

The ever-efficient Tula has already seen to re-provisioning the Lionfish. You missed the morning tide, but you can set sail this afternoon if that's what you want to do.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Friday March 17th, 2017 4:23:06 PM

"I think the Agate may have some answers. They may be able to tell us the heading of the "Ghost" Ship, number of its crew, and even the wounds and method of sinking the ship could be informative. And besides, it's probably easier to find than one dark haired man in Rum."

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Friday March 17th, 2017 7:10:56 PM

"Of course," Bralin replies, with some embarrassment. "Forgive me, I have no experience with the sea, and find it..unnerving."

Having established that his admiralty is still a long ways off, the dwarf readily agrees to leave as soon as practicable.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Friday March 17th, 2017 7:42:05 PM

Jozhur assists with ensuring the 'Fish is ready to sail and has plenty of rum. He gives his personal equipment a check over and waits aboard their vessel until the time comes to set off.

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 21 / Touch 20/ flat: 17 | HP: 131 / 154 | Rage used 4 /18 
Friday March 17th, 2017 8:35:22 PM

Reggie scoffs at the seemingly excited comment from Tishe, concerning magic. "magic, this, magic that...." the rest of her hushed comment drifts off as undecipherable mumbling as Reggie heads to the ship to set sail.



AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Friday March 17th, 2017 10:32:16 PM

Poor Tishe' seems oblivious to Reggie's discomfort, and prepares herself for another couple weeks cruise on the LionFish.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Friday March 17th, 2017 10:34:58 PM


Zeoll is eager to head off, but he is keenly aware of the hole left in the party by Clyde's departure. He looks around ... has fare conspired to put forward a new crewmember yet?

Either way, setting sail with the tide this afternoon sounds great.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Saturday March 18th, 2017 5:52:31 PM

Rill is up for checking the wreck. He has Water Breathing at the ready.

Checking the wreck may reveal some clues we don't anticipate. And it's better than sitting around for two weeks.

DM Kathy 
Sunday March 19th, 2017 10:24:03 PM

You decide to search for the wreck of the Agate, so you board the Lionfish and make ready to sail. You leave port with the afternoon tide, and head in the general direction where the Agate went down.

Of course, you don't have an exact location. You reach the general area as the sun is heading toward the western horizon. You've an hour or two of daylight left, and then of course whatever magical light you can conjure.

How do you propose to find the wreckage?

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Monday March 20th, 2017 10:57:20 AM


Having planned out this course of action, Zeoll has prepped two Locate Object spells and three Summon Monster II spells. He explains his plan exactly to his friends.

Water Breathing to let us get to the bottom. Extended Locate Object lets Zeoll find "recent shipwrecks" within a range of 840 ft for 22 minutes. With a spiraling-out pattern of movement, he hopes to scan quite an area of sea floor while the spells last. He also has the summons to summon water elementals for quick looks, but the short durations of those spells make them less useful.

He's interested in what the others in the party might suggest.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Monday March 20th, 2017 4:51:19 PM

"Isn't there some fancy maths that someone can do using expected departure times, estimated time of attack, sextants and compasses, to get a pretty good idea of where the Agate must have gone down?"

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+10=27 ;
Monday March 20th, 2017 5:35:55 PM


Zeoll says a prayer for guidance, and then tries to use his sailing skills as Terser suggests: Profession Sailor 27.

"Maybe?"

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Monday March 20th, 2017 8:17:47 PM

Bralin gazes out over the endless sea.

"Can anyone talk to the sea creatures?" he ventures, after Zeoll asks for suggestions.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+20=26 ;
Monday March 20th, 2017 8:23:57 PM

With no magical means of locating the wreck, Jozhur climbs into the crows nest and watches for any signs. There should be some debris floating somewhere.

Perception: 26

DM Kathy 
Monday March 20th, 2017 10:25:15 PM

Terser wonders whether there's a way to calculate the location of the Agate, based on the information you already have. Indeed there is. That's why you're here, and fairly certain the Agate is in this general area--as opposed to having to search the entire ocean between Bonetown and the Taur Isles. However, such calculations can only get you so far.

Jozhur climbs up to look for floating wreckage, but you don't see any immediately.

Bralin asks about talking to sea creatures, but Zeoll tries his Locate spell first. You rely on the seamanship of your crew to keep the Lionfish in its search pattern. Zeoll does get a ping on his spell before it runs out. Homing in on the wreckage proves to be a bit tricky because the spell senses in three dimensions and you can only move in two. By the time the first spell expires, you are reasonably sure the Agate is below you somewhere. Perhaps not absolutely directly below, but very close. You could cast the other spell to try to home in more, or you could move forward with the rest of the plan.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Monday March 20th, 2017 11:15:49 PM

(Sorry for being a slacker)

Rill gazes over the side of the ship, peering into the unknown depths. He pulls out a ring on a neck cord that has Continual Flame cast on it, though the light is not particularly bight in the daylight. It will help in the dark waters though.

"Tula, would you ask the crew to do a sounding please? It would help to know how far down the bottom is. Zeoll, if you can zero in better, that would be best."

"I can cast Water Breathing when we're ready to go." Once folks are ready to descend, he will do so.

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18  d20+16=36 ; d20+19=20 ;
Monday March 20th, 2017 11:20:27 PM

Reggie simply does her part as a member of the crew. she soon joins Jozhur in the crows nest, but she is on the lookout for something else. other ships in the area.

{ooc: perception = 36, Profession sailor = 20}

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d10=1 ;
Monday March 20th, 2017 11:50:24 PM


Zeoll summons an extended water elemental, bids it in its native tongue to swim down to the wrecked ship below, look, and come back. He emphasizes (since the spell lasts 22 rounds) that after 10 rounds the elemental has to come back to report, no matter what.

After the elemental reports back, but before Rill casts his water breathing spell, Zeoll first casts his Locate Object again and then casts Summon Fey Friend III to call a ... rolling a d10 ... a 1 ... a basilisk! He makes sure that it does not look at any friends! Then Rill can cast his Water Breathing spell and then we all can swim / sink down to the wreck and check it out.

He asks Rill to cast Water Breathing on the party, and then everybody can head down, guided to the wreck by the elemental's report, maybe, and the locate object spell.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Tuesday March 21st, 2017 2:10:28 PM

"Once again into the deep..." Terser thought that he was done with this underwater business after Billoopl, but it's still better than the frozen tundra.

"Would anyone like some extra mobility in the deeps? It's a bit difficult to move around down there, especially if we have to defend ourselves." Terser will cast Freedom of Movement on the first willing recipient.

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Tuesday March 21st, 2017 5:52:36 PM

"Aye," Bralin answers Terser immediately, while continuing to look into the sea.

He avoids looking at the basilisk Zeoll manifested,
"Mayhap the beast should descend first," he notes, somewhat sourly, "to avoid any accidents"

Turned to stone while on the bottom of the ocean. T'would be a better story than getting swallowed by a sea serpent, but the dwarf would rather not.

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)   d20+15=25 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2017 6:02:21 PM

Tishe' is preoccupied by watching the sun glinting off the waves. "Huh? What?" She says intelligently.

Gathering her wits, the spellweaver makes sure her Pearl of the Sirines is securely in her Pants O Plenty before diving over the side of the LionFish. "I have good breathing and movement with my Pearl, but won't be able to see except by a feeble Light spell. "

Still, while the others get ready, she swims around the LionFish looking for any largish flora or fauna nearby, and report back.

Perception 25


(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+20=25 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2017 6:39:13 PM

Jozhur stays in the crows nest and scans the water until the others are ready to descend, though he is now more than a little distracted. He also lets the others know that he now has a magical bottle of air that can be passed around in the event their water breathing runs out or is dispelled.

Perception: 25

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18  d20+18=36 ; d20+17=24 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2017 9:48:24 PM

Reggie stays with Jozhur as long as she can. Once he heads into the water, Reggie decides to try her hand at a high dive from the crows nest.

{ooc: acrobatics = 36, Swim check = 24}

DM Kathy 
Tuesday March 21st, 2017 10:39:07 PM

At Rill's request, Tula sends Cato to take a sounding. It doesn't take him long to determine that your present depth is "out of sounding," that is, greater than 100 fathoms.

Luckily, Zeoll's elemental has no such limitations. It goes to the wreckage and back, and you are able to calculate that the Agate lies at a depth of about 150 fathoms, or 900 feet.

Up in the crow's nest, Reggie and Jozhur see nothing of interest.

Tishe' double-checks her Pearl of the Sirens, and Terser offers a Freedom of Movement to anyone who might be interested. Bralin just concentrates on avoiding the basilisk.

For Zeoll has indeed summoned a basilisk, and you are all preparing to dive into the depths.

However, diving to a depth of 150 fathoms is not without complications. The pressure at that depth is considerable. You will be breathing water, so nitrogen will not be an issue; nobody is getting the bends. However, parts of the body--notably ears and sinuses--become uncomfortable and even painful at that depth. Some of you may not be able to handle it. Also, unless fey-friend basilisks are smarter than normal basilisks, you may have some trouble getting this creature to understand that it isn't being crushed to death, and doesn't need to make a run for the surface.

With all of that in mind, are there further preparations you'd like to make?

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d20+12=13 ;
Wednesday March 22nd, 2017 12:16:30 PM

Rill does not recall trying to go to such a depth before. Saying a brief prayer (Guidance), he tries to recall what he may have heard about such things (Profession: Sailor 13).

Rill is careful not to look at Zeoll's new friend. "Maab has a weird sense of humor." He casts Water Breathing and includes the basilisk. He also casts Status to cover Tishe and Zeoll. (It was already cast on Bralin, Terser, Jozhur and Reggie the night before.)

He looks again into the watery depths, "I dunno if this is a good idea, but here we are. You'll need light down there. In addition to myself, I can cast Freedom of Movement on one other person, which should protect them from the depths. My boots will protect me from the cold, and I can hit a couple of folks with Endure Elements if they need it. If we need to ascend quickly, I can cast Water Walk to bring us all to the surface.
-------------------------
(FWIW, the Pathfinder Game Mastery Guide offers this clarification on extreme underwater pressure: "Pressure damage can be avoided entirely with effects such as Freedom of Movement." I know this is not in the Players Guide, but the DM may choose to apply this as it's more a clarification than a new rule.)

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2017 1:54:29 PM


Zeoll feels out of his depth here. Maybe visiting the wreck is only a good idea for those with the magic to survive the depths.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2017 6:35:12 PM

"That's enough magic to get four us of down there, assuming I only use my blessing in great need. Unlike my spell, my personal magic only lasts a minute."

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Wednesday March 22nd, 2017 8:53:36 PM

Tishe' splashes around. She's never gone that far down either. "Maybe too far for us?" She asks dubiously.

"Without this clue, we still have some other leads!" Ever the optimist, the Spellweaver looks to the next possibility of success.

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Wednesday March 22nd, 2017 9:23:38 PM

Bralin, who has no idea what he's getting into, is fine with the idea of dropping into the sea.

"If you cast Water Breathing and Freedom of Movement 'pon me, I can act as guard whilst the rest explore and investigate," he notes. "I have Flying Boots, which I imagine can get me back to the surface if needs be."

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2017 9:53:00 PM

Jozhur volunteers to head down in the event they need access to something that is locked up.

DM Kathy 
Thursday March 23rd, 2017 2:32:06 AM

You discuss your options. Bralin is willing to go down, and Rill has Freedom of Movement to assist a few of his companions. [OOC: I think we can go ahead and apply the guidelines from the Game Mastery Guide.]

Terser and Jozhur are likewise ready to give it a try, but Zeoll and Tishe' seem less sure.

Are you going to attempt to reach the wreckage? And if so, who is going and who is staying?

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Thursday March 23rd, 2017 6:13:30 PM

Bralin looks over at Zeoll and Rill, and scratches the inside of his ear while waiting for the spells and such.

Alas, the dwarf's fingers are much too big for the deed. Fortunately, he spots a loose nail, and after fishing it free, is able to do something about that annoying itch in the ol' ear canal.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Thursday March 23rd, 2017 7:37:35 PM

Rill will step over and cast Freedom of Movement on Jozhur.

"Terser, if you will kindly cast Freedom of Movement on Bralin, I think we're ready to go. We can all breath water. Let's all descend and see how long we can take the depths. Any that feel too ill to continue should return to the surface."

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Thursday March 23rd, 2017 7:48:27 PM


Zeoll summons an extended-duration small water elemental and gives it orders to protect his friends heading under the surface. [That's his third and final use of his meta rod of extend today.] He wishes Rill, Jozhur, Bralin, and Terser good luck as they head into the depths.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Thursday March 23rd, 2017 9:30:51 PM

"Zeoll, Tishe - come with us! Should the pressure prove too much you can return to the surface. My Status spell will alert me to any ill effects. Gargul will watch over us!"

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Thursday March 23rd, 2017 9:41:18 PM

Tishe' sees the others are getting ready to go so she plucks up her courage and dives beneath the waves, following the others down, down, down. ...

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Friday March 24th, 2017 12:22:37 AM

Gerber casts his spell, then let's his armor sink him to the ocean floor.

DM Kathy 
Friday March 24th, 2017 12:26:31 AM

Bralin, Rill, Jozhur, and Terser are definitely going down. Tishe' decides at the last minute to join them, although there may not be a spare Freedom of Movement for her. The basilisk will definitely sit this one out, and Zeoll may well have decided that he's getting too old for this shipwreck. Not sure about Reggie, but we can go ahead either way.

Zeoll sends a water elemental to help the group diving down to the wreck. Down, down you go, sliding through the sunlit waters near the surface, and plunging through darker and colder waters toward the wrecked Agate below. Your magical light helps you see where you're going, and illuminates sea creatures that move swiftly to get out of the unaccustomed light.

It's cold down here, and also crushing. You feel the pressure all over your body, but your head especially feels like it could burst at any moment. It is not a pleasant feeling, but you aren't actually doing yourself an injury--at least, not yet. You can persevere and keep going.

I need a save from everybody, DC 14, your choice of Fortitude or Will. On a failure, you just can't hack it down here, and need to head for the surface.

But I'll assume that most or all of the group can make it to the wrecked Agate. Examining the wreckage quickly (you really don't want to linger down here), you can determine that the ship was indeed scuttled, and it appears that most of the cargo was offloaded before she went down. You see a few bodies of crew, but all the ones you see have been pretty well chewed up by ocean-going predators. Casting a Speak with Dead may be a challenge; most of these men don't seem to have enough of a mouth/throat combination to do any talking at all, magic or no.

What would you like to do next?

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d20+26=28 ;
Friday March 24th, 2017 2:14:02 PM

(I am assuming we are not going round-by-round.)

As we descend, Rill activates his Greater Insight ability, giving him Darkvision out to 120'.

Approaching the wreck, he sees the bodies. "Poor souls - a pointless death at sea, not unlike the way my eldest brother likely met his end." Rill checks some of the men for any identifying items that would allow us to notify next of kin or friends.

Rill will say a prayer, commending the souls of the sailors to Gargul. Then he will cast detect poison and detect evil on some of the bodies, and also scan to see if there is evil in the general area. Finally, he will cast Detect Magic and scan the area, wondering if there are any sources of magic. If so, he will pause to pinpoint them. He also keeps a sharp eye out for trouble (Perception 28 - can see out to 120'.)

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18 
Friday March 24th, 2017 7:24:52 PM

{ooc: hello all, sorry but was swamped at work. still gotta work through the weekend unfortunately. but the ggod side they are gonna give me Monday off with pay.}

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18 
Friday March 24th, 2017 7:36:35 PM

Reggie decides to not descend so far down. There are reasons that some ships sink so deep. and we should not challenge that.

After a swim Reggie makes her way back on board and removes some of her clothing to hang it to dry out. she remains on deck keep watch as the others swim below.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+9=23 ; d20+20=39 ;
Friday March 24th, 2017 8:50:22 PM

Jozhur tries to access the captains quarters, thinking there could be some information or valuables, but any paperwork is surely waterlogged. Otherwise, he can't think of anything else to check on the ship.

Fort save: 23
Perception: 39



AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)   d20+10=27 ; d20+15=31 ;
Friday March 24th, 2017 11:07:22 PM

Tishe' feels the pressure, but she can hack it, and her Pearl allows her unhindered movement underwater, so she doesn't worry about the Freedom of Movement spell either. While the others study the wreck, Tishe' makes herself the mobile reserve. She stays around the crows nest and casts Dancing Lights, allowing the cantrip to create four Torch-like lights in a diamond formation around the sunken mast.

And then she keeps her eyes peeled.

Fort. 27
Perception. 31

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Saturday March 25th, 2017 12:06:15 AM

Zeoll stays up top. He just does not have the protection needed.

I'm assuming the water elemental does not need to roll?

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141   d20+16=32 ; d20+9=13 ;
Sunday March 26th, 2017 1:38:02 PM

Bralin drops down into the deep, dismissing the pressure of the water [Fortitude 32], and unconcerned with the encroaching darkness [Darkvision]

In fact, the bottom of the sea is not unlike a cavern, and least as long as the spells allowing him to breath and move are active. The dwarf finds this realm more comfortable than the swaying boat ever was.

Bralin swims and takes position around the dancing lights, reasoning that this would be the first place an intruder would approach.

He waits for the others to complete their investigations

[Perception 13]

DM Kathy 
Sunday March 26th, 2017 10:08:37 PM

On the Lionfish, Zeoll and Reggie are sitting this one out, although Reggie does take a short swim.

At the wreckage of the Agate, Rill searches the bodies for anything to identify them. You do find a token or two, though it's difficult to know whether they would mean anything to anybody.

Jozhur searches the captain's cabin. You find a couple of ledgers, completely waterlogged of course, but still holding together if you want to bring them up with you.

Tishe' and Bralin stay nearby, keeping an eye out for trouble. You see any number of sea-creatures, all of whom are completely uninterested in your group.

After you complete your search, you head back up to the Lionfish. You feel the pressure gradually ease, until you swim back into the light and warmth of the waters near the surface. When you emerge, you see that the sun is close to setting. [OOC: If there are still things you wanted to do down by the wreckage, include that in your post and we can go back and cover it, but I wanted to keep us moving forward.]

Those of you who dove may experience some lingering effects--headaches, perhaps, or joint stiffness, or just fatigue. That was not easy. [OOC: It's up to you--no game effect, just role-play.]

Tula approaches Zeoll. "Where to next, Cap'n?" she asks.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5)  d20=1 ;
Monday March 27th, 2017 1:33:05 PM

Terser says a quick prayer for the lost while in the deeps, but it seems like he's not in the right headspace to go down to the wreck. (Nat 1)

He observes from somewhere not too deep and prepares to make a heroic effort to dive down should some threat present itself. He is relieved to see the others come up unharmed though, and returns to the deck with them to examine the finds.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Monday March 27th, 2017 4:21:02 PM


When the away team returns to the bridge, Captain Zeoll debriefs them in his ready room, that is, the patch of deck where the ballista would be, if we didn't need space for taurs.

In an effort to retain some small shred of dignity, he usually only refers to that as his "ready room" in his own head. Or in wemic, so that it does not sound as weird.

"Okay, team, good worrk," he says, praising their efforts. "We trry things; sometimes they even worrk. But sometimes not, so we trry something else."

He asks his friends if they have any ideas on where to go next ... maybe follow that vague lead to Rum?

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Monday March 27th, 2017 6:54:37 PM

Even on the surface, Bralin can't shake the nagging irritation of water sloshing around in his ears. Turning his head sideways does nothing to relieve the pressure. Neither does tapping the side of his head with the heal of his hand. He holds his nose and tries to force air out his eardrums, which results in a popping noise, but no relief.

Overhearing Zeoll, the fighter merely nods in agreement at the suggestion to head for Rum.

Frankly, any land at all will do at this juncture.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Monday March 27th, 2017 8:32:23 PM

Or in wemic, so that it does not sound as weird.

OOC: In wemic (the name of the liontaur language), "The Ready Room" translates as "The Holoteck."

Keep in mind that "d"s are "t"s in wemic.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Monday March 27th, 2017 9:16:19 PM

Back on the deck, Rill's white robes shed their water and any muck from the depths, returning to their usual clean and pressed condition. Even so, he has a nagging headache. So he's not in the best of moods when the old taur on the bridge speaks of failure - at least that's how Rill interprets it

He shoots Zeoll a look. "I'm a cleric, not a deep sea diver!"

Rill looks at the few personal effects he brought up. "They're dead, Zeoll."

The cleric lights some incense near the stern of the ship, and spends some time in prayer for the men whose bodies lay below. His thoughts drift to his two dead brothers, and he says little else for the rest of the evening - uncharacteristic for the usually outgoing cleric.

But by the following day he is back to his usual self, seeing to any wounds or ills of the crew an lending a hand where needed.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Monday March 27th, 2017 10:15:28 PM

Jozhur secures the ledgers in his bag of Holding. They're probably not going to be helpful, but it wouldn't hurt to look at them.

Back on the 'Fish, Jozhur hands the ledgers over to Zeoll, then lays flat on the deck in a puddle of seawater, "Records, from the captains quarters. You look at them."

Jozhur closes his eyes and appears to be napping. When the others speak of Rum, he simply nods his head and says "And Insight, Attuell." Soon, he is sawing logs in the warm sun.



DM Kathy 
Monday March 27th, 2017 10:21:06 PM

It's a little discouraging, being unable to do the investigation you wanted to do, but most of you learned long ago that the sea is reluctant to give up its secrets. Perhaps you'll have more luck in Rum.

So as the sun sets, Tula sets a new heading, and two days later, you sail into Rum with the morning tide. It is just past dawn, and given that it is nearly midsummer, dawn comes ridiculously early. What would you like to do?

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)   d20+7=21 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 5:22:27 PM

Tishe' spends the time worrying that they won't be able to get to Rum, do an investigation, and then treturn in time for the next moonless night. But after a day she stops worrying; the others have been in the area longer and know how long things take, there are other things to think about!

The sorceress helps where she can as an average able-bodied sailor. Not really strong, she's also not a weakling, and her sailing knowledge (though learned on the grassy plains of long-lost Sargrass) work just as well on a ship sailing in water!

Sailing 21


Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5)  d20+12=27 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 7:19:20 PM

Terser takes a few minutes to take in the sights of a new city, then asks someone on the docks where the best tavern is.

He leaves the crafty studf talking of captains and such to the people good with words, and asks around instead about the recent war of the seafolk.

Perception 27

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18  d20+19=20 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 9:25:27 PM

Reggie was happy to be sailing once more. she returns to her work keeping the ship...well...ship shape.

during her down time she tries to spend some time with her "former" Captain, but she is no where near as forward as she might have been in the past. It like she is still trying to gauge weather he has any interest or not.

While working she does all she can to outdo the magic wielders in her output, like she is working to prove her worth on the crew.

{ooc: but even the weaker sorcerer prove to be the better sailor. rolled a 20 profession sailor (with a nat 1 on the die}

Once they arrive in Rum, Reggie finishes any last minute work getting the Lionfish set for being in port, and ready to receive new stores for the return trip.

Once she has tried to do everything she could, Reggie heads to the pier looking for the nearest Tavern that has the roughest looking clientele.


(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141   d20+9=15 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 9:35:18 PM

Bralin likes Terser's idea. A lot.

He accompanies his fellow dwarf to the tavern, gets a drink, and some food while he's at it, and settles in for a good listen.

[Perception 15]

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+23=30 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 9:37:25 PM


In Rum, Zeoll joins Reggie and the dwarves in hitting the dives and dens of iniquity, especially where there are performers. He is looking for any sign of the thin young human with the short dark hairr who paid our pal the bard to spread tales of the undead ship.

Diplomacy to Gather Info: 30

OOC: Feel free to Aid Another, friends!

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 10:31:05 PM

As the rest of the Black Lions head for the bars, Rill goes first to the local church of Gargul, where he brings the greetings of the Yaas Farril, Head Priest of Gargul at the Temple of Rest in Bonetown. Rill discusses the lost ships and crew as well as the false rumors of the Soul Driver. He asks about any news of the same, news of lost ships, etc.

Then he heads to the local chapter of the WLA for the same.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+16=30 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 10:46:40 PM

Once they are docked in Rum, Jozhur accompanies the others to the taverns and does his best to gather information. He stays close to Reggie, sipping an ale and looking for an opportunity to talk to someone who might know something.

aid Zeoll's diplomacy: 30

DM Kathy 
Tuesday March 28th, 2017 10:54:43 PM

Tishe' spends the voyage to Rum learning more about how to sail a ship. The crew are, for the most part, amenable to teaching her various bits of sea lore--handsome Sammy, in particular, is very attentive and helpful.

Terser's inquiries take him and Bralin to the Triangle Tavern not far from the docks. Most of the people there have heard of the Merfolk-Sahuagin war, but most of their talk has to do with profits and losses, whether the war will boost one or the other, and whether a clever merchant can turn the situation to their advantage.

After helping to secure the ship, Reggie goes looking for a rough-looking tavern. She finds it remarkably difficult. Rum, after all, is the pleasant, well-planned, well-financed port town where the nice, decent people live. As opposed to Bonetown, which is....different from that. Reggie winds up at the Gray Goose Tavern, a somewhat shabby but perfectly respectable place near the end of the wharf, where some half-dozen sailors are enjoying a breakfast of porridge and fish.

Zeoll goes looking for performers. At this hour of the morning, most of them are sleeping off the effects of last night--late nights being something of an occupational hazard for them. Nobody you talk to specifically recalls the man you describe, although many people point out that young human men with short dark hair aren't exactly rare.

Rill goes to the temple and the WLA to exchange information. People here did hear something of the attacks, although the specific names Agate and Dealer's Choice aren't widely known here in Rum. You learn of no other missing ships.

As you make your rounds, several of you notice a minotaur wandering near the docks, though he seems intent on some business of his own. [OOC: Damarr will be posting as soon as we can get his permissions sorted out.]

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+18=23 ;
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 5:10:46 PM

Jozhur plops down at the bar in the Gray Goose Tavern and orders some breakfast, fried fish and oatmeal...stout.

He chats up the barkeep, talking of the tales of the undead ship and the recent victims. He later shifts the conversation to Attuell and the Insight, inquiring about the strange man and whether he has been seen or heard from in Rum.

Jozhur also quietly lets Reggie know he plans on finding some official at the docks to inquire about the Insight.

Diplomacy: 23

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 6:39:08 PM

The Triangle Tavern is dull, and full of merchants. Bralin finally rises, and head over to the innkeeper.

"Where do the adventurers of Rum for bread and ale, song and fellowship?" he asks in a low growl.

If the fellow answers, Bralin goes that way.
If the fellow doesn't answer, Bralin's baleful stare indicates perhaps he really ought to.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 8:21:58 PM

"I wonder why it's named after a shape. Mayhaps they have some triangle themed mascot who likes fighting."

Times like this make him wish he had paid more attention at home. His father would certainly know how to make a hefty profit in a war zone. Though Terser likes to think that he would make sure to be on the right side, rather than just the most lucrative.

Zod & Companion (Damarr)  d20-3=8 ;
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 8:57:07 PM

Rising hours after the sun, Zod spends the dwindling morning as he always does; reflecting on Domi, Life, and Nature. This morning’s meditation focuses on the role Nature might play in a planned metropolis such as Rum, and, as always, the small ways Domi’s influence can be seen each day. Followed shortly by a large breakfast of bacon and ale.

As Zod makes the rounds through taverns and marketplaces, heading toward the docks, his hands thoughtlessly run the length of the man-sized snake wrapped about his torso. He ignores the strange looks thrown their way, focused on the task at hand. “We need passage to Bonetown,” is his short request, met with the same scornful indifference each time it’s made. Whether it’s the destination or the minotaur’s gruff demeanor, after just a few hours of unsuccessful searching, Zod takes the back corner in one of the roomier taverns (Diplomacy 8 to gather info).

Only to be kicked out a short while later, after pouring too many tankards of his own ale without ordering anything.

Grumbling about unwelcoming tavern keepers, Zod sits on the docks, venturing now and again to ask a different captain-looking fellow if he can book passage to Bonetown.

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 9:01:18 PM

Learning that Rillet knows of a WLA outpost, Tishe' is overjoyed to accompany the cleric! She is fascinated at the orderly town and peppers Rill with questions. Why is it so different than Bonetown? Who built this town? Is this the closest WLA? what's that statue? Who lives in the castle on the island I. The moddle of the bay?....

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 9:18:06 PM


Zeoll, wandering the docks and dives fruitlessly for information, sees Zod looking a bit lost, he thinks. So he approaches him.

"Hail and well met, fellow Taurr," he says, in Common, seeing as he knows that a few taurs may not know the mother tongue.

"I am Zeoll, of the Lionfish, a ship out of Bonetown. I and my frriends are adventurrerrs and frreewheelerrs, hoping to make a good marrk on the Wold. What brrings a brrotherr to this shorre?"

Zeoll is an elderly liontaur carrying a huge honking wood shield that is carved with acorns and plants and animals. He otherwise has no armor or weapons visible, but the beads and feathers braided into his grey mane tell a story of one who has trained under a shaman.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Wednesday March 29th, 2017 9:31:49 PM

Rill is happy to travel with Tishe. He finds her quirky - in a good way. She was annoying at first, but she's growing on him. He will share with her what little he knows of Rum. He's only been to Rum a few times himself.

"This is indeed the closest WLA Chapter House to Bonetown. It is also the only WLA outpost I have every been to. Have you been to many?" He spends some time there with her, both of them shairing what news they have and seeking information of what else is going on in the Wold.

Later, he notes the minotaur. With a snake? You don't see that every day. After a brief inquiry, he learns the beast seeks passage to Bonetown. Rill comments to Tishe, "You know, we'vbe had two minotaurs that have sailed aboard the Lionfish - Magana and Hashamon. Both were honorable companions. But neither one had a snake." With Tishe beside him, he approaches the creature. Gargul's holy symbol around his neck and on how brow unmistakeably identifies him as a cleric of Gargul.

"Good sir - I understand you seek passage to Bonetown. In fact our ship, the Lionfish, will be returning to Bonetown soon - that's it over there. We may be able to accommodate your need, but we are not pirates and we do not tolerate such behavior. So I must ask - what is your business in Bonetown? And what's up with the snake?"

DM Kathy 
Thursday March 30th, 2017 12:15:58 AM

Jozhur begins talking about the undead ship and its activities. People here have heard about them, but they have nothing new to add. You are able to learn that the Insight and Captain Atuell are both known in Rum, and stop in pretty regularly. The people you talk to don't know the Captain well, but he does seem to have a good reputation.

Bralin asks for the adventurer's tavern, and, after some hemming and hawing, the barkeep directs you to the Sea Hag's Daughter.

Terser wonders about the Triangle name. If he asks, he can learn that Rum is being built and managed by a committee called the Triangle. The tavern is named in their honor.

Tishe' and Rill bond a little, because Tishe' has all kinds of questions about Rum, so different from Bonetown in so many ways.

On the docks, Zeoll approaches the strange minotaur with the snake, and it looks as if Zod may have found the ride to Bonetown he was looking for.

Zod & Companion (Damarr) 
Thursday March 30th, 2017 3:35:10 PM

Zod stands when he sees the old liontaur approach, wiping his mouth with the back of a hand and grinning broadly. He holds out his arm, hand open to clasp Zeoll's forearm in greeting. The snake shifts slowly in response to the minotaur's movement. "Well met indeed! I am Zod, and this is Koonda. We are adventurers ourselves!" Hearing her name, the snake slides her head over the coils looped on Zod's shoulder and watches Zeoll with a curious gaze.

Zod pauses for a moment, brow furrowed, mouthing "Lionfish" a couple times before continuing, "You are the Black Lions of Bonetown? I am looking for you. You and your friends." He grins. "I was trying to pay one of these busy-body merchant captains to take me to Bonetown to see you, but nobody's taken an interest yet..."

Zod wears a plain brown robe, similar to those common among monks, but his is sleeveless, revealing the tattoos on his arms.

The minotaur nods in greeting to Rillet & Tishe' as they walk up. He chuckles when the priestly man mentions pirates. "I would hope you lot aren't a bunch of pirates - I seek your help in bringing such criminals & worse to judgement, that we might save a few goodly souls."

As he speaks, Zod takes a knee and places one hand on the ground, bringing himself closer to the cleric's height. "What's up with the woman?" He asks with a smile, indicating Tishe' standing at Rill's side. "I am Zod. This here is Koonda. She's harmless... I already fed her this week! Hah!" As if waiting for the cue, the snake unwinds from Zod and coils itself on the ground in front of Rill, suspending her head a few feet in the air to float at eye-level.

While his companion studies Zeoll, Rill, and Tishe', Zod explains that he recently received orders from the Mailed Fist to check up on an old friend; a retired Officer that was working as part of the Fist's information network. The retiree, Tobias, had gone missing while investigating rumors of slavers operating in the Middle Seas. After checking the old man's shack, Zod found notes and a letter that was addressed to the Black Lions Crew in Bonetown.

"I fear for my friend's safety." Zod concludes, "But I couldn't make sense of the man's scribbling, except that he disappeared before he could send you all this." He pulls out some crumpled, folded papers that were casually tucked into his belt.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+7=16 ;
Thursday March 30th, 2017 6:14:50 PM


Zeoll grins and greets both Zod and Koonda. "It seems we arre doubly well met, my new frriends," he says. Then the minotaur hands him some papers.

Zeoll is a late-in-life reader. In the early part of his career, he could not read at all. That's not too unusual among the liontaurs. And to this day, he has a bit of a suspicious nature when it comes to writing.

So when a stranger hands over a paper to read, Zeoll's first fear is that it will be a trap or a curse, as with an explosive runes spell, or worse. Therefore, Zeoll cannot help but take the papers with a smidge of unease.

But then, like the great bard Taylor the Swift, he shakes it off. The truth us that he has a good feeling about this rough fellow. Likely a druid, with that snake, or maybe a ranger, and them's good folk. So he reads over the papers with a careful but unafraid eye and a swishing tail.

As he does so, he says, "We have a grrudge to pick with some slaverrs too, maybe the same ones. So perrhaps ourr paths will lie togetherr, good Zod."

If it might help, the old liontaur prays to the Fey Queen for Guidance and uses linguistics to analyze the writing: 16.

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141   d20+5=22 ;
Thursday March 30th, 2017 6:26:03 PM

Bralin makes his way to the Sea Hag's Daughter, and clomps into the tavern.

Finding a corner table, he takes a seat, and orders another meal and some rum. The dwarf finds he's taking a liking to rum.

Working on his meal, he looks about, seeking the innkeeper, or mayhap a bard.
If he spots one, the warrior takes any decent opportunity to sound him out.

"Be there adventure on this island? It seems tame, thus far"

[Diplomacy 22]

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Thursday March 30th, 2017 9:33:45 PM

Tishe' commiserates with Rillet and talks about the other outposts she has visited. "Oh yes, Hook City, Jarlswolf, Dirt City... each had different sizes and amenities, but all had good people willing to help, and that is the point of the WLA, isn't it?"

Seeing the Minotaur, the average-looking human woman tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear and politely waits for Captain Zeoll and Rillet. When Zod and Koona focus on her, the Sorceress nods. "Many Shadows, I am Tishe', a Spellweaver from the southern continent." She usual friendliness is masked a little as she Notes the symbols and accoutrements of the Mailed Fist. (She doesn't seem at all worried about the big snake)

When Zod makes sure Rill is talking about taking out pirates and not being pirates, she suddenly laughs. "Pirates are white-handed treadles that should have their threads cut, the bullies!" There is no compromise in Tishe' for those that live off the suffering of others!

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Thursday March 30th, 2017 9:48:23 PM

Rill inclines his head in a slight nod to the minotaur.

"Greetings Zod. And ... Koonda. Harmless, eh?" He keeps is eye on the snake. He also takes a look at the letter when Zeoll is done.

"So, what's the mailed fist?"

When everyone's ready, Rill is ready to sail.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Thursday March 30th, 2017 10:44:13 PM

"Yes, we have had honorable taurish companions before. Now we're just left with the old man! I think hash could turn into a snake, or at least parts of one.

Welcome to the Lionfish anyway! "

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Thursday March 30th, 2017 11:47:01 PM

If Reggie has no further business at the tavern, Jozhur will finish his breakfast and head for the docks. His goal is to find some sort of person in authority and try to gather information on the Insight and Captain Attuell.

DM Kathy 
Friday March 31st, 2017 12:27:40 AM

Bralin finds the Sea Hag's Daughter, identified with a painted wooden sign of a very curvy young woman wearing strategically draped kelp. Behind her is a scowling Sea Hag. Inside, there is a group of what seem to be very low-level adventurers, counting their silver and copper to see if they have enough for some purchase or other. It's enough to make a fellow downright nostalgic. You ask about adventure, and learn that there isn't much to be had in town, though the waters nearby are another story.

Jozhur heads off to find information about the Insight and Captain Atuell. You learn that the Insight comes to Rum reasonably often, and that Captain Atuell is fond of a drink and a tale. He seems especially fond of songs or tales about the Soul Driver and has been known to ask for them specifically.

The rest of the group is busy meeting Zod, who has been looking for the Black Lions! He has information to share.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+13=17 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+23=40
Friday March 31st, 2017 12:36:32 PM

Toward evening, Zeoll finds an open space somewhere in the town, close enough to the harbor that he can smell the sea.

He prays for Guidance and uses his magical pipes and horns, not for any magic effect, but just to make a lot of beautiful loud music. Perform 17.

When a crowd has gathered, he starts singing songs of Maab and Eberyon, telling tales in music of their love and great works. Perform 26.

Then he rests his singing voice with tales of the fey royalty. Any people who listen to his tales get a blessing, per his Cradled power ...

Spread the Word: At 2nd level, whenever you spend a friendly evening (at least three hours) talking to two or more characters about the fey in general and about the Fae King and his desire to help others, all creatures in the conversation gain a +2 divine bonus to their next saving throw. You can engage the same characters in conversation no more than once per module.

Zeoll hopes his friends are listening too, so that they can get the blessing.

He also spins some tales of ghost ships in there too, and hopes to hear any rumors of such in town. Diplomacy to Gather Info ... 40.

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Friday March 31st, 2017 5:14:36 PM

Tishe' is content to hang out with the other Black Lions while talking with the Minotaur Zod. "A good friend of mine in the Sargrass was a Minotaur. Heard Macasthai made it good on the northern continent "

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+18=27 ;
Friday March 31st, 2017 7:03:33 PM

Jozhur tries to probe a little further into Attuell and the Insight. What business does he have in Rum? Does the Insight carry any cargo?

Diplomacy: 27

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18 
Friday March 31st, 2017 8:45:43 PM

{ooc: sorry for the silence... work again... beginning to wonder if life is conspiring to keep me away...}

Reggie keeps an eye on Jozhur in case he accidentially stirs up some trouble.

When he leaves to head to the docks, Reggie follows but at a slight distance. when he questions people, Reggie stays somewhat in view to let them know that Jozhur has back-up and if you mess with him you got trouble coming.

Zod & Companion (Damarr) 
Friday March 31st, 2017 9:44:26 PM

"The Mailed Fist is the most honorable and most efficient mercenary company in the known Wold." Zod says, puffing out his chest as his snake companion slithers back to her mobile perch.

He simply nods, smiling, in response to Tishe's Sargrass slang, understanding, at least, the sense of agreement.

When Zeoll starts playing Zod listens near the others. He's quiet and keeps to himself unless spoken to directly, but he listens to the Black Lions with interest. As the music gives way to Zeoll's stories, Zod appears to lose interest in anything else and listens raptly to the lyrical tales.

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)   d20+17=19 ;
Saturday April 1st, 2017 9:19:33 AM

Tishe' gives Zod an incredulous look when he speaks of the Mailed Fist, her experience years ago disagreed with the minotaurs statement, but she is too polite to argue publically with someone she doesn't know. Maybe later in the next few days...

Settling down to listen to Zeoll's stories, the Spellweaver brings out her 'rhythm sticks' and taps and clicks a beat to support the old liontaurs playing and stories. She only flubs once, when the Cradled emissary emphasizes Eberyon's desire to help others; the unladylike snort of derision is another thing she decides to not explain, and concentrates on helping Zeoll and the Black Lions instead.

Perform (percussion) 19

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Saturday April 1st, 2017 11:43:41 PM

Terser was enjoying the conversation with the new Taur on Board, and was a bit disappointed to have it end when Zeoll's stories began. However, the old Bard's stories are always a treat, so it's not too great a loss.

As he is familiar with most of the stories by now, He scans the crowd during the tales to see if any are acting strangely or show signs of reacting to tales of a ghost shop on the water.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5)  d20+17=24 ;
Saturday April 1st, 2017 11:44:40 PM

Woops, roll didn't make it into the post. Perception 24.

DM Kathy 
Sunday April 2nd, 2017 10:17:09 PM

Jozhur continues asking about the Insight, with Reggie to back him up. You learn that they generally stop in Rum just to re-provision; they don't often sell cargo here, though they've been known to do so. They do carry cargo, or at least, Captain Atuell says they do, although nobody you speak to can remember precisely what they carry or where.

Tishe' and Zod continue to get better acquainted, though they disagree sharply on the character of the Mailed Fist.

Meanwhile, Zeoll is arranging for some entertainment, subtly spreading the word about Ebyron, and trying to find more ghost ship tales. You do hear a few of those, though you don't hear anything new of significance. Terser doesn't notice any unusual reactions.

It is a warm, pleasant evening in Rum.

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Monday April 3rd, 2017 11:13:43 AM

Rill offers his healing services for free in the dock area. This gives Rill the opportunity to explain the life-giving aspect of Gargul - a side of the God often overlooked by those who view him only as the God of death. While he does not seek to antagonize any local clerics of Ffloy in the process, he will not avoid such a confrontation and will use the opportunity to to explain the benefit of offering for free that which is freely given by his God.

Rill will spend the night in a reputable inn in Rum - he will seek out the WLA for a recommendation. The cramped quarters and constant motion of the ship are fine for travelling, but they are not Rill's first choice if he has other options.

He will spend some time in prayer, seeking his Gods direction in how to find the Soulseeker, and asking his God if there is some other task he should address here or back in Bonetown.

Zod & Companion (Damarr) 
Monday April 3rd, 2017 5:35:47 PM

Zod and Kunda hang around the docks with the Bonetown Crew, but they make more of a point to observe than really be a presence this night. It's not hard to see that the many layers of social etiquette hanging over Rum makes the less-than-couth minotaur a bit uncomfortable, particularly after Zeoll's stories wind down and the crowd has yet to disperse.

Zod asks the Black Lions about their tasks in Rum, curious but not probing. It's clear the big Druid would rather not stay in the city any longer than necessary, and he offers the heroes whatever help he can in their mission here. "I might not be much good if you're trying to woo the officials or some' like that, but we can be pretty resourceful if you're trying to get at something or need to take care of a few bullies." He says, patting Kunda lightly.

Zod avoids the group that gathers around the philanthropic priest and heads over by Terser. "You know any good taverns around here for a bit of less stuffy fun?" He asks the dwarf. "Two gold pieces and a tankard of ale says I can throw a hammer further'n you." He gives Terser a grin, the spark of a challenge chasing out the last wistfulness in his eyes from Zeoll's stories.

Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Monday April 3rd, 2017 6:41:33 PM

"Now that's a challenge I can get behind! Not that I've ever handled many hammers. Seemed like too much of the thing I was supposed to do back home, either make the weapons or sell the weapons. I wish I'd thought of throwing the tools, that might have even become the official dwarven pastime after drinking.

I've just come from the inn myself, and I'm sure the good folks at the triangle wouldn't mind seeing more of my purse."

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Monday April 3rd, 2017 6:42:34 PM

Tishe' isn't a heavy partygoer and maybe Zod will be a source of information. Certainly a Zeoll and Rill are trying their best, but a little more wouldn't hurt. "First time I have been to Rum myself, but we are on the trail of a ship called the Soul Driver who has been sinking merchants around Bonetown. We are also looking into the slave trade, looking to disrupt their activities and maybe rescue some friends. Would you know about either pick?

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Monday April 3rd, 2017 6:43:45 PM

Bralin returns to the Lionfish in a sour mood.

"E'en the 'Adventurers Tavern' lacks adventure," he notes derisively to Zeoll and....hmm, he's new.

The dwarf offers a hand to the minotaur, holding it as high as he can.
"Bralin Stoneminder," he says, by way of introduction. Encased in platemail and carrying an enormous waraxe on his back, Bralin's chosen profession is fairly obvious.

The introductions over, Bralin sits and listens to Zeoll's tale, and noting Tishe's reaction.

He leans over. "Ye too battled the avatar of the Fey King," he notes. "Mark, that decision was cast. Has He recanted? I think not."


Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+15=33 ;
Monday April 3rd, 2017 6:44:22 PM


Zeoll explains the group's mission to Zod. He goes into great detail, although he couches his words carefully to keep the conversation on the down low.

Bluff check to speak obliquely: 33

He fills the new fellow in on the stories of the haunted ship, tales spread out of Rum here. And of a Bonetown schooner attacked by the cursed vessel, and a survivor's tale of undead violation. HOWEVER, it turns out the so-called ghost ship is a real vessel crewed by living sailors in disguise! It's our mission, the old taur explains, to find this pirate ship that is giving the undead a bad name and do something about it. Probably send all the crew to a watery grave after looting their dead bodies, most likely.

But we seem to have reached a bit of a dead end as far as our next step.

DM Kathy 
Monday April 3rd, 2017 10:22:59 PM

You are coming to the conclusion that there's not much more to be learned in Rum--about the Soul Driver, about the short-haired human guy paying bards, about Captain Atuell, or about Captain Renchild.

The next moonless night is now about 10 days away. What will your strategy be? What information (if any) will you try to uncover between now and then? What preparations will you make? When that moonless night comes around, how do you plan to find the Soul Driver?

[OOC: Tapping the fast-forward button ever so gently. I do want you guys to do what investigating you want to, but I don't want to bog the story down.]

(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 130 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18 
Monday April 3rd, 2017 11:57:06 PM

Reggie keeps her protective eye on Jozhur, but eventually works her way back toward the Lionfish.

trying to nudge her former captain in that direction.



Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22  d100=97 ; d100=53 ; d100=69 ; d100=54 ;
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 2:39:44 PM

Rill talks with the members of the Black Lions and the Lionfish crew that knew this Renchild, giving him at least second hand knowledge of the subject. Then he will cast Scrying in an attempt to at least observe the man, wherever he is (will save DC 25.) He lets the other Black Lions observe if this effort succeeds, and he will follow this with Detect Evil (60% chance of success - failed) and Detect Magic (60% chance of success - success!, so he will attempt to discern magic sources, auras and the like.)

Rill is ready to sail back to Bonetown.

The following day at sea, Rill will ask Reggie about her son so that he has some second hand knowledge of the boy. Then he will similarly cast Scrying on him (will save DC 25.) He likewise lets the others observe if this succeeds, and he will follow this with Detect Evil ((60% chance of success - failed) and Detect Magic (60% chance of success - success!, so he will attempt to discern magic sources, auras and the like.)
-------------------------------------
Scrying - If the save fails, you can see and hear the subject and its surroundings (approximately 10 feet in all directions of the subject). If the subject moves, the sensor follows at a speed of up to 150 feet.
As with all divination (scrying) spells, the sensor has your full visual acuity, including any magical effects. In addition, the following spells have a 5% chance per caster level of operating through the sensor: detect chaos, detect evil, detect good, detect law, detect magic, and message.
If the save succeeds, you can't attempt to scry on that subject again for at least 24 hours.



Terser (Warren G) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 27 - HP 156/156, DR 1/-] -2 NL (25% chance no crit, uncanny dodge, rage used 1/28, channel 0/5) 
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 3:48:00 PM

Terser has no additional preparations to make, so he'll just enjoy the time on the town with his new 'taur friend.

Zod & Companion (Damarr) 
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 5:28:33 PM

"Oh yes.. hammers.. or logs... rocks even!" Zod laughs in response to Terser. "Can't say I've ever used a hammer properly myself... but it's a little game we'd play on the Island as children, seeing who could make the best throw. I've seen similar games in a few taverns; sometimes with hatchets or knives, testing strength and precision. Only better way I can think of to get to know someone is a good wrestling match!" Zod smiles "But I'm not sure it's the right time or place for that yet."

Zod grins at Bralin as he envelopes the smaller warrior's hand in his own. "I am Zod, and this pretty lady is Koonda." He says, patting the snake wrapped around his shoulders. "Good to see there's a few on your team look like they can hold a line." He gives the well-armored dwarf an appreciative nod, glad for the quick introduction.

After Zeoll and Tishe explain the group's hunt for the Soul Driver, Zod ponders the situation. "Best way I know to catch a predator is to watch its prey." He says after a moment. "If you know who this 'Ghost Ship' is likely after next, and where those poor folks're gonna be, you maybe got a good chance to catch your target while they're on the prowl."

Zod is also set to leave. He doesn't have any specific plans or preparations over the coming days besides getting to know his new friends, with whom he shares the general scope of spells he can cast, and the fact he can take different forms with Wildshape. Zod also makes a point to discuss combat tactics with Terser (at least, if not everyone else), noting that the dwarf's reach weapon would likely work well with Zod's natural reach and the training he received from the Mailed Fist (teamwork feats benefiting AoOs & flanking).

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 6:18:46 PM

Bralin has no suggestions other than to sail the same trade route the last sunken vessel took.

"Mayhap Zeoll can spread the tale we are laden with high value trade goods," he adds.


Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62) 
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 6:42:55 PM

Zeoll thinks that's a good idea, and he spreads some word about a high value cargo the Lionfish is expecting soon.

Other than that, he has only one idea for investigation as we wait for the so-called undead ship to attack. He focuses his dreams on the ship that the foul pirates will attack next, and where. It may not work, seeing as we do not actually know the true name of the ship, but it's worth a try. Maybe by focussing on the next victim, rather than on the attacker, he can get a hunch.

So back to Bonetown it is.

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 6:56:22 PM

Tishe' is also ready to sail for home. Rum was nice for a big city, but not up to her standards of Hook City in the south. And after years in the Sargrass and Cinnamon Valley, she really is a country girl at heart.

The sorceress looks at Bralin with a new appraisal; another long-timer who remembers the Awakening of the Fey King. "Wait and see with that one, that's what I think".

And Tishe's ready to be on the ocean again. Listening to Zod makes her consider. "I wonder if there were a way that we could use the Lion Fish as bait? Probably most in these waters will recognize and avoid her because of the Black Lions, but what if most everyone 'knows' we aren't aboard because we are somewhere else?"

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+27=29 ; d20+27=41 ;
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 7:25:54 PM

Jozhur sees Reggie heading back towards the 'Fish and decides he's probably gathered all of the information he can. When they reach the group, he greets Zod with a smile and introduces himself before sharing what little information he's gathered.

Jozhur grins at Bralin's idea of talking up the Lionfish as bait. "I can certainly aid in spreading rumors of our precious cargo. I don't know that word will spread fast enough to reach wherever this "Soul Driver" currently is, but it's worth a try. We may also lure other pirates into attacking us."

As long as everyone is agreeable to the plan, Jozhur will set off to drink some ale, act intoxicated, and spread rumors of the riches the Lionfish will be carrying.

------------------------------
Bluff to spread rumor: 29 Hero point reroll: 41

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99 
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 7:39:25 PM

OOC: I can't find anything regarding spreading rumors in the CRB. Seems spreading rumors is a special ability of the Stinger. If this isn't possible I'll take my hero point back.

DM Kathy  d20=6 ; d20=6 ;
Tuesday April 4th, 2017 10:35:27 PM

Rill obtains some information from Reggie, then attempts to do a little scrying.

First, you see Renchild. He is on the deck of a ship, which seems to be currently under sail. He shouts orders and exhortations at various crew members, who jump to obey. You are thinking perhaps Renchild has found another ship to captain, but then he goes to the bridge and addresses the man there as "cap'n." The captain of the ship is a human man with dark skin, somewhat younger than Renchild. You do not recognize him. The two talk of sails and heading and weather, but they never get specific enough to give you an idea of where they are. You surmise that Renchild is probably First Mate on this ship. You are also unable to see anything with the name of the vessel. The one bit of magic you are able to spot is a Ring of Swimming on the captain's finger.

Next, you try to find Ky, Reggie's son. You see a group of half-orc toddlers, dressed in assorted rags and cast-offs, sort of milling about. Some are sitting, some are crawling, a couple are standing and clinging to the bars of their cage. Because they are in a cage. With them in the cage is a human girl of about 7 or 8 years old who has evidently been tasked with caring for the little ones. She is doing her best, but she is outnumbered and doesn't appear to have much in the way of supplies. Several of the toddlers are crying. All of them--toddlers and girl--are fairly grubby, but they seem reasonably well-fed, and you don't see any sign of injury or abuse. Because all the toddlers are in such close proximity to each other, it's difficult to say for sure which one is Ky. They all kind of look alike; you're not even sure they're all male. Since this is what the spell is showing you, you can be reasonably sure that one of them is Ky, but it's hard to say which one.

The rest of you hit upon the idea of spreading a rumor about the valuable cargo you'll be carrying on the next moonless night. Over the next several days, you do your best. People seem interested, but of course it's hard to say whether the tale is reaching the right people. The wrong people? The fake Soul Driver people.

[OOC: Brock, consider that Hero Point unspent. Your first roll was plenty good enough.]

AC 19/ 19/ 17. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK)  
Wednesday April 5th, 2017 6:50:56 PM

Tishe' sails and weaves and hopes the rumors work. She doesn't have any more suggestions to help out.

(MikeK)Bralin AC32 / T17 / FF29 CMD 29 - HP 141/141  
Wednesday April 5th, 2017 6:53:28 PM

Bralin is out of ideas. He awaits the departure of the Lion, and then spends a lot of time trying to walk around on the deck without getting spilled by the rocking of the boat.

Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC26; HP62)  d20+35=46 ;
Wednesday April 5th, 2017 7:02:17 PM


Zeoll commands the ship back to Bonetown. He casts Glibness, then he checks in with the harbormaster to report on the group's (lack of) progress and is vague about the ship's future plans. "Firrst we have to head out to sell this especially fine cargo we recently took on. The centaurs will love it!" He is vague about what this extremely valuable cargo might be.

Bluff check 46.

Then it is back out to see, oh, coincidentally right around the new moon!

Zod & Companion (Damarr) 
Wednesday April 5th, 2017 7:31:53 PM

As they travel, Zod does his best to stay out of the way, being large size and unfamiliar with the workings of a ship. Each morning, he goes through a training routine with his snake companion, after magically shrinking her to Medium size.

(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP99/99  d20+27=47 ;
Wednesday April 5th, 2017 8:54:17 PM

Once in Bonetown, Jozhur will head for a tavern or two if there is time. His plan is to once again consume a few ales, act more intoxicated than he really is, and spill the beans to a few people about the 'Fish's valuable cargo on their upcoming journey.

Bluff: 47

Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 
Wednesday April 5th, 2017 10:28:02 PM

Rill enjoys the salt air on the trip home.

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