DM Kathy Monday May 15th, 2017 10:29:51 PM
You decide an underwater approach may be overkill, so instead you decide to approach from the "other" side of the island--away from the docks. Zod's spell gave him a good idea of the water's depth, and he is able to direct Tula to a spot suitable for anchoring the Lionfish.
You make your preparations, and head for shore. [Question: I couldn't find any small boats listed in the Woldipedia description of the Lionfish. Do you have any? Or are you using the feather token?]
A word about this island: this is not one of those islands with white sandy beaches. In fact, it really doesn't have beaches at all, sandy or otherwise. From this side, you are approaching a rocky shore that gives way almost immediately to very thick vegetation. The rest of the island is much the same.
You approach cautiously, not wanting to wreck or run aground on any of the rocks. You are able to find a place to slip the small boat in for a landing, and there are plenty of rocks to tie it off to!
The vegetation here is extremely thick. There are tall trees with a lot of undergrowth. Kunda is not bothered at all; she's designed for terrain like this and is soon happily scooting up a nearby tree. Zod isn't bothered either; his Druid training allows him to slip easily through the vegetation as if it weren't there at all.
The rest of you are going to have a much tougher time without a path. Survival checks, please. Yes, Zod, you can assist. :)
Rill (MarkB) HP 102/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 2259 Monday May 15th, 2017 11:16:26 PM
Since we seem to lack a lifeboat, Rill will cast an extended Water Walk, allowing us to walk ashore. "Bear in mind that it will also guard against any quicksand on the island."
"Terser, my ability to transport us is limited to four others than myself, and larger folks like Zeoll and Zod count for two. Still, it's good to have a minotaur in our company again. I got kind used to that with Hashamon and Magana - do you know them Zod?"
As we go, he casts Magic Vestment on Reggie's clothing. "You don't seem to wear any magic armor Reggie, so this will help." If she is OK with it, Rill casts an extended Magic Vestment on Reggie, adding +3 to her AC for the next 24 hours.
Rill will move along with the others as we reach shore. He pulls out a dagger, hoping it will help with the vegetation. It's not much, but it's all he has.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP: 99|70 AC:22|28 T:21|17 FF:20|21 CMD: 36|30 d20+11=30 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+9=26 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 12:36:02 AM
Survival 30, Perception 34. Zod's 11 Survival beats the DC 10 Aid Another check, so everyone can add at least +2 to any survival checks.
When they reach the island, Zod clambers up the rock face behind his companion (Climb 26). On reaching the top, he moves a short distance into the jungle, almost instinctively slipping through the foliage without a trace, before turning back to warn the others. "It will be slow going through the jungle. It might be better to return to the ship and dock at the pier. Certainly quicker, yet. If we had a reliable means of communicating over distance, we could approach from both sides, even."
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+2=5 ; d20+13=21 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 3:17:21 AM
Jozhur has no trouble climbing rocks, but as a denizen of the urban jungle, he has never been much of a woodsman. He struggles with the dense vegetation.
"I'm not sure about just pulling into port like we own the place. I think it best to see what we're up against, if we can get through this mess."
.Climb: 21 Survival: 5 (w/ +2 from aid another)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC28/30; HP67) d20+12=13 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+14=22 ; d20+14=22 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 10:07:46 AM
Aboard the Lionfish, Zeoll laughs when the crew goes a-looking for a dingy but finds none. "We should invest in a Folding Boat, perrhaps," he gently suggests.
He ducks down into the Hold and sounds his Horn of Goodness, doing his best to trigger it as softly as he can. [Perform Wind Instrument 13 ugh]
He is happy to walk over the waves, and thanks Rill, although he privately thinks that Water Breathing and walking on the bottom would have been more stealthy. Well, no matter.
As the party heads to shore, Zeoll casts his buffs on his friends. Mage Armor on himself, on Kunda (boosts the snake by +2 over his "barding"), on Zod, on Tishe, and on Reggie (boosts her by +3 over her bracers). Please keep track of your own buffs! These will last 12 hours.
Once ashore, Zeoll seesw the mass of tangled vegetation, and says a prayer to Queen Mab. He walks forward, hoping his Nature Stride ability will allow him to pass without problem. He casts a Taurs Try cantrip for a +2 on survival checks and turns to help his friends through the tangle. Survival rolls: 33, 22, 22.
He casts and refreshes Message Cantrips as needed to keep everyone in whisper range. He emphasizes that the range of a Message is about 200 ft, so do not wander farther than that.
Walking inland, but just before he has left his beloved water biome (a few hundred feet inland? a half a mile?), Zeoll casts Extended Summon Monster III to call an archon. He urges the creature to scout ahead, but to report back before the spell expires in 24 rounds.mHe explains that they are seeking a lair of slavers. He wants to get an idea of how big the island is, where the lair is, and where we are on the island. Plus any other details the archon may discover.
===== DM Sanity Info
Cleric Spells: 0: guidance, create water, light, mending; 1: command x4, obsc mist, elf vision; 2: calm emo x2, hold person, faerie fire 3: loc obj, sum mon III, glibness
Sorcerer Spells: 1st: 5 of 8 (mage armor x5) 2nd: 0 of 6 3rd: 0 of 4
Horn: 1 of 4 Rod: 1 of 3
Header updated
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d20+14=22 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 11:21:09 AM
(forgot Survival roll)
Rill does his best to not slow down the rest of the group. Survival 22.
--------------------------------------- Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells Running: Status on all (extended from the night before), Longstrider (extended from the night before), Deathwatch, Tongues, Endure Elements
Spells/abilities available, * = cast/used: 0 (DC17): Create Water, Guidance, Detect Magic, Detect Posion 1 (DC18): Longstrider (D), Detect Evil, Bless, Greater Disrupt Undead, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith 2 (DC19): See Invisible (D), Augury, Delay Posion, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Status, Spiritual Weapon 3 (DC20): Divination (D), Blindness/Deafness, Blindness/Deafness, Prayer, Water Walk*, Water Breathing, Magic Vestment* 4 (DC21): Dimension Door (D), Air Walk, Air Walk, Repel Vermin, Summon Monst IV 5 (DC22): Teleport (D), Banish Immortal, Insect Plague, Plane Shift, [open slot] 6 (DC23): Find the Path (D), Heal, Blade Barrier, Summon Monst IV
Abilities/Items Agile Feet (Su) 9/day - Dim. Hop (Sp) 120'/day - Greater Insight (Sp) 2/day - Channel Energy (Su) 5/day - Obscuring Mist (Item) 2/day - Deathwatch (Item) Continuous Eagle's Splendor (Item) 1/day - Faerie Fire (Tattoo) - 3/day - MM Extend, Lesser (Item) - 6/day - ** MM Silent, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - Endure Elements (Item) Tongues (class)}
(Ed) Reggie | AC : 23 / Touch 22/ flat: 19 | HP: 120 / 130 | Rage used 0 /18 Tuesday May 16th, 2017 5:43:43 PM
{ooc: working long hours and may not be available for the next couple of days.}
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+9=27 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 5:55:24 PM
"I wasn't even considering your ability to pop about. I was just thinking a last minute water walk would let us tactically retreat quickly if necessary. Maybe if we're not going to be on the snow anymore, I could find some boots that function on water instead."
Terser is quite at home in the jungle. The trees and vines press on him in an oddly similar way to the stone that surrounded him in his birthplace. He assists the others in pushing aside vegetation to make a path in such a way that it isn't too too obvious that a group of heavily armed adventurers pushed through here.
survival 27
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) d20+9=15 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 7:20:15 PM
Bralin takes in the jungle vegetation.
"Tis more dense than the Wood," he declares, clearing capitalizing the W.
"Let us try to move through it," he replies to Zod, echoing Jozhur. "If needs be, we can turn back."
-- Survival 15
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) d20+2=7 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 7:36:14 PM
Tishe' listens and comments as the Black Lions get to the shore. "Actually Rill, between you and me, we could Dimension Door the entire group, I think."
What Tishe' didn't count on was the heavy vegetation to stymy any forward progress. To compensate, she casts Fly and hovers above or around the worst of the vegetation.
.... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+11=23 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+3=21 ; Tuesday May 16th, 2017 7:44:23 PM
Zod thanks Rill for the Water Walking & Zeoll for the Mage Armor, and nods approvingly as the Lionfishers press forward into the unfamiliar terrain (updated AC in header).
"I'm not familiar with those names." Zod tells Rill. "Until more recent years, I've kept mostly to myself. I kept my head down and avoided trouble bigger than me and the lady." He nods toward the anaconda climbing through the trees above and ahead of them. "Since signing up with the Fist, mostly I hired on as a guide & guard for the trips that needed a Specialist, until I found out Tobi was presumed missing."
Zod asks Zeoll to include the snake in his Message spell, and, as they get closer to where Zod believes he sensed people on the island, the minotaur casts Extended Speak With Animals on Zeoll (1 use of Lesser Metamagic Rod; 20 min duration), and sends the snake ahead of the group as a less conspicuous, long range scout, moving close to the edge of Zeoll's 200ft Message range. She whispers back to the Captain what she finds, and, if they don't encounter anything, returns to a closer forward position as the Speak with Animals expires.
The minotaur offhandedly points out low hanging vines and raised roots to his new friends as they move along (Aid-Another Survival from last post), talking almost to himself about the unique qualities of the various plants and animals that skitter by.
DM Kathy Tuesday May 16th, 2017 10:25:34 PM
It seems you do have a boat [apologies for the confusion], but Rill casts Water Walk on the group anyway. Perhaps the rocky shore seemed a bit daunting for a small boat.
At any rate, you arrive at the island and begin making your way inland through the thick vegetation. Zod has no trouble. Tishe' solves the problem with magic, and skims along at treetop level. Rill and Terser manage just fine.
Bralin has a little more difficulty; this kind of vegetation is outside his experience, and he takes a few branches to the face. With Zeoll's help, however, he manages to make his way well enough.
Poor Jozhur, however, really has a rough time of it. Branches slap him in the face; roots and vines trip him up; and a few of the local insects drop by to say howdy. Even Zeoll's help can't make this a pleasant experience.
You do, however, manage not to get lost, so that's something. :)
Zeoll waits as long as he can, but the smell of the salt and the cry of the gulls fade pretty quickly in the dense foliage. You are probably only a few hundred feet from shore when you feel you're at the very limit of anything that can be called "aquatic." You cast your spell, and your Lantern Archon speeds off on its errand. It soon speeds back, reporting that there's nothing but jungle ahead for as far as it was able to go.
Zod gives Zeoll the ability to understand Kunda, so the snake can report back over the Message spell. As you move, Zeoll gets reports from the snake. This island is awesome. It's the best place ever. Oh, there are mice here! Oh, and rabbits! Wow, this is great! We should totally live here! And more along those lines. Even though your tastes and Kunda's may be different, it's hard not to smile at her overt enthusiasm. As the Speak With Animals begins to wear off, you have come about a mile from the shore. The very last thing you hear from Kunda is "oh, I think there's a stream or something over there."
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20=17 ; d20+20=30 ; Wednesday May 17th, 2017 12:50:59 AM
Jozhur plods along. He curses the vines, the thorns, the bugs, and the jungle in general.
"Maybe we should have just pulled up to the docks like we owned the place afterall."
Survival: 17 Perception: 30
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d20+26=27 ; d20+12=15 ; Wednesday May 17th, 2017 11:58:18 AM The very last thing you hear from Kunda... (That can't be good.)
Rill has Status going on the snake - it is injured or affected? How far away and in what direction is the snake?
His awareness of the snake's condition will affect his actions. Otherwise, Rill will approach the area of this "stream" carefully, keeping his eyes and ears open (Perception 27.)
Survival: 15
(Cayzle Sub for Ed) Reggie | AC30 HP130 | Raged 0/18 d20+17=18 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+18=22 ; Wednesday May 17th, 2017 2:15:45 PM
Reggie thanks Zeoll and Rill for the protections.
She does her best to keep up with the group, using her gloves of swimming and climbing to scamper over the vines and trees, dodging around and hopping over things, and using her Adamantine Hand Ax to hack as needed.
Climb 18 Survival 14 Acrobatics 22
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC28/30; HP67) Wednesday May 17th, 2017 2:23:54 PM
Zeoll relays the snake's reports, and as the spell fades out, he relays any orders that Zod might want, such as "Return now," say.
Zeoll sees that Jozhur is having a lot of problems, so he goes over to his old friend and offers him a hand.
"Climb up, Jozhurr! Together we can make prrogrress, albeit slowly." He is offering his frriend a ride on his back, hoping that his Woodland Stride ability will see them both through the jungle.
[OOC: Zeoll carries 66 lbs, Jozhur weighs 150 lbs, and he carries 49 lbs of gear. That's a total load of 265 lbs. A heavy load for Zeoll is 199 to 300 lbs, so Zeoll should be able to carry Jozhur, albeit with the usual heavy load penalties.]
Zeoll is careful not to mention his lumbago, but he does move very carefully as he picks his way through the dense forest.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+11=17 ; d20+19=36 ; d20+3=19 ; Wednesday May 17th, 2017 5:33:09 PM
((I think Kathy just means the last thing Zeoll hears before the Speak With Animals expires... at least I hope...))
Zod smiles as Zeoll repeats the snake's mostly unhelpful observations. "She's got dreams of early retirement." He chuckles. "I'm afraid I drag the poor thing into more trouble than she'd otherwise look for." Zod makes a mental note to give his erstwhile companion a few days off with extra snacks after they sort out the trouble on this island.
"Whatever size settlement they have here, they'll need a source of fresh water. Seems to me following that river is a good place to start."
Zod raises an eyebrow as Zeoll offers Johzur a ride. He's continually surprised at the lengths the old taur will go for his friends.
Zod: Survival 17, Perception 36.
Kunda: Survival (Scent) 19, mostly trying to pick up scent trails as we go along.
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+9=10 ; Wednesday May 17th, 2017 5:44:51 PM
"Oh, a stream. That should make for easier travel for Joz. Maybe the bugs and stuff just don't like how much metal us big guys are wearing?"
Once they reach the stream, Terser will try to ascertain which direction it's going, and whether it would lead them generally toward the port. It seems the water confounds his senses more than the jungle did though. survival 10 - nat 1
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Wednesday May 17th, 2017 5:54:01 PM
Disdaining the use of his war axe, Bralin opts to pull a crowbar from his Haversack, which he uses to help crash through the brush.
"A stream might signify at least a trail or open ground," he opines, hopefully.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) d20+15=21 ; Wednesday May 17th, 2017 9:18:26 PM
Tishe' casts another Fly spell to stay in the air until she can get to the stream. She keeps in touch with the ground team with her own castings of Message. She relays what she can see from a nearby tree.
.... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target. Perception. 21 to see anything by the stream
DM Kathy Wednesday May 17th, 2017 11:07:50 PM
[Yes, I just meant "the last thing you hear before the spell cuts out." Sorry for the confusion. :) ]
Zeoll, noticing his friend is having trouble, takes Jozhur up on his back. Riding a Taur without permission is, of course, unpardonably rude--but being allowed to ride is a strong mark of friendship!
Hearing that there is a stream, you head in that direction, hoping it may be a bit clearer and take you toward any habitation. With Tishe' and Reggie up among the trees, and the rest of you on the ground, you soon find the stream.
It's a small stream. Any of you could step across it--although it would be a big step. It makes pleasant gurgling sounds as it passes along the rocks of the stream bed.
The area near the stream is, indeed, a little clearer than the thick jungle you've been hacking through all morning. You [I assume] follow downstream, which takes you toward the other side of the island, where the docks are.
You've gone nearly another mile when you smell a faint whiff of woodsmoke. And--is it your imagination, or does the vegetation thin a bit up ahead? Is there some kind of clearing up there?
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) d20+14=18 ; Thursday May 18th, 2017 11:00:28 AM
How close are we? Say it is several minutes walk away?
"Now is the time for the invisibilities, Tishe," Zeoll says. He puts away his tower shield and shrugs Jozhur off his back. "Let's hope that's not necessarrry again anytime soon," he tells his heavy friend.
Zeoll uses his scent to sense if humans have been by here recently. Survival 18.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+19=28 ; d20-1=6 ; d20+11=26 ; Thursday May 18th, 2017 3:50:33 PM
Zod, unbothered by the undergrowth, sticks to the edge of the treeline as long as possible, to provide cover against any possible lookouts as they approach the clearing. He tries to be as small and quiet as he can (Stealth 6; +20 if Tishe casts Invisibility). He keeps his eyes peeled with his Blackthorn quarterstaff at the ready. Perception 28.
Kunda is much sneakier with Stealth 26. She also stays in the jungle until it would take her too far from the group, climbing easily from branch to branch in the trees before joining Zod on the ground. They follow Zeoll's lead.
(Has it been many hours since we start pushing through the jungle?)
Active Effects: Highlight to display spoiler: {(All hour/level duration; CL 10 for Zod & 12 for Zeoll.) Zod: Myyridan's Blackthorn; Mage Armor (Zeoll) Kunda: Greater Magic Fang; Longstrider; Reduce Animal; Mage Armor (Zeoll)}
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) d20+15=32 ; Thursday May 18th, 2017 5:17:50 PM
Having received the whispered message, Tishe' flits down to ground level and starts casting Invisibility spells: eight of them! "Eleven minutes and they will begin to end," she says, "by the time 12 minutes pass, we will all be visible once more."
She sniffs the air and catches the woodsmoke. "I wonder what they are making? Charcoal, Soap, and preserved foods all need a low fire."
Not sneaky, she stays with the back group. "If anything happens, I can Dimension Door ahead with you so you don't have to run." .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target. Invisible. 120 rounds. Zeoll, Zod, Jozhur, Terser, Bralin, Reggie, Rillet and Tishe' Perception. 32. Keeping her senses alert
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 May 18th, 2017 5:38:57 PM
Terser stays 60feet behind still while the scouting happens, knowing that it would be hopeless for him to try to stay quiet in all the underbrush. He is ready to rush forward at the first call from his companions though.
He acts as a relay to whisper information among the group as they sneak up on the settlement.
(Cayzle Sub for Ed) Reggie | AC30 HP130 | Raged 0/18 d20+23=35 ; d20+16=25 ; Thursday May 18th, 2017 6:16:23 PM
Reggie, having only a modicum of Stealth herself, sticks with the middle group too.
Stealth 35
She too keeps alert as the group moves forward.
Perception 25
She is ready to leap into action.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+46=66 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+25=39 ; Thursday May 18th, 2017 6:24:54 PM
Jozhur offers to scout ahead of the group and upon receiving the invisibility and message spells, he begins trotting ahead of the others. He goes straight for the compound, moving quickly but also keeping his eyes open for any possible enemies or traps. He reports anything notable via message.
Stealth: 66 (Jozhur has a rogue talent allowing stealth at full speed with no penalty, also hide in plain sight) Perception: 31 Perception (for traps): 39
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Thursday May 18th, 2017 6:38:45 PM
Bralin hangs back with Terser, waiting for that time when his skills are required.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 Thursday May 18th, 2017 6:59:54 PM
Zod & Kunda let Jozhur do the close-range scouting. They hang back with Zeoll and Reggie.
The snake is amused to see the pirate-lady climbing through the trees. She likes that one.
(Thanks for subbing Cayzle, I was gonna suggest it when Ed said he'd be out a couple days, then I forgot).
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d20+19=30 ; d20+26=42 ; Thursday May 18th, 2017 9:24:56 PM
Rill casts Detect Evil, tough he does not concentrate on anything yet. He moves forward invisibly with the others, ready for what may come.
Stealth 30 (including the bonus for invisibility) Perception 42.
DM Kathy Thursday May 18th, 2017 11:02:04 PM
It has been a little over an hour since you first came ashore.
At Zeoll's urging, Tishe' makes everybody invisible.
Jozhur, the stealthiest, goes first, but finds nothing alarming, and soon the rest of you join him in the small clearing.
Much of it is open space, seemingly packed down by hundreds of feet. Over to one side of the space, a small platform stands under a shady tree. It looks a little like an outdoor stage, but considering the mission you're on, it is more likely an auction area.
There are also two buildings here, clearly built from native wood, clearly more functional than decorative. The smaller building is two stories with a small shaded porch. A wooden sign nailed to the wall next to the door says "OFFICE." The other building is a single story, long and low, like a warehouse.
There is the faintest trickle of smoke coming from the chimney of the OFFICE building--from a very low or even banked fire. Indeed, the day is a bit too hot to need a fire for warmth; it's probably a cooking-fire that isn't being allowed to die out altogether.
You see no people or animals, and hear nothing but the ambient noise of the island. If it weren't for the trickle of smoke, you'd think the place deserted.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+19=21 ; d20+19=39 ; Friday May 19th, 2017 12:11:37 PM
The hair on the back of Zod's neck and arms raises at the sight of the platform and the clearing. Uttering a low growl, he sneaks up to the longhouse and puts his ear to the wall, listening for sounds of activity inside.
Stealth 21 (including +20 from invisibility). Perception 39.
"We should try to get anyone that's still being held here back to your ship, before we crash this party." He whispers to Zeoll through the tauric captain's cantrip.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+46=61 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+25=27 ; d20+23=26 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+25=28 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=23 ; Friday May 19th, 2017 4:46:08 PM
Jozhur tries to peek in any windows in both buildings and listens for any activity. He relays any information to Zeoll via message and asks Zeoll which building to enter first and that his plan is to give the door a gentle push open, as if blown by the wind, then peek inside and possibly ambush whoever comes to investigate.
When the decision is made and all are ready, he will check the door for traps determine if the door is locked. He then begins to pick the
Not sure if a roll is needed for making the door seem to swing open naturally. Bluff? Sleight of hand?
Bluff: 28 Sleight of hand: 12 (if sleight of hand, hero point to reroll: 23)
(Cayzle Sub for Ed) Reggie | AC30 HP130 | Raged 0/18 Friday May 19th, 2017 5:55:21 PM
Reggie looks around at the "calm" location, but this place is anything but calm for her. She stares at the open space, with the grass and earth packed down. She can see in her mind's eye the people who have crowded and jostled here ... the slavers, cruel with their whips and chains .. the buyers and sellers of noble flesh, greedy with the desire to profit from stolen lives ... and most of all, those taken as slaves, the families broken apart, the humans treated like cattle, the elves beaten down and bloody, all those burdened with pain, soul-sick and degraded.
The old feelings grip her, and she begins to shake. She can feel one of her fits coming over her. With an amazing effort of will she forces herself to hold on. She looks at the a small platform under the shady tree. She knows it too well. She knows what happens there. She clenches her fists, and slow tears of blood trickle where her nails dig into her palms, magically invisible until they drip onto the packed earth -- but then, there too they blend in with the blood already shed in this place, and are not much visible on the lake of blood already poured out here.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Friday May 19th, 2017 6:04:21 PM
Zeoll is disappointed by what the group has found on this island. This is a market place with no market in place. If the Lionfishers rip this place apart, as he wishes indeed to do, then the slavers will just find a new location for their evil commerce. He whispers to his friends to travel very very lightly here. Maybe, he suggests very quietly, it would be best to stay here in hiding, maybe set up an ambush, and emerge to action on market day, when a crowd of slave buyers and sellers will be within the party's corrective reach, and when there will be many to rescue from this horrible place. Maybe they can divine with spells or dreams when the best day will be to visit this place with justice.
He urges Jozhur not to open a door, not to make an attack. Not yet.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Friday May 19th, 2017 7:02:49 PM
Rill is disgusted by the scene before him, but not shocked. After all, this is the sort of thing he expected to see here. As a follower of the Lord of Life and Death, he is often focused on the condition of being alive or dead and the transition of the soul from one state to the other. This place is a reminder that the quality of that life is just as important as being alive - sometimes more so - and can have a profound effect on the soul. Indeed, when he looked into Reggie's soul on their first meeting he was struck by the pain she has seen, particularly in relation to her slavery and her son.
Rill casts See Invisibility, partly so he can keep track of his friends' movements, and partly to see if there are any invisible threats in the area. He is ready to use Fairie Fire on any invisible opponents he does not recognize.
He sends a Message to Zeoll, "Please relay to the others that we must use care when and how we react. They may use slaves as managers here as well, and it would be a pity to kill what we thought was a slaver, only to find they had little choice in the matter."
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 Friday May 19th, 2017 9:17:26 PM
Jozhur nods to Zeoll, then realizes no one can see him nod. He whispers back through the message spell, "Right". He still attempts to pick through any windows or cracks in the walls, but will not attempt to open any doors. "Then what is the plan? If we make camp and wait, the Lionfish could be spotted and be in danger. I'm not sure it's safe to have them leave for awhile either."
He trek across this island just to not kill any slavers, but if waiting meant killing more slavers and freeing more slaves, then so be it.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Friday May 19th, 2017 10:30:15 PM
Tishe' keeps quiet as she is able, but looking at the slave auction site makes her mumble. "This eats Grass."
"There is some smoke, someone must be here to tend the place while waiting for more people to enslave. " .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target. Invisible. 120 rounds. Zeoll, Zod, Jozhur, Terser, Bralin, Reggie, Rillet and Tishe'
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 Sunday May 21st, 2017 4:49:11 PM
Zod shakes his head when Zeoll suggests they set up an ambush for a busier day. "I hear your warnings for caution, but 'market day' will see this place full of slaves - more to save on that day, yes, but also more innocents to worry about if things get rough. We should spring our ambush now, get what information we can from whoever's keeping the lights on here, and try to catch the others before they bring another group of poor souls to this misused land."
"If we can't find enough info in the office or from the current office manager to track down the rest of the slavers, then we wait here for them, since they won't know we're onto them either way until we go after them or they come back."
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Sunday May 21st, 2017 7:59:29 PM
Bralin accepts the invisibility spell enveloping him, and continues to wait near the edge of the clearing. His best option right now is to stay put, and not give away the group's presence. Therefore, that is what he does.
DM Kathy Sunday May 21st, 2017 8:55:51 PM
Still being stealthy, Jozhur creeps about looking in windows and through cracks. The most obvious windows belong to the smaller building with the office, so that's where you start. Looking through the front window, you see what is indeed a small office, with a couple of desks, a bookshelf, and a bench for visitors. Seated at one of the desks is a stoop-shouldered human man with greying brown hair. Arrayed on the desk in front of him are several pieces of parchment, an inkstand, a couple of pens, and an open ledger book. He is not working with any of these; instead, he is fooling around with a small game board and game pieces.
You make your way to the back of the same building and peer through the window there. You see a combination kitchen/pantry/storage area, with a small cookstove (probably the source of the smoky smell) and a rough table with chairs. Boxes, barrels, and bags of supplies are stacked against one wall. There is nobody in this room at present.
There are also windows on the second floor, but if you want to look through them, I'm going to need a Climb check. Or maybe Tishe' would be willing to fly over and have a look-see.
Similarly, the windows in the other building are set a bit too high to just saunter over and look through. It is a one-story building, but the windows are set high, near the roof, and again, you'd need to climb to reach them.
You are able to find quite a few cracks to peek through; in this climate, making a building weathertight is obviously a low priority. You can see that much of the building consists of a single large room, but it's difficult to make out its purpose. The clearing where you're standing is brightly lit, and you're looking through a small crack into an area that isn't lit at all, so with regular human eyes, it's very difficult to make anything out.
The rest of that building seems to be smaller rooms. The windows are barred, so--holding cells of some kind? It's hard to say. One of the cells seems to be occupied, but you're using your ears and nose to determine that more than your eyes, which can see very little.
Meanwhile, Rill casts See Invisibility, while Bralin stands still and tries not to make noise. Reggie, Zeoll, and Tishe' are all dealing with their emotions at seeing the clearing.
Reggie, in particular, is having a difficult time processing this. Has she been here before? There are bits of her past that she doesn't remember very well. This place doesn't look familiar--well, not specifically--but she could have been through here without realizing it. And what of Ky? Had he been here? Had he been sold here, or in a place much like this? Where was he?
Zod is perhaps facing similar questions. The letter that led you to this island came from Zod's old mentor Tobias--but where was Tobias? Had he come to the island? If so, was he still here--and where? If not, where was he? Were there any clues here?
Zod makes his way to the larger building and attempts to listen at the wall. He is invisible, so he can't be seen, but he doesn't do a great job of moving quietly. So maybe it is Zod's movement, or maybe it's the low murmur of conversations relayed through the Message, or maybe the guy is just bored. But for whatever reason, the human man steps out of the office door and looks around. You can all see him; he looks to be in his 40s. He is short and slight and definitely more of a "keep the books" person than a fighter. He peers around the clearing, looking uncertain.
"Hello?" he says. "Hello? Is someone there?"
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) Sunday May 21st, 2017 9:11:34 PM
Terser maintains his silence until someone less threatening makes the first move.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 Sunday May 21st, 2017 9:26:17 PM
Ooc: Jozhur does have darkvision, in case it makes any difference. Will post later.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Monday May 22nd, 2017 10:23:12 AM
Zeoll casts Charm Person on the bookkeeper fellow. The save DC is base 10 +1 first level spell +5 charisma +2 feats +2 cradled bonus = DC20.
Casting the spell makes Zeoll visible, and he approaches the man slowly, with no weapon drawn, saying, "Hello frriend! You arre just a sight forr sorre eyes!"
If the spell works, Zeoll introduces himself and offers a handshake, as part of his effort to begin to put his new friend at ease and pump him for information.
If the spell does not work, Zeoll takes a move action to get as close as possible. And if the fellow looks like he is ready to bolt, Zeoll says, "Rrelax, frriend. No need to rush away."
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+14=16 ; d20+19=33 ; d20+16=35 ; Monday May 22nd, 2017 12:10:48 PM
At first, as the man comes out of the office, Zod stays very still. Seeing Zeoll try to Charm and approach the apparent slave trader, however, Zod will move to put the man within his 10ft reach, and ready an action to attempt to grapple him should the man become hostile or try to flee (indicating Zeoll's spell failed).
Spellcraft 16, DC 15 + spell level means Zod just recognizes Zeoll's 1st level Charm Person spell.
Stealth 33
Readied Grapple 35 (w/+2 from invis; probably provokes an AoO if it triggers)
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) d20+17=27 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+15=31 ; Monday May 22nd, 2017 12:16:51 PM
Tishe' keeps to her hover until Zeoll casts Charm Person. "I'll take a look too-side", she says and flies vertically up to hover 60' feet into the air and looks around for other movement or sails. .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target. Invisible. 120 rounds. Zeoll, Zod, Jozhur, Terser, Bralin, Reggie, Rillet and Tishe'
Vertical fly. DC 20. 27 Hover Fly. DC 15. 29 (auto pass) Perception. 31
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+46=64 ; d20+20=37 ; Monday May 22nd, 2017 12:49:41 PM
Assuming the man leaves the door open, Jozhur slips into the office and begins to quickly look for any useful information on documents that are laying out. He then goes to the second floor and checks if there is anyone else in the building before more thoroughly searching the second floor.
Although mostly over his thieving days, Jozhur has no qualms stealing from slavers. He will lift anything of value he comes across upstairs.
Stealth: 64 Perception: 37
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 May 22nd, 2017 1:15:52 PM
Terser prepares to open himself to his rage for a surge of strength and speed, and share it with Zod should he need to initiate a grapple.
If you accept it, gain benefits of standard rage (+4 str/con)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Monday May 22nd, 2017 5:45:05 PM
Bralin continues to wordlessly wait, just in case someone else is about.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d20+26=38 d20+31=47 Monday May 22nd, 2017 6:39:50 PM
Rill watches silently. Having already cast Detect Evil, he will now concentrate on the man to see if he is indeed evil. He also begins observing him for 1 min. preparatory to using his Probe Psyche ability.
--------------------- Perception 38 Sense Motive 47 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.
DM Kathy d20=10 ; Monday May 22nd, 2017 10:10:19 PM
When the man emerges from the office, Terser and Bralin stand still and wait. Rill concentrates on his spell, and can determine that the man is not evil.
Tishe' goes aloft to look for other movement, but sees only a few gulls.
While Zod stands ready, Zeoll casts Charm Person. The man blinks, then smiles. "Oh, it's you!" he says. "Welcome to Market Island! I'm so glad you could come."
Meanwhile, Jozhur has slipped through the open door and into the building. You look at the materials on the desk. The ledger is shut now; the man must have shut it before going outside. The papers are mostly blank; one has the start of a letter that hasn't gotten much past "My dear Sir, I hope this letter finds you well." The game set is still there, and is probably worth about 40 gp if you've a mind to lift it. The bookshelf holds other ledgers, plus an atlas and a couple of books on sailing. As you begin to climb the stairs, you hear the distinct sounds of snoring coming from the floor above.
Also, I'll backtrack to say that, in the other building, the purpose of the large room is no clearer with darkvision. You're not sure what it's for. The other rooms were definitely holding cells, one occupied by two women: one elf and one human. The human woman appeared to be injured, but not in immediate need.
Zeoll steps up and embraces the man. "I hope my unusual appearrance will not be a trrouble forr you herre. Please, let's sit down togetherr and chat. We have so much to catch up on. I want to hearr everrything you have been doing, and I am interrested in all that you have accomplished."
Zeoll uses his sunny personality to put the man at ease and to prompt him for as much information as he can without stressing the spell.
Diplomacy 30
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+46=56 ; d20+25=43 ; d20+20=22 ; Monday May 22nd, 2017 11:07:42 PM
Jozhur ignores the game set, it is of trivial value and the man would easily notice it is missing. He pauses at the ledger a moment, debating on whether to look through it. He decides it's not worth the risk right now, as he wants to check upstairs.
He freezes on the stairs for only a moment when he hears someone sleeping. He proceeds a little slower, being mindful of possible traps. He wants a look at the second floor, and the sleeping person. How many people are upstairs?
Stealth: 56 Perception vs traps: 43 Perception: 22
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d20+19=33 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+26=38 ; Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 12:47:39 PM
Rill tries to determine if the man has any ulterior motives or means Zeoll harm.
Sense Motive - 49
Zeoll seems to have this situation under control for now. Rill will pass along what he know to Zeoll and Tishe (as the originator's of a Message spel), hoping they will communicate to the others.
Whispering, "This man in not evil, there is no darkness in his heart."
Meanwhile, he will move quietly to the long, low building and use Detect Evil (already cast) there. It should detect through the walls, assuming they are not lead-lined. He also keeps his eyes open for trouble.
Stealth - 33 Perception - 38
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 1:40:22 PM
Tishe' keeps to her hover 60' in the air, a perfect vantage to watch and support if needed. By Zeoll's body language, the old liontaur has things woven tight! .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target. Invisible. 120 rounds. Zeoll, Zod, Jozhur, Terser, Bralin, Reggie, Rillet and Tishe'
Vertical fly. DC 20. 27 Hover Fly. DC 15. 29 (auto pass) Perception. 31
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+19=27 ; d20+19=36 Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 2:41:18 PM
Zod smiles as the Captain of the Lionfishers gets things in-hand, then the young minotaur huffs softly when the man refers to the place as 'Market Island'.
He may not look the slave-capturing pirate-type, but even the sweetest siren song is a call to doom.
Staying quiet and out of the way, Zod listens to what info Zeoll can get out of his newly charmed friend.
Stealth 27
Perception 36
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 6:51:35 PM
Bralin waits.
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 May 23rd, 2017 9:52:08 PM
Terser maintains his silence until Zeoll sees fit to mention that he has other friends about.
DM Kathy Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 11:31:08 PM Jozhur continues sneaking upstairs. You're pretty sure you only hear one snoring sleeper. That is confirmed when you get upstairs and find two bedrooms. The door to one of the bedrooms is open, and you can tell at a glance that it is quite tidy and there is nobody in there at the moment. The other door is closed; the snoring comes from behind it.
Rill can tell that the human man intends no harm to his good friend Zeoll.
"Yes, of course!" he is saying to the liontaur. "Please, come in, by all means." He leads the way into the office and resumes his seat at the desk. The bench is available for Zeoll to sit on, but it isn't really designed for liontaurs. "I haven't accomplished much, not really," he continues. "Dirgka owns the place; I just keep the books. It's steady work, but, to be honest, it can be unpleasant at times. But enough about me! How was your journey?" He suddenly frowns. "Lem's sake, you didn't come here alone, did you?"
Terser, Bralin, Tishe', and Zod wait and watch. Based on what you hear over the Message, you're pretty sure there are just the two staff people here, and they are both in the office building.
Zeoll says he has friends who helped him get here, of course." Zeoll introduces those of his friends who choose to break their invisibility and come forward. Then he asks the man what he means by "unpleasant."
"In fact, my frriend, I need to know a lot morre. I hope you won't mind if I ask you some questions. I hope it won't seem rrude, me being so currious, but to tell you the trruth, I'm herre looking forr something in parrticularr, and I know I can rrely on you for help."
Zeoll's Charisma check to help encourage his new friend to be forthcoming: an 8. That's not good, so how about a hero point for a reroll? 13 is a bit better.
Zeoll wants to talk with this fellow for a while, he is hoping especially to learn about the fate of Reggie's son, first priority. Then more in general about this place, the owner, and what goes on here.
If Zeoll gets the feeling that the fellow is not evil (also see anything Rill whispers), then he tries to sound him out about his opinion on slavery and the trade. Maybe this fellow can become an ally.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Wednesday May 24th, 2017 12:59:21 PM
Per my prior post, Rillett will move quietly to the long, low building and use Detect Evil (already cast) there. It should detect through the walls, assuming they are not lead-lined. He also keeps his eyes open for trouble.
Stealth - 33 Perception - 38
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) d20+9=18 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2017 5:58:28 PM
Zeoll and the stranger move back into the building.
With no one else about, Bralin decides to make a circuit around the perimeter of the small clearing, and discern what he can.
[Perception 18]
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+20=39 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+46=66 ; Wednesday May 24th, 2017 6:42:09 PM
Jozhur hears the others talking downstairs, which could wake the sleeper. He begins carefully searching the empty room, listening for the snoring to stop.
He is looking for information first, valuables second. He starts at whatever looks most promising. His search is slow and deliberate, carefully moving one thing at a time, then putting it back in place.
Perception: 39 Perception traps: 36 Stealth: 66
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Wednesday May 24th, 2017 11:05:53 PM
Zeoll suggests to his friend that they walk and talk, for the fresh air.
He really wants the Lionfishers to have a free hand investigating this place, so he tries to guide the fellow out of earshot. Maybe a walk down to the docks?
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 May 24th, 2017 11:49:02 PM
Sorry - just got off a plane. Will have a real post tomorrow
DM Kathy Wednesday May 24th, 2017 11:53:17 PM Zeoll assures his new friend that he didn't come alone, and gives the rest of the Black Lions the opportunity to shed their Invisibility and come forward. There are a couple of problems with this plan. First, none of the crew seems inclined to give up their invisibility. Second, although the spell is dismissible, it has to be dismissed by the caster, which would be Tishe'. Anybody else wishing to become visible would have to attack somebody--which may not be the best idea right now.
The bookkeeper frowns, looking puzzled. "Well, where are they, then? Still on the ship? They're welcome to come ashore, you know."
But Zeoll turns the talk to the general operations of Market Island. He learns that, every week or two, slaver captains gather here to buy and sell. They dock at the big docks, take on fresh water at the stream, and either bring their slaves ashore to be sold, or look around at the slaves the other captains have on offer. "You're kind of between markets now," he explains. "That's why there's nobody here. But in three or four days, they'll start to gather again, and once we have enough here, we'll have sales and an auction."
You also learn that each sale is recorded in one of the ledger books. So, although he doesn't specifically remember Ky being sold, he's confident it's written in one of the ledgers, if Ky came through here at all. "Although," he says, "if it's a half-orc kid, it was probably Jonos Aerdhuryn that bought him. If we was sold here, that is."
Meanwhile, Jozhur is upstairs, searching the unoccupied bedroom. You find mainly clothes, a couple of books, a few trinkets (an unusual shell, a brass button, a pair of dice, a small fossil, etc.). You find a pouch with a few silver and copper coins in it. And you find a small bundle of letters, each addressed to "Rab" and signed "Lillie."
Rill is examining the other building. You detect no evil, so either the walls really are lined with lead, or there's no evil in there.
Bralin walks around the perimeter. You find the path to the latrine, but not much else.
Zeoll suggests a walk in the fresh air, but his new friend doesn't seem interested. "Later, perhaps," he says. "Can I get you some tea? Or perhaps a spot of something more...medicinal?"
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+46=56 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+23=34 ; Thursday May 25th, 2017 1:46:31 AM
Jozhur slips the letters into his bag of holding, he can comb them for information later. He leaves everything else alone. Hearing the talk from downstairs, he realizes the only things they may want from here are the ledgers. Now is not a good time to grab them.
Not wanting to leave a couple women held captive for a few more days and allow who knows what to happen to them, he heads back toward the warehouse building, whispering his intentions via message as he approaches.
He heads for the warehouse and tries the door. He attempts to pick the lock if necessary and slowly swings the door open.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d20+15=26 d20+26=31 Thursday May 25th, 2017 2:50:06 PM
Rill's See Invisibility allows him to see Jozhur approach as he moves to the warehouse door. He moves over to Jozhur to let the rogue know he's there, "Jozhur, I sense no evil in here. I'll back you up as we go in. And if we can't negotiate that lock, I can teleport us in."
Rill will work with Jozhur to gain access to the warehouse. Once inside, he will look to see the condition of any within. If anyone is injured, he will channel energy to restore them.
If it is dark in there, he will pull out a light.
Heal 26 to determine injury Perception 31 to notice anything else
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+19=31 ; Thursday May 25th, 2017 6:47:28 PM
Zod's snake companion, who was never made invisible by Tishe, joins Zeoll and the man in the OFFICE when the liontaur mentions having "frriends" about. With what can only be described as a reptilian grin, Kunda slides her head around the corner of the open door, and climbs up whatever vertical surface is nearest Zeoll, without disturbing the large taur.
At some previous point, maybe when he gave Zeoll the ability to understand her, Zod informed the Captain about the snake's above-average intelligence. She's no Sherlock Holmes, but Kunda can at least understand Common, and act of her own will beyond the dictates of her nature. She has a growing respect for Zeoll, understanding in her own way the old wemic's connection to the natural Wold. (Cayzle you can run the snake if you want :) Otherwise she explores and observes from a comfortable vantage, as is her wont.
Zod peers into the open shed behind Rill & Johzur, hoping to maybe see his old friend. Perception 31.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) d20+15=17 ; Thursday May 25th, 2017 7:25:51 PM
Tishe' keeps to her hover 60' in the air, a perfect vantage to watch and support if needed. By Zeoll's body language, the old liontaur has things woven tight! .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target. Invisible. 120 rounds. Zeoll, Zod, Jozhur, Terser, Bralin, Reggie, Rillet and Tishe'
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 May 25th, 2017 7:36:48 PM
Terser strikes on a plan to disguise himself as another captain in the market for slaves. Maybe some of that clothing Joz found upstairs would make a suitable disguise. Hopefully he isn't so famous already that no disguise will keep him hidden.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Thursday May 25th, 2017 9:23:37 PM
Having found nothing of interest, Bralin resumes his original post, and waits.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Thursday May 25th, 2017 10:48:42 PM
Zeoll introduces Kunda by name when the snake shows up. The old liontaur uses body language to indicate nothing is wrong. With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head, he soon lets his friend know he has nothing to dread from the creature.
He continues to draw out the fellow, joining him in a drink, and asking him for more details about this Dirgka fellow. He asks if he could look in his records to see if his friend's son has been through the market here.
DM Kathy Friday May 26th, 2017 12:53:37 AM Jozhur places the letters in his Bag of Holding and sneaks out of the building. That last part is easier said than done; the man closed the door after inviting Zeoll into the office. Zeoll, however, suggests a walk, and goes so far as to open the door, so Jozhur is able to slip out.
And Kunda comes in, but we'll deal with that in a minute.
Rill joins Jozhur outside, and together the two of them enter the other building. The exterior door is not locked. Inside, the bright sun is filtered through the small windows set near the ceiling. The lighting here is dim, but sufficient for most purposes. You quickly make your way to the single occupied cell where the two women sit.
The elf woman is lovely, slender and graceful, with long hair of a distinctive pale gold color. Her eyes are green--and staring straight ahead. There is no expression on her face, and she does not respond in any way to anything happening.
The human woman is around 30, with curly brown hair. Her face is battered. One eye is black and blue, swollen shut. There's another bruise on her jaw; her lip is swollen, and her nose is either broken or seriously damaged. She looks up, startled, as you approach. "Who are you?" she asks, fear in her voice. "What do you want?"
Zod, following at a distance, soon realizes that the two women are the only ones in this building. Tobias isn't here.
Meanwhile, Zeoll welcomes Kunda into the small office, much to the man's obvious discomfort. "Um..." he says, watching her slither. "Um...have you always had a giant snake. Odd, I can't remember...." He looks puzzled for a moment, but the Charm Person spell holds, and he goes on thinking that Zeoll is his good friend, about whom he remembers surprisingly few details.
You learn that Drigka is a half-orc, that he used to be a slaver, but he thought he could make more money by setting up this place. "We take five percent of every sale," your friend explains. "It adds up. And our customers appreciate having a convenient, discreet place to conduct their business."
You ask about the records, and he is happy to let you look through them. "Oh," he says. "But you need to be careful. See, I wanted to protect them, so I had a magic spell cast on them. If the wrong person opens them--poof!--they catch on fire!" He looks pretty proud of himself for having thought of that. "So each time you open a ledger, you need to speak the password." And he gives you the password, which I'm not going to try to think up now. :)
Bralin and Tishe' continue to keep watch, but see nothing alarming. Terser contemplates donning a disguise and pretending to be a slaver captain.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+25=29 ; d20+23=43 ; Friday May 26th, 2017 1:10:36 PM
Jozhur (still invisible, unless the spell has expired) informs the woman he is there to help. He finds it a bit odd that no one is even remotely watching the prisoners.
He looks over the door and asks the woman if she's knows of any traps before trying to open it.
Perception vs traps: 29 Disable device: 43
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) d20+9=13 ; Friday May 26th, 2017 5:33:20 PM
Invisible, motionless, and silent, Bralin waits, and watches.
Perception 13 for anything odd.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) d20+15=32 ; Friday May 26th, 2017 6:30:48 PM
Invisible, hovering, and silent (well, sorta), Tishe' waits and watches. .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target. Invisible. 120 rounds. Zeoll, Zod, Jozhur, Terser, Bralin, Reggie, Rillet and Tishe'
The old liontaur fears that his new friend is nervous about the snake. He shoos Kunda to the porch and asks her to wait there.
Inside, Zeoll commits the ledger password to his memory, but lets the bookkeeper look for Reggie's son. and Reggie for that matter. He has not heard from his friend, and he hopes that she is holding out okay.
He does look over the fellow's shoulder just in case anything leaps out as he watches.
Gather Info 33 Linguistics 9 Knoiw Local 13 Know History 16 Perception 44
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+9=14 ; d20+19=39 ; Sunday May 28th, 2017 5:22:04 PM
The snake, seeming to almost preen herself as Zeoll introduces her by name, slithers back out of the office with an indignant hisss.
Zod, also still invisible, hurries forward to rescue the unresponsive elven woman, before thinking better of the rash reaction and pausing a short ways back from the cell (assuming he can fit inside the building). He waits for Johzur & Rill to put the bruised girl at ease before adding, "We can get you out of here and get you home. We have a ship nearby. But you need to be quiet. Is she okay to move?" His last question is clearly referring to the elven woman.
Heal 14 to determine the elven woman's state, or the cause of her catatonic stupor.
If Johzur opens the cell door, Zod will attempt to speak with, then gently prod the elven woman. If she is still unresponsive, he simply carries her out of the cell and takes her to the edge of the jungle, paying mind to avoid the windows of the Office by going around the other side of the slave building.
Perception 39 to time his exit carrying the unresponsive elf to coincide with Zeoll & his new friend's inspection of the ledger, if the windows can't be avoided.
Otherwise, Zod will ask Zeoll, in response to the next Message he receives (or Tishe, to relay to Zeoll), to distract the bookkeeper so Zod can carry the woman out.
DM Kathy Sunday May 28th, 2017 10:15:58 PM Jozhur says that he's there to help, but he says it while still invisible. Oddly, it doesn't seem to reassure the human woman all that much. "Who are you?" she asks. "Wh-why can't I see you." She keeps tilting and moving her head, and you realize she's trying to see you out of her one good eye.
Zod, also invisible, asks her if the elven woman is all right to move. "I honestly don't know," the human woman replies. She still looks fearful, but since you haven't actually hurt her yet, she seems willing to answer questions. "She's been like this since they brought me here."
Zod can tell that the elf woman is catatonic. You're not sure why, although you have heard rumors that elves don't tend to fare well in captivity.
Meanwhile, Jozhur detects no traps and is able to get the cell door open. Zod steps in and picks up the elf woman, and the sight of her cellmate suddenly levitating into the air elicits a small scream from the human woman. "Are--are you really going to free us?" she asks. Then she adds, "Please. My children. Please, I have to find out what's happened to them. They're so little...." she begins to cry.
Zeoll continues working with the bookkeeper. The man begins looking through ledgers, but he seems a little out of sorts. "Needle in a haystack," he complains. "You know, we could cut the time in half if you'd look, too."
But he does look, and Zeoll looks over his shoulder. Mostly, you just see page after page of transactions. It's a little depressing. But in one of the books, you happen to see the name "Tobias," and you remember that it's the name of Zod's mentor, the one he's looking for--the one whose clue led you here in the first place.
They are intend on their task, so Zod feels fairly comfortable carrying the elf woman out of the other building. Keeping watch, Tishe' and Bralin suddenly see a levitating elf woman move out of the building and around to the back side of the clearing.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+20=33 ; d20+46=48 ; Sunday May 28th, 2017 10:45:04 PM
Jozhur tries to reassure the woman, "It's an invisibility spell, and yes, we really are freeing you. Do you think your children are here? From what we could tell you two were the only people in the building."
Unless the woman believes there may be others in the building, he instructs her to follow her floating cell mate and stays close to her. Jozhur keeps his bow in hand and a sharp eye out for danger.
---------------- Perception: 33 Stealth: 48
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d6=5 d6=4 d6=2 d6=1 d6=5 d6=1 d6=6 d6=4 Sunday May 28th, 2017 11:58:34 PM
Rill responds to the woman as well. "We are here to end this slavery ring. I am an adherent of Gargul, the Lord of Life and Death. You are under our protection, if you wish to be." He will channel energy to heal them both for 26 points.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Monday May 29th, 2017 7:20:00 PM
Tishe' has been waiting for someone trying to escape, and swoops down to capture her until Jozhur's voice makes her pause. Ah, that's the problem! Tishe' dismisses the Invisibility spell and is pleased to note the woman isn't actually floating. "Many Shadows, Jozhur", says the Sargrass Spellweaver.
.... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Monday May 29th, 2017 8:25:36 PM
Bralin starts moving in the direction of the floating elf.
By the time he's gotten around to the backside of the building, Jozhur is visible.
Of course
Bralin stops, and resumes his vigil on the places not occupied by his comrades.
DM Kathy Monday May 29th, 2017 10:15:10 PM Rill casts a spell, and the human woman's bruises disappear like magic. Understandable, really, because it is magic. "Oh," she sighs, obviously relieved not to be in pain anymore. "Oh, that's much better, thank you. Whoever you are."
Jozhur asks about her children. "Well...." she says. "Well, I suppose they could still be here." You can tell that this is more of a mother's desperate hope than any kind of realistic possibility. "Th-they were sold, you see." Tears begin to run down her face again. "Somebody bought them, but they didn't buy me. And they took them away. And I--I guess I just snapped. I screamed and fought, and--and--" she puts her head down and sobs in earnest.
Outside, Bralin and Tishe' are somewhat startled by the appearance of a levitating elf, but then Tishe' figures out what is happening and dismisses the Invisibility, revealing Zod (not Jozhur; he's still inside). Although, do you dismiss all of the Invisibility spells, or just the one?
Once the human woman has calmed a bit, Jozhur and Rill urge her to come outside with them, and she follows.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Monday May 29th, 2017 11:17:11 PM
Zeoll makes a careful note of the entry on Tobias, and asks the bookkeeper about it.
At the fellow's request, the old liontaur adjusts his spectacles and helps search the books, always being very careful to say the safe word before touching or opening any.
He thanks the man and tells him how much this means. Also, he tries to distract him whenever sneaky things are afoot nearby.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Monday May 29th, 2017 11:57:55 PM
Rill exits the warehouse with the woman. Seeing Tishe, "Tishe, my Sargass Sorceress, please remove this invisibility."
Then to the woman, "Greetings, my name is Rillett Savenport. Please tell me your name, and where you're from. And let's see what we can do about getting your kids back."
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+11=27 ; d20+10=25 ; d20-1=2 ; d20+11=15 ; Tuesday May 30th, 2017 1:51:33 PM
Zod carries the elf woman a short ways into the jungle, taking care to shelter her from the hanging branches and shrubs. Survival 27.
Unless she comes-to after leaving the clearing, he places the woman down in a hollow at the base of a tree and turns to head back toward the others, only to realize he’s no longer invisible. So he stays back from the edge of the clearing, hiding in the trees near the comatose elf. Stealth 2… plus maybe situational modifiers?
Zod will flag down Rill and the human woman as they approach. “I’m afraid I’ll give up the jig if I go back out there.” He says to Rill & Johzur. “I’ll bring these two back to your ship, unless you think I should stick around here for something.”
At the same time, Zod looks through the surrounding plants for a type of nut or berry that the tropical birds here eat. Knowledge Nature 25. He tells the other heroes that he can cast Animal Messenger to send a bird carrying a note to Tula, or send a message from the Lionfish once he’s brought the women aboard.
Kunda climbs the outside of the Office to lay on the roof in the sun. Stealth 15 to keep her movements quieter than the sleeping man’s snoring.
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 May 30th, 2017 3:35:03 PM
Terser introduces himself as well.
"Names, Ages, and general descriptions would all go a long way to help finding your kin. Our friend has charmed the bookkeeper and they are looking over the records. We can get their names to him and he can keep his eye out.
Also, anything you can tell us about this man or his superiors would be of a great help too."
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 Tuesday May 30th, 2017 4:07:24 PM
Jozhur shakes his head at the woman's story. More child slaves. He then asks her about the men living in the office, what are their roles here? Are they willing participants in the slave trade, or are they slaves themselves?
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 d20+26=43 ; d20+31=39 ; Tuesday May 30th, 2017 4:47:05 PM
Instead taking the woman with the curly hair to the hut, he will follow Zod's lead and take her to where Zod left the elf. Rill will leave her with a dagger, a water skin, an ever burning torch, and a signal whistle. He tells her, "Keep guard over this woman while we learn what we can. This torch produces no heat, but it should make any animals think twice about bothering you. If there is trouble, use that whistle and we will be here in a hurry."
"Zod, it has been my experience that we do best when we stick together. I believe these two will be safe here for a bit."
He carefully studies the place where the women are hidden, and will return with Zod.
Perception 43 Sense Motive 39
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) d20+9=25 ; Tuesday May 30th, 2017 6:35:25 PM
Bralin waits, and watches.
[Perception 25]
DM Kathy Tuesday May 30th, 2017 10:36:03 PM Rill introduces himself to the human woman. "I'm Madra," she says. "My children are Valdas, Larya, and Ekena. We're from a little fishing village, but we were captured, and--" she starts to cry again.
Terser and Jozhur have some more questions for her, but she has very little information. She adds that Valdas is 9 years old, and his younger sisters are 5 and 6. She knows almost nothing about the crew who captured her and brought her here, and not much more about the men who run Market Island. "I think the boss is a half-orc," she says. "He looked cruel, but he didn't really have anything to do with me. But he's not a slave. He owns the place. The other man, the human, he seems more of an employee. I think maybe his name is Rab. Or something like that."
As Bralin continues to keep watch, Zod and Rill discuss the relative merits of taking the women back to the Lionfish, or just stashing them somewhere until the group can leave together.
Meanwhile, Zeoll is able to determine that Tobias was sold to a man named Felaer Deadfall. The name doesn't mean anything to you. The bookkeeper at last finds the name of Reggie's son, Ky. "Sold a few months ago," he says. "And--yep. Thought so. Jonas Aerdhuryn. He's been buying up half-orc babes for a while now. No idea what he plans on doing with them."
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Tuesday May 30th, 2017 10:57:37 PM
Tishe' discovers a drawback for casting 8 Invisibility spells; it takes her almost a minute to dispel all of them one at a time. They were only going to last 12 minutes anyways, and so they were really about out of power. Good to get them out of the way.
.... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Fly. 12 min. 60'. Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) d20+5=24 ; Wednesday May 31st, 2017 1:28:26 PM
Zeoll is truly grateful to his bookkeeper friend, and lets his gratitude show.
"This inforrmation is so verry valuable, good sirr. I cannot thank you enough."
The old liontaur asks his pal if he can tell him more about these three individuals ... Felaer Deadfall (who purchased Zod's mentor, Tobias), Jonas Aerdhuryn (who purchased Reggie's son, Ky), and Drigka the Half-Orc, who owns Market Island. Zeoll is looking for race, age, distinguishing marks, names of ships, towns of residence, etc.
He also tries to recall if he ever heard of any of these people in or around Bonetown.
Know Local 24
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 Wednesday May 31st, 2017 1:48:23 PM
Zod defers to Rill on what to do with the rescues. He does suggest they leave soon, especially if he hears that Zeoll knows where Tobias is, or that he at least has a name.
"We should take these men with us and tear down their buildings." Zod states. "We can try convincing the bookkeeper nicely, if you prefer, but the half-orc in charge of this island needs to answer for his actions."
This could be the heroes' statement to the Captains of Bonetown, and declaration of war against slavers in the Middle Seas. Shut down Market Island and bring its purveyor to justice. If we're hoping to field a fleet we'll probably need somebody to manage purchasing & payroll, while we're using paid labor as a measure of reform.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Wednesday May 31st, 2017 2:19:47 PM
Rill will make use of Zeoll's Message spell to tell him, "Ask your new friend about 3 children sold recently - Valdas, Larya, and Eken. We broke out two potential slave women, and one is their mother. The other is a catatonic elf. I'll see that I can do to restore her."
Rill will work with Zod to get them women to a place of safety nearby. Then he will use his Probe Psyche ability, hoping that will give him some insight into what is affecting her.
------------------------------ 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.
(His Sense Motive will succeed against this DC.)
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 May 31st, 2017 4:45:51 PM
"This building seems sound enough, Zod. If we cleansed the island of the slavers' presence, we could give it to the freed captives, if they don't have a home to return to. "
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Wednesday May 31st, 2017 6:56:50 PM
Bralin finds that he has reappeared. Still someone needs to keep watch, and so the dwarf falls back to the treeline and makes another circle around the clearing.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 Wednesday May 31st, 2017 9:08:28 PM
Jozhur is disappointed to find himself visible again, but he finds it easier to talk with their freed captive. "I'm sorry, but it sounds like your children are no longer here. We are trying to track down a member of our party's child, we will search for your children as well."
He also informs Zeoll, via message, that the two men in the "office" are not slaves. According to the captives, one is some sort of employee, the other runs the place.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Wednesday May 31st, 2017 10:28:16 PM
Tishe' didnt even know who was 'levitating' the elf woman until she works her way through dismissing all her invisibility spells. And that reminds her that her Fly spell is about to dissipate too. So she floats to the ground with some grace and moves to Zod and the unresponsive woman.
.... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target.
DM Kathy Wednesday May 31st, 2017 11:36:14 PM Tishe' dismisses the Invisibility spells, one by one. Being a caster is a lot of work!
Bralin continues to watch for trouble.
Zod, Terser, Rill, and Jozhur begin to discuss what is to be done with the rescued women, and with the two men in the other building. Rill also attempts to figure out what is up with the elf woman, about which I'll say more in email.
Zeoll continues to talk to his friend Rab about the particular sales he's interested in. [OOC: Zeoll may or may not have heard the name "Rab" over the Message, but I"m tired of calling him "the bookkeeper" and "the human."] Rab doesn't know anything about Felaer Deadfall. "Maybe Drigka knows something," he says dubiously, "but I'm not about to wake him up and ask." He is more helpful with Jonas Aerdhuryn. "Jonas is a dark elf," he says. "Owns a big estate right on the coast in a remote part of Aisildur. He's been buying up baby half-orcs for a while now. I dunno what he wants 'em for. Kids that age aren't usually valuable, y'see. But--well, dark elf. They're always up to something ain't they?"
Rab tells you that Drigka is a half-orc, and a former slaver, who decided to give up that life and provide this discreet place to buy and sell instead. When there are no customers, like today, Drigka prefers to keep a nocturnal schedule; that's why he's sleeping now. "And he's like a bear with a sore head if you wake him up," Rab adds. "So please don't."
Based on information you get over the Message, you are also able to find the name of the man who bought Madra's kids: Ettan Storm. "Oh, yeah, I know who that is," Rab says. "He's--I guess you'd say a broker. He provides slaves to mining operations in a lot of different islands hereabouts."
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) d20+2=3 ; Thursday June 1st, 2017 7:30:20 AM
Tishe' looks at Zod and asks him to put the woman down in a comfortable place. Her healing skills aren't good for much above the 'dab the forehead with a damp cloth' variety, but she has seen the after effects of trauma before. A smouldering anger inside of the spellweaver is banked, but the first group of slavers she sees is not going to be happy. Not at all. .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Thursday June 1st, 2017 12:12:41 PM
Rill waits.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+10=15 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+9=11 ; Thursday June 1st, 2017 3:44:22 PM
Zod does what he can to make the elf girl comfortable, situating her among a bed of soft plants. K:Nature 15, Survival 25, Heal 11.
With a large leaf resting overtop his hand, Zod speaks the High Woldian word for Life. A tattoo on the minotaur's left side glows briefly, and the leaf conforms to the shape of his hand as it fills with water. Gently, he tilts the elf lady's head back and pours a slow trickle of water through her lips.
"In my time away from the noble races, often my main concern was the well-being of the animals in whatever lands Kunda & I found ourselves in." Zod says quietly as he continues to water the elf. "Many times did I care thus for a sick or injured animal." The minotaur's tone and temperament seem much softer than his usual gruff, challenging demeanor.
OOC: Create Water Brahmah's Tattoo. 1/4 uses.
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 June 1st, 2017 5:47:38 PM
"Sounds like at least three different leads to chase down, just to rescue the family of our friends. It seems to me that we need to address the root cause of slavery, rather than chasing down individuals. Though taking out the captains that deal in slavery won't hurt anyone but them. "
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Thursday June 1st, 2017 6:33:50 PM
Bralin continues to circle the perimeter of the clearing, occasionally stopping, slowing down, speeding up, or even reversing direction in no particular pattern.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Thursday June 1st, 2017 6:59:19 PM
Bliss thanks the bookkeeper and apologizes. "Zeoll of the Lionfish is getting old, you know. Just look at my grrey mane! The elderrly arre forrgetful. Rremind me of yourr name, my frriend?"
"You have been so helpful! This means so much. But I cannot forrget my snake frriend. Let me make surre he is fine, and I'll be rright back."
Zeoll steps out onto the porch and greets the snake. But what he is really doing is having a quick chat with his friends to catch up on the news and decide on strategy.
DM Kathy Thursday June 1st, 2017 11:13:10 PM Zod puts the elf woman down and manages to pour some water down her throat. "I'll take some of that, too, if there's more available," Madra says hesitantly.
Tishe', Rill, Terser, and Bralin continue to watch and wait. Seeing the effects of slavery firsthand is starting to affect some of you emotionally.
Zeoll makes an excuse to step outside, so he can converse with his friends over the Message spell. Everybody please remember that you are visible now, and the office has windows. Though Zeoll did tell Rab he wasn't here alone.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Friday June 2nd, 2017 7:40:04 AM
Tishe' can also use the White Spell, Message, and, pointing her finger, helps to relay messages to the currently dispersed BlackFish. She tells the others of the state of the elf woman and praises Zoe's healing knowledge. Some fire creeps into her whispered conversation as she suggests to send the LionFish away for a couple weeks and they turn Slave Auction Island into Slaver Capture Island. "They arrive over the course of a couple days, we can weave a pattern to really hurt the slave trade in the whole region. If we only cut the thread these two beaters, the slavers will just go somewhere else."
"And I think a couple weeks chained up in one of their own ships as we deliver them to Rum or the Taur Isles for justice fits the pattern they have woven." She looks at the catatonic elf-girl. "It's less than they deserve, and more merciful, but it is more just." .... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Friday June 2nd, 2017 11:20:27 AM
Rill adjusts his white robes, returning them to their clean, pressed condition (Prestidigation.) As Zeoll exits, he will motion for the old Taur and others to gather behind the warehouse, out of sight from the office windows and hopefully out of earshot as well.
"Tishe, I agree that the bigger issue here is the whole slaver operation. But I am conflicted. I am deeply concerned that the information we have about these particular kids is time sensitive, and we have to act now. Waiting places them in greater danger on several levels. If these were our kin, could we let them suffer whatever happens to slave children at the hands of their buyers over the next few weeks? Can we tell their mother to just sit tight while we wait?"
"Assuming we leave to find these kids, we cannot leave this place still standing, nor can we leave these two active participants here to continue their business. Gargul tells us that death comes to us all, and for many it is meaningless and wasteful. These two men have been very active in this trade, and their death will not be meaningless. It has been earned by each entry in those logs Zeoll has seen."
"I suggest we kill them for their crimes, quickly and mercifully. This is harsh, but it is just. Then we burn this place to the ground to send a message. The names and entries in those logs will give us the information we need to later pursue the slavers involved. We can also pass these names along to the other Bonetown captains, deputizing them to bring folks to justice as they see fit. I am little concerned about what sort of pirate justice happens to them."
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 Saturday June 3rd, 2017 11:54:10 AM
Zod starts at his own oversight, and uses his Create Water Brahmah's Tattoo twice more for Madra and the comatose elf. He introduces himself to the distraught mother and offers what comfort he can.
When Zeoll comes out to discuss the situation and their plans via Message, Zod chimes in here & there to fill the Captain in on the former slave women's predicaments.
Zod shakes his head when Rill suggests they kill the men here and move on "Within the first few weeks that we met, my suggestion to kill the pirate crew of the Ghost Driver/Insight was decided to be too strong-handed, where two of those five men were very obviously wicked and cowardly beings, with no sign of repentance."
"There are vile deeds going on here that we need to stop, certainly, and I agree that the best way to do that, before we leave to look after our own interests, is to deal with these men. The half-orc owner sounds like a hard, cruel man, but Madra professes that he did not touch her. And the bookkeeper, Rab, seems far from the sort of man whose only justice can be an execution. Let us capture them, destroy the minimal comforts they've built here, and decide their fate while we hunt down the more despicable members of this black market that are holding our friends."
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Sunday June 4th, 2017 4:43:52 PM
Zeoll listens to his friends and tries to find a consensus.
Tishe wants to stay, ambush the next market, and rescue the kids and victims later.
Terser says, "We need to address the root cause of slavery, rather than chasing down individuals. Though taking out the captains that deal in slavery won't hurt anyone but them." Sounds like he agrees with Tishe.
Jozhur has no objections to "dealing with" these two slave traders for good. Haul them into the jungle, hopefully to never be found. Either the island will shut down and business will move elsewhere, or someone else will take over the operation. His other suggestion is to simply leave quietly with the two slaves and allow business to continue as usual. Get these two here now to safety and try to rescue Reggie and the other human's children, then return to bust up the slavers.
Rill wants to take away those that are here now, kill Rab and Dirga and burn this place down, then leave to go rescue victims.
Zeoll agrees with Jozhur's second suggestion: Get these two slaves here now to safety and try to rescue Reggie and the other victims, then return to bust up the slavers.
Zod wants the same as Rill, but is not sure that death is the right justice for Rab. Maybe not for Dirga either.
Bralin is for rescuing those closest to us first, and then dealing with slavers, be it here or the captains, or whoever.
The old liontaur sighs. There are no easy answers, But more of us prefer to rescue the children and then to come back here to attack the market. So we will do that. The question is, do we kill Rab and Dirga and torch the place first?
He offers the following course of action to his friends to see if it will suffice: We take the slaves we found here. We leave Rab and Dirga alone and let them do whatever it is they will do. We go rescue the children who are now slaves, and maybe Zod's friend too. Then we come back, and if we can, we ambush slavers at a market and free as many slaves as we can and kill as many slavers as we can.
"Will we do this plan? Or should we kill Rab and Dirrga rright herre and now?"
Zeoll has one more word for his friends to consider. "Therre is no goverrnment herre but us. The laws of Rrum orr Centaurr Island do not apply herre. We arre frrom Bonetown, and ourr aim is to brring justice and rreform pirrates. When pirrates learrn we arre killing slaverrs in the name of Bonetown, and when we offerr slaves a new home herre on this island flying underr a Bonetown flag, we arre taking a stand. Will ourr justice be rrough? It will, but it will be fairr and we will do much good and no evil."
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) Sunday June 4th, 2017 5:35:18 PM
Terser does not entirely disagree with Zod, but does not regret his hesitance to kill. Rash decisions have gotten him in trouble before, and he tries to consider well his actions before making them permanent.
Don’t do what you can’t undo, until you’ve considered what you can’t do once you’ve done it.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+11=12 ; d20+10=13 ; Sunday June 4th, 2017 5:39:02 PM
Zod says that Tobias' rescue should be more than an "and maybe," but he agrees to the plan.
Survival 12 to lead us out... maybe supplemented with K:Nature 13? No, probably not. Zod can't remember where we parked.
Anyway, Zod & Kunda head out if the others agree. Zod will carry the elf unless someone has some more convenient magical means to transport her.
DM Kathy Sunday June 4th, 2017 9:07:27 PM
There's a lot to discuss here, and unfortunately no easy answers. Some of you want to deal with Rab and Drigka here and now, but you're not sure what the consequences for that may be--and anyway, you disagree on what "dealing with" them would look like.
After some discussion, then, you decide to leave with the women and deal with this place later.
Madra can walk on her own, now that her injuries are healed, and the elf woman isn't hard to carry. The first part of your journey back across the island just involves following the stream back to its source. After that, it gets a little complicated, but Zod is able to find the path you made coming in, so following it back will be a little easier. [I'm still going to need Survival checks from everyone, though, because I'm mean like that. :) ]
Zeoll bids his Rab good-bye, and leaves him with these words: "My frriend, please rrememberr tomorrrow that I am yourr frriend, and that you arre not an evil man. But the day may arrrive when you have to choose sides. When that time comes, please join me to end the evil that goes on herre."
He is careful to engage the fellow so that he does not see the main group leaving with the two former slaves.
On the way back across the island heading home, Zeoll's nature background, his Taurs Try cantrip, and his ability to walk easily even through the deepest undergrowth help him help the team.
Survival 26.
Reaching the coast, he smells the sea spray again, and his tail swishes happily.
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+9=16 ; Monday June 5th, 2017 5:00:18 PM
Terser is a bit hindered by the burden of the elven woman, but he does his best to prevent any vines snaring of branches snapping back and hitting her. Thankfully, he can follow the old 'taur, which should prevent him from losing the trail.
survival 16
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Monday June 5th, 2017 5:19:03 PM
Tishe' doesn't agree with Zeoll, but has to admit there is merit in taking care of the immediate need and continuing to seek the children, maybe including Reggie's child. She goes back to the LionFish.
.... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) d20+9=12 ; Monday June 5th, 2017 5:43:40 PM
Bralin turns to follow the group back, and is immediately confronted with the jungle. For some reason, getting out is much worse going than getting in.
Survival 12. Terrific.
DM Kathy Monday June 5th, 2017 10:20:26 PM Zeoll is easily able to find the path to the other side of the island, although some of you have more luck following it than others.
You return to the Lionfish where Tula, not surprisingly, wants to know where you're headed next.
Madra is lobbying pretty hard for you to go after her kids, and I'm sure Reggie is just as keen to rescue Ky. You do have more of a specific location on Ky, though with the amount of divination available to this crew, that's probably a minor consideration.
So...where to?
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 Monday June 5th, 2017 10:25:06 PM
Jozhur suffers through the trip back to the Lionfish, cursing the jungle the whole way.
He feels the logical choice is to look for Madra's children first, since they were much more recently sold ad could be split up. He keeps his mouth shUT about it though, not wantin to offend Reggie.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Tuesday June 6th, 2017 2:51:24 AM
Rill admits that there are times when wisdom and mercy should take precedence over justice, and this is likely one. “I will accede to the group decision to spare these slavers for now. Thank you for reminding me that we can do better than blind justice.
“So, we seek Jonas Aerdhuryn in Aisildur. And once we have found Ky, we will seek out Madra’s children.”
Rill will cast Commune, asking the following: 1. Is Jonas Aerdhuryn in Aisildur? 2. Is Ky in Aisildur? 3. If we seek to rescue Ky, will we face undead? 4. If we seek to rescue Ky, will we face extra planar creatures? 5. If we seek to rescue Ky, will we face magical fire? 6. Is Jonas Aerdhuryn working with Nikodem Zyre? 7. Is Ky still alive? 8. Is Jonas Aerdhuryn sacrificing half-orc children? 9. Will Death Ward provide us protection If we seek to rescue Ky? 10. Are Marda`s children alive? 11. Are Marda`s children all together? 12. Will we face combat before reaching Aisildur?
The old taur spends some time with the former slaves, trying to put them at ease. Diplomacy 35.
He briefs Tula on what the party has learned, and asks her if she or anyone on crew has had any experience near that part of the Aisildur coast. If we set sail now, how long will it take to get there?
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+10=17 ; Tuesday June 6th, 2017 4:44:21 PM
It looks like 17 days from Bonetown to Aisuldur, using the 1625 miles listed in this chart, and the Lionfish's 96 mile/day speed here. It took us a few days to get to Market Island, so depending on Market Island's location, it might be as short as 1 week of sailing to Aisildur from there.
K:Geo 17.
Madra's children were sold to Ettan Storm. Rab says "He's a broker that provides slaves to mining operations in a lot of different islands hereabouts."
So, we're geographically closer to Madra's children, but if Aisildur is the destination, Zod will placate Madra with the promise that her children will be rescued soon.
OOC: I suspect looking after Ky will lead us to the big baddie for this module, while finding Madra's children is sort of a side quest.
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 June 6th, 2017 5:11:48 PM
Terser guesses that Madra won't want to be offloaded while we go off to rescue her children. Put a sword in her hands and give her a lifeboat and she'd be off on her own.
"If we go off to rescue them from a mining operation, we'd best be prepared to rescue many more than just them. It may be more feasible to organize and lead a revolt of the slaves. We can smuggle in some weapons and break their bonds, then lead them against those that enslaved them. Perhaps Madra could be instrumental in gathering her children and any others there, then barricading themselves in a room while the others take control of the mines. "
Should this be the case, Terser will investigate Madra's experience with combat, weapons, and try to help her hone any skill she has in that regard, should she wish it.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Tuesday June 6th, 2017 6:01:42 PM
Tishe' doesn't Have much to contribute. They are going to rescue enslaved people, and one group is a s good as another for the Spellweaver.
.... Mage Armor ( from Zeoll). +4 AC Message. Whispered conversations at a distance by pointing at the target.
DM Kathy Tuesday June 6th, 2017 10:35:47 PM
You discuss the relative merits of going to Aisildur first to secure Ky, or trying to find the mine that Madra's children were sold to. Certainly the trip to Aisildur is going to take a while (although you are closer than you would be in Bonetown), but is it best to take the long trip first or last? And, as Terser points out, rescuing Madra's children may involve orchestrating a full-on slave revolt, which may take time.
[OOC: I'm going to let you go on discussing it; let me know if you have questions.]
Rill casts Commune.
1. Is Jonas Aerdhuryn in Aisildur? No 2. Is Ky in Aisildur? Yes 3. If we seek to rescue Ky, will we face undead? No 4. If we seek to rescue Ky, will we face extra planar creatures? No 5. If we seek to rescue Ky, will we face magical fire? Yes 6. Is Jonas Aerdhuryn working with Nikodem Zyre? No 7. Is Ky still alive? Yes 8. Is Jonas Aerdhuryn sacrificing half-orc children? No 9. Will Death Ward provide us protection If we seek to rescue Ky? Unclear 10. Are Marda`s children alive? Yes 11. Are Marda`s children all together? Yes 12. Will we face combat before reaching Aisildur? Not if you go there first. [i.e., if you decide to find the mine first after all, then there will likely be combat before you reach Aisildur]
Also, while I'm impersonating your god, I will remind you of a Scrying spell you did about 10 days ago (game time), or two months ago (real-world time). You scried on Reggie's son Ky, and this is what you got:
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.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Wednesday June 7th, 2017 1:09:35 AM
(since we play in a pirate game, I thought I'd mention that I just finished the Pirates of the Caribbean ride)
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Wednesday June 7th, 2017 2:01:22 PM
Zeoll is in favor of going to Aisildur. We have a better idea of where to go, plus who to look for, plus there are all the other children being held with Ky as well. Zeoll fears that they are intended to be heartseeded. Usually you have to be older to accept a heartseed, but who knows what the priests of Ga'al are trying.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 d20+7=23 ; Wednesday June 7th, 2017 4:09:47 PM
((Mark, nice. I just saw the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie last night :))
Zod agrees with Zeoll, but he asks the Captain to make sure Tula and the crew can look after Madra and the comatose elf while the heroes investigate.
Zod will use the journey to work on his tattoos, drawing many drafts in a notebook before setting the needle to his skin. Though non-magical, the minotaur adds a new piece of art to his left forearm. Craft (tattoo) 23, further blends the High Woldian symbol of Wardd already tatooed there into a growing oceanic scene, now with a depiction of a storm-tossed battle between three ships.
If we can narrow down the location of Jonas Aerdhuryn's estate to a 20-mile stretch of the Aisildurian coast, Zod will use Commune with Nature to pinpoint the estate and get more info on the surrounding landscape.
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 June 7th, 2017 4:38:39 PM
(Rill goes on vacation, leaving me to manage the water needs of California by myself.)
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Wednesday June 7th, 2017 6:31:12 PM
Bralin listens to the discussion flowing around him, eventually sensing that the consensus appears to be Aisildur.
The dwarf nods in agreement, and awaits the journey.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Wednesday June 7th, 2017 8:31:04 PM
Tishe also agrees to go to Alisidur.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 Wednesday June 7th, 2017 8:32:35 PM
Jozhur nods and smiles at Zeoll's plan to look for Ky. He is happy to finally have a chance to help Reggie look for her son.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 Wednesday June 7th, 2017 10:11:14 PM
((OOC: I didn't mean to slow us up being contrarian, my bad. Any word from Ed? He's missing Reggie's module..))
DM Kathy Wednesday June 7th, 2017 10:52:18 PM
After considering your options, you decide to head for Aisildur first. Visibly disappointed, Madra urges you to hurry, and asks repeatedly for promises that you'll rescue her children next.
Tula estimates it will take about 10 days to sail to the specific stretch of Aisildur coast where Jonos Aerdhuryn's estate is. (You don't have a specific location, but you do have a general one.)
Please make note of any preparations you want to make during the voyage.
Rill (MarkB) HP 103/103 - AC 25/15/23 CMD 22 Wednesday June 7th, 2017 11:27:48 PM
"To Aisldur!"
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC20/22; HP67) Thursday June 8th, 2017 4:52:44 PM
Zeoll reassures Madra, consoling her as best he can and explaining that Reggie has been without her boy for a very long time. But Madra's children will not be forgotten.
Over the 10 days of the trip, Zeoll regrets that he is not in the middle of crafting something. But he is saving all his coin for the great horn he has planned. Well, he can hone his sailor skill.
In the evenings, Zeoll tells tales of Eberyon -- and tries to dream of clues that will help them find the spot on the coast where they can find Reggie's son and the other captives.
AC 23/ 23/ 21. CMD 15 HP 91 /91 Tishe' (SteveK) Thursday June 8th, 2017 4:52:47 PM
Tishe' spends the voyage assisting in sailing the ship and spinning, carding, and weaving cloth with her drop spindle and hand look to pass away the hours. She feels a little unuseful, and also uses her time to contemplate how to be more than an encouraging face outside of combat.
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 June 8th, 2017 5:02:14 PM
"Is there a way to send a message back to the captains in Bonetown? When we go to break up the slaving operations, I bet there will be more slaves freed than we can safely transport on the 'Fish. We could arrange to meet another ship there when it comes time."
Otherwise, Terser has nothing to do but sharpen his skills and continue offering training to Madra.
Zod |&| Kunda (Damarr) HP99||70; AC26||30; T21||17; FF24||23; CMD36||30 Thursday June 8th, 2017 5:06:29 PM
Zod looks forward to more of Zeoll's stories during the trip, and continues fiddling with his tattoos. He also does a little wood carving to pass the time.
OOC: If I can settle on a spell for my level 3 Brahmah's Tattoo I'd like to count some of this time toward it's creation (it would take 10 days total crafting time, plus finding an appropriate caster if I choose a non-druid spell), but I'm still mulling over options. I'm torn at the moment between Darkvision (Ranger spell list), Daylight, or Invisibility Purge (Cleric spell list). Water Walking (Cleric spell) & Water Breathing are also in the running, but that's regularly prepped for Zod anyway (& Rill usually keeps Water Walking handy).
(MikeK)Bralin (AC32 / T17 / FF29)CMD 29 - HP 141/141) Thursday June 8th, 2017 7:08:08 PM
Bralin retreats to a corner of the ship, and whiles away the hours carving the likeness of a liontaur from a foot long piece of pumice he liberated from Bonetown.
(Brock) Jozhur AC24 / Touch 17/Flat 17--CMD 26--HP90/99 d20+10=24 ; Thursday June 8th, 2017 7:30:13 PM
Jozhur has no preparations to make, so he spends the time helping sail the 'Fish to their destination.
He also speaks to Zeoll about some things he's experienced. "Remember when I was eaten by a plant and felt something strange. I've been able to see in complete darkness for a little while. I doubt it's anything to worry about, but something is going on."
ooc: A little RP for Jozhur's shadowdancer prestige class, I was crunched for time when he gained the first level.
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