Basilli, The celestial eagle was brilliant! I may have told you this before, but I always remember the story of the time Kyle Lightfoot was being pinned against the statue in academy square by Charak Mastoon and you summoned a celestial eagle to help dispense justice. Students never stopped talking about that for weeks. I never thought there would be a day when I would be fighting along side Basilli's legendary eagle! Do you think you always summon the same bird? Does it have a name?
After checking to see that Zahur is safely out of the hole and there are no more visual threats, Solaric begins searching around the funnels.
Perception
Solaric begins searching around the funnels
Victoria leans over
"If you find any eggs or small hatchlings please throw them up"She then picks Naga the Viper back up and brushes the serpent free of sand.
Basilli looks around. "Now now, enough of that. I just did what I could do."
"However" he adds in a more serious tone, "that little fracas just depleted me of my healing magics. I'm afraid I am limited to minor tasks now. Still, hitting things works too ..."
"I will save my magics for healing then Basilli"
After the last spider is killed by a courageous spear thrust of Kirk, the imminent danger has passed.
Gorian runs over to you once he has pulled the boat onto the shore. Like you, he is absolutely drnched by the downpour. The sun has vanished behind the black wall of storm clouds and you have to shout to understand each other.
The sound of rolling thunders and lightning cracks interrupts your conversations regularly and you have to repeat yourself to get a messsage across.
Now what? To the other side of the islet to the wrecked ship or shall we visit the lighthouse first?
Inside the funnels are still hundreds of baby crab spiders but no eggs. You have to jump into the funnels to search it thouroughly.
"To the lighthouse? If nothing else, it will provide us an excellent vantage point from which to observe our surrounds"
Seeing no one in need of healing, and keen to get out of the rain, Victoria leads on...
Following the Countess Victoria's initiative, Solaric shouts out and points to the lighted tower, "Let's make our way toward the lighthouse!"
As Solaric pushes onward through the wind and the rain, he cannot help but think about how exposed the surface always feels. For all the struggles I faced in the darklands, I never had to face driving weather like this. There has got to be some sinister magic behind this storm.
Solaric then snaps out of his thoughts and begins looking around for any indication of other life on the isle. Wait up for us, Countess!
Perception
Basilli gestures towards the lighthouse and bellows. "Aye I think the Countess has the right of it for now! But let us be careful in our movements - this downpour will make this beach and rocks even more treacherous! And do not forget the very reason that we are heading there would make it likely that there may be foes observing us even now! Kirk if you could be so kind as to act as scout!? ONWARDS ALL!!"
Zahur visibly paled from the encounter picks up his sword, and starts to follow with the rest of the group towards the lighthouse.
[b]So what is our approach? Slash first ask questions later, or are we considering another aproach? Considering our first encounter with one of their members, I seriously don't think that they are the chatty conversation type/[b]
Pitr grabs his halberd. Good to see you could join us , Zahur. Are you well?
Listening to the conversation, he asks- Gorian, didn't you say the cult was likely hiding in the ruined ship? Does anyone live in the lighthouse?
Zahur, I am having such a difficult time hearing you in this blasted storm. We can talk easier once we get under some cover. I think the lighthouse will give us a momentary shelter from the storm and let us gather our bearings and view the layout of the island. I do agree with you. Slash first may not be the best approach. However, when they attack with murder in their eyes, I am not as interested in talking.
Turns towards Pitr to answer him
I am not at my best, it seems that those little suckers bit me and have injected me with some poison. But do not worry I am good enough to continue on.
COnsidering the situation, I think going to the lighthouse is the best as the Countess has mentioned. If they are in a ruined ship it must mean they are near the sea, and I really don't think being near the water is the best of options right now.
The rocky way from the beach up to the bluff where the lighthouse is situated, is exhausting and risky. But even the weakened Zahur is able to get there safely.
As you reach the lighthouse and the two small outbildings next to it, you notice that the door to the lighthouse is open, a faint yellow hole against the darkness of the walls and the storm beyond it.
No one is to be seen and the roaring noise of the thunderstorm squelch every other sound.
"I'm not feeling so well, either. I'll need a few day's rest, I think, once all of this blows over. Shall we continue inside?"
Kirk hangs back, not wanting to enter first, but will follow immediately behind anyone who does take the initiative, with his longspear poised and ready to attack from over their shoulder.
Looks like they left the light on for us!
Pitr takes a look around and jogs over to the door once everyone is ready.
Perception
Pitr, you seem very eager to get out of the storm. Please, be my guest. I will follow after you. Solaric gracefully extends his hand in a welcoming gesture encouraging the fighter to enter first. Solaric steps in behind him, thinking, This is unlike the young Taldan to be so eager to go first. I wonder if his fear of the storm is greater than his fear of the unknown.
Once everyone in the party is indoors, (if the room appears safe) Solaric gestures for the large Gundarian to sit down. Zahur, my wounded friend, sit down out of the storm and lets take a look at those spider bites. The half-drow takes out his healing kit and attempts to treat poison on Zahur.
Heal Check
There you go... That is the best that I can do. Hopefully you will start to feel better soon. Solaric then turns to the rest of the group, Anyone else need my assistance?
Victoria tails about 10 feet behind Pitr and follows him to the door.
Your heart nearly misses a beat, so great is the relief to get out of the cold and threatening storm into the warmth of the lighthouse. Besides a large spiral staircase leaading up there are a kitchen and large room consisting of a mixture of living and bed room.
Something is obviously wrong here since several pieces of furniture have been overturned and their contents littered all over the floor. It seems like someone was searching for something and judging by the warmth of the room he must have just left, since the door could not have been open for long. Maybe he/she has fled because you arrived.
This looks like the lighthouse keeper had an unwanted visitor. Once again, we seem to be arriving a little too late for the party. Let us hope that whoever just fled this place is not serving as the watchman for the cult.
After treating the poison in Zahur’s wounds, Solaric turns his attention to the room. He walks forward and pulls out his holy symbol to Iomedae. Moving his hands and intoning the verbal command to draw forth divine energy, the half-drow scans the room with Detect Evil. Tespit Kotu. He remains concentrating for several rounds as he tries to feel any lingering auras.
"Let them come; we are in a defensible position and occupy higher ground... but lets first be sure we are not alone, a couple of us should head up the spire"
Victoria, my dear, would you care to follow me up the steps? I have always wanted to climb to the top of this tower and look out upon the bay. It is too bad that the weather is not cooperating with us today.
Solaric draws forth his longsword and takes the lead up the stairs.
Mind your step, these stairs seem a little uneven.
Pitr seems to be glad for a moment out of the rain. He takes the opportunity to shake out his hair and wring his scarf.
I doubt anyone's upstairs. he sighs.It looks like our bird has flown again. Yell if you need anything.
After looking through the room he peers through the rain at the outbuildings.
Perception
@ Victoria and Solaric
The spiral stairs lead up to a small chamber where the light is kept. There is also a balcony around it, but stepping out on it, while the storm is so fierce is suicidal...nevertheless not impossible...From inside you can't see anything of the islet, the rain takes you your sight entirely.
@ Pitr
The outbuildings could be used for storage reasons (equipment, food etc.). They don't look like they were intended to be used as a place for living. From the lighthouse door you can't tell if they are disturbed or not.
Pitr impatiently wanders from the door to the stairs realizing that whoever was here minutes ago is probably warning the cultists now. He yells up the stairs, Find anything? Hurry up! We've got to get over to that wreck!
Victoria, are you or Naga able to see anything of interest up here? I must confess the view here is not what I was hoping for. Perhaps we will have to return here on a lovely summer day, when we are no longer engaged in strenuous activities such as hunting down a vile cult of Norgorber. I hear Pitr calliing up. Perhaps we should not tarry away our time. I wonder if Zahur and Kirk are feeling up to continuing our task. I will meet you downstairs.
Solaric looks out onto the balcony, but suspects that it is not worth going outside to search in any great depth.
Perception
The half-drow returns his longsword to his scabbard and carefully climbs back down the stairs.
Fort Save:
Zahur walks over to Pitr.
Let's go check the outbuilding quickly just to see if it was broken into or not while they are checking upstairs, the quicker we do things the quicker we can follow after the cultist
Drawing his shield and longsword, Zahur does a quick dash towards the the outbuilding door to see if anything is amiss.
Perception:
@Zahur
After the effect of the poison has passed you feel renewed and better. After you dashed over to the first outbuilding you open the door carefully and peek into the darkness ahead.
A lightning behind you bathes the shed into light...you wished it hadn't.
From the ceiling hangs a man in a gruesome state. He has been skinned and a large puddle of blood is beneath his feet. From the stench of the body you recognize at once that he wasn't killed during the last hours but rather two or three days ago.
The man is Arensar Mork, the lighthouse keeper.
Gorian, who took a look ath the surroundings of the lighthouse returns to the living room.
Anything to be seen up there, Solaric?
Hurry or not, is the question, they may have set a trap for us, on the other hand, maybe they're still preparing it and a rush could avoid further danger...
Close behind Zahur, Pitr's face twists in disgust at the abomination revealed by the lightning flash.
Local Knowledge
Thanks Zahur, I really could have gone without seeing that. I believe that was the lighthouse keeper. Well, he's not going anywhere for now, but if we want to catch up before that swine alerts the cultists we'd better follow quickly.
Knowledge Local:
Are you sure that it's him, I remember him differently?
Doesn't matter, a man has been hung to dry by some demented cultists, and they are getting away to make us a reception party. Let's get the others quickly and find this hideout of theirs.
"Indeed, it might be a more breathtaking view in the day..."
Victoria pokes around in the room and begins wandering downstairs again, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
As she assrives back to the party...
"I suspect that the lookout will be a minute or two ahead of us. I further expect that our enemies will predict we will arrive shortly thereafter right on his heels - meaning they have a minute or two to assemble their ambush and be at their strongest... however if we wait up here, nice and warm, they will be waiting down there - wet cold and miserable in an ambush they prey will soon be sprung.
"They will no doubt be using magic to fortify themselves if they are cultists, and all that magic has a duration. I'd prefer we hit at dawn and we can rest up for a few hours and recover. We will be strong, and they will be cold, wet, tired, hungry, and depleted of magics"
She then feigns a girlish giggle...
"But I'm just an empty headed countess, what would I know of such things"
...in the half light of the fire, her feigned mask of vacuous beauty only further highlights the inhuman nature of her Demonic features; as a painting it would serve as a good likeness for a denizen of the Abyss - a terrible beauty to be feared.
Basilli looks towards Victoria with an upraised eyebrow. "There is some wisdom in what you are saying young Victoria, however let us not put our blind faith in what we may think the foe will be doing. Kirk, I believe that of us all you are best suited to reconnoiter. May I suggest that you sneak down towards the wreck and see if in fact they are preparing a welcome for us? Gorian, do your skills run towards subtlety as well? If so I'm sure young Kirk would appreciate some company. I urge total caution though and this is only to see if they are behaving as we think. At no time should you attempt to engage them. Once you have some information come back so that we can work out our strategy. Does anyone have anything that they think they could add?"
Turning to Solaric Basilli's tone takes a more serious note "My friend, I have a most important task that is best suited to your talents and beliefs. Please accompany me to the outbuilding so that you can say the last rites over the tormented soul. But in case the body or room has been trapped let us just leave the body as it is. Hopefully the soul will forgive us for now. When we have finished with the cultists we shall lay the body to rest as is proper. Are we agreed?"
Anything to be seen up there, Solaric?
Hurry or not, is the question, they may have set a trap for us, on the other hand, maybe they're still preparing it and a rush could avoid further danger...
Gorian, unfortunately, there is nothing of interest upstairs. We explored the lantern room and the the light is still shining brightly, but the gallery deck looks far too dangerous to venture out onto. I want to take this moment to thank you for accompanying us and for safely sailing us across in the Swan. That was no easy feat! At first I believed your little jest about your first time sailing, but obviously you know these waters and your boat well.
You are asking me whether to hurry or not. If you knew me, you would know that the dark elf side of me is all action. I am not inclined to sit and wait, especially when villains are so close. Here comes the Countess. Let’s hear what she says.
After listening to the Tiefling’s argument, Solaric replies, My dear Countess, I have a great respect for your opinion. However, my inclination is to press on and not waste another minute. I cannot believe that their magics would be used up. I fear that if we wait until morning, their reinforcements will be strengthened and their traps will be coated with a fresh layer of some deadly poison. Furthermore, in their attempt to maintain secrecy, they may even begin destroying further evidence of their existence. We must catch them with surprise. As Solaric starts to get worked up, he begins pacing across the room.
After Basilli enters the living room and shares the news about the lighthouse keeper, Solaric begins to soften his tone and support a compromise.
I realize that Zahur and Kirk have been poisoned and may need rest. However, I would feel better about resting if I felt that we could at least stop them from being able to retreat off of this islet. I can support the idea of a scouting mission to the shipwreck. But before that, the last rites will need to be given.
Basilli, lead me onward to the scene of the murder. Let us put the poor tormented soul of the lighthouse keeper to peace.
Returning from the outbuilding Pitr's regular joking demeanor has been replaced by cold fury. Listening to Basilli's counsel his face darkens with frustration, but he swallows his anger in respect for his former Mentor.
Sir, I respectfully disagree. I'm sick of these bastards slipping through our fingers. We don't have time for this. If these maniacs are behind the rag man and the recent kidnappings, lives may depend on our speed. I hate to sound like my father, but these murderers must be brought to justice immediately.
My dear Countess, I have a great respect for your opinion. However, my inclination is to press on and not waste another minute.
"So be it; you will be the one leading the charge into the waiting maws of our enemies, so I respect your desire and will see it so...although I recommend it would be imprudent to directly follow his path, as that is the way they would orient our welcoming committe, instead let us pick another angle"
Let us put the poor tormented soul of the lighthouse keeper to peace.
"On the other hand, he isn't going anywhere - tending to the dead, particularly those not of our own, are the last and least important concern... THAT is an indulgence that leads us to risk."
"If we are pushing on then we push on, if we are not then we are not, but there is no middle ground"
"On the other hand, he isn't going anywhere - tending to the dead, particularly those not of our own, are the last and least important concern... THAT is an indulgence that leads us to risk."
Countess, you are quite correct. The last rites can wait. Forgive my momentary lapse of reason. Let us close the door to the outside building and Basilli and I will complete that task upon our return.
Solaric thinks to himself, I can hardly believe that Pitr Jendarne is actually in agreement with me on this. Then Solaric steps forward and draws forth his longsword from his scabbard and raises it above his head and begins what he hopes will be an inspirational speech.
I, Solaric Zekkaran, will lead you onward in the assault of the cult. I am honored to have such brave companions with me in this appointed task. Follow me and we will smite them down with all our force and cunning. Pitr Jendarne, your words encourage me. Let us make haste and take them by surprise! Let us look back upon this day, and know that you have done a great deed for justice. Gather your belongings and follow me. For Victory! For the Heart!
Solaric opens the door to the cold, windy, miserable weather awaiting outside, and boldly leaves the lighthouse.
Countess, you are quite correct. The last rites can wait. Forgive my momentary lapse of reason. Let us close the door to the outside building and Basilli and I will complete that task upon our return.
"Your sense of faith and a desire to do what is right is commendable, and do not think I censure you for your desires... just their timing"
Victoria gives him a polite smile to show she has no anger or ill will.
Solaric returns the smile to the elegant Tiefling.
Thank you for your support, my dear. I am ever grateful to have you and Naga nearby. You are a formidable foe surpassed only in your beauty. I take your words to my heart. We will not assault the shrine directly. But I will need your eyes and ears to help us to find a hidden entrance.
As the party gathers, Solaric leads them onward across the island to the shipwreck.
Pitr Jendarne, your words encourage me.
Pitr gives a half smile. Well, frankly they disturb me. But less so than the fact that we find ourselves in agreement.
Pitr breaks into an honest laugh, Lead on, Sir Solaric, and may your sword arm be as untiring as your jaw!
"Master Gorian, of all of us you have had the most experience in dealing with cultists and the like. What do you advise? Do we assault the foe now, or determine a plan of attack based on scouting? Both have merit - I ask now for experience."
Gorian has listened attentively during the whole discussion, after Basilli's question he answers
Strike fast, strike sure...the most important thing is to leave the lighthouse fast, I hate to get roasted by a fireball or flamestrike. We should leave it and head to the wreck, but not on the small path that leads there directly, but rather across the bluffs and cliffs...a very very dangerous task regarding the weather. Maybe those of you wearing armour should put it off and store it in your packs. What about your pet snake Victoria, could it scout ahead? It could even use the path without beings suspicious.
Naga not ssscout Naga stay in warm sssleeve.
"Snakes don't favour the cold climes terribly well, and Naga seems to have a predilection for getting distracted by eggs - I'm sure theres more than one nest in the rocky outcropping, she'd take off for hours"
We should leave it and head to the wreck, but not on the small path that leads there directly, but rather across the bluffs and cliffs...a very very dangerous task regarding the weather. Maybe those of you wearing armour should put it off and store it in your packs.
Solaric takes Gorian's suggestion to heart and takes a moment to remove his armor and stow it in his backpack. Let us follow Master Damasco's suggestion and remove our armor. We are going to take a very dangerous route across the bluffs and cliffs to reach the shipwreck by an alternative route. Once we are ready, we will proceed. If things get too dangerous, we can use my rope to connect ourselves to each other.
After Basilli shares his advice, the half-drow pauses a moment to reflect on the fatherly mentor's wisdom. After a brief pause, Solaric places his arm on his shoulder and responds.
Fair enough. Quickly then.
Pitr adeptly unbuckles and removes his armor with skill that speaks of years of drills. Fastening the parts into as compact a form possible. Pitr hefts it on to his back and nods that he is ready.
Zahur walks in cleaning blood from his longsword. Listening to the argument going on, he begins unbuckling his armor once Gorian gives his advice without question.
Stonefaced and with a flame in his eyes, he starts walking towards the bluffs and cliffs that Gorian was describing.
We are losing time arguing, if we wait they come for us. If we go they'll expect us. I'd rather walk in to a trap willingly than to be a rabit in hole with a hunter spearing in trying to hit me.
Gorian nods curtly then strides out of the lighthouse to the bluff. Peeking into the darkness he bellows back
Okay, just follow me now, keep an eye on your man in front and walk very very carefully.
He steps on the first glistening black stones and after some carfeully chosen steps disappears in the darkness.
The smale stony path is about 1m wide, to the right is the steep wall of the bluff to the left it goes down for about 30m into the crashing waves of the lake.
Your only light sources are the last faint bits of daylight and the lightning flashes.
Fortitude Save:
EDIT:
When Basilli suggests that Kirk scout ahead for dangers, he nods his head slowly and says, "Aye, I think I can handle that. I'm a little shaken up after those spiders, but I much prefer fighting on my own terms than those of a few oversized arachnids." He checks his gear methodically, making sure that his crossbow is reloaded and other weapons easily accessible, then before heading out into the storm he grabs his bottle of Outlaw Whiskey from the day before. "If we're going into a storm, I'm going to make sure I get a little warmth inside of me beforehand, he takes a short swig of the powerful liquor, just enough to dampen his throat and let the burning sensation of intense alcohol momentarily overcome his other pains. He offers it to all members of the group, saying "Here's to all of us getting through this alive and well," and then puts whatever is left back in the pack.
Assuming nobody has any objections to the plan, Kirk will then push on into the storm to scout ahead of the group, seeing as the the Countess's snake would rather not. Kirk decides to take Gorian's advice and go across the bluff: he doesn't fancy the idea of getting caught alone in an ambush meant for the whole party.
Stealth
Perception
Acrobatics
We are losing time arguing, if we wait they come for us. If we go they'll expect us. I'd rather walk in to a trap willingly than to be a rabit in hole with a hunter spearing in trying to hit me.
"Frankly I'd have rathered they walk into our ambush than us into theirs, however as you brave knights are the ones doing the rushing, I will do the following"
Okay, just follow me now, keep an eye on your man in front and walk very very carefully.
Thinking nothing good can come of this, and jumping about on wet rocks and stony paths in the middle of the night, Victoria readies herself for the challenge...
"At least mother had wings..."
Pitr closely follows Countess ready to offer assistance if needed.
Climb check