"Of course, I won't keep you from your tasks any longer. Before I go though, who did have keys to the creatures cage?"
Looking to the cavalier, and then to the rest of the group, the man says, "Only the cap'n and first mate have keys to the beast cage. Too dangerous, even it if is usually asleep."
Jaghal is supa happy to tag along Giz, and maybe he can finally unleash the dormant mage inside him! Not really, but hey, two gnomes think better than one.
Whenever Giz needs to examine something Jaghal will try to cause some minor distraction, a thing that he's actually very good at, either his crazyness or cursed ability, that sometimes comes in handy. It's fun to drop a marble and see it rolling away from in a random direction.
"Easy Svasha, there is no reason to think that this good man has any reason to wish us harm. Have you not suspected that perhaps we are simply dealing with the manifestations of a wayward spirit lashing out at one who has wronged them? The life of a travelling peddler leaves many a broken heart in its wake. Likely one of those poor lasses has taken her life in a moment of grief and despair, and now haunts me and my steadfast associates. Never fear though, for once I whip up a batch of Glitterbyte brand ghost repellant, we should have smooth sailing from here on out."
Turning to the sailor, "Well thank you for your time, fine Sir, we won't keep you from your duties any longer. If anything does come to mind, or you do notice anything peculiar, ghostly apparitions of buxom maidens in particular, please let us know."
Later, in private,
"A practitioner of the Arts Mystical, has modified the mind of that poor man. Some thought has been implanted into it. Though what that might be, I cannot say. Something a bit more serious is afoot here than simple sabotage."
"Maybe we should put a watch on the cage?" Sasha suggests casually.
Nodding at the gnome's words, the crewman returns to his duties, visibly glad to be done with the questioning which made him quite uncomfortable.
As the day draws on, the captain announces that their first stop along the route is up ahead, and the rowers begin to slow the pace, lowering the speed of the keelboat and slowly guiding it to the southern side of the river. Up ahead, a dock can be seen jutting out into the river, and the ship's bell rings out as preparations are made to dock.
As you get closer, the true nature of the dock becomes more evident. A broken pier rises from the gently flowing waters of the river, its pilings blackened by fire and splintered by axe. Only a few waterlogged planks remain, hanging drunkenly from twisted nails. A path leads up from the dock toward a small stone building atop a low hill nearby. Bloodtusk, obviously distressed with the sight, calls for your group immediately.
"Something is very wrong here. We were to deliver a shipment of axes, spears, and chain shirts to this 'ere waystation. It is manned by the Knights of Orem and we were to be met at the docks for a quick unload. But there is foulness afoot, this dock destroyed." Looking to each of you he asks, "You lot look to be fit for checking on the Knights. Travel up the path and check on their commander, one Calrianne Blix. Find out what has happened her, and if its a threat, end it. We need to get back underway as soon as possible."
Sasha joins the others in the keelboat, and she and Galor are second off at the docks, behind Johan.
Giz casts Mage Armour On Galor and climbs aboard the keelboat.
"Knights of Orem, hmmm? I should have broken out the wagon, I have just the ointment to handle armour chafe."
Corentin considers what they'd learned from the half-orc and Gizsmiths words. "If he has been enchanted it at least tells us that he was not a willing participant. Our quarry lies elsewhere. Unfortunately if our foe has such power it also means anyone could be an accomplice without even being aware." Thinking a bit more he adds, "There is still the matter of the lock itself. If only the captain and first mate had keys we should see if they still have them. The lock itself is also missing. It may be at the bottom of the river but it seems odd that it would have been taken at all." Shaking his head a bit he finishes, "I can't see the answer to his riddle but we must remain vigilant for any other clues."
While working the stables Corentin takes the opportunity to speak with Jak. "Tell me friend how stands the crew with all the odd happenings of late?"
Corentin nods to Bloodtusk, "We'll see to it." He then adds more quietly, "Please be careful while we're gone though Captain. If we're right about there being a saboteur then they may well chose to cause mischief during our absence."
To Johan he responds, "I think they'd enjoy the chance to stretch their legs and we may well appreciate their speed if there is trouble." With that he takes some time to put on his armor and prepare Resolute.
Shaking his head at the larger man, Jak offers, "Word has reached all of our ears of the beast attack. Something foul is afoot and the crew is nervous. Right now it seems you are the target, or your friends more precisely, so the crew is eager to be done with this business and part ways sooner rather than later. No offense of course."
Once aboard the small vessel, the party quickly guides it towards the shore without much effort. As you approach, Johan spots the bloated corpse of an orc tangled in the reeds along the shore, just before the nose of the jolly boat collides with the soft sand of terra firma and the party quickly hops out of the vessel.
The sun finishes setting just as you focus your eyes upon the squat tower ahead, a short distance up the path.
Armored and armed Corentin waits near the ladder to the skiff for his fellows to prepare themselves.
"I'll go," Sasha volunteers without hesitation.
"Be careful Mouse. Just get a look at how things stand and then we'll advance together."
While Sasha scouts ahead Corentin inspects the orc body.
As Johan and Sasha cross the short distance between the docks and the tower ahead, the smell of spilled bowels and the coppery tang of blood hang heavy in the air. Up ahead, the legs of what appear to be an orc, half hidden by the undergrowth around the tower, shake and jolt upon the ground, followed by the sound of something large moving from within the stables. No sooner does Johan motion for the group to stop moving when a overly large pair of wolves burst forth from the stable, blood stained muzzles dropping gore at their feet.
The wolves quickly spring into action at the sight of fresh prey, leaping forward and biting at Johan as he works to defend himself as best as possible. Both manage to score heavy hits on the ranger, as he loses his balance against the furious assault and tumbles to the ground at the feat of the massive beasts.
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Hurt badly and unwilling to give these massive beasts a chance to attack again as he stands Johan delays until his friends all take their turn.
Bracing for more bites Johan stands, steps to one side and attacks with his great axe. He will focus on a wolf that is more wounded if that is an option.
Urging Galor forward, Sasha moves to meet the foe.
Moving forward quickly Corentin positions himself to aid his friend.
Gizsmith shifts position and assesses the situation.
Sasha and Galor are quick to react to the sudden appearance of the two giant wolves, but the creatures manage to keep sword and tooth at bay, foiling the halfling's attack. Corentin and Szacha both land heavy hits on one of the beasts as Gizsmith lets loose with a spell, showering the area behind and around the massive wolves with shimmering motes of light, capturing the last rays of the setting sun in a brilliant display of gold and red twinkles. Both wolves shake their manes for a moment, but appear to still be able to focus clearly. Jaghal runs up and quickly places a hand upon the prone ranger, calling out "Heal Wounds!", as warm energy flows into Johan's body, healing him. His bitten body instantly healing, Johan is bolstered and he quickly stands, ready to face the larger foes as they both nip and bite at him. One manages to strike the ranger with its attack, but catches a glancing strike from the man's greataxe across the maw for its trouble.
The two wolves, one terribly wounded, press their attack against the most obvious threats. The wounded beast strikes at Szacha, while the wolf to the north continues to focus on the ranger. Both creatures fail to land their bites as the warriors work furiously to defend themselves from the snapping teeth.
Following up on his first attack Corentin brings down his axe in an attempt to remove one of the wolves from the fight.
Sasha presses the attack against her wolf, as well.
Johan strikes out against the wolf to the north, wounding it with his axe severely, while Corentin finishes off the beast to the south with a well placed chop to the base of its skull. Sasha and Galor press the attack, but are held off by the massive canine, its teeth snapping and slashing as each blow is quickly deflected or dodged. Adjusting, Szacha steps forward and slams Aggrimosh into the remaining wolf, the ancient weapon blasting the life from the large beast and sending it crashing to the ground. Jaghal, seeing Johan still wounded, calls forth more healing as the last wolf drops to the ground, "Heal more wounds!", placing his hand upon the wounded ranger and filling him with healing warmth.
From inside the building to the north, a few thumps can be heard in the quiet following the end of the skirmish. Something is obviously moving inside.
"Wolves alone wouldn't have caused all of this damage, be ready." Corentin says as he moves up into position with Szacha.
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Johan retrieves his bow from where he dropped it when the wolves attacked and thanks Jaghal again for the healing. Damn things got the drop on me. he says somewhat embarrassed. Should have spotted them. He holsters his axe, readies his bow, and moves back to the second rank and is ready to advance with the group.
Johan will activate his infiltrator ability of Darkvision for the next 10 minutes to see if that helps him better discern the layout and into the dark opening.
[dice=Perception]1d20+9
From Corentin's vantage a hitching post can be seen outside a simple stable with two stalls built along the eastern wall of the way station. Inside are the mauled and torn corpses of two horses, obviously savaged by the wolves the party just encountered. Several blackened iron javelins can be seen imbedded within the corpses, obviously not a weapon that wolves are known to use.
Sasha urges Galor forward to try to see more.