“I’m wondering if the tracks were made by a weird wheeled cart that (don’t laugh at me) is propelled by magic rather than horses.”
Gervase rises from her kneeling position and slaps the mud off her knees. “But I agree with you Gilstrom – there’s probably some kinda clockwork angle to it.”
“Should we follow the tracks, or just mark it on Ramona’s map and come back to investigate once we’ve caught up with the Peregrine?”
As the tentacled hat-creature falls into multiple pieces and the afflicted corpse falls to the ground, Arcilde lowers her axe. There, now, friend, that should let ye rest. Do we 'ave time t'bury tha poor man before we continue?
“Should we follow the tracks, or just mark it on Ramona’s map and come back to investigate once we’ve caught up with the Peregrine?”
I think we should try t'catch tha Peregrine. May'aps someone on board will be able t'tell us somethin'--anythin'!--about tha clockwork things.
Lily nods to Arcilde.
I'll help... shouldn't take to long. Let's put him to rest.
------------------------------------------
Lily looks at the grooves and scratches her head in bafflement.
How very strange. I think I'm with Arcilde. Let's mark this on the map and come back to it. The Captain should know what's happened, and if something happens to us, or we take to long, they'll have no idea.
Gervase estimates that you have just enough time to bury the body and get to the Peregrine before nightfall. As you do so, you speculate about the origin of the strange tracks.
As the others study the tracks, Arcilde whispers a short blessing, then lays her hand on each of her friends in turn.
Gilstrom continues to try to speculate wildly about the tracks without much luck. But boy, is he observant.
Lily nods along and smiles at Gilstrom... whether or she's listening to him or just enjoying the hike is up in the air.
Nose to the ground, Gilstrom notices that the trail is not perfectly uniform in width, but it is consistently about 10 feet wide with some minor variances, usually where the terrain is uneven. Close examination reveals tiny pointed impressions, like the trail was formed by hundreds of stabs from small spikes.
Gilstrom speculates that the trail was created by hundreds of creatures or objects, rolled or rolling across the ground; each would be heavy enough to leave a slight impression but not enough to flatten the ground.
There is no evidence of whatever it was being nearby at this point.
“Maybe it was hundreds of gnomes riding unicycles with spiked wheels??”
Gervase *shrugs* “I got nuthin’. Is it time to push on to the Peregrine?”
Baffled by the strange trail, you push on. As the sun begins to reach toward the horizon, you finally reach your destination. The island shoreline arcs to the northwest until it hooks sharply south like a bird’s beak to form a small cape. Anchored offshore is the Peregrine. Pulled up on the shore is a ship’s boat, and you see clusters of colonists standing and sitting around the beach.
Ramona notices you arrive, and quickly moves over to greet you. “You’re here, that’s a relief. We had some... unexpected problems. I’ll tell you about it, but first I’d like to hear your report on the colony. What did you discover?”
Lily shakes her head.
Not 100% sure what happened to the colonists... seems there was some sort of infighting... we collected some documents for you to go over. The whole lot of them practically disappeared. We only found one body, poor soul, everyone else was just... gone.
She indicates to Arclide to open up her bag.
We did find... this little bugger. Whatever he is.
Gilstrom doesn't bat an eye at Gervase's joke. "No... no gnome I know would ride in formation so well."
-----
Gilstrom is delighted to reunite with Perseophone, who he gives a belly wub before joining everyone to speak with Ramona. Seeing Lily miss out crucial details, Gilstrom leaps on his chance to over-explain everything.
"Oh wow! So it's totally abandoned. Nobody there - and it looks like they left in a hurry. Documents show treason and infighting but we can't tell what went wrong. It's been abandoned for abouuut a month now. It's run down but we can probably move in without problems. And they didn't take important stuff like tools and food! But they also didn't leave mid-meal or anything. "
He thinks.
"Critters had moved in. There was this one poltergeist ghost thing - we buried the body so he's haunting the grave instead. Maybe there's a way to figure that out but I'm not sure. Different critters had moved in from the area, like a goblin ape and lots of bugs..." Gilstrom shudders. "But we've mostly cleared those out. Well not the bugs, we may have to take the roof off of that place. "
“Yeah, I don’t think we’re alone on the island. Some odd parallel-lined tracks crossed our path not far from here. Maybe they’re related to the little clockwork critter?”
“Some of the rebel faction appear to have fled Talmandor’s Bounty by canoe. They may be hiding on an offshore island.”
Ramona listens as you describe the state of the colony. "Well, whatever happened, it sounds like they left the colony intact and ready to move in. At least there's that. There's no way we'd make it back to Almas with the supplies we have, so it's good that we have a place to start rather than having to carve out a new colony here. Of course, that assumes we can get everyone there..."
She sighs and looks toward the Peregrine, anchored out away from the island.
"After we dropped you off at Talmandor's Bounty, the Peregrine sailed almost all the way to where it is anchored now without incident. When we approached the cape, however, our momentum dropped to a snail’s pace, despite the fact that the sails were full of wind. The anchor wasn’t lowered, we weren’t dragging the keel through a sandbarand a sailor swam underneath the ship, but didn’t report anything unusual."
"We took landing boats to at least get to shore, but now both the crew and the colonists are on edge, which gives us two problems. Somehow we need to get the ship free of whatever is holding it in place, and then we have to calm the colonists enough to get them back on the ship to sail back south."
"I know it's not what you signed on for, but I have a proposition for you. It would appear that Talmandor's Bounty is in need of a team of troubleshooters. Would you be willing to take on that role? I'd be willing to offer you one of the existing homes to live in -- at least until the original owners are found -- rather than putting you in tents. I would also count that as your community service, rather than having you put in shifts in the fields as most of the colonists will be doing."
"The first job, naturally, is to investigate the ship and set it free. That should make the task of calming the colonists a bit easier. After that, once we're settled in, we can see if anyone has any knowledge of what that little wind-up toy is, and see if we can find any more clues about what happened to our predecessors. I'm sure the priests can be called upon to help with the spirit you found."
She looks at you hopefully.
We only found one body, poor soul, everyone else was just... gone.[/b]
Two, wasn't it? Tha one haunting tha chapel and tha poor zombie at tha river.
“Did Captain Markosi or any of the crew remain aboard the Peregrine?”
Deep in thought, Gervase gazes across the inlet at their floating lifeline. “Sounds like we’re searching for a magical retarder. That suggests a malign intelligence behind the ship’s lack of performance.”
“If the sailor gave the ship’s bottom the all-clear, are you implying the problem is on board the Peregrine itself, Ms Avandth? Was there any attempt made to search the ship before you left?”
The ranger nods once before facing the expedition leader. “If we’re leaving now, may I have my injuries healed by one of the priests, please ma’am?”
“We have a magical necklace that I would like to get identified ASAP and a number of trade items to get appraised. Can you organize that too?’
“In my opinion the efficiency of the colony is being held back by the lack of a sawmill.”
“If your trouble-shooters wanted to start a business, would you be prepared to talk to Kurvis Nurpico about obtaining favorable terms for a loan from the Bank of Abadar?”
Gilstrom nods over to Arcilde at her corrections and then listens intently about the problems with the ship.
"Well, I'm not a very calming presence, but I am good at figuring out stuff with ships! Happy to help, and maybe Persephone can find something too. And well, considering I signed on as your knight protector I'm happy to add troubleshooter to the title!"
Once healing and necklaces are sorted, Gilstrom hails Persephone to get ready to take off to the Peregrine.
Lily nods.
I'd be happy to help Romona. After all, their our townsfolk to now.
As Goldhawk answers questions, Lily quietly listens... after all, she was the one with actual military training, she was a farmer. She'd be there when it was time to get shooting.
"The sailor did a cursory look for physical blockages under the ship and didn't find any. If there is something magical below the ship, he wouldn't have been able to find it. The captain, first mate, and most of the crew are aboard the ship still, so you can talk to them if you like."
"If you are injured, Eamon and Kurvis are sitting over there, I'm sure they can pray over your wounds before you go. I believe Kurvis may have had some magical training as well. If not you might ask Carver Hastings: he was apparently an explorer before joining us."
"I think your other questions will best wait until we have settled in at the colony."
Lily nods.
Let's get you patched up Goldhawk, and then we'll see what's going on.
She looks at Gilstrom and shrugs.
I think this will mostly be you and Persephone... I'm only so useful in the water!
“Sounds like the sailor wasn’t very thorough when he checked the ship's bottom.”
Gervase wanders behind Lily, lost in thought. We got ambushed rowing TO shore from the Peregrine. Who’s to say it couldn’t happen rowing back out to her …
When the others come to a halt before the two priests, Gervase runs absently into the back of Arcilde.
“Ouch! Sorry, Arcilde. I was fathoms away.”
“Say, what if the ship was slowed by grindylow clinging to the underside – and they hid when the lone sailor went to investigate? Maybe we should prepare for another underwater ambush on the trip out to the … Oh! Hello, Fathers.”
Gervase holds up an index finger to each side of her head, making the Antlered Sign of Erastil. “Could you please heal a minor wound, Father Eamon or Father Kurvis? I don’t fancy taking it into the saltwater.”
“Also we found a magic necklace we can’t identify. Can you assist us with it, please?”
The priests are sitting with a small group of other colonists. As soon as you approach, they start asking you questions about what you saw, where the other colonists went, and whether it is safe to even be on the island. Finally, Kurvis has enough and shouts, "Quiet down, all of you! Give the woman some space!" With a pointed look at Gervase, he adds, "I'm sure she plans on telling us everything, if you just quiet down and let her."
Eamon stands up and immediately returns Gervase's sign. "Goodness, yes, let's get that fixed up. What happened to you out there?" He says a brief prayer, after which his hands glow blue. He holds them over Gervase's wound and it closes up. "Is anyone else hurt?"
I can check tha ship for magical interference--hard t' do underwater but not impossible.
Gervase bellows like a stag and crosses both palms over her heart as if she’d been pierced there by an arrow, as Father Eamon’s healing prayer in answered. "Thank-you, Father."
She awaits any additional priestly sacrament, before monotoning: “Ours is the FURRY.”
I’ve never understood that one …
"I'm sure she plans on telling us everything."
“I can tell you what we know, Assistant Usurer.”
Gervase looks to Arcilde for guidance. “There was no sign of plague, golarionquake or massacre. We despatched a few pests and opportunistic scavengers that had taken up temporary residence, but nothing really looked like it was taking over.”
“The buildings are generally in good order. The crops in the field have been neglected for about a month, so aren’t in the best of shape. But there’s nothing that can’t be sorted out with a little work and some pioneering spirit.”
“It looks like the colonists left on their own, but we're not sure why.”
She *shrugs* “There’s circumstantial evidence of a falling out among them – which is a bit sad for people who signed up to face challenges and adversity in a new land.”
“To me it reinforces the importance of loyalty to Ms Avandth, faith in each other and perseverance when faced with setbacks.”
“Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I can tell you what we know, Assistant Usurer.”
As Gervase summarizes what you found in the colony, some of the others listening in begin to mutter to each other. Eamon interrupts them with his usual positive demeanor, saying, "Now, now, we have no idea what happened, so don't start speculating. As Gervase says, it just points out that we have to work together and perservere."
Kurvis, less cheerful than his old friend, merely nods. He then chants a different prayer, then looks at the necklace.
"Ah, fascinating. If I'm reading the aura correctly, if worn, it will avert particularly bad luck just before it befalls. It seems to be a lesser version - the magical energy isn't well contained, and it will consume the necklace when it is expended. Still, someone probably spent their life's savings on it to protect them when they came here, and then it did them no good. Where did you find it?"
Lesser Talsiman of Good Fortune
“That’s a good question, Father.”
“I think Gilstrom found it hidden in a storehouse that had a bug infestation. Does that sound right, Gilstrom?”
Gervase smiles sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Father. The two days went really fast, and I was more concerned about securing the village than anything else. One of the others might have a better memory than me.”
“Is there any reason why you ask?”
"Just concerned that something this valuable go back to its proper owner, or be sent back to Andoran to their family if possible."
Gilstrom nods happily to Gervase. "Yes, I think we need to get the roof off of it to clear out the cockroaches. And if that medallion belongs to someone we'll be sure to make sure it helps the right people. Shall we? I've been looking forward to a swim."
Lily nods.
Guess into the boat... again... and I was just getting use to dry land beneath my feet...
"Just concerned that something this valuable go back to its proper owner."
“Of course, Father. Do you think they would mind if Lily Freefield was its guardian until we discover its rightful owner?”
Gervase checks with the others that they’re OK with this before whispering behind her hand to the Priest of Prosperity.
“She’s … mainly reliable. And certainly not as dodgy as she looks.”
Gervase raises a clenched fist to the Shoanti ranger Anya Sandstrider. “Share your strength with those that need it, cuz. Our work here has begun!”
She also spares a wave for the assistant smith Luetin Calewick. “You and Mistress Arcilde are going to make a great team, Lue. The Master Smith is going to be so proud of your efforts!”
Kurvis replies, "I think it would be best to keep it wrapped up, perhaps in my and Eamon's care, or Ramona's. Since the magic will be consumed after a single use, if it activates while someone else is wearing it, the owner is simply out the cost."
Taking a ship's boat, you row back to the Peregrine, which under careful observation appears not to be actually stopped, but just moving incredibly slowly, despite being under full sail in a good wind.
Aboard ship, the captain confirms your observation, and says that one of his sailors did swim down, but it is a big ship and it is possible that he missed something.
Arcilde notes that the entire ship appears to be under a very faint transumation aura.
Gilstrom of course rides Persephone along the surface, keeping pace with the boat. Once they read the Peregrine, he snaps his goggles on.
"All right ladies, you go look for magic stuff." Gilstrom fixes his lance and Persephone chitters happily."Persephone and I have our job to do. Toodles!"
With that he vanishes below the waves to start investigating the boat.
"That's easy for you to say, Gilstrom."
Wow! Dolphin must be a difficult language to learn.
“Sounds like we’re going to get wet.”
Gervase drops her pack on the Peregrine’s deck and offers Acilde her dagger, handle first. “Piercing weapons seem to be more effective underwater. Lily, you’re going to have to get quite close if you want to hit anything with your lances.”
“Captain Markosi, how dry is the bilge? If there is someone underneath, I would hate for them to drill holes into ship’s bottom.”
Gervase grasps her harpoon in her right hand and thinks. “Do you have any spare air bladders or water breathing magic we could use to check the bottom, Skipper? A fighting net would also be handy.”
“Otherwise I am ready to follow Gilstrom and Persephone down for a look.”
I have one air bladder, Arcilde offers, and a waterproof bag. But when it comes to swimming, my armor will carry me straight to the bottom.
Once everyone is at the ship, Gilstrom saddles up Persephone and fixes his lance. "You sort things out, I'll start looking around underneath!" He snaps on his goggles and vanishes below the waves.
But when it comes to swimming, my armor will carry me straight to the bottom.
“Well, my dear. We certainly can’t be having that! We’ll need your feet firmly planted on the deck …”
Then Arcilde’s words inspire a new line of thinking.
“Captain Markosi, I assume you have set lookouts in the tops?”
Standing close to the side of the ship’s waist so she can more easily jump into the water if Gilstrom needs assistance, Gervase replaces her harpoon and draws her bow as she scans the water for raiders.
“I think we should prepare to repel boarders, in case Gilstrom stirs something up down there.”
Gilstrom mounts up, and he and his faithful steed dive to examine the ship's underside. They go down one side, then surface for air. Returning up the other side, they notice something unusual: a pair of 3' long colorful remora have attached themselves to the hull.
The creatures either did not notice Gilstrom and Persephone, or did not care. Map is up, but we are not in combat at the moment.
Arcilde chants a quick prayer, then leans over to get a look at the hitchhikers.
.
Oh, dearie, those look like echenssiens--echesnssisnses?--I'm sure that's tha wrong way t' say it, but they are a speed-suckin' magic fishie. Careful, Gilstrom! Those fishies'll grab ye with their fishie teeth and ride ye all tha way t' tha bottom of the sea.
(Fortunately, Arcilde has not yet used her liberating command today, so that should help a bit.)
"HEY! There's some weird fish stuck to the ship!" Gilstrom listens as Arcilde explains what the fish are.
"Uhh... hrm. I can probably stick one with my lance but I really wouldn't want Persephone and me to get drownded by the other. Maybe I can flush them near to the surface so Lily can skewer them?"
He thinks.
"If they want to be speed-suckers then we need to knock them off and have something faster for them to grab on to. Is there anyhting on the ship we can attach a rope to and pull through the water or something?"
“What if we just bring the ship to a gradual halt so they want to get off?”
Gervase calls down to the ocean rider and his ridee. “Like by bringing her head-to-wind and then reefing the sails until it’s safe to drop a sea-anchor?”
“Are there any large fish or whales around that the speed-suckers (great name btw) could latch onto instead, Gilstrom? Otherwise, what do you think about Persephone towing a beached palm trunk or spare top-gallant mast into another bay, releasing the line at full speed and then slowly travelling back this way, while Captain Markosi gets the Peregrine underway again?”
“I’m sure Mister Raerg would have an old cable stashed in the fo'c'sle we could use. Spare rigging is part of every bosun’s responsibilities.”
As you discuss what Gilstrom has found, you notice the first mate smirking and holding her hand out toward the captain. Markosi sighs and says, "Fine, two gold pieces was the bet. I honestly thought those things were just legends."
Naerath says to you, "I told the captain we'd probably picked up an echeneis or two, but he didn't believe me, and ordered me not to spread rumors of magical fish among the crew. Thank you for proving me right. I've never heard of anyone managing to trick one into changing targets before, but it could be worth a try. We could adjust our heading and sail, and be ready for a fast maneuver if you can get us free."
Gervase looks to her friends to make sure they are on board with the plan.
“So you’re willing to help us, Mister Naerath?”
The ex-Midshipman then mimes doffing her hat as she cheers. “Huzzah! You and the skipper surely have Hearts of Oak!”
“Oh and with my respects, Captain Markosi – it appears the Premier harbors doubts about the success of our proposal.”
Gervase *snaps* to attention, eyes forward. “May I point out you could take revenge on him by accepting a ‘double or nothing’ wager pertaining to the outcome of our joint enterprise?”
“I believe the combined talents of Mr Raerg and the Ship’s Carpenter could fashion a sailcloth draped topgallant mast into the swiftest dolphin-towed decoy in the entire Arcadian Ocean!”
“Assuming they have their capt… Nay! The PEREGRINE'S best interests at heart!” *winks*
Gilstrom lets out a breath, adn then nods cheerfully. "That makes sense to me! Here's what we'll do. Persephone and I--" Persephone chitters. "Will find a bit of driftwood. Something light that will skip across the water fast enough. I'll get it by the speed-suckers and then knock 'em free with my lance before we take off! They grab the bait, and the ship takes off."
He looks around. "Good? If they decide to just eat me, I trust Lily can skewer them and the rest of you can help out however you can. Maybe Gervase can make fun them."
He then pauses, having heard what Gervase said. "Do they care if it's a ship? Does it have to be fast or does it have to actually look like a ship?"
"If you can't withdraw in time and they want to fight, I will dive into the water to help you, Gilstrom."
Gervase's brow furrows as she thinks.
“Arcilde, what do you think about Lily and yourself operating from the jolly boat again – like we did against those grindylow? That way you’re much closer to the action if Gilstrom or I need healing of whatevs.”
“And if they attack the boat, I’m pretty sure they will have to rise to the surface into lance range.”
The ex-Gray Corsair cadet salutes and calls up to the quarterdeck once more. “Beg pardon, Captain, Ms Naerath. The draft of any of the ship’s boats would no more than 5 feet would you say?”
“Could we borrow a floating platform bigger and more stable than the jolly boat for our warpriest and rangers to fight from?”
Gervase places her hands on the shoulder plate of Arcilde’s armor and frowns. “Would you consider wearing my 'worn-once' (promise!) leather lamellar, if you decide to take a boat for a spin, Mistress Smith?”
"At it's deepest point, the ship's draft is about 8 feet. As to a floating platform, I don't think we really have anything of that nature. The ship's boat is the best we have to offer you."