Fiona picks up the pace, abandoning caution for expediency.
Thaddeus quickly chants a spell, which proves very effective as it freezes and chills the creatures! Variel tries to strike one, but fails to hit as Fiona moves into position.
(grease, swamp's grasp, and frost fall on the map)
Fiona
Mages
Ellesbeth
Mutt (8 dmg)
Variel
Thaddeus
----
Creatures:
Blue (7 dmg) (staggered)
Red
Pink (7 dmg) (staggered)
Green (7 dmg) (staggered)
Mutt grunts as he's hit. He then heeds Variel's advice as he brings his weapon down on the creature.
Seeing that the creatures are immune to her best offensive spell, Ellesbeth stands back to allow the front-liners to do their thing.
Samaritha stands back, and fires off a magic missile, which slams into one of the creatures, killing it!
The two remaining creatures mindlessly attack, bringing their tentacles into play. Variel is bitten while Mutt is whapped solidly with a tentacle.
(grease, swamp's grasp, and frost fall on the map)
Fiona
Mages
Ellesbeth
Mutt (12 dmg)
Variel (6 dmg)
Thaddeus
----
Creatures:
Blue (7 dmg)
Red
Ellesbeth draws her metal rod, and steps back up to wail on the creatures.
"AAAAAAAAGGGHH!"
She wails as she strikes, obviously not a strong combatant.
Variel winces as the creature bites him, then steps back toward Mutt. "Let us concentrate our attacks - one dead is better than two wounded! Fiona, if you could add your hammer, perhaps we can finish this!"
Getting behind the creature facing Mutt, he swings again with his sword.
Thaddeus rubs his eyes, folds his arms, cocks his eyebrow, and stares at the hound not currently surrounded by Variel and Mutt.
"Really? 'Dat's what'cher goin' with?"
Fiona twirls her earthbreaker and aims at the monster between Variel & Mutt, bringing it down on its skull!
Mutt takes the damage again. But, he continues to fight as he swings his greataxe at the creature with the red spot.
The group quickly rallies, and with Mutt, Variel, Fiona, and even Ellesbeth attacking together, the creatures quickly fall and are smashed to bits.
End of Combat
You find yourselves catching your breath after the encounter with the silent, nameless creatures. Samaritha is the first to speak after the melee.
"That was lucky... who are you?" A half-elven woman with facial tattoos looks over to Ellesbeth. Two gormless-looking young men in robes stand beside her.
Fiona raises her earthbreaker back to her shoulders and stretches. She runs a hand through her long brown hair, and her dark skin contrasts nicely with her form-fitting shining chainmail. "Kel-grish, newcomer. I'm Fiona--and that was a bit of a workout, wasn't it?"
Variel takes out a scroll from his pack and reads the magical inscriptions. "ရောဂါပျောက်ကင်း အလင်း ဒဏ်ရာများ"
The bite from the strange creature closes up partway, though it leaves a scar. "Well, better than nothing."
The elf wears a chain shirt that has been tinted yellow and black, reminiscent of a wasp, and his heavy shield is yellow with the image of a wasp in its center. At one hip he carries the sword he was just using, while at the other is a coiled barbed whip, in the same yellow and black motif. Crossing his chest are a bandolier and a pouched sash.
He looks up at the woman and says, "How did you come to be out here by yourself? This island is remarkably dangerous."
Thaddeus, satisfied the the tentacle dogs have been dealt with, heads back up the trail to fetch the animals.
The tall, slender, young yet weatherbeaten human looks to the world like a peasant traveller, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and well-worn traveller's clothes. His jacket is currently wrapped around his waist, owing to the hot tropical weather. His only armaments seem to be a simple dagger strapped to his thigh and a sling wrapped around his forearm.
Following behind him as he rejoins the party is a silver-furred goat, currently looking more annoyed and ornery than usual, perhaps owing to the modified, loaded pack harness he wears.
The young man says nothing to the new encounter at the moment, preoccupied with trying to get the other companion, a rather unsightly equine of dubious parentage, to go where he wants it to. (And not a bit farther.)
Ellesbeth smiles, a big toothy grin.
"It was a workout indeed! My fire wasn't as effective as I'd hoped...and that is my go-to defense on my travels!"
Her flowing chestnut hair blows slightly in the breeze, and she shivers slightly.
"I was actually captured by pirates! I managed to get away, but they took me rather far off the path I'd been on. I managed to escape, and have been walking since. I'm not certain exactly where I am, but luck must be with me still, since I found you lot!"
She is wearing a strange mix of worn leather traveling clothes, and silky, sheer clothing, not quite suitable for the climate. She has a hefty mace in her hand, and her olive skin shines with a faint sheen of sweat. Her large purple eyes move across the group.
"And who's the gentleman with the animals? Or for that matter, what brings you lot out here?"
Mutt releases his rage, beginning to pant slightly as the fatigue sets in. He places his greataxe on his shoulder and turns to the new woman. He is a tall young man, easily standing over 6 feet. He’s dressed in a chain shirt, his muscles straining, along with standard roughly spun traveling clothes. His body and face are littered in scars. Some from weapons and some appear to be from wild animals. His nose appears to have been broken once. His long, wild black hair blows in the breeze. He narrows his deep purple eyes (that seem to glow with an eerie power), an angry scowl present, breathing deeply. His other hand is clenched and shaking. However, he doesn't seem to be angry at the woman in front of him. His features show mixed hints of Varisian and Shoanti heritages. He has a blue tattoo on his face. Those of the Shoanti Quahs can recognize it as a totem marking from their culture (specifically the Sklar-Quah). His tannish skin has a coat of sweat on it.
Giving a snort, he says, "Most people call me Mutt." When Ellesbeth brings up the pirates, Mutt narrows his eyes further. "That must be the group of pirates that landed here last night." When the woman asks about their presence, Mutt simply says, "We're here for many things. But I'm not sure if we should let you know. We don't know you, after all. How do we know that you aren't working for Zincher or someone like him?"
Thaddeus, after a bit of encouragement to get the rather ugly pony to go, gives equal encouragment once he gets close to the group to get it to stop. He turns to regard the woman.
"Name's Thaddeus, ma'am." He tips his hat in greeting. "Like Mutt said, 'dere, we've got our reasons, 'n not too sure we should be sharin' them out loud. Least not just yet. No offense, but 'dese are dangerous times, y'know."
Ellesbeth nods at Mutt's realization.
"They did just get here, yes. I think the ship was the Teeth of Araska. They kept me alive for ransom, but they made a stop to investigate something. Anyway, left to my own devices I was able to escape."
She shrugs.
"As to whether or not you can trust me, let me ask you this: Do I look like a pirate?"
She smiles sweetly, with a little sass. Then, when Thaddeus echoes Mutt's sentiments, she shrugs again.
"Well, I can tell you I am grateful for your assistance, as it were."
Variel listens to Ellesbeth, then asks a few questions.
"How did you come to be captured by pirates and brought to this island? Were you on another ship?"
"Did you overhear anything the pirates may have said about what they were looking for here?"
"By any chance have you seen a dwarf at any point today?"
Ellesbeth nods at Mutt's realization.
"They did just get here, yes. I think the ship was the Teeth of Araska. They kept me alive for ransom, but they made a stop to investigate something. Anyway, left to my own devices I was able to escape."
Mutt nods at Ellesbeth. "Good. You made a smart decision."
She shrugs. "As to whether or not you can trust me, let me ask you this: Do I look like a pirate?" She smiles sweetly, with a little sass. Then, when Thaddeus echoes Mutt's sentiments, she shrugs again.
Mutt snorts. "No. You look like a pretty woman. But, that's a dangerous thing as well."
"Well, I can tell you I am grateful for your assistance, as it were."
Mutt nods. "Well, it's no problem. We have our own vendetta against those things."
"Especially when she has magic at her fingertips, eh, Mutt?" Fiona shrugs and rests the head of her hammer on the dirt.
Thaddeus stays back as the rest of the group converse with the new arrival. He keeps an eye out for any other threats that might be approaching.
"Especially when she has magic at her fingertips, eh, Mutt?" Fiona shrugs and rests the head of her hammer on the dirt.
Mutt turns to Fiona. "Well, there is that."
"I was on another ship, actually. Unfortunatly the rest of the crew were slain. They kept me because I wasn't a threat, and because I was able to convince them to ransom me, rather than...the alternative. All I know is that they were here to investigate some sort of falling sky, or perhaps find a star metal...or was that the other way around?
She pauses, and ponders for a moment.
"And as to dwarves...I haven't seen a dwarf in quite a few months. I don't think there was a dwarf on the ship, but I never met the whole crew, so...maybe?"
She shrugs.
"Thank you for the compliment, Mutt. A beautiful woman is truly a thing to be feared, but I can assure you that little-old-me is nothing sinister. Except at cards. I cheat at cards, I'll tell you that!"
She grins, and then moves to wave at Thaddeus.
"So you lot are looking for a dwarf, avoiding pirates, and sightseeing then? Sounds like quite an adventure!"
"I was on another ship, actually. Unfortunatly the rest of the crew were slain. They kept me because I wasn't a threat, and because I was able to convince them to ransom me, rather than...the alternative. All I know is that they were here to investigate some sort of falling sky, or perhaps find a star metal...or was that the other way around?
Mutt listens to this and frowns. "Great. More people looking for the skymetal."
"And as to dwarves...I haven't seen a dwarf in quite a few months. I don't think there was a dwarf on the ship, but I never met the whole crew, so...maybe?"
Mutt snorts, the look on his face showing some concern. He says, "Well, this one would be dressed in heavier armor and is a warrior priest. Golden haired."
"Thank you for the compliment, Mutt. A beautiful woman is truly a thing to be feared, but I can assure you that little-old-me is nothing sinister. Except at cards. I cheat at cards, I'll tell you that!"
Mutt smirks. "Truly a terror. Although, you wouldn't need to cheat if you play against me. I'm terrible at cards. I hardly even know how to play any games."
"So you lot are looking for a dwarf, avoiding pirates, and sightseeing then? Sounds like quite an adventure!"
Mutt adds in, "We're also looking for skymetal and fighting evil elves."
Thaddeus somewhat awkwardly waves back.
"Well, guess yeh can come 'long 'fer now. Seems yeh got a bit o'magical 'bility, dere. 'N Ah sure don't intend t'leave somebody 'lone t'fend fer 'demselves on 'dis island."
"Well, then it's even more likely the dwarf you are looking for wasn't on board. No one wears heavier armor on a ship. That's...well, suicide, really."
She looks at everyone in turn.
"I appreciate you extending me the courtesy of not leaving me along on the island. What can I do to help you find this skymetal?"
Somewhat hesitatingly accepting your new companion, you head onwards to the east in order to find adequate shelter for the Cyphermages and Gunryn's poor mule, Mule. You travel the road eastwards for an additional hour, passing south of the enormous crater left by the falling meteor.
As you head southeast, the road passes by a series of high cliffs which afford a spectacular if dangerous view out to the lagoon. You curve southwards with the eastern end of the island, and as you approach the island you realise you've come very close to the plumes of smoke. Variel manages to peer through the underbrush to spot the following:
A large camp has been set up east of the road, facing the cliffs to the west. A bonfire stands in the centre, sending forth plumes of sweet-smelling white smoke into the sky. A huge pavilion stands on the western end of the camp, which is otherwise comprised of six small tents, three large ones, and several wooden walls. A variety of cages surround the pavilion to the west. Several men stand guard in all directions.
The lighthouse can be seen from here, probably a half hour south.
Ellesbeth whispers to the group.
"Are those some of the men you'd seen before? I don't recognize any as the pirates I'd seen..."
"Whooo-eee! Some people came whole-hog, it seems. Guess 'dat Skymetal's the prize pig on 'dis island."
"Variel, yeh said 'dere were cages? Can yeh see what's in 'em?"
"Fer now, though, Ah say we keep headin' t'the lighthouse."
Variel nods. "I can't make out what is in the cages, but that appears to be a large group. Let us continue on and avoid creating trouble we do not need."
Mutt frowns deeply. "It doesn't seem good. No doubt these men aren't pirates. They're probably sent by the Overlord of Riddleport." His frown becomes a scowl. "Or they're Zincher's men." When the subject comes to moving to the lighthouse, the warrior nods, understanding that they aren't in any condition to fight these men now.
Fiona gives the camp a once-over before nodding in assent. "A smart warrior doesn't start fights he can't hope to finish. Let's go."
Ellesbeth shrugs, going with the consensus of her new companions.
"Good enough for me!"
You give the camp a wide berth, heading further along the southern coast of the island. The lighthouse, which is partially ruined but still very much intact stands proudly t the southeastern point of Devil's Elbow.
Although just as old as the other structures, this 40-foot tall stone lighthouse survived the passage of time and the impact of the falling star quite well. Its walls are encrusted with salt and grime, and the wooden stairwell and internal floors have collapsed into a pile of moldering rubble within, but the tower itself stands firm.
It is still broad daylight as you approach, heading up along the external stone stairs to reach the entrance to the lighthouse. The group listens carefully, but hears nothing. Mutt swings the door open to reveal the internal floor, which is littered with rubble. As you begin to approach, a black shadow with hateful red eyes rises out of the floor, hissing wildly before it attacks! As it rises, Old Horn and Mule both buck and try to flee.
This creature is a wraith, undead creatures born of pain, evil and darkness. They hate light and living things, and unlike ghosts, have lost true connection to their former lives.
Wraiths are powerless in direct sunlight, incorporeal, and can perpetuate their kind by slaying the living. The touch of a wraith may cause permanent drain to ones' health.
"By the Sting, that's a wraith! Stay in the direct light of the sun where it can do no harm! Its touch will drain the life from you, and if it kills you, you rise as one of them."
Upon seeing the ghostly presence and hearing Variel's warning, Fiona gets an idea.
"Perhaps the spirits around us can help us..." She mutters before launching into the beginnings of a song.
As the thundercaller begins to sing, purple motes of power begin to coalesce into existence around her... and anyone who gives themselves over to the song.
Eleebeth, looking scared at Variel's words, backs up and begins casting a defensive spell. Eyes wide, she looks around for any other shadows.
"Do these things...travel in packs?"
But as Fiona begins to sing, and as the music washes over hear, her fear abates a little, and she begins to collect herself.
"I have an idea ... Ellesbeth and Mutt, if you can use your fire magic to get its attention, then move away from the door, I will stand back to fire at it when it moves up ... assuming it does. At the very least if we don't go into the shade, it shouldn't be able to hurt us. "
Variel moves down the stairs to make room for the others, taking up a position where he can fire his bow at the door.
Mutt hears Fiona's song and let it wash over him. His body succumbs to the same affect that his rage puts him through. He hears Variel's idea, turns to the inquisitor, and nods, smiling. He then looks at the wraith. His arms begin to form small flames. He then thrusts the forward and a jet of fire forms, burning some of the lighthouse. When he's done, he yells out, "Over here, you b*****d!" He then moves down the steps and waits.
Ellesbeth nods at Variel's suggestion.
"I'm game!"