Linah Jamil'Kaid |
”I agree with Khazmia. The people of Farshore should not be condemned to live under this creatures thumb. But if the beast can be reasoned with I prefer a peaceful solution. The papers you found, did they go into any more detail about the Lords of Dread? Or about the Crimson Fleet and their attack on Farshore?”
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
"I'm afraid not," Lavinia replies to Linah, shaking her head. "This was the most explicit of the notes."
Ooops, missed Khaz's last post...
"I think we can trust the beast based on the pirates' notes. They clearly reached an accommodation. I suppose if you can kill it, that might be the best solution, but if Emraag's reputation can be believed at all, he may be beyond even your capabilities."
Zstelian Karela |
Zstelian nods to Lavinia. ”Send word to those other settlements that stood with Farshore against the pirates. Seeing the beast placated and the Lords of Dread destroyed benefits them too. Any aid or intelligence they can provide could make the difference. We should go prepared for a fight. There’s no telling what kind of agreement the pirates made with the beast.”
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
"While I might not like to add to this creatures influence it might be the lesser of two evils in the short run. Perhaps it can be persuaded to abandon the pirates side."
Before leaving Linah will go to the temple and place Vanthus ring (the ring of protection +2) on the altar. She will pray to Sarenrae to clense the ring and then cast bless on it to sever the ties from it's former owner and make it a tool for good.
Kyson Tirc |
Anything from our knowledge rolls, Motte?
Kyson looks over the maps and the stories told of Emraag.
"Why can't ships just sail around the Cove? Isn't the ocean really big?" Kyson ponders more. "Also, if this dragon turtle has been receiving tribute for a long time, then this is probably LOTS of tribute there. I mean, that turtle might be rich rich."
Kyson ponders, looking at Lavinia.
"What kinds of tribute does it require? What does it have and what does it want?"
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Sorry. With your roll, you can just look up dragon turtles...
"My parents expected to return here, and they left some valuable jewelry and artwork. I'm hoping that will be sufficient for the Glutton. Some ships do escape the creature's wrath -- obviously neither the Sea Wyvern nor the Blue Nixie encountered it -- but not all of them. I don't think it's worth the risk."
Sekathral |
Before leaving, Sekathral will get together with Zstelian and Kyson, mining their respective spheres of knowledge mixed metaphor? for a way of dealing with the monster should the negotiations fail.
Profession (sailor): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Are you asking me for anything? I figure Kyson can tell all of you all about dragon turtles, so let me know any preparations you want to make before you go.
As you make your preparations, Lavinia brings you a set of long reed pipes.
"We were able to get this sea skirl from the native tribes. They produce a strange kind of drowned music if played with one end in water that the Olman say should attract sea creatures. Hopefully Emraag will hear it and be interested enough to come talk."
Zstelian Karela |
Zstelian nods in agreement with the paladin. "Meeting on the open water gives the beast a big advantage if we've got to fight him."
Kyson Tirc |
Kyson rubs his chin.
"What are the advantages to letting Emraag live as opposed to giving him the chance to experience Sarenarae's conversion? We like that it preys upon pirates, we don't want it to prey upon good peoples like us."
Kyson still doesn't know what to do, still wants to discuss.
"Is it possible that the turtle wants something more than just treasure? We have access..." Kyson's eyes flicker to Khaz and her ability to teleport "...access to many more markets and might fight something it wants more than treasure. Like some fatted calves to eat. Or shiny umbrellas. Or something."
Kyson really has no idea what a dragon turtle might crave.
"Do you think there is something that we could give it that would bend it to attacking pirates and leaving us alone? Something more valuable...like it's life?"
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
Kyson rubs his chin.
"What are the advantages to letting Emraag live as opposed to giving him the chance to experience Sarenarae's conversion? We like that it preys upon pirates, we don't want it to prey upon good peoples like us."
"Do not use her name like that, Kyson! Sarenrae is not a goddess of death!" Linah protests loudly. After taking a moment to calm down, she continues. "The advantages of buying off the creature is that we spill no blood. I am not keen on the idea of subjecting Farshore to owe the beast a regular tribute, but it might buy us some time and help us device a plan on how to deal with the threat."
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Sekathral |
Are you asking me for anything? I figure Kyson can tell all of you all about dragon turtles, so let me know any preparations you want to make before you go.
As you make your preparations, Lavinia brings you a set of long reed pipes.
"We were able to get this sea skirl from the native tribes. They produce a strange kind of drowned music if played with one end in water that the Olman say should attract sea creatures. Hopefully Emraag will hear it and be interested enough to come talk."
Sekathral was thinking about making some kind of giant turtle-fishing device, which will no doubt be as effective in practice as any other scheme he's come up with ;)
Khazmia Makuhuzdia |
Kyson Tirc wrote:"Do not use her name like that, Kyson! Sarenrae is not a goddess of death!" Linah protests loudly. After taking a moment to calm down, she continues. "The advantages of buying off the creature is that we spill no blood. I am not keen on the idea of subjecting Farshore to owe the beast a regular tribute, but it might buy us some time and help us device a plan on how to deal with the threat."Kyson rubs his chin.
"What are the advantages to letting Emraag live as opposed to giving him the chance to experience Sarenarae's conversion? We like that it preys upon pirates, we don't want it to prey upon good peoples like us."
Kaz raises an eyebrow at Linah's outburst. "We all understand that The Good Lady would prefer to redeem rather than remove said creatures, but should he prove difficult to reeducate, it may come down to his death. We should decide now, how many of our ships, with how many of our people, is he allowed to eat before we must serve a more permanent redemption upon his mortal being?"
Kyson Tirc |
Kyson looks at Linah, wondering if he wants to question the lady's direction. He grits his teeth, remembering a passage from his scribings long ago.
"Linah, if this turtle would protect or deal with evil, then giving it tribute just encourages it further. We should entreat it to enjoy the sunshine or give it the blade."
Kyson has nothing more for Farshore now that Khaz has chimed in.
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
”I am sorry that I snapped at you, Kyson. I do not disagree that Emraag should be stopped. I am how ever deeply offended by the notion that conversion to our lady’s light could ever come at the tip of the blade. As to whether or not to try and buy this creatures allegiance I would prefer to resolve the issue peacefully. I understand that our hands might be forced to strike but I will not sail to the creature’s lair with the intention to kill. I am not an assassin.”
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Decision made to once again help Lavinia, you finish the day making preparation and getting the Sea Wyvern ready to sail again, leaving the next morning.
Traveling around the eastern coast of the Isle of Drea, you pass the site of your earlier shipwreck early on the third day of your trip. Continuing north, you avoid the Masher Reefs and round the northern penninsula, before turning south toward Gallivant Cove on the morning of the fifth day at sea.
"If you can keep this bloody dragon from ripping the ship apart, I'd rather not see if we can survive a second gods-cursed wreck," Amella says as you break your fast.
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
Still not used to the colorful language of sailors Linah almost chokes on her tea. It takes a few moments for the paladin to recover herself. "I am grateful that you and your crew has chosen to stand with us against this new threat. I will do everything in my power to protect this vessel and those aboard it."
What is our plan? Bribe the turtle or tell it to sod off?
Zstelian Karela |
"All the same, once we reach the island you should get some distance. If negotiations don't work out we don't want him getting the big idea to come after the ship. We'll signal you when we're ready for a pickup."
"Kyson can you prepare a prayer to protect us from the beast's breath? Turtles breathe... toxic bubbles?"
Kyson Tirc |
"Kyson can you prepare a prayer to protect us from the beast's breath? Turtles breathe... toxic bubbles?"
Kyson nods, mostly sure he can. And will.
"I'll make sure the beast's fire only someone chars you, not bakes you whole," Kyson adds.
What is our plan?
I think it's chaos...but if you want to do what you think is best, Kyson will likely follow. If the beast is evil or malicious, Kyson will likely want to end it's threat to the innocent.
Do what Linah would do. You're lead negotiatior.
Sekathral |
Sekathral rocks up with four sharpened grappling hooks lashed together.
"See, we wrap it in shark's carcases or whatever else the bugger likes to eat and dangle it in the water. Then, when ***k-flaps comes up and takes a bite, we've got 'im. We can reel the bastard in and dispose of him at our ****ing leisure. Whaddya think?"
Let Linah negotiate. Seka can ...help... if needs be
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
Do what Linah would do. You're lead negotiatior.
Oh, that's no good :) Linah would act as a negotiator for what Lavinia's final suggestion. If being told to choose herself she would try and convince the beast to leave the ships alone.
Sekathral rocks up with four sharpened grappling hooks lashed together. "See, we wrap it in shark's carcases or whatever else the bugger likes to eat and dangle it in the water. Then, when ***k-flaps comes up and takes a bite, we've got 'im. We can reel the bastard in and dispose of him at our ****ing leisure. Whaddya think?" [ooc]Let Linah negotiate. Seka can ...help... if needs be
"I do not want to be a pessimist but if this thing eats ships is it in our power to fish it?"
Khazmia Makuhuzdia |
Someone needs to be the lead negotiator, and Linah's less likely to get us all killed before our time.
"Perhaps not to death, but maybe we could create a barbed net to attach it to, so he gets tangled, buying us some time. We should also get some fans or something, to keep the wind in our favor."
Khaz pauses, then clarifies, "If the negotiations fail, of course. Only then."
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Kyson Tirc |
Decision made to once again help Lavinia, you finish the day making preparation and getting the Sea Wyvern ready to sail again, leaving the next morning.
Traveling around the eastern coast of the Isle of Drea, you pass the site of your earlier shipwreck early on the third day of your trip. Continuing north, you avoid the Masher Reefs and round the northern penninsula, before turning south toward Gallivant Cove on the morning of the fifth day at sea.
Kyson is here and ready to keep sailing. Kyson isn't sure about the efficacy nor the reasonableness of the net plans and will let Seka and Linah detail those operations.
Kyson nods at Amelia, not really happy to be at sea. If it were up to him, they would be going to give the Turtle one chance at not being evil.
"I will not abide evil, and will combat it with steel when words are not enough. I do not flinch from my faith, and do not fear embarrassment. My soul cannot be bought for all the stars in the sky," Kyson says to Khaz and Linah on the boat. "That is part of Sarenrae's code...I remember scribing it. I shall use it to guide me as we negotiate with the Turtle."
Zstelian Karela |
I'm going to give it 24 hours and then I'm going to make an executive decision.
Zstelian shrugs and lets the party plan.
Khazmia Makuhuzdia |
I'm fine with following Lina.
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Looking nervous and swearing furiously under her breath, Amella steers the Sea Wyvern into the murky waters of Gallivan Cove.
Linah, looking dubious, dips one end of the sea skirl into the water, blowing a complicated memory she knows from a song nice Perform check.... Time seems to pass, the sailors on the ship looking around fearfully as you all stand prepared. Feel free to take any further preparatory actions beyond Kyson's spell.
Finally, after about 12 minutes, a massive turtle-like head pokes out of the bay's waters, far larger than any dragon turtle you can remember hearing of.
"Who are you that comes to play such sweet music for the lord of these seas?" it calls out in Common.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
Feel free to make your case. Along with Diplomacy checks...
Kyson Tirc |
Kyson would have crafted an extended communal resist energy on the sail over, *finally* using his fancy quill that Lavinia gave him.
* * *
Kyson jumps to action when the horn is used. He goes around tapping some on their shoulders, allowing others to burn and blister from what will be the dragon's breath.
When the skirl is used, he will dole out Resist Fire 30 (220 minutes total):
Zstelian 30 minutes
Kayle 20 minutes
Khaz 30 minutes
Sekathral 30 minutes
Kyson 30 minutes
Amelia 30 minutes
Whomever is piloting: 20 minutes
"The rest of you, get below decks! Stay away from its fire!" Kyson shoos the rest away.
He will cast Extended Air Walk on himself and Linah (220 minutes), moving up 25'.
He looks a Linah to speak.
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
”Thank you, Kyson”, Linah says after Kyson casts his protective enchantment. She walks up to the bow of the ship where she can adress the dragon turtle directly and studies the creature for a short moment. Can I use Detect Evil?
”I am Linah Jamil’Kaid. I am a emissary of Sarenrae, the dawnflower. Me and my companions have been tasked by my patron to seek you out. We would like to acquire your protection for the ships flying our patron’s flag. Our patron is willing to offer you a tribute.”
Diplomacy roll should one be required: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36
Khazmia Makuhuzdia |
Khaz casts overland flight on herself, and fly on Sekathral, and Zstelian as they wait for an answer to the music. Reminding herself that diplomacy is the first option, she nods respectfully to the dragon turtle as he rises.
to aid Linah's diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
”These are dangerous waters but you are the strongest presence in the deeps. I would like to know if you are willing to act as protector of ships that fly my patron’s flag, in exchange of a regular tribute? ”
Diplomacy roll should one be required: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
[oc]I'm going to move this along a little, as I think Linah's time difference makes it hard to do a really good dialog. Quite the diplomat, she's manages to make Emraag helpful, so if you have any questions for him, you can just ask and we'll assume she's translated.[/ooc]
"Very well," the dragon turtle replies. "I accept your offer. You have pleased me, so you may tell your patron that I shall leave along all ships flying her flag for the next year. I shall extend my guarantee for another year if she provides proper tribute again at that time."
Zstelian Karela |
Equal parts impressed and in disbelief, Zstelian sends Linah a quick nod - well done.
"Thanks your... scaliness... we'll be going now. We have it on good authority that there's some folks on your island that shouldn't be here. We'll be removing them."
Khazmia Makuhuzdia |
Khaz keeps her thoughts to herself as Linah bargains with the dragon turtle, not wanting to rock the boat at this time.
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
"Then we have an agreement. I am happy that we could come to an arrangement."
Linah is left feeling conflicted about the situation. It did not sit well with the young paladin giving part of the Farshore people's wealth. On the other hand the deal promised the safety of ships sailing to and from Farshore. Also no blood was spilled. And dangerous as he may be Emraag was not the post pressing danger.
Kyson Tirc |
Kyson asks a question.
"Excuse me, Mr. Turtle, may I ask a question?" Kyson asks from on high. "What sort of treasures do you prize more than others? Is there something in particular you need or want? Is there any treasures that you might trade?"
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
"Gold is, of course, my favorite. Who doesn't want gold? I suppose I could be willing to trade for it, as your words are so sweet. I have acquired certain items that I can't use that I would be happy to trade for coins."
Feel free to continue negotiating/talking if you want, but I'm also going to move things along.
With permission obtained from the dragon turtle, Amella steers the Sea Wyvern into Gallivant Cove, which is bounded by sheer cliffs that plunge directly into the water below. Near the bay's farthest inland point, a crude pier of rocks and yellowed bones extends from the maw of a treacherous looking sea cave.
"That's the only place in this f$~#ing pit of a cove that looks any different, so I guess that's where you're headed, eh?" Amella notes, steering the ship in that direction.
Kyson Tirc |
Kyson looks saddened by the turtle's response.
"So that's all that matters to you, then? Not love or art or friendship? Only the gold coin rusting in your salty waters?" Kyson shakes his head. "You are empty within your shell, turtle. For all your strong breath, you say very little."
Kyson is ready to move on.
* * *
Do we arrive at the cave on the same day as the turtle? How long after? What time in the day is it?
Kyson looks at the cave and ponders.
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Linah Jamil'Kaid |
Before
Linah's hand moves towards her scimitar and her grip tightens on the handle when Kyson speaks to Emraag. She looks at the turtle holding her breath awaiting it's reaction. She sighs in relief when it is clear that Kyson's words doesn't provoke an altercation.
"That was very brave of you, Kyson", she tells the cleric after the ship has set sail towards the Gallivant Cove. "Although I would ask of you to please consider our surroundings next time. I do not know much about dragon turtles but Emraag seemed to be a prideful beast. Some hash words might provoke a violent reaction against the ship and its crew."
Present
"If you believe that is the cove we are looking for, that is we are headed", Linah answers Amella and wonders if she will ever get used to the explicit jargon of the seas.
motteditor RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
The dragon turtle snorts in irritation at Kyson's words, water bubbling around its snout.
"You are lucky I have already made a deal, little man. Otherwise, I should gobble you up," it growls.
OK, I'm going to assume you disembark.
Seemingly held together by brine and urchins, the rickety pier of rotted wood and gigantic bones looks as much a scavenger-picked corpse as a derelict berth. Twin rows of skulls impaled upon spears line the piers, their eye sockets flickering with otherworldly green flames and venting sickly vapors. This unnatural light illuminates an eerie path into the darkness of a yawning cave entrance 15 feet above the surf below.
Everyone needs to make a DC 16 Fortitude save or be nauseated by the smoke. This is a poison effect.