B1. Poop Deck
The ship’s helm still stands atop this deck, a moldering corpse lashed to the wheel.
The body lashed to the wheel is obviously one of the ships officers, the wheel it's self is very ornate and clearly enchanted.
Jalhazar’s Wheel
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 11th
Slot none; Price 7,500 gp; Weight 15 lbs.
DESCRIPTION
Handles of polished bone and grim skulls decorate this ornately carved ship’s wheel. When grasped, the wheel’s handles feel comfortably smooth. Those who stand watch at the wheel claim to hear the whispered guidance of Captain Xiribal Jalhazar, and occasionally feel ghostly hands holding
the ship’s course true. When fitted to the helm of a ship, Jalhazar’s wheel grants a +5 competence bonus on sailing checks to turn the ship with the hard to port or hard to starboard actions (Skull & Shackles Player’s Guide 13). The wheel also halves the penalty on sailing checks made when turning the ship while traveling at three or more times the
ship’s acceleration. In addition, the ship’s pilot can combine a hard to port or hard to starboard action with a full ahead or heave to action as a full-round action up to three times per day.
CONSTRUCTION
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, animate objects, haste,
creator must have 10 ranks in Profession (sailor); Cost 3,750 gp
What are you doing?
"Captain, this ship's wheel is enchanted with powerful, useful magic. Perhaps we can liberate it."
"Let's do that," Marnir replies. "It's not much use to any one down here. Maybe we'll come back for it," he says, still wary of the dark depths.
Kung will bring his brute strength to bear to liberate the ship's wheel from its mounting (and its former helm). Not wanting to damage what seems to be a valuable item, he listens to Marnir's instructions in how to remove it.
What are you doing with the body lashed to the wheel?
@Kung, your Profession Sailor is high enough for you to remove the ships wheel.
While he first glances to Marnir for direction--and continues giving his captain glances through the whole process--Kung actually finds that he understands the workings of the wheel enough to safely detach it from this ship's helm without any assistance. This... strange. Kung... know things? Hmmm..... Kung not sure, maybe not safe...."
He absent-mindedly starts attempting to stow the wheel when the reality of the dead and decaying former helmsman has to be dealt with. He starts by simply trying to force the dead man's hands from the wheel.
Marnir nods back at Kung, happy that the half-orc knew what he was doing and would be able to remove the enchanted wheel without damaging it.
"Makes you wonder who this was, and what he'd done to end up lashed to the wheel," he muses.
Markizio nodded to Kung, "Good job. Let's keep this lashed to the boat until we're ready to go up."
He signaled for the others, "C'mon, we have no time to waste. Our magic is expiring even as we speak. Let's continue exploring this half-boat."
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"Aye, I don't want to get stuck down here if our magic runs out," Marnir agrees. "Let's keep moving while we can."
"Since we're here..."
The body lashed to the wheel has a ring that shows up as magic, and a platinum compass worn around the neck.
B2 - B8.
Wand of Gust of wind (6 Charges)
Light ballista bolts +1 distance adamantine - 6
Tray of Taldan silverware - 450gp
B9
Perception checks everybody, Survival or Knowledge(Nature) can be used if they are better.
"These look like they're worth something," Marnir remarks, liberating the ring and compass from the body on the wheel. He slips them into a pouch before the group swims off. Much of the rest of the wreck is dark and empty, but a few more treasures are appropriated from the sunken vessel and stashed in bags and pouches.
The magus turned merman swam easily about, ready to cast his magic to give him free movement while undersea.
His big, bulbous eyes, adapted for seeing underwater, are used to peer about the sunken ship...
-----------------
Niobe cautiously flits about, moving to check part of the wreck, then powering her way back to the group with her great speed.
Kung follows along with the others, keeping an eye out for threats so that he can interpose himself and protect the rest of the party should anything appear.
Coming in late to the cavern, Jane looks around. "So... Did I miss anything important?" she asks. Then she sees the wand. "A wand of wind... Not too impressive, but could be used on the sails when we are stuck in the middle of a calm period."
B9
Bones and partial humanoid skeletons litter this deck. Unusual, pallid crustaceans cling to the ship’s timbers near the gaping hole outside.
A deadly underwater scavenger has taken this area as it's hunting ground. At rest the Darkforest Anemone looks like a bed of kelp or seaweed, requiring a DC20 perception check to spot.
Having explored the rest you make for the last area B13 The main cargo hold, as you reach it a huge shark swims out of the depths and makes for you.
What are you doing?
The plant creature proves no problem for the officers of the Drake and they swim on deeper into the wreck. Marnir is alert and prepared when a huge shark appears out of the darkness. He calls out a warning -"Shark!"- pointing with his trident, before summoning his magic, calling up multiple illusory copies of himself to distract the shark.
Markizio groaned as another monster showed up for dinner.
He went into a defensive stance and cast four exploding pebbles at the thing before drawing his falcata.
He looked to make sure everyone had seen it and was ready, "C'mon, let's get this over with."
---------------
HP 67/67
AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 19
Conditions: alter self, shield so AC=25 (not sure how long since last fight, still on if less than 8 minutes)
Melee (+1 keen falcata): +10/+5 = +1(magical) +6(base) +3(STR)
Melee Damage (+1 keen falcata): 1d8+4 = +1(weapon) +3 (str), 17-20, x3
+2 dam if arcane strike, -2/+4 if 1H power attack
6/8 arcane pool
Spell used: alter self, shield, shocking grasp, magic missile
Kung's eyes light up as another of his lifelong enemies appears from the dark depths of the sea. Using the mobility provided by his helm, the half-orc begins swimming towards it as fast as he is able. His rage builds as he swims, such that he arrives in a blind fury, which he channels into a powerful strike with his spear.
HP 86+16/86
AC 17, touch 10, flat-footed 14 (+6 armor, +3 dex, +1 natural, +1 deflection, -2 rage, -2 charging)
Speed: 40 ft (30 ft swim)
Fort: +13, Ref: +12, Will: +8 (+2 rage)
All saves: +5 competance vs. spells/-like (superstition)
Conditions: rage, peg leg, charging
Melee (+1 keen spear): +18/+11 (+7 BAB, +6 str, +1 enhancement, -0/-2 power attack, +2 rage, +2 charging)
Melee Damage (+1 keen spear): 1d8+19 (+9 str, +1 enhancement, +6 power attack, +2 rage, +1 peg leg/trait)
15/17 rds Rage remaining
As Kung & Markizio attack the shark Niobe feels the horrible sensation of something alien invading her mind. "Kill them! Kill them all!" It tries to command her, but her strong will casts it off.
Looking around in worry Niobe can't see anything that could have tried to cast the spell on her, but something does seem wrong with the wooden wall at the back of the hold?
Niobe shakes her head repeatedly, then says, "No. No!"
She hurls her spear at the back wall of the ship's ruins.
Fortunately, hitting a wall is just AC 5.
Your spear passes through the wall without stopping, though you still can't see through the wall you now know it's an Illusionary wall
Still unsure how to act underwater, Jane stays back and has a potion of healing ready for anyone who needs it. "Do you guys think we can have sushi later?"
As Niobe's spear comes rocketing back to her hand through the back wall of the ship wreckage - passing through it as if the wall isn't there - she looks shaken and takes a deep watery breath and then her gills flex as she shouts one of the most terrifying words known to explorers of the deep.
"ABOLEEEEETH!"
Markizio was confused, "I don't know what that is. But I guess I should be scared."
---------------
Marnir is startled by Niobe's wail, more so since she seems to have thrown her spear away at a wall. "What's an aboleth? What's going on?" he asks, confused.
[spoiler=Will Marnir] 1d20 + 10;[dice]
The shark shows no response to Kungs attack, no blood is produced from the wound. He blinks as he realizes that it isn't real and the shark fades away.
As you see it fade out, and hear Niobes scream Marnir feels an alien mind trying to dominate his, all he can feel is an urge to slaughter those around him. He sets his will and ignores it with contempt.
The party may now act. What are you doing?
"The wall's fake! It's behind the wall!" says Niobe. "It's trying to influence our minds - illusions, enchantments. Don't let it fool you!"
She speaks a divine word and Kung's spear starts to trail tiny motes of ice.
Markizio cursed as the immense shark disappeared. He quickly energized his weapon and swam towards the illusory wall, his webbed appendages displacing water as he went.
"C'mon, Kung. I think we got us a tricky monster that wants to play with us."
--------------
HP 67/67
AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 19
Conditions: alter self, shield so AC=25, shocking burst on falcata
Melee (+1 keen falcata): +10/+5 = +1(magical) +6(base) +3(STR)
Melee Damage (+1 keen falcata): 1d8+4 = +1(weapon) +3 (str), 17-20, x3
+2 dam if arcane strike, -2/+4 if 1H power attack
5/8 arcane pool
Spell used: alter self, shield, shocking grasp, magic missile
Kung looks around in surprise when the shark fades away, but if anything, the deception and trickery inside his mind only serves to stoke his anger. He turns and swims after mer-Markizio, the tip of his spear trailing tiny shards of ice as he swims.
He's not sure when they arrive at the back wall, but Markizio seemed to successfully swim through it, so he follows, confident that his friend wouldn't lead him astray.
HP 86+16/86
AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+6 armor, +3 dex, +1 natural, +1 deflection, -2 rage)
Speed: 40 ft (30 ft swim)
Fort: +13, Ref: +12, Will: +8 (+2 rage)
All saves: +5 competance vs. spells/-like (superstition)
Conditions: rage, water blessing
Melee (+1 keen spear): +16/+9 (+7 BAB, +6 str, +1 enhancement, -0/-2 power attack, +2 rage)
Melee Damage (+1 keen spear): 1d8+18+1d4 (+9 str, +1 enhancement, +6 power attack, +2 rage, +1d4 water blessing/cold)
14/17 rds Rage remaining
9/10 rds Water Blessing remaining
As Markizio & Kung enter the chill gloom of the hold a truly hideous creature darts out, dwarfing both of them with it's revolting bulk.
It makes no move to attack, just sprints away with great speed.
Kung & Markizio both must make Fort saves DC20, and also get an AOO as the Aboleth passes them.
Marnir feels the touch of an alien mind as it tries to worm it's way into his thoughts. He pushes back, struggling against the invasive attack, and manages to overcome a sudden desire for slaughter.
Though it takes moments, Marnir finds himself breathing hard in the protective bubble of air. He looks around for the source and sees a huge tentacled monstrosity come hurtling out through a solid wall.
"Holy s++~!" he curses, before swimming towards the creature with a familiar Ulfen war chant echoing through the water.
HP 75+16/75
AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 21 (+7 armour, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 natural armour, -1 inspired rage)
Speed: 30 ft (30 ft swim)
Fort: +14, Ref: +8, Will: 15 (+2 to all from heroism, +2 Will from inspired rage)
Conditions: inspired rage, 6 mirror images, heroism, touch of the sea, life bubble
Melee attack (Zul): +15/+10 (+6 BAB, +4 Str, +1 enhancement, +2 inspired rage, +2 heroism)
Melee Damage (Zul): d8+12 (+6 Str, +1 enhancement, +2 Arcane Strike, +3 inspired rage)
20/20 rds raging song remaining
, fail
The magus slashed at the monster as it went by and readied himself for further battle.
-------------
critical?
HP 67/67
AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 19
Conditions: alter self, shield so AC=25, shocking burst on falcata
Melee (+1 keen falcata): +10/+5 = +1(magical) +6(base) +3(STR)
Melee Damage (+1 keen falcata): 1d8+4 = +1(weapon) +3 (str), 17-20, x3
+2 dam if arcane strike, -2/+4 if 1H power attack
5/8 arcane pool
Spell used: alter self, shield, shocking grasp, magic missile
Kung brushes off... whatever it was this monstrosity had tried to do. Normally, he might have been shocked with its disgusting appearance, but in his rage, it was just another beast that needed to die. He jabbed forward with his spear instinctively when it brushed past him.
HP 86+16/86
AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 16 (+6 armor, +3 dex, +1 natural, +1 deflection, -2 rage)
Speed: 40 ft (30 ft swim)
Fort: +13, Ref: +12, Will: +8 (+2 rage)
All saves: +5 competance vs. spells/-like (superstition)
Conditions: rage, water blessing
Melee (+1 keen spear): +16/+9 (+7 BAB, +6 str, +1 enhancement, -0/-2 power attack, +2 rage)
Melee Damage (+1 keen spear): 1d8+18+1d4 (+9 str, +1 enhancement, +6 power attack, +2 rage, +1d4 water blessing/cold)
14/17 rds Rage remaining
9/10 rds Water Blessing remaining
Jane sees the Aboleths. "Those things are nasty."
1. Ref +5, Fort +8, Will +11.
2. No immunities.
3. No weaknesses.
Marnir your move puts you in the Aboleth's path. Fort save DC20 and an AOO from you thanks.
Niobe you have an action to come?
It's efforts solely intent on escape the hideous creature takes savage wounds from both Kung & Markizio as it brushes passed them. Markizio feels something wrong in himself as he is tainted by the cloud of mucus that surrounds the thing.
Jane moves forward and gets into range for a spell. "It's not that nimble. You can easily trip it up." she says as she shoots a web bolt out of her hand.
Counting on Kung to finish the nasty business, Niobe once again calls on the war blessings of Nadera and gifts the barbarian with great resilience, so that he can move close to the aberration.
Marnir's trident slides off the thing's slimy hide and he feels the sticky mucus it exudes across his skin.
Aboleth
Jane lobs a fist sized ball of goo at the creature, which becomes entangled.
The Aboleth rolls to break free of the webbing, but is unable to move any further this round.
The party may attack
Marnir ducks Jane's ball of sticky web which entangles the tentacled monstrosity before him. He uses the opportunity to jab his trident at the flailing creature, chanting aggressively as he attacks.
HP 75+16/75
AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 21 (+7 armour, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 natural armour, -1 inspired rage)
Speed: 30 ft (30 ft swim)
Fort: +14, Ref: +8, Will: 15 (+2 to all from heroism, +2 Will from inspired rage)
Conditions: inspired rage, 6 mirror images, heroism, touch of the sea, life bubble
Melee attack (Zul): +15/+10 (+6 BAB, +4 Str, +1 enhancement, +2 inspired rage, +2 heroism)
Melee Damage (Zul): d8+12 (+6 Str, +1 enhancement, +2 Arcane Strike, +3 inspired rage)
19/20 rds raging song remaining
6/7 Zul uses remaining
It saves and thrashes about violently. It is obviously close to death.
Markizio was worried about the mucous smear left on his body. But with the thing still alive, he would have to worry about this later. He followed his captain's lead and fired a volley of missiles at the creature while he kept his distance.
-------------
HP 67/67
AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 19
Conditions: alter self, shield so AC=25, shocking burst on falcata, failed fortitude save (???)
Melee (+1 keen falcata): +10/+5 = +1(magical) +6(base) +3(STR)
Melee Damage (+1 keen falcata): 1d8+4 = +1(weapon) +3 (str), 17-20, x3
+2 dam if arcane strike, -2/+4 if 1H power attack
4/8 arcane pool
Spell used: alter self, shield, shocking grasp, magic missile
The Aboleth shudders and goes limp, drifting slowly to the bottom.
Loot:
B13
Most of the shop’s cargo and provisions remaining here disintegrate when touched, but several timber boxes hold ivory worth 3 points of plunder.
B14
Hidden behind the Iluusionary wall is what was once the ships brig. The heavy iron door has been jarred off it's hinges by the wrecking of the ship. Stacked in the brig are plain wooden crates bound with iron and stamped with a merchant house seal. A successful DC 15 Knowledge (local) identifies the seal as that of the Deeptreasure Mining Company in Sargava. The crates are nailed shut and contain gold and silver ingots worth 12 points of plunder.
So along with the ships wheel, which is the secret of the Brine Banshees superior speed, you take with you 15 points of plunder.
"I'd rather not deal with any more of those horrors," Marnir says as the creature's corpse starts sinking to the seabed. "Are those normal things to find down here Niobe?" he asks.
Marnir's eyes widen at the sight of the hoard of valuables tucked away in the stern as they explore the rest of the vessel. "Let's get these moved as quickly as we can, I don't want to find out if there's anything else nightmarish down here."