GM Tyranius (PF2) Sundered Waves (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Dot in here

Five years. That was the last time the four of you sailed together aboard the Brass Bird, pursued by the Andoran navy. It was the last time any of you saw Captain Renlock. Fortunately you were set free after only a few months, but Renlock wasn’t so lucky. He spent his last years in jail until an illness claimed his life.

You learned of Renlock’s death from his trusted companion, a clockwork parrot named Cawlo that remained ever at his side. Just a few weeks ago, the bird sought you out to deliver the bad news and a piece of a map. While one side contains a cryptic clue, the other suggested you to travel to this beach on this morning to find the “captain’s most-prized treasure.” So here you are, along with three others, staring at the partially sunken remains of the ship you once called home. The smell of the surf and rotting wood hang heavy in the air, the silence broken only by the screech of far-away gulls on this lonely island north of the Shackles.

Go ahead and introduce yourselves, describe your characters and you should all have interaction based on your relationships within your profiles with each other.

The first to arrive at the designated spot is a tall, middle-aged man with broad shoulders, salt-and-pepper hair, and a few days' stubble dusting his chin. He stands on the beach, armor-plated arms crossed over a polished breastplate bearing the gleaming symbol of the Inheritor. His shield and blade are stowed at his back and hip, respectively, and his soft brown eyes scan the wreck of the ship he called home for so long, once upon a time.

He can practically feel the strange parchment Cawlo brought him burning a hole in his belt pouch. What was Renlock on about? What sort of oddball last request was this? And why was he doing a favor for a pirate?

You know why, old man. You owe him. He may have been a criminal, but so were you. And he's probably the only real family you ever had.

He sighs and stares at the remains of the Brass Bird, unaware at first that others have arrived, he's so lost in thought.

A member of the bird-like Tengu makes her way across the sand towards the armored human lost in thought. She's a good foot shorter than him and walks in the odd gait of her people. As she approaches, she clicks her beak together a couple of times to warn the human of her approach. "<click, clack> I seeee you got here fiiirst as usual Misterrr Tagarrr."

Kaako looks her old first mate up and down and makes an impressed whistling sound, "Wheeerk! Nice armorrr you have there. So niiice and shiiiny." She leans in to see her own reflection, and pokes at a couple of out-of-place feathers with her clawed fingers. "Verrry niiice indeed."

She straightens and turns to face the wreck. "So Cawlo found you toooo. I suppose the rrrest will be heerre sooon then. <click, clack>"

Kaako had never really gotten on with her first mate when they'd been on the Brass Bird together all those years ago. To the others, he was the daring and charming pirate first officer, but Jadren's condescending attitude towards her had always rubber her the wrong way. Of all the crew, he was the one she missed the least when they were captured and locked away. But despite Jadren's annoying personality, her years on the Brass Bird had been the happiest of her life, and she misses them dearly.

"Oh, I'm here. Been here for a while. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't a trap."

Elsir emerges from a nearby hiding spot.

"Kaako, it's good to see you well."

He just silently nods at Jadren and Lavanna.

"Squawk!"

At the elf's sudden appearance, Kaako starts a little and ruffles her feathers in mock distress. Elsir was not much for sneaking around and she'd felt his presence beforehand. Her surprised reaction was all contrived; part of the give-and-take the two friends used to indulge in when they were both on the Brass Bird.

Kaako turns to face Elsir. "Arrk! Elsir my frriend. Long tiime no see. You look grrre..." she comes in to give the elf a man hug in greeting, but stops when she gets a good look at him. With a frown, she continues, ...liike shiite. What in blazes happened to you?" Elsir looked like he'd been through the wringer.

Running along the beach as fast as her halfling legs will carry her, and with her seafoam-blue outfit flowing behind her, Lavanna reaches the group. Slightly out of breath, she apologizes, "Oh dear. Forgive my tardiness. I'm pretty sure the captain of the ship that just delivered me to this lovely island resort spent more time in a pub last night than in a bed." She looks back as his boat is sailing away. "He stopped at two different islands trying to find this one. Oh, I do hope the poor dear makes it back okay."

She turns back to the group and it dawns on her that she's actually reunited with her old shipmates. She brightens as she runs up and gives Jadren a hug, a hug that almost lasts too long. "Jadren Tagar, in the flesh. It's been forever. However have you been? Tell me everything. I wish to hear all about your wild stories, just like the old days."

She turns and smiles to the elf, "Still up to your old tricks, Elsir? I expect nothing less!"

And finally addressing the tengu, "Kaako, it's SO good to see you. I do miss our adventures and exploring the sights together. Perhaps we'll get a chance to do so again!"

Lavanna Saltspray smiles as she surveys the island, clearly excited at the prospect of a new adventure, something that she's desperately been missing over the years.

Though Kaako was expecting Lavanna to show up, she's still happy to see her old chum running toward them along the beach. "Hey girrlfriend! Sssgreat-t to see you again. Weev got some caaawtching up to do. <click>"

At the tengu's arrival, Jadren almost cringes. Of course she'd be here. He recalls with no small shame the unkind names he used to call her, but he does his best not to show on his face as he beams at her. "Kaako! Long time no see."

***

When the elf shows up, Jadren nearly jumps out of his skin. "Oh! Hey, there, you!"

He silently thanks Kaako for using the elf's name. Try and remember it this time, you dolt.

He gives the elf a mechanical smile.

***

His smile turns genuine when he sees Lavanna rush up the beach. He bends down and wraps his arms around the halfling in a bear hug. "Lavanna! Gods, it's good to see you!" He pulls back from the hug and regards her. "You haven't changed a bit. I, on the other hand, went and got old on you." He brushes a hand through his salt and pepper hair sheepishly.

He turns to regard all three of his old crew mates. "I can't wait to catch up with all of you. The intervening years have certainly been... interesting, for me." He clears his throat, waiting for the most obvious difference to become apparent, absently grasping the silver chain holding his holy symbol of Iomedae around his neck.

Kaako sees Jadren touching his holy symbol. "Ooooh! What a niiice shiiiny bauble you have there Misterr Tagarr, but only one?" She shakes her head in disappointment. "<click, click, click> No, no, no. You need maaany shiiny baubles for best effect-t." She pats her own chest, indicating the large and varied selection of flashy trinkets and charms that she has hanging around her neck. "This is muuuch better! The more the merrier to ward off fowwl spirrits and currses."

As she first nears the group, Lavanna suppresses a smile when she hears mighty Jadren greet Elsir with "hey there, you!" While she's embracing Jadren, she whispers into the dashing fighter's ear, "Haha...you never were good with names, were you? Naturally, I'm honored and humbled that you remembered mine." She kisses him on the cheek.

Responding to Kaako excitedly, "Yes, yes, we must catch up! And I have to say, dear, your Common is much improved." She adds with a straight face, "I can hardly tell you have an accent at all." She gives her friend a playful wink.

Jadren blushes furiously and averts his gaze from the cleric, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Yes, well. Ah. Bit more than a trinket, this. It's the symbol of my devotion to Iomedae. I know, right? Me! Of all people!" He laughs.

"The gods were kind to me in our interim, all things considered. After the fall of the Brass Bird, I wound up in the custody of the priests of the Inheritor. I served my sentence in their service. What it lacked in excitement, it made up for in education. I've a far better sword arm than when you saw me last, and I've studied more of the world than I thought I'd ever enjoy doing. In return, I swore my blade to Iomedae's cause."

He touches the symbol again absently before giving Lavanna a sheepish sidelong glance. "Honestly, I could have simply left when my sentence was up. I wavered for a while. But then I remembered a good friend who taught me the power of faith." He grins at the halfling before turning back to the elf.

Crap, he thinks, doing his best to keep the panic off his face. What was his name again?

"What about you, friend? I recall you had all sorts of misadventures once upon a time. How have the years treated you?"

As the sun rises, a narrow beam of light passes through the nearby rocks, illuminating the captain’s wheel of the nearby sunken ship!

It would require a DC 15 Athletics check to Swim over to the half-sunken remains. Also the piece of the map that each of you was sent is in the Tactical Maps link at the top of the page. There are 4 of them.

"I never thought I'd have to swim in salt water again, I tell you. But if there's something valuable, I'll be darned if I let you split it without me."

Elsir taps Kaako on the shoulder and motions for her to wait. He lets Jadren and Lavanna begin swimming, and then casts water walk on himself and Kaako.

He strides past the other others with a chuckle.

Jadren stifles an annoyed grimace. "No one is swindling anybody. Renlock led all four of us here, so whatever is here is meant for all of us." He can't wait any longer, though. The shine off the wheel of the Brass Bird is like a siren call, begging to be investigated. His curiosity is fully piqued.

He doesn't even bother taking off his armor or gear; he just leaps into the water and swims toward the wreck.

Athletics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Jadren surprises himself with the ease in which he takes to the sea after so long. It feels like coming home. He relishes the shock of the cool ocean across his face and hands, the way it soaks immediately into his clothes so they cling to him, the easy rhythmic pumping of his legs to shoot him through the water. He'd always been a decent swimmer, but Lavanna's natural grace in the water had always made him feel rather clumsy in comparison, and he'd been secretly afraid he'd make a fool of himself in front of his old crewmates after all this time away from the sea. Thankfully, that isn't the case.

It isn't until he reaches the ship that he realizes what the elf has done. Far from being angry, he laughs as he pulls himself out of the water. "Clever as ever, I see! Good show!"

He'll help Lavanna out of the water too if she needs it, though with her Swim speed I expect she'll get there well before Jadren.

"Alright, let's see what kind of merry chase ol' Cap is leading us on." He steps over to the wheel to inspect it.

Lavanna smiles at Elsir. Despite an evenly split bounty, the young elf still tries to make sure he gets the biggest cut.

She gives the others a head start to make sure they're okay walking atop and swimming through the water. Then with undine blood flowing through her veins, Lavanna makes a graceful dive off the beach into the beautiful, clear water and swims easily to the Brass Bird.

Surprisingly, she has a hard time keeping up with Jadren. When they arrive, she nods approvingly, "Someone has been practicing...I'm impressed."

When Elsir puts the pieces of the map together, Lavanna studies it. "Well done, Elsir." She emphasizes the sorcerer's name while staring pointedly at Jadren, hoping that the name will sink in before the end of the mission. She doesn't hold her breath.

As Lavanna puzzles over the map, her survival instincts kick in. "So we begin here ... at the bottom. With the tide. Then at some point, we make an offering to the wise and powerful Gozreh, Lord of the Wind and Waves." Lavanna Saltspray is giddy with excitement anticipating she'll get a chance to demonstrate her faith to the deity she has worshipped all her life.

At Lavanna's playful banter, Kaako screeches in laughter. "Shreek! Kaako have no iiidea what Lavann-na talkkking about-t. I have no acc-cc-ccent; it is you all that-t have acc-ccents. Ark! <ruffle>"

When Jadren proclaims his new-found faith in Iomedae, Kaako rolls her eyes. Typical Jadren," she thought, "always making everything about himself. Well, at least he hasn't called me 'birdbrain' yet, so I guess that's an improvement at least."

Kaako is not quite so trusting of Elsir that she doesn't stop at the shore and test the water to see if it'll hold her weight. It would be just like the elf to prank cast a spell on her just to watch her fall head-first into the water. After she's satisfied, she follows Elsir out to the old captain's wheel.

Looking at the reconstructed map, Kaako points to the ship. "We starrt-t here no?" She thinks about what is written there. "<click, clack> I don't think the Brass Bird is moooving anywhere sooon, but maybe turning wheeeel as if we werrre might do something-g. <clack>" She heads over to the wheel and examines it for a few seconds before putting a hand on it and giving it a wiggle.

Jadren gives Lavanna a run for her money as he dives into the ocean with ease. That is until Kaako and Elsir easily walk across its surface with the use of magic. This makes Lavanna frown a bit as the crew clamors aboard the half-sunken vessel.

Having sunk many years ago, the rotting hulk of the Brass Bird brings back memories of your time aboard, sailing up and down the coasts of Avistan and Garund, chasing fame and fortune. But dreams of that glorious past have faded and now all that remains is the half-sunken hulk of Captain Renlock’s prized ship. Even now, you can see the wheel where he steered the ship, shouting orders to you and the other crew members as you chased fortune together. You can still hear his final call to stand down as the Andoran ships closed in. The call that likely saved your life.

However danger lurks aboard as a pair of water vipers that have taken residence are disturbed from their newly found home.

Round 1
Kaako
Lavanna
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Vipers
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Jadren
Elsir

WHY DOES SHE KEEP SMILING AT ME? WHAT DOES SHE KNOW THAT I DON'T??

Looking up from the map, Lavanna is startled at the 2 sea creatures on board. The cleric has no intention of harming them without provocation. 'What would Gozreh think? After all, we just invaded their home. They just need encouragement to leave.'

Lavanna considers her options. She takes time to recall what she knows of these creatures Nature +11, and she'll quickly relay to the group.

In Aquan, Lavanna says, "I'm sorry friends, but we need this vessel. You must leave now." She calls upon the power of the sea and casts Tidal Surge at the green viper nearest the edge of the ship.

Tidal Surge
DC 21 Fort Save, or pushed 5-10 feet in any direction (in this case, off the ship)

The cleric then gestures in the air, casting a magical Shield to protect herself from what she fears is an inevitable battle.

Actions: Recall Knowledge, Tidal Surge (cost: 1 Focus), Shield (+1 AC, Hardness 10)

Kaako sees the vipers first and snaps her beak closed a couple of times to warn the others. "<click, clack>"

She quickly frees her rapier from its sheath.

Action 1 (◆): Interact - Take rapier in hand

Seeing that Lavanna is targetting the more distant viper, Kaako fixes her steely gaze on the nearest one and emits an ear-piercing "Skrreeeeek!". Even before the noise has died down, she's moving forward to get the (red) viper within reach and plunges her weapon into the distracted creature's body.

Action 2 (◆): Stride (25 feet)

Action 3 (◆): Strike (Rapier) vs Red Viper.

+1 Striking Rapier: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21 vs flat-footed Red Viper
+1 Striking Rapier Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9 piercing damage

The target is flat-footed, so add Sneak Attack damage
Rogue Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11 precision piercing damage

Kaako leaps into the air and brings his rapier down into the startled viper. Lavanna knows these vipers carry a deadly venom that could quickly kill the victim. When coiled the viper can spring out to great distances, increasing its reaction time.

Fort Save DC 21: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

A small surge of water rushes from Lavanna's hands as the viper is blasted from the side of the ship back into the ocean, where it swims away out into the water.

The wounded viper on the deck lashes out at Kaako.

Fangs vs Kaako AC 22: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Fangs vs Kaako AC 22: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 5 = 11

Unable to get through the viper leans back and begins to coil itself up tight.

Round 2
Kaako
Lavanna
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Vipers (Red -20)
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Round 1
Jadren
Elsir

Lavanna is pleased to see that her Tidal Surge sent at least one of the sea creatures safely on its way. She whispers, "Oh wise Gozreh, we saved one of your children, but I fear my friends and I must defend ourselves from the one remaining."

Not wanting to personally attack the viper if she doesn't have to, Lavanna delays until the dashing Jadren flanks with Kaako to make their attacks. "Oh dear. Do be careful, everyone. This water viper is quite poisonous. Plus, it can spring when coiled up. As it is now."

If the viper is still alive following attacks by her shipmates, Lavanna will reluctantly draw her trident and fling it at the poor beast.

+1 Striking Trident: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Piercing Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 8) = 13

She then casts Shield.

Actions: Delay till after the other 3 party members, Interact (Draw), Strike (throw trident), Shield (+1 AC, Hardness: 10)

Kaako dodges left and right, barely staying clear of the viper's attacks. "Oook! Frrrisky serpent, this one."

Seeing the viper coil for a strike, Kaako decides to try and finish what she started. She first shifts her weight to the left to try and divert the creature's attention...

Action 1 (◆): Feint - vs Red Viper
Deception (Feint): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 vs Red Viper Perception DC

...before cutting right and plunging her rapier into the creature twice more.

Action 2 (◆): Strike (Rapier) vs Red Viper.

+1 Striking Rapier: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 vs (flat-footed?) Red Viper
+1 Striking Rapier Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8 piercing damage

If the target is flat-footed, then add Sneak Attack damage
Rogue Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 precision piercing damage

If a crit, then double the above damage and add Deadly 1d8 damage
Rapier Deadly D8: 1d8 ⇒ 8 piercing damage

Action 3 (◆): Strike (Rapier) vs Red Viper.

+1 Striking Rapier: 1d20 + 14 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 14 - 5 = 12 vs Red Viper
+1 Striking Rapier Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6 piercing damage

Kaako skewers the giant viper on the end of his rapier. Picking it up by the end he dumps the serpentine body back into the ocean.

As the sun rises and a single beam illuminates the captain’s wheel of the half-sunken boat. Captain Renlock’s wheel still looks to be in good shape, far better than the rest of the boat.

Just then Cawlo swoops in to land on the nearby railing. It clatters and rattles a bit before opening its beak. The voice of Captain Renlock comes from the old mechanical bird.

“My friends. It pleases this old pirate’s heart to see you gathered once again on the deck of the Brass Bird. Although my time has passed, I have found one last treasure for you to plunder. But to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, I have placed a few challenges in your way. Don’t worry, I am sure they are nothing you can’t handle."

“To open the way, you must sail from the home of the pirates to plunder the coasts of Varisia. Return home, but then make your way to Absalom to spend your loot. Finally, follow my dream and sail to the River Kingdoms and retire in peace.”

After that cryptic clue, Cawlo grows silent and stares at the old captain’s wheel. Four symbols have been emblazoned on Renlock’s wheel, indicating the cardinal directions (north, east, south, and west), while the center has a wave pattern (cresting in such a way as to indicate that the tide is going clockwise).

Picture of the wheel is in the maps.

Elsir steps so Lavanna isn't in the way, and shoots a ray of frost at the snake. She might be self-righteous, but it doesn't mean that she should bear the full brunt of his mighty arcane powers!

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 This has got to be a mistake, right ... ? I didn't catch it before but I should have +2+5+4 = +11 on my spell attacks.
Cold: 3d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4, 1) + 4 = 11

Elsir blames everything and everyone but himself for the poor attack.

@Elsir- Correct it is +11. That was updated on the form as two of the spellcasting stats were wrong.

When Elsir's frost ray misses wildly, Lavanna is quick to apologize. "Sorry dear, was I in the way? Oh, I do apologize."

Lavanna breathes a sigh of relief when her friend finishes off the remaining viper. Once she realizes everyone's safe, she feels sad that one of Gozreh's creatures paid the final price. Alas, that is Nature's way. As Kaako deposits the dead viper into the water, Lavanna bows her head and says a silent prayer for a creature who just lost its home and its life.

The cleric looks around, "Now, is everyone okay? No injuries? Thank Gozreh."

When Cawlo appears out of nowhere to deliver the cryptic message, Lavanna listens intently. She quickly pulls out a writing pad to jot down the parrot's message. She then places the completed map next to the illuminated helm and studies them together.

After a few moments recalling her Sailing Lore, Lavanna muses aloud, "Turning the wheel clockwise seems to be with the tide. Our map, thank you Elsir, instructs us to begin as follows: With, Against, With, Against." She pauses and continues, "I would interpret that to mean we must rotate the wheel a full turn clockwise, counter-clockwise, clockwise, then finally counter-clockwise." The cleric looks around for consensus.

After listening to Cawlo, Kaako tilts her head slightly in bemusement as she tries to figure out what it all means. "Kaa?"

"Home of the pirates? Varisia? Home again? Absalom? River Kingdoms? Sounds like our old captain did not go gently into the night; more like a raving lunatic from the sounds of it."

"<click> If the caaaptain expects us to use the Brrrass Birrd for this voyage, then we arrr screwwwd. Home of the piiirates? I spose he means the Shack-kles, no?"

Lavanna considers Kaako's comment and nods. "You may have something there, my friend. Perhaps not full turns of the wheel...." She takes out a blank parchment and draws a crude map of the Inner Sea Region.

She explains, "The parrot's instructions said: 1) Sail from pirate home to Varisia, 2) Return, 3) Go to Absalom, 4) Go to River Kingdoms."

Thanks to Kaako, Lavanna indicates the Shackles in the SW of her drawing. "Starting here, we would go N to Varisia. And S to return. Then E to reach Absalom. And N to end at the River Kingdoms."

She pauses and continues, "N, S, E, N". Referring back to the map instructions involving the tide, she summarizes, "clockwise-N, counter-S, clockwise-E, counter-N" She looks at the group to gauge how daft they think she is.

To be honest, I doubt the scenario expects players to know the geography of the Inner Sea Region, so this is probably way over-thinking it, but who knows....

Jadren doesn't even get a chance to draw his blade before the others wipe the floor with the pair of vipers. "Ah," he says absently, sheathing the gleaming longsword that was only halfway out of its sheath. "Well, then." He hides his embarrassment behind his hand as he cups his mouth, trying to look deep in thought about what Lavanna is saying. Unfortunately, most of it is going over his head.

Jadren finally grunts, not entirely convinced. So far as he remembers, Captain Renlock was clever, but not quite so obtuse. He says as kindly as he can, "I think maybe it's simpler than that? Let's just give the wheel a few turns and see what happens. If that doesn't work, we can always try your theory, Lavanna."

He steps up to the wheel and places a gauntleted hand on it, for a moment overwhelmed by memories. Countless times watching Renlock stand at this very wheel, steering the Bird toward a thousand unknown horizons, feeling salt spray in his face, the wind billowing the sails, the sound of shanties drifting down from the rigging and up from the foredeck as the crew sang away through their toils. He has so many regrets from back then, but not that. Never that.

With a sigh, he pulls himself out of his reverie and says, "Maybe be on alert. We don't know what other surprises might have moved in that the Captain couldn't foresee."

He tugs the wheel as Lavanna first mentioned, a full turn clockwise toward the tide, then counter-clockwise away from it, then clockwise again, then counter-clockwise again, and waits to see if anything happens.

As Lavanna explains her complicated directional theory and how it applies to the rotation of the ship's wheel, Kaako tries to keep up, but fails almost immediately. She is quickly distracted by the sun bouncing off the still polished brass trim of the wheel. "Pretty. How is it that the captain's wheel has survived almost intact while the rest of the ship rots? Odd."

Jadren spins the wheel a couple of times. No effect as it slowly drifts back to it's northern setting. Deciding to give Lavanna's theory a chance he begins to turn the wheel similar to a combination lock.

clockwise-N, counter-S, clockwise-E, counter-N

A heavy grinding sound comes from behind you as the ground shakes. The nearby cliff-face opens a large passage further into the mountain.

That is exactly what the scenario was looking for. If you had begun to struggle on the geography portion then I would have had you start making Society Checks to reveal directions.

This was definitely one of the more complex puzzles as you first need to put together the map pieces, then decipher the clues, then figure out the wheel compared to the map to locate the directions as well as going clockwise and CCW

Elsir has grudging respect for his teammates! He vows not to mock them until they find the treasure together.

Okay, maybe an hour.

Maybe less if Jadren can't remember his name.

Elsir has neither darkvision nor a light spell, so if we end up in darkness, he will either have to bum off of someone's light or light a torch.

Jadren grunts. "Huh. I guess I was underthinking it. Par for the course, eh?" He winks at the others, then considers the opening in the cliff face. "Renlock really pulled out all the stops with this, didn't he?"

He frowns a little. What game are you playing, old friend?

Something about this feels odd to him, but he doesn't want to worry the others. He gives them a wide grin and dives into the water to head toward the cave opening.

Athletics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Exactly half as impressive as before lol

He takes his time with easy breast strokes back to shore, then shakes himself off on the beach before heading toward the cave opening. This time he draws his sword and shield, keeping them at the ready. He peers into the cavern. "Anyone have a light?"

He only now realizes he left his pack on while swimming--his torches are all soaked. He'll have to wait until they dry out to use them. Good job, bonehead. You were so busy trying to impress everybody you forgot basic seamanship: don't swim with anything you don't want to get wet.

Though in Jadren's defense, I think we all forgot to take our packs off before swimming over. XD

Kind of surprised they didn't include any waterproof options in the CRB. In fact, the only item I've seen is the waterproof journal from the PFS Guide.

When Jadren turns the wheel and the cave opening appears, Lavanna thinks aloud. "So far Cap'n was right. Nothing we can't handle ... yet."

Before leaving for the cave, Lavanna suggests we do one last search of the Brass Bird for any other final clues.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

When the group is satisfied there's nothing more for them on the ship, Lavanna makes her usual graceful dive off the edge of the ship, and does the backstroke to shore, keeping an eye on the others behind her.

Standing outside the cave entrance, Lavanna rummages in her pack and pulls out a lighted stick. "Just in case, an everburning torch. I never leave home without it." She turns to the sorcerer, "Since I may be involved in battle, would you like to carry it, Elsir?" Once again, she emphasizes the elf's name and raises her eyebrow at Jadren helpfully.

As Jadren and Lavanna played with the wheel, Kaako's attention had strayed elsewhere. When the cliff-face starts opening, she is looking down through the gaps in one of the rotting hatches and wondering if perhaps the captain's last treasure lay somewhere below. At the unexpected sound and rumble, her feathers spontaneously ruffle and she recoils so strongly in surprise that she slides back several feet. "Skraaaawk? Whaaat in the blue blaaazes..." When Kaako finally realizes what's happening, she relaxes and pats her feathers back into place. "Give a girrrl a bit of warningg next time, will ya."

Her interest is peaked by the opening in the cliff. "Sweeet! Let's go seeee what's inside. Last one there's a scallywaaag!" The last comment is thrown over her shoulder at Elsir as she takes off toward the stern, jumps off, skips quickly across the water's surface, and follows Jadren and Lavanna into the opening.

For convenience, I am assuming that the Water Walk spell is still operational. Kaako has an Everburning Torch, but prefers not to carry it unless there is no choice. She'll be happy to lend hers to Elsir if necessary.

Jadren looks away from Lavanna, perhaps a bit more huffily than he intended.

Dammit, I'll get it, I'll get it, jeez!

Narrator Voice: "He did not get it."

The passageway beyond the hidden door ascends at an incline a few feet above the high tide line of the cove before leveling off. The passage ends in a short set of stairs that descend toward a large chamber lit only by vine-choked cracks in the ceiling above.

The rough-hewn chamber has fallen into disrepair. The western wall has collapsed partially and dirt, rock, and plant debris litter the floor, nearly obscuring a large leaf pattern made from green quartz. The tip of this leaf ends in a brackish pool of water. Rising up from the water is a mold-encrusted stone statue of a woman who appears to emerge from a wave, with seaweed for hair and her arms held high in supplication to the sky above.

A faint clicking and rustling sound can be heard from the collapsed wall, but its source is not immediately apparent.

Entering the chamber, Lavanna is in awe. She points to the large green quartz pattern on the ground. "Oh! Can it be?" She spins around to take it all in. "You all see it, right? The leaf? The symbol of the almighty Gozreh himself. Oh, isn't it wonderful." She feels remarkably at home, as she moves toward the stone statue in the salt-water pool to the east. She studies the statue carefully.

Perception (Statue): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

After several moments of being awestruck in this shrine, Lavanna recalls the mission. And she remembers the next clue from the map. She utters, "Make an offering to Gozreh. But be prepared to face the storm's wrath."

The cleric thinks long and hard about what would be a proper offering. She explains to the group, "Gozreh rules over the Sea and the Weather and all things Nature. However, no offering immediately comes to mind ... other than sacrificing myself." She pauses and continues, "I'm ready and willing to face the wrath of any storm."

Can Lavanna make a Religion check to get a hint about an appropriate offering? If so, how 'bout a circumstance bonus for being a follower of Gozreh? Figure it doesn't hurt to ask (pray?)!
Religion: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

If nothing comes to her, Lavanna begins brushing away the dirt and debris littering the floor, especially around the green quartz leaf.

Elsir follows, detecting for magic along the way. He also seems to be awestruck by the majestic temple.

Maybe if we had spent more time in places like this, our time on the vessel would have seemed to pass more quickly.

Elsir will look around for an offering - seaweed, perhaps? (Perception +9) Who knows what these gods like and what they don't? Not Elsir.

Lavanna has much better Religion than Jadren so I'll let her roll on that one.

Shield and blade in hand, Jadren walks around the perimeter of the room, pausing at the collapsed wall to inspect it and see if he can tell where the clicking noise is coming from.

I'm guessing that's a secret check. Perception +11

... a large chamber lit only by vine-choked cracks in the ceiling above.

I'm going to read that as Dim Light. I just remembered adding a Light cantrip to fill out Kaako's spell complement, so no need for everlasting torches unless we split up.

Kaako follows the others into the large chamber, but does so quietly, sticking to the shadows. Her eye is immediately caught by a glint from the partially obscured green quartz floor. Scraping some of the leaves away for a better look, she says "Ark! Niiiice floor. Shiiny." She squats down to see if she can liberate a piece of the green quartz as a souvenir.

After a few seconds, she gives up; the quartz is too well embedded. "Daaam it! Good workmanship though." That's when she notices the clicking and rustling sound from the collapsed wall. "Waaaall maake noise. Maaaybe collapse more." She slides back into the shadows and then examines the wall from a distance to see if she can tell what is making the noise. She takes her rapier in hand just in case.

Action: Hide (Stealth +13) - secret

Action: Interact - Take rapier in hand

Action: Seek (Perception +10) - secret

Kaako hasn't been paying much attention to Lavanna's ooing and aahing at the pool. She isn't much of one for religion, but knows better than to piss off the gods unnecessarily, especially those with power over water. She hears Lavanna going on about sacrificing herself and the tengu once again rolls her eyes. "Sheesh, really? I'd forgotten that Lavanna was such a drama queen."

"No neeed for a sacrrrifice, Lavaaaana. I have just the thing." Reaching into her pocket, Kaako pulls out a copper coin. She says, "Liiive loong and prosperrr!" and tosses the coin over Lavanna's head so that it lands in the fountain.

Don't know if I need a roll for this coin toss, but if so, I'll assume we're dealing with Acrobatics or some other Dex-based skill.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 (trained)

<Splash!>

Lavanna immediately recognizes the pattern in the floor as the holy symbol of Gozreh, a nature deity whose fury is unleashed upon both the sea and the sky. The statue standing in the brackish pool is another representation of the god, who is typically seen in one of two forms, either as a woman rising from the sea or as a weathered old man emerging from a storm cloud. This statue is of the former representation, although many of its features are obscured by mold and vines growing out of the pool.

Jadren stops short as, kneels down and focuses on the collapsed portion of the wall. His eyes catch movement and a large mandible clicks against the rock as several ant heads peer out. It seems your presence has attracted their attention.

Jadren turns to warn the others, unfortunately Kaako wants to help Lavanna and flicks a single coin over her head into the offering pool. As the offering lands in the water, a booming voice rises from the statue. “Those who seek the blessing of the Wind and the Waves must face the storm’s fury!”

As the voice fades, the water from the pool explodes, blasting the chamber with brackish filth. The explosion reveals a towering creature made from the purest azure water. Like a living tidal wave, the creature surges forward to attack!

Round 1
Lavanna
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Elemental
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Kaako
Jadren
Elsir
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Ants
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Seeing the tidal wave form out of the pool, Lavanna cries out, "Oh great Gozreh, if this is your test, I shall prove my worth using the power of nature you bestowed upon me."

She studies the beasts that have entered the room, and tries to recall what she knows about them. If she remembers anything, she'll quickly relay to the group.

Recall Knowledge-Nature at +11. If the water elemental counts as Nature, she'll choose that. If not, she'll focus on the ants.

Then, aiming towards the water creature as well as the ants behind, she lets loose bolt of lightning.

Lightning Bolt, Reflex DC 21: 4d12 ⇒ (5, 6, 7, 4) = 22

From Lavanna's current position, it looks like a straight line Bolt would go through a corner of the water creature and possibly both of the pink/green ants on the opposite side. But if you rule that only 1 can be hit, she'd prefer pink, if possible.

Lavanna takes a look at the insects and actually recognizes them as stag beetles. Their mandibles easily able to crush through bone. With the sound of thunder a burst of lightning snaps off across the camber making Jadren's hair stand on end.

Elemental Reflex DC 21: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Green Reflex DC 21: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Pink Reflex DC 21: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

The mass of roiling water seems to absorb most of the jolt as it crackles across the surface. The insects however let out a shrill whistle of pain as the lightning arcs across them.

Target (1=pink; 2=Jadren; 3=Kaako): 1d3 ⇒ 2

A large tidal wave of wave slams into Jadren's back.

Wave vs Jadren AC 23: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21
Wave vs Jadren AC 23: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 17 - 5 = 19
Wave vs Jadren AC 23: 1d20 + 17 - 10 ⇒ (11) + 17 - 10 = 18

The warrior stands firm on his ground, though he is now dripping wet.

Round 1
Lavanna
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Elemental
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Kaako
Jadren
Elsir
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Ants (Green -22) (Pink -22)
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Jadren shakes off the fresh dousing without much thought--he's still pretty wet from his swim anyway--and decides to take out some of these giant ants before dealing with the big guy. "I'm not much of an exterminator, but let's see what we can do here!"

He swipes a few times at Orange to start, before raising his shield against further attacks.

♦ Longsword vs Orange: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 Slash Dmg: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
♦ Longsword vs Orange: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 Slash Dmg: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 = 12
♦ Raise Shield

Note: Kaako has the Nimble Dodge feat, a reaction providing a +2 circumstance bonus to AC (for AC 24) that she will use on the first attack against her in any round.

Kaako looks on in amazement at what her simple copper coin has wrought. "That was unexpected. Maybe I should have used a gold piece instead. Looks like old Gozreh took my stinginess to heart."

She considers crossing the room to help Jadren with the giant insects, but figures the big man can handle them on his own for a while. Instead, she decides to tackle the elephant in the room. While the Wave is ineffectually blasting water at Jadren, Kaako steps carefully out of the shadows...

Action 1 (◆): Step - one square north

... and jams her rapier into the Wave.

Since the Wave acted first, and Jadren is not flanking, then Kaako does not catch it flat-footed.

Action 2 (◆): Strike (Rapier) vs Wave.

+1 Striking Rapier: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 vs Wave
+1 Striking Rapier Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13 piercing damage

Not wanting to push her luck, Kaako retreats to what she hopes is a relatively safe distance.

Action 3 (◆): Stride (25 feet)

Reaction: Elsir will cast genie's veil as a Reaction on the wave's first attack. This will grant the target the concealed condition for the remainder of the wave's turn.

Elsir will Stride forward and cast haste on Jadren.

@Elsir- Assuming you mean the wave's next attack round is when you are casting it?

The lightning bolt finishes coursing through one of the ants as it slumps down to the ground, smoldering like a used piece of coal.

Kaako slips her rapier into the swirling waves, slightly disrupting the surface as it damages the elemental's form, as Jadren fends off enemies from all directions. His longsword slashes one of the mandibles and a leg off of one of the ants as it looks to bite at him again.

Elsir helps where he can as he encourages Jadren to move a little faster with the help of some magic.

The ant's begin to chase after their prey as their mandibles snap out at those nearby.

Green Mandible vs Kaako AC 24: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 + Grab

Yellow Mandible vs Jadren AC 25: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 + Grab

Yellow Stinger vs Jadren AC FF 23: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 4 = 17

Orange Mandible vs Elsir AC 21: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 + Grab

Orange Stinger vs Elsir AC FF 19: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 4 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 + Giant Ant Venom

@Elsir- Need a DC 18 Fort save vs Giant Ant Venom.
Stage 1: 1d8 Poison + Enfeebled 1 (1 round)
Stage 2: 1d10 Poison + Enfeebled 2 (1 round)
Stage 3: 1d12 Poison + Enfeebled 3 (1 round)

Let me know if you wish to shield block any of that Jadren

Each of you feel the stinging pinch of the mandibles as the ants grasp ahold of your body tightly. You feel a slight tug as the ants begin to prepare to haul you away down into their lair for a meal. As Elsir resists a small stinger leaps out and stabs into his shoulder.

Round 2
Lavanna
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Elemental (-13)
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Kaako (51/61; Grabbed by Green Ant)
Jadren (63/73; Grabbed by Yellow Ant)
Elsir (27/41; Genie's Veil; Grabbed by Orange Ant)
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Ants (Green -22) (Pink -22) (Orange -18)
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