Though she shows no outward reaction, even smiling to the children, inside she is panicking. She knew how to care for this. She knew how to prepare Wolfsbane. She knew the theory for magical healing. But it still didn't assuage the fear that coursed through her. Her imagination went to a dark place as she thought of what might happen if she hadn't gotten to them. The whole place, the children, the women helping...all torn to shreds. She turns to Jin while no one was looking and, with a single look, conveyed just how bad this could have gotten.
She spends the next 20 min cooking up a poultice using the blue, flowered plants. The mixtures had to be just right. Too much and they might die from the poison in the plant. Too little and it wouldn't take.
Treat Disease:
To treat a disease means to tend to a single diseased character. Every time the diseased character makes a saving throw against disease effects, you make a Heal check. If your Heal check exceeds the DC of the disease, the character receives a +4 competence bonus on his saving throw against the disease.
Action/Time: 10 minutes.
Retry? Varies. Generally speaking, you can’t try a Heal check again without witnessing proof of the original check’s failure.
"There. All better."
She packs up and thanks the woman for her aid and heads back out with Jin. Once they are out of earshot the façade drops and real panic creeps into her voice. "Dear Gods that could have been awful." She has to lean against a wall to just to stay standing. "I did the best I could but its up them now. I am not strong enough to heal them with magic. I don't think anyone in this town is. I need to return tomorrow to see if it took." She looks over her shoulder, worry causing her hands to shake. "How long ago were they bit? Do you know of anyone else? Where do most people who work the docks go this time of night." She could feel fatigue setting in but also knew tonight was probably going to be a long one.
Astrianna smiles as the crew gathers to hear her performance, removing the The Brightening from its case. Thank goodness for this haversack... my violin would have never survived the Hungermarsh.
She tunes the instrument and warms up before launching into a furious rendition of Drunken Sailor, encouraging the crew to sing.
[dice=Perform:String]1d20+17+2
The air itself threatens to catch fire with her vibrant sawing!
Fire erupts for the fiddle as Astri saws away, the giant minotaur lifts Bri and swings her around his body effortlessly, the crew gawk and clap.
About 20 minutes after Sorrin and his group organize and head off towards the Baron of the Tide, the crew aboard the Dragon's Tail is hard at work under Ptahh's direction.
As you walk the Dragon Tail's deck you see the large hold that the landmsn are busy organizing. You hear some the docks and assume it's some of the crew returning.
The two marines you have with you are stand guard at the foot of the Dragon's tail as four men approach, they exchange words with the guards, and steel is pulled. Two of the four men break clear heading for the deck.
Success
Success
The cleric's growing in self confidence knows how to help these children, but nagging doubt lingers. She brew her concoction, slipping in a bit of honey to help it taste better. She takes out a copper piece and challenges the two boys with game: Who can drink it the fastest. With a smile when the finish she flips a copper to each.
2 Seaman (Hook and Clubby) go revoking shore leave. They are reliable and they know by sight the other crew members.
Sorrin, Capt Donovan, 2 Marines, 2 Able Seaman head to the Baron of the the Tide.
Ptahh, Major Rowland, 3 landsman and 2 Marines stay on the the Dragon's Tail. Preparing items to be moved to the Baron.
DMPC Sorrin's Perception checks:
Add +2 if trap.
Sorrin as you and your group walk down the dock towards the Baron of the Tide it seems quiet, the near Waxing Gibbous Moon ducks behind some clouds, and the briny water is high.
2 Seaman (Hook and Clubby) go revoking shore leave. They are reliable and they know by sight the other crew members.
Sorrin, Capt Donovan, 2 Marines, 2 Able Seaman head to the Baron of the the Tide.
Ptahh, Major Rowland, 3 landsman and 2 Marines stay on the the Dragon's Tail. Preparing items to be moved to the Baron.
Hearing the sounds of clashing steel on the docks, Ptahh turns and rushes to the gangplank drawing his massive sword as he runs. 'MAJOR ROWLAND to ME!' he snarls as the adrenaline begins to course through his veins.
He can smell them... their sweat... their blood... and their fear. He hasn't felt the rush of battle for some time. Saliva wells up in his mouth as he runs to his men. He can sense the acrid taste of the hormones building up inside of him. The anticipation was overwhelming. He was alive.
And so it begins...
Initiative Order:
Major Roland Lawrence
Thugs
Ptaah
RD 1: Roland
The major observes the stranger with drawn steel, he then moves up form the hold onto the main deck. (Dbl Action)
RD 1: Thugs
Two thugs dash on to the main deck brandishing short swords. {b]"This is for Flynn the Mouse...a welcom'n gift, ye dirty trait'r"[/b]
Flat footed:
; ;
; ;
confirm crit:
; ;
Quiet night, he says to no one in particular.
Ptahh roars at the thugs and swings his falchion at the closest one. "Welcome to the Dragon's Tail!"
|
|
Following his swing at the thug, Ptahh takes a step to his right, keeping his back to the stairs and the rail to his immediate right.
Ptaah slices a hunk of flesh from the thug.
RD 1: Dragon Tail's summary
Initiative Order:
Major Roland Lawrence - double moved
Thugs - one hit Ptahh for 12 HP
Ptaah - hit once for 22 HP
-----
RD 2
Initiative Order:
Major Roland Lawrence -
Thugs -
Ptaah
RD 2: Major Roland
The Major moves forward drawing his sword and using Ptahh's choice positon to flank the would be assassin.
;
confirming crit:
;
He slices the opponent.
RD 2: Thug
The two thugs continue to press their attacks on Ptaah, (no sneak)
;
;
Both attacks miss and reality starts to take hold as Ptahh slit the throat to first attack then turns his fury on the flanked man. Hit him and he teeters for an instant before dropping ot the deck.
====
Down on the dock: Behind the scenes action
15% that one a marine is dead form the attacks.
Both of the thug attackers are eventually killed but not before one marine crumples to the docks, his intestines in his hand as he bleeds out.
Major Roland asks Ptahh, "Did you know 'em?" His eyes widen, "Dangit...where's Chell?" He rushes down the gangplank towards the fallen marine checking for a pulse.
The libations flow as music plays, Korg growls at Bri leading her on his own private tour. A few sailors cat-call and cheer the big fella on.
Astri is encouraged to have more wine and play another boot stomping beer drinking raunchy sailor song. Johan chuckles, "You'll get your tour, but first cater to the crowd." He drinks up another goblet of Cheliax red wine.
She packs up and thanks the woman for her aid and heads back out with Jin. Once they are out of earshot the façade drops and real panic creeps into her voice. "Dear Gods that could have been awful." She has to lean against a wall to just to stay standing. "I did the best I could but its up them now. I am not strong enough to heal them with magic. I don't think anyone in this town is. I need to return tomorrow to see if it took." She looks over her shoulder, worry causing her hands to shake. "How long ago were they bit? Do you know of...
Jin and the matron listen to the priestess. The matron is clearly nervous at the revelation. She speaks "S...S..so you do think your cured them right? Th..th..they're not going to become little monsters are they? I mean they are sweat little boys." She shakes her head a little bit, trying to gather her thoughts. 'Um...they were bit this morning. They wanted to catch fresh fish for lunch. Why is that bad?" Her eyes huge. Jin gently rests one hand on the matron's forearm, he squeezes slightly reassuring her.
---
"It'll be ok." He reassures as a matter of fact. He turns and looks at Chell as if to ask is it really that bad.
As the second thug slumps to the ground, Ptahh steps past them and surveys the scene below. Damn.
He pounds his fists on the rail, then straightens back up. With a determined look, Ptahh returns to the two dead thigs aboard the Dragon's Tail, strips them of weapons and any other valuables; then hauls the bodies down the gangplank and onto the dock.
As he bends over the other two thugs bodies, searching them as before, he looks up at Rowland. "Do we need to dispose of the bodies? What is the local law in dealing with scum assassins?"
A man clad in dark clothing, with dark scabbard rapier on his side, steps out from behind some empty crates. "Evening." He looks back towards the Baron. "Wouldn't know who owns that ship there would you?'
Astrianna cheers as Bri gets led away by Korg. She laughs and takes another drink, gulping down the sweet red wine. The bard's head swims. "Well of course! The crowd is my lifeblood! Who's ready for more?!"
A little wobbly, the half-elf fiddles out another tune, working it hot. Her alcohol consumption affects her playing somewhat, but its still a stomping good time.
The Major looks at Ptahh then says, "Well the dragoons need to be notified and I wouldn't strip them clean, it's hard to prove you were attacked if they're unarmed and naked." He raises his eyebrows. "I ...er, um... use to be a dragoon." He glances at their gear, "Descent short swords and ordinary daggers, studded leather armor. Propbably low quality thugs....I don't recognize them. could be fresh off a boat, I suppose." He exhales and glaces around. "Better check those purses your holding for dragonsmoke...you do not want to be caught carrying that stuff...you'll get yourself hung."
"So was this coincidence?"
The other marine was not injured as the attacks focused on his comrade but he realizes it could have been him there. His hand shakes ans he lights a cigar.
Astrianna Sparacello... should be on board Quell's Whore with Bethany Razor.
Sorrin steps forward, between his people and the stranger.
"Thanks." He continues on.
Anytime. Sorrin watches as the distance grows, too slowly, between his people and the stranger.
Stay alert, don't assume the ship is vacant. Any trouble, let me deal with it, watch each others backs.
Little Monsters? Did she know? Chell looks back and forth between the Matron and Jin. She thought Jin knew something. That he might have suspected infection. Why did the Matron make the comment? "What do you mean little monsters?"
Ptahh lines up the bodies on the dock, placing the armaments across their chests along with their purses less the 80 gold. "Not a coincidence. They said a mate from the ship that brought me to Port Shaw sent them. The ship left port this evening, so I doubt we'll see more them." or perhaps not... looks like I might have to deal with Flynn after all...
"Send someone to find a dragoon," he said back at Rowland as the half-orc took several paces toward the end of the dock.
Fish's. He walks back to the bodies and surveys them a moment. A dagger. He bends over the body and picks up a dagger.
Ptahh on close examination of the dagger you realize it has a concealed department. The top screws off and inside is vial of a bluish liquid.
From the dock the ship looks deserted, there is single hooded lantern at the top of the gangway. The lantern rocks on the post, it flickers with the warm sea breeze.
Little Monsters? Did she know? Chell looks back and forth between the Matron and Jin. She thought Jin knew something. That he might have suspected infection. Why did the Matron make the comment? "What do you mean little monsters?"
The matron responds. "Well isn't that what happens when people are ... She makes the protective sign to ward of the devil "...afflicted. You know with the changing sickness."
Sorrin approaches and behind traversing the gangway.
Keep an eye out, no surprises.
The next three hours are interesting as crewman mostly stumble back from shore leave to find a squad of dragoons on the docks questioning Major Roland, the crew, along with a massive half-orc. They learn about the altercation and death of their own, along with the four hired assassins. Soon speculation runs wild that this was retaliation for freeing Bonegnaws slave trade, or warning by the god Dajobas, or some even mumble that it was attack organized by the bakers guild. Eventually most the conversation turns to the identity of the massive-half orc.
"Anyone see Astri, Bri, or Chell someone asks...a healer would have been nice for Jard maybe he'd be alive." The question hangs. "Probably doing important stuff. I mean I've good ears and Sorrin didn't even bother to tell the Captain or Major their whereabouts when he came back to the ship. Must've been hush hush, you know."
Ultimately, cleaning up the mess at the Dragon's Tail means none of the crew are permitted to leave the ship during the investigation. Eventually your conduct is cleared but you are assessed a body disposal fee of 2 gold pieces total.
Sorrin your don't run into anyone else near unguarded ship, nor to you find anyone hiding aboard. A few hours go by and nobody comes with supplies or men to ship.
Captain Donovan will make sure hooded lanterns are placed on deck and he keeps the men that are with you visibly patrolling.
Captain, we should set up a watch schedule so we can get some rest... The whole point of tonight was to protect this ship.
We shouldn't venture out.
After a long pause, As we approached the fort to negotiate for this ship, Chell decided she wasn't coming in. After the wharfmaster, Astrianna and Embrianna were headed to Quell's Whore.
There's something in the air... I can smell it. Sorrin speaks as he leans onto the rail.
"Was there anything to change Chell's mind? I think you spent a night once keeping me out of the bottle rather than to go to that wretched place." He drinks from his canteen. "Scuttle is Capt Razor's putting out soon lots of raiders and pirates working to the north. Good ally to have." He stares a the docks then looks up to the rigging locations.
Bri finds personal entertainment extends to near sunrise when Korg shifts out of his bunk and begins to dress for his duties. He nearly trips over Astri's and Johan's boots on the way out of the cabin. Bri wipes the sleep form her eyes.
Astri turns over once the sunroad light pierces the cabin door, she realizes Johan is no longer there in bunk. Damn shift duty doesn't anyone sleep!
The seaman sent to locate the crew on shoreleave are only able to find 6 of the off-duty members. By the time the dragoons leave and group is orgainzed to carry over supplies it is 3:00 am, Major Roland insists that he will personally escort along with two marines the transfer of goods to the Baron of the Tide. Soon everyone is abuzz about the evening events.
When the first group arrives the Major relays the events to Sorrin and the Captain. He then spend the rest of the morning until day break repeating the trips until all crew and goods are aboard the Baron of the Tide.
The Major will then advise that he will wait near the Dragon's Tail for the remaining crew to arrive from shore leave.
After Korg leaves, Bri finally rises and gets herself dressed. She'll check to see if Astri is awake. "Guess we best be seeing to some duties of our soon too. You ready to head on back to the new ship?"
Luckily Bri has very little shame and isn't bothered by any catcalls as they disembark the ship.
Astrianna puts a cover over her eyes as the sunrod light hits her eyes. When Bri gives her a nudge the half-elf groans. "MMmuuuhhh. Just want to sleep....."
She lies still for a few moments before suddenly flailing in the sheets and sitting up in a frenzy. "New ship! That's right, the Baron! Yes, let's go!"
The bard stumbles out of bed and hangs on to a nearby post. "Gods. I think I'm still drunk. I hope we see Chell sooner rather than later."
Getting dressed and putting her equipment on, Astri heads out of the ship with Bri. "Let's see... Need to tour the Baron, more him to the slip, check with Falgor to see if Lester will still guide us tonight, get a bundle of cigars for Boris, pick up some supplies for tonight, get supplies sent to the Baron, pay for another week of my suite at the Green Dragon..." She clicks her tongue. "Another busy day. We had fun last night though, and those boys sure won't forget it if we ever need help..."