Ithir smiles and nods to the woman in black who gladly grabs him and disappears through the shadows with him.
"He may not know much, but I'm impressed that you managed to apprehend one of them and bring him here. He might know something more about that letter." he takes a closer look at the note and smiles. "This can be very useful, but I fear they might deflect this as a forgery or someone gaining power and going against what they stand for, which is becoming more and more apparent with every clue. Fine work and another part of the crystal makes things much easier for us. The more shards we have, the less they have, but sooner or later whatever force is bringing these things to the surface will try to reclaim them."
He pauses in thought when asked about the aforementioned disturbances.
"The problems with the docks are unusual issues, but I have no evidence to suggest anything beyond odd items in the details." he starts out looking back over his papers and shuffling them nervously. "There are two fisheries, both appear to be acting a little unusual. The first one I have a friend who knows the family. They are a group of aquatic elves who decided to take their fishing skills inland and live with the people, however this friend has not seen any members of the family besides the daughter who now serves customers when before she had no interest in the business and instead study, but hasn't arrived at classes for sometime. They have also taken to selling pork which is unusual for a fishmonger. This all happened a week after they were gaining a wealth of business and selling the best fish anyone has ever tasted in the city, but they have stopped selling that now for some reason." he gives a shrug "As you can see, there is no evidence of anything going wrong, but it is strange. Their boat has also remained docked since these changes happened." he puts a few peices of paper to the side and picks up what appears to be a badly warped letter. "I also recieved reports that a competeing fishmonger family have hired men of the Crimson Banner to guard their property. Nothing too odd besides there is no way they could afford such protection and no need for it either as far as I know."
Ithir picks up the sliver crystal that the group obtained and hands it to the cloaked woman and gives a nod. he looks to his assistant and hands her the wand.
"As things are growing more difficult, I have been attempting to find a way to aid you all. So far we know of only one spell that might help when cast using this shard, however any other spell or uses of the same spell will be wild." he states as he nods to the woman who activates it like a wand, billowing out energy that empowers all of you and even helps you all recover your spells and abilities, as if spending a nights worth of sleep.
"Strong magic," Ostog mumbles as the power causes through him. "That being said I still wouldn't turn down a pint."
It sounds as though her family may be being used as forced labor in their competitors shop. Let us put a stop to the Crimson Banner, again... Perhaps we should take the fight directly to their leaders?
I watch distrustfully as the energy flows from the crystal, as it runs into me I feel it changing me in ways that I cannot comprehend and shudder. "Regardless if you were able to repeat whatever little trick you just did I would choose to opt out." I state matter of factly, "Let us split this loot that we have recovered and head out to help these, fishmongers."
Wands/Scrolls to keep or sell
Wand of Honeyed Tongue
Wand of Magic Missile
Wand of Ray of Enfeeblement
Scroll of Bless
Scroll of Cure Light Wounds
Scroll of Ray of Enfeeblement
Scroll of Summon Monster 1
Scroll of Web
three books of unknown value ?
three spider eggs (for Ithir)
Items to sell for half market value:
6x Breastplates 100gp each-> 600gp
60x Daggers 1gp each-> 60gp
6x Shortswords 5gp each -> 30gp
6x Switchblade Knives ?gp each
Gold found: 144 gp, 54 sp, 6cp
+6,000 gp each
Total gp value after sell back 834gp 54sp 6cp + switchblade value(couldn't find)
"Ithir, you may be interested in these." I show him the spider eggs we managed to recover from the drug makers as well as the map showing unlooted ruin locations.
"The eggs will be useful. I'll need to find someone to raise these things." he states as he put them to the side before looking over the map of different locations. "Excavations in the ruins are outlawed because of what came out of those ruins, but that does not seem to have stopped these people from gaining treasures, but this one location seem to have them dissappear. If you have time, I'd like you to investigate this area."
"What might we find there?" Ostog inquires and follows up: "What came out of the ruins?"
"I feel that the matter with the fishmongers is potentially more time sensitive. We should focus on that first."
"It says nothing has come out of the ruins. Not even those they sent in, but I do agree that both fishmongers should be looked over." he states as he looks back to his notes. "You may not need to go in full force. If I were you, I'd try other possibilities. Atleast, for the heavily guarded one. As far as I know, the other one with the daughter taking over has no one guarding the place from outside."
"I'm in!"
"Fishes it is then," Ostog says with little zeal in his voice. "How would we go about this? It might just be nothing, so my axe might not be needed," he contniues.
Jaidoh sighs:
I really do not like fish. They smell real bad, and taste worse.
"Whatever happens out there, make sure to act carefully. I have a potential employer for you and if things go over well and no one causes a panic, he has a special reward for you." Irthir warns "He also has a few issues in the city that he'd like delt with, but I'll let him tell you himself in the morning."
"I vote we go to the unguarded fishry first, it should be less trouble and perhaps we could find information to assist us in our assault on the guarded fishery."
"Wise words, lets just hope that it truly is unguarded," Ostog conquers.
"We can use props and info from the easy fish place to gain access to the second one."
Jerry leads the way.
It's getting darker as you make your way to the fishery. As you arrive near the fishery, you can see in the distance that the shop appears to be dark apart from a single light in the top of the building.
You can see a slender female figure in the candel light moving about, but it's difficult to get anymore detail from this distance. The other buildings have lights on, but it is getting late and you are not in a nice part of the neighborhood. From your position the front door is closed with the shop floor lights off and the large storage side possibly had a door too.
Jerry creeps up and tries to get a closer look. His new elven cloak making it harder to see him in the darkness.
Walking down the middle of the street I will start heading straight for the front of the shop unless a party member stops me or pulls me aside.
Looking to the shadows Ostog walks a few steps behind Rabe, his hand resting on the handle of the axe moving slightly caressing the wood. "So what to expect?" he asks.
Jerry hisses:
"Be wary. Look twice and see what you face first!"
Jerry will try to slip inside before barbarian direct action.
Rabe tries the door, however it is locked and he doesn't gain access. It is apparent that the shadow you can see in the window does not appear to see you as it appears to be dancing around the room.
There are other doors as you know there is one to the right where the owners would dump the wasted food products and they have a walkway to get to the ship where there are possibly more entrances.
So far no one has noticed you all, nor the fiddling of the door. You can see through the window that no one is serving, but there are still a few fresh fish pastries and pies out in the window.
Jerry takes out his delicate kit of picks.
Jerry takes out his delicate kit of picks.
Jerry manages to pop open the lock. It was a simple lock for a simple low-class family so it only took him a few seconds to unlock. Once unlocked you open the door and the bell attached to the door goes off, however once the door is open fully and you all stop cringing you notice that no one has come to the front of the store and those still outside can still see the young female figure moving, but she seems to be now sitting down or possibly kneeling.
You can hear the sound of something solid colliding with wood over and over. Much like the sound of building furniture or chopping up ingredients for a meal.
You can hear a whispered conversation behind the door ahead of you. You are uncertain of the language however as all it sounds like it muttering gargling with the odd sound of crying.
Securing his shield in one hand and the axe in the other Ostog moves closer to Jerry and pauses behind him. Peaking into the room he sees little of interest so he begins to listen carefully. At first he hear nothing but the a sound, repeating itself. "Can you hear that?" he whispers awaiting a response.
Jerry has no problems seeing in the dark. He moves quickly to the north door to investigate it and see if it is locked.
Taking your time you manage to find that there is no lock on the door and can hear the owners of the voices very clearly as it's obvious they're right by the door. they appear to be talking in some odd gargled language that you don't understand.
You can all hear the conversation as it changes from whispering to laughing and you hear more muffled whimpering. You hear a laud slap from the room and in common one of them speaks.
"Be quiet. You ladies will wait for your escort or I'll feast on you tonight!" after this you hear another smack as the owner of the voice laughs and returns to the conversation in a unknown language.
Jerry whispers, "Women are being abused, time for action."
Perception:
Jaidoh moves up quietly behind the others:
I saw too much slavery and control in Nidal. We need to end this, but must determine what we are dealing with first. This is not a language that I have ever head before.
"There are obviously at least two behind this door, we should also see what or who is up stairs, let us split up and deal with both simultaneously. I will assist with the two behind this door." I whisper
"what's the count? Rabe's tactic of splitting up to tackle each door, or focus on the north one where you know two people are holding women captive and had just struck one?"
Jerry points out that sticking together is probably better. "Divide and conquer usually means separate and die!" He motions to the door and mimics opening it quietly.
He points to Rabe and moves two finger fast to mimic a person running and to the sorcerer and mimics casting then opens the door below.
Jaidoh nods in agreement:
Together we are strong. Divided we likely will fail. Lets try the north door first. Stop whoever is harming the women. Be careful though. There are many creatures in this world that might sound like a woman in pain, but actually be something far worse trying to lure unprepared saviors.
Int
Init
Str
I look at Jerry for a second then shrug, I burst the door in and move to attack the first target that I see that is male and not tied(preferably the one closest to whatever woman just got slapped).
Power Attack(if applicable)
Damage
As Rabe bursts through the door to attack the two nearby males he discovers two horrible looking scaled humanoids standing at about 7ft tall with rows of razor-sharp teeth in their mouth and starring back with their fish eyes in utter surprise as Rabe swings his blade at the nearest on he is also just as surprised and manages to miss, but smashes open a nearby barrel, revealing many coins and gems hidden inside.
In the room there are also four women who are tied and gagged, lined up against a wall and still wearing their basic clothing, though their shoes have been removed along with any potential jewelry or belt pouches. Two are human, but one appears to be a Half-Elf and the other a Tiefling.
Initiative:
Team Iniative:
Rabe the Huntsman:
Ostog Oath-Breaker:
Jaidoh Palumbra:
Jerry Brightstone:
Blackhands of the Redeemer:
Enemies:
Aquatic Humanoids:
Order:
Jaidoh Palumbra
Aquatic Humanoids
Jerry Brightstone
Ostog Oath-Breaker
Rabe the Huntsman
Blackhands of the Redeemer
These creatures are known as Sahuagin. They live in vast cities beneath the waves in the darkest ocean depths, often plotting the downfall of the surface dwellers. They are amphibious and have no problems seeing in the dark, nor if they were blinded.
Sahuagin were originally created by the Aboleths, deep beneath the water where there is no sunlight. Because of this their eyes are sensitive to light and can be blinded if exposed to bright light.
Sahuagin are known to be ravenous and cruel. This, coupled with their ability to telepathically communicate with sharks makes many believe the ancient Aboleths had created these creatures with a mix of sea elves and sharks.
Despite their intelligence, they are prone to violence. Merely being wounded or just smelling their own blood mix with the air or sea can drive them into a bloody fury, making them tougher and more vicious than before. They are able to speak Common, Aquan and with sharks over 150ft, however it is only simple commands such as "come here", "defend me" and "attack this target" but no more.
Warlike and proud, the sahuagin rarely ally with others, and view most
other aquatic races such as the aboleths, the merfolk, and their ilk as competitors. The only creatures they seem to respect and adore apart from their own kind are sharks, for in these relentless predators the sahuagin see much of themselves. A sahuagin stands 7 feet tall and weighs about 250 pounds.
Disturbingly, Sahuagin are suseptible to beneficial mutations and whenever a mutant is born it almost always rises to society's nobility and rulership. The most common being a extra pair of arms which also makes the creature gain more dense scales and a greater life force.
There are also tales of others mutations known as Malenti who look like aquatic elves, but share their kin's bloodlusts and cruel natures. Due to their appearance they often serve as spies and assassins for the rulers of their great under-water fortress cities. However, there are tales of full tribes of these creatures out in the most isolated reaches of the sea which still persist until this day.
Knowledge(Nature)
Taking a 5ft step forward and then attacking the Sahuagin closest to the door.
Power Attack
Damage
Jerry Surprise round
With a gesture Jerry creates a patch of grease on the ground.
Rabe's strike hits the creature hard with what looks like, for a second, a deadly blow to the chest, however, the creature is still standing, groaning in pain as it's eye flash in rage and then bear his teeth in threatening way.
Jerry's Grease spell goes off, covering the area of the half-elf and Tiefling, tripping them from their kneeling position on the ground. All you can hear is a groan for the Tiefling and angry mumbling from the half-elf.
Seeing their scaled enemies something triggers Ostig's memory and he recalls a tale told by the fishers in Roas. Moving past Jerry towards the Sahaugin he says: Bright light blinds them, before he focuses fully on his enemies.
Jaidoh, being too far away for many of her spells, steps forward slightly and calls on one of her newer abilities. A moment later, a ball of flame bursts forth scorching the one of the enemies (hopefully).
5-foot step to O8 (or O7 if I cannot stand where the table is)
Cast Flaming Sphere @ the dog (K9).
Damage: - DC16 Reflex negates
One of the creatures takes a full hit straight to the face from Jaidoh's spell, causing nasty burns and enraging the creature, which then takes out it's frustraition on Rabe.
Attack:
Trident
Bite
damage:
Trident
Attack:
Trident
Bite
Damage:
Trident
The pair of them stick Rabe with their Tridents and give out a blood thirsty shriek as they do in glee.
Act in: Rounds
Mutant:
Shark:
Malenti:
Call for help in:
Jerry casts his spell to create a grease effect, making a good barrier between the stairs and the creatures.
Ostog steps forward to try and combat the creatures, but only smashes into the door frame. It's clear the sound of combat is easily heard through the entire building.
I will instead take a 5ft step to L-9 and attack one of the creatures. Also due to getting attacked and hit I will be going into a rage prior to attacking. -> +2 to my attack +3 to my damage.
Power Attack
Damage
I will instead take a 5ft step to L-9 and attack one of the creatures. Also due to getting attacked and hit I will be going into a rage prior to attacking. -> +2 to my attack +3 to my damage.
Power Attack 1d20 + 8
Damage 2d6 + 11
Rabe's attack goes straight for the un-touched Sahuagin and splits it in half with a single strike.
Blackhands casts Bless on the group and takes a 5ft step towards the door, watching out to the street to make sure no one else arrives.
"Why are these things here?" he exclaims, though stays more focused on the combat than that obvious question.
Round 2
Order:
Jaidoh Palumbra
Sahuagin
Jerry Brightstone
Ostog Oath-Breaker
Rabe the Huntsman
Blackhands of the Redeemer
Jaidoh moves over and directs the ball of flame toward another lizard fish creature.
Move to O10.
Move flaming orb to L8.
Damage: - DC16 Reflex negates
the creature dodges the ball of flame and is read to attack.
The last standing Sahugin tries to stab
attack: Trident , Bite
Damage:
You all believe that the sound of combat could be heard in this small building and if there is anyone else here, they know you are here.