DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign

Game Master imimrtl

Both tentacles struck her in succession, wounding her swiftly and fast. She gasped at the pain of their unexpected assault.

She then felt a warm wave move through the water and coat her skin, knitting the more serious of the cuts. She turned her head to Rajah and gave quick thanks before turning her focus back on the enormous octopus before her. (After healing, Rain is down 5 hp.)

Rain called out to her companions, "Attack this creature and let us deal with it before it does more harm!" (Move action: Activated Freebooter's Bane: To all within 30 ft of Rain: +1 to weapon attack and damage rolls on octopus.)

Swiftly commanding her magical pike to extend to its full length (20ft, swift action), she struck at the creature, ferociously thrusting the metal tip at it in hopes the octopus would turn its attention to her attack and loosen its grip on Variel.

Mythic Power Attack with Magical Pike on giant octopus +Fighting Defensively and Freebooter's Bane: 1d20 + 8 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 4 + 1 = 22 (+ Surge, if necessary. 1d6 ⇒ 3. Immortal, please let me know if this is needed or not so I can keep track of Rain's surge usage. Thanks!)
Mythic Piercing Damage, if it hits: 1d8 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 1 = 20

(Fighting Defensively as a Standard Action: –4 penalty on all attacks in a round to gain a +2 to AC until the start of your next turn.)

Is there a penalty to shooting a scorching ray while under water at an underwater target?

Or can I use hydraulic push to move an ally and break a grab?

I thought this rule applied re magical fire underwater:

Spells or spell-like effects with the fire descriptor are ineffective underwater unless the caster makes a Spellcraft check (DC 20 + spell level). If the check succeeds, the spell creates a bubble of steam (or boiling water) instead of its usual fiery effect, but otherwise the spell works as described.

Flynn I need another roll to confirm the fumble.

Horatio rolls to confirm Fumble - ]

GM - the "Broken" Condition suggests I can still fire the weapon, but at a penalty. Given that the pistol is a unique signature item, is the penalty the same or different?

Meanwhile, Amen-set, seeing that her allies in trouble, scowls from above and elects to cast Summon Monster...

Variel, can't switch surge because it only confirmed with the surge due to underwater combat penalties to attack. Crit card is...Momentum- +2 on all attack rolls for 1 round. Wow...that card's boring lol. Sorry man! So it looks like 18 damage which isn't bad!

Rajah, channeling is a globe so you will hit the octopus with your channel but you will also hit Variel which is good.

Flynn even with the penalties it's no fumble so you're good there. Broken condition is -2 to attack and damage and only x2 on a crit. Penalty is the same but there is no chance of explosion with it like regular firearms.

Dhaavan, Rain is correct, you can do spellcraft DC 22 to use scorching ray underwater. You can attempt hydraulic push but I don't think that will break grapple. Not sure on rules of using a bull rush to break a grapple. If you find a relevant thread where it speaks to this let me know but my initial reaction is that it won't break the grapple.

Rain, since you are using a piercing weapon you don't get -2 attack so you don't need surge. Nice hit! 20 damage!

Just Dhaavan and Seijiro left.

sorry for the delay. For a non-action...

In that case, Dhaavan is going to start summoning. It'll be a full round since I'm not using my sacred summons.

Rain, since you are using a piercing weapon you don't get -2 attack so you don't need surge. Nice hit! 20 damage!

Thanks for letting me know! And, yay! ;)

Botting Jiro this round.

Pulling Brine's Sting out from between his teeth, Jiro, using his camo skin to blend in the surrounding water, cautiously swims down closer and strikes out at the giant octopus and then thrusts his rapier, again, at it.

(Surprise Strike (Ex): As a swift action, you can expend one use of mythic power to make a melee attack or ranged attack against a target within 30 feet, in addition to any other attacks you make this round. When you make a surprise strike, the target is considered flat-footed regardless of any class features or abilities it might have, and you add your tier to the attack roll. Damage from this attack bypasses damage reduction.

+1 Rapier Standard Attack with Freebooter's Bane: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 = 29
Piercing Damage, if hits: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11

Confirming Crit with rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 = 26
Extra Piercing Damage, if confirms: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

Surprise Strike with rapier and Freebooter's Bane+Mythic Tier: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 32 vs flatfooted octopus
Confirm crit on Surprise Strike: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 29
Piercing Damage from Surprise Strike: 2d6 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 12 + 2 = 26

If all those hit, then Jiro's damage to octopus is 50 pts. Damn, I've never rolled so well! ;)

Used 1 Mythic Surge this day for Surprise Strike.

On Surprise Strike: Crit card for Jiro: Ventilated - Double damage and 2d6 nonlethal damage. Nice!

That means the possible damage is 11+13+(26x2)=76 pts lethal damage plus 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10 non-lethal damage.

Immortal will wrap up the results of the PCs' current round actions and post the octopus' new round actions soon. :)

I believe Jiro's player should be back from the Con? Hopefully they can catch up on the posts and join us in the new round.

Please remember there is Freebooter's Bane activated on the octopus (+1 to weapon attack and damage rolls on octopus). This won't apply to the summoned creatures' attacks and damage (from Dhaavan's and Amen's recent round summons) as they don't materialise until next round.

Immortal will wrap up the results of the PCs' current round actions and post the octopus' new round actions soon. :)

Thanks, Co-GM - looking forward to it!

Don't forget the bonus to Brine's Sting on a successful crit. Water creature take an additional 3d6 damage and some other effect I can't remember at the moment. Nice rolls Jiro=bot

Oops, thanks for catching that Variel.

Okay. Brine's Sting boons are two fold: On a successful hit that deals damage, the target must succeed at a DC 14 Fortitude save or take a –1 penalty on attack and damage rolls for 1 round as salty brine drips painfully onto the wound. A new saving throw must be made each time the weapon deals damage. Since Jiro hit twice, the octo needs to roll two Fort saves (DC 14).

On a successful critical hit against a creature with the aquatic or water subtype, the target takes an additional 3d6 points of damage as its flesh cracks and withers from dehydration as salt crystals form around the wound.

3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 6) = 15 Another great set of rolls. This is crazy! Haha.

Okay, so Jiro's possible damage to octopus is 11+13+26+15=65 pts lethal damage & 10 pts non-lethal damage = 75pts of damage. (corrected so as to not include the double of the double. ;)

Correct although the double damage for the crit card is already included in the crit itself so it doesn't double the double. ;-) that said it does do 10 nonlethal to make it 60 and then 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 1) = 9 extra damage from the desiccation effect for a total of 69 points of damage.

The octopus jerks from the stab to it's sensitive body and releases a cloud of ink into the water, blinding everyone within 30 feet. It then releases Variel before unleashing a high pressure jet of water and shooting 200 feet away into deeper water.

The ink will dissipate in a few minutes.

Current Bay Map

The blackish squares are the areas covered by the octopus' ink cloud. Everyone in the water is inside the ink areas (I didn't cover your tokens for ease of reference). Amen's fine flying above the water but she can't see you guys now from the black in the water. The ink cloud will remain in the water for a few minutes.

Covered in the blackish substance, Rajah looks around a moment before, "Ummm, it would appear we have won," he says, shrugging.

Rajah: Best statement - I chuckled aloud in my seat. ;)

Rain heard Rajah's words. "It was hurt badly from what I could tell before it released its ink. Let us try to feel our way out of this stain and then swim back to the shore."

Acrobatics, including blindness penalty: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 9 - 4 = 22

Rain attempted a series of acrobatic turns and rolls in the water toward the direction of the shoreline (from where she remembered she was in terms of it) to get herself out of the ink-filled water and hopefully keep herself from being targeted by the octopus or any other threat in the water nearby. The acrobatics proved achievable even with the lack of sight and she made her way out of the ink cloud and waded outside its border. Then Rain began to quietly call out to her companions, hoping those who were closest to her could find their way out more easily. She broke the surface of the water and looked up at the flying Amen-set, "Amen, call out to the others and let them follow your voice. The murk is too dark to see through," before going under again and calling to her companions.

Well, we do have two summoned creatures (Dhaav's and Amen's) showing up this round...so perhaps they can help get people out of the ink in the semi-middle of the cloud? I'm sure Rain can help pull/direct Flynn out since he's on the very edge of the ink cloud.

If I can abort the spell and keep the spellslot, then I'll do that, otherwise 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 dolphins appear, and to get each person out of the water, and two chase after the octupus

"Amen, call out to the others and let them follow your voice. The murk is too dark to see through," before going under again and calling to her companions.

Amen-set glances at Rain and nods her head.

However, a Water Elemental has appeared below her and orders it to spin in the water and pull the ink from the waves near her companions.

Ordering the Elemental to use its power to draw the ink away from the water near her companions.

Seeing that the Octopus is still alive she glances at Rain -

"With respect, oh my senet - if this beast was a threat before thy engaged it, surely it shall be far more fierce now that we have made it bleed?"

"Indeed; our ship is still afloat for now - if this thing were to return, might it not assail our vessel and so attempt to drown it and those folk who sail it?" she asks, not sure what to do next, but her usual adherence to honor naturally precludes the possibility of her from running from a threat.

Once the Elemental has cleaned the ink, she sends it to follow Dhaavan's dolphins after the octopus and try to finish it off.

She herself will take a double-move for 40 feet in the direction of the octopus.

Rain, thank you for botting me so successfully. since the surprise strike is vs flatfooted enemy, you forgot SEijiro's precision rogue damage, which is in addition to brine sting's dmg vs water creatures: sneak attack dmg: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 2) = 8

Don't want to stop you from playing but there is literally no way to catch the octopus. It's too fast and has much too high stealth. You can still try but didn't want to waste your time on an unlikely pursuit.

Still alive with the additional damage Jiro but it's not happy and you suspect it won't be bothering you all for a while.

Having lost sight of the octopus in the ink cloud VAriel searches for a last few seconds before making to the surface and joining hte rest of the group.

After swimming to shore, seijiro will shake the excess water from his fur and clothes, then look around at the others with a little sigh. It may not be dead, but hopefully it might be too hurt to consider troubling the ship for any appreciable time. Shall we deal with the fort now?"

No worries, Jiro, and, sorry for not including that.

With respect, oh my senet - if this beast was a threat before thy engaged it, surely it shall be far more fierce now that we have made it bleed?"

"Indeed; our ship is still afloat for now - if this thing were to return, might it not assail our vessel and so attempt to drown it and those folk who sail it?" she asks

"It is wounded and may not return for days until it has healed. We shall give warning to those on the ship to be on the lookout for it but we must return to land now and begin our exploration." With a small smile, Rain began swimming toward the shoreline.

Once back on dry land, she wrung the saltwater from her clothing and hair and overheard Jiro. "Aye, you may have the right of it. I say let us explore this fort,'" waiting for the others to swim back to shore and join them.

Back on shore Variel uses prestidigitation liberally on everyone to dry them off completely. Once that is accomplished he takes a long look at the bay where the ship is moored. I hope that the damage that you all did was enough for now. However I do not like the thought of that giant octopus out there able to cause so much havoc among our crew while we are ashore. At some point we will need to figure out a way to track it down and either remove it from the bay completely or kill it. I don't care which as long as it leaves us alone and we are able to build a proper dock for our ship(s).

turning back to the more pressing issue with the fort Variel nods his agreement for them to proceed cautiously. Rain, dear, do you wish to take wing and keep an eye form the sky as we move forward in case there are signs of activity?

Dhaavan, after that last fight I am thinking a ring of freedom of movement might be on the top priority list for Variel. How soon can you get one made lol?

Rajah: Best statement - I chuckled aloud in my seat. ;)

Rain heard Rajah's words. "It was hurt badly from what I could tell before it released its ink. Let us try to feel our way out of this stain and then swim back to the shore."

:)

"Sounds like a fantastic plan to me."

As they make their way back and get cleaned up due to Variel's magic, Rajah nods to the elf. "Thank you, Captain. I feared the ink would never come out." He brushes himself off out of habit more than anything. "And as far as the octopus is concerned, I would gather it's learned its lesson. At least, one would hope. If nothing else, those wounds it was dealt won't heal any time soon so at least we have that."

I hope that the damage that you all did was enough for now. However I do not like the thought of that giant octopus out there able to cause so much havoc among our crew while we are ashore. At some point we will need to figure out a way to track it down and either remove it from the bay completely or kill it. I don't care which as long as it leaves us alone and we are able to build a proper dock for our ship(s).

Horatio nods his head -

"Aye! Normally I'd track the streams of blood gushing from the multiple wounds it endured... However, I suppose the only way we can solve the mystery will be with magic," he says.

He glances over the water as he watches Amen-set return.

"It shouldn't be a problem, we can always use a divination spell to discover it's location, right?" he says with an easy-going manner, his eyes flicking to Rajah thoughtfully.

As they make their way back and get cleaned up due to Variel's magic, Rajah nods to the elf. "Thank you, Captain. I feared the ink would never come out." He brushes himself off out of habit more than anything. "And as far as the octopus is concerned, I would gather it's learned its lesson. At least, one would hope. If nothing else, those wounds it was dealt won't heal any time soon so at least we have that."

He cocks his head as he studies Rajah, then turns to Variel -

He smiles at Rajah and nods.

"I'm glad you're alright," he says sincerely, not entirely sure about the man, but at least trusting him enough that he doesn't want him to be injured.

Leaning back, he takes a moment to tinker with his pistol and repairs it and then looks at the fort.

Rain, dear, do you wish to take wing and keep an eye form the sky as we move forward in case there are signs of activity?

He looks at Rain and strokes his chin thoughtfully.

"Actually, if you're agreeable, I'd like to also make a broad sweep of the ground around the fort, first."

"If there have been any creatures - be they humanoid or animal - which have lived in that fort, it's likely they've traveled between the fort and some place on this island," he says.

He glances at Rain -

"Would you like to help me search for any tracks before checking out the tower?" he asks her.

I'll do a broad sweep of the area to make sure animals or other potential threats haven't been coming or going from the fort recently - nothing complicated, a "game trail" or something like that. If we don't find anything, no worries - but it's what Horatio would do "in-game" before advancing. If there's a threat in the fort then they need food and would likely go hunting in the same places... anyway, not to hold the game up, I'll just Take 10 to search for tracks with Survival (a total of 15) - but if Rain is interested in helping that's cool, too.

I think Horatio's got the right of it. Lets do a quick perimeter check. We try not to be obvious, but we have a ship in the bay, no way we have much element of surprise.

Dhaavan's raven slights on his shoulder again, and he turns his back and it vanishes.

hey guys, dads in the hospital. Trying to get more info as he's in florida but that is the delay. will post when I can but will keep you updated.

Take your time man. Good luck with your dad.

Variel holds his position on the beach while Horatio goes to explore around the fort looking for tracks. Before he goes thoug Variel answers him as best he can. I don't really know Horatio. I mean he can handle himself in a fight and has some priestly connections. Beyond that I am not sure. Currently he holds no official position with us but may in time replace Adular if he wishes to.

After recuperating from the encounter in the bay for a little bit to catch your breath, you approach the fort. As you get closer you can see that it is quite heavily damaged and in disrepair. The gates are smashed and broken, the stone walls are cracked and broken in several places. Beyond the fort’s shattered gates stretches a square courtyard, overgrown with weeds and surrounded by multiple buildings, their broken windows looming dark and silent.

Currently in exploration mode, please let me know as clearly as you can, where you are going, with whom, and what you are doing. Talk to each other in character. Limit ooc as much as possible.

Seijiro calls Tomo to join him and once the monkey is settled on his shoulder, he speaks softly.

"It looks definitely abandoned and ruined... but I suppose just about anything could have taken up residence... caution and careful exploration should be our approach i think... we need some scouting... I don't suppose we could get a good aerial view before we go on the ground?" He looks to Amen-Set and Dhaavan, as they have the flying familiars...

I don't really know Horatio. I mean he can handle himself in a fight and has some priestly connections. Beyond that I am not sure. Currently he holds no official position with us but may in time replace Adular if he wishes to.

Horatio nods in response.

"Aye... Well, we've had four days aboard ship. I had looked forward to talking to the man, learning about him - his exploits and adventures before joining us. In truth, I liked him from the start - if I hadn't I wouldn't have offered him the four thousand gold pieces as a loan," he answers with a wry grin.

Then he grows serious.

"What baffles me is that during our journey such a conversation did not happen. But who knows what shall be?" he says with a shrug.

Horatio is going to scout the perimeter of the fort. Obviously if there are people living inside they can't grow food or hunt inside the fort; they'd need to leave the place to hunt/fish and we may be able to find clues for what threats are in there, hopefully.

Last Friday I made a full list of things I had intended to do, including even Marching Order for when the party entered the Fort and as you indicated, this does include scouting :)

Unfortunately, I don't know if Rain is helping Horatio or if she's going above to scout that Tower instead (though she may do both, too, or something else completely it's totally up to Rain, of course). Whatever Rain decides is cool with me; but I'm not sure what to do at this point is all.

I'm also not sure what the results of my Search revealed from the GM at this time, either.

At this point Horatio is prepared to scout the area and he turns back to Variel -

"While the perimeter is being checked, do you think it's a good plan to send the boat back to pick up an extra lad or two to bring back and guard the boat? I don't relish the idea of having to flee some horrible threat and go charging to our only means of escape only to find the boat is already gone or destroyed."

"It looks definitely abandoned and ruined... but I suppose just about anything could have taken up residence... caution and careful exploration should be our approach i think... we need some scouting... I don't suppose we could get a good aerial view before we go on the ground?" He looks to Amen-Set and Dhaavan, as they have the flying familiars...

Horatio turns a glance to Seijiro and nods.

"I am going to send Amen-set to go with Rain when she explore the tower there," he says with a wave of his hand at the tower Variel indicated earlier.

"I did not want to send her to scout that area until or unless Rain was ready to do so, but you have a good notion about a wider sweep."

He turns to Amen-set.

"Hey lass, can you send Horus aloft and make a wide sweep of roughly five-hundred feet around the fort and see if there's anything dangerous lurking about?" he asks her.

"You can still wait here to aid Rain if she's willing to check the tower, but Horus is fast and can move quickly. If there's a threat or enemy around which may be lurking in some cluster of trees to move up behind us and cut us off from escape, I agree with Jiro-san - I'd rather know sooner than later."

Horus will then do a scout of the perimeter of the place at a 500 foot radius. Seeing that he is flying now, Horatio will wait to know what Variel decides to do with the guarding the boat; but he does not want to make the search for tracks until Horus returns to let them know if there's not some enemy hiding outside around the corner that could catch him unawares.

Horus will be 100 feet above ground and takes his Perception Check now -

Perception Check -
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

As the company waits, Horatio looks at Rajah -

"You did some good healing work while we were in the water, my thanks," he says with a nod of his head.

Re-post
Dhaavan's raven returns to his shoulder, and after a brief incantation, the bird vanishes

Dhaavan and Jack have a somewhat loud conversation in their strange twittering language, culminating with Jack pecking Dhaavan in the forehead, and Dhaavan letting out a fierce whistle prompting Jack to sulk.

As the party makes to move around the fort and possibly above it Variel stays put until someone calls for him that they need help. Hopefully the recon done by both groups leads to bountiful information and few problems.

Horatio make sure you take Rajah with you as you explore around the fort. He can help you should you need some divine assistance.

Jiro, the fort does look abandoned but that may not be the case. You have a good set of eyes, would you be willing to go with Rajah around the fort with Horatio? Also that message spell may come in handy to keep everyone in the loop.

If any of you need me I will be here at the entrance waiting for word from either party.

Horatio make sure you take Rajah with you as you explore around the fort. He can help you should you need some divine assistance.

Horatio's eyes flick to the boat, then back to Variel.

"Alright," he says.

Horatio will indeed go with Rajah to explore the perimeter. He'll send Amen-set to go with Rain up the tower. But before he goes he is waiting for the report from Horus.

Horatio does not seem too worried about Horus, but this is because it's clear he assumes that seeing a random falcon flying over the trees is not something that would arouse any interest from anyone - though he may be wrong, of course...

As soon as he gets the report from Amen-set through Horus, he then pulls his pistol from his belt and gives Jiro a friendly nod, completely confident in Jiro's ability to move with stealth.

He turns to Rajah.

"You ready to go?" he asks him.

As the company waits, Horatio looks at Rajah -

"You did some good healing work while we were in the water, my thanks," he says with a nod of his head.

Rajah waves him off, "'Twas nothing, my good man. Just doing my part," he nods, grinning.

He turns to Rajah.

"You ready to go?" he asks him.

Nodding firmly, "Ready when you are, good sir."

Seijiro goes along with Rajah and Horation, casting message to link all three of them together so they can communicate silently.

"I'm ready!"

Rajah waves him off, "'Twas nothing, my good man. Just doing my part," he nods, grinning.

"Well, point is - I appreciate it," he says with a friendly smile in response.

Nodding firmly, "Ready when you are, good sir."

Horatio glances at Rajah and nods and gives him a "thumbs-up" and then he feels the magical link between the man, himself, and Jiro allowing them to communicate silently.

"I'm ready!"

He turns and looks over at Jiro and nods.

"Let's do it, then," he says to them both.

At this point Horatio is so ready that I don't have the words.

However, he's still waiting to know what Horus saw in his brief sweep of the place via the Perception Check, and he's also still waiting to know what Rain and Amen-set saw in the Tower.

Unfortunately, the Co-GM/Rain is sick and I don't know when she'll be able to post again.

Co-GM/Rain - take your time and we all hope you feel better!

Boop, guess it didn't post

Dhaavan scratches his head, We may want to stick together, or at least keep real close. I doubt we'll be able to sneak much considering we been out here a while. Dhaavan says. [b]do a perimeter check then look over the tower

The various companions do a quick fly around the fort, taking care not to draw attention to themselves from any potential inhabitants. Upon return they report that:

- Along the battlements at the rear of the castle, there are several skeletons that appear to have been killed by spears.

- a couple of buildings have collapsed and most are in various states of disrepair.

- The top of the tower has two balconies that lead into a main upper chamber. A fist size chunk of rose quartz rests on a pedestal in the room, with a much larger chunk adorning the peak of the tower. On the balcony facing the bay, two statues of cyclopes stand, staring over the rest of the island.

Flynn and Rajah, you make a quick circuit and don't see any tracks but you do see large rocks scattered everywhere around the walls and huge impact marks upon the stone walls of the fort. You can't tell how long it's been but it seems like quite a while. Definitely over a year and could even be 20 or 100 times that.

Seijiro was with them too! I know Seijiro tends to fade into the background, what with his chameleon ability, but don't start overlooking him, lol

Flynn and Rajah, you make a quick circuit and don't see any tracks but you do see large rocks scattered everywhere around the walls and huge impact marks upon the stone walls of the fort. You can't tell how long it's been but it seems like quite a while. Definitely over a year and could even be 20 or 100 times that.

Horatio stares at the rock walls for a long time and says nothing, as if thinking.

"I don't know if the walls were shattered out or in, but it was a long time ago - years, maybe..." he says slowly as he rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"I think that if anything lived in this place - any human thing... then it would have at least taken the time to fix these breaks and fortify the gates better," he says with a cautious glance at the walls.

He turns to where Seijiro is blended in to the walls with his natural ability.

"Begging your pardon," he says to him "it goes without saying that I was talking about any sort of intelligent folk - not just human."

"But beasts like dinosaurs... they wouldn't care much about fixing damaged buildings, even if they could."

He stares the damage a bit more, then looks back at Rajah and Seijiro again.

"I think I've seen all I need... If you wish to search more, I'll aid you, if not then let us return to our friends."

Horatio will go back to the others near the front of the gate, but this assumes that Rajah or Seijiro have nothing else they'd like to do first. Assuming they don't have any other plans, then the following happens - if not, I'll retcon action with the others first...

Once he returns he offers his report.

"Well, we've circled the place but we didn't see any tracks."

"I don't think this fort is inhabited by any smugglers or anything like that. I think if there were any Men or Elves inside - or others like us - then they'd have fixed up the walls and repaired the gate."

"I think there may be threats inside, but I'd wager it would likely be things such as rats, snakes, or something equally unpleasant," he adds with a frown.

"But I don't think we'll need to worry about being ambushed by some sly villain behind a rampart," he adds with a shrug.

He looks at the others for a bit.

"I'm ready to go in; but I guess we'll need to wait for the others," he says with a nod of his head at the tower that Rain and Amen-set went to explore.

"But I'd wager that they'd get much of the same... Sure, the tower'd be a good place for men to hold up in; it's high from any threat except one's that could fly, but somehow I'm willing to bet there's no gunman or archer up there waiting to ambush us... Hell, we'd have seen them by now, maybe..."

He thinks about the two ladies a moment, his eyes narrowing in concern at their absence.

"Given that they're just giving the tower a cursory once-over, I'm sure we'll be hearing from them soon," he says as his eyes raise to the sky above.

He looks at Seijiro and Rajah -

"What did you two think of what we found?" he asks them.

"I agree it seems abandoned by anything sentient... but we could be wrong... Those cyclops statues concern me.. what if they are magicked to come to life to defend this place... ?" He shrugs... "Maybe that's why nothing else lives here anymore... "

- The top of the tower has two balconies that lead into a main upper chamber. A fist size chunk of rose quartz rests on a pedestal in the room, with a much larger chunk adorning the peak of the tower. On the balcony facing the bay, two statues of cyclopes stand, staring over the rest of the island.

Amen-set’s eyes widen at the stone, but narrow at the statues.

The musket is loose in her hands and she studies it intently.

Perception Check –
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Unless she sees an obvious threat in the room…

”Hearken, oh my senet, we were thus charged with giving this tower a..."cursory glance"," she says, as if not really sure at the term.

"In any case, how can our eyes perceive what stands beyond without first studying it more closely?"

Suddenly she thinks of the giant, reptilian creatures that are rumored to live on this island... She then recalls the tales of giant reptilian creatures from her homeland and she thinks for a moment on tales of the dark god which some called Shaitan and others called Set - but all knew as the Great Serpent...

She studies the rose colored stone, thinking long on the tales of giant reptiles, and now - especially - giant snakes and her eyes seem to fix on the stone.

"The eye of the Serpent?" she says in an almost hushed voice.

Then, as if considering the full impact of what that might mean, she turns to Rain.

"Assuredly we two have seen many dark and evil things in our travels. Yet here is a thing worth seeing more closely despite such concerns, eh my senet?" she says to Rain.

Then, without a response, she decides to act and advances.

"What say thee - dost thy wish to live forever?” she asks with an almost mischievous grin.

Then she lands on the balcony and enters the tower opening and moves inside…

Cool; so Amen-set will now enter the tower via the balcony and search the upper floor. GM - what does she see?

"I agree it seems abandoned by anything sentient... but we could be wrong... Those cyclops statues concern me.. what if they are magicked to come to life to defend this place... ?" He shrugs... "Maybe that's why nothing else lives here anymore... "

Horatio nods his head.

"That's a good point - I forgot about magic... again," he says, the last word clearly chastising himself for his own forgetfulness, relying on hunches when magic could solve the answers.

"But I don't know about how many things could live here... I mean, we could, it's built for folk our size. But what kind of beast could fit inside this place - other than small sorts... I mean, sure, perhaps we'd fight a dire rat or two, but rodents of unusual sizes are not uncommon in such places."

"But I agree - we should move cautiously and not try anything rash."

He glances at Dhaavan -

"If Jack is able to cast magic like you can, do you think he could fly close enough to cast Detect Magic on the statues? I mean, we could do it, but if they're dangerous like Jiro-san is suggesting then I don't want to do something foolish like set off a potential magical trap and I'm betting a flying bird is not likely to do that, else any bird flying around this place would have done that years ago."

He looks back at Jiro.

"I forgot about the magical thing... Good thinking!" he adds with a nod of his head.

Cool - just waiting to see what Amen-set and Rain find, and if Dhaavan is willing and able to send Jack to cast Detect Magic on the statues. If not, we can move closer and try it ourselves, first, if possible.

Rain, dear, do you wish to take wing and keep an eye form the sky as we move forward in case there are signs of activity?

"I am going to send Amen-set to go with Rain when she explores the tower there," he says with a wave of his hand at the tower Variel indicated earlier. "I did not want to send her to scout that area until or unless Rain was ready to do so, but you have a good notion about a wider sweep."

"Aye, I can keep vigil from the sky," she answered Variel.

As plans were made and people allocated their various tasks, Rain noted she was no longer needed for tracking with Flynn, so she turned to Amen, "Better we fly and explore together. We do not know what lies in wait for us, here."

Rain unfurls her metallic-hued leather wings and nodding to Amen takes to the sky, cautiously roaming and attempting to not draw too much attention to herself in the endeavour.

Stealth while flying: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Perception - scouting from the sky: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

The top of the tower has two balconies that lead into a main upper chamber. A fist size chunk of rose quartz rests on a pedestal in the room, with a much larger chunk adorning the peak of the tower. On the balcony facing the bay, two statues of cyclopes stand, staring over the rest of the island.

Rain drew her magical pike; eyeing the two Cyclopean statues while keeping a reasonable distance from them as she was nervous around them, as they mutely stared out over the island.

Fly check to hover (DC 15): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Hovering in the air, she cast Detect Magic in their direction. She wondered if magic existed on this seemingly abandoned isle. It did no harm to check if any magical auras were in place in this part of the fort.

"...Yet here is a thing worth seeing more closely despite such concerns, eh my senet?" she says to Rain.

Then, without a response, she decides to act and advances.

"What say thee - dost thy wish to live forever?” she asks with an almost mischievous grin.

Then she lands on the balcony and enters the tower opening and moves inside…

In low voice, she attempted to slow the girl down, "No, Amen, not yet. Caution is not a weakness. Wait, look and listen before entering." (Yes, I know Amen's already gone in, but I didn't have a chance to rp it out and Rain wouldn't have rushed in like that...without first checking some things out.)

Perception to look into upper chamber/see any traps/listen for any sounds coming from within: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Neth 28th
Time: Roughly 1:30 PM
Location: At the Tower of the Fort on the Island of Empty Eyes
Moon Cycle: Crescent Moon; Next Full Moon 25th of Kuthona
Moon Cycle
Weather Conditions: Cold, chilly winds, clear skies

Rain unfurls her metallic-hued leather wings and nodding to Amen takes to the sky, cautiously roaming and attempting to not draw too much attention to herself in the endeavour.

Amen-set glances at Rain’s wings, noting their metallic color. Her hand moves unconsciously to her own metallic colored hair and with no real reason she mutters something as she watches Rain fly so beautifully.

Then she shakes her head as if to clear it, almost unaware of what she said and continues her vigilance with Rain.

Hovering in the air, she cast Detect Magic in their direction. She wondered if magic existed on this seemingly abandoned isle. It did no harm to check if any magical auras were in place in this part of the fort.

Amen-set notes Rain using the spell and she nods her head at tactical decision.

It was logical that animals would not have magical abilities, and likely not be at the top of a tower when there were plenty of places of shelter on the ground it was clear that the summit of a tower would be the best place for a Humanoid Creature to hide from dangers.

Each floor likely had a set of stairs with a door, or a ladder leading to a trapdoor. A Humanoid could ascend each level and shut the door or trapdoor beneath them for added defense from threats.

The highest floor would be the safest place to hide, of course and Detecting Magic would reveal any hidden magical items a Caster might have while hiding.

Further, the spell had a penetrating power – if there were a Caster which saw their actions and was hiding behind a stone wall, Rain’s spell would be able to see the aura as easily as spotting an invisible opponent.

She smiled at Rain’s wisdom even as she landed clumsily on the balcony and slowly advanced.

In low voice, she attempted to slow the girl down, "No, Amen, not yet. Caution is not a weakness. Wait, look and listen before entering."

She turns to Rain as she readies her musket and cocks her head.

”Fear not, senet – I always think everything is a trap… It is why I am still alive…” she responds with a grin.

However, she does heed Rain’s advice…

Amen-set has landed on the balcony and will slowly move in to the doorway to look around the chamber. However, she will be using her Perception to not only see threats, but to also hear threats such as a possible assassin hiding around the corner or something…

Perception Check –
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Variel gets the report from Horatio, Jiro and Rajah. It does sound like this place has been abandoned from the looks of things. We might still need to be careful though from creatures as you suggest. The other option is some vagabonds are trying to be sly by making it look like there is nothing here as well. Excellent job you three. Now to see what Rain and Amen find out.

Speaking of his betrothed Variel looks up in time to see her and Amen reach the tower. To his dismay he sees Amen enter the tower. Variel moves up to the entrance of the fort ready to cast fly upon himself should Rain need help.

Variel gets the report from Horatio, Jiro and Rajah. It does sound like this place has been abandoned from the looks of things. We might still need to be careful though from creatures as you suggest. The other option is some vagabonds are trying to be sly by making it look like there is nothing here as well. Excellent job you three. Now to see what Rain and Amen find out.

Horatio rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"Vagabonds? I don't know..." he says slowly.

"I mean, maybe there could be a group of shipwrecked lads around here, or maybe some folk who got marooned or something... But if they've been living here without help for a while then why not come down and check us out - try to join with us so they could get out of this place? If I was trapped here and saw a ship with a group of well-armed lads I doubt I'd be trying to wipe the whole company out to try to steal their ship and escape. I mean, I'd likely try to approach them and maybe bargain with them, you know" he says, then shrugs.

"Ah hell, I guess we'll find out soon enough," he says as he eases himself out down on the ground and stretches out his legs.

Speaking of his betrothed Variel looks up in time to see her and Amen reach the tower. To his dismay he sees Amen enter the tower. Variel moves up to the entrance of the fort ready to cast fly upon himself should Rain need help.

Horatio notes Variel's look and posture and looks up at the tower with a frown.

"Dammit, I told her to cover Rain, not go charging in..." he grumbles then pulls himself to his feet and pulls out his pistol.

Despite his annoyance at Amen-set, it's clear he's not overly concerned about what is going on and likely suspects that if there was any real threat in the old tower that it would have long since shown its presence.