It is another morning aboard the peregrine a three masted sailing ship. It has been six weeks since the ship set sail from Almas in Andoren with a hold full of provisions and tools and equipment and a group of eager colonist and scholars. Today the Peregrin should arrive at the newly established colony of Talmandor's Bounty to drop of it's cargo before returning to Almas to pick up the next group.
The colony of Talmandor’s Bounty is first and foremost a financial venture. The desire to spread freedom and democracy across Golarion is definitely part of the settlement’s mandate; nevertheless, the resources necessary to settle an island far from the mainland are not inconsiderable. Talmandor’s Bounty has two primary sponsors: the Andoren government, and a newly formed finance company named the Bountiful Venture Company. Each person going has his or her own reason for going, the Bountiful Venture Company has made many promises of land and profits to anyone willing to take a chance.
It had been Bastien´s favorite spot on the ship. Every day at sunrise he had returned to the bow of the ship to watch the water´s ahead, the new adventure, his new life for the first few minutes before he would return to his duties.
Holding with strong fingers he leaned his muscular frame against the wind, his callused hands securing him safely on the ship. The wind played with his chestnut brown hair and brought tears to his emerald green eyes. He was getting a major tan on this voyage, and the tan enhanced the many many scars on his large body, a legacy of a warriors training.
Spitting with the wind, he had learned that, he turned, rolling his massive shoulders and walked towards the galley for a quick lunch, waiting would be next.
Working as the ship´s carpenter apprentice had been hard work, but alas every job on a ship was hard. And he was used to it.
Vinnick sits on the open deck, reading through his spell book and several other books. He had grown to actually enjoy the salty wind blowing through his hair to his surprise. He had kept to himself for most of the journey. Deeming most on this venture not worth talking to. He wore Black and silver robes, and his long black hair was done up in a pony tail of sorts, so that the end flowed down into his hair at the back without falling into his face. Around his head, a golden gemstone floated around his head forming slow, lazy circles around it.
Quelth enjoyed the familiar feel of a ship beneath him, never felt right without it; But he missed the camaraderie of his fellow pirates, missed the life and death forged brotherhood that made men forget his pale purplish skin and the pulsating veins that marked him a freak.
He had made an effort offering pained smiles and even making some awkward attempts at conversation with the other passengers, but like in Absalom it had not gone well. So helplessly he had retreated into silence, and watching the waters for Slith his companion who faithfully trailed the Peregrine.
He was reassured as the sea monster broke the surface of the water some three hundred feet behind the Peregrine, a writhing fish clasped in her jaws. Slith was already some nine feet long, but half of that was serpentine neck, though she weighed only as much as an average man.
It felt good to be out on the open sea. Maybe a little too good. Sometimes that worried Diomedes. But, it's part of the job, and certainly part of what he expected.
It was good to be on a well-run ship. He enjoyed meeting the crew and colonists. He expected there would be a few kinks to work out; he'd already seen how a few people had gotten on each other's nerves. But that was also to be expected.
And then he nearly fell off the rigging. "Did anyone else just see some sort of giant sea snake? Was it just me?" Maybe it would be good to get some solid ground under his feet after all.
Quelth not for the first time hurries to reassure everybody, "Just Slith, she is mine! No danger, no danger. Been following us since Absalom the poor girl. Not a snake either, just a long neck, she's more like a lizard with flippers."
He glances around anxiously making sure nobody is hefting a harpoon or the like.
Vinnick spares a glance to the creature, he lets out a disgusted tut. That, my dear commonfolk, is an Elasomosaur. Not a snake or lizard, do some bloody reading. I find it rather difficult to think it is yours. How did you manage a feat such as that? despite the slightly condescending tone in his voice, he seems to relax a bit at the mention that is belongs to someone. But only a bit.
Bastien shrugged and nodded toward Quelth.
"I have met your type before. You have often the strangest of fellows!"
He shrugs."She is docile?"
Quelth flinches slightly biting his lip, never a great one for arguments that don't allow for a friendly punch in the guts as a counter,
"Wouldn't say docile... But I mean she's been with me since she was born. I'm probably a druid? I mean some people might call her an Elastopasaur, what you said least ways, but that don't really make it right, just a name they gave something, why do people that write books get to name everything? Sea monster is easier to say, and Slith even easier."
Jordy tried to stay out of the sailors' way as he roamed the deck. He had practically been born on a ship and had worked the lines and loaded cargo as a boy. He couldn't even imagine how annoying the sailors found the colonists, and he'd done his best to pitch in where it was needed. This morning, though, was smooth sailing and all he had to do was finish his coffee before going back down to confer with Hastings.
As much as he liked being out on deck, Jordy had spent most of his time talking to the other two historians on the ship- Perrell Beys, the Company's hired archivist and historical expert, and Carver Hastings, the man most like himself on this expedition, an explorer and historian. He had spent many nights talking to one or the other, going over what was known of the coastline and interior of the broken continent.
Jordy wasn't a particularly notable presence on the ship. Not too tall, not too short, not too muscular and not too thin. He dressed like the sailors, though his clothes were newer than most of theirs. A moderately attractive man, looking like someone in his mid-20s despite being in his early 70s. His features were stereotypically Chelaxian, though in the right light his black hair seemed to have a bluish undertone and his pale skin took on a blue cast. It took a keen observer to notice his webbed fingers or an even more observant one to catch the nicitating membrane at the corner of his eyes.
High in the rigging a dexterous elf works at the tasks of a sailor. He is both quick and sure footed in his work and seems to know his way around a sailing ship. You have seen him up close and likely noted the webbing between his fingers and toes and the gill slits along his neck. Deranthil is an aquatic elf.
At first you mistake him for part of the crew. But as time passes you learn that much of his efforts were to impress the first mate, a female half-elf named Naerath. While Deranthil is friendly enough to everyone he spends what time he can manage with the first mate, trying to become friends and more with the woman when she has free time, which is rare.
He also tries to befriend Eamon Caranth, the half elven cleric of Erastil, but finds his leanings towards lawfulness not totally agreeable. Still Deranthil invests in getting to know the man, sure that he can be trusted and counted on. He is less friendly with Kurvis Nurpico, the human cleric of Abadar, finding him a curmudgeon of a fellow and simply too lawful to have fun.
Early in the voyage he would have singled out Vinnick and spoken with him on matters arcane. While not as dedicated to the art as Vinnick, Deranthil has a sharp mind and has his areas of expertise. He enjoys conversations on magic and believes he can learn from the more knowledgeable scholar.
Its possible that Deranthil would have encountered Slith during the voyage if he was called to work in the water for any reason.
That would have led to him meeting and talking with Quelth.
There is a shout from above "LAND SIGHTED!" you all look to the front to see that the peaks of mountains can be seen in the distance and an hour later the Peregrine sails into a natural bay with a sandy beach within rowing distance for the ship’s boats. You can see several buildings have been constructed near the shore and a dock is in the works but it cannot accommodate such a large ship as the Peregrine at the moment.
As the crew begins to untie one of the smaller boats to lower it into the water, the sailors pass a spyglass among themselves and finally hand it back to the captain. Captain Jacob Markosi peers at the island for a moment before grunting and handing the spyglass to expedition leader Ramona Avandth. “You should see this,” he says. Ramona accepts the spyglass and peers toward the shore. When she lowers the scope, she is clearly distressed but trying to hide her worry. She approaches and motions toward the far side of the deck, away from where most of the other colonists have congregated. “Can I have a word with you?” she asks and they go to the back of the ship to be alone.
Quelth looks over and eyes the Captain and Expedition Leader before moving to the prow to peer at the shore.
Deranthil also tries to see what is causing the concern before he joins the expedition leader.
Looking over you don't see anything unusual at first and then you slowly realize the problem. You don't see anyone at all. Also there’s no smoke from cook fires or the smithy.
Deranthil's sharp elven eyes pick out details, and the specific lack of some details There is no one there.
Jordy frowns over the rim of his coffee cup as he looks at the outpost for a moment, then turns to join the expedition leader and ship captain.
"Hmm. That's odd. Even if they had organized some sort of hunting expedition, surely a few folks who have stayed behind. Captain, can you see any damage to any of the buildings through your glass?"
Diomedes tries to come up with other possible scenarios that would involve the whole settlement being deserted. None of them are promising.
Quelth narrows his eyes, "Dead or fled. Or perhaps they found a better site, but it don't seem likely."
He let's out a piercing whistle and when Slith's head emerges gestures for her to stay close, fearing she might be set ashore alone after her long swim.
"That's a lot of folks to kill or scare off." Jordy clears his throat. "All we're doing now is guessing, though. We'll need to send in a shore party to investigate." The Chelaxian looked at the captain and expedition leader. "Not to step on any toes, captain, madam. I just figured you wouldn't want to expose the whole ship to a possible threat. I volunteer to check it out."
Ramona returns to the front "There might be trouble the people are missing and some buildings look damaged. I will take a small expedition to land and we will investigate the matter while the captain takes the Peregrine a few miles north up the coast to a secondary site to check there. I need some volunteers to come with me and investigate what transpired here."
Jordy stepped forward. "I volunteer, ma'am."
"Aye, me to, I want to get Slith ashore and have a look at her anyway. We can track pretty well together if it comes to that, 'specially if Slith can get a scent, though she moves a bit slowly on land." Quelth injects, moving awkwardly towards Jordy assuming landing party volunteers should form up.
I will go. I am a good scout. Deranthil offers.
Vinnick rolls his eyes, It's what it is, you can name it whatever you like. Doesn't mean it is something different. My name, is Sir Vinnick Varzel, however I am still an elf.
----------------------------
As land is sighted.
Ah, I believe I shall miss this salty breeze more than I thought. Especially as It is bound to be tortuously hot and humid in this land. Still, I hope it is worth it. He snaps the Rune circling his head and places it into his way-finder.
Vinnick sighs. You may likely need some magical aptitude. Besides, I suppose it is part of my new job description anyway. Make way! Vinnick moves to the front, his longsword hanging at his side.
How do we land Ma'am? Deranthil asks, unsure if the ship can safely approach the shore.
Vinnick rolls his eyes, It's what it is, you can name it whatever you like. Doesn't mean it is something different. My name, is Sir Vinnick Varzel, however I am still an elf.
"Pretty much my point. Quelth, and, I am, well, undecided? I hope." Quelth says glancing as his hand with a bitter smile.
"Dinghys, skiffs, or tenders," Diomedes says, answering Deranthil's question. "Functionally, they're pretty similar. Much more efficient than swimming," he says with a smile. "I'm in, too, ma'am."
"I will join, too. Just give me a moment to get my arms."
With that the Bastien moved quickly to his locker. It had been some time since he had worn his old friends, but it was time, high time to take them and prepare for the worst.
Returning to deck with armor, shield and weapons Bastien nodded to the others. "I have seen places like that. Was never good!"
Ramona nods "We seven will go then" One of the Peregrins two ship boats has been lowered into the water and is prepared to launch. The boat is 10 feet wide and 20 feet long and can carry up to ten.
You all climb down and begin rowing to get to shore.
The boat has moved around halfway when Slith comes right up to the boat and slams into the side lightly seeming agitated.
"Danger, in the water, be ready!" Quelth roars, vaulting to his feet and drawing his scimitar and shield, eyeing the waves around Slith with wary excitement.
"Slith heel!" He commands, making a space for the little sea monster, not wanting her to face an unknown danger in the water alone.
The aquatic elf will cast Mage Armor on himself before he enters the boat. He draws his short sword and notes I am a good swimmer but alas not a good rower. He looks lean and quick but certainly not strong.
Vinnick makes no effort to Row, rather, he looks askance at the oar in slight disgust. He snaps his fingers and the oar begins to lazily move on its own. Providing very little actual assistance.
------
Making note of Deranthil's spellcasting, he jots it away into his memory. Hmm. Perhaps he will be worth talking too. Spellcraft is not something a simpleton can grasp.
Of course there is! There's your Elasomosaur. And even if that isn't the danger, surely it can take care of whatever it is. Here, move, let me see.
If he sees anything in the water, or if anything shows itself.
Are you sure that thing is safe?" says Ramona as Quelth tries to bring to convince Slith to get in.
Vinnick peers into the water and almost catches a spear in the face as a small blue goblin like creature attempts to stab him.
"What the..." starts to say Ramona but she is interrupted as two of the little blue creature jump up catching her from behind and drag her of the boat and into the water.
Three more of the little creatures pop up around the boat grinning menacingly with their little spears.
You can roll init, and post your first action.
Vinnick recognises the creatures as Grindylow. They resemble goblins from the waist up and squids below.
While grindylows resemble goblins, they are not humanoid creatures. Nonetheless, these aquatic monsters are just as wicked as the most sadistic of goblins, and take immense pleasure in others' misfortunes and the spread of mayhem. Thanks to this twisted desire, grindylows have a nasty reputation among both other intelligent water-dwelling creatures and most land-dwelling beings.
Vinnick lurches backward as the spear point reaches within an inch in front of his face before flustering up in anger.
How dare you you little cretin. You ought to fear your superiors! Begone from here foul Cur!
Vinnick lets out a small chant I'gra di ve malien! and a wave of energy reaches out to the Grindylow
"Aww hell. Man overboard!"
Quelth lunges forward slashing at one of the grindylows with his scimitar, and whistling for Slith to take action as he does,
"Die you betentacled vermin!"
Slith's toothy maw shoots forward, but her aim is poor and she snaps her fangs closed on only air.
Grindylows. They're basically aquatic goblins.
Concerned for their leader he pulls his crossbow and fires at one of the two that has her.
"I'm after them!" Jordy immediately drops his oar and jumps into the water, drawing his sword as he swims after the grindylow with Ramona. He quickly disappears below the surface, and it was unclear whether it was due to the weight of his leather lamellar or what he had intended to do.
since I forgot their init
looks like enemies are last actually.
he is shaken but doesn't see Vinnick as a deadly treat.
As a note the only one within striking distance of the boat (melee) is the one who took a jab at Vinnick, will assume Quelth is next to vinnick and took a swing at that one.
Quelth strikes the goblin stabbing it right in it's big ugly face and it sinks into the water.
Derantil's aim is true and he hits one of the goblins pulling down on the commander.
and actually
she draws a dagger and takes a stab at the grindelow attacking her.
Stabbing the creature in the heart and killing it instantly.
2 more players need to act and 3 grindelow remain they are about 10 feet from the boat.
Actually only bastion still needs to act I miscounted
Diomedes pulls a dagger and dives into the water after Ramona and her abductors.
Taking out his sling he whirls it once, twice and lets the bullet fly.
Bastien misses his mark
The remaining grindylow dive underwater going after Jordy and the Diomedes
while the other who grabbed the captain continues to grapple her using his 8 tentacles to try and restrain her.
Your go again (attacks from above the water to under the water take a -2 penalty[/ooc]
Jordy slashes back at the grindylow that struck him.
Blood flows freely from the slash the creature gives him, but Diomedes stabs back with his dagger.
Dropping his scimitar into the boat Quelth draws a spear and hurls it at the squid goblin grappling with Captain. Whistling for Slith he finds himself ignored by the small sea monster, who plunges into the water after the goblin she attacked previously.
Jordy misses, Diomesdes slahes and severaly injures a Grindylow. Quelth manages to hit one of the Grindylow and it goes limp bleeding out. Silth attacks another incapaciting it as well.
The captain stabs and eliminates the remaining grindylow on her as well.
All the grindylow are dead or dying and the captain resurfaces and returns to the boat.
"Bloody vermin." she spits "I doubt they are more than scavengers but we should be on guard all the least." she says.
Slith returns with a dead grindylow in her jaws and Quelth retrieves his scimitar and hacks off a tentacle, which he begins chewing on while tossing the rest to Slith, who attacks the corpse enthusiastically. Quelth then takes up his oars while chewing the tentacle with relish.
vermin the lot of them. Vinnick dusts himself off after the incident and draws his curved elven blade. Resting it in his lap.
He stares aghast at Quelth when they start to eat one of these things, raw no less.
Dear Nethys and Yuelral, You are eating one of those beasts? You're just as savage as they are, and I'm on a boat with you. That is not only disgusting, but unhealthy. You are bound to get a disease, or worse from that thing. Who knows where or whats its been on. Vinnick visibly shudders before turning away from the sight.