Action 2:
Squeak placed Bronwyn gently down onto her feet. She quickly retrieved the food basket and blanket off of his back. The wizard spread the blanket out on the warm rock and was soon stretched out on her stomach as she basked in the sun. The heat felt glorious. "This was a fantastic idea, Squeak," she murmured as her eyes drifted shut.
Action 3:
Noise from below drifted up to Bronwyn's ears and disturbed the tranquilness. Groaning because she was reluctant to move, she inched her way to the edge of the rock pillar and peered down. She could see a group of sahuagins and strained to see if she could make out what they were saying.
Action 1:
"They are fine." stated Squeak. A heartbeat paused "On another topic, I was thinking about recruiting another Warforged."
Action 2:
Squeak straightened at the praise, and stood guard. He still had misgivings about approaching the edge, but berated himself. 'I can fly. Any fall long enough to do damage becomes long enough to deploy. Therefore there is no rational component to my self-preservation rule becoming active.' Reassured by logic he stands at the edge and looks down into the deep cerulean depths.
'I wonder why organic beings' heuristic rules are not amenable to logic?' he wondered 'It seems a weakness of their design.'
Action 3:
Squeak looked blankly at the Sahaugin, then turned his attention to being ready to save Bronwyn should the edge give way on her.
Leave it to fantasy to have a person speak so many languages. :)
Action 2
Taking his cue from the gnomes, Palisade followed dutifully the instructions given to it, hammering pieces of belt metal with its blacksmithing tools and using its Goddess-given blessing to mend broken pieces of various components. About the enchantment binding the elemental to the vessel it could do nothing, but it could at least help deal with damage to the submersible’s structure.
The ‘forged did stop its work for a moment to track the airborne alchemist with its single softly-glowing eye. Unit Squeak had managed it once again – exceeding its expectations. An option for air support would increase their tactical flexibility enormously.
Action 3
Palisade had drawn its greatsword when the war party had caught its attention and had stood still like a statue as the lead creature gurgled its demands – Palisade might not know the language but it did not think the creatures’ formation and openly brandished weapons particularly diplomatic.
”Declaration. Lower your weapons and send an envoy over if you wish to discuss matters in peace. Continuation of current aggressive behaviour may result in pre-emptive self-defence response,” Palisade said in its emotionless voice.
Lucina approached behind Palisade somewhat cautiously. If things turned violent, she would be ready to help. However, she did not want to make herself prominent, since people tended to inherently distrust her and she did not wish to make diplomatic efforts more difficult than they already were.
Action 2
Vi spent the time swimming around the ship, keeping an eye out for danger. She felt a moment of resentment as Bronwyn and Squeak sailed up to the cliff for a picnic. Figures. Let Vi do the work, let companion Vi take the risk. But her precious ladyship, oh no, she gets wine and cheese and a warm breeze! Muttering to herself, she continued to swim around, getting angrier by the minute.
Action 3
Vi swam up to the confrontation, Ice hidden in her arm sheathe, and she was ready to flick it into her hand and attack should it become necessary. However, it didn't look that way yet. Holding up a hand to Palisade, to prevent him from doing anything rash, she swam a little way towards the strange fish people. Shaking her head in an exaggerated fashion, she mimed that they didn't understand. "Does anybody speak common?"
Lucina's expression darkened, as she was all but ready to tell them to go to hell, but had enough restraint to see if the others could talk them down. Still, she stood at the ready and began contemplating spells she would inflict upon the fools if they were not willing to see reason.
Vi shook her head with a frown. "No, that will not be happening. Your pet attacked us, and we fought back. We will not pay tribute to a creature we bested in combat. You will leave now, or we will fill these waters with your blood, and you can visit your beloved Perot in Dolurrh!"
There's seven that you can see.
You see only seven sahuagin but you do see 'some fins' (think shark fins) a little further back.
I'll move this along later today.
Game on!
Action 1:
Bronwyn gave Squeak a sharp look, "Why would we need to recruit another 'forged? You just said they're fine. Besides, no other 'forged could replace Palisade. Just like no other changeling could replace Vi or someone grumpy replace Lucina."
Action 2:
Bronwyn bristled at the sahuagins demands. "How dare they? It was their monstrosity that attacked us. No one is taking anyone anywhere if I have anything to say about it, regardless of whether they're big or small." She then saw some fins in the water a little distance away from the hostiles. As if of its own volition, a flame sprang up to hover over her palm. "I bet those water creatures wouldn't like to taste flame."
Vi shook her head with a frown. "No, that will not be happening. Your pet attacked us, and we fought back. We will not pay tribute to a creature we bested in combat. You will leave now, or we will fill these waters with your blood, and you can visit your beloved Perot in Dolurrh!"
The sahuagin seemed confused, "Perot only eat. You eat Perot, no?"
It then added, "Must pay for Perot or we will take what is due."
They didn't make any outward aggressive movements but they also did not leave.
The sahuagin seemed confused, "Perot only eat. You eat Perot, no?"
It then added, "Must pay for Perot or we will take what is due."
"Analysis. Your statement is illogical. Perot attacked us unprovoked. We defended ourselves. We proves ourselves supreme. It was your mistake to not take proper care of your ally if Perot was for you to command, or if not, it was Perot's own mistake to assault us and then decline to withdraw once it became obvious it was going to lose. Thus, Perot paid the price. You should take heed of Perot's fate and consider the potential for loss against possible gain."
"Summary. How many more are you willing to risk losing?"
"Bronwyn - do they require food, perhaps? We have a store of supplies. I could cook for them. Legally, they're in the right, I believe. We are trespassing." Squeak paused "Perhaps breaking nd entering?"
Lucina nodded in agreement with Palisade. "Any discussion that involves the death or capture of anyone on this beach is not a discussion we are willing to have. If you do not wish further conflict, I suggest you start considering other alternatives." Lucina quickly realized they were probably not going to understand that. Sighing, she reiterated. "We not give up our people. If you don't want violence, new deal or go away."
"Bronwyn - do they require food, perhaps? We have a store of supplies. I could cook for them. Legally, they're in the right, I believe. We are trespassing." Squeak paused "Perhaps breaking nd entering?"
Bronwyn glanced up at Squeak, squinting in the sunlight. "Food is always an option but I have a feeling they eat most of their food raw. And we're not breaking and entering because there were no locks, no walls. The sooner they leave us alone, the faster we leave. Like the Captain said, we're just passing through."
Vi shook her head. "No, we didn't eat Perot. You can eat him, if you're so hungry. He's down there," she gestured down into the murky depths.
Action 2
Vi bit back a sarcastic rejoinder, and just let them swim away. No need to add insult to injury.
Action 3
Vi slept well that first night after the fight, and was in good spirits the next day. She played cards or dice with anybody who would play with her. But the second night she was again wracked with nightmares about ice and death, and woke up tired and grumpy. The last night was even worse, and it was with great relief that she saw Stormreach come into view, and with it, the chance to get off the ship, and pick a fight.
Action 4
Turning to the captain, Vi said, "So, how do we get off this tub? Do you have a place to dock? Or is there a dingy or something we can take? Where do you recommend we come ashore?"
Action 2:
Bronwyn watched the sahuagins leave and was grateful that lack of a fight meant she could spend a little more time basking in the sun. "They chose wisely, Squeak. Although I wouldn't want to mess with Palisade either."
Her eyes drifted shut again as she soaked in the sun. "Let me know when it's time to leave."
Action 3:
Bronwyn was not thrilled about climbing back into the water-tube of near-death but knew that it was her only choice. The heat had acted a bit like a battery and recharged her spirits. She spent the first day in the observation blister taking in the sights and talking to whoever was around. But then being surrounded by water all hours of the day drained her battery and she took to staying in their cabin on her bunk - reading, studying, and scribing scrolls. After all, if she stayed in her bunk, she could pretend the water didn't exist and that she was traveling on a train somewhere. A crappy train, but a train nonetheless.
Action 4:
Bronwyn's heart soared as she caught a glimpse of Stormreach. Civilization! Or at least what qualified as civilization on this continent. She kept telling herself that Stormreach was quaint because if she thought of it that way, she would be less likely to be disenchanted by her surroundings.
"I am NOT swimming," she said bluntly. "Surely Lady Elaydren provided a way for us to actually get to Stormreach and not just one mile from Stormreach."
Action 3
Palisade found the time in the small boat almost relaxing - there was a definitely finite amount of people to watch to ensure they didn't develop any sudden urges to assault Lady d'Deneith and the sea outside ensured she herself didn't wander off to find trouble. The sea itself was a source of danger and an unknown to the 'forged, but at least it could concentrate its attention to the one problem. Boredom was small issue for someone with Palisade's level of focus and lack of imagination.
Bastion, on the other hand, reacted to the isolation. It didn't take long for the tiny rodent construct to explore the width of the ship it was allowed to roam in and identify those areas where a swiftly-applied boot was the prompt reward for venturing into. Bereft of options, he retreated into his little nest and sulked for the remainder of their journey.
Action 4
Action 3:
Lucina returned to her quiet reading and note taking, not particular caring about the enclosed spacing. However, from time to time, she did find herself eyeing Vi cautiously, looking for changes in temperament or inexplicable hostility...any signs that the dagger was further eroding her personality.
Action 4:
"Surely, we can dock..." Lucina commented, but her expression and voice did not seem quite so certain.
...Byam set the adventurers on land about a half a mile down the coast.
I'll have some parting words from Byam on the next turn recap.
There is a stone wall surrounding the city but it is not 'continuous', meaning people and things slip in and out and everyone knows this.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 2:
"I can't help but feel we were in the wrong." Squeak muttered, returning to the duty of gently fanning Bronwyn and preparing a chilled beverage for her to sip upon.
Action 3:
"The light in this craft makes it hard to judge colours." Squeak complained to the Captain. "And there is nowhere to vent toxic vapours to. I understand this is an experimental craft and I would like these comments submitted to the issue report."
Action 4:
"This is a requirement. I am sure immersion would void my warranty. At worst I will take off from the hull and carry Bronwyn to safety." Squeak whined.
Action 2:
Lucina frowned at Squeak. "Maybe they had genuie claims..but anyone who starts a discussion with 'We'll be taking two of your people' deserves to leave empty handed and is lucky to be leaving at all..."
Action 2:
Lucina frowned at Squeak. "Maybe they had genuie claims..but anyone who starts a discussion with 'We'll be taking two of your people' deserves to leave empty handed and is lucky to be leaving at all..."
Lucina: I did not incorporate this into the turn recap because Squeak/Bronwyn are on top of the 'pillar'.
"So..." Lucina began to ask the others. "What is our plan here? Is it even worth trying to find the emerald claw here? Or should we go straight for the ruins since we know that is where they will end up?"
This is as good as it gets. Remember that the directions comes from old notes made by an explorer.
Questions?
Game on!
"Sure, great advice," Vi muttered, "considering we don't know who was on that ship. Could be anybody." A little louder, she said, "Do you have any reliable contacts in Stormreach, anybody we could go to for information?"
Action2
Vi stared around the market. It looked like any market, anywhere. But this one was on a whole different continent. A wild, dangerous, uncivilized continent. For a moment, she was overcome with fear, and wanted to break away from the others, find a quiet place, and hide until she could find a ride home.
Taking a few deep breaths, she thought, I should be wearing Jorlyn's Face. He's the adventurous one. Too late for that."
"Okay, where do we start?" she asked. "We can't just walk around asking if anybody has seen a troop of Emerald Claw. But just in case we're lucky enough that they're still here, I'd rather do it before we get a hundred miles deep in the jungle. So....ask around? Listen in? Is there an embassy or something we can try?"
Action 1:
Bronwyn took the travel papers from Byam. "Understood. But are the travel papers really necessary? Do we have to prove a reason to be here?"
Action 2:
Bronwyn's eyes lit up at the myriad of stalls. "Oooh, shopping!" She walked along and stopped as things caught her eye. She was almost immediately drawn to the stall with crystals. She had always heard about them and secretly desired one. Maybe she'd stumble upon one and the purveyor not even aware of what they had. At least she could hope.
Much to her chagrin, she kept being prodded along by the others. She stopped at a table with vellum and pens curious to see if there was something unique on this continent that she couldn't find back home.
Finally her attention was pulled away from shopping by the performers. She was fascinated by the fire-eaters. "Can you control fire too? How does it not hurt you? I'll show you mine if you show me yours." Bronwyn pulled the fire from the fire-eaters stick and drew it around herself in dancing flame.
Bronwyn's enjoyment was stifled by the constant questions coming from her companions.
Or should we go straight for the ruins since we know that is where they will end up?"
The wizard gave the druid an unamused look. "We are not traipsing straight into the jungle. Let's at least try to find what we're looking for here before my hair is ruined once again by unnecessary humidity." She motions at the many street performers. "Besides, there are lots of people we can talk to and find out whether any weirdo undead have passed through."
The wizard gave the druid an unamused look. "We are not traipsing straight into the jungle. Let's at least try to find what we're looking for here before my hair is ruined once again by unnecessary humidity." She motions at the many street performers. "Besides, there are lots of people we can talk to and find out whether any weirdo undead have passed through.
”Suggestion. We need to acquire some provisions for the trip into the jungle regardless. For the duration of making those arrangement, we can also try to gather intelligence about enemy forces,” Palisade said, keeping a hand close to the hilt of its greatsword as it stared down any passer-by who drifted too close to Lady d’Deneith. ”This one does believe the enemy might employ stealth in their approach, as overt Karrnathi interest might draw the attention of rival nations’ representatives here. The enemy commander has shown skill in magic. This one believes we should assume disguise magic is within his capabilities, if he does not simply make use of disposable agents that cannot be connected to him.”
”This one believes we shall need a guide or at least local maps by the jungle explorers. Securing passage upriver for the first leg of the journey would be preferable. We will also need food and water, camping equipment, changes of clothing and basic medical provisions – this one believes the constant warm humidity of a jungle is detrimental to care and healing of wounds, and the combination of mud, rainfall and thorny underbrush will reduce the durability of cloth and leather clothing. Also, proper footwear for rough is essential.”
Lucina just shrugged. "Getting supplies and maps makes sense. But we should be careful about asking too many questions. It could get back to the wrong people..." She said, trailing off as Bronwyn bounded towards the street performers. She let out a deep sigh. "Ugh...Let me see if I can't find some good maps..." She grumbled as she moved towards the markets.
"Logically our targets will need to acquire a guide and similar supplies to ourselves. Asking questions makes sense. Of course, if we're here first then we'll also give ourselves away to them." Squeak reasoned it through "I would be interested in finding if there are Warforged here. We may be able to acquire information more readily from them."
Action 1:
Bronwyn turned her mind towards what she had learned about Xen'drik during her years in school. She became more and more hopeful as she realized that she was as close to possibly finding a dragon shard as she ever had been or would be. Her voice was colored with excitement as she shared with the others what she remembered. "As much as I loathe the idea of the jungle, there are many interesting giant ruins on this continent that hold many arcane treasures. Rumors are that the giants learned magic straight from the dragons of Argonnessen themselves. And they wielded magic great enough to close a planar gate whose devastation rivaled that of what happened in the Mournlands. There was once great magic on this continent and it may still be here, laying dormant."
"Logically our targets will need to acquire a guide and similar supplies to ourselves. Asking questions makes sense. Of course, if we're here first then we'll also give ourselves away to them." Squeak reasoned it through "I would be interested in finding if there are Warforged here. We may be able to acquire information more readily from them."
Bronwyn gave Squeak a doubtful look. "Any warforged that we have encountered as of late have tried to kill us. Do you really think that seeking them out will be a good idea? Although I guess when we find the other warforged, and they try to kill us, that would lead us to the Emerald Claw."
Her gaze was once again drawn towards the performers. "I, on the other hand, believe that people who are here every day would probably remember people who don't belong. I'll go see."
"As much as I loathe the idea of the jungle, there are many interesting giant ruins on this continent that hold many arcane treasures. Rumors are that the giants learned magic straight from the dragons of Argonnessen themselves. And they wielded magic great enough to close a planar gate whose devastation rivaled that of what happened in the Mournlands. There was once great magic on this continent and it may still be here, laying dormant."
”Impressed. This would certainly explain the interest of the various nations in this island,” Palisade said, its stern gaze scanning the milling crowd all around them.
”Suggestion. In the interest of efficiency as time is of the essence, this one wonders if we should divide our efforts. Two parties, to divide the tasks of securing provisions, transport and guide or maps for the journey, and to gather intelligence of the enemy forces.”
"Sounds like a plan," Vi said. "Lucina, you're with me. You guys look for provisions, we'll go for information. Unless, of course, you find a friendly looking warforged." Her tone of voice made it clear what she thought about that likelihood.
She dragged Lucina off towards the food stalls. "I need some food that isn't fish stew," she said."Follow my lead."
Finding a place with some sort of meat skewers, she ordered a few, then turned to Lucina and pretended to continue a previous conversation. "I tell you, Roark is lying. There's no way he saw a walking skeleton. Other people would have seen that." Turning to the vendor, she said, "It can't be true, right? Have you heard of anything like that?"
"Uh...Right. Okay." Lucina said, as Vi dragged her off into the city. As the rogue struck up a fake conversation, Lucina gave Vi a nervous look. She knows how bad I am at stuff like this, right?. However, she let out a sigh of relief, when Vi looked to the vendor for a response, instead of her. Best to stay quiet... she thought, as she turned her stare to the merchant.
"Sounds like a plan," Vi said. "Lucina, you're with me. You guys look for provisions, we'll go for information. Unless, of course, you find a friendly looking warforged." Her tone of voice made it clear what she thought about that likelihood.
"A moment, companion Vi Olaro," Palisade interrupted her. "Since we are in an unfamiliar city we should set a place for meeting each other. Lacking a better landmark, this one suggests that one," it said, gesturing at one particularly garish sign of an inn it spied over the heads of the crowd. "Let us meet outside that establishment every two hours for progress reports."
As it turned to follow Bronwyn towards the performers she had caught sight of, Palisade considered their options. It was possible some form of subterfuge was required, but as far as it was concerned, there were few options available. Palisade could hardly be mistaken for anything but a bodyguard. Fortunately Lady d'Deneith looked the part of a rich aristocrat even with her Mark covered, so a bodyguard or two would fit the bill. From what the Lady had just told them about the wealth of lost treasure in the jungle, Palisade could see the city being full of treasure hunters and archaeological expeditions, either sponsored by wealthy centers of learning or rich individuals. Add in a few adventurous souls and Palisade hoped a rich young sorceress interested in the ruins and artifacts would blend in to the crowd.
Squeak acquiesced. At the first merchant he started his quest. "I am looking for another Warforged. he stated, as his subsidiary analysis systems came online and the marketplace sparkled with glorious information.
I'll move this along later today
Bronwyn moved back towards the fire-eaters. "Can you teach me how to do that? It would be an absolute hit back home at Karrnathi parties. Much more impressive than if the fire comes from your hand." She held up a couple coins. "I could pay for a lesson."
The wizard watch in fascination as the fire-eating turned out to be more alchemy than magic. Her mind whirred with possibilities of using her magic with the showmanship of the performers to make it her own. As they discussed fire she asked, "So what's the strangest thing you've seen today? Apart from me of course. Although I'm more special than strange."
Vi feigned shock at the gnome's words. "I can't believe it! Roark was telling the truth. Tell me more. How many skeletons were there? Did they have somebody commanding them? What kind of questions were they asking? I can't imagine what an undead warrior would want with the jungle."