Dimitrio smirks at Lief, "I could try some magic on him to make him friendly but I don't think that's worth the risk. Your silver tongue usually does the trick by itself. I think it's time to give up on this. If Samaritha is at the island, we'll see her soon enough? Time to go?"
"Before that Avery Slyeg took his ship out to investigate the island - the day the thing hit too. Now that kinda surprised me. He's usually not so honest about where his ship, the Black Bunyip, is headed. Big smuggler you see, very cagey usually."
Dimitrio thanks the dockmaster for all the information obtained and continued to pry for additional information, "So this Avery Slyeg fellow, do you know anything else about him? Do you think he was at island when the thing hit?" He scratches his chin, "How could he have known?"
He moves to embrace he and thinks better of it and settles for lightly punching her in the shoulder before he rushes off to be alone.
Kaylayne accepts the punch understanding the meaning behind it. She smiles, knowing her gift found the mark nicely.
She grins like a fool as she gets back to work, this time carving a fetished wooden butterfly. The butterfly, as many know, symbolizes change. And Kaylayne was changing.
She grins as she works and carves, keeping an eye on the Gold Goblin/Dancing Drow as she does. She hopes the others are fine, but is sure they can handle themselves without her.
"And order, really, is the word of the day. He… we, are trying to build a better method of governance here. And it’s working, or so I’m told. We must be extreme, in order that the others can follow our example and rise up out of the chaos that is Riddleport Governance. The absolute best I can do, is to pass a message to Elias directly. Even that is bypassing several protocols, but I can manage it I think."
Lief turns to those with him with a look of apology, before turning back to the bureaucrat. "You... he, demonstrates a lack of flexibility to deal with emergency situations, and the need to alter protocol in order to facilitate the gathering of information." The young man starts to pull out paper and writing implements.
"You know, if you look closely at the eye, the black circle changes size, depending on the light. The darker the environment, the larger it becomes. To welcome any and all light, you see. It changes. It relaxes. The same goes for the rectum. Too tight, and nothing passes. Leads to bowel obstruction." Lief finishes writing his message to Elias.
"Let's just hope you can overcome your constipation." He hands off the paper, and nods to his companions, returning to the Goblin.
Sir. Twice my friends and I attempted to convey information, and twice we were denied. We have found something of a conspiracy that foretold the coming of the destruction at Devil's Elbow. You'll likely find out in due time, as expeditions are bound to occur, but there was a presence at the Cyphergate, and it had plans. If you seek more information, as you should, seek us out. We'll be traveling to Devil's Elbow in a couple of days' time. Perhaps you already know all this, and we are wasting breath. I would prefer to give you all we know, to be sure.
...
Returning to the Goblin, Lief gets to crafting for the next two days.
He enjoys succeeding twice in a row, sure that his third attempt the next day would succeed as well. At the end of his second day, he bounds off to hand off the two new creations to Kaylayne.
"Yes...it *is* a porcupine! You can tell because there are quills! See? And it's soap. Magic soap. You see, the porcupine symbolizes innocence, companionship, and trust. Which is what this soap might bring you. When someone around you is troubled by spirits, or their minds are not their own, wash them with this soap. It...it might free them."
Lief holds his tongue, listening to the woman gift him something first. He accepts the hedgehog, smelling it, then hefting it. "Thanks." He tucks it away gently. "Do you foresee us dealing with spirits? I'm hoping not, myself. How many times will the soap function? Until it's worn down to a nub?" Lief listens with interest. How does a porcupine symbolize any of that?
"Oh! I almost forgot. The last batch turned out well." Lief produces two alchemist's fires, and hands them over to Kaylayne.
Ederin remains quiet for the rest of the argument with the cyphermage desk clerk, he briefly considers using his talent for tacking to find Sam, but realizes it would likely be useless given the traffic in the area. Down at the docks he listens intently to the harbormaster when the man provides his information. He'll keep his mouth shut until they make to return home.
"That cow is as leaky as roofs in Rotgut, let's remember never to give him any info, eh? Avery Slyeg sounds familiar..."
Once at the Goblin, or whatever it's to be called, Ederin grabs a few drinks and brings one over to Garridan.
"Been quiet these last couple days mate. Ain't even asked me for a dice game. Come on, maybe you can rob me of a few sweets." He pulls up a seat and raises an eyebrow at his friend as he rattles a few dice on the table. "Might be you get crazy and tell me what's on your mind too."
The next day, unless otherwise engaged Ederin will spend his time in the basement trying to figure out if he's up to the task of fixing up the fighting pit and the bar down there. He'll check for signs of anything coming up from the trap door too and see if he can reset the lock that Lief picked.
"The last batch turned out well."
Kaylayne smiles, accepting the exchange of gifts.
"Nope. Just like these handy flasks, that soap is one use only," Kaylayne informs, moving to store the flasks safely away from the bar (lest Garridan drink them). "Too bad these are too expensive to use all the time in combat. Would rather toss these than rocks, but rocks are pretty dang cheap usually...unless they are the glittery kind."
Kaylayne continues to work on her wooden butterfly and packing for the trip to Devil's Elbow.
Dimitrio thanks the dockmaster for all the information obtained and continued to pry for additional information, "So this Avery Slyeg fellow, do you know anything else about him? Do you think he was at island when the thing hit?" He scratches his chin, "How could he have known?"
The dockmaster firmly, and unabashedly, holds out his hand for another bribe before replying, ”You don’t know Avery? Oh, you should really get to know him. It’s said he can get anything you want, for a price and given enough time. Even the overlord uses him - which is how he gets away with being so brazen in his smuggling and black marketeering!” The dockmaster seems more in awe of his capabilities rather then frustrated by him.
Sounds like Slyeg’s ship was coming into port when the tsunami hit and avoided the damage by being out to sea and just riding the waves. So he was able to pretty much just turn the ship around and head to the blast site. Lucky.
"Let's just hope you can overcome your constipation." He hands off the paper, and nods to his companions, returning to the Goblin.
”Uh, yeah, OK. Right!” he seems uncertain, but his goals are achieved as you leave so he’s happy bureaucracy has prevailed again! Yay! He promises to deliver the message quickly. Today even.
"That cow is as leaky as roofs in Rotgut, let's remember never to give him any info, eh? Avery Slyeg sounds familiar..."
Ederin knows, and shares with the party, the same information the dock master has. He also knows that Avery is apparently very good with the ladies as well as the men. Everyone loves Avery and he loves everyone. A very charismatic fellow, and as the dockmaster says, very good at getting anything you need. He is owed favors from every major institution in Riddleport.
The next day, unless otherwise engaged Ederin will spend his time in the basement trying to figure out if he's up to the task of fixing up the fighting pit and the bar down there. He'll check for signs of anything coming up from the trap door too and see if he can reset the lock that Lief picked.
Ederin plays with the concealed door under the sand and learns a few things. It’s not very secret. Anyone who moves the sand aside can easily see the door. Of course with the sand in place, no one can see the door. Well concealed. Also, it doesn’t lock - it’s just that it has no ‘handle’. The so-called ‘key’ is really just a fancy door knob. With the open/close cantrip the door may be opened easily. Also, just about anything can be jammed into the ‘lock’ to open the door (low disable device to open).
If he has fighters down in that pit, they will uncover the door as it currently works - just from their movements in combat. It’s why Saul never used the pit. You could hire a stoneworker to come in and make the door truly secret so you can use the fighting pit without revealing the presence of a door there though it will come with a few hundred gold cost.
Once at the Goblin, or whatever it's to be called, Ederin grabs a few drinks and brings one over to Garridan.
"Been quiet these last couple days mate. Ain't even asked me for a dice game. Come on, maybe you can rob me of a few sweets." He pulls up a seat and raises an eyebrow at his friend as he rattles a few dice on the table. "Might be you get crazy and tell me what's on your mind too."
Garridan accepts the offered drink and shrugs as he answers, " I don't know Ed. Ever since that demon elf took me out so easily..... things are just different. Kinda hard to put into words."
The day finally arrives (9 Arodus, 4709), and Kwava briefly visits the ‘Goblin on his way to the docks. ”The Flying Cloud should make port today so I’ll wait on the docks and talk to Captain Creesy before anyone else can. I’ll let you know what the plan is by this evening!”
By noon he’s hunting down the party with good news, ”I spoke to the good Captain, and he has agreed to drop you at the island. He’s got to unload his cargo today, but he’s wiling, if not happy, to drop you on the island before returning here to port to fill up before shipping out to Magnimar again.”
”So he won’t wait for you per se, but he will be back in two or three days to pick you up, if you’re ready that soon, and then again in a week when he returns from Magnimar. I’ve got it all arranged.”
”Further, the Captain would like to meet you. He’s very interested in recent events and wants to hear more. He’s invited you all to dinner tonight on board his ship. I too am invited but I begged off. I need to send word of this to the Shin’Rakorath and check for other news from them as well. Besides, I’m supposed to be here in secret - I told Captain Creesy I was working for you as a go-between in this matter, hope that’s OK.”
That same day, there’s a message from a Gethin, a scribe from the Cyphermages. He will visit you at the Gold Goblin prior to the dinner hour to gather the information you have on the recent falling star for the Cyphermages.
Given space, he unloads and assembles his gear into a small stool and writing desk along with quite a bit of paper and ink with a fine quill of some strange bird feather. Once he is setup, which takes surprisingly little time considering the complexity of the materials, he looks up at the party, ”Pray, begin, and leave nothing out.”
Garridan accepts the offered drink and shrugs as he answers, " I don't know Ed. Ever since that demon elf took me out so easily..... things are just different. Kinda hard to put into words."
Ederin swigs his beer and nods,
"Wasn't as easy as all that mate. You took two doses of poison in one night and your still standin'. 'ccording to Kwava those drown even got their own strands of poison that are stronger 'an most." He smiles broadly as he leans back in his chair. "Not sayin' I don't understand, but at least you got an excuse, had somethin' sinister runnin' in your blood. Not like in that damned church when I got myself knocked out with nothin' but a quick blow to my side. I think you're bein' too hard on yourself."------------------------------------------------------------------
"Might be stuck out there for a week, eh? Hope that star, if that's what it really was, didn't kill everythin' edible out there." Ederin rubs his chin, taking a quick mental count of his own supplies, and shrugs. "At least we'll be well fed tonight."
Ederin is less invested in providing the Cyphermages with info now that he's not speaking with someone he knows, and will head off to the ship unless the rest of his partners stay behind as well will drink quietly considering whether or not the investment in the basement is worth his time. Once the meeting is over he'll eagerly head to the docks with his companions.
Ahhh, to be clear, the scribe comes a few hours before the dinner hour. Time to do both if you wish.
Kaylayne, having finished with her wooden butterfly fetish, is happy to join both meetings. She's anxious to get going and happy to help explain what has happened.
She lets Lief lead the discussion with the scribe.
Kaylayne sizes up the man, trying to get a feel for any underlying motives in his visit and his commitment to the Cyphermages.
Sense Motive
Having heard but not first hand what Lief told Cromarcky, Dimitrio let Lief deal with the scribe but remained attentive during the conversation.
A meeting with the captain is right up Dimitrio's alley. The dancer puts on his best clothes and makes sure that his boots are shiny.
With the strut that would make a peacock jealous, Dimitrio goes to meet the captain. He elbows Ederin, "Do you think we'll our own cabins or are am I going to have share my chamber with you lot?" He quips with his companions, "You do know that I am an important person, right? A legitimate business owner!"
You are invited on board the Flying Cloud, resting at one of the few working piers in Riddleport. The owner, Captain Josper Creesy, is a thin but jovial Varisian with a tightly wrapped headscarf, long hair, gold earrings, and a gleam in his eye. He welcomes you on board himself as the bulk of his crew is on leave, leaving behind just a couple guards on deck to watch the ship and a few servants to manage dinner.
”Welcome to the Flying Cloud! Isn’t she a beaut’!” This ship is indeed handsome, with a narrow beam, sharply raked stem, and square rig, the distinctive design (itself based on the design of the larger Chelish clipper) gives the ship great speed on the waves when under full sail. She flies the flag of Riddleport - which means she’s safe from Pirates who would port here - thanks to arrangements with the overlord. Such a flag is a great expense, but well worth it to avoid piracy in the nearby waters.
The captain takes you below decks to a large room in the fore of the main deck, used as a captains quarters, map room, dining area and more. A table large enough for a score or even more lies decked with food, candles and other finery at one end as he escorts you in and bids you welcome.
”You are my guests tonight - all I have… is yours.” he bows and orders the wine to be brought. While the glasses are being filled, he introduces himself and his ship. Though he’s a relatively young man, he hopes to make a name for himself by setting speed records all along the Arcadian Coast with his newly designed ship. He’s worked with some excellent shipwrights out of Magnimar to have the vessel made. You get the impression that he either comes from money, or got lucky some other way and came into money in order to finance this project.
He sits down and invites you to sample the menu, which includes fresh reefclaw, warm fresh bread a variety of imported fruits and vegetables. All the fixings of a very fine meal. He jokes not to expect as much during the journey, ”…but for now let us enjoy the fruits of our labors!”
”So I understand you were here when the star fell? You, saw it? Tell me all you know. Kwava doesn’t like telling all his little secrets, but surely you will tell me something. I was in Magnimar when it hit, and from there it wasn’t even a faint streak in the morning sky. I didn’t even see it!”
He looks hopefully at his guests, hoping they will entertain him with stories of Riddleport.
"Gethin, Elias Tammerhawk’s personal scribe and confidant. I hope to scribe your story, both so that Elias may hear it in a time of his choosing and, of course, for our annals and books which will cover this era of our history. Pray, begin, and leave nothing out."
Lief starts from the beginning. The Drunken Lurch, the odd circumstances leading to the five of them working for the Gold(en) Goblin, leading into the revelation that Saul was the front for a nefarious drow. He details He shares all salient points of Depora's journal, the adamantine chisel, the dates of execution, and Devil's Elbow. He also does not keep Kwava's name or part of the story from Gethin, nor the organization of which Kwava claims to be a part.
"This is bigger than us all, Gethin. We're trusting both you and Elias with this information, for the importance we consider it to have, and the need to make sure those of great knowledge have it."
...
Lief remains mostly quiet about the ship and the captain's meeting. Having told his 'stories' over and over, he's burnt out, and unwilling to be the one doing all the talking. He'll leave it to the others to deal with the captain's questions.
"So can you prove any of this tale? I do not presume to collect any such proof from you, but I would see anything you have to support this fantastic story."
"So can you prove any of this tale?..."
Lief sighs, and leads Gethin to Depora's body, and the journal is produced. He's unsure where the chisel is, but he asks his associates, so it may be shown.
"You witnessed an astral event, and you describe our story as 'fantastic'. That usually implies that you are doubtful of its veracity. In light of recent events, do you require more convincing? Or will you and Elias look back on history you failed to write, with regret? Our story touches on the Cyphergate itself, and that chisel is purported to have damaged it, so I encourage you to investigate the Gate for signs of actual damage. Are you investigating Devil's Elbow yourselves? If so, we'll not have to report what we find when we travel there."
”So I understand you were here when the star fell? You, saw it? Tell me all you know. Kwava doesn’t like telling all his little secrets, but surely you will tell me something. I was in Magnimar when it hit, and from there it wasn’t even a faint streak in the morning sky. I didn’t even see it!”
He looks hopefully at his guests, hoping they will entertain him with stories of Riddleport.
Dimitrio was enjoying himself like no other time. Here was who recognized how important he was. he did not shy away from telling their story, but he did withhold some information.
The bard told the captain of how they had acquired the Gold Goblin, starting from the heist they ruined, going through their time as junior partners, and finishing with how Saul betrayed them and was made to pay. He never mentioned the drow.
He then told of the faithful day when the blot turned solid and fell from the sky, at least that's what he said. Black rocks as large as a goblin's head fell from the sky, breaking roofs and killing people. And the tsunami that crippled a good part of the ships in Riddleport.
"I guess that will make your services all the more valuable? Now, I'm sure you have some tales to tell. How did you come by this beautiful ship? Was she won by the sword or bought with an old and buried treasure chest?"
"So, you say the chisel chipped the gate in your basement? Show me."
I presume, as you're trying to tell him everything, you show him the underground 'lair', and the slightly damaged cypher gate section. He is dutifully impressed and suggests, "This goes some way to prove your story. Thank you for showing it to me."
He collects his various sheets of paper, and boxes up his table and chair and makes ready to go. "I'm sure my lord will be quite interested in your story, and may even reach out personally to speak to you on the subject. I understand you are leaving town for some time? When you return, please check in at the lodge so we know you're back."
"I also suggest you make an exact copy of that journal. I imagine the guild will be interested in buying it from you."
"I guess that will make your services all the more valuable? Now, I'm sure you have some tales to tell. How did you come by this beautiful ship? Was she won by the sword or bought with an old and buried treasure chest?"
The captain is dutifully impressed, and interjects frequently with questions and comments. "Truly I am in the presence of greatness!" he exclaims, without sarcasm, at one particularly high point.
When the story is fully finished, and you are well into the meal, he begins his, rather less interesting story, "Me? I have few tales to tell, being younger even then yourselves it seems. I am from a minor house among the Chelaxian nobles - but don't hold that to be anything. I'm never actually been to Cheliax, but I hear you can't move but to hit a Chelaxian noble in many cities of the realm."
"Every time there's a war, they give out noble titles to convince the young to join up, or pay, and there have been many many wars."
"My particular title is very old, but again, all that means is the money is nearly out. Most of what I inherited, I've put into this vessel, my baby" he stands and rubs the ribs of the great ship lovingly. "This is both the beginning and the end of my road. I must make it work with what I have now - no more safety net."
"But I do have plans. Great plans!" he goes on to talk about the speed he can achieve and devolves, a bit, into nautical parlance comparing this subtle point to that minor detail - and quite looses most of you. But his voice is pleasant enough and has it's own cadence to it. That and the wine make it a very lovely evening so far.
"You're right. I apologize. For the number of times we tried and failed to get your attention on this fantastic tale, you'll understand my snippy attitude. I'll do my best to avoid it in the future." Lief looks down on the journal.
"Yes, we'll get right on that. My first impressions of Lady Colsett were very good, and I hope to continue my business with the Order."
...
Lief listens pleasantly to the Captain, and relaxes, for what feels like forever since the last time.
Garridan is content to drink the Captains wine and listen to his soothing voice. It seems like a pleasant ship to take a voyage on, he thinks while his body relaxes as the ship bobs in the harbor.
Kaylayne is pleased that Lief brings up the drow and feels fine keeping Kwava's involvement a secret. There would now be two parties told the truth of the matter: the priest and the Cyphers, one of which had the full truth.
She adds some to Leif's telling, adding details and nodding vigorously to add to certain points.
* * *
"Nice to meet you, Captain," Kaylayne says, trying to be presentable. "My name is Kaylayne...and this happens to be the first large ship I've ever been on. It's...bigger and wavier than I thought it would be. Does it rock like this all the time?"
As Kaylayne has found herself so often recently, she finds herself nodding along with Dimitrio's story, adding colorful bits when she can. She eats some and drinks even less, but tries to be a good guest.
"Excuse me for asking, Captain, but is it common for Captains to feast their passengers? It seems rather...extravagant."
"Do you think we'll our own cabins or are am I going to have share my chamber with you lot?" "You do know that I am an important person, right? A legitimate business owner!"
"With clothes as loud as your mate I don't think I'd get any sleep if we had to share a cabin." Ederin smirks but finds himself in an equally good mood, having always enjoyed travel at sea. "Is the island that far away though, I didn't figure we'd be sleeping."
As they approach the ship Ederin looks it over approvingly, and the Captains own excitement echos his own. When the food is brought out Ederin dines with his usual intensity, drinking as much as is offered and listening intently as his companions discuss the latest events. He offers his own details on the rare occasion his mouth isn't full of food.
"Makin' your livin' out at sea ain't easy, I respect any man who tries." Ederin raises a glass to the Captain with a nod, "Tell me though, d'ya think it's really a star that hit that island? I ain't seen any o' this starmetal yet, for all I know it could be polished steel. If it was a star, I certainly hope the rest ain't about to fall."
"Nice to meet you, Captain," Kaylayne says, trying to be presentable. "My name is Kaylayne...and this happens to be the first large ship I've ever been on. It's...bigger and wavier than I thought it would be. Does it rock like this all the time?"
"Yes, ah, Kaylayne. This ship is built for speed, so it's a little more, uh, uneven, then some. You'll get used to it, but it's only a few hour journey to get you where you need to be in any event. You'll be fine I'm sure."
"Excuse me for asking, Captain, but is it common for Captains to feast their passengers? It seems rather...extravagant."
He laughs an easy laugh, "No, this is a cargo vessel, I have no staterooms for passengers and do not normally take any on board - so this is a rare treat for me. This ship is designed first for speed, second for cargo, and third for the crew. Not much left for personal comforts."
"Makin' your livin' out at sea ain't easy, I respect any man who tries." Ederin raises a glass to the Captain with a nod, "Tell me though, d'ya think it's really a star that hit that island? I ain't seen any o' this starmetal yet, for all I know it could be polished steel. If it was a star, I certainly hope the rest ain't about to fall."
"Why thank you. Yes, I know something of the stars as they are excellent navigation tools - primary because they do not fall, as it happens. I've seen streaks across the sky before, but never have I heard of anything like this!"
The rest of the evening passes peaceably and pleasantly. You're sure that the good Captain has your interest as his own. You just hope he's as good a Captain as he is a host.
Kaylayne chats and eats, eats and chats. While she doesn't seem relaxed (the rocking of the boat is worrysome), she's enjoying herself.
She makes small talk with Ederin and Garridan, then Lief and Dimitirio and then spends some time with the Captain.
He laughs an easy laugh, "No, this is a cargo vessel, I have no staterooms for passengers and do not normally take any on board - so this is a rare treat for me. This ship is designed first for speed, second for cargo, and third for the crew. Not much left for personal comforts."
Knowing that he wasn't going to get a personal cabin was sort of a downer for Dimitrio but the captain's hospitality more than made up for it.
He continued to enjoy himself but refrained from dancing. He could not resist reciting a poem after a few drinks. A poem about sea captains and their love-hate relationship with the untamed sea.
Ederin drinks more than his fair share of wine, and briefly considers climbing to the crows nest, but gets distracted by Dimitrio's poem and chooses to spend the rest of his evening on deck with the rest of the party.
Lief walks the deck. Familiar with sea travel though he might be, he still shudders at the thought of capsizing a vessel this large, should they be unfortunate to deal with another tsunami on their way to the Devil's Elbow. He keeps the thought to himself for now. He maintains his pleasantries, enjoying Dimitrio's storytelling, and keeps his wine-drinking to a minimum. He realizes through the meal that his appetite is not at hand, and that he's eating for the taste of the fare more than anything. His mind plucks at the notion of magic created to nourish the body without the need for food.
On deck Garridan gazes off into the horizon enjoying the company of his companions. Having never been to sea before he tries to conceal his nervousness with more drink.
You rise early and leave the Gold Goblin in the, hopefully, capable hands of your guards and staff. The morning is already warm, and a little humid, as you walk the short distance to the Flying Cloud, berthed at the docks. When you arrive, the ship is a buzz with activity as the Captain is making ready to heave off. He sees you can calls out, ”Hurry, we are ready to depart!”
Climbing aboard, you are swiftly carried out to sea. The captain sets his sails, and the ship speedily begins to move to the south - relatively smooth over the rushing early waves.
The journey is short, and the ship covers the 18-mile voyage in a mere 5 hours, reaching the island about an hour after lunch.
The forested island (map) is quiet as the ship approaches; no signs of life are immediately apparent. A low ridge forms a spine along the length of the island, its slopes covered with dense forest and its shores affording very few safe places to land. Two stone towers rise above the level of the surrounding trees along the top of the island’s ridge, one to the east (F) and one at the island’s center (B). There is also a lighthouse off to the distance (C).
A thin plume of smoke rises from a point about midway between those two towers at the height of the island’s ridge. Yet the most dramatic sight as the ship nears its destination is the immense crater on the island’s northeastern slopes (D). The crater itself is hundreds of feet wide and surrounded by an even larger swath of burnt trees that have been knocked flat in a burst pattern around the impact site. The region’s frequent rainstorms and damp conditions prevented the fire from consuming the entire island, yet in all nearly a quarter of the island’s forest was destroyed by the impact.
The Captain carefully guides his ship to the harbor (A), and he grows more uneasy as he approaches.
”Didn’t Kwava say there were other expeditions here? Where are the other ships?” As he speaks, a bright light suddenly flashes at the peak of the island’s central tower, a sparkling blast of pyrotechnics that lasts for several seconds before expiring*.
Only a few minutes later the ship docks and you begin unloading yourselves and any gear. You hear a voice call out from the seemingly abandoned buildings, “Ahoy, the ship! Ahoy! Goldhammer’s Expedition requesting permission to approach!”
Looking up, you see Gravin Goldhammer (image) himself, along with a handful of bedraggled dwarves and humans, four in all, stringing along behind him approaching the docks. They have weapons out, and look fearfully to the buildings they depart as if anticipating an attack at any time. Their clothes are torn and filthy and their faces are tired and haggard.
The journey is short, and the ship covers the 18-mile voyage in a mere 5 hours, reaching the island about an hour after lunch.
Even without a cabin of his own, the bard enjoyed the trip immensely. Dimitrio's hair was whipped about by the sea breeze and the ship o the vessel was exhilarating. The bard made his way to the bow of the ship and spread his arms as if he were flying, a broad, silly smile on his face.
”Didn’t Kwava say there were other expeditions here? Where are the other ships?” As he speaks, a bright light suddenly flashes at the peak of the island’s central tower, a sparkling blast of pyrotechnics that lasts for several seconds before expiring*.
Dimitrio nods and looks about, "Yes, he did and I also got that impression from the dockmaster. I was expecting to have to fight for a place to dock." He turns to his companions, "Anyone care to hazard a guess as to what's going on?"
Only a few minutes later the ship docks and you begin unloading yourselves and any gear. You hear a voice call out from the seemingly abandoned buildings, “Ahoy, the ship! Ahoy! Goldhammer’s Expedition requesting permission to approach!”
The bard is instantly alert; the sight of stressed people looking fearfully behind them did not bode well. He yelled out, "Who are you again and what do you want?"
Not giving the dwarf much of a chance to answer, he asks, "And where is everyone?"
Dimitrio tried to look past the dwarf and his entourage to see what, if anything, was chasing them.
Kaylayne looks at the approaching dwarves, and much like her reaction after the tidal wave, she seeks to help others without consideration for herself. She gets her gear unloaded, takes out some stones & magics them, then prepares to cover the retreating dwarves.
"You there! What happened? What do you face?" Kaylayne asks, readying for battle. "Would you want to join us in fighting them? Surely with our combined might..."
Diplomacy
Garridan watches the approaching party and surmises, [I]I knew this job was too good to be true.[/b] Yelling over his companions and fearing the answer he asks, "What happened to your ships?"
Ederin enjoyed the ship, spending much of his time sitting with his legs dangling off the port side of the ship, watching as the island came into view. He whistles at the sight of the crater, suddenly being able to appreciate the damage done by 'falling star' or whatever it was. He briefly considers the state of Riddleport had it landed there and wipes the image from his mind.
What are we gettin' into? Falling stars? Look at the size o' that hole. This is bigger 'an us for sure, but how much bigger. Drow and fallin' stars, almost makes me wish I was still muckin' 'round in Rotgut.
Ederin is slow to get off the ship, having always been fond of them he lingers while gathering his things but his head snaps up as he hears the shout for help and his hand is instantly on his bow. Still on deck he draws and lets his companions ask the questions.
He looks over the dwarf looking for any signs of deceit then turns his eyes to the buildings behind them, wondering what's got them running.
Lief yells up to the Captain. "Captain, can you please hold for a moment longer? We seek to speak with these folks before we leave the safety of the docks. Might you be able to bear them away, should that prove necessary?"
The young man listens first to any tone in the dwarf's voice that might betray hostility towards the new arrivals.
Lief leaves his gear on the dock, and moves up to speak with the Goldhammer dwarf. "We are here to investigate, and you seem to be already quite knowledgeable about the peril. Please, what can you tell us?"
The bard is instantly alert; the sight of stressed people looking fearfully behind them did not bode well. He yelled out, "Who are you again and what do you want?"
Not giving the dwarf much of a chance to answer, he asks, "And where is everyone?"
"You there! What happened? What do you face?" Kaylayne asks, readying for battle. "Would you want to join us in fighting them? Surely with our combined might..."
The Dwarf approaches as his ‘team’ hangs back a little and forms a tight circle. “My name is Gravin Goldhammer, the leader of this fool-fated expedition. We’ve only been here a couple days, and this is all what’s left of the fourteen who landed.”
“There’s supposed to be three other groups here, but I only seen one of them so far - the cyphermages who are up in Witchlight. Slyeg and Zincher supposedly have men here too, but I ain’t seen any of them... although we did spot some smoke rising to the southeast, like maybe from campfires.”
”Look, them stories about Virashi’s Curse are right - mostly. Only it ain’t ghosts what haunt this place, no. It’s monsters. Low to the ground things, fast and lean. Never did get me a good look at one of them, even with them snatching a few of my men and dragging them off into the woods. We’re miners, we have no particular skills against the likes of these in combat.”
Indeed the few who remain hold their weapons poorly, unskillfully, and their ‘huddle’ is more like that of lemmings than warriors fighting back to back.
”A few others got bit or slashed, and their wounds turned bad. Some sort of sick got in them, and then, when they died, it came back out their faces. Torag’s scars, but that were a sight I’d like to unsee. Came right out of their faces like they were tongues, and then my own men, or whatever they became anyway, attacked us. We put them down and burned the bodies just this morning. Whatever’s out there, it’s not fit for this world.”
”You shouldn’t stay here. If you had any sense, you’d get back on that boat and head right back to Riddleport! Good Captain, I trust you are not staying on this accursed Island. Please, for the love of all that is holy, take my remaining men and me off this rock!”
Garridan watches the approaching party and surmises, I knew this job was too good to be true. Yelling over his companions and fearing the answer he asks, "What happened to your ships?"
”Our ship passed on to Magnimar, scheduled to pick us up in a week - but we will not last that long. Please, take us now.”
Lief yells up to the Captain. "Captain, can you please hold for a moment longer? We seek to speak with these folks before we leave the safety of the docks. Might you be able to bear them away, should that prove necessary?”
”Of course, I shall of course bear them back to port, and quickly too. But what of you? Will you remain the few days it will take me to load my ship in Riddleport? Or return with me now - in safety?”
The dwarf, who seemed to be OK, looks incredibly relieved at the acceptance of travel. He immediately waves his men aboard, though he does stay and answer your questions fully. His voice quivers slightly with relief as he does so.
Lief leaves his gear on the dock, and moves up to speak with the Goldhammer dwarf. "We are here to investigate, and you seem to be already quite knowledgeable about the peril. Please, what can you tell us?”
”I will tell you all I know. Firstly, we haven’t found any skymetal. Not a speck. Plenty of craters around, but nothing in them worth taking. Either the other groups got it all, or there wasn’t any to begin with. The only thing we’ve found here are those critters I described. Maybe there’s just a pack of ‘em and you can handle ‘em, but not me. I’m out of here.”
He’s not sure what else to say, so he shrugs and gets ready to get on board, pending any further questions.
Sense Motive
Kaylayne nods at the dwarf, waving him aboard, then helping his companions aboard. She no longer worries as much about a direct assault and trust Ederin with his arrows to alert them.
"Did you say that what attacked you liked the ground? Can you describe more of what they looked like? And...what...what did you mean when you wrote 'Some sort of sick got in them, and then, when they died, it came back out their faces.'. What came out?"
Ederin listens to the frightened dwarf, having never seen anyone so afraid in his life, he figures the story is true, or at least that believed it to be true. Maybe that's more drow poison makin' them see things funny? I hope so.
He nods at the captain when he agrees to take the survivors on boards.
"I hate to say it, but we came here expectin' trouble. Came here maybe to put it down to, don't see a reason we shouldn't stick to the plan. Anything more you can tell us 'bout what attacked you can only help." Ederin doesn't put his bow down and keeps his eyes on the docks and the land beyond. He uses his shoulders to shift his pack to a more comfortable position and nods his head toward the island. Still scanning the horizon he addresses the captain again.
"These guys need to get movin', don't know how long we'll be here but if we find any more survivors maybe we can send 'em back this way so you can pick 'em up on the next trip. I'll even pay you extra for doin' it. As for us, we should probably get goin' eh? Sounds like we got some beasts to put down."
"Did you say that what attacked you liked the ground? Can you describe more of what they looked like? And...what...what did you mean when you wrote 'Some sort of sick got in them, and then, when they died, it came back out their faces.'. What came out?"
”It is hard to describe really, they tended to attack quickly, in a rush. They were like great cats, lithe and fast, but with tentacles. Lots of tentacles. As for the men, well they just didn’t feel right, you know, feverish. And when they perished, their tongues came out of their heads and their jaws came… unhinged. It was horrible.”
He’s quite ready to be off.
Back in the day, Devil’s Elbow was known primarily among the local Varisians and goblin tribes of the nearby mountains as the lair of a cruel and capricious siren named Virashi. When disenfranchised explorers and settlers began drifting into the region in great numbers 70 or so years ago, dissatisfied with the way Magnimar was growing, several settlements sprang up along the shores here. While two of these settlements (Riddleport and Roderic’s Cove) fared well and even flourished, most of the settlements, faced with goblins, dangerous wildlife, and the difficulties of the remote region, did not. The village of Witchlight, founded in 4680AR by an exiled Chelish merchant named Yaris Neraken, was one such village.
When he was scouting locations for a suitable site, he and his ship wrecked on the reefs surrounding Devil’s Elbow. Yaris, the only survivor of the wreck, found himself in the care of a strange and enthralling creature with the body of a bird and the face of a beautiful woman - the siren Virashi. He spent many months as her plaything, but in time an amazing thing happened. The two fell in love. Virashi released Yaris from enthrallment, and while he remained at the siren’s side for many more weeks, he pined for the comforts of civilization. He eventually convinced Virashi that, were he to establish a thriving community on the island above, not only would he be able to enjoy soft beds and fireplaces but the money he brought in would allow him to drape the siren and her lair with riches. It didn’t take much to convince the avaricious siren of the benefits of this idea.
Yaris returned to Magnimar and managed to convince several investors that the rumors of Virashi were little more than that, and that he would be able to build a thriving settlement on the island. Once they arrived, he chose a site at the center of the island that overlooked the Varisian Gulf to serve as his new village’s foundation, and commissioned the creation of several watchtowers and lighthouses to warn what he hoped would be a steady influx of merchant traffic away from the dangerous reefs.
The island’s rugged terrain made farming impossible, so Yaris had shiploads of deer, boar, donkey rats, rabbits, and other animals brought and released in an attempt to seed a self-sustaining local wildlife population to help support his citizens. And as the money started flowing in, he made good on his promise and did indeed drape Virashi in riches.
Yet as the construction of Witchlight and the watchtowers continued, it became apparent that Yaris’s dream was unraveling.
What was initially intended to be a self-sustaining settlement became more and more reliant on supplies from Riddleport, and that city was only too eager to gouge Yaris for every penny. As dissent increased among his people, Yaris’s bad luck seemed only to grow. The western watchtower burned partially to the ground only a week after construction was complete, killing nearly a dozen laborers and Yaris’s brother in the process.
Several weeks later, a ship bearing a huge shipment of grain ran afoul of the reefs surrounding the island, and the giant centipedes that had infested the ship made it ashore and quickly bloomed into one of the island’s most obnoxious and dangerous pests. The spate of bad luck gave rise to whispers of “Virashi’s Curse,” and more and more locals began to speak of seeing a ghostly woman-faced bird in the forests and on the rocky shores.
Yaris railed against these rumors, but was unable to offer proof that Virashi wasn’t behind the “curse” without revealing his secret. Then, at the onset of winter during a particularly violent storm, the final blow struck. A shipment of diseased cattle brought to the island to augment meager food stores saw an outbreak of the deadly disease anthrakitis that killed off a third of Witchlight’s population.
Distraught over the fact that his dream was falling apart, Yaris went down to seek comfort with Virashi - but he was followed by a suspicious priest who believed Yaris had made a deal with a devil that had gone sour. The priest’s fears were confirmed when he witnessed Yaris and Virashi embrace. He returned to Witchlight, roused a mob, and under the protection of a silence spell, led the mob down to Virashi’s cave the next morning and slew the siren as she slept in her lair.
Yaris woke the next day to a horrific sight - the body of his lover hanging from a pole above a fire in the middle of Witchlight. Overcome with grief and shock, Yaris threw himself from the eastern watchtower onto the rocks and surf below. This was the final blow to the settlement - without Yaris to provide encouragement, the remaining citizens of Devil’s Elbow packed up and left for easier lives in Riddleport, Magnimar, or beyond. By the end of the week, Devil’s Elbow had been abandoned.
For the past several decades, Devil’s Elbow has remained uninhabited. Travelers on ships passing close to the island sometimes claim to see lights burning in the island’s watchtowers, further inspiring rumors that the place is haunted. These rumors are given weight every few years when adventurers decide to sail out to the island in search of Virashi’s hidden treasure, since many of them do not return, and those who do come with tales of monstrous centipedes, strange noises, and mysterious lights in the woods. This, combined with the fact that an unusual number of ships seem to wreck and sink in the waters within a 5-mile radius around the island, secured the region’s ill repute, and today, very few visitors come to its deserted shores.
Dimitrio nods at the captain's hospitality and waits around to see what the dwarf has to say about Layne's question. The bard is also very interested in finding out what these creatures were and what came out of the dead men's faces.
He then asks, "Did they seem a type of undead? Was there some sort of warning sign or pattern to their attacks? Anything you can tell us will help us survive these monsters."
He then asks, "Did they seem a type of undead? Was there some sort of warning sign or pattern to their attacks? Anything you can tell us will help us survive these monsters."
"Well I never faced any undead before, but they were surely that. They attacked with their tongues as well as claws... but their tongues detached and drained strength from their victims. Very nasty."
Know (Local)
Kaylayne begins to piece together what she's heard in bar talk along with snippets she's picked up over the years from both rumor and truth. Along with the dwarf's help, she'll explain what's in the spoiler above.
"Did you want to stay with us, Gravin? Send your men on home, but come with us. We could use you," Kaylayne asks. "If not, what does skymetal look like? Maybe we could keep an eye out for it."
Ederin lends his own voice to the story as Kaylayne and the Dwarf explain the history of Devil's Elbow. He feels particularly sheepish for having not recognized the name of the island when it was brought up days ago, but the gist of the story had been told late night in taverns all his life and he added what grisly details he remembers.
"Don't suppose we got anythin' to deal with livin' tongues and crazy siren ghosts?"
"Did you want to stay with us, Gravin? Send your men on home, but come with us. We could use you," Kaylayne asks. "If not, what does skymetal look like? Maybe we could keep an eye out for it."
He laughs - an honest booming laugh, ”I thank you for your kindness ma’am, but this thing has me about as scared as anything ever has. I’m a dwarf-for-hire, and that’s true, but there are some things money can’t buy, and my health is one of them. I’ll not stay here any longer than I have to.”
He describes skymetal, Noqual, in great detai. You’ll know it when you see it, and be able to acquire the valuable bits.
"I'll buy whatever you bring back - and a reward besides for letting me on your ship and saving my skin. Or, if you prefer, I'll forge it for you."
Noqual is one such material. This strange metal looks almost like a pale green crystal to the untrained eye, but despite its appearance the stuff can be worked as iron. Noqual is light, half as heavy as iron, yet as strong as the same. More importantly, noqual is strangely resistant to magic.
An object made of noqual gains a +4 bonus on any saving throw made against magical sources. Creating a magic item that incorporates any amount of noqual into it increases the price of creation by 5,000 gp, as costly reagents and alchemical supplies must be used to treat the metal during the process.
Weapons made of noqual weigh half as much as normal, and inflict +1 point of damage against constructs and undead created by feats or spells (this is an enhancement bonus to damage).
Armor made of noqual weighs half as much; noqual armor is one category lighter than normal for the purposes of movement and other limitations (light armor is still treated as light armor, though). The armor’s maximum Dexterity bonus is increased by 2, and armor check penalties are lessened by 3. The armor’s spell failure chance increases by 20% and applies to all magic cast while wearing the armor, regardless of the magic’s source or class abilities possessed by the wearer. The wearer of a suit of noqual armor gains a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities.
Items without metal parts cannot be made from noqual. Noqual has 30 hit points per inch of thickness and hardness 10. Noqual ore is worth 50 gp per pound.
"Don't suppose we got anythin' to deal with livin' tongues and crazy siren ghosts?"
Garrridan looks at Ed trying to be braver then he feels and suggests, "I've found few things that a strong arm and a sharp blade couldn't handle Ed." At least its not more of those demon elves and their nasty poison, he thinks as he listens to the conversation about what plagues the island.
Lief stands quietly to hear both dwarf and woman account for this strange new land. He tries hard to place the abominations described, tongues and all.
He girds himself for the trek.
"Sounds like we got some beasts to put down."
Lief tilts his head at Ederin. "Do we really want to hunt these creatures? These creatures recently hunted men. Seemed to be pretty good at it, for Gravin's current demeanor." He looks at the dwarf.
"Did you see anyone kill one of these creatures you describe? How difficult was it, if you did? Did they seem more vulnerable to any particular kind of injury?"
Kaylayne listens to Gravin's answers.
"Tell me again where your camp was? And what kind of condition is the village of Witchlight? What might we find there?" Kaylayne presses for more information while she has time.
Lief has never heard of anything like these creatures. He's not even sure what knowledge check to make. Then again, the description isn't very good either, which could be part of the problem. Maybe once he sees one.
"Did you see anyone kill one of these creatures you describe? How difficult was it, if you did? Did they seem more vulnerable to any particular kind of injury?"
”We never did kill any of the cat things, but the undead we killed a couple and burned ‘em. It was exceedingly difficult and they nearly wiped us out, haven’t you been listening? Vulnerable? I dunno. All we have are picks, shovels, hammers, and the like. Mining gear. None of it worked well…” he looks down.
"Tell me again where your camp was? And what kind of condition is the village of Witchlight? What might we find there?" Kaylayne presses for more information while she has time.
”We were right here at the docks. Tried to bunk up in the village, but the Cyphermages were already there so we setup here at the pier. The first day we tried cutting cross country to the landing site but it was very slow going. We made it to the fringes only to find no Noqual - but a pack of those cat beasts so we fell back and they've been harassing us ever since off and on - mostly at night.”
”We’ve been hunkered down ever since. Now if you don’t mind, I need to attend my crew, what’s left of ‘em, and get off this accursed island.” he looks up at the ship, hoping to be freed to escape.
"I've found few things that a strong arm and a sharp blade couldn't handle Ed."
"You ain't wrong Garry, but sometimes it's good to have an Edge."
"Do we really want to hunt these creatures? These creatures recently hunted men. Seemed to be pretty good at it, for Gravin's current demeanor."
"Hunt 'em? No, but I figure their close, and they've be wittlin' away at that Gravin's workers they probably figure men are easy food at this point, poor pump sucker. We better figure we're goin' to have to deal with a few of 'em at least. Now why don't we let these guys get on, eh? Been through enough and we should probably keep movin' while we have daylight."
Ederin heads off the ship and a starts looking for any sign that these strange cat things might be close.
"Think the Cyphermages will have any idea what we're up against?"