Lief's eyes widen. "You will do no such thing, Zincher! The zombies of this island, they are a direct result of an akata injury. You must know that. Are you saying, here and now, you have no regard for the people of Riddleport, that you would bring a live akata back to your fighting pits? You're not that stupid, are you?"
The red rises quickly to his face and Akron even leans in a little. Clegg steps forward to Lief, gripping his hands tightly. But then something occurs to him and he breaks out into laughter. "I can see why Saul selected you lot in the first place. Such passion!"
"I wish you luck in your endeavors."
He motions to Akron, who sees you out as much with his body as his gestures he hedges you out the door/flap.
- - -
The party moves off a little, and out of the camp. Samantha listens and says, "Well I don't completely trust him either - after all we are from rival houses. That said I also get some protection and formality due to that relationship. So I daresay I'm safer here than you would be."
"But we'll watch our backs..."
- - -
The party heads toward the crater.
Although it’s clearly visible from the sea, actually reaching the crater site by land is easier said than done. No trails lead to the site, and once one comes within a half mile of the actual crater, fallen trees and loose soil make travel even more exhausting. The terrain here is difficult, and overland travel speeds are reduced to one-quarter normal. Moving among the toppled and scorched trees makes for a strange and unnerving experience, since the only signs of life are the wheeling flocks of turkey vultures in the skies above.
Eventually you reach the crater, uh, area. It’s not a single smallish hole in the ground, but rather more like an air burst that scattered the local flora in a roughly circular area. So if you’re seeking Noqual it could be anywhere in the blast radius, likely partly buried under the dirt.
What do you do here? Go to the center? Wander the perimeter? Search for sky metal? It is mid-morning.
Dimitrio is happy to make it through the rubble and downed vegetation and uprooted trees. But now that he's in the crater, he's not sure what he's looking for exactly.
He shrugs to the others and looks at Lief, "So was there anything on that diary to tell us what we're looking for?"
He turns to the others, "Anybody know?"
The bard starts walking around to see if anything out of the ordinary strikes his fancy.
Kaylayne will have a continuous, passive scouting for noqual. She knows she's not likely to find much, much less be able to carry it, but she'll keep an eye out. She has more important things to do than dig for metal.
"I don't know that we really know, Dimitrio, Lief tends to read more into that diary than I do," Kaylayne sifts about, trying to make sense of the crater. She looks for a good tree to climb, then does so using her slippers. She wants an overview of the area. Once in the tree she'll take 16 minutes to take 20 in 8 different sections. She'll point out to others what she sees.
Yeah, the crater is ~1/2 mile by ~3/4 mile or a little more. So quite a large area. Remember too you're moving at 1/4 speed in this terrain as well. So even a casual search of the entire area would likely take days I think.
The diary didn't talk much about the island. Depora was just in charge of selecting the place, she didn't have anything to do with it's setup or the operation there. She picked the island, according to her notes, because it was quiet, yet not too far out of the way.
Most of the trees nearby have been leveled by the blast, but Kaylayne does manage to get 10'-15' up or so, though it doesn't help a lot. She doesn't see any Noqual or standing structures or anything like that. She does see a small group of people to the northeast though at the other edge of the crater. They seem to be scouring the ground - probably hunting for Noqual.
Kaylayne points out the group to the northeast and that there is very little else to report.
"Well, we should go that way. It's unlikely that we'll see Drow during the day, from what I understand about their preference for the 'dark."
Kaylayne climbs down the tree.
"I couldn't tell much from this distance. I can try again when we get closer."
"Sounds good, it's better then standing around," Garridan supports Layne's idea. While searching Garridan will cast detect magic.
Kaylayne points out the group to the northeast and that there is very little else to report.
"Well, we should go that way. It's unlikely that we'll see Drow during the day, from what I understand about their preference for the 'dark."
Dimitrio nods, "Fair enough Layne. That's probably our best bet to find something in this crater."
He looks at her feet, "Those slippers turned out to be a lot more useful than I first gave them credit for. You figure you can carry some weight when you go up, like a person on your back?"
"Those slippers turned out to be a lot more useful than I first gave them credit for. You figure you can carry some weight when you go up, like a person on your back?"
Kaylayne smiles, looking down at her slippers.
"Indeed, while you men were fighting over who got the shiniest armor and who has the biggest, sharpest sword, this smart girl ran off with the pretty, and functional shoes," Kaylayne says, feeling pretty pleased with her shoes. She didn't expect them to be this handy, but they have served her well so far.
If I could fly, I wouldn't need them would I?
Why would you think you could fly?
I can dream. I can have dreams again.
Why?
Maybe I'm not dead.
Hmm. Maybe.
Ederin smirks as Kaylayne gloats about her shoes.
"I ain't ever fought over anythin' but ain't it just like a lass to brag about what's on her feet?"
As they walk Ederin occasional shifts the dirt with his feet, halfheartedly looking for some noqual, but for the most part he keeps his eyes forward, especially once it's discovered there's another group not far from them. As they get closer he attempts to size them up from a distance.
You get closer to the other group, and climb another stump, and you can see they look like Zincher’s men. Also out searching for the normally rare sky metal. While most of their attention is down on the ground, one notices you and waves friendly like.
In the couple hours that you work your way over to them, you find 1 lb of Noqual in your casual search (assuming take-10 looking about). You expect you'd find more if you focused on it, but maybe not. It's hard to spot in the mud and other detritus.
Garridan doesn’t find anything with detect magic - other than what the party brought with them. The metal does not detect as magic in any way nor does the crater.
Dimitrio barely nods to the group as soon as it is clear that it is Zincher's men.
He continues to investigate the crater but he looks disheartened as he kicks rubble and dirt with his boots. This is clearly something he doesn't enjoy.
"So, how much longer are we going to stick around here? it's not like we are searching for sky metal , right?"
He lifts his head, shields his eyes from the sun, and looks about, "Isn't there someplace else we should move on to so we can continue exploring this island?"
Well you have been to a, b, e, and part of d. Though you could spend days searching d for sky metal.
Kaylayne shrugs.
"I wouldn't be against spending a day looking for noqual, but that's pretty selfish. I would like a little somethingsomething to make with it or have made, but do we mind using the time?" Kaylayne asks.
"We could also continue exploring...especially the points then come back if we have time. Not sure we've found anything yet."
"Got no issue looking for more o' this metal if everyone wants to. Could make a decent piece o' armor, but I can't stop thinkin' about what Zincher might o' been playin' act. He was actin' strange an' we already know the drow got some hand in this. Think he might be collecting noqual for 'em?"
Ederin scowls an looks to Lief. "Thought he was gonna pound you to the dirt when you argued about him capturin' that cat, and then he just laughs it off?" He shakes his head and doesn't say anything more.
Maybe I'm just paranoid.
"I don't mind if we linger and gather some of this sky metal." Garridan asserts. He adds, " Weapons might be more realistic then armor. It will take a lot of this stuff to make armor."
"Weapons are nice mate, but how many of us have tasted dirt at this point?" Ederin shakes his head remembering how his own head connected with the floor of the church back in Riddleport. "We seem to be cuttin' and piercin' just fine, think it's a bit o' protection we need. O' course it's all moot if we don't find any more. We can figure out what to make after we know how much we got."
"So was there anything on that diary to tell us what we're looking for?"
Lief looks to Kaylayne's reply, and nods in defeat. "Nothing significant to direct our efforts here, I'm afraid. Only that there is likely a drow presence here as well. Not sure where drow would hide."
"I ain't ever fought over anythin' but ain't it just like a lass to brag about what's on her feet?"
Lief tries and fails to stifle a snort. He casually studies the crater's contours, more to imagine the shape of the rock that struck the ground hard enough to mark the land permanently.
"Thought he was gonna pound you to the dirt when you argued about him capturin' that cat, and then he just laughs it off?"
Lief looks Ederin over, sensing his irk. "Yeah, I could have probably phrased it better, but really. We have the chance to contain that problem, and he's spouting nonsense about spreading that disease. Better to call him out now, I think. That thick skull of his, and we've not heard the last of his designs. That's most unfortunate."
The young man hears the rest of the group talking about harvesting, but keeps quiet with his annoyance. We're here for drow, folks. And glyphs, and designs for further destruction. I'm not sure we have the kind of time to dig through dirt for shinies.
Drow are nocturnal, so you're probably looking for a cave or other covered area for during the day.
Knowledge Geography for good cave areas on the island. Also, Knowledge Local about Clegg Zincher if you like.
Kaylayne wants to look for rocks, but presses on with her main mission.
"Let's finish exploring this island first. Maybe we can set aside a full day to scavenge for Noqual later, but...yeah...we have other questions to answer."
Kaylayne motions to go to Area F...and begins to walk that way.
"Like a snake with two heads." Ederin mumbles as the party focus keeps shifting. He figures with her new ring it's all right to let Kaylayne pave the way, especially since it's back the direction they just came from.
If Lief requests assistance looking for potential drow dwellings Ederin reviews what they've seen of the island and offers his expertise.
Dimitrio continues to kick dirt and rubble with his boots but it is clear that his spirit in this task.
His head lifts when he hears talk about finding the drow, "Yes, agree. Totally agree. We should investigate the island fully and then those that want to play in the dirt can do so."
Best place to find caves would probably be the cliffs on the south side of the islands. Zincher doesn't let folks slide. What he did to Lief is extremely unusual. Don't want to push you in any particular direction, just giving you the background.
The party begins to move toward the end of the island. It takes a couple hours to get back to the trail, but then things are pretty quick as you make your way to the tower - the eastern lighthouse.
Although just as old as the other structures, this 40 foot tall stone lighthouse survived the passage of time and the impact of the falling star quite well. Its walls are encrusted with salt and grime, and the wooden stairwell and internal floors have collapsed into a pile of moldering rubble within, but the tower itself stands firm.
As with the last tower, this one is pretty close to the cliffs edge. Why the builders chose to build so close is unknown, but there you have it. The party is a hundred feet or so from the structure.
Although just as old as the other structures, this 40 foot tall stone lighthouse survived the passage of time and the impact of the falling star quite well. Its walls are encrusted with salt and grime, and the wooden stairwell and internal floors have collapsed into a pile of moldering rubble within, but the tower itself stands firm.
As with the last tower, this one is pretty close to the cliffs edge. Why the builders chose to build so close is unknown, but there you have it. The party is a hundred feet or so from the structure.
Ah, much better; this is much better than kicking dirt and rubble around. Dimitrio just finishes cleaning off his boots from the dusty trail.
The bard then starts speaking his thoughts out loud, "So another precarious tower. Much like the one that toppled over and sank with us in it. I can sneak up quietly to check it out."
He nods towards Ederin, "And so can shorty here but how about you survivor types look around for any footprints or any recent activity before I go off investigating?"
Kaylayne looks at the far tower from afar.
[b]"Do you think it is still stable? I wonder..."[b] She begins to step forward, then stops when Dimitirio mentions footprints. She about faces then follows in Ederin's exact footprints as she looks for tracks in Ederin's shadow.
Survival - tracks
Ederin inspects the building as they near it, attempting to spot any signs that it may fall or crumble around them. If satisfied that it looks stable he turns his attention to finding any activity, human or otherwise.
Garridan stays alert as they approach the tower, this would be a good place for the drow to hide.
Knowledge Engineering would tell you a lot about the stability of the tower. From what you can perceive, the building looks solid. The party does not see anything moving nearby or within - at least not from this distance (presuming you're still a little ways away).
Ederin detects no humanoid tracks, but there are some akata tracks in the area, though not many.
Presuming the party then closes in a little for a closer look, the tower certainly has that abandoned feel about it. Lots of overgrowth, lots of falling down bits (though the stone portions of the tower seem intact), no evidence of humanoid occupation. You're still 10' or so away.
Dimitrio is somewhat disappointed with their discovery. Out of good habit, he draws his rapier and inspects the outer perimeter of the tower.
The bard tells his companions of his lack of luck and enters the tower. Cautious on where he steps lest he twist an ankle which prevents him from dancing, Dimitrio looks inside the decrepit structure.
Kaylayne seems disappointed by the lack of tracks.
"Not much here, is there, Ederin? This isn't the lighthouse we're looking for," Kaylyane notes, looking again at the lighthouse.
Garridan draws his weapon as his companions inspect the tower. "Careful," he admonishes.
Dimitrio does not find anything on his pass. Kaylayne sees that the interior is all gutted possibly by fire (perception check please). She, so far, sees nothing inside.
Perception
Kaylayne looks in. If she will climb to a higher window and repeat the process.
Perception
As he watches Lyane climb Garridan can't help but remark to those closest to him, "We should be looking down not up."
Kaylayne sees nothing in the tower but some rubble, however Garridan is right, there's something on the cliff side of the tower. A body or something. It's hard to make out, but whatever it is... it's old, not fresh.
It's also very hard to get to.
Kaylayne sees nothing in the tower but some rubble, however Garridan is right, there's something on the cliff side of the tower. A body or something. It's hard to make out, but whatever it is... it's old, not fresh.
It's also very hard to get to.
Dimitrio whistles Layne over and points to Garridan's find.
"I'm more than willing to try and get to that but you and your slippers probably have the best chance."
He smiles assuming Layne will agree, "How can I help?"
Sorry, climb check, on the back side of the tower down on a ledge on the cliff side. Failure means a fall of 70' to the rocks below.
Kaylayne smiles as she slips over the cliff's side, beginning to go beyond trusting the magic of her slippers and moving into 'depending on'.
"I think I got this, Dimitrio. The good news for you is that if these slippers fail me and I tumble to my death, you'll only have to notify yourselves as my only friends or family."
She orients herself not so that she's climbing face down, but almost crab walking as she moves to what others discovered.
Perception
Kaylayne smiles as she slips over the cliff's side, beginning to go beyond trusting the magic of her slippers and moving into 'depending on'.
"I think I got this, Dimitrio. The good news for you is that if these slippers fail me and I tumble to my death, you'll only have to notify yourselves as my only friends or family."
Dimitrio laughs nervously, not sure if Layne was kidding or not.
"Up to you; I'm more than willing to try the climb since my magic will protect me from the fall. Although you may have to fish me if I float down the cliff."
I hope she tied her laces tight,Garridan thinks as he watches Layne.
Lief continues the march, allowing his mind to replay Zincher's attitude, given distance from the interaction. Didn't get belligerent with us. That's interesting. He wanted to, as tight as he gripped his fists. But he didn't. He's got orders, possibly. The only one higher than him is likely Cromarcky himself. That... that would be interesting, indeed, if Cromarcky is protecting us somehow... Interesting, and somewhat uncomfortable...
When they arrive at the tower, Lief gives it a looking-over.
He seems more distracted by his recent interaction than he focuses on the integrity of another decrepit tower.
"We should be looking down not up."
Lief nods and shrugs, as Kaylayne goes up the tower, then over the side of the cliff. He responds quietly enough.
"Looks like she heard you."
As Dimitrio offers to join Kaylayne in the pursuit, Lief remains silent, uninterested in provoking the petulance of the dancer. He decides to keep a watch out, while they're at altitude.
Lief studies the tower and grounds a bit and decides it’s probably safe. Not the internal structures mind you. The wood is rotten, what’s left anyway. But the stone is solid and the ground seems untouched by the falling star here, a couple miles from the blast site.
Crawling upside down, Kaylayne finds the body of a man in the bushes. It’s old, but not really old. He’s dressed as an adventurer, in rusted chain mail. He’s got some assorted things in his pack, nothing of particular value, but his sword glows like a torch (+1 cold iron longsword, glows at will). He also has 34gp in assorted wealth and a garnet worth 250gp.
Kaylayne is able to gather the materials and return safely to the party. She feels a little like she’s being watched, but can’t quite put her finger on it.
Kaylayne offers the gear around.
"Whomever found that had good eyes. This is a nice sword, shiny, even."
She turns to look at the structure.
"Maybe we could look inside, however briefly. Then we need to trek to the other side of this island."
She is happy to help, support, and even follow whomever opens/enters the tower.
Kaylayne offers the gear around.
"Whomever found that had good eyes. This is a nice sword, shiny, even."
Dimitrio slowly claps, "Take a bow, girl. Well done. Those slippers become more important as times goes by."
He looks at the longsword, "A bit too heavy for my style but a fine blade nonetheless. What are the magics on it? Does it allow for fighting anything specific?"
She turns to look at the structure.
"Maybe we could look inside, however briefly. Then we need to trek to the other side of this island."
Dimitrio puts the longsword down. "Yes, agreed. We didn't come all the way here to just not enter."
Rapier drawn, the bard enters the structure, careful where he steps lest he twist an ankle, and Desna forbid, be unable to dance.
Garridan follows the bard with his sword drawn.
"It's sharp and pointy, magically so...and made out of that hard iron too."
Kaylayne offers the glowing sword to Ederin, then prepares to follow Garridan & Dimitrio into the tower.
The party enters the tower and gives it a thorough search.
You don't find anything further of note, though you all feel as though you're being watched by the end of it. Nothing you can point to... just a nagging feeling.
I'm sure it's nothing...
Nothing you can point to... just a nagging feeling.
I'm sure it's nothing...
Dimitrio signals Desna to ward off evil spirits a few times; he is sure something was watching him.
Not being able to pinpoint it, he vigorously shakes his shoulders and back trying to shrug it off. "Something is wrong. You all feel it?"
He then looked at the sword, "Maybe we shouldn't have disturbed the remains here. Garry, can you bless the sword and loot we found? You know sort of just give thanks to the spirits and tell them we'll put them to good use?"
"Layne, anything you learned in that temple of yours that could help here?"
Kaylayne shrugs.
"My knowledge of the religious is pretty limited. I've only explored the gods very briefly...and so things like this are weird, but I can't explain them," Kaylayne replies unhelpfully.
"If there is nothing here, then there is nothing here that pertains to what we seek. No drow, no fell creatures, no reasons why the drow would be here. Let's move on."
Kaylayne leaves the tower and waits outside.
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Garridan vaguely waves his hand in the air, "It's been blessed you can rest easy Dimitrio."
Upon leaving the tower he asks, "where to next?"