Ederin accepts the sword from Kaylayne and looks it over approvingly. He takes a few swipes to test the weight and balance, and even takes a moment to play with the glow.
"Could be handy if I run out of arrows or we end up fightin' in close quarters like that tower again."
He shrugs at the tower, not sure if there was anything else they could really do here.
"I figure we can find some caves to the south if we're still lookin' for drow. Got the other lighthouse to check out to I guess..." Ederin looks towards Zincher's camp and frowns. Still ain't sure he ain't doin' anything suspicious either.
Turning back toward the way they came Ederin focuses once again on scouting and pathfinding.
Kaylayne follows Ederin, ready to move to the other side of the island , then hopefully to find a safe place to camp before dark.
"We have quite a distance to go yet. Let's get moving."
The party gets into the dark canopy of the trail (though it’s still mid afternoon when you get going). Not long after the sun is shielded, a wispy figure rises out of the ground of the trail and attacks () Kaylayne!
This ghostly creature is little more than a dark shape with two flickering pinpoints of light where its eyes should be. It is fully visible.
Dimitrio
Ederin +2 in urban terrain
Garridan
Kaylayne
Lief
Good Guys
Thanks to some horrid rolls on my part, the party is up!
Round 1, Init 13
Kaylayne, having had more than half her life sucked out of her, withdraws.
[ dice]1d20+8-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]2d6+2[/dice] damage.
+6 base +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 35 charges left
Trying hard to keep a firm grip on his rapier, the bard quickly invokes Desna for protection.
He kisses his blade and lights it up with some of his arcane power as he lunges at the apparition.
"Be gone ghost. Rest in peace!"
--------------
, critical
, I don't think so but damage is below just in case
Garridan draws his rapier and rushes toward the ghost. "Be gone foul apparition," Garridan yells as his sword turns a bright white.
I see no note about a save vs the con loss - sorry.
Dimitrio connects, though does not crit. I do not believe you can crit this creature in any event.
It wavers and considers attacking Dimitrio next.
Ederin and Lief still to go!
Round 1, Init 11
AC = 15
HP = 23/23
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Utter Surprise
Lief balks at a creature like this suddenly appearing. Despite his fear, he tries his best to understand its undead nature, and share his knowledge with the others.
He retreats, unsure about what it did to Kaylayne, but not interested at all in finding out firsthand. He halfheartedly takes a shot with his crossbow.
Ahhh, the relaxation of today at the hotel, and nagging by Kaylayne, results in a reversal.
There IS a save vs the Con Drain. DC 17 Fort please.
Fort Save
Kaylayne grumbles as she can't keep her life force from being sucked away.
Round 1 Initiative 18
HP: 29
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite longbow +2
Conditions:
Relevant Data: 3 cold iron arrows (blanch)/Blunt arrows (6 silvered, 15 silver blanch, 3 regular)
Ederin moves to a spot where he can line up a clear shot and looses an arrow.
Dimitrio steps up and strikes true, wounding the creature. His blow passes mostly through the creature and does not harm it as much as he thinks he should. Ederin’s arrow slams into the creature and does some damage as it passes thought it’s incorporeal form. You are in point blank range. Garridan again blesses his blade, but cannot connect with it - at least not yet. Kaylayne, reeling from the initial blow, backs away quickly. Lief assesses the situation, but fails to connect with his crossbow.
The ghostly form takes on Dimitrio, who has so recently done him wrong.
(DC 17 Fort save vs con loss)
Next up - everyone!
Round 2 - Ini 24
Dimitrio shivered as the ghostly hand passed by his head, leaving his nape hairs standing and his skin worst than a freshly-plucked chicken.
He once more lunged at the wispy apparition and his rapier connected with the insubstantial form.
Since his last order failed to have any effect, he implores, "Desna, make this thing rest in peace."
---
, critical
, no
Round 2, Init 13
"What? WHAT IS THAT!? I feel so...drained! Don't let it touch you!" Kaylayne cries, feeling cold and burnt at the same time. She draws her wand of magic stone and uses the magic therein.
[ dice]1d20+8-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]2d6+2[/dice] damage.
+6 base +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 34 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 22 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 38 charges left
Round 2 Initiative 18
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite longbow +2
Conditions:
Relevant Data: 2 cold iron arrows (blanch)/Blunt arrows (6 silvered, 15 silver blanch, 3 regular) -2 rapid shot,+1attack/dam point blank
"Great, cause demon cats weren't bad enough!"
Ederin snaps two more cold iron arrows at the creature.
Ain't got nothing left but blunted arrows, great.
Round 2, Init 11
AC = 15
HP = 23/23
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Utter Revulsion
Lief flinches a little as he catches sight of the pinpoints of light, and puts together more information regarding their foe. "A wraith of some kind. And it seems to be using the canopy for protection against the sunlight, otherwise I don't think it would be so bold as it is now."
"Only magic will hit it. It will also resist energies brought about by priests to heal the living, while trying to injure the undead. Incorporeal entity." The young man steadies his arm, trying to avoid hitting either Garridan or Dimitrio.
Garridan takes another swing at the wraith.
AC: 22 (f20/t12)
HP: 29/31
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = Blessing (good) duration 8 rounds, Divine Favor 9 rounds
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +3, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1, +2 Divine Favor ,-1 power attack
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4, +1d6 vs evil, +2 Divine Favor,+2 power attack
Spells (caster level 4, concentration +4)
Level 0 (DC 12) Create Water (1/1)
Level 1 (DC 13) Divine Favor, Divine Favor, Bane
Level 2 (DC 13) lessor restoration
Fervor: 4/4
Blessings:2/5
Dimitrio again hits, continuing to whittle away at the creature. Ederin hits two more times, and hard! (Zincher’s camp looked well equipped. You might be able to buy arrows there, though the cost is likely to be outrageous…) Garridan continues to struggle against the wraith, and misses. Kaylayne prepares some magic stones for throwing. Lief connects as well, but fails to drop it.
The wispy creatures taking a beating and looks haggard though it is hard to tell just how injured it is. It attacks Dimitrio one more time before drifting into the ground (no AoO 5’ drift).
(DC 17 Fort save vs con loss)
There is no target for your attacks as it is now underground.
Next up - everyone!
The wispy creatures taking a beating and looks haggard though it is hard to tell just how injured it is. It attacks Dimitrio one more time before drifting into the ground (no AoO 5’ drift).
Dimitrio blanches at the creature's touch but is glad to see it leave.
He keeps his rapier in front of him and plunges it in the ground where the apparition sunk.
He signals the buttefly, "Desna, protect me."
He asks, "Does anyone have any holy water or something we can pour into the ground?"
Garridan goes to his knees and shouts, "By froth and foam begone foul creature".
HP: 29/31
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = Blessing (good) duration 8 rounds
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +3, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1, +2 Divine Favor ,-1 power attack
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4, +1d6 vs evil,
Spells (caster level 4, concentration +4)
Level 0 (DC 12) Create Water (1/1)
Level 1 (DC 13) Divine Favor, Divine Favor, Bane
Level 2 (DC 13) lessor restoration
Fervor: 2/4
Blessings:2/5
Garridan, you need line of effect to target the wraith. Do you want to wait and ready that?
Also, what's my save DC for half damage?
Keep the roll though. :)
Round 3, Init 13
"A wraith?! HERE!?" Kaylayne worries for another touch of the spectral evil. "Lief, it doesn't like sunlight, does it?"
[ dice]1d20+8-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]2d6+2[/dice] damage.
+6 base +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 34 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 22 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 38 charges left
Round Initiative 18
HP: 29
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite longbow +2
Conditions:
Relevant Data: Blunt arrows (6 silvered, 15 silver blanch, 3 regular)
Ederin curses as the wraith dissappears and he pulls his bow tight, prepared to launch one of his Blunt arrows if it rears it's head.
Round 3, Init 11
AC = 15
HP = 23/23
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Utter Revulsion
Lief reloads his crossbow, and considers higher ground, now that the ground is harboring a wraith. "No, Kaylayne, it doesn't. We may simply want to leave our surroundings for better light."
Dimitrio prepares for the worst with a blessing. Ederin readies an attack which crits! (though it does not do more damage - sorry charlie, can't crit) Garridan readies to channel when the wraith reappears. Kaylayne moves to find some sunshine, but aside from a little dapple here and there finds none to hide in (move as you will on the map, there is no ‘safe’ place here - the canopy is quite dense. Lief even manages a little damage on the fell creature.
Suddenly, from behind Ederin, the wraith reappears coming up out of the ground and attacking him!
vs DC 14 for 6 or 3 damage
(DC 17 Fort save vs con loss)
(DC 17 Fort save vs con loss)
Next up - everyone!
Round 4, Init 13
Ready with her stones, Kaylayne tosses a pair at the wraith.
to hit; (rapid)
magic damage.
to hit; (rapid)
magic damage.
Pot Crit (if possible):
to hit; (rapid)
magic damage.
[ dice]1d20+8-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]2d6+2+1[/dice] damage.
+6 base +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 34 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 22 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 38 charges left
The bard is startled to see the apparition back so soon.
"Stay away foul thing! Pharasma keep you!"
He once more attacks with his rapier, its blade sparkling with arcane energy.
-------
Round 4 - Init 24
, critical?
, probably not...
Garridan Charges the undead creature sweeping his rapier at its ghostly body.
AC: 22 (f20/t12)
HP: 29/31
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = Blessing (good) duration 8 rounds
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +3, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1,-1 power attack
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4, +1d6 vs evil,
Spells (caster level 4, concentration +4)
Level 0 (DC 12) Create Water (1/1)
Level 1 (DC 13) Divine Favor, Divine Favor, Bane
Level 2 (DC 13) lessor restoration
Fervor: 2/4
Blessings:2/5
Dimitrio also fails to crit, but does hit. Garridan charges in and connects! Kaylayne throws a pair of rocks at the wraith behind cover, and connects with the first, though also does not crit though she does drop it.
And with that the wraith gives up the ghost and fades in the dark forest into nothingness… All is very quiet, as the various forest creatures have all fled the immediate area. Almost like the akatas were coming, but they do not.
It is mid-afternoon on 11 Arodus, 4709. The Flying Cloud is due back on the island in the early afternoon tomorrow for a check in just in case you need help...
Ederin sighs with relief as the wraith is finally dealt with. He looks at the sun to judge the time of day then turns to his companions.
"Maybe we should see if the fancylads want an escort to the docks tomorrow? I might have to suck it up and buy some arrows from Zinchers men anyway, and the docks are in the direction of the other lighthouse, so it ain't too far out of our way."
He counts what's left of his arrows and places the quiver where it usually sits on his back.
"Wish we'd be gettin' off the island with 'em to be honest. We ain't found a thing that says 'drow' and I don't relish the thought of becoming one o' them zombies."
Garridan notices that Layne is a little wobbly on her feet as the result of the wraiths attack and approaches her, "Layne allow me to help you."
He lays his hands on her head and pronounces Cayden's blessing upon her.
"Desna be blessed; I can dance another day."
The bard cautiously lowers his rapier and looks for the apparition. Finding nothing in its wake, he looks at where he had been touched. The area looks blackened, as if burned.
A little light-headed but otherwise OK, the bard turns to check on the others, "Layne. Sit. You don't look good. I mean you...er, you look sick. How do you feel?"
He picks up a slightly bent arrow and turns to Ederin, "I knew archers who could fix up some of the arrows that had been shot. Can't you do that?"
"We have to explore the island before tomorrow. I say we head over to the other side and check out the other lighthouse."
Kaylayne checks herself even as Garridan comes to lay his hands upon her. The accepts the blessing, recognizing it thrice over: both as the one she used on the Sarenraen Priest, from the wand she carries, and also from her own meager magical stores.
Without too much delay after Garridan's ministrations leave her still feeling weak, she uses the wand on herself:
Wand of Lesser Restortation - 21 charges left
"There, that's close enough. I'm sure...I'm sure I'll feel better by morning. Thank you, Garridan."
"Layne. Sit. You don't look good. I mean you...er, you look sick. How do you feel?"
Kaylayne smiles at Dimitrio. "Feeling better now. Or, at least, good enough to continue."
Kaylayne looks at the fading light of the day.
"It's probably too late for use to make it to the far side of the island. Which means we'll have to go tomorrow. And that means we won't able to escort anyone tomorrow, I should think."
"Ederin, maybe we walk towards the other side while finding a place to camp? Don't need to get all the way there, but far enough along so that we can explore it during the day tomorrow? I'm sure we can find a good place for the night, right?"
Lief approaches Kaylayne as she recuperates. "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly was that like? Getting raked by the wraith? I can see the outwards signs, of course, but you've got firsthand experience."
Lief explores the spot where the wraith sank into the ground, rubbing it for signs of interaction. "Wraith. Not one of those creatures produced by the akatas. An actual wraith. Born of evil, unlike that disease the creatures seem to impart. We have a lighthouse, a dead body, looted by Kaylayne, then an attack on her shortly thereafter. Are we thinking there's a connection? Kaylayne, did the wraith and the dead body share any likeness?"
The young man keeps watch in the surrounds. "There may be more."
He continues musing. "So. Caves. Hidey holes in dark places for drow. Any thoughts?"
Kaylayne looks at Lief and sighs, not really wanting to relieve the horror, but taking a stab for the kid.
"I felt nothing. I enjoyed nothing. It was like nothing was a part of me. It was empty and it hurt...my life, my joy, my desire to live waned," Kaylayne replies, hoping that that is enough.
"I don't know if they were the same person or soul. I don't know at all. Let's get moving. We don't have much daylight left."
The party, following the trail, can easily make the western lighthouse before dusk. If it's safe, you could then camp there, a little early, or press on and camp closer to the village on the trail.
I'll go ahead and presume you press on to the lighthouse as a destination...
The western lighthouse is little more than a pile of rubble. From the looks of it, the tower collapsed before it was even completely built, and then abandoned - all many years ago.
As you poke around in the ruin, you're attacked by a few of the giant Bloodback Centipedes and a weak swarm, but you beat them back well enough and withdraw satisfied there's nothing in that tower to defend but centipede eggs.
Do you camp here? Or do you make your way down the path and then rest near area 'B' on the map?
Dimitrio wiped his blade clean of the centipedes' foul ichor. Cursing his luck at not finding anything worth 'telling mama' about, he asked, "Can we make it back to the middle of the island and stay the night there? If not, I would rather stay here where there's some sort of defensible structure in place."
Yes, Area B on the map, and yes there are other structures there, but in bad shape. Still a few walls remain, and you could setup a little 'cul-de-sac' shelter there well enough.
You might not make it before dark though. You will get there within an hour of dusk however, so not too bad if you push it a little.
"Damn, centipedes. But still they aren't all bad, Dimitrio," Kaylayne says. "They probably mostly feed on the rats of this island. I think you'd like them."
Kaylayne nods to Dimitrio.
"I don't think we'll make it back there while there is light, but it'll be close. Let's get a move on."
Garridan takes a moment to stop and rub his sore feet as the party discusses their plans. Move on, can't we just stop here, he thinks as he puts his footwear back on and hefts his pack to his shoulders. "Let's go," he reluctantly agrees.
Ederin wipes some remaining bug guts off his boot and continues moving with the rest of the group.
"If we're determined to stay on this damned island the south is where we'll find caves." He's still sour from the ridiculous price he just paid for a quiver full of arrows.
"Wonder what will get us tonight? Dragons? Drow riding zombie bears?"
Despite his grumbling he keeps his eyes peeled for any attacks and once they reach town he does his best to find a place to camp.
"Damn, centipedes. But still they aren't all bad, Dimitrio," Kaylayne says. "They probably mostly feed on the rats of this island. I think you'd like them."
Kaylayne nods to Dimitrio.
At the mention of rats, Dimitrio tightens his grip on his rapier and looks about. Slowly catching the quip, he scuffs, "You laugh all you want Layne. I tell you those vermin are bad news every which way. Now that I think about it, I hope the demon-cats do feast on rats. It's probably the only good thing they do."
If you’d rather fight every fight, carry the conversation over to the Discussion Thread and we’ll talk further. Otherwise I’ll continue to handwave non-combats like these. You’re becoming heroes!
The party returns to the village ruins after dark. It’s hard to see until the party breaks out a few light sources. The buildings are fairly decrepit, though mostly empty. You do encounter a pair of akatas milling about here, but you dispatch them quickly (one was already wounded, likely from yesterdays battle). You see no zombies.
You find a mostly intact building and make camp. Though you hear the usual rusting of natural creatures, and occasionally the larger rustling of the giant beetles, nothing else stirs and the night passes uneventfully.
The good captain Josper is due to return today on the Flying Cloud. If he makes good time, as he did on his last trip to the island, he should arrive just after lunch. You have enough time to visit Zincher’s camp, collect the wizards, and deliver them to the docks, with a few hours to spare.
You could search the village (you have not done so yet) with those few hours if you are so inclined. It is risky, as the buildings are not stable, but with enough care, and time, you can search fairly thoroughly without incident. If you do chose to search, perception checks from everyone helping would be grand.
Kaylayne keeps her eyes equally on the ground and ahead as she moves along in the dark. After the recent skirmishes, she wants to make sure her supply of throwing stones is full. It was becoming more difficult to find good stones in the dark and she didn't want to delve into her limited stores of silver stones if she could avoid it.
Kaylayne feels more comfortable with the island now that they have been to both sides with major threats handled. She is happy to spend the time searching both the village and searching for noqual, but understands if others have other priorities.
Perception (village search)
With time to spare Garridan cautiously searches the village with his companions. He does wonder if they are on the right path as they have not seen any sign of the demon elves.
The good captain Josper is due to return today on the Flying Cloud. If he makes good time, as he did on his last trip to the island, he should arrive just after lunch. You have enough time to visit Zincher’s camp, collect the wizards, and deliver them to the docks, with a few hours to spare.
Dimitrio wakes up and fixes his hair and mustache before munching on some dry rations.
He then relates what the best plan is.
"Does this sound good? And we should also set another time for pickup with Captain Josper since we haven't made any headways in what Kwava asked of us."
He looked at Ederin, "Shorty here thinks we can find caves in the southern part of the island so let's go there to investigate for any signs of the demon elves."
Meanwhile, he took time to search the village.
"I still think Zincher is up to something. I know most o' you lot don't seem as concerned but I want to make sure the mages get back to the boat alive. We get them settled, that's them in our debt with Sam to give us a good word. Ain't a bad idea to be on the good side of a crime boss for once."
Ederin nods to Dimitrio as he speaks, agreeing with the bard.
"Too much weird goin' on in this place for Zincher to just be collecting noqual for fun. Anyway, once the mages are on board and we got plans for our return trip the caves seem a better place than any to find some dark elves. Been here a few days, we should probably be gettin' on with why we came here."
Lief contributes with the search about the village, but the day's forced march starts to wear on his attentions.
Lief nods as Ederin voices his suspicions. "I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss our private concerns, Ederin. Of course we should see Sam off safely, but we need to stay and observe. Zincher's already marked himself for suggesting using the akata in his fighting pits. Which crime boss are you hoping to woo?"
The young man brightens at the prospect of investigating caves. Finally.
"How long do we believe Zincher's remaining? Wouldn't do not to understand his inventories before he departs."
"Who do you think I'm 'tryin' to woo'? The cyphermages mate. What do you think Sam meant when she said they were from rival houses? That's why she's protected from Zincher, neither side wants to cause any political issues back home."
Ederin doesn't participate in the search of the village and starts toward Zincher's camp as soon as everyone is ready.
"Figure Zincher will be here as long as it takes for him to collect the noqual. Still ain't sure what he's collecting it for but he was lying about the breastplate. An' him payin' that much for more metal means he isn't even close to what he needs, so they got a while yet on this island, same as us."