Draeven joins the battle on the other beach bringing his ax down one the one threatening Jeryn...
...sending parts of it flying in all directions with another tremendous blow.
Round 4
Luck not seeming to be with her at the moment, Fenra trusts that the two warriors will take care of the remaining skeleton and backs away to catch her breath from the onslaught and to somewhat belatedly enrobe herself in the shimmering cloak of the starry sky's protection.
Stepping away from her attacker, Fenra raises her morning star defensively as her delicate form becomes draped in a shimmering cloak of stars . Undaunted by her attempt to escape, the skeleton's blank stare and toothy grin follows. Determined to finish the young woman, the abomination lifts its rusty blade slicing and thrusting at her as it moves. However, Fenra's connection to the heavens has provided her with the protection she needs and the skeleton's strikes become lost in her starry fabric.
1/5 Skeletons: HP=4 + 135XP each
Armed with Rusted Wakizashi 1d6 / 18–20/×2 P or S Deadly*: When this weapon delivers a coup de grace, it gains +4 to damage when calculating the DC of the Fortitude saving throw to see whether the target of the coup de grace dies from the attack. The bonus is not added to the actual damage of the coup de grace attack.
Aged armor: AC 16
Skeletons: D 5ft step to R17 +SA
Ignore me at your peril undead.
Rennyn continues to press his attack upon the skeleton attacking Fenra...
...and this time the skeleton cannot avoid the inevitable, as the paladin strikes it down.
Seeing the last skeleton vanquished by Rennyn's mighty blade, Jeryn hunches down on one knee and grimaces in pain. Catching his breath, he gently pulls the fabric away from his wound so he can assess the damage.
Good thing it's only a flesh wound. Fenra, how are you faring?
Draeven looks over Jeryn's wound. Aye, just a scrape. Females love men with scars, but I wouldn't suggest you try and get any more for a while.
Rennyn looks over Fenra as Draeven examines Jeryn. Are you hurt? Before she can even answer he adds, You two should try and stick closer to me from now on. Where I can keep an eye on you and better protect you.
...the skeleton's strikes become lost in her starry fabric - save for one. Catching the oracle on the leg, the skeleton's blade manages to thrust through her defenses nipping at her flesh. Alas , her day is not getting any better. Or is it? The flash of steel from behind her attacker tells Fenra that Rennyn's familiar handiwork has finally stepped in to rescue her. Stopped in its tracks by the fine metal of the elf's blade, the skeleton stands motionless for a several heart beats, its empty eye sockets fixated upon the young woman in front of it. Then piece after piece of its ossein frame drops to the ground with the still grinning skull landing face up - its hollow eyes glued on the beauty it desperately wanted to snuff from this world.
Taking a moment or two to collect yourselves and assess any damage that may have been done, the party makes a quick search of the area. Apart from the verdigris-encrusted nameplate, little remains of ship once known as Kaijitsu’s Blossom. Its fate was the same as the Kaijitsu Star, run aground in a storm some two decades ago, half the hull remains submerged in the waters of Sog's Bay. The fate of those who stayed with the ship is clear. But what about the rest of the crew? Are they still within the ship, perhaps trapped in a watery grave? Or were these five the unlucky ones, left behind by their comrades in shallow sandy graves?
Fenra sags a bit with relief as the last skeleton is downed and allows herself a moment to pull herself together and check herself for injury. A few cuts and scrapes and what will soon be some big bruises mar her skin but she is not seriously injured.
She mops her brow with a scrap of torn fabric and flashes a smile of thanks at Rennyn. Perhaps I should get a length of rope and attach myself to you! she teases, Then you can be sure I will be within saving distance.
With the skeletons dispatched and the wreck containing nothing of interest, Rennyn looks to the others. Do we spend the night in the swamp? At Walthus'? Or head back to Sandpoint?
I'm fine with spending the night in the swamp.
What do we have for food? I don't think we are really prepared to stay out here.
I have enough trail rations to feed everyone for tomorrow.
But I suspect you desire a roof over your head, and a soft bed.
I will admit that is preferable, but a bath is what I desire most of all. With a sigh she concedes. If we are just coming back tomorrow though there is not much point to it. Whatever the rest of you want is fine with me.
It nearly slipped my mind but Walthus had requested an escort into Sandpoint. We should probably see that he reaches town safely.
We might just make it to his home before it gets too late if we leave right now...
Is fine with me. Let's move out.
Draeven takes the lead and Rennyn follows as they head off in the direction of Walthus'.
Jeryn carefully contemplates the options before him. With his mind still lost in thought Draeven takes the initiative and presses on. Leaving the sunken Kaijitsu's Blossom to continue her lonely slumber in the coming storm, the ranger leads the group south using the sandy beaches like stepping stones. Traveling mostly in silence, rumbles of thunder and cracks of lightning rake Sog's Bay to the north west. White caps leap from the rolling waters as gusts of wind churn everything in its path. Taking shelter from the winds, Draeven finds their original path. Despite taking only but a few steps into the Brinestump, the day's heat, trapped by dense foliage, quickly wraps its arms around you like the coddling of an unwanted aunt. Using long strides and remembering the troublesome roots, Draeven makes good time.
Before long the group breaks through the brush onto one of the Brinestump's familiar trails, the swaying of the trees overhead hints to the power of the approaching cell. In the dim light of the waning day, the trail meanders though the swamp like a snake. The tall trees and thick bushes on either side of the path give way to sparser clumps of growth surrounded by tall grasses as the terrain takes a steep incline. A series of hairpin turns mark a switchback cut into the side of a hill but it might as well be a cliff as far as some of you are concerned. Tired from their ordeal with the skeleton's, Fenra and the wizard manage stop to catch their breath mid way. Looking for an end to the ranger's torturous march, they notice how this portion of hill inclines gently towards the north while making a steep rise just to the south. A wall of jagged rocks fifty feet high, covered in vines and nettles is briefly illuminated by flashes of lightning. Judging by the delay between flashes of light and the booming crash of the storm's drums, this storm will be on you within the hour. Violent gusts of winds push down the grasses then kicks fists full of dirt into your faces and it is not until you reach to the relative safety of the Lost Coast Road that you realize the size and breadth of the storm raging over the bay. Reaching out like a hand, a crown of huge columns stretch across the bay to block out the sun as they tower across the sky. At its base, a bed of brown and grey clumps carries the storm cell effortlessly over the waters. Bright chains of lightning illuminates the cell like a Christmas tree bearing an ominous gift. By the time you reach the trail leading to Walthus', a torrent of rain is unleashed. Despite the canopy of trees overhead, their branches are spread apart by the ploughing force of the winds allowing sheets of rain though which soak you to the bone. Making your way across the small clearing to Walthus' home, small lakes of rain water grow like landmines blocking your path. Knocking on the halfling's door you are surprised to see a familiar face greet you as the small wooden door opens.
Greetings Kenan! I didn't expect to see you here. Where is Walthus? Is everything ok?
Yes! Please tell us, as we dry.
After this brief greeting she heads directly to the fireplace.
At least this rain has washed most of the swamp off. she says to herself as she examines her clothing and flesh for injury as she drys.
After listening to what Kenan has to say she mends any damage to her clothes and offers the same magical service to her companions.
After briefly greeting Kenan at the door with a nod and a well met, Jeryn moves into the abode and joins Fenra at the fire. He removes his traveling robes, heavy and cold with water and unceremoniously drops them to the floor. Clad in his still wet undergarments, he sits as close to the fire as is comfortable in an attempt to absorb it's comforting warmth.
After securing a good position by the fire he turns his attention to the others, eager to hear Kenan's tale and the status of their host.
Kenan stares blankly at the four of you. Perhaps the lone monk realizes nothing he has to say for himself can compare with the story his comrades have in store, or maybe it is just his way - being a monk of few if any words. Stepping in from the storm you are greeted by washed floors, clean walls and curtains - immediately you see there has been a stark change in Walthus' home. During your absence, the halfling has tidied up after himself, he's even found time to mend a few items of furniture and a rather pompous looking picture of himself.
Aside from a lantern hanging neatly from the ceiling of the main room, the only source of real warmth in the house remains in Walthus' kitchen. Making a bee line for the halfling's glowing metal stove, Fenra and Jeryn's eagerness to disrobe and dry themselves has not gone un-noticed by the host. Oh my! Seated at the table wrapped in a blanket with his favorite snake resting on his shoulders, Walthus' eyes bulge at the sight of the fair oracle's modesty. Unable to take his eyes off of the display, he does his best to respond to Rennyn's query on Kenan's behalf, although in a somewhat monotonous voice, I'm here Rennyn, there is a bit of awkward silence as Walthus attempts to peel his eyes from Fenra's figure, and am quite well thank you for asking.
The sound of rain beating down on the roof is dulled only occasionally by gusts of wind which lash forcefully upon the sides of the structure. Fortunately the dwelling was well made and seems to be holding its own save for a few pots placed carefully on the floor to catch invading droplets. Kenan arrived this afternoon. He was kind enough to remember you'd promised to check up on me and had hoped to hear of some news of your progress. Having nothing to offer him, Kenan's endeavored to keep me company and has been helping me tidy up the place. The color returned to his face, Walthus looks much better than he did when you'd last seen him. Standing up he offers his seat to anyone interested and collects a filled pot, passing it to the monk to dispose of. Then floundering past Fenra and tripping over the half naked wizard whom he hadn't really noticed until just now, Walthus fetches a kettle to put on the stove top as he remarks, Terrible storm. This marks the third night in a row that the rains have come, each night has been worse than the others at that. The halfling's face betrays some concern over this. But this must be trivial compared to what you've encountered so far! Come now! What have you found out here in my swamp?
While you reveal your tale, Walthus busys himself putting out some cups for tea and rummages in the pantry for something for you all to eat. An excellent listener, he misses nothing of your story, quizzing you for details of the rumored Soggy River monster, Kenan has refused to say what happened there....To think it was that close to my island this whole time! And of the old witch's fate he adds, I'd only met that woman once at Bottled Solutions. Can't say she was ever known to be very friendly.
Walthus does not keep you up any later than needed. When the time comes to retire for the night, like a consummate host he insists you use his room for the night, It's a fine bed Master Rennyn, I simply must insist. No? Oh I see, honorably differing to the young Fenra, are you? You get the impression that it would be insulting for you all to refuse this offer.
The storm rages on throughout the night, then as though chased away be the rising sun it finally lets up just before dawn. The rich smell of fresh bread stirs you from a restful slumber and upon entering the kitchen you see that Walthus has a hearty breakfast of oatmeal prepared for you all - the loaf of bread baking within a small compartment next to the stove he divides among you for later to go with a thick slice of cheese.
Fenra graciously accepts her hosts offer of a bed and retires as soon as the tales are told. She does not speak much and mostly lets the others regale Walthus and Kenan with their adventure, only piping up when something has been omitted.
With a thanks to Walthus for his hospitality she inquires, Do you wish an escort into town Walthus? Or is there something else we can do to repay your kindness?
Did not mean to imply Fenra disrobed at all.
Repay? Heavens no! It is I who is in your debt. I will never forget how you saved me and now for all you have done improve my life here in the Brinestump. To think, no more goblins - at least for a while, those pests always seem to reappear, snuffing out Megus' vile creations and taking on skeletons! Walthus is genuine in his praise of your efforts, Speak not a word more of repayment dear friends.
Well I guess if no one has any objections we should make for this cave as soon as possible in case tonight brings another storm.
She readies her things to go.
Kenan nods at the wet swamp rats as they drip their way into the room. To think we just spent all that time cleaning the floors. His face expressionless as always, you are unsure whether he speaks in jest.
Shrugging his shoulders Nothing as exciting as what you appear to of been through.
As Walthus talks to the group Kenan puts a fresh coat of oil on his bow and carefully wraps it in an oiled cloth to protect it from the weather outside. Then carefully, almost meticulously he prepares his gear.
Perhaps I may be of assistance in clearing the cave.
During breakfast Jeryn looks happy and energetic, refreshed after a warm sleep indoors and thrilled at having time to peruse his spellbook. He eats his bread and cheese in small bites, carefully dabbing his lips with a cloth after each bite, so as not to allow any morsel to escape his maw or mar his appearance.
After gathering his items together, he says to Rennyn You know, I have been listening to you and Fenra in battle for quite some time now. I have been able to decipher some of the more rudimentary commands but perhaps sometime you could humor me with a few of the more common celestial phrases?
Rennyn had stepped inside Walthus' home after taking care to stomp the mud from his boots. Removing his heavy cloak and wide brimmed hat, the paladin's clothing was mostly dry, but he joined the others in the kitchen anyways, taking a seat at the table.
I am pleased to hear it Walthus. And also that Kenan here has ventured back into the swamp.
He offered to make tea for everyone and politely declined the master of the house's offer, seeing as how he "doesn't actually sleep".
Leaving the story telling to others, Rennyn sat deep in thought for most of the evening. When the opportunity arose, he questioned Walthus about the cave. What, if anything, do you know about it?
At Kenan's offer Rennyn gladly accepted. You are always welcome to walk with us friend!
That night, after everyone had retired for the evening, Rennyn sat quietly cross-legged upon the floor. After waiting for a time when he was confident that Ameiko would be asleep, he set his mind to sending a message to her. Appearing in her dream he reported on the days events, asking her to relay their findings to Hemlock and and Shalelu, and informing her of their plans to investigate the cave the following day. He also mentions that Kenan will be accompanying them.
Satisfied at his message having been delivered he tranced the rest night before rising before dawn to watch the sun rise.
At breakfast Rennyn happily obliged Jeryn, conversing with him in celestial as they ate and made ready to leave.
Rennyn thanked Walthus as they made their way to the door...
Draeven seemed completely unfazed by the inclement weather and shook off his own cloak as he entered the house. His heavy oil-skinned cloak had done an admirable job at keeping him dry.
Like Rennyn, Draeven was pretty quiet for most of the evening.
Taking a spot on the floor just inside the front door, weapon at his side, the half-orc saw to it that nothing unwanted entered the house in the night.
In the morning, Draeven went out just before sunrise, and nodding at Rennyn, before walking a wide circle around the halfing's property, checking for any tracks or signs of visitors in the night. His stroll finished, he joined the others readying gear for the days travels.
Walthus' eyes slowly trace the trails and paths marked on the map as Jeryn's narrative unfolds. He is genuinely impressed with the map and expresses having never seen such a detailed rendering of the Brinestump. When Jeryn finishes, the halfling lifts his eyes from the parchment, You know, this would help the sheriff and his men patrol these areas very thoroughly. If I were you, I'd take this to the mayor. Presented carefully, I'm certain she'd pay you handsomely for it. As for these caverns, Walthus taps the bottom corner where Megus' hand has scrawled the simple word, I tell you truthfully that I have never ventured that far south - or had much need to. You see, this area had always been Megus' territory and since we never really hit it off as neighbors, I'd left her to her business and she had left me to my own. What surprises me is how she knew this much about my own backyard without me knowing! Walthus scratches his head in wonderment.
Later that night, Rennyn uses his trance-like state to invoke his elven heritage, sending Ameiko the news of the day. The peacefulness of his trance is only fleetingly interrupted by the savage winds outside which, in his trance like state, seem to almost rhythmically besiege Walthus' walls and roof, Are those wings? Opening his eyes, the elf is immediately aware that he is no longer able to discern this faint pattern. Resuming the trance also fails to pick up anything out of the ordinary.
Stepping outside, Draeven sees a path of destruction before him. Scattered branches of varying sizes lay strewn throughout Walthus' tiny clearing by the strength of the evening's storm. Picking his way around the debris and mud, the ranger spots nothing he hadn't already anticipated - any of the swamps inhabitants that had been lurking have long gone, having sought shelter from the storm they will likely return to their normal routines as the day progresses.
Remnants of the storm linger as layers of grey and white clouds blanketing the sky and a steady wind rattles leaves throughout the Brinestump as the group bids farewell to Walthus in search of the caverns. Perhaps one of the last remaining noted mysteries on the old witches map, Rennyn first leads the group north to the Lost Coast Road. The trails are softer than you have grown accustomed to, broken branches and scattered debris litter the path along the way and now and then droplets of water, freed from their leafy cushions rain down upon the group.
Reaching the Lost Coast Road and its promise of shortening your travel time you find it is pot marked with puddles. Saturated by the rains, the muddy road is as slippery as ice but taking to the grass lined sides the group avoids any such trouble. Returning to the switch back trail leading down into the Brinestump and the old witch’s shack, Draeven finds and follows the game trails he’d used before to find the Kaijitsu’s Blossom. Slogging your way through the thick growth of vines and brush and over fallen trees blown down by fierce winds, it takes a couple of hours before the ranger steps out onto much sandier terrain. No sooner than the five of you reach the first of these beaches, than a great splash of water erupts from the other side of the narrow waterway.
Best not cross here, Rennyn remarks as he watches the crocodile warily. We can find a way around it no?
Whispers. Its a strange language that reaches your ears. Barely audible, yet wafting over the very air you breath there is no denying, something foreign is there. With a surge of strength, the crocodile's large tail propels its massive bulk rapidly through the water and right away, the ranger notes this is not normal behavior for a crocodile. Known to ambush its prey, crocodiles lay submerged, unseen, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. But charging a group of humanoids...this is twisted. For Rennyn and Fenra, the creature's actions plus the words floating in the air ring of Lamashtu's doing and as if to emphasize her point, this crocodile's muzzle, accented by three blood red eyes, is covered with a strange dark brown fur which clings to the creature's head like moss. With a hiss the creature lunges its mass out of the water and onto the sandy bank, biting at Draeven's legs. Feeling the sheer weight of the creature, rows of teeth firmly grab hold of the ranger's limb pinning the half-orc where he stands.
| AC 14, touch 10, flat-footed 13 (+1 Dex, +4 natural, –1 size)
Grab Attack
Spurn on by Lamashtu's words, the deformed crocodile attacks without reason or concern for its own well being, knowing only that it will be rewarded for its obedience to the Mother of Monsters
Rennyn is surprised at the reckless behavior of the crocodile and steps forward in defense of his companions. His blade catches the sun as he brings it down upon the immense beast...
...striking it solidly in the hind quarters.
Draeven curses as the croc takes hold of his leg. He decides killing it quickly, rather than trying to escape its iron like grip, is the better option, bringing his ax down upon the creatures head...
...landing a weak blow right between the monster's beady little eyes.
Seeing that the monstrous croc's attention is firmly with Draeven, Fenra steps in with her morningstar and delivers a blow to the scaly beast.
But while her strike carries all her power, her aim is off.
Seeing the monster rush from the water, Jeryn tries to shout in alarm but it reaches Draeven before he can even form a sound.
He grunts through gritted teeth and sends a force missile flying toward the beast, hoping to maybe take it's attention off of his half-orc companion.
Kenan seeing the beast grab Draeven's leg Kenan swiftly raises his bow letting a single arrow fly. The shaft burying itself deep into the creatures side.
As Rennyn's sword, Jeryn's force bolt, Kenan's arrow and finally Draeven's ax rain down upon the crocodile it proves too much and the giant reptile crumples to the sand.
Quickly moving into position, a whirl is steel and force hail down upon the crocodile. Assisted by his comrades, Draeven's axe hews into the deranged crocodile sending the creature to its twisted maker. As its massive jaws relax, the ranger frees his leg and he rips his axe from the reptile's corpse.
Leaving the crocodile to rot where it lay, the group presses on. A short distance away the cliffs you'd seen earlier from the switchback come into view. Fifty-feet-high, the cliff rises along the marsh’s southern border, its face a thick tangle of jutting rocks, bright green vines and nettles similar to the ones encountered surrounding the goblin village. Following the banks of waterways it is not long before the base of the cliffs can be seen. The nettles are thicker here but one section appears to sway and despite the cloud's efforts to block out the sun, it is possible to see a curtain of these thick nettle vines partially conceals a cave opening at the base of the cliff .
DC 12 Reflex save to push them aside or suffer painful stings from the nettles. Anyone who touches the nettles must make a DC 12 Fortitude save or be sickened for 24 hours.
Draeven steps up and begins hacking a path through the nettles leading to the cave entrance.
Rennyn joins in with Draeven to speed things up, slashing the nettles with his sword.
Hacking away at the nettles with their swords, Draeven and Rennyn manage to clear the entryway. As the last of the nettle curtain falls, a gentle burst of stale air erupts from the bowels of the cavern filling your nostrils with the familiar smell of rotting death. A gentle trickle of water drips from a low ceiling which covers the rocky bottom in puddles and rivulets. Although walking here is likely to be slippery travel through the caverns won't be particularly difficult . As far as you can tell, the cavern extends south for approximately 40 to 50 feet, however it splits to the west just before that .
Having cleared the entrance of vines and nettles, Draeven slowly approaches the opening. He inhales deeply, taking in the smell emanating from within. Sticking close to the wall, he checks the entrance for signs of recent activity. Pausing to let his eyes adjust, he then peers into the darker recesses of the cave itself.