Kragg will ask Lara and Thame to translate another question. How do you present yourselves or call to the hag to let her know you are coming with slaves or tribute?
Trieste will translate for Kragg.
I have never had the honor of seeing her face, I am but a lowly servant. we bring slaves to her mountain and leave them in a cave. the great Oracle does not need warning of our coming, nor does she stoop so low as to speak with mere couriers
As long as Trieste continued to milk information out of the prisoner, Thame continued to hold off, though he nodded subtly at Lara as she voiced her opinion on the matter. Whenever the druidess decided the creature had no more information to offer, the wizard would begin firing at the sahuagin, not wishing it to go off and warn its mistress.
the sahuagin growls at Trieste and just points at the body of the large sahuagin that is settling into the silt on the ocean floor.
She has passed to the reef beyond. at least she took one of you with her!
having run out of questions and goaded by that last barb, Thame fires and kills the sahuagin, who was an easy target after being relieved of all of her gear and surrounded by the full party plus dolphins.
Trieste's jaw drops (not literally...). "THAME?! What the HELL?! I thought the point was to use this thing to warn off others? We took out their clan leader! We could have kept them scared away from daring to come near here again!" Her tentacles writhe furiously as she yells at him.
She just can't wipe the look of incredulity off her face. "Since when am I the less impulsive one? I wanted to kill this monster just as much as any of you, but now we STILL have to deal with this colony which could STILL be threatening the locathah!"
The dolphins wink out of existence but Jobert goes down to help Kragg. In fact, he seems to grow right in front of Kragg to a much larger size (medium) to help carry the body.
Lara silently nods her head in unspoken agreement with Thame's actions and starts swimming for their boat.
Thame sneered as he fired at the creature, feeling quite satisfied when the bolt buried itself in the sahuagin's flesh and it stopped talking...and moving. He calmly turned his gaze to Trieste, remaining quiet as she admonished him for the rash action. His brown eyes were a bit mesmerized by the tentacles waving about furiously...he wondered if that was some innate druid magic or if she really just grew them like that. Probably a bad time to ask.
He sighed, then shrugged. "If you want to scare them away, then put the big one's head on a pike. I didn't want it to go warn this hag about us, should we go pay her a visit at some point. If it hadn't mentioned this Helekhterie, I would have been content to let it go. I'm sorry, for what it's worth." Seeing that Kragg and Jobert likely had Kaldan's body retrieval under control, the wizard followed Lara back to the boat, glad for the time to collect himself.
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As the others swim to the boat, Trieste growls, the sound coming from down deep in her chest. The mention of the hag again muted her tirade a bit. Part of her anger was at herself for not being fast enough to save Kal. Gods he was a pain in the ass sometimes, but he was a good man. He didn't deserve this. She lifted the dagger he had carried to her chest. At least he died on his feet...as it were. She sheathed the dagger and brought out a couple of coins. Murmuring a prayer to Besmara, she flipped them out into deeper water.
As she made her way back to the boat, she realized how much she was dreading an encounter with this Helekhterie. At least Kal had some understanding of living with "awkward" parentage. I wish I'd talked to him about that more. Was he afraid of turning into a monster, too? Climbing into the boat, she helped steady it to pull Kaldan's body out of the water. She sat quietly by him for a minute, hunched over, with her arms wrapped around her knees, while the others helped Kragg aboard. Her tentacles snaked out and deftly plucked her companion from the sea. She grabbed up one of the oars and waited for Kragg to get settled. "Let's go home," she said softly.
The group makes their way back to the boat with the body of Kaldan. the journey back to Talmandor's Bounty is a solemn one. Tension is high between some members of the party over the final actions under the waves, along with the loss of a companion.
upon arriving in the colony, you notice that people don't make quite as big of a deal about your return this time. people are starting to get into new rhythms of life, and are mostly focused on their own concerns as they try to carve out their new lives in the island.
Ramona meets you as you unload the boat, and is startled to see you carrying a body.
Oh no, what happened out there? is that Kaldan? I am so sorry, I knew there would be dangers in scouting the island for us, but.... well I hoped you would come out more successful. My deepest condolences to you. we will have a fitting burial. do any of you know what gods he followed?
Ramona will help to make any arrangements needed to see the body taken care of according to your directions. if you don't have anything specific, she will elave the funeral rites to the priest of Erastil that is now using the original colonists' chapel.
once you are all unloaded and able to talk Ramona approaches you again.
I know it is a lot to ask, but are those of you who remain still willing to help us with scouting this island? In addition to scouting for various dangers in the region, members of the colony are starting more construction projects and we will be in need of more resources in the coming days. in particular we are interested in finding and securing sources of wood, stone and metal. should you find any during your scouting please make note of them and inform us so that we can get people started retrieving them.
While man of the colonists are busy with their own concerns, you may be able to find one or two more people to help you with your scouting now that you are a man short. I have heard that our new carpenter that arrived on the last ship is looking for ways to help more, and is maybe a little restless in this village.
Just then, Ramona is called away by a red-faced man. The soldiers are back, and they don't look good
Excuse me, I need to check on this. one of our colonists went missing and I sent some men to check it out. I will speak with you later. please let me know before you head out again
"Gozreh," Trieste says wearily. "He worshiped Gozreh. Erastil's close enough if that's what we have available." Personally, she always felt like she could have swayed him to Besmara, given enough time. Course, give a woman enough time and she can sway a man to just about any god she likes. She smiled sadly to herself.
"Aye, we'll keep our eyes out for wood, stone and ores. We're also on the lookout for more of Alba's herbs."
At the mention of the missing man, she reaches out and grabs Ramona's arm before she runs away. She looks back to the others. "Sorry, ma'am," she says releasing her at once. "Do you mind if one of us accompanies you?"
Kragg remains mostly quiet as the group heads back to the colony. He would normally try to get Trieste and Thame to settle down and get along but his heart was not in it as Kaldan’s death was still to fresh.
During the meeting with Ramona Kragg hung his head in shame at not doing more to protect Kaldan. All of his prayers and miracles were not enough it seemed. Abadar could protect him but not the rest...no that wasn’t right. Abadar could protect the others just Kragg wasn’t strong enough in his faith to bring the right miracles at the right time. He finally opened up to say something when the funeral was talked about. I believe a pyre would be appropriate, burning him and his enemies that he helped slay. Then we take his ashes and spread them around the sea and island as we explore. Each new area we discover we honor his memory and bravery with those ashes. I will sit with his body to ensure nothing happens to it till the preparations are ready.
As a special tribute to Kaldan as well Kragg will douse the body with Kaldan’s preferred spirit from the bar helping to light the fire when the time comes.
Very well. I myself am not much of a religious woman, but I approve of your plan for the body. it sounds... fitting for him. I will leave the preparations to you Kragg, but feel free to enlist help from the temple of Erastil.
When Trieste offers help, Ramona is happy to allow her to come to hear more.
I know you have a lot going on with your exploration and with the death of your companion, but I will not turn down help. with the original colony vanishing and still having no real information about what happened, people get very on edge whenever someone goes missing, even for short amounts of time.
two days ago one fisherman named Soran went out and didn't come back. about the same time that you left to deal with the Sahuagin threat I sent two of my men out looking for him. they are just returning now, but it sounds like something went wrong. I would welcome any of you who wish to accompany me.
"He was a good man, Kaldan," Lara laments as the party returns to the colony. It is the only thing she says the entire trip home to Talmandor's Bounty.
The Taldan is quiet as arrangements are made for Kaldan's burial; she knew very little about the half-orc's religious observances, so she figured it best to leave that to Kragg or someone who knew more than her.
Her brooding is interrupted by the returning soldiers, and she quietly follows after Ramona as the woman goes to check on them.
Kragg let’s Lara and Trieste help Ramona with the soldiers who went looking after the missing person. He had to get ready preparing Kaldan’s body for the funeral pyre. As such he brought the body to the shrine for safe keeping while he made the necessary stops to purchase or gather the items he needed. He found a cask of Kaldan’s favorite whiskey st the bar. While there he also arranged for the carpenters that were finishing the common room to bring the remaining wood to the west of the colony just before they reached the pier. There he had them construct the pyre to which he would lay Kaldan, his belongings, the sahuagin and its belongings as well. From there Kragg returned and tried to clean up the body as best he could.
It was getting late in the afternoon when Kragg finally emerged from the shrine carrying the heavy load of Kaldan. He walked solemnly to the pyre and laid the mighty warrior upon it in the center of the items already placed there. Opening the cask Kragg poured the contents all about the body and pyre. After that he stood back in silent tribute until such time as Ramona indicated the funeral pyre should be lit.
Once Lara and Trieste (and anyone else) are walking beside Ramona, Trieste whispers to Ramona. "I don't want to frighten too many people if we can afford not to, but it appears the island may have a resident hag. The sahuagin appear to have practically worshiped her. My concern is that the missing townsfolk may have stumbled upon her lair or otherwise aroused her ire."
Feeling that Trieste would probably rather not have him along right now, Thame instead stayed with Kragg and helped him in his vigil over Kaldan's body until preparations were made for the proposed pyre. While not extremely religious himself, in Cheliax there was definitely a fervent belief in the afterlife, if rather a propensity for the Lower Planes. The wizard spent the rest of the time looking over the loot the group had discovered in the sahuagin lair, a veritable fortune, it was.
When things were ready for the funeral, the wizard stood and paid silent homage to his traveling companion, thankful for the sturdy half-orc's bravery and tenacity. While the man likely would have preferred to continue drawing breath, at least now he could enjoy whatever afterlife he had been sent off to by The Lady of Graves.
The wizard was nearly overwhelmed by the turn of events. The fight with the sea devils had been very close, and now it seemed that there was plenty of work as the colony's 'fixers' where once the illusionist had plenty of time for his research. Still, a deal was a deal, and the colony's discovery of natural resources would only make it easier to lay down infrastructure and get more folks over there. Hopefully the more people there were, the safer it would eventually become.
Ramona looks troubled at Trieste's news. A Hag? that's not good, not good at all... certainly seems like a possible answer to our missing colonists if there is a hag that felt they were trespassing. if she is the cause, we will need to deal with her. either by removing her or gaining her permission to live here. if she doesn't want us here there are many ways a hag could get us out of here.
Lara and Trieste leave with Ramona who walks to one of the bunk houses where two soldiers are being tended to. they both have visible injuries. one of them has claw-like gashes on his leg, the other has bite marks on his shoulder and neck that are still bleeding. several people are cleaning their wounds, bringing them water, etc.
Ramona asks for a report in a business-like voice. the soldiers sit up straighter as they address her
Ma'am. we went three miles to the south to a beach that Soren was known to use to launch on his fishing expeditions. we were looking for signs of his boat or a body or something when we were attacked. they were some sort of winged reptiles. they got a few good licks in, and we had to pull back. those things are fast! and they were getting even more aggressive when they got a taste of our blood. we weren't able to kill them, we barely got out.
I don't know it for sure, but I would guess those things got Soren. we were armed and still got beat. an unarmed fisherman would have been easy prey for these monsters.
Ramona looks concerned and turns to Lara and Trieste.
Did you encounter any creatures like these during your initial recon of the abandoned colony? I know your list of things to handle is only growing, but if these creatures are killing our people they will need to be dealt with...
After a few moment of silence Ramona speaks again
No matter. I m sure this island has plenty of surprises left for us. The danger of exploring an unknown land were known to all those here before we set out. Don't let me keep you, I know you will be wanting to pay your respects to your companion. If during your travels you find any evidence of what happened to Soran, please let me know.
People are still on edge as long as we are in the dark about what really happened to the first colonists, and any disappearance without a body is bound to make people nervous.
With that Ramona excuses herself, and begins enlisting people to spread the word about the funeral.
As dusk approaches, more and more colonists start to congregate around Kragg and Thame. some say a few words to you, but most seem unable to really put into words what they are feeling. Seeing one of the people who have been helping to protect the colony and solve problem now lifeless is a sobering moment that is felt even by people who did not personally know Kaldan.
Ramona waits until it seems like no more will be joining and indicates to Kragg that it is time. she invites the remaining party to say any words of rememberance that they wish before Kragg lights the pyre.
once the fire is lit, people pass by and many toss small items into the fire along with a blessing or a sign of devotion to one god or another.
Soon only a handful remain, including Thame, Lara, Trieste and Kragg.
Trieste doesn't feel much like talking to anyone. It was a nice enough ceremony. "In the morning, we should check out this carpenter. We need all the help we can get. I hope he can swing more than a hammer." With that, she excuses herself and heads back to her room.
Thame remained silent throughout the ceremony, his head down during most of it, lost in thought. Kaldan had been a much stronger man than the wizard, and had succumbed to this wild place. It was a sobering thought to the wizard as he pondered over his choice to come here weeks ago. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he liked feeling useful and wanted by the community after spending years in Cheliax held at arm's length by his parents.
As the pyre was lit, he raised his head, the flames crackling in his vision as they consumed his companion. Once Trieste excused herself, the wizard also went back to the quarters he now shared with only Kragg, laying down to get some rest before they headed out again the next day. Like the druid, he hoped that the carpenter was as well-versed in battle as Kaldan was, or their group was likely to be a lot less useful to the colony.
After the funeral Kragg let the fire die down low before he started separating the charred wood from the ashes that remained. The ashes he scooped together and placed in a container and sealed with a lid. In the morning he would take the cooled ashes and placed them in another container to take with him for the rest of his time her on Ancora. He would not forget Kaldan nor the sacrifice the half-orc made on their behalf. His penance fulfilled till the morning Kragg went back and slept fitfully.
In the morning Kragg woke with the sun and prayed to Abadar for strength and guidance this day. He is sorely in need of both as they had much to do and frankly did not know exactly where to start with hit all. First things first though he supposed after his prayer requests. I need to transfer the ashes and then head to the carpetner's shop. Not only do I need to make sure that the forge is providing enough nails and other necessary items but there was mention of a fellow citizen that may want to join our strike force.
As he walked over to the carpenter's he could hear the sound of hammer on nails already this morning. Work never stopped for a carpenter as there was always something that needed to be done for the colony. As it looked like he was there before the others Kragg waited till Thame, Trieste and Lara arrived. Once they were all together Kragg went in to introduce himself. Morning good sir. I am Kragg and I heard that you are possibly wanting to join us in exploring the island and helping the colony in whatever form that takes?
The man is obviously of Ulfen stock, thick brown hair tied back and a neatly trimmed beard. In the heat of the day he has removed his shirt while he works, exposing powerful muscles, and a number of scars that are not from carpentry, but rather more martial sources.
Finishing the section he was working on he put down his hammer and drank heavily from a water skin, giving himself time to think, and to study you all.
Finally he nods carefully. "Aye. Don't mind a bit of honest work, It's good to build things to last. Plenty here that are better carpenters than me though. Done a bit of fighting and exploring in the past, and that's needed here and now. Happy to join you if'n you need me?"
Obviously tired after using so many words he drinks again and awaits your response.
Thame awoke to find the industrious dwarven cleric already gone, so the wizard gathered up his things to go to the indicated shop where this carpenter worked. Thame sized up the young man, noting the scars and the relative broadness of the fellow. To the illusionist's eyes, the man would fill the role of meat-shield quite nicely.
"Just so happens we do, good sir. Some threats have been handled, but some remain on this hellhole of an island. And we're the ones tasked to deal with it while the colony tries to survive and grow. Building things that will last is all fine, but without the good folks here it ain't much point." The wizard stepped back, allowing any others to speak to the Ulfen man.
Trieste's movements seem sluggish all morning, like she's in a dream, as she walks out to the beach and stares across the water. I still can't believe he's gone. She chides herself for getting so attached to the man. Sailors die all the time, you know that, girl. Get a hold of yourself. She feels a bit better after dunking her head under water and listening to the sounds of the sea. She strides back up on to the beach and pats her little caiman. "When did you learn to do that trick yesterday?" He doesn't answer, he never does, but she can feel his pride in himself.
When she heads to meet the possible new guy, she is glad to see he's a big fellow. She likes an ally who can intimidate thier foes. He looks well built, well seasoned. Ha! Are you judging a man or a boat?
"Don't mean to be rude, but I can guess by your scars, you've swung a weapon more than a few times. What else can you do?"
Hengeist looks a little shy. "Well I tend to go a bit crazy in battle, so best to give me a bit of room. I know a little magic, I can breath water and swim like a fish." He shrugs with a slight grin. "Reckon someone in the family line wasn't too worried about what they bedded."
Aside from that I can hunt and track. Mainly I hit things, hard." He says with simple understatement.
"Breathe underwater and swim like a fish?! Damn, we could have used you earlier." Trieste looks to the others and gives a nod of approval. If he can do what he claims, he'll do just fine.
Lara groans and rolls out of bed shortly after Trieste starts moving about their shared cabin. After cleaning herself up, she wanders around town until she stumbles upon Kragg at the carpenter's shop. Still quiet and possibly in shock, she barely says a word as introductions are made.
"Chances are we'll need all those skills in our explorations, Hengeist. I'm Thame, scribe, historian, and reluctant adventurer. Glad to have you aboard. Now, as for where we're going..." The wizard thought through all the options they had on the table.
"Perhaps we can check back in with the locathah and inform them of our success against the sea devils. If they're true to their word, that should open up trade relations between Talmondor's Bounty and the fish people. Then maybe on to the Strix? Or something more local?"
As much as she hates to agree with Thame, it seems worthwhile to go ahead and get the strix situation straightened out if possible. The more trading partners the colony has, the better a chance they have of surviving. "We should also ask the locathah if they know anything about that hag or her location."
Kragg lets the others introduce themselves before he continues talking as well. When Thame brings up their next mission he agrees with the logical scholar. Lets meet with the Locathah as they should be on the way to the Strix. We can also ask them about any flying creatures on the island to investigate what You guys found out last night as well.
Hengeist cleans up after working hard in the sun, putting on his adventuring gear and slinging a Falchion over one shoulder.
He waits patiently while you discuss where to go as he knows nothing about what awaits outside the settlement.
After brief introductions, the group decides to return to the Locathahs and report on the results of their attack on the sahuagin threat. Hengeist is happy to accompany the group without needing much convincing, and the group is just happy to have another strong arm (and maybe meat shield?) along for the ride.
the group takes one of the rowboats and makes the short trip to the north of the settlement to speak again with Koloshkora, the tribe leader.
the party is welcomed warmly and introductions are made with the newest party member.
Please, tell me what happened with the Sahuagin? were you able to chase them off? we are very pleased with the potential of open trade between our people, but the route to this island needs to be safe for my people.
Thame stepped forward, as always ever eager to be the initial bearer of good news. "Indeed, we were even more successful, we think. The whole tribe of sea devils is likely gone, but if there are any left, they're likely wise enough to bugger off. We definitely killed the big leader. As representatives of the colony, we certainly welcome cooperation and trade between our peoples."
"We believe it should be safe. We will definitely keep a watchful eye. If you have any reason to suspect they may have returned, you should contact us at once."
"It was a small tribe, but they had quite the profane shrine set up. It's worth keeping an eye on," Lara chimes in.
"That is wonderful news. there were some in my tribe that were less than optimistic of your chances given the ferocity of the sahuagin and your own lack of... adaptions.. for underwater movement.
Given your aid in removing this threat, I would like to begin official trade relations with your colony. we have brought some things with us in the hopes of a positive outcome, and things that we do not currently have we can likely retrieve from one of the merfolk cities we do trade with.
"you may also want to seek out Vriskirsa. she is a water naga who once resided in the wreck that you drove the Sahuagin out of. she fled when they first claimed her shipwreck for themselves, and would likely be very pleased to hear that her lair is freed from sahuagin control. she has taken up residence in a partially submerged grotto on a sliver of an island to the north of the shipwreck.
Kragg listened intently and smiled as the first brokered peace and trade aggreement was established. This was well done in Abadar’s eyes and Kragg felt a swelling of pride. Yet that pride was tempered as it would have been for nought if it weren’t for the heroic actions of Kaldan. As such Kragg broke the seal on his remains and spread a bit upon the water and the land here. If asked about it Kragg answers the Locathah honestly. I am honoring the fallen who made this day possible. I will do,the same elsewhere as well in places such as the wreck and if we meet the sea hag. It is Abadar’s will that I do this.
On the issue of trade Kragg will inquire about a divine scroll of water breathing. Thismwould aid us greatly until such time as Abadar blesses me with such powerful miracles that I can channel his glory directly.
Thame wasn't exactly thrilled when the locathah spoke of a naga on the eastern coast of the island. With the threat of the hag hanging over the colony, though, the group couldn't afford to turn down extra allies. After Kragg spoke, the wizard looked about to see if anybody else had business with the fish-people. While not as reclusive as some in the arcane arts were, the illusionist still was task-oriented, and he wanted to get about with meeting the bird-folk and ascertaining their attitude towards the fledgling human settlement.
"A naga? Really?" Trieste doesn't know much about nagas, but it probably wouldn't hurt to have one that owed them a favor. "Now for the strix," she said with a sigh. It would have helped having Kaldan along. She remembered that they weren't particularly fond of humans. Though perhaps with her shape changing, and Thame's illusions, maybe they didn't have to appear human.
to Kragg, Koloshkora answers Yes we do have a handful of scrolls of water breathing. we have little use for them, but I thought surface dwellers settling on a remote island might make use of them
the group bids farewell to the Locathah who make arrangements to send an envoy tot he colony at a later date to meet with Ramona and get lists of supplies wanted by the colonists.
the party then decides to move on to meet with the Strix. it is a short boat ride from the Locathah shoal to the small island where the Strix are based.
As you approach, you see many tall thick trees covering the island. in the center, rising above the treetops, is an octagonal crystal tower, reaching a height of 170 feet. it is obvious that it used to reach even higher, as the top looks like it has been splintered and broken off.
Normally eagle-eyed, Trieste is mesmerized by the tower.
Thame glanced up at the tower in the distance with gleaming, covetous eyes, wondering what Azlanti histories might still remain in the structure. The wizard even helped to row the boat to shore and pull it up onto land to stow it, so excited was he to get moving inland. "Bird-people probably like heights, right? That Tower would make a fine vantage point..."
"Lots of small huts in the trees." Hengeist points out, indicating where he can see them.
Kragg nods respectfully at Koloshkora. May Abadar and whatever gods shine down upon you. I will gladly purchase 2 of those scrolls from you. Kragg digs out his money and gems and pays the locathah in which ever form he would want to get to the desired price. When do you paln on setting up a date to send an envoy. If possible I would like to be at the colony when you arrive to welcome you. You have been so kind and welcoming to us that I wish to repay the honor you have bestowed upon us. I would especially like to invite you to my tavern, 'Civilizations Edge' for a drink.
When done with the locathahs Kragg climbs into the boat and says farewell. On the way to the island of the Strix Kragg tosses a few more ashes into the sea.
perception
When the tower appears on the island Kragg agrees that they should make for it until Hengeist mentions a large number of huts in the trees. Perhaps we should row close to the shore but away from the huts. Then we can approach in our boat along the shoreline following the current. That way if they prove aggressive we can beach the boat quickly and find solid ground to protect ourselves. We need to be peaceful and not start a fight but be ready in case they do attack us. The Locathah made it seems like the Strix were decent creatures and just had a misunderstanding with them leading to the recent diplomatic impasse. However there was the report from Ramona of a colonist being attacked by a flying creature.