Trieste looks over the tracks, and can determine that they lead to the shore, where they disappear into the surf. the tracks look to be humanoid, or at least bipedal, but they do not have toe marks, indicating that either the creature had no toes or was wearing shoes.
Kragg introduces himself formally to the new member of the colony now realizing that he has seen him before just not up close and personal. Name is Kragg Stoneheart. Nice to meet you in person finally. As to helping out here I am not much of a wilderness type but I like to dabble in a a lot of different areas. I am not good at tracking either and if this creature went into the water then the only suggestion I have is to have a watch placed in the area and try to catch it. Perhaps penning the goats and creating a trap might be in order.
[b]"Please to meet you Kragg Stoneheart. Do you have a trap maker among you or were you thinking more of an ambush?"[b]
I have no skill in traps themselves so would think more of the ambush situation. He chuckles slightly as he looks at his armor and stocky frame, I am not that good at hiding either so I might have to wait somewhere else if we are doing this. Otherwise some of the townsfolk might be able to themselves.
"I'm not great at either. I can have Trick here watch from the tree tops and give us a heads up. I think I will settle in for and over night. Anyone else interested? I'm feeling like moss is going on me and the settlement won't do well if the farms are ravished."
A bat flutters out from his robe.
"wait I may be jumping th gun. Does anyone know what the attack wounds are? And if the creatures are likely to come back?"
"Hey, Alyn. Nice to meet you formally. I'm Thame, and I think you've met everyone else. As for trapping, we have only a passing skill in it. If the things that did this have figured out that these goats are here, they'll likely be back, I imagine. I'll bet it's those damnable bird-things we just killed...chupacabras!"
The wizard doesn't seem too put off by waiting for the creatures, but becomes alarmed when Kragg mentions hiding away from the others. "I think we've learned by now that splitting up is a horrible idea. If you're sitting still, you can't possibly make that much noise, right?"
"Lara Evangeline Ellicott-Tillingsworth," Lara says by way of introduction to Alyn. "Of the Opparan Ellicott-Tillingsworths. I'm an archaeologist, so I know a thing or two about traps. That said, maybe we should ask around about how often these attacks have been occurring. Or do we already know?"
"You were the ones that dealt with the Chupacabras. That's very impressive. And an archaeologist, you must be having a field day out here. It is a pleaser to meet all of you. Honestly, I found the tracks and then got your friend to help me determine where they lead. That has really been the extent of the work so far. We should likely talk to the farmers and check out the bite on the goats. This could be a one off event who knows with so little evidence."
Not knowing much about animals (besides that they were usually pretty tasty when cooked), the wizard still said to the farmer, "Any of those dead goats around? Maybe we can figure out what's going on by inspecting the carcass."
More exsanguinating going on...it was quite troubling. An island where the residents fed on blood had little place in Thame's mind as a location he wanted to be. But there were also so many positives, he'd rather they just manage to get rid of the blood-suckers. Perhaps they could expand their search and clear the island of chupacabras.
the group makes introductions and then turn to the farmer
this has happened twice now. this time it was 3 goats, last time was only 2. I am more than happy to let you look at the goats if it will help! what do you think? I think this looks like one of them chupacabras they say have been seen, my brother thinks it is a vampire!
you examine the goats and find that each one has a similar pattern of 3 circular bites on each goat, each circle looking like a lamprey bite.
a vampire would leave 2 small puncture wounds. this triple wound does not look like it could be caused by one
the bite marks do not seem to match a chupacabra. they often slice open a victims neck and drink the blood rather than puncturing the flesh. it is fairly common for a chupacabra to shred and maim a victim after eating as well, which was not done ot any of the three goats.
You know that this creature isn't one of the two that the farmers think might have caused this. in fact, you're pretty sure you know what it is and this knowledge has dire consequences for the town...
"Let me see."
"Is this what the chupacabra's bite looked like?"
Alyn offers up a book on the arcane and monster of the ovarian dungeons (pathfinder chronicles). Give a +2 for whomever want to use them with their rolls.
Alyn gestures to Thame.
Lara takes a closer look at the bite marks. Her eyes widen in alarm as it hits her...."Ooo. This is bad."
"Well it is not chupacabras. So, you are saying it is worse."
Being a bit squeamish about the whole ordeal, the wizard only gave the carcass a cursory glance, paying little attention once Lara and Alyn start to voice their observations. His brow furrowing as the newcomer stated it was NOT in fact chupacabras, and the Taldan woman saying it was 'bad' (presumably worse than flying bird-monsters who sucked blood), the wizard waited a moment and then nervously said, "Don't keep us in suspense...what the hell is it?"
Know religion
Kragg has no clue about what type of creature may have made the attacks. I don’t know guys. The blood loss means both of his ideas are valid. I am at a loss as to why this is worse than what we just experienced .
you know of one possibility for these particular bite patterns that hasn't been considered. you think these wounds are caused by Faceless Stalkers. they are known as agents of the Aboleths, created as perfect spies who can shapeshift into the form of any humanoid. they feed on blood rather than solid foods, and they use a three-pronged hollow tongue to pierce a helpless victim and suck their blood.
"They're called Faceless Stalkers. Shapeshifters who feed on blood using a hollow three-pronged 'tongue'," Lara notes. "They're creations of the aboleths, used as spies. I'd say the obvious suspect would be Eliza, since she's been subverted by the aboleths already....but it's a shapeshifter. It could really be anyone."
Thame's eyes grow wide at Lara's revelation, looking at the farmer and newcomer (to the group, at least) suspiciously before asking, "So anyone in town could be one of these things, is that what you're saying? How could we tell them apart?"
"I have no idea. This is much more then I was expecting. Maybe we need to ask around and inquire about odd people and odd behaviour? That may be a more fruitful use of the daylight."
On the roof of the farm you spot the figure of a man standing next to the humble chimney of the building.
A figure jumps from the rooftop into the middle of the goat pen. It is a bald old man dressed with a humble one-piece grey robe, and he seems to fly in the air with his hands in the back and land without the need to flex his legs. The man makes a greeting gesture to Alyn with a hand and shows him a near toothless smile framed by a long beard. He ignores the rest of you and closes up to the dead goat placing his eyes at a mere couple of inches from the wound.
"Hmm... interesting..." the man uses his index finger to rummage on the wound only to next taste that very same finger "Hmm... interesting... yes..."
Finally the man turns towards you all "A vampire... No no no no... a vampire would have left 2 small puncture wounds. This triple wound does not look like it could be caused by one" he then moves to Lara "So you say this shapeshifter can be any of us colonists?"
At first sight the man seems only equipped with a scroll case, but a more attentive look discovers a strange sickle with a long handle hidden in the folds of his linen clothes, and a silvery chain rolled around his waist.
Kragg looks upon the arrival of another new colonist with some trepidation. He did not know this one all that well either and was startled by his sudden appearance. He had heard about the man though as it was unusual to have such an elderly human as a colonist, but the Venture Company must have thought he had some skills that the colony would need so here he was.
Not a vampire you say? That does make sense about the 2 puncture wounds versus 3. However that does not mean that we are any closer to figuring out if one of the colonists is a shapeshifter or not. Is there anyway to force a shapeshifter to alter themselves in front of us to prove such a thing is possible or is happening already?
"Maybe back in the colony we can look around, ask about rumour and strange behaviour?"
Lolito smiles at Kragg "Sorry, where are my modals. I am Lolito. I heard some goats had been attacked and wanted to know what was going on by myself" and he looks at the terrain trying to find some tracks of the goat attackers.
"If they are interested in blood, perhaps we can set a trap for them using that to drag them in..." the man nods then at Alyn "How are you doing Alyn? Not so wavy here..." he smiles at his acquaintance from the vessel "If you are going back to the colony for questioning people, I would be grateful if I can come with you. I am personally interested on hunting down that Faceless Stalker"
"I'm doing well, the particular circumstances aside."
the newcomer looks at the tracks but doesn't find anything that the others didn't already know. humanoid tracks come in to the farm from the shore and leave again in the same direction. the tracks are lost when they hit the sand and rocks of the beach.
from here, the suggestion is made to go back to the village and try to suss out any potentially odd behavior to try to determine who the Faceless Stalker could be posing as.
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"Let me see if I have any notes now that we know it's a faceless stalker. Though it it possible it is not in town if it is coming from the water."
With that potential information on hand Alyn will help whoever seems to be the most well spoken or knowledgable about local affairs.
"Maybe we keep things vague. Looking for anyone that might have an addiction scurvy or the like. Hint at behaviour people being tired or weaker. People may volunteer other information. We are just trying to maintain health and happiness."
Before he goes back Kragg tries to find out when the last attack happened. I know you said there was 3 goats attacked this time and last time only 2. However when did that happen? If it was only 2 days ago then I say we come here and keep watch in 2 days time. That way we can try and catch who or what is doing this.
Once he has the information he goes back with the others to discuss the matter and find out who may be the culprits. Of particular importance is letting Ramona know of the possibility of the Faceless Stalkers. We know that they are here but apparently they can take on the shape of anyone to disguise themselves. As of right now we do not know of any sure way to determine who might be a faceless stalker. Have you heard any reports of colonists acting peculiar lately? If not then the only thing I can think of is heading to the bar and seeing if anyone has ordered drinks that they don’t normally take.
Going to Civilization’s Edge Kragg talked to the staff {Rosie, Shania, Vince, and Toni} in general terms asking about customers and if there have been any sudden changes in regulars and their drink preferences. He tries to make it light and not serious as he tries to make it sound as if he is looking for future brews to create. He then takes his turn at the bar itself serving drinks and generally being open for conversations all the while keeping a sharp eye and ear for anything that might be suspicious.
Gather info/ diplomacy guidance and bar bonus included
"If they came from the waters and they are not water creatures... well, then they perhaps come from a close area not yet explored of the island" Lolito offers as the group makes they way back to the colony.
Lolito remains observant at Kragg's bar. Trying to avoid dragging more attention to himself, the man merely observes people for strange behaviors or reactions at Kragg's questioning.
Thame thought on what his companions and the newcomers had just said about the goats and the likely source of their demise, faceless stalkers. Worriedly, he asked, "These things are intelligent, right? So if they're here, they likely know or will know that we came to investigate the farm, right? I don't think we can bank on the fact that they'll be back..." The wizard shook his head, though he had no better ideas.
When they traveled the short distance back to the small town, Thame followed Kragg around, helping the dwarven cleric ask subtle questions about any peculiarities anyone might have observed around Talmandor's Bounty. Hopefully this particular line of inquiry would bear fruit, as leaving the colony while the group knew of the existence of these things seemed like a bad idea...
Alyn doesn't have much to add to what Lara already told the group. Faceless stalkers are known to be creatures allied with the Aboleths, and were created as the perfect spy. their ability to change shape makes it possible to copy a person exactly, down to their voice. [ooc]mechanically they have a rather large bonus to disguise checks when in a stolen shape).
unfortunately they are not commonly seen (or perhaps there are more of them around than generally thought and they are just good at hiding...), so very little is known about their habits that could give them away.
the group decides the best method for now would be to ask about people who have been acting differently than normal.
first Kragg speaks to Ramona about his concerns, willing to be much more blunt with her than the other colonists.
You're sure about this? finding the faceless stalker could be incredibly difficult. but I will make it a priority to try to figure out who it could be. we need to avoid starting a panic however. perhaps another conversation with Eliza would be a starting place?
around town Kragg leads the efforts to learn some rumors. it is a little bit difficult to tell with such a young colony when people are acting differently than "normal", but Kragg does get a few rumors.
one woman, Medrinnah, had been a frequent patron of the bar, but has recently stopped coming all together. she didn't really give a reason, just stopped coming in.
one man, Kereda, has been telling anyone who will listen at the bar that he thinks someone is out to get him. he claims to have seen two people standing just at the edge of his property looking at his house several nights in a row. they always come by in the evening with the sun behind them, so he didn't get a good look at their faces.
Andvara, a wealthy Andoran woman has apparently started a hunger strike protesting the dangerous conditions in Talmandor's Bounty and blaming Ramona for not taking more direct action. she demands that more direct action is taken to root out some of the dangerous creatures around the area, and requesting that building projects be put on hold until a sturdy outer wall can be erected around the colony.
in the middle of all of your questioning and investigating, something else of note happens.
one of the guards comes running back into town calling for a healer. he zeros in on Kragg and stops breathlessly in front of you.
It's Soren! he's back! one of the others is helping him back to town now. come take a look!
Alyn takes notes about everything they learn, "It seems our sleep little community is not so sleepy we should keep an eye out whenever we are in town."
Upon seeing the guards Alyn takes off running toward Soren.
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Kragg kept a stoic look on his face as the day progressed but does manage to slip in and out to inform the others of the rumors that are flying around. Advara is just causing trouble and not a problem but it is important to know that she is unhappy. What is more pressing is the other 2 tales. One is a problem now and the other could be shortly if people are spying on Kereda. Only way to find out is to visit his house and see if there are people watching and looking at his place. Medrinnah we will have to check out though.
Before he gets any further though he sees the commotion and someone calling out to him that Soren is hurt. Putting down a stein he grabs his pack off the wall and follows the guard quickly. What happened?, he asks as they move along. Arriving he takes stock of the situation as best he can to determine what is the problem.
heal check w/guidance cast along the way
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As Ramona posited questioning Eliza about faceless stalkers, the wizard emphatically shook his head. "I don't think that's wise. If, and I realize it's an if, Eliza is working with these things, asking her questions might tip them off. We should keep her in the dark about it, for now."
Thame has to work hard to not roll his eyes at some of the answers Kragg gets in his inquiries around town. A paranoid man thinking people were out to get him, a woman stirring up trouble, and a last one who decided to stop drinking for a bit. Still, they were looking for changes in behavior, both overt and subtle, so it was worth investigating.
The illusionist's brow furrowed as the man ran up to Kragg and the rest, having to think for a moment before remembering that Soren was the name of the hapless fisherman the group had assumed had been killed by the chupacabras on the beach. Glad for some good news, he hurried with the others to see what the man's condition was.
Ramona nods to Thame's suggestion. "Very well, I will take your suggestion. I will not speak of this to Eliza for now. if you change your mind and want to confront her about the issue please just let me know first so that we are on the same page. I will not speak of this to anyone as we do not want a panic. I trust that you and your companions will do your best to be subtle about this?
The group gathers back up and walks just out of town to see Soren walking up the path to the colony, leaning heavily on a second guard who is helping him.
he appears to be weak from a lack of food and is quite sunburnt, but there are no visible injuries on his body. he probably doesn't need the help to walk, but is gratefully accepting it.
seeing your concerned faces Soren is happy to explain what happened.
"Man am I glad to see all of you again. One dumb mistake and I almost didn't make it back! I took the boat out fishing a few days ago, like I always do. I fell asleep while fishing. can you believe it?! stupid, rookie mistake. when I woke up, the current had carried me pretty far out, and up to the north. luckily I hadn't dropped my oars so i could still maneuver, but I didn't recognize the landmarks. I was worried for a bit there that I wasn't even looking at the right island! I ran out of food and water, but eventually found a fishing spot i knew and made my way back."
he sees Kragg's appraising eye on him
"Oh don't worry, I think I'll be just fine after a couple days of rest. just tired and hungry. I could really use a drink at your pub right about now
Hating that he was doing it but knowing that it must be done all the same Kragg listened intently trying to determine if there was any falsehood in his mannerisms or not.
Sense motive
Sure thing my man. Just glad to have you back with us. We were afraid some wild creature got to you and we would never see you again. Clearly the man was telling that truth if the matter based on his sun burn and starvation. Yet how far did he travel?
Know geography for trade winds and currents
Thame looked at the weak fisherman and listened thoughtfully, his expression one of confusion. He wasn't sure what to think of the man's testimony, though it was due to ignorance more than any kind of distrust. Was it common for people to fall asleep while fishing or boating in general? The wizard had to admit the task did seem rather boring.
The illusionist shrugged, letting the wise dwarf ask questions and respond to the man. He did add, "A drink would be nice, actually. A few, even." Thame chuckled, though he didn't immediately start heading off to the tavern, in case there was any more follow up.
Intrigued, Lolito decides to follow up Kragg and the others "Do you mind if I come with you? I am intrigued and interested in all this topic"
The man listens attentively, trying to see if the explanations of the fisherman make any sense.
"Just out of interest Soren. You said you saw some landmarks you did not recognize..." Lolito closes up with a wide smile and her hands at the back "...can you describe those places? There are many places of the island still unknown. Any details you can remember, might be of use. Also, if you saw any strange creature in the waters..." the man is happy to follow up the conversation in the tavern, and have some milk as drinks while Soren explains the details of his trip.
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Both Kragg and Lolito get the sense that the fisherman is telling the truth. nothing about his story itself or the way he told it makes you think he is hiding something.
in response to Lolito's question, Soren says
"a lot of the island looks very much the same from out on the water. at first it was more that I didn't see what i was expecting than that i saw something new. I did eventually see two interesting landmarks though. one was a tall stone obelisk of some sort on a smaller island. near that but on the larger island was a big pile of massive whale bones. they looked like maybe they had been used as supports for shelters at some point in the past.
"We are glad you are back and not much worse for wear. Go hydrate and take care of the sun burn."
Addressing the rest of the group. "I would enjoy a drink. It will be good to be among the rest of the colony with these odd rumors circulating."
Thame shrugged and smiled at the man. With the disappearances that had greeted their arrival, and the relative bad luck since then, a glimmer of hope like this was a breath of fresh air. "So perhaps the whale bones housed some sentient creatures at some point? Fascinating..."
The wizard would have pressed for details, but from the way Soren spoke he likely hadn't gotten close enough to offer more than a cursory illustration of the arrangement. Also, the fisherman looked like he needed some rest and nourishment, and answering questions would keep him from either thing.
Turning to Kragg, Lara, and the two newcomers, the wizard said, "Want to have a drink? Haven't interacted with you two much, though we've been rather busy lately..."
"My time here has been useful for writing, as solitude usually is but good conversation is welcome. Thank you."
Lara nods. "A drink sounds welcome about now, all things considered."
Kragg nods in thought about the whale bones. The presence of those bones in such a way does seem like a sentient creature postioned them. We should take the opportunity when we can to visit there. However we still have some things here that we need to look into before we leave again.
Kragg gladly leads Soren to the bar but cautions him to take it easy.That last thing you need is alcohol in your system if you are dehydrated. Have some water today and tomorrow I will let you get a brew as you tell your tale to others. Take it easy tonight.
Once Soren is safe at the bar and doesn’t look to pass out he will talk with the others some more privately. He seems in command of his actions and his story is plausible. I was skeptical at firstwith everything else but I find no falseness in him. Tomorrow though I will prepare a detect evil spell and cast it from my house. Then, concentrating on it I will roam the town to see if I can detect anything making sure to stop by Eliza, Soren, and the others we heard about today. I will also ask a miracle to keep any falsehoods from being spoken in my presence for a short duration if I detect any evil presences.
Alyn is going to keep an eye or ear out for anything related to Kereda's concerns. He is keeping an eye out for any new faces especially a pair.
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During the day if he comes upon Carver he tells him of Soren’s encounter, most importantly if the island that they had visited and how it had a monolith upon it. I am not sure if this is what you are looking for when you mentioned it to us a while back. We visited the island but briefly in the hopes of fostering good Will and likely trade partners. Also if interest to you is a buried complex south of here. There were some nasty undead that we took care of and some intricate doors that responded only to ioun stones. Perhaps you would want to visit it now that it is safe. If we make a diplomatic trip to the other island we can take you as well.
Alyn listens intently to te details of the adventure wishing he could leave and explore the island more.
Soren takes Kragg's advice and does not go to the bar today, he goes back to him home to rest.
Kragg spends some time formulating plans for how to figure out who the faceless stalker may be hiding as. he then speaks to Carver, giving a summary of what they have seen.
"thank you for the update, Kragg. Lara has updated me on the majority of what you have discovered as well. this laboratory certainly seems like it would once have been a very valuable discovery, but it sounds it is mostly ruined at this point. the ioun stone mechanism do sound interesting, perhaps I will make a trip out to inspect them soon. if you see more like them be sure to let me know.
"as for the monolith, I would be very interested in seeing it closer. the next time you go to speak with the Strix I will accompany you. or, if you are kept busy with other tasks I may go there with some others without you."
It seems to me that we keep hearing more about this hag somewhere on the island. as interesting as these archaeological discoveries are, if there really is a dangerous hag on the island we may need to prioritize dealing with her. especially if she is somehow linked to the vanishing colonists. of course at this point I fear they must be dead, but learning what happened to them could help us prevent a second event with the current colony.
Alan's interest about in this hag is clearly piqued, but he does not allow it to show on his face as it may be seen as morbid in the face of the untimely deaths.
"I have had my nose in ab books since I have been here what are the rumors of this hag and have you all begun any investigation?"
Lolito's eyes open wide as he listens there is a hag and she might have some relation with the disappeared colonists "I am interested to know about this hag you talk about. If you happen to go there, may I join up your expedition?"
"But first we might want to check with Medrinnah and then with Kereda. If only to make sure they are not in danger by the..." the man looks around to make sure no one is listening "...faceless stalkers"