After Eliza's plea and Thanaldhu visible resignation, Lolito turns to the group determined "I do not know about you, but I am leaving to that narrow island to the west to find Onthooth's lair! We have been looking all this time to find the colonist and we know now where have they been taken. Apsu will not allow for them to be left there at their own luck!"
When Ramona comes in, he debriefs her succinctly "Eliza helped them out of fear, and Alyn thinks that under some special power of the aboleth. Thanaldhu will not cooperate at all. It seems all the abducted colonists have been taken to Onthooth in the narrow island to the west. But Eliza has no idea of where exactly that lair is"
He nods after hearing her proposal "Good idea. Let's visit the houses where they were living. I think I am going to Carver's home to try find clues"
Kragg turns to Ramona with a resigned look. Thanaldhu, the stalker, refuses to cooperate as Lolito states. I suggested a potential tiral to decide his fate but the thought amongst the group is that it will result in a guilty verdict regardless of how fair we try to make it. As for Eliza, Kragg sighs, we were deceived by her once before and I am reluctant to give her another chance. However you are in charge of the colony and if you wish to give her another chance that is well within your right and I will respect that. If, and I stress if, she is allowed to remain I suggest that she is under guard continuously by one of the clerics in the colony as well.
As to the location of the colonists, everything we have gleaned from our investigations and searches of locations of the island have lead us to believe the island to the west is our goal. If we act quickly we may still be able to follow them and arrive shortly after they do. Of course taking time to search the homes of those that were stalkers may give us valuable information that we may need later.
We also have no assurance that all of the stalkers are gone. Until we are able to determine that we need to issue an ordinance that all meals are to be taken together and no one should be allowed to be by themselves for safety. This will protect everyone in colony from being ambushed and we know stalkers can not take sustenance orally and must throw it up at some point. This will help identify those stalkers that may remain. The colonists may not like it at first but after today they may realize it is the only thing we can do to protect them.
One last thing...with the ship being sunk is there any way to get word back to the mainland alerting them of our condition and that no ship will be returning?
Derym says, "Fear is its own power -- after all, if you kick a dog enough, it will cower, even if you don't raise your foot."
He sighs, "I think that saving the others needs to be the next step -- while there's still a chance they live."
But what about--
I was getting to that. You're awfully impatient for something that slept for centuries..
He adds, "Alyn and I stopped them from carrying away others, so even with this blatant attack, they seemed to be harvesting -- suggesting that they need the colonists for some purpose."
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the next island over does sound like a reasonable place to start looking. it appears we spent too much time investigating the hag on our own island, obviously we were pushed that direction by this creature pretending to be Carver.
I agree with your precautions, Kragg. I think after today people will be much more willing to accept extreme measures now that we see exactly how far things have gone.
As for Eliza, I think the best option may be to hold her captive until the next time a ship can bring her back to the mainland where she can face a trial. we are not well equipped here to do such a thing, and as you say she will likely be killed with very little discussion if we leave it to the people. what do you recommend?
I do not yet know how we will be getting back in touch with the Company. the ship is burned and her crew is stranded here. eventually they will send someone to check on us but it could be a long time. do not worry about that now. If the colonists are alive and we have a lead on where they have been held, you should pursue that with haste.
Lolito nods accepting Ramona's authoritative decisions "I also think Eliza has more options of a fair trial back in Andoran"
"As about contacting the Company... I think we are in the gods hands about that. I am faithful our plea of help will arrive the right ears and sooner than later we will have a new ship coming with help" the man places his open palm over his heart.
"I fear any serious tasks will have to be delayed after tomorrow for me. I am still exhausted from the stalkers attack and need to recover" Lolito coughs a couple times "Plus I need to clean my lungs of that smoke"
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Very well reasoned Ramona and I can not disagree with anything you say. I also agree with Lolito and that any endeavor will have to wait till we are rested and prepared for the trip. I have exhausted many miracles bestowed upon me by Abadar. The rest of today would be best used as the others suggest in investigating the homes. I will check with the other priests Eomon and Kurvis and see how they are doing and how the 3 of us may do the most good healing those injured in the fight.
Who is all still injured and needs healing? I have 1 last channel available to me and some miracles as well to help.
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Lara shakes her head. "I'm fine," she says to Kragg. "I should probably see how many arrows I can scrounge up, though."
She looks at Thanaldhu, though she speaks to the others instead. "It's a shame I never met the real Carver. We may have had interesting findings to share."
"Well it seems like we have converged on a plan or what will pass for a plan giving the limited options. I hate that we have to keep leaving the colony to fend for themselves but it seems there is little option with a threat this large we have to strike at the head. We should see if we can collect any provisions remaining. I doubt there will be any help on the small island."
"I think the blood speaks by itself" Lolito laughs while showing Kragg his tunics full of still fresh blood.
The man nods adhering to the idea of still doing something calm today "Let's inspect their equipment and go see the houses where they were living. Tomorrow, once rested, we can try to follow the tracks of the ones that left while Ramona reconstructs the colony and prepares whatever boat survived the fires for us to sail to the other island as soon as posible"
Lolito starts to inspect the items left by Thanaldhu and Eliza looking for clues.
While he does so, he also has a look at the different potions and oils, to see if he can identify them.
Ramona nods at Lolito's words.
[b]We will have to trust the gods see our plight and send help in their own time. I am sure that once the last voyage doesn't return as scheduled the Company will eventually send another vessel to investigate, or like us the next group of colonists or supply run will find the aftermath of this invasion...
we will just need to rely on ourselves until that time. We will do all we can here, and we will await your report. I will pray that you find some sign or even better some of the people that have been taken from us.
The group goes over their plan to investigate things in the morning. Kragg plans to meet with the two priests to go over plans for protecting what is left of the colony.
Eomon and Kurvis are both 3rd level clerics. Eomon follows Erastil, while Kurvis is a priest of Abadar.
Lolito gets a head start on the investigation, looking through the belongings closely.
you notice that the boots are covered in mud, and stuck in the mud are the remains of some purple flower petals. knowledge geography or nature may help you learn more from this.
the crossbow has a small etching on the base, with the initials C.H.
the dust, oils and potions that you took from the stalker are in odd containers, and you are unable to identify where they originate from.
the mirror that Thanaldhu had on him has a hole in the center and is small enough to fit int he palm of your hand. you recognize this as a signal mirror, used to communicate codes between ships or over large distances.
Thalandhu and the other stalkers' bodies are covered in small pockmarks likely resulting from burns and blisters, suggesting that the creatures are native to an environment where radiation or heat caused frequent burns
"Perhaps we should leave a secure cache with a journal explained what happened and what we have discovered, in case the worst happens and another group is left facing the same mysteries..." says Lolito a bit troubled.
He quickly changes to study the equipment left, showing the boots to the others he says "Hmmm... this one has been in the mud, do you recognize this purple flower petals?"
Then handling the crossbow he points out the C.H. initials etching on the base "Probably it belonged to Carver. Lara, do you know the surname of the Pathfinder?"
The white haired man also examines the containers in Thalnaldhu "These are peculiar... anyone knows where they might come from?"
Once this is done, he will go crash sleep to have a full rest. Of course, his ki metabolism, means he will be awake like an owl after just a couple of hours sleep.
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Lara nods. "Carver Hastings. It was probably his."
"The attackers are covered in small pockmarks. This is a sign of radiation exposure. Wherever they have been could be very dangerous for us."
Derym nods at Lolito's comments, "I don't disagree with that. I don't necessarily like the idea of not being around to tell the tale later, but I think it's wise."
He blinks at Alyn's comment, "Seems odd that they would choose to live somewhere that poisons them, given the lushness of the rest of the islands."
Ramona nods to Lolito's suggestion
it certainly would have been helpful if someone had left us detailed notes on what happened before we got here. if the stalkers do try again and manage to get the rest of us, the next group that comes needs to have warning. I will write something. any suggestions on where i hide such a journal? or anything you want to make sure i include?
you reconize the flower petals as a plant called Sea Lavender. there are a few patches where this grows near the beaches to the west of the colony
"Oh, I would write they are stalkers controlled by an aboleth. That they infiltrated the colony passing as one of us. That they are taking the colonists to their master Onthooth. That we are heading to the western island where we think he has his lair" Lolito thinks for a bit "As for a hiding place... mmm... what about below the church altar? It would seem it could survive even if the whole town is put to fire again"
Then raising the boots he signals "The petals in the boots... they are Sea Lavender. I have seen a few patches where this grows near the beaches to the west of the colony. Perhaps we should check there for more hints"
With that, Lolito goes to sleep. The next day after a good breakfast, he will head to check Carver and Eliza houses with the others. Then, perhaps the tracks left around the colony.
"It is worth following any lead we can. Even boot flowers."
Derym nods, "Certainly seems better than randomly guessing."
Kragg spends the rest of the day with Eomon and Kurvis. Welcome brothers.I am glad to find you both healthy and as well as possible after the latest attacks. I must say that I was not expecting such a force to attack the settlement like this but praise Abadar we were able to repel them. In the morning we are taking off to pursue those that escaped and took some colonists with them. Until then brother Kurvis I was hoping that you and I would be able to work together to scribe a scroll for the colony to use. I have just been granted a powerful communication miracle from Abadar that I think would help keep us in communication with each other. The problem is that I do not have all the required materials to scribe the scroll. I will put up wealth equal to the cost in exchange.
The next day, after a short breakfast, Lolito gathers the group "How everyone is doing? Rested? Moral high? Well, I think it is about time to look after those retreating stalkers and the colonists they kidnapped"
"Our best hint are those Sea Lavender, so let's see if we can find a trace of the stalkers and their way to their main lair" the man gives everyone time to gather belongings and supplies for the journey and then embark on the pursuit of the stalkers.
Lolito leads the way, trying to guide the group towards the patches at the western side of the colony where he found the flowers "I know because while you were exploring that Azlanti prison in our first days, I came around to explore, and collected some Lavender for Romana who wanted a softer aroma in her office"
While he goes, he looks for tracks or any other sign of the stalkers or the missing colonists.
Kragg meets with the other priests to discuss crafting scrolls. Kurvis is happy to help scribe the scroll at Kragg's request.
Are you prepared to assist in making this scroll today, or do you need to prepare for it first?
Lolito is eager to go investigate the areas where the purple flowers grow, and barring any other ideas from the group, leads the way to the shore.
There are a few places where these plants grow. the first one you go to has no sign of anything out of the ordinary.
The second patch is more interesting. Lolito finds some tracks quite close to one of the large patches of lavender. it looks like the tracks lead towards a small peninsula 3 miles to the west of the colony.
Lolito 35 total now 48/52
Alyn and 28 total now 52/58
Kragg and now 36/53
wand use on Kurag 47/53
In the morning with everyone fully healed Kragg joins the group to learn what they all found out yesterday. If shown the belongings he takes a look himself...
appraise
profession sailor
but knows nothing about them.
[b]I have spent some time in prayer with Abadar and I feel more fully equipped to set out on this expedition. I hope that it is enough to find the other colonists and make it back safely. I should let you know that my goal is not to kill the Aboleth but to free the colonists first. Their welfare is paramount as we can come back another time to end the threat once and for all./[b]
"That is a good sign. They may have paddled to the peninsula and walked in so they could not be seen on the water. Seem like we should try and track from here. Trick fly up and see if you can spot a boat on the coast."
Trick flys up to look for a boat other signs of travel.
Lara stares into the distance after Kragg speaks. At length, she gives him an odd look and a shake of her head. "My feeling is that freeing the colonists will probably require the aboleth's death. Remember what it did to Eliza. They won't be free of either its mental influence or its strange, corrupting mucus if it's alive."
That is true Lara but their safety comes first over vengeance. Personally I hope we get to do both simultaneously.
"Very good observation Lara, it has not occurred to me..." Lolito looks concerned towards the peninsula "I know by experience how hard is to correct a bad influence in the minds of people. I hope my pupil is ok... recovering the colonists is the priority, but with the Aboleth still around, we all will be still in danger"
Lolito waits for Trick to return with news of whatever he might find out, and then heads up himself to explore the peninsula.
Derym nods at the assessment, his expression grim.
Nothing like showing up on an island and heading off to kill some sort of terror..
Better it than us... And, besides, it was rather implied when we agreed to come and protect and defend the colony.
Oh, I wasn't complaining. I was just thinking you might be.
I think I've seen enough in just the two days I've been here to see it's the right call.
Trick flies up and does not see any boats or obvious signs of where the stalkers may have gone. Lolito walks the length of the peninsula and finds a spot that looks like it would protect a small boat from the waves and from being seen. his sharp eyes spot some frayed rope half-buried in the sand.
from the west out over the water you start to see flashes of light. they seem to be coming in a repeating pattern. some kind of message perhaps?
Did you see--
The light? I did.
It seems too... regular to be random...
Sending message by reflected light is an old trick. Probably what's happening here.
You should tell the others
I was planning to, but then someone had opinions to share..
I'll remember that next time there's someone sneaking up on you...
Derym chuckles as he gets the mental equivalent of a raspberry from his blade before saying, "Looks like someone's trying to send a signal. Probably for the Stalkers," and pointing out the light.
Sounds reasonable Derym. Anyone have any idea what is being said or how to respond in kind?
Kragg will cast guidance on whomever is trying to respond
Linguistics
Sense motive
Lara frowns and squints into the distance, one hand shielding her eyes from the sun. "Did we find a signal mirror? I imagine one of them must have had one, if they had comrades who used them to communicate with them."
Lolito snatches a half-buried rope from the ground and pulls from it, trying to follow it until the end "There is space to embark a boat in this spot, and there is something buried in here..."
The man looks in awe at Lara "Sure, the stalkers had one" Lolito goes to the party's backpack and takes the mirror offering it to the Taldan bard "But if they are really trying to communicate and even if we are able to answer... what to tell them?"
Derym says, "It's slower than speech, so we can probably figure out what they're saying/asking while they're still sending it -- which should give us a bit of time to figure out our reply."
He pauses, then adds, "Wonder if we can't ask them for a ride?"
Laura is easily able to decode the message. she is versed in several coded languages used by sailors for communicating between ships, and this is similar enough to one of those codes that she can decipher the full message.
“Status? We must go. Leaving Karnax behind. It is waiting with instructions.”
Lolito pulls out a signal mirror for the group to make a reply with
Lara translates for the group, then holds a hand out for the mirror. "Let me see about replying. They say they're leaving someone named Karnax behind."
When given the signal mirror, she replies, "Straggling. Will rendezvous."
She then turns to the group: "Anything else we want to add?"
Hiw about ‘Injured need help’? Kragg adds as a possible suggestion.
"I like that idea."
"We want them to relax and split. Perhaps tell them 'We are looking for a boat but we will join soon with Karnax'" Lolito looks at the signals being transmitted pensive "Also 'We got new identities'"
"'More handsome'"
After Lara sends her first messae, the pattern from across the water changes. the new messae in the same code reads simply
Received
does Lara add any of the other messages brought up by the group?
Lara puzzles over the change. Did they detect something suspicious with her code?
Lara shakes her head, deciding against another signal. "The more specific we are, they more likely they are to notice a difference in how we communicate compared to their comrades," she says.
Derym nods, "They might have specific call-signs and phrases to look for. Still, I like the idea of calling for help.. or a ride."
"That was impressive Lara. Worthy of the the best spy games in Golarion" Lolito smiles wide showing his crooked teeth, then turns to the others "Ok, it seems they are leaving this Karnax behind. Let's go grab whatever boat remains in the colony and pay a visit to this Karnax"
"The stalkers have stalked us all this time. It is our time to give them the same medicine. We go there and pose as stalkers disguised as colonists. We get as much information as we can. And try for this Karnax to lead us to their lair"
"We used a row boat to get the burned ship, so we know we go at least one."
A quick look around here for a boat might be warranted but if nothing is readily available then we do need to hurry to get the host we used yesterday. We can’t let this Karnak wait too long or else we may miss our opportunity to catch them unawares.
Perception
"Good points" Lolito nods and starts looking around in case the stalkers have left a boat concealed somewhere.
If nothing is found, he is happy to make the trip back to Talmandor's Bounty and bring the boat back to the peninsula as fast as possible "Let's send our dolphine figurine with a message for Ramona to have it ready for our arrival"
Derym nods, "Agreed. Every minute we wait is another where they might guess the truth."
Lara gets the message and is a little surprised at the shortness of the communication, but she doesn't get the sense that there is anything wrong with that. she decides not to send any more messages, and the group decides they better head out as soon as possible.
you do not see any boats around here. you know there are several that you could use from the docks at the colony.
the colony is 3 miles from this location. you would not need to bring a boat back to this spot, you could leave from the docks.
Lolito suggests sending a message back to Ramona to get a boat ready for them.
Excellent idea Lolito. That way we are ready to set off upon arrival.With that he Kragg forces himself to run the 3 miles back.
Con check
Even at his advanced age compared to the humans Kragg finds himself more than capable of rising to the challenge as he leads the others back.