[GM Striker's The Ruins of Azlant] Table 2

Game Master JankInTheTank

I think running back is a hustle, not a forced march and it is under 1 hour so I think we are ok without checks.

Alyn runs after Kragg but sends Trick back with a note to get a boat readied.

Being the fastest and less encumbered one, Lolito waits back with Trick, writing the note and giving it to Alyn's familiar before starting to run after the rest of the party.

50' x4 = 200' round => 2000' per minute => 8 minutes to cover 3 miles on perfect terrain

Leaving a mirage figure of himself while his ki propels him forward, the focused monk reaches Talmandor's Bounty briskly. Once there he looks for the colony's Mayor "Ramona!" he needs to make an effort to maintain his usual contained tone "We found the stalkers making signals in the island to the west. We need a boat. Would you happen to have one ready?"

Show off Lolito but let’s see you do that in full plate

Ramona has barely received the note before the party comes jogging in. she looks concerned at first thinking another attack or something has happened, but she quickly moves to get you what you need.

there is a boat that had been used to move supplies from the now-burnt ship to shore, and you are able to take it out immediately.

does anyone do anything else before heading out, or do you pile in and start rowing?

Lolito is fine to depart right now, he just makes sure to pick up some food for a few days "Thanks for the boat Ramona. I promise we will bring it back for the colony"

He will wait in case others want to do something in the colony, but otherwise, but once everyone is ready, he will pick up the oars and start rowing "My friends... have you ever heard the tale of the turtle and the dolphin? I hope all of you know how to swim. Just in case..."

As he is heading past Civilization’s Edge anyways he calls out to Maggie to give her some quick instructions while he will be away. From there he heads past the shrine to the docks checking that both Father’s are doing well and there is nobody minute change to their plans to defend the settlement while he is gone. At the dock he throws his gear in the boat and ties it to the side in car they get capsized. I dont want all of my stuff ending up in the bottom of the sea.

Prof sailor to help with boat 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Full plate sucks. If I keep sweating like this we will need an extra bailing bucket in the boat. Thanks, Ramona. I'm less optimistic than Lolito. If we don't during the boat back either hire better fighters off the next boat or get off the island."

Derym chuckles at Lolito's question, then says simply, "Aye, I can swim."

Lolito pushes for a quick departure, but Kragg quickly handles some loose ends first.

very quickly the group is ready to shove off and head towards the unknown island!

the island you are heading towards is further away from the colony than previous boat trips you've taken, such as to the Strix island. it will be a long journey by rowboat, about 7 hours if things go well.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

As the party casts off into the bay, Lara keeps a vigilant eye on their surroundings. With a frown, she notes their surroundings. "Looks like a storm is coming. Pretty bad one, too. We'll want to make sure we keep close to shore," she says.

That seems too convenient by half...
Maybe.... or maybe we're just lucky that way...
Why? Did you offend Besmara and Gozreh when I wasn't looking?
You're always looking....

Still, despite himself, he gives voice to the blade's thought, "Any idea if the storm is natural? Though I shudder to think we'll be facing someone able to conjure such a thing."

Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
When Lara makes the observation about the incoming storm Lolito lowers his oar looking reverently at the gathering winds "Dahak really want us bad... that thing is going to be pretty serious. If we depart now it is sure going to catch us at sea"

"Considering similar storms that have been striking the island, I think if we wait, it is going to hold us in the colony until the next morning 4+8 hours" Lolito scratches the back of his neck, thoughtful "My friends, I am going to count on Apsu's guarding mantle and say we can go through this. If we wait, Karnax might be gone by when we hit the stalker's island, losing our chance to quickly find their lair..."

"But I do understand if we do not want to take the risk and just wait for the storm to pass" looking again to the sky and taking a calming breath he finishes "That's probably the wiser path my friends. To wait"

Prof sailor 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Survival 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Kragg looks at the sky and the horizon. He did not have Lolito skill to foretell the length of the storm but he agreed with him and Lara that a storm was coming. If it is as bad as you say then it does us no good to be caught in the middle of the water at the mercy of the weather. None of us are accomplished sailors and are likely to capsize a boat this small. Unless we know of a way to beat the storm to arrive on the island I suggest staying here and waiting it out.

"I have no skills beyond books, however, you all decide I will help however I can but our survival will depend on all of you. Without powerful magic our chances are slim." Alyn's apprehension clears puts him in line with Kragg, but he is reluctant to hold the group back.

Derym nods, "I'd hate to be the only survivor. Given what's happened, they'd probably assume I was a stalker when I got back."

The group determines a storm is coming, but opinions are split on how to handle it.

Lolito recommends pushing through and trusting that their gods and skills will get them through.

Kragg prefers caution and waiting out the storm until the following morning.

It seems that Kragg has more of the party on his side at the moment, however.

Does Lolito argue the point, or do you hunker down for the evening (along with any other prep you want to do in the colony.)?

"Ok, we wait then. Better cautious than sorry" the man looks at the supplies in the boat "We should then profit the time to prepare. Perhaps we could pay a visit to our Locathah friends and trade supplies and equipment while we wait for the storm to pass"

Lara shakes her head, hands on hips in frustration. "This may be the best lead we have. But if we're not going to take it, then we probably should see if our locathah friends can offer aid. Who knows, maybe they even know where to find these faceless stalkers or their master."

There is 1 option if Lolito and Lara want to take it…I can pray to Abadar for a blessing that will allow Lolito to walk on the water. With his strength and speed he could carry Lara across the water. If he hustled he should be there before the spell wears off.

7 hrs by rowboat is 10.5 miles . Water walk is 10min/level for 70 min. Lolito at 50ft per move action is 10 miles per hour if at a hustle.

Kragg explains his thoughts to the others and adds, We can even take the rowboat out for 2 hours then have Lolito carry Lara from there. That will give him plenty of time to cover the rest of the distance. However the 2 of you will be split from the rest of us should anything happen to you.

Lolito looks towards Lara, his eyes open wide "Sure, that would be memorable" he offers his best smile to the woman, half the mouth deprived of teeth.

"If we visit the Locathah, we have a couple of these necklaces they could use to breath air outside the water" Lolito shows to the group "I am sure they will be interested. And Lara is right, they may also know more about the aboleth's lair"

" We can even take the rowboat out for 2 hours then have Lolito carry Lara from there. That will give him plenty of time to cover the rest of the distance. However the 2 of you will be split from the rest of us should anything happen to you."

Lara looks at the old man dubiously, then looks back to Kragg. "I think we should stick together. The last thing we need is for half of us to get captured and replaced by faceless stalkers now, of all times."

the group decides not to push their luck and o into the storm. instead they take the time to prepare, and to visit their Locathah allies.

you journe back to the last pace you met with the Locathah and are quickly brought to see the same one you met previously, Koloshkora.

she welcomes you warmly. It has been too long. how does your new colony fare? we have started some small trading arrangements with your people, but I look forward to the day when we have more established trade. would you care for some food? come, sit and tell mw about your work on this island

Sorry crazy weekend will get a post up later today

Kragg bows to Koloshkora as they arrive. It is good to see you too. I am sorry for such a long absence as our presence has been required elsewhere on the island. We have been quite busy since we last met with you. We have treated with others on the island that we are friendly enough terms on while others have opposed us. How goes the interactions with the strix now that we have hopefully diffused the tensions and misunderstanding from before?

Kragg fills them in on the reactions with the water naga and the interactions with the hag before mentioning the pressing matters in the colony.

Of more concern is upon our arrival 2 days ago back home we were attacked by shapeshifters called faceless stalkers. They infiltrated our settlement and capture many of our people. We discovered they are located on an island to the west. Do you have any knowledge of the island or an aboleth in the area?

diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

We have also brought items to sell and trade if you are so interested. They are items we have picked up from the island. Have you obtained any new items that you would be willing to barter or sell?

the Locathah elder listens carefuly to Kragg's accounting of their adventure.

"it will likely take some time to fully mend the wounds between our people and the Strix, but now that things are cleared up it is much better. we have begun trading again, which is a great sign.

we do have some goods and would be willing to trade or buy things you have found. we do a lot of trade with the sea elves in this region, and things from the surface are always in demand. we have some items now, and can find other things you might be needing.

if there are things you want, please let me know in the discussion thread. dependin on the value/uniqueness of the item I will either just sell it to you or roll a % chance that this group hs what you need. it is intended that you are able to use them to procure items as needed

her face darkens when you mention the other island.

We do not jounrey to the sunken island. it belongs to the Aboleth Onthooth and his minions. there was ongoing strife between it and the hag of this island, but with her death he may begin to move more freely. be careful going to that place, i do not know what you will encounter, but take care to protect your mind. an Aboleth has many ways to force its way into a person's thoughts...

Lolito listens with attention to Kragg's explanations "Oh, yeah, the hag had terrible blood drinking minions. It was a terrible fight, but our friend Thame rules the orrery now if you want to check on there"

He then brings the necklaces of adaption and other stuff "We found these necklaces that could be very useful for those that dwell underwater and want to visit the surface"

And listening to the Aboleth's news, he adds "In that case, if you have something to protect our minds from the aboleth, it would be a good trade in. Otherwise, Apsu shall protect us!" he hits his chest convinced of this himself.

Lolito also gives a look to the weather to see if the tempest is really passing away.

"The hag was awful several of us fell asleep during that fight. It was quite harrowing. As for trades, I'm ok for now the team has been generous I will let the others look. "

Wonderful to hear. I was concerned when i did not see your friend that he had fallen in battle. it would have been rude for me to assume so, so i did not bring it up. We shall certainly pay him a visit soon, though that mountain is a difficult trek for us, even with the necklaces

She points to her own neck, where one of the same style of necklace currently hangs.

My people have used these for many years good Lolito. they are certainly helpful for a people like mine who seek trade with surface dwellers.

she calls over some of the other members of her tribe who have several boxes and chests of goods, as well as gold/platinum for trading.

Lolito keeps an eye on the sky and sees the storm is definitely pounding off shore to the west, but the initial estimates about how long it will last seem likely to still be correct

"Thanks for your support Koloshkora" with a slight bow of his head, Lolito gives the necklaces to the locathah, then takes a look at the treasures they brought. Selling the items the party decided to not make use of, he goes through the available trade options and decides himself for a mystic tiara with waves engravings "I think this will fit me" and changes his cloak for a better one.
headband of Wisdom +2, -4000 gp
improving cloak of resistance to +2, -3000 gp

"Before we go Koloshkora, do you know of any potential ally we can ask about the aboleth's lair in the western island?"

After this, Lolito will be ready to go, and assuming the group came following the coast with the boat, he starts readying the boat for sailing to the west.

As Kragg makes his suggestion, Antipatharian offers, I like that. Strike quickly, and unexpectedly. And you could probably keep up with them swimming...
Well, *almost*, if you've seen the monk move. But I don't think it's wise.
Attacking an enemy unexpectedly is always wise!
Well, no, though it's usually *smart*. But what *isn't* smart is not bringing all you have to bear on an enemy stronghold.
... Well, I suppose...
Plus, Lara's right about not wanting to make it easy to replace any of us with Stalkers... and getting better gear and more information are almost always a good idea, too.
*Fine* You know, you're just no fun sometimes..
Look, if I die, you either go back to sleep or end up in the hand of some Horror. You should be glad I'm looking out for us.

***

At the talk of mental attacks, Derym perks up, "I don't have a communal protection from evil in my spellbook, but we could try to find a scroll. That said, I would imagine Kragg could manage it. Or a magic circle, for that matter. Either one would be helpful."

Yes, I will have at least 1 protection spell ready possibly 2. 1 of them will protect the group if we are all together and last longer while another will only be good for a limited amount of time. Anything we can do individually to fortify your mind would be recommended.

Continuing the conversation with Koloshkora, We have found a bow that belongs to the Strix. We do plan on visiting with them as soon as possible. Is there any further message you wish us to give to strengthen the bond between the 3 of us? Otherwise, like you say it may just take time before past animosities are buried.

"I have one scroll of the protection spell that defends against evil that I can cast if I find myself beyond the Kragg,s reach. Are there any landmarks on the western island to watch out for or that could be a source of tools to help? Even shelter we could use to rest would be very helpful."

Unfortunately no, I do not know of ayone who has been on that island and returned. we know it is where the Aboleth dwells, but we do not know much about what you will find there.

Thank you for your offer, Kragg. we are finally at a place where we can speak with the Strix again wihtout open hostility, and do not need another party to relay between us now. it is a kind thought though.

the Locathah make a few final trades with the group and then start packing things away.

Thank you again Koloshkora. You and your people are always a pleasure to talk to, break a fast with, and trade. May our people continue to grow together and support each other in the times ahead. We go now to the island of the Aboleth after the storm. Hopefully we return successfully and then you and your people can visit that island in the future.

Kragg gathers his shirt and rod and bows once again to the chief before making his way back with the others. This rod is going to be extremely useful in the coming days. With it I could bless everyone with Abadar’s miracle to walk on water safely till we arrived in the island. Granted it would be expended for the day along with most of his stronger miracles. Shall we head back to town then to wait out the storm?

"Thanks Koloshkora. May trade and understanding guide our peoples away from The Endless Destruction" Lolito gives farewell to the locathah with a sincere vow.

Once alone he agrees with Kragg "Yes, let's get back to Talmandor's Bounty and have a rest while the storm extinguishes. We were blessed today with the bounties of your faith. Abadar shall be proud of your deeds in the island Kragg"

Lolito does not have further preparations to do back at town. He is ready to go in the boat trip to the west island once the storm peters out.

Alyn less formal or maybe a little planer than his friends says, "Thank you all and stay safe. There may be new dangers about that come with the aboleths eye."

Alyn follows the team back to town ready to be on their way.

the group heads back to the colony with a renewed alliance and some fresh loot.

the storm is strong, but from the safety of being on firm ground you are not in any daner from it. you hunker down for the night, and by morning the storm is long gone.

the weather looks to be quite peaceful the next morning, and it doesn't look like any more storms should be approaching anytime soon.

Lolito takes her carpenter tools and secures the house windows to make sure the storm does not get in, in case it decides to hit the colony. But it passes away and the weather is really good afterwards, which gives him a very good mood.

"Ok, it is time to leave my friends" he makes sure to put in a waterproof bag some bread and cheese.

Once everyone is ready, he says goodbye to Ramona and the other colonists, then mounts in the boat and starts to oar towards the western island with resolve "Lara, have you taken that device from Carver? He said it always points north, isn't it? It might help us navigate towards destination"

"I'm as ready as I can be. I'm happy to row. I can have Trick act as spotter."

Lara raises a brow at Lolito. "You mean his wayfinder? I have one of my own, actually." And I'm not sure who, if anyone, took Carver's--but Lara has had a wayfinder since the beginning of the AP. xD

"Yeah, that device!" Lolito approaches and sees how Lara manipulates the item "Ok, if north is there... we have to oar... that other way!"

"Mmm... this hole inside... this is to fit the ioun's in, isn't it?" given that, it means Carver's wayfinder is available if some wants it.

Lara's brow rises again. "I am surprised you are familiar with that," she says, looking at the indentation where one could fit an ioun stone in a wayfinder.

Lolito smiles wide showing his not so perfect teeth "Ah, well, yes, I overheard some conversations while you talked with Carver" the monk shakes his ears laughing slightly "One must be observant to protect others from Dahaks plots"

His face becomes grim thinking again on that fact "Should have been more attentive to notice Carver was one of the stalkers." he blinks while looking at Lara "I am not usually that easily distracted."

Then Lolito examines the wayfinder again, looking at the direction to point the boat towards the west.

the group prepares to take to the sea. after some discussion about wayfinders, Lolito starts experimenting with one to use in navigating the boat.

the group sets off and heads towards the other island. it is not a long journey, and the sea is calm today.

however, the storm has kicked up a lot of debris that litters the waters as your destination comes into view. the water is muddy, and full of sticks, logs, and other junk.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Spotting something as she scans the waves on their journey over, Lara does a double-take and reaches for her bow. "Something's heading this way. Under the water."

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Lolito looks towards where Lara is observing. He quickly stands up in alert "Yes, I see it too"

The monk closes his fists focusing his ki. Spirals of energy start to rise in the air as his mystic energy endures his skin "This smells problems... better be prepared"

Qinggong power - barkskin 70 min (+3 AC)
Ki: 7/8

Previously, "Ioun stone eh? I have one of them. I will try."

Gm do cracked stone give resonance powers in your game? It is a GM discretion thing as Paizo never gave a final answer to my knowledge."

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Derym nods, "Moving pretty quickly, too."

perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

We must be prepared for whatever it is that is about to arrive. Kragg pulls out the longspear for the added reach they may need. Lara move behind someone so you can fire without being attacked. Hopefully we can keep it away from you.

Derym draws Antipatharian, making himself ready to strike - or cast a spell - depending on what the thing is.