Takaral |
"We're not sure. Our spies didn't go down to question the why."
"Just like back home then."
Takaral turned to his host, his cape flowing behind him. "What do you know of these situations? Beyond the greater works of the planes, I haven't followed many specifics beyond an as-needed basis for different cases."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"Hmm..."
Know(local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
"You know, maybe if the spies did question 'why' more, they'd end up with some better intelligence. It's the very reason I became skilled in my craft."
DM Omen |
Dalton and Bjorkus know Heff's information to be good. An older pirate that's survived with caution and wariness over the years: some call him smart, others call him cowardly. Usually his allies and enemies respectivelly. Regardless despite never rising terribly far in the ranks he commands much respect.
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"People who live a while usually have a reason. Or, in my case, despite expectations to the contrary." The wizened wizard smiled. "There's more afoot here than we know."
Takaral |
"So we must to field operations to learn more." The kolyarut sounded almost enthusiastic. "When do we -"
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"Not we. The line of conjuration thay has you here temporarily needs time to recharge. You'll have to go home and be recalled once we're on scene after a day or two." Dalton knew Takaral wouldn't like that, but it was a necessity to make him reliable.
Takaral |
His face unreadable, Takaral was silent a minute. He's right. "That is a wise foresight. After our briefing and before you portal away, I will return myself."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
It did not escape Dalton's ears the fact Takaral was asserting his choice in this matter, yet the inevitable had to see the inevitability of the various outcomes in this situation. "A cape might not be the best choice of garments if we're going to get wet though."
Dalton looked to Bjorkus for his inside knowledge. "I've spoken with a few of the arcanists about this compound and learned a few cantrips that may help. Usually, my specialty is land, but I felt it could be handy to turn a body of water's surface to ice. The process is slow, but if we can get near a vessel or some creatures that need to be contained, as long as they aren't moving within the hour, we might have an easier time keeping them there. It's a bit hard to explain."
Dalton realized there was an easier way to have a similar necessary conversation with Ianna. He focused his thoughts through his new diadem to her.
My thanks in your imbuing of this diadem with your magic. From our previous conversations, I felt it appropriate to forewarn you of the potential necessity to spread hydrophobia among hostile elements we may encounter. This will do no permanent damage but may cause quite a ruckus. In the event your charisma does not do the trick, this may be an option we are forced to take.
Bjorkus |
"Magic like that could be handy if Crajun ends up bein' as cagey as I've heard. He might try to run if he realizes we've got more muscle than him. If we can I'd like to capture his ship. We could use a friendly fleet of we're gunna keep getting missions at sea."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"Well, creeping ice won't harm the ship, but if they have another spellcaster with them, most usually dabble in fireballs and the like more than I do."
Takaral |
"And do remember, Dalton: Those same fireballs would be good and melting the ice."
Bjorkus |
Weeks Prior
Bjorkus knocks on the door to Ianna's quarters only to find that it's open. He presses on it opening the door all the way and steps inside. In one hand he grips a small square container covered in a piece of soft fabric.
"You doin' okay Ianna? You've been so busy studying and praying we haven't seen you for days. Your brother tells me it's nothin' to worry about but it's not natural I say! Sittin' in a room with nothing but books for days will drive somebody mad!" the bull explains while poking at a stack of heavy religious tomes the priestess had already worked her way through. "Don't you miss the fresh air or the blue sky? And what do they have you readin'?"
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
The priestess gives a gentle laugh. "I miss the sky and flowers. There is so much to do. I don't know how I'll finish everything."
Ianna idly runs her hands through her curls.
Bjorkus |
The bull snorts and shakes his horned head. "Don't work too hard, we can't have you goin' mad. Since your brother brought you along this team's come to depend on you. Here, I brought you some company."
Bjorkus rests the bundle he'd brought in on Ianna's desk and removes the cover revealing a small wire cage containing a young floppy-eared rabbit with a pure white coat. "The woman in the market said they make good pets."
Rilka Featherfeet |
”Is Crajun Hoarfiz a human?” Rilka asks. ”To be captured alive.” She gives a nod in satisfaction.
"I wonder what his motives are..." Rilka says mostly to herself.
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
"An arctic hare? That reminds me of home! I love it, Bjorkus; thank you!"
Ianna wraps one of the minotaur's thews in a grateful hug.
"Is it a boy or a girl? Does he or she have a name yet?"
In her exuberance, Ianna reveals that she is still young enough to find joy in the simple things.
Bjorkus |
"Hrm. Well she kinda reminds me of one of the girls on my crew. She has soft pale skin and big bright eyes, Bjorkus recalls wistfully. "Her name is Opal. Does she look like an Opal to you?"
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
"She is definitely an Opal. I'm not sure how I didn't see it before."
Ianna takes the arctic hare from the wire cage and holds her gently. "She is so soft. Opal can keep me company as I read and work on the various enchantments that have been requested."
She continues to pet the hare, "My father is one of the greatest craftsman this world has ever seen. He can enchant so quickly and so strongly, but even he has helpers.
You, would help me, Opal, if you could? Wait. Perhaps she can. I was just reading in one of these books that those from magical backgrounds can sometimes awaken their heritage. Opal could help me craft if she were a familiar."
Bjorkus |
Somewhat familiar with spellcaster familiars, Bjorkus nods. "If any critter was fit to be your familiar I think it's her. Make sure she doesn't work too hard, you hear me Opal?"
DM Omen |
The time comes and the party gets to stretch their legs, Ianna peering out into the light of the day for the first time since her shopping trip. Liamsho the Unliving, always a curious presence, gives a bow and vanishes into the ether, leaving the party behind at Pine Lake.
Or at least the edges of it. Pine Lake must be the most ironic name for a settlement ever created, for it's a desert city with no vegetation to see and a giant dustbowl on the outskirts. Luckily the party doesn't have to deal with any more of the wretches slaved-lands of the desert, directly boarding onto Bjorkus's ship.
Feel free to RP along the trip. I'll mostly give over the reigns to Bjorkus since this is his ship. The trip will be largely uneventful until you get to your destination. If you all would prefer to speed along to that just let me know and I'll get to it.
Bjorkus |
Despite being visibly overjoyed by being on the water again, Bjorkus quickly becomes all business once he's on board the Raging Storm. He introduces his crew to the party, for most for the second time, giving special attention to Ianna and Takaral. "Listen up", the bull bellows during a moment when the bulk of the crew is on deck. "These five are our guests as long as they're on the ship. Make sure they get whatever they need. And no soddin' biting!" he adds with a glare at the ship's goblin rigger.
The Raging Storm doesn't have much in the way of private quarters but he has one is emptied for Dalton, Ianna, Rilka's use. He knew Toramin could handle bunking with the crew but he's not sure what to do with Takaral. "Takaral, did you need someplace quiet to study or pray in the morning like Dalton and Ianna? Actually, do you sleep at all?" he asks the disguised inevitable. "If so you can squeeze in with the girls and Dalton."
"It turns out Crajun Hoarfiz is the one behind the problems in the northern seas", Bjorkus explains to his first mate once arrangements have been made for the party. "From what my 'partners' on the mainland gathered, he's been drivin' everyone else away because he intends to steal whatever they're diving for out there. Have the crew ready for a fight. Crajun might turn whatever he's usin' to upset the sea monsters on us once he figures out we're on to him."
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
Ianna boards the ship in a beautifully embroidered, white woolen dress. Green and golden ivy twin on its seams. Knowing that northern seas can get quite cool, she also is wearing a ermine stole and matching fur hat. Her chestnut curls have been brushed, braided, and pinned beneath the hat. The winds will not wreck havoc with her hair. As ever, her brow is graced with a teardrop emerald that seems to sparkle with its own inner light.
A well groomed arctic hare, lies placidly in the crook of her arms. Behind her a two manservants bring on a few chests and a small golden altar that radiates a sense of hallowed well being.
All-in-all. Ianna appears to be the princess that Bjorkus first told the crew that she was.
She makes a pleasant hello to the crew who had come to her for romantic advice and emotional support on their previous journey south.
Toramin Gearsmith |
Toramin, in contrast, is silent as he stomps aboard and begins stowing his things. Quickly he has shooed, Ianna's hired help off the ship with a generous tip and begins to stow his sister's belongings as well.
"If you needed a batman, sister, I would have done it. It is ostentatious to hire help."
Ianna Trealamhgabha |
"Nonsense, brother. These men needed the work. I wrote to Geoffrey and ask him for the names of a few reliable men who were getting a little older. There little point to the wealth of the Trealamhgabha if we do not invest it in those less fortunate. Just as when you requested that Grandmother invest in the reconstruction of Akropash. Some investments are large, others are smaller, but all are worthwhile. Uplift enriches us."
Toramin Gearsmith |
Toramin cocks a stony brow, but nods his agreement.
She also likes to be comfortable.
Dalton Barrowwheel |
Dalton was no stranger to teleporting now, but a fresh environment was always a showstopper for a moment. Cool air, plenty of water, and less deception. This is much more agreeable.
The large man wore his rather simple-looking robe of useful items still, the appearance not as gaudy as some of the baubles he now possessed. The robe was now fastened by a mundane but useful belt; it had his handiest haversack attached to it, and within it lay his newly-created wands. The wand of endure elements was one he was particularly tempted to use if they would be out and about.
"Looking fashionable as always," commented the mage on Ianna's choice of garments. Yet they were not here for fashion.
The bellicose Bjorkus seemed ready for a direct confrontation with this new agent of discord, but Dalton doubted it would be so easy. If they wanted to be found, they wouldn't have waited for us. Given their last encounter on the open waters though, the mage did not feel they would have a long wait for trouble.
Leaving Takaral to answer Bjorkus's inquiry, Dalton swept his gaze over the crew. His diadem offered some insight as to their inner workings. It kept him busy for a while...
After he had ample time to process the information, he relayed some information to the others' minds:
In preparation for our trip, I've imbued a few wands with a couple useful cantrips. Endure Elements for the chill we might find here, mage armor or true strike for those who can use a wand themselves. This amethyst one will repair Takaral if need be, though he naturally regenerates given enough time.
Takaral |
Evidently his post didn't make it:
In a guise of light blue nobles' finery, Takaral brought with him a much heavier impact from his feet. It would definitely call for some consideration on ship decks where too much weight in the wrong spot may cause problems.
The outsider looked around, taking a few moments before responding to the returning captain. "I dream. Is that not enough?" His smiling reply was as well-made as any aristocrat's. "Private quarters will not be required, though Dalton will be ending this invitation to your place tonight, I imagine. I'll be back soon though."
He tapped his left foot twice on the deck. "This is a sturdy vessel. I have seen many a sailor in my years which would have survived had their ships possessed the fortitude they did."
Bjorkus |
Bjorkus snorts and nods in agreement before rapping on the deck with his hoof. "The Storm's been good to me but she's only as good as her crew and mine's some of the best."
"Will Dalton be able to 'invite' you back once we're on the water? The only summonin' I've ever seen on the sea are sharks and the like called by the ship's druid, Kal."
Takaral |
The posh gentleman sent Dalton the first gaze from his eyes that might be interpreted as unkind. "His method is fairly absolute. Barring some intervention, I will arrive, and I will arrive where he calls me. The possibility I'll plummet into the water is slim."
His expression warming again, Takaral looked to Bjorkus. "Do not worry overmuch. Your vessel's ability to carriage my weight was my main concern, and it does so effortlessly, captain." The regal manner with which Takaral carried himself in addressing Bjorkus was on par with the etiquette one might provide a knight.
Rilka Featherfeet |
After teleporting, Rilka glances around then stares at the city of Pine Lake. ”Huh,” she says with a slight frown. ”Why’s it called Pine Lake”? she asks rhetorically.
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 9 + (2) = 27
On board the ship, she settles into the cabin she’ll be sharing with Ianna and Dalton. She takes her alchemical supplies, new journal and writing supplies, and spare clothes from her bag of holding and places them in the foot locker. ”It will feel a bit more like home with a few things unpacked,” she tells Dalton and Ianna.
As they get underway, Rilka asks Bjorkus, ”Do mind if I copy a few of your sea charts? I want to try cartography more. If you need a hand tying knots or working the...sheets,” her voice is a tad uncertain if she used the proper terminology. She points to the sails, ”Well, just ask and I’ll do my best.”
DM Omen |
Two days on the sea, icy winds biting the air and reminding everybody that winter is on its way. From Pine Lake the Raging Storm goes around the northeastern edge of Yenrick, turning south. Other ships and small villages are passed, but beyond an overzealous turtle-shark nothing disturbs the party and crew.
The party is an hour out from Maunie, where they know their target is waiting. As the sun begins setting the crew checks their weapons.
Alright, so what's the plan on approaching Crajun Hoarfiz? The party knows exactly where their ship is docked, the only question is how you guys want to handle this.
Dalton Barrowwheel |
I alluded to in in his previous post, but Dalton has effectively used Detect Thoughts with his diadem on the crew. Though they get a saving through against the final effect, barring some rather striking surface thoughts, he's more interested in the outliers on the high and low ends of the IQ spectrum. He wants to get a feel for who/how many can be trusted with complex tasks while who/how many should be doing the simplest routines.
Bjorkus |
Omen, did you want me to answer Dalton's question?
I'm not sure what Dalton's plan is but let's start with sending a few of the sneakier folks ashore. Some will sneak aboard Crajun's ship and sabotage it enough to prevent a quick getaway (rudder, sails, etc). The rest will enter Maunie and determine how much of Crajun's crew is on shore leave and what their business is in town. We'll play it by ear from there.
Bjorkus |
The majority of the crew are a little dim and/or unlearned (int 8).
A couple of the deckhands and some of the officers are sharper or sport a surprising amount of education (int 10-12). Did you want names?
By far the most intelligent member of the crew is the ship's surgeon. (int 16) but his mind is often dulled by his frequent recreational drug use.
Dalton Barrowwheel |
Dalton approached the medic from behind, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Ah, there he is. Your captain says you're the doctor here. My name's Dalton." The half-elf extended his hand. "I've got a bit of business with you."
The mage sat down next to the doctor. "There's something odd afoot with the wildlife here. It's possible the causes are simply magical, and that's more my forte. If they're with some agent or disease though? Well, I'm not in the know for that. I'm mentioning this because if the animals have something, you might not want your crew getting in touch with them more than they have to."
The mage rubbed his chin. "If it's a more arcane problem though, do you have any skill with magic? It could be useful in a diagnosis."
Spells adjusted. I believe we are good to continue.
Bjorkus |
Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
The pale chirurgeon wrings his hands as he considers Dalton's question.
"An illness is possible. I haven't had the opportunity to examine any of the afflicted up close", Zirul explains. "But your concerns are noted. If the crew is exposed to whatever is making the beasts erratic I have a number of salves and tonics that should help - everything from quicksilver to saltpeter. Perhaps a round of preventative treatment is in order. It would be costly. I will discuss the suggestion with the captain."
"My education includes some understanding of the arcane but I'm not sure I could be much help if magic ends up being the source of the problem. Hrm. Maybe something to put my thoughts in order would help."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"Despite my study of it, I find magic often lies at the source of problems. That and bad behavior, anyway."
Bidding Zirul adieu, Dalton went back to a secluded area of the ship and recalled Takaral. The boards beneath him creaked, yet held.
"How were things back in your chamber?" inquired the mage.
Takaral |
Takaral was relieved to be back. "I didn't have enough time to refresh myself on known history from dawn of life through today, but it was enough for now." Humor was one organism tendency the machine emulated well. "Changes in the situation since we last talked are minimal?"
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"Mostly. My concern is this sickness is something not limited to creatures of the sea. If it has the potential to affect us, your immunity to such afflictions would be useful. I had the experience of speaking with the ship's doctor, Zirul. Should many of us contract some horrific malady, I must ask you assure his safety."
Takaral |
"Not your own?" The planned construct gave a mild smile. "So selfless. Not like many of your arcane mastery. Why that priority?"
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"If the illness will run its moribund course and result in my death anyway, saving me from a sword is just making life's terminus more agonizing. The man has the potential to cure us - he's bright. When he's not intoxicated anyway."
Dalton shook his head. "Enough of contingencies though. I'm guessing that conflict of interest won't arise. Your eyes are better than mine. Why not get above deck and see what's what?"
DM Omen |
Bah! Apologies for the last post, the thread monster has been hungry lately.
Bjorkus sends some of his stealthier inclined people out to the port, dipping underneath the water. The party and crew wait with anticipation as they disappear from view.
Stealths: 3d20 ⇒ (8, 9, 9) = 26
Perceptions: 3d20 ⇒ (1, 13, 11) = 25
A half hour later splashing is heard as they reemerge. "Sorry captain, they got a full watch set up. Couldn't get much closer than observing 'em. Looks like the full crew is on the ship, seem to be idling about though."
Dalton Barrowwheel |
"What are their numbers like?"