After fifty days at sea, the Pathfinder lodge at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar is a welcome place to spend the night on dry land. In the shade of the gazebo on the shore of the manor’s exotic carp pond, the resident venture-captain, Sheila Heidmarch, speaks to the assembled Pathfinders in a low, breathy voice.
“I hope you’ve found your brief stay here in the City of Monuments relaxing. The Pathfinder Society owes you a debt of gratitude for engaging in such an important and lengthy mission. When you set out from Absalom nearly two months ago, I’m sure you never anticipated the monotony of a life at sea, but I’m happy we can put you up as the ship restocks before the final leg of the journey to the Mordant Spire.
“Thus far, you have done an excellent job of representing the Society as the escorts of the Mordant Spire’s envoy, the distinguished Sephriel, whom we hope had a productive meeting with the Decemvirate regarding the Azlanti ruins over which the Mordant Spire elves hold such a protective position. If he was pleased with the meeting and doesn’t find you too reprehensible, perhaps we can launch full expeditions into the lost continent of Azlant from this very lodge in the near future.”
She winks, and her eyes glance around the assembled agents. With a wry smirk, she continues.
“Keep up the good work, and ensure that Sephriel’s final two weeks on the Throaty Mermaid are as pleasant and event-free as they can be on as disreputable a smugglers’ ship as it is. Thus far, it’s provided an unassuming cover for such an important dignitary. Let’s hope the unscrupulous crew delivers their current cargo on time and in pristine condition. When you arrive at Riddleport after dropping Sephriel at the Mordant Spire, a chartered boat will be waiting to take you back to Absalom. May Desna’s blessings be upon you.”
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The dwarf only grumbled in response. This voyage had been terrible. He couldn't swim, had been trapped on the ship for gods-know-how-long., and there had been no opportunity to swing his sword a single time. Gorum, don't forget about me!
He hoped the mission would quickly come to an end, and he could get back to a tavern and a regular assignment far away from the sea. At least his new friend Darvik was on board to talk to, or he'd have lost his mind already, no doubt.
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Unlike most people Liara has thus far enjoyed the voyage on the sea . Giving her more than enough time to pray and meditate to her true lord and master Asmodeus. When not praying she found herself mingling with the crew when not with them her companions, interested in stories and gossip interested in the changing world.
Allowing the morning breeze to caress her bronzed skin and ruffle her short platinum hair she casts her ice blue gaze into the pond admiring her more than supple body in the reflection. Turning her attention to her party a smile creeping its way across her face the young aasimar lets our a short giggle Well at least they sent me with a interesting group of adventurers she thinks noticing the dwarf's discomfort on a majority of the voyage. she once heard that the poor things could not swim (something that she has wanted to ask but like the rest of the crew felt like he too was getting tired of her constant questioning) which would make it rather amusing to send one on a mission on a boat in the middle of the sea despite the fact Liara would probably fair little better than him in the ocean.
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Letting out a haughty chuckle "I do not believe that we are so much as protecting him as we are buttering him up for future business" she says coyly as she strolls over to the elf eying his thieving tools"I may have a use for you later if this voyage is as boring as it has been the last few months" a sly smile playing across her face.
Regarding Darvik and his need for haste with a look of sadness on her face " Why the need to leave so soon have you not enjoyed your time with us" she says her own Chelish accent showing in each word she speaks.
Sephriel is an important representative of the isolationist Mordant Spire elves, who have stood guard over the ruins of ancient Azlant for millennia. His safe arrival at Mordant Spire is of paramount important, but there are many - especially those of his own people - who disagree with his arrival.
The passage on the Throaty Mermaid itself is dangerous. We have chosen this vessel, because a merchant ship, or military escort, would draw too much attention. Still, smugglers and thieves may cause problems, and it's your job to prevent that.
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Liara, it is not because of the company I have kept, just the method of travel. Darvik speaks with a defensive tone toward the cleric. My previous adventure was spent deep into the halls of Thornkeep and while the evil halls there were dark and unforgiving, at least I knew I had solid ground under my feet. Our fine dwarven friend will confirm this, I'm sure. In any case, we will do what we must to protect Sephriel, no matter where we'll have to be.
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Loenor laughs at the discomfort of the others. "The trick is to be as fluid as the sea you are on. Loosen up a bit and it should treat you better!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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shifting uncomfortably at the mention of combat "well I guess that I am lucky to be put with such seasoned adventures for my first mission I am sure that you will keep me safe" Liara says feeling a little relived until Shalothas opens his mouth causing her to visibly worry once again little good swimming will do when the ship sinks she thinks to herself morbidly.
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Eolowyn smiles as Loenor makes his remark.
She has spend considerable time up in the rigging during the trip. When she was not up there she was practicing her bow-skills. Every landfall she has taken her bow, that still has leaves growing from it, and placed it reverently on fertile soil for at least an hour.
"We will try to keep you safe sister, but hopefully it does not come to combat."
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Visual Reference for Azura
The young Varisian smiled, inclining her head respectfully toward the Venture Captain. "An honor to serve the Society, as always."
She was an something of an assault on the senses, albeit a pleasant one. Her hair and dress was a palette of pastels, as if she wished to carry springtime with her always. She had long, diaphanous locks of bright blue that swam around her slender form and eyes like limpid pools. Her hair was plaited with ribbon and beads of many colors as well as tiny silver bells that tinkled softly as she moved. Her gait flowed with the grace of a dancer, the hem of her skirts and sleeves fluttering showily in her wake.
She smiled at the banter of her comrades, "I don't think dwarves are meant to be fluid, Loenor. But perhaps my music may help you feel more grounded again, Hagrym. It's been known to settle stomachs as well as nerves." She offered the dwarf a reassuring wink and then turned her attention to the V.C. again.
"If we are to watch for enemies among the crew, can you tell us what we might look for? What I mean to say is, what sort of person would want to stop Sephriel from completing this journey? Are there any political stances or sympathies that we should be on the lookout for?"
It is a good thing these Pathfinder get along so well. They are going to need it, some being quite out of their element, and the confined quarters of the Throaty Mermaid are no pleasure to be in. The adventurers are assigned bunks (), which are cramped at best. Being on the open water again takes some getting used to, even if the adventurers already spent some time at sea.
It's a week out from Magnimar, on the open water of the Arcadian Ocean. The deck is empty of every crew member.
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Liara can be found on the decks as well offering prayer to Asmodeus.
"may I strike down chaos like you defeated and imprisoned the god of destruction and may our contracts hold ever true." She mumbles quietly as having learned on the earlier part of the voyage that not all people take kindly to devil worship siting cross legged making sure to be away from the commotion of the ocean as to ensure total concentration.
In the dead of night, the darkness holds a nasty surprise. Liara, above the sounds of waves crashing against the ship's hull, hears the sound of something metallish at the back of the ship. Alert, she turns around in time to see four shapes on the aft deck, holding javelins.
Loenor is belowdecks, near the entrance of the first mate's cabin, which is now the domain of Sephriel. All the crew members sleeping here are doing so, most of them snoring loudly.
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Enemy
Enemy
Enemy
Enemy
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Azura
Eolowyn
Loenor
Liara
Darvik
Hagrym
- Takes 4 damage, save vs poison
- Takes 13 damage, save vs poison
The quiet of the deck suddenly turns into a shape of falling javelin, as the intruders launch theirs at the sole lifeforms present under the sky
Liara manages to avoid the first javelin flying by, but gets hit by a second. Eolowyn is less lucky, as she zig where she should have zagged, and the distraction caused by the pain opens her up to be vulnerable to the second missile.
Everybody is aware of the commotion and can act. Loenor is belowdecks, but could emerge from any of the grates.
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"I do like music. You know any drinking songs? That'd be something that might take my mind off this floating heap!"
Azura accompanied the dwarf back to their quarters, continuing their conversation.
"Indeed, I know a fair few!" She replied brightly, grinning to herself. Sailors were often surprised to find her knowledge of sea shanties quite contrasted her demure appearance. She'd even once made a captain blush."I think you might like this one; but if you have a favorite, you should teach it to me."
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin
Across the western ocean I must wander
Where are me boots, me noggin, noggin boots
they're all gone for beer and tobacco
For the heels they are worn out and the toes are kicked about
And the soles are looking for better weather
And it's all for me grog, me jolly, jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin
Across the western ocean I must wander
Where is me shirt me noggin, noggin shirt
It's all gone for beer and tobacco
For the collar is all worn and the sleeves they are all torn
And the tail is looking for better weather
And it's all for me grog, me jolly, jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin
Across the western ocean I must wander
I'm sick in the head and I haven't gone to bed
Since I first came ashore from me plunder
For I spent all me dough on the lassies don't you know
Far across the western ocean I must wander
And it's all for me grog, me jolly, jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin
Across the western ocean I must wander"
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As Azura hears the ruckus of combat above, she calls the others attention as she raises her voice to sing with her full volume, which is somewhat uncomfortable in the close quarters and rushes to aid those on deck.
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blocking the first javelin with her shield Liara feels a sting against her thigh as a second one whizzes by leaving a nasty cut. "I think they are using poison" she says frantically as her consciousness wanes a little .
rushing to the nearest cover Liara hides herself behind Loenor before pressing her hands against his back emitting a dark glow of power "don't let them get me" she squeaks burrowing her head against his back trying to make sure that she is protected from any ranged attack the enemy may throw her way.
As the party rushes out to meet the Aquatic Elves that have appeared on the deck, Eolowyn fires an arrow and hits one of them square between the eyes. The limp body of the elf drops down to the deck below.
The elves move up, an one manages to reach Eolowyn, taking a stab with a trident
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Azura - Performance, move
Eolowyn - Attack, drops an elf
Loenor - Emerges from belowdecks
Liara - Move, guidance
Darvik - Move
Hagrym - Move
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Aquatic Elf Separatist
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist
Aquatic Elf Separatist
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Azura
Eolowyn - Takes 8 damage
Liara
Darvik
Hagrym
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Hagrym keeps moving toward the elves.
Loenor gives the elves a taste of their own medicine, as he drives the trident into the assaulting elves' flank. Azura, meanwhile, ensures that the deck - so cleanly swabbed - becomes a slippery mess once more, causing one of the elves to slip and fall.
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Azura
Eolowyn
Liara
Loenor - Attack
Darvik
Hagrym - Move
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Aquatic Elf Separatist - 8
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Prone
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While Eolowyn collapses to the floor, Darvik rushes up and cuts open the nearest elf, bathing the deck in gore.
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Azura
Eolowyn - Down
Liara - Guidance
Loenor - Attack
Darvik - Drops an elf
Hagrym - Move
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Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Prone
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"As long as you hold your clan, house, or party’s flag (see page 293), members of that allegiance within 30 feet who can see the flag (including yourself ) gain a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, and saving throws against fear and charm effects. You must hold the flag in one hand in order to grant this bonus. If the standard is taken by the enemy or destroyed, this bonus becomes a penalty, affecting all creatures that the bonus previously affected for 1 hour (or until you reclaim the lost flag)."
Also with Lingering Performance, her Inspire Courage is still active and has been all along, though I don't think anyone is using it when they roll though, +1 to damage adds up!
"Inspire Courage (Su) You can use your performance to inspire courage in your allies (including yourself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive your performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls."
Struck the part that won't stack, but the rest should for +2 to attack and +2 to damage.
Azura holds her banner high in her buckler hand and shouts,
"Steadfast, Pathfinders! I see the shadow of defeat upon their faces!" She casts Daze on the enemy still on their feet.
Confusion grips the assault force as two lie, one fell over and the last seems to be momentarily distracted by the assault on the senses Azura creates. All that happens is an elf trying to get to his feet.
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Azura - Hoist the flag
Eolowyn - Down
Liara - Guidance
Loenor - Attack
Darvik - Drops an elf
Hagrym - Move
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Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dazed
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Standing up
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Azura
Eolowyn
Liara
Loenor
Darvik
Hagrym
In silent efficiency, Loenor drives his trident into the next elf, who snaps out of his dazed state of mind to let out a shriek.
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Azura
Eolowyn
Liara
Loenor - Tridents an Elf
Darvik
Hagrym
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Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Dead
Aquatic Elf Separatist - 9 damage
Aquatic Elf Separatist - Standing up