[PFS] Nebby Waters (Inactive)

Game Master Nebten

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 231d20 ⇒ 121d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 291d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Following Mrs. Heracks’s across the mist covered yard, the party eventually arrives at a wide, black pool with an occasional bubble percolating up in the center. Silently, the spirit raises her arm and points her finger toward the black waters.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 151d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 121d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"Be alert, there may be walking dead or other malice at work in the pool. ". He points out the severed arm to Haraldir and the others as he equips his sword and shield in the event the owner of the arm comes looking for it.

Luisila will try and position herself towards the centre of the party, so that her Bless will be effective if she decides to cast it. She is also keen to remain about 30’ from Omrax, Owai and hopefully Filios as well, should they need her aid.

She will put away her club, and draw her whip into her right hand. Her bow remains in her left hand.

She is very wary of the water, and will try to keep away from it if possible, but will not compromise her positioning above.

She calls out quietly to Deris, “Thank-you for your help, Master Deris. From your actions in the classroom, it is clear you have a way with people. You remind me of a bartender I once met, who had similar skills, though she was perhaps a bit more fleet of foot.”

Oway eyes the pool suspiciously. "We need to go in there and open the seal?" he asks. He glances at the others to see if anyone else wants to take the lead on that. "Anyone have a pole? See if there's anything lurking in the water?"

"Sir Owai, I would recommend to stay back a bit from the pool until we know what we are dealing with in those waters. If there is a seal that needs opening...it can wait a minute longer. I do not have a long pole or lance unfortunately.". Omrax assumes a defensive posture, watching the water and the direction of the arm.

The center of the pool and where the alleged arm is about 50 feet. The clouds float across the moonlit sky as the party waits by the shoreline.

Well, shall we see if anything awaits us? Ezrek bends over and finds a fist sized cobble, he takes and holds it ready to throw, motioning to the others his idea before he does so.

Filios draws his Curveblade and stands neare the pool next to Omrax, ready to flank and emerging enemy once the rock is thrown.

Have at it, Ezrek.

Being motioned by Ezrek, Haraldir moves also to get a rock to throw it in water, but he changes his mind. He takes another step back in order to have a wider area of fire, and nooks an arrow, pulling his bow and getting ready to fire if any opponent appears. Nodding lightly, he signals to that near him that he is ready.

Is Deris still with us and what does he appear to be doing? Is he getting closer to the pool than us (ie closer than 10' from the edge)? Is he disturbing it or staying near to us. Any other spirits of students or fallen people visible here?

Deris is present with Mrs. Heracks, he standing behind her. She is near the black waters edge pointing toward the bubbling center. Deris has his ever present smile on his face and saw in his left hand.

"You are welcome, deary. I'm glad to be of service," he replies to Luisila.

With a flourish born of both training and style, Owai sweeps his scimitar out of its scabbard and slips into a light-footed stance, blade held high and back. He stays near Luisila, letting Filios and Omrax take the front rank for the time being.

Ezrek nods one more time at everyone and then throws the rock into the center of the pool. He then steps back and readies his crossbow.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Ezrek is able to get 3 skips out of the rock before its final splash into the dark pool. Ripples emanate from where it lands until they reach the shores of the brave Pathfinders, and nothing else.

Ezrek turns to the other and shrugs his shoulders. Anyone have a better idea? Into the water?

I am picturing this like a pool of black tar and not sure if we can even see the bottom or not.

"Not sure Sir Ezrek. Was worth a shot. I am not much of a swimmer in this tin can. Maybe another idea....good Mr. Deris, do you know how deep this pool is? Have you seen a boat to cross over to the center? Have you ever been there before?"

Omrax looks around for a boat or other way to cross the pool without resorting to swimming it.

Also if there are any long branches (like from Deris cutting earlier) he can try to use one poke into the pool to guage its depth.

Not sure how far from cut trees we are now.

It has the same viscosity as water and the pool does not appear to be that deep from where you are currently standing. One could walk to the bubbles.

There is no boat or long branches in sight. Deris was sawing logs that didn't have branches longer then one's arm.

"Not a clue good sir, and no I haven't."

After some thought, Luisila says:
“OK, we need to agree on a plan.”

“Am I correct in thinking there is probably some type of valve to locate and turn to drain the water? The severed arm seems to indicate a trap of some sort. It seems logical that moving into the water and searching for the valve will trigger some response.”

“We could try tying a rope around a volunteer who searches one square ahead at a time with a club or something before advancing, and pull them back if there is trouble. I understand that will leave that person vulnerable.

“I’ve thought about trying to use Mage Hand innovatively ... but can’t come up with anything practical. Owai, could you try moving the severed arm to the other side of the pond with Mage Hand?”

“Has anyone got anything longer than my walking stick/hanbo – a spear, javelin or something?”

“If no one else wants to, I’ll have a go. My armor is not too encumbering and should provide some protection. BUT can I put someone’s Air Crystal in my mouth as a precaution. I won’t take a bite unless I need to. I’ll also buff myself with Protection from Evil which should last about a minute and leave my backpack on the shore. I think I'll also put a Light orison on the end of the stick to see what happens.”

“I’m also thinking the water will slow my movement – by half do you think?”

“If anyone has a better idea – let’s hear it.”

Owai nods at Luisila's suggestion. He steps forward and with a whispered word and a gesture, a softly glowing hand appears around his own. He then sends it flying down into the water to try and pull the severed arm loose.

From the water's edge, the floating hand only travels 30' before it winks out of existance.

Ezrek's eyes go wide with astonishment when the arm disappears. Did you you do that? he says to Owai.

I'm sorry, I did not realize the arm was more than 30ft away... Embarassing.

"Lady Luisila, that plan is as good as any. Seems like our options are running out. If we have two ropes, I will join you... " he pulls out a rope for his waist and an air crystal of his own...as he prepares to enter the pool.

"That leaves two people for each rope. If it gets deep enough to swim then I will stop. With any luck it is only wading depth."

Oh that floating hand..Heh, I thought Neb was talking about the hand in the water.

Filios grabs the end of the rope, then he looks at Omrax.

I am thinking it may be better if I joined her. Plus, if there are any traps, I may be better equipped to find them. Also, I would rather have your strength on this end of the rope. is that ok with you?

"Sir Filios, that is fine if you are better at finding traps or tricks. I do not want her to be out there alone if something happened.". He swaps the rope for Filios.

"Good luck to both of you. We will haul you in or rush to your aid if attacked . "

Luisila turns to the paladin. “Thanks, Omrax. I’m sure I would enjoy your company – but I agree with Filios. If there’s a trap to detect and disable, Filios would be needed anyway. Also if we need to withdraw in a hurry, I believe Filios has a similar speed to myself.”

She will allow Omrax to tie a knot in the rope around her waist.

Knowledge (What sailors like to do): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

“Omrax, is that a Galtan bowline? Are you a sailor? And you’ve never mentioned it after all this time! Don’t worry, don’t worry … I won’t make any sailor jokes …”

Hee, hee!

“Owai, can we please borrow your quarterstaff? At 5’ it is longer than the hanbo.”

*Seriously* “Filios, do you want me to do the ‘clearing’ ahead with the stick, while you have your weapon drawn? Do you want to walk two abreast or put me in front? I think side-by-side gives us slightly more room to maneuvre but will be slower – let me know your thoughts.”

Can't believe I wasted a natural 20 on THAT!

"Ah Lady Luisila, it pains me to say, but the last time we sailed together, you know I did not fare well. As part of emulating The Inheritor and striving for perfection, I trained with the the navy on a few occasions between missions to gain some sea knowledge at least. "
sailor : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Wow...She really knows her knots!

Ezrek steps closer to the pool, holding his crossbow at the ready.
We will keep a sharp eye. Haraldir are you going to hold the other rope?

Glancing at Luisila, than Filios, fear for his friends was evident in big ranger's eyes. He lowers his bow, and with a light nod towards Ezrek, takes the second rope.

He murmurs very softly: "Take care you two" and grabs a hold of the rope.

For clarification, the mage hand traveled 30 feet then disappeared. The center of the pool is 50' away.

The two elves take a midnight stroll through the putrid black waters before them. Tapping along the bottom floor, the deepest the waters ever get are to their waist. After careful exploration, Luisila & Filios reach the center of the pool. Submerged before them is an arm severed at the elbow. Its fingers are curled around something within the silt.

Owai isn't carrying his Quarterstaff for weight reasons.

Owai watches the proceedings with concern. Sheathing his Scimitar, he draws and readies his Shortbow, an arrow nocked and ready to fly at the first sign of danger.

Filios takes a closer look at the arm and the area surrounding it as well as what it clutches, focusing on the presence of any traps before lifting the arm out, carefully.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Ezrek calls from the edge of the pool. Well what do you see? Is there an entrance or something?

Filios does not detect any traps.

The elf partially submerges himself to clear away some of the silt to see what the hand is holding. Through the darkness, he spies fist sized jelly-like pearls.

The ground begins to quake under Filios & Luisila. With only a moments notice, erupting from the water is a pony sized beetle with its mandibles chittering.

Surprise Round

Starting down the two elves with its compound eyes, the giant bug shrieks and attempts to bite Filios soft flesh.

Bite vs Filios's Flat Footed AC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Only Luisila & Filios can go. Standard Actions only. Map at the link at the top of the page.

Ezrek begins yelling. Pull them back! Pull them back!

Filios attacks.

CB ATT: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
CB DAM: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Filios cuts a long stride across the beetle's belly. It flails about but is still rearing for a fight.

I’m assuming I’m using the hanbo instead of the quarterstaff – seeing Owai never actually had it! ;)

Luisila takes a swipe at the bug.

hanbo attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
potential damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Luisila cracks chitinous creature across skull, cracking its orbits

Dazed and going into its death throws, it lashes out one final time.

Bite vs Luisila's AC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

It misses the priestess all together collapsing before the two elves, dead.

End of combat

Owai lowers his bow after a moment. "Efficiently handled." he breathes. "Are you clear to reach the seal?" he calls out.

Luisila gives a nod to Filios and then waves to the shore.

“We’re fine. Now to see what’s in mother beetle’s nest.”

Aid Filios’ Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Luisila will continue to use the hanbo to aid her search.

“Filios, do you think it’s odd there’s an arm in an area that’s been sealed off for ten years? I assume the beetle tore it from its owner. Does it have any jewellery on it?”

I wonder if I can tell how long it’s been here, what race it belongs to or if the water has preserved it or something?

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Although he was expecting trouble, strange water beast appearance took Haraldir completely by surprise. And even before he could act Luisila and Filios had dealt with the threat. As he saw "fighting" develop, Haraldir has managed to let the rope loose, going for his bow, but since it was too late now, he simply stoops to collect his end of the rope. While there, he uses the opportunity to submerge his canteen bellow the surface and fill it to the brim with this strange looking "black water".

He places full canteen in his backpack, and grabs a hold of the rope again, keeping an eye on their "scouts".

Omrax will sense for any evil lurking within the pool ( and should be able to reach the seal as well).

"Nice work you two. Now be careful. There could be more of those bugs . "

He will start walking into the pool and coiling the rope as he approaches Luisila and Filios.

Ezrek smiles and smacks his thigh with his hand. You two sure did put on a show. Almost had me worried there for a moment. Filios, your lucky Luisila was with you or you might have had more trouble with that thing.

Filios reaches into the silt and collcts the overly large pearls.

Well done, Luisila. Please help me with these.

Clearing away the silt dusted up by the battle, the arm is gripping tightly to a metal handle. There is no jewelry on the arm but it appears to have no signs of decomposition. While the arm does not have an excess amount of hair or scales, Luisila is unable to determine its race.

While collecting the "pearls", Filios notices they are very squishy with the consistency of a hard-boiled egg.

Haraldir fills his canteen with the black water with a note of satisfaction.

Omrax sweeps the pool for evil, but he is unable to detect any. After a few minutes, he wades his way toward the center of the pool to meet up with the dynamic duo of Filios & Luisila.

Deris absent mindedly wanders into the water a bit with a little comment to himself, "The suspense is terrible... I hope it'll last. "

"Ah, sir, it is best of you wait out here. It may be dangerous and we do know what we are doing." Owai says to Deris, trying to guide him back to dry land and direct him away. "Perhaps if you stay back at the office. We will come fetch you if we find anything."

Diplomacy to make a request. 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

We know what we are doing? Nobody told me. Ezrek double checks that all his fragile gear in securely stowed in the waterproof sacks in his backpack before he starts to step into the pool. If everyone is going to take a swim, I guess I will too. What do you have there Filios? Haraldir, I don't think it would be advisable to drink that water, unless Luisila knows a way to purify it.