|
You are in Bloodcove speaking with Malika Fenn. She is the sole operator of the Pathfinder lodge here. Bloodcove is on the edge of the feared pirate infested Shackles.
Pathfinders. Once again, you are called into duty. I'm not going to ask you to do anything stupid, like find me a tea set, or find a pretty flower that can be used for a love potion. I need you to eliminate a threat to not only the Society, but to all naval travellers.
Malika sighs, then continues. Grindylows. I'm talking about those nasty gross things that look part octopus and part goblin that was beaten with an ugly stick. Reminds me of my ex-husband. Ha. Ha.
She waits for everyone to join in her laughter, then realizes that no one has. Anyway, these grindylows have been attacking merchants, pirates, even some scout ships for the Chelish navy. I want you to track them down and eliminate them. They are worse than normal goblins, so I don't know if you can parlay with them.
Malika pulls out a map. They have been tracked to Bonewrack Isle. Feel free to search out the island itself. Who knows what other things live there. It sounds spooky. One final thing, I hope you can swim, hold your breath, or breath underwater. Grindylows sure can fight underwater.
Malika pauses for questions.
|
Will the Society be providing us a means to get to the island? I don't suppose you have any water breathing potions around?[b] Says a man a mixed heritage. If it weren't so dirty, you'd think his hair was golden and his azure blue eyes fix you with their depth of color. He turns to the party. [b]Johender...Johender Celestrum.
|
"So usual society procedure, we're on our own in the pot. Well nothing too surprising. " responds a stocky fellow resplendent in O-Yori armor from Tien. However when you get a look at his features, he appears to be from the inner sea region, likely Varisian.
Studiously ignoring the rather typically insane gnome, he offers his hand to Johender "Jothas, Jothas Bate of Magnimar. "
He will try to think of what he knows about Grindylows.
|
Zedril lets out a snicker after Malika comments on her ex-husband, then quickly stops it as he realizes she may be serious.
"Worse than normal Goblins? Fantastic."
Zedril turns to the party; Well, fellow pathfinders, looks like we have quite an adventure ahead of us. I am Zedril, I must admit I am not a strong swimmer and I cannot think of anything more terrifying than an 8-armed Goblin pulling me underwater.
Zedril is an Emberkin Aasimar of medium build and cloaked. He looks relatively un-assuming but confident.
Lady Fenn, What more can you tell us of these Grindylows? Are you aware of any weaknesses? And what of Bonewrack Isle? Who or what else inhabits this island?
|
|
Who speaks next is a tall and strong man. He has a clean face, and although there are desert-like rags covering his built, you can he is using see a heavily scratched scale mail, that denounces some lack of care, or maybe some excess of experience. And old longbow is strapped at his back, along with a brand-new, shinning Nodachi. At his fingers there are several metallic rings that shine oddly, making the whole picture a weird vision to look upon.
"Johender. Twigg. Jothas. Zedril. Nice to meet you. I'm Linark. Air bubble might be a good idea, but as far as I recall it's specific and lasts very little time, probably less than I can hold my breath. A scroll of water breathing might be better if we know where to go."
"My armor doesn't bother me very much, but that thing looks heavy Jothas. Are you sure you can swim in that?"
"My bow is kinda useless underwater, if it comes to that, but I've heard about some crossbows who work pretty good in that condition, does any of you have one?"
|
"Much like your bow, this would be fairly useless underwater as well." The chelish man speaks, holding up his pistol. for the others to see. He examines his gun closer before adding, "Though I have heard of even ways to get this contraption to work underwater if necessary." Placing his gun back at his side, he stretches in his hide armor.
"Name's Talfryn, just Talfryn, nothing too fancy," He runs his hands through his blonde hair as he speaks now. "An' if these things are attacking even the Chelish navy well I say we show them a thing or two, I mean how smart can these 'Grindylows' possibly be."
|
|
"Yes, air bubble is quite short, but it should suffice for the length of a combat. As for weapons, we shall need thrusting weapons if we are to fight underwater. I might well get myself one of those rapiers. They do have a certain elan to then. Oh, and while this armor is a touch bulky, I am still capable of swimming in it. It's not quite as encumbering as the local heavy plate armor. A few scrolls of water breathing are likely a good idea if we are forced to do extensive underwater exploration. "
|
|
I'm afraid my magic is a bit more combat oriented than utility. I cannot help with saving us from drowning but I am happy to help find a resolution. If it is up to me I would much rather fight these monstrosities on solid earth.
Zedril surveys the group; This looks like an experienced group and we can cover each others back when the time comes for one of these Octo-Goblins to pull us overboard.
[ooc]Zedril is an Aasimar, Fire Elemental Sorcerer. I have a wand of Mage Armor if we need it as well[ooc]
|
|
Regarding Zedril, "Wow! Another creature of magic! This is exciting! What magic can you do? I am a master of light and gnomish trickster" the gnome giggles "I have powerful light magic that subdue my foes AND can bend light to make people see things. I'm working on firing goo at foes but I'm no where close to making that spell work. I am not adept at goo magic yet" the gnome says with slight disappointment, but instantly perks up, "As a creature of magic I can wield this air wand. I do suppose some air is better than no air! I do like the scroll idea too! What is the cost difference? Boy magic is so much fun, so many possibilities!"
|
|
"Well, we just don't know how is the situation going to develop. I'll buy a Touch of Sea potion on a sponge. That way I may fight underwater and even chase the creatures if need be. Air bubble or Water Breathing goes along, your choice, I'll help with the costs."
Once they are away from Malika, Linark adds:
"Oh, and as a side note. I already don't think these creatures are trustable and will not attempt to negotiate with them, specially in their terrain."
|
|
"That sounds like a relief, might want to stay away from them if they can be tripping us however." Talfryn responds, patting his rapier and longsword at his side, I'm sure one of these will be useful against this Gridylows, well more useful then my gun in any case, but there's only one way to find out. "Perhaps I should purchase something other then this hide armor, I don't imagine it will fare well if we have to go swimming." Talfryn adds, contemplating.
<---Zedril
At the door is Lini, as if she has been standing there waiting for an introduction.
We shall accompany you on your adventure.Lini is stroking her Snow Leopard. The exploration of new creatures is something I always look forward to.
|
|
You board your ship, A Man's Promise, and meet the crew. Captaining the ship is chef turned captain Ambrose Kroop. He is a big jolly fellow who can cook anything. First officer is Caulky Taroon, and she looks kinda mean.
They offer everyone quarters and are ready to set sail towards Bonewrack Isle.
Kroop asks 'erebody ready ta go? We can be pushin back when ya say so
|
|
Kroop nods to Johendar Be thankin ye. You want some time in da crows, speak up. You a guest 'ere, so ya ain't required to do no works. He turns to Linark We head out by dis map.
Kroop pulls out an old sailing map of the shackles. The path looks like it will take a few days.
Somewhere in dis area be the isle.
|
|
Kroop glances at his map. If it takes more than dat, we either run aground, or found a vacation island full of merfolk and free ale. I assume you be goin to da isle for some type o business. Searchin for a lost treasure or maybe one of dem fancy shards. I sure as s~%% don't think yous be goin swimmin in da eye of abendengo!
Linark believes kroop.
Kroop answers Linarks's question. While you be galavantin around da island, we be on da boat off shore. Unless dat isle got a big dock, you gonna have to approach it wit a dingy, and I don't mean Rosie Cusswell! Kroop and Caulky chuckle a little. We be waiting for ya, and cooking up something special. Well, I be cooking, everyone else be drunk. Wes paid by da day, so take as much time as ye want!
Lini looks up at the Crows Nest, eyes wide open.
I would very much like to go up there. Can I sleep up there? Is there room for my leopard? We like being outside. Do you have a parrot....or a monkey?
Lini realizes her verbal assault may be deterring us from leaving and bites her lip to stop the words from spewing out.
|
|
Linark relaxes a little, finding the man trustable enough. He didn't want to put fears on the captain, but his last phrase makes his fears come true.
"Sure, thanks. I realize I forgot to buy something for the travel. Would you wait a couple more minutes?"
He tries not to let his worries show, while walking out of the ship and into the docks once again.
"Celestrum, do you mind helping me with the shopping?"
They come back some time later, with a Fishing Tackle and a childish smile.
|
|
Twigg runs up to the captain "Wow! A real ship captain! How did you get the title of captain? I volunteered to be captain for my group... but I guess you already took that role" Twigg looks disappointed for a second but instantly becomes cheerful again. "How dangerous are these waters? Are you expecting any trouble...? like PIRATES?!?! I never met a pirate before, is it true that they all have peg legs and hooks? I mean if they all are missing limbs they can't be good sailors, right?"