Smudge confirms most of what has been discussed but does note that at the tree line to the west, and in the water to the south and east he sees some movement. In the trees he isn't really sure -what- but bigger than him. In the water it looks like off the back, maybe 30-50 yards are creatures the size of you swimming -under- the water. He counts "more than one, less than a lot".
Smudge also note that past the stretch of beach, where the hills that mark the center of island fade , there appears to be an overgrown building off to the West. To the south there appears to be a clearing not too far after the jungle takes the beach back over (this is where Plugg and Scourge seem to be heading)
About 4 feet long from head to tentacle tip, grindylows appear to be half-goblin and half-octopus, the split occurring at the waist. Grindylows are violent, ravenous creatures that use their spears to hunt or just to poke at things that scream and cry.
While grindylows resemble goblins, they are not humanoid creatures. Nonetheless, these aquatic monsters are just as wicked as the most sadistic of goblins, and take immense pleasure in others' misfortunes and the spread of mayhem. Thanks to this twisted desire, grindylows have a nasty reputation among both other intelligent water-dwelling creatures and most land-dwelling beings.
Grindylows eat whatever they can kill, giving them a rather wide selection of meals. High or low, no one is safe from the brutish assaults; tribes of merfolk have been overwhelmed by bands of grindylows, as have galleons full of experienced sailors. While obvious predators such as giant eels or sharks evoke great fear from grindylows, no enemies are more hated than the squid, be it common or giant. None are sure where this disdain stems from, but it is speculated that a squid is to an octopus for a grindylow what a dog is to a goblin dog for goblins. Incredibly fond of their similarly designed kin, grindylows believe octopuses to be the epitome of beauty, with squids being regarded as hideous freaks in comparison. There is no greater insult to a grindylow than being called a squid.
You realize that what you saw were not footprints but handprints and the chaos of the beach was the tentacles moving about.
"Grindylows!! I have not had the misfortune to run across these creatures for some time. We must hurry and save Quinn before they decide to'play' with her!"
"I do not know this word 'grindylow'. But if it is into the water we must go, I have magics that can aid with this. But I am feeling the exhaustion of the day. I think perhaps I can cast two or three spells more only, and after that only cantrips."
Smudge reappears with a loud call and perches atop the gnome's hat. The two engage in a long conversation of hoarse calls and squawks. Finally, Quillin turns to the others as they discuss grindylows, "So Smudge has taken a little looksy around the place. Says there's something out in the water, your grinnyloos I guess. Also an old building to the west and Plugg's bunch look to be heading to a clearing south of here. And something big beating around the bushes to the east."
He scratches his bicolor beard, "I've got plenty of spells left, but if the 'natural talent' is feeling spent, I'd prefer not to rest out in the open. Perhaps we should check out the old building."
Mel had spent the time watching those more suited to the rural life following tracks and discussing strange creatures.."So exactly what is a Grinnylow" she asks.."and sure letrs see if that building can give us some shelter for the night..I think we are going to be here for a while.
Quillin of course has no idea what he is talking about, but makes something up anyway to answer Mel's question. "Ah, Grinnylows. Bad news. The name's a contraction for "grinning below". They're kinda like a fish the size of a man with six fin-legs, glowey eyes, and more teeth than a crocodile. They lurk in the water grinning up at you until they rush in and take a bite!"
Bart seems quite excited by the prospect of facing the creature described by Quillin. He reflexively flexes his fingers in anticipation.
Sense Motive
Mel looks slightly sceptical.."Well I'm sure they die as easily as anything else" she replies.
Ajani gives a slight snort at Quillin's explanation, shaking his head with a smile. "A valiant effort, my diminutive friend, but I'm afraid you're a smidge short of reality. Grindylows look like some queer mix of goblins and octopi, although they are neither. They are every bit as sadistic and nasty as land-based goblins, however. If they can kill it, they will eat it...if they have Quinn, she is in grave danger! We must find out immediately!" he tells the others, the sudden realization of what the creatures could do to their red-haired friend giving him an urgency he didn't have when he began his explanation. Rushing to the edge of the water, Ajani looks into the waves, trying to discern what lay beneath them or look for any sign of what the grindylows may've dragged with them into the water.
Perception
"What's that..I'm a city girl and this country stuff leaves me confused sometimes"
Mel points out what has caught her eye
Hassan wades out into the water behind Ajani, muttering under his breath and making small waving gestures with his hands. With a final boldly spoken command, he casts Air Bubble on the Vanara. He then quickly repeats the process on himself.
"This enchantment will allow us to breath underwater, but only for about 4 minutes. Let's take a quick look around my friend."
Druid and Sorcerer takin a quick swim? Perception checks!
"Ohhh. Grin-DY-low. I was thinking of something else." Smudge bobs his head up and down echoing the sentiment, "Grindeelow! Grindeelow!"
Quillin takes a seat on a rock looking slightly annoyed as Hassan leads the submarine expedition.
Fjori also takes a seat on a nearby rock.
"I do not like us being split like this. But I guess it cannot be helped if we are to free Quinn from those monsters. I just hate feeling useless!"
Mel looks again and frowns.."looks like Plugg remembered to take his spyglass with him..or someone did anyway.We've been spotted mates"
Fjori squints his eyes and looks in the direction Mel indicates.
perception:
Let them come. I tire of chasing that scum. Lets have done with them once and for all!"
"If they don't come, we should go get them ourselves. Hassan may be tapped, but I've still got a few tricks. If the grindylows got the better of 'em then they may be ripe for the pickings." Quillin grins menacingly and rubs his fingers together.
"We have to rescue Quinn first. After that we can deal with Plugg and company. But Quinn is first!"
Bart eyes Hassan suspiciously. "Er, ye know, ye can keep yer magicin' to yerself. Wouldn't wan' ye ta use up all yer magics after all. 'Sides," he says casting his eyes in the direction indicated by Mel. "I might be needed up here shortly."
"Very good my friend, an excellent plan. Your fists will likely serve better on land than in the water anyway. We will take a quick scout around beneath the waves, and then return," says Hassan, unslinging his short spear.
"Don't be too long"
Mel exchanges bolts in her crossbow..showing the others that it does indeed have a neat 'Plugg' scratched into the wood
Fjori laughs and slaps the girl on the shoulder.
"That's the spirit!! Let it fly straight and true into that dog's heart!"
Mel winces as the Skalds hard hand lands on her
Under the water it is crystal clear and with the sun in the sky, and the lightly undulating wall of supernatural air protecting you, it is easy to see a decent distance. Indeed not far from your current position, 50-60 yeard or so, a group of three grindylow seem to be moving about the water, just as the sand drops dramatically to the ocean floor beyond.
Meanwhile Bart, Quillin, Fjori and Mel see that a bit of an animated conversation erupts in the distance but it is the tell tale *KerACK* of Scourge's whip that punctuates the sounds of surf and sun. After another few seconds it is clear that the group is *not* moving to engage you in the open, as they pick the nearest part of the treeline to them and break out in a hustle to get to cover.
"What say you?" asks Hassan, in a hushed tone. "The others said they were a bit like goblins. I am still quite badly bruised from our landing this morning, and low on spells, but we could attack and chase them off, or try to sneak around them..."
"Grindylows view squid as the epitome of insult...perhaps I could summon a squid and have it lead them away? From the tales I do not know if they could resist giving chase."
"A sound plan. If the ruse does not work, we can always retreat."
Keeping out of sight as much as possible, Ajani sacrifices Summon Swarm to cast Summon Nature's Ally II, summoning a squid into the water near him. He then commands the squid to swim out within view of the grindylows and draw their attention to it, but stay out of their reach, using its' jet only if the grindylows jet toward it.
Quillin hops off his rock in an agitated state, "Bloody Hells! They're getting away!" He glares at the water and then at the retreating pirates.
"Come'on, if they could take us, they wouldn't be running for their lives. We take 'em now, we'll be better prepared for rescuing Quinn. "
Quillin is hopping up and down at this point and Smudge flies off to look for a more static perch. "Bring your bolt, Mel. I could take half of them myself." So saying, the gnome casts mage armor and gives chase.
"Oh, for the love of....Quillin!! What if Hassan or Ajani need us?? Oh...balls!!"
Fjori starts to run after the gnome, but calls out behind him.
"Mel can you keep watch alone?? Bart, come on!! Lets see what our gnome is up to!"
Bart cracks his knuckles and grins evilly as he races off after Quillin with Fjori. "Now yer talkin, big guy."
Mel gives an exasperated sigh and nods.."Boys " she mutters with some hint of disbelief as the two Fighting men follow the gnome.
Meanwhile under the water Ajani casts his spell and a squid is summoned forth from the aether. Under direction of the druid it slinks forward obviously in an attempt to antagonize the grindylow.
The gnome runs at a good pace, holding his hat down as the longer legs catch up. "I'm going to disappear. Get 'em clustered and I'll hit them with a little of the shock and awe. Smudge will come shrieking down just before the show. Make sure you close your eyes at the high sign."
Mel waits for the others to return from their watery recce
Bart has no idea what Quillin is talking about, but is intending on moving as quickly as possible to get stuck in with the enemy pirates.
"Get the one with the chest. Looks like his hands are full." Quillin encourages the fighting men as they pass him. He pauses a moment to encase an eyelash in some gum and winks out of sight.