Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13"So Brycen was main target and you ONLY wanted to kill Falcon to prevent discovery. Think you are about to be rude again..."
Shukriiya, Alexis-ji! Yeh maaderchod post-monster bahuut burra 'bastard' heh! Uuluu ka bacchai heh!
Tatrill looks at Rath impassively, preparing himself for the onslaught again.
"Tatrill, just looking for answers. Would prefer not to hit you again. Brycen was main target yes? Doing it for your church and God, yes? I can understand this. But sounds like someone - not your God - wanted Falcon killed. Who?"
"So it was vital then that you not be discovered and for that reason you attempted to kill someone who had nothing to do with Brycen?"
After look at the reactions from Rath and the others, she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but that is a little hard to believe. Considering you had the skill to get a dead body from one ship to another and then down to its lower hold without being discovered, I suspect that you could have slain the one person who was your target with sufficient discretion. As such, it is hard to believe that Falcon was not also a valid target."
"So it was vital then that you not be discovered and for that reason you attempted to kill someone who had nothing to do with Brycen?"
After look at the reactions from Rath and the others, she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but that is a little hard to believe. Considering you had the skill to get a dead body from one ship to another and then down to its lower hold without being discovered, I suspect that you could have slain the one person who was your target with sufficient discretion."
"The magic of Norgorber summons the nearest corpse to animate."
It doesn't make sense for a pure cleric of Norgorber, at least, it's not any ability or spell that either Alexis or Abbas have ever heard of before. But there is a different, more rare, type of divine spellcaster that can have stranger abilities and powers. The armour of bones also might fit in with that lot, a "wilder priest" focusing in undeath, perhaps.
"Thank you for explaining that. But what is the OTHER reason why you chose to kill Falcon? Was it your decision or an order?"
Your pain will not end until we know what we need. Answer the question I do not want this torture to continue but if it must, it must.
A wilder priest, huh? From what region does Tatrill hail? I've been confused about what culture he and Praethus' come from.
A wilder priest, huh? From what region does Tatrill hail? I've been confused about what culture he and Praethus' come from.
Prathus looked like a typical Rahadoumi, but Tatrill could be from anywhere and everywhere.
"I will answer no more questions."
Tatrill closes his eyes and attempts to ignore any further questioning.
Abbas Knowledge Religion: As far as Abbas knows, this is roughly the time of day when Norgorber priests pray for new spells: dusk.
And I missed Alexis earlier post about what Tatrill had growled to Abbas in that language. According to the skill matrix, nobody has ranks in Linguistics, and it would be very unlikely that anybody would have picked this language as a standard intelligence bonus language, but if anyone does have a weird language, let me know. It might be it.
Abbas looks to Rath "He is likely praying to his god. We need to end this or keep him distracted or he will begin to bring curses down on us."
"aye, Ravvy, 'tis time ta mete 'is punishment." Pete gives Prathus a cold look.
Pete walks over to the corpse, and says quietly to Alexis "Aye, that was a dirty business. Now, what do we do wit' the Prathus remains? i don't feel comfortable dumpin' it ovahboard, as he may come back ta haunt us agin. What say ye, lass?"
"I will answer no more questions."
Tatrill closes his eyes and attempts to ignore any further questioning.
Abbas Knowledge Religion: 1d20+8 As far as Abbas knows, this is roughly the time of day when Norgorber priests pray for new spells: dusk.
At Tatrill's pronouncement and Abbas' warning, Alexis closes her eyes and straightens herself. After a moment, she says, "I believe we are done here then. Tatrill, for the crime of attempting to assassinate a Taldane nobleman, you are hereby sentenced to death by my authority as a Lady of Taldor and Princess of Kyonin. As you have already had your opportunity to say your peace, your judgment is to be carried out immediately."
Once the deed has been done, she sighs and says, "We should burn both bodies, have Brother Abbas bless the ashes, and then scatter them at sea. I have a spell that can render the bodies to ash. What vile business this has been, gods have mercy..."
With that, Alexis goes to stand at the stern to watch the sunset and reflect until she is needed again.
Rath cleans his hands and then moves to stand discreetly near Alexis, his arms held behind his back. To any outward appearance, he is merely observing the sunset with Alexis. In fact, he observes her as much as the sunset.
With that, Alexis goes to stand at the stern to watch the sunset and reflect until she is needed again.
Elorin gives her some time to be alone, and makes sure that no one else bothers her at the stern.
Rath, maybe you should give her a little space, sometimes people just need to be alone. We don't have your training in meditation to help us but we Elves do have our own muses.
After some time Elorin approaches her.
.
Pete stands to one side of the bow, discreetly observing Alexis, but not interfering with her. He will do this until he can no longer stand the motion of the ship
Rath, maybe you should give her a little space, sometimes people just need to be alone. We don't have your training in meditation to help us but we Elves do have our own muses.
Rath gives Elorin a sad smile, "Master Elorin, did it occur to you that maybe I came here to be alone with my thoughts as well? To seek solace in the sunset? Meditation does not change fact that I just beat and executed a sentient being." He looks to Alexis, not expecting that she has looked away from the view and says, "Apologies, Rajkumari, if my presence offends." In deference to Elorin's request, Rath takes a long step to the right and resumes his sunset watching.
27
16
19Rath cleans his hands and then moves to stand discreetly near Alexis, his arms held behind his back. To any outward appearance, he is merely observing the sunset with Alexis. In fact, he observes her as much as the sunset.
Upon hearing Elorin's words, Alexis says, "Ravarath was not disturbing me. I actually was lost in thought and didn't notice he had joined me."
Spoilered stuff.
Softening her tone a bit, Alexis continues, "Tell me though, what is on your mind, surely Brycen, Falcon, Biter, Rath, and I are not the only ones who have had a difficult day..."
Sense motive:
Perception:
"Tell me though, what is on your mind, surely Brycen, Falcon, Biter, Rath, and I are not the only ones who have had a difficult day..."
Maybe it is just the death I have seen over the years, but creatures like that man mean little to me, their lives even less because they don't do anything with their lives except for kill and destroy. If one of you were to die, it would mean something to me though.
Sorry friend Rath, I didn't mean to try and run you off, sometimes I may just overstep my position too much, please... he gestures toward the stern and backs off several paces and faces towards away from them and watches the remainder of the ship for any dangers.
"There is old Vudrani saying, 'every man is hero of own story'. They think they do right. We think we do right. Who can say? BUT, we aren't killing innocents to achieve goals. They are. That black wave hit colonists, prisoners, and us. Not even sure how many colonists are dead or if Abbas could save them. Too busy dealing with Tatrill. These enemies are determined, ruthless, and hm implacable. I don't understand what we are doing to draw such enemies. Make a little colony that may not succeed anyway? There is something MORE going on here."
Sorry friend Rath, I didn't mean to try and run you off, sometimes I may just overstep my position too much, please... he gestures toward the stern and backs off several paces and faces towards away from them and watches the remainder of the ship for any dangers.
Rath bows politely, "No apology necessary, Elorin. You are her bodyguard and you are doing the job well. Better be too careful than too lax." He clearly holds no ill feelings.
As the deed is done Abbas bows his head in prayer. May he receive the redemption he denied himself in this life in the next. he then spends the next few moments in quiet contemplation.
As he notices the apparent sadness and guilt on his friends faces he remembers a passage from "The Birth of Light and Truth" that applies in such situations.
My friends we should not punish ourselves overly for our actions. The darker powers of this world have a way of poisoning the hearts, minds, and souls of the men who follow them, turning them into a cancer upon the skin of this world. A cancer that must be cured, and failing that burned away lest it spread and infest the rest of us with its darkness. We can only pray that in death Norgorber's hold on that mans soul was broken and he may yet be redeemed in the afterlife.
Several colonists did go down, but fortunately, there was only one black wave and they were able to stabalize with Abbas countering wave.
It takes over a week and a half for Brycen and Gray to fully recover the constitution damage they suffered from the poison (Gray recovers before Brycen does). During that time, Sir Kheiron requested one of the Pathfinder heroes to stay on board the Lady Iona and assist in guarding his Lordship - Gram readily volunteered.
As the weeks go by, you occasionally spot islands off in the distance, but your navigator stays well clear of them. They are tempting, however; the lure of solid land is like a siren call, but the rumoured dangers are far too great.
Approximately one week before expected landfall, the fleet is gathered once more to discuss which of the three proposed landing sites to select.
More spoilered Elvish.
Alexis gives a melancholy smile at Elorin's words.
"As for time alone..."
Alexis shrugs and turns around to look back towards the deck and those on board.
"As for that man..."
Alexis waves her hand towards the work being taken to build a pyre to burn Tatrill and Praethus.
My friends we should not punish ourselves overly for our actions. The darker powers of this world have a way of poisoning the hearts, minds, and souls of the men who follow them, turning them into a cancer upon the skin of this world. A cancer that must be cured, and failing that burned away lest it spread and infest the rest of us with its darkness. We can only pray that in death Norgorber's hold on that mans soul was broken and he may yet be redeemed in the afterlife.
Alexis bows her head in gratitude for the priest's words. "Thank you, Brother, for your assistance in both health and spirit. Your faith and Sarenrae's light have kept darkness from swallowing many people before their time this day. We are fortunate to have a man of your compassion illuminating our path."
Once the pyre preparations for a raft pyre have been completed and the conditions are favorable for a safe burn, Alexis casts burning hands from her wand to set it ablaze ensuring that the bodies are thoroughly consumed.
Approximately one week before expected landfall, the fleet is gathered once more to discuss which of the three proposed landing sites to select.
Having studied the Duke's journal rather thoroughly by this point and familiarizing herself with the geography detailed there-in , news of this meeting is a welcome sound to her tapered ears. Dressing conservatively yet sensibly, she puts away the old tome. At this meeting, she would specifically like Elorin, Gregor, and Pete at least to join her since their expertise in the areas of engineering, geography, crops, and survival will be pertinent to such a discussion.
Once Pete has gotten over his bout of depression (and seasickness), following the execution of the assassins, he dedicates himself to learning all about the ins and outs of how a sailing vessel works. . Also he puts himself through a regimented exercise regiment, working on loosening up his limbs and balancing on tight beams, and other acrobatic exercises.
Once word of landfall approaches, he concentrates his efforts on the engineering theories, and other important items the new colony will need once the final decision has been made. Alexis has never seen him so excited before.
And he is counting the days and hours until he can step off on dry land...
"I suppose if you want me there, I'll be there, lass."
Also he puts himself through a regimented exercise regiment, working on loosening up his limbs and balancing on tight beams, and other acrobatic exercises.
He would restrict himself to the odd snicker. :P
Alexis, Pete, Gregor, and Elorin arrive on the Lady Iona to find Lord Brycen and Falcon Gray back to their old selves. The meeting takes place in the aft castle, where some inner walls have been removed and converted into a conference table. Maps are strewn across its surface.
Gray and Brycen are there, as is Sir Kheiron, Harrolayne, Banker Camder, and a large Ulfen whom you have not yet met.
Once the initial pleasantries are over with, Brycen directs your attentions to the three maps laid out on the table.
"We have before us three locations from which to choose. What, for lack of a better name, we have labeled Site A is the northernmost at the mouth of a small river. My understanding is that the river is not navigable right at the coast, but it would provide plenty of fresh water, and the mountains to the immediate south of Site A may prove rich in minerals like iron and gold. Site B is to the south at the mouth of a much larger river at the head of what the natives call Dawn Fire Bay. The river is navigable, but surrounded by miles of swamps and marshes."
"Insects and disease is likely to be a greater concern there than the other site," Banker Camder interjects.
"Agreed, certainly something to keep in mind," Brycen agrees. "It is also far from any appreciable earth resource. Site C is the most southern. It has by far the gentlest coastline, although offshore sandbars are plentiful and treacherous. Unfortunately, as appealing as lolling about on a beach may be, there are no signs of mineral deposits. Water would not be a problem, obviously, but I understand that that area is already well-inhabited by several tribes of unusually unfriendly natives."
Not sure of what his place is to talk to the lords and ladies in the room Elorin waits to be asked for his opinion by Alexis, when asked he shares the following:
We obviously need to be very careful about which site we pick. This is a long term decision and short term ease of a site may not make the best criteria. I feel it is better to look over a battlefield before fighting on it. I would suggest exploring the the sites if possible or at least at two of them to see which one makes the best sense for the colony before trying to build a permanent settlement. Which will be the closest site once we arrive at the coast?
Regarding site A, do we know why it is not navigatable at the coast, is it too shallow? Could it be accessable to flat bottom boat traffic like barges? This seems like a likely site, but I would like to scout out the surrounding area to see what is there. Who knows there maybe more natives are in the area.
Regarding site B, I know the bay area doesn't sound like a very good colony location initially because of the swamp, but what about further inland along the main river? A large waterway would be good for trade and as long as the location of the colony site itself is out of the swamp, disease and dangerous creatures such a boggards and lizardfolk should be minimal. I think a possible voyage upstream might be useful to determine if there is site that could be a candidate.
Regarding site C, it seems the least likely site, due to the known unfriendly natives. Mapping the sandbars may take a long time, so trade would be limited as well as the energies we would have to expend to defend the colony against these natives. I would not recommend this site because of those facts.
All are welcome to speak, so once it is clear that Elorin has some things he wishes to say, Brycen himself will invite the man to speak.
"I'm afraid that exploration of each site is not possible. Due to travel and exploration time, if we were to attempt to check them all out in advance and were unable to restock the fleet, they would not have enough provisions to return home, nor would they have time to return before the storm season. We must choose now and hopefully live with our choice."
"As for the river in Site A, Elorin," Falcon Gray says, "It is quite shallow and full of rapids. I do not believe even a flat-bottomed barge would be able to navigate it. With the river being so rough, however, it means that there is very little native presence in the area. When the Nereid came by, there was one small village a few hundred yards from the shore, and they were quite friendly."
"As for Site B," Brycen resumes, "we could aim for further inland to settle ourselves. The river area is populated by natives quite heavily, and while they aren't the friendliest, they are quite primitive in all but their use of...err...poisons." Falcon Gray pales visibly at the mention of poison.
"I believe that we shall retain the Rose of Cassomir for exploration along the coast, although I doubt we shall make much use of it for the first several months while we are getting settled. Our primary concern is starvation, disease, and unfriendly natives attacking from land."
Pete looks over at the maps intently, but generally steers clear of the rest of the group, after being admonished by Alexis his bodily odors may offend the other nobles attending the meeting. After some grumbling and compalining under his breath, he cleans himself off as best he can, and stays out of the way.
When asked for his opinion, he ventures, "Aye, well, as ye well may guess, I would feel most comfortable at Site A, due to th' mineral deposits thar. Like 'Lorin says, we needs ta keep in mind, we is gonna need th' mountains contents, 'n I kin tell ye, its hard work luggin' them from one place ta 'nother. Plus, i'd much rather set up th'colony in peace, wit'out havin' ta dodge poison bolts, like we will do most likely if'n we pick th'other sites."
"The only real downside to Site A is the treacherous approach. We almost lost the Nereid several times due to rocks and reefs. The captain did, however, find a course through them that was quite clear of rocks, and I have a copy of his chart. While it may seem dangerous, once we are through and are able to adequately mark the dangerous rocks and reefs, it should be quite safe for future ocean travel."