Alexis mutters to herself, "Lovely. No doubt the colonists' work ethic will only benefit from learning that they can grow narcotics more easily than crops..."
"Gregor doesss not knowsss either"
Alexis' Spellcraft checks:
Bow 1d20 + 11 + 2 => (18) + 11 + 2 = 31 AA from Burnsten
Mask 1d20 + 11 + 2 => (1) + 11 + 2 = 14 AA from Burnsten
Pearl 1d20 + 11 + 2 => (12) + 11 + 2 = 25 AA from BurnstenBurnsten' AA Spellcraft checks:
Bow 1d20 + 7 => (12) + 7 = 19
Mask 1d20 + 7 => (5) + 7 = 12
Pearl 1d20 + 7 => (9) + 7 = 16Spellcraft Checks:
Alexis 1d20 + 11 + 2 => (19) + 11 + 2 = 32 AA from Burnsten
Burnsten 1d20 + 7 => (5) + 7 = 12 AA on Alexis
With so little evidence (if magic was even used), there's really no way to tell what might have happened. An enthrall spell is one possible candidate, or any one of a hundred mundane reasons might have brought a large number of people out to the centre of the plaza.
Biter approaches Alexis and Elorin when he sees them together.
Biter turns to Alexis, "Biter notting have the metal to making such a wonderful blade. Biter is'ing wanting to know the proper way to get some from the Big Boat's stash of goods. Canning Alexis to help Biter in this? If so, whatting must Biter to do?"
Biter will spend this time scouting or defending whichever group that Alexis and Rath tell him to.
Ack. I saw Alexis' question about the spell effects at the village and thought the whole thing was about the village. Sorry. Let me see...
You have a +1 shortbow, and even though it doesn't appear to be composite in design, it has the stats of a mighty composite shortbow with a strength rating of +2.
She is unable to determine anything about the mask or the pearl. Will probably need an identify the next day. Falcon would help, but he used up his prepared identify earlier.
Sword Stuff
"I'll see what I can do, but bear in mind that we do not yet have a forge setup. While he and I can cold-shape items without a forge, Elorin and I will most certainly need one built before we can actually forge anything."
"With that said, if you will continue to employ two-handed swords, then it may be best to simply reforge your existing blade when we have some downtime. The quality of the steel is already proven and that should be more than enough to forge an elven curveblade suited to your stature. When that time comes, we should be able to requisition a 'loaner' for you for the short period of time necessary for Elorin to craft your new weapon."
"Elorin, once we have a suitable forge, please give priority to Biter's request over all others save for any coming from the Governor himself. Bear in mind that Brycen will have his hands full at the moment. Given that it may be a week or more before we have a forge, this is not the best time for me to approach him about this, but I will when the time is right."
At some point after the above conversation, Alexis approaches Governor Brycen (when he isn't completely slammed). Unless Falcon requests that she handle it, the princess will have allowed Grey to relate information about the undead containment chamber to him. Afterwards, she moves on to other matters...
"Firstly, given your method of complimenting swordplay with spellcraft, I have developed two new spells that I think you will find useful if you would like to trade. One allows you to hurl an edged weapon, like your fiery greatsword. The weapon attack everyone in a 60-foot line before returning unerringly to your hand. The next, also telekinetic in nature, allows you to take flight for a short duration — no more than a few seconds. However the casting time is so negligible, requiring no more than a single spoken word, that it could easily be cast in the midst of melee, alongside another spell, or while moving at an accelerated pace."
"The second matter is that I would like to know who shall be establishing the colony's first forge. As Grey has informed you, my team has been putting significant wear on their weaponry. It would benefit everyone if we can establish a good working rapport with the colony's smiths and aid them in the construction of a well-planned facility that we can share. Our stores of iron and steel are limited, but we will need strong weapons with which to ensure the safety of the colonists and our interests here."
"Lastly, as you may or may not know, I have devoted my studies to the crafting of magical devices. I have prepared a list of tools and elixirs that I am willing to provide to the colony at-cost. That is provided that I can be supplied with the necessary materials for their manufacture. To that end, I would request that special materials that are discovered be reserved for such purposes when more mundane materials will suit more mundane needs."
"I would be very much interested in trading for both of those spells, my Lady, as soon as a moment presents itself. As for smiths, we have several blacksmiths on the roster, but only one weaponsmith, in addition to your bodyguard, Sir Elorin. Alas, a forge will not be the first priority, as we need to build walls, guard towers, and shelters, but when it does come time, your input will certainly be appreciated." He pauses in thought for a moment.
"You know, since you want to establish a rapport with the smiths, I do have one suggestion for you. There has been some resistance from the smiths in accepting the afore mentioned weaponsmith into their little club, as it were, mostly because Chase...I think you know him as 'Goon', is one of the condemned prisoners. My understanding is that his skill level far exceeds any of the others, who are mostly glorified apprentices. Perhaps if you could find a way to smooth things over there, get them to accept Chase as one of their own, it would go a long way to ensuring that you have ready access for repairing your weapons."
"I would be happy to assist with any engineering concerns regarding fortifications. My geologist, Petrel, and our naturalist, Gregor, have already begun assaying natural resources, soil strengths, and the like in the area. Also, I have reassigned Elorin to field work, hunting game for food, and scouting. His training is much better suited to such tasks, Ravarath is my new guard. I shall instruct them to brief you and your planners on their findings so that we may array the settlement in an efficient, structurally sound, and defensible manner."
"As for the smiths, I can certainly understand their hesitance in working with a convict. I shall see what I can do to get them to put aside their differences. Let me know when you have some free time and I shall fetch my spellbook."
"Of course. And good job in securing the landing site."
At Governor Brycen's praise, Alexis curtsies in acknowledgement and takes her leave.
Hmm, now how do I communicate with a mute? Falcon is a diviner, perhaps he will have some manner of arcanery that can be of assistance...
Upon finding Grey, she states, "Falcon, I spoke with the Governor a moment ago about our contingent's need for facilities at which we can maintain our men's arms and armor. While I can effect repairs thru spellcraft, some of the men are eager to upgrade their equipment to keep pace with their growing capabilities."
"Naturally, defensive structures will be taking priority, but in the mean time, Brycen suggested a means by which we might gain the favor of the smiths. There is one prisoner, a mute called 'Goon', whose skill at the forge eclipses that of the other smiths. Not surprisingly, they are resentful of both his skill and criminal history — even if none of know exactly what that history is."
"Being as your specialty at the academy lay in divination, I was wondering if you happened to have the spell 'detect thoughts' in your collection. It could be rather helpful in defusing this matter. I've fetched my spellbook so that you might also transcribe my the 'light of Lunia' spell used against the zombiehemoth."
She also describes the two new spells she's researched in case those are of interest to him along with briefing him on any reports received via Tracant, Biter, et al.
Falcon Gray is more than happy to trade detect thoughts for the quick flying spell.
Alexis trades fly (swift) for detect magic.
She's also willing to trade her light of Lunia spell for comprehend languages.
Alexis trades fly (swift) for detect magic.
She's also willing to trade her light of Lunia spell for comprehend languages.
Easily done.
A look from high above for Gregor. He sees trees, in addition to the other features you've already uncovered. He detects no signs of human habitation, no other villages, no smoke plumes, nothing.
The "Landfall" map.
Pete walks around the field looking at the weeds, noticing they look a lot like his old pipeweed. Fortunately he still had a stash in one of his waterproof pouches. Walking around the fields, he is struck by a thought.
He approaches Gregor, and asks him, "Gregor, did ya t'ink this weed 'as got any narcotic properties, 'cause I think it is possible, all 'o th' villagers may 'ave been stones out o' dere senses. If ye t'ink that is plausible, then I t'ink 'Lexis needs ta know 'bout this."
Taking the sample of the plant from Pete, "I suppose it's possible. Let me take a bit closer look at it and I'll see if I can tell you anything more."
Knowledge(Nature):
Profession(Herbalist):
While it's similar to the plants used in the Old World as pipeweed, there are subtle differences, so there's no telling really (without trying any) of what the possible effects might be.
when you ask Elorin about taking the weed he shrugs his shoulders, Why not, what is the worst that can happen with Gregor and Abbas around right?
He let's Pete ad Gregor prepare it and then borrows his pipe for a quick smoke. After a fit of coughing he lets the pipeweed settle in...
I assume by "let the smoke settle in" that means he's voluntarily failing any necessary saves...
Elorin takes a few puffs of the smoke and does indeed begin hacking and coughing. Other than a bit of shortness of breath, he doesn't feel any different, but he does notice that the others are being affected by it as their movements become sluggish and slow.
Right now she and her bodyguard are discussing the subtle differences between Elvish ladies' fashion at the courts of Kyonin and Greengold... :p
After a rousing discussion on fashion (in which Alexis gently pointed out that Greengold is a city in Kyonin), their conversation turns to more serious matters.
"Rath... do you remember that boy kept prisoner on the Lady Iona and the large mute who watched over him? It seems that the big man, whom others call 'Goon', though I care not for that name, is actually a master smith..."
She goes on to explain the rest of the conversation that she and Brycen had (scroll up), along with new spells she has gained access to (detect thoughts, comprehend languages).
"Given our past interactions, I suspect that it would not be difficult to gain the confidence of those two. I might even be able to converse with the mute by reading his thoughts. It may even be possible to have them released into our custody."
She pours a glass of wine from a bottle stored in the armoire in her chamber and holds a second glass in her hand, "Care for any?"
After acquiescing to the monk's desire for wine or none, she takes up her own glass and leans back in the over-sized chair behind the desk in her cabin. After having a sip, she continues.
"The real challenge is going to be dealing with the other smiths. While they may not be as talented, these are law-abiding men who have put their livelihoods on the line to come here. As I see it, we would need some way of ensuring them that they will have sufficient work and that we will not simply rely on inmate labor. At the same time, we need to get them to aid us in helping with the 'rehabilitation' of the prisoner."
"While I suspect they may be grateful for our work in keeping the fleet safe, securing the beach, and our eagerness to help them establish a quality forge, I can't say how far that will go. We can always resort to explaining that our more demanding jobs can be entrusted only to those with proven superiority at metalworking, but somehow I think that would only lead to seeking to pull the mute down rather than raising themselves up."
As she's been talking, the princess has been gazing deep into her glass creating a clear ringing sound as she runs her forefinger around the edge of the crystal. "Thoughts, Rath?"
Rath accepts the glass with a nod of thanks and sits cross-legged on the floor, leaning against a wall. He listens carefully as she lays out the issue. "I think making friends with Chase (Goon) and boy may be easiest part. My story is similar to boy's. Boy is close with Chase. I think we can make friends of both... particularly since they have seen much distrust 'til now. Perhaps with your spells - can find out more details of Chase's crime? Might help ease metalworker fears if we can assure them he is not violent and intentions good. Also be good for US to know."
He sips the wine and thinks more, "Maybe if we can show the 'apprentice' metalworkers that Chase can teach them, move them from 'apprentices' to master metalworkers, which will profit them here or if they return to Avistan... perhaps they see it is hm... in their interests to work with him?"
"Sometimes people fear unknown. Maybe if tell them that - short-term - we all need to work together to make us safe and build strong colony, they will accept him temporarily. Then they get to know him, hopefully they all like each other, so he becomes familiar and not feared?"
I assume by "let the smoke settle in" that means he's voluntarily failing any necessary saves...
Elorin takes a few puffs of the smoke and does indeed begin hacking and coughing. Other than a bit of shortness of breath, he doesn't feel any different, but he does notice that the others are being affected by it as their movements become sluggish and slow.
Pete breathes in the fragrant smell of the pipeweed, and will see if it affects him as well as Elorin.
Pete breathes in the fumes, and while he doesn't notice the slowing down of everybody else, he does feel a slight buzz.
Pete shakes the buzzing out of his ears, and says, "Aye, that weed has gots a kick ta it. If'm all the villagers wus breathin th' stuff in, then I kin see them gettin' addicted ta this stuff." He yanks the pipe out of Elorins hands, and says "That's enough thar 'Lorin, 'less ye wanna turn out like me, heh heh heh."
speaking very rapidly he thinks But Pete, this is nice relaxing stuff, I am sure it has many medicinal uses. Let me see that back, my aching back feels better already!
speaking very rapidly he thinks But Pete, this is nice relaxing stuff, I am sure it has many medicinal uses. Let me see that back, my aching back feels better already!
Pete gives the elf a look of disgust, and says to him, "If'n ye needs ta git wasted, I am sure 'Lexis won't mind one bit!"
He then turns to Biter, "All right 'ere, so far this weed 'ere may 'a been a contributing factor fer the village gettin' wiped out. If'n we is gonna 'ave the colonists settle 'ere, we needs to git rid o' the weeds. The bad news is burnin' it is outa th' question. Needs ta be removed by 'and. Unless 'Lexis 'as a better idear, that is."
speaking very rapidly he thinks But Pete, this is nice relaxing stuff, I am sure it has many medicinal uses. Let me see that back, my aching back feels better already!
Pete gives the elf a look of disgust, and says to him, "If'n ye needs ta git wasted, I am sure 'Lexis won't mind one bit!"
He then turns to Biter, "All right 'ere, so far this weed 'ere may 'a been a contributing factor fer the village gettin' wiped out. If'n we is gonna 'ave the colonists settle 'ere, we needs to git rid o' the weeds. The bad news is burnin' it is outa th' question. Needs ta be removed by 'and. Unless 'Lexis 'as a better idear, that is."
All right Pete, don't get your beard in a twist I was only kidding
...bad news is burnin' it is outa th' question. Needs ta be removed by 'and...
"Yeah, man, so I was all like 'Moooo mooooooo' and the goats were all like bogarting the back forty."
All right Pete, don't get your beard in a twist I was only kidding
Pete gives Elorin a hard look, but says nothing other than, "Aye, jes givin' ye fair warnin' ta be careful wit' dis stuff."
"That's enough damnit. Enough pipeweed for all of you." Gregor says stuffing the rest of the sample into a pouch on his belt.
Later after his head clears.
Well we could just tell the colonists that the weed is dangerous to injest and get a group of them to help clear the weeds and then bury it or destroy it through some magical methods. It isn't lying to them if we really feel it is dangerous. Looks like too much to try and remove ourselves. Plus we could then possibly try to cultivate some of this corn that we saw as well as some of our crops. With the fresh water from the river nearby it is a good location.
Biter's face betrays more than a little confusion, "Why'ing to destroy the plant? Long'Ears was'ing to seem to have fun there for a bit. The little gnome banker woulding to want to be able to make some money with this plant, no?"