Brother Henric says "There's no alchemist, but maybe the general store's or the blacksmith's got something. I can heal or fight, but I've never fought a werewolf."
I REALLY don't like the idea of swallowing molten lava. Talk bout the cure being as bad as the disease. I'd rather turn into a dog than melt my body from the inside out. Besides I think I'd be a nice doggie. ;P
Wabbit ponders a bit. Do we have to wait for another full moon or do we have to worry about this thing every night?
"I live in a simple village, made large with family. We don't have the rituals you do but the feelings are the same." she smiles in memory of her mother's firm rages and their priest's kind words that always calmed the woman down. "We also don't have the stone to build crypts and have much less magic than you do. But not once has the dead rose to come at us either. It always seemed more like stories until I've seen it time and again." she looks up at him, tipping the panco out to keep most of the rain out off of her plump cheeks. "All that is meaning to say, it all sits fine with me, Father."
At the other question...
"The Grandfather To Us All has given me many gifts, more than I ever hoped to have or truly deserve, so I'll keep using them on the paths he leads me on..." she is quiet for a bit before adding "Someday though, I hope to go home, which is church enough for me."
Kemras shrugs slightly. "I admit, I'm rather more resistant to curses than most people. I swear I've been cursed at least six times in the past seven years. None of them stuck, thankfully, but... I'm used to them now. I do not think that a single werewolf will be able to do too much damage to the town if their identity is known... but if we do not know who they are when they're a full wolf or a hybrid, well..." He shrugs.
"If you wish to go werewolf hunting rather than any of the other problems we might be facing, I suppose I'll go with you." He grins a little. "I'm curious what might be happening there, anyways."
Any ideas how to catch it? Yummy steaks in the middle of town square while we sit in wait?
"Well, what do we know of the werewolf? They're not animals... they're people. Ergo, they have all the motives a person would have." The half-elf reasons. "If we could determine what it wants and where it might get it, we could go there. Or we could look to what it wants and see what that suggests about who it is... We need more information, otherwise we'll just be chasing it through the wilderness, perhaps literally."
"He blesses us with the powers we need, not the ones we want. In some ways, I am grateful to lack the power to revive the dead. I believe it would require me to hoard diamonds, and greed is already so prevalent in Turtleback Ferry." Father Ferrus says. "When your travels have finished, you may find your powers reduced over time. Please write me, should such a thing happen. You are part of the family, and I would not want you to suffer."
When Cleo and Father Ferrus return to the church of Erastil, she finds her group of friends waiting just past the doors. Furnok has managed to find some silversheen. Robero has finished his prayers, and has returned to the group to share his knowledge of werewolves, though Kemras happens to know more lore about them.
Robero says "Wolfsbane is pretty easy to find in forests, if you know what you're looking for. They're purple flowers, that look like hoods. It takes about ten minutes before the poison kicks in, so don't shove a mouthful in there if nothing's happening right away."
Morgrun has returned to the church with his weapons and armour. He wears a chain shirt, a buckler, a heavy crossbow, and a waraxe, all very finely made. "I ain't got the strength I did back in the day, but I'll do my best to help you. When're we headin out?"
Furnok buys Silversheen for himself and Wabbit
Furnok buys Silversheen for himself and Wabbit
Wabbit splits the cost of the Silversheen with Furnok. 125gp deducted from sheet.
Father Ferrus mentions as he removes his cloak. "Are you certain fighting in the dark, and in this weather is the best course of action? I think it would be best if you waited for morning."
The group awkwardly nods and makes plans to meet up in the morning. Morgrun complains, saying he was really gunning for some action.
-------------------------------
Wealday, the 1st of Kuthona, 4711AR
The rain never let up.
A light fog washes over Turtleback Ferry as the sun rises behind the cloudy sky. Rain continues to pelt the muddy ground, half frozen to sting anyone hit. It is the first day of winter, and already those familiar with the coast of Sandpoint or Magnimar can feel the temperature dip below what they're used to. Soon the rain will turn to snow, and the muddy pathways of Turtleback will freeze to ice. The only consolation is that the wind has significantly diminished.
The sound of hooves splash and spatter next to the Taphouse, and a man dismounts to enter the tavern. With little politeness, he says
"By order of High Priest Father Ferrus, all peoples below the inner wall must empty and make haste for Keep Turtleback. Do not burden yourselves with treasures. Take only the provisions you need."
Outside, the water level has risen dramatically. The dock is underwater, and the first row of houses are about to flood. The Taphouse is only another row back.
Looks like this will delay the werewolf hunt.
"Very much so. In truth it might end the town. But I have no idea how to help." Cleo looks around at the others to see if they have any ideas.
Cleo will think as well.
She will also cast waterproof and endure elements on herself.
Cleo thinks that this is a lot of rain, and Gozreh must be very upset.
The wind and rain has always been coming from the North (slightly East), in the direction of the Thassilonian dam called Skull's Crossing.
Hmm..Wind and rain is coming from Northeastish. Near the dam called Skull's Crossing
As planned, a little boat rows onto the new shore, and both Robero of Erastil, and Captain Morgrun enter the Taphouse. Robero says "Good morning, everyone. It seems as though Turtleback is getting worse. We should probably split our resources to take on several problems."
Morgrun takes out a piece of parchment he scribbled on last night, which contains a list. Meanwhile, Galt gives everyone free ale without even asking. Morgrun takes a draught and says "So, we got the werewolf, the Ogre blockade, Fort Rannick, an now the evacuation. Anythin else you think we need?"
Kemras frowns as the news arrives of the flood. "This is ill-omened indeed..." He pauses, considering for a few long moments. "Wait... flood! Didn't the letter mention something about a flood? The one you found in Magnimar!" He looks at the Shield expectantly.
"It could be related." He sighs. "I want to go to Fort Rannick, but this flood means that it is unlikely we'll be able to get there without serious troubles... I don't know what we should do first. Does anyone else have thoughts?"
More worry, more problems, the little halfling pauses for a moment under the weight of it. "We should check on the dam. I'm not sure if we can do anything if it is in danger of breaking other than let everyone know to run."
"It depends, I think, on what the problem is. If there's a structural problem, then we'd have to do just that... but if it's a mechanical issue, like someone opening the gates, I could probably do something about it..." Kemras frowns slightly. "I have a talent for machinery like that, after a fashion."
I'm thinking we check out the dam and after that our group can handle the damn ogres. That leaves the town werewolf up to you Mogrun. Hope you eat a lot of garlic...Oh yeah, that's for vampires, not werewolves I get them mixed up sometimes. ;P
Morgrun says "Just sos you know what I can do, I was a scout in the army. Up in Janderhoff, there be giants, so I know how to keep meself safe in such parts. I also know their language."
Robero adds "I'm a marksman with blessings from Erastil. I can track, get along in the wild, detect evil, smite evil, and heal people. Most of my time has been spent in forests, but I can navigate anywhere. I also understand some Fey."
"The dam's also home to trolls, so we ought to prepare fire and acid if we plan to investigate there first." Kemras says after a few moments' thought. "I wonder if Lucrecia has allied with the trolls... or if she's just taking advantage of the opportunity."
"We should check on whether the town has any alchemist fire that we can purchase. Trial rations, waxed tents, and tinderwicks would also be nice." the latter parts were on her todo list when they arrived but there is always so much to do.
If the Fort is on the way to the dam, we may as well hit that first
"I won't object going to the Fort before we go to the Dam, certainly." Kemras interjects. It is what I came here for, after all. Even if I'm not sure that Kaven is still alive.
I'm thinking we should get the townfolk safe from the water first.
Morgrun says "Leave it to me'n Roberto. We'll take care of Turtleback, I promise."
--------------------------------
On foot, it will take quite awhile to get to Skull's Crossing, the ancient Thassilonian dam. Cleo rides her pony, which makes travel a bit faster. The cold wind and rain splatter over the party as they make their way through the pine Kreegwoods. Moss, twigs, pine cones, and stout roots line the forest floor, making it springy but crackle underfoot. To the side, the Skull River rushes white under a treacherous cliffside. The first four hours pass with little of interest, but Kemras starts to feel the bite of cold weather.
As the fourth hour finishes, the group is hit with a hailstorm. Pellets of frozen ice start pelting the trees and forest floor.
Cleo has endure elements
"It is like all of nature insists we not make progress." Cleo yelled into the storm.
Wabbit shivers not enjoying the cold Are we there yet? he says with a wry smile
Best get a fire going to keep Kemaras from losing a toe.
Cleo chews her lip in worry. "We've travelled only half a day." worry upon worry, she looks at Kemaras's toes in sympathy. Her magic is keeping her perfectly warm and dry while her friends and new acquaintances suffer, which is peppering her with enough guilt to drown anyone. "We could stop though if you need."
Kemras shivers, looking at the others. "I'm a little uncomfortable, but I'll survive for now. Let's keep moving - Fort Rannick awaits us, and I do not want to take any more time than we need to."
Kaven, just wait for me.
The hailstorm is both dangerous and freezing, but fortunately short lived. Furnok has the worst time, but just about everyone is suffering in one way or another by the sixth hour. Clothes are wet, and the hail left bruises on almost everyone. Cleo's spared some of the damage as hail clinks off her thick helmet.
By their sixth hour, the party reaches the river crossing. The river itself is still several hundred feet across, but now without cliffsides or rushing rapids. A bronze bell stands on a post on this side of the river, flooded halfway up. A wooden watchtower stands on the far end of the river. Partway across the river, slightly upstream, is a small island with a little hut. The island has a large rope attached to it, running down to a ferry made of a giant turtle's shell. The ferry is halfway across the river, floating in the water.
Armour
Evasion
Does Bacon have Evasion? I'm pretty sure
Cleo has Endure Elements
After the storm, Cleo gives a quick channel when everyone is close to clear away the damage.
Cleo will also go ahead and cast water breathing shared out on everyone, and greater magic weapon on Furnok and Wabbit.
Can't we just ring the bell and call the ferry to us? I'm sure we'll have to pay a toll. But I'm fine with that
Furnok is very unhappy and is cold and bruised along with his pig. Considering how everything has gone, I wouldn't be surprised if some critter is in that hut
"Would they even hear the bell?" Kemras asks, rubbing his arms vigorously and wincing at the bruises made by the hail. "Something's definitely amiss with this weather... wait. Lucrecia mentioned she has a coven, right? Maybe they're responsible for this."
He pauses, shaking his head. "Not that that helps us right now. I'll say this, though... I cannot swim worth a damn. I won't drown, thanks to Miss Gingerberry," he nods his gratitude, "but I doubt I'll be able to get anywhere fast."
Cleo frowns in worry, "I am not the best either, Kemras." Cleo thinks "Furnok, you are our best swimmer, I think." she assumes due to his size and strength . "Would you swim to the ferry with a rope tied around you? Then secure it over there while we do the same with our end."
"That way even those of us who are bad swimmers should be able to get across."
Kemras knows that hags are a type of monstrous humanoid, and occasionally outsiders. They look like old, haggard women, but in truth they are nimble and wickedly strong. There are varying reports of how hags reproduce. Some say that they lure a man to their lair, others say they eat babies to produce their own. They do not raise their own, but instead rely on humans to foster the child. Children of hags are changelings, and at some point in their teens or early adult life, they receive "the call", which draws them to their mother's lair, and usually results in transforming them into a proper hag. Hags can act civil, for a time, but they are without a doubt evil.
Hags are masters of witchcraft, and when three join together to form what is called a coven, their powers increase to staggering heights. When casting the same spell together, their powers culminate into a powerful effect. They also have access to rituals that take time to cast, but are incredibly powerful and far beyond the capabilities of a single hag. Each type of hag contributes their powers to the coven, making their spellcasting choices varied depending on the diversity of hags present. Their spellcasting is quite unique and unpredictable, but it always uses material components. Hags frequently trade with other races, usually under guise of a wise hermit or sultry maid, to acquire rare and powerful materials, such as toes of trolls, the breath of an ice wraith, the heart of a betrayed lover. Many a mortal spellcaster or desperate layperson has sought power from these dealers of witchcraft, all of which comes at a price.
- Hags have spellcasting, communal spellcasting, and coven rituals
- Spellcasting: Hags cast arcane spells like witches, wizards, or sorcerers. They are not spell-like abilities. They have verbal, somatic, and material components. Some hags use Charisma and have spells known, and others use Intelligence and have spells prepared (like an arcanist). Those that prepare spells have a familiar that functions like their spellbook. Their spells vary by type, but include almost all spell lists (though are still treated as arcane spells).
- Communal Spellcasting: Hags casting the same spell at the same time strengthen each other. This increases the caster level of each spell, the DC of each spell, concentration checks to cast each spell, and provides an increase in spell penetration. Communal spellcasting is most effective with 3 members, but it's still possible with only 2.
- Coven rituals: Are powerful spells that require all three coven hags to gather together to cast. Casting time is a minimum of 1 minute, though many take much longer. These spells can be cast repeatedly, but they have significantly rare or expensive material components, occasionally they require a sacrifice. Coven rituals available heavily depend on which hags are present, as each type bestows different spells.
- Hags have many magical items and spell components that make their magic very unpredictable. Most of these items are either one-use items, or have charges. Unlike some alchemical components that will raise the caster level of a certain subschool by 1, these spell components do incredible things. Things on the scale of metamagic feats (usually tied to a specific spell), or can be used to create spell effects themselves in a pinch.
Kemras ponders for a moment. "Clever. It could be that Lucrecia and her coven are responsible for this... but then, why now? Something to do with the dam, probably..." His musings are cut short by Cleo's suggestions.
"That's a good idea... I don't think I have any particular spells or items that would work well here, but... wait." He removes the eye he confiscated the day before. "I think this might be able to call upon a creature that could help take us across."