Crispin give Perrell a reassuring smile, "Well that was rather interesting. Definitely a few problems but we look to be well set up. Now we are aware there is a problem we can work on solving the matter. Rather than being unprepared that is."
Asher removes his fins and dons his chainmail while approaching Faedwyr Trundlebrook.
I hear you're worried about the fields and state of the farms. Let me tell you, it isn't as grim as you think....
Becky approaches her mom but isn't able to quite pinpoint what is upsetting her. Luckily, Mauro also approaches and he is able to discern Perrell Beys is simply worried that there is some unknown danger on the island the group will not be able to overcome. The academic is a bit naive and sheltered. Mauro thinks a Diplomacy check would help assure Perrell everything is going to be alright.
Asher approaches Faedwyr Trundlebrook, one of the colony’s farmers, but isn't quite able to discern what the farmer is upset about.
Noting that Faedwyr Trundlebrook is looking rather shaken Crispin quietly lets Asher know that a weapons display from him should instill some confidence back in the man. "Let him see that even if there is danger there are strong defenders as well!"
Hearing that Harcourt is one of the troublemakers, and remembering that he and Andvara had seemed somewhat chummy on the voyage over, Brodigan decides to go where he has a stronger connection.
He approaches his potential business partner and greets her with a bow and a kiss of the hand before reassuring her that he is well, the group proved rather competent and up to the task, and shares the story of how he almost had to sacrifice their bottle of whiskey to save Mauro's life.
After this brief chit chat, he turns the conversation to Harcourt, "So, it seems our friend Harcourt is rather ill-content with how things are going. What sort of grievances has the fellow gotten into his head?"
While her master heads off to chat with Lady Jeclair, JeVeAnne quietly knits while keeping an eye on Antona Sedgwick to see if she can pick up on what's bothering her.
She shakes her head as she recognizes the pangs of jealousy on Sedgewick's face every time the woman looks at Ramona. Those might be the exact same sort of looks she herself was giving to Jeclair during their voyage. At least I'll have something to contribute, she thinks, moving over to quietly share this information with Master Brodigan and the rest of the group.
Becky approaches her mom but isn't able to quite pinpoint what is upsetting her. Luckily, Mauro also approaches and he is able to discern Perrell Beys is simply worried that there is some unknown danger on the island the group will not be able to overcome. The academic is a bit naive and sheltered. Mauro thinks a Diplomacy check would help assure Perrell everything is going to be alright.
Asher approaches Faedwyr Trundlebrook, one of the colony’s farmers, but isn't quite able to discern what the farmer is upset about. Crispin also approaches the farmer and realizes Faedwyr Trundlebrook is timid about the idea of a spooky and deserted settlement. He needs his confidence in the colony’s protectors bolstered. You think a display of strength or diplomacy of a BAB +2 PC would instill some bravery in Faedwyr.
Brodigan decides to approach Harcourt, but isn't able to discern what method to use to calm down the noble.
Anne decides to talk to Antona Sedgewick and recalls over the course of the ocean voyage, Antona Sedgewick developed a crush on Ramona. Her advances were rebuffed, and she vindictively wants to see Ramona fail as the colony’s leader. You think Diplomacy or Intimidate could shut Antona down.
"Mother, I need you to listen to me, all right? I get that you're scared--we all are. But I need you to see the big picture: We made the voyage successfully! The settlement's infrastructure is mostly intact! Crops have been planted and can be harvested in time for the coming winter!"
Becky looks at her mother with big, hopeful eyes. "If we leave now, we can never come back. There isn't enough food for everyone to make the return voyage. People will starve. And there's no guarantee the return voyage will run as smoothly as the one that got us here did. Why, the Peregrine could be boarded by grindylows tomorrow! Or a storm could push it against a hidden reef! It might even get devoured by a sea serpent or...or a dragon turtle! We've cleared most of the dangers from the colony; the same can't be said of the ocean. Be strong, mother! See this through!"
Crispin whispers in Asher's ear, and the rest of the party sees the dawn of realization come over his face as to Trundlebrook's concerns. He's not the most socially aware person, and feels embarrassed of his misreading of the farmer's concerns.
Asher scans the deck of the ship, and he spots a set of belaying pins inserted into the gunwale. He mouths a silent prayer to Erastil as he pulls his bow from his stowed gear. As he draws an arrow from the quiver, he speaks loudly to the rest of the party who are nearby, but more so for Trundlebrook's benefit.
That was quite a show we put up, wasn't it? I mean, Mauro with that pig sticker of his, the lasses and their ferocity, and you magic chaps and your tossing of lightnings and acid.
Oh, force is it? Well, my momma always said my skills were very particular, and not so scholarly.
You could always say if I was a magicker, I could cast 'arrow' all day.
Asher looses and splits the belaying pin cleanly in half, startling two colonists standing on either side of it by the gunwale.
Crispin nods in admiration as Asher shows off his martial skills.
His nod hides a frown as he realizes that Harcourt Carrolby still presents a problem. He strolls over to where Becky is chatting with her mother. Waiting while she restores her mothers courage.
When she has finished he quietly talks to Becky, "Harcourt is upset as he feels his 'noble' birth is not being recognized. Perhaps a subtle hint that those who seek to lead should do so by example would get him to stop being a problem?"
"Maybe," Becky answers Crispin, though there's uncertainty in her voice. "Or maybe it would reinforce his belief that as a nobleman he's entitled to respect without having to earn it."
In a whisper she adds, "I generally try to avoid people like him."
Crispin sighs as Becky indicates she can't help in this situation. "I have to agree that being in his presence is a struggle." He smiles slightly.
He gives Perrell Beys a polite nod and smile while he looks around to see who might be available to help?
Bey, upon hearing the info on Antona decides that his best course of action is to approach her and talk.
I am Bey. I notice that you have a "connection" or want one with Ramona. She is a good looking woman that's for sure. Why not stay and show her just what a valuable set of assets you bring to the colony? It's one way to get her attention.
Realizing to late that he probably took the cue wrong, Bey stumbles back slightly from Antona's response. Slightly abashed he turns and walks away thinking.
Bey notices that Harcourt has his cronies around him and tries to think through what might be behind his "troublemaking."
He is unable to come up with anything right off the top of his head. As he paces the deck another thought comes to mind...He summons a fiendish poisonous frog. Taking the frog in his hands he returns to Antona.
I don't think I made myself clear.Catch! Bey says and tosses the frog to her. That is a poisonous creature and it might end up being the last thing you handle if you don't desist with the fauning and shenanigans that are stopping this voyage from continuing.Back off!!
Hearing that Harcourt's issue is more ego-based, Brodigan, who knows him at least passingly from the voyage, steps up to see if he can smooth things over.
"Forgive me if I'm misreading the situation, Lord Carrolby, but I believe the lack of recognition to your title is, shall we say, vexing your spirit? An argument could definitely be made that actions speak louder than words. Why, young Asher over there is no more a noble than my apprentice, yet his sharpshooting is gaining him instant attention. Perhaps if you were to step up to lead the people, by example more so than in words, to follow through with settling and moving forward, that might remind them just how powerful that noble blood in your veins is, eh?"
Anne shakes her head slightly in amused disbelief as Master Brodigan seems to overestimate the nobleman's willing ness to lead. Therefore, to help her master, and maybe win some praise from him, she throws on her most child-like and helpless expression and steps up to Carrolby and says, "Please, my lord, as Master Brodigan says, your greatness, your grace, and your presence could go so far in helping the scared common folk see that there's hope. Please, sir," and she bats her eyes adorably with this last statement.
Mauro chimes in to the effort to persuade Carrolby, "You have a choice in front of you. You can make yourself great and lead or you can shrink from the challenge. Which will it be?"
vs DC 10
-1 cha
Carrolby, people will not respect a leader who expects submission. So far from your base of power, you will need to build a new one. Why not support the regime and gather praise from your soon to be subjects?
Becky approaches her mom but isn't able to quite pinpoint what is upsetting her. Luckily, Mauro also approaches and he is able to discern Perrell Beys is simply worried that there is some unknown danger on the island the group will not be able to overcome. The academic is a bit naive and sheltered. Mauro thinks a Diplomacy check would help assure Perrell everything is going to be alright. The occultist shares his insight with Becky, who approaches her mother in an attempt to soothe her. She’s successful and Perrell Beys relaxes her shoulders. “You’re right, Becky. Clever as always.” Perrell shakes her head, “I’ll try to be braver – like you – for you, and the sake of the colony.” Perrell leans over and hugs her daughter.
Asher approaches Faedwyr Trundlebrook, one of the colony’s farmers, but isn't quite able to discern what the farmer is upset about. Crispin also approaches the farmer and realizes Faedwyr Trundlebrook is timid about the idea of a spooky and deserted settlement. He needs his confidence in the colony’s protectors bolstered. Asher brags about his prowess with a bow, firing a shot at a belaying pin. The wood splits cleanly down the middle and the rope tied around it uncoils. A couple of colonists yelp in shock, jumping away as the rope is let loose. Faedwyr’s eyes are wide in shock but the farmer eventually collects himself. “I-i-impressive! I suppose I shouldn’t have much to worry about with you all here!”
Anne decides to talk to Antona Sedgewick and recalls over the course of the ocean voyage, Antona Sedgewick developed a crush on Ramona. Her advances were rebuffed, and she vindictively wants to see Ramona fail as the colony’s leader. You think Diplomacy or Intimidate could shut Antona down. Abeowin joins Anne in talking to Antona and after making an awkward social blunder, realizes intimidation is the best route. The summoner successfully scares the woman into backing off from her immature ploy by threatening a fiendish poisonous frog in her boot or bed! Antona Sedgewick puts up her hands in defeat, “fine. Fine.” She sulks, “Ramona doesn’t know what she’s got anyway!”
Brodigan decides to approach Harcourt but isn't able to discern what method to use to calm down the noble. Crispin, however, has more luck and pieces together Harcourt Carrolby is one of the wealthiest colonists and thus often thinks of himself as nobility, even though Andoren society no longer recognizes that class distinction. Harcourt loves to feel important. Crispin thinks if you butter Harcourt up with a Diplomacy check, he might be more agreeable. Brodigan continues his efforts, and eventually, Anne and Mauro join. The majority of the other settlers have been calmed at this point, so Harcourt eventually concedes when Asher steps in. The noble gives a dignified sniff, “I must have forgotten myself for a moment. I always act with the proper decorum expected of a gentleman.” Asher notices Mauro’s direct words may have angered Harcourt.
With the “curse” lifted from the Peregrine and the settlers quelled, the party can report back to Ramona. (Ramona and the rest of the landing party will take turns riding in the second boat until everyone is aboard the Peregrine once more.)
Once Ramona is aboard, the crew and settlers pester the party for more details about their encounter with the echeneises. When one of the party members inevitably (assuming Mauro) mentions spotting the grindylow, Ramona grimly states that Talmandor’s Bounty might continue to have trouble with the gang if they aren’t driven off for good.
A sailor aboard the Peregrine speaks up, noting she spotted a partially submerged sea cave while the party contended with the echeneises. Lyra Heatherly had also mentioned the location noted by one of the island’s initial surveyors. At this revelation, Ramona suggests that it might be worthwhile to explore it and deal with the grindylows on the colony’s terms instead of waiting for a surprise raid. She crosses her arms in thought, “If you take care of the problem, we won’t have to worry about the grindylows attacking Talmandor’s Bounty later.”
Ramona offers to have the sailors anchor the Peregrine nearby while the party goes to investigate the grindylow cave. “Then we can all port at Talmandor’s Bounty,” she explains.
the Peregrine sails as close as it can to the shallow cove. You can tell by looking at the cove with the captain's spyglass or from top deck gossip that the cove waters look shallow. The settlers eagerly observe Talmandor Bounty's designated "problem solvers," awaiting whatever their decision may be. The party may row the second boat or swim to the cove.
"b]Ready to do what needs to be done to make things safe to start my school,[/b]" Brodigan says, giving Ramona a nod. Of course, he's also remembering the talk of being given priority for existing plots and buildings and is already tossing around ideas of where he wants to set up the academy.
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Becky melts into her mother's hug. The momentary look of surprise on Perrell's face might indicate it's been a while since the two have shared such a mother/daughter moment. Indeed, Becky looks upon this moment as a turning point in her life: her mom finally recognizes that Becky's actions are now an indication of maturity and responsibility instead of mere teenaged rebellion.
Becky surprises her mom again with a quick peck on the cheek before breaking the embrace. "An archivist's work is never done...," she says with a smile before rejoining the troubleshooters as they prepare to deal with the grindylow threat once and for all.
Ramona offers a small smile, "excellent, Brodigan. Feel free to use the ship's second boat if you'd like." Meanwhile, Becky and Perrell share a mother-daughter moment that feels long overdue.
From the outside, the party can see the cave system is partially submerged, and the depth varies due to the uneven floor rising and sloping in places. The rounded cave roof remains 5 feet above the water (light blue.) the light blue areas are about a foot underwater and considered difficult terrain. The darker blue areas are about five feet deep and require a swim check to pass through.
The party disembarks from the ship boat and is able to tie the boat to a protruding rock, equip their armor, do a few stretches, or whatever else they wish, upon landing. The shallow water is pleasantly warm from the sun, however, it continues into a natural cave, which is devoid of any light source other than the sunlight providing dim lighting. Luckily, the party has a few items and abilities that can provide light in this wet, dark place.
Reflected sunlight from outside flickers across the water and reflects on the stone ceiling in this mostly submerged cave. The waters get colder deeper into the cave, but not to a life-threatening degree. The motion of the surf outside sends mild, rocking waves across the chamber. A passageway extends to the north, and to the south is the cave entrance. There is no illumination in the caves, but the sunlight from outside provides dim light up to 25 feet into the cave.
"Ok guys, before we go into this cave, what's our light source? I can see in the dark, so if we want to do without, that's fine by me, but I'm guessing Asher wants a light. I also expect wet, which is why I'm using this lighter armor. I assume from Ramona's statement she wants things finished in a permanent fashion, thus I plan to lead with what I used in the graveyard fight..."
Asher points a thumb back to the greatsword now adorning his back. He has similarly divested himself of all but his arms, swim fins (in his pack), and mail shirt. He looks down at his bow.
Given our last few encounters, I have gotten used to shooting into the din, so don't be afraid of being engaged when I have the bow out. But do try to swing out to the sides if you act before me to at least leave a clear lane. The great lady will guide my aim if these creatures need be destroyed.
I would appreciate some light though. I cannot see in the dark.
"I can cast a light spell on something you carry--maybe a weapon or your chain shirt--that'll shed light for 20 minutes per casting," Becky beams to Asher, obviously proud of a new spell. "If the grindylows have their own spellcaster, though, it's an easy spell to counter with a darkness spell."
The teen checks her own gear, thankful that Ramona didn't reclaim the healing wand.
That will do well, lass. Thank you.
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Brodigan, who doesn't carry much gear, has very little to leave on the ship, so he stands waiting patiently in a casually heroic pose (or at least what he assumes is such a pose) in eyeshot of Andvara.
Once his fellow troubleshooters are ready, he accompanies them to the boat.
As the party begins their discussions of a light source at the mouth of the cave and Becky offers to cast light, Brodigan gives her a smile and says, "An arcanely skilled scholar. We just might have to have a conversation about enrolling you once I get my arcane academy going."
JeVeAnne, who carries most of the gear for the duo, leaves her backpack of sundry supplies on the ship.
At the mouth of cave, she gets an enormous smile as Brodigan suggests enrolling Becky as a student in the academy and she nods enthusiastically at her friend.
"I can light the area." Crispin offers, looking at the water he's currently standing in with a dubious expression.
Perception
Initiative
With their extra supplies stored safe (and dry) on the Peregrine and Andvara looking forlornly at the departed ship boat, the party is ready to enter the cave.
The cave entrance gets darker as the party proceeds, but luckily Becky and Crispin provide light, which illuminates the area to about 40 feet around the party.
Two grindylow guards hide in the water just out of reach of the sun's rays. They watch as the party approaches, sinking lower in the water to hide. Just as they begin to attack, Mauro spots them! They cry out in Aquan as they stab their spears at Mauro!
The red grindylow manages to pierce Mauro's shin, but the yellow one misses in its enthusiasm.
When the grindylows cry out, they reveal their position. The party recognizes these enemies as being the same creatures that attacked them yesterday on the ship boat.
Surprise Round
(-2 damage)
Round 1
(-2 damage)
Bold may act.
"Oww G@@&$&nit!" Mauro curses after being poked, having spotted the guards too late to stop them getting inside his guard. Still, he reacts quickly, stepping to the side to make room and stabbing at one of the Grindylows.
+4 str +1 bab
+6 str (*1.5 2-handed) +2 champion spirit
Bey, now mounted on Posh, casts Magic Fang on his buddy and draws his sling.
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Mauro swings his horse chopper at the yellow grindylow but misses!
Abeowin casts Magic Fang on his eidolon and draws his sling!
The two grindylows continue to jab at Mauro with their spears!
The red grindylow misses, but the yellow grindylow scores a nasty hit on Mauro! The spear pierces into Mauro, tearing his flesh and drawing blood. Both grindylows say something in Aquan and the red one laughs as if it finds something hysterically funny.
Round 1
Red Grindylow 13
Yellow Grindylow 12
(-8 damage)
Bold may act.
Asher pulls back the bow and takes a bead on Yellow before loosing.
Seeing his arrow strike, he drops the bow and pulls the greatsword.
(In Aquan) Fins don’t make you bleed, you foul curs!’
"Grindylows! We beat 'em before, we'll beat 'em again!" Becky chirps, filling her allies with confidence.
Moving into the cave, Anne discovers that it's a bit deeper than she can reach, but determinedly swims along with the group, a smile on her face despite the inconvenience.
JeVeAnne's happy little face quickly changes to a look of determination as she rushes forward to ensure the grindylows don't get past her to hurt her friends.
But she struggles a bit with swimming ahead and had to give it a second go.
Mauro grimaces and takes a step back. Concentrating, he calls upon a necromantic servant to attack the Grindylows!
+2 Str +1 BAB + 1 naturalist
+2 str +1 occultist
Edit: Possible Crit!
Brodigan mutters some arcane words and flicks his hand forward sending a burst of force at their foes.
Anne spends the round swimming from the boat to the shallow area where the others are standing. Asher pierces the yellow grindylow directly between the eyes. The force of the arrow sends the creature toppling back into the water, dead. Brodigan dispenses with the remaining grindylow easily, sending raw magical energy at the creature, killing it!
The grindowlow threat seems lackluster compared to what the party has already faced. The cave entrance goes silent with the exception of the waves gently sloshing at the walls. Nothing else rushes out to greet the party...
Up ahead, the passage forks into two routes. One route continues south to north with the floor dipping down The other route branches east into an open cavern.
Mauro asks Becky for some help "Becky, can you heal me please" and conjures his minion anyways - let it handle the bleeding from here on in...
Once Becky's done, Mauro will head further into the cave, with the minion leading the way.
Becky splashes over to Mauro and then makes a decision. Although she usually tries to use her own healing spells to reserve the charges in the healing wand, in this instance she goes against general policy.
No telling what we might meet in these caves...and we're on the grindylows' home turf--the water! Best to keep my spells in case of something terrible happening.
"Ah, I see you brought a friend along," Brodigan comments as Mauro summons the skeleton. "The more the merrier," he says, then adds, "particularly, the more between me and an enemy the merrier," and gives Mauro a wink.
The party passes the two slain grindylows as they move further into the cave. The grindylows have two small spears but there is nothing else of value on their corpses. Someone may notice they have shell necklaces similar to the grindlows that ambushed you on the ship boat.
As Mauro moves up, more of the map is revealed. The route continuing south to north with the floor dipping down is obscured by some hanging vines that grow naturally from the ceiling. From far away, these vines could easily be mistaken by shadows. The mossy vines end before reaching the waters. The passage seems to eventually turn west, but Mauro is too far to see more.
The east route, which Mauro suggested the party explore, opens into an open cavern.
However, as Mauro approaches to turn right, he spots something in the northern area, behind the vines! A lone grindylow is hiding in the water! It looks at Mauro as if it hasn't noticed he's noticed yet. When Becky approaches and heals Mauro, she glances over the occultist's shoulder and notices the green grindylow too! Meanwhile, Brodgian is making a snappy observation about Mauro's conjured minions.
The vines look like mundane plants that one would expect to see growing in a damp, low-light area. They don't look difficult to push or part out of the way, The floor dips down at the dotted line to at least five feet of water.
Mauro charges up the tunnel, splashing through the water! His skeleton rushing ahead of him...
1 bab +4 str +2 charge
+6=1.5*str +2 Champion spirit
+2 Str +1 BAB + 1 naturalist +2 Charge
+2 str +1 occultist
When Mauro charges forward to slay the green grindylow, two other grindylows pop up from their watery hiding spots to attack Mauro's shins but miss! The green grindylow is cut down from Mauro's clean swing before it has an opportunity to do anything! A pink grindylow floats behind the slain green one, swimming forward behind the others! Mauro's skeleton claws the nearest grindylow , killing it!
With a chaotic start, the party re-enters combat!
Round 1
(-6, dead)
(-11, dead)
(-1 damage)
Bold may act.
JeVeAnne starts moving forward, but having no room beside the skeleton and the Elf, decides to just stop where she is and take a defensive stance so others can safely move closer behind her.