Asher listens to the back and forth, and is partially amused by the freedom these folks have to question their leaders. As a Taldori by descent, it’s a very strange thing for him to understand after growing up in a much more rigid society.
While Tasrel still being imprisoned is an injustice, he wants to track the kidnappers first for two reasons. The first is that the tracks will deteriorate over time, so sooner is better than later. The other is that once Tasrel is freed, they should be around to make sure no one gets up the nerve to attack her. The troubleshooters associating with her will also lessen the probability of that.
One thing perks up his ears.
What do you mean Arkley said this is how it happened before? That is very troubling. It sounds like the colony is being manipulated.
☄. *. ⋆ Attempted Kidnapping ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
Ramona listens earnestly to Talath, seeming to value his words despite their differences in opinion. "Perhaps I've underestimated how this may affect our allies and colony. At any rate, I believe Kereda's story will clear Tasrel of future suspicion. The mobs that arise seem to pick different scapegoats each time. Besides me - I'm always to blame," Ramona smiles wryly.
Armed with torches and other light sources, Ramona, the party, and the two strix (Kalikk and Ookra) are led by Kereda around the palisade. It's a dark and humid night. There are still a number of settlers awake with guards posted at the usual spots.
Unfortunately, Asher is unable to confidently identify tracks. There are simply too many everyday footprints from settlers to distinguish anything conclusive. In addition, when you reach the area Kereda claims to have hidden at, he isn't able to identify the exact tree. "I was so scared; I wasn't focused on remembering where I was." The endeavor turns out to be a waste of time and you realize you only have Kereda's words to go by.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty (area a) * ˚ ✦
Your group continues to the same house Rayland and Eliza were initially kept at. Two guards stand outside the house and look surprised when you approach with Kereda.
Ramona approaches first, nodding at the two guards. She knocks on the door and says in Azlanti: "Tasrel, it's me, Ramona. Your friends are here too." There's noises of someone unbarring the door, then you see Tasrel standing just inside. She's looking better than she did in the caves. You're invited inside, where you see a cot, table, chairs, a washbasin full of ocean water. On the table, you see a pile of seaweed and shells. It looks like Tasrel has been working on some craft to pass the time.
Once the door is shut with everyone except the guards inside, Tasrel tries to give each of the party members and Ramona a hug. She's wet like she may have been soaking in the saltwater.
Tasrel moves an empty plate off of one of the chairs offering it to you all. There's a fishbone and what looks like the wax of a cheese wheel slice leftover on the plate. She'll then return to the washbasin, resting her arms along the sides like one might do in a hotspring.
Ramona sits on the floor, leaning against the wall. In Azlanti, she communicates "Kereda has been found so you no longer need to stay confined here. I think it would be best if you stayed with me or someone else trustworthy. Or, we can continue with what we discussed."
"Thank you." Tasrel swirls a webbed finger in the water, talking in Azlanti, "I like the locathah but I'd prefer to stay in Talmandor's Bounty despite the risks." The gillman is calm and thoughtful. Perhaps her forced life in the sacrificial cave was so horrendous that something like this doesn't register the same way as it might on someone else.
"I was hoping you'd stay that. We could really use your skills around here," the colony leader confides.
The two strix continue to silently observe every interaction that's happened since your party's arrival until now.
Talath will respect Tasrel's wishes. If she wishes to remain in Talmandor's Bounty, including in this private shed, she should do so.
"As long as you are safe and happy, I am pleased."
"I am but a humble cleric of The Great Dreamer but does anyone else find this 'kidnapping' story odd? I didn't want to alarm poor Kereda more than he already was but if his 'kidnappers' wanted him dead, it would have been easier to kill him in his home since it's much easier to transport a dead body than a live and struggling person. In the case of some of the other recent disappearances we haven't found a sign of the disappeared. This seemed, as my ne'er-do-well uncle would say, 'a real amateur hour job.' One thing seems reasonable and it worries me greatly: Whatever creature or creatures were involved in the first colonists disappearing seem to be active again and we are no closer to finding the source. Unless the Witch is responsible but we won't know that until we confront her."
Unfortunately, Asher is unable to confidently identify tracks. There are simply too many everyday footprints from settlers to distinguish anything conclusive. In addition, when you reach the area Kereda claims to have hidden at, he isn't able to identify the exact tree. "I was so scared; I wasn't focused on remembering where I was." The endeavor turns out to be a waste of time and you realize you only have Kereda's words to go by.
Talath will pull Mauro aside, "Could your object reading perhaps on Kereda himself or his dwelling provide some information? This lack of answers is a bit too convenient for my liking."
Talath will pull Mauro aside, "Could your object reading perhaps on Kereda himself or his dwelling provide some information? This lack of answers is a bit too convenient for my liking."
"It certainly won't work on Kereda himself. I will try the doors and such of his dwelling, but I would not expect much; the most likely source of a psychic impression in his dwelling is undoubtedly Kereda. A thought: you might do well to pray for a Detect Charm spell or two and sweep the colony though."
"It certainly won't work on Kereda himself. I will try the doors and such of his dwelling, but I would not expect much; the most likely source of a psychic impression in his dwelling is undoubtedly Kereda. A thought: you might do well to pray for a Detect Charm spell or two and sweep the colony though."
Talath will pull Mauro aside, "Could your object reading perhaps on Kereda himself or his dwelling provide some information? This lack of answers is a bit too convenient for my liking."
"It might be worth a try. So many things are going wrong and we have so little information to work with."
✦ Talmandor's Bounty (area a) * ˚ ✦
the party retires to bed for the night. When you wake up, everyone gathers in the Town Square. Ramona reveals an alarm bell that will be placed near the farms where the goats were killed. She explains to the colonists that two more bells have been commissioned for other areas of Talmandor's Bounty and they're just waiting on Talmandor Bounty's Troubleshooters to find the adequate natural resources to finish the job. Seeing the one bell finished and ready for installation seems to restore confidence among the colonists.
The party stays near Talmandor's Bounty all of Toilday, Wealday, and Oathday while Antaral crafts. By Fireday morning, it's time to set up to
✦ Crimson Forest (area H) * ˚ ✦
You set off towards an area you hope will be rich in natural resources. Kalikk's knowledge of the island and ability to fly above the jungle roof shortens your travel time considerably. Ookra holds someone's hand in the party so she's able to keep up despite her disability. The young strix often parrots your speech in an attempt to learn Common. She's rather tenacious in her efforts to learn.
As you approach, you see a high, earthen ridge covered in scrubby vegetation soon gives way to a steep descent thick with tall, ancient oak trees of a strange, bone-white coloration. The vibrant, scarlet foliage of these trees gives the impression that the entire forest is aflame. At the center of the bowlshaped valley stands a massive white tree with bowed branches like those of a weeping willow, but feathered with long, vibrant, red leaves.
When Ramona finishes her announcement about the alarm bell(s), Becky starts clapping vigorously, trying to get others in the crowd to join in and make it a full round of applause. (Her plan is to simultaneously promote a sense of confident unity amongst the settlers while also earning brownie points from Ramona.)
Since most of her contributions to the party come from her brain by way of her mouth, Becky offers her hand to guide Ookra, allowing the other party members to have their weapons at the ready should the group be suddenly attacked. She chats a bit with the strix oracle, but mostly keeps quiet so as to not alert any unfriendlies that might be lurking nearby. When she sees the flamelike foliage on the trees in the valley, she can't help but note aloud, "Wow! It's appropriate that we visited this place on a Fireday...." The little Know-It-All examines the strange trees trying to figure out their strange coloration.
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"Testify!"
Talath will join Becky in encouraging some esprit de corps among the colonists!
Although he expect little from the exercise, Mauro will indulge Talath's worries and spend a little time at Kereda's place and use his object reading ability both on the door and the window...
*****
On Toilday, he finds Asher and says "So, we're gonna go fight scrags are we? What do we know about scrags? I don't like going in blind. I mean, if I understood what Crispin right, they're saltwater trolls. What are they doing in a forest in the middle of the island? I think we need to get more info. I got some ideas. You've been getting along pretty good with Kalikk, think he'd be willing to help out? What I'm thinking is we spend the next 3 days watching and scouting this 'Crimson Forest'. We get Kalikk to watch the place from up high, and I can conjure animal scouts to go in and look at lower levels..."
Asher mulls over Mauro's suggestions.
Well, Becky seems to know enough. They seem to be aquatic trolls, and both of us can do well enough underwater in a pinch, though you have the edge in mobility there. You are right though that this location is a weird enough place to encounter them. They must be this far inland for a reason. If they are reasonably intelligent, we can always try to question one.
I'll speak to Kalikk and try to get him to agree with your scouting plan. We can also make sure that Ookra stays safe in camp.
Asher walks over to Kalikk and explains their ideas in his halting Azlanti, hoping he can get across the plan to scout proactively in a big to move into the forest with advance knowledge.
In the meantime, Asher also introduces the group to their new companion, a small aquatic crocodile that he has dubbed Huntress.
What can I say? She followed me home and has a nice smile.
[ooc]Huntress is a small croc for now, but should become a bit more formidable with Boon Companion soon.[/b]
Talath eavesdrops and adds in, "Looking at the area of the map that Skalorah pointed to, there appears to be a river flowing in or near the area. Since the scrags live in both fresh and salt water, it could support them. I have been blessed by The Song of the Spheres with a spell that might give us an advantage vs. these scrags. We should be extremely cautious; if the Witch is indeed working with them, or maybe even they work for her, this could provoke her into action."
"Nice to meet you Huntress. Make sure whomever owns chickens keeps them penned up. And the goats. Perhaps you should dress her up to look less fierce?"
Becky apparently counts herself among the 'chickens' Talath mentions, refusing to get too close to the croc. She does offer her insights on the river, however.
Crispin is also unable to clear up the location. Maybe the cautious look he's giving Huntress is distracting him?
Asher takes a look at the map to make sense of what Talath said.
Asher also encourages Becky to pet Huntress.
She's a real sweetheart. Don't let the toothy grin make you think otherwise. Well, at least when I am around.
Asher takes a look at the map to make sense of what Talath said.
[dice=Know(Geography)]1d20 + 6
Asher also encourages Becky to pet Huntress.
She's a real sweetheart. Don't let the toothy grin make you think otherwise. Well, at least when I am around.
"A hat perhaps? Something colorful so people can spot her easily?"
Maybe a jaunty one with a feather. I will think about it and ask her.
✦ Talmandor’s Bounty (area a) * ˚ ✦
Becky’s and Talath’s efforts to promote the new alarm system and Ramona’s leadership do not go unnoticed. Ramona gives the teenager an approving nod and Perrell Beys smiles at her daughter. Perrell Beys will hammer the fancy scroll to one of the Government Building posts so it’s visible to anyone who approaches the building.
When Mauro touches the open window, he feels very hungry and cranky.
✦ Crimson Forest: Forest Outskirts (area H1) * ˚ ✦
As the scouts from Talmandor’s Bounty surveyed forests on the island, they came across an unusual stand of trees within the bowl of a massive, shallow impact crater. This forest contained pale white trees with vibrant red leaves and bark that wept crimson sap. The scouts only performed a cursory examination of the area before reporting back to the colony, marking the location for future investigation.
The outer edges of the Bleeding Forest consist of a steep incline leading down from the crater edge. A few hundred feet from the crater edge, the canopy grows thick and dark. Sunlight shining through the red foliage casts a strange light across the floor of the forest, and birds flit through the branches.
Both Kalikk and Ookra coo at the Asher’s new companion, Huntress. Kalikk describes what the animal looks like so Ookra can imagine it. Fearless, Ookra asks “Can I pet her?”
Mauro uses a wing bone he found and the occultist’s puppet forms the appearance of a tropical bird native to the islands - a once colorful parrot, now dead and decaying. Its feathers no longer hold a colorful gleam and it’s an unsettling sight (and smell.) Kalikk and Mauro’s puppet fly in the same general area together for safety, scouting from the skies.
Mauro’s unsettling parrot puppet eventually flies down to him to perch on his shoulder. It flaps it’s ragged wings and lets out a mangled squawk indicating that it saw something. Kalikk lands gracefully. In Azlanti, she reports “There’s one scragg but it’s very injured. I don’t see any others. No camp. It’s not regenerating. Too far from the river.” Her voice turns grave, “I also saw evidence of perytons. It’s not safe to continue to fly here. We should stay together on land.”
You also recall Perytons have an ability known as Shadow Mark, in which they can make a shadow copy of a target, strengthening their attacks against the chosen victim. Being marked by their shadow is very scary and only those brave enough resist fleeing.
Being magical beasts, you need magic to push through their defenses. These creatures are very good at flying so one would want to avoid encountering them in the sky.
While the adventuring party discusses strategy, someone notices movement in the trees. Talking ceases and you survey your surroundings eight humanoid-like creatures step out of the clustered forest!
Round 1
Bold may act!
Becky goes on for several minutes about the horrors of perytons . When an actual threat emerges from the trees, however, the talkative bard's at a loss for words!
"Do you want to watch after Ookra while I fight?" Becky asks Kalikk as she tries to extricate her hand from the blind strix's.
Asher sees the creatures break out of the bruch.
Not sure, but they are like the creature animated dead from a awhile back!
Asher:
Huntress:
Add-on:
"Ambush! Stupid Bird!" Mauro is unhappy that his bird has done the reverse of it's job. (It's supposed to find the enemy without leading them to us, but it seems to have led them to us without finding them!)
He quickly pulls a skeletal minion from the ground and then steps forward, readying his ranseur... His minion promptly charges one of the enemy.
+6 bab +2 str +2 charge
+2 str +3 occultist
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
.
Crispin looks at what is attacking them, "There's a lot of them. We'll need to be quick about this."
He casts his new spell on the group. Haste.
Crispin's spell fills Becky with a wave of energy. Disentangling her hand from Ookra's, the young bard moves a short ways north and targets the two monsters further off in that direction with a spell. There's a large boom of sonic energy that suddenly emanates from their direction, the same spell Becky used to great effect against the thorny shambler's stirges!
Huntress feels invigorated by Crispin's spell and if you squint a little, it seems that she winks in his general direction.
✦ Crimson Forest: Forest Outskirts (area H1) * ˚ ✦
Asher lands an accurate shot directly in the orange creature's eye. The creature falls backward from the force and stills. The ranger's second arrow isn't as precise, but it hits the teal creature, damaging it significantly! Huntress does her part to protect Ookra. The small but fierce croc snaps her maw prepared to strike at anything that approaches! Ookra casts Ice Armor on herself, although you know it probably won't last as long in the tropical climate. Her head moves around to listen as she's unable to see anything.
When Mauro pulls out his ranseur and summons his skeletal servant. The skeleton that arises has vines clinging to its body similar to the creatures approaching the party. The skeletal servant shambles towards the blue creature, delivering a nasty claw attack!
Crispin casts Haste on himself and most of his companions.
Becky requests Kalikk protect Ookra and the ranger strix nods. Then, the young bard releases a resounding boom of sonic energy, blowing the branches and leaves of the surrounding fauna backward!
The group of creatures moves closer, although the orange one appears dead-dead and the red one appears stunned from Becky's sonic burst.
Blue tries to slam into Mauro's skeletal servant!
Meanwhile, green and yellow shamble towards Mauro and try to slam into him! The occultist retaliates, spearing the green creature!
Thanks to Crispin's Haste spell, Mauro is just able to lean out of the way!
Pink and purple double-move to reach Asher.
Teal shambles to Becky and slams into her!
Kalikk retreats to protect Ookra and pulls out a longspear.
Round 1
Round 2
(6 damage)
Bold may act!
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Ignoring the boom of Becky's spell, Mauro's servant claws at the enemy in front of it.
+6 bab +2 str
+2 str +3 occultist
Mauro steps back to buy himself room to swing and then, with the enhancement from Crispin's spell, grimly starts reaping...
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement +1 haste
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement +1 haste -5 iterative
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
Talath calls upon the power of Desna to Bless the party and draws his starknife.
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Becky squeaks in pain as she's attacked. The poor bard seems at a loss for what to do against a rare foe she doesn't understand, stabbing at her attacker with her magic rapier.
for
Asher looks. Behind him to see Becky handling Teal well. He steps back to deal with Pink, his Reliquary Bow thrumming as he sends arrow after arrow into his foes.
Huntress steps up to take a bite out of Teal, just in case.
OK Mauro, let's fold them up!
Crispin will stay where he is, focusing on the Teal creature first.
.
"Stay back please." He tells Ookra, "These things smell really bad!"
Becky seems to have a weird spasm and then stabs at her foe a second time!
for
Becky seems to have a weird spasm and then stabs at her foe a second time!
[dice=Becky Beys +1 rapier (haste)]1d20+8+1 for [dice=magical, piercing damage]1d6+1
I hate getting close Antaral grumbles as he draws his mace and attacks the one in front of Becky (lavender?]
I hate getting close Antaral grumbles as he draws his mace and attacks the one in front of Becky (lavender?]
[dice=attack]d20+6 [dice=damage]d8+2
✦ Crimson Forest: Forest Outskirts (area H1) * ˚ ✦
Talath calls upon the power of Desna to Bless (link) the party and draws his starknife.
Asher shoots several arrows in quick succession. The first pierces through the purple creature's eye socket. It falls backward from the impact. The second and third arrow plunges into the shoulder and chest respectively, and the red creature ceases to move.
Mauro's skeletal servant fails to claws through the spongy skin of the blue creature. Meanwhile, the occultist focuses his attention on the yellow creature who evades all but the last incoming attack! However, that's all Mauro needs and he cuts down the creature! Antaral attempts to smack one with his mace but he misses !
Crispin shoots the teal creature with a barrage of magic missiles which seems very effective! Becky brandishes her rapier, takes a five-foot step, and jabs the pink creature!
The blue creature moves past Mauro's skeleton, provoking an attack of opportunity!
The pink creature tries to slam into Becky!
Round 2
Round 3
(14 damage)
Bold may act!
+6 bab +2 str
+2 str +3 occultist
Mauro, embarrased by his inability to swing his own weapon , steps in and attempts to destroy the creature that dared strike the teenybopper. His skeleton, unwilling to tolerate being ignored, charges the creature that stepped past it...
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement +1 haste +1 bless
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement +1 haste +1 bless-5 iterative
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
+6 bab +2 str +2 charge
+2 str +3 occultist