Nodding at the decision to begin tracking the stalkers immediately, the Rogue fishes out a couple of Wands from his Haversack.
I have wands of Endure Elements and Waterproof if any are Interested?
He shakes the first Wand.
Smiling the rogue holds them out for anyone else before following along.
After the party defeats Thanaldhu, they’re are left with the task of calming the residents of Talmandor’s Bounty and possibly hunting down any remaining faceless stalkers left behind after Thanaldhu’s death. It appears as if some of the faceless stalkers chose ran during the chaos instead of fight, but the party isn’t sure to where.
Even with Thanaldhu defeated, the repercussions of the faceless stalkers’ plot will be felt for months as Talmandor’s Bounty attempts to repair the emotional and physical damage.
The party have become trusted confidants of Ramona Avandth and potentially strong and reliable figures that the town turns to in its time of crisis. Until reinforcements arrive from Andoran (which could take months, depending on whether the Argent Cornucopia survived the attack), the party is in a position where they may be the individuals best equipped to stabilize the colony and prevent its collapse.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty * ˚ ✦
After spending grueling hours hunting and eliminating fleeing faceless stalkers, rescuing injured colonists, and assessing damage, the party finally stops to rest in the Barracks. The whole party pushed themselves to exhaustion, so sleep comes easily and deeply.
You awake after a deep slumber in the early morning. You missed Ramona’s speech to the colonists but you know you had more important obligations to the settlement. As you’re getting ready, you hear someone knocking on the wooden door of the building - it’s Perrell. “Ramona wants to meet with you in her home.” The scholar waits patiently outside.
Perrell leads you across the square to the Governor’s House. There’s a wooden table and two chairs near her front door where two clerks are seated. A line of colonists and a sailor curl around the building waiting for their turn. One of the colonists is holding a chicken and lamenting the loss of most of her poultry. There’s a father comforting a sniffling child, who isn’t old enough to understand what happened. “B- but where’s mama?” The clerks are scribbling on a roll of parchment, taking names, documenting losses, and setting up appointments.
Inside the Governer’s House, you see the furniture in Ramona’s home has been completely rearranged into a makeshift office. Chairs have been lined against the wall, the dining table sits across from the front door, stacked with books and papers Perrell recovered. There’s a large, unfinished desk near Ramona’s bedroom. The wood is unfinished, but the desk looks to have been sanded and smoothed for use. Ramona stands behind it and pulls the string off a piece of rolled parchment.
With soot on her face and blood on her jacket, Ramona Avandth wearily nods a greeting when she sees you enter her house. “Thank you for saving our colony and dealing with those… monsters. If it hadn’t been for your efforts and bravery, we would have lost many more of our people. But as you probably guessed, I didn’t ask you to meet me only because I wanted to thank you. We mustn’t give up hope that there may still be a way to find the people that those aberrant horrors had taken. I feel that they are still alive somewhere."
"During the last few weeks, you’ve shown your importance to the colony, and many of you have exhibited incredibly useful talents that can help us further. I would like for you look for clues about the missing colonists’ whereabouts. Studying the bodies and equipment of the shapeshifting creatures you defeated may reveal something useful. It’s also possible that people here in the colony might have seen something that may help you. Last, you might want to search the colony and the surrounding area for any suspicious-looking tracks, signs of struggle, or drag marks that might point us to the right direction, but it may be like trying to find a needle in a haystack unless you have an idea of where to start looking."
“I’m afraid I have to ask you to hurry, since we don’t know why these monsters were kidnapping our people. If they wanted food or destruction, they wouldn’t have taken the victims alive. As you can imagine, everyone tends to assume the worst, and every passing hour is painful to those whose friends and family are missing. Please bring me back good news as soon as possible, but at the latest in six days from now. I don’t believe I can keep the people calm much longer than that, and those taken might have died from hunger or thirst by then."
“I must return to my duties—I’ll try to do whatever I can to help the people recover from the attack. The recent events have caused morale to plummet in the colony, and some people just want to go home. But before I go, please tell me if there is something I can do to help you with the investigation.”
Asher nods along as Ramona talks. When she is done, he makes his suggestion.
Let's look at the bodies of the infiltrators. They may have something on them that may give us a clue. There must be a rallying point or other location to which the others retreated, and their possessions may give us some idea of where to begin looking.
Asher nods along as Ramona talks. When she is done, he makes his suggestion.
Let's look at the bodies of the infiltrators. They may have something on them that may give us a clue. There must be a rallying point or other location to which the others retreated, and their possessions may give us some idea of where to begin looking.
"Perhaps Mauro can use a reading to learn more about them and where they come from?"
Mauro sounds troubled as he speaks: "Yes Ramona, I will put my esoteric gifts at the colony's disposal. Talath, you are correct, I will start by using psychometry on Thanaldu's gear."
"Then I will join Asher in examining the bodies - phrenology is something I am familiar with. We should also bring Antaral in on that examination; he is a master of medicine and his insight might be valuable. Also, it will give him something to do other than grieve for his friend , Alba Divenvaar.
"Speaking of whom, we should search her lab - all that alchemist's fire came from somewhere, and I suspect I know where. There might be clues there, but we should be very careful going in. I would expect booby traps; fiery, explosive, booby traps."
"There are also less exciting avenues of investigation, that might be as productive. Ramona, have you established a list of which colonists were replaced? Is there some unifying factor?"
7 rank +3 trained +1 wis +2 racial +3 Skill Focus
Turning to look at the others, as they interview, examine and further plan, Cirok remains silent. The elf helps out wherever he can.
With the bodies and their items in Mauro's and the others' capable hands, Asher will range around the settlement to look for any signs of tracks or signs of organized activity or struggles. He will take Huntress with him for company. Anyone with any Survival or Excellent Perception is welcome to come along.
He also suggests that the casters use whatever magic they can soon to vett the rest of the settlers so we can interview any of them that go outside to learn if they saw anything suspicious.
Becky resists the lure to further lick Ramona's boots and instead makes an effort to interview other colonists to try to discern how/when the faceless stalkers seeded the colony and if anything unusual was witnessed at any point over the last month or so.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Ramona's Home (Continued) * ˚ ✦
When Becky asks about unusual activity, Ramona rubs her chin. "Well, you know of all the strange happenings, as I had you - or you volunteered yourself - to investigate them... Most of the remaining colonists are too distraught by the recent events to be much help right now. But I'm sure someone probably saw something I missed."
Eventually, Asher, Becky, Mauro, and Talath depart from Ramona's home. They decide to examine the gear recovered from the faceless stalker corpses next.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: The Corpses Of Our Enemies * ˚ ✦
Due to Ramona's cramped quarters, the group arrives at the thatched house, the roof and side of the building are black from blown soot. The surrounding timber homes appear burned beyond repair.
Despite the gloomy exterior, the inside is quite tidy. Faceless stalker bodies have been placed neatly in a row on the floor, including the faceless stalker that had been impersonating Carver Hastings.
❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。
Imposter Carver's body is still wearing an explorer’s outfit consisting of a voluminous cloak with many pockets, gloves of supple leather, well-worn leather breeches, a thick leather belt, a cotton shirt, and a pair of muddy but sturdy boots — all taken from Carver Hastings. These mundane clothing items definitely belong to Carver and aren't an imitation.
[spoiler=Appraise 25 or Craft Weapons 25 (Imposter Carver's Sword)]ou notice the masterwork sword’s design and decorations are similar to ones frequently used by Pathfinders, especially those interested in ancient Azlanti weapons.
The imposter Carver was a number of minor magic items, such as a pouch of dust, oils, and potions.
The mirror on Thanaldhu’s body is square and palm-sized and has a hole in the center.
The spyglass bears a number of dents and its lenses have small scratches on them, but it still seems to be completely functional.
Imposter Carver was also carrying a backpack, a belt pouch with a flint and steel inside, and a waterskin.
__________
After studying the bodies Crispin tells the party, "They seem to have lived in an environment with frequent fires. They bear the marks of heat damage? Plus their bodies resist blunt trauma better then most."
"The imposters breastplate has been Glamered to match those of the colonial soldiers."
"But this does seem to be Carver Hasting crossbow. Which doesn't bode well for him?"
"The containers used to store his potions are odd? Probably his own rather than Carvers."
.
"This spyglass was issued to the high rankers on the Liberty's herald. Which bought the original colonist here. How long have they been lurking among us?"
"This all seems to have been Carvers."
.
.
"Now would be a good time to talk to the other Colonists. We need more information to work out what these creatures where working to achieve?"
.
"I can examine these objects for psychic significance, but that will take considerable effort and time on my part. Let's see what we can deduce with conventional methods first."
He points : "That hand mirror is a signal mirror for long distance communication in open terrain - we can probably rule out locations where using one wouldn;t be practical."
a) Imposter Carver's boots, K Geo or K Nature DC 20
b) Imposter Carver's sword (sub-entry under weapons), Appraise 25 or Craft Weapons 25
c) Imposter Carver's mirror, Knowledge Geography or Local 25
d) Imposter carver's Mirror con't , Appraise 20 or have Profession Sailor
Becky does a lot of sage nodding and "Yup!"-ping at Crispin's revelations. The brainy and (at times) observant teen also notices remnants of purple flower petals on the bottom of Carver's boot and says she believes these grow mainly along the beach. Then she nods at Mauro's observations about the signal mirror.
"We need to narrow down where whomever was supposed to receive the flashed signals would have been able to see them. Chances are the monster doing the signalling didn't dare risk going too far afield to send such signals. We need to make some guesses as to where on this island the fake Carver could have aimed his signals; if they were being sent off-island, we should check to see if there are other islands close enough to our colony where the flashes could've been seen."
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: The Corpses Of Our Enemies * ˚ ✦
Crispin easily identifies the faceless stalkers must be native to an environment where radiation or heat caused frequent burns.
He also points out that the breastplate has been glamored. It would have been unlikely for the faceless stalkers to do it. The true appearance beneath is decorated with Pathfinder insignia. The breastplate must be the real Carver's armor.
With the aid of others, Becky, with the aid of Mauro and Crispin fits the puzzle pieces together: the faceless stalkers must have a method of getting on and off the island. They must signal from afar - perhaps to another boat? Asher is confident he'll be able to track any footfalls there once the party is done with their investigation.
Although excited by this new revelation, the group quiets down for 10 minutes to thoroughly study the mirror. The markings suggest this mirror belongs to Saymor Landis, not Carver Hastings. Saymor Landis is not anyone from your ship's charter.
__________
While trying to do a mental inventory of what the party has and has not figured out, Becky suddenly blurts out that there's a name on the mirror found on the faceless stalker that was impersonating Carver. "Anyone know the name 'Saymor Landis?'" After pondering the development a moment, Becky suggests that maybe he was with the first wave of colonists. "We gave the first group's charter to Ramona after we found it in Arklay's home, right?" before heading off to chat some more with the object of her hero-worship.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Interviewing the Colonists * ˚ ✦
Becky's question as to who this "Saymor Landis" is, leads the party outside to conversate with the other colonists. Someone jots down notes and you collect a list of three names:
- Jacques Hughon, who claims he saw Carver Hastings doing something suspicious
- Colson Werton, who spent a lot of time with a faceless stalker, not realizing they were an imposter until yesterday's attack.
- And Saymor Landis, a sailor who decided to stay behind after arriving on one of the supply ships. It appears you have a palm-sized mirror that belongs to him.
❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。
Jacques Hughton is repairing broken traps outside the palisade. He's a salt-of-the-earth hunter and seems receptive to questioning. Jacques tells you:
Two days ago, when Jacques Hughon was checking his rabbit snares a few miles north of Talmandor’s Bounty, he saw Carver Hastings in the distance. When asked about it, Jacques says, “Aye, I saw him two days ago there. I thought he was lost because I couldn’t think of any other reason he would have wandered that far from the colony. I think he was holding something in his hand, maybe a scroll tube or something of similar size and shape. I followed him for a while but lost sight of him after a few minutes. Afterwards, I didn’t think much of it because Carver was a strange duck all along.”
❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。
You're directed to a tree stump with a man, Colson Werton, sitting miserably on it. He's noticeably upset, which makes it difficult to get information:
It turn out, Colson was developing a budding romance with Sandra Ganis when the latter’s behavior suddenly changed—unknown to him, she had been replaced by a faceless stalker impostor. When asked about the relationship, Colson says “She was always such a sweet lady, but a few days ago she suddenly started asking me about meeting her alone in the strangest of places after sundown. I didn’t understand what was going on, and I had a lot of work to do, so I just said no each time. I didn’t want her to be cross with me, so I didn’t ask too many questions. I’m sorry. I should have known something was wrong.”
He just keeps mumbling “Let me think, let me think...” over and over again, and tears start welling up in his eyes.
❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。
Saymor Landis is at the dock when you find him.
__________
Talath tries to calm Colson down enough to encourage him to continue speaking with the group:
"Sea lavender hm? It is quite a pleasant scent. Stay strong Colson; we'll do what we can to assist you and the rest of the colony."
Talath gives Colson his best reassuring smile as the group departs.
✦ The Locathah, Fishy Friends * ˚ ✦
You make the quick trek over to the locathah camp. When you question the locathah, they seem confused.
Koloshkora and the other locathahs tell you they have seen people near the coast, but they didn’t realize that something strange was afoot, explaining, “We thought that they were just admiring the beauty of the sea.”
✦ Suspicious Rock * ˚ ✦
When you're returning from visiting the locathahs, you follow tracks to a small peninsula located some three miles west of Talmandor’s Bounty. The locathah claimed people were admiring the beauty of the sea there.
After you spend a few minutes studying the peninsula, you start seeing flashes of light in the distance. It is easy to see the flashes without special equipment.
✦ Reporting to Ramona Before Departure * ˚ ✦
Before you head off, you report back to Ramona with what you've discovered. The colony leader listens intently as you explain how the faceless stalkers used a spyglass and mirror to communicate with someone on a nearby island. "That's settled. I'm going to have to ask you to explore the island where the signals were coming from."
"I fear our fellow colonists have been abducted to somewhere off the island. The neighboring island, Zanas-Tahn, seems the most likely." The colony leader rolls out a map of the region and points to a nearby island.
"Unfortunately, the only ship we have to lend is one of the ship boats from the Peregrine. You're welcome to borrow it but please bring it back. Boats are an important commodity around here - especially if you find kidnapped colonists, you'll need a way to ferry them home."
Asher is able to track and map out what he thinks is a pretty accurate estimation of how long it will take the party to reach the suspected beach. The ranger estimates it will be a seven-and-a-half-hour row from Talmandor's Bounty to the suspected beach area - roughly 15 miles of rowing. "If two people carried the boat, you'd cut down considerably on time... But your arms would probably be sore."
Thunder rumbles in the distance. Ramona walks to the window and peers out. “There’s a storm coming. You can go now, but you’ll have to sail through it. Or, you can wait for it to pass.”
you exit from Ramona's home and gather your adventuring gear.
You think the storm will rage on for at least eight hours.
✦ The Locathah, Fishy Friends * ˚ ✦
You make the quick trek over to the locathah camp. When you question the locathah, they seem confused.
Koloshkora and the other locathahs tell you they have seen people near the coast, but they didn’t realize that something strange was afoot, explaining, “We thought that they were just admiring the beauty of the sea.”
While visiting the Locathah, Talath picks up his new armor fresh from Talasantri!
7 rank +3 trained +1 wis +2 racial +3 Skill Focus
vs DC 21
7 rank +3 trained +1 wis
vs dc 16
2 ranks +3 trained +3 int
vs DC 10 to aid another...
✦ Suspicious Rock * ˚ ✦
When you're returning from visiting the locathahs, you follow tracks to a small peninsula located some three miles west of Talmandor’s Bounty. The locathah claimed people were admiring the beauty of the sea there.
** spoiler omitted **
After you spend a few minutes studying the peninsula, you start seeing flashes of light in the distance. It is easy to see the flashes without special equipment.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Studying the sky Talath reports, "The storm will arrive in eight hours and last for at least eight hours. Since Asher thinks it's seven and a half hours to row to Zanas-Tahn it seems we would arrive just in time before the storm."
Talath has the right of it. We can make it quick enough to shore to not be on the water during the storm, and then we can either shelter there or use it for cover as we explore a bit. I'd rather not leave those poor souls at the mercy of these creatures after they learn their brethren were killed and their plot was exposed. They may kill our people if they still live.
[dice=Survival]1d20 + 11
Talath has the right of it. We can make it quick enough to shore to not be on the water during the storm, and then we can either shelter there or use it for cover as we explore a bit. I'd rather not leave those poor souls at the mercy of these creatures after they learn their brethren were killed and their plot was exposed. They may kill our people if they still live.
"And they may know. The flashes looked suspicious but I couldn't discern a pattern or any words or phrases. I agree time is of the essence."
"And they may know. The flashes looked suspicious but I couldn't discern a pattern or any words or phrases. I agree time is of the essence."
"The flashes, they were a coded message, Status? We must go. Leaving Karnax behind. It is waiting with instructions"
Talath has the right of it. We can make it quick enough to shore to not be on the water during the storm, and then we can either shelter there or use it for cover as we explore a bit. I'd rather not leave those poor souls at the mercy of these creatures after they learn their brethren were killed and their plot was exposed. They may kill our people if they still live.
"You assume the weather is predictable within minutes, and Murphy is not riding in the boat with us. I would much rather be ashore with some hours margin rather than minutes... I can see a couple of solutions." Mauro traces a line on the map
"If we had the skill to navigate, we could dare the deep sea directly rather than following the coast - that would shorten our trip considerably. Alternatively, if we carry the boat overland we would save time as opposed to following the coast. But that would tire whoever is carrying the boat. We could mitigate that if we could get some helpers to carry the boat, either from the colony, or there are darker solutions available." Mauro's voice becomes distinctly grimmer as he contemplates 'darker solutions'....
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Crispin is following along, leaving the tracking and survival to those equipped for it. "Agreed. Best not to let the trail get cold. We need to find those people as soon as possible. Though the identity of this 'Karnax' worries me."
Talath has the right of it. We can make it quick enough to shore to not be on the water during the storm, and then we can either shelter there or use it for cover as we explore a bit. I'd rather not leave those poor souls at the mercy of these creatures after they learn their brethren were killed and their plot was exposed. They may kill our people if they still live."You assume the weather is predictable within minutes, and Murphy is not riding in the boat with us. I would much rather be ashore with some hours margin rather than minutes... I can see a couple of solutions." Mauro traces a line on the map
"If we had the skill to navigate, we could dare the deep sea directly rather than following the coast - that would shorten our trip considerably. Alternatively, if we carry the boat overland we would save time as opposed to following the coast. But that would tire whoever is carrying the boat. We could mitigate that if we could get some helpers to carry the boat, either from the colony, or there are darker solutions available." Mauro's voice becomes distinctly grimmer as he contemplates 'darker solutions'....
Talath's eyes almost shoot out of their sockets, "Friend Mauro you do want to dare the open ocean. I can tell you from experience all manner of creatures prowl these waters looking for prey. Minutes to spare may be better than two of us being fatigued to the point they are a detriment in combat. It would be asking a great deal to have Becky, Crispin, and I to take the fight to any enemies."
✦ On Rough Waters * ˚ ✦
The party debates the best route to take, but ultimately all climb into a small boat and row, racing the storm. There is comfort it having the shoreline in view, but eventually, you row to where land runs out.
The shoreline grows smaller and smaller, then you are entirely alone on the open ocean. In the distance, you see the storm clouds darken in the shade as they loom closer. It's colder than it was this morning and the water is choppy. Everyone thinks it's a good idea to remain seated in the vessel as you row for miles.
After what you think are a few miles, someone in the boat questions if you all are indeed rowing in the correct direction. Luckily, you have the compass you found when you first landed in Talmandor and, based on the compass' direction, you think you're going in the correct direction.
The choppy water crashes up against the sides of the boat and sloshes inside, drenching the lower part of your legs. Some might opt to scoop out the invading water while two others row.
Due to the choppy water preceding the storm, the two people rowing have to put some muscle behind their strokes.
It gets a little windier as the storm continues to approach.
While not strong enough to control the boat in the storm, Talath will attempt to aid one of the rowers:
+5 str
[dice=Strength Check]1d20+5
+5 str
While not a total weakling per se, Becky's more intellectual than athletic and leaves the rowing to stronger folks, instead opting to bail water (with her buckler if it's deep enough; otherwise she uses her hands or other nearby tool such as a bucket). When someone questions if the party's still on course, she digs the Azlanti compass/watch doohickey out of her pack and holds it out for Asher or someone else to actually read. She's beginning to show signs of panic but has maintained her fear well thus far.
While not a total weakling per se, Becky's more intellectual than athletic and leaves the rowing to stronger folks, instead opting to bail water (with her buckler if it's deep enough; otherwise she uses her hands or other nearby tool such as a bucket). When someone questions if the party's still on course, she digs the Azlanti compass/watch doohickey out of her pack and holds it out for Asher or someone else to actually read. She's beginning to show signs of panic but has maintained her fear well thus far.
Talath can offer a skillet or a cup or bowl (with handle) from his mess kit as bailing tool options.
@Talath why do you think a handy haversack can't fit a suit of armor (or three)? Remember they are bigger on inside than outside, and 8 cubic feet of volume is quite a bit...
Asher bends his effort at the oars to help speed the party to the other island.
✦ On Rough Waters * ˚ ✦
and row through the increasingly rough sea, but after a while politely offers to take over for .
After what feels like hours of rowing, you see lightning a ways off in the sky. and pump their arms harder, cutting their oars through the water and pushing the boat forward as fast at they can. Wind pushes at your face and hair from every direction and more and more water sloshes into the boat.
Then, there's a collective relief, as someone spots land! As you close in on the island Zanas-Takn, big fat raindrops start landing on your head. The rain and wind make you feel cold, and unless protected, you're shivering by the time you make landfall.
Someone has the bright idea to carry the boat far up on land and secure it. The terrain of this island is predominantly trackless forest, hills, and swamp. It looks like you'll have to carefully cut your way through the jungle as you search for the kidnapped colonists.
As you venture into the covered jungle, you spot familiar terrain and flora as the island you came from, Ancorato.
✦ The Hollow Forest * ˚ ✦
Hollow husks of crooked, leafless tress grow from the blackened ground in this forest. The bark on the trees is marred with wound-like cracks that weep blackish sap.
The cover of the trees stops a lot of the rain and wind. Perhaps there is a more permanent structure nearby...
of necromancy suffusing this entire area.
"From what I've learned on Ancorato this forest is eerily quiet and animals are conspicuously absent, even insects. We should prepare for combat."
7 ranks +3 trained +3 int