The Journey of a Thousand Miles (Jade Regent AP)

Game Master Sensen

Torra accompanies Yuto into town, looking for a potion to help with swimming, as well as a few protective items.

Looking for a Touch of the Sea potion, a resistance cloak (+2 preferably) and a band of wisdom.

Riftun accepts the cup from Yuto with a grateful smile. "Th-Thank you Yuto. Y-Your mother was a wise woman." The bard relaxes with the cup letting the warmth work its way through his chest and fingertips.

Before he knows it, the bard has fallen asleep. Unable to fight off the fatigue the ice and snow have brought upon him.

"You have done me a great favor, friends, so please accept my hospitality for the night." Snaevald says. "My servant here will show you to your rooms."

The heroes settle in for the night at Snaevald's manor before heading out the following day for shopping and rumor-gathering.

Fireday, 20th of Lamashan 4711

The shopping is quick and easy - Kalsgard is easily one of the largest centers of trade in Avistan - thanks in no small part to the Path of Aganhei. They are able to mostly find what they're looking for within the first few hours of their trip, though it does take them some time to find some of the more magically potent items.

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Andy's morning routine, after checking whether everyone was all right and leaving Riftun's near-fristbite to Torra's capable hands, consisted of consulting a local fellow alchemist for some formulae he had no access to - ones he really should have had. What could he say, he just didn't like swimming.

Lots of nasty demonic fish could be lurking below the surface and you had basically no defense. It was a hard-ingrained motto among the Demonslayers to always avoid the water. At the very least, chances of part of your remains being uncovered and sent home were better. Also, if he *had* to wim in freezing water, it was probably best to get himself fortified against the cold. Surely a local priest could help him with such.

He buys the formulae for Touch of the Sea and Air bubble. I think that costs 10 g each to learn if they are available but I'll double check later. He also buys ones potion in a potion sponge of each for 104 g. And one casting of endure elements on himself and whoever wishes for 10 g each. And if they are sold at the market, a normal bec-de-corbin weapon and a set of swimming fins for everyone for something like 12 g total.

Afterwards, as he is eating a strange and very salty local delicacy - a Bhagal? - something rouses his instincts. "Don't make any sudden moves, but we're being followed. Crows again, like the one spying on us as we moved into the territory - the one who got away." He mutters. "Might be connected to that missing caster from Asvig... would explain how they knew where we were. We'd probably do well to lose them before we move out. If anyone has a good idea, I'm all ears. Otherwise, I know of a spell that makes a large fog cloud to cover our exit from the village."

My suggestion would be to have Zaiobe cast a scroll of Obscuring mist for 25 g if it is feasable for us to make it into the treeline from the 100 ft spread obscuring cloud unseen before it runs out.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
"Gosh! I tho-thought they were related to Asvig but now..." Yuto gulps while staring at the crows "Actually o-one of the smiths I checked with, he advised me to be careful after a few worried stares. Apparently we have been brought to the at-tt-ention of a local member of Kalsgard underworld..."

"The fact that normal people is knowing this ma-akes me think we have little opportunity of escape here... perhaps we should try to discover more about who and why is doing this" the young man looks at whomever is carrying the seal worried "Pe-perhaps this has nothing to do with Asvig and what we opened made us a target like Ameiko's grandfather feared..."

Before they retire for the night, Torra speaks with the servants and arranges for a heated bedpan to be placed in Riftun's room, hoping that the extra warmth will help his recovery.

In the morning, the dwarf spends most of their wealth on magical items and a couple of items to help with swimming.

Headband of inspired wisdom +2, 4000 gp. Potion of touch of the sea, 50 gp. Cloak of resistance +1, 1000 gp. Fins, 2 gp.

Just a reminder that Zaiobe is fairly obvious, and might draw more attention than you're already getting with your various affairs. Not that it means you shouldn't bring her, but something to keep in mind.

Yuto loads his sling and throws a stone towards one of them.
sling: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Bludgeoning damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

If the birds fly away, he exhorts the others to follow up the birds, if not, he proposes to "Let's ask if someone know anything about those crows or the people looking after us..."

The birds explode into flight, fleeing the attack. Ulfen around the party murmur disapprovingly, many making wards against ill fortune and backing away from them. A few shout their discontent.

Riftun elects to stay behind with Zaiobe for the information gathering portion of the trip. He could use the additional rest and besides it might be best to keep Zaiobe from getting into any trouble in town. He does send a list of items he would like procured if possible with Torra, however.

Two potions of Touch of Sea and two sets of fins.

"I-I'm sorry I'm keeping you here with me..." Riftun apologizes to his harpy friend with a sad smile still bundled up and trying his best to stay warm with a cup of hot coco in his hands and one for Zaiobe too should she want one. "Y-You must think me pretty pathetic, I'm the one from around these parts a-and yet I was the one to succumb to the cold. A-And then I upset you yesterday with my foolish plan to infiltrate the compound... I cause you nothing but trouble." He hangs his head low.

"Still, I'm glad for your company a-and if there is anything I can do to help you enjoy yourself I'd be more than happy to help pass the time. I-I could tell stories if you like? What are some of your favorite themes? I know I'll be able to pick something you like." He offers meekly. Zaiobe had seemed so cold and disinterested lately, nothing like when they first met and he was beginning to worry she'd just take off at a moment's notice, that he'd reach out with his mind to her and would not receive a response... Perhaps now, while they had some down-time he could try to get to the heart of what was bothering his friend before it was too late.

Riftun makes his way to the caravan to join Zaiobe and the others, if only for a time. He is quickly pressed for information, though the Visage is present and glares at him through the slit in her helm. "You know why we separated from you, yes? If you continue returning here, you will only bring more attention to us." The former Grey Maiden says flatly.

"No, no foolish, it was brave... and you b-brought information that helped us." Yuto tries to cheer up the Ulfen and he smiles when Riftun states about the irony of the coldness "I-I guess you Ulfens are just used t-to warm houses even on winter. Not like us in Sandpoint..."

---

As the crows fly away, Yuto tries to follow them with the sight. He shivers on the words of the locals and shies away from their stares "Th-they think we bring b-bad luck..."

If possible, Yuto will try to trace back the flight of the crows and see where they are going.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Riftun flinches at the visage's scolding and casts his gaze aside with guilt. "Y-Yes, of course I understand... I was just... Well you see I am still trying to recover from yesterday's..." The bard sighs and bows his head accepting defeat. "You're right of course. I apologize for my recklessness i-in the future I will endeavor to be more cautious."

Andochtuir elects to not return to the Caravan with Riftun, as he doesn't see the need for it yet, plus the idea was not to do it. He looks at his friend's hands before he continues shopping, but Torra seemed to be already doing a great job at treating the near-frostbite. "If you want me to get you something while you rest, just tell me, Riftun. There's no shame in feeling out of it after enduring such frigid winds."

When Yuto guides the bard back to the others, he continues asking after these strange birds. The first place he thought to look was the temple. since people seemed to allocate divine presence to them. "Revered Hofgothi ," He asks the Ulfen religious leader taking care of the temple, head bowed,"Now that I am here, could I consult your wisdow on these black birds outside? I am but a traveler, but I must admit I find them unsettling. What are they? Are they truly related to the gods in some way, as the people outside claim?"

He will offer five gold for information on the ravens if the Priest can tell them anything. If not, he offers the same amount to whichever local wizard he can find as a consultation. Afterwards he returns to the designated meeting spot with their guide to enact the plan of intercepting this burning boat when it is expected to sail. According to a wiki on the Vikings, the Hofgothi were the main caretakers of their temples where the Gothi were their underlings, conducting religious ceremonies.

Torra shakes her head as Yuto tries to stone the birds. "That didn't go so well last time, remember? They are probably connected to that woman who fled. Not much to do about it, just be on our guard if she sends another band of raiders after us."

But she dutifully tries to help Yuto figure out where they are headed.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Shopping Trip
Yuto and Torra's efforts bear fruit, though it is not much use - the crows don't appear to be heading in any one direction, instead simply scattering as though they are natural animals. Whatever influence is upon them, it's not attempting to direct them in that way.

Finding a priest in Kalsgard is fairly easy, though the first few they find are only able to suggest that ravens are held to bring ill-fortune, especially to those who bring them harm. The particular sort of magic that might allow one to call animals to act in such a way, is, according to the priests, mostly in the sphere of Gozreh or druidic magic.

Those mages that the group finds are just as helpful (or useless), and offer a variety of options on how to deal with birds following you, many of which seem legitimate, but some of which are obviously fake. A few note that witches might be able to summon such a phenomenon, as might some fiends, celestials, or other outsiders, but lacking any further information, they can't pin down anything else.

At the Caravan
The Visage looks at him through her expressionless mask. "It is on your head if your enemies come to attack us, then. And if that is the case, I will ensure that you take responsibility." There is a cold anger to her voice.

"Enough." Shalelu says. "You've made your point, woman." The Visage falls silent.

"That was a good call, even if we did not got anything f-for certain" Yuto will also help cover the expenses of the little information they get if necessary.

To the mages, he also asks "Is there any underground pe-personality infamous to be a witch or druid, or any other user of the na-natural magic?"
Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 1

And after that, the group's time is probably quickly running out, and hence, Yuto will look after joining with Uksahkka before we can do it late to the funeral.

"Well, if it is that woman, and she IS a witch, she'll know where we are and where we're going. We can only hope she hasn't figured out what we're after, or we'll have to fight the entire Ulfen raid along with her when we get to it. For now, I suggest we avoid mentioning what we're after in the open, where the birds could see us," Andochtuir reasons at the meeting point, just as the group begins heading out to where their guide led them.

Prepared extracts today: Touch of the Sea CL 3, Shield x 2, Enlarge person. Active buff: endure elements 24 hours. He will brew a potion of expeditious retreat and one more of enlarge person during two 2 hour blocks of yesterday's and todays downtime for 50 g.

Riftun backs away from the woman in the mask wide-eyed, now shivering not just from the cold but from the intensity of the woman's statement and possible threat.

"I-I would never intentionally endanger anyone in this c-caravan. I-I just needed some help dealing with the cold... I would sooner die than be responsible for the death of any of you. I-If my actions cause the loss of a life, you have my word, that my own shall be forfeit." The bard vows before bowing his head gratefully to Shalelu for intervening on his behalf.

"W-we could try to buy some means to fight the co-cold. The Ulfens must have that kind of th-thing?" Yuto proposes after hearing both Andochtuir and Riftun.

What about buying a wand of endure elements? The 50 charges should grant us good help for when we have to go in adventure in the ice.
We could buy also a shared wand of cure light wounds, both wands would need 375 gp from each of us 4

"I can share some more tips to help us stay warm," offers Torra. "But we'll have to move a little slower."

Survival DC 15+: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Gain a +2 bonus on all Fortitude saves against severe weather while moving up to half your overland speed, or gain a +4 bonus if you remain stationary. You may grant the same bonus to one other character for every 1 point by which your Survival check result exceeds 15.
Good idea on the wands, happy to pay my share for them.

Meeting place, now

After meeting up with Riftun and finalizing their preparations, the party heads out to the predetermined meeting point. They are not far from Spear-shaker's Point, but the thick fog that Uksahkka promised conceals their movements and muffles the noises they make.

It takes several hours, but eventually the appointed time comes, and with it Uksahkka - and three small boats, presumably the kayaks that she mentioned the day before. It is still but an hour before sunset, and she speaks quietly.

"The honor guard is near enough that I don't want to speak too loud. But here's the plan - I've brought more boats than you all will need, so that you can bring Ulf back with you." She gestures at the third kayak. "I'm going to take you out onto the water for a bit - you'll get the hang of it quickly, I'm sure, especially since you shouldn't need to row yourself anywhere in severe weather. Any questions before we begin?"

Yuto gulps as Uksahkka arrives with the kayaks, but he seems genuinely interested in the boats at the same time "Are there wa-waterfalls or ice in our way?" he says while accommodating his backpack on the first kayak and then following in trying to fit in his long legs.

"Ho-hope any shark is frozen" the young man readies himself for the trip performing a small blessing to Desna, hoping for a successful trip.

Bundled into multiple layers of wool and fur, Torra has some difficulty fitting into the kayak, and the initial rocking of the little craft has the dwarf gripping the sides in a near-panic. However, once that subsides, the near-floating sensation has Torra grinning. Maneuvering the paddle is another challenge, given the short arms, but she has the benefits of a high endurance.

At Yuto'a remark about sharks, Torra tries to peer into the water with alarm, setting the kayak rocking again with the sudden movement. But that does spark a question, and the dwarf whispers, "Are there sharks here? Or other dangerous creatures?"

Andochtuir, similarly dressed for the cold weather and sporting a new fur cloak of Dire Wolf pelt, seems unusually hesitant to enter the water, but eventually takes place. He leans sideways in his Kayak after taking off his gauntlet and leather glove to test the water temperature and his magical protection against it.

"So to summarize the plan: we wait for the ship to disappear into the thick of fog, then we quickly row towards it, untie Ulf and drag him into our boat? As I see it, there are some issues: their boat will be on fire, and presumably him as well. So it will be a contest of healing him before he dies, then throwing him in the water to douse the flames but not so long as for the river to claim him instead? If that is correct, my first question would be: what task does everyone have in this rescue?"

"To start, we probably need one person to use the cure wand on Ulf," He glances at Riftun. "And one person to use the Endure Elements wand on him, which could be me." He shifts his gaze to Yuto and Torra. "Which leaves Yuto to cut the ropes and Torra to stand by as a guard? Is that an agreeable solution to everyone?"

Does protection from elements offer enough protection that swimming in a freezing river also doesn't incur adverse weather effects? Or is that only against the wind/snow/regular cold? Regardless I think buying a protection vs elements wand is a good idea. I still have a wand of cure light with around 40 charges, and we had Teruko's with 32 I believe. So we should be set on that front. I'll deduct 187.5 g for the endure wand.

"No, it's just a quick row out to the bay before nightfall and the fog clears away. It shouldn't be hard to spot the ship in the dark, either, what with it likely starting to burn. You'll have to move quickly once you get onboard." Uksahkka says. "As for creatures... there might be a few overlarge crabs out in the ocean, but they rarely come this close to shore." She runs a hand through her hair.

The tracker shakes her head to Andochtuir. "The fog will disappear as dusk falls. You'll use the darkness to get at it without the honor guard noticing. As for the burning of the ship - it won't be consumed with flame immediately. It's going to start fairly small, if they're doing it in the traditional way. Just a minor fire to slowly spread and consume the entire ship as a pyre. If you're fast enough, he'll just have whatever injuries they've inflicted upon him in his time with Asvig." She spits.

Riftun inches closer to Andochtuir for protection as the boats head out onto the water. The fog and the unfamiliar terrain of the ocean have him particularly on edge as he wont know what's coming or, even worse, he could be knocked in the freezing waters.

"A-Actually, fish, like sharks, have a substance in their blood that prevents them from freezing in cold waters. I-It's quite fascinating really... But any sharks in the water would be very much alive." The bard rambles nervously before noticing the looks from his samurai companion and hastily attempting to correct course.

"Shouldn't have to worry about waterfall's though... we would definitely hear those coming even with the fog. A-And this is a bay anyway so there wont be any waterfalls, those are more of a river thing."

Yuto stammers a bit and taps nervously in the kayak as the others talk while he looks down at the freezing waters "W-well let's hope Uksahkka is right a-about the fire. W-we should be able to react as we start to see wh-a-at the situation really is. If it comes to the worse, I-I think Andochtuir ideas are good"

The young man is calmed a bit by Riftun words "Th-then I think we are ready. Let's go Uksahkka!"

The tracker nods once everything is prepared, and takes them out onto the waters. Though it does take them a bit of time, the practice of kayaking is fairly simple. The frigid waters that splash up into their boats from time to time is more an inconvenience than a threat, especially since they ensured that they are magically protected from cold and heat, at least for the time being.

After their practice, the Varki woman nods briefly. "Alright. Last thing." She pulls out a clay token with a picture of a songbird stamped on one side. "Take this, and when you save Ulf, bring him - and it - to the priest at the shrine to Shelyn in the Fire Quarter. He'll show you to our safe house." She pauses. "I'd come along, but I'm not sure whether the safe house is, in fact, safe at the moment. I'm going to check to see if it is, and if not, the priest will direct you to some other safer area to let Ulf recuperate."

If anyone has any other questions for Uksahkka, now's the final chance.

"Could you tell us more of the ceremony, so that we might have some advance warning of when we have to be ready?" Andochtuir says, just as he takes his spare cloak and puts it around Riftun. "Also, what of this honor guard if things go wrong? Is anything known of their tactics? And do you know something about a strange caster woman, perhaps a witch, who might have been with Asvig? I can't recall if we asked you specifically, but chances are she will be there. Finally, if the safehouse is NOT safe, as you seem to doubt, what will be the alternate meeting place for us?"

I'm not sure what else to ask. Some part of me is worried about the 'hiding in darkness' thing while we approach a (partially) burning ship which will might light and reveal us, but such is life?

"Th-thanks Uksahkka San. We will do as you say" Yuto picks up the singbird token and saves it to his pouch "I-I do not know what else to ask about the ceremony, y-you have been of much help"

Just before the woman leaves though one idea strikes the Tian man "Ju-just one thing... we heard someone is looking for us. Do you know about so-someone from Karlsgard underground related to crows or who has crows as pets?"

"I'm not sure of the specifics of the ceremony, but typically they light a fire on the center of the ship - small, so that it slowly burns on its way out to sea. I suspect that Ulf will be inside the hold, beneath the decks, which means he'll be at more risk of smoke inhalation than burning, at least for a little while. It'll slowly spread across the ship, but unless they've wasted some significant amount of oil or the like, it shouldn't go up too quickly." Uksahkka says thoughtfully.

"The honor guard won't be near the ship - they'll be on the shore. If things go wrong, I don't think they'll have a ship to go out to attack you. I took a look earlier, and the only boat out there is the funeral one. I don't think they'll bother doing more than shooting at you, and even then, well. It'll be dark out."

The tracker frowns. "I don't know anything about Asvig or his followers. She might be his wife, Helva. She's a witch, by reputation. But I never really encountered him until Ulf went missing." She looks to Yuto. "I don't have an alternate safe place in mind yet, but if it's not safe, I'll let the priest know, and he'll direct you to another place I've been considering."

Gonna let Riftun and Torra have a chance to put in their questions before launching us off into the dark.

Torra is preoccupied. "Andochtuir, If you gather, say, a hundred - no, a thousand! - fish, and you squeeze them, could you extract that substance that makes then mot freeze, and then make that into potions?" The dwarf blinks at the half-elven warrior. "Hypothetically."

As the conversation shifts to their upcoming mission, Torra does their best to pay attention, but has no further questions. "I think I'm ready. I don't know if I can use my powers so far from land, so I hope that... wait! Uksahkka, can you give us a password? Something to tell Ulf so that he knows we're friends? Otherwise he might panic and attack us."

"Hm..." The Varki woman considers for a moment. "Tell him... ask him about the time he hunted elk in the dead of winter. He'll at least be willing to hear you out, I think - which in this case is basically the same thing."

With that done, the party sets out on their kayaks into the bay. As the fog thins, they spy a dim shadow in the distance - the ship, with a faint orange glow that is likely the beginnings of the funeral pyre that Uksakka mentioned earlier.

It's a slow, careful business rowing over to the ship, but the heroes manage to do so, and tie off the kayaks so that they don't drift away. The deck of the longship has been built up with planks over the old rowing benches, creating a space belowdecks. It appears that the funerary treasures have been placed in this hold, as the deck is empty save for a silent, shrouded form resting atop a bier in front of the mast, surrounded by stacked wood. A leather sack sits atop small pile of sand at the base of the bier, the glow of flame and wisps of smoke escaping from it.

There's also a small hatch on the far end of the ship from the party, towards the front.

Torra rejoices at the sight of sand, and experimentally tries to manipulate it with her powers - if she succeeds, they at least have a means to smother the flames, should they need more time to effectuate the rescue.

"Hurry, go find Ulf! I'll stay here and try to manage the fire."

The dwarf begins to move the stacked wood away from the flames and to pour seawater on the deck in an attempt to slow down the burning as much as possible.

"Well, we are on deck. The ha-ard part begins now..." Yuto says while strapping his shield and drawing his katana in case trouble awaits "Le-let's try to only delay the fire... they must be looking and we do not want to call th-their attention"

Said that, he is swift to move towards the hatch going down "W-we also need to find the Kaijitsu's weapon... do-do you sense any magic near-r-by Riftun?"

Yuto tries to pull up the hatch to descend into the hold.
Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Keep in mind that if the fire doesn't go up soon-ish, the people on the shore might start getting suspicious - perhaps enough to shoot fire arrows, at first, but, well... Uksahkka didn't see any boats. You're on the clock, is what I'm trying to say.

Riftun quickly assesses the situation as they board the funerary boat and whispers a quick prayer to Pharasma to pardon their intrusion before setting about to work. As the fire's start to burn Riftun realizes that they need to get organized if they wish to accomplish their objectives before they start to arouse suspicion.

"Right." Riftun nods in understanding to Yuto as he chants the words, "Deprehendere Magia." and makes the familiar symbols with his hands. His eyes take on a slight blue sheen as the magic takes hold and he glances about the ship looking for any signs of magic.

"Torra, if you would please, don't put out the fire completely just hold it back i-if you can. Yuto how's it going with that hatch? If it's locked let me know and I'll get to work on it."

Earlier

Torra is preoccupied. "Andochtuir, If you gather, say, a hundred - no, a thousand! - fish, and you squeeze them, could you extract that substance that makes then not freeze, and then make that into potions?" The dwarf blinks at the half-elven warrior. "Hypothetically."

The half-elf counterblinks. "...Hypothetically. Do you have aspirations of becoming a fisherwoman, Torra?" He grins.

Now.

Seeing time was of the essence, Andochtuir drinks his Mutagen and Extract of Hightened Awarenesss and becomes MANdochtuir. His muscles verily rip and strain as he leans down to help Yuto dislodge the hatch. "Torra, if something happens outside, let us know!"

Strength roll?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Though the hatch is nailed shut, Yuto and Andochtuir are able to tear it open as Torra carefully moves the bag of coals away from the sand pile for the moment.

Below the deck is a cramped and dark - barely more than four feet between floor and ceiling, and there are piles of grave goods strewn throughout the area. In the distance, the heroes hear the clattering of chains and shuffling feet. Someone is down there...

"Ulf San, is this you?" Yuto begins a careful descend into the ship's hold "I-I need some light help i-in here..."

The Tian man will advance in between the goods and towards the chain noises, paying careful attention as the Ulfen might have left some traps behind...
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

The clink of chains stops for a moment, but there is no response. The hold is dark compared to the outside, and even more cramped. All medium creatures are treated as squeezing in the area, and it's completely dark without any illumination.

"Ulf? Ukhsahkka sent us to help you! She told us to ask you about that time you hunted Elk in the dead of winter," Andochtuir tries, his half-elven eyes straining to see something in the darkness. "Riftun?[b]"he calls back. [b]"Do you have a light spell? I'd rather not risk lighting a torch in a ship meant to combust. Especially when I can't see anything!"

If there is no light spell available Andochtuir will quickly walk back, light a lantern from his pack, and come back down with the light.

Andochtuir, like Yuto, receives no reply, but bringing his lantern to bear reveals that the far side of the hold is covered in a strange, thick fog. A chain winds its way from where it is bound at the base of the mast into the fog. It rattles slightly as whatever it is tied to on the far side walks slowly about.

"I don't like this... it feels like a trap," Andy says, eyes narrowed. He drinks a Shield extract, sword and lantern out, and begins advancing cautiously. "Let's go together, but stay behind Yuto and me. Be ready for anything!"

It was a cliche warning, but there it was. He advances into the fog with his allies close behind.

Ac stats: 27/ff26/t12. After 3 mins, shield wears off and it's ac 23/t22.

Yuto waits until light is provided, then, agreeing with Andochtuir, readies shield and katana, and advances slowly " That chain moves too much for a prisoner "

If the initial approach reveals nothing, he moves into the fog.

Riftun follows Andy and Yuto's lead drawing his dagger and casting his light spell upon it t Andochtuir's command. "R-Right away Andy." He complies as he scans the room visually for any trace of magic with his lingering spell.

"That chain... Y-You don't suppose it could be l-like a guard dog or something? Why in Desna's name would anyone leave a guard to protect a burning ship?"

"That chain... Y-You don't suppose it could be l-like a guard dog or something? Why in Desna's name would anyone leave a guard to protect a burning ship?"

"I am more worried about the magical cloud. That reeks of the witch's interference, unless the Ulfen have a thing for those at funerals," Andy states dryly, throwing a glance back. But Riftun was so knowledgable that surely, if that were the case, he would have told them? "It seems a likely assumption that she returned to the cabin, forced the survivors at Asvig to tell her where we'd go, then turned this 'burial' into a setup. Ulf probably isn't even here at all, nor is Shinsuin."

He sighs and thinks of Ameiko and his promise to her. "...But at the same time, we cannot afford not to look, so into it we walk, I suppose," he says, and does.

Once satisfied that the fire wasn't going to immediately torch the ship, Torra makes their way towards the rest of the group.

"What's going on? Where is Ulf?" The news that there was something lurking under the deck in a cloud of unnatural fog has the dwarf frowning. Getting closer, they try to peer into the depths of the hold.

"What if we pull on the chain? I don't want to get inside that fog."

In the distance, the chain snakes out behind the piles of valuable-looking grave goods. The shuffling stops, and all is silent within the fog... for now.

Andochtuir and Yuto step forwards, grabbing ahold of the chain and beginning to tug on it. There's a moment of resistance, before a undead creature emerges from the fog, stepping over the grave goods with a low growl. Its flesh gleams with moisture in the lantern-light, and a creeping stench strikes them in the nostrils.

Combat Start

Note that Yuto and Andochtuir must have at least one hand free from tugging on the chain, and thus might not have a weapon at hand.

Round 1
The creature shuffles forwards as quickly as the cramped under deck will allow, heaving a series of vicious strikes at Andochtuir. Fortunately, even in the cramped quarters and taken off-guard, the half-elf is unharmed - thanks in no small part to his magical protections.
Greataxe vs. Andochtuir, flat-footed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Initiative order is undead, Andochtuir, Riftun, Yuto, Torra. Everyone's up.