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Maldlethu unfurls the scroll in his hand, the parchment waving wildly in an unseen wind. Or maybe it’s just more wild arm flailing. The elf ignores such mundane details and begins to read. “Nethys, send your gift to us once more! Destroy our wounds and soothe this misbegotten creature’s journey back to the Boneyard. All things will be consumed and reborn, but give this wielder of magic a little more time to create wonders in your name!” Again harsh light explodes and fills the room with stark shadows.
Alarmed at seeing Ezren mauled in such a manner Pawero quickly moves in and administers some first aid to the fallen wizard, stabilizing his condition and even restoring a tiny bit of vitality in the process! He then whips around and jabs Red with his main-gauche, opening up another large gash on the plague zombie and finally bringing it down for good!
Combat Over!
Perhaps it's for the best, though Jirelle had been ready to switch weapons and try faking the 'vampire' out and Maldlethu was ready with that Heal scroll...
Ezren (-14)
Pawero
Bubba (-8)
Maldlethu
Jirelle (-9)
Swayaah (-14)
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"Alright. Let's make sure Erzen is alright. I'm just glad the vampires didn't manage to bite him..." Swayaah grabs one of her disposable wastecloths to wipe off her claws before tossing it into the flames.
"You know what helps with recovery? A warm fireplace and some refreshing cocoa. Chill over here while we clean up the place."
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Bubba angrily paces the room, smashing zombie skulls to bits if any of them even twitch. "Bitin' buggers, stay dead this time!" SQUASH.
Finally he calms down and wipes the sweat and grime off his face with a sleeve. "Ez, you're alive, its a MIRACLE!" He grabs his holy symbol and bows his head in thanks.
"Anyone else hurt? I have these nice bandages I can put on for you." He drags out an ancient med kit and hauls out a giant roll of mummy cloth. Before long his wounds are clean and bundled.
Once the group settles in Bubba lays the sling end of his staff in the fire, burning it off. "Damned sling kept getting in the way, much better like this!"
Ezrem grumbles in irritation here, trying to mask the pale look on his face, as he collapses in a heap. "Yeah, but I feel like a pile of donkey manure. Think I need to rest now..." he wearily replies as he closes his eyes.
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"It is a miracle of applied mortal ingenuity," Pawero flatly corrects Bubba. He removes two other pouches from his bandolier and applies the stinging poultices to Jirelle and Swayaah. To one's chagrin, the poultices seem more sizzle than substance. He then unfurls his entire medical kit the better address the wounds on his companions.
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"Hey, thanks Pawero. Mom's pretty good with Medicine. And knowledge of the Abyss. Don't ask." Swayaah sits still, but her tail is twitching to and fro as the elf examines her wound.
"Hey, that's my clavicle. I only get two of those- OW." Swayaah fidgets a bit more than usual.
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Jirelle checks out the bandage Pawero used on her left arm by giving it a couple swings as if she were shadow boxing with a dagger in hand. Satisfied that she's got a full range of motion, she plops down next to Swayaah.
"Thanks, Pawero. Feels good as new. Yeah, a fire and some "cocoa" would be nice. Hot grog would be even better, tho," she says wistfully.
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After a rather hair-raising battle, everyone settles back in to lick their wounds and perhaps make another quick sweep of the house to make sure there won't be any further surprises in store. Bubba has no problem taking care of his own injuries while Pawero puts his medical knowledge to good use and sees to rest of the group - though it does almost get dicey with Swayaah at one point.
When all is said and done everyone looks to be more or less back in fighting shape except for Swayaah, who still sports a few scrapes and bruises.
You also have time to finally sit down and examine the contents of the hip flask Calisro gave you earlier; it doesn't take long for basically everyone in the group to agree that it's a Minor Healing Potion.
With all of that done, there's little else to do but settle in for the night, perhaps enjoy each other's company for a bit longer, and then try to get some sleep. Tomorrow promises to be just as busy as today has been, especially with a visit to the Flotsam Graveyard first on the agenda...
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As everyone gets ready to rest, Salera moves up behind Ezren and places her hands on his back. "Oh, you were so brave to take on the big zombie by yourself." She glances at Swayaah and shakes her head before carefully applying pressure in just the right spots to ease tension in Ezren's back. "And the bite wound is all patched up. You'll be bright as the moon in the morning."
Swayaah just lounges back near the fireplace and pours some liquid out for Jirelle. "I got some of Captain Calisro's special punch before we headed out. She knows her stuff if you're into rum. You're a woman of the sea, so I'll let you judge how good it is. I'm too much of a lightweight to drink it straight- I need something sweet or strong to fight off the aftertaste." She pours her portion into her cocoa mug. "How's the Society treating you so far, Jirelle? For me, it's a good chance to point my rage at something constructive. These claws are nice in a fight but terrible for handshakes."
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In the morning, Swayaah stretches, drinks some water and tries to rouse mom. Salera forgot to sleep and has been tending to the rose garden all night without an ounce of fatigue. Swayaah shrugs and prepares for the day when Pawero stops her to address the bruise on her arm. "Hey, thanks for last night. Normally I'd ask mom or Fae for help- they are much better at this than I am- but I'll rather take help from you. Mom is way too judgy."
"Pawero, sorry if got under your skin yesterday. I'm chatty and I like to rib people. You're so monotone it's hard for me to figure out if you're annoyed, or you're above it all, or you've seen it all. Ooh, that feels great!" The tension sighs right out of Swayaah's mouth. "Feels good to be at full strength again. Thanks!"
Ezren waves off the woman's compliment irritably. "That wasn't bravery by any stretch Miss...more like one with a death wish. Now can't you let an old man get some rest? Jeez...these young kids don't know how to..." Ezren mumbles to himself as he tries to get comfortable on the cold hard floor.
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Jirelle smiles at the grumpy old man as he chases Salera away. Reminded of her own granddad, she gets up and lays her blanket across Ezren before returning to her seat by Swayaah.
"Mmmm, yeah, that is the good stuff," she says as she sips the pilfered rum. "Could be from Port Peril, there's a couple good distilleries there, of course, given all the demand."
Jirelle relaxes a bit and savors her drink, taking it in sips to enjoy the flavors. Her eyes are closed, and her head is back against the wall as she answers Swayaah.
"The Society's been pretty good so far," she says. "These teams are kind of like a ship's crew. There everyone has their specialty, but also everyone has to be competent in a fight."
It doesn't yet have that feeling of family that we get after months at sea together, she thinks wistfully.
Her eyes still closed, she slides down the wall until her head comes to rest in the lady tiefling's lap. But I suppose it could.... she thinks as she drifts off to sleep.
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Swayaah can't help but chuckle when Ezren rebuffs Salera. "I guess he's not into older women, mom." Salera manages to retain an emotionless poker face before wordlessly leaving the mansion. "Told her not to talk to people."
She turns back to Jirelle. "Yeah, we're all pretty cool in our own way. They even accepted me!" She chuckles before realizing Jirelle is asleep. "Oh well. Perfect time to get some sleep. Good night everybody."
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"What's a cocoa? Doesn't sound all that great. Cool wine is where its at, or fresh fruit juice. Don't I love me my fresh fruits and veggies." Yes Mother, you taught me well. Makes you grow up big and strong you said.
Bubba spends some down time helping move things around to set up 'camp' and make sure people are comfortable. "So you think there's gonna be any more lost spirits showing up tonight? Better keep awake, just in case." Is the last thing you hear before the snoring.
After spending an uneventful night in the wrecked manor house - well, uneventful after the zombies - you rise the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to get going. Next on the agenda is the Flotsam Graveyard, where Eando Kline has asked you to not just investigate a wreck, but to look for a smuggled monster and determine its fate. Can it live amongst civilized society, or will it need to be brought down?
But before you actually head out to the Flotsam Graveyard, you may or may not decide to ask around a little bit to see if there's any rumors or other information circulating about the wreck and this smuggled monster...
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Bubba wakes up to the sounds of a rumbling stomach and unquenched thirst "Well, better pack up camp and find some grub!" He rolls up his stuff and stuffs it inside his pack, ready to go!
"Best time of the day for work is early in the morning before the sun gets too high. Let's get to the docks for a fresh bread and fig spread!" Nothing motivates like a hungry stomach!
Bubba spends considerable time following the leads of his nose, maybe he'll get lucky and pick up a tidbit about the wreck while he's there.
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Maldlethu stows his tea pot back in his pack and drains the last of the bitter liquid from his cup before cleaning it with a quick incantation. As the rest of the group spreads out to listen for rumors, he amuses himself by tracing the glowing sigils on his staff with one long finger. Up one side, down the other. Everything in balance, but we do not see the whole of the picture. Up one side, down the other… If anyone is staring at him while he does this, he does not seem to notice. Or at least not to care.
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Jirelle is up early feeling pretty good about how the fight went last night. But she's really looking forward to heading out into the harbor. Water under her feet will feel so much more normal than all this walking wound the city. With that thought in mind, she follows Swayaah and the others as the make their inquiries, keeping back with Salera, though not encouraging the old woman to talk.
On your way to your destination Bubba decides to ask around a bit about any strange happenings or rumors surrounding the Flotsam Graveyard of late while Pawero and Swayaah simply try to recall if they might've already heard of something useful.
While Pawero isn't able to recall anything in particular, Swayaah has better luck. Earlier, prior to yesterday's party at the Grand Lodge, she happened to overhear something at the markets that she had dismissed at the time. A strange, shambling creature had been spotted perched atop one of the wrecks out in the Flotsam Graveyard, chewing on the carcass of a partially dissolved seagull. Though the creature appeared to be made of flesh, observers willing to get a little closer reported that the creature had roots sprouting from its feet that seemed to anchor it to the deck of the ship.
Bubba hears a similar rumor but in the version he hears, the creature was much more mobile; several people swear up and down that they saw the monster take a running leap across the deck of the ruined vessel and quite literally punch a passing seagull out of the air. This version of the rumor is clearly much more entertaining than the one Swayaah heard.
Once you've completed your information gathering, you set out to rendezvous with the small boat, the Jolly Skull, that will take you out to the wreck.
"Arrrr! Come ye aboard, and be welcome!" Captain Semiri Balogog is a cheerful rainkin half-orc with sun-dark skin and thick braids of black hair adorned with gold rings. "I've provided ferrying services for Pathfinder agents for over a decade! I love hearing about agents' missions past and present. I'd love to hear the story of this one when ye are done, or any other tales ye have to tell!"
As Captain Semiri ferries you out into the water and towards the wreck, you can now see that in its current position, the ship is only partially above the waves. The lowest deck is surely completely flooded, but perhaps the second deck might still be accessible. The top of the masts are also broken off, leaving only jagged, waterlogged stumps reaching up about 15 feet above the deck; all the rigging has long since rotted away.
When you reach the wreck Captain Semiri secures her own vessel to the ruins as best as she can. "Arr, this be as far as I go, friends! I'll be waitin' right here fer ye though, don't ye worry!"
Climbing aboard, you see that the weathered boards of the ship's main deck are cracked, warped, and thoroughly covered in a thick, stinking carpet of algae, seaweed, and barnacles. The sodden mess squashes and scrapes underfoot, while squawking gulls circle overhead. The ship once boasted three masts, but they are now broken off only a few feet above the jagged railings. Whatever other distinguishing features might have once existed on this vessel are either long lost or utterly obscured. Empty doorways lead into cabins to the fore and aft, and a dark opening descends into the lower level.
You notice unusual markings on the deck. There are not only signs that chains have been dragged along here but you also notice several small spots where the wood looks to have been dissolved by something.
Whether you pick your way along the railing, like Swayaah, or decide to take the slower and steady approach and maneuver across the deck itself, the group makes for the aft cabin.
As it turns out, it's largely empty. The cabin contains a few fragments of metal and wood that suggest that it might have once been comfortably decorated, likely for the ship's captain. There don't seem to be any magical auras that Ezren or Maldlethu can find, nor does anything else stand out among the rubble.
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Jirelle was fairly quiet on the ride out aboard the Jolly Skull. She was simply enjoying the peace of being back on the water, just letting the chit chat of her teammates wash over her like the bow's spray.
She clambers aboard the surfaced wreck and her eyes get a little misty as she surveys the damage that the sea has wrought. She follows the others to the Captain's quarters, then forward.
"Fo'c'sle," she corrects Paweros' pronunciation. "Yes, technically, the "forecastle," but say it like that and you'll be laughed off the ship," she adds with a smile.
"Yes, the front," she answers Swayaah indulgently. Lubbers, she laughs to herself.
"Chains? Only chains on a ship this size would be anchor chains. Maybe extra as ballast in the bilge, but not always cause stones work just as well. Unless they were haulin' something that needed to be tied down with 'em. Odd, for sure," she finishes keeping an eye out as she carefully picks her way forward.
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Bubba climbs aboard, while he was never a sailor, his bare feet tread on numerous decks of trading ships, helping load and unload cargo in the Queen Mother's name. "Careful, those barnacles can slice a toe nearly off!" He shakes a fist slowly at the treachery, picking his way slowly along the deck, preferring not to take a swim off the rail.
He notices the same signs as Pawero, nodding along in agreement "Maybe that sea gull hunting bugger swings around chains dripping with acid!" Hopefully not...
He makes his way back to the front of the ship, eyes peeled for the missing gull smacker.
"So what happens to a ship like this? Can they drag it back to port and fix it up? Seems like quite a waste of half a ship ain't it?"
Just from looking at the drag marks that Pawero points out Jirelle realizes that her initial instincts are correct - these are way too small to be anchor chains and a ship of this type shouldn't have needed chains for any of its normal operations.
As everyone begins picking their way up to the forward cabin, Bubba wonders aloud if something could be done to repair the ship...or perhaps at least recycle what's left. Whatever the case, it's certainly not going anywhere at the moment and even the halfling is pretty sure that affecting any repairs are beyond the abilities of the group.
Up in the forward cabin you find...more disappointment. A few heaps of soggy wood that might have been crates, their contents long since destroyed or looted, are all that remain. Seems like down into the hold is the only way left to go...
"Watch your step there, looks unstable," Ezren warns as he peers at the ladder heading into the darkness. "Here, I'll light the way for you." He adds as he holds up his staff and a soft glow emanates from the tip.
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Bubba pushes the seaweed aside with his oversized club, making his way slowly across the deck to the stairs down. "I know it seems weird, but growing up in the desert I did learn to swim, mostly in the sea though. Talk about building muscle... try swimming against a riptide getting away from jellyfish!" He waits for Ezren to poke his glowing staff down into the stairwell before heading down below.
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Jirelle stands still on the slick deck, lost in thought at the damage this ship has endured. She heaves a sad sigh as she joins the others heading below.
"No, Bubba, she's beyond repair, I think," she replies wistfully. "They call this the Flotsam Graveyard for a reason. She's a little like those vampires we fought last night, risen from the grave."
She steps up into the line behind the beefy halfling, rapier in one hand and main-gauche in the other, ready to face a gull-punching monstrosity if they find it.
Once Ezren conjures a light for everyone, you slowly and carefully make your way down the steps and into the hold below. Sharp beams of sunlight filter down through cracks in the main deck to cast this cargo hold in a dim light. Though the ship’s original armaments are now little more than rotted ballista mounts, this area shows signs of recent activity, including intact shipping crates, a recently broken crate, a few boxes, and faint trails worn through the slippery vegetation growing over the deck. Wooden doors in finer condition than the rest of the boat stand to the north and south, but the stairs leading further down now lead only into dark, scummy water. There also seem to be a number of small, gnawed-upon bones scattered about the cargo hold, along with numerous feathers.
As you take in your surroundings, a bizarre figure squeezes out from beneath the stairs! It is humanoid, but all resemblance to a human stops there – the creature appears to have been stitched together from a mad amalgam of parts, its eyes not only of different colors but clearly from different beings entirely, its legs roughly similar except for one foot looking like that of a small child while the other clearly once belonged to a large adult. Most strangely, one of its arms is huge and massively muscled while the other slender and sinuous and ends in a cluster of long tentacles rather than a hand. It stares at you and licks its lips.
You get the feeling that the creature is hungry...but isn't ready to attack. Yet.
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“It hungers,” Maldlethu intones as the strange figure rises into the light of the two glowing staves. “For food, for sustenance, and perhaps… for something more as well.” Without taking his eyes away, the elf leans towards Bubba. “Your breakfast - if you have any remaining, let us feed it to this creation.”
Ezren glances up at the creature...
"Yep. Looks hungry to me..."
The creature continues to stare rather mutely at all of you but perks up when Swayaah produces a veritable smorgasbord of trail rations. He licks his lips again and then slowly nods...before cautiously reaching out his solitary hand for one of the rations.
While Swayaah seems to have the creature occupied, the rest of you are able to get a better look at the thing...
This is a Fleshforge Dreg, something that's really quite rare to see outside of Nex. A fleshforge dreg is a construct that is capable of a variety of effects depending on what its creator desired. They are intelligent, though very limited in capacity and cannot speak.
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"There ya go. Eat up. You're starving." Swayaah stands patiently with the... thing-of-a-blob. "I ran from home once. A few times. Starving on the streets wasn't fun, but I got to meet friends. Plenty of friends, in fact." Gods, this thing smells. Focus, Swayaah. Focus!
"But sitting alone on this ship. Not that great, not that fun. I do know someone, Eando Kline. He wants to know if you're looking for friends. Once we're done taking a look around here we can return you to the lodge where there's plenty of food."
Ezren stares at the odd creature for a moment...before shaking his head slightly. "Not sure what it is, but seems harmless enough..."
"Yeah, more food than you can eat in one sitting friend. Just give us a little more time and we'll take you there." He says encouragingly to the creature.
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Are those tentacle-fingers on its hand? Wow. Just... wow.
Jirelle breaks out of her fascination with the golem's flexy digits when Swayaah offers food. "Oh, yeah, here, I've got some, too," she says as she digs out some hard-tack biscuits and salted rations that her last crew gave her. She hands them to Swayaah as it seems the creature maybe likes the tiefling the best. Maybe. It's hard to tell though.