Hmm's Dark Archives Duology: 'Lady of the Harvest' & 'Tomorrow's Feast' [OUTPOST VI]

Game Master Hmm

GM FIAT TIME

We just realized that Doomed 4 would have killed Tarcog and Amvolwatt instantly, before they could even act, but I am not retconning the lack of sickened here. This is Adventure Mode, I can tweak things for the narrative, and I am declaring that they survived until they went down to the Morrowkin's crit.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Everyone has a +1 to their first strike, thanks to Dr. Lazarus.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Morrowkin (-118, Sickened 2)
Meadow + Silence (-48, Silence Dead)
Dr. Lazarus (-48, Doomed 2)
Jayma (-48, Doomed 2)
Turiik (-111, Doomed 4)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (DEAD)

"Okay Silence. Stop goofing off and get in there. Go for his eyes." Meadow prepares to fire her bow once the owl is in position. "Silence?" She turns to see her friend unmoving and realizes that her treatment didn't help after all. Silence has perished. Almost blinded by tears, she turns to the creature and speaks in a cold whisper. "I will kill you." She activates the clasp on her cloak and vanishes. invisibility from cloak of elvenkind. Meadow is now hidden

Determined to use hit and run tactics the ranger slips away towards the kitchen. Sneak with swift sneak in an attempt to become unobserved. Stealth +22. Is there a door to the kitchen somewhere?

◆◆ Activate cloak, ◆ sneak

Based on public GM comments we're dealing with a base AC of 34, giving Jayma's +19 only a 30% chance to hit. Not great. Oh, and not only is she doomed, but she's Doomed 2! Looks to like we're not supposed to survive this encounter. That was a quick adventure... at least Jayma got fed a decent meal in the process.

Seeing that things are looking pretty hopeless, Jayma tries for one last blast before the boom is lowered on her. Grabbing a dumpling, she flings it in the direction of the Morrowkin, saying "dastardly doomer deserves dangerous dumpling", and slamming her hand on the table, follows it up with a ball of thunder.

Action 1 (◆): Interact - Toss dumpling so the Morrowkin can see it

Action 2 & 3 (◆◆◆): Cast a Spell: Horizon Thunder Sphere [L5] with Dangerous Sorcery vs Morrowkin

Horizon Thunder Sphere Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36
Horizon Thunder Sphere Damage: 11d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 3, 1, 2, 1, 4, 5, 3, 1) + 5 = 39 electrical damage

Not anywhere near enough, but she's not going down without a fight.

Meadow goes invisible, and sees a door before her that leads to the lower decks.

Jayma offers the creature a dumpling, and it goes, "Bleeeeech!"

Then she hits it with a Horizon Thunder Sphere!

118 + 39 = 157

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Morrowkin (-157, Sickened 3)
Meadow + Silence (-48, Meadow Invisible, Doomed 2, Silence Dead)
Dr. Lazarus (-48, Doomed 2)
Jayma (-48, Doomed 2)
Turiik (-111, Doomed 4)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (DEAD)

The One Who Hunger rears back on his hind legs. "I am the one who devours things!" The bear's body is ravaged by the entity's supernatural powers, but still he stubbornly fights on.

◆ Strike: jaws (E): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26
Magic, Piercing, WS: 2d12 + 12 ⇒ (11, 7) + 12 = 30 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4

◆ Strike: claws (E): 1d20 + 20 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 4 = 28
Magic, Slashing, WS: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 5

◆ Strike: claws (E): 1d20 + 20 - 8 ⇒ (1) + 20 - 8 = 13
Magic, Slashing, WS: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 7) + 9 = 22 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Turiik's three attacks fail against the morrowkin!

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Morrowkin (-157, Sickened 3)
Meadow + Silence (-48, Meadow Invisible, Doomed 2, Silence Dead)
Dr. Lazarus (-48, Doomed 2)
Jayma (-48, Doomed 2)
Turiik (-111, Doomed 4)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (DEAD)

+1 to first attacks from Jayma and Turiik, from Known Weaknesses, but prob doesn't make a difference...

Dr. Lazarus quickly shares more information about the morrowkin, and goes into lecture mode once again. "My dear colleagues, have any of you read a book I co-authored called Coll-Aberration? Show of hands? No one? Pity." He shrugs it off and quickly ticks off a few more nuggets of information on his long elven fingers, "One: extra food means extra sickened, Two: his area effect is 30', and Three: limited to once per minute." Then focusing on the morrowkin, he strategizes a plan.

Devise a Stratagem w/ Known Weakness: 1d20 ⇒ 6 (Roll is used for subsequent attack roll.)
Known Weakness provides a free Recall Knowledge check (Loremaster Lore +18)

With all the commotion, and people dying, the Doctor can't seem to get a clear shot. He looks around for the kleptomaniac waiter to hurl his hammer (non-lethally of course). Alas, not finding him in the crowd, Lazarus decides to leave the immediate area and head for the stairway in the back of the ship.

He spends a moment to search for clues and/or the way out, and does some quick in-battle healing on himself.
Secret action to Seek. Perception +20 with a possible +2 circ bonus if involves the ship/anomaly.

Medicine: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
Battle Medicine (expert) DC 20: 2d8 + 10 + 10 ⇒ (2, 8) + 10 + 10 = 30
Crit Success healing: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 8) = 12
Forensics Investigator +lvl

◇ Devise (free vs lead), ◇ RK, ◈ Stride, ◈ Seek, ◈ Battle Med

Dr. Lazarus battle medicines himself and heads below decks, where he nearly crashes into Banjau, who has dropped a platter of food. "What's happening up there? What was all that screaming? Oh my gods, is Rui alright?"

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

◈ Claw plus Drain Potential, Sickened: 1d20 + 29 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 29 - 3 = 35
Slashing: 3d8 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (2, 6, 5) + 14 - 3 = 24

◈ Claw plus Drain Potential, Sickened, MAP: 1d20 + 29 - 3 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 29 - 3 - 4 = 34
Slashing: 3d8 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (4, 6, 3) + 14 - 3 = 24

◈ Claw plus Drain Potential, Sickened: 1d20 + 29 - 3 - 8 ⇒ (12) + 29 - 3 - 8 = 30
Slashing: 3d8 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (3, 6, 2) + 14 - 3 = 22

111 + 24 + 24 + 22 = 181

Turiik goes down! Then the Morrowkin looks around and says, "Fleeing rats. Do you think you can flee me? Do you?"

Dr. Lazarus believes that the creature has a weakness to adamantine.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Morrowkin (-157, Sickened 3)
Meadow + Silence (-48, Meadow Invisible, Doomed 2, Silence Dead)
Dr. Lazarus (-6, Doomed 2)
Jayma (-48, Doomed 2)
Turiik (DEAD)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (DEAD)

This may not work but I'll try it anyway.

Crouching low despite her invisibility Meadow quietly moves closer. Grasping her cloak's clasp once again she creates the sounds of diners eating. The sounds of chewing, slurping and 'mmmm mmms' surround the creature.

◆ sneak, ◆◆ activate cloak-ghost sound

Jayma watches Turiik go down under a storm of slashing claws, then turns to see Thurston heading for the stairs. "Doctor? Doctor!?" She freezes for a second in indecision before realizing that she was the last one on deck. "Where did Meadow go?" Before the Morrowkin can tear itself away from Turiik's corpse, Jayma goes chasing after Thurston. Passing him on the steps down ("Excuse me, doctor"), she turns the corner and goes through the first door she sees, ending up behind some crates.

Run away little girl. Run Away.

Action 1 (◆): Stride (40 feet)

Action 2 (◆): Stride (40 feet)

Action 3 (◆): Stride (40 feet)

Not sure if the door is open or not and/or whether it takes an action to go through it. If it takes an action, she'll continue down the hall to the red dot.

Upon seeing Banjau below decks, Dr. Lazarus looks at her warily and answers. "You're asking what's happening? Mayhem. From a morrowkin. But that's quite a act, my dear lady. I can't imagine you're all that surprised. No one else here seems to be."

Gripping his hammer tightly, the Doctor adds, "If I may, Madam, are you in league with your waiter-friend, who's earning a little extra income unlawfully?"
Secret action to Sense Motive. Perception +20 with a possible +2 circ bonus if involves the ship/anomaly.

He then pushes past Banjau to continue gathering as much information as he can, before succumbing to the first loop.
Secret action to Seek. Perception +20 with a possible +2 circ bonus if involves the ship/anomaly.

◈ Sense Motive, ◈ Stride, ◈ Seek (or Stride)
Note: If the Seek action is not necessary to explore, please change to Stride, so he can examine as much of the lower deck as possible.

The polar bear slumps to the ground as the doom takes him and turns into a pile of snow. Unfelt wind blows the snow away, leaving Turiik's corpse.

Jayma winds up in what appears to be Rui Longlai's office. This makeshift office contrasts the splendorous facade of the rest of the boat: simple and functional. Crates of research materials are strewn about and book stacks line the shelves.

Banjau turns on the good doctor, furiously, "What! The! Hells!" Tears in her eyes, she looks at him. "I'm not involved in any of the screwy crap that Hwarang and his buddies are involved in, and I told Rui not to hire them!" She runs past the doctor up the stairs, "I don't have time for this! What if Rui's hurt?"

Too late, Dr. Lazarus realizes that this server isn't dissembling at all. She runs up on to the deck and her screams are all you hear as the morrowkin tears into her.

"I'll be after you next," the morrowkin calls.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Morrowkin (-157, Sickened 3)
Meadow + Silence (-48, Meadow Invisible, Doomed 2, Silence Dead)
Dr. Lazarus (-6, Doomed 2)
Jayma (-48, Doomed 2)
Turiik (DEAD)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (DEAD)

Annoyed but unsurprised that her ghost sound trick didn't work, Meadow flips the nearest table then slips over to another table and flips it as well.

◆ Flip table, ◆ sneak, ◆ flip table

Not hearing the Morrowkin coming below decks (yet), Jayma has time to hide better. She wraps her arms around herself and blinks out of sight.

Actions 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Invisibility [L4] on Jayma - 1 minute duration, but it doesn't end if she uses a hostile action.

Knowing that her time on this plane of existence was coming to an end, she tries to see if there is anything in the office that might help her survive this encounter.

Action 3 (◆): Seek (Perception +15) - SECRET

When Banjau mentions Hwarang and his buddies, Dr. Lazarus raises an eyebrow. He bows his head and starts to say, "I believe you dear la...", but she runs off. The Doctor calls out to Jayma in the next room, "Okay in there, Jayma? Be wary ... your gentleman suitor has accomplices."

In an attempt to quickly survey all that he can, the Doctor first strides down the corridor (to the teal dot), then moves back to the door, and enters the northern room.

◈ Stride (to end of hall), ◈ Stride ( back to doorway), ◈ Stride (thru doorway)

Meadow starts flipping tables and sneaking. Tablecloths, platters and crystal glasses go crashing to the floor.

Jayma casts a Level Four Invisibility and searches the office.

She notices that the books seem to be split evenly from ones on cookery, restaurant management and ritual magic, but does not find anything specific on this hurried pass. Maybe if she had more time to search, she could find something relevant.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lazarus walks towards the kitchen. The tantalizing smell of simmering seafood stock permeates this compact kitchen. Baskets of vegetables line the walls. The two chefs are looking very twitchy. "Did you hear those screams?"

"Hwarang said he thought that there were bounty hunters on board, but... Oh crap, there's one now! Kill HIM!"

They glare at Dr. Lazarus and brandish their cooking knives.

Ooh dear. We just triggered another encounter. Just what you need, right?

Red 'Chef': 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
Blue 'Chef': 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

They act after Dr. Lazarus, and Dr. Lazarus, you have 2 actions left. What do you do?

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Morrowkin (-157, Sickened 3)
Meadow + Silence (-48, Meadow Invisible, Doomed 2, Silence Dead)
Dr. Lazarus (-6, Doomed 2, 2 actions left)
Jayma (-48, Doomed 2)
Red Chef
Blue Chef
Turiik (DEAD)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (DEAD)

Upon seeing the chefs brandishing knives, Dr. Lazarus sighs, "And to think I came down to say 'compliments to the chef'. Tis a shame as the meal was terrific." He shakes his head sadly and devises a strategy against the nearest one, while recalling what he knows about these 'chefs'.

Devise a Stratagem w/ Known Weakness vs Red: 1d20 ⇒ 15 (Roll is used for subsequent attack roll.)
Known Weakness provides a free Recall Knowledge check (Loremaster Lore +18)
If crit success on RK, Lazarus and all allies get a +1 circ bonus to their next attack roll.

Seeing an opening at point-blank range, the Doctor calls out, "Jayma dear, if you're not too busy ..." He then flings his hammer.

+2 Striking Returning Flaming Cold Iron Grabthar's Hammer (w/ Stratagem) vs Red: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36
Bludgeoning Damage + Strategic Strike +Fire: 2d6 + 3d6 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1) + (2, 5, 1) + (5) + 5 = 23

◈ Stride, ◈ Devise, ◇ RK, ◈ Strike

"Aaaugh!" The red chef yells as Dr. Lazarus's hammer hits home. Dr. Lazarus recalls that they are just regular human assassins.

He drops his knife and pulls a shortbow out from under the counter. "Yeah, we're also great cooks. So... You're coming after us for the reward money, right? Well, here's your reward!"

Deception to Feint: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

He feints Dr. Lazarus!

Striking Shortbow: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39
Piercing + Sneak Attack: 2d6 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 + (4, 5) = 17

And then crits the good doctor!

Blue also grabs his bow, and then says, "Your shoes are untied!"

Deception to Feint: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

He feints Dr. Lazarus!

Striking Shortbow: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33
Piercing + Sneak Attack: 2d6 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 + (1, 2) = 13

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Meanwhile, the morrowkin is looking for Meadow. "Come out, come out, little mouse. Your owl was delicious by the way. I'm sure he would have had many good years left."

Damn, that was a good Perception roll.

The morrowkin cocks his head, listening. "I heard a sudden intake of breath. You must be terrified. That or very angry."

It strides twice to get to Meadow, and so cannot act this turn.

★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★

Morrowkin (-157, Sickened 3)
Meadow + Silence (-48, Meadow Invisible, Doomed 2, DC 28 Fort Save, Silence Dead)
Dr. Lazarus (-53, Doomed 2)
Jayma (-48, Doomed 2)
Red Chef (-23)
Blue Chef
Turiik (DEAD)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (DEAD)

"I'm not terrified. Just sickened. I got a good whiff of your stench. It's too bad too. I was looking forward to eating noodles later."

diplomacy-bon mot: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30

Meadow then hides stealth+22, activates her elven boots and sneaks away.

◆ Bon Mot, ◆ Hide, ◇ activate boots, ◆ Sneak

Jayma hears Thurston outside calling to her. "Yes, doctor. There is nothing dangerous in here, only some books that you might find interesting if we weren't otherwise engaged at present." She continues her hurried search before hearing the sounds of combat in the kitchen.

With those stats, those two aren't just simple cooks. It's going to take several rounds to finish them off (or, more likely, vice-versa), which we just don't have available right now.

When Thurston mentions that perhaps she could be of use to him out there, she calls back, "I really don't think we have time for this doctor. Our old friend upstairs will be coming down to see us soon. I recommend that you join me in the office presently and let my gentleman suitor take care of your new friends."

Action (◇): Delay: Until end of Laz's turn.

Jayma waits for Laz to get in the room and closes the door behind him.

eventually Meadow will be able to take a shot.

Hunted Shot-shortbow: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
piercing: 2d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 + (1) = 7
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Hunted Shot-shortbow: 1d20 + 16 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 16 - 5 = 21
piercing: 2d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 2 + (3) = 12
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 10

precision: 1d8 ⇒ 5 extra damage on the first hit.

Meadow should be able to lead him on a merry chase for awhile and get in at least one hunted shot before he catches her.

And that should slow him down enough for another round since he is immobilized. He also would have persistant fire damage...

Ready to narrate after that crit

I also think that it is time to narrate.

Jayma and Thurston hide out in the office, allowing the Morrowkin to take care of the 'chefs.'

Meadow leads the monster on a merry chase around the ship. While flightless, the morrowkin appears to be rather athletic and relentless in pursuing its prey. Eventually, it travels all over the ship, breathing in potential futures several times, and slaying everyone on board.

♫ Let's do the Time Warp again! ♫

Loop One

The ramp leads to the main deck of the boat, where guests are taking their seats at opulent darkwood tables and chairs with intricate carvings. An amethyst geode flickers as a middle-aged man with a bushy salt-and-pepper beard makes his way to the entrance, adjusting his maroon robes. “Welcome to the Golden Fortune! I've never -- oh, wait. You do look a little familiar. Have we met before?" Rui looks confused for a moment. "Oh well, if not, it's never too late to make new friends! My name is Rui Longlai, the host and owner of this fine restaurant. Please, let me find you a seat so you can prepare for the finest dinner experience in all Goka!”

You all remember everything. You get your hit points, hero points, spells, and companions back. What do you do?

Meadow's eyes fill with tears at seeing Silence alive again. She collapses onto her knees and wraps him in a giant hug.

"Oh Silence. Thank goodness." She breaks down into sobs.

Speaking of Hero Points, I am gifting everyone with Two Starting Hero Points, since I think you can use the boost.

A little disoriented, Tarcog looks around and tries to figure out what happened. His thoughts are interrupted as Rui begins his spiel.

“Why thank you Rui!”

As he gets to the top of the gangplank, he asks Rui “Could I please get a tour of the ship? It looks lovely.”

Go ahead and bot it if this requires a diplomacy check.

Banjau kneels down beside the sobbing Meadow. "Madam, are you alright? Can I get you a soothing tea? You're not seasick, are you?"

After a full five minutes of sobbing Meadow dries her eyes and stands. Wiping her eyes on her sleeve she points at the geode. "Take a look at that thing Professor."

Banjau kneels down beside the sobbing Meadow. "Madam, are you alright? Can I get you a soothing tea? You're not seasick, are you?"

"I'm all right thank you. I'd love a chrisamumumum...chrisanaton...chrisamulum..chrissamama...green tea please."

Amvolwatt cranes his neck around, also trying to figure out what is happening.

He does tell Rui “I’m very memorable to most people. This isn’t my first time here, I do believe we’ve met briefly once before.”

A little disoriented, Tarcog looks around and tries to figure out what happened. His thoughts are interrupted as Rui begins his spiel.

“Why thank you Rui!”

As he gets to the top of the gangplank, he asks Rui “Could I please get a tour of the ship? It looks lovely.”

Go ahead and bot it if this requires a diplomacy check.

"A tour? That sounds most... irregular. The bottom deck's not for the public... Are you sure I don't know you from somewhere?" When Amvolwatt says they've met before, Rui nods shakily. "Of course. Um... where did we meet?"

Tarcog's Diplomacy (T): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

"But... since this is our maiden voyage, why not?" Rui says. "Everyone, grab your drinks and follow me!"

Tai Fong and Grandma Wu hold their drinks uncertainly, then Tai Fong gulps down another Phoenix Spirit. "Sure we'll follow the dragon. Gentle dragon, do you mind if I walk next to you? I've been told that dragons are good luck."

Maika is staring at all of you, her jaw wide open.

"A tour? That sounds most... irregular. The bottom deck's not for the public... Are you sure I don't know you from somewhere?" When Amvolwatt says they've met before, Rui nods shakily. "Of course. Um... where did we meet?"

“As I recall, it was here on the docks of Goku. You were telling me about your previous ventures and were very excited about this opportunity.”

"Sure we'll follow the dragon. Gentle dragon, do you mind if I walk next to you? I've been told that dragons are good luck."

“It would be my pleasure, good sir. By the time the main course arrives, I hope everyone will consider my presence most fortunate.”

Tarcog slips next to Maika and says “Last time we met, there was a terrible disruption. I do hope we can talk some this trip. I think it would be of benefit to both of us.”

Jayma blinks and finds herself climbing the gangplank onto the Golden Fortune again. Stepping onto the deck, she pauses a moment as the memories of the last time she was here flood back. "Oh dearie me." She looks back at the gangplank and wonders for a moment if perhaps the best course of action for her wouldn't be to just leave. She decides to stay. If the events she remembers are going to happen again, at least they would be better prepared.

She tries to remember exactly how much time elapsed from when they arrived on the ship until the Morrowkin appeared. Several courses of the dinner, if her recollection of the fine meal is correct.

How long approximately was it before the Morrowkin appeared?

She spots Hwarang and remembers what she overheard below decks. "As charming and handsome as he is, that Hwarang boy is trouble." She wonders if perhaps taking the fellow off the board right now wouldn't be the best approach; the cooks might not be so jumpy when they would inevitably have to deal with them. Flagging him over, she gives him a big smile. Twyl, currently resting on her shoulders also smiles at the server. "Hello, my name is Jayma and you must be Hwarang. Do you have any warm Mijiu? I think I would enjoy some right now."

Activity: Make an Impression with Diplomat's Badge, Group Impression and Ambassador vs Hwarang Hahn
Diplomacy (Make an Impression): 1d20 + 17 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 1 + 2 = 34 vs Hwarang Hahn Will DC

When the tour begins, Jayma falls in behind the rest.

Off to bed. It's getting late.

When Turiik awakens on the gangplank, his spine arches and fingers extend in a painful imitation of claws. "What--? Where--?" The Eratuki man manages to sputter out a few words before his hair turns white and eyes turn black.

"You are going to need me," the deeper voice of the One Who Hungers says. "And maybe I'll get to finish my meal."

While the transformation remains, Turiik's milder voice asks, "You all saw that, didn't you?"

Amvolwatt turns to Turiik and says “Not all of it. We will need to compare notes when there is a good opportunity.”

Dr. Lazarus looks around curiously as he boards the boat. Again. When Rui introduces himself, the Doctor says, "Excellent. I'm Dr. Lazarus, renowned forensics professor at the University of Osirion. You may have heard ..." His voice trails off as he feels he's already made this introduction.

Meadow shakes him out of his stupor when she asks what he knows about Rui's flickering amethyst geode. "Ah yes, dear lady. If I may say so, it's very good to see Silence has returned." With his head slowly clearing, he nods at her request, "Of course. Allow me a moment to ponder..."

Recall Knowledge (Gem Lore?) with Loremaster Lore at +18.
He'll activate his Brooch of Inspiration for this check. (Once/day, roll twice and take the better result for a RK check.)

Stepping onto the ship triggers some unfortunate memories, and Dr. Lazarus immediately pursues two leads: the morrowkin and the assassin. When he has a moment alone with the group, he reminds them, "My colleagues, I fear we shall meet up with our nemesis soon. Don't forget to present food." He quickly adds, "Hwarang, the waiter, has a couple assassin accomplices below deck. Posing as cooks. None are to be trusted."

Dr. Lazarus pours himself a brandy and joins the mighty dragons on the tour.

Meadow frowns at the investigator. She looks around and determines that the waitstaff are too close for her liking. She speaks in flawless sylvan. "Am fear-frithealaidh? dha-rìribh? An e murtair a th' ann? Cò tha e a’ feuchainn ri mharbhadh? Agus nach deach a mharbhadh aig a’ chiad spreadhadh sin?"

She takes a drink of her tea and as she brings the cup to her lips she sees the message on her hand reminding her to check her memory notes. Not finding anything that she doesn't remember she returns the note to her pouch and turns to Maika. "Grab your drink. We can chat during the tour."

As the group begins to head below decks she motions for Silence to perch atop the rear mast. "Stay up there. I'll call if I need you. This might take a bit."

Was Hwarang killed in that initial mental burst?

Jayma hears Meadow wondering about Hwarang and leans over to whisper, "Is e Hwarang am frithealaiche. Tha e coltach nach eil ann ach mèirleach. Tha a chairdean, na còcairean gu h-iosal, 'nan luchd-mortaidh ; cunnartach ann."

I believe Hwarang went down in the initial mental slaughter. Except for being a charming pickpocket with assassin friends, we don't know much about him.

Meadow frowns. "Carson a bhiodh mèirleach ann an lìog le paidhir mhurtairean?"

Maika, entirely spooked, grabs her drink and joins the party getting ready for the tour. She glances sidelong at Meadow, and asks in a guarded tone, "You're all acting like we've met before. Do you... um... remember meeting me before?"

"First, I'd like to start with our fabulous dining deck, where you will be able to eat and watch the dazzling lights of Goka. We have enough tables to seat three times as many diners, so tell all your friends!" Then Rui starts taking you belowdecks. "Watch your step on the stairs! There's not much to see in this first section, but above your heads are some furled hammocks that can be lowered when our crew is done for the night in case they're too exhausted to go home."

Rui points to the doors to either side of the hallway, and opens the one on the left. "This one is my office, and where Banjau and I hang our hammocks. Ignore the crates, we're still moving in. Do you have any questions for me?" Half of the bookshelves in this space are devoted to restauranteuring: cookbooks, books on managing restaurants, and even a few on creating an engaging decor. The other half all appear to be books on magic.

Jayma's avatar is where the party currently is, in Rui's office.

Meadow rolls her eyes at Maika. "Of course we've met. Don't be ridiculous. Now let's figure out how to get out of this. How long do we have until that monster shows back up? Does he always appear at the same time?"

"You remember? You remember!" Maika bounces up and down. "Um. Okay. You need information, and you'll remember it. From the time we show back up on loading dock, to the time the monster shows up is one hour and seven minutes. So one hour and one minute from now... Um, how do you all remember? No one else has before."

And then she thinks a moment. "Oh! I think a talisman could help, but I don't remember where I got this one. I think that's why I've lasted."

Meadow frowns. "I don't know how we all remember. Maybe Tess's crazy book gave us some sort of protection. Maybe just knowing a little about what to expect gave us an edge." She shakes her head. "Never mind about that right now. What's this about a talisman?"

At the office, Tarcog complements Rui on his book collection.

“What an eclectic collection of books! To have such a library speaks well of you. Do you have any about dragons?”

He pauses, then asks “May I take a closer look?”

Diplomacy to make a request: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

Did Lazarus find out anything about Rui's amethyst geode with his Recall Knowledge (using the Brooch of Inspiration for the best of two rolls)?

When Meadow asks about Hwarang, Dr. Lazarus responds, "A bhean ghràidh, carson nach biodh mèirleach ann an co-bhanntachd ri murtairean?"

Inside the office, Dr. Lazarus' eyes light up when he spies books on magic. He asks Rui, "Ahh, dear boy, do you dabble in the arts? I, Dr. Lazarus, have done extensive study. On many magical topics." He goes into sermon-mode. "As a forensics professor ..." He interrupts himself, "Did I happen to mention I'm a renowned professor?" He nods, "Yes, yes, of course I did ... where was I?" He recalls where he left off and continues, "... in forensics, I must be familiar with many magical effects to excel at my job ... which I obviously do."

Having the same idea as Tarcog, the Doctor asks Rui, "If you don't mind sharing, dear boy, which book in your library is the most interesting?"

Diplomacy - Make a Request: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Depending on how Rui reacts to the request, Lazarus will spend time to Seek to find anything interesting. Perception +20.

In response to Meadow's wondering about why a thief would have anything to do with assassins, Jayma gives her a quizzical look. "Nach eil na daoine sin uile nam pàirt den aon fho-shaoghal borb? Is dòcha gu bheil iad càirdeach, no gun do dh'fhàs iad suas san aon taigh dìlleachdan. Ge bith dè a’ chùis, tha iad gu cinnteach ann an lìog le chèile."

When they arrive back in Rui's office, Jayma sees the same books on magic scattered around. She hadn't had a good look at them earlier, but she finds it odd that he'd have a deep interest in such things. Stroking Twyl, she says to him, "My dear Rui, I can't help but notice your interesting collection of magical treatises. I am a practitioner of the arts myself, but I must admit to being a little surprised that a restauranteur such as yourself is similarly involved. What is your particular area of interest? Perhaps if I could have a closer look at your notes I could make some suggestions?"

Activity: Make an Impression with Diplomat's Badge, Group Impression and Ambassador vs Rui Longlai
Diplomacy (Make an Impression): 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 1 + 2 = 36 vs Rui Longlai Will DC

If Rui declines to let Jayma examine the magical documents more closely, she'll fall behind when the rest of the group moves on, and slip into the office. Closing her eyes she says, "ut me ab aspectu," and blinks out of sight.

Action: Cast a Spell: Invisibility on Jayma - 10 minute duration, but ends if she uses a hostile action.

She then spends as long as possible poring over Rui's magical books to see what nefarious activities he's been getting up to.

Activity: Search (Perception +15, Society +19, Arcana +17, Occultism +17) - SECRET

Turiik waits for the others to make their requests before asking a rather blunt question, "Have you made any magical or spiritual entreaties to improve your fortunes? I remember that the Golden Fortune failed its first two ventures."

Meadow frowns. "I don't know how we all remember. Maybe Tess's crazy book gave us some sort of protection. Maybe just knowing a little about what to expect gave us an edge." She shakes her head. "Never mind about that right now. What's this about a talisman?"

Maika looks around stealthily from side to side, before pulling a talisman out from under her shirt. "I don't remember where I got this, or anything that happened before I got this. But... I think that these are... protective, somehow? Some diners disappear after only a few iterations. I've been here a while, and I think this is the reason."

Maika stuffs the talisman quickly down her shirt. "I like you and all, but I can't give you mine. It's how I've survived this long."

At the office, Tarcog complements Rui on his book collection.

“What an eclectic collection of books! To have such a library speaks well of you. Do you have any about dragons?”

He pauses, then asks “May I take a closer look?”

"Ah yes! I have Dining & Dragons right here. It taught me the best technique for dicing!" Rui hands Tarcog the book, beaming. It's full of different recipes that can be served at banquets with draconic guests.