The adventure begins at Anthusis Lodge in the capitol of Vidrian, where Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh has summoned the agents to meet him. When they arrive at his office, he invites them in and begins the briefing.
"I am Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh of the Anthusis Lodge. Welcome." he tells as he lets them inside the office for the briefing.
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A pale elven woman with a black ponytail enters the office. Her right eye is violet, her left eye black. She has long purple nails, and wears a jester’s motley in purple, black and white. Holding a large marotte (jester’s baton), she wears a black cloak with the hood down.
She takes an elaborate bow.
“Aldonza Delamorte, devil-may-care harlequin! Bringing laughter to my friends, and slaughter to my enemies!
With a flip and a quip,
And some tricks up my sleeve,
I can go toe-to-toe,
And make doubters bereave!”
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A goblin in a thick traveling cloak, a scythe carried across his back, has been carefully grooming a flaming cat twice his size. He will look over, "I am Wraax... This is Mr. Kitteh..." He will say in short clipped sentences, before resuming taking care of his companion while simultaneously ensuring she doesn't set anything on fire. Then, thinking better of it for a moment, he attempts a grin that looks more pained than happy and adds, "Nice. To. Meet. You." He then holds the 'smile' for half a second longer before dropping it and returning to his work.
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A dwarf saunters into the office with a half-grin on his face. He is well-built, with muted, almost ashen-colored skin and dark hair - and nothing in the way of armor, let alone a shirt. He introduces himself in a deep, whispery voice.
"Barrek," he says, then holds up a pipe, takes a long inhale from it, and says as he exhales, "Soo, Vidrian. Never been here before myself. Anyone else?"
After a moment, he nods apologetically to the venture captain, "Sorry - seem to have cut you off."
He finds a seat to listen to the briefing, giving the big cat a friendly boop and tapping one of Aldonza's bells so that it jingles as he makes his way across the room.
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A goblin in a draconic jump-suit stumbles into the lodge, not pausing at all before launching into his self-intro.
Hey! I'm Arfsnarf! Fortune-teller extraordinaire! My clacky rock can tell us what may become of this mission. So far it has never let me down!
He retrieves a multi-faceted, round'ish object roughly the size of his fist and lets it roll onto the ground and into the midst of the forming team. It lands on one of the flat sides, such that one face shows clearly at the top to present a number.
He quickly, nervously pockets it and looks around the group. He begins muttering to himself, hoping the briefing begins soon to move things along.
Such low confidence! And an odd number! Am I with the right group. Oh.... somebody may die!
He tries to shake it off and looks towards the VC.
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Nonchalantly pulling his hand back when the cat growls, Barrek nods at the warning before giving Wraax a wink and saying softly to Mr Kitteh, "Well then, ah'll make sure we become fast friends before long. Must be hard dealin' with a constantly changing roster of single-servin' allies."
He then accepts Erevan's hand and looks curiously at his pack. "Sounds like you got some fun stuff in there."
Looking at the ominous 3 on Arfsnarf's rock, Barrek chuckles. "Number of drinks required to get through the briefing? Number of fights we're gonna get into, bar or otherwise?"
The venture-captain nods at each one of them. He even gives a face of slight shock in response to the ominous result that the goblin just rolled. He sighs relief when it is countered with statements that the number represents other else than death. "Yes, you find something that is three. Or these three scrolls here." he says as he pulls them. As he does so, a small crystal ball that had been used as its paperweight rolls off his desk, falling into a nest of more scrolls covered in scribbled notes. “Whoops,” the venture-captain says with a chuckle, deftly navigating the mess to replace the paperweight. Having ensured no vital documents are at risk of blowing away, he addresses again the group. “Anyway, today, we have an opportunity to do some good for the people of Vidrian and earn a little favor with the government. Here, let’s take a look at this.”
The venture-captain slides a narrow indoor curtain to the side, revealing a bell made of cold iron that hangs low from the ceiling. The bell is one foot in diameter and two feet tall. Intricate engravings depict crocodile-headed humanoids and normal crocodiles with monstrous features clambering out of a deep pool towards smaller humanoids on the bell’s crown. “The Society recently recovered this interesting object. I’ve been studying it, and it seems to have remnants of magic made for repelling bilokos. Or perhaps attracting them? Well, they’re awful things, and according to the old tales, they love bells—perhaps this object is a lure of some kind? According to my research, it belongs to a community of Song’o halflings, who must miss it dearly. This is quite curious, as Song’os typically craft more portable or temporary art to suit their nomadic lifestyle. This, however, is quite sturdy. I think there’s more here than meets the eye.
“How did we stumble across such an object, you ask? Now there’s an exciting tale! Recently, we learned of a band of mercenaries who tried to steal away with a ship and its cargo of cultural relics that need to be returned to their rightful keepers. We worked with the locals to stop them, rescue the ship’s crew, and recover the relics in a relatively good condition...” Finze pauses to closely examine the bell before breathing on the surface and wiping the spot with his handkerchief. “Make that pristine condition!
“Unfortunately, the Imminent Laughter — that’s the ship — crashed during the pursuit. Our priority was rescuing the marooned crew, so the thieves escaped, and we didn’t have time for a thorough search of the wreck. We grabbed what looked important and got our people back to shore. There may be documents on board indicating where the bell came from — after all, the whole point of the Imminent Laughter’s voyage was to bring cultural relics back to Vidrian so they could be returned to their rightful owners.
“So, your mission is to head to the wreckage just up the shore and see what you can find. Report back to me once you’ve explored the wreck. Then, perhaps we can send you to return the bell and learn why it’s so important. If we can lend a helping hand and make some new allies along the way, all the better. Any questions?”
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Wraax will shrug noncommittally at Barrek, "We Spend most of our time to ourselves... Only come to the Society on occasion."
After the briefing Wraax is cringing in all sorts of creative ways. In fact, if you've ever wondered what it looks like for someone to cringe twice, at the same time, it's definitely the face Wraax is giving right now. Mr. Kitteh growls, almost in annoyance, at the word Biloko.
"Why is it... Every time I come to help out the Society.. .It involves a ship of some kind? At least this one we don't have to worry about sinking by burning through the deck, eh Mr. Kitteh?" He'll manage a wry chuckle before continuing on. "Bilokos? Really? Those cannibalistic monsters? Again? I swear... We need to take up that one halfling's suggestion of getting ourselves an agent for what missions we get..."
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Erevan listens attentively to the instructions and then goes into deep thought. "So we get in the wreck, retrieve the documents, make some allies, and report back. Sounds straightforward to me. I have no more questions."
He looks at the bell and shares what he recalls about Bilokos to the group. "We must be wary and stay together as a group. These folks like to single out their prey to lure them away."
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Erevan listens attentively to the instructions and then goes into deep thought. "So we get in the wreck, retrieve the documents, make some allies, and report back. Sounds straightforward to me. I have no more questions."
He looks at the bell and shares what he recalls about Bilokos to the group. "We must be wary and stay together as a group. These folks like to single out their prey to lure them away."
”I’ve heard they love dinner invitations”, Aldonza adds. ”As long as we’re not the main course, that should get us in good with them”
"Yes, bilokos," the venture-captain gives a nod of agreement to Wraax on what he just described them of. The venture-captain points at the crocodile-headed humanoids on the bell. "Ravenous fey-creatures that can only eat the flesh of humanoids They plague the Expanses's jungles, and they are cunning hunters. Though I can't discern exactly what this bell's function is, it seems some sort of lure or ward to protect against biloko attacks. All the reason to find out who owns the bell and return it as soon as we can."
He then turns to Erevan. "Correct." he says as he nods to confirm their tasks at hand. "So far I have no information if looters returned to loot again, and I hope they have not." he shakes his head as he answers Arfsnarf's inquiry. "We are not certain with that too. You see, all manners of opportunistic treasure hunters have plagued Vidrian since the revolution, and there are more than a few unscrupulous former colonists trying to take their ill-gotten gains and sell them in other ports. What matters now is that we have this bell, and we know what must be done with it - just not exactly where it needs to go." he finally tells Barrek with satisfaction.
"As for the ship, it unexpectedly faltered and crashed among the rocks when a small crew of Pathfinders and officers of Vidrian set off in pursuit of the treasure hunters who were about to escape. Fortunately, the Society is able to secure the wreck, grabbed a few important relics and rescued the marooned crew.The wreck is not underwater, anyway it that is your worry." he assures them.
"If you have no more questions, you can take your leave for the mission and I wish you good luck."
The agents begin their journey to the wreck. After two hours of uneventful travel north along the shore of Desperation Bay, as instructed by the venture-captain, they reach the wreckage of the trade vessel Imminent Laughter. Driftwood litters the sandy beach, still flowing freely from the bisected remains of a trade vessel resting in the shallows. Smooth rocks break the surface and surround the wreckage, as if the land itself reached up to tear the boat to pieces before clumsily grasping its prize.
As soon as the agents begin their search, two large creatures emerge from the waters and attack them!
Hippo Brown begins to move, Trampling those along its way, harming them with bludgeoning damage !
Hippy White, on the other hand, approaches and bites Aldonza twice!
piercing damage
Hippo Brown
Hippy White
➤ Arfsnarf (AC 22) │
➤ Barrek (AC 24) │
➤ Garad (AC 23) │
➤ Wraax (AC 21) │
⠀⠀➤ Mr Kitteh (AC 21) │
➤ Erevan (AC 20) │
➤ Aldonza (AC 23) │
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”Owch!”, cries Aldonza. ”These hippos are sharper than they look!”
She tries to slip away from the one that bit her, and past their partner in crime.
…but the water proves to be too sloshy.
”Fortunately, so am I”
She grips the top of her marotte, and draws the thin sword concealed inside, raising the haft in a defensive posture.
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Erevan brews some elixirs and offers them to the group. "Here! Use it when you're in a dangerous situation."
"Woah! Where did these hip --- yeouch!"
As Erevan composes himself, he wades towards the surface of the rock and takes out his hand crossbow. "How fast could these hippos move?" He takes a shot from his weapon towards White.
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Gah! I think they're just scared. Maybe we should back away and find a way to lure them out! Arfsnarf frantically calls out.
He quickly mutters an incantation and disappears!
He then starts to cautiously move around the group, preparing to perhaps make some of them invisible if they agree to his approach and need a safe escape.
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Ducking out of the direct path the hippo takes, Barrek is still shouldered aside as it passes.
Grunting in displeasure, he puts his hand over his face briefly. As he drags it down and through his short beard, his appearance and body language shifts dramatically. His eyes go wide and unfocused, one shoulder hangs loosely while the opposite arm swings back and forth lazily. He wobbles for a moment, almost losing his balance, before two blindingly fast punches lash out at the hippo, the after-images of his meaty, balled fists all the untrained eye can spot.
◆ Stumbling Stance
◆ Feint
◆ Flurry of Blows
for Bludgeoning (and Precision if I'm wrong about the feint)
To Arfsnarf, he yells, "Out? Ta where?"
Aldonza is not quick to get herself away from the trampling hippo. She tries to Tumble Through it but fails to do so, in which she follows it up instead of drawing her weapon and parrying with it. Erevan is trampled too . He gets moving and strikes with his hand crossbow after drawing it but he misses the shot.
Arfsnarf unfortunately is taken by surprise of the ambush He then makes himself invisible and moves away. Garad manages to get sideways to not take the full damage . He then makes a roaring blast of fire against the hippos before moving.
Hippo Brown manages to somewhat get away , but Hippy White is not as quick as the other . Barrek is able to get away as well from the Trampling, not taking the full force of the attack. He makes a stance that one might find he changes from one person to another. He then attempts to distract the target hippo but he fails to do so . At least one of his punches land on Hippo Brown .
Hippo Brown │
Hippy White │
Arfsnarf (AC 22) │
Barrek (AC 24)
Garad (AC 23)
➤ Wraax (AC 21) │
⠀⠀➤ Mr Kitteh (AC 21) │
Erevan (AC 20)
Aldonza (AC 23) │
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Wraax, after getting stepped on, and seeing Mr. Kitteh avoid the worst of it, Swims to the far side of Hippo Brown. Flanking with Barrek.
He then Commands Mr. Kitteh in for Stride at half-speed, to flank the Hippo, and a strike.
If still standing, Wraax then Strikes at the hippo as well. If it is not, he will Intimidating Glare the White hippo.
end turn
Wraax is trampled upon, while Mr Kitteh manages to somewhat dodge. Wraax swims to flank Hippo Brown with Mr Kitteh, and the fiery cat leopard attacks the hippo, burning it with their bite. Wraax also strike the same hippo with his scythe.
Hippo Brown moves to Trample Wraax! The same goes for Hippy White on Aldonza, Barrek, and Mr Kitteh!
Hippo Brown │
Hippy White │
➤ Arfsnarf (AC 22) │
➤ Barrek (AC 24) │
➤ Garad (AC 23)
➤ Wraax (AC 21) │
⠀⠀➤ Mr Kitteh (AC 21) │
➤ Erevan (AC 20)
➤ Aldonza (AC 23) │
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The party hears the goblins voice ring out from somewhere nearby...
Okay fine, but we just hurt them enough to scare them away and then get the goods! They don't know better!
A spell is heard, after which a slight crackling of electrical energy.
The goblin pops back into vision as his cross-slashes at the nearby hippo.
Arfsnarf magically grows vicious claws on his fingers. He attacks Hippy White with it, carefully not to make it bleed but just be scratched and electrified. Mr Kitteh misses evading the trampling Hippy White, while Wraax is quick to at least not take the full damage.
Garad magically flies an arrow of acid to White, hurting it in the process [ooc]as it also takes persistent acid damage. Aldonza takes the full bludgeoning of the Trample. Nevertheless, she is able to Tumble through the Hippy and makes a beutifully executed strike , bringing Hippy White into its demise.
Barrek is also a victim of the surprise slamming of Hippy White
➤ Barrek (AC 24)
➤ Garad (AC 23)
➤ Wraax (AC 21)
⠀⠀➤ Mr Kitteh (AC 21)
➤ Erevan (AC 20)
➤ Aldonza (AC 23)
With the threats eliminated, the agents are now free to search the ship for clues.
As the others Search, Erevan finds a leather satchel that came partially dislodged from a secret compartment. It is on the verge of slipping into the water, thanks to the recent commotion of their recent fight. Fortunately, he has keen eyes to ultimately find it before it slips into the water.
Looking inside it, the satchel contains several journals and loose sheets of parchment. These include a manifest that lists the cold iron bell as an important piece of cargo, as well as sketches of a variety of cultural objects and their likely points of origin throughout Vidrian. The notes reveal that the crew of the Imminent Laughter discovered a small coastal cave several miles south of Anthusis, where some smugglers had stored the bell along with numerous other plundered relics. Thankfully, the smugglers’ possessions included a journal, which they also discover in the satchel. The journal is tightly bound in a waterproof case. None of the pages have dates or names. Each page instead has an entry devoted to a single object, along with where it came from, who might be interested in purchasing it, and what other future plundering opportunities it might present. Individually, none of the objects depicted are immensely valuable, but all together they could fetch a hefty sum.
One exception, of course, is the cold iron bell the agents are investigating.
I rarely stop along the Korir River. It’s best to reach Port Freedom as quickly as possible and avoid the dangers of that horrible jungle. This time, though, I am glad that I stopped; otherwise, I’d never have met the fellow who traded this bell to me. It is a beautiful object, and obviously magical, though its owner was tight-lipped about its purpose. The fellow never shared his name. I am sure he was a Song’o, but he refused to answer any questions about his family, his home, or his occupation. It’s like he never wanted me to find him again. I suppose I can understand that.
I’ve tried returning to that spot—just before the river turns south, nearly 200 miles in from the coast—but he’s never there. Next time, I think I’ll explore farther along the tributary to the north. It’s risky, and I’ll be breaking my own rules for Safe Smuggling and Profit, but if that foolish halfling was willing to sell me a magic bell for a few measly coins, there’s no telling what else I might find.
With a successful DC 15 Crafting check,
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The party also finds a scroll case containing three scrolls of invisibility (2nd) and a shark tooth charm inside the leather satchel as well. Neat. There is also a journal with detailed notes on much of the remainder of the ship's cargo.
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After their encounter with the wild hippos, Erevan gathers his healing tools and tends his wounds and Aldona's. "That is quite a wound! Let's see what we can do to fix it."
"Everyone! I've found something. I think these are the documents that the Society wants us to retrieve." He shares the contents of the satchel and the journal. He puts on his crafter's eyepiece and determines the age of the journal "This journal looks to be..."
"...yep! A few years old."
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Wraax will check himself and Mr. Kitteh over. Seeing how injured she is, he will use both school potions on her.
then, recognizing his own injuries, will use Erevan's provided elixir on himself
After going through all the provided healing from the school and his compatriot Erevan, Wraax grits his teeth in annoyance. "Of course it had to be a couple enemies capable of trampling us... So much harder to heal from."
Wraax will pull out his last personally bought minor elixir of life and give it to Mr. Kitteh. Saving his lesser healing potions for if things turn south again.
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See Wraax pull out a second potion, Barrek cautions, "Hang on there. Ah think our friend Erevan seems ta be pretty good at the healin' arts, so maybe let him have a look at those bruises before downin' too many of those."
Turning to the alchemist, he adds, "No rush, but ah wouldn't mind ya takin' a looksie at a couple of these nicks 'n cuts ah picked up mahself."
In response to the ledger and journal, the dwarf responds, "Are we thinking of findin' the coastal cave or makin' the long trek upriver? It's prolly quicker gettin' ta the former than goin' back ta the city and reportin' in - and bein' told ta head back out to it. But the latter is definitely somethin' we'll need to check in and get a boat for."
➤ Barrek (AC 24) (70/70 HP)
➤ Garad (AC 23) (53/53 HP)
➤ Wraax (AC 21) (50/50 HP)
⠀⠀➤ Mr Kitteh (AC 21) (36/36 HP)
➤ Erevan (AC 20) (28/42 HP)
➤ Aldonza (AC 23) (39/66 HP)
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Oh, I guess we need to report to the boss first! Am excited to check out this cave though!
He sits down for a moment to look over his cuts...
With only one hand free (because the other is injured) he has trouble applying his bandages and such, so he finally gives up and retrieves the lesser healing potion given to him by the School of Spells.