“Thanks!” Ankha responds to Ramona’s offer of a free longspear. She nods along in agreement with Braxton. “Ooh, yes, once we’re finished with the shark I think we should see where that clockwork spy reports to. That might be a big clue for finding the missing colonists.”
"Works for me." Ku'Hania agrees.
As his eyes begin to glow blue as he casts detect magic, Dakari takes the wand out of the teak box and turns it over and over in his hands.
The wand is a wand of flaming sphere with 9 charges left.
The colonists around you are preparing their things to get ready for landing back at the original landing site and unfinished colony. Tons of work to be done tomorrow, after all!
The ship makes its way back quickly, and in no time the ships' boats are taking colonists to land. Ramona again asks you to point out problem areas before letting the rest of the people with you in. She also reminds you that you get first pick of housing, and need to make your decision soon. The only houses not available are community buildings (the forge, the church, etc) and the governor's house, which Ramona will be moving into.
En route to the original landing site, Ankha carefully tends to her gear, wiping off the salt residue with a damp cloth and cleaning it as best she can. She finishes honing her blades with a whetstone just as the ship arrives at the original landing site. As the colony comes into view, she begins pointing out different areas to Ramona.
“Like Ku’Hania said earlier, there’s a bunch of ankheg larvae in that crop field over there that will need to be eliminated before it’s safe for the farmers. We also found one in the barracks , and based on the tunnels we found, the mother ankheg is likely somewhere over there , to the northwest. There were also some goblins at the forge —we got rid of them, but who knows if there are more, so we should keep an eye open, just in case. Ooh, and there was a really bad infestation of cockroaches in one of the storage sheds . We didn’t have any way to get rid of them at the time, but we’ll need to do so now.”
The alchemist turns to her companions. “Ooh, do you want to stay together in the house that we slept in before? It seemed like one of the comfiest ones. Dakari, I’m sure you’d like it!”
Ku'Hania stays topside for the return trip, enjoying the sea air, and taking in the shoreline as they navigate to the original landing site. Now that they weren't investigating, looking for the dangers that had eliminated the previous expedition, the excitement and realization that this was her new home, set in.
"That sounds as good a place as any." Ku'Hania replies when asked about their choice of housing.
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The wand in the teak box is a wand of goodberry with 49 charges left.
The large house suits Braxton, considering how many supplies he brought in lieu of his future brewery, wherever that may be. Most of his things are still packed, and he loads down Blaudon the evil mule in preparation of leaving the ship for good, at least for now. Never one to tolerate low quality food and drink at sea, and not wishing to end up scavaging for roots and berries in the haunted forest, once Blaudon is free of his burden of Braxton's stuff, the pair aid in the unloading and transportation of the food stocks. "I still wouldn't eat anything here. Blaudon! Stay away from those trees! Aaaaand, this whole place needs to be blessed. I get the feeling that there are many spirits here than need to be laid to rest. I'm going to find the priest."
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Dakari listens as Ankha lists off the difficulties they encountered while searching the settlement "Seems to me some of these will need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. I can't imagine leaving the village to go searching for what happened to the "old" colonists, while leaving the "new' colonists to be eaten by ankhegs or cockroaches."
Eyeing the swarm suit he says "Does anyone have alchemist's fire? I have some flasks of oil but they won't be nearly as effective"
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“Oh, definitely,” Ankha agrees with Dakari as they gather all their equipment and unload it off the ship. “We found two flasks of alchemist’s fire earlier—let’s see … ooh, here they are.” She gives both to the half-elf. “Shall we take care of those cockroaches now? I don’t think Braxton will touch any of the food until we do. Ooh, and you should wear that swarm suit, just in case,” she nods at the bulky outfit.
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"We should definitely take care of those first!" Ku'Hania agrees. "Then, the ankhegs, so that the farmers can get to work to help keep the colony fed."
Dakari will take the time to prep three flasks of oil to use should the vials of alchemists fire prove to be not enough. He will don the swarmsuit and waddle, along with the others, across the compound to the provisions hut.
As they walk to the storage shed, Ankha suggests an alternative approach. “Ooh, what about that wand that was in the grindylow’s chest? Didn’t Braxton say that it could create a ball of fire that you could control? That sounds much more precise than chucking alchemist’s fire—after all, we don’t want to burn up the provisions as well.”
She glances down at her feet. “I have no idea how to use it though. I’ve used a simple healing wand before, but this one is beyond me. Maybe you could figure out how it works?” When they reach the provisions building she lights a torch. “Cockroaches don’t like light. This’ll help keep them away while you activate the wand.”
Dakari enter the room with the wand in one hand and a torch in the other. He waves the wand around with a flourish and points it in front of him "Flame on" he says aloud...and nothing happens.
He stares at the tip of the wand before slamming it into his palm a few times. "Fire?, Burn?, Fuego?" in desperation he tries every word he can think of for fire as the skittering noise of the swarm gets closer "Oh c'mon, man."
The swarm dies quickly with Dakari's bug extermination plan and Ramona is grateful for the opportunity to inventory the foodstuff left behind from the first wave. They'd most certainly have needed it, which is concerning, but at least now you have a safety net for the new colonists' food needs until you reunite with the first wave.
"Ignis" he shouts as a ball of flame appears in front of him just as the swarm of cockroaches flow out of the sacks of grain and boxes of foodstuffs to attack "See, I knew I'd get it...eventually."
Waving the wand around like a conductor in front of an orchestra he directs the flaming sphere back and forth over the mass of insects until they are all incinerated. As the last of the vermin sizzle and pop Dakari gags from the stench as he draws a breath. Looking at the rest of the party he says "I think we're going to need to leave that door open for a while."
Conjuring a few gallons of water to wash away the worst of the scorched insect residue, Ku'Hania nods in agreement. "Hopefully something in there is still salvageable."
“Ooh, nice work!” Ankha applauds Dakari’s control of the ball of fire. “We just need to deal with the ankheg problem tomorrow and the colonists should be safe. That should do it for tonight, right? I have some ideas for new extracts that I need to jot down.”
The night passes quietly, with no interruptions in any crafting or sleeping the colony may get up to. The next morning is quiet as well, as both the group and new colonists adapt to their new environment and recover from the stresses of the past two days.
Ramona is keeping the colonists away from both the ankheg nest to the north and the infested fields to the south until you can clear them out, but does hold a group breakfast in the government house (A10) for everyone to socialize. It is a sparse breakfast of dried out biscuits, but they found a crate of canned jam to give everyone a small serving of to make it palatable.
After a late evening and an early morning spent scribbling in her notebook and experimenting with her portable alchemist’s laboratory, Ankha joins the other colonists for the group breakfast. There she quickly seeks out and greets her dwarven compatriot. “Alba!” she calls out cheerily. “How have you been? Have you managed to unload all your equipment and get settled in? I had some inspiration yesterday and developed a few new formulae. Would you like to share recipes?” she asks eagerly, hoping to glean even more ideas from her fellow alchemist.
Alba is excited to see the younger alchemist, and waves her to have a seat next to her as she stews what seems like a strong tea.
"Ah, there you are. Was wondering when you'd visit again, I'd been looking forward to it!" she pours a cup of tea for Ankha and stirs it before handing it over.
"Of course we can trade formula! At the very least can take a look, see what we can learn from each other."
Assisting with some of the unloading and helping to get people settled,
Ku'Hania takes the opportunity to avail herself of a late-night swim on the beach before settling in for a comfortable night's sleep.
Arising early, she wanders around, taking in the colony beginning to get settled, and seeking out those with a more naturalist/ exploring lean, eager to get their take on what they've seen so far.
Ankha sits down and happily accepts the proffered tea. She takes a small sip before carefully setting it aside and eagerly pulling out her formula book to share with the dwarf. Poring over Alba’s book in turn, she devours the pages with hungry eyes. “Ooh,” she exclaims excitedly, “this one would’ve been useful for understanding the grindylow. And this one would be perfect for hunting the shark later—I’ll definitely need to copy that one down. I have one that’s kind of similar, but it’s more of a flexible mish mash inspired by different animals—it lets you climb a little and swim a little … here, it’s this one” she points out the location of the Monkey Fish formula in her own book, “… but I hadn’t thought to use fish scales in that way to help you swim faster. And these two are simply brilliant! I didn’t realize that you could distill phytochemicals into such a concentrated form to boost both the healing potency of a basic curative spell and the protective aspect of a mutagen.” Her eyes shine with unbridled enthusiasm. “I wonder if you could do the same thing to boost longevity?”
"Eamon! My good sir!" Braxton strides into the creepy, rundown chapel. The sailor isn't very superstitious, but you never know with these kinds of things. "This place has seen great and terrible tribulations over the past weeks, especially this church. This whole place needs to be blessed, or... something. I'm not really familiar with that kind of thing, but there was a ghost here. Have ye any rites to lay low the restless dead? And any of the other spookies wandering around here." He sets the Erastilian bow on the dais. "Found this, too. Think it could help you?"
Dakari will spend the rest of the day help unload the Peregrine and get the colonists settled into the abandoned huts and tents of the earlier settlers.
The next morning he will give Ramona the Goodberry wand in the hopes that someone in the colony will be able to use it. During breakfast he will chat up Carver Hastings and Perell Bey about the history and potential hazards we might face as we explore the island looking for the original colonists.
Once the group is back together in the house he'll speak up "I think we need to take out the mama ankheg first, I'd rather do that when we're fresh and then we can mop up the babies afterward."
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Anya is a different story, and the Shoanti hunter can be found unpacking her gear after breakfast. Seemingly heading out to the forest to help Lyra scout around the colony, but her focus is on fresh game she might be able to trap and butcher to replace the dried meat lost to the cockroach swarm. Braxton's inquiries will lead him to Anya as well, should Ku'Hania wish to speak with the hunter together with her companion.
"What can I help you with, sister?" she says, seemingly having noticed a kinship with the wild sea elf.
"I'm not quite sure, actually. Definitely a topic to dive deeper into. I wonder if there's any creature or substance out here that could accomplish that? I understand how important this is to you, so if you need any help you can always come to me."
"Ah, the chapel's holy bow. It will help immensely in restoring the peace inside the church. We have spent some time communicating with Silas, and are working on a solution to keep it calm for now." Eamon says when given the longbow. "I cannot thank you properly for this as of yet, but give me time and I will find or make you something to repay you for this kindness."
Kurvis laughs and pats the half-elf on the back. "I thought you weren't one for repayment, brother." he says, obviously jokingly.
Later inquiries into who can help with the shark hunting enterprise lead Braxton to Anya, and he might find Ku'Hania speaking to her already.
Carver and Perrell are already discussing much about the island, and Carver in particular takes the opportunity to ask Perrell, Dakari, and anyone else who will listen to bring him information on any historical sites and artifacts they find.
"I'll see what I can do, Carver. Lyra should be back this evening, and might have a wealth of information for both of us to enjoy!" With that, Perrell excuses herself back to her tent in order to review maps and charts, or whatever else it is those scholars do.
With the historian gone, Carver pulls Dakari off to the side, away from the rest of the group and any prying ears.
"I heard you mention the Pathfinder Society. Are you a current acting agent? Or did you just do work for them?"
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"Good to see you settling in, I'm sure you have a hunt planned." Ku'hania replies with a grin. "My group might have a task that could benefit from your expertise. It seems we struck a...truce with the grindylow...the octopus-goblin folk we encountered when first landing. To seal it, their queen has gifts us with a chest of sunken ocean treasure, and requested the slaying of a great shark that hunts the area in return."
“Thanks Alba!” The younger alchemist smiles appreciatively at the dwarf. “I knew I could count on you. I heard that Lyra’s already out scouting, so I’ll have to ask her if she saw any creature or substance that might be useful.”
After arranging a block of time later when they can thoroughly copy recipes from each other’s formula books, Ankha excuses herself—today is going to be a busy day! She next heads to the chapel in search of the colony priests.
“Ooh, there you are! Hello Eamon! And hello Kurvis!” She greets the duo with an incandescent smile. “We found these in the former priest’s house—at least I’m pretty sure it was his house. Dolgrin said they can be used as divine spell components, so I thought you should have them. Maybe you can bless the chapel and help put the spirit to rest?” Out of her pack she pulls out a bag of powdered silver, four blocks of incense, and a tiny pouch filled with diamond dust, all of which she offers to the priests.
“I don’t suppose you have any theories as to why the first colony turned upon itself?” she continues chatting amiably. “I still don’t understand why Rayland, the leader, would murder Silas like that. Do you think … do you know of any magic that might have caused the infighting?”
Intrigued by Carver's sudden conspiratorial actions, Dakari tries to get a read on the man but is unable to fathom the sudden change in the man's demeanor.
Dakari looks around to see if anyone is nearby to overhear their conversation, seeing no one nearby he lowers his voice just the same "I used to be an agent. For several years in fact, until...I got tired of "Stepping and Fetching" for the Decemvirate and I decided to branch out on my own." He gives Carver a knowing wink. "Interesting" he thinks to himself "let's see where this goes."
"Could even put larger hooks in the bait, to see if you can hook it to the side of the boat to give you a shot at taking it out before it flips you. But I'm not sure how big it is, so that might not even be an issue."
"I'm not sure we can get rid of the spirit completely without dealing with whatever is keeping him here, but we'll do our best to keep it calm until we can figure out what happened here." Eamon says, smiling at Ankha.
Kurvis picks up there, joining the conversation.
"Seeing as how our only real lead is Silas, we'll have to get back to you on that one. He hasn't been that useful in terms of explaining the circumstances of the first colony. You'll be the second to know, after Ramona."
He looks around with you, looking for anyone listening.
"We have some rumors that one of the most famous Pathfinders, Durvin Gest, explored this very area once before in the distant past, and I have been added to this expedition to see if I can find any concrete evidence that he did in fact come through here. If you discover any signs of him or any Pathfinders in general, I am authorized to reward any such findings."
He pulls a small box-like object from a bag and hands it over to Dakari.
"I'm not sure if you still have your wayfinder, but here's a spare one I have. I didn't expect to find another one of us out here! There's rumors the Aspis are stalking us, so I've been instructed to keep my activity quiet around here. You should do the same, and keep that hidden unless you absolutely need to use it."
"Hmm.. that makes sense. If you come across any suitable game while hunting that would make good bait for that, let me know." Ku'Hania responds. nodding at the sound advice. "Is there anything you need?"
“Ooh, thanks!” Ankha gushes. “I feel bad for poor Silas. It must be hard to be a ghost. He wasn’t much of a talker with us either.” She sighs. “I wish everyone in the first colony would’ve gotten along. Community is even more important here when it’s just us in a new place. But of course you and your god would know all about that,” she nods at the half-elf priest of Erastil. “Speaking of getting along,” the alchemist’s eyes sparkle at Eamon with unbridled curiosity, “how did your parents manage? It must be hard for an elf and human with such vastly different lifespans.”
"A boar, maybe. Or a small bear? Will have to explore and see what I find." she finishes, waving away the offer for help.
Eamon, on the other hand, grimaces a bit when asked about his family.
"I, uh, wish I had better information for you, child, but my mother died giving birth to me. My father did not handle it well, unfortunately. It's not a story for me to tell now, as we begin this adventure in earnest, but perhaps someday I can tell you more." His mood seems to be darkened, but he doesn't seem angered at you. More like thinking back on his past, unrelated to you.
"Well we know boars are plentiful here, at least." Braxton exhales long and slow. Even if they figure out how to draw the shark out, how are they supposed to kill it? If there Peregrine were still here, they might lure the shark to the surface and harpoon it. He doesn't fancy their odds in a rowboat. "One problem at a time!" Braxton is ready to deal with the most imminent threat to Blaudon: the evil insect queen!
“Ooh, I’m sorry to hear about your mother,” Ankha says in a sympathetic voice to Eamon. “I would love to hear more—maybe about how your parents met, and how they fell in love—but as you say, maybe later.” The alchemist seems eager to hear the tale there and then, but she forces herself to give the priest some space and privacy. “Anyway, I should get back to the others—we have an ankheg infestation to take care of today.”
She returns to their house and agrees that the mother ankheg should be their first priority. In preparation for combat, she mixes a couple extracts: one to make her larger and stronger, and the other for protection.
"Alright, let me know what you come across. Good hunting!" Ku'Hania says with a smile. "We're probably going to tackle the ankheg problem today, so that the farmers can get to work safely."
Bidding her friend farewell, she heads back to the group's shared abode.
"How do we attract the grubs? Don't want to dig up the whole field." Braxton has his folding shovel slung over his shoulder. "Maybe if we find one, the queen will smell that we've killed it and come looking. Think that's how ants work." Not many ants to be found at sea, though.
“No, I think it’s the opposite way around,” Ankha responds to Braxton in a cheery voice, “we should kill the queen first, then lure the grubs out with parts of her body.” She checks her gear and shoulders her polearm. “I think Dolgrin said there were tracks to the north, so that’s the way we should head?”
"At the least, killing the queen will ensure we don't have another brood to deal with while we handle the grubs." Ku'Hania replies, preparing to head to the selected area with the others.
Dakari agrees with Ku'Hania's assessment of taking the mother out first. He seems a little aghast at Ankha's suggestion of using the body parts to lure the baby ankheg's out of he field "I don't know about that. Are they cannibalistic on anything like that?"
“Cannibals?” Ankha seems perplexed by the question. She pauses, thinking with furrowed brow. “I don’t think so ... but I could try to devise an experiment if you really want to be sure. Ooh! Or maybe train them to eat their own kind … though that would take a while. Maybe if I used a unilateralis fungus to alter their behavior …” The alchemist prattles away merrily, oblivious to the effects of her gruesome curiosity. She still remains attentive to their surroundings though, and tries to help pick out any traces of an ankheg trail.
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Ku'Hania quietly vows to herself to never fall unconscious around Ankha.
Ankhegs don't usually eat their own, preferring the warmer flesh of farm animals or humanoids.
North of the colony, but well within sight, is a small field. Inundating the meadow is a series of large holes dug in at an angle. Piles of dirt surround each hole. A large copse of trees grows due east of this location.
You don't see any ankhegs or their babies around immediately on the surface, at least.
"We might need bait, fresh meat, but let's see what we can find before we go chasing boars through the forest." Braxton Bughunter seeks.
“I don’t think we need to look far for bait,” Ankha jests, using a sweep of her hand to indicate herself and the others. After downing a mutagen in preparation for battle, she tries to help Braxton find clues as to where the mother ankheg might be, but if that proves hopeless, she starts wandering over to the holes and uses her polearm to push in some of the dirt, hoping that might draw the bug out of its burrow.
Dakari stands at the edge of the field and let's out a low whistle "Damn, that's a lot of holes" he sighs in frustration "and she could be in any of them." His face lights up with and an idea and he let's out a loud whistle "Annie? Annie? Come here girl. Annie, Annie, Annie!" he shouts as he begins to stomp his feet on the ground.
He looks at the others as they stare at him incredulously and shrugs "What? It could work."
Shaking her head in mild amusement, Ku'Hania looks for any sign of the ankheg.
As the group begins to poke around the field and Ankha makes her way to the first of many holes dug in the ground, a massive insectoid creature burrows up through the ground. It has six long legs with the front two ending in wicked claws, and its head is heavily plated and covered in spiky protrusions. It tops off the image with noxious green ichor drooling from its large clacking mandibles.
The dirt explodes around the hole in a massive spray, and a loud chittering cry of warning echoes through the air as it emerges in full.
Initiative:
20- Braxton
15- Dakari
13- Ankheg
12- Ankha
5- Ku'Hania