Pruolus, The Adventurers Guild story

Game Master Chyrone

Why do I get the feeling we're releasing Aaravos?

Lariel says "Hi, yeah, what do you mean patron spirit of the village?"

I'll link the picture when home.

"Oh, that is because i help them. Us spirits can influence our natural surroundings, and the surrounding near shrines dedicated to us. The waters in these caverns normally would not hold as much fish, for example. The gardens they maintain are in good health, regardless of weather. Moreso than without a little push from myself."

Lariel begins to amazed. He might be in the presence of a truly magnificent being. He asks "So I suppose the fish lady outside is bothering you, isn't she?"

Lariel begins to amazed. He might be in the presence of a truly magnificent being. He asks "So I suppose the fish lady outside is bothering you, isn't she?"

Image of Niresse

"That 'fish lady' as you put her, is not bothering me. Quite opposite, she is a follower of mine, following the example of her human friends."

"Indeed. The situation at present, however, needs a solution that i cannot help them with. She had tried to dismiss them prior, but they turned around not 100 feet away from her. From what i could guess, and have heard say from travelers in the village, one of her kind's enchanting singing's effects, can only be broken when she dismisses them through words."

From one moment to the next, in but the blink of an eye, she is much closer now, that you now can properly see her irises.
"As you have seen, she is unable to speak. Always has been since the day i found her when she was a child still. I do not know the nature of her background, but when her friends were defending her from the fishfolk, she started singing, as if by some instinct to defend herself? The effects you saw back there."

"What she needs, what her enthralled friends need, is a means to have her convey her words through voice, so that she can order their devotion void."

She casually points a finger at Vasaam. "Your leaving her things alone, may be what kept her curious and open to hearing you out, instead of possibly unfriendly. Good on you."

Vasaam looks a little bit surprised at her words. "Of course. We aren't here to steal. Just to help the villagers."

"So, she can sing, but not talk? Can she sing words? What would happen if she 'sang' the words to free the villagers?"

Vasaam looks a little bit surprised at her words. "Of course. We aren't here to steal. Just to help the villagers."

"So, she can sing, but not talk? Can she sing words? What would happen if she 'sang' the words to free the villagers?"

Niresse shakes her head.

Vasaam considers the problem and possible options. "Does it have to be spoken words? Maybe sign language? Or written?"

"If not, why can't she speak? Was she hurt and needing healing? Guys? Any other ideas?"

Let me think... Can she express herself in some other way? Dance? Could she be thought to speak? Or perhaps... translation? Is it a physical effect? If yes, then a potion of alter self perhaps?

Aletha pauses

I am very happy we didnt attack her or hers.

Coraline bows before the woman, or spirit before her, knowing that she should best represent her own deity, and that the spirits did not keep all secrets from each other. This could even be a smaller facet of her own patron, best to be respectful. " Honored Spirit, it seems our mission is similar, and yet different. My people and hers are not always enemies, and to yet hear of one who can not talk must be a burden to her and her family. Is it possible she is cursed? She angered another spirit?"

Coraline thinks for a few moments, trying to square the ideas in her head with what she knew. " Sirens must willingly speak the command to leave. That is what all the stories say. No writ nor joke nor jest, but words alone attest. So what took her ability to speak?"

Vasaam considers the problem and possible options. "Does it have to be spoken words? Maybe sign language? Or written?"

"If not, why can't she speak? Was she hurt and needing healing? Guys? Any other ideas?"

"I do not know the reason. But at that time, there was a ship with dark red sails in the distance. From what i could see, they threw two things overboard. Could they have been a child and another? My means of finding out were insufficient. But the current at that time did bring along her, as a young child."

Let me think... Can she express herself in some other way? Dance? Could she be thought to speak? Or perhaps... translation? Is it a physical effect? If yes, then a potion of alter self perhaps?

Niresse looks at you questioningly, then chuckles slightly.

I am very happy we didn't attack her or hers.

"I as well. I am sure the humans and the fish-man would have laid down their lives to protect her."

@ Caroline,
"I heard you speak the ocean tongue to her, but she understands only the language we speak now. What i can only assume is her mother's language, she hasn't been taught, or has forgotten what she knew altogether. Since she has no family to teach her."

"Hopefully you can find the answer to her cause of her inability to speak, or in the least find a solution to the situation. It is, sadly, not within my power to return to her the ability to speak, if she was indeed able to at all."

Lariel is too in awe to say something. However, the spirit's words of cause of her inability wakes him up. He scratches his head a bit and says "How long ago was this? I mean, how long ago was she 'thrown overboard'? And where? It may be that we need to find this 'other thing', as it could have the answer." The half-elf is very troubled.

Lariel is too in awe to say something. However, the spirit's words of cause of her inability wakes him up. He scratches his head a bit and says "How long ago was this? I mean, how long ago was she 'thrown overboard'? And where? It may be that we need to find this 'other thing', as it could have the answer." The half-elf is very troubled.

"Oh, a few years over a decade."

"The ship was in the far distance, i would guess some several hundred feet away from this shore, east of here."

What's the plan?

Lariel weighs the options and decides to propose a course of actions in the field he is more in tune with. He turns to the others and says "Unless someone can go into serious siren psychology, I say we find whatever was dropped with the siren woman to see if it's... I don't know, her speaking voice or something like that."

In his head, his plan sounded more solid, but now the words were already spoken.

"So she needs to speak, but either doesn't know how, or is unable to."

Vasaam considers what they think they know. It wasn't good....

"So the Crimson Armada's ships dropped her, and something else overboard. That was maybe thirteen years ago. The current brought her to the spirit so she saved her. Unless the second thing thrown overboard was an anchor, that same current could have washed it.... any number of miles away."

"We have to hope that it was something heavy and it is still on the bottom. We can go back to the village and see if we can get a boat to use. If the site is only a few hundred feet off shore to the East it might be relatively safe to take a small fishing boat out and anchor there. Then, depending on how deep the water is, the area can be searched." Of course he doesn't mention that they also need to watch for any Crimson Armada ships that might be watching.

Lariel doesn't seem discouraged by Vasaam's words. He says "I know it's a long shot, but... I don't seem to think of any other things to do about it. We could find a healer for her voice, but if even the spirit lady can't help, what can an acolyte do?"

Lariel doesn't seem discouraged by Vasaam's words. He says "I know it's a long shot, but... I don't seem to think of any other things to do about it. We could find a healer for her voice, but if even the spirit lady can't help, what can an acolyte do?"

Someone did mention potions, alternatively, someone can roll a DC knowledge check.

know: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Anyone know of a Steve? The Prankster one, I think he is a curse artificer.....
As the only other one I know who's similar and makes things is Rait Craft,
I know he's made some medicines for folks."

This was planned to be so regardless, but Steve is the only businessman in Yonford, who deliberately crafts cursed items, for commercial purposes of making it their best selling point. Not that any evidence has ever turned up. For being, as Leona describes it well, a rumored curse artificer mage, it comes naturally with some contempt from peers, but his work is popular among the common folk and people who want to spite or prank others.

Know-Local?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"Curse artificer? So he deliberately makes cursed items? That's.... strange. Might be worth talking with him."

Lariel is a bit relieved. He did think it was a bad idea to go hunting for the discarded item. Looking for a prankster seemed like a surer bet. He says "I agree. I think this is a good idea." He is not sure how to get out of the spirit's cave, however, and tries looking around to find some obvious way out.

Niresse interrupts you suddenly.

"I would advise caution. A group of fishmen is approaching the cavern. If she starts singing again, these caverns carry sound well, this close to her home. If you think you can stop them, be my guest, if not, then you should leave, lest you get entranced as well."

"If you rather leave, i will aid her as much as i can. But do not linger too long."

Lariel looks to the others and asks "Why are the fishmen attacking now? Have they always attacked? Or has something changed?"

"If we go fighting, we'll need some ear plugs."

I don't have the bardic counter song feature.....

Vasaam shakes his head and starts moving to leave the cavern. "Let's go. If they'll listen to reason great. But if needed she can release them too."

In response to Lariel,
"They have only recently appeared. I suspect they must have found a way in somewhere underwater."

"Your concealment is about to fade. Whichever choice, good luck, and may we speak again."

@ Vasaam. The sahuagin listen to reason?
Release who?

"Let us ambush those who are coming, giving us a better advantage. Quickly, we can trap them with attacks, and that will help secure us a victory."

I'll have a map tonight, i hope. But currently it is 1 for leaving, 1 for fighting, 3 undecided. Fyi, this will be more sahuagin than the duo prior.

Preemptive Stealth check for the ambush: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Ok, a fight it is.

I will assume you have an active lightsource, with a few party members not having darkvision. Who has the light source?
Everyone, you can take one round of actions, as Niresse has warned you of the approaching sahuagin. Be aware, the sahuagin are across the water on the other side, coming from a tunnel in what is still darkness to the party.

Lariel takes some cover behind the shrine.
(other party actions pending)

"Release who?" If the approaching group was charmed the siren could release them when she gets her voice.

Vasaam shakes his head at the idea of fighting, but then casts Mage Armor on himself. He takes cover behind the group. Behind whatever they are behind?

To battle it is then, lets hope it goes better this time.

To what if any degree have I healed?

Aletha takes out a Pilum, and readies it to strike at the first hostile to get within shooting range.

To battle it is then, lets hope it goes better this time.

To what if any degree have I healed?

Aletha takes out a Pilum, and readies it to strike at the first hostile to get within shooting range.

To 8/12, i believe. @Everyone, a basic map is up.

Yellow = normal light
Orange = dim light

Only moments after some of you took some action, the sound of footsteps hitting distant water reaches your ears. As the ones who cause the sound are at the exit of their tunnel, there is some sound of alarmed gurgling.

Round 1

Vasaam
-------------
Blue & Orange
Purple & Yellow
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Lariel, Aletha
Leona, Caroline

Vasaam doesn't have anything with that great of range. So he will have to delay until the enemy comes closer.

Do we not get surprise rounds?

Do we not get surprise rounds?

You have the prep round. Surprise rounds are also of little use if you don't have targets to see/ go after.

Being able to see in darkness just fine (60 feet darkvision), Aletha gets the hell out of the light circle, and throws her Pilum at blue

ranged attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 1 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

She likely scores a pretty meaty hit.

She then, as a free action, puts her bardiche in both hands.

Rock in the sling and ready to launch when they reach the edge/border between the blue and grey zones on their side

Everyone, the blue is water. Swim checks DC 10.
@Aletha, free action to draw weapon?

Vasaam holds his actions for now. Following that, a volley of crossbow bolts comes flying from the dark nothingness in the distance.

Bolt vs Leona: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 15 1d8 ⇒ 2
Bolt vs Caroline: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10 1d8 ⇒ 3
Bolt vs Aletha: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 = 20 1d8 ⇒ 1
1d2 ⇒ 1
Bolt vs Caroline: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25 1d8 ⇒ 6
Crit?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13Extra: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Not confirmed, luckily.

Aletha and Leona get hit for shallow harm, but Caroline takes a bolt where it hurts, bringing her down to 4 hp.
-------------------------------
Lariel, Aletha

Leona (delays until arrival), Caroline
Aletha, the blue being water, it will be a swim check DC 10 to get to that position you wanted.

Oh, didnt knew it was water, in this case she just goes out of the bright light. She did draw a Pilum (in her right) while having her bardiche (in left hand) during the preparation round. It is then a free action to take the bardiche in both hands after flinging the pilum. A long spear like weapon and some backup javelins/throwing axes has been a fairly frequent fighting style historically. As someone with a BAB of +1 she can also draw a weapon as part of a move action.

Also, we may want to retreat, they shoot far more accurately then we do, and we take dumb amount of horrible penalties fighting in, let alone under water

Oh, didnt knew it was water, in this case she just goes out of the bright light. She did draw a Pilum (in her right) while having her bardiche (in left hand) during the preparation round. It is then a free action to take the bardiche in both hands after flinging the pilum. A long spear like weapon and some backup javelins/throwing axes has been a fairly frequent fighting style historically. As someone with a BAB of +1 she can also draw a weapon as part of a move action.

Also, we may want to retreat, they shoot far more accurately then we do, and we take dumb amount of horrible penalties fighting in, let alone under water

I am aware of the bab drawing weapons, of course, but i'm more used to seeing dual wielders drawing weapons, than a throwing weapon and 2 hander.

Those colored shapes are your rafts, btw.

The light was from Coraline, but I think we agreed to have it on the tip of the quarterstaff she loaned me.

Vasaam sees Coraline hit hard by a crossbow bolt and considers. They don't have the missile weapons equal to the enemy. "We either need to get out of their line of fire or somehow light them up. Coraline. Could you light up an arrow and have Lariel shoot it at them?"

Lariel waits for light to appear, shoots his bow then hides again.

Shoot as std action, then Hide as move

Shot after light is available with Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 1 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Stealth after shot: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Thinking that was the best suggestion, she would light an arrow with the light cantrip, and let it be fired off. But that was all she could do in the moment.

" This should help some. Some." She says through gritted teeth.

As Caroline lights up the arrow tip of Lariel, who shoots in a vague direction With an absence of a visual target.

I'm rolling a d2, to see what direction it goes.
1d2 ⇒ 2Lower tunnel it is.

Light shines in the distance, and four figures can vaguely be made out.
However, no line shines on the isle you are on anymore, leaving everyone in pitch blackness. Though Aletha can see the fishmen's forms in black & white.

1d100 ⇒ 76Good news.
Surprisingly to Aletha, the forms of the sahuagin are suddenly hidden, but in the distance, audible to all, are some surprised angry words.

Round 2

With light suddenly on them, the blue sahuagin walks towards the lit arrow, and puts its finned foot onto it. The light disappears.
The other three reload their crossbows.

Blue vs Leona: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19Bolt: 1d8 ⇒ 71d100 ⇒ 50
Orange vs Leona: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 = 21Bolt: 1d8 ⇒ 81d100 ⇒ 8
Red vs Aletha: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 = 20Bolt: 1d8 ⇒ 81d100 ⇒ 57
Yellow vs Aletha: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15Bolt: 1d8 ⇒ 31d100 ⇒ 47

A volley of bolts come flying, and Leona hears them fly by quite close.
One of the bolts aimed at Aletha's direction lands, and knocks her KO at -1.
Stabilize roll please.

Lariel, Aletha
Caroline
Vasaam

A reminder, you found that seaweed bandage, which stops bleeding. In case the stabilize roll doesn't pass.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Lariel is a bit frightened by everything. He pulls Aletha back to safety and says "Maybe we let them come to us."

Those without darkvision, moving faster than 1/2 speed requires DC 10 acrobatics. Anything you want to manipulate, objects/people, you spend a move action to pinpoint them.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 1 = 11

acroatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"Let them come to us. The water is their strength.

double move away.