The next morning begins somewhat loudly, actually, as cries of alarm awaken you from your sleep. A ruckus seems to be occurring in the field behind your chosen house next to the row of houses along the main street.
When you eventually make your way over, you find a handful of colonists standing around the field looking at quite the peculiar sight: a cloud of red mist hangs over the field.
One of the colonists looks over and sees you, recognizing you and calling out.
"You have to do something! Whatever is in that field has Faedwyr!"
You remember that Faedwyr is one of the people who were on the edge of revolting yesterday, a farmer by trade. The cloud acts as obscuring mist, if you can see through it I'll describe what you see.
It matters what armor you slept in/took the time to put on by the way, so let me know what makes sense for you!
Remind me, what all did you want to tackle next? There are events and encounters that will happen but I need a direction.
It is a bit of an open-ended exploration adventure, so bare with me through a bit of floundering around. If you need me to recap a few bits of info (or 'hints' as it were), I can do that!
Most of the grindylow aren't very receptive to Ankha's questioning, and they don't even seem to be able to speak or understand Common. Eventually, however, one approaches her as she sits off to the side.
"I am our tribe's brinecaller, Kelpa. Come visit me tomorrow when you are...feeling better, and I will assist you in any way I can." she presses a seashell into the alchemists' hand before moving back into the crowd.
The rest of the impromptu party continues deep into the night and many grindylow and colonists pass out on the beach (Ankha included?) and stay there for the night. Ramona, however, has seemingly managed to keep herself sober and of sound mind.
Before the night is over, she approaches each of you and thanks you for your efforts, promising to reward you when she thinks of something appropriate.
"As I thought." the queen says, before looking over to the bag full of shark meat. "I presume you have managed to slay the shark feeding upon our people, then? And that is the meat we shall share on the beach this night in order to solidify the alliance between our people?"
Ramona nods before motioning Anya forward, who deposits the shark meat in front of the queen. The grindylow laughs in delight and has her people begin crafting a large bonfire, both for entertainment and the task of roasting the shark for all to enjoy.
Within ten minutes of the meeting beginning, it has truly turned into a party. Braxton's ale mixed with the large amount of meat from the shark and a large variety of other seafood the grindylow brought out from their cave makes for a happy scene.
If there's anything you'd like to do or anyone you'd like to talk to at the party, feel free to let me know! If not, it continues to go well and the two groups start off on good footing.
The meeting between Ramona and her officers and the grindylows happens right before sunset, with Ramona inviting you along for the ride in the second rowboat behind hers. Anya has prepared the shark's head and side meat just like she said she would, having cleaned and skinned it.
The two boats pull up onto the shore outside the cave you entered just yesterday, and the queen is awaiting your arrival alongside a handful of the smaller adults. She waves towards you with one of her oversized arms as she sees you approach and grins widely, revealing a maw of crooked sharp teeth.
"I'm glad we have decided to handle relations this way." Ramona says, clearly nervous at the very large grindylow.
"It was only because of your good friends here that we were able to come to this agreement." the queen replies, looking sternly back at the expedition lead before widening her mouth again. "What do you think, friends, can our people exist together?"
The meeting between Ramona and her 'officers' and the grindylow queen and her people is scheduled for right before sunset as well, so not quite done with the day yet!
Returning to the colony with the significantly large shark brings cheers of victory and satisfaction from the colonists, and more than one clap you on the back as you walk past with your prize.
Anya responds to the call for a butcher, and she assures you that she'll clean and prepare the shark meat appropriately for the grindylow.
"I don't quite know how they like their meat, so I won't be cooking it or anything. But I can get the scales off and get it presentable. You did well." the last bit sounds like she's genuinely impressed with your hunt, but she doesn't show much more than the praise.
"Go on, I'll handle this." she says brusquely, waving you away from her impromptu work station.
The average shark of its size weighs around 500 pounds, and a heavy load for Ankha's mutagen-enhanced strength is a maximum of 520 pounds.
With some help from the other underwater enthusiasts it doesn't take too much effort to drag it to the surface and get it into the boat. Luckily it can hold the weight, and the group makes it to the shore without any further incident.
Good news! PC is off medical leave and safe and sound back home. Bad news, internet provider is having an outage (that I discovered while writing posts up for my games). I’ll have a post up tomorrow and we’ll get back into the swing of things.
Thank you so much for being patient with me these past few weeks!
Ankha misses, her momentum not quite stable enough to land a hit. Ku'Hania strikes the beast but her trident points fail to puncture through the shark's tough hide.
Dakari lands a significant hit but then Braxton performs an exquisite dive into the water before plunging the tip of his rapier not once but twice deep into the guts of the large shark. It finally stops its thrashing and lays still before slowly sinking towards the bottom of the ocean.
Ku’Hania and Dakari manage to strike small scratches on the shark’s skin but nothing substantial, and Braxton’s first dagger lodges deeper into it. Ankha is thrown off balance by her jump into the water and she misses.
The shark thrashes in the water as it is struck, swimming forward before lashing out at its target again. It misses again in its anger.
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter, even if you don’t celebrate it. Family holidays are always fun.
I’ll be taking my PC back into the shop tomorrow, the overheating/GPU crashing issue hasn’t stopped. I’ll get posts up from my phone, just warning you ahead of time.
I also want to apologize for the slow speed of the game, a lot of personal things have been happening lately. When it rains it truly pours, doesn’t it? But not to worry, we’ll be getting back into full stride soon enough. Thank you for your understanding!
You figure you could set up the remnants of the ankheg meat (after Ankha takes her cuts) as bait easily enough. All you have to do is go get the small boat you used to reach the colony in the beginning and string up the bait behind you as you row around the bay.
Feel free to make any preparations you wish to make, and then we can get started.
It takes a couple of hours of aimlessly sailing around in the bay, but eventually you do see a large fin in the water moving towards you, surprisingly quickly.
Luckily for the group, it doesn't seem as if the holes are actually tunnels to anywhere else. Looks more like a small underground warren that the momma ankheg burrowed out when she arrived.
While poking around in the holes, Dakari finds a human skeleton bereft of clothing or gear that appears to have pitted bones, as if they were scoured with acid. It still wears a copper-colored ring engraved with arcane symbols.
Spellcraft, Dakari:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Dakari identifies the ring as a ring of protection +1, which obviously didn't help its previous owner.
Ankha’s anger pushes her swing wide, but the distraction it causes gives Ku’Hania the window she needs. Her spear sticks deep, hitting something vital inside the carapace of the ankheg ad it collapses to the ground, finally dead.
Braxton doesn't manage to evade the lightning fast mandibles, and gets a nasty cut through his side. His rapier hits true, however, digging deep into the chitinous skin of the beast. Ku'Hania's spear strikes along side him, scoring a serious hit as well.
The ankheg roars out in anger again, turning on Braxton with its mouth once more, but the sailor has learned his lesson and dodges out of the way of the deadly head.
The ankheg is Large, which is one size larger than Braxton, giving him a -2 on the parry attempt. His 25 meets but does not exceed the attack of opportunity, which means it doesn't get parried. Unlucky! The actual attack from his turn does hit though.
Just remembered Dakari said he'd be gone until Sunday. Do you want to bot him, someone? Don't want to make the decision for you in this specific fight.
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.
Hey all, apologies for the extended absence. Done with the family stuff, but I had to take my pc to the shop for some GPU crashing issues.
Should have it back by tomorrow, but if I don’t then I’ll make a post on my phone by the end of the day. Thank you so much for your understanding this past week!
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.
I added a map of the colony to the header, for your convenience. Which plot would you like to check first? The one next to the farmer's house (A18) is clear, but the rest you have not checked.
The queen is likely located in the fields to the north (A13), so you could go there first if you wished.
"I'll do some of my own scouting, see if I can find something to help. It'll probably be best to do the hunting towards the darker part of the night anyway, he'll be more active." the hunter says, obviously deep in her thinking.
"A boar, maybe. Or a small bear? Will have to explore and see what I find." she finishes, waving away the offer for help.
Ankha:
"Most ghosts and spirits aren't, honestly. If it was as easy as just talking to us, then they wouldn't have the violent reactions to the living as most do." Kurvis says, his face showing off the sorrow he holds for the poor man.
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.
Again, same as before. Just spoilering to get some separation.
Ku'Hania:
The hunter thinks for a second before replying. "Well, you'd have to draw it out of wherever it's hiding in the bay. Wouldn't be possible to just sail around and hope you encounter it. Some fresh bled meat tied up and dropped over the side as you sail around a bit might bring it to you."
"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."
Ankha:
The two priests take the components gratefully, recognizing their potential.
"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."
Dakari:
"Ah, a sentiment I can get behind. I am actually an acting Pathfinder agent out on a very specific mission."
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."
Putting replies in spoilers, but just to keep them separate and to keep the post clean. Feel free to read each others' spoilers!
Ku'Hania:
Ku'Hania goes to find Lyra first, but it seems as if the scout has gotten up even earlier than her, and actually isn't even present at the breakfast 'meeting'. Asking around, Ku'Hania learns that she has set out on a scouting mission under Ramona's orders, to hopefully get a better idea of the locale surrounding the colony.
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.
Ankha:
The dwarf is very patient with Ankha's excitement, taking it in stride extremely well. The enthusiasm of the young is obviously something she has dealt with for most of her extended life.
"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."
Braxton:
Braxton finds both Eamon and Kurvis (the priests of Erastil and Abadar, respectively) in the chapel looking to see what they can do about the church.
"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.
Dakari:
Ramona thanks you for the wand, saying that Eamon (the cleric of Erastil) can use it. "This will be of great use as we work to find a sustainable source of food. I had heard the first wave had the wand donated, is a wonder it wasn't used much at all. Perhaps no one in the first wave could activate it?"
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?"
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."
Her formula book contains the following formulae: ant haul, barkskin, bomber’s eye, comprehend languages, cure light wounds, cure moderate wounds, endure elements, expeditious retreat, shield, and touch of the sea. She's willing to let Ankha copy from her book, provided Ankha let her do the same to get the spells she doesn't have yet in return.
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.
If you have any NPCs you'd like to approach and interact with, they're all here. Would be a good time to get some in.
Okay so this next part of the adventure is pretty open ended. It's close to actual nighttime, the sun is almost down on this day. It advises me to give you a week or so of in game time to explore a bit and get to know the colonists do any crafting, and just run the story events throughout the exploration. Things will be happening on the island and in the colony as you explore, so don't think that pushing the story is all on you solely. I won't let you wander aimlessly for too long.
Did you have an idea of what you wanted to explore/do over the next few days? I know you mentioned following the clockwork spy back to the place it gets its orders, and the NPCs of the colony (both that you know and ones you haven't met yet) will have requests for help, so if there are any you'd like to interact with we can do that too.
I'll just let Dakari take 20 on the wand, as there's no real consequences of failure, and he'll easily kill the swarm before taking a point of damage. Easy!
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.
When Dolgrin went into the room with the swarmsuit, the swarm could only damage him on a 6 on a d6. We shortcutted it so that every 6 rounds he took one damage, so if you can deal enough damage to the swarm to kill it before 6 rounds have passed, you won't suffer any ill effects.
Whether that is with the alchemist's fire or the wand, I'll leave up to you and the group. Just let me know!
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.
You will get a chance to sell things by giving them to the sailors that will take the Peregrine back to Andoran to sell supplies and restock on provisions and the like. It does take six weeks for the return trip as well, so it'll be close to 3 months before the ship returns. The captain plans to return to Andoran after taking a couple of days to rest.
In the meantime, you will have to barter and trade with the other colonists, or any native groups you find (like the grindylows).
It's part of why this adventure is so interesting!
"I see." she says, running a hand along her chin instinctively as she thinks. "I don't think we can conclusively say they'll abide by any treaty we make, but it's better than nothing. And of course, we have plenty of spears for you to keep. Better to have you use it than have them sit unused."
Creating both a scroll and a potion takes a 'full day' of off-screen crafting per 1,000 gp in its cost, unless the base price is 250 gp or less, in which case each one takes two hours. For now, Alba (the dwarven alchemist colonist) has enough materials for you to buy in order to make potions. As for the second question, I can't really answer that, would be up to the party.
"That may be the case." she says to Braxton's thoughts on the queen's motives. "Did they have anything to do with the previous colonists? Have we solved the mystery so easily? I doubt it, you wouldn't have accepted an alliance with them so readily I think."
"Well, I think that plan might actually work. As long as we get close to the area and drop the fresh kill into the water at the right place, it should draw the shark to us. Especially if it's the apex predator of the bay."
She shakes her head wearily before continuing.
"It's nearly nighttime, we should get back to the colony quickly and get people set up in shelter. I'll need you to take me around the place and show me areas of concern, both in terms of danger and living suitability. You also will get first pick of housing for your group, like I promised. Anything else before we head back?"
The chain shirt, wand, and ring are all infused with magic. A quick investigation reveals them as a +1 mithral chain shirt, Ring of Swimming, and a wand of Flaming Sphere with 9 charges left.
Ramona sits back in her chair, processing all of the information you've given her.
"Do you think we can trust them to honor whatever bargain they have struck with you, and will make with me?" she asks, looking at you seriously. She doesn't comment on Ankha taking food, focusing on the bigger issue at hand.
"I am willing to meet her, but I would like to know if I should be expecting a trap or the like."
The chest, in the meantime, has had its lock completely shut. Its a matter of strength to open it, and Ankha can take her time to get it open. Inside is a fancy chain shirt made of mithral, a ring, what looks to be a wand, and 470 gp in Chelish gold coins. The coins themselves appear to be quite old, perhaps dating from before the ascension of House Thrune.
"And if we can trust it, then how do you plan to get this shark head? I am not sure we could find it just sailing around the cove, blindly."
Of course it's okay! Site was just down all of yesterday and I had a busy day today, sorry about that.
When you get out of the cave and row the boat back to the Peregrine, the sun has progressed to the point that it's just above the horizon, indicating its nearly nightfall. Even as you are pulled up in the boat to the ship and climb aboard, you can tell the earlier tension and fear have all but dissipated.
Ramona is in her cabin having a quick dinner when you find her, and she greets you warmly, motioning for you to take a seat at the makeshift dinner table.
"Ah, there you are. I suppose the tribe has been taken care of, then?"
The queen seems to be amused by Ankha's enthusiasm, and waves a hand towards one of the grindylow who steps forward to accept the potion before handing it to her. The grindylows' hands are slimy and cold when it reaches for the vial, which anyone else but Ankha might find extremely unsettling.
"I think something could be arranged. We can walk on land without harm, we just choose not to usually. Unfortunately, I cannot offer you much advice about the land itself, as we aren't really made for it. Our biggest problem now is the giant shark that patrols these waters, I'm surprised you haven't met it yet." she says, her face scrunching up as if in thought. "Its head and meat from its sides would make a perfect return gift, should you want an idea for one. And it would certainly have enough meat for both sides to enjoy in the kill. You'd have to find a way to lure it out, though."
"And do not worry, the sea is not ours to claim. As long as there are no hostilities between us, we will not stop you from fishing or using the water for your silly boats." its clear here that she's making a small lighthearted joke at your need of boats for longer term swimming trips.
She is genuine, and does want this to work out. Seems as if she is trying to protect the tribe more than you'd expect: perhaps they have suffered some loss?
"I think that would be acceptable, yes. Who are these leaders of yours, and where would they want to meet? For obvious reasons we prefer the water." she looks like she's about to keep talking but then she suddenly sits up straighter. "Ah! I have something that might work as a sort of peace offering between from our people to yours." she waves a hand at two of the grindylow next to the throne and they drag an extremely old-looking sea chest completely covered in rust from behind the wrist of her throne.
"Take this, our tribe captured it many decades ago, before even I was the queen. We have no use for whatever it contains, but I assume you shall. Be sure to bring an appropriate gift from your people to match." she says, only half joking.
"Actually, my tribe only became aware of them not too long before they left. We only had a few skirmishes with them, only lost a handful of younglings to their attacks, then they up and left. Turns out they couldn't handle it out here I guess!" she laughs again, the laughter shaking her massive frame.
"Do I wish I had been able to avenge those we lost? Of course. But I don't know what happened to them, and we weren't responsible." she looks down at the group, her face suddenly serious.
"I have no intention of continuing any war with your people, can you say the same about mine? I intend to leave the past in the past, and can promise safety from us at least, should you be more agreeable."
