Zane's mind races as he witnesses the falling star, his near perfect encyclopedic memory hitting upon the information he'd picked up in passing, just as the shockwave knocked him and Samaritha from their feet.
As he rose slowly, helping Samaritha up as he looked over at Bron also rising he froze in horror, his head whipping to the docks, to the gathering crowd watching the ominous cloud rise over Devil's Elbow.
Reflex
Knowledge Geography
It was about to get worse.
Slightly confused by Zane's cry, he simply says, "What?" He wasn't sure what Zane was blabbering about, but he knew the man for enough time to know that the man had a knowledge of the world that Bron would never grasp, so he was want to believe him.
Looking down at the docks, he saw the mass of people and turned back to Zane to say, "Should we help them?"
As you look down from the bluff, you see the ominous sight of the sea withdrawing from the bay. Dozens of ships are stranded, and a lot of shore dwellers run out to pick up exposed crabs and fish flopping helplessly in the mud.
As you descend down the pathway from the Cypher Lodge, you see several Cyphermages, realizing what was going to happen, fly down to warn the crowd on carpets and brooms.
But it is too late. As the crowd mills in confusion, you see a thin line of white on the horizon coming rapidly into shore. As it approaches, it seems to slow a little, and grow bigger. And bigger.
Fortunately, the shape of Riddleport’s harbor minimizes the impact of the tsunami, but still, only a minute later, the water comes rushing back in toward Riddleport, a 7-foot-high wall of churning froth that slams into the waterfront with incredible power.
Everyone within 70 feet of the shore (not you) is struck by the wave, and is carried inland by the wave’s power. These victims are pushed 160 feet inland. The next round, anyone in the area must either make a DC 25 Swim check or a DC 20 Fortitude save to avoid being pulled out into the harbor as the water recedes. Several smaller tsunamis strike Riddleport in the surrounding rounds, but these are not severe enough to do much more damage.
In the end, the tsunami deals more damage to Riddleport than the tremor.
Dozens of ships are damaged, a few are sunk, but more are left stranded as far inland as Wharf Street. Many of Riddleport’s piers are ruined or damaged, and several of the smaller buildings along the waterfront are destroyed or partially collapse.
Over the next several hours, the crimelords and overlord of Riddleport mobilize in a way rarely seen in the lawless city, working together to put out fires, save citizens who have been swept out into the harbor, or kill angry and disoriented reefclaws, sharks, bunyips, and other dangerous sea creatures that have suddenly become stranded in the city streets.
Outside of the time Bron puts in at the Gold Goblin, Bron spends the rest of his time helping the clerics at the Publican House in fixing any damages to people and place. While no carpenter or healer, he puts his strength to use in holding up wooden beams and carrying the injured. While helping, he ponders on the comet, the resulting tsunami and the groups run in with the dark-skinned elf. Could they all be related? If so, what will it lead to.
Riddleport had been Bron's home for as long as he could remember, and the group was slowly getting the Goblin back into a situation where it might start making some money for them. However, if all these events were connected, then something more dangerous was afoot. Could he really just sit back while whatever apocalypse that was mentioned int eh elf's journal came to pass? Over that week, Bron met with his friends at the Publican House many times, and getting advice form people wiser than he, he slowly came to realize what his next course of action would be.
Zane felt helpless to stop the devastation that hammered Riddleport, a feeling he did not easily accept. While the city's people sought out the Golden Goblin as a much needed diversion, Zane focused on the financial aspect of the place, trying to best arrange things to run smoothly.
When not focusing on the Goblin, he buries himself in studying everything about the recent phenomena possible, trying to determine both the cause of the strange occurrences, and what could be expected on the island.
Over the next week, the devastated city begins the process of clearing the wreckage, burying her dead and starts the long road to recovery. Many ships were wrecked or left high and dry hundreds of yards inland, most of the docks were pulverized.
Analyzing the journal, and consulting the archives of the Cyphermages, you can only conclude that the elf woman did something to draw down a star from the heavens to devastate the island of Devils Elbow.
And the elf woman... something was wrong with her. No elf he had ever met looked like her; not a tropical nut brown like Kwava, but a pure ebony black, with white hair.
But you have run across mythical tales of a black skinned elf race, known once upon a time as the Drow. A boogieman amongst the elves, destroyed when the Earthfall came.
The more you think on it, the more you come to believe it.
In your efforts to improve the lives of Shoanti around town, you hear good things about a Kharn Iron-Blessed; a Shoanti newly arrived in town, and said to have run off at least two lynch mobs.
Down at the Publican House, you hear from some of the dwarves from the Gas Forges about the latest rumor. Whenever a star falls to ground, there is Skymetal! Rarest and most expensive non magical materiel on Golarion. The dwarves are sending an expedition, the Cyphermages, the Overlord, a couple of the Crimelords who salveged a ship, the Chelaxian Navy, Pirates... Rumors run rampant, but you know for sure theres going to be a run on Devil's Elbow.
One evening, you find Kwava sitting in the back room. You have no idea how he got back there into a locked section of the Gambling Hall.
After making sure you were alone with him, he asks; "I understand you have inherited the Gold Goblin from Saul. Did you find it? His connection to renegade elves?"
Walking into the back room one day, Bron jumps at seeing the elf. Gathering the others, Bron replies, "Renegade elves? Ya mean that dark skinned pointy-eared beauty that we met in the caves below? Sure, there has gotta be a connection, but that is for Zane ta figure out. What's got me interested is the rumors going around the Gas Forges o' some special metal that might be found in that rack that fell on Devil's Elbow."
Dot.
Thallan Mourne, a researcher using the library at the Cypher Lodge and aquainted with Zane, comes down to the Gold Goblin with a letter to Zane from Samaritha.
Dearest Zane.
Sorry to be so brief, but I've just landed a prime research position with the Fenella expedition to Devil's Elbow! You know Dr. Fenella, white goatee, thinks the blot is a reflection of the soul of the viewer? We will be researching Etheric turbulence, Thaumic reading and searching for any fragments of the star that fell to earth, if it hasn't disintegrated altogether. Anyway, I'll be gone anywhere between three and five weeks. See you when I get back!
'Ritha
(and several runes indicating kisses and hugs)
Kharn Iron-Blessed, apointed by the local Shoanti council of tribes as their emissary to consider buying a share of the Gold Goblin, comes by to have meeting/dinner with Nakoda.
A meeting that she doesn't recall making arrangements for. Still, it would be rude to refuse.
Offering a forearm. Good to see you again, Zane. It has been too long. My orders end with the delivery of this missive. My assumption is that I am to stay and... assist. Casino, interesting.
Where can I put my things?
Nodding, Kharn takes the proffered seat, pulling it away from the table with a heavily tattooed and callused hand. I did what any Shoanti would have done. The muscular dark haired man states while secretly wondering why the enclave had chosen him to act as their spokesperson. I'll admit. the man begins. I did come here to help my people. But I never expected Riddleport to be hit by a tsunami. I'm actually a blacksmith by trade and was hoping to find work here. All of it was.. happenstance. I saw the riots and the people.. frightened, scared.. The man shrugs again running his meaty tattoo covered hand through his hair and pulling it away revealing a ruggedly hansom face marred by an old and mostly faded burn scar around his eyes . What else could I have done?
Smiling and trying to lessen any tension that Nakoda might feel from his scared face he opens his hands in a diplomatic gesture. So.. I understand that you want to sell the Gold Goblin?
Zane took Thallan's forearm in a firm grip. "Good to see you too Thallan, there are rooms upstairs that you can take your pick of, the staff will get you all set up." he trails off somewhat as her reads the letter.
A small smile crosses his face, battling with a slight frown of...concern perhaps.
"Insatiable.. he mutters, the smile threatening to become a grin.
"I'm sure there's plenty you can assist with, in fact I'm considering something that could definitely benefit from your skills."
Excellent! There's no better feeling than the satisfaction of accomplishment.
Shall we discuss over some light fare and a few rounds of 'chess? If memory serves I am shamefully behind in our series. And you must tell me if the rumors are true. Do you really own this place?
Thallan thefts his pack, ready to bed led.
Blinking in surprise at Nakoda's words, Kharn covers his shock with a gruff chuckle. The elders will do what they do. The burly dark haired oracle begins. But good steel is not made in the first quenching. It must be build upon, strengthened and reinforced. Shaking his head Kharn reaches for the mead, first pouring Nakoda and then himself a glass. It is also so with a marriage. Taking a long pour of the honeywine Kharn sets the mug carefully on the table, so as not to damage it. The elders only asked me to inquire if you wished to sell this building. They provided no additional information. It would take a blind man not to see what they had intended.
Raising the cup of mead to his lips Kharn nods in acceptance. I would be happy to tell the elders of your plans. He states while reclining slightly in his chair. Taking in the room, Kharn hears the sounds of gambling below and smells the rich odour of tobacco.
Nakoda, you had mentioned that you were planning to leave the city? Where were you planning to go? Smiling, the talk, swarthy blacksmith takes a long pull from the mead before setting it on the table. Everyone in Riddleport is talking about the sky-fall and how it stuck devils elbow. I myself am a blacksmith, and the idea of working sky metal intrigues me. It will be a shame that the dwarven foundarys will most likely be the only ones to feel its shape underneath a hammer. Musing in thought Kharn takes another long pull of his mead and listens for Nakoda's response.
Kharn shakes his head in agreement with Nakoda. Yes, the shadow did disappear when the meteor fell, so it is likely related. Raising his cup in a mirror of her action he takes a long sip and sets it back on the table. I would be lying to you if skymetal was the only reason why I wanted to acompany you. At that Kharn pauses thinking his next words through carefully. My parents were killed years ago, and I grew up outside of the clans. I was taken in by priest of Cayden Cailean. Ever since I was a boy I have wanted to learn more about my people. That is the reason why, when the elders asked me act on their behalf I agreed. If you go to seek the Skymetal I will come with you.. Setting down his tankard of mead, and thinking to himself it wished it was actually ale, he gives an encouraging smile at Nakoda. I would learn more about you and about my people if you will be willing to teach me. And perhaps.. by doing so you might get the elders to quit with their meddling? The blacksmith notes with a hint of wry amusement. As to your second question, I primarily work with weapons, however it is the creation itself rather then the object in question that brings me joy. Seeing something cold come to life. That is something special.
Walking into the office, Bron stops when he sees Kharn and Nakoda talking over a meal. A little suspiciously, Bron mutters "We gettin' more and more strange visits nowadays." before he calls out, "Hey Nakoda, who is tha markie?
Rising the scarred blacksmith holds his hands out to the man that Nakoda introduced him to, while also sizing up the man. I would like to see the fallen star. Kharn agrees giving an affirmative nod. I know my way around a weapon and I have other talents if necessary. Besides.. Kharn continues with a chuckle. There's shoanti business between Nakoda and myself. The man states thinking back to the mention of him as a not-unsuitable husband. If your planning on heading for the crater I would be interested. Nakoda, do you have any words you wish me to relay to the Enclave?
Things continue to occupy your attention at the Gold Goblin.
Cheaters, union agitators, strong arm intimidation tactics from other Ganglords, and the odd attempted casino heist fill your days.
Come to think of it, you haven’t seen Zincher around lately. He’s the kind of thug who leads from the front; has he been ousted? There’s no word.
On top of that, it turns out Maelorn deeded his share of the Gold Goblin to the church of Torag, and now the local high priest, Hokag Silverbeard, is demanding a full audit. Now a troop of stone faced dwarven accountants is going over all the records in the building and asking impertinent questions of the partners. You hear plans of making it into an R&R zone for the Gas Works workers.
And on top of that, the Overlord is expected to double his skim off the top of the take. Needs the revenue to rebuild the docks, or so you’ve been told. That means trouble for the balance sheets for sure.
Madame Pomodae (call me Shorafa) looks on all these as naked power grabs and is impatient with your... less than proactive stance in dealing with the various forces looking to take a piece of your pie. She clearly feels she can do a better job, and makes a buyout offer of 25,000 crowns combined along with a lifetime reduced rate for her “Ladies of Negotiable Affection”.
You (the partners) find Kwava waiting in your quarters that evening. He discusses with you the data you recovered from the notebook as well as the mysterious dark skinned elf. He looks grave.
Pensive, he gazes out at the night sky and the reddish glow of the Gas Works exhaust stacks.
”I don’t suppose you’ve heard, but there are legends among the Eldar. Legends before the Earthfall of black skinned and white haired elves who were purest evil. They died out along with most of Golarion when the Starstone struck. I am shamed to say it; but there are those amongst our people who admire them. Their sense of independence and style. Occasionally they dress in a style of that era and make themselves look like they did back then with makeup or magic. I belive this elf woman is one such.
“You have seen her journal, and the implications are disturbing at the very least. The starfall onto Devil’s Elbow, could they be able to…
“Well, I’ve been in touch with some learned Eldari, and they are very interested in investigating. Since you’ve had the most experience, I would like you to take your team and go to the Island of Devil’s Elbow to investigate for signs of the renegade elf. I can offer you a total of 20,000 crowns for a successful investigation.
“I realize this will take you away from your thriving business, but I would take it as a great favor if you accepted.”
Present for most of the happenstances that hit the Goblin, Bron was quickly tiring of the politics behind the casino. As such, when Shorafa placed the sizeable gold offer as well as reduced rate on the “Ladies of Negotiable Affection”, Bron was ready to jump on the deal. However, Nakoda's decline beating his acceptance, his face turns glum. Catching Shorafa before she leaves, Bron speaks with the woman for a moment, being as diplomatic as the big bruiser could manage. "Pardon my business partner. Ya know how those Shoanti can be. While her stake isn't up for sale, I'm willing ta sell mine ta any group that is interested. Though normally I deal more with my friends at the Publican House, they ain't currently interested in expanding their area in tha city. However, ya seem like the sort that knows about businesses and how ta run them. And truthfully, I am itchin' ta go find some adventure, as would be proper for that Drunken Hero. Seeing as how you would only be leaving with one part of the stakes you was expecting ta get, how about I give my stakes to you fer a third of the gold ya offered, only 3 years of a reduced rate fer your lovely "Ladies of Negotiable Affection" and tha promise that ya won't give up this stake in tha Goblin ta that two-faced Zincher?
Listening to Kwava's story, Bron jumps at the chance to get paid for a bit of adventure that he was already planning on taking and signs on shortly after the elf finishes his story.
Zane listend to the entire exchange, his expression clear that his brain was working on dozens of things at once, factoring in variables other were barely aware of.
"Agreed. I have a feeling that were we not to embark on this journey, everything else would soon become a moot point anyway."
Shorafa smiles pleasantly at Bron and quickly agrees to his terms. She makes it an even 8,500 crowns, and assures him that dealing with Zincher was never on the table.
Gleefully, Shorafa accepts the deal and quickly pays up when Zane signs over his shares to her.
It takes but a single day for Kwava to arrange for a ship to take you to Devil's Elbow.
At the appointed hour, you travel north of the city along the coast to a marginally protected cove (the city docks still wrecked), where a rowboat hauls you out to a ship at anchor beyond the breakers.
The Flying Cloud is a four-masted vessel built for speed.
With a narrow beam, sharply raked stem, and square rig, the distinctive design (itself based on the design of the larger Chelish clipper) gives the ship great speed on the waves when under full sail.
The ship flies the flag of Riddleport on her mainmast (although the captain keeps a dozen flags in storage and feels no real ties to any one
port).
Captain Josper Creesy, a relatively young man, greets you warmly and takes you below to dine with him while the crew stows your baggage.
Captain Josper Creesy is a moderately experienced seaman, seeking to make a name for himself and his ship by setting speed records all along the Arcadian Coast. All reports say you can trust him with your lives, but maybe not your daughters.
Captain Creesy and your expedition dine belowdecks in the captain’s
cabin, where he treats you to a fine meal of fresh reefclaw and vegetables with warm bread and chilled wine.
He makes a quip to them to not get used to such finery once the ship is underway, but for now they should enjoy the meal.
During the dinner you notice that he all but interrogates you on your goals and plans once you arrive at the island. He seems a little suspicious of your motives.
Zane takes in the sights while on deck, enjoying the meal below while remaining deep in thought.
Knowledge local
Perception
Onboard the Flying Cloud Kharn was restless. On land one could always work in a forge, study or see to the needs of others. On a ship however he felt trapped. Besides, seawater was bad for iron, everyone knew this. Blades would rust unless carefully tended to. And so Kharn made it his habit each and every morning he would rise and tend to the weapons and armor of his impromptu group. In the evening he would lead others in a quiet prayer to Cayden Cailean before the evening ration of grog.
As the voyage went on, the Captain seemed to be satisfied at your answers to his questions and relaxed a little. He invites you to his table for each evening thereafter, and even seems to take a liking to Nakoda; asking many questions about the Shoanti and their customs.
On one such evening, waiting for the meal to be served (it has been strangly long in preparation), the deck suddenly tilts under your feet as you hear a crash from portside. There is bloodcurdling screaming coming from on deck.
Sitting on the deck of the Flying Cloud cleaning his fauchard Kharn was containing a scowl. Dinner would be served soon but Kharn diden’t relish spending another second around the captain. Oiling the blade for the third time this week, Kharn examined his own scarred reflection in the blade in the setting sun. Captain Creesy had started to become far too friendly with Nakoda as of late and a understanding would have to be reached. Let me see how interested his is in our culture when I challenge him to Ji’or’tor. The muscular bladesmith thought to himself. Just as he finished applying the last bit of oil his head jerked up as the boat gave a lurch to the portside. Rising to his feet Kharn grabbed his polearm and peered out towards the crash. What in the hells was that. Kharn thought preparing himself.
He did not question or waste time with surprise. He just pulled.
Zane sat studying charts of the area, planning the approach to the island while attempting to anticipate what they might meet. His focus broken by the lurching movement of the ship, he grabs his field equipment and races abovedecks, chanting the spell that would alter reality to suround his body in armor of pure force.
Those on deck can see that a ship has collided with them, crashed directly amidships. A bloodcurdling screaming is heard as a horde of filthy pirates waiving cutlassas and daggers pour onto the deck and scatter. Some heading forward towards the anchorchains, some heading aft towards the wheel, some heading towards the mainmast hoists. Wherever they go, they engage and overwhelm the crew, hacking them down without mercy.
Thinking you easy prey, two of them roll in to flank Kharn and two more to flank Nakoda.
for a possible piercing damage.
for a possible piercing damage.
for a possible piercing damage.
for a possible piercing damage.
You wonder how it is that you collided with another ship without warning. Where was the lookout? And where is the rest of the crew? They should have come on deck by now.
You wonder how it is that you collided with another ship without warning. Where was the lookout? Then...
One glance at the sick guilty look on the face of the helmsman gives you the answer. You were betrayed.
You pull mightily...
At first you make the shackle wiggle encouragingly, but can't quite make it give. But when you take a different grip and HEAVE, the shackle groans and pops free, taking a chunk of the hull with it. You can move freely now, and with the equivalent of a crude spiked chain still attached to your wrist.
Moving to the door of the brig, you quickly realize that the door had been warped by the collision. At first it stuck, but a sudden heave and shoulder slam pops it open.
It squeals as it opens, but there is no one here to hear it. off in the distance on deck you hear the old familiar sounds of battle. Walking through the corridors you can see strewn the filthy belongings of the pirates and their loot.
If you look for them, you can scare up a discarded pike, a cutlass (shortsword), a couple of daggers, and a buckler. You also see the ladder leading up to hatchway on deck.