After The Blind Man had been successfully beached near shore, Aerikoth came up on deck to observe the results. Rahnee decided to remain on board to try and investigate further on the ship, while the others debarked for the island. Aerikoth, Darrow, Shanni and Dermot were rowed the short distance to shore, with Pincer and a number of guards following.
Even though by now it was mid-morning, the fog remained thick. The four started exploring the immediate vicinity, with Darrow filling in Aerikoth on the additional information the others had obtained regarding the circumstances of the guards’ disappearances. Dermot noted what looked like an underground stream relatively near the shore, otherwise the area was unremarkable.
After moving some distance away, the four ran across the slave pen and a couple of bored guards. The slavers were willing enough to answer questions, but were of little help. The slaves appeared listless and Darrow noted that one in the corner appeared to be dead. One of the female prisoners, noting Shanni observing them, wandered over and spoke to her in a low voice, but then moved on. As the four companions walked away, Shanni mentioned that the prisoner had asked if they were going to help.
The four retraced their path to the underground stream, debating on the way how they could best deal with the situation. While the others were still talking, Dermot unstrung his bow and handed it to Darrow, then took off his cloak and boots and waded into the deep pool at the head of the stream, his head quickly disappearing. After a few short but anxious minutes, Dermot re-emerged, spluttering water, to explain that there was a cavern on the other side. Although he had no light to tell how large it was, he explained that by the air movement it felt like a large space. Dermot had thought to affix a rope on the other side, which would help their passage through the water-filled tunnel.
Aerikoth offered to cast a light spell on Dermot, who after consultation with Darrow asked the wizard to enchant a dagger. Aerikoth took the dagger from Dermot, spoke a short word activating the spell, then handed it back. Dermot then quickly plunged back into the water, with Shanni following him as soon as she divested herself of her own boots and cloak.
After a much longer period of time than before, Dermot reappeared, followed by Shanni. He explained that the cavern extended for a long way and they had found signs that someone man-sized had been sleeping there. They also had found three sets of humanoid remains, along with some dead birds. Since further investigation was obviously needed, Darrow relieved himself of his armor and other encumbrances, at Shanni’s suggestion putting them in a sack and tying it to the rope. The four then entered the pool, one by one, with Aerikoth bringing up the rear.
Once all had emerged into the underground cavern, somewhat tired from the effort, it took them several tries to pull the rope and its attached burden to them while fighting the current. After Darrow and Shanni had re-equipped themselves, the group advanced into the cavern’s gloom. Dermot let them back to see the area at the end, where whatever slept there had a mat on the floor, also passing the skeletal humanoid remains and bird carcasses.
Returning back along the cavern floor, Dermot thought he heard something, off in the dark. Shanni and Darrow then quietly said they had heard a hissing. Dermot drew his sword, the sound echoing off the nearby stone. Aerikoth waited silently while the others attempted to greet whatever was in the dark. After a pause, a voice whispered in the dark, "Do you come to kill me?" Strangely, it did not seem upset at the prospect.
--------------------------------
Dermot Kenner: *peers down into the water, half-knelt.*
Shanni Krowe: Or the obvious, of course.
Dermot Kenner: Huh.
Dermot Kenner: I've not seen a single odd trail. Of course, it's hard ground, but...
Dermot Kenner: *unstrings bow*
Dermot Kenner: Someone hold this a minute.
Darrow Ironhelm: *takes his bow*
Dermot Kenner: *unclasps his cloak, pulls off boots, takes a breath, wades in... and seems to slide under the rock.*
Shanni Krowe: Where are you .....
Darrow Ironhelm: *watches him disappear*
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, I ain't goin' after him...
Shanni Krowe: Damn it... *apparently counting*
Dermot Kenner: *emerges, spluttering.*
Darrow Ironhelm: Well?
Dermot Kenner: Some sort o' cavern. *holding a rope.*
Shanni Krowe: *stops counting with a sigh*
Dermot Kenner: Soft rock. *sage nod*
Dermot Kenner: Tough to get a light through there, but I could feel the air. Felt like a fair space.
Darrow Ironhelm: Huh.
Shanni Krowe: You're suggesting we all go in?
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks dubiously at the stream*
Westgate Campaign Chronicles
Moderator:Carlo
January 22 2012 session
The four adventurers strained to hear more and Darrow lit a torch to try and see what was out there, but the voice had fallen silent. Eventually, Aerikoth declared that he would return to the ship and inform Rahnee of what had happened; he also needed to tend to his familiar and begin some spell preparations.
Some minutes after the wizard had left, the others thought they heard something again, in the dark. Shanni advised Darrow to keep any light source doused, in order not to frighten whatever it was away. The voice in the dark suddenly began again, asking if the adventurers would help him. In response to a question from Shanni, it explained - only partly coherently - that the slaves were its friends and that it was satisfied with the “bad men”. It described what had happened to it with a series of word images: movement, fear, blood, pain. After this terrifying experience, it had awoken in the dark, with a desire to hurt the bad men.
The voice continued, saying that there was one in the slave pen with whom he had felt a connection. Before disappearing, the voice asked them to return that night. Shanni, Dermot and Darrow were somewhat taken aback by what appeared to be an offer of assistance against the slavers, not knowing what to think of the offer or whoever was behind it. As they made their way back through the cavern, they encountered a sopping wet Rahnee, who had found the underground stream entrance per Aerikoth’s instructions, and filled her in.
The four then made their way to the slave pen, to see if they could identify the person of whom the voice had spoken. Once there, Dermot alertly spotted a male prisoner with his hands tied behind his back who had not been visible before. One of the guards ordered the man, a wizard called Kain Graves, to come to the fence and share anything of use that he knew with the adventurers. The two guards on duty, stomachs rumbling, then asked the adventurers if they would stand watch while the two got some lunch. Darrow was happy to agree to the idea on behalf of the group.
Under questioning, Kain revealed that he indeed had special knowledge of the undead, thanks to coming from a family of necromancers. He explained that he had been on his way to Candlekeep when he had been drugged and captured after spending the night at an inn. Shanni empathized with his situation. Kain mentioned that he had tried to come up with an escape plan, but one of the half-orc guards had taken his magic gem containing his familiar’s sleeping place.
The four were satisfied that Kain was the one they were looking for, although they were split on how best to take him with them, with Rahnee advocating simply spiriting him away, while Shanni thought it more prudent to ask permission of the slavers. Darrow agreed and volunteered to do the asking. When the two guards returned from lunch, he approached them and explained that the group wanted to use Kain as bait for whatever was hunting the slavers and would pay them back if he were damaged. The guards had no problem with this arrangement. A dark-haired female prisoner, the same one who had talked to Shanni before, walked up to Kain and briefly whispered with him, before he was let out of the pen.
Once they were out of sight and earshot of the pen, Darrow sat down and gave Kain a quick intro to the group, also mentioning Aerikoth’s presence on the ship. Darrow next asked if any of the other prisoners were sailors. Kain indicated that he thought one was, having been picked up from a sailor’s tavern. He also mentioned that when his spell books were taken, he heard something about them being taken to a lair in a deep forest, which Kain thought must mean on the island. The wizard also further described the magic gem with his familiar named Xorn that had been seized.
Dermot then informed Kain of how they were in secret working against the slavers, while having been hired to find whatever had been killing the guards on the island at night. Dermot commented that it might be a vengeful ghost, but they truly had no idea of what it was in reality, and could use Kain’s help. Kain in turn promised his assistance against the slavers, although he cautioned that he was limited to the spells he had memorized, without access to his spellbooks.
The group asked Shanni to go back and query the guards at the slave pen about the spell books, given that she had what Rahnee termed the best rapport with the slavers. Kain pointed out that if the books were on the island, so was the lair he had heard them mention. The guards had no information for Shanni, but pointed her towards Pincer, who was with the main guard group by the boat landing.
The five of them then trooped over to the landing area, finding Pincer behind a group of guards. Leaving their companions a short distance away, Shanni and Dermot approached him and again broached the topic of the spellbooks, which Pincer indicated could not be retrieved any time soon, since they had been sent away to the lair. However, he quite approved of their announced plan to use Kain as bait. The two then returned and informed the others.
-----------------------
Slaver Guard: Hey you! Kain!
Darrow Ironhelm: *tucks his axeback in his belt*
Shanni Krowe: Or are we going to have to ask the boss?
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *studying the slaves*
Kain Graves: *eyes the guard* Yes?
Slaver Guard: Drag your carcass over here.
Kain Graves: Right, right.
Slaver Guard: You're a wizard. Maybe you know something these good people should know about.
Slaver Guard: Hey, they're late with our lunch.
Kain Graves: Sure, sure. I can try and answer their questions.
Slaver Guard: Well, what do you want me to do about it?
Slaver Guard: Maybe you can keep an eye on things while I get lunch. *coughs*
Darrow Ironhelm: No problem.
Slaver Guard: Hey! I'm hungry too.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *looking at Kain's hands* Surprised you aren't gagged and blind folded.
Darrow Ironhelm: Mebbe one of em will make a run fer it. *evil gleam in his eye*
Slaver Guard: *looks over at Darrow* you all right with this gang while we get some food?
Darrow Ironhelm: I'd love ta get a few practice swings.
Darrow Ironhelm: No problem.
Slaver Guard: Hah!
Slaver Guard: Let's go. *stomach rumbles*
Kain Graves: Eh, well. Not like I'm a vampire and can dominate them with my gaze.
Shanni Krowe: *tilts head looking at Kain* Odd suggestion.
Some minutes after the wizard had left, the others thought they heard something again, in the dark. Shanni advised Darrow to keep any light source doused, in order not to frighten whatever it was away. The voice in the dark suddenly began again, asking if the adventurers would help him. In response to a question from Shanni, it explained - only partly coherently - that the slaves were its friends and that it was satisfied with the “bad men”. It described what had happened to it with a series of word images: movement, fear, blood, pain. After this terrifying experience, it had awoken in the dark, with a desire to hurt the bad men.
The voice continued, saying that there was one in the slave pen with whom he had felt a connection. Before disappearing, the voice asked them to return that night. Shanni, Dermot and Darrow were somewhat taken aback by what appeared to be an offer of assistance against the slavers, not knowing what to think of the offer or whoever was behind it. As they made their way back through the cavern, they encountered a sopping wet Rahnee, who had found the underground stream entrance per Aerikoth’s instructions, and filled her in.
The four then made their way to the slave pen, to see if they could identify the person of whom the voice had spoken. Once there, Dermot alertly spotted a male prisoner with his hands tied behind his back who had not been visible before. One of the guards ordered the man, a wizard called Kain Graves, to come to the fence and share anything of use that he knew with the adventurers. The two guards on duty, stomachs rumbling, then asked the adventurers if they would stand watch while the two got some lunch. Darrow was happy to agree to the idea on behalf of the group.
Under questioning, Kain revealed that he indeed had special knowledge of the undead, thanks to coming from a family of necromancers. He explained that he had been on his way to Candlekeep when he had been drugged and captured after spending the night at an inn. Shanni empathized with his situation. Kain mentioned that he had tried to come up with an escape plan, but one of the half-orc guards had taken his magic gem containing his familiar’s sleeping place.
The four were satisfied that Kain was the one they were looking for, although they were split on how best to take him with them, with Rahnee advocating simply spiriting him away, while Shanni thought it more prudent to ask permission of the slavers. Darrow agreed and volunteered to do the asking. When the two guards returned from lunch, he approached them and explained that the group wanted to use Kain as bait for whatever was hunting the slavers and would pay them back if he were damaged. The guards had no problem with this arrangement. A dark-haired female prisoner, the same one who had talked to Shanni before, walked up to Kain and briefly whispered with him, before he was let out of the pen.
Once they were out of sight and earshot of the pen, Darrow sat down and gave Kain a quick intro to the group, also mentioning Aerikoth’s presence on the ship. Darrow next asked if any of the other prisoners were sailors. Kain indicated that he thought one was, having been picked up from a sailor’s tavern. He also mentioned that when his spell books were taken, he heard something about them being taken to a lair in a deep forest, which Kain thought must mean on the island. The wizard also further described the magic gem with his familiar named Xorn that had been seized.
Dermot then informed Kain of how they were in secret working against the slavers, while having been hired to find whatever had been killing the guards on the island at night. Dermot commented that it might be a vengeful ghost, but they truly had no idea of what it was in reality, and could use Kain’s help. Kain in turn promised his assistance against the slavers, although he cautioned that he was limited to the spells he had memorized, without access to his spellbooks.
The group asked Shanni to go back and query the guards at the slave pen about the spell books, given that she had what Rahnee termed the best rapport with the slavers. Kain pointed out that if the books were on the island, so was the lair he had heard them mention. The guards had no information for Shanni, but pointed her towards Pincer, who was with the main guard group by the boat landing.
The five of them then trooped over to the landing area, finding Pincer behind a group of guards. Leaving their companions a short distance away, Shanni and Dermot approached him and again broached the topic of the spellbooks, which Pincer indicated could not be retrieved any time soon, since they had been sent away to the lair. However, he quite approved of their announced plan to use Kain as bait. The two then returned and informed the others.
-----------------------
Slaver Guard: Hey you! Kain!
Darrow Ironhelm: *tucks his axeback in his belt*
Shanni Krowe: Or are we going to have to ask the boss?
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *studying the slaves*
Kain Graves: *eyes the guard* Yes?
Slaver Guard: Drag your carcass over here.
Kain Graves: Right, right.
Slaver Guard: You're a wizard. Maybe you know something these good people should know about.
Slaver Guard: Hey, they're late with our lunch.
Kain Graves: Sure, sure. I can try and answer their questions.
Slaver Guard: Well, what do you want me to do about it?
Slaver Guard: Maybe you can keep an eye on things while I get lunch. *coughs*
Darrow Ironhelm: No problem.
Slaver Guard: Hey! I'm hungry too.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *looking at Kain's hands* Surprised you aren't gagged and blind folded.
Darrow Ironhelm: Mebbe one of em will make a run fer it. *evil gleam in his eye*
Slaver Guard: *looks over at Darrow* you all right with this gang while we get some food?
Darrow Ironhelm: I'd love ta get a few practice swings.
Darrow Ironhelm: No problem.
Slaver Guard: Hah!
Slaver Guard: Let's go. *stomach rumbles*
Kain Graves: Eh, well. Not like I'm a vampire and can dominate them with my gaze.
Shanni Krowe: *tilts head looking at Kain* Odd suggestion.
January 29 2012 session
It was by now getting on towards late afternoon on Alturiak 30. Having finished his business on board ship, Aerikoth returned to shore and spoke briefly with Pincer, who informed him that the others had acquired a slave to use as bait and should be nearby. Aerikoth set off into the interior of the island and quickly ran into Rahnee, who had been dispatched by the rest of the group to fetch the wizard.
At the entrance to the underground stream, Aerikoth was introduced to Kain, the slave necromancer as Rahnee dubbed him, and given the latest on their encounter in the cavern. Aerikoth’s companions now thought the creature likely to be a vampire, but uncertainty remained high, as none of them had even been able to see it. Rahnee explained that Kain had agreed to assist them in return for his eventual freedom, or for cold steel between his ribs if he betrayed them.
Deciding to venture into the cavern once more while it was still daylight, the band of six descended into the pool and pulled themselves underwater, with Darrow going first and Aerikoth bringing up the rear. Having already made multiple trips, Dermot by this point was tired and had the most difficulties of all of them, but nevertheless managed to fight past the underground current.
The party then slowly made their way back to where the voice had first appeared, near a rocky ledge by an underground pool. Kain was put in front, presumably so the creature would recognize the slave with whom it had the connection. After waiting for a short while, several of them heard a faint splashing and the voice reappeared, observing that they had returned, although it was not yet dark. The voice also noted that they had brought “the one who speaks with the dark”, by which it meant Kain. It said that Kain “had the taint” and asked for his help, in a forlorn wail.
Kain in turn asked what the creature wanted. Semi-coherently, it said that it would be satisfied with a “red night” and for the “bad men” to pay. Shanni cannily inquired what would happen after there were no more bad men. The voice replied that it had thought of this, since their last meeting, and would be satisfied with one of the bad men…alive, to keep.
The creature’s offer of assistance against the slavers threw the party into some confusion, given the implications of massacring their enemies. Rahnee took the direct approach and asked the creature what and who it was. After a moment, it appeared before them, a pale creature looking as if it had once been a man. He called himself Tuli.
Tuli indicated that he had no need to breathe and could hide in the water, in order to kidnap someone; however, he could not defeat the slavers alone. Rahnee asked if he were a slave and how he had come to be like this. Again, Tuli was not fully coherent, but described how one had come on the ship, followed by red and coldness, then he awoke. Tuli stated that the one was not with the ship, this time, as he would have felt his presence.
Discussion now shifted back to Tuli‘s proposal. Tuli said that they would have to act that night, as the ship would be gone by morning. Shanni suggested that they should work out how best to help, promising to return at dark to share their plans; Tuli agreed to await them. Before the group departed, however, Aerikoth approached Tuli, who looked ready to bolt but stood his ground after the wizard promised not to harm him. Aerikoth studied the creature and asked him again what he remembered, getting the same response. Tuli then dove into the water and disappeared.
The adventurers decided to regroup back by the stream entrance to the cavern, as they had much to debate. Some, such as Shanni and Darrow, expressed strong reservations about giving one of the slavers to Tuli. Rahnee reminded them that their primary concern should be finding Janatha. A consensus emerged that at least they would need to preserve one of the slavers, perhaps Pincer, who knew where their lair was, as well as take control of the ship.
-----------------------------------
Aerikoth: *glances about the cavern as he walks*
Shanni Krowe: *glances out over the water*
Darrow Ironhelm: Here creepy voice... here we are.
Shanni Krowe: *pauses*
Shanni Krowe: *turns to look at the water again*
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks to the group and points at the water*
Dermot Kenner: *does the same.*
Shanni Krowe: I heard something.
Darrow Ironhelm: Oiy. We're here.
Shanni Krowe: Hullo? We've brought someone we think you want to talk to.
Voice in the Dark: It's not night yet...*hollow tone*
Voice in the Dark: But you come....
Darrow Ironhelm: Aye. So it isn't.
Darrow Ironhelm: Patience isn't our strong point.
At the entrance to the underground stream, Aerikoth was introduced to Kain, the slave necromancer as Rahnee dubbed him, and given the latest on their encounter in the cavern. Aerikoth’s companions now thought the creature likely to be a vampire, but uncertainty remained high, as none of them had even been able to see it. Rahnee explained that Kain had agreed to assist them in return for his eventual freedom, or for cold steel between his ribs if he betrayed them.
Deciding to venture into the cavern once more while it was still daylight, the band of six descended into the pool and pulled themselves underwater, with Darrow going first and Aerikoth bringing up the rear. Having already made multiple trips, Dermot by this point was tired and had the most difficulties of all of them, but nevertheless managed to fight past the underground current.
The party then slowly made their way back to where the voice had first appeared, near a rocky ledge by an underground pool. Kain was put in front, presumably so the creature would recognize the slave with whom it had the connection. After waiting for a short while, several of them heard a faint splashing and the voice reappeared, observing that they had returned, although it was not yet dark. The voice also noted that they had brought “the one who speaks with the dark”, by which it meant Kain. It said that Kain “had the taint” and asked for his help, in a forlorn wail.
Kain in turn asked what the creature wanted. Semi-coherently, it said that it would be satisfied with a “red night” and for the “bad men” to pay. Shanni cannily inquired what would happen after there were no more bad men. The voice replied that it had thought of this, since their last meeting, and would be satisfied with one of the bad men…alive, to keep.
The creature’s offer of assistance against the slavers threw the party into some confusion, given the implications of massacring their enemies. Rahnee took the direct approach and asked the creature what and who it was. After a moment, it appeared before them, a pale creature looking as if it had once been a man. He called himself Tuli.
Tuli indicated that he had no need to breathe and could hide in the water, in order to kidnap someone; however, he could not defeat the slavers alone. Rahnee asked if he were a slave and how he had come to be like this. Again, Tuli was not fully coherent, but described how one had come on the ship, followed by red and coldness, then he awoke. Tuli stated that the one was not with the ship, this time, as he would have felt his presence.
Discussion now shifted back to Tuli‘s proposal. Tuli said that they would have to act that night, as the ship would be gone by morning. Shanni suggested that they should work out how best to help, promising to return at dark to share their plans; Tuli agreed to await them. Before the group departed, however, Aerikoth approached Tuli, who looked ready to bolt but stood his ground after the wizard promised not to harm him. Aerikoth studied the creature and asked him again what he remembered, getting the same response. Tuli then dove into the water and disappeared.
The adventurers decided to regroup back by the stream entrance to the cavern, as they had much to debate. Some, such as Shanni and Darrow, expressed strong reservations about giving one of the slavers to Tuli. Rahnee reminded them that their primary concern should be finding Janatha. A consensus emerged that at least they would need to preserve one of the slavers, perhaps Pincer, who knew where their lair was, as well as take control of the ship.
-----------------------------------
Aerikoth: *glances about the cavern as he walks*
Shanni Krowe: *glances out over the water*
Darrow Ironhelm: Here creepy voice... here we are.
Shanni Krowe: *pauses*
Shanni Krowe: *turns to look at the water again*
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks to the group and points at the water*
Dermot Kenner: *does the same.*
Shanni Krowe: I heard something.
Darrow Ironhelm: Oiy. We're here.
Shanni Krowe: Hullo? We've brought someone we think you want to talk to.
Voice in the Dark: It's not night yet...*hollow tone*
Voice in the Dark: But you come....
Darrow Ironhelm: Aye. So it isn't.
Darrow Ironhelm: Patience isn't our strong point.
February 12 2012 session
After the group had reached their preliminary decision to take on the slavers, Rahnee decided to return aboveground in order to more thoroughly scout the island and determine the slaver presence, in anticipation of the coming conflict. The others continued to refine their battle plans; Shanni was particularly interested in the idea of constructing some traps. With the ship being a key target for them, Shanni volunteered to make the tiring journey out of the cavern and check on its status. After a while, wet and exhausted, she reported that it was still beached and there would be at least several hours before high tide, with sunset perhaps an hour away. She then attempted to construct a trap, but failed.
With night nearly upon them and Rahnee not having returned, the five decided to go inform Tuli of their plans. They once again went deeper into the cavern and Darrow made some noise to attract Tuli’s attention; however, at least Shanni suspected that the creature had been listening to them all along. Tuli appeared and listened to Dermot outline their plan, which amounted to defeating the slaver guards in separate groups. The adventurers would first take the slave pen guards, then head for the boat on the shore. Tuli’s role would be to lurk in the water offshore and attack the ship at an opportune moment. Shanni emphasized that they needed to move soon, before the slavers decided to take the boat back to the ship.
All of them then headed for the underground stream exit. Once back on the surface of the island, the adventurers headed for the slave pen, while Tuli silently slipped into the stream, heading underwater for the shore. At the pen, the night guard shift was being changed and the four guards present were easily taken after Darrow engaged one of them in conversation then attacked with a blood-curdling battlecry. Shanni roused the freed slaves and had them make noise, in the hopes of attracting additional guards away from the main body at the boat. Among the guard’s bodies, Kain was able to find his gem and immediately summoned his familiar Xorn, who turned out to be a shadow.
The five adventurers formed up and headed for the boat, Aerikoth by this point having summoned a huge dire bear to accompany them. When they arrived at the main guard camp, Pincer’s eyes widened at the sight of the bear and he asked if that was the creature responsible for the guards’ disappearance. In response, Aerikoth cast a spell at him, attempting to polymorph him into a small helpless creature, but it failed. Pincer then called for the others to attack and the battle was on. Although the guards had the advantage of numbers, the party was more fearsome in combat, Darrow’s axe and the bear’s claws wreaking havoc close in while Shanni and Dermot used their bows. Aerikoth’s next spells, hurled quickly after the first, succeeded in exploding a fireball among a group of slavers and then striking fear into several of their enemies, most crucially Pincer, who was in fact the last slaver left standing. Dermot noticed this and the ranger cried out to Aerikoth to call off his bear, while Shanni yelled at Darrow to try and break his battle-rage, which calmed once Pincer formally yielded. The slaver was then quickly disarmed and tied to a tree.
Dermot went off to round up the freed slaves while Darrow took the lead in taunting Pincer, softening him up in order to make him responsive to their questions. Dermot returned and reported that the slaves were fine, also noticing some movement in the distance on the deck of the slaver vessel. Shanni did a more thorough job of tying Pincer up, to prevent an escape while the group headed for the ship. Aerikoth then commanded his summoned bear to guard Pincer, both to protect against his escape and to prevent any of the slaves from wreaking immediate revenge on him.
The five moved to launch the boat from shore, somewhat awkwardly paddling the short distance to the ship. Once they arrived and boarded the main deck, they saw by the bodies there would be no resistance. Descending to the cabins they found more bodies and Tuli locked in combat with one remaining slaver guard, who shortly succumbed to the creature’s natural weapons.
Tuli hissed that there was one more remaining, behind a closed and jammed cabin door. Shanni volunteered to try to open it, but then Darrow took matters into his own hands and chopped the door open. Behind the door was Red Ortho, who immediately began begging for his life. He mentioned that he had thrown the ship’s charts away, so now he was the only person who would know how to navigate back to the mainland. Shanni checked the chest in the cabin, finding no charts but several gems and other valuable items.
Red Ortho offered to guide them to Westgate, Teziir or Starmantle, wherever they liked. Shanni responded by telling him they wanted to go wherever they were taking the slaves, so Red Ortho indicated that their destination would be Westgate. Dermot said they also wanted the location of the forest where the operation was based, Kain mentioning that it would be the same place the slavers had taken his spellbooks and other magic items. Red Ortho said that they could not take a ship there, so their destination would have to be one of the cities.
----------------------------------------
Shanni Krowe: *rapidly ropes up the scared Pincer*
Darrow Ironhelm: YIELD CUR!
Dermot Kenner: Stop th' bear!
Shanni Krowe: Darrow!
Shanni Krowe: NO!
Pincer: I yield!
Darrow Ironhelm: YIELD!
Aerikoth: He is held now
Darrow Ironhelm: Good.
Pincer: *dazed*
With night nearly upon them and Rahnee not having returned, the five decided to go inform Tuli of their plans. They once again went deeper into the cavern and Darrow made some noise to attract Tuli’s attention; however, at least Shanni suspected that the creature had been listening to them all along. Tuli appeared and listened to Dermot outline their plan, which amounted to defeating the slaver guards in separate groups. The adventurers would first take the slave pen guards, then head for the boat on the shore. Tuli’s role would be to lurk in the water offshore and attack the ship at an opportune moment. Shanni emphasized that they needed to move soon, before the slavers decided to take the boat back to the ship.
All of them then headed for the underground stream exit. Once back on the surface of the island, the adventurers headed for the slave pen, while Tuli silently slipped into the stream, heading underwater for the shore. At the pen, the night guard shift was being changed and the four guards present were easily taken after Darrow engaged one of them in conversation then attacked with a blood-curdling battlecry. Shanni roused the freed slaves and had them make noise, in the hopes of attracting additional guards away from the main body at the boat. Among the guard’s bodies, Kain was able to find his gem and immediately summoned his familiar Xorn, who turned out to be a shadow.
The five adventurers formed up and headed for the boat, Aerikoth by this point having summoned a huge dire bear to accompany them. When they arrived at the main guard camp, Pincer’s eyes widened at the sight of the bear and he asked if that was the creature responsible for the guards’ disappearance. In response, Aerikoth cast a spell at him, attempting to polymorph him into a small helpless creature, but it failed. Pincer then called for the others to attack and the battle was on. Although the guards had the advantage of numbers, the party was more fearsome in combat, Darrow’s axe and the bear’s claws wreaking havoc close in while Shanni and Dermot used their bows. Aerikoth’s next spells, hurled quickly after the first, succeeded in exploding a fireball among a group of slavers and then striking fear into several of their enemies, most crucially Pincer, who was in fact the last slaver left standing. Dermot noticed this and the ranger cried out to Aerikoth to call off his bear, while Shanni yelled at Darrow to try and break his battle-rage, which calmed once Pincer formally yielded. The slaver was then quickly disarmed and tied to a tree.
Dermot went off to round up the freed slaves while Darrow took the lead in taunting Pincer, softening him up in order to make him responsive to their questions. Dermot returned and reported that the slaves were fine, also noticing some movement in the distance on the deck of the slaver vessel. Shanni did a more thorough job of tying Pincer up, to prevent an escape while the group headed for the ship. Aerikoth then commanded his summoned bear to guard Pincer, both to protect against his escape and to prevent any of the slaves from wreaking immediate revenge on him.
The five moved to launch the boat from shore, somewhat awkwardly paddling the short distance to the ship. Once they arrived and boarded the main deck, they saw by the bodies there would be no resistance. Descending to the cabins they found more bodies and Tuli locked in combat with one remaining slaver guard, who shortly succumbed to the creature’s natural weapons.
Tuli hissed that there was one more remaining, behind a closed and jammed cabin door. Shanni volunteered to try to open it, but then Darrow took matters into his own hands and chopped the door open. Behind the door was Red Ortho, who immediately began begging for his life. He mentioned that he had thrown the ship’s charts away, so now he was the only person who would know how to navigate back to the mainland. Shanni checked the chest in the cabin, finding no charts but several gems and other valuable items.
Red Ortho offered to guide them to Westgate, Teziir or Starmantle, wherever they liked. Shanni responded by telling him they wanted to go wherever they were taking the slaves, so Red Ortho indicated that their destination would be Westgate. Dermot said they also wanted the location of the forest where the operation was based, Kain mentioning that it would be the same place the slavers had taken his spellbooks and other magic items. Red Ortho said that they could not take a ship there, so their destination would have to be one of the cities.
----------------------------------------
Shanni Krowe: *rapidly ropes up the scared Pincer*
Darrow Ironhelm: YIELD CUR!
Dermot Kenner: Stop th' bear!
Shanni Krowe: Darrow!
Shanni Krowe: NO!
Pincer: I yield!
Darrow Ironhelm: YIELD!
Aerikoth: He is held now
Darrow Ironhelm: Good.
Pincer: *dazed*
February 19 2012 session
Dermot queried whether Westgate or Teziir were closest and Red Ortho answered Westgate. So that they could gain some privacy, the group directed Red Ortho to the inside of a cabin and set Tuli to watch the door. Shanni wondered whether it would be better to hold their conference on deck, but then Dermot pointed out it might not be a good idea to leave Tuli alone with their prisoner. Aerikoth noted that before deciding anything, it would be good to locate Lady Roaringhorn and obtain her input. Darrow raised the idea of taking the former slaves to Baron Pahar’s domain, sparking an animated discussion about what to do with them and their two prisoners.
Dermot recalled that they had not yet checked the hold and went to check on it. Shanni then decided to explore the cabins some more, warning the others against traps after she found and disabled one. Dermot returned and advised the others that Barzog was alone standing guard in the hold, but was not looking to cause any trouble.
At this point a nearly-naked and very wet Rahnee literally appeared before their eyes, asking wryly if she were late for the party. Her face was severely bruised on one side and she explained, somewhat woozily, that she believed she had fallen out of a tree. Before she could say anything further, Shanni suddenly recalled they had left Pincer back on shore and ran up on deck, diving off into the shallows.
Arriving at the tree where they had left Pincer, she found him still tied to it, with Aerikoth’s bear looming over him. The former slaves had gathered round the area, although leaving a respectful distance between themselves and the large animal. The woman who had previously spoken with Shanni at the slave pen, whose name was Nina, approached and greeted her. Nina was assured by Shanni that all was well and the slavers were all dead, except for Pincer and one other who were prisoners. Nina mentioned that some of the former slaves had looted the dead guards’ bodies, obtaining weapons and armor.
Shanni waved at the ship, to try and attract the others’ attention. After a short while, they used the slaver boat to row back to the landing area and join Shanni. Nina and Kain greeted each other, evidently pleased and relieved that each of them was safe. Seeing the prisoners gathered around, Aerikoth prompted Darrow to inquire if any of them knew how to sail a ship. An older-looking, bearded man named Tomas answered affirmatively, saying that he thought they should be able at least to sail the ship to the coast, even with the lack of a real crew.
Aerikoth, after closely inspecting the unconscious Pincer’s ropes, dismissed the summoned bear. Rahnee then came up to inspect Pincer’s wounds, declaring that he was in poor shape and they would at least need to staunch some of the blood flowing from his wounds. Dermot carefully untied him and laid him on the ground, applying a healing poultice and then offering Pincer a potion once he had regained consciousness. Pincer got up briefly and was derisively greeted by his captors, before slumping back down to the ground.
Shanni began the serious part of his questioning by noting that they had a problem, their vampire ally wanted someone to keep, who might just be Pincer. The fact that the creature on the island had been a vampire and that the adventurers were on its side seemed to stagger Pincer, who expressed his incredulity. Shanni explained that they had no interest in selling the slaves - what Pincer had assumed - but wanted him to tell them the location of their base of operations. Pincer pointed out that if he told them, they could just then feed him to the vampire anyway. Shanni replied by saying that something could likely be arranged, looking at the others. Dermot then put it to Pincer that either he or Red Ortho would be their guide. Pincer declared that it might as well be him, saying he would talk more once back on the ship.
As the adventurers started escorting Pincer to shore, they passed a group of armed former slaves who spotted the slaver and started moving toward him in a threatening manner. Dermot backed them down with commands to stay away, while Rahnee made sure that they saw her blade at his throat. Nina pointedly asked why Pincer was being kept alive, but was satisfied with Dermot’s explanation, helping calm the others.
After a short delay while Darrow had difficulties entering the boat, the group pushed off and headed back to The Blind Man. Pincer noted the bodies of the crew on deck and exchanged verbal barbs with Shanni. Once below deck, they saw that Tuli remained on guard with Red Ortho. The creature asked which of the two slavers would be his prize and was told that would depend on their questioning.
Dermot went back up to start the process of transferring the former slaves to the ship. The rest of the group then began questioning Pincer, who confirmed that he would be able to lead them to the forest lair, which was in a hidden location off of Trader’s Road. Kain inquired whether his spellbook might still be there, which Pincer thought was likely. Rahnee then brought up Janatha and described her, prompting Pincer to declare that they must be working for Council Member Queron Ulanthar, Janatha’s father. Pincer said that he had known about Janatha’s kidnapping, although not the details, and would assume that she had been taken to the lair.
The group then turned to Red Ortho, implying that he had lost and would become Tuli’s victim. The shipmaster, sputtering, reminded them that he was the only one who could sail the ship back to civilization and that it was not his fault that the lair was in a forest and not on the coast. Shanni and Rahnee raised the possibility of giving the half-orc Barzog to Tuli, but the creature replied in a chilling voice that he wanted a human.
After this exchange, Dermot stepped forward and whispered in Rahnee’s ear, asking her if she thought they could take the vampire in a fight. In a low voice, she replied there was only one way to find out.
-------------------------------
Shanni Krowe: *glances at Dermot and waits for direction*
Dermot Kenner: 's start boatin' the slaves over, first.
Pincer: Lead the way.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *gestures Pincer forward*
Dermot Kenner: No, wait. That's wrong.
Pincer: *halts when he sees the prisoners*
Shanni Krowe: Unless some of us stay there.
Prisoner: It's HIM!
Dermot Kenner: We take you over, then we start boatin' folk...
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *halts with sword at his back*
Shanni Krowe: Goat, cabbage, wolf? *grins*
Dermot Kenner: EASY!
Prisoner: *looks over*
Prisoner: *raises his sword*
Dermot Kenner: Nobody makes a move! He's ours!
Kain Graves: Oh right, forgot he was one of the more hated slavers... Was kind of focused on that hated half orc myself.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *shifts so that the prisoners can see that she is holding her sword on Pincer*
Prisoner: *grumbling*
Prisoner: *whispers something under his breath*
Dermot Kenner: You wanna be grateful, people, here's where you start.
Nina: Why are you keeping him alive?
Shanni Krowe: Definately goat, cabbage, wolf, only the wolf is an unexpected beast.
Dermot Kenner: 'cos we want his bosses.
Nina: *nods* that we can understand.
Nina: Right?
Dermot Kenner: Glad to hear it.
Prisoner: *grumbling*
Dermot recalled that they had not yet checked the hold and went to check on it. Shanni then decided to explore the cabins some more, warning the others against traps after she found and disabled one. Dermot returned and advised the others that Barzog was alone standing guard in the hold, but was not looking to cause any trouble.
At this point a nearly-naked and very wet Rahnee literally appeared before their eyes, asking wryly if she were late for the party. Her face was severely bruised on one side and she explained, somewhat woozily, that she believed she had fallen out of a tree. Before she could say anything further, Shanni suddenly recalled they had left Pincer back on shore and ran up on deck, diving off into the shallows.
Arriving at the tree where they had left Pincer, she found him still tied to it, with Aerikoth’s bear looming over him. The former slaves had gathered round the area, although leaving a respectful distance between themselves and the large animal. The woman who had previously spoken with Shanni at the slave pen, whose name was Nina, approached and greeted her. Nina was assured by Shanni that all was well and the slavers were all dead, except for Pincer and one other who were prisoners. Nina mentioned that some of the former slaves had looted the dead guards’ bodies, obtaining weapons and armor.
Shanni waved at the ship, to try and attract the others’ attention. After a short while, they used the slaver boat to row back to the landing area and join Shanni. Nina and Kain greeted each other, evidently pleased and relieved that each of them was safe. Seeing the prisoners gathered around, Aerikoth prompted Darrow to inquire if any of them knew how to sail a ship. An older-looking, bearded man named Tomas answered affirmatively, saying that he thought they should be able at least to sail the ship to the coast, even with the lack of a real crew.
Aerikoth, after closely inspecting the unconscious Pincer’s ropes, dismissed the summoned bear. Rahnee then came up to inspect Pincer’s wounds, declaring that he was in poor shape and they would at least need to staunch some of the blood flowing from his wounds. Dermot carefully untied him and laid him on the ground, applying a healing poultice and then offering Pincer a potion once he had regained consciousness. Pincer got up briefly and was derisively greeted by his captors, before slumping back down to the ground.
Shanni began the serious part of his questioning by noting that they had a problem, their vampire ally wanted someone to keep, who might just be Pincer. The fact that the creature on the island had been a vampire and that the adventurers were on its side seemed to stagger Pincer, who expressed his incredulity. Shanni explained that they had no interest in selling the slaves - what Pincer had assumed - but wanted him to tell them the location of their base of operations. Pincer pointed out that if he told them, they could just then feed him to the vampire anyway. Shanni replied by saying that something could likely be arranged, looking at the others. Dermot then put it to Pincer that either he or Red Ortho would be their guide. Pincer declared that it might as well be him, saying he would talk more once back on the ship.
As the adventurers started escorting Pincer to shore, they passed a group of armed former slaves who spotted the slaver and started moving toward him in a threatening manner. Dermot backed them down with commands to stay away, while Rahnee made sure that they saw her blade at his throat. Nina pointedly asked why Pincer was being kept alive, but was satisfied with Dermot’s explanation, helping calm the others.
After a short delay while Darrow had difficulties entering the boat, the group pushed off and headed back to The Blind Man. Pincer noted the bodies of the crew on deck and exchanged verbal barbs with Shanni. Once below deck, they saw that Tuli remained on guard with Red Ortho. The creature asked which of the two slavers would be his prize and was told that would depend on their questioning.
Dermot went back up to start the process of transferring the former slaves to the ship. The rest of the group then began questioning Pincer, who confirmed that he would be able to lead them to the forest lair, which was in a hidden location off of Trader’s Road. Kain inquired whether his spellbook might still be there, which Pincer thought was likely. Rahnee then brought up Janatha and described her, prompting Pincer to declare that they must be working for Council Member Queron Ulanthar, Janatha’s father. Pincer said that he had known about Janatha’s kidnapping, although not the details, and would assume that she had been taken to the lair.
The group then turned to Red Ortho, implying that he had lost and would become Tuli’s victim. The shipmaster, sputtering, reminded them that he was the only one who could sail the ship back to civilization and that it was not his fault that the lair was in a forest and not on the coast. Shanni and Rahnee raised the possibility of giving the half-orc Barzog to Tuli, but the creature replied in a chilling voice that he wanted a human.
After this exchange, Dermot stepped forward and whispered in Rahnee’s ear, asking her if she thought they could take the vampire in a fight. In a low voice, she replied there was only one way to find out.
-------------------------------
Shanni Krowe: *glances at Dermot and waits for direction*
Dermot Kenner: 's start boatin' the slaves over, first.
Pincer: Lead the way.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *gestures Pincer forward*
Dermot Kenner: No, wait. That's wrong.
Pincer: *halts when he sees the prisoners*
Shanni Krowe: Unless some of us stay there.
Prisoner: It's HIM!
Dermot Kenner: We take you over, then we start boatin' folk...
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *halts with sword at his back*
Shanni Krowe: Goat, cabbage, wolf? *grins*
Dermot Kenner: EASY!
Prisoner: *looks over*
Prisoner: *raises his sword*
Dermot Kenner: Nobody makes a move! He's ours!
Kain Graves: Oh right, forgot he was one of the more hated slavers... Was kind of focused on that hated half orc myself.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *shifts so that the prisoners can see that she is holding her sword on Pincer*
Prisoner: *grumbling*
Prisoner: *whispers something under his breath*
Dermot Kenner: You wanna be grateful, people, here's where you start.
Nina: Why are you keeping him alive?
Shanni Krowe: Definately goat, cabbage, wolf, only the wolf is an unexpected beast.
Dermot Kenner: 'cos we want his bosses.
Nina: *nods* that we can understand.
Nina: Right?
Dermot Kenner: Glad to hear it.
Prisoner: *grumbling*
February 26 2012 session
Red Ortho continued to bluster, trying to save himself, while Dermot and Rahnee carefully positioned themselves in the cabin area, eyeing Tuli. Darrow had just distracted Tuli, asking him which of their prisoners he would choose, when suddenly Rahnee struck at the creature from behind with her magical sword. Tuli spun around and immediately engaged with Rahnee, but was unable to fend her and Dermot off, shortly afterwards falling to the ground, still.
Although the rest of the companions were surprised at the action, they saw the logic in it. Kain advised Rahnee on how to ensure Tuli would not rise again, by staking its heart - Rahnee used an arrow shaft for that - and destroying the body, with which Dermot assisted. Aerikoth, with an unusual slight grin on his face, commended Rahnee for her ruthless efficiency. Rahnee returned a not very nice smile at the compliment, while Darrow exclaimed that he would never want to give Rahnee a reason to doublecross him. Shanni seemed the most upset by the sudden development.
Rahnee made a point of telling Red Ortho and Pincer that both of them owed their lives to the adventurers, which they acknowledged. She also reminded them that they would be traveling with a large number of former slaves who would like to flay their hides from their bodies.
For the final disposition of Tuli’s body, Dermot and Darrow carried it up on deck to the boat and with Shanni’s assistance - although she was careful not to touch the corpse herself - rowed back to shore. They had borrowed a torch from one of the prisoners, which was then used to set fire to the body. Meanwhile, Kain had conferred with Nina on deck and the prisoners were brought below deck in order to rest for the night.
Once back on board, Shanni had the idea of rousing Barzog and bringing him into the fold, as it were. The half-orc was eager to follow orders from the new masters of the ship and help with the sailing, having seen the example meted out to his former companions. He in fact became positively ecstatic after Darrow passed him an ale, although he volunteered to perform duties such as being the deck lookout which would keep him out of their immediate vicinity.
With the press of action now giving way to the relative calm of night, the group sorted out their watch order. Aerikoth had chosen to remain on deck and would be replaced by Darrow. Meanwhile, Shanni and Rahnee stepped aside and ironed out their differences over what had happened with Tuli. After Aerikoth returned, they all sorted out their sleeping assignments, not an easy task given the limited space and the mix of adventurers, former slavers and former slaves.
----------------------------------
Aerikoth: *slight grin* Ruthlessly efficient Lady Roaringhorn. That was impressive.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: We can burn the body on the beach.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *smiles a not very nice smile at Aerikoth*
Darrow Ironhelm: Moradin's balls, woman, remind me not ta give ya a reason ta doublecross me.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: You must be rubbing off on me, my friend wizard.
Kain Graves: That should do it. Guess he really never did realize what he was.
Dermot Kenner: I admit to feelin' uneasy about leavin' a vampire along the coastal waters.
Dermot Kenner: So I s'pose I'm alright with this.
Darrow Ironhelm: I suppose ye could look at it like a mercy.
Dermot Kenner: Yeah, let's run with that.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: He was a victim, but an unnecessary evil that we cannot continue.
Darrow Ironhelm: For who Tuli was... and fer whichever o those two was ta be meal of th' week.
Dermot Kenner: *looks at the two slavers*
Pincer: So what now?
Dermot Kenner: Y'know, it just occurred to me that we dealt with your problem after all.
Red Ortho: You should be able to save the both of us, with that thing gone.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: So now, I suggest you keep in mind ... both of you, that you owe your lives to us.
Shanni Krowe: *relaxes bow and lets it drop, retreating into silence*
Red Ortho: Aye.
Dermot Kenner: *tries to heft the body onto his shoulders.*
Pincer: *nods wearily*
Although the rest of the companions were surprised at the action, they saw the logic in it. Kain advised Rahnee on how to ensure Tuli would not rise again, by staking its heart - Rahnee used an arrow shaft for that - and destroying the body, with which Dermot assisted. Aerikoth, with an unusual slight grin on his face, commended Rahnee for her ruthless efficiency. Rahnee returned a not very nice smile at the compliment, while Darrow exclaimed that he would never want to give Rahnee a reason to doublecross him. Shanni seemed the most upset by the sudden development.
Rahnee made a point of telling Red Ortho and Pincer that both of them owed their lives to the adventurers, which they acknowledged. She also reminded them that they would be traveling with a large number of former slaves who would like to flay their hides from their bodies.
For the final disposition of Tuli’s body, Dermot and Darrow carried it up on deck to the boat and with Shanni’s assistance - although she was careful not to touch the corpse herself - rowed back to shore. They had borrowed a torch from one of the prisoners, which was then used to set fire to the body. Meanwhile, Kain had conferred with Nina on deck and the prisoners were brought below deck in order to rest for the night.
Once back on board, Shanni had the idea of rousing Barzog and bringing him into the fold, as it were. The half-orc was eager to follow orders from the new masters of the ship and help with the sailing, having seen the example meted out to his former companions. He in fact became positively ecstatic after Darrow passed him an ale, although he volunteered to perform duties such as being the deck lookout which would keep him out of their immediate vicinity.
With the press of action now giving way to the relative calm of night, the group sorted out their watch order. Aerikoth had chosen to remain on deck and would be replaced by Darrow. Meanwhile, Shanni and Rahnee stepped aside and ironed out their differences over what had happened with Tuli. After Aerikoth returned, they all sorted out their sleeping assignments, not an easy task given the limited space and the mix of adventurers, former slavers and former slaves.
----------------------------------
Aerikoth: *slight grin* Ruthlessly efficient Lady Roaringhorn. That was impressive.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: We can burn the body on the beach.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *smiles a not very nice smile at Aerikoth*
Darrow Ironhelm: Moradin's balls, woman, remind me not ta give ya a reason ta doublecross me.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: You must be rubbing off on me, my friend wizard.
Kain Graves: That should do it. Guess he really never did realize what he was.
Dermot Kenner: I admit to feelin' uneasy about leavin' a vampire along the coastal waters.
Dermot Kenner: So I s'pose I'm alright with this.
Darrow Ironhelm: I suppose ye could look at it like a mercy.
Dermot Kenner: Yeah, let's run with that.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: He was a victim, but an unnecessary evil that we cannot continue.
Darrow Ironhelm: For who Tuli was... and fer whichever o those two was ta be meal of th' week.
Dermot Kenner: *looks at the two slavers*
Pincer: So what now?
Dermot Kenner: Y'know, it just occurred to me that we dealt with your problem after all.
Red Ortho: You should be able to save the both of us, with that thing gone.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: So now, I suggest you keep in mind ... both of you, that you owe your lives to us.
Shanni Krowe: *relaxes bow and lets it drop, retreating into silence*
Red Ortho: Aye.
Dermot Kenner: *tries to heft the body onto his shoulders.*
Pincer: *nods wearily*
March 4 2012 session
The first day of Ches dawned early, it seemed, as the ship’s complement slowly awoke after sunrise. Rahnee was evidently still feeling the effects of the previous day’s blow to the head, so the others left her to rest in the back of one of the cabins. Once the other adventurers were up, Shanni and Darrow woke Pincer, who was disappointed to find out that the previous day had not in fact just been a bad dream.
They took Pincer out on deck and Darrow yelled for the sailor. Tomas, yawning and still groggy, came out to see what the yelling was about. Tomas ruefully observed it was raining and then inspected the hull’s waterline, after Pincer informed the others that the ship should be refloated now that the tide was in. Aerikoth and his raven familiar joined them on deck, the wizard silently observing as was his wont.
Tomas noted that they would need several hands on deck during the refloating of the ship, in order to watch for dangerous rocks and such. As Tomas went to inspect the rigging, Darrow went to fetch Red Ortho, as he knew the most about the ship. The former slaver thought it would be best to have the adventurers serve as lookouts, given the poor condition of the former slaves.
Once Red Ortho had confirmed there was no damage to the ship, he asked that people be stationed at the bow, stern, and both sides of the ship to act as watchers. Barzog, who had remained on deck the whole time, and Tomas would let the sails out when the time was right. Red Ortho estimated it would be about a half hour before the tide was right and advised them to break their fast in the meantime, informing them where crates of food were stored.
After the meal, Dermot, Darrow and Shanni took the opportunity to question Red Ortho some more below decks about the slavers’ activities. He confirmed that they would take their “cargo” to Westgate once they had a full load on the island. In order to avoid attention, the slaves would be drugged and taken off the ship either in sacks or crates. Red Ortho claimed not to know anything about vampires or how Tuli was made, then observed it was time to get the ship moving again.
Once back on the main deck, Red Ortho moved to the ship’s wheel and took charge like he still ran things, yelling at Barzog to go with Tomas to the rigging and telling the watchers to immediately advise of any obstacles they saw in the water. The skies cleared and Red Ortho gave a loud command to let out the sails, which started the ship moving with a jerk.
Shortly after, Darrow spotted a boulder off the port side and called it out, prompting Red Ortho to adjust course and halt letting the sails out further. He gritted his teeth and put his shoulder into turning the ship’s wheel as Darrow observed the ship passing close by the granite rock. Shanni reported no obstacles at the bow, while Dermot was confused by Red Ortho’s request for a depth reading off the starboard side. Tomas went to check and after a moment called out four fathoms.
This appeared to satisfy Red Ortho, who announced they were clear of the island and asked if he should set a course for Westgate. Darrow confirmed this, although he said he was still interested in going to Turnton, where Baron Pahar would be able to take care of the former slaves. One of the armed former prisoners volunteered to keep watch on deck, along with Tomas, while the adventurers went below again to discuss their plans.
-----------------------
Darrow Ironhelm: We should probably be about getting th' ship ungrounded.
Darrow Ironhelm: Heh.
Darrow Ironhelm: S'pose we could take a look.
Kain Graves: *stands and stretches* Good morning.
Shanni Krowe: *pushes up from the floor* Does it have to be shoved or something?
Darrow Ironhelm: Just waitin' fer high tide.
Darrow Ironhelm: I reckon.
Darrow Ironhelm: Should lift right off.
Darrow Ironhelm: 'Course yer talkin' ta th' least nautical of our group.
Shanni Krowe: Want a bet? *grins sheepishly* We'd better wake one of the prisoners, I suppose.
Dermot Kenner: Jus' one?
Shanni Krowe: I still don't think it's a good idea to let them confer.
Shanni Krowe: *cautious shake of Pincer, looking to jump away if necessary*
Pincer: ungh....
Dermot Kenner: Oh, right. Thought you meant, you know. The former slaves.
Pincer: *stirs slowly*
Darrow Ironhelm: Mornin' Sunshine!
Pincer: *grunts*
Darrow Ironhelm: Another day in paradise.
Pincer: So it wasn't just all a bad dream.
Darrow Ironhelm: Sorry. Nope.
Shanni Krowe: No, it wasn't. Now it's time to earn your life.
Pincer: Yeah. My luck.
Pincer: *slowly gets up*
They took Pincer out on deck and Darrow yelled for the sailor. Tomas, yawning and still groggy, came out to see what the yelling was about. Tomas ruefully observed it was raining and then inspected the hull’s waterline, after Pincer informed the others that the ship should be refloated now that the tide was in. Aerikoth and his raven familiar joined them on deck, the wizard silently observing as was his wont.
Tomas noted that they would need several hands on deck during the refloating of the ship, in order to watch for dangerous rocks and such. As Tomas went to inspect the rigging, Darrow went to fetch Red Ortho, as he knew the most about the ship. The former slaver thought it would be best to have the adventurers serve as lookouts, given the poor condition of the former slaves.
Once Red Ortho had confirmed there was no damage to the ship, he asked that people be stationed at the bow, stern, and both sides of the ship to act as watchers. Barzog, who had remained on deck the whole time, and Tomas would let the sails out when the time was right. Red Ortho estimated it would be about a half hour before the tide was right and advised them to break their fast in the meantime, informing them where crates of food were stored.
After the meal, Dermot, Darrow and Shanni took the opportunity to question Red Ortho some more below decks about the slavers’ activities. He confirmed that they would take their “cargo” to Westgate once they had a full load on the island. In order to avoid attention, the slaves would be drugged and taken off the ship either in sacks or crates. Red Ortho claimed not to know anything about vampires or how Tuli was made, then observed it was time to get the ship moving again.
Once back on the main deck, Red Ortho moved to the ship’s wheel and took charge like he still ran things, yelling at Barzog to go with Tomas to the rigging and telling the watchers to immediately advise of any obstacles they saw in the water. The skies cleared and Red Ortho gave a loud command to let out the sails, which started the ship moving with a jerk.
Shortly after, Darrow spotted a boulder off the port side and called it out, prompting Red Ortho to adjust course and halt letting the sails out further. He gritted his teeth and put his shoulder into turning the ship’s wheel as Darrow observed the ship passing close by the granite rock. Shanni reported no obstacles at the bow, while Dermot was confused by Red Ortho’s request for a depth reading off the starboard side. Tomas went to check and after a moment called out four fathoms.
This appeared to satisfy Red Ortho, who announced they were clear of the island and asked if he should set a course for Westgate. Darrow confirmed this, although he said he was still interested in going to Turnton, where Baron Pahar would be able to take care of the former slaves. One of the armed former prisoners volunteered to keep watch on deck, along with Tomas, while the adventurers went below again to discuss their plans.
-----------------------
Darrow Ironhelm: We should probably be about getting th' ship ungrounded.
Darrow Ironhelm: Heh.
Darrow Ironhelm: S'pose we could take a look.
Kain Graves: *stands and stretches* Good morning.
Shanni Krowe: *pushes up from the floor* Does it have to be shoved or something?
Darrow Ironhelm: Just waitin' fer high tide.
Darrow Ironhelm: I reckon.
Darrow Ironhelm: Should lift right off.
Darrow Ironhelm: 'Course yer talkin' ta th' least nautical of our group.
Shanni Krowe: Want a bet? *grins sheepishly* We'd better wake one of the prisoners, I suppose.
Dermot Kenner: Jus' one?
Shanni Krowe: I still don't think it's a good idea to let them confer.
Shanni Krowe: *cautious shake of Pincer, looking to jump away if necessary*
Pincer: ungh....
Dermot Kenner: Oh, right. Thought you meant, you know. The former slaves.
Pincer: *stirs slowly*
Darrow Ironhelm: Mornin' Sunshine!
Pincer: *grunts*
Darrow Ironhelm: Another day in paradise.
Pincer: So it wasn't just all a bad dream.
Darrow Ironhelm: Sorry. Nope.
Shanni Krowe: No, it wasn't. Now it's time to earn your life.
Pincer: Yeah. My luck.
Pincer: *slowly gets up*
March 11 2012 session
By mid-morning, the ship was moving smartly across the sea and Red Ortho predicted that they would make Westgate around nightfall. Darrow had his enthusiasm level raised by Red Ortho mentioning pirates in the waters, although it was dampened by his caveat that it would just be bad luck if a pirate ship found them. Kain found it surprising that the slavers did not have any business agreements with the pirate vessels, for example in order to purchase the surviving crews of captured vessels, which got Red Ortho to thinking. Rahnee briefly stuck her head out of the cabin area while the pirate discussion was going on, then retreated back down to continue her convalescence.
Although earlier Red Ortho had Barzog let out the sails, to take advantage of the sunny skies and brisk winds, a storm started to blow and he had the half-orc pull the sails in again, cursing their luck. As the wind and rain began to lash the deck, the adventurers decided to go below to the cabins, helped along by Red Ortho’s pointed suggestion that lubbers should vacate the area.
The five checked on Pincer, who had recovered something of his sense of humor at his predicament. The group then turned to discuss their course of action, after arriving in Westgate. Aerikoth pointed out that Turnton was eight hours of travel outside the city and did want to detour there and delay their search for the Astorians’ lair, arguing that the Westgate authorities should be competent enough to take care of the freed slaves. A quick poll of them by Dermot showed that they were looking forward to returning to their families; as Aerikoth pointed out, the slaves had been taken from various places along the Dragon Coast.
After some further discussion, the adventurers decided to ask Pincer some more questions, having decided to take him along with them to the lair. Shanni asked him if the slavers had any way of communicating with their base. Pincer denied having any magical communications and was startled when Shanni asked about any messenger birds. The former slaver gestured around him and asked if they saw any birds. Kain admitted having the idea earlier about the birds, self-deprecatingly. Although Shanni pressed Pincer further, he declared that he knew nothing about any birds.
Pincer was, however, more helpful in describing the Astorians’ base in the forest. He mentioned there were normally around two dozen of them there. He described a maze of shrubbery in the forest, with a hidden entrance leading to tunnels beneath. He also noted there were various traps as well as the guards defending the entrance. Pincer had been escorted there once and said he considered it a deadly place. The information extracted from Pincer gave the party plenty to discuss about their plans to assault the lair, as well as what they should do with Red Ortho once they reached Westgate.
--------------------------------
Red Ortho: Tomas, anything off the bow?
Tomas: Nothing, sir!
Shanni Krowe: *looks up as he speaks then up at the clouds*
Red Ortho: Keep a sharp eye out, this weather's got visibility down.
Red Ortho: Don't expect to see anything out here...except maybe another ship.
Dermot Kenner: *squints out into the fog, from under his hood*
Red Ortho: That's just be bad luck.
Shanni Krowe: *pulls her hood up and puts the arrows away, huddling down*
Dermot Kenner: What's so bad about another ship?
Red Ortho: Pirates, of course.
Red Ortho: Not much legitimate sea traffic on our course.
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks excitedly at Red Ortho*
Shanni Krowe: Pirates would attack you?
Kain Graves: Hmm... so you slavers don't have any agreements going on with pirates?
Darrow Ironhelm: Pirates?
Red Ortho: That's what pirates do, you know.
Darrow Ironhelm: That'd be fun.
Dermot Kenner: We came this way quiet enough, in good weather. How're they gonna find us in fog?
Red Ortho: What, do you think we all know each other?
Red Ortho: Like I said, it'd just be bad luck.
Dermot Kenner: Hnh.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *frowns at the rain and pulls her hood up*
Red Ortho: No reason not to keep a watch out.
Shanni Krowe: Don't the sails have some kind of identification? Or flags? Or something?
Kain Graves: Well I don't know, would just seem to make sense if you guys had an agreement.
Red Ortho: If you talk to some pirates yourself, maybe you can negotiate for us. *sarcastic tone*
Kain Graves: Like any ships they attacked, any survivors they'd sell to you in exchange for a good deal. I don't claim to know how you guys run your business.
Dermot Kenner: 'Don't rob us and we'll... not... enslave you?'
Red Ortho: *scratches his chin* hmm, not a bad idea.
Shanni Krowe: *head turns to look at Kain*
Kain Graves: Oh, hmm... maybe this was one of those moments where I talk too much... I never seem to realize them beforehand.
Darrow Ironhelm: *returns to scanning the horizon for pirates*
Although earlier Red Ortho had Barzog let out the sails, to take advantage of the sunny skies and brisk winds, a storm started to blow and he had the half-orc pull the sails in again, cursing their luck. As the wind and rain began to lash the deck, the adventurers decided to go below to the cabins, helped along by Red Ortho’s pointed suggestion that lubbers should vacate the area.
The five checked on Pincer, who had recovered something of his sense of humor at his predicament. The group then turned to discuss their course of action, after arriving in Westgate. Aerikoth pointed out that Turnton was eight hours of travel outside the city and did want to detour there and delay their search for the Astorians’ lair, arguing that the Westgate authorities should be competent enough to take care of the freed slaves. A quick poll of them by Dermot showed that they were looking forward to returning to their families; as Aerikoth pointed out, the slaves had been taken from various places along the Dragon Coast.
After some further discussion, the adventurers decided to ask Pincer some more questions, having decided to take him along with them to the lair. Shanni asked him if the slavers had any way of communicating with their base. Pincer denied having any magical communications and was startled when Shanni asked about any messenger birds. The former slaver gestured around him and asked if they saw any birds. Kain admitted having the idea earlier about the birds, self-deprecatingly. Although Shanni pressed Pincer further, he declared that he knew nothing about any birds.
Pincer was, however, more helpful in describing the Astorians’ base in the forest. He mentioned there were normally around two dozen of them there. He described a maze of shrubbery in the forest, with a hidden entrance leading to tunnels beneath. He also noted there were various traps as well as the guards defending the entrance. Pincer had been escorted there once and said he considered it a deadly place. The information extracted from Pincer gave the party plenty to discuss about their plans to assault the lair, as well as what they should do with Red Ortho once they reached Westgate.
--------------------------------
Red Ortho: Tomas, anything off the bow?
Tomas: Nothing, sir!
Shanni Krowe: *looks up as he speaks then up at the clouds*
Red Ortho: Keep a sharp eye out, this weather's got visibility down.
Red Ortho: Don't expect to see anything out here...except maybe another ship.
Dermot Kenner: *squints out into the fog, from under his hood*
Red Ortho: That's just be bad luck.
Shanni Krowe: *pulls her hood up and puts the arrows away, huddling down*
Dermot Kenner: What's so bad about another ship?
Red Ortho: Pirates, of course.
Red Ortho: Not much legitimate sea traffic on our course.
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks excitedly at Red Ortho*
Shanni Krowe: Pirates would attack you?
Kain Graves: Hmm... so you slavers don't have any agreements going on with pirates?
Darrow Ironhelm: Pirates?
Red Ortho: That's what pirates do, you know.
Darrow Ironhelm: That'd be fun.
Dermot Kenner: We came this way quiet enough, in good weather. How're they gonna find us in fog?
Red Ortho: What, do you think we all know each other?
Red Ortho: Like I said, it'd just be bad luck.
Dermot Kenner: Hnh.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *frowns at the rain and pulls her hood up*
Red Ortho: No reason not to keep a watch out.
Shanni Krowe: Don't the sails have some kind of identification? Or flags? Or something?
Kain Graves: Well I don't know, would just seem to make sense if you guys had an agreement.
Red Ortho: If you talk to some pirates yourself, maybe you can negotiate for us. *sarcastic tone*
Kain Graves: Like any ships they attacked, any survivors they'd sell to you in exchange for a good deal. I don't claim to know how you guys run your business.
Dermot Kenner: 'Don't rob us and we'll... not... enslave you?'
Red Ortho: *scratches his chin* hmm, not a bad idea.
Shanni Krowe: *head turns to look at Kain*
Kain Graves: Oh, hmm... maybe this was one of those moments where I talk too much... I never seem to realize them beforehand.
Darrow Ironhelm: *returns to scanning the horizon for pirates*
April 15 2012 session
To Darrow’s disappointment, the remainder of the day passed without any pirate ship sightings. As the sun started going down on the horizon, land was sighted in the distance, presumably the port of Westgate. Since the party was unsure what kind of reception awaited the slaver ship, the former prisoners along with Barzog were sent to the hold, with Darrow and Kain to watch over and guard them as necessary. Aerikoth, Rahnee, Dermot and Shanni remained on deck with Red Ortho, Pincer and Tomas. Nina, who had been elected by the former slaves as their spokesperson, also stayed.
With the sun nearly down and in the dark, rain and fog, Red Ortho dropped anchor, explaining that there was too much traffic in the harbor to sail in safely and they would need to wait for a pilot boat. He went and fetched two signal flags from the cabins, which he said would be needed to summon the boat in the morning. One was white and triangular with a black border, the other being rectangular and is solid black. Red Ortho ran both of them up to the top of the rigging, with the rectangular black one on top. Unsure of their significance, Rahnee quietly asked Tomas if he recognized them. The sailor replied in the negative, noting that most sailing companies had their own private systems. Shanni also clearly distrusted Red Ortho’s motives, but observed that there was nothing they could do except take things at face value.
After Red Ortho remarked that they could see the outline of the East Gate promontory in the distance, Aerikoth glanced up at the rigging. His large raven familiar Zeluth, who had been perched there, instantly took wing and headed for the barely visible land mass. As Shanni and Dermot watched the raven fly off, Red Ortho said that he should take a sounding, bending down and lowering a sounding cord off the port side of the ship. The company engaged in some idle conversation while watching the shore.
Suddenly, Red Ortho dived into the water and began swimming powerfully for land, staying underwater as much as possible. Shanni immediately cursed and drew her bow for a shot at his swimming figure, getting hers off slightly before Rahnee did the same. Shanni’s shot went wide, while Rahnee’s skimmed the side of his head, making him flinch momentarily. Aerikoth, urged on by Dermot, looked intently at the fleeing man to see if he could cast a spell, but Red Ortho was no longer visible above the waves.
A patch of turbulence then appeared off the port bow of the ship, in the area where they had last seen Red Ortho. He surfaced briefly and screamed as the adventurers saw something in the water was clinging to him. Shanni took the opportunity to line up another shot and let fly an arrow, but Red Ortho sunk beneath the waves again and the arrow was lost in the churning of the sea. Confusion reigned on board the ship as to what had happened, Shanni mentioning that she had seen something black and flapping around Red Ortho as she took her last shot.
Dermot turned to Pincer and asked for an explanation of the signal flags. The former slaver said that he had never been up on deck during docking, so did not know. Pincer could however not repress a grin, however, at the turn of events, commenting that it now looked like the party would have no choice but to keep him alive.
As Shanni was asking Aerikoth about his “crow’s” return, Zeluth appeared as if summoned by Shanni’s words and alighted in the rigging above Aerikoth. The wizard looked up for a moment and nodded. Turning to the others, he reported that they were indeed off of Westgate, with the ship being northeast of the East Gate promontory. The docks were close past it, but the channel to them was narrow.
The group decided it would be best to take the ship’s boat and make for land, rather than wait around for morning. Rahnee escorted Pincer down to the hold and explained things to Darrow, who grumbled at having to remain at sea with no ale. The boat was then lowered into the sea and the four adventurers boarded, with Dermot and Shanni going first. Rahnee deftly slid down the rope with a daredevil maneuver and Aerikoth carefully climbed down last. Tomas yelled down directions to clear the promontory five boat lengths to the west, then head south.
Rahnee and Shanni manned one of the oars, while Dermot handled the other. With strong, smooth strokes they pushed away from the ship and made for the headland, moving over the swells of the waves. The going became rougher as they neared the promontory and they rested for a moment after they passed it, before turning south. Once round the promontory, the light from Aerikoth's staff revealed a set of docks close by, with other docks further south. There are no identifying marks visible by either docks. Rahnee said they might as well head for the first dock, since they did not know who either belonged to.
The boat was pulled up to the dock without mishap and the four exited. On the other side of the dock was a gate and the adventurers were immediately challenged by the guards, who were of House Athagdal. Shanni attempted to use her charm on the guards, smiling sweetly and explaining that they had come in from a ship where there had been a problem with the crew. She apologized, saying that it was dark and they had not known what they were doing. At the insistence of the guards, Shanni gave the name of the ship, which apparently meant nothing to them. Dermot also pointed out - with a reference to Aerikoth’s glowing staff - that the group did not look like thieves or smugglers. Apparently satisfied that the group had nothing to do with Athagdal business, the guards agreed to unlock the gate and let them go on their way. Dermot sweetened the deal by passing the guards 30 gold in “docking fees” in order to watch over the boat. In response to a question from Shanni, the guards indicated that ship pilots could be found in the Westlight Harbor district.
--------------------------
Dermot Kenner: You think we could jus' sailboat to shore?
Dermot Kenner: Rowboat, that is. Rowboat.
Red Ortho: *looks up towards the promontory*
Shanni Krowe: Umm... I dunno.
Red Ortho: *quickly jumps into the water, diving expertly and immediately stroking for shore*
Shanni Krowe: Shit... *draws a bow and shoots*
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *quickly unlimbers bow and shoots*
Carlo the DM: ((Shanni's shot goes wide into the sea))
Shanni Krowe: *nocks another arrow and draws back, taking aim*
Carlo the DM: ((Rahnee's whizzes by Red Ortho's ear))
Dermot Kenner: Aerikoth! Get him!
Carlo the DM: ((Red Ortho disappears beneath the waves, diving))
Shanni Krowe: The row boat!
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *nocks another arrow and fires at the same place Ortho went down*
Shanni Krowe: *scanning the surface looking for him surfacing*
Dermot Kenner: ... damn.
Carlo the DM: ((suddenly, some turbulence appears off the port bow))
Carlo the DM: ((Red Ortho surfaces briefly and screams, with something clinging to him))
Shanni Krowe: *aims at the turbulence ready*
Shanni Krowe: *now shoots*
Carlo the DM: ((Red Ortho then sinks beneath the waves))
Dermot Kenner: *puzzlement.*
Dermot Kenner: ... what happened there?
Dermot Kenner: Did you hit him?
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: If we were in Waterdeep, I would know, but not here.
Shanni Krowe: I'm not sure.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: I do not know if Westgate has underwater defenses.
Dermot Kenner: *squints out across the waves.*
Dermot Kenner: Could've sworn I heard a scream. That's all manner of unsettling.
Dermot Kenner: Well, so much for Ortho.
Shanni Krowe: It was black and ... sort of flapping, all around him.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Only if you plan on swimming to shore. *watches Pincer*
Pincer: *grins* not me, thanks.
With the sun nearly down and in the dark, rain and fog, Red Ortho dropped anchor, explaining that there was too much traffic in the harbor to sail in safely and they would need to wait for a pilot boat. He went and fetched two signal flags from the cabins, which he said would be needed to summon the boat in the morning. One was white and triangular with a black border, the other being rectangular and is solid black. Red Ortho ran both of them up to the top of the rigging, with the rectangular black one on top. Unsure of their significance, Rahnee quietly asked Tomas if he recognized them. The sailor replied in the negative, noting that most sailing companies had their own private systems. Shanni also clearly distrusted Red Ortho’s motives, but observed that there was nothing they could do except take things at face value.
After Red Ortho remarked that they could see the outline of the East Gate promontory in the distance, Aerikoth glanced up at the rigging. His large raven familiar Zeluth, who had been perched there, instantly took wing and headed for the barely visible land mass. As Shanni and Dermot watched the raven fly off, Red Ortho said that he should take a sounding, bending down and lowering a sounding cord off the port side of the ship. The company engaged in some idle conversation while watching the shore.
Suddenly, Red Ortho dived into the water and began swimming powerfully for land, staying underwater as much as possible. Shanni immediately cursed and drew her bow for a shot at his swimming figure, getting hers off slightly before Rahnee did the same. Shanni’s shot went wide, while Rahnee’s skimmed the side of his head, making him flinch momentarily. Aerikoth, urged on by Dermot, looked intently at the fleeing man to see if he could cast a spell, but Red Ortho was no longer visible above the waves.
A patch of turbulence then appeared off the port bow of the ship, in the area where they had last seen Red Ortho. He surfaced briefly and screamed as the adventurers saw something in the water was clinging to him. Shanni took the opportunity to line up another shot and let fly an arrow, but Red Ortho sunk beneath the waves again and the arrow was lost in the churning of the sea. Confusion reigned on board the ship as to what had happened, Shanni mentioning that she had seen something black and flapping around Red Ortho as she took her last shot.
Dermot turned to Pincer and asked for an explanation of the signal flags. The former slaver said that he had never been up on deck during docking, so did not know. Pincer could however not repress a grin, however, at the turn of events, commenting that it now looked like the party would have no choice but to keep him alive.
As Shanni was asking Aerikoth about his “crow’s” return, Zeluth appeared as if summoned by Shanni’s words and alighted in the rigging above Aerikoth. The wizard looked up for a moment and nodded. Turning to the others, he reported that they were indeed off of Westgate, with the ship being northeast of the East Gate promontory. The docks were close past it, but the channel to them was narrow.
The group decided it would be best to take the ship’s boat and make for land, rather than wait around for morning. Rahnee escorted Pincer down to the hold and explained things to Darrow, who grumbled at having to remain at sea with no ale. The boat was then lowered into the sea and the four adventurers boarded, with Dermot and Shanni going first. Rahnee deftly slid down the rope with a daredevil maneuver and Aerikoth carefully climbed down last. Tomas yelled down directions to clear the promontory five boat lengths to the west, then head south.
Rahnee and Shanni manned one of the oars, while Dermot handled the other. With strong, smooth strokes they pushed away from the ship and made for the headland, moving over the swells of the waves. The going became rougher as they neared the promontory and they rested for a moment after they passed it, before turning south. Once round the promontory, the light from Aerikoth's staff revealed a set of docks close by, with other docks further south. There are no identifying marks visible by either docks. Rahnee said they might as well head for the first dock, since they did not know who either belonged to.
The boat was pulled up to the dock without mishap and the four exited. On the other side of the dock was a gate and the adventurers were immediately challenged by the guards, who were of House Athagdal. Shanni attempted to use her charm on the guards, smiling sweetly and explaining that they had come in from a ship where there had been a problem with the crew. She apologized, saying that it was dark and they had not known what they were doing. At the insistence of the guards, Shanni gave the name of the ship, which apparently meant nothing to them. Dermot also pointed out - with a reference to Aerikoth’s glowing staff - that the group did not look like thieves or smugglers. Apparently satisfied that the group had nothing to do with Athagdal business, the guards agreed to unlock the gate and let them go on their way. Dermot sweetened the deal by passing the guards 30 gold in “docking fees” in order to watch over the boat. In response to a question from Shanni, the guards indicated that ship pilots could be found in the Westlight Harbor district.
--------------------------
Dermot Kenner: You think we could jus' sailboat to shore?
Dermot Kenner: Rowboat, that is. Rowboat.
Red Ortho: *looks up towards the promontory*
Shanni Krowe: Umm... I dunno.
Red Ortho: *quickly jumps into the water, diving expertly and immediately stroking for shore*
Shanni Krowe: Shit... *draws a bow and shoots*
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *quickly unlimbers bow and shoots*
Carlo the DM: ((Shanni's shot goes wide into the sea))
Shanni Krowe: *nocks another arrow and draws back, taking aim*
Carlo the DM: ((Rahnee's whizzes by Red Ortho's ear))
Dermot Kenner: Aerikoth! Get him!
Carlo the DM: ((Red Ortho disappears beneath the waves, diving))
Shanni Krowe: The row boat!
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *nocks another arrow and fires at the same place Ortho went down*
Shanni Krowe: *scanning the surface looking for him surfacing*
Dermot Kenner: ... damn.
Carlo the DM: ((suddenly, some turbulence appears off the port bow))
Carlo the DM: ((Red Ortho surfaces briefly and screams, with something clinging to him))
Shanni Krowe: *aims at the turbulence ready*
Shanni Krowe: *now shoots*
Carlo the DM: ((Red Ortho then sinks beneath the waves))
Dermot Kenner: *puzzlement.*
Dermot Kenner: ... what happened there?
Dermot Kenner: Did you hit him?
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: If we were in Waterdeep, I would know, but not here.
Shanni Krowe: I'm not sure.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: I do not know if Westgate has underwater defenses.
Dermot Kenner: *squints out across the waves.*
Dermot Kenner: Could've sworn I heard a scream. That's all manner of unsettling.
Dermot Kenner: Well, so much for Ortho.
Shanni Krowe: It was black and ... sort of flapping, all around him.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Only if you plan on swimming to shore. *watches Pincer*
Pincer: *grins* not me, thanks.
April 22 2012 session
Making their way across the city, the four entered the Watch Docks building. After attempting to explain their situation to a confused clerk, they were directed to speak to Lieutenant Doran, who was the senior officer on duty. Rahnee went straight to the point, telling him that they had a slave ship on their hands that they had liberated. She and Aerikoth also described what had happened to their former slaver guide in the harbor. This baffled the lieutenant, although he mentioned having heard about some similar occurrences before.
Shanni provide the lieutenant with the name of the ship, which did not ring any bells with him, although he promised to have one of his clerks research it. He had just queried where the adventurers intended to dock the ship, which they did not yet have an answer to, when Captain Halfoy of the House Urdo vessel Sea Sprite walked into the room. The captain approached Lieutenant Doran and was informing him of a delay in his ship’s departure, when he suddenly recognized the four as having recently taken passage with him to Starmantle.
Once the situation had been explained to the captain, he offered to assist with the docking and disposition of the ship. Rahnee noted that Helm’s Shadows had previously done good service for House Urdo, which the captain said would be a point in their favor. Halfoy arranged with Lieutenant Doran to use one of the pilot boats to bring the captain out to The Blind Man, with Rahnee, Dermot and Shanni accompanying him on the small vessel; Aerikoth had decided to teleport on ahead, after a hushed conference with Rahnee.
Upon arrival at the ship, Halfoy moored the pilot boat alongside and clambered to the deck, along with the three companions. The captain introduced himself to Tomas, who was manning the wheel, and assumed command. Rahnee, Dermot and Shanni then went down to the hold to check on the others. There they encountered a beagle puppy which had not previously been there; Aerikoth suggested that the name “Pincer” would be a good one for it. The transformation of the former slaver was a source of amusement to the group, but their mood turned to worry when Nina inquired the whereabouts of Kain and they realized the necromancer had not been seen for some time.
----------------------
Beagle Puppy: *sniffs Dermot*
Beagle Puppy: *barks*
Dermot Kenner: Hey, we got a dog now?
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks at the puppy* Oh, I think he's fine.
Darrow Ironhelm: But I ain't walkin' him.
Dermot Kenner: ... oh.
Darrow Ironhelm: *grins*
Aerikoth: Yes, *glances at the puppy* Our new addition. I think Pincer is a good name for him.
Dermot Kenner: Hahaha.
Dermot Kenner: I see.
Shanni provide the lieutenant with the name of the ship, which did not ring any bells with him, although he promised to have one of his clerks research it. He had just queried where the adventurers intended to dock the ship, which they did not yet have an answer to, when Captain Halfoy of the House Urdo vessel Sea Sprite walked into the room. The captain approached Lieutenant Doran and was informing him of a delay in his ship’s departure, when he suddenly recognized the four as having recently taken passage with him to Starmantle.
Once the situation had been explained to the captain, he offered to assist with the docking and disposition of the ship. Rahnee noted that Helm’s Shadows had previously done good service for House Urdo, which the captain said would be a point in their favor. Halfoy arranged with Lieutenant Doran to use one of the pilot boats to bring the captain out to The Blind Man, with Rahnee, Dermot and Shanni accompanying him on the small vessel; Aerikoth had decided to teleport on ahead, after a hushed conference with Rahnee.
Upon arrival at the ship, Halfoy moored the pilot boat alongside and clambered to the deck, along with the three companions. The captain introduced himself to Tomas, who was manning the wheel, and assumed command. Rahnee, Dermot and Shanni then went down to the hold to check on the others. There they encountered a beagle puppy which had not previously been there; Aerikoth suggested that the name “Pincer” would be a good one for it. The transformation of the former slaver was a source of amusement to the group, but their mood turned to worry when Nina inquired the whereabouts of Kain and they realized the necromancer had not been seen for some time.
----------------------
Beagle Puppy: *sniffs Dermot*
Beagle Puppy: *barks*
Dermot Kenner: Hey, we got a dog now?
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks at the puppy* Oh, I think he's fine.
Darrow Ironhelm: But I ain't walkin' him.
Dermot Kenner: ... oh.
Darrow Ironhelm: *grins*
Aerikoth: Yes, *glances at the puppy* Our new addition. I think Pincer is a good name for him.
Dermot Kenner: Hahaha.
Dermot Kenner: I see.