DM Kathy Friday September 14th, 2018 12:07:37 AM
A few solid clonks on the head and the confused Bloodkin falls unconscious. The rest of them surrender. The fire is out, but the Condor is going to need serious repairs if she's going to sail agin. It might be easier to just scuttle her, especially if you can bring the other three ships over here. Oh, and the Lionfish, too.
Rill asks the Bloodkin why they serve the Death Dragon cult. Like Fang, when she asked a similar question, he is met with instant, vehement denial. The crews of the Condor, the Barracuda, the Hawk, and the Kestrel are the Bloodkin that did not agree to cooperate with the Death Dragons. The Bloodkin leadership, and many of the other crews, have fallen in with the Death Dragons, but these crews have not. Reading between the lines, you get the sense that the crews you captured were having rather a rough time of it, cut off from usual sources of support.
In the meantime, you have a pile of slaver gear. You defeated 36 Bloodkin. Each of them had: +1 chain shirt, +1 daggers (2), masterwork composite longbow (+2 Str), masterwork whip, belt of incredible dexterity +2, boots of elvenkind, cloak of the manta ray. You also defeated 8 halflings. Each of them had: +4 leather armor, +1 dagger, +1 wounding dagger, masterwork daggers (4), amulet of natural armor +2, boots of speed, cloak of minor displacement, dust of appearance, ring of protection +2
All of this gear is, of course, variously distributed among the four ships, but I'm assuming you get it all together eventually.
You also have some freed slaves, some ships, and some prisoners to question. And a lot of decisions to make.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Friday September 14th, 2018 5:21:44 AM "Let us bring some magical means to help influence their tongues" Tahni brings the others in close so that the prisoners cannot overhear.
"We take all of the prisoners below. I will cast a mind fog spell covering them all. The fog will last for 30minutes so I would expect all of them to succumb eventually. I will be able to tell the ones affected first and we bring them above deck for questioning. They will have a weaker resolve so I should them be able to Charm them, or, cast Detect Thoughts so that we can get the answers we need. The fog would also make it easier for you to peer into their souls, Rill"
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Friday September 14th, 2018 10:34:40 AM
Fang is slightly confused. "Wouldn't muddling their minds make questioning harder? If they're so muddled they can't think of the answers to our questions then we're wasting our time."
"Also, what are Death Dragons and what do they have to do with anything?"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Friday September 14th, 2018 11:47:53 AM "The mind fog simply leaves their minds more susceptible to our influence." Tahni explains "It wouldn't muddle their minds as such"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/200, DR 1/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 27/34, channel 4/5) Friday September 14th, 2018 5:56:34 PM I suggest that we offer lenience to those who willingly submit to our questions and magical verification. If we need information after that, then we can resort to sterner means and harsher punishments. We could deliver the ones that cooperate to authorities with less harsh punishments for pressing people into slavery.
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 Friday September 14th, 2018 7:05:37 PM "I do not plan to look into the soul of each person here. Doing such a thing is a very invasive and personal thing, and there is no strategic need to do so at this point. It would also begin to take a toll on me. I do think it is a good idea to question each of the Bloodkin separately though. Between what that and the information the slaves may have, the truth will begin to come out. I will gladly take part in this, using my discernment to ferret out who may be trying to mislead us."
Rill cast Detect Evil to look over both the Bloodkin and the slaves. He will then work with a couple other Black Lions to question the folks here, generally asking:
- who they are? - where they are from? - who their captain is? - what ships they recently sailed on? - where the slaves were acquired? - where the slaves were destined beyond this island? - whom they were to meet on this island? - what they know of the Death Dragons? - the names of any Death Dragons, or Bloodkin Leaders that are working with the Death Dragons? - what will you do if we turn the lot of you loose on a ship?
Rill will use his Sense Motive (+31) to give him a hunch about these folks as we go. If any really give him the creeps, he will use Probe Psyche to peer into the soul of one or two of them to learn more. If all the answers seem to be the same, we may not need to actually questions them all.
(I don't need a detailed response from the DM on this, and realize the questions may yield little more than what we have already learned. My hope here is to determine if there is more info to be gained, how consistent the responses are, and get a sense of the risk to us and the Wold of letting these Bloodkin go.)
(Brock) Jozhur AC26 / Touch 16 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 29/117 --Shadow Companion 58/58hp d20+23=33 ; Friday September 14th, 2018 8:45:22 PM
Jozhur agrees with Terser and Rill. It seems these Bloodkin may actually be somewhat cooperative with questioning about this cult.
He watches and listens as the others ask the questions, seeing what he can pick up on.
Sense motive: +18 Perception roll: 33
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC21/23vEvil; 77hp) d20+4=23 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+32=46 ; d20+30=40 ; Friday September 14th, 2018 11:39:55 PM
Zeoll thanks the nymph and sends her on her way. He thanks Drini too. "You werre a huge help!" he tells the pookah.
He does his best to listen and observe as the prisoners are questioned. He says nothing.
Perception 46 Sense Motive 40
[OOC: I've been in a funk and suffering from a cold. Apologies for being awol a few days. I'm jumping back in now.]
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Saturday September 15th, 2018 12:37:26 AM
Tahni proceeds with her plan: mind fogging all the enemy and then using Detect Thoughts as part of the questioning. Their minds may give more detail than the words that come from their mouths.
She is most interested in what each captive would do if released. Would you try and turn a new leaf, seek revenge, or continue the life you have been leading?
It is that question that will determine their fates.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 168/176) Saturday September 15th, 2018 9:02:33 AM
Bralin makes himself useful by helping out any former slaves who need minor healing, collecting gear, getting people off of the Condor, and any other physical labor that is called for while the questioning continues.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Saturday September 15th, 2018 7:27:18 PM
Fang goes around and interviews the slaves to figure out which ones have seafaring experience. Regardless of if the slaves fight with them or try to reach port they'll need to get them organized and ready to crew the captured ships. She tries to get one of the Black Lions with sailing experience to help pick out the best suited of the slaves, perhaps even appointing one or two captains to lead the others in whatever they end up doing.
DM Kathy Sunday September 16th, 2018 8:55:20 PM Tahni suggests using magical means to question the prisoners, but Rill believes he can ferret out the truth using just his abilities, and Jozhur tends to agree. Terser suggests a sort of carrot-and-stick approach.
Meanwhile, Zeoll dismisses his summoned friends and Bralin works to heal some of the former slaves.
Fang is able to determine that nearly all of the former slaves have sailing experience; most were sailors or fishermen before being taken.
But you're all going to have to help your DM out here. Right now, there are 4 captured ships, 3 in kind of a group, and the 4th a few hundred years away. Each ship has both former slaves and captured slavers aboard. Well, there aren't any slavers aboard the Kestrel; they all abandoned ship. But there are former slaves there. Also, your group is distributed among the various ships, or they were the last time we checked in.
Last time, I gave you the total equipment list for all the slavers, so I feel like I was the one who set a bad example. But I wanted you to have the total list all at once, rather than getting it piecemeal, and I wanted you to have it before the weekend in case anybody wanted to do anything with it. But those reasons were logistical, rather than storytelling.
So, back to the story--where are you guys, exactly? Where are your prisoners and former slaves? And how did they get there? I don't need a detailed description, but I do need the basic outlines of how you gathered everybody onto one ship. If that's what you did.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Sunday September 16th, 2018 9:25:22 PM
For the end state, Tahni proposes something along the lines of...
- 1 ship for the slaves comfortable enough to sail themselves somewhere - 1 ship for the captured enemies who truely wish to reform to sail themselves somewhere (only after sufficient questioning and magical mind probing to determine their sincerity) - 1 ship for the party and the non-capable slaves - 1 ship (the disabled ship) to be sunk and act as a watery tomb for the slavers who cannot be reformed as well as the corpses the party have collected
In order to get things sorted out, Zeoll has taken charge to get the former slaves onto the two more seaworthy ships and the slavers onto the third. He calls to Tula via mental link relay, and uses the Lionfish and the Swan Boat to ferry people around. He thanks Bralin for his good work getting former captives up and ready.
That fourth ship looks ready to be scuppered, in Zeoll's not-so-expert opinion (Profession Sailor 14?).
The old liontaur addresses the former prisoners. "I am Captain Zeoll of the Lionfish, and we hate slaverrs with a passion! Today we scorred a victorry in ourr fight against slaverry. You werre captive, but now you arre frree!"
"If you wish to leave now as frree people, go on that ship and deparrt at yourr will, because no one may naysay you! You are indeed frree!"
"Yon island is a den of slaverrs, and we of the Lionfish go now to finish them. If you wish more of our aid, food, and rest before you take yourr frreedom, go to that ship and await ourr next victory. We will rreturrn within hours to you, or die trrying. And I do not expect to die today."
He directs Tula to keep the Lionfish nearby in case there is trouble or if the former captives need help.
He has nothing to say to the slavers, and awaits his friends' meetings with them. He makes it plain that he is in favor of quick executions for them all. He will freely use his magic to determine truth -- and any who willingly worked as slavers are perforce guilty.
When the party is ready, he suggests taking the Swan Boat to the island and simply making a frontal assault. First attack the ships so that none may escape, then death to slavers.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC21/23vEvil; 77hp) Sunday September 16th, 2018 10:02:20 PM
OOC: Posted same time as Rob -- but our ideas are not incompatible. :-)
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 Monday September 17th, 2018 1:09:30 AM
(Kudos to DM Kathy for coordinating a complicated battle aboard several ships!)
Rill turns to Zeoll. "O captain, my captain, let us not execute these poor, misguided souls. I agree now that we should use what resources we have to determine their outlook and intent going forward. You have convinced me of that. Those that are willing to turn from their ways, we should release with the promise that if we hear of any future misdeeds, they will surely answer to us.
"But I suggest that even a recalcitrant, slaving, bloodthirsty Bloodkin may have value alive. We release them with the same admonition to turn from their ways, and the same threat if they do not. Even if they leave here and do evil, they will do so constantly looking over their shoulders. They carry with them the message that there is a force for good in the Wold, a force to be feared by those that would do evil.
"My Lord Gargul is neither good nor evil, and at the same time I think, embodies both. If the creatures Maab sends in response to your summons are any indication, the same may be true of her. As a result, the Black Lions rely on Redcaps and Hags to support the good we strive for. Is it our place to execute a surrendered foe because they are evil and MAY commit more evil acts?"
Rill agrees with Tahni and Zeoll in the ways to get the ships together. The use of Rill's previously created Swan Boat should simplify this - it will last for a day and moves without effort. Once all are together, he will proceed with Detect Evil, prisioner questioning and using Probe Psyche to help sort things out.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/200, DR 1/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 27/34, channel 4/5) Monday September 17th, 2018 5:28:23 PM
As someone who's almost gotten himself in trouble by dispensing supposed justice on prisoners, Terser is feeling aligned with Rill on how to proceed. Some of these slavers may have been born into it, or just did not see another option for how to survive. If they would truly be reformed, then let them. But let them also spread the tale about how slavery will not be tolerated anywhere in the seas.
For the freedmen who will go off on their own, he sees to it that they do not go unarmed. It would not do for them to come upon another slaver in the area and be defenseless. He doesn't know whether it's better or worse to keep the slave ship name or to change it, so leaves that to the new owners.
Once the scuttled ship is decided to be sunk, he will air walk to the waterline and punch some holes in the boards to help it along. They need to get the evidence disposed of sooner rather than later. Even if they're making a frontal assault, they don't want to announce it and give the enemy time to prepare.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP106/106 - AC27/23/22 - CMD 24 and LEAFY (L) - HP75/89 - AC30/23/27 - CMD 20 Monday September 17th, 2018 5:42:53 PM
Aex first finds her way back to Leafy who didn't do too bad during combat. She on the other hand hasn't been very effective. She does her best to heal those who need it, and she hands out potions to those that are in need of strength... to those that are tired, exhausted or in pain. She won'h have potions for anything but at least it can help...
The little greenmage chooses not to interfere in the discussion on who gets what ships. If needed she'll straighten the rudder on the ship she bent earlier.
I'm guessing we're still in the fog Aex created earlier? What time of day is it?? I'm guessing standard fog should have cleared by now? Are we going to the island?
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 168/176) Monday September 17th, 2018 8:07:10 PM
Bralin keeps up getting people off the Condor, certain that this particular vessel is doomed.
The plan to give the former slaves the two best ships, and the former slavers the last, is sound.
As is Rill's defense of the lives of the latter.
"The foe is beaten," he comments. "Killing them now serves no good purpose."
(Brock) Jozhur AC26 / Touch 16 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 29/117 --Shadow Companion 58/58hp Monday September 17th, 2018 9:28:52 PM
Jozhur helps get the freed slaves and Bloodkin arranged as Zeol describes. He agrees with Rill on treatment of their captives. There was a time he would have wanted to execute all these slavers. Now? Let them go, if they continue their ways, their time will come.
DM Kathy Monday September 17th, 2018 10:02:28 PM
Using the Lionfish and the swan boat, you ferry most of the corpses to the Condor, which seems destined for the bottom of the sea. Aexana therefore does not have to straighten the rudder unless she really wants to.
You also ferry the former slaves and former slavers to the Hawk, which is the least damaged of the other three ships. There, you do some questioning and sorting out.
Of the slavers, the number who truly want to turn over a new leaf and make a (relatively) honest living is depressingly small. Nearly all of them say they're reformed characters, having seen which way the wind is blowing, but most of them are lying.
The former slaves, you can sort into three groups. The largest group just want to go back to their homes and have lost their taste for life at sea. A smaller group wants to take one of the ships and get their revenge by fighting slavers--especially the Bloodkin. And there are a few who are so broken it's hard to tell whether they'll ever recover. Regardless, they're going to need some kind of long-term care.
Rill has some questions. The reformed slavers gladly tell you about the Bloodkin, Specifically, they tell you about the Blood Reaver.
The Blood Reaver is a massive warship, and also a floating headquarters for the Bloodkin. Their leader Captain Dekkar Lifebb, commands her. She hasn't been into port in nearly a decade; she is supplied by other Bloodkin ships so that her crew doesn't have to risk coming into port. Aboard the Blood Reaver, Lifebb is defended by three fierce fighters: a halfling, a dwarf, and a half-orc. Defending the Blood Reaver are a crew of Bloodkin and several ballistae. And, of course, the kraken.
The Bloodkin give you coordinates to find the Blood Reaver.
[I realize these aren't the specific questions you asked, but they're important information so that's what you get initially. If you have more questions, feel free to ask them.]
The battle didn't take long, but all the ferrying about and conversation has taken considerably longer. It is midday, and the fog is all but gone.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 3:13:46 AM "Look, those that want to repent for their crimes and truly wish to make amends, I agree, they should be allowed to go free. Their deaths would serve no purpose. Let them live the remainder of their lives remembering how they were given a second chance and to think about how they may help others.
However those that refuse to see the error of their ways and intend to keep killing and taking others as slaves, well, we may as well end their lives here and now. They make it clear they will hurt others again, and I don't want to be responsible for that.
Let us kill them now and be done with it. The purpose of their deaths being to to prevent the deaths and suffering of countless innocent people"
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:47:16 AM
Tahni would also ask one of the cooperative slavers how far it is to those coordinates. Do the party have hours? Days?
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday September 18th, 2018 7:24:35 AM
Fang frowns doubtfully at Tahni. "I am no cleric of Pantheon; it is not my place to pass judgement on these men. I would prefer that the law decide if these men are deserving of death. Besides, they surrendered and asked for mercy. If we kill them all how can we expect our enemies to surrender peacefully in the future? How would those who truly wish to repent view the mass slaughter of their former comrades rendered helpless?"
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:12:33 AM
Rill will share what he knows from looking into some of these Bloodkin and even what he suspects about their motives and lies.
”The balance of justice and mercy is a tricky thing, and I do not claim to be an expert in such matters. But I do understand the sacredness of life as well as the meaning and finality of death. I also know that we are at the point in our lives where each of us could mete out death to these Bloodkin with little effort. That is a terrible responsibility.
“But there is more going on here. We are being tested - tested for acceptance into a group vested with great power, and we will be called upon to exercise judgement in how we use that power. I think our first test was our new friend Fang here. A giant, bloody rat ran out of the hold of a slaving ship, and now she is our friend. But that decision was made corporately, and so must this one.
“I believe these Bloodkin are also part of our test - what do we do with them and how to we do it must be agreed upon. I see this not so much as a test of our mercy, though it may be that. Rather, I think this is a test our how we arrive at decisions together. So let us take a slightly different approach based on the concern of Zeoll and Tahni. Let us release these Bloodkin with strict instructions to return to Bonetown and give this ship to the Harbormaster to hold for us, and that they must cause no trouble there. The ship is ours by right of conquest, and I agree it would not be smart to turn them loose upon the seas of the Wold with a ship, much less a ship that we own. We can enforce this by Zeoll, Tahni and I carefully studying this ship. We will tell them that if this does not show up as instructed, we will teleport aboard to enforce this order and reconsider their fate.
“What say you? Is this a tenable solution? Are there other measures we can take to enforce this?”
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/200, DR 1/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 27/34, channel 4/5) Tuesday September 18th, 2018 1:42:53 PM How long is the Blood Reaver scheduled to stay in that location? If we have time to shepherd the criminals to a port authority, we can see they get proper justice and still be able to crash the party at HQ.
(Brock) Jozhur AC26 / Touch 16 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 29/117 --Shadow Companion 58/58hp Tuesday September 18th, 2018 6:38:48 PM
Jozhur agrees with Rill. "We whipped them pretty good. I think they will have enough fear in them to go turn in the ship. To kill in combat is one thing, but I can't condone just slaughtering these people, even if they are despicable. Make it very clear there will be no surrending if we run into them again."
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 168/176) Tuesday September 18th, 2018 6:47:32 PM
Bralin, surprise, is resolute.
"We cannot kill a beaten foe. They are at our mercy, and mercy we shall grant. Should they fail to reform, we shall cross paths again, and they will die.
Let them go back to their taverns, and spread the tale of this day.
We are the Black Lions. If ye be slavers, we come for you."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 7:41:30 PM "They only surrendered as they were beaten and saw it as the only option that they may possibly see another day. They tell you they will harm again. They tell you others will get hurt if they are released and you would have them do that?
You can tell the ex-slaves here that despite all the things these murderers have done that you are letting them go free without any repercussion whatsoever"
If the Captain sides with the rest of the party Tahni will not interfere any further. She will, however, bestow a curse on each of the slavers as a warning to others.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Ah, the age old question of what to do with prisoners. The cause of more disagreements in a party than anything else.
The Wiki was updated a while back to cover this sort of thing: "Evil creatures will not willingly reform unless specifically mentioned by the DM"... "Killing an evil creature is NOT an evil act and will have no consequences in game." }
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP106/106 - AC27/23/22 - CMD 24 and LEAFY (L) - HP75/89 - AC30/23/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 8:14:42 PM "I will not agree to the killing of those who surrendered... I'm on Bralin's side here. But if we want them to reform it would be best to show them a way how... give them a goal to pursue. Just sending them away on a ship will most likely take'm right back where they started. Give them a reason to be happy to reform... If only we had a Walker among us... "
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 10:02:45 PM "Tahni - When did they tell us they will harm again? When did they tell us others will get hurt if they are released? How did I miss this?"
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC21/23vEvil; 77hp) Tuesday September 18th, 2018 10:41:10 PM
Zeoll is willing to compromise.
The freed folk who want to go, send them on the best ship.
The freed folk who want to join our fight, or who need more care, send them on the second best ship and let them stay in sight of the Lionfish for now.
The repentant slavers may go with the third ship, but we will watch them from afar, and they are enjoined to do no more harm in the Wold.
The unrepentant slavers have earned their miserable lives by surrendering. Let them be tied well and locked in the hold of the Lionfish. Let them earn redemption with hard labor in chains at our quarry at Comeri under the watchful eye of good Mistress Hych. In this way we deliver a just fate, and after ten years, those that live will be free if they pledge to leave the slave trade forever.
Tula will be especially warned about those halfling rogues!
That should take care of the situation here. Does everyone agree?
Zeoll gathers more bloodkin blood, to use with his magic of vengeance in the attack on the Blood Reaver to come.
===== ===== =====
As for the approach, Zeoll fears that all surprise has been lost. He sees every reason simply to take the Swan Boat to the docks, deal with the ships there, and then work inland to administer justice like unto the sort we have issued already today. He is against using a ruse in pretending to be a group of slavers. It just tastes foul to him even to pretend.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:08:45 PM "They are lying when they say they are reformed, Rill" Tahni answers matter-o-factly "I have cast my Detect Thoughts spell and can see that quite clearly. Were you to look into their souls you would see the same"
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Nearly all of them say they're reformed characters, having seen which way the wind is blowing, but most of them are lying"}
DM Kathy Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:25:58 PM Tahni asks how long it will take to reach the Blood Reaver, and learns that it will take a day or two.
Terser asks how long it's expected to stay in its current location. The Bloodkin aren't sure, but they estimate you have at least a week before the ship moves.
The rest of you are concerned with how to mete out justice, especially to the Bloodkin who have no intention of repenting.
Zeoll proposes a solution, and if you all agree to it, you can start transporting the would-be fighters and the broken former slaves to the Barracuda, and the handful of truly reformed Bloodkin to the Kestrel. Those that remain on the Hawk will simply use it to get to their various homes, though what happens to the ship after that is unclear. The Lionfish does not have a brig, but the prisoners can be restrained and placed in the hold.
And then comes the question of what you do next. Do you assault Market Island? Set sail for Comeri? Go directly to the Blood Reaver? Something else?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 11:42:05 PM
Tahni nods to the Captain. It was a fair solution that would at least not see these criminals given free release to the Wold.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Wednesday September 19th, 2018 7:47:16 AM
Fang is also pleased with the suggestion and asks if there's anyplace where she can clean up.
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 Wednesday September 19th, 2018 11:46:29 AM "See, this is why we approach this as a team. I am good with this solution, and I forgot that we have a mine in Comeri.
"As for our next action, I do think we should secure this island first. It's likely this will result in more help at Comeri. A direct approach is best, and hopefully we will meet little resistance. Good idea to use the Swan Boat to not put the Lionfish at risk.
"Now, if you will excuse me for a moment, I need to pray for a couple of spells."
Rill hopes that others will not mind seeing to the slave/prisoner transfer logistics while he takes about 15 min to fill a couple of empty spell slots.
(I've kinda lost track of time here, but the Air Walk spells he cast at the start of combat would have lasted for 2.5 hours - I'm thinking we're beyond that.)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP106/106 - AC27/23/22 - CMD 24 and LEAFY (L) - HP75/89 - AC30/23/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:23:50 PM "It does sound safest to clean up here first... although I wonder how long it will take the Blood Reaver to know what happened here and prepare for us to come? Would we lose the element of surprise. There's of course no interest in going ill-prepared for such a formidable foe...
While the Kraken is of course something to worry about, the little druid is quite exited to hear they will probably see the Kraken at the front row!
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 176/176) Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:57:32 PM
Bralin also nods at the wisdom of Zeoll's proposal.
He also agrees on Rill's suggestion to assault Market Island.
"Secure our rear, before turning for the Blood Reaver".
DM Kathy Wednesday September 19th, 2018 10:13:02 PM
Although Aexana frets a bit over losing the element of surprise, most of you would like to stay and attack Market Island, thus dealing a crushing blow to slavery in the Middle Seas. And, given that the Blood Reaver is over a days' sail away, it seems unlikely that a short delay will affect the element of surprise.
Accordingly, Rill sets about filling a couple of empty spell slots, while Fang wonders where she can clean up. Now that the fog has burned off, the day is warm enough that it's probably safe to just jump into the sea. If that doesn't appeal, you can use a bucket on a rope to bring water up on deck and sluice off with that.
The only questions that seem to remain are: when do you launch your attack? what is your (general) attack plan? do you want the help of the freed slaves who are keen to fight slavers?
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Thursday September 20th, 2018 7:33:46 AM "Whichever approach or target we head for I think we should make sure that the former slaves are well clear of the area. Perhaps give them coordinates to Comeri and we meet them there afterwards?"
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/200, DR 1/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 25/34, channel 4/5) Thursday September 20th, 2018 1:40:49 PM
Terser reiterates that any freedmen who have no homes to return to should be welcome on Comeri as well. All in all, Zeoll's solution ties things into a neat little package.
Should any of those men and women wish to help in the fight on Market Island, he is not inclined to deny them their chance. Should we wish to employ a ruse, they could go in with unlocked manacles and unleash a surprise assault, or act as a protectorate to the slaves on the island when the battle begins, in case any of the slavers see fit to execute slaves if we don't submit.
If we prefer a frontal assault, in which Terser is sure that they will triumph, then he will share his strength and the glory of battle and justice with the freedmen fighters.
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 Thursday September 20th, 2018 4:08:23 PM "Tahni is right that we should not put the former slaves in harm's way. Those halfling rogues we faced would have diced them up, and one fireball could end them all rather quickly. But I do like the idea of bringing them in once we have secured the site to share in the victory and to help us get things there squared away. I imagine there will also be weapons and supplies on the island that all the ships will need before they venture out.
"I also favor a frontal assault to just get this over. Let us approach as Zeoll suggested in the swan boat so we do not put the Lionfish at risk."
Assuming all agree, we will use the swan boat (which I reskinned to look like a dragon boat by the way.) It's magical nature will be obvious, as it moves without oar or sail.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 176/176) Thursday September 20th, 2018 6:46:27 PM
"Aye", Bralin agrees. "Their desire to fight is admirable, but their abilities may not be up to the task."
The dwarf readily loads himself onto the dragon boat, and prepares himself.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP106/106 - AC27/23/22 - CMD 24 and LEAFY (L) - HP75/89 - AC30/23/27 - CMD 20 Thursday September 20th, 2018 7:12:57 PM
As a frontal assault is chosen Aex hands a Stone Skin potion to Leafy for some extra protection should things go dire. For now she stays with the boat - depending on what they will encounter she'll call for her Staff Treant again.
"Anyone else in need of some extra protection or a little boost here or there? "
As they go though, Aex turns invisible again with her ring.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Thursday September 20th, 2018 7:55:52 PM
Fang decides to bath later if they're going right back into combat. She jumps in the boat with the rest of the group.
(Brock) Jozhur AC26 / Touch 16 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 54/117 --Shadow Companion 58/58hp Thursday September 20th, 2018 9:33:24 PM
Jozhur offers that the freed slaves could at least operate ballistae from the relative safety offshore. He would certainly understand some of them insisting on aiding in the fight.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC30/32vEvil; 77hp) Thursday September 20th, 2018 9:35:01 PM
Zeoll takes stock of his spells and things used as he preps for another fight. He sounds his horn to refresh his Magic Circle.
He is ready to head to Market Island with his friends on the Swan Ship.
Current Magic Status: Currently on Zeoll: Water Breathe, Extended Darkvision, Extended Protection from Arrows, Extended Nondetection, Mage Armor, Taur's Try (+1 perception), Magic Circle, Water Walk.
Cleric Spells: (underlined = cast) (spell DCs in parentheses) 0: guidance, create water, light, mending; 1: command x4 (24), det evil, obsc mist; elf vision 2: calm emo x2 (25), nemesis insight, hold person (25), zone of truth (25); faerie fire 3: loc obj, prayer (26), sum mon III, water walk (2 slots); glibness 4: comune w/ nat - SFF4, restoration - SFF4, sum mon iv; lesser planar ally Sorc Spells: 1: 4 of 8 used (mage armor x4) 2: 0 of 8 used 3: 0 of 7 used 4: 3 of 4 used (confusion x3) Other resources: Cape: 1 of 1 used Horns: 3 of 4 used SHIELD status: donned
DM Kathy Thursday September 20th, 2018 10:26:55 PM
You make your preparations and head for Market Island. You are understandably reluctant to let the newly-freed slaves mix it up with slavers, however eager they may be to exact some revenge. Reluctantly, they agree to limit their efforts to firing ballistae and freeing slaves once you guys give the all clear.
You assault Market Island. You do meet with resistance, but not as much as you faced against the four Bloodkin ships. Soon, you have more freed slaves, more captured slavers (or slave-users, at least), plus Rab and Drigka, the men who ran Market Island. You also have three new ships--the fourth having been sunk when she tried to flee.
You also locate a strongbox containing 2,000 gold pieces.
(Brock) Jozhur AC26 / Touch 16 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 54/117 --Shadow Companion 58/58hp Friday September 21st, 2018 4:39:33 PM
Jozhur starts talking to the slaves, sorting out if any of them want to remain to make a home on Market Island. Whatever they're doing, they should have some leadership. He helps to sort out the best people to fill the roles and gets them started.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/200, DR 1/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 25/34, channel 4/5) Friday September 21st, 2018 4:47:02 PM
Terser works on plans for fortifying the village and docks to be defensible should any slavers think to come back here.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Friday September 21st, 2018 7:35:53 PM
Fang finally takes a bath in the ocean. She takes her time about it, enjoying her ritual cleansing after battle. Once she's all clean she seeks out Zeoll and tries to learn more about what exactly the Black Lions are trying to accomplish and what these cultists everyone's so interested in are.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Saturday September 22nd, 2018 3:16:31 AM
Tahni starts a triage of the wounded, trying to help those closest to death first.
In terms of the gold "A lot of this is blood money. It's what these people suffered for. Even a small handful of it would help each freed slave here with their recovery. I can't take any"
Any share of the strongbox gold for Tahni will be distributed to as many slaves as she can. The items taken/collected she is fine to keep though.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC30/32vEvil; 77hp) Saturday September 22nd, 2018 9:00:02 AM
Zeoll helps sort the victims and villains on Market Island out. Same deal -- Freedfolk can depart or stay with us. Reformed slavers can leave. Unrepentent slavers get hard labor., After the mess on Market Island is cleaned up, Zeoll is happy to talk with Fang about what it all means.
"The Middle Seas are a wild place, my frriend, as you know. And Bonetown is at the hearrt of that maelstrrom. We made ourr home therre, and it has its charrms, forr all that the freebooter town is a center and refuge forr pirrates. But a forrmer memberr of ourr team helped us rrealize that a couple majorr pirrate grroups and a range of independents werre dealing in slaverry in a majorr way, and they werre welcome in Bonetown. We have not yet been strrong enough to rreforrm all the flaws of Bonetown, but we decided we could not let the slave trrade continue, anyway."
"So we set ourrselves the task of rrescuing slaves, and then of eliminating the slave trrade. We ended slaverry at a mine at Comerri, and we took overr the island and the mine. We will be sending slaverrs therre forr harrd laborr, we just decided. We have ended slaverry herre, at this little island called Marrket Island, which had serrved as a meeting place forr slaverrs engaging in theirr trrade."
"The two biggest slaverr pirrate grroups are the Bloodkin and the Elfbloods. The Bloodkin are open about it. The Elfbloods try to hide their involvement, but two of our forrmerr memberrs werre kept in serrvitude underr the Elfbloods. Ourr old frriend Kane (SteveK's PC) was an Elfblood slave."
"My old frriends, the Irron Drragons, rrecently came to us to tell us that Bloodkin had been worrking with evil cultists. They had been supplying slaves to the cult forr blood and worrse. Ourr job is to tackle the Bloodkin, then find out about the Cult, and stop it or even betterr stamp it out."
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 176/176) Saturday September 22nd, 2018 9:27:04 AM
Bralin cleans his waraxe and armor, and finds Jozhur and Terser and lends his aid in organizing the groups.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Sunday September 23rd, 2018 1:55:25 PM "Wait, the Iron Dragons gave you this task? How did you get involved with them?" Fang suspects she knows but doesn't want to say it out loud. Could this be her chance to join the Dragons?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP106/106 - AC27/23/22 - CMD 24 and LEAFY (L) - HP75/89 - AC30/23/27 - CMD 20 Sunday September 23rd, 2018 4:59:10 PM
Aex is happy to see Market island crumble so fast. None the less as long as the leaders aren't gone you take out one place and they start again somewhere else. But in time... in time... they'll get to the end of this.
For now, Aex is happy to tend to the wounded with her herbs and ointments. When there are no more injured she checks the shallow waters for some sea weeds... with some luck she might get some rare weeds and use them for some new potions.
She overhears Zeoll as he brings the whole story to Fang. She looks a bit savage perhaps... dangerous... strong... yeah... she'll do just fine with the Black Lions. Not really the fighting type herself she wonders if her potions will have the same effect on this being as it has on the others...
DM Kathy Sunday September 23rd, 2018 9:40:48 PM Jozhur asks whether any of the slaves want to make a home on Market Island, but at the moment that doesn't look like much of an option. Rab and Dirkga made their living from slave auctions; they grew no crops and kept no herds. There are no farming tools or seeds or livestock on any of the ships. People could fish, of course, but supplies would be needed to really make this a going concern. Freed slaves who don't want to return home or fight slavers are probably better off going to Comeri.
Terser makes some fortifications, just in case people do eventually settle here.
Fang cleans up and asks for backstory, with Zeoll is able to give her.
Tahni and Aexana help the wounded, and Bralin helps sort people into groups. Aexana isn't able to find exotic seaweed, but the island is tropical and most of it is jungle. It might be worth a closer look, if her companions can spare the time.
It takes a lot of wrangling and back-and-forth, but at last you have the people and the ships sorted out.
Two ships are going to Comeri. One, going directly, will bring all of the unrepentant slavers, plus most of the freed slaves who want to go. With your approval, the ship will then belong to Comeri, which didn't have one when you left. The other ship will go the long way, dropping off freed slaves who want to return home before heading for Comeri. That ship, too, will belong to the island, unless you have other plans for it.
One ship is given to the freed slaves who want to fight slavers.
One ship is given to the former slavers who want to turn over a new leaf. Some just want to go home; the rest will run the ship as a cargo hauler or possibly a smuggler. Hey, they said they'd stop slaving, not that they'd become choirboys.
That leaves two ships for you guys to do what you like with. They are the two most heavily damaged--the Kestrel, from your fight, and one of the ships that was at Market Island, the Fortune's Tide.
That is, assuming the other arrangements are all right with everybody.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/200, DR 1/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 25/34, channel 4/5) Monday September 24th, 2018 4:19:27 PM
Seeing that everything seems to be done on the island, Terser helps load the new ships with whatever supplies are to be had.
Now let's get after the Reaver before it decides to weigh anchor!
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 Monday September 24th, 2018 4:24:04 PM
Rill agrees with Tahni - the 2,000 GP in the strong box on the island should be used to provision the former slaves. Assuming the rest of the party is in agreement, he will work with Tahni to apportion the gold amoung the slaves, with a portion also going the each ship's captain for provisioning.
And speaking of provisioning, as the place is searched Rill directs the former slaves to secure what goods they can from the islands stores to supply the ships. He also directs them to secure what weapons (and makeshift weapons) they can from what is here so they can guard themselves as they travel to Comeri and beyond.
Rill is at a bit of a loss on what to do with these extra ships as we look to engage the Blood Reaver. "Do we have enough crew to sail at least the Fortune's Tide? Maybe we should sail Kestral in as a throw away, with a Swan Boat as a back-up? Could we use it as a decoy?"
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP106/106 - AC27/23/22 - CMD 24 and LEAFY (L) - HP75/89 - AC30/23/27 - CMD 20 Monday September 24th, 2018 5:42:56 PM
You notice Aex caries a smile on her lips. She's clearly lost in thoughts... Once a captain start to build a small fleet... isn't he bound to become admiral soon? Admiral Zeoll?? The little greenmage snickers as she observes how the fleet to given orders to sail this or that place.
Of course she agrees to hand over the spoils to those that need it most on the island.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 176/176) Monday September 24th, 2018 6:48:21 PM
Bralin ponders.
"A second vessel as a decoy to split their forces is a sound plan. Mayhap we hide the third on the other side of the island, and pick it up later to sell or give to the next band of freed slaves."
The dwarf shrugs.
"I will defer, of course, to the Admiral".
(Brock) Jozhur AC26 / Touch 16 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 54/117 --Shadow Companion 58/58hp Monday September 24th, 2018 10:09:44 PM
Jozhur is fine with the plan, though he offers the idea of giving one of the damaged ships to the slavers. Leave them here to fix it and get off the island themselves.
He does what he can to make sure the freed slaves are prepared for their voyages. Are there enough freed slaves to sail an extra vessel or two to Comeri and keep it there for us?
DM Kathy Monday September 24th, 2018 10:19:38 PM Terser and Rill help the crews provision the ships. Divided four ways, there aren't a lot of supplies to go around, but the gold will help them buy what they need.
Rill suggests taking one of the ships along to act as a decoy, an idea that Jozhur finds interesting. Perhaps the other ship can simply be left here to collect later.
As for sailing a third ship to Comeri, there are enough freed slaves to do it, but it would mean taking men away from the ship transporting the unrepentant slavers to their hard labor. The sailors on that ship have to do double-duty as jailers, and reducing their numbers may not be a good idea.
The best option, then, seems to be to leave the Kestrel here at Market Island, and to sail the Fortune's Tide with a skeleton crew from the Lionfish, so I'll assume that's what you're doing unless somebody says otherwise.
It is late in the day by the time you start off, but you know where you're headed and Tula is confident she can get you there.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC30/32vEvil; 77hp) Monday September 24th, 2018 10:46:35 PM
Captain Zeoll (NOT Admiral, heh!) agrees with the consensus. Leave the Kestral beached at Market Island. Maybe we'll repair her later. The rest of the disposition seems good to him too.
He has a word with the freed folk taking the prisoners to Comeri. "Now is the time to show that you arre betterr than these foul slaverrs. Trreat them betterr than they trreated you. They will be worrking at harrd laborr forr many yearrs, and some of you will be theirr guarrds. They have not earrned yourr love, but they arre living beings, so trreat them as the Gods of the Wold would want you to."
He is even clearer: Make sure they have enough food, clothing, and shelter. Do not beat them for no reason, and do not break bones or torture them. Do not treat them with cruelty and hatred. But also do not trust them. Watch them always, and be vigilant.
Then it is time to sail to the Bloodkin headquarters ship. How long will the voyage take?
Rill (MarkB) HP 128/128 - AC 26/16/24 CMD 24 d100=31 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:31:22 AM
Preparatory to our mission, Rill will cast Divination, asking "What is the most fearsome opponent we will face in our assault on the Blood Reaver?" (Rolled 31 - success!)
Then he will cast Commune, asking "In our assault on the Blood Reaver,
-Are we likely to be attacked with magical fire? -Are we likely to be attacked with lightning? -Are we likely to be attacked with acid? -Are we likely to be attacked with magical cold? -Is Captain Dekkar Lifebb undead? -Are we likely to be attacked by undead other than Captain Dekkar Lifebb? -Are we likely to be attacked by an outsider? -Are those on the Blood Reaver likely to be protected against magical fire? -Is there cleric on the Blood Reaver? -Is there mage or sorcerer on the Blood Reaver ? -Are there slaves aboard the Blood Reaver ? -Are any of the Death Dragons aboard the Blood Reaver? -Do those on the Blood Reaver expect our assault? -Are we likely to be attacked on our journey to the Blood Reaver, other than by the kraken? -Are there guardian creatures in the water around the Blood Reaver in addition to the kraken?"
He will share the results of these spells with the party.
::whew::
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 23/13/20 -- CMD 20 -- HP 144/144 Tuesday September 25th, 2018 7:31:02 AM
Tahni continues caring for any who need it right up until the moment the crew departs.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 200/200, DR 1/-, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (25% no crit, rage 25/34, channel 4/5) d100=29 Tuesday September 25th, 2018 5:20:27 PM
Terser uses his own divination spell to search for advance knowledge of their foes. d100 - 29 Success
Are there slavers aboard the Blood Reaver that could be convinced to turn against the Bloodkin/Death Dragons? If there are some who are truly repentant now, perhaps they could enlist their aid in overthrowing the cult, or at least get some inside info prior to fighting.
(MikeK)Bralin (AC34 / T16 / FF29) CMD 35 - HP 176/176) Tuesday September 25th, 2018 6:29:37 PM
Bralin nods to himself as the freed slaves depart on their new vessels.
A good day, he muses.
Back aboard the Lionfish, the dwarf patiently awaits the results of the various divinations.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Eagle HP106/106 - AC27/23/22 - CMD 24 and LEAFY (L) - HP75/89 - AC30/23/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday September 25th, 2018 6:58:38 PM
Aex just observes for now. There isn't enough time to go weed hunting. Like Bralin, Aex waits for the divine guidance... quite handy... almost too easy...
Fang (Mitch) HP: 177/177 (207 rage) AC: 30/20/25 (-2 while raging) CMD: 22 Spell List Tuesday September 25th, 2018 8:21:21 PM
Fang heads below deck and prepares for the upcoming battle.
Zeoll (Cayzle) (AC30/32vEvil; 77hp) Tuesday September 25th, 2018 9:33:29 PM
Zeoll also makes sure that he gathers any records he can find before the group leaves Market Island. He will use these in the future to find and free more slaves!
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