DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Thursday May 12th, 2022 2:23:11 PM
Before the party heads to other locations, Issac asks Whip a question "Can you ask the priests something? It feels like to whatever is feeding might be leaving some sort of taint in the bodies. I'm worried that this taint might make them rise as something undead can you get the priests to make preparations incase they do rise?" Whip thinks for a moment, and then nods, "Once I give the bad news to some families, I'll go ask them myself. Good thinking there lad."
Moving on from the dead guards, Tom and Fred lead the party to a 20' x 20' x 10' shack. As a multipurpose building it has two main entrances, one a normal door which Tom unlocks. The other door essentially is a set of double doors that are the rest of the front wall. Fred walks over and shoves on them. When they barely move he smiles, "Yup, still locked." Turning to look at the party he continues, "The fishermen sometimes use this shed when they need to make repairs to their smaller craft, or as a space to clean and sort what they call "treasure" that has come up in their nets. It's got a crossbar on the inside."
Once the door is opened, the smell of fish, dampness, and must hits the party in the face. Arranged in a semi-circle is a collection of furniture, clothing, weapons, armor, and assorted nick-knacks that were probably dredged up off the bottom of the sea floor.
Several items are sitting on a work table of sorts, in the presence of Detect Magic these are the only items that glow:
Detect Magic/Know Arcana DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { There are 5 electrum tubes, each 3' long and maybe 3" in diameter. There is also a small wooden chest, about 2' long, 2' tall, and 1' wide. The last item is a lamp, which is much larger than the one found when you were out in the swamp. }
Detect Magic/Know Arcana DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: { The electrum tubes and the wooden chest both radiate abjuration and universal magics. The lamp radiates universal, alteration, and evocation magics }
Detect Magic/Know Arcana DC 25: Highlight to display spoiler: { All three items have had a higher level magic user cast permanency on them. The tubes and chest appear to be proofed against the weather. The lamp appears to have several layers of magics cast on it as well as the permanency }
******************************************************************************************************** OOC - my bad, I should have read James' notes better, the Ghost isn't at the docks, it's moored off them about 100'
Fred sighs as the launch the party is in bumps up against the Black Ghost. "She's a two decked galley. It's been said that she was one of the fastest ships in the region. That's why Lady Helen and Master Filler both respected and hated Jack, he could swoop in, take what he wanted and be gone before his prey could catch up." Tom adds, "I heard that Jack would take her up rivers, attack villages and then escape easily. She had a crew of about twenty cutthroats who were after booty and treasure. Looks like she didn't escape her last venture."
Two guards look over the edge, one says, "Tom, Fred what are you lads doing out here, bring us lunch did you?"
Tom and Fred laugh, "No. Sherriff said to bring the Luck Makers out here to look the Ghost over for any clues, drop the ladder would ya."
A wood and rope ladder is dropped over the side of the boat. Once on the deck you can see that the ship has two masts and a flat deck with no aft or fore castle. The ship itself is forty feet long and with a rail port and starboard. It has no rigging or sails as they’ve been stripped but bits of rope lay about the deck in random locations. The deck also hasn’t been cleaned either and there is evidence of a fight in the aft section.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The deck of the Ghost has been neglected as well as the rail around the deck. The ship looks like it was in battle, lost, and left adrift for weeks or months as evidenced by the state of the remaining material on deck. Bits of entrails too small for the gulls to have cleaned up lay in cracks of the deck boards. }
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 o d20+12=15 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday May 12th, 2022 5:18:43 PM
(Knowledge Arcana 11, Perception 17)
(Are the electrium tubes sealed or just open tubes?)
Snark casts Detect Magic and looks over the items. "Well, I can see that these electium tubes are magic, and they're about as long as I am tall. I wonder what they're for? This small chest is magic, as is this big lamp. But I can't seem to tell what sorta magics. I wonder what's in the tubes or chest? Somebody wanna open 'em?'
Later aboard the Ghost, "The deck and the rail around it are in rough shape. The ship looks like it was in battle, lost, and was adrift for a spell - you can see that from the state of the remaining material on deck. Yech! looks like bits of entrails too small for the gulls to have cleaned up lay in cracks of the deck boards. Something bad happend aboard this vessel."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=10 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+9=16 ; Thursday May 12th, 2022 10:15:23 PM
Isaac on both the shack and the ship concentrates and tries to detect any evil auras. He looks over the armor and weapons trying to gauge if they had recently seen use looking for dents or odd marks. On the ship he asks the guards "Besides the sheriff other guards and us has anyone or anything come aboard the ship?"
Examining the weapons and armor: 10 Perception on the ship:14 Diplomacy to get the guards talking:16
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=25 ; d20+9=18 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 11:17:59 AM CORY SUB
The half-elf hops lightly on the deck of the ship and looks around. She shimmies up to the crows nest to see if there is anything up there, then slides down a backstay to the deck. Lightly padding around the galley, she looks for any locked doors. The Captain at least has to have a personal cabin...
She reports on anything she sees.
...... Acrobatics 25 Perception 18
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=16 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 11:29:45 AM
Onesimos is not as good with arcanic knowledge, and doesn't know more than Snark has already mentioned. "Rods are about that size, but five of the same type? Doesn't make sense. Yet. Go ahead and secure the building again, and don't let anyone in unless the Sheriff himself says so."
The elf sits uneasily on the boat, knowing how well he could swim in his metal armor...
Once on the Black Ghost, he listens to the others, and then takes his own study. "We know the recent deaths have had undead involved, and that at least for Lady Helen, she was probably dead for some days before anyone noticed. So, lets find out if the obvious is what is happening..."
The cleric moves to the center of the ship and casts Detect Undead, then slowly turns until he has scanned the entire ship and all four guards that are with the group. He should be able to find any direct or lingering Undead auras through up to three feet of wood; and so he is counting on no wood on a light, fast galley ship would be that thick...
Benni will call out whatever he finds, and continue to concentrate on found auras to identify the number and strength of each one.
............... Cast Detect Undead
……
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+7=23 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 3:40:58 PM
Perception:23
Kristoph looks around too.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday May 13th, 2022 7:55:22 PM
Teddy hesitates for a few moments before deciding to cast See Invisibility on himself. He isn't sure what else he can do to be helpful other hen follow along and try to notice anything hidden that way.
DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Friday May 13th, 2022 9:24:49 PM OOC - Sorry this is late, I'm working double shifts these last few days, through Saturday night
Shack Questions: The tubes hold charts and maps. Each tube can hold up to three "full sized" maps, so 3' wide by 5' long. The tubes have been permanently enchated to protect the items inside from water/fire/worm damage.
The wooden chest bears the same protective magics. Inside the box are the tools Jack used to navigate his ship - telescope, sextant, astrolabe, and a rough compass. Under all the tools is where his logbook/journal should have been, but it was missing once the priests cleared the chest to be opened.
The lamp bears an older enchantment that once attuned to one person will allow them to dampen or brighten the light inside. There is also an option to change the color to a pale golden yellow which can brighten heavy fog.
The maps and nautical items are currently under the charge of the Dockmaster.
The weapons and armor look like battle trophies - some look "standard" - human/elf/dwarf/orc stuff - there are a few pieces that look "non-standard" - and came from merfolk, and other underwater enemies
The nick-knacky stuff is art objects, shells, cool rocks, and glass floats that were plundered from ships, or dredged up off the bottom of the sea floor.
Isaac had asked about anyone, or thing, trying to get onto the ship, the simple answer is "NO". One of the guards does mention in passing that they thought the Dock Devil was messing around a few nights ago making scrathcing noises, but nothing ever happened.
Cory shimmies up to the Crow's Nest. A threadbare blanket, weather damage book of elvish poetry, and an empty bottle of grog greets her. Looking out and about she does see several fishermen heading out to fish, but they are sticking together in a group rather than heading off to different directions. Once back on deck the only two doors lead to the cargo hold/lower decks
Benni casts Detect Undead, but even after several rounds he detects no evidence of the presence of any undead
Cargo Deck
A ladder descends onto the cargo deck from the center of the main deck. The cargo area is three quarters the distance from bow to stern with a single door with three steps up to it from the main cargo deck. Down the center of the cargo deck there are dual columns bracing the main deck above. On each column post is an iron ring that could be used to tie down crates. The hull of the ship on the port and starboard side is dotted with windows that can be uncovered and oars put out to power the ship. No oars are present, but scars upon the wooden frames show that they were recently used
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Though old you spot claw marks on some of the column posts.}
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Blood stains cover the cargo deck floor. The age of the decking however made these stains almost impossible to detect but your sharp eye picked them out.}
Crew Quarters The door from the cargo hold opens to a short companionway with five doors, two to either side and one at the end. Three of these four doors open into empty state rooms large enough for a single bunk and simple desk built into the bulkhead. The fourth door opens into a galley with larder cabinets lining the walls. All of the cabinet doors have been ripped from their hinges and the larder empty
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Claw marks similar to those in the cargo hold are on the cabinet doors laying on the deck. }
Teddy's See Invisibility doesn't show anyone or thing that is invisible
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=10 ; d20+2=3 ; Friday May 13th, 2022 11:20:14 PM
Before Isaac begins investigating the ship he ask the two guards where they heard the scratching coming from. Isaac looks around the ship but doesn't see anything however he calls up "Where is the opening to the bilge at?" (bilge is the lowest part of the ship.)
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=29 ; Saturday May 14th, 2022 12:04:25 AM
"Lookit all those claw marks, " Cory said, looking around the cargo deck. "And is that blood on the floor over there?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20=12 ; Saturday May 14th, 2022 3:04:39 AM
Onesimos follows the others and can only nod at what Cory has found. The equipment didn’t make sense, the ripped larder doors didn’t make sense. ”why would a monster or monsters take everything of value, especially the log book, but not the expensive instruments? Why would they be so interested in food to rip off larder hinges but not doors?”
“Maybe some of the crew tried to hide in the larder? Maybe the log held a secret that the navigation instruments were useless without? It sounds like a treasure hunt where something wants to ensure the treasure is kept secret. So the log book and everyone who might have known is killed.”
“Let’s see if there are other clues or Secret Panels here, but then we need to find out why the two guards were killed. There must be something in the shack that is important and we missed it. And anyone in town that may know is in danger!”
……
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Saturday May 14th, 2022 11:52:17 AM
(Snark will Take 10 on both Perception checks, resulting in 22)
Snark will cast Detect Magic aboard The Ghost as he searchs. "There's blood and claw marks alright. And it looks like the same critter made them all. I wonder if they had some sorta shape shifter among 'em, and maybe that's why he hid the book."
He turns to the guards. "There's some bad things that happened here. Tell me, anyone else in town had any dealings with this ship or it's crew? Any place they hung out when they were in port? Did maybe a longboat from The Ghost come ashore with someone?"
Snark will help search for any secrect pannels or such aboard the ship. (Perception +12)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 d20+3=7 ; d4=3 ; d20+4=15 ; Sunday May 15th, 2022 6:34:45 PM
Teddy goes to the Cargo deck and notes the claw marks. Shivering, he huddles closer to Gore'Thum as he points them out. The smaller frog finds the clinging more annoying then it was when he was twice Teddy's size and shakes him off.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Monday May 16th, 2022 4:33:02 AM "What do we know about the history of this ship"?
DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Monday May 16th, 2022 1:03:40 PM
Prior to exploring the lower deck, Issac asked about access to the blige. One guard cocks his head and then responds, "The scratching could have come from there, but the ship was checked for any bodies. There's entrance from the Cargo deck, near the prow."
Snark asks the guards a few questions based on what he has seen so far: "Tell me, anyone else in town had any dealings with this ship or it's crew? Any place they hung out when they were in port? Did maybe a longboat from The Ghost come ashore with someone?"
Both guards look at Snark with serious expressions and then both burst out laughing, "Jack and his crew were cutthroats lad. They show up in our harbor, it's every man to the defense. The ship showed up with no one, alive or dead on board. We had to tow it to where it sits now."
History of the ship - Jack killed the previous owner and took the Ghost. For a good 10 to 15 years he sailed the local region, attacking ships and small communities with no provocation. He killed men, women, and children just for their belongings. Said tell, Jack kept a list of those who'd hurt him, or come after him and his men. Them folk, took a long time to die once 'Ol Jack got his hands on them
Enough of you have explored the claw marks to determine, that they are not anything you are familiar with, you can see that the distance the claw marks are from each other come from a medium size humanoid creature.
Jack's Cabin The 'main' guard, "This was the only cabin aboard ship with furniture." The Captain's room is spacious with a double bed, nightstand, oil lamp, foot locker, and floor mirror. The bedding is ripped and shredded. There is also a desk and chair that are attached to the floor. The mirror is also bolted to the floor.
Detect Magic Highlight to display spoiler: {The mirror has a moderate adjuration enchantment on it.}
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Monday May 16th, 2022 10:13:33 PM
Isaac calls out to the rest of the group "I'm gonna go down below, but I need someone to come with me. Also Snark can you cast light on my sword? I don't want to go down there without a light source." If someone comes with him he pops open the door to the bilge in climbs down.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=22 ; Tuesday May 17th, 2022 12:10:10 AM
Onesimos looks at the scene, trying to put pieces together here and there. Jack was a pirate, and an evil one at that, but had captured Lady Helen’s heart. Hiss bleeding was ripped but … no blood? He helps anyone looking at the bedding closer.
The elf thinks more than one light will be useful and goes with Isaac, a clerical Light spell cast on his buckler.
”I’m starting to see a pattern, but let’s look for more clues here and with Master Fisher. And I’ll want to consult with the Shrine of the Sea.”
……. Aid Another 22
0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 7:36:49 AM
Teddy is glad someone is seeing a pattern because he isn't.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+12=14 ; Tuesday May 17th, 2022 8:51:06 AM
Snark will mention the abjuration magic oo the bolted down mirror, but he's unable to divine the function (spellcraft 14.)
In response to Isaac, “Benni's got a light. I didn't take that spell today, but I'll go with you and can bring up some lights if needed."
Snark will cast Dancing Lights if needed, which has the advantage of being able to be sent into the dark recesses of the hold.
DM Jon: The Ghost in the Shack Tuesday May 17th, 2022 3:07:35 PM
The party moves from the Captain's cabin and down to the cargo deck and then to the prow of the ship. The cover to the bilge is damp and wedged in, but Issac and Kristoph are able to free it. The smell of dead fish, stale water, damp, and must hits everyone in the face.
Snark sends his friendly lights into the bilge, and they easily light the space up. There's barely four feet of space in the bilge, enough to send a couple of guys down to check for holes periodically. Something catches the lights underwater, two somethings, and the party finds two dark glass bottles with waxed cork tops. The bottles are full of some kind of liquid.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 17th, 2022 4:48:26 PM
Snark will cast Detect Magic in the hold, noting the result from the bottles and looking for any other sources of magic down in the hold. He looks around where the bottles are located before returing to the main deck with the others.
He works with Isaac and Benni to secret the bottles away before returning to the main deck with the guards. He says to Isaac and Benni, "What they don't know won't hurt them, but so far what they do know seems to be causing us trouble."
Once up on deck he says, "Well, should we go see the old man now?"
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Tuesday May 17th, 2022 5:18:54 PM "I hope it isn't a werewolf, I hate them". He doubts it is because of the undead connection. "Ghoul maybe..."? Just thinking out loud really.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Tuesday May 17th, 2022 7:26:47 PM
"Hope that's whiskey, " Cory muttered as the sealed bottles were recovered. "Man, it's rank. I could never be a sailor."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=13 ; Tuesday May 17th, 2022 10:05:20 PM
Isaac goes down and grabs the bottles he takes a moment to use his detect evil and see if their was any taint on them before passing them up to the others. He looks around the dark bilge trying to see anything down in the hot sweaty bottom of the ship. He calls up Snark "Send the light ball as far as you can don't need no surprises."
Perception 13
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 18th, 2022 12:24:09 AM
Onesimos agrees with Snark to hide the bottles, and with Cory to the olfactory state of the bilge in particular and sailors in general.
The elf kneels and talks to Teddy with only the Luck Makers to hear. ” Our clues are first, deaths did’nt start until the Black Ghost was towed in. Then, only people associated with the Black Ghost have been killed: the crew, Lady Helen the girlfriend, and the two guards at the shack. Finally, Jack was a treasure-hunter and all three death incidents happened around treasure.”
“Someone is looking for something Jack took but didn’t have anymore, and will kill to get it back or hide it to make sure no one else can get it. We find what it is and lay a trap, hopefully before anyone else gets dead.”
…… 0- detect magic, detect poison, light, stabilize 1- detect evil, *detect undead, prot v evil, magic weapon 2- shield other, remove paralysis, resist energy
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 7:55:14 AM
Teddy is hit by a sudden thought. "We don't know Jack's dead, just that no one was on his ship. Maybe he's not dead but sneaking around town doing all this? Or maybe he is dead and a vampire or something." His voice becomes a little shrill as he starts to contemplate the various horrors Jack could be now.
Gore'Thum steps in. "Don't jump to conclusions. Stick with what we know for sure."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 18th, 2022 8:46:58 AM
Onesimos has a sudden insight. ”The dagger that turns into a Key. A key to something. We gotta get back to the Manor!”
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 18th, 2022 10:47:03 AM
Onesimos has a sudden insight. ”The dagger that turns into a Key. A key to something. We gotta get back to the Manor!”
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Wednesday May 18th, 2022 11:24:04 AM "Hmm yes I had wondered about that too. Didn't we have it? Or did it get given back"?
DM Jon: The Bilge and The Manor Wednesday May 18th, 2022 2:13:53 PM
After grabbing two bottles of liquid hidden under the water, Issac uses his ability to Detect Evil, and aided by Snark's Dancing Lights is able to determine that there is no evil in the bilge area.
Benni shares his suspicions: "The deaths didn't start until the Black Ghost was towed in. Then, only people associated with the Black Ghost have been killed: the crew, Lady Helen the girlfriend, and the two guards at the shack. Finally, Jack was a treasure-hunter and all three death incidents happened around treasure. Someone is looking for something Jack took but didn’t have anymore, and will kill to get it back or hide it to make sure no one else can get it. We find what it is and lay a trap, hopefully before anyone else gets dead.”
GoreThum offered some valuable advice: "Don't jump to conclusions. Stick with what we know for sure."
Benni and Kristoph remember that Lady Helen's dagger can turn into a key ... prompting them to hurry their friends up to go see Mojo.
Once back on deck, the guards both grin at each other, then one asks, "Find anything tasty in the bilge?" The other one shakes his head, "Ain't no one but us up here on this ship, the Harbormaster had her swept by priests from the Temple."
To make up for their jests, they let the party borrow one of the two boats tied off to the Ghost. A short boat ride and you group is back on the ground. Fred spots you as you come back and waves you over.
"Master Filler, he's asking about you folks, just came from his place looking for you."
Walking to the manor, Fred asks if, "You found anything on the Ghost? The Harbormaster and the Sherriff had us go over her pretty thoroughly."
Once at the front door, it opens to reveal the butler, who again seems unhappy that you all are there, "The Master is in his library, down the hall and to the left."
The directions lead to an open door, through which the party can see an older human man, leaning on what looks like a large leg bone. He is dressed in a fairly expensive outfit - boots and matching vest of black wyvern hide, slacks and shirt are silk. Once you all are there, he thumps his "bone" on the floor. "Saw you went to the Ghost, what did you think of her?"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=22 ; Wednesday May 18th, 2022 4:42:27 PM
Snark will say nothing about the bottles we found, answering the guards, "Yeah. That bilge is pretty nasty." He will use Prestidigation to clean himslef up, and offers the same to his friends. He will go with the others to see Master Filler.
As we go in, Snark keeps a sharp eye about (Perception 22.)
Once we are before the old man, the little gnome will bow low at his greeting. "Pleased to finally meet you Master Filler. Something nasty happened about that ship, but we don't know what. Now something is killing folk in town. Can you think of any sort of beast or undead creature that might have been brought in with that ship? Someting with claws maybe. And would you be so kind to show us where these keys go?"
Snark will pull out the dagger that we got off his dead ward.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Wednesday May 18th, 2022 10:23:24 PM
Isaac feels uneasy leaving the ship. He thought their would be more information to glean from the ship but the besides the claw marks and bottles their seemed to be few clues the lack of any journal was especially frustrating. Be fore he leaves the ship he responds to the guards "Something like that."
Back on the land and in front of Mr. Filler Isaac awnsers the mans question with "Concerning. No bodies, no log, and nothing that indicates a more than a clawed creature." Isaac eyes the legbone cane and the clothes of black wyvern hide. "Were you once an adventurer?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+2=17 ; d20+10=30 ; Thursday May 19th, 2022 12:19:03 AM
Onesimos starts at the guards’ witticism, but then relaxes. Bilges smell bad and where else would you hide something you would want to smuggle? A sheepish grin and smelling like he does is answer enough to see his hands are empty.
The elf takes note of Fred’s words. ”There are only two hometown priests at the temple besides me and Kristoph, and we should visit them after Master Filler.”
Benni is a little uneasy in the Manor. He is unhappy how he smells while in rich surroundings too. He listens to Master Filler and decides to answer his question. ” The Black Ghost looks fast if not kept in the best shape the last few years. I wonder how much success Jack was having in his chosen tactics, since he was not taking care of the equipment of his livelihood.”
Not the best Diplomat, he watches the old human’s reaction carefully. Diplomacy. 17 Sense Motive 30!
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Thursday May 19th, 2022 8:16:45 AM
Gore'Thum lets the more verbose and eloquent ask the questions. Teddy gets nervous and hangs back.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Thursday May 19th, 2022 3:20:13 PM
Mojo turns around at Issac's question, "Aren't we all adventurers on the path of life lad? Sadly no, I was a fisherman, a lucky one, and grew my empire upon the sea and what was beneath her."
Mojo then turns to Benni, "Jack may not have kept her pristine, but he was smart enough to keep the valuable parts intact. And fast she was, swoop in like an eagle, grab her prey, and then off before anyone could catch her."
When Snark asks about being shown "where these keys go," a look of rage overcomes the old man, but it passes quickly. "No. And if all you want to do is try to steal from me and mine then the sentence will be quick and fast. I'll take that dagger back now. If you wanted nothing else than to through salt in an open wound, you should have given the damn thing to Whip when you talked to him last night!
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The house is eerily quiet. Once the butler let the group in and pointed them on their way, he essentially vanished into the manor somewhere.}
Sense Motive DC 20:Highlight to display spoiler: {Mojo was pissed off when the group arrived, Snark just made it worse.}
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=19 ; d20+4=17 ; Thursday May 19th, 2022 4:56:05 PM
Snark was actually trying hard to be polite, so he is a bit taken aback by the man's angry reaction.
"Now, simmer down there Master Mojo. We didn't come into your house just to poke at ya. We wanted to return this dagger directly, both out of repect for your loss and to see if you can help us figure out what's going on. I'm sure sorry Helen died. Is there anything you can tell us about Helen that could help us figure out how she died?
"Oh, an' here's yer dagger back."
He hands the dagger back to the crotchety old man, and then digs out his pipe and starts packing it with tobacco.
(Perception 19, Sense Motive 17)
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+7=18 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday May 19th, 2022 6:12:07 PM
(Perception: missed by 2 and Sense Motive failed by 1)
Kristoph's brow furrows. "We mean you no disrespect but you do remember why we are here right? It's not to rob you... It's to discover who murdered the lady of the house" (diplomacy:11)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday May 20th, 2022 8:23:39 AM
Gore'Thum is amused at the outburst. Snark should have seen it coming after keeping the dagger. Teddy eeps slightly and tries to hide behind Gore'Thums leg like he used to but the frog is to small for that now. He awkwardly shuffles further over to be better hidden.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+2=7 ; d20+10=21 ; Friday May 20th, 2022 11:38:26 AM
Onesimos sees the anger in Master Filler’s countenance, but not why. He tries to sooth feathers and learn something more. ” The dagger is returned, sir, and none the worse for wear. Let anger recede, and look kindly upon us who are only seeking the benefit of your house. Anything you could tell us could assist…”
Diplomacy 7 Sense Motive 21
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=13 ; d20=1 ; Friday May 20th, 2022 6:35:04 PM
Isaac offers a few words "We're sorry for your loss sir and we ment no disrespect. We were simply trying to unravel the odd facts concerning the recent murders." Isaac decides to focus on the man himself and tries to detect any evil in his heart.
Isaac uses his detect evil sight.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Friday May 20th, 2022 6:56:42 PM Since she's not here ATM
Cory, who has been watching the proceedings, rushes to Mojo's side as her friends start talking him down. She eases him to his chair as the color drains from his face.
Mojo looks surprised at first, then his face softens as Snark hand shim the dagger. "Please forgive an old man his grief. Helen was like my daughter. In response to your earlier question, one key opens Helen's jewelry box. Nothing of Jack's was in it, and when asked she didn't want to look at his personal belongings for fear of seeing something she might recognize from the raids he performed. The other key is to this house. The dagger, well, every lady needs to be able to protect herself from harm."
Mojo listens to what Benni, Issac, and Kristoph have to say, "Yes, it is on Helen's account that I asked for you to come here. She didn't tell any of us she was heading to the docks that night. She had been visiting the tailor, they were working on refreshing some of Helen's dresses due to her losing some weight. That one shoe was missing or somewhere else, that seems to me that someone or thing took her unawares. Can you tell me what you have discovered so far, and maybe what you discovered on the Ghost."
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=16 ; d20+6=17 ; Friday May 20th, 2022 7:52:59 PM
"How long had she been losing weight?" Cory asked. "Was it a little or a lot?"
[Missed both perception and sense motive.]
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday May 21st, 2022 5:47:47 AM
Onesimos hesitates. He trusts Sheriff Wiley, but Master Filler is too close to the investigation to trust with what they have found. But on the other hand, the Luck Makers have no leads, just a big, frustrating mystery where they have had no opportunity to be heroic.
So, to have a chance at something different, even if it a monster stalking the Luck Makers; Benni tells the Master everything. Who died, what they found on the ship, and what they have deduced so far. He concludes, ” Anything you can add to give us a clue or direction Orr really anything other than blundering around would be helpful, Master Filler.”
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday May 21st, 2022 6:00:07 AM
Onesimos hesitates. He trusts Sheriff Wiley, but Master Filler is too close to the investigation to trust with what they have found. But on the other hand, the Luck Makers have no leads, just a big, frustrating mystery where they have had no opportunity to be heroic.
So, to have a chance at something different, even if it a monster stalking the Luck Makers; Benni tells the Master everything. Who died, what they found on the ship, and what they have deduced so far. He concludes, ” Anything you can add to give us a clue or direction Orr really anything other than blundering around would be helpful, Master Filler.”
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Saturday May 21st, 2022 11:37:16 AM
Snark listens, interested to hear the man's response.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Sunday May 22nd, 2022 3:46:34 PM "Hmmm, we should probably visit the tailor"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Monday May 23rd, 2022 8:41:02 AM
As Benni tells the story Gore'Thum adds in his own blunt comments and reminders of details.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Monday May 23rd, 2022 1:19:25 PM
The old man listens to the Luck Makers tale. Turning to Cory first he responds, "She'd not lost enough weight to account for her dying, I didn't really even notice, but her maid said she needed some dresses taken in to fit Helen better."
Looking to Benni he adds, "Jack might have been a wiley old pirate, but he was also keen on what loot to keep and what to sell. From what you're describing it sounds like he got in over his head with something. Either something wanted it back, or, and I'm loathe to say this, it turned him and his crew against each other in some evil manner. I know the priests went through his belongings and what was on the ship but no mention was made about evil items, otherwise they would have taken those items to the temple to protect the community. The Harbormaster and I looked over Jack's maps, but without his log, who knows where he may have picked something up." He looks out his window for a moment and then adds, "If you want to look into Helen's room, I can have her maid come take you up there. I haven't done anything with her belongings, its too soon. Take the dagger with you. There's an armoire in her room. Inside is her collection of jewelry."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday May 23rd, 2022 2:17:16 PM
Onesimos nods along with Master Filler’s thoughts, and thankful that the old man has given them a couple leads!
”Got in over his head, yes, that marches with my thoughts, too. I think another, more careful look at Lady Helen’s room with the dagger is a very good idea, and then to the Shrine of the Sea.”
“And we are looking for three things: information on a monster, a thing or information worth killing for, and the log book. “
“Snark, maybe the logbook has been magically hidden by abjuration, illusion, or transmutation. When we detect Magic, we should be very interested in those types of magical emanations.”
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Monday May 23rd, 2022 2:55:09 PM
Blusinda curls up outside... Her blue flames dimming
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Monday May 23rd, 2022 11:31:58 PM
"Let's not discount an entirely secular explanation," Cory said. "Sometimes, tales of ghosts are just rich people trying to scare folks away so they can get even richer. But then, I'm a cynic."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 7:36:25 AM
Snark will check out everything allowed with the dagger, using Detect Magic as we go.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 8:35:54 AM
Gore'Thum and Teddy have already checked the room (I thought?) but obviously couldn't get into the armoire without the key so want to check to see if anything is missing.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Tuesday May 24th, 2022 12:25:49 PM
Lady Helen's maid is summoned, and she walks the group up to Lady Helen's suite of rooms. Stopping at the door the maid says, "No one has been in here since Mi'Lady died. Please do not sully her good name by fabricating stories." She then opens the door. Lady Helen's suite of rooms, though small, is nicely outfitted. Her bed is goose down, and the quilts thick and colorful. Fresh flowers that are beginning to wilt are located around the room in small vases. Several windows, including the one Teddy, looked out earlier, provide sweeping views of the harbor and countryside. The smaller of the two other rooms is a bathing room. A large pot-bellied stove sits in one corner, whilst a long, hand-carved wooden bathing tub sits along the opposite wall. This room smells of soap and cleanness. The other room is Helen's dressing room. OOC: Essentially it's a 10'x10'x15' walk-in closet with racks of clothes, a cushioned bench to sit on, and a large wooden armoire against the back wall.
Snark, who was given the key back, triggers the keys and finds it's the second one that unlocks the piece of furniture. Inside are several pieces of jewelry on display (matched sets of earrings, necklaces, and rings). There is also a handpainted portrait of a hard-looking man. Two bustier/girdles are hanging on the back of the door. There are a dozen small drawers that can be pulled out. Each contains either rings, earrings, necklaces, or makeup, all neatly placed and stored. Laying together in one drawer are two stilettos; both have ornate sheaths. The maid sees them and sighs, " The Lady rarely took them anywhere. Her father gave them to her as protection when out at functions. They were both discreet and deadly." Other than the lock, nothing within glows with magic or detects as evil.
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice several pieces of folded-up paper poking out from the side of the drawer. The first is a half-page list of items, dresses, and outfits that "need to be taken in. My diet is working." The second, a full page of paper carefully folded, opens to reveal a simple statement, "The Ghost sailed into the harbor today. Initially, my heart sank for fear we were Jack's next victims. When I found out that the Ghost truly was a ghost ship I was saddened. I so dearly wanted to exact revenge for all the ills Jack had done to my family and others. I did go look at what items had been brought to shore, but I saw nothing of the items I know that lowlife had taken from my family. I hope that the Ghost doesn't bring us ill times as she has for so many other communities." }
Appraise DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The value of the jewelry in the armoire has two figures - just metal and stones about 10K. Sold as sets with a history, or even knowledge of the makers could raise that to 15, to 20k. Several of the pieces looks antique, and unique, no doubt something dredged or traded for from the deeps.}
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+8=16 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 12:43:32 PM
Kristoph casts guidance on himself and looks aeound offering an assist (Perception:16)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=7 ; d20+1=5 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 2:48:40 PM
Onesimos looks to his friends, hoping they will find something because the cleric can’t.
He studies the picture portrait, confirming with the maid that it is the likeness of Jack.
”we are attempting to protect the Lady’s legacy and the community, Miss. No wild tales.” he promises.
Perception 7 Appraise. 5
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=22 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 8:03:05 PM
Isaac finished with looking over the items for any taint of evil turns his attention to the dresser and spots something sticking out of the side of the drawer he pulls it out and it is a few sheets of paper. He looks them over the first being a list of items, dresses, and outfits in the late lady's hand writing. The list seem to be clothes to be altered and she notes that her diet (whatever it is) is working. The second page is more interesting The second, a full page of paper carefully folded, and opens to reveal a simple statement, "The Ghost sailed into the harbor today. Initially, my heart sank for fear we were Jack's next victims. When I found out that the Ghost truly was a ghost ship I was saddened. I so dearly wanted to exact revenge for all the ills Jack had done to my family and others. I did go look at what items had been brought to shore, but I saw nothing of the items I know that lowlife had taken from my family. I hope that the Ghost doesn't bring us ill times as she has for so many other communities." Isaac shows the papers to the others and asks the maid "She was on some sort of diet what exactly was it?"
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=12 ; d20+2=8 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 10:57:51 PM
Cory glanced around but didn't really see anything of interest. She did have a follow up question for the maid. "Do you know why she wanted to lose weight?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:11:44 AM
Gore'Thum rolls his eyes. "Human females often desire this. Strange creatures."
Teddy instead focuses on another point in the message. "She saw what was on the ghost. Perhaps that's the link? Did the sheriff say they checked for cursed items?"
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:33:02 AM "As my colleague says we are looking to solve the murder. We have no interest in sullying the good people of Heranmar's names or reputations"! Kristoph reasures the maid.
"Do you know who this is"? he asks. He has a suspicion.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Wednesday May 25th, 2022 3:03:27 PM
Benni and Kristoph ask about the painting of the man, the maid gets a stony look on her face at the mention of it possibly being Jack, "That's her father. Her mother died young, and Helen was raised by her father. Why do you keep trying to associate mi'Lady with that pirate!"
When Cory asks about "the diet," the maid looks at her and sadly smiles, "Not all of us have the beauty of youth dear. As we get older and began to think about our past, remembering what we used to look like can make us want to change our appearance. Of course, she may also have a suitor as someone had a beautiful flower arrangement delivered during the celebration. If she did, she held that person's name close to her heart."
The maid looks out the window and nods at Teddy, "That was her favorite view. Although she arrived during the night, with the amount of lights we keep at the docks, Mi'lady knew it was the Ghost that's arrived. She had me wake Master Filler, who had us send a serving boy to go investigate. As to what all they searched for, I know not. I do know what the Temple, the Harbormaster, and the Sherriff all sent men aboard to search it. If there were any cursed or evil items they would have been taken to the Temple."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday May 25th, 2022 4:08:12 PM
Onesimos spreads his hands placatingly. ”That was the rumor given us, and we are but following leads to where they go. Why would others think she was interested? That letter is fair indication Lady Helen loathed Jack, so it is curious.”
“We need the name of the errand boy and to speak with him.”
“And vanity isn’t to women alone. One has to love themselves, or many obsessions can bear dark fruit.”
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Wednesday May 25th, 2022 4:21:32 PM
"I find it quite sad that she felt the need to change herself to please another," Cory said. "The flowers, any idea where they came from? Perhaps we can track down this mystery suitor, assuming he isn't an avid gardener."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 6:00:48 PM
Snark thinks to himslef, Hmmm. This maid seems to not be aware of the fact that we were just in this room last night.
Still, he looks around to see if anything has changed from before. He notices papers Isaac reads, and pulls himself up to see if any were missed. (Take 10 on Perception = 21).
He casts Detect Magic as he did before in these rooms to see if anything was missed, as we did not have the dagger before. He activates the other key in the dagger to see what it may open, and he activates the mirror in the dagger, looking at the room in the dagger mirror's reflection to see if that allows anything new to be seen.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:12:17 PM
the little gnome runs his fingers through his sky blue hair, and he holds his pipe. He's waiting until we're outside to light it.
Assuming we don't find anything new or any different places to explore in this house, he says, "So, I guess we oughta go see the folks in that temple to see what kinda stuff they're holding."
(I'm at a bit of a loss about where else to go from here. Seems we're no closer to finding out how or why Helen died. Am I missing something?)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=19 ; Wednesday May 25th, 2022 11:18:09 PM
Isaac thanks the maid for the information "Thank you for your help and letting us search. Is the flower arrangement still around or was it thrown out?" If the flower arrangement is still around Isaac looks it over to see if their is anything odd about it and then Leaves with the other to go to the temple.
Perception: 19
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Thursday May 26th, 2022 8:09:05 AM
Teddy and Gore'Thum agree the temple is likely the next place to go.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Thursday May 26th, 2022 12:00:05 PM
The maid looks at the flower arrangement, "Rudy, the errand boy brought them in. He told us that a man had stopped him and asked him to do so. Rudy didn't know the man, but did say the way he walked marked him as a seaman. Rudy should be downstairs working on his chores, unless Master FIller sent him somewhere."
Turning to Cory she smiles, "It wasn't a need to want to change. I think it's been a long time since anyone had shown interest in Mi'lady, and she remembered how she looked when she was younger. She went to eating salads, fruits and vegetables, fish, and cheeses. She stopped eating bread, pastries, and most other meats."
Snark plays with the dagger. The armoire/jewelrt key goes away and another key appears. The maid nods, "That's to the front and back doors. Master Filler had them enchanted to keep thieves out of his home." Snark then changes from key to mirror. After looking to make sure his outfit looked spiffy, he used the mirror to look around the room. Hedoes notice something under Helen's pillow. Moving the pillow he finds a small book. It's a work of fiction and fact about ships and the sea. Several pages are earmarked, mostly the beginnings of story's. One that looks the most read has notes written on the edges, and appears to be related to her father's exploits. Nothing else in the room glows with magic.
Issac asks about the flower arrangement. The maid looks at him, then replies, "It is downstairs next to Mi'lady's favorite chair. Some of the flowers are beginning to show signs of wilting, while others still look fresh. It has a pleasant smell."
Downstairs: Rudy is found in the kitchen cleaning pots and pans. Though clearly not happy with this chore, he relates what he knows. The man with the flowers was a stranger to me. He had a kind face, and a sailors walk. He wasn't dressed like a sailor, but wore nicer clothes. That night when Master Filler sent me to the docks, a guard stopped me. I told him what Lady Helen had seen, and he said he'd tell the Sherriff. They were looking for the Dock Devil, as it had been messing about with some of the fishing boats."
The flower arrangement is interesting. It is a mix of local flowers, with some added from the swamp, which are the ones that are still fresh and fragrant (magnolia flowers, swamp lilies, and sprigs of honeysuckle). The vase they are in looks like an antique. It is handblown glass, and works like a prism adding colored lights to the room. Nothing about it other than the flowers stand out, as someone had to visit the swamp to gather the flowers.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Thursday May 26th, 2022 6:59:45 PM "Are any of the flowers corrupted like the woad"?
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Thursday May 26th, 2022 8:59:36 PM
Snark quietly waits to go to the temple.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:06:23 PM
"Well," Cory said, "I'm fresh outta ideas."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:18:58 PM
Onesimos questions young Ruby, and thanks the lad for what he knows. He is interested in the swampy flowers and the stranger, but looks outside at the sky to determine how late it is in the day. He would like to check with the Chapel of the Sea, but has lost track of time.
DM Jon: Master of the Manor Thursday May 26th, 2022 10:18:47 PM OOC: I'm gonna throw this on here so we can move things ahead a little bit
Rudy thanks the adventurers for all they have done. He seems impressed by your clothes, and weapons, and that you don't have to wash pots and pans for a living.
None of the flowers are tainted, but you do realize that buried amongst the lilies and magnolias are some of the white woad flowers.
By this point it is late afternoon, around 3pm. It's been a long time since breakfast. The Temple is a good 15 to 20 minute walk or so from here.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Thursday May 26th, 2022 10:47:21 PM
Isaac is interested in the woad. He asks Rudy a bit more about the man did he have a beard and what color was his hair. If no o e has any objections Isaac will make his way to the church.
(Ooc: arn't woad flowere green?or at least healthy ones)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Friday May 27th, 2022 12:23:22 AM
Snark slips Rudy two silver pieces. "You seen like a good kid. Let us know if you see anything suspicious."
He goes with the others to the temple.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday May 27th, 2022 8:11:15 AM
Teddy and Gore'Thum are ready to move on.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday May 27th, 2022 9:03:11 AM
Onesimos is feeling a bit fatigued from all the searching, asking, and no food. He suggests a detour to the tavern for a fortifying repast.
And then goes there for a luncheon/supper.
DM Jon: Investigating Belly Buttons and Temples Friday May 27th, 2022 6:29:30 PM
Rudy comments that the, "Woad flowers are white. We mix them with colors to make them green, it's part of the celebration that us kids don't get to help with. The man. He had a sailors walk, reddish-blonde hait and beard. Both were cut good, not messy like most sailors. His clothes were normal, not as impressive as yours. He caught me on my way back from the docks. Asked me to give these to Lady Helen. I've never seen him before, but her face was all smiles when I gave them to her. Not sure if he's new in town, or was just passing through on a ship."
The tavern. The smell of fresh baked rolls seeps out from the establishment as you approach. Lunch is a thick and hearty stew, consisting of local root vegetables with bits and pieces of last night's pheasant and deer. There is cheese to eat with the rolls that were baked. For the few that don't eat meat they have the same thing, but meatless, and with more mushrooms and onions.
After eating your fill, the temple awaits.
OOC: This is new to me as a location, so I'm including the description James gave me
The Sanctuary of the Sea chapel. Within this hexagonal temple is a central area open to the sky on the top and to the north. Within are 5 identical alcoves. Most of these at any time are dedicated to one of the powers that are currently in favor, or perhaps currently feared. At the rear of the temple, under the open sky, is the Gift Wall, where one can place gifts and various items of superstition to the gods ‘in general.’ An inscription there says, “To the powers of past and future. May they be kind to us.” The only two gods that have ever had an alcove in the chapel are Serenbeth and Wardd.
Today must be momentous, for as the group approaches two figures are standing close to the Gift Wall. One is an older Liontaur, easily recognized as Reshakka, the Keeper of the Temple. Standing with him is the First Daughter of the Crones. She used to be a council member, but now provides information on the future of the region. Their conversation stops when they realize they have guests.
Perception Check DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {They are talking about recent events. Reshakka was relating to The First Daughter that "Nothing cursed or evil was found aboard or in the items brought to land." The First Daughters response was cut off as y'all approached.}
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=27 ; Friday May 27th, 2022 7:45:43 PM
Cory took note of the overhead conversation. At least that was a positive. She quietly whispered to her companions, "they didn't find anything cursed."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=14 ; Saturday May 28th, 2022 3:06:00 PM
Onesimos notes the description of the ‘sailor-that-doesn’t-act-like-a-sailor’ for the future, and has a well-earned luncheon of pheasant stew and fresh rolls.
Approaching the Sanctuary of the Sea with his friends, he doesn’t catch any by-play, but breaks into a smile at seeing old Reshakka. He gives a bow to the elderly liontaur, ”Good to see you again, Senior. Do you and the First Daughter have time to speak with us and share what we have each learned of the mysterious murders for the last two nights?” ….. Ooc: Onesimos has met Reshakka when first arrived, has helped care for the Santurary, and told parables every day not on adventure, but he has not participated in any ceremonies nor asked to add a shrine for Flower.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. d20+7=17 ; d20+8=25 ; Sunday May 29th, 2022 5:06:50 AM
Kristoph also notes the description of the ‘sailor-that-doesn’t-act-like-a-sailor’. After a wonderful breakfast when the party approaches Reshakka and the First Daughter of the Crones (Perception:17) - he overhears their conversation and nods in agreement when Cory comments.
He bows and greets them. As the storys unfold Kristoph studies the two to see if any reactions hint that they may know more. (Sense Motive:25)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=7 ; Sunday May 29th, 2022 9:42:42 PM
Isaac starting to feel hungry decides that the church can wait and eats with the others.
Arriving at the temple Isaac smiles at Reshakka he was familiar with the older Liontaur having spoken to him extensively when he first got to Heranmar. He had heard of the First Daughter but have never meet her. "Afternoon Reshakka and I'm sorry we haven't been introduced I only know your title First Daughter right? I was hoping we could talk for a bit if your not busy."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Monday May 30th, 2022 8:42:02 AM
Gore'Thum and Teddy have been here before. At the time there was no warper Sarr dedication but it's been a few weeks so maybe they've updated. If there is then they will take a moment to pay tribute to their god. If not then Gore'Thum will look a little disappointed and they'll start paying attention again.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+11=18 ; Monday May 30th, 2022 1:13:41 PM
Snark enjoys some breakfast with the others.
Before leaving for the temple, he will light his pipe and puff on it on the way over. Once at the open-air temple, he lets the religious folk do the talking here. He overhears the comment about no cursed items, but waits to see how others handle this.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Monday May 30th, 2022 1:50:05 PM
Blusinda takes up her place in the inns fire place for the morning.
DM Jon: Investigating Belly Buttons and Temples Monday May 30th, 2022 1:51:01 PM
Reshakka smiles and opens his arms wide, "All are welcome here. A shrine to Flower has not been decided upon yet young Benni, he slides his head around to acknowledge GoreThum and Teddy, There is not a shrine to your God either my friends. Although there is a spot that all three of you may use to pray if you wish."
Turning to the First Daughter, he nods, "We are perplexed by recent events. Any deaths in our community are taken seriously, but these, there is no rhyme nor reason behind the slayings."
The First Daughter starts mumbling under her breath, then the party watches as her eyes turn milky white, "Death came in on the tide, unannounced, and we unprepared. With the night it moves, hungry for sustenance, ever seeking, never satisfied." Reshakka catches her arm as she stumbles forward, shaking her head. "I am sorry, but my visions come when they may. I do not know what they portend, nor what I have relayed, but they come with a purpose."
Reshakka, while holding onto the First Daughter's arm for support looks to the Luck makers. "I know that the Sherriff came here asking questions. We gave him what insight we had. We searched Jack's ship and the items removed from it thoroughly. We found nothing that was evil, nor that served as a vessel for such evil that has come upon us. I understand that you have viewed the bodies of those slain and that they have died horrifically. Unfortunately, they were buried as quickly as possible in hallowed ground and with prayers to ensure that they did not rise as undead, so we were unable to spend much time examining them. I can tell you that in all my years, I have never encountered any being that can do that kind of damage any not leave a trail."
The First Daughter looks at the party, and sighs, "I assisted with the investigation, as requested, but found nothing more to share."
Reshakka releases First Daughter's arm once she is able to stand on her own, "Now I am sure you have questions, or perhaps your own insights to share, please speak..."
Sense Motive DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {First Daughter knows something, but appears unwilling to discuss it. Reshakka seems to have offered all the information he has}
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20=17 ; d20+11=12 ; Monday May 30th, 2022 8:14:07 PM
Isaac asks the Party "Did we ever open the bottles we found on the ship? What are they?"
To Reshakka he tries to describe every thing they found "Let's see on the boat we found claw marks and bloodstains but no bodies, weirdly the hinges on cabinets the doors were torn off and the Larder was empty. Found two bottles of something in the bilge. The bodies on land we can tell they were drained of body fluids and tainted them somehow. That makes me real nervous." "As for speculation well I think it might be undead and with The First Daughter's vision makes me think its hunting and will target other small groups of people out at night. As to how it got on land well maybe invisibility or some sort of transformation magic. Can certain undead change their shape?
(Isaac trying to remember any shape changing undead:12 rolled a 1 :( )
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+6=22 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2022 12:34:26 AM
"Ma'am," Cory said quietly to Daughter Number One, "There are lives at stake. If there's anything that might help us, please, speak. We want only to help."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday May 31st, 2022 1:02:37 AM
Onesimos again politely declines worshipping in the Sanctuary: love isn’t kept inside a building but among the community. But the elf knows Rekkasha’s memory isn’t the best, and smiles. ”I have not yet asked, Senior. It is not for me but the community to decide.”
“To add to Sheriff Wiley and Isaac, the Black Ghost, Lady Helen, and the guards were all at the dock. You saw the bodies and wounds. We noted that only the log book was missing from the Captain’s room on the boat, and there was no blood although a great deal of destruction. And that, so far at least, the people killed have all touched treasure that was once the possession of Jack.”
“Can you see if the danger is only on the tide and hungry, or is there something it seeks?
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 d20+4=9 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=21 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2022 2:31:20 AM
Snark perks up at Isaac's mention of the found bottles.
"Heh, good thinkin' Isaac. Yeah, we found these bottles. This seems like as good a place as any to check 'em out. Isaac awready said they ain't evil."
Snark will cast Detect Magic and try to identify the contents. (DC to identify is 15 plus the items caster level. Snark rolled 15 and 21 for the two bottles.
If his divinations don't yield anything, he will uncork one and sniff and perhaps taste it, and then the other depending on what he finds with the first.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 7:28:19 AM
Teddy listens to the prophecy or whatever and frowns. "Maybe the deaths have nothing to do with the ship? Some aquatic monster may just happen to be killing people on the docks at night." Gore'Thum grunts. "Camp docks. Find threat. Easy solution." he opines. Teddy looks horrified at the suggestion. "Do we have to? Isn't that the guards job? The guards... who died. Oh no."
DM James: Getting Late d100=83 ; d100=89 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2022 11:54:58 AM
DM James: DM Switch a day early.
"Well. It was great speaking with you again, but I must really be going. I've a service to attend in a nearby village in the morning and will need to get an early start." The old liontaur grumbled as he departed.
First daughter made her apologies as well. "I find myself suddenly fatigued. If you wish to speak more tomorrow come to the tradehouse, I have a stall on the second floor. " she said as she too departed.
Like most nights here the streets were choked with fog as the heroes made their way back to the Blue Cat tavern where they found Sheriff Whip waiting for them."I've set a patrol on the docks and through the town, but it's going to be hard policing the streets with all that fog. I've encouraged the townsfolk to stay inside tonight, those I've seen, but we'll need to tell others in the morning. In the meantime it's probably best you stay in as well, just to avoid any confusion until we can work out the logistics. Fortunately everything seems to have settled down at least."
The next morning came quickly and with it so to did the morning fog. Any warning to stay inside however must have expired with the sunrise as the Blue Cat was full of fishermen getting ready to start their day. The familiar buzz in the place was full of conversation.
"Poor Lady Helen. Just when she was getting out for the first time in months." "I hear someone had summoned a priest of Gargul to raise her from the dead." "No. Talk to her, they's said." "Who said?" "My cousin Jimbo." "Your cousin...what does he know about it?" "I don't know." "You and your cousin. You said Spirit Woad cured the pox too. I spent two gold and it didn't work. I still have the pox." "Wait..." "Someone saw something walking on the deck of the Ghost last night?" "Really? Your cousin Jimbo?" "Naw. Me aunt June." "How'd she see anythin' through that soup?" "She has a magic eye. Seen Waldo too." "You said Jimbo had a magic foot too." "He does. It never gets wet." "Just one?" "Yeah." "Well, that's a useless gift."
Other topics range from fishing holes to areas with sandbars to avoid. Quite a few of them have remarked how good the fishing has been this past day or two.
Breakfast consisted of baked ham, eggs, some really expensive orange juice one of the ship captains donated to the tavern. It might have been really good too, but it was watered down and had wine added to it to make it stretch.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 21/21 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 12:19:19 PM
Snark is disappointed we were not allowed to spend the night on the docks.
"Let's spend the night aboard the Ghost. Maybe that'll shake something loose."
He asks the townsperson that mentioned speaking to the dead. "Where can we find this Jimbo to speak to him?"
(To the DM - What came from my last post about the bottles?)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 Tuesday May 31st, 2022 3:09:33 PM
Isaac looks over at Snark "Why looking to get a magic foot too?" He smiles clearly just teasing the gnome. "I'm gonna head over to the Woldian League of Adventurers guild house. I want to try and study up on some undead. The draining of the bodies and leaving some sort of taint worries me."
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Mark B sub for Stephen C. Tuesday May 31st, 2022 7:41:45 PM
Kristoph scounges up some nice flammable material to feed Blucinda. She purrs a crackling purr in response.
"Spending the night aboard the ship might be a good idea. We should get the permission from the dockmaster first though." He will check in with the sheriff and the dockmaster about spending the night aboard the vessel.
Kristoph: AC:17/16/14 | CMD:22 | HP: 25/25 - Blusinda: AC:13 | HP:21/21 - Stephen C. Wednesday June 1st, 2022 11:51:19 AM
(OOC the for the sub Mark B.)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Wednesday June 1st, 2022 1:52:51 PM
Teddy gets very concerned at mention of the pox and offers his magical assistance (cure disease is a level two bloodwitch spell)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday June 1st, 2022 4:24:50 PM
Onesimos listens and thinks as he slowly eats breakfast. A night aboard the Ghost might be a good idea. He is more interested in finding Sheriff Wiley to hammer out the permissions and coordination. Oh, and to see if anyone else is dead in the morning fog.
DM James: Morning Fog and Missing People Wednesday June 1st, 2022 9:36:54 PM
DM James: This is going to be abbreviated.
Snark identified the contents of the bottles as rum. Apparently it was a secret stash hidden on the ship. The idea of camping on the Ghost that night met with some approval from the others even as they went their separate ways that morning. A quick check with the sheriff and it was confirmed that one of his guards had gone missing last night. There was blood at the scene where the guard was stationed but no sign of his body. He oked staying aboard the ghost.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You see a print on the ground that looked like a bloody body lay there, but there are marks that indicate it was dragged away.}
Survival DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Whatever lay there made some right bloody marks on the ground, but it got up and walked away.}
THe WLA house will take 4 hours of your time. When you arrive Akoka is just as disorganized as before, worse even.You end up spending more time straightening up things than getting inforation, but you do get what you need.
Snark will take a swig of the rum, just to make sure. He'll offer to share with his friends. Did he get any info on how to find Jimbo?
Looking at the bloody scene, Snark says, "Well, whatever was hurt here got up and walked away on it's own."
Snark will also visit the WLA and then go with the others aboard the Ghost.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=11 ; d20+1=18 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2022 10:53:18 PM
Cory joined in on the rum-swigging. "I'm up for staying on the ship, but we'd best keep watch in groups. Being here alone at night looks to be bad for your health."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 2nd, 2022 12:14:33 AM
Onesimos asks the Sheriff for details on the guard: he wants to make sure that the Luck Makers will know him if they see him later.
He agrees with Cory and carefully considers what spells to prepare for the day in case there is battle.
With a sigh and a smile, he assists Akoka in making some sense of the WLA booth.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 d20+9=14 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2022 10:20:03 AM
Gore'Thum is mildly anoyed that they didn't camp on the beaches themselves. It would have been a risk, but it probably would have saved this guard's life. Teddy isn't much help with the corpse (survival 14)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=24 ; d20+2=14 ; d20=11 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2022 3:24:51 PM
Isaac helps clean up the WLA house and making sure everything is in it's proper place he also talks with Akoka about how at this rate she might end up running the place herself.
Isaac shakes his head at the news that another person is dead. "Hopefully tonight we can put an end to whatever is doing this."
Know religion check with help from the WLA house :24
DM James: Rain and Watches d100=10 ; Friday June 3rd, 2022 5:13:48 AM Snark took a swig of rum. He recounted that whoever it was that got hurt here walked away
Cory took a swig as well. She also agreed to staying aboard the ship that night.
Benni asked the sheriff about the guard and got a good description. Benni recognized the man from the description as he'd met him before. Later he goes to the WLA booth.
Teddy stood around while his mentor grumbled about paths not taken.
Issac helped at the WLA house as well.
The rum turned out to be quite good. There was a reason they'd hid it apparently. At the scene they wrapped up and left for the WLA house to see what Issac had discovered. The WLA booth was just as bad as it had been everytime they visited. Akoka clearly wasn't a very good administrator, but she assured them someone was being sent, just that the last one went down with the ship during a storm.
Heal DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {From the amount of blood found at the scene it's unlikely that man walked away.}
Issac Highlight to display spoiler: {The extra bit of help from the library at the WLA booth helped him. Though he didn't find out exactly what the creature was he did find out that the bodies they'd found had somehow been altered by whatever was roaming the town. They had likely been animated as some kind of undead themselves. Helen's condition likely came about because she couldn't feed on another victim. }
Whether the source of the killings was aboard the ship or in town wasn't known, but the heroes assembled at the dock and boarded a small boat. A short trip and they were aboard the Ghost and preparing for the night. Just as they started to settle in however the clouds overhead decided to release a slow soaking rain. Would they camp out on deck, find a place in the cargo hold, or occupy one of the staterooms? What would be their watch schedules? How would they prepare?
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 23/23AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 24/27 AC 12/12/11 Friday June 3rd, 2022 8:59:35 AM
Gore'Thum loves the rain and is happy to keep watch in it. He's quite capable of being loud and waking the others if needed.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=15 ; Friday June 3rd, 2022 11:20:01 AM
Onesimos is grim. ”It is unlikely the guard left on his own power. He was carried or became undead.”
“It’s not going to work tonight. We can’t hear or see a thing and can’t stay awake all night.”
The elf suggests the team stay together in the captains cabin with 2 awake for each shift Isaac and Teddy Nikolai and Snark Benni and Cory
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+2=21 ; Friday June 3rd, 2022 3:07:22 PM
(Heal 21)
Snark agrees with Benni. "Yeah, prolly undead if it walked off after loosing that much blood. Yech."
He is pretty excited about going aboard the ship for the night. "Ooo. I worked on a ship for a while, so the ship sounds great! We can sing sea chanties and drink rum. Good thinking on the captain's cabin, if we'll all fit."
Before we leave, Snark will see about getting some provisions for everyone to eat and drink aboard the Ghost.
He's good with Benni's suggested watch, assuming that he meant Kristoph instead of Nikolai. Once aboard, he pulls a rod out of his pack. "Hey, whoever's on watch should keep this Sunrod handy. If there's a problem, just smack it on sumpthin an' it'll light up."
Then he'll try to teach them this sea shanty, though it's likely others can sing better than the gnome.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Friday June 3rd, 2022 4:39:15 PM
Cory is fine with the watch.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday June 4th, 2022 7:26:23 AM
Onesimos has the grace to blush. ”Kristoph, yes of course. There was a note among all of Akoka’s WLA stuf that I read and talked about some new leadership in the Mailed Fist. That was the name of the open-hand combat specialist.””
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Saturday June 4th, 2022 12:22:18 PM
Kristoph enjoys learning Snarks sea shanty and doesn't miss a beat when his name is mentioned incorrectly... (those that have been with him from arrival may recall Kristoph is not his real name).
He is also fine with any watch and mentions: "Blue will help woth the light too".
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday June 4th, 2022 12:36:40 PM
Onesimos has the grace to blush. ”Kristoph, yes of course. There was a note among all of Akoka’s WLA stuf that I read and talked about some new leadership in the Mailed Fist. That was the name of the open-hand combat specialist.””
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d6=5 ; d8=2 ; Saturday June 4th, 2022 11:41:36 PM
Gore'Thum will take first watch on the open deck while Teddy will try to stay dry in a sheltered area, ready to rush to the others at the first sign of trouble. (Posting to update header)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d6=5 ; d8=2 ; Saturday June 4th, 2022 11:41:36 PM
Gore'Thum will take first watch on the open deck while Teddy will try to stay dry in a sheltered area, ready to rush to the others at the first sign of trouble. (Posting to update header)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+6=12 ; Sunday June 5th, 2022 9:42:38 PM
Isaac feels a shiver go down his spine. What he learned in the WLA he related to the others " It seems that my thoughts on a creature creating more undead is true but it still feels off. The way we found Helen's body would indicate that she was already one of these creatures and that she had not eaten leading to her death. I'm starting to think the creature either was never on the ship and came into town around the same time the ship came in or it been here for much longer. Still the idea of undead expiring from hunger is new to me." "As for the sleep and watch schedule I'm alright with it. The sound of a good drink and sea shanties sounds good to me"
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Monday June 6th, 2022 12:52:54 PM
Blusinda curls up on Kristoph's foot. He slips his foot out from under her and extinguishes his boot.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+12=25 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 2:20:54 PM
(Perception 25)
Snark can sense with the others that there is something else in the room with them, but he's not sure what. He conjures Dancing Lights, bringing four torch-like lights near the walls that fully illuminate the captain's quarters. He shocked by what he now sees and scrambles back from the thing as he rises from his bedroll.
"By the Crones! What the heck is that?"
Snark's not sure if this creature poses an actual threat, but he's not sure he wants to find out.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=23 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 2:26:24 PM
Onesimos keeps near a window, trying to eke just a little more cooler air from the oppressive cabin.
The elf feels it too, but knowing he can’t have a hope to succeed in perceiving reality, he tries to help Snark get a better view. ……
Aid Another Perception. 23
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=13 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 8:49:50 PM
Isaac see's nothing in the gloom. But senses something is wrong.
Perception: 13
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+12=31 ; Monday June 6th, 2022 9:00:16 PM
Cory looked around but didn't see anything amiss.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 5:21:36 AM
Is the ship close enough to shore to watch the beach? If so then the party can both keep an eye on the ship and watch the shore. Well if it's light enough, which on a stormy night is highly unlikely.
DM James: Rain and Watches Tuesday June 7th, 2022 8:06:24 AM Snark exclaimed as he detected something, but could see nothing.
Benni stood near the window and tried to stay out of the light in order to help Snark see better.
Issac looked but could see nothing.
Cory also couldn't see anything.
Teddy stayed quiet while on deck Gore Thum looked through the rail at the shore. The rain and fog were too dense to make out anything other than the lights of the town, but he had good visibility to the water line and the small boat tied alongside.
In the captains cabin there was a scramble of movement as something was in the room. Issac could feel an oppressive evil there as well. For whatever reason however the evil wasn't interested in them, though Cory could feel something brush by her for a moment.
Seconds later whatever had been there was gone.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You heard a splash from outside as if something was in the water.}
Gore Thum Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Something is in the boat. As you look you see a skeletal human in pirate garb draw a sword out and cut the rope. He grabs a paddle and starts to take the boat towards shore. He'll be out of visual range in 2 rounds.}
Will Save DC 15 (fear) Highlight to display spoiler: {You are shaken for 6 rounds.}
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 d20+12=18 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 12:26:26 PM
(Will save 15)
Snark hears a splash.
"Yikes. Sounds like something went over board. Maybe this ship is haunted."
Snark will run up onto the deck, bringing his Dancing Lights with him.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d20=4 ; d20=14 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+8=11 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 1:21:42 PM
Gore’Thum sees the thing as it takes the boat (perception 7, hero point reroll 17). With a bellowing croak he leaps towards the ship and tries to tongue grapple the thing as it lowers. (11 vs touch, 19 to grapple). If the creature is out of range or he fails the grapple he will instruct Teddy as to it’s location for a light spell. Teddy will of course come running at the croak.
DM James: Jack Lolly? d20=7 ; d8+8=16 ; d20+13=26 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 3:07:26 PM
DM James: Doing an extra post to make up for the missed post on Friday/Thursday, depending on your POV.
Gore Thum leapt over the rail and landed in the boat. Though his tongue lashed out with precision the bloody sack of bones dressed as a pirate weaved to one side so that Gore Thum missed. Gore Thum was in the boat however.
A moment later those from the cabin that chose to appeared on deck and saw Gore Thum facing off against a skeletal pirate in the small longboat 10' away as the boat slowly drifted into the fog bank. At it's current rate it would be out of sight in two rounds.
The skeletal creature stood and turned to face the frog man and drew forth its rapier. With a swipe that made a zipping noise in the air the undead pirate sliced into the frog. The movement caused the pirate to reposition it's footing to keep from going overboard, but it made Gore Thum check his footing as well.
Gore Thum Reflex Save DC 12 to keep from going overboard, unless he wants to.
DM: Pirate - Gore Thum, Roll 7+18=25, Hit. Damage 16 hp.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+9=12 ; d20+8=9 ; d20=8 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 6:38:12 PM
Kristoph is shaken and fails his perception (last round) (Fort:12 - Perception:7).
Following the pasrt up on deck he looks around confused and then spots the skeletal creature... He throws a friendly that wizzes last it (8 including the -4 into combat)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 8:32:56 PM
Looks like the skeleton made two or more move actions and then also took an attack action.
If Snark is able to act again as well, he start casting Summon Monster II.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=17 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2022 10:00:50 PM
Isaac Harris up on deck in time to see Gorthum battling the skeleton creature. Isaac looked around the deck sides looking for their own longboat. "Teddy you got any spell to stop their boat?" If the long boat is around Isaac will start preparing it to give chase.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=17 Tuesday June 7th, 2022 11:30:23 PM
Onesimos feels the evil presence and gives the cabin a scan with his eyes. We are right here? What could possibly have come in?. But the splash and Snark’s shout is more time sensitive. He throws off the shivers. Without wasting more time, he hustles to the top floor of the boat as fast as possible.
Seeing Teddy’s frog wounded and in the whale boat with…. is that Jack Lolly?! … , Benni reacts instinctively. Holding aloft his woven band which is the High Woldian glyph of Flower, he channels positive divine energy, directed at the ghost!
Will 17. Save Double move. Channel Energy to affect Undead only. Turn Undead. Will DC 14 or any undead within 30 feet of Benni gets Panicked Condition and flees or cowers taking no other actions.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+12=30 ; d20+2=7 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 1:08:02 AM
Cory heard the splash, but it sent a wave of fear through her.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d20=1 ; d20=3 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 7:32:11 AM
Gore'Thum is a little shaken by the presence (forgot the will save so his grapple attempt would actually be 2 lower). Teddy is also shaken (9 will) but casts the light spell as instructed so everyone can see the boat.
DM James: Jack Lolly? Wednesday June 8th, 2022 8:42:58 AM
Everyone made it on deck to see that Gore Thum was hanging over the rail by one sticky foot. The pirate skeleton, or Jack as Benni thought, was waving at them as the boat drifted away.
"Argh! I've a laidy ter meet in town. She's ter be givin' her 'eart ter ole Jack she is." said Jack Lolly. About that time Benni's channeling lit the area as the energy pulsed outward from his raised hand.
"Yer wound me me boy!" Jack called back as the boat drifted into the fog and rain. "I'll be back wit me laidy. We'll talk den."
A quick look around and you all realize he took your boat.
DMJames: There was some time compression in that last post and a misunderstanding about Gore's actions. He didn't jump from the boat and sustained no damage, but Jack wasn't interrupted in his rowing either. You also realize Jack's movement isn't consistent with him having swam to the boat, he's either faster than he appears or has some kind of supernatural movement.
Jack has concealment at the end of the round. You have one round of actions before that.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 29/29 Wednesday June 8th, 2022 11:47:11 AM
Snark finishes his summoning spell and he creates a small water elemental at the boat. He tells the water elemental in aquan to form a whirlpool beneath the small boat the skeleton is in and to move it back to the ship.
"Hey Jack. You're not taking our boat, so why don't you come back aboard?"
The small water elemental can form a whirlpool that functions as a whirlwind in the water. It is 5' wide at the base, and 10' wide at the top. Hopefully it will be able to hold the small boat for now and bring it back to the ship.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 d20+2=21 ; d6+2=4 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 6:48:32 PM
Kristoph throws another fire bolt (21 to hit - 4 fire damage)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=29 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2022 10:04:00 PM
Isaac looks on helpless to stop the skeleton as he rows off with their boat. He slams his fist down on the railing of the ship. "Someone please tell me we have some sort of spell or something to follow him?" Isaac didn't really know what to do except wait. Now that he had gotten a look at the undead horror he tried to remember any information that would narrow down what sort of undead they were dealing with.
Know religion: 29
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/15 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday June 9th, 2022 12:40:21 AM
Onesimos blinks and breathes a sigh of relief that it was a wisp of mist he mistook for Teddy’s frog.
The cleric shivers at the skeleton pirate’s words, and desperately looks about to see how they can follow. Not seeing anything, the elf uses the only thing he has that can reach so far. His voice.
”Captain Lolly, what lady? We found Lady Helen and buried her in consecrated ground, she cannot be touched with evil. Let us help you break this unholy enchantment that binds you!”
“HELLO!! GUARDS ON THE DOCK!! THE MONSTER IS COMING!!”, he then yells towards shore.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) Thursday June 9th, 2022 2:03:37 AM
"The hells?!" Cory did not appreciate all of this undead nonsense. "You know what never works? Telling someone to give up because they're 'evil.' Hey, ghost-guy," she called out, "what's your deal? What is it you need? Maybe we can help each other."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 32/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 Thursday June 9th, 2022 7:56:01 AM
Teddy will cast more lights every round to illuminate the area around the boat and prevent the skeleton from escaping into darkness (lasts 1 minute, 140 foot range, covers 40 feet per casting so can eventually cover all of the ocean up to 140 feet from the ship in lights).
Gore'Thum dives into the water, grimacing at it's salt content, and swims after the boat, about 10 feet under. He doesn't want to get in a fight with the pirate on his own, just watch for if he dives into the water or escapes so the party knows where the pirate heads to.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 31/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:21/21 Thursday June 9th, 2022 11:10:29 AM
Blusinda hisses at the pirate.
DM James: Jack Lolly? d8=1 ; d8=4 ; d100=68 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 3:06:13 PM
Edited: 7:10 PM
”Like an old gator, ye’ll be me feast awaitin at the bottom of the swamp.” Jack said to Cory from the boat 20' distant. ”Meanwhile me hearties I’ll be on me way.”
Even as the elemental slowly pushed the boat towards you he raised his arm and with a wave of his hand each of you felt a deep pain shoot through your bones as the fire bolt passed over the pirates head.
KS: Arcana DC 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {He just cast Mass Inflict Serious Wounds on all of you.}
KS: Religion DC 24 Highlight to display spoiler: {Now that you see it you can tell that is a variant of a Bloody Bones, though not exactly like one.}
Lights appear another distance out but they have a reverse effect and create such a bright haze only Jack’s shadow is detected within. Meanwhile the elemental tried to bring the boat back as Benni yelled to shore.
DM James: This is quick. If I missed anything I’ll do a supplementary post tonight.
WILL save DC 21 Highlight to display spoiler: {Take 16 hp, half of saved.}
Everyone, including the elemental took the damage.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 d20+7=19 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=13 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 6:29:51 PM
(Will save 19 - fail)
Snark is hit by a wave of damage. What kind of damage? Was a spell cast? Did he channel energy through a holy symbol like a cleric? Do we see a holy symbol?
Did it affect the small water elemental? He has 13 HP.
Is the elemental holding him in place? How far is the rowboat from the ship?
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 8/24 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+11=20 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+8=12 ; Thursday June 9th, 2022 9:32:24 PM
Isaac suddenly feels the pain hit him like a hammer he doubles over in pain feeling the full effect of Bloody Jacks spell.
OoC: Not sure if my know religion from last time counts so I rolled for it and burned a hero point no successes.
DM James: Use your previous roll and recover your hero point.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/ -1 Onesimos (SteveK) d20=20 ; d20=11 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 12:33:57 AM
Onesimos has an amazing insight of remembering religious texts and
He grits his teeth as pain sweeps through him, the elf’s last conscious thought is he is thankful Gore Thun would be unaffected since he can’t be targeted underwater.
-1 and DYING
…. Know Religion 26 Will save. 17 fail. Take 16 damage
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+2=18 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 1:24:07 AM
"Ow!" Cory took full damage.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 12, HP 13/29 Friday June 10th, 2022 2:32:54 AM
The small water elemental cannot even make a DC 21 will save, so I guess it just dies.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 30/30 AC 12/12/11 d20+6=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=5 ; d8=3 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 6:00:18 AM
Tedyd grimaces as he takes the brunt of the damage. Noticing Benni going down he quickly moves over and heals him for 12 HP. Gore'Thum, under the boat with the elemental, presumably escapes the effects of the spell.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:16/21 d20+7=20 ; 2d6=11 ; 2d6+1=8 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 6:58:53 AM
Kristoph shudders as pain wracks him and he is unable to think for a few seconds. As his brain clears (if necessary he moves to include everyone) a blast of positive energy bursts from him curing 11 points of damage to the party (& possibly the elemental?)
---- Shaken: (a shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks): Round 3/6 Fire Bolts used: 2 Channels used: 1 Will Save (inc: -2 shaken): 20 (Arrrgh missed by "1" ;-)) takes 16 damage. Blusinda fails too: Save: 8 KS: Arcana (N/A) KS: Religion (N/A - can't reach 24 due to being shaken)
Everyone in the party regains 11 HP
DM James: Bloody Jack Lolly Friday June 10th, 2022 9:47:33 AM
Freed from the water elemental old Jack moves the boat further away towards shore. The good news is that by doing so he was moving out of range and would likely not be killing them today, the bad news? Someone in town was about to have a very bad night.
"Yo ho ho, a wenches night for me. A lovely lass and a perfect.... Yo ho ho." Jack sang as he steered the small boat away in the fog.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You glance down into the cargo hold and see 8 oars. Apparently they were brought aboard since the last time you inspected the ship.}
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You can hear that Benni's call to the docks was heard by at least a few people as faint commands here and there indicate they are getting ready for Jack.}
DM James: Jack will be within the first range increment for most bows all the way to the docks. His singing will allow you to shoot at him, but he has total concealment. Range to the docks is 110'. Jack is moving at 15' per round. Please also complete your leveling...looks like you'll need it.
Unfortunately it appears as if Jack had some kind of sense that allowed him to target Gore Thum. He too takes damage.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 16/ 11 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday June 10th, 2022 1:16:10 PM
Onesimos wakes up with Teddy hovering over him. He gives the small bear-man a thankful smile and stands up.
Maybe it was getting knocked out that makes Benin’s mind work in a different pattern. ”Friends, we are not going to be able to stop Black Jack tonight, not directly. But he came out from the mirror…
Let’s get back below and see if we can take the fight to him! If we break his mirror…”
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 35/40 AC20/ T12 / FF 18 d20+2=20 ; Friday June 10th, 2022 10:16:42 PM
Isaac hears shouts from the shore looks like Bennie's warning reached them "They heard Bennie. I don't think Jack will have a easy time but we can't just sit on our thumbs." He goes down into the cargo hold and spies a number of oars "HEY! they brought oars from shore it might take a bit but we can row the ship up to shore." He calls out to the others. He grabs the closest oar and starts putting in place to row the ship "We need to raise anchor" he calls up.
OoC :I have leveled up. Should I select my spell for the day now or in the morning after all of this.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 16/32 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 15/30 AC 12/12/11 Saturday June 11th, 2022 9:20:31 PM
Gore'Thum returns to the boat. Teddy resumes casting dancing lights on the area where he guesses the pirate is, moving the lights he previously cast.
AC 19 T14 F15| HP 24/24 Cory .(JD) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=27 ; Sunday June 12th, 2022 12:56:51 AM
"Hopefully those oars aren't possessed or something, although that'd be on par for this hellmouth," Cory commented. "Hey, Kristoph, much obliged for the healing." She looked at the dock. "Hope they have some defense for that thing."
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:23 | HP: 26/31 - Blusinda: AC:16 | HP:16/21 Sunday June 12th, 2022 7:58:22 PM
Kristoph nods to Cory and grabs an oar.
(Reminder .. Some of you look very injured .. Please see my last post)
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