I gained the side of the ship. I immediately healed us all with a burst of holy energy for 18. I was then able to quickly heal Brennen & Shatain for 24 each. One of the A'aloss warned us there was a fire in the hold. Saigarn and his remaining A'aloss went into the ship, going after the mage and to fight the fire. Brennen, Shatain & I went down the opposite side; our target was the necromancer.
We heard calls for water as the A'aloss reached the hold. We reached the rowing decks and found nothing but tangled bones. We continued our search in the bow of the ship, but found nothing living. After checking the lower hold and the rest of the ship, we still didn't find anything. I settled down near the A'aloss and began a divination. Shatain & Brennen went through the ship again. They came up empty again.
The response I received was somewhat straightforward. "You will find them in the halls of the dead warden."
We thought about what we knew about the island. It seemed likely that when Oritan had constructed the magical defenses for the island, they had likely set up some sort of control system, like the tower we'd encountered when traveling with the Coastal Trading Company. We believed the mage & the necromancer were very likely the same people that had imprisoned the druid. We know that the people that crafted the druid's chains were likely very powerful - at least he mage likely had significant standing with Oritan. Therefore, the mage had probably prepared for this expedition by being made the warden of the island. We didn't know if that was simply an amulet or some other talisman, or if it required a ritual in Oritan.
Saigarn was comfortable guarding the ship with his remaining A'aloss. We would head back to shore in one of the longboats; we could all still walk on water, but it would be a lot easier with the longboat to hold onto. I would meditate in the prow, resting as much as I could on the way, and would finish my hour of rest once we reached shore.
Brennen joined me to rest while Shatain went into town. She went to our old guide; he told her that there were legends of catacombs under the island. Many people came to search them out. Overall, about 20% of all the expeditions that came to the island didn't return; no one had returned reporting they'd found the catacombs.
Shatain kept asking questions, but Robert refused to keep providing information without payment. Shatain gave him 20 gold, with promise of more if we found the catacombs. Robert told us that at the end of the battle, he saw an enormous bird flew off the back of the ship. It had a huge wingspan, and seemed like it was flying heavy. He saw it land at the top of the lighthouse and disappear. He didn't know much about Oritan, but he knew they built things big; the lighthouse was right up their alley.
After dithering over the 80 gold before Shatain could check Robert's information, Shatain left him the 80 gold and promised she'd come back for it if the information was false. Robert provided a quickly sketched map. Shatain rejoined Brennen & I just as we were done resting.
We believed the druid could fend for herself; we would set out for the lighthouse right away. We would have to go several hours up the main path around the island, and then head north through the jungle to get to the top of the cliff where the lighthouse stood.
We saw man animals on the way; some of them might even be worth bringing back. We didn't waste our hours. We bypassed an area infested with some sort of spider. We reached the lighthouse without incident.
The lighthouse was beautifully built; there were gazebos, columns, and other outbuildings, with the jungle cleared back about 500'. There seemed to be an indirect flickering of light near the base of the lighthouse. All the structures were roofless except for the lighthouse itself.
Brennen & Shatain moved towards the light quietly, while I stayed back. Once they got close enough, they saw the light was coming from a metal sphere that was glowing with magical fire. It was sitting on a column; it seemed like the same thing that was keeping the lighthouse lit. Looking around, they saw charred skeletons in the ground. All the skeletons were within about 20'-30' of the sphere. And of course the sphere was 20' out in front of the door to the lighthouse. There were no animal skeletons; just humanoids. None of their gear was intact beyond scorched hide and twisted metal.
Finally they waved me in. I looked for magical writings - and found runes encircling the base of the tower, the base of the column, and at 4 points in a square around the column. I recognized the symbols - the sphere was a binding for some variety of fire elemental. Something that could definitely kill us. The elemental was bound to the sphere at the base and we believed one at the top; it could travel freely between them. Fire elementals were intelligent; it could be watching us and waiting for its best opportunity to strike.
Further examination of the runes indicated there was a magical key. The bearer of an appropriate talisman would be able to pass freely. We moved back from the edge of the area by about 50'-60'. I suggested we look for any evidence of underground passages or previous attempts to dig down. If we could find something, I might be able to create a corridor if there was stone down to it.
We did a brief reconnoiter of the area. Brennen was able to find some interesting signs. This area was built in a time when Oritan seemed to have more money than they knew what to do with; the area was built grandly. He guessed there was a major passageway leading deeper, and likely ventilation shafts somewhere.
I used a magical sensor to view the tops of the columns. There were no obvious vents, but there was definitely a pattern to the columns. The columns were of a variety of geometric shapes; all the circular ones seemed to have pigeon-holes. However, there was no evidence of bird habitation. Half of the open gazebos were circular, with these pigeon-holes. It was quite likely these were the ventilation shafts.
Shatain looked over the cliff edge, and noted a few promising divots in the face. Brennen secured the rope for her and Shatain clambered down. He found a small tunnel in the rock, about 1' across. It seemed to be a sewer pipe. We pulled her back up.
I settled down to rest and memorize a few spells to shape stone. Brennen examined all the columns. They all seemed to be exactly the same. Brennen used a rope & grappling hook to get to the top of one of the columns. The top was gently sloped; it wasn't a challenge to stay on it. The pigeon-holes were about 5-6" across, and there was definitely air going in and out, and an earthy smell.
After my rest, I put my sensor into the column. There was a central shaft, but it was only about 8" in diameter. I sent my sensor farther down; it ended about 15' underground in a domed room. There was another flaming sphere in the center. The dome was about 80' up from the floor. There were people in small alcoves around the edge of the room. They were in some kind of magical stasis. About 40% of the alcoves had occupants.
We decided to prepare for a fight with the elemental, but try to reason with it. We would promise to free the elemental or bring it the talisman that controlled the lighthouse's defenses. I rested, and then made Shatain able to speak its language. Also I prepared us with spells to resist fire, and improve our hit chance.
Shatain called to the 'firelord'. A 40' lord of fire appeared, with armor, shield, sword and crown. I knew that this was and elder fire elemental; our worst nightmare. Brennen & I were shaken for a moment, but Shatain was badly intimidated.
Even so, she made a good show of kneeling and speaking gracefully to the elemental. She offered to get the talisman from the mage & necromancer and unbind the elemental. The elemental changed to a serpentine form. Still looming over Shatain, he asked who she was. Shatain told him we were great heroes who had experience with the Oritan wizards, and were happy to unbind him if we could find the mage & necromancer.
The elemental did not trust Shatain's word. Shatain offered his demon-slaying short sword as proof of his good intentions. The elemental accepted the deal, with the promise that it would kill us all if we did not deliver. It took the sword, phased it into its own substance, and disappeared into the orb. The doors to the lighthouse opened.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Were'd All The Crew Go?
Brennen & I lay down to rest a bit up the beach. Shatain & Saigarn, along with the A'aloss, watched our prisoner and interrogated him. Shatain started the interrogation. The prisoner told us there were "a lot" of people left on the ship and 4 casters. Shatain didn't think the prisoner was lying outright, but it seemed like he was overestimating the ship's complement. We also found out Captain Visk was in charge of the ship.
Note on Visk's ship: A modified warship about 100' long by 25' wide. The standard crew complement was 80, including rowers. About 150 soldiers could be crammed onboard in addition. It needs to stick mostly to coastlines, and so wasn't a true blue water ship.
Note on The Fairwinds: A modified sailing vessel. True blue water ship
The A'aloss shouted down at the longboats. They'd found another living Ku Rog; he had hidden under bodies, and tried to make a break for it. Shatain switched to the Ku Rog that was (apparently) smarter. He made a deal with the Ku Rog - if the Ku Rog told us everything we were looking for about the ship, he would be allowed a duel with Shatain (and thus a warrior's death). It would be guaranteed by Saigarn, the only person the Ku Rog respected.
Saigarn walked up to the prisoner and explained again how it was going to work - The Ku Rog would answer all our questions to our satisfaction; the Ku Rog would then be given the opportunity to die honorably in single combat against Shatain. The A'aloss gamely played along, pulling Shatain forward into a ring and setting her sword in the sand. They also took out a Ku Rog axe from the boats, ensured it was up to their standard, and set it at the ready for the Ku Rog prisoner.
The Ku Rog started to talk. He told us the rowers were undead skeletons. There was a necromancer and an apprentice on board; he couldn't give us names since the crew wasn't allowed to speak with them. There were about 40 Ku Rog left on the ship, but they weren't top line fighters. He wasn't sure the Captain Visk on the ship was the true Captain Visk. The Ku Rog thought the ship's Captain wasn't the actual Visk - just something the crew was told to keep their morale up and keep them in line. When asked, the Ku Rog told us that he had no respect for the Captain Visk on the shift, but he still followed orders. We also found out that there was a catapult on the ship.
The interrogation was done. The A'aloss seperated the Ku Rog prisoner and Shatain by about 60', and handed them their weapons. They saluted to each other, and began to advance.
The Ku Rog attacked first. He struck once for 11. Shatain bluffed, and struck the Ku Rog for 27.
The Ku Rog went again, trying to disarm Shatain. He failed twice, dropping his own axe in the process. Shatain backed off, allowing the Ku Rog to retrieve the axe, earning a cheer from the A'aloss.
Shatain bluffed the Ku Rog again, and struck for 28. The Ku Rog was still alive, but just barely. The Ku Rog tripped Shatain, spilling her to the sand. The Ku Rog laid in with his axe, but missed. Shatain offered to remove her armor if the Ku Rog stopped trying to trip & disarm.
The Ku Rog showed no interest in letting Shatain get up. She struck him for 21, killing the Ku Rog.
Shatain straightened out the body and laid the axe on the Ku Rog's chest with the axe. He called out for wood for a pyre. The A'aloss kids disarmed and took care of the other prisoner.
We decided our best course of action was to attack that night. Brennen, Shatain, Barclay & I would set out from the lighthouse, walking on water, to attack the ship from the seaward side. Our crew and the A'aloss would approach in the longboats from the shore. We would focus on the Captain and the Necromancer while the A'aloss would go for the Ku Rog crew.
Our plan went astray... at about noon, the Ku Rog ship hoisted sail. However, it looked like the druid was on our side - the wind shifted, pushing the ship towards shore. She was buying us time.
The crew & A'aloss loaded into the boats. We started moving across the water. Only Shatain was having an easy time with the waves; Brennen, Barclay & I were much slower. We decided to get in the boats instead, at least until we were past the breakers. Shatain tried to keep going on her own, stumbling once or twice. She wasn't much ahead of the boat once we got to the breaker line. Shatain made more progress after that; the rest of us stayed in the boats. Shatain got pretty far ahead, but ended up getting back into the boats since she was the only one making progress.
About 900' out from the ship, their catapult started firing. The first longboat was missed by about 10' by the ship's catapult. Shatain got out of the boats and started moving towards the ship. The catapult was sighted to each increment on 100'. At 800' out, the catapult hit the 4th longboat, full of crew from The Fairwinds. Thankfully, it didn't include our Captain.
The catapult fired again. It narrowly missed the 2nd boat. Brennen started planning bowshots. He couldn't quite see the loaders for the catapult yet. The catapult fired at the 3rd longboat when we were at about 600'; it just missed. (The 4 of us were in the third longboat.) At about 550', Brennen fired at the catapult loaders; both his arrows missed. 500'; the catapult fired at the first longboat, but failed. Brennen fired at the catapult loaders again, and hit with 1 arrow for 9. I fired a couple arrows, but missed. We closed to 400' and the catapult fired at boat 1 again; still missed. Brennen & I kept firing our bows, but continued to miss. The catapult fired at boat 2, but missed. Brennen & I returned fire with arrows; Brennen hit 1 for 8. We hit the minimum range of the catapult; the Ku Rog's last shot missed boat 2. Shatain fired a few arrows at the 200' mark, but also failed.
Arrows were raining down around us. At about 180', I put a burst of Holy energy into the area of the rowers. I couldn't tell how much damage I did, but some of the oars stopped moving.
I blessed my companions. Brennen made himself more dextrous. We heard commands from the Ku Rog bringing all bows to the side we were on. Shatain was hit with 1 arrow for 7.
Brennen made Shatain more dextrous. I fired 2 arrows at the archers on the ship, but missed. Shatain cast the sound of men clambering up the side of the boat at the bow of the ship. I took an arrow for 4. The necromancer entered the fray, dropping a burst of unholy energy on us. Most of the people on our boat did not make their saves, and were sickened.
Brennen fired a flurry of arrows at the archers. He hit with all 3 arrows, for 12, then 9, making one of the archers duck. The 3rd arrow hit for 9. 5 of the archers fired at Brennen; 1 hit for 7. 4 fired at me; 1 hit critically for 16. I healed all our people for 12 with a burst of holy energy. Shatain stabled herself at the stern of the ship & got a grappling hook in place.
Brennen hit a Ku Rog for 9 again, causing him to at least duck. He missed with the other 2 arrows. I healed our boat for 20. Shatain clambered up the stern of the ship, and gained the deck. The crew was still unaware of her presence. She could see a couple of people at the bow, investigating the sounds. There was a command - "SHOOT THE DWARF!" 10 archers fired at Brennen. Only 1 hit, for 6.
We were at the ship. Brennen stayed at the back of the longboat firing at the Ku Rog trying to cut lines. Shatain could see a figure at the wheel that looked like Visk; she attacked with poison on her blade. The Captain didn't see it coming. She hit for 22. The Captain was surprised and missed his save.
Brennen fired 3 arrows into one of the Ku Rog trying to cut lines; he hit for 11, 13 & 11. The Ku Rog dropped out of sight. I imbued myself with the fury of my deity. One grappling hook got up.
Brennen loosed another round of arrows at the line cutters. He hit a Ku Rog for 19, the 2nd shot hit for 12. The Ku Rog died. The 3rd arrow hit another Ku Rog for 14. The Captain turned to Shatain. She bluffed him and struck for 24. The Ku Rog at the wheel dropped. I dropped an arrow into a Ku Rog for 13. The 2nd shot hit for 9. That Ku Rog died. The archers on the ship fired back. 2 archers missed Brennen; 1 missed me but the other hit for 5. 3 crew on the deck dropped their crossbows and turned to Shatain.All 3 hit Shatain for a total of 21. Boat 1 got a grappling hook onto the side of the ship. Boat 3 (ours) got a 2nd hook up. The Ku Rog were unable to cut any of the lines.
I fired at another Ku Rog, and hit with 1 arrow for 10. Shatain fought defensively. She still bluffed 1 of the Ku Rog successfully, and hit critically for 32. The Ku Rog dropped, dead right out. She only faced 2 opponents now. They attacked back, but both missed. Ku Rog at the side made to cut our lines. Only 2 were able to try to cut the lines, but they failed. 3 archers fired at Brennen; 2 hit for 11. 2 archers fired at me, but both missed. our boats kept throwing up hooks, but they didn't catch. Brennen fired at the Ku Rog on the rails again; he hit the first critically for 26 and killed him outright. The 2nd shot hit another Ku Rog for 12, killing another Ku Rog. The last shot hit another for 16.
Shatain continued to fight defensively. She bluffed successfully and struck one of her attackers for 24. That Ku Rog also dropped outright. She told the last Ku Rog to jump. He believed her, and backed off. (He didn't jump off the ship though.) Brennen picked out the line cutters, and hit with the first arrow for 19, killing that Ku Rog. The 2nd shot hit another line cutter for 19, killing that one as well. He couldn't make out a line cutter for a 3rd shot, but picked out an archer, hitting for 16; that one died as well. I tried to fire, but couldn't get a good target. Another burst of unholy energy struck our boat, along with a fireball. I took full damage on both, taking 20 and 19. Brennen made his save. Our boats were not doing well; there was only 1 survivor on our boat, along with Brennen & I. Barclay failed both his saves, and died. Our Captain died as well. The A'aloss fared a bit better; there were 3 survivors and Saigarn.
Shatain looked for the mage, but couldn't spot him. Brennen & I spotted him though; there was an oarlock towards the stern where the mage seemed to be. Shatain attacked the Ku Rog that had backed off; she feinted successfully and struck for 30, dropping him in place. Brennen shot the mage, hitting critically for 20. The mage certainly got out of the window. His next shot pegged a line cutter for 12. I healed myself for 39. An archer almost hit Brennen, but it bounced off his armor. Another bounced off of mine. A Ku Rog turned to Shatain but missed.
Brennen waited for the mage. I healed everyone in the area (Ku Rog excepted) for 6. Shatain feinted the Ku Rog in front of her, and struck for 22. The Ku Rog died. The mage stayed under cover. Brennen fired at a line cutter, hitting for 13. That Ku Rog dropped as well. An A'aloss got up one of the ropes from boat 1; it would take a little longer to get to the deck. Boat 2 got a grapple up. Archers fired at us again; 1 missed Brennen, the other hit for 11. 2 fired at me; both missed.
Shatain moved to the main deck, and attacked a Ku Rog that was trying to hit an A'aloss scaling the ropes. She hit for 10. Brennen readied an action for the mage. I healed our crew for another 17. 1 of the crew got up. The other dead were beyond my ability to help. The mage stuck his head out from another port. Brennen let fly and shot the mage for 13. The mage dropped back out of sight. An A'aloss had gained the deck, and attacked the same Ku Rog Shatain was working on. He hit for 4. Another A'aloss gained the deck and would attack soon. 2 archers fired at Brennen; both missed. 2 more archers fired at me; 1 hit for 3. The line cutters didn't cut any of our ropes. The Ku Rog on Shatain attacked, but missed critically. The A'aloss missed his attack of opportunity. Shatain hit with hers for 11, killing the Ku Rog.
Shatain stepped to the next nearest Ku Rog, and dropped him with a hit for 20. I picked out a line cutter, hitting for 10 & 15. That Ku Rog died. Brennen was still looking for the mage, but he didn't poke out. Brennen instead shot a line cutter for 13. Shatain felt a spell wash over her, but she shrugged it off without effect.
I shot a line cutter for 9, killing it. I shot another Ku Rog for 9. Shatain moved to the next Ku Rog; she bluffed him and killed him with a hit for 21. The mage still didn't poke his head out. There were 3 A'aloss on the ship; the remaining archers were occupied. Brennen got onto a line, but didn't make a lot of progress. One of the Ku Rog attacked Shatain and hit for 10.
Shatain bluffed the Ku Rog that had attacked her, and hit for 26. The Ku Rog died. Brennen kept climbing, but still didn't make much progress. I tried to get up another line, but couldn't quite make it up. The 4 archers that had been on Brennen & I moved to the edge of the upper deck to shoot on the A'aloss & 2 more Ku Rog joined them. The archers missed Shatain & all the A'aloss. Saigarn & all the survivors were on deck, except for Brennen & I.
Shatain rushed the archers. She attacked the closest Ku Rog on the stairs up to the upper deck, & hit for 11. Brennen successfully ascended to the deck. The Ku Rog attacked Shatain; 1 hit for 7. All 4 archers fired at Brennen; 1 hit for 1. I climbed slowly but surely up the rope. The A'aloss moved around to the other side of the upper deck, trying to get behind the archers.
Another fireball came out - Shatain avoided it completly; Brennen took 11. The fireball was well placed & didn't hurt any of the Ku Rog. It caught the back end of the A'aloss, hitting 2 of them. The Ku Rog attacked Shatain, who was fighting defensively. The Ku Rog missed. The archers went for Brennen again, but missed. I didn't get any further on the rope. Shatain bluffed one of the Ku Rog and struck him for 25, killing him. Brennen looked for the mage, and spotted him. Brennen fired quickly, hitting for 10, the 2nd for 12, but missed with the 3rd.
I tried to climb again, but slid all the way back down into the boat. Shatain bluffed the other Ku Rog in melee and struck him for 21. He died. Shatain & the A'aloss now had the archers pinned at the bow. They jumped off the side. Shatain & a couple A'aloss ran to my rope to pull me up.
Another burst of unholy magic washed across the deck. I was out of its range, still hanging off the side of the boat. Shatain made her save, but Brennen did not. About half the A'aloss made theirs. They hauled me up and I healed everyone for 11.
Note on Visk's ship: A modified warship about 100' long by 25' wide. The standard crew complement was 80, including rowers. About 150 soldiers could be crammed onboard in addition. It needs to stick mostly to coastlines, and so wasn't a true blue water ship.
Note on The Fairwinds: A modified sailing vessel. True blue water ship
The A'aloss shouted down at the longboats. They'd found another living Ku Rog; he had hidden under bodies, and tried to make a break for it. Shatain switched to the Ku Rog that was (apparently) smarter. He made a deal with the Ku Rog - if the Ku Rog told us everything we were looking for about the ship, he would be allowed a duel with Shatain (and thus a warrior's death). It would be guaranteed by Saigarn, the only person the Ku Rog respected.
Saigarn walked up to the prisoner and explained again how it was going to work - The Ku Rog would answer all our questions to our satisfaction; the Ku Rog would then be given the opportunity to die honorably in single combat against Shatain. The A'aloss gamely played along, pulling Shatain forward into a ring and setting her sword in the sand. They also took out a Ku Rog axe from the boats, ensured it was up to their standard, and set it at the ready for the Ku Rog prisoner.
The Ku Rog started to talk. He told us the rowers were undead skeletons. There was a necromancer and an apprentice on board; he couldn't give us names since the crew wasn't allowed to speak with them. There were about 40 Ku Rog left on the ship, but they weren't top line fighters. He wasn't sure the Captain Visk on the ship was the true Captain Visk. The Ku Rog thought the ship's Captain wasn't the actual Visk - just something the crew was told to keep their morale up and keep them in line. When asked, the Ku Rog told us that he had no respect for the Captain Visk on the shift, but he still followed orders. We also found out that there was a catapult on the ship.
The interrogation was done. The A'aloss seperated the Ku Rog prisoner and Shatain by about 60', and handed them their weapons. They saluted to each other, and began to advance.
The Ku Rog attacked first. He struck once for 11. Shatain bluffed, and struck the Ku Rog for 27.
The Ku Rog went again, trying to disarm Shatain. He failed twice, dropping his own axe in the process. Shatain backed off, allowing the Ku Rog to retrieve the axe, earning a cheer from the A'aloss.
Shatain bluffed the Ku Rog again, and struck for 28. The Ku Rog was still alive, but just barely. The Ku Rog tripped Shatain, spilling her to the sand. The Ku Rog laid in with his axe, but missed. Shatain offered to remove her armor if the Ku Rog stopped trying to trip & disarm.
The Ku Rog showed no interest in letting Shatain get up. She struck him for 21, killing the Ku Rog.
Shatain straightened out the body and laid the axe on the Ku Rog's chest with the axe. He called out for wood for a pyre. The A'aloss kids disarmed and took care of the other prisoner.
We decided our best course of action was to attack that night. Brennen, Shatain, Barclay & I would set out from the lighthouse, walking on water, to attack the ship from the seaward side. Our crew and the A'aloss would approach in the longboats from the shore. We would focus on the Captain and the Necromancer while the A'aloss would go for the Ku Rog crew.
Our plan went astray... at about noon, the Ku Rog ship hoisted sail. However, it looked like the druid was on our side - the wind shifted, pushing the ship towards shore. She was buying us time.
The crew & A'aloss loaded into the boats. We started moving across the water. Only Shatain was having an easy time with the waves; Brennen, Barclay & I were much slower. We decided to get in the boats instead, at least until we were past the breakers. Shatain tried to keep going on her own, stumbling once or twice. She wasn't much ahead of the boat once we got to the breaker line. Shatain made more progress after that; the rest of us stayed in the boats. Shatain got pretty far ahead, but ended up getting back into the boats since she was the only one making progress.
About 900' out from the ship, their catapult started firing. The first longboat was missed by about 10' by the ship's catapult. Shatain got out of the boats and started moving towards the ship. The catapult was sighted to each increment on 100'. At 800' out, the catapult hit the 4th longboat, full of crew from The Fairwinds. Thankfully, it didn't include our Captain.
The catapult fired again. It narrowly missed the 2nd boat. Brennen started planning bowshots. He couldn't quite see the loaders for the catapult yet. The catapult fired at the 3rd longboat when we were at about 600'; it just missed. (The 4 of us were in the third longboat.) At about 550', Brennen fired at the catapult loaders; both his arrows missed. 500'; the catapult fired at the first longboat, but failed. Brennen fired at the catapult loaders again, and hit with 1 arrow for 9. I fired a couple arrows, but missed. We closed to 400' and the catapult fired at boat 1 again; still missed. Brennen & I kept firing our bows, but continued to miss. The catapult fired at boat 2, but missed. Brennen & I returned fire with arrows; Brennen hit 1 for 8. We hit the minimum range of the catapult; the Ku Rog's last shot missed boat 2. Shatain fired a few arrows at the 200' mark, but also failed.
Arrows were raining down around us. At about 180', I put a burst of Holy energy into the area of the rowers. I couldn't tell how much damage I did, but some of the oars stopped moving.
I blessed my companions. Brennen made himself more dextrous. We heard commands from the Ku Rog bringing all bows to the side we were on. Shatain was hit with 1 arrow for 7.
Brennen made Shatain more dextrous. I fired 2 arrows at the archers on the ship, but missed. Shatain cast the sound of men clambering up the side of the boat at the bow of the ship. I took an arrow for 4. The necromancer entered the fray, dropping a burst of unholy energy on us. Most of the people on our boat did not make their saves, and were sickened.
Brennen fired a flurry of arrows at the archers. He hit with all 3 arrows, for 12, then 9, making one of the archers duck. The 3rd arrow hit for 9. 5 of the archers fired at Brennen; 1 hit for 7. 4 fired at me; 1 hit critically for 16. I healed all our people for 12 with a burst of holy energy. Shatain stabled herself at the stern of the ship & got a grappling hook in place.
Brennen hit a Ku Rog for 9 again, causing him to at least duck. He missed with the other 2 arrows. I healed our boat for 20. Shatain clambered up the stern of the ship, and gained the deck. The crew was still unaware of her presence. She could see a couple of people at the bow, investigating the sounds. There was a command - "SHOOT THE DWARF!" 10 archers fired at Brennen. Only 1 hit, for 6.
We were at the ship. Brennen stayed at the back of the longboat firing at the Ku Rog trying to cut lines. Shatain could see a figure at the wheel that looked like Visk; she attacked with poison on her blade. The Captain didn't see it coming. She hit for 22. The Captain was surprised and missed his save.
Brennen fired 3 arrows into one of the Ku Rog trying to cut lines; he hit for 11, 13 & 11. The Ku Rog dropped out of sight. I imbued myself with the fury of my deity. One grappling hook got up.
Brennen loosed another round of arrows at the line cutters. He hit a Ku Rog for 19, the 2nd shot hit for 12. The Ku Rog died. The 3rd arrow hit another Ku Rog for 14. The Captain turned to Shatain. She bluffed him and struck for 24. The Ku Rog at the wheel dropped. I dropped an arrow into a Ku Rog for 13. The 2nd shot hit for 9. That Ku Rog died. The archers on the ship fired back. 2 archers missed Brennen; 1 missed me but the other hit for 5. 3 crew on the deck dropped their crossbows and turned to Shatain.All 3 hit Shatain for a total of 21. Boat 1 got a grappling hook onto the side of the ship. Boat 3 (ours) got a 2nd hook up. The Ku Rog were unable to cut any of the lines.
I fired at another Ku Rog, and hit with 1 arrow for 10. Shatain fought defensively. She still bluffed 1 of the Ku Rog successfully, and hit critically for 32. The Ku Rog dropped, dead right out. She only faced 2 opponents now. They attacked back, but both missed. Ku Rog at the side made to cut our lines. Only 2 were able to try to cut the lines, but they failed. 3 archers fired at Brennen; 2 hit for 11. 2 archers fired at me, but both missed. our boats kept throwing up hooks, but they didn't catch. Brennen fired at the Ku Rog on the rails again; he hit the first critically for 26 and killed him outright. The 2nd shot hit another Ku Rog for 12, killing another Ku Rog. The last shot hit another for 16.
Shatain continued to fight defensively. She bluffed successfully and struck one of her attackers for 24. That Ku Rog also dropped outright. She told the last Ku Rog to jump. He believed her, and backed off. (He didn't jump off the ship though.) Brennen picked out the line cutters, and hit with the first arrow for 19, killing that Ku Rog. The 2nd shot hit another line cutter for 19, killing that one as well. He couldn't make out a line cutter for a 3rd shot, but picked out an archer, hitting for 16; that one died as well. I tried to fire, but couldn't get a good target. Another burst of unholy energy struck our boat, along with a fireball. I took full damage on both, taking 20 and 19. Brennen made his save. Our boats were not doing well; there was only 1 survivor on our boat, along with Brennen & I. Barclay failed both his saves, and died. Our Captain died as well. The A'aloss fared a bit better; there were 3 survivors and Saigarn.
Shatain looked for the mage, but couldn't spot him. Brennen & I spotted him though; there was an oarlock towards the stern where the mage seemed to be. Shatain attacked the Ku Rog that had backed off; she feinted successfully and struck for 30, dropping him in place. Brennen shot the mage, hitting critically for 20. The mage certainly got out of the window. His next shot pegged a line cutter for 12. I healed myself for 39. An archer almost hit Brennen, but it bounced off his armor. Another bounced off of mine. A Ku Rog turned to Shatain but missed.
Brennen waited for the mage. I healed everyone in the area (Ku Rog excepted) for 6. Shatain feinted the Ku Rog in front of her, and struck for 22. The Ku Rog died. The mage stayed under cover. Brennen fired at a line cutter, hitting for 13. That Ku Rog dropped as well. An A'aloss got up one of the ropes from boat 1; it would take a little longer to get to the deck. Boat 2 got a grapple up. Archers fired at us again; 1 missed Brennen, the other hit for 11. 2 fired at me; both missed.
Shatain moved to the main deck, and attacked a Ku Rog that was trying to hit an A'aloss scaling the ropes. She hit for 10. Brennen readied an action for the mage. I healed our crew for another 17. 1 of the crew got up. The other dead were beyond my ability to help. The mage stuck his head out from another port. Brennen let fly and shot the mage for 13. The mage dropped back out of sight. An A'aloss had gained the deck, and attacked the same Ku Rog Shatain was working on. He hit for 4. Another A'aloss gained the deck and would attack soon. 2 archers fired at Brennen; both missed. 2 more archers fired at me; 1 hit for 3. The line cutters didn't cut any of our ropes. The Ku Rog on Shatain attacked, but missed critically. The A'aloss missed his attack of opportunity. Shatain hit with hers for 11, killing the Ku Rog.
Shatain stepped to the next nearest Ku Rog, and dropped him with a hit for 20. I picked out a line cutter, hitting for 10 & 15. That Ku Rog died. Brennen was still looking for the mage, but he didn't poke out. Brennen instead shot a line cutter for 13. Shatain felt a spell wash over her, but she shrugged it off without effect.
I shot a line cutter for 9, killing it. I shot another Ku Rog for 9. Shatain moved to the next Ku Rog; she bluffed him and killed him with a hit for 21. The mage still didn't poke his head out. There were 3 A'aloss on the ship; the remaining archers were occupied. Brennen got onto a line, but didn't make a lot of progress. One of the Ku Rog attacked Shatain and hit for 10.
Shatain bluffed the Ku Rog that had attacked her, and hit for 26. The Ku Rog died. Brennen kept climbing, but still didn't make much progress. I tried to get up another line, but couldn't quite make it up. The 4 archers that had been on Brennen & I moved to the edge of the upper deck to shoot on the A'aloss & 2 more Ku Rog joined them. The archers missed Shatain & all the A'aloss. Saigarn & all the survivors were on deck, except for Brennen & I.
Shatain rushed the archers. She attacked the closest Ku Rog on the stairs up to the upper deck, & hit for 11. Brennen successfully ascended to the deck. The Ku Rog attacked Shatain; 1 hit for 7. All 4 archers fired at Brennen; 1 hit for 1. I climbed slowly but surely up the rope. The A'aloss moved around to the other side of the upper deck, trying to get behind the archers.
Another fireball came out - Shatain avoided it completly; Brennen took 11. The fireball was well placed & didn't hurt any of the Ku Rog. It caught the back end of the A'aloss, hitting 2 of them. The Ku Rog attacked Shatain, who was fighting defensively. The Ku Rog missed. The archers went for Brennen again, but missed. I didn't get any further on the rope. Shatain bluffed one of the Ku Rog and struck him for 25, killing him. Brennen looked for the mage, and spotted him. Brennen fired quickly, hitting for 10, the 2nd for 12, but missed with the 3rd.
I tried to climb again, but slid all the way back down into the boat. Shatain bluffed the other Ku Rog in melee and struck him for 21. He died. Shatain & the A'aloss now had the archers pinned at the bow. They jumped off the side. Shatain & a couple A'aloss ran to my rope to pull me up.
Another burst of unholy magic washed across the deck. I was out of its range, still hanging off the side of the boat. Shatain made her save, but Brennen did not. About half the A'aloss made theirs. They hauled me up and I healed everyone for 11.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
It Just Won't Die
Galdeon rose out of the water. We tried to call out to him, but he ignored us and advanced. I attempted to use a spell to make him shaken, but it failed against his spell resistance. I backed up a bit and cast another spell to make myself more accurate and do a little more damage.
We tried to back up, but once we split up, Galdeon stopped. We closed on him and began our attack. I struck first, hitting with my warhammer for 10. It didn't seem to do much. Brennen attacked next, but missed with his axe. Shatain attempted to bluff, but failed. She still hit with her longsword for 9. Again, it didn't seem to damage him. Galdeon attacked Brennen, hit critically for 19. His 2nd attack missed.
Shatain attempted to bluff again, but missed again. She hit with her longsword again, and now that we were flanking him, she was able to get a sneak attack in. She hit for 21; it still didn't seem to damage him. He was showing gashes and cuts, it just didn't seem he was taking any serious damage. Saigarn, the A'aloss and the crew were coming up on the beach. He held everyone back to keep us from getting involved. We heard him tell the A'aloss kids that he'd send them in if any of us went down. Galdeon turn his attack to Shatain. He hit critically for 23, then hit again for 10. I reached out and touched Galdeon to learn what kind of creature he now was. I learned that Galdeon had been made into basically an intelligent zombie. He was under the control of the person who raised him, but he retained his intelligence from life and could act independently. These kinds of undead were notoriously hard to kill, and weren't especially vulnerable to anything. They just took a lot of punishment until the body couldn't hold together anymore. In addition, they could heal themselves by draining life from their victims. Brennen struck, hitting for 16.
Shatain bluffed Galdeon successfully and struck for 24. Galdeon drew a hand-axe from his belt for his off-hand. He missed several times, but hit one with the hand-axe for 3. I cast a spell to protect us with an aura of good, making us harder to hit. Brennen hit with his axe twice, for 35.
Shatain attempted to bluff again but failed. She still attacked, hitting for 15. I healed Shatain for 27. Galdeon continued to focus on Shatain, hitting for 19. He fumbled his last attack; I hit him for 13, Shatain hit for 11, Brennen hit for 7. Brennen then attacked, hitting for 17 and 28.
Shatain attempted to bluff, but failed, and missed with her attack. I healed everyone for 17 with a burst of holy energy. Brennen attacked, but missed with both attacks. Galdeon dropped his hand-axe and touched me, draining 16 from me.
Galdeon attacked Brennen with power attacks, but missed with both attacks. I struck with my warhammer for 7. Brennen attacked, hitting critically for 28; he missed with his 2nd attack. Shatain bluffed Galdeon successfully, and struck for 23.
Galdeon struck at Brennen again, hitting with 1 power attack for 18. I struck again with my warhammer for 8. Shatain bluffed Galdeon again and hit for 27. Brennen hit once with his axe for 17. He was visibly weakened; his natural dexterity was no longer in play.
I hit with my warhammer for 10. My attacks didn't seem to be doing much. Shatain struck again, hitting for 22. Brennen laid in with his axe again, hitting twice for 18 & 15. Galdeon attacked Brennen, missing once but hitting critically with his 2nd attack for 15.
Brennen hit twice with his axe for 22 & 18. I struck with my warhammer for 13. Shatain struck with her sword for 27. Galdeon turned his attention to Shatain, but missed her with both attacks.
Brennen's axe didn't slow down. He hit with both his axe attacks, the 1st for 17 & the 2nd critically for 38. Galdeon used drained life from all of us; Brennen & Shatain lost 12, I lost 25. Black, crackling energy was dumping out of his body. I disengaged from combat, and moved 30' away. Shatain exited combat as well.
Shatain fired a Sunforged arrow at Galdeon, but missed. Galdeon reached out and tried to grapple Brennen; Brennen avoided it barely and ran towards us. Black lightning exploded out of the body as Galdeon detonated, leaving a pit behind. The body was well destroyed. I recognized the black lightning was seeking significant sources of life to drain - thankfully, we were on the beach, so there were no large animals, etc. nearby. We figured he had approached the beach so slowly to pull in larger fish and come up fresh.
We rested, and prepared for our assault on the Ku Rog vessel.
We tried to back up, but once we split up, Galdeon stopped. We closed on him and began our attack. I struck first, hitting with my warhammer for 10. It didn't seem to do much. Brennen attacked next, but missed with his axe. Shatain attempted to bluff, but failed. She still hit with her longsword for 9. Again, it didn't seem to damage him. Galdeon attacked Brennen, hit critically for 19. His 2nd attack missed.
Shatain attempted to bluff again, but missed again. She hit with her longsword again, and now that we were flanking him, she was able to get a sneak attack in. She hit for 21; it still didn't seem to damage him. He was showing gashes and cuts, it just didn't seem he was taking any serious damage. Saigarn, the A'aloss and the crew were coming up on the beach. He held everyone back to keep us from getting involved. We heard him tell the A'aloss kids that he'd send them in if any of us went down. Galdeon turn his attack to Shatain. He hit critically for 23, then hit again for 10. I reached out and touched Galdeon to learn what kind of creature he now was. I learned that Galdeon had been made into basically an intelligent zombie. He was under the control of the person who raised him, but he retained his intelligence from life and could act independently. These kinds of undead were notoriously hard to kill, and weren't especially vulnerable to anything. They just took a lot of punishment until the body couldn't hold together anymore. In addition, they could heal themselves by draining life from their victims. Brennen struck, hitting for 16.
Shatain bluffed Galdeon successfully and struck for 24. Galdeon drew a hand-axe from his belt for his off-hand. He missed several times, but hit one with the hand-axe for 3. I cast a spell to protect us with an aura of good, making us harder to hit. Brennen hit with his axe twice, for 35.
Shatain attempted to bluff again but failed. She still attacked, hitting for 15. I healed Shatain for 27. Galdeon continued to focus on Shatain, hitting for 19. He fumbled his last attack; I hit him for 13, Shatain hit for 11, Brennen hit for 7. Brennen then attacked, hitting for 17 and 28.
Shatain attempted to bluff, but failed, and missed with her attack. I healed everyone for 17 with a burst of holy energy. Brennen attacked, but missed with both attacks. Galdeon dropped his hand-axe and touched me, draining 16 from me.
Galdeon attacked Brennen with power attacks, but missed with both attacks. I struck with my warhammer for 7. Brennen attacked, hitting critically for 28; he missed with his 2nd attack. Shatain bluffed Galdeon successfully, and struck for 23.
Galdeon struck at Brennen again, hitting with 1 power attack for 18. I struck again with my warhammer for 8. Shatain bluffed Galdeon again and hit for 27. Brennen hit once with his axe for 17. He was visibly weakened; his natural dexterity was no longer in play.
I hit with my warhammer for 10. My attacks didn't seem to be doing much. Shatain struck again, hitting for 22. Brennen laid in with his axe again, hitting twice for 18 & 15. Galdeon attacked Brennen, missing once but hitting critically with his 2nd attack for 15.
Brennen hit twice with his axe for 22 & 18. I struck with my warhammer for 13. Shatain struck with her sword for 27. Galdeon turned his attention to Shatain, but missed her with both attacks.
Brennen's axe didn't slow down. He hit with both his axe attacks, the 1st for 17 & the 2nd critically for 38. Galdeon used drained life from all of us; Brennen & Shatain lost 12, I lost 25. Black, crackling energy was dumping out of his body. I disengaged from combat, and moved 30' away. Shatain exited combat as well.
Shatain fired a Sunforged arrow at Galdeon, but missed. Galdeon reached out and tried to grapple Brennen; Brennen avoided it barely and ran towards us. Black lightning exploded out of the body as Galdeon detonated, leaving a pit behind. The body was well destroyed. I recognized the black lightning was seeking significant sources of life to drain - thankfully, we were on the beach, so there were no large animals, etc. nearby. We figured he had approached the beach so slowly to pull in larger fish and come up fresh.
We rested, and prepared for our assault on the Ku Rog vessel.
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