The elf glances over to Ander and gives him a sweet smile and tries to explain their plan in simpler terms: "Well you see, we Harpers think that we might be able to save your friend. We need your help by you breaking into a vault. As long as everything goes to plan we should be fine. I know that you've probably been through a lot with your friend and all, but we need all the help we can get." The masked woman then looks towards Drox and Mesi and coughs out: "You have my gratitude." Reanor also notices that the spell the priest was casting was a Raise Dead spell, but it had utterly no effect. The woman then looks over towards him as she speaks with a defeated tone: "Well I suppose there is no more hiding it... Indeed. I have been afflicted by this 'death curse'. My name is Syndra Silvane, and a very long time I ago... I was an adventurer. However, I was slain by the flaming breath of an ancient red dragon, but luckily through the funds accumulated after the dragon's demise I was raised. Since then I closed that chapter of my book and have become chief researcher for those who Harp. However, around 16 days ago I awoke to a disturbing sight. It seemed that my body was dying, and yet I knew for sure that my time was not at hand just yet and so I contacted as many priests from as many faiths that I could think of, even from the selfish zhent baneites *pause*. I am unsure of how much longer I have, but the clerics I did consult said at the most I might have around three months, and that is assuming I am bedridden for that time. So yes... this mission is very important to me." Remallia looks over towards the woman with a sadness in her eyes as she finishes her story. After telling you that long tale Syndra seems to have grown quite silent, so Remallia picks up to answer Raenor's other query. "At 2000 hours tonight there shall be a ship called The Diviner on the docks of Baldur's Gate. It is a keelboat southward bound towards Cloakwood. It is manned by Callbrax a... tricky halfling, but trustowrthy nonetheless. He knows how to work the vessel and is to be your captain. It should only be around a three day journey, and you should arrive at a sea cave connected to the tower. I will then blow my horn, and with that you all shall enter the cellar. It is imperative that you move as quickly as possible, for the longer we spend fighting someone of the Duchess' caliber... the more casualties there shall be. The sooner that you get the spellbook, the sooner we can end the skirmish. Now once you have found the tome, you are to return to the Diviner. Once there, Callbrax shall be able to activate a short-range teleport to teleport both you all and the phylactery to me. Are there any more questions?"
Ander nods along as he listens. This time, the notion that they might be able to save Digger sticks in his mind and hope begins to fill his mind. "This...Callbrax, he knows we're coming? We won't run into any trouble with him?"
Nodding at Syndra - "Aye, we want to save out friend; and you too lass"
Sure Syndra has a good motive for the quest, but - looking suspiciously at Ramelia - some Harpers wouldn't mind sacrificing minor pawns for a major goal... - Roll Inisght
To both of them "As a watcher myself, I offer my help"
Remallia nods to both Drox and Raenor in silent thanks before turning to first Ander: "He should be perfectly fine. Don't let his pranks get to you." Then she turns to Mesi: "We're spending all the resources with those who can combat a lich aboveground, but we still need a group to go below. That shall be your job and yours alone."
OOC: Just affirm that you have no more questions in Discord and I'll continue on.
The group finish up getting the detail of this quest, "We will meet up at the docks one hour before departure time, Tymora bless you all." Mesi says in a friendly but stern voice. The genasi walks away to tie some loose ends before leaving.
Drox:
While he is happy at the thought of saving his friend, right now Drox is feeling a bit down. Drox takes out his journal a reads some notes about some relics he needs to check out, it's probably mostly gossip anyway. Drox lets out a deep sigh, he just can't bring himself to thinking about adventuring when Dig is lying there rotting in a coffin. He decides to head to the tavern(idk what it would be called). "Excuese me sir, two ales please." Drox says as he takes a seat at a table, he then spends the evening enjoying his drinks, while reading over some notes and reminiscing on the life of his friend. Every once in a while Drox will order a new drink to replace the one across the table.
Mesi:
Mesi leaves the funeral promptly after dismissing the group. "I must find my crew and let them know I'll be gone." Mesi makes his way to the docks. As he nears, he hears a familiar sea shanty coming from his ship. He lets out a faint smile, this is his family, and he would do anything for them. He heads to the ship to enjoy the party with his crew, he knows that his Lady will guide his action, what's one drink?
Raenor:
Raenor leaves the funeral with determination and conviction. If anyone could find some information about this affliction, it would be Raenor. He makes his way towards the tavern, knowing that a Harper friend happened to frequent the tavern quite often. As he enters the tavern, he looks for his friend, but is disappointed when he can;t find him. He then notices Drox sitting at a table alone, but with two drinks. "Oh my, the lad must not be taking this very well." Raenor makes his way to the table where Drox is sitting. "Hey lad, ya doin okay?"He pats Drox on the shoulder."Hey Raenor, I'm okay. I just can't believe he's gone. We still had so much to discover!" He smiles a little as he recalls DIgger. "Me neither Drox, but we can still save him, just remember that."Reanor pulls a chair up to the table and orders a drink for himself. The pair spend some time comparing notes over recent adventures, and take their mind off of the somber times.
Ander:
Ander leaves the funeral, wiping the tears from his eyes. "He really is gone, huh? Oh how I long for my lover's embrace. No one really knew how much he meant to me." Ander make his way to his inn to gather his goods, and to let the inn keeper that he won't be returning for a while.
The night has arrived at the metropolis of Baldur's Gate. As the sun sets and the moon rises you all make your respective journey to the docks. However, when you make it to the location where The Diviner is supposed to be located, you're confused. For all you see is a ruined and dilapidated boat, it's clearly been abandoned for some time. This cannot be the boat that you're supposed to take, can it? It is then when you notice the name, mostly worn away it reads: "The Diviner" so it seems like you're in the right place when BOO!a cry shakes you out of your reverie as you whirl around and you see a halfling rolling on the floor laughing. He's dressed in a sailor's garb, but you also see several magical trinkets around him. In between laughs, he cries out, pointing towards all of you: "HAH! You... hahah should've seen yer faces hahaha! Eyes wide as hahahaha dinner plates! Hahahaha! Oh... hah well then." He promptly gets up off the floor and brushes himself off. "Well... anyway. Halloo there, I'm Callbrax. I assume you're the strike team that Haventree formed." He then gestures behind you in the direction of the ship: "And that right there is me pride n' joy. The Diviner. What a beauty she is. Er... wait. Here, I'll allow for you to see through the mirage." He waves his hand in arcane gestures as the age seems to vanish from the ship and it looks pristine. The halfling then quickly jogs off and runs up the gangplank and motions for you to follow. However, everyone has walked up the gangplank except one. As Mesi walks up it, he suddenly feels it vanish from under him as he falls into the water below. With a great big splash, the halfling can hardly contain himself as he breaks down with laughter. Eventually, during his torrent of laughter, he waves towards Mesi as Mesi is strangely brought right back onto the deck and subsequently (through a couple of prestidigitation) dried. And with that get ready and then you set off at 2000 hours!
We're now going to do another (albeit shorter) cooperative roleplay. The first day will be done by Chub, the second by Eklam, and the final by Evil_DM. Describe each day of your ship travel along with what the group is doing. If you want to know about Callbrax here he is:
Personality Traits: I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions when humor is innapropriate. Nobody can stay angry at me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension. Ideal: Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. Bonds: I'll always remember my first ship (The Diviner) Flaws: I have trouble trusting my allies (normally I work alone).
Ander gazed at Waterdeep as it faded into the distance behind The Diviner."I'll be back for you, Dig." Squeezing his eyes shut to hold back tears, he turns around to take stock of the ship. Everything seemed to be settled in for the journey, it was now just a matter of making it to Cloakwood in high spirits. Mesi was standing toward the front of the ship, taking in the ocean spray. Reanor and Drox walked up the stairs from belowdecks, probably discussing ancient cultures again. Ander smiled as he looked at his new companions, particularly Callbrax, who was sneaking up behind Mesi. Reanor and Drox noticed this as well and stopped to watch what would happen. Callbrax inched ever closer and lunged forward to scare Mesi. Just as he lunges, Mesi notices the sudden silence on the decks and turns around to see what was going on. As he turns, Callbrax flies behind him, plunging off of the ship and into the water. Ander, Reanor, and Drox burst into laughter simultaneously, while Mesi looks on in confusion until he realizes that Callbrax has just splashed into the water. "It seems you just beat Callbrax at his own game, Mesi!" Ander shouts with a laugh. Mesi shakes his head with a chuckle. "It seems Tymora has my back more than you lot!"
After fishing Callbrax out of the Sea, the group gathered for lunch. After eating, someone pulled out a deck of cards. When Drox noticed cards, he immediately started examining the table, checking everywhere for secret compartments. Once he was satisfied that no one had some secret upperhand, he sat down and the cards were dealt. After a few games, Reanor belched loudly and smacked the table. "Does anyone else think Callbrax should remove his sleeves?" The crew laughed together in agreement and Drox's jaw dropped in amazement as Callbrax removed his jacket and multiple cards fell out of his sleeves. Drox and Reanor asked Mesi constant questions about the Genasi people and their customs while Ander marveled at the fact that Mesi didn't seem to be looking at his cards at all, but was still winning every round. Callbrax grumbled occasionally as his performance had severely deteriorated without the strategic implementation of his sleeves.
As evening approached, a storm could be seen in the West. Callbrax frowned as the crew looked toward the lightning flashing through the imposing clouds. "It doesn't seem to be heading our way, but we should be wary." The rest of the evening passed uneventfully as the crew settled in for the night.
The crew woke up all of a sudden, when Callbrax used a water bucket to do his job. Mesi didn't seem to care, Drow found it funny, Reanor and Ander didn't look very pleased. The storm had disappeared during the night, and the crew occupied themselves with some menial and unnecessary work. Callbrax was still trying to pull a big piece on Mesi, but Mesi seem to avoid the pranks effortlessly.
After a quick lunch, the crew got back to playing cards, but after a couple hours the game felt flat and they got bored. The sun had hidden beyond the grey sky, the wind was not blowing, and the sea was silent. The silence was almost like a sign, was it the calm before the storm? Mesi didn't care much about that, he has had many of those on his trip, he sat at the bow of the ship and stared at the horizon. The others got in their rooms, each with his own thoughts.
Ander took a nap, and went to chat with Callbrax and wondered how the creature could imbue the ship with magic, but he really didn't care. Reanor was trying to figure out Ramelia's intention, it was clear she was hiding something, but what? Drox tried to cheer himself up, thinking of the good days ahead, after the mission is complete and he could spend time with his friend again, but every now and then, he felt more sad and angry for what Digger has had to suffer. Without words, they reunited under the stars, where Callbrax told a couple funny stories, most of the probably happened in his imagination of course.
The final day aboard the Diviner things take on a tenseness that almost palpable. Callbrax the halfling captain of the boat is hardly recognizable from the jolly prankster he has been the first part of the journey, as he hustles about checking this and that and generally fretting about his beautiful boat.
The day starts with Drox and Reanor going through martial exercises and limbering up. The adventurers spar from one end of the boat to the other as they test each other’s skill with weapons. Drox with his huge war pick, Reanor with his lightning fast rapier, Mesi shows a decent amount of skill with his spear which he refers to as a boarding pike, and Ander impresses everyone with his dagger-work. They then practice their marksmanship with bow, dagger and belaying pin.
As the team goes over their gear Reanor says “We need to take only that which we will need for the mission”. Mesi nods as he stows his beloved cooking gear and spice roll in a gunnysack to be left on board.
Later in the day Mesi and Ander go over their spells to familiarize their non-casting comrades with the various effects, so that they are not alarmed at the wrong time. “When the time comes I can place a blessing on the three of you that will aide you greatly in combat, Mesi says as the others are sharpening their weapons and oiling their armor. I can also aid in guidance if we have a trap or puzzle to solve.
Over a subdued dinner Drox reminds everyone “the book is the objective. Don’t be sidetracked by any other bright and shineys.” The others nod.
After dinner, the team goes over their equipment one more time, tightening straps and securing any loose items. After dinner Reanor and Mesi have a quiet game of chess, Drox holds a book, staring at the pages but not reading, and Ander leans against the rail deep in thought.
Callbrax is at the tiller and looks from one adventurer to the other with a concerned look on his face, and for once has nothing to say.
It is in the evening on the third day of your boat ride that the winds seem to blow a little colder. The evergreen treetops of the Cloakwood rustle endlessly. Callbrax steers the boat alongside rocky shores. “See that?” he says to you, pointing to a monolithic black tower appearing just above the dark forest. “Zaldara,” the mage says ominously. “We’re close.” Minutes later, the wind howls a lonely note as Callbrax brings The Diviner as close as he can to the shore. A small cliff 10 feet high rises up from the rocks. Atop the cliff, you see dense trees and Zaldara’s lair poking above. The mage hops into the knee‐deep water, motioning for you to grab your equipment follow. The ocean is cold as death. Callbrax walks onto the shore and touches the cliff wall, muttering an arcane incantation. As he does, the wall parts just a bit, revealing a stone stair going upwards into darkness. Suddenly a bleat breaks the night that fills your heart with adrenaline and dread. “That’s Remallia’s horn. Good luck and be quick.”
Simply deliver a statement about the summation of the journey and whatnot and we'll see what the Cellar holds in store for us...
As Mesi hefts his medicine bag and grabs his boarding pike. he regards Callbrax "The ladys kiss be upon you captain." after disembarking the Genasi nimbly negotiates the soothing water towards shore. He then whispers to Ander, indicating the halfing on the boat,"I filled his clothes chest with fish heads".
Ander barely smiles as he wades out of the boat, not entirely listening Mesi as he fights back the growing sense of dread that is coming over him. He silently follows Callbrax to shore and watches as the walls open to a stairwell. "So," he says with a shaky voice, "who's going first?"
"See you Callbrax, you were a good captain, I hope to sail with you again soon." Reanor turns to Drox and says: "Go ahead Drox, yer bigger and Strong, I'll follow ye, since the other lads don't see as good in tha dark"
It is pitch black past the staircase. As the Light spell is cast the room brightens as everyone can see the room.
Drip. Drip. Drip. That hollow sound pierces the silence in this cave as water slowly falls from stalactites. Stale air fills your lungs as you take in the cave. A large, unworked stone column holds up the ceiling. Stout stairs leading up hug the column’s one side while a 5-foot high ledge that leads into darkness appears along the other. Further back, the second set of stairs leads up to a stone door carved with a skull. The ceiling here is 20-ft. high, and covered with stalactites.
OOC: So there are essentially two pathways, one that leads west up some stairs past a column, while the other leads to a staircase with a skull door at the northern far end of the room.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Drox takes the lead, he is well equipped to me the front man, as well as he is just excited to be on an adventure once again. Perhaps he may find more than he came looking for."Follow me lads, discovery awaits!" He heads to the stairs, probably quicker than he should. As he enters he sees the two pathways, and relays the information for those who may not be able to see it. "Well, which direction should we go?" Drox looks around the cave trying to take in his surroundings. He notices a spot where the moss has grown in a peculiar way, and moves to inspect it closely.
You pass across the room, the dripping of the water cut only by the sound of your footsteps and your minor conversations. As you step up the stone chiseled steps to the Northern part of the area, you see that the door in front of you is stone, along with a single handle on the side. A keyhole also lies on top of the handle. As you look at the skull itself inlaid upon the wall you notice a glimmer, as you see that there seems to be something shiny inside of the eyes of the skull door.
Drox trudges through the cave, "This darn water is making me chafe." He looks ahead of him and sees two pathways, he is instantly transfixed by the skull door. The skull seems to beckon to him, and he promptly makes his way to the door. "Would you look at this, boys? It is magnificent!" He takes out a journal and begins to sketch the skull, paying particular attention to the jeweled eyes. "It's as if a thousand tiny mirrors have been placed inside of it..."he mutters to himself completely transfixed by the skull. He finished up the sketch and titles it "The Crystal Skull". His hands reach up as if he is in a trance and grabs a hold of the skull, hoping to get a closer look,
As soon as he grabs the skull door, a pulse of force shoots out and a wave of dark energy swarms all around you all. I need for everyone to give me a Constitution save (feel free to roll in Discord).
The elf glances over to Ander and gives him a sweet smile and tries to explain their plan in simpler terms: "Well you see, we Harpers think that we might be able to save your friend. We need your help by you breaking into a vault. As long as everything goes to plan we should be fine. I know that you've probably been through a lot with your friend and all, but we need all the help we can get." The masked woman then looks towards Drox and Mesi and coughs out: "You have my gratitude." Reanor also notices that the spell the priest was casting was a Raise Dead spell, but it had utterly no effect. The woman then looks over towards him as she speaks with a defeated tone: "Well I suppose there is no more hiding it... Indeed. I have been afflicted by this 'death curse'. My name is Syndra Silvane, and a very long time I ago... I was an adventurer. However, I was slain by the flaming breath of an ancient red dragon, but luckily through the funds accumulated after the dragon's demise I was raised. Since then I closed that chapter of my book and have become chief researcher for those who Harp. However, around 16 days ago I awoke to a disturbing sight. It seemed that my body was dying, and yet I knew for sure that my time was not at hand just yet and so I contacted as many priests from as many faiths that I could think of, even from the selfish zhent baneites *pause*. I am unsure of how much longer I have, but the clerics I did consult said at the most I might have around three months, and that is assuming I am bedridden for that time. So yes... this mission is very important to me." Remallia looks over towards the woman with a sadness in her eyes as she finishes her story. After telling you that long tale Syndra seems to have grown quite silent, so Remallia picks up to answer Raenor's other query. "At 2000 hours tonight there shall be a ship called The Diviner on the docks of Baldur's Gate. It is a keelboat southward bound towards Cloakwood. It is manned by Callbrax a... tricky halfling, but trustowrthy nonetheless. He knows how to work the vessel and is to be your captain. It should only be around a three day journey, and you should arrive at a sea cave connected to the tower. I will then blow my horn, and with that you all shall enter the cellar. It is imperative that you move as quickly as possible, for the longer we spend fighting someone of the Duchess' caliber... the more casualties there shall be. The sooner that you get the spellbook, the sooner we can end the skirmish. Now once you have found the tome, you are to return to the Diviner. Once there, Callbrax shall be able to activate a short-range teleport to teleport both you all and the phylactery to me. Are there any more questions?"
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Ander nods along as he listens. This time, the notion that they might be able to save Digger sticks in his mind and hope begins to fill his mind. "This...Callbrax, he knows we're coming? We won't run into any trouble with him?"
Nodding at Syndra - "Aye, we want to save out friend; and you too lass"
Sure Syndra has a good motive for the quest, but - looking suspiciously at Ramelia - some Harpers wouldn't mind sacrificing minor pawns for a major goal... - Roll Inisght
To both of them "As a watcher myself, I offer my help"
"I will be at the ship at the appointed time". Mesi says.
Then he asks "will there be others joining our...strike team."
"Sounds like a plan, I will do anything I can to save the afflicted and hopefully bring back Dig." Drox nods toward the masked female.
Remallia nods to both Drox and Raenor in silent thanks before turning to first Ander: "He should be perfectly fine. Don't let his pranks get to you." Then she turns to Mesi: "We're spending all the resources with those who can combat a lich aboveground, but we still need a group to go below. That shall be your job and yours alone."
OOC: Just affirm that you have no more questions in Discord and I'll continue on.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
The group finish up getting the detail of this quest, "We will meet up at the docks one hour before departure time, Tymora bless you all." Mesi says in a friendly but stern voice. The genasi walks away to tie some loose ends before leaving.
Drox:
While he is happy at the thought of saving his friend, right now Drox is feeling a bit down. Drox takes out his journal a reads some notes about some relics he needs to check out, it's probably mostly gossip anyway. Drox lets out a deep sigh, he just can't bring himself to thinking about adventuring when Dig is lying there rotting in a coffin. He decides to head to the tavern(idk what it would be called). "Excuese me sir, two ales please." Drox says as he takes a seat at a table, he then spends the evening enjoying his drinks, while reading over some notes and reminiscing on the life of his friend. Every once in a while Drox will order a new drink to replace the one across the table.
Mesi:
Mesi leaves the funeral promptly after dismissing the group. "I must find my crew and let them know I'll be gone." Mesi makes his way to the docks. As he nears, he hears a familiar sea shanty coming from his ship. He lets out a faint smile, this is his family, and he would do anything for them. He heads to the ship to enjoy the party with his crew, he knows that his Lady will guide his action, what's one drink?
Raenor:
Raenor leaves the funeral with determination and conviction. If anyone could find some information about this affliction, it would be Raenor. He makes his way towards the tavern, knowing that a Harper friend happened to frequent the tavern quite often. As he enters the tavern, he looks for his friend, but is disappointed when he can;t find him. He then notices Drox sitting at a table alone, but with two drinks. "Oh my, the lad must not be taking this very well." Raenor makes his way to the table where Drox is sitting. "Hey lad, ya doin okay?" He pats Drox on the shoulder. "Hey Raenor, I'm okay. I just can't believe he's gone. We still had so much to discover!" He smiles a little as he recalls DIgger. "Me neither Drox, but we can still save him, just remember that." Reanor pulls a chair up to the table and orders a drink for himself. The pair spend some time comparing notes over recent adventures, and take their mind off of the somber times.
Ander:
Ander leaves the funeral, wiping the tears from his eyes. "He really is gone, huh? Oh how I long for my lover's embrace. No one really knew how much he meant to me." Ander make his way to his inn to gather his goods, and to let the inn keeper that he won't be returning for a while.
Day 16, 1900 hours
The night has arrived at the metropolis of Baldur's Gate. As the sun sets and the moon rises you all make your respective journey to the docks. However, when you make it to the location where The Diviner is supposed to be located, you're confused. For all you see is a ruined and dilapidated boat, it's clearly been abandoned for some time. This cannot be the boat that you're supposed to take, can it? It is then when you notice the name, mostly worn away it reads: "The Diviner" so it seems like you're in the right place when BOO! a cry shakes you out of your reverie as you whirl around and you see a halfling rolling on the floor laughing. He's dressed in a sailor's garb, but you also see several magical trinkets around him. In between laughs, he cries out, pointing towards all of you: "HAH! You... hahah should've seen yer faces hahaha! Eyes wide as hahahaha dinner plates! Hahahaha! Oh... hah well then." He promptly gets up off the floor and brushes himself off. "Well... anyway. Halloo there, I'm Callbrax. I assume you're the strike team that Haventree formed." He then gestures behind you in the direction of the ship: "And that right there is me pride n' joy. The Diviner. What a beauty she is. Er... wait. Here, I'll allow for you to see through the mirage." He waves his hand in arcane gestures as the age seems to vanish from the ship and it looks pristine. The halfling then quickly jogs off and runs up the gangplank and motions for you to follow. However, everyone has walked up the gangplank except one. As Mesi walks up it, he suddenly feels it vanish from under him as he falls into the water below. With a great big splash, the halfling can hardly contain himself as he breaks down with laughter. Eventually, during his torrent of laughter, he waves towards Mesi as Mesi is strangely brought right back onto the deck and subsequently (through a couple of prestidigitation) dried. And with that get ready and then you set off at 2000 hours!
We're now going to do another (albeit shorter) cooperative roleplay. The first day will be done by Chub, the second by Eklam, and the final by Evil_DM. Describe each day of your ship travel along with what the group is doing. If you want to know about Callbrax here he is:
Personality Traits: I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions when humor is innapropriate. Nobody can stay angry at me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension.
Ideal: Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress.
Bonds: I'll always remember my first ship (The Diviner)
Flaws: I have trouble trusting my allies (normally I work alone).
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Ander gazed at Waterdeep as it faded into the distance behind The Diviner. "I'll be back for you, Dig." Squeezing his eyes shut to hold back tears, he turns around to take stock of the ship. Everything seemed to be settled in for the journey, it was now just a matter of making it to Cloakwood in high spirits. Mesi was standing toward the front of the ship, taking in the ocean spray. Reanor and Drox walked up the stairs from belowdecks, probably discussing ancient cultures again. Ander smiled as he looked at his new companions, particularly Callbrax, who was sneaking up behind Mesi. Reanor and Drox noticed this as well and stopped to watch what would happen. Callbrax inched ever closer and lunged forward to scare Mesi. Just as he lunges, Mesi notices the sudden silence on the decks and turns around to see what was going on. As he turns, Callbrax flies behind him, plunging off of the ship and into the water. Ander, Reanor, and Drox burst into laughter simultaneously, while Mesi looks on in confusion until he realizes that Callbrax has just splashed into the water. "It seems you just beat Callbrax at his own game, Mesi!" Ander shouts with a laugh. Mesi shakes his head with a chuckle. "It seems Tymora has my back more than you lot!"
After fishing Callbrax out of the Sea, the group gathered for lunch. After eating, someone pulled out a deck of cards. When Drox noticed cards, he immediately started examining the table, checking everywhere for secret compartments. Once he was satisfied that no one had some secret upperhand, he sat down and the cards were dealt. After a few games, Reanor belched loudly and smacked the table. "Does anyone else think Callbrax should remove his sleeves?" The crew laughed together in agreement and Drox's jaw dropped in amazement as Callbrax removed his jacket and multiple cards fell out of his sleeves. Drox and Reanor asked Mesi constant questions about the Genasi people and their customs while Ander marveled at the fact that Mesi didn't seem to be looking at his cards at all, but was still winning every round. Callbrax grumbled occasionally as his performance had severely deteriorated without the strategic implementation of his sleeves.
As evening approached, a storm could be seen in the West. Callbrax frowned as the crew looked toward the lightning flashing through the imposing clouds. "It doesn't seem to be heading our way, but we should be wary." The rest of the evening passed uneventfully as the crew settled in for the night.
Day 18,
The crew woke up all of a sudden, when Callbrax used a water bucket to do his job. Mesi didn't seem to care, Drow found it funny, Reanor and Ander didn't look very pleased. The storm had disappeared during the night, and the crew occupied themselves with some menial and unnecessary work. Callbrax was still trying to pull a big piece on Mesi, but Mesi seem to avoid the pranks effortlessly.
After a quick lunch, the crew got back to playing cards, but after a couple hours the game felt flat and they got bored. The sun had hidden beyond the grey sky, the wind was not blowing, and the sea was silent. The silence was almost like a sign, was it the calm before the storm? Mesi didn't care much about that, he has had many of those on his trip, he sat at the bow of the ship and stared at the horizon. The others got in their rooms, each with his own thoughts.
Ander took a nap, and went to chat with Callbrax and wondered how the creature could imbue the ship with magic, but he really didn't care.
Reanor was trying to figure out Ramelia's intention, it was clear she was hiding something, but what?
Drox tried to cheer himself up, thinking of the good days ahead, after the mission is complete and he could spend time with his friend again, but every now and then, he felt more sad and angry for what Digger has had to suffer.
Without words, they reunited under the stars, where Callbrax told a couple funny stories, most of the probably happened in his imagination of course.
The final day aboard the Diviner things take on a tenseness that almost palpable. Callbrax the halfling captain of the boat is hardly recognizable from the jolly prankster he has been the first part of the journey, as he hustles about checking this and that and generally fretting about his beautiful boat.
The day starts with Drox and Reanor going through martial exercises and limbering up. The adventurers spar from one end of the boat to the other as they test each other’s skill with weapons. Drox with his huge war pick, Reanor with his lightning fast rapier, Mesi shows a decent amount of skill with his spear which he refers to as a boarding pike, and Ander impresses everyone with his dagger-work. They then practice their marksmanship with bow, dagger and belaying pin.
As the team goes over their gear Reanor says “We need to take only that which we will need for the mission”. Mesi nods as he stows his beloved cooking gear and spice roll in a gunnysack to be left on board.
Later in the day Mesi and Ander go over their spells to familiarize their non-casting comrades with the various effects, so that they are not alarmed at the wrong time. “When the time comes I can place a blessing on the three of you that will aide you greatly in combat, Mesi says as the others are sharpening their weapons and oiling their armor. I can also aid in guidance if we have a trap or puzzle to solve.
Over a subdued dinner Drox reminds everyone “the book is the objective. Don’t be sidetracked by any other bright and shineys.” The others nod.
After dinner, the team goes over their equipment one more time, tightening straps and securing any loose items. After dinner Reanor and Mesi have a quiet game of chess, Drox holds a book, staring at the pages but not reading, and Ander leans against the rail deep in thought.
Callbrax is at the tiller and looks from one adventurer to the other with a concerned look on his face, and for once has nothing to say.
Part 3: To the Cellar
Day 19, 1700 hours
It is in the evening on the third day of your boat ride that the winds seem to blow a little colder. The evergreen treetops of the Cloakwood rustle endlessly. Callbrax steers the boat alongside rocky shores. “See that?” he says to you, pointing to a monolithic black tower appearing just above the dark forest. “Zaldara,” the mage says ominously. “We’re close.”
Minutes later, the wind howls a lonely note as Callbrax brings The Diviner as close as he can to the shore. A small cliff 10 feet high rises up from the rocks. Atop the cliff, you see dense trees and Zaldara’s lair poking above.
The mage hops into the knee‐deep water, motioning for you to grab your equipment follow. The ocean is cold as death. Callbrax walks onto the shore and touches the cliff wall, muttering an arcane incantation. As he does, the wall parts just a bit, revealing a stone stair going upwards into darkness.
Suddenly a bleat breaks the night that fills your heart with adrenaline and dread. “That’s Remallia’s horn. Good luck and be quick.”
Simply deliver a statement about the summation of the journey and whatnot and we'll see what the Cellar holds in store for us...
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
As Mesi hefts his medicine bag and grabs his boarding pike. he regards Callbrax "The ladys kiss be upon you captain." after disembarking the Genasi nimbly negotiates the soothing water towards shore. He then whispers to Ander, indicating the halfing on the boat,"I filled his clothes chest with fish heads".
Ander barely smiles as he wades out of the boat, not entirely listening Mesi as he fights back the growing sense of dread that is coming over him. He silently follows Callbrax to shore and watches as the walls open to a stairwell. "So," he says with a shaky voice, "who's going first?"
"See you Callbrax, you were a good captain, I hope to sail with you again soon." Reanor turns to Drox and says: "Go ahead Drox, yer bigger and Strong, I'll follow ye, since the other lads don't see as good in tha dark"
It is pitch black past the staircase. As the Light spell is cast the room brightens as everyone can see the room.
Drip. Drip. Drip. That hollow sound pierces the silence in this cave as water slowly falls from stalactites. Stale air fills your lungs as you take in the cave. A large, unworked stone column holds up the ceiling. Stout stairs leading up hug the column’s one side while a 5-foot high ledge that leads into darkness appears along the other. Further back, the second set of stairs leads up to a stone door carved with a skull. The ceiling here is 20-ft. high, and covered with stalactites.
OOC: So there are essentially two pathways, one that leads west up some stairs past a column, while the other leads to a staircase with a skull door at the northern far end of the room.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Drox takes the lead, he is well equipped to me the front man, as well as he is just excited to be on an adventure once again. Perhaps he may find more than he came looking for. "Follow me lads, discovery awaits!" He heads to the stairs, probably quicker than he should. As he enters he sees the two pathways, and relays the information for those who may not be able to see it. "Well, which direction should we go?" Drox looks around the cave trying to take in his surroundings. He notices a spot where the moss has grown in a peculiar way, and moves to inspect it closely.
Perception: 13
You pass across the room, the dripping of the water cut only by the sound of your footsteps and your minor conversations. As you step up the stone chiseled steps to the Northern part of the area, you see that the door in front of you is stone, along with a single handle on the side. A keyhole also lies on top of the handle. As you look at the skull itself inlaid upon the wall you notice a glimmer, as you see that there seems to be something shiny inside of the eyes of the skull door.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Drox trudges through the cave, "This darn water is making me chafe." He looks ahead of him and sees two pathways, he is instantly transfixed by the skull door. The skull seems to beckon to him, and he promptly makes his way to the door. "Would you look at this, boys? It is magnificent!" He takes out a journal and begins to sketch the skull, paying particular attention to the jeweled eyes. "It's as if a thousand tiny mirrors have been placed inside of it..." he mutters to himself completely transfixed by the skull. He finished up the sketch and titles it "The Crystal Skull". His hands reach up as if he is in a trance and grabs a hold of the skull, hoping to get a closer look,
As soon as he grabs the skull door, a pulse of force shoots out and a wave of dark energy swarms all around you all. I need for everyone to give me a Constitution save (feel free to roll in Discord).
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3