A wry grin bloomed at Amble's initial words. Yet ever respectful, Sandlot listened without interruption. "Sandlot, this one is...." He rasped, and would gently bow his head. "And a student of Eldath, this one is... as well... heheh.... And it is for the Darkening, we have come.... a corruption of our waters.... But seek to fix, we do... and soon, if can.... For the source, we have learned.... Gar Sinkingheel, I believe they were called....The domination of all, they wish... Sinking many ships, and turning... Raising the dead... On Umberlee's behalf, and that of another...." Sandlot explained, then shook his head disapprovingly.
"Too lost that one, this one is afraid.... So an end for them, we seek.... And bring back the peace.... with your help, if you would... Though understand we do, if not able..." He asked and implored with a hopeful look in his eyes.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Barnacle wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the transformation of the turtle but he expected something...uh more magical he supposes. Still, Barnacle wasn't raised to be rude to strangers so gives the tortle a nod of greeting. Placing a hand on his chest to indicate himself.
"Barnacle. How did you come to be on a shipwrecked ship?"
Worrying slightly that he might have committed a social faux pas, he quietly reaches into the darkest crevices of his mind for anything he knows about tortles or their culture.
Gulp coughed a little cough, getting the turtle's attention, and translated. "What Sandlot meant here, is there is a guy by the name Gar. He drowned that ship and all others around too. Makes an undead army to destroy the land. We are here to stop him. Want to join?"
Amble listens to Sandlot and then Gulp attentively. They nod slowly but rhythmically to show that they are following the tale and request. Nonetheless, the tortle seems to generalize one of Sandlot''s claims: "You not only gave me the means to escape this shipwreck, but you now reveal that you are followers of Lady Eldath... She has certainly brought us together then... I revere both Selune and Eldath, and have a marked fondness for the Seldarine as well... This meeting is no coincidence... An ally in me you shall have"
Looking about for anything that would be helpful, Amble fails to find anything that would be considered ideal adventuring gear within the wreck. They grab a thin wooden beam from the ground, which could serve as a club in a pinch. Those with passive perception score of 14 or higher also notice that Amble wears a gem-studded wooden ring on one of their fingers. Those with passive arcana score of 13 or higher guess that the ring is magical. They also have a simple amulet around their neck, though the center piece appears to be nothing but painted bark. Otherwise, Amble seems to be pretty light gear-wise (apart also from their new magical cap, which creates a bubble of air around Amble's head.)
After a pause, Amble presents a caveat: "You should know, however, that I have taken a pacifist vow... I will never attack plants, beasts, or humanoids with the intent to damage them... I will not stand idle should such a creature be hostile toward me, but please do not expect me to draw sap or blood... My vow is not negotiable... Other monstrosities or foul beings do not get a second thought from me, I assure you, and I will fight to destroy them... Is you foe, this Sinkingheel, some sort of corrupted demon or undead himself?"
While Amble awaits for a response, they turn to Barnacle: "I was traveling to Turmish on the Sea of Fallen Stars, as I had heard of their war with Thay... Detesting undead and necromancy, I wanted to help fight the Thayans in any way I could... But alas, I find myself at the bottom of the sea."
@Barnacle:
You have interacted with tortles in the past and even had a chance to learn a thing or two about where they come from. Tortles are common in southern Chult, near a peninsula that bordered Samarach. Long ago, some catastrophic event separated the peninsula from the continent by a narrow strait. The newly formed island provided a natural defense from predators from the mainland, and was claimed by the tortles living nearby as their domain. They built the fort of Ahoyhoy in the northwestern tip of the island and a few tortles began offering their services as jungle guides in different places of Chult.
Culture wise, you know comparatively little. Usually keeping to themselves, tortles tend to live alone but kept in closed contact with their community. Tortle villages are typically welcoming of other humanoids as long as they mean no ill upon the village.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
While Amble's choice of weapon showed little regard for the noble art of weaponsmithing, Barnacle could not fault it. After all, not all hands were suited to all weapons, and looking round this particular shipwreck, beggars could also not be choosers.
Given Amble seemed eager to join with the group subject to satisfying his own unique personal code, Barnacle was happy to welcome another to the group.
"If only I had been employed to guide your ship as I successfully was many others, perhaps you would not have been shipwrecked. Luckily, we are here now and have been acquainted. Tell me, what do you remember of the shipwreck itself, was there an attack?"
Sandlot's expression brightens with Amble's initial admissions, and might've sidetracked things with discussions regarding her teachings from the Tortle's perspective, if not for current circumstances. As things stood, the aged Locathah stayed content to listen where appropriate, and ready to swim over and assist in Amble in their search for supplies, assuming it appeared they needed as much.
After Amble makes clear their conviction, Sandlot's cannot help but smile more broadly in admiration of their conviction. Yet soon after, the smile falters as the Locathah thought back to their initial encounters with the Sahaugin, and a faint but lingering sense of shame that came with even once acting directly to harm one of their number from the get go. Even with the other ecnounters allowing some repentence for the act by way of only empowering and mending the others, Sandlot looked down and began to even tremble from the shame.
His reaction, though perhaps not fully understood, probably spoke louder than words. Yet well after the others have spoken their piece on the matter(or not), Sandlot eventually found the courage speak again. "Uncertain for certain, this one is.... regarding that of Sinkingheel... Too lively is he, to be truly undead.... and no demon based on the tale he gave.... but a soul corrupted all the same, he is.... willing so, at that, into a monstrous form.... in service to Umberlee and the other mentioned, or so this one mentioned before..." He admits, giving a sad smile. "See for yourself, you will.... and judge for yourself, you may... But assure his end... this... my kin I and may need to when its time." He affirms. "But ne'r shall this finality to keep, we force onto you... your Vow... shall be respected." Sandlot added, bowing his head once.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
It seemed Amble and Sandlot found a very like-minded friend if not a soulmate in each other, but the main point was, the turtle agreed to come with them (and "I do not fight some things" part - so far there were enough enemies for any kind of taste. Surely, Amble will find to their liking too). There was no point in waiting around.
"Where to next then? Over there?" Gulp moved to the chosen path and - again - carefully swam forward. (Path 2, right?)
Bubbles eyes boggle a little at the new 'companion' in front of them, adding the experience to the story list that he would regale Whirlpool and the rest of the community with when he returns, and adds a "Well met sir" with a nod of his head, "We can use all the help we can find in this place!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Once it is clear that Amble is to become a temporary ally, Gulp seems eager to move onward. However, some of the other locathah have more to say to Amble and the group lingers a bit longer.
First, Amble welcomes Sandlot's and Bubbles' words. "I'll make a judgement of where Sinkingheel fall on my moral guiding post once we meet then... But if he is all ill-intended as you claim, I should still find a way to support your efforts." Amble does not pick up on Sandlot's sadness.
Turning o Barnacle, Amble adds: "The captain decided to brave a storm, saying he had plenty of experience with them... He ignored my warning that the darkness of the storm seemed unnatural... Most of the crew was thrown from the ship before it sank."
@Barnacle: Trying to find anything in this particular wreck is quite hard. Due to Amble's influence, It it all covered in lush underwater vegetation, fish, starfish, etc. Shortly after you and Sandlot try to help Amble by looking for additional supplies, the tortle gestures for you to stop searching. They say they will be fine with the little gear they have, but is thankful for the help in any case.
(OOC: Gulp is ready to lead the group onward. Is there anything anyone else wants to do in this area?)
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Sandlot would merely nod his approval once appeared all was good and ready. Though he yet had some lingering concerns for the Tortle, even being tempted to offer his shield, the aged Locathah knew better than to be overly helpful. No matter how much of a kindred spirit he found in another.
(Sandlot is good to go, Cap'n!)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The party concludes its initial conversation with Amble and finally agrees to let Gulp lead them to the next unexplored passage.
Going back toward the vast central chamber, the group spots another wreck that looks promising. Nearing the only visible entrance into this next wreck brings the party within viewing distance of the center of the valley of neatly arranged dead (at least for those with far-seeing darkvision.) Amble is visibly disturbed by the ritualistic set-up. Looking left and right, the party soon realizes they have to make a choice:
Through the opening on the hull of this next wreck, the party can see the inside of the crew cabin. It is fitted with hammock-style bunks affixed to the interior hull of the ship. Each hammock is a web of ropes and knot-work, lined with canvas. Nearby, there are several footlockers that have been broken open, their contents strewn about the floor of the cabin. There are also a few bodies on the ground, and not all of them appear to be humanoid. Some look fresher than others.
Toward the center of the field of undead, a swirl of darker water is accelerating around a spot just above a few rows of dead bodies. You can't see what is in the center of this localized vortex, but a few round shapes float nearby, just outside the grasp of the underwater twister.
Gulp gulped. "Recently sunk, looks like. Maybe close the door of the chamber and do something about that..."He did not know how to call the pile of dead bodies with a vortex on top. "Can we, I don't know, scatter those bodies? Do not like how they are lined up. Do you think Gar is in this whirlpool?"
Barnacle looks into both rooms. The undead vortex of doom doesn't seem promising for anyone who wants to continue to not be dead. The murder room across the way seems positively delightful in contrast, maybe as a romantic getaway... Nope. He can't do it. Honestly, he'd rather go back to pretty much any other part of this undersea house of horrors.
Still, these are the choices that great heroes need to make. Taking a deep breath, he steels himself and decides to accept the decision of the group.
Sandlot "hmms" and absently rubbed thumb over his holy symbol, considering the two points so far. "If a creature, it is... then another 'symptom', it may be... if Gar is there, then time it may be to put an end to the story.... hmm...Either way, or so I think, settle the waters first, we should...."He then looked to the others, and with a firm look suggests, "Ready yourselves, you should... and light more the area ahead, if can... But by her Lady's grace, the troubled waters ahead, this one shall seize."
With the somewhat mysterious warning given, Sandlot waits until the others have at least a few moments to either counter his point, offer another solution, or make whatever preparations they wished to before enacting the Miracle. Which upon channeling it the vortex of water, and that of the surrounding water within 30 ft radius of it (without catching the group), would idealy be commanded to Part, ending the vortex and revealing anything within it... assuming itself wasn't something else.
---> Short hand: Once everyone is given a chance to ready themselves, Sandlot intends to seize the water within the full 100ft cube, eclipsing/including the vortex area, and Part it using the 2nd effects of the spell.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Most of those in the party voice their opinion and it soon becomes clear that they will prioritize the strange whirlpool above some of the rows of dead bodies. The party turnS to face it and approach slowly. Sandlot calls on another blessing and pushes the whirlpool apart, although the water beyond the range of the spell quickly fills the area back in.
Now slowed all about, the swirling current reveals what it was hiding. Gar Shatterkeel stands at the very center of the disrupted vortex. He and many of the bodies below are covered in a viscous, deep red liquid. Several of those round-ish blobs the party spotted near the dead younG Kraken are floating about Gar, with a couple of them being purposefully burst. He speaks: "You are too late. The ritual has already started. The blood of the Kraken shall bring undeath to my army, and they shall bring me the lands beyond the Sea of Fallen Stars. Your little disruption is nothing more than a brief pause. I shall resume my toil once you are dealt with, this time more definitively."
Looking at Amble, Gar says: "I see you have recruited another ally. Well, so have I. Meet Shaolar Quanderil, a faithful servant of one of my mistresses, Olhydra!" He gestures toward a male humanoid with aqua skin, large black eyes, and gauzy robes. He stands several paces behind Gar, but approaches as he is introduced. Shanty recognizes (passive arcana) that Shaolar has already cast Mage Armor on himself.
A wry grin bloomed at Amble's initial words. Yet ever respectful, Sandlot listened without interruption. "Sandlot, this one is...." He rasped, and would gently bow his head. "And a student of Eldath, this one is... as well... heheh.... And it is for the Darkening, we have come.... a corruption of our waters.... But seek to fix, we do... and soon, if can.... For the source, we have learned.... Gar Sinkingheel, I believe they were called....The domination of all, they wish... Sinking many ships, and turning... Raising the dead... On Umberlee's behalf, and that of another...." Sandlot explained, then shook his head disapprovingly.
"Too lost that one, this one is afraid.... So an end for them, we seek.... And bring back the peace.... with your help, if you would... Though understand we do, if not able..." He asked and implored with a hopeful look in his eyes.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Barnacle wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the transformation of the turtle but he expected something...uh more magical he supposes. Still, Barnacle wasn't raised to be rude to strangers so gives the tortle a nod of greeting. Placing a hand on his chest to indicate himself.
"Barnacle. How did you come to be on a shipwrecked ship?"
Worrying slightly that he might have committed a social faux pas, he quietly reaches into the darkest crevices of his mind for anything he knows about tortles or their culture.
History - 18
Gulp coughed a little cough, getting the turtle's attention, and translated. "What Sandlot meant here, is there is a guy by the name Gar. He drowned that ship and all others around too. Makes an undead army to destroy the land. We are here to stop him. Want to join?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Amble listens to Sandlot and then Gulp attentively. They nod slowly but rhythmically to show that they are following the tale and request. Nonetheless, the tortle seems to generalize one of Sandlot''s claims: "You not only gave me the means to escape this shipwreck, but you now reveal that you are followers of Lady Eldath... She has certainly brought us together then... I revere both Selune and Eldath, and have a marked fondness for the Seldarine as well... This meeting is no coincidence... An ally in me you shall have"
Looking about for anything that would be helpful, Amble fails to find anything that would be considered ideal adventuring gear within the wreck. They grab a thin wooden beam from the ground, which could serve as a club in a pinch. Those with passive perception score of 14 or higher also notice that Amble wears a gem-studded wooden ring on one of their fingers. Those with passive arcana score of 13 or higher guess that the ring is magical. They also have a simple amulet around their neck, though the center piece appears to be nothing but painted bark. Otherwise, Amble seems to be pretty light gear-wise (apart also from their new magical cap, which creates a bubble of air around Amble's head.)
After a pause, Amble presents a caveat: "You should know, however, that I have taken a pacifist vow... I will never attack plants, beasts, or humanoids with the intent to damage them... I will not stand idle should such a creature be hostile toward me, but please do not expect me to draw sap or blood... My vow is not negotiable... Other monstrosities or foul beings do not get a second thought from me, I assure you, and I will fight to destroy them... Is you foe, this Sinkingheel, some sort of corrupted demon or undead himself?"
While Amble awaits for a response, they turn to Barnacle: "I was traveling to Turmish on the Sea of Fallen Stars, as I had heard of their war with Thay... Detesting undead and necromancy, I wanted to help fight the Thayans in any way I could... But alas, I find myself at the bottom of the sea."
@Barnacle:
You have interacted with tortles in the past and even had a chance to learn a thing or two about where they come from. Tortles are common in southern Chult, near a peninsula that bordered Samarach. Long ago, some catastrophic event separated the peninsula from the continent by a narrow strait. The newly formed island provided a natural defense from predators from the mainland, and was claimed by the tortles living nearby as their domain. They built the fort of Ahoyhoy in the northwestern tip of the island and a few tortles began offering their services as jungle guides in different places of Chult.
Culture wise, you know comparatively little. Usually keeping to themselves, tortles tend to live alone but kept in closed contact with their community. Tortle villages are typically welcoming of other humanoids as long as they mean no ill upon the village.
While Amble's choice of weapon showed little regard for the noble art of weaponsmithing, Barnacle could not fault it. After all, not all hands were suited to all weapons, and looking round this particular shipwreck, beggars could also not be choosers.
Investigation - 6
Given Amble seemed eager to join with the group subject to satisfying his own unique personal code, Barnacle was happy to welcome another to the group.
"If only I had been employed to guide your ship as I successfully was many others, perhaps you would not have been shipwrecked. Luckily, we are here now and have been acquainted. Tell me, what do you remember of the shipwreck itself, was there an attack?"
Sandlot's expression brightens with Amble's initial admissions, and might've sidetracked things with discussions regarding her teachings from the Tortle's perspective, if not for current circumstances. As things stood, the aged Locathah stayed content to listen where appropriate, and ready to swim over and assist in Amble in their search for supplies, assuming it appeared they needed as much.
After Amble makes clear their conviction, Sandlot's cannot help but smile more broadly in admiration of their conviction. Yet soon after, the smile falters as the Locathah thought back to their initial encounters with the Sahaugin, and a faint but lingering sense of shame that came with even once acting directly to harm one of their number from the get go. Even with the other ecnounters allowing some repentence for the act by way of only empowering and mending the others, Sandlot looked down and began to even tremble from the shame.
His reaction, though perhaps not fully understood, probably spoke louder than words. Yet well after the others have spoken their piece on the matter(or not), Sandlot eventually found the courage speak again. "Uncertain for certain, this one is.... regarding that of Sinkingheel... Too lively is he, to be truly undead.... and no demon based on the tale he gave.... but a soul corrupted all the same, he is.... willing so, at that, into a monstrous form.... in service to Umberlee and the other mentioned, or so this one mentioned before..." He admits, giving a sad smile. "See for yourself, you will.... and judge for yourself, you may... But assure his end... this... my kin I and may need to when its time." He affirms. "But ne'r shall this finality to keep, we force onto you... your Vow... shall be respected." Sandlot added, bowing his head once.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
It seemed Amble and Sandlot found a very like-minded friend if not a soulmate in each other, but the main point was, the turtle agreed to come with them (and "I do not fight some things" part - so far there were enough enemies for any kind of taste. Surely, Amble will find to their liking too). There was no point in waiting around.
"Where to next then? Over there?" Gulp moved to the chosen path and - again - carefully swam forward. (Path 2, right?)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Bubbles eyes boggle a little at the new 'companion' in front of them, adding the experience to the story list that he would regale Whirlpool and the rest of the community with when he returns, and adds a "Well met sir" with a nod of his head, "We can use all the help we can find in this place!"
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Once it is clear that Amble is to become a temporary ally, Gulp seems eager to move onward. However, some of the other locathah have more to say to Amble and the group lingers a bit longer.
First, Amble welcomes Sandlot's and Bubbles' words. "I'll make a judgement of where Sinkingheel fall on my moral guiding post once we meet then... But if he is all ill-intended as you claim, I should still find a way to support your efforts." Amble does not pick up on Sandlot's sadness.
Turning o Barnacle, Amble adds: "The captain decided to brave a storm, saying he had plenty of experience with them... He ignored my warning that the darkness of the storm seemed unnatural... Most of the crew was thrown from the ship before it sank."
@Barnacle: Trying to find anything in this particular wreck is quite hard. Due to Amble's influence, It it all covered in lush underwater vegetation, fish, starfish, etc. Shortly after you and Sandlot try to help Amble by looking for additional supplies, the tortle gestures for you to stop searching. They say they will be fine with the little gear they have, but is thankful for the help in any case.
(OOC: Gulp is ready to lead the group onward. Is there anything anyone else wants to do in this area?)
Barnacle shakes his head, a rueful smile on his face.
"I know the type. Hopefully the crew were able to escape with their lives but likely not. I'm glad we could help you at least."
(OOC Lead on Gulp!)
Shanty will follow along.
(Sorry, keep forgetting to post on this thread. Will try to make my next one more substantial lol.)
Check out my Extended signature here
Class Guides: Barbarian, Rogue, Sorcerer, Bard General Guides: PvP
Currently playing in: Quest for the Shunned City, Coliseum of Conquest, DragonDenn's Dragonlords, Shipwrecked on Fugue, Tomb of Annihilation, Razor's Lost Mine of Phandelver, The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above
Currently DMing: Princes of the Apocalypse, Out of the Abyss, Coliseum of Conquest—The Arena (Sometimes)
Sandlot would merely nod his approval once appeared all was good and ready. Though he yet had some lingering concerns for the Tortle, even being tempted to offer his shield, the aged Locathah knew better than to be overly helpful. No matter how much of a kindred spirit he found in another.
(Sandlot is good to go, Cap'n!)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The party concludes its initial conversation with Amble and finally agrees to let Gulp lead them to the next unexplored passage.
Going back toward the vast central chamber, the group spots another wreck that looks promising. Nearing the only visible entrance into this next wreck brings the party within viewing distance of the center of the valley of neatly arranged dead (at least for those with far-seeing darkvision.) Amble is visibly disturbed by the ritualistic set-up. Looking left and right, the party soon realizes they have to make a choice:
Which scene will you investigate next?
Gulp gulped. "Recently sunk, looks like. Maybe close the door of the chamber and do something about that..." He did not know how to call the pile of dead bodies with a vortex on top. "Can we, I don't know, scatter those bodies? Do not like how they are lined up. Do you think Gar is in this whirlpool?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Looks like that thing might be whats causin' those corpses to rise up...do we go kill it?" Bubbles surmises simplistically, eager to be of some use.
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Barnacle looks into both rooms. The undead vortex of doom doesn't seem promising for anyone who wants to continue to not be dead. The murder room across the way seems positively delightful in contrast, maybe as a romantic getaway... Nope. He can't do it. Honestly, he'd rather go back to pretty much any other part of this undersea house of horrors.
Still, these are the choices that great heroes need to make. Taking a deep breath, he steels himself and decides to accept the decision of the group.
Sandlot "hmms" and absently rubbed thumb over his holy symbol, considering the two points so far. "If a creature, it is... then another 'symptom', it may be... if Gar is there, then time it may be to put an end to the story.... hmm...Either way, or so I think, settle the waters first, we should...." He then looked to the others, and with a firm look suggests, "Ready yourselves, you should... and light more the area ahead, if can... But by her Lady's grace, the troubled waters ahead, this one shall seize."
With the somewhat mysterious warning given, Sandlot waits until the others have at least a few moments to either counter his point, offer another solution, or make whatever preparations they wished to before enacting the Miracle. Which upon channeling it the vortex of water, and that of the surrounding water within 30 ft radius of it (without catching the group), would idealy be commanded to Part, ending the vortex and revealing anything within it... assuming itself wasn't something else.
---> Short hand: Once everyone is given a chance to ready themselves, Sandlot intends to seize the water within the full 100ft cube, eclipsing/including the vortex area, and Part it using the 2nd effects of the spell.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
OOC: How far away is the vortex?
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Most of those in the party voice their opinion and it soon becomes clear that they will prioritize the strange whirlpool above some of the rows of dead bodies. The party turnS to face it and approach slowly. Sandlot calls on another blessing and pushes the whirlpool apart, although the water beyond the range of the spell quickly fills the area back in.
Now slowed all about, the swirling current reveals what it was hiding. Gar Shatterkeel stands at the very center of the disrupted vortex. He and many of the bodies below are covered in a viscous, deep red liquid. Several of those round-ish blobs the party spotted near the dead younG Kraken are floating about Gar, with a couple of them being purposefully burst. He speaks: "You are too late. The ritual has already started. The blood of the Kraken shall bring undeath to my army, and they shall bring me the lands beyond the Sea of Fallen Stars. Your little disruption is nothing more than a brief pause. I shall resume my toil once you are dealt with, this time more definitively."
Looking at Amble, Gar says: "I see you have recruited another ally. Well, so have I. Meet Shaolar Quanderil, a faithful servant of one of my mistresses, Olhydra!" He gestures toward a male humanoid with aqua skin, large black eyes, and gauzy robes. He stands several paces behind Gar, but approaches as he is introduced. Shanty recognizes (passive arcana) that Shaolar has already cast Mage Armor on himself.
WE ARE GOING INTO INITIATIVE
(LAIR goes first.)