"Yes, she was... We saw her participate in their rituals in our first visit to this island," Neya explains. "But, that is strange that she remained human. Unfortunately, we can only make assumptions, now that the only others who would know the reason are now no more."
Thokk nods at Neya, admitting he doesn't understand all there is to the complicated situation he just helped resolve: "I guess so..." Changing subject, the gladiator offers: "I can keep watch here for while. Someone should stay at the boat landing and keep an eye for our ride back."
Back at the village proper, two last bodies are still waiting to be buried: Lolmetta's and Exirsa's. Graxx claims their heads as gruesome trophies, which forces Bigar to raises his eyebrows. After a few seconds of collecting his thoughts, the greenling asks: "Mr. Graxx, do you plan to walk back in town with two monstrous heads adorning your weapon out in the open? That would surely cause some trouble, no?"
Still trying to figure out if burying the hags is the best way to go about it, Doozey wonders if he should go at them with his sword while Utar considers the use of flames. The two CRAPers convene for some brainstorming and jointly arrive at the conclusion that their optimal path would be to consecrate the grounds they currently stand on. Such procedure takes a considerable amount of time, but could be tailored such that it dictates that no bodies interred within the area can be targeted by magical foul play. The spell hallow would accomplish such goal.
For better or worse, by the time Doozey notices Graxx going at the corpses during the think tank session, it's far too late to intrupt. Even still, he appears none too disconcerted or disappointed by events, but rather just adds, "Just try not to sleep with them to close at hand. Never know with hag's dabbling in the dark if one might yet spread a curse or two through their remains." He warns, voicing at least some earlier suspicions, before then returning to the conversation with Utar.
A little Later...
"... So, Sounds as if we'll be paying this island another visit. Perhaps the cave as well to be doubly sure, if not to let our draconic friend know in prayers over the remains of the deed being largely done in his absence."Doozey crosses his arms. "I won't claim to know much of the spell itself, but... I doubt it isn't without its expenses. Nevermind needing a cleric strong enough in the faith to clast the spell."He looks up to Utar with a sly smile. "Don't suppose you wouldn't happen to know one?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Brent the player didn't realize how big a Hag's head was)
Graxx looks at the heads and then back to Bigar.
"You know Bigar... That's a good point." says Graxx.
Graxx hears Doozey's concerns as well.
"I can't risk any curses taking control of me." says Graxx.
Graxx will point the Pike toward the ground and place his foot on the heads. He will then pull the pike from them and place them with their bodies to be buried.
"A dragon would be a better proof of deed anyway..." says Graxx a little disappointedly.
"Then it seems to me the only matter left to possibly settle is funds. But, I'm sure we can sort that out well enough."He rasps somewhat and rubs at his throat, forcefully reminded once more of his predicament. He then shoots Graxx an apologetic look and goes over to awkwardly pat the man on the arm. "If not good odds we might find ourselves lost in that tainted forest of theirs, I'd say we try to get rid of those effigies while at it there... But as is, let's torch those hags remains before settling one and all to wait by the beach front. Not much else here for us this day."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx listens to a couple pieces of friendly advice while Utar and Doozey agree on this not being their last visit to the corrupted islet. A decision is made to burn the hags, including Rentida(?), and then to bury their ashes into ground to be consecrated in the future.
Once the deed is done, there is little left to do but wait. Doozey convinces a few others to follow him into the woods to destroy the hanging effigies the group spotted earlier. They notice that there are much fewer of them in there than previously observed. Whatever magic they have within them is also waning. Taken together, these are unexpected and welcome observations, albeit a bit concerning. The effigy hunters get busy with the time they have but it is impossible to know for sure how thorough they were.
Eventually, just as the afternoon is amidst its transition into evening, Thokk runs back into the village with a message: "Our ride is here. A small keelboat with elk antlers for a figurehead, just as you indicated." It doesn't take long for CRAP+ to pick up their things and gather at the boat landing. The Alces is anchored and waiting for its clients a hundred yards or so from the beach. Captain Hulbard is waving to welcome the group, but he doesn't appear to have a landing craft to offer assistance in reaching the ship.
Gathering at the waterline, Utar decides it best to maybe tip the scales in favour of CRAP+ and offers Neya, Bigar and Dornal Torm's blessing in the hopes it might ease their paddle to the Alces.
"Time we get our feet wet again. The Alces is smaller than our previous ship and much smaller, so its time to get friendly again, still beats swimming all the way home!"
Utar will hold back and check his own belongings are tied to his person and his pack is tightly secured before wading into the water. From a point at the rear of the group, he hopes to be able to give a little help to any members of the party might not be strong swimmers.
"You'll probably have to see to Mr. Dornal, Mr. Graxx. Just in case that curse on him tries to see him sleeping with the fishes 'fore we're fully across."Doozey suggests, but ultimately leaves things to the barbarian's and Alliance's agents' discretion. Looking to Bigar and Elisande next, the stoutling's demeanor grows a touch more grim, before then looking to a nearby Peabody. "See Bigar across again. I got little Eli."The serpentine creature seems to almost roll his eyes before slithering out to the water just a short ways to await the Greenling, so then both can be off shortly.
Once his passenger was on the boat however, Peabody remained in the water, seeming fully intent to swim the way back to PHLAN. "Something tells me you're probably not all that bad a swimmer Eli. But if need to, you can hang on to me and I'll get your cross." He says, giving the girl an assuring smile.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Everyone wades into the water and begins to swim toward The Alces.
Peabody carries Bigar without any trouble, as the creature is in its natural environment.The greenling refused the cleric's blessing, knowing that the water serpent would lead him to the ship without any trouble.
Similarly, having recently become quite the accomplished swimmer, Doozey has no trouble guiding Elisande to the ship.
Graxx and Dornal form the next pair of swimmers. The human helps the dwarf, whose attempt at swimming is intermittent at best given his condition. Utar's Bless helps quite a bit. Although the troublesome task messes up Graxx's form, they too arrive at the ship.
Rag is sure to swim in Utar's wake, taking advantage of the large half-orc's "softening" of the water surface. They reach The Alces next.
Still feeling exhaustedNeya has some difficulty at first but manages to follow the others toward the ship.
Thokk brings in the rear. He was feeling a bit tired and asked for Utar's blessing after Bigar refused it. The spell gives him the edge he needed to succeed.
Once everyone is on the ship, its captain delivers a welcoming message: "You all look like you needed some rescuing, so The Alces has answered the call. Captain Aleyd Burrall of the Black Fist came to me at the docks and told me you had completed your mission but needed transport back to Phlan. I figure that if your mission was successful, then the risks had diminished, so we came to earn our keep, sorta speak."Captain Hulbard gestures toward the shore: "I followed the instructions you shared with me last we met. All I needed to do was follow the shore line, and here the islet is."He seems very pleased with finding the group. "The Alces will now safely deliver you back home. I'd invite you to rest but I am afraid I can only offer you standing room. We have a small cabin over there, which is reserved for the crew, but if any of you are in mortal danger, we can make an exception."
Captain Hulbard is wearing an official-looking hat but no shirt. Next, he delivers some orders to his two crew/family members, the human woman and the half-orc teenager. Thokk smiles pleasantly at the crew, perhaps reminiscing about his own experiences.
After some minutes go by, everyone is settled, and the ship is made ready to sail toward Phlan, The Alces departs the islet. In the background, the sunset gives it all an air of finality, even if CRAP plans one more trip to the island at some point in the near future. Some 20 minutes into the trip, the sun sinks below the horizon. Doozey feels his throat get a bit more ashy at this point.
(OOC: The trip back is going to take at least a few hours and most of this trip will take place after dusk. We are not quite ready to end this episode just yet, but do let me know what you do during the trip back to Phlan.)
Coming aboard the ship, Utar seeks out Captain Hulbard before the deck becomes too full. "There are bigger ships and bigger crews, but right now I doubt I could name a finer one of either. My thanks for coming to our aid and I will see that you're rewarded for your efforts when we land."
With that, Utar will attempt to offer what help he can to Dornal during the passage.
Doozey nods his thanks to the crew as well, but intended to spare his voice for the remainder of the trip. Yet while able to get away with nonverbal cues and gestures as necessary at first, his wishes were not to be heeded in feeling the change become more prevelant in the night. Any visible relief from departing the island had turned to concern, and then eventually grim acceptance of what might be to soon follow. So wordlessly and with great care given ship travel was rarely all that stable, the stoutling put charcoal pencil to a random bit of parchment in his pack, and begun writing what looked to be a letter for the next half to an hour or so.
And if nothing untoward happened by then, it is then he'd go over to Neya and speak in Draconic, before offering her the letter. Close quarters meant others were likely to overhear at that, but such was the extent of his concern:
"In case this curse... In case I lose my head... Don't hesitate to destroy it. Don't... let it escape. No matter what. A final request of a friend. And.... see this letter I have sent off to Harrowdale for... a Half-Elf by the name of... Eltweenette... She's... She's a member of my order who'd... who'd be the closest to Phlan... and best know how to care... and protect Elisandae... Train her as well... least she yet succumb to those hag's... machinations... But... know I will not begrudge you all if this... if this comes not to past."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx will stand in silence overlooking the ocean and think of two things.
First, he thinks of Glory and how he is excited to get back to her. He is glad he didn't bring her as she would still be on that traitorous Captain's ship...
The Traitorous Captain... He thinks... How must a Paladin handle such a betrayal of abandoning someone on a ship? He must consult with Aleyd.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hearing Doozey's concerns and wishes, Neya tries to compose herself. She's mostly have heard of those in the Silent Wood meet their end, secondhand (or sometimes are never heard from again). She had even discovered the body of one, not long before meeting him. But, the fact that someone she come to know may die shortly and so nearby impacts her more than she expected. After a few moments, she takes a deep, uneasy breath to recompose herself, and as she accepts the letter, she responds to Doozey in kind.
In Draconic:
"Of course, Doozey. I... I will make sure to do that, if that comes to pass; as much as I hope it doesn't."
"I'm sorry, the reality has not hit me yet. But, nothing is set in stone. So, for now, let us be in the present, yes?."
She tries to ascertain the progression of Doozey's curse, as unfamiliar with it as she is.
Doozey smiles softly in appreciation, only to then moments later squint and frown and mutter something while waving at the space between himself and Neya. Then following a firm nod at some unseen success, he nods to Neya, before making his way back to Elisande's side to keep the girl company, if nothing else.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Captain Hulbard puts a hand on Utar's armored shoulder: "You treated me with a level of respect and honesty I rarely receive anywhere I go. I knew from the beginning you were worthy of my respect in return. I welcomed Captain Burral's message because it allowed me to show you that, so here I am, as is my crew and my ship."He then laughs a bit, gestures toward his son, and adds: "And yes, any coin you are able to spare would go a long way in feeding the kid. He still has to put on a lot of muscle."
Once that brief conversation is done, Dornal welcome's Utar's support in a moment of lucidity: "Thank you for caring. This curse is quite debilitating but I am able to regain my wits for a few seconds at a time every now and then. These past few hours have been hell."
A few feet away, next to Rag and Thokk, Graxx is lost in thought. Thokk respects the human's preference for some pensive time, while Rag welcomes the silence.
Fearing the worst, Doozey finds a spot to put pen to paper. He finishes his letter just shy of an hour later. Making his way to Neya (and Bigar since there is little free space to go around), the stoutling passes some instructions to the human. Now able to understand Draconic, Bigar looks frighteningly worried. He laments: "Curative magics are not my are of expertise."
While talking to Doozey, Neya notices that a wound has appeared on the ranger's neck. Although small in size, it already looks infected. Doozey can tell that something is wrong.
-> Doozey's CHA score drops by 1 (from 10 to 9).
(@Drache: I'll wait to resolve that religion roll until you have a chance to reroll the Nat1 as per @Ori's message in the OOC Chat.)
"Yes, she was... We saw her participate in their rituals in our first visit to this island," Neya explains. "But, that is strange that she remained human. Unfortunately, we can only make assumptions, now that the only others who would know the reason are now no more."
Extended Signature
BEFORE THE SHORT REST
Graxx takes a break from digging graves with a shovel he found and accepts some treatment from Doozey. (Graxx recovers 17 HP.)
AFTER THE SHORT REST
Much like the others, Graxx also feels better after giving his body a chance to recover. (Graxx recovers 57 HP.)
As the period of rest comes to and end, Utar accepts a delayed treatment from CRAP's field medic. (Utar recovers 14 HP.)
Thokk nods at Neya, admitting he doesn't understand all there is to the complicated situation he just helped resolve: "I guess so..." Changing subject, the gladiator offers: "I can keep watch here for while. Someone should stay at the boat landing and keep an eye for our ride back."
Back at the village proper, two last bodies are still waiting to be buried: Lolmetta's and Exirsa's. Graxx claims their heads as gruesome trophies, which forces Bigar to raises his eyebrows. After a few seconds of collecting his thoughts, the greenling asks: "Mr. Graxx, do you plan to walk back in town with two monstrous heads adorning your weapon out in the open? That would surely cause some trouble, no?"
Still trying to figure out if burying the hags is the best way to go about it, Doozey wonders if he should go at them with his sword while Utar considers the use of flames. The two CRAPers convene for some brainstorming and jointly arrive at the conclusion that their optimal path would be to consecrate the grounds they currently stand on. Such procedure takes a considerable amount of time, but could be tailored such that it dictates that no bodies interred within the area can be targeted by magical foul play. The spell hallow would accomplish such goal.
(@Grx: Are you also claiming Rentida's head?)
For better or worse, by the time Doozey notices Graxx going at the corpses during the think tank session, it's far too late to intrupt. Even still, he appears none too disconcerted or disappointed by events, but rather just adds, "Just try not to sleep with them to close at hand. Never know with hag's dabbling in the dark if one might yet spread a curse or two through their remains." He warns, voicing at least some earlier suspicions, before then returning to the conversation with Utar.
A little Later...
"... So, Sounds as if we'll be paying this island another visit. Perhaps the cave as well to be doubly sure, if not to let our draconic friend know in prayers over the remains of the deed being largely done in his absence." Doozey crosses his arms. "I won't claim to know much of the spell itself, but... I doubt it isn't without its expenses. Nevermind needing a cleric strong enough in the faith to clast the spell." He looks up to Utar with a sly smile. "Don't suppose you wouldn't happen to know one?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Brent the player didn't realize how big a Hag's head was)
Graxx looks at the heads and then back to Bigar.
"You know Bigar... That's a good point." says Graxx.
Graxx hears Doozey's concerns as well.
"I can't risk any curses taking control of me." says Graxx.
Graxx will point the Pike toward the ground and place his foot on the heads. He will then pull the pike from them and place them with their bodies to be buried.
"A dragon would be a better proof of deed anyway..." says Graxx a little disappointedly.
Utar gives a shake of his head and sighs. Then gives the stoutling a smile for his cheek
"I might know a cleric who can handle that level of spell casting.
"Then it seems to me the only matter left to possibly settle is funds. But, I'm sure we can sort that out well enough." He rasps somewhat and rubs at his throat, forcefully reminded once more of his predicament. He then shoots Graxx an apologetic look and goes over to awkwardly pat the man on the arm. "If not good odds we might find ourselves lost in that tainted forest of theirs, I'd say we try to get rid of those effigies while at it there... But as is, let's torch those hags remains before settling one and all to wait by the beach front. Not much else here for us this day."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx listens to a couple pieces of friendly advice while Utar and Doozey agree on this not being their last visit to the corrupted islet. A decision is made to burn the hags, including Rentida(?), and then to bury their ashes into ground to be consecrated in the future.
Once the deed is done, there is little left to do but wait. Doozey convinces a few others to follow him into the woods to destroy the hanging effigies the group spotted earlier. They notice that there are much fewer of them in there than previously observed. Whatever magic they have within them is also waning. Taken together, these are unexpected and welcome observations, albeit a bit concerning. The effigy hunters get busy with the time they have but it is impossible to know for sure how thorough they were.
Eventually, just as the afternoon is amidst its transition into evening, Thokk runs back into the village with a message: "Our ride is here. A small keelboat with elk antlers for a figurehead, just as you indicated." It doesn't take long for CRAP+ to pick up their things and gather at the boat landing. The Alces is anchored and waiting for its clients a hundred yards or so from the beach. Captain Hulbard is waving to welcome the group, but he doesn't appear to have a landing craft to offer assistance in reaching the ship.
Gathering at the waterline, Utar decides it best to maybe tip the scales in favour of CRAP+ and offers Neya, Bigar and Dornal Torm's blessing in the hopes it might ease their paddle to the Alces.
"Time we get our feet wet again. The Alces is smaller than our previous ship and much smaller, so its time to get friendly again, still beats swimming all the way home!"
Utar will hold back and check his own belongings are tied to his person and his pack is tightly secured before wading into the water. From a point at the rear of the group, he hopes to be able to give a little help to any members of the party might not be strong swimmers.
Athletics - 22
"You'll probably have to see to Mr. Dornal, Mr. Graxx. Just in case that curse on him tries to see him sleeping with the fishes 'fore we're fully across." Doozey suggests, but ultimately leaves things to the barbarian's and Alliance's agents' discretion. Looking to Bigar and Elisande next, the stoutling's demeanor grows a touch more grim, before then looking to a nearby Peabody. "See Bigar across again. I got little Eli." The serpentine creature seems to almost roll his eyes before slithering out to the water just a short ways to await the Greenling, so then both can be off shortly.
Once his passenger was on the boat however, Peabody remained in the water, seeming fully intent to swim the way back to PHLAN. "Something tells me you're probably not all that bad a swimmer Eli. But if need to, you can hang on to me and I'll get your cross." He says, giving the girl an assuring smile.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I"ll get it done!" says Graxx
Graxx goes up to Utar and pats him on the shoulder.
"You made the right call by having that ship on call. I'm very angry at our prior captain... I'm trying to decide what to do about it." says Graxx.
"Come on then Dornal... Let's get off this place." says Graxx.
Graxx will drag Dornal through the ocean to the boat.
Athletics: 12
Neya gives a resigned sigh as she says, "Quite a run of hardships today, hopefully our return trip goes a lot more smoothly."
Athletics: 14 + Bless: 2
(total: 16)
Extended Signature
Swimming checks:
Everyone wades into the water and begins to swim toward The Alces.
Once everyone is on the ship, its captain delivers a welcoming message: "You all look like you needed some rescuing, so The Alces has answered the call. Captain Aleyd Burrall of the Black Fist came to me at the docks and told me you had completed your mission but needed transport back to Phlan. I figure that if your mission was successful, then the risks had diminished, so we came to earn our keep, sorta speak." Captain Hulbard gestures toward the shore: "I followed the instructions you shared with me last we met. All I needed to do was follow the shore line, and here the islet is." He seems very pleased with finding the group. "The Alces will now safely deliver you back home. I'd invite you to rest but I am afraid I can only offer you standing room. We have a small cabin over there, which is reserved for the crew, but if any of you are in mortal danger, we can make an exception."
Captain Hulbard is wearing an official-looking hat but no shirt. Next, he delivers some orders to his two crew/family members, the human woman and the half-orc teenager. Thokk smiles pleasantly at the crew, perhaps reminiscing about his own experiences.
After some minutes go by, everyone is settled, and the ship is made ready to sail toward Phlan, The Alces departs the islet. In the background, the sunset gives it all an air of finality, even if CRAP plans one more trip to the island at some point in the near future. Some 20 minutes into the trip, the sun sinks below the horizon. Doozey feels his throat get a bit more ashy at this point.
(OOC: The trip back is going to take at least a few hours and most of this trip will take place after dusk. We are not quite ready to end this episode just yet, but do let me know what you do during the trip back to Phlan.)
Coming aboard the ship, Utar seeks out Captain Hulbard before the deck becomes too full. "There are bigger ships and bigger crews, but right now I doubt I could name a finer one of either. My thanks for coming to our aid and I will see that you're rewarded for your efforts when we land."
With that, Utar will attempt to offer what help he can to Dornal during the passage.
Doozey nods his thanks to the crew as well, but intended to spare his voice for the remainder of the trip. Yet while able to get away with nonverbal cues and gestures as necessary at first, his wishes were not to be heeded in feeling the change become more prevelant in the night. Any visible relief from departing the island had turned to concern, and then eventually grim acceptance of what might be to soon follow. So wordlessly and with great care given ship travel was rarely all that stable, the stoutling put charcoal pencil to a random bit of parchment in his pack, and begun writing what looked to be a letter for the next half to an hour or so.
And if nothing untoward happened by then, it is then he'd go over to Neya and speak in Draconic, before offering her the letter. Close quarters meant others were likely to overhear at that, but such was the extent of his concern:
"In case this curse... In case I lose my head... Don't hesitate to destroy it. Don't... let it escape. No matter what. A final request of a friend. And.... see this letter I have sent off to Harrowdale for... a Half-Elf by the name of... Eltweenette... She's... She's a member of my order who'd... who'd be the closest to Phlan... and best know how to care... and protect Elisandae... Train her as well... least she yet succumb to those hag's... machinations... But... know I will not begrudge you all if this... if this comes not to past."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx will stand in silence overlooking the ocean and think of two things.
First, he thinks of Glory and how he is excited to get back to her. He is glad he didn't bring her as she would still be on that traitorous Captain's ship...
The Traitorous Captain... He thinks... How must a Paladin handle such a betrayal of abandoning someone on a ship? He must consult with Aleyd.
Hearing Doozey's concerns and wishes, Neya tries to compose herself. She's mostly have heard of those in the Silent Wood meet their end, secondhand (or sometimes are never heard from again). She had even discovered the body of one, not long before meeting him. But, the fact that someone she come to know may die shortly and so nearby impacts her more than she expected. After a few moments, she takes a deep, uneasy breath to recompose herself, and as she accepts the letter, she responds to Doozey in kind.
In Draconic:
"Of course, Doozey. I... I will make sure to do that, if that comes to pass; as much as I hope it doesn't."
"I'm sorry, the reality has not hit me yet. But, nothing is set in stone. So, for now, let us be in the present, yes?."
She tries to ascertain the progression of Doozey's curse, as unfamiliar with it as she is.
Religion: 6
Extended Signature
Doozey smiles softly in appreciation, only to then moments later squint and frown and mutter something while waving at the space between himself and Neya. Then following a firm nod at some unseen success, he nods to Neya, before making his way back to Elisande's side to keep the girl company, if nothing else.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Captain Hulbard puts a hand on Utar's armored shoulder: "You treated me with a level of respect and honesty I rarely receive anywhere I go. I knew from the beginning you were worthy of my respect in return. I welcomed Captain Burral's message because it allowed me to show you that, so here I am, as is my crew and my ship." He then laughs a bit, gestures toward his son, and adds: "And yes, any coin you are able to spare would go a long way in feeding the kid. He still has to put on a lot of muscle."
Once that brief conversation is done, Dornal welcome's Utar's support in a moment of lucidity: "Thank you for caring. This curse is quite debilitating but I am able to regain my wits for a few seconds at a time every now and then. These past few hours have been hell."
A few feet away, next to Rag and Thokk, Graxx is lost in thought. Thokk respects the human's preference for some pensive time, while Rag welcomes the silence.
Fearing the worst, Doozey finds a spot to put pen to paper. He finishes his letter just shy of an hour later. Making his way to Neya (and Bigar since there is little free space to go around), the stoutling passes some instructions to the human. Now able to understand Draconic, Bigar looks frighteningly worried. He laments: "Curative magics are not my are of expertise."
While talking to Doozey, Neya notices that a wound has appeared on the ranger's neck. Although small in size, it already looks infected. Doozey can tell that something is wrong.
-> Doozey's CHA score drops by 1 (from 10 to 9).
(@Drache: I'll wait to resolve that religion roll until you have a chance to reroll the Nat1 as per @Ori's message in the OOC Chat.)