Auger looks ahead to where the next gate is, mentally preparing himself to, with Py's help, cover Granophyre's area with an illusion of an unoccupied bunk when the next inspection occurs.
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
As they make their way slowly down the canal, Snow’s mind drifts to his passengers. He was warned about two names, Amazigh and Jlasi, and this pair had had issues with them both. In one sense that was comforting, because if the Amazighs made any further move to obtain the Animu Borongo he had allies. In another sense though, what chance was there he could be dragged into an issue of theirs. And who was this third of theirs?
“The city seems to have gone a bit insane since this attempt on the life of the Princess”, he says to Varielky and Auger, motioning towards all the activity and people in chains. “I hope your companion, Greybeard hasn’t been caught up in it all”, he says remembering his name being mentioned previously.
He looks at Auger for a moment, “I never did catch your name”, he says realising he didn't know a lot about him, other than he was some kind of spell caster.
Finally, you reach the north wall of the city, and must once again wait for the portcullis to roll up. Your boat is searched again, the hold first, then the cabin, but Auger’s illusion is enough to convince the guard that the cabin is empty. You are then led through the darkness to the outer wall, where it takes five full minutes to wind up the staggeringly heavy defensive portcullis before you can drift out of the Shian capitol.
Outside the walls, the freshness of the air, in comparison to that on the canal, is striking. On it flows the dry fragrance of flowers, pine, farmlands, clean water. The ox driver shouts a curt farewell to Snow, and walks his beast around to the road, where a blockade has been set up. He is questioned briefly, then continues on, perhaps to one of the farms which cover the landscape all the way up the foothills.
Scanning your route ahead, you see, perhaps a quarter mile upriver, a marina, where a mist hangs over the picturesque assortment of small craft moored in many slips along a boardwalk, and lights shine in the windows of a fishing village just beside it. The Queen’s High Way borders the river and runs through the village on its way up into the Vale.
Now, you hear bells ringing across Kalahata behind you, announcing the onset of the curfew as the sun sets, and indigo half-light covers everything, pierced by spotlights shooting from the outer walls as the city falls silent.
(OOC: It will take an hour to restep the mast, which would best be done with the craft moored in a slip. The Animu Borongo is equipped with a pair of oarlocks, which allow two persons to each row one oar, or one strong person to row two.)
Auger is taken aback for a moment when he realizes he had never stated his name. How rude! He must have been too caught up in the day's events to formally introduce himself. Standing and bowing in the southern fashion Auger says, "I humbly apologize Captain. That was quite rude of me. I am Dannel Fetherlac of Belliu Village in Anshin Province. I am a carpenter by trade but more recently I have been making use of my connection to the-- well I need not bore you with it. I am a sorcerer of no great renown. I am Auger to those who know me. Its just a nickname based on a tool I struggled with as a child when learning my trade." Auger is sincere and a little annoyed with himself. Ignoring the basic forms was no way to establish a relationship.
Auger luxuriates in the smell of the fresh air, turning and drinking it in for a moment. "I fear all in and around this city will be caught up in events bigger than any individual. Greybeard is resourceful. He will find his own way, I am sure. How do you intend to proceed Captain? Are we to put in at the marina ahead?"
Snow nods at Auger’s formal greeting. “Well met Dannel Fetherlac, Auger if I may”, he says formally. “And no need to apologise, it was a rushed greeting and in truth you and Varielky most likely saved my skin”, he adds gratefully.
A sorcerer then, that explains the spell casting, although not the purpose of it. But now is not the time to get into that.
After the ox driver takes his leave, Snow removes the scarves from around his head and neck and enjoys the breeze blowing through his hair for a moment.
“Ideally we would moor up at the marina in order to raise the mast, but that will require some rowing I’m afraid. Would one or both of you be able to help, I fear it would take forever were I to do it alone?”, he says looking towards the mist covered marina and the distance to it.
He goes and grabs the oars, as he waits for their reply.
"I can help with that,"Auger says, though he will quickly let Varielky do the work, should she decide to assert an interest. Auger is not particularly strong and he thinks he has the best chance of maintaining Strewn in hiding.
Py, inform Granophyre that we have left the city and are coming to a marina where we will put the mast in place. Perhaps an hour of work. I would guess that there will be yet another inspection and that the Captain may choose to enter his cabin. Is he still sure we can keep him secret without the Captain's help?
Py, inform Granophyre that we have left the city and are coming to a marina where we will put the mast in place. Perhaps an hour of work. I would guess that there will be yet another inspection and that the Captain may choose to enter his cabin. Is he still sure we can keep him secret without the Captain's help?
'He says,' sends Py, 'perhaps introductions should be made as soon after mooring as seems safe.' Auger, thinking about the process of unstepping the mast, some of which Auger and Varielky witnessed, it seems to be a certainty that the cabin will have to be accessed to manage the task.
"Sure, I'll row." It might be a good distraction from the day's events. Varielky takes the oar and begins to row. It is hard at first, but Varielky will not give in to a bit of hard work. Moreover, once she gets used to the strange movement, she starts to row rather quickly, at which point she takes the second oar from Auger. "Give me your oar. If you can't row as fast as I do, we'll just turn in place." This is, of course, not meant to be disrepectful in any way. But, even though Varielky is aware of the wonders Auger can create, physical work like rowing was best left for her.
With Varielky rowing, the boat moves steadily against the current to the marina, and soon, with Snow’s guidance, into an open slip. Three woman on a small barge are just completing unloading barrels containing live freshwater fish, you learn when the last tips, the lid comes loose, and several trout manage to fling themselves onto the pontoon walkway before the women right the barrel and roll it to a warehouse close by.
There are no guards present, only a dock manager, a tall, thin Cat with huge unintelligent eyes and a wan smile, who approaches to inform Snow that he’ll owe 2gp per day in mooring fees. He retreats to the warehouse as the fog continues to roll in from the north, and you are now alone except for some fishermen further upriver who doze with rods in hand.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Okay, the boat is moored I will send Das in to meet him momentarily.
"Captain, before we continue I think we should let you know about some important matters as they pertain to our companion, Greybeard."As Auger speaks he stands, holding his rod, clearly an arcane focus to anyone with knowledge of spellcasting. Auger looks at Varielky meaningfully and then back to Das. Realizing he was holding what might be considered a weapon, Auger turns and sets it down casually by his pack. Thinking a moment, Auger turns back to Das and continues, "Greybeard is our leader. We believe in what he is doing and we are on this expedition because of him, he is in fact funding the expedition and we cannot leave without him." Auger pauses to see how Das is hearing this, so far.
(OOC: Assuming Das wants to hear more)
"Greybeard is an elderly dwarfwho needed to move through Kalahata, on a day when such a thing would not be easy. Before I go on, I must stress that whatever the news in the city about dwarves and assassination attempts, Greybeard was with me and Varielky yesterday and into the evening and this morning, far from Kalahata in the sands to the east."Auger shakes his cloak, letting a fresh puff of sand fall to the deck. "So when we arrived in the city and learned news of the potential for problems, we opted to go a more secretive route. Greybeard will be joining us on our expedition from here, and if you want no part of it then give the word and we will be on our way, on foot, with our gold serving as payment for the day's work and to quiet your tongue, as you proceed on your travels."
Auger looks at Das sincerely, meaning every word as he says it. "Before you decide think on this. I mentioned the potential for bonuses earlier. If you will instead continue your service with us, then we can proceed with our agreement as it stands, and I suspect Greybeard can make it more lucrative." Auger rubs thumb and fingers together in the (universal?) sign of the potential for money. "At any rate, I do go on at times. The person you should meet is Greybeard. Even with only those fishermen over there around I would prefer that he not expose himself to view. Not so close to the city."
Auger steps over to the cabin and opens the door. "He is waiting to speak with you here."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Insight: 24
Snow thanks the dock manager for the information and immediately digs in his pouch for the first days fees, handing it over quickly before the Cat leaves.
He jumps back onto the boat to thank Varielky, but before he has chance Auger starts to speak. He nods along as Auger talks of Greybeard, and his role in their arrangement. He isn’t quite sure why Auger was emphasising this so much at this point, but waits patiently for him to continue.
It soon became clear to him why secrecy was so important. He listens intently, a neutral expression on his face, until Auger finishes.
He looks at the door to the cabin, then to Varielky and finally back to Auger, his brow furrowed ever so slightly and his hand rubbing the back of his head.
“He is here now”, he says not as a question but a realisation. “Which means he has been with us through the city. Which is why you were using concealment magic”, he continues piecing everything together.
After a moment of thought his face softens. “This was a dangerous play, and could have got all of us in deep trouble, but I understand why you did it. An elderly dwarf would have been seized in an instant, no matter that they aren’t Granophyre Strewn. I expect any dwarf right now is in trouble from what I saw”, he speaks softly so his voice does not carry beyond the Animu Borongo.
“You have my word that my lips are sealed on this matter, and I will think on what you have said. I think it is time I meet Greybeard”, he says stepping towards the cabin. Before he enters he turns around to Varielky, “Thank you for getting us here, you are quite the rower”, he says with a big smile, then enters the cabin.
As the revelation of the hidden passenger comes to light, the mist flowing down from the Vale has continued to thicken. Just as Snow places his hand on the cabin door, but before he introduces himself, a voice calls from the docks. A figure has appeared out of the fog on the walkway, ambling slowly and assuredly, almost playfully, toward you, chewing on treesap gum.
“Well thank ye,” he calls in Shian, to Snow. “For escorting my girl out of the city. I’ll take it from here. That is…me an’ my friends here will.”
Snow recognizes the many golden teeth, the salt-and-pepper beard and mustache, and the tattoo-covered bald head of the Amazigh thug he had battled earlier in the day.
From out of the mist step seven more men, armed, muscular, brutal-looking, three wearing the orange floral livery of the Amazigh family. They space themselves out in a loose line facing down the walkway to which the Animu Borongo is moored, chewing treesap gum, removing it from their mouths and sticking it in their ears, then standing motionless, holding a variety of melee weapons and crossbows.
You all can see in their murderous eyes that no attempts at diplomacy or intimidation will work. You intuit that you have one round to cast defensive spells or arm yourselves before they rush you. They have the initiative.
Snow turns slowly and watches the scene unfold with narrowed eyes. “You were right, they are sneaky. See how they block their ears? They are afraid I will get in their heads again”, he calls the last part loudly with a chuckle, hoping some hear him before they deafen themselves.
"Sorry to get you into this. Eight against three is not good odds, but I'll owe you if you stick around", he says more quietly to Auger and Varielky, as he reaches behind his back and retrieves his violin and bow.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Varielky, whose arms are tired, wanted to rest for a moment. However, seeing the enemies approach, she quickly stands. "Any day is a good day to fight. Any day is a good day to fight the Amazighs. Today is an especially good day to do both." She doesn't elaborate much, but she does seem to mean it, as she reaches back to get her shield, strapping it on her arm.
Then, as she places one leg on the dock, ready to leap on it, she draws a red-steel longsword, a few runes etched into the base of its blade. However, perhaps most notably, is the fact that the moment the blade is unsheathed, a glowing red rune appears on her forehead. She stands there, ready for anyone who wishes to attack. "If any of you comes any closer, you're going to find yourself swimming in the cold water!"
(As for actions, that would be an action to don the shield, then a free action to draw her sword. Lastly, a bonus action for Second Wind, healing 9 HP.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Auger turns to the men who call out and shakes his head. He steps over to his things, picks up his rod and lets his travelling cloak fall to the deck, exposing his symbol-etched long coat. "It seems this troublesome day will never end. Yes, we will stand with you Captain Das."
Auger calls into the cabin, "Py, come out here and help keep an eye on things." A buzzing sound emits from the cabin and moves directly past the Captain and into the air.
More loudly Auger calls out, "Fools you do not know what you are facing!" Auger reaches through the Sea of Stars and into the waters and tries to create something intimidating in the vicinity of the men. What did it look like? Yes, that was it, thought it would have to be smaller... The water in front of them comes to life, a form rises up and out of the water, a smaller version of the elementals Auger and the others fought yesterday, it is animated and makes threatening movements towards the men on the dock. Auger steps off the boat and on to the dock and then backs away from the men.
Py movement: to M12, 20' up. Py is still invisible.
Object Interaction: grab Rod
Action: Auger casts Shape Water as described at R9. Intimidation: 13. Second die if you judge this adds up to Advantage: 7. Intent and hope is that not all of them will rush us at once or they will try to avoid the thing and stumble all over each other.
Amazigh 1 (golden teeth), responds to Snow with a venomous smile, cupping a gum-filled ear toward him, “No more of yer talk today. I CAN’T HEAR YE!. Pucker up all ye want!” And he charges down the walkway toward the Animu Borongo, the other men hot on his heels.
(OOC: At this moment Auger, Varielky, and Snow may begin enjoying the benefits of a Bless spell cast by Granophyre, hiding in the cabin still.)
Round 1 Results
No. 1 (golden teeth) charges toward Snow, dodging around Auger’s animated water effect.. Seeing Varielky take a defensive stance between him and the object of his assault, Golden Teeth flies into a rage, draws his scimitar, and lunges at Varielky. “Yer in the wrong place at the wrong time, girlie!!” The pure barbaric energy of his charge* drives his blade in a flash to strike Varielky’s breastplate under her sword arm, barely ricocheting away, causing 13HP damage.
The other men likewise give Auger’s animated water a wide berth but are not intimidated.
No. 2 fires a crossbow at Auger, hitting with a rolled 17 for 11HP damage.(N.B.: Auger’s Shield spell will deflect this blow if you so choose).
No. 3 advances and throws a javelin at Snow with a feral grunt. It pierces his shoulder, deflecting away into the river, but grazing him badly for 8HP damage.
No. 4, wearing Amazigh livery,charges* at Varielky and attacks with a spear, hitting for 12HP, shouting “Haaaaa!!”.
No. 5, wearing Amazigh livery, lowers his head like a bull and, snarling, charges* past Varielky to smash into Auger. Auger must make a STR save vs DC23 or be pushed backwards 5’, off of the walkway into the river at R15. If you fail your STR save, make a DEX15 save to grab hold of a gunwale to keep yourself from falling 10’ underwater.
No. 6, wearing Amazigh livery, does the same thing as No. 5 did, roaring and charging* at Varielky and attempting to push her off of the walkway. Please make a STR save vs DC23 or be pushed back 10’ into the river at S15. If you fail your STR save, make a DEX15 save to grab hold of a gunwale to keep yourself from falling an additional 10’ underwater. (OOC: In my mind, Varielky, due to her very similar shield master feat, could sacrifice her bonus action shield shove in her coming round to negate this shove effect as a reaction. In that case, no roll would be needed. Let me know in chat if you think that doesn’t make sense.)
No. 7 advances and throws a javelin at Snow, but it whistles past him, thunking into the neighboring boat.
No. 8, the second man who earlier had tried to steal the Animu Borongo, a line of dried blood still apparent from his ear to his collarbone, fires a crossbow at Snow. The bolt whistles past, missing.
*N.B., Amazigh fighters 1, 4, 5, and 6 (i.e., golden teeth and the three in Amazigh livery) have a special ability which allows them to charge and knock back opponents or attack with a bonus.
[edit] Underwater Auger goes. This is not entirely bad for him - can I get a ruling on whether he catches his breath or not? Con save (if helpful): 18 + Bless: 2.
Things happen a little quickly for Auger to track. He attempts to move on to the dock and the familiar tang of a crossbow bolt grabs his full attention. With a sudden, jerky reach for his energies, Auger redirects the bolt upward and harmlessly over him. His eyes momentarily on the bolt, he is completely surprised to see that one of the men has already run on to the dock and crashes into him, sending Auger backward and into the water. Flailing as he falls, Auger is unable to catch the nearby gunwale and instead chooses to hold on to his rod as he enters the water.
Underwater, Auger has a brief vision of himself trapped as when he was a small child. Setting the momentary panic aside Auger realizes he is not very far down and he swims back up to the surface and away from the dock. Still thinking of all the threats they face, Auger reaches into his mind and visualizes the point where his shaped water still makes its fierce motions. From that point, he causes an eruption of water to rise up and silently vaporize itself to form a dense and visually obscuring cloud of fog.
Auspicious beginnings, eh? Is it just the 8 of them? Reposition to keep them all in view please. I may need your eyes in a moment.
Sensing he has additional energies to draw upon, Auger reaches into the Sea of Stars and brings more energy into himself.
Actions and so on
Note 1: Preference is that Snow and Varielky go first in initiative so that they can act if they like, without the Fog Cloud disrupting them.
Note 2: Auger has that automatic Feather Fall thing from his super cool coat. I would bet he fell into the water surprisingly slowly, and perhaps never went down the full 10'. If that is the case then his move should complete at U15.
Move: Swim to surface at S15 (cast spell), then over to T15.
Action: Casts Fog Cloud centered at R9 at the level of the dock. Oddly enough the spell only specifies that the center point has to be in range, so hoping my little maneuver works despite Auger not technically able to see the point he wants right now.
Bonus Action: Redirects spell points to return a Level 1 spellslot.
Py: Flies up to a height where the Fog Cloud does not obscure its view of 2 and 8. Up to 40'?
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(I guess it could make sense? Perhaps she can use the shield to redirect the force of the shove away from her, rather than try to resist it? Perhaps. I'll be taking the odds of trying the save, though. They're not awful, though I guess these will be my famous last words.)
(Actually, I fear getting the "manipulated dice" banner if I edit that post. That mechanism doesn't like me in particular and appears on many of my posts for no reason, so I'll just post as Zzozz did - separately.)
With sheer strength and determination, with the additional help granted by Granophyre (surprisingly unneeded though, in this case), Varielky holds her ground, fully blocking the advancing Amazigh assailant without moving back at all. "Conversely! I believe the gods intentionally brought me to this place at this moment." Varielky calls, then looks directly in golden-teeth's eyes. "Just to make sure you don't take any other step on this land."
As she finishes her sentence, Varielky thrusts her sword forward, towards golden-teeth. Then, she slashes sideways, at the Amazigh next to him. Then, to reduce the number of enemies standing around her, Varielky smashes her shield in the face of the one who pushed Auger, trying to push him over the bridge and into the water.
Action: Attack. First attack at #1, second at #4. If the attack against #1 hits, Varielky will expend a superiority die to use Menacing Attack manoeuvre. Attack vs #1: 3+18 Damage: 20. If the attack hits, #1 must make a DC 16 Wisdom save or be frightened of Varielky until the end of her next turn. Attack vs #4: 3+27 Damage: 17.
BA: Shield Shove, trying to push #5 five feet backwards, off the bridge and into the water. Athletics: 23.
Auger looks ahead to where the next gate is, mentally preparing himself to, with Py's help, cover Granophyre's area with an illusion of an unoccupied bunk when the next inspection occurs.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
As they make their way slowly down the canal, Snow’s mind drifts to his passengers. He was warned about two names, Amazigh and Jlasi, and this pair had had issues with them both. In one sense that was comforting, because if the Amazighs made any further move to obtain the Animu Borongo he had allies. In another sense though, what chance was there he could be dragged into an issue of theirs. And who was this third of theirs?
“The city seems to have gone a bit insane since this attempt on the life of the Princess”, he says to Varielky and Auger, motioning towards all the activity and people in chains. “I hope your companion, Greybeard hasn’t been caught up in it all”, he says remembering his name being mentioned previously.
He looks at Auger for a moment, “I never did catch your name”, he says realising he didn't know a lot about him, other than he was some kind of spell caster.
Finally, you reach the north wall of the city, and must once again wait for the portcullis to roll up. Your boat is searched again, the hold first, then the cabin, but Auger’s illusion is enough to convince the guard that the cabin is empty. You are then led through the darkness to the outer wall, where it takes five full minutes to wind up the staggeringly heavy defensive portcullis before you can drift out of the Shian capitol.
Outside the walls, the freshness of the air, in comparison to that on the canal, is striking. On it flows the dry fragrance of flowers, pine, farmlands, clean water. The ox driver shouts a curt farewell to Snow, and walks his beast around to the road, where a blockade has been set up. He is questioned briefly, then continues on, perhaps to one of the farms which cover the landscape all the way up the foothills.
Scanning your route ahead, you see, perhaps a quarter mile upriver, a marina, where a mist hangs over the picturesque assortment of small craft moored in many slips along a boardwalk, and lights shine in the windows of a fishing village just beside it. The Queen’s High Way borders the river and runs through the village on its way up into the Vale.
It looks something like this.
Now, you hear bells ringing across Kalahata behind you, announcing the onset of the curfew as the sun sets, and indigo half-light covers everything, pierced by spotlights shooting from the outer walls as the city falls silent.
(OOC: It will take an hour to restep the mast, which would best be done with the craft moored in a slip. The Animu Borongo is equipped with a pair of oarlocks, which allow two persons to each row one oar, or one strong person to row two.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger is taken aback for a moment when he realizes he had never stated his name. How rude! He must have been too caught up in the day's events to formally introduce himself. Standing and bowing in the southern fashion Auger says, "I humbly apologize Captain. That was quite rude of me. I am Dannel Fetherlac of Belliu Village in Anshin Province. I am a carpenter by trade but more recently I have been making use of my connection to the-- well I need not bore you with it. I am a sorcerer of no great renown. I am Auger to those who know me. Its just a nickname based on a tool I struggled with as a child when learning my trade." Auger is sincere and a little annoyed with himself. Ignoring the basic forms was no way to establish a relationship.
Auger luxuriates in the smell of the fresh air, turning and drinking it in for a moment. "I fear all in and around this city will be caught up in events bigger than any individual. Greybeard is resourceful. He will find his own way, I am sure. How do you intend to proceed Captain? Are we to put in at the marina ahead?"
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow nods at Auger’s formal greeting. “Well met Dannel Fetherlac, Auger if I may”, he says formally. “And no need to apologise, it was a rushed greeting and in truth you and Varielky most likely saved my skin”, he adds gratefully.
A sorcerer then, that explains the spell casting, although not the purpose of it. But now is not the time to get into that.
After the ox driver takes his leave, Snow removes the scarves from around his head and neck and enjoys the breeze blowing through his hair for a moment.
“Ideally we would moor up at the marina in order to raise the mast, but that will require some rowing I’m afraid. Would one or both of you be able to help, I fear it would take forever were I to do it alone?”, he says looking towards the mist covered marina and the distance to it.
He goes and grabs the oars, as he waits for their reply.
"I can help with that," Auger says, though he will quickly let Varielky do the work, should she decide to assert an interest. Auger is not particularly strong and he thinks he has the best chance of maintaining Strewn in hiding.
Py, inform Granophyre that we have left the city and are coming to a marina where we will put the mast in place. Perhaps an hour of work. I would guess that there will be yet another inspection and that the Captain may choose to enter his cabin. Is he still sure we can keep him secret without the Captain's help?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
'He says,' sends Py, 'perhaps introductions should be made as soon after mooring as seems safe.' Auger, thinking about the process of unstepping the mast, some of which Auger and Varielky witnessed, it seems to be a certainty that the cabin will have to be accessed to manage the task.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Sure, I'll row." It might be a good distraction from the day's events. Varielky takes the oar and begins to row. It is hard at first, but Varielky will not give in to a bit of hard work. Moreover, once she gets used to the strange movement, she starts to row rather quickly, at which point she takes the second oar from Auger. "Give me your oar. If you can't row as fast as I do, we'll just turn in place." This is, of course, not meant to be disrepectful in any way. But, even though Varielky is aware of the wonders Auger can create, physical work like rowing was best left for her.
Varielky
With Varielky rowing, the boat moves steadily against the current to the marina, and soon, with Snow’s guidance, into an open slip. Three woman on a small barge are just completing unloading barrels containing live freshwater fish, you learn when the last tips, the lid comes loose, and several trout manage to fling themselves onto the pontoon walkway before the women right the barrel and roll it to a warehouse close by.
There are no guards present, only a dock manager, a tall, thin Cat with huge unintelligent eyes and a wan smile, who approaches to inform Snow that he’ll owe 2gp per day in mooring fees. He retreats to the warehouse as the fog continues to roll in from the north, and you are now alone except for some fishermen further upriver who doze with rods in hand.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Okay, the boat is moored I will send Das in to meet him momentarily.
"Captain, before we continue I think we should let you know about some important matters as they pertain to our companion, Greybeard." As Auger speaks he stands, holding his rod, clearly an arcane focus to anyone with knowledge of spellcasting. Auger looks at Varielky meaningfully and then back to Das. Realizing he was holding what might be considered a weapon, Auger turns and sets it down casually by his pack. Thinking a moment, Auger turns back to Das and continues, "Greybeard is our leader. We believe in what he is doing and we are on this expedition because of him, he is in fact funding the expedition and we cannot leave without him." Auger pauses to see how Das is hearing this, so far.
(OOC: Assuming Das wants to hear more)
"Greybeard is an elderly dwarf who needed to move through Kalahata, on a day when such a thing would not be easy. Before I go on, I must stress that whatever the news in the city about dwarves and assassination attempts, Greybeard was with me and Varielky yesterday and into the evening and this morning, far from Kalahata in the sands to the east." Auger shakes his cloak, letting a fresh puff of sand fall to the deck. "So when we arrived in the city and learned news of the potential for problems, we opted to go a more secretive route. Greybeard will be joining us on our expedition from here, and if you want no part of it then give the word and we will be on our way, on foot, with our gold serving as payment for the day's work and to quiet your tongue, as you proceed on your travels."
Auger looks at Das sincerely, meaning every word as he says it. "Before you decide think on this. I mentioned the potential for bonuses earlier. If you will instead continue your service with us, then we can proceed with our agreement as it stands, and I suspect Greybeard can make it more lucrative." Auger rubs thumb and fingers together in the (universal?) sign of the potential for money. "At any rate, I do go on at times. The person you should meet is Greybeard. Even with only those fishermen over there around I would prefer that he not expose himself to view. Not so close to the city."
Auger steps over to the cabin and opens the door. "He is waiting to speak with you here."
Deception: 21.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Insight: 24
Snow thanks the dock manager for the information and immediately digs in his pouch for the first days fees, handing it over quickly before the Cat leaves.
He jumps back onto the boat to thank Varielky, but before he has chance Auger starts to speak. He nods along as Auger talks of Greybeard, and his role in their arrangement. He isn’t quite sure why Auger was emphasising this so much at this point, but waits patiently for him to continue.
It soon became clear to him why secrecy was so important. He listens intently, a neutral expression on his face, until Auger finishes.
He looks at the door to the cabin, then to Varielky and finally back to Auger, his brow furrowed ever so slightly and his hand rubbing the back of his head.
“He is here now”, he says not as a question but a realisation. “Which means he has been with us through the city. Which is why you were using concealment magic”, he continues piecing everything together.
After a moment of thought his face softens. “This was a dangerous play, and could have got all of us in deep trouble, but I understand why you did it. An elderly dwarf would have been seized in an instant, no matter that they aren’t Granophyre Strewn. I expect any dwarf right now is in trouble from what I saw”, he speaks softly so his voice does not carry beyond the Animu Borongo.
“You have my word that my lips are sealed on this matter, and I will think on what you have said. I think it is time I meet Greybeard”, he says stepping towards the cabin. Before he enters he turns around to Varielky, “Thank you for getting us here, you are quite the rower”, he says with a big smile, then enters the cabin.
“Welcome to the Animu Borongo, Mr Greybeard”
As the revelation of the hidden passenger comes to light, the mist flowing down from the Vale has continued to thicken. Just as Snow places his hand on the cabin door, but before he introduces himself, a voice calls from the docks. A figure has appeared out of the fog on the walkway, ambling slowly and assuredly, almost playfully, toward you, chewing on treesap gum.
“Well thank ye,” he calls in Shian, to Snow. “For escorting my girl out of the city. I’ll take it from here. That is…me an’ my friends here will.”
Snow recognizes the many golden teeth, the salt-and-pepper beard and mustache, and the tattoo-covered bald head of the Amazigh thug he had battled earlier in the day.
From out of the mist step seven more men, armed, muscular, brutal-looking, three wearing the orange floral livery of the Amazigh family. They space themselves out in a loose line facing down the walkway to which the Animu Borongo is moored, chewing treesap gum, removing it from their mouths and sticking it in their ears, then standing motionless, holding a variety of melee weapons and crossbows.
You all can see in their murderous eyes that no attempts at diplomacy or intimidation will work. You intuit that you have one round to cast defensive spells or arm yourselves before they rush you. They have the initiative.
You are situated like so.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Snow turns slowly and watches the scene unfold with narrowed eyes. “You were right, they are sneaky. See how they block their ears? They are afraid I will get in their heads again”, he calls the last part loudly with a chuckle, hoping some hear him before they deafen themselves.
"Sorry to get you into this. Eight against three is not good odds, but I'll owe you if you stick around", he says more quietly to Auger and Varielky, as he reaches behind his back and retrieves his violin and bow.
Varielky, whose arms are tired, wanted to rest for a moment. However, seeing the enemies approach, she quickly stands. "Any day is a good day to fight. Any day is a good day to fight the Amazighs. Today is an especially good day to do both." She doesn't elaborate much, but she does seem to mean it, as she reaches back to get her shield, strapping it on her arm.
Then, as she places one leg on the dock, ready to leap on it, she draws a red-steel longsword, a few runes etched into the base of its blade. However, perhaps most notably, is the fact that the moment the blade is unsheathed, a glowing red rune appears on her forehead. She stands there, ready for anyone who wishes to attack. "If any of you comes any closer, you're going to find yourself swimming in the cold water!"
(As for actions, that would be an action to don the shield, then a free action to draw her sword. Lastly, a bonus action for Second Wind, healing 9 HP.)
Varielky
Auger turns to the men who call out and shakes his head. He steps over to his things, picks up his rod and lets his travelling cloak fall to the deck, exposing his symbol-etched long coat. "It seems this troublesome day will never end. Yes, we will stand with you Captain Das."
Auger calls into the cabin, "Py, come out here and help keep an eye on things." A buzzing sound emits from the cabin and moves directly past the Captain and into the air.
More loudly Auger calls out, "Fools you do not know what you are facing!" Auger reaches through the Sea of Stars and into the waters and tries to create something intimidating in the vicinity of the men. What did it look like? Yes, that was it, thought it would have to be smaller... The water in front of them comes to life, a form rises up and out of the water, a smaller version of the elementals Auger and the others fought yesterday, it is animated and makes threatening movements towards the men on the dock. Auger steps off the boat and on to the dock and then backs away from the men.
Py movement: to M12, 20' up. Py is still invisible.
Object Interaction: grab Rod
Action: Auger casts Shape Water as described at R9. Intimidation: 13. Second die if you judge this adds up to Advantage: 7. Intent and hope is that not all of them will rush us at once or they will try to avoid the thing and stumble all over each other.
Move: to P16
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Amazigh 1 (golden teeth), responds to Snow with a venomous smile, cupping a gum-filled ear toward him, “No more of yer talk today. I CAN’T HEAR YE!. Pucker up all ye want!” And he charges down the walkway toward the Animu Borongo, the other men hot on his heels.
(OOC: At this moment Auger, Varielky, and Snow may begin enjoying the benefits of a Bless spell cast by Granophyre, hiding in the cabin still.)
Round 1 Results
No. 1 (golden teeth) charges toward Snow, dodging around Auger’s animated water effect.. Seeing Varielky take a defensive stance between him and the object of his assault, Golden Teeth flies into a rage, draws his scimitar, and lunges at Varielky. “Yer in the wrong place at the wrong time, girlie!!” The pure barbaric energy of his charge* drives his blade in a flash to strike Varielky’s breastplate under her sword arm, barely ricocheting away, causing 13HP damage.
The other men likewise give Auger’s animated water a wide berth but are not intimidated.
No. 2 fires a crossbow at Auger, hitting with a rolled 17 for 11HP damage.(N.B.: Auger’s Shield spell will deflect this blow if you so choose).
No. 3 advances and throws a javelin at Snow with a feral grunt. It pierces his shoulder, deflecting away into the river, but grazing him badly for 8HP damage.
No. 4, wearing Amazigh livery, charges* at Varielky and attacks with a spear, hitting for 12HP, shouting “Haaaaa!!”.
No. 5, wearing Amazigh livery, lowers his head like a bull and, snarling, charges* past Varielky to smash into Auger. Auger must make a STR save vs DC23 or be pushed backwards 5’, off of the walkway into the river at R15. If you fail your STR save, make a DEX15 save to grab hold of a gunwale to keep yourself from falling 10’ underwater.
No. 6, wearing Amazigh livery, does the same thing as No. 5 did, roaring and charging* at Varielky and attempting to push her off of the walkway. Please make a STR save vs DC23 or be pushed back 10’ into the river at S15. If you fail your STR save, make a DEX15 save to grab hold of a gunwale to keep yourself from falling an additional 10’ underwater. (OOC: In my mind, Varielky, due to her very similar shield master feat, could sacrifice her bonus action shield shove in her coming round to negate this shove effect as a reaction. In that case, no roll would be needed. Let me know in chat if you think that doesn’t make sense.)
No. 7 advances and throws a javelin at Snow, but it whistles past him, thunking into the neighboring boat.
No. 8, the second man who earlier had tried to steal the Animu Borongo, a line of dried blood still apparent from his ear to his collarbone, fires a crossbow at Snow. The bolt whistles past, missing.
*N.B., Amazigh fighters 1, 4, 5, and 6 (i.e., golden teeth and the three in Amazigh livery) have a special ability which allows them to charge and knock back opponents or attack with a bonus.
You are now situated like so.
Please post your Round 2 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: Will post later after I know the results of saving throws)
Auger will Shield to deflect the damage.
Str Save: 15 + Bless: 3.
Dex save: 16 + Bless: 4.
[edit] Underwater Auger goes. This is not entirely bad for him - can I get a ruling on whether he catches his breath or not? Con save (if helpful): 18 + Bless: 2.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Things happen a little quickly for Auger to track. He attempts to move on to the dock and the familiar tang of a crossbow bolt grabs his full attention. With a sudden, jerky reach for his energies, Auger redirects the bolt upward and harmlessly over him. His eyes momentarily on the bolt, he is completely surprised to see that one of the men has already run on to the dock and crashes into him, sending Auger backward and into the water. Flailing as he falls, Auger is unable to catch the nearby gunwale and instead chooses to hold on to his rod as he enters the water.
Underwater, Auger has a brief vision of himself trapped as when he was a small child. Setting the momentary panic aside Auger realizes he is not very far down and he swims back up to the surface and away from the dock. Still thinking of all the threats they face, Auger reaches into his mind and visualizes the point where his shaped water still makes its fierce motions. From that point, he causes an eruption of water to rise up and silently vaporize itself to form a dense and visually obscuring cloud of fog.
Auspicious beginnings, eh? Is it just the 8 of them? Reposition to keep them all in view please. I may need your eyes in a moment.
Sensing he has additional energies to draw upon, Auger reaches into the Sea of Stars and brings more energy into himself.
Actions and so on
Note 1: Preference is that Snow and Varielky go first in initiative so that they can act if they like, without the Fog Cloud disrupting them.
Note 2: Auger has that automatic Feather Fall thing from his super cool coat. I would bet he fell into the water surprisingly slowly, and perhaps never went down the full 10'. If that is the case then his move should complete at U15.
Move: Swim to surface at S15 (cast spell), then over to T15.
Action: Casts Fog Cloud centered at R9 at the level of the dock. Oddly enough the spell only specifies that the center point has to be in range, so hoping my little maneuver works despite Auger not technically able to see the point he wants right now.
Bonus Action: Redirects spell points to return a Level 1 spellslot.
Py: Flies up to a height where the Fog Cloud does not obscure its view of 2 and 8. Up to 40'?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
(I guess it could make sense? Perhaps she can use the shield to redirect the force of the shove away from her, rather than try to resist it? Perhaps. I'll be taking the odds of trying the save, though. They're not awful, though I guess these will be my famous last words.)
Strength save: 24.
In case it is needed, Dexterity save: 8.
Editing...
Varielky
(Actually, I fear getting the "manipulated dice" banner if I edit that post. That mechanism doesn't like me in particular and appears on many of my posts for no reason, so I'll just post as Zzozz did - separately.)
With sheer strength and determination, with the additional help granted by Granophyre (surprisingly unneeded though, in this case), Varielky holds her ground, fully blocking the advancing Amazigh assailant without moving back at all. "Conversely! I believe the gods intentionally brought me to this place at this moment." Varielky calls, then looks directly in golden-teeth's eyes. "Just to make sure you don't take any other step on this land."
As she finishes her sentence, Varielky thrusts her sword forward, towards golden-teeth. Then, she slashes sideways, at the Amazigh next to him. Then, to reduce the number of enemies standing around her, Varielky smashes her shield in the face of the one who pushed Auger, trying to push him over the bridge and into the water.
Varielky