Rhanloi's Romp Through the Sword Coast

Examining the map found in the basement of the Wayside Inn, you determine the markings probably represent places where the Cult of Talos hopes to establish shrines. The defeat of Backes and his cultists here sets those plans back months, if not years. Genren talks to the Neverwinter soldiers in Leilon and they agree to get his message relayed to his old unit - especially since they have specific places to investigate! Still, though, you feel there is more to the map if you could only find out how to reveal its secrets... (plot hook!)

The Council agrees that you all look a bit worse for wear and that the island can wait until the next day. You are treated to a double portion of stew and warm sourdough bread that evening at the Settler's Camp, where everyone still lives while the town is slowly rebuilt. The townsfolk are all grateful, and listen to your stories with awe and appreciation. You notice several new faces around the fire, but think nothing of it...the town is growing and your actions to secure it draw new settlers each day. Sitting around the large campfire in the center of the area, you feel the warm fire slowly easing the aches an cold from your muscles, and the hearty food and cold ale make sleeping that night easy and deep. 

The next morning is still overcast and gray - leftover effects of the powerful magics from the cult. The air is cool against your damp skin as you walk to the Barge Yard on the shore. You remember that the water between the mainland and Idol Island is only about 4 feet deep - all but Manfred can easily wade out to the island, or you can use one of the flat-bottomed fishing boats. (Make a group DC10 Athletics to row the boat out or wade to the island. Manfred would have to swim or ride on someone =)

(Athletics: 18. Row row row the boat, gently down the stream…)

With his new ring of water walking Genren will walk slightly ahead of the row boat keeping eyes on the island and keeping alert to any potential threats or disturbances. Bow in hand just in case.  Perception: 

24

(Mobile)

Wakka athletics: 14

Athletics 24

As the group gets closer to the island, Tallow will cast See Invisibility 

Tallow nearly falls into the water when he stands up to cast his spell, but manages to stay in the boat... When you arrive, the island is deserted and empty, and the shrine between the statues has been ransacked. There is no sign of anyone here. DC 15 Investigation: 

 The shrine and statues will require some time, new materials, and craftsmanship to restore them properly. You will need some lumber, including pine logs, nails, a hammer, a shovel or two, a couple of picks, mortar and a trowel. Having woodworking or stonemasonry tools and experience will help. 

Investigation: 19  

When Wakka found the pin, he spat on the ground in disgust before commenting, "I'm really growing sick and tired of these storm-obsessed cultists!"

(Wakka is useless with tools haha but he's happy to assist anyone with knowhow!)  

‘What did you find, Wakka?’ asks Manfred, momentarily distracted by the damage…. (Investigation: 13)

(OOC - Tallow doesn't have experience with any tools but can he use Mending to slowly make repairs piece by piece?)

Genren keeps watch as the group discusses next steps. "I'm not surprised that they've been here, their grimy paws have been all over the sword coast if the map we found is accurate.... We can repair the shrine once we ensure the island is a secure location. I'm happy to run back to town to get some supplies after we do so." (did my nat 20 perception pick anything up prior?)

investigation: 13

The small island has nothing else to hide or to offer. It's a quick trip back to the Barge Yard to get the needed supplies. Hilved Earthbeam runs Leilon's version of a general store with help from his two assistants, Adar and Rendic. Hilved and Andar know several rumors and are happy to spread them, but Rendic is a little more reluctant to talk. (Everybody roll two d10s to find out which rumors you hear...  If you make a DC 15 Insight check, see the spoiler below.) 

You are able to gather most of the supplies you need, but need to go to the Fishery to get some fish oil to act as lubricant, and another boat to bring the heavy supplies back to the island. The fishery is managed by Valdi Estapaar, a half-elf female and also member of the Town Council. She has a new assistant, a red-haired elf named Velleen Firecrow. Velleen makes deliveries and manages trade in the surrounding area, with a team of kobolds who seem to adore her. Valdi is pleased you are taking the Council's request seriously and sends you on your way with everything you need to complete the repairs and some salted fish for lunch.

Back on Idol Island you set to repairing or rebuilding. It is hard work that takes the rest of the day, but the weather is cool and calm - a welcome relief after your harrowing experiences the other day!

(Because regular crafting like this isn't exactly covered in the rules, I'm going to run it this way. Because it takes strength, dexterity, intelligence and some common sense (wisdom) to build and repair things, everybody make a check for each of these four abilities. If you are proficient in any builder's or craftsmen tools, you can add your proficiency bonus to any two rolls. If you want to cast a useful spell, like mending, describe how you employ it and add your proficiency bonus to one mental and one physical ability. Describe any spectacular success or failures =)

(Manfred starts by performing an inspiring song, getting everyone in the right mood for work. He’ll give everyone Bardic Inspiration for 1d8 added to one of their rolls…)

 Manfred starts sensibly, by sitting and looking at the materials, and the needed repairs, using his mind palace to determine where best to use his Mending cantrip to repair what can be repaired - repairing once in position, rather than lifting already repaired stonework…

Strength (adding proficiency - 1d20-1+3): 10

Dexterity (1d20+3): 21

Intelligence (1d20+4): 12

Wisdom (adding proficiency - 1d20+0+3): 15

Finished, he wipes the sweat from his brow, and leans backwards to loosen muscles un-used to physical labour, as he inspects the results. He nods to one especially complex piece of stonework ‘I’m glad I got that into place before the wind picked up. Even my nimble fingers found it challenging holding all those pieces in place while we mended them…’

Genren rolls up his sleeves, propping his bow up against a nearby tree before getting to work. He's not familiar with this sort of labor, but has helped with some construction in his off days. 

Dex: 5 

Strength:7

WIsdom: 20

Intelligence: 11

Bardic (adding to my Strength): 5

Fingers and joints still tired from his previous combat, Genren moves uncharacteristically clumsily as he tries to put the pieces back together. He understands how things should work which is helpful, but you can tell he is a bit frustrated. (lmao when the rogue rolls a nat 1 on dex) 

Watching Manfred for a moment, Tallow attempts to copy his work using mending

Dex: 3

Strength: 22

WIsdom: 18

Intelligence: 4

Bardic adding to intelligence: 7

(Hoo boy, y'all need to be on a "Home Repairs Gone Wrong" comedy show =D)

(Definitely a mixed bag of scores lol)  

Wakka attempted to assist where needed, using his magically amplified strength to help set things in place.  Unfortunately, he was still rather sore and he struggled with the task.  Deciding to utilize his mental abilities instead (Psionic Power: Telekinetic Movement), he had a much easier go of it afterwards and was able to quickly move and set-up supplies around the island.  Unfortunately (and due to a low WIS score and a lack of forward thinking!), he overused his abilities which quickly earned him a raging migraine the likes of which he hadn't experienced since before his powers fully manifested.  Though he continued to work as best he could, anyone looking at Wakka was convinced he would pass out or vomit at any given moment!

• STR: 9 + 3
• DEX: 14 +3
• INT: 18
• WIS: 3 

• STR: 12+22+12+10=56/4=14
• DEX: 17+3+5+21=46/4=11.5
• INT: 18+11+11+12=52/4=13
• WIS: 3+18+20+15=56/4=14

Trained craftsmen would definitely have done a better job, but the collective work of the group wasn't disastrous overall, despite individual failings. Another example of the power of teamwork...

After a long, and taxing, day of toil, the party is rewarded with roast goat and warm bread with several cold mugs of ale. The townsfolk are grateful for your work to restore the idols on the island - plus your efforts to calm the storms and protect the town from other threats. 

DC15 Perception:

Perception 9

Tallow sees the person that Sergeant Yorrum thinks is Argus Skeel.  He gets up and moves to speak with the person.  "Hi there!  My name's Tallow.  No need to creep in the shadows.  Why don't you come sit with us and have a bite to eat and some company?"

Persuasion 20 

Will use Tides of Chaos to reroll - 19

Worn from the efforts of the day Manfred is busy tucking into the roast goat, and fairly oblivious to everything happening around him. (Perception: 10), and finds himself started out of his focus on food by Tallow calling out to the lurking figure. Putting the food down, Manfred stands and moves (non-threateningly) to take a closer look and welcome the stranger to the table... 'Good evening...'

(Investigation: 26)

Perception. 25 

When he notices the figure he keeps an eye out as Tallow and Manfred welcome them to the feast. (if reasonable with the amount of people I'll do the following) If Argus accepts the invitation and approaches Genren will casually seep into the crowd and walk around the group making small talk with the town folk to keep things inconspicuous (stealth? Deception?) as he slips a dagger out from the back of his belt concealing it within the palm of his hand with the help of his cloak (Sleight of hand?). He'll keep moving until he is behind Argus and will maintain some distance while preventing any escape. 

Rolls if necessary:

Stealth: 23

Deception: 17

Sleight of Hand: 16

(if Argus runs away, I'll chase him down :))