Ronis frowns, crossing his arms, fingers tapping out his frustration. "How about the fact that if I spend an extended period of time around other people, they start having the dream too? It's not like I have a history of recurring dreams either. It is, let me say this explicityly, out of the ordinary."
"I don't see how we could help the poor souls," Forktongue says.
"Actually, Captain," says the first mate. "A strong swimmer could bring them a rope. We could tow them away from danger and bring them aboard."
Forktongue stares at his first mate. "Who would be mad enough to attempt such a thing?" he says, then looks at Q'wai. "You?"
A strong swimmer I am not," replies Q'wai softly. "I may be able to reach them another way..."
Q'wai cuts his thought short, leaving his listeners in a bit of suspense. He's only ever walked upon a body of water for a few dozen feet and never has it been a tumultuous sea..
Ronis frowns, crossing his arms, fingers tapping out his frustration. "How about the fact that if I spend an extended period of time around other people, they start having the dream too? It's not like I have a history of recurring dreams either. It is, let me say this explicityly, out of the ordinary."
The bodyguard whirs quietly, unmoving for a time. Ronis begins to wonder if he has gone to sleep. "Query: This is something you could demonstrate?"
Ronis throws his hands up in the air, letting out an explosive, "I don't know! It's not something I control. Sometimes it takes a day or two, sometimes a bit more or less." He closes his eyes, and takes a few calming breaths. This last hurdle was proving an annoying one. "Do you want me to sleep in your presence for a few days? Will that prove it to you? Do you even sleep?"
Ronis throws his hands up in the air, letting out an explosive, "I don't know! It's not something I control. Sometimes it takes a day or two, sometimes a bit more or less." He closes his eyes, and takes a few calming breaths. This last hurdle was proving an annoying one. "Do you want me to sleep in your presence for a few days? Will that prove it to you? Do you even sleep?"
"Affirmative," the construct says. "But also in a room adjacent to the queen. I will inform her of the possibility of your dream. Then she can judge for herself. Is this acceptable?"
"Yes! Yes, I just want her to know about it. Thank the Gods." Ronis chuckles, relief washing over him. "Alright well, lead the way, Mr. Mechanical. I'm bushed enough as it is."
"Yes! Yes, I just want her to know about it. Thank the Gods." Ronis chuckles, relief washing over him. "Alright well, lead the way, Mr. Mechanical. I'm bushed enough as it is."
The room provided for Ronis is fit for a king. Or at least a dux. He is given a nightgown but his possessions remain locked in the guardhouse. He is also given a meal in his room, which is attended by two guards and locked from the outside.
The strangest part of the dream that night is seeing Duliani standing at the top of the stairs but also standing at the side of the room, watching Ronis ascend to kneel before the young queen. Her bodyguard, several women that Ronis does not recognize, and a single king's guard stand and watch the dream as well.
Upon waking, Ronis sits in the lush four-poster bed knowing that his message was delivered. He breathes a sigh of relief, hoping that now the dream will finally cease. A strong thunking resounds on the door and it is unlocked. The construct enters after a moment and shuts the door behind him.
"Request: Queen Duliani desires an audience. A tailor will be in after breakfast to provide you with new clothes. You will sit with the Queen for tea in the late morning."
The prescribed plan follows in clockwork-like fashion and the sorcerer finds himself in the sitting room of the queen herself, waiting for her highness to arrive. She does in short order and Ronis rises as he was instructed and bows as he was given the option to do. Duliani sits delicately opposite Ronis, who then takes his seat.
"Thank you for delivering your message," she says cutting directly past the niceties. She clearly has some experience dealing with commoners. "What do you suppose it means?"
"Ah, well..." He considers offering her his condolences for her husband, but then waves the thought away. Not the time. "As little talent as I have for Divination, I cannot say for certain. It's frustratingly unclear what events exactly it warns of, but I do have a few ideas, as I told to your bodyguard." He nods to the construct.
"Firstly, I believe it refers to events that will take place throughout Alcion, as indicated by it it taking place within the throne room. These events will obviously be ones that involve beings of the higher and lower planes. Probably. The throne withering and decaying, could be a sign of just you and the princess' line dying, or a symbol of the ruin of all of Alcion. That both you and the princess are shown to be unaware/unconcerned of/with it seems to me that it happens... well, without you knowing about it, or perhaps even more specifically against your knowledge of it. Purposefully hid from you, maybe. The angel taking up arms against another is worrying. Either representative of religious sects going to war, or the actual fall of an angel. Or perhaps it symbolises two good people fighting for some reason? The demons feasting on a human, could be a very poor portent; signifying demons being unleashed upon the world. It being two demons and a single mortal in particular is strange however; perhaps two different demons asserting influence over one person, to the point they are consumed by it? Or if not demons, influences of such a dark nature as to be represented by them? Or personal demons? The demon being fought by an angel and another demon is also... weird. Again, could be literal, or it's more metaphorical, representing a 'dark' person being fought by a 'good' person and another 'dark' person. This is the one I believe to be the most literal, personally, though again, can't be sure. The angel poised to kill Savras however... That one disturbs me the most. Either it is again, an actual angel set to do that, or it is one of his followers, set to kill him for some reason. Or maybe even something disguised as either of these, though that doesn't quite ring true for me. Still, a possibility."
"As for the dancers, it seems obvious the represent people who will play a significant role in this." He runs through the dancers, from Duke to God. "Anyone who fits any of these descriptors should be evaluated as potentially being involved in some capacity."
He finished, slightly red in the face, and takes a few deep breaths of air. "Sorry for the long winded explanation, but I have had a lot of time and little else to do during it but mull it over."
"Ah, well..." He considers offering her his condolences for her husband, but then waves the thought away. Not the time. "As little talent as I have for Divination, I cannot say for certain. It's frustratingly unclear what events exactly it warns of, but I do have a few ideas, as I told to your bodyguard." He nods to the construct.
"Firstly, I believe it refers to events that will take place throughout Alcion, as indicated by it it taking place within the throne room. These events will obviously be ones that involve beings of the higher and lower planes. Probably. The throne withering and decaying, could be a sign of just you and the princess' line dying, or a symbol of the ruin of all of Alcion. That both you and the princess are shown to be unaware/unconcerned of/with it seems to me that it happens... well, without you knowing about it, or perhaps even more specifically against your knowledge of it. Purposefully hid from you, maybe. The angel taking up arms against another is worrying. Either representative of religious sects going to war, or the actual fall of an angel. Or perhaps it symbolises two good people fighting for some reason? The demons feasting on a human, could be a very poor portent; signifying demons being unleashed upon the world. It being two demons and a single mortal in particular is strange however; perhaps two different demons asserting influence over one person, to the point they are consumed by it? Or if not demons, influences of such a dark nature as to be represented by them? Or personal demons? The demon being fought by an angel and another demon is also... weird. Again, could be literal, or it's more metaphorical, representing a 'dark' person being fought by a 'good' person and another 'dark' person. This is the one I believe to be the most literal, personally, though again, can't be sure. The angel poised to kill Savras however... That one disturbs me the most. Either it is again, an actual angel set to do that, or it is one of his followers, set to kill him for some reason. Or maybe even something disguised as either of these, though that doesn't quite ring true for me. Still, a possibility."
"As for the dancers, it seems obvious the represent people who will play a significant role in this." He runs through the dancers, from Duke to God. "Anyone who fits any of these descriptors should be evaluated as potentially being involved in some capacity."
He finished, slightly red in the face, and takes a few deep breaths of air. "Sorry for the long winded explanation, but I have had a lot of time and little else to do during it but mull it over."
The queen nods. "Tell me about how you arrived here," she says.
Ronis explains how the dreams drove him from his village to come to the capital, the shipwreck that stranded him, his subsequent rescue, and his arrival in Delphendria just in time to reach Duliani. (You can decide whether Ronis tells of Verkolax or not.)
This tale makes the queen furrow her brow with a frown. She turns to her bodyguard and says, "Bulwark, see that Master Ronis joins us on our return to Alciondria."
She turns back to Ronis and says, "I do not believe our business with each other is done."
With that, tea is over and the queen departs her sitting room. Bulwark stays behind for a moment, but says, "Recounting: I have some experience with angels and devils. Your dream has significance." He turns to leave but says, "We will keep your things until we know you can be trusted. An attendant will fetch you within the hour. Remain here."
As Ronis sits, he realizes that he may not see Verkolax again. This thought weighs heavily on him as he sits, nibbling on the remains of his tea in the silence of the queen's sitting room...
Q'wai looks at Forktongue, "Sir, if you are in agreement, allow me an opportunity to save some lives."
The monk then articulates his plan--a plan that requires a few hundred feet of rope, a crew member who will transport him via a longboat to within approximately 150' of the helpless sailors, and, lastly, as many strong backs as possible to reel in the desperate sailors who can grasp the length of rope.
If his plan is adopted, then Q'wai, carrying only his magical dagger and donning his robe of stars, will dash across the surface of the sea with a massive coil of rope in hand. As he feels himself about to plunge into the water, he will hurl the rope toward the perishing crew members, telling them to take hold as if their lives depend upon it. Q'wai will tread water and grasp the very end of the rope when the time comes, making himself the last person to be reeled in. If the kraken happens to strike at him, he has a plan for that as well...
Ronis is conflicted on whether accompanying them to Alciondria is what he wants, but recognises that we wasn't exactly given a choice. Besides, he's more than a little curious about what is to come. He will make mention of Verkolax, and ask that he able to inform him of his next actions (and perhaps tell him he is welcome to meet him at Alciondria if he wishes.
Q'wai looks at Forktongue, "Sir, if you are in agreement, allow me an opportunity to save some lives."
The monk then articulates his plan--a plan that requires a few hundred feet of rope, a crew member who will transport him via a longboat to within approximately 150' of the helpless sailors, and, lastly, as many strong backs as possible to reel in the desperate sailors who can grasp the length of rope.
If his plan is adopted, then Q'wai, carrying only his magical dagger and donning his robe of stars, will dash across the surface of the sea with a massive coil of rope in hand. As he feels himself about to plunge into the water, he will hurl the rope toward the perishing crew members, telling them to take hold as if their lives depend upon it. Q'wai will tread water and grasp the very end of the rope when the time comes, making himself the last person to be reeled in. If the kraken happens to strike at him, he has a plan for that as well...
Tick offers to row the longboat out and Forktongue thinks for a moment. "Okay," he says at last. "It does not endanger my crew...and I have to see this for myself."
The Serpent Queen maneuvers around to the stern of the sinking ship, keeping 300 feet from the kraken. Tick and Q'wai are lowered in one of the remaining longboats as the ship comes about, after which Tick rows to a point halfway between the Queen and the stern of the sinking ship. Seven ropes tied together lead from the ship to a massive coil on the floor of the longboat. As Q'wai stands, the entire crew of the Queen line the rails to watch what the monk is about to do.
The longboat rocks to the side as Q'wai steps as far back in the boat as he can, the rope tied around his waist. With a burst of energy, he darts off of the boat, his feet slapping briefly on the water as his legs pump in long, fluid strides. In the final seconds as he approaches the sinking ship, sailors of the sinking ship jump from the stern, now sticking straight out of the water.
The kraken turns a bulbous eye to the meal rapidly escaping. It lets out a shriek and summons a lightning storm on two sailors and Q'wai.
Q'wai DEX(23) check: 27 (damage is 17 on a failure and half on a success)
Sailor automatically fails and takes 30 damage. (dead if more than 32
Sailor automatically fails and takes 14 damage. (dead if more than 28
In all, 8 sailors are rescued (minus any killed by the lightning), pulled rapidly away from the sinking ship and the kraken. The Queen lifts its sails and hauls away from the fearsome beast, which takes its time exploring and devouring any dead crew left behind, satisfied with what it has.
Captain Forktongue slaps Q'wai heartily on the back. "I'd never have believed it if I had not seen it for myself. That is a tale for the bards. And look, you have one with you!"
The good captain laughs heartily, checking on the survivors to hear their stories while Tick attends to any severe wounds.
The Serpent Queen puts into Alciondria the next morning, exactly the last possible day that Q'wai has to reach his target on time. He debarks with a handshake to the captain, the first mate, the quartermaster, and more than a few sailors. At last, after nine long days, Q'wai and Tick have arrived in Alciondria, the massive, bustling capital. Black flags fly all across the city, confirming some of the early news they had heard in Va. King Haddian is dead and the capital is in mourning. It is not his reason for coming, though. There are demons about...
Ronis is conflicted on whether accompanying them to Alciondria is what he wants, but recognises that we wasn't exactly given a choice. Besides, he's more than a little curious about what is to come. He will make mention of Verkolax, and ask that he able to inform him of his next actions (and perhaps tell him he is welcome to meet him at Alciondria if he wishes.
Duliani is mildly surprised that Ronis befriended a young dragon but does not remark on it. Bulwark hears Ronis' request before he leaves the room. "I will deliver the message myself," he says, probably curious to see if Ronis is trustworthy in the details of his story.
Within the hour, three Royal Guards arrive and escort Ronis to the east quarter of Delphendria where a large mage tower spirals high over the city and sea. Inside, they are brought to a teleportation circle. A blinding flash of magic leave Ronis with spots in front of his eyes. When they clear, he is standing in a completely different room. This is the royal palace in Alciondria. He is escorted to an inn outside of the palace in the Temple District. The selected inn is no coincidence. The Midnight Candle sits across the street from the Temple of Savras. The guards leave a sack of his things before they leave. "Welcome to the capital," one of them says. "Queen Duliani will be in touch."
The room is not nearly as nice as the one in royal residence, so Ronis gathers his things and steps out into the city. It is noontime. He is hungry, clear of his burden, for now, and in the capital...
The Serpent Queen puts into Alciondria the next morning, exactly the last possible day that Q'wai has to reach his target on time. He debarks with a handshake to the captain, the first mate, the quartermaster, and more than a few sailors. At last, after nine long days, Q'wai and Tick have arrived in Alciondria, the massive, bustling capital. Black flags fly all across the city, confirming some of the early news they had heard in Va. King Haddian is dead and the capital is in mourning. It is not his reason for coming, though. There are demons about...
"Swan Street. The Midnight Candle," utters Q'wai, recalling the words spoken to him several days ago.
He inquires about the Midnight Candle's location and makes his way there directly. As he weaves his way through the streets of the expansive capital city, Q'wai wonders how he will recognize Kraag'ul. "Evil often cloaks itself in beauty," he remarks, quoting one of his masters.
Ronis sits down and relaxes in his still very nice room, content to not be rushing about constantly in worry about not delivering the message... for all of maybe thrity minutes before his stomach growls at him and his legs begin getting restless. He always did prefer being active to laying about. He goes to down inquire if there are meals provided with his room (as he doesn't have a penny to his name) before going out and exploring the city, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the sprawling urban environment properly for the first real time in his life. He spends most of the day doing this, before returning to the inn.
He hesitates before going inside, turning to look at the temple behind him. After a moment's thought, he turns and walks in its direction. He'd never been particularly religious beyond acknowledging the Gods and their followers, but perhaps some contemplation of this particular God could do him some good.
Ronis sits down and relaxes in his still very nice room, content to not be rushing about constantly in worry about not delivering the message... for all of maybe thrity minutes before his stomach growls at him and his legs begin getting restless. He always did prefer being active to laying about. He goes to down inquire if there are meals provided with his room (as he doesn't have a penny to his name) before going out and exploring the city, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the sprawling urban environment properly for the first real time in his life. He spends most of the day doing this, before returning to the inn.
He hesitates before going inside, turning to look at the temple behind him. After a moment's thought, he turns and walks in its direction. He'd never been particularly religious beyond acknowledging the Gods and their followers, but perhaps some contemplation of this particular God could do him some good.
Ronis finds out meals are included, which puts his mind at ease. That night, before taking one of those meals at the inn, he steps cautiously into the Temple of Savras. The cleric on duty recognizes a wandering soul and lets Ronis look around for a minute or two. Then the cleric finally approaches him. "How may I help you?" the cleric says.
Another voice booms through the temple. "You must be Ronis," says a high elf, stepping out of his chambers. He must be the High Cleric of this temple. "I have been waiting for you to...stop by."
The high cleric strides down a few steps to stand before Ronis. He is a tall, lean man. "I was fortunate enough to be called to the palace this afternoon. I had a meeting with her highness, the regent. She imparted to me a most unbelievable tale. Most unbelievable."
The elf looks at Ronis with careful eyes and a stony-expression. He steps aside and ushers the sorcerer towards his chambers.
The Serpent Queen puts into Alciondria the next morning, exactly the last possible day that Q'wai has to reach his target on time. He debarks with a handshake to the captain, the first mate, the quartermaster, and more than a few sailors. At last, after nine long days, Q'wai and Tick have arrived in Alciondria, the massive, bustling capital. Black flags fly all across the city, confirming some of the early news they had heard in Va. King Haddian is dead and the capital is in mourning. It is not his reason for coming, though. There are demons about...
"Swan Street. The Midnight Candle," utters Q'wai, recalling the words spoken to him several days ago.
He inquires about the Midnight Candle's location and makes his way there directly. As he weaves his way through the streets of the expansive capital city, Q'wai wonders how he will recognize Kraag'ul. "Evil often cloaks itself in beauty," he remarks, quoting one of his masters.
DM shield:
66
As Q'wai and Tick make their way through the unfamiliar streets, a commotion ahead alerts them to three stampeding horses that suddenly bursts over the pedestrians in front of them. Young noblemen, clearly intoxicated, barrel down towards the docks in an ill-advised race. They have trampled at least three people in the immediate vicinity.
DEX(20) check: 22
DEX(20) check: 6
Q'wai leaps to the side just in time. He can feel the the hot breath of the horse on his arm as it charges past.
Tick is less fortunate. The horse tramples over him before he can even look for a place to jump to (he takes 7 damage). Bloodied and bruised, he looks up at Q'wai, saying "I'm okay...but maybe do something about that."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ronis follows, attempting to use his somewhat poor people reading skills to gauge if this guy is miffed his god gave a random commoner the message and not him.
Ronis can tell the high cleric is miffed but not the reason why. In the elf's chambers, he listens to the same story that Ronis shared with the queen. At the end of his tale, the high cleric has a skeptical eyebrow arched. His fingers are tented as he considers Ronis' story.
"For the life of me I cannot figure out what you are after. What is it you wantRonisthe Castaway?" he says, his voice dripping with disbelief.
Ronis frowns, crossing his arms, fingers tapping out his frustration. "How about the fact that if I spend an extended period of time around other people, they start having the dream too? It's not like I have a history of recurring dreams either. It is, let me say this explicityly, out of the ordinary."
No, none.
The bodyguard whirs quietly, unmoving for a time. Ronis begins to wonder if he has gone to sleep. "Query: This is something you could demonstrate?"
Ronis throws his hands up in the air, letting out an explosive, "I don't know! It's not something I control. Sometimes it takes a day or two, sometimes a bit more or less." He closes his eyes, and takes a few calming breaths. This last hurdle was proving an annoying one. "Do you want me to sleep in your presence for a few days? Will that prove it to you? Do you even sleep?"
"Affirmative," the construct says. "But also in a room adjacent to the queen. I will inform her of the possibility of your dream. Then she can judge for herself. Is this acceptable?"
"Yes! Yes, I just want her to know about it. Thank the Gods." Ronis chuckles, relief washing over him. "Alright well, lead the way, Mr. Mechanical. I'm bushed enough as it is."
The room provided for Ronis is fit for a king. Or at least a dux. He is given a nightgown but his possessions remain locked in the guardhouse. He is also given a meal in his room, which is attended by two guards and locked from the outside.
The strangest part of the dream that night is seeing Duliani standing at the top of the stairs but also standing at the side of the room, watching Ronis ascend to kneel before the young queen. Her bodyguard, several women that Ronis does not recognize, and a single king's guard stand and watch the dream as well.
Upon waking, Ronis sits in the lush four-poster bed knowing that his message was delivered. He breathes a sigh of relief, hoping that now the dream will finally cease. A strong thunking resounds on the door and it is unlocked. The construct enters after a moment and shuts the door behind him.
"Request: Queen Duliani desires an audience. A tailor will be in after breakfast to provide you with new clothes. You will sit with the Queen for tea in the late morning."
The prescribed plan follows in clockwork-like fashion and the sorcerer finds himself in the sitting room of the queen herself, waiting for her highness to arrive. She does in short order and Ronis rises as he was instructed and bows as he was given the option to do. Duliani sits delicately opposite Ronis, who then takes his seat.
"Thank you for delivering your message," she says cutting directly past the niceties. She clearly has some experience dealing with commoners. "What do you suppose it means?"
(Ronis now has Clothes, Fine)
"Ah, well..." He considers offering her his condolences for her husband, but then waves the thought away. Not the time. "As little talent as I have for Divination, I cannot say for certain. It's frustratingly unclear what events exactly it warns of, but I do have a few ideas, as I told to your bodyguard." He nods to the construct.
"Firstly, I believe it refers to events that will take place throughout Alcion, as indicated by it it taking place within the throne room. These events will obviously be ones that involve beings of the higher and lower planes. Probably. The throne withering and decaying, could be a sign of just you and the princess' line dying, or a symbol of the ruin of all of Alcion. That both you and the princess are shown to be unaware/unconcerned of/with it seems to me that it happens... well, without you knowing about it, or perhaps even more specifically against your knowledge of it. Purposefully hid from you, maybe. The angel taking up arms against another is worrying. Either representative of religious sects going to war, or the actual fall of an angel. Or perhaps it symbolises two good people fighting for some reason? The demons feasting on a human, could be a very poor portent; signifying demons being unleashed upon the world. It being two demons and a single mortal in particular is strange however; perhaps two different demons asserting influence over one person, to the point they are consumed by it? Or if not demons, influences of such a dark nature as to be represented by them? Or personal demons? The demon being fought by an angel and another demon is also... weird. Again, could be literal, or it's more metaphorical, representing a 'dark' person being fought by a 'good' person and another 'dark' person. This is the one I believe to be the most literal, personally, though again, can't be sure. The angel poised to kill Savras however... That one disturbs me the most. Either it is again, an actual angel set to do that, or it is one of his followers, set to kill him for some reason. Or maybe even something disguised as either of these, though that doesn't quite ring true for me. Still, a possibility."
"As for the dancers, it seems obvious the represent people who will play a significant role in this." He runs through the dancers, from Duke to God. "Anyone who fits any of these descriptors should be evaluated as potentially being involved in some capacity."
He finished, slightly red in the face, and takes a few deep breaths of air. "Sorry for the long winded explanation, but I have had a lot of time and little else to do during it but mull it over."
The queen nods. "Tell me about how you arrived here," she says.
Ronis explains how the dreams drove him from his village to come to the capital, the shipwreck that stranded him, his subsequent rescue, and his arrival in Delphendria just in time to reach Duliani. (You can decide whether Ronis tells of Verkolax or not.)
This tale makes the queen furrow her brow with a frown. She turns to her bodyguard and says, "Bulwark, see that Master Ronis joins us on our return to Alciondria."
She turns back to Ronis and says, "I do not believe our business with each other is done."
With that, tea is over and the queen departs her sitting room. Bulwark stays behind for a moment, but says, "Recounting: I have some experience with angels and devils. Your dream has significance." He turns to leave but says, "We will keep your things until we know you can be trusted. An attendant will fetch you within the hour. Remain here."
As Ronis sits, he realizes that he may not see Verkolax again. This thought weighs heavily on him as he sits, nibbling on the remains of his tea in the silence of the queen's sitting room...
Q'wai looks at Forktongue, "Sir, if you are in agreement, allow me an opportunity to save some lives."
The monk then articulates his plan--a plan that requires a few hundred feet of rope, a crew member who will transport him via a longboat to within approximately 150' of the helpless sailors, and, lastly, as many strong backs as possible to reel in the desperate sailors who can grasp the length of rope.
If his plan is adopted, then Q'wai, carrying only his magical dagger and donning his robe of stars, will dash across the surface of the sea with a massive coil of rope in hand. As he feels himself about to plunge into the water, he will hurl the rope toward the perishing crew members, telling them to take hold as if their lives depend upon it. Q'wai will tread water and grasp the very end of the rope when the time comes, making himself the last person to be reeled in. If the kraken happens to strike at him, he has a plan for that as well...
Ronis is conflicted on whether accompanying them to Alciondria is what he wants, but recognises that we wasn't exactly given a choice. Besides, he's more than a little curious about what is to come. He will make mention of Verkolax, and ask that he able to inform him of his next actions (and perhaps tell him he is welcome to meet him at Alciondria if he wishes.
Tick offers to row the longboat out and Forktongue thinks for a moment. "Okay," he says at last. "It does not endanger my crew...and I have to see this for myself."
The Serpent Queen maneuvers around to the stern of the sinking ship, keeping 300 feet from the kraken. Tick and Q'wai are lowered in one of the remaining longboats as the ship comes about, after which Tick rows to a point halfway between the Queen and the stern of the sinking ship. Seven ropes tied together lead from the ship to a massive coil on the floor of the longboat. As Q'wai stands, the entire crew of the Queen line the rails to watch what the monk is about to do.
The longboat rocks to the side as Q'wai steps as far back in the boat as he can, the rope tied around his waist. With a burst of energy, he darts off of the boat, his feet slapping briefly on the water as his legs pump in long, fluid strides. In the final seconds as he approaches the sinking ship, sailors of the sinking ship jump from the stern, now sticking straight out of the water.
The kraken turns a bulbous eye to the meal rapidly escaping. It lets out a shriek and summons a lightning storm on two sailors and Q'wai.
Q'wai DEX(23) check: 27 (damage is 17 on a failure and half on a success)
Sailor automatically fails and takes 30 damage. (dead if more than 32
Sailor automatically fails and takes 14 damage. (dead if more than 28
In all, 8 sailors are rescued (minus any killed by the lightning), pulled rapidly away from the sinking ship and the kraken. The Queen lifts its sails and hauls away from the fearsome beast, which takes its time exploring and devouring any dead crew left behind, satisfied with what it has.
Captain Forktongue slaps Q'wai heartily on the back. "I'd never have believed it if I had not seen it for myself. That is a tale for the bards. And look, you have one with you!"
The good captain laughs heartily, checking on the survivors to hear their stories while Tick attends to any severe wounds.
The Serpent Queen puts into Alciondria the next morning, exactly the last possible day that Q'wai has to reach his target on time. He debarks with a handshake to the captain, the first mate, the quartermaster, and more than a few sailors. At last, after nine long days, Q'wai and Tick have arrived in Alciondria, the massive, bustling capital. Black flags fly all across the city, confirming some of the early news they had heard in Va. King Haddian is dead and the capital is in mourning. It is not his reason for coming, though. There are demons about...
Duliani is mildly surprised that Ronis befriended a young dragon but does not remark on it. Bulwark hears Ronis' request before he leaves the room. "I will deliver the message myself," he says, probably curious to see if Ronis is trustworthy in the details of his story.
Within the hour, three Royal Guards arrive and escort Ronis to the east quarter of Delphendria where a large mage tower spirals high over the city and sea. Inside, they are brought to a teleportation circle. A blinding flash of magic leave Ronis with spots in front of his eyes. When they clear, he is standing in a completely different room. This is the royal palace in Alciondria. He is escorted to an inn outside of the palace in the Temple District. The selected inn is no coincidence. The Midnight Candle sits across the street from the Temple of Savras. The guards leave a sack of his things before they leave. "Welcome to the capital," one of them says. "Queen Duliani will be in touch."
The room is not nearly as nice as the one in royal residence, so Ronis gathers his things and steps out into the city. It is noontime. He is hungry, clear of his burden, for now, and in the capital...
"Swan Street. The Midnight Candle," utters Q'wai, recalling the words spoken to him several days ago.
He inquires about the Midnight Candle's location and makes his way there directly. As he weaves his way through the streets of the expansive capital city, Q'wai wonders how he will recognize Kraag'ul. "Evil often cloaks itself in beauty," he remarks, quoting one of his masters.
Ronis sits down and relaxes in his still very nice room, content to not be rushing about constantly in worry about not delivering the message... for all of maybe thrity minutes before his stomach growls at him and his legs begin getting restless. He always did prefer being active to laying about. He goes to down inquire if there are meals provided with his room (as he doesn't have a penny to his name) before going out and exploring the city, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the sprawling urban environment properly for the first real time in his life. He spends most of the day doing this, before returning to the inn.
He hesitates before going inside, turning to look at the temple behind him. After a moment's thought, he turns and walks in its direction. He'd never been particularly religious beyond acknowledging the Gods and their followers, but perhaps some contemplation of this particular God could do him some good.
Ronis finds out meals are included, which puts his mind at ease. That night, before taking one of those meals at the inn, he steps cautiously into the Temple of Savras. The cleric on duty recognizes a wandering soul and lets Ronis look around for a minute or two. Then the cleric finally approaches him. "How may I help you?" the cleric says.
Another voice booms through the temple. "You must be Ronis," says a high elf, stepping out of his chambers. He must be the High Cleric of this temple. "I have been waiting for you to...stop by."
The high cleric strides down a few steps to stand before Ronis. He is a tall, lean man. "I was fortunate enough to be called to the palace this afternoon. I had a meeting with her highness, the regent. She imparted to me a most unbelievable tale. Most unbelievable."
The elf looks at Ronis with careful eyes and a stony-expression. He steps aside and ushers the sorcerer towards his chambers.
DM shield:
66
As Q'wai and Tick make their way through the unfamiliar streets, a commotion ahead alerts them to three stampeding horses that suddenly bursts over the pedestrians in front of them. Young noblemen, clearly intoxicated, barrel down towards the docks in an ill-advised race. They have trampled at least three people in the immediate vicinity.
DEX(20) check: 22
DEX(20) check: 6
Q'wai leaps to the side just in time. He can feel the the hot breath of the horse on his arm as it charges past.
Tick is less fortunate. The horse tramples over him before he can even look for a place to jump to (he takes 7 damage). Bloodied and bruised, he looks up at Q'wai, saying "I'm okay...but maybe do something about that."
Ronis follows, attempting to use his somewhat poor people reading skills to gauge if this guy is miffed his god gave a random commoner the message and not him.
Insight: 4
Ronis can tell the high cleric is miffed but not the reason why. In the elf's chambers, he listens to the same story that Ronis shared with the queen. At the end of his tale, the high cleric has a skeptical eyebrow arched. His fingers are tented as he considers Ronis' story.
"For the life of me I cannot figure out what you are after. What is it you want Ronis the Castaway?" he says, his voice dripping with disbelief.