Lost on Dark Waters: Strange Tides

[Zero_Point]

Lost on Dark Waters
Strange Tides

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As the confusion of your journey fades and your eyes begin to focus in the darkness of the cavern, you slowly become aware that it is not as empty and lifeless as it had first seemed. A variety of faintly glowing fungi and moss grows on the waste of rats, bats and other small creatures along the edges of the walls and floor. Here and there tiny luminescent beetles and slugs crawl along, feasting on the fungi and going about their meager lives. Veins of quartz and mica run through the solid stone walls, stretching up toward a ceiling somewhere far above your head and beyond your sight.

The air is warm and smells of damp earth, and a layer of moisture covers the stone around you, making it glisten in the dim light provided by the plants and insects. A steady drip comes from somewhere overhead, hitting the rocks in a constant drone. A light breeze comes from somewhere far off in the dark, accompanied by the gentle sounds of waves on rock. It is apparent there is some large body of water not too far off. The tranquil quiet of the cave is broken only by the distant squeak of a bat, and the confused mutterings of the four other people who stand just within sight in the darkness of the cavern. Though you are sure they are strangers, and their clothes are foreign to you, you still feel a certain mysterious kinship with them. Its almost as though you know them, perhaps from a dream, or a barely tangible memory of another life. Regardless, they seem just as lost as you, and perhaps together you can discover what strange land you have been brought to.

[Glitchy]

”GAAHH!!” Farli screams as she appears in the cave. It takes her a moment to realize she isn’t burning alive like she thought, and she stares wide eyed at the strange surroundings. Reaching up to her mouth she realizes her gag is gone, and she is no longer chained to a stake, though one manacle and a short length of chain still dangle from her left wrist.

Barefoot and dressed in a tattered prisoner’s robe she can’t help but shiver a little as she tries to make sense of what just happened. She spots a length of wood at her feet, her quarterstaff, along with the two belt pouches she thought had been taken by the guards when she was captured. She checks the contents, making sure everything was still in them, and hooks them onto the frayed length of rope that was serving to keep her robe closed.

Finally noticing the other figures nearby she lets out a little gasp, at first afraid they were Perth soldiers there to recapture her. She calms when she realizes their clothes were completely foreign to her, and she got the strangest feeling she could...trust them, ”H...hello? Can anyone tell me, where I am?” she speaks hesitantly, wincing a bit when her voice echos in the cave, ”Not that I’m not grateful to be here. It’s certainly better than...the alternative,” she gives a nervous laugh as she rambles a little.

[Luccan]

Hamic had begun a defiant war cry when the Void had taken him. Upon seeing his new surroundings, he stops short, his surroundings foreign and curious. He lowers his axe, though it is still gripped tight in his hand.

Are you... The Void's beasts?... Spirits protect me, is this hell? His fine clothes are rumpled and his sturdy leather armor is stained, but it's clear he's some form of nobleman. His features are handsome, but it seems to have been some time since he's seen anyone about his appearance. He glances at the halfling, barely taking in her features as his eyes dart around the cave.

What is going on here?

[Centaurion]

Melia stumbles a bit as her body has to cope with the sudden absence of the ships constantly moving ground, which she had gotten used to over the last days. Her left hand is clutched around the sack containing the few items she had with her during the breakfast, while her right is holding nothing, now that the ship's reel had vanished. She looks around confused, puzzled by the sudden change of environment. Her eyes have problem to adjust to the current lighting conditions, and she feels a certain fear rising up in her. She vaguely can make out other figures. Instinctively, her right moves slowly towards the grip of her sword, but she is not drawing it ... yet. She turns to get her back towards one of the walls, as one had taught her in training. Then, before she could speak up to identify herself, someone else does.

"The void? Beasts" the way the man was saying it, makes her feel as if he actually means an entity with it, and not the mere absence of matter. An entity she was not familiar with. Then, "hell". What is going on here? Do I... Somehow the voice sounds familiar. No, of course not. Then, she remembers protocol, and that she should mention her allegiance. Then again this void- and hell-thingy did not make too much sense... Maybe the portal had transported her to a place outside Arboria, where she had no authority? As incredible as that sounded, it could be wiser to not mention her affiliation.

Who are you? Identify yourself.

She tries to speak up firmly, as if she had a certain authority. Given the circumstances it is likely not one hundred percent convincing.

[Glitchy]

"Void...beasts..?" Farli is confused by the question, having never heard of such a thing before, and she looks down at herself, "Um...I don't think so. My name is Farli what's y..." her introduction is cut short when the woman speaks up and demands she identify herself. Farli squeaks softly and clutches her staff in both hands, her knuckles turning white as she instinctively takes a step back. this woman wasn't dressed like a knight of Perth, but she seemed to have the same bearing. Farli couldn't help but feel nervous when she spoke, "I'm Farli..uh...ma'am..." she answers slowly, not sure what title this woman might hold.

The little halfling was very conscious of her appearance now, dressed as she was in a tattered, thin brown prisoners robe held loosely around her waist by a length of rope, and she could feel the cold stone of the cave beneath her bare feet. Looking around again she wondered if she was going to get the chance to find some proper clothes.

[Machuchang]

This is it, isn't it? This is what being dead feels like. Lauren thought, as the sounds of battle faded around her. If she was dead, though, at least there was no sign of Orlan, or even Burglar, for that matter. Maybe, just maybe, they were still holding on.

The sound of some voices startled her out of her reverie. She jolted, and looked up to see four other figures standing in the cave. Something didn't feel right. If she had died in Silverport, surely the five people here could not have been the only casualties. And their clothes, their manner, hell, even their accents, seemed foreign. But something was familiar at the same time. Squinting her eyes in the darkness, the young girl studied the others with pointed curiosity. There was an elf woman there, with dark brown hair and bright green eyes. She kind of reminded Lauren of herself, but she had an air of civility and grace that Lauren was sure she could not match. Next to her was tall woman, with a striking, noble bearing. She appeared to be the most heavily armed within the group, and Lauren kept finding her eyes drawn to the white tree emblem that emblazoned her shield. Then there was the only man in the group. He was tall and handsome, Lauren supposed, but something about his expression turned her off. Finally, there was a little halfling girl, dressed simply in a ragged robe, with a chain of some sort around her wrist. She must have been a prisoner, Lauren thought, but nothing about her made her seem like the criminal type.

Funny how they all had so much equipment. Lauren suddenly realized that there was weight still on her shoulders. Her pack! She pulled it off hastily and rummaged through its contents. Flint and steel, twine, a couple kitchen knives, a blanket. While she couldn't say for sure, she was pretty sure dead people didn't take their belongings with them to the beyond. But that would mean-!

Relief flooded her as she realized she was still alive, only to be replaced with tentative resolve. If she was still alive, then she needed to get home. Orlan needed her. He had saved her life, and she refused to let that debt go unpaid. She looked at the others again. It looked like they would be her companions in this endeavor. At the very least, they were all that she had.

She tuned into the conversation just in time to hear the tall woman's command, and the halfling's squeak in response.

"And I would be Lauren. Lauren Finch," The young woman said, as she made an awkward half-curtsy, half-bow. She had to bite her tongue to prevent herself from snapping off some sort of sarcastic response to the tough lady's command. She really didn't want to alienate anyone here, especially not the woman with the big sword and shield. She decided to turn her attention to the halfling before she said something stupid.

"Gods, girl! I'm getting cold just looking at you!" She pulled the thick, woolen blanket out of her bag and draped it over the halfling's shoulders. It was an awfully large blanket for someone smaller than the average human, but it was awfully warm as well. Hopefully that would ease her somewhat.

[Glitchy]

Farli is a little surprised when the overly large blanket is draped over her shoulders, the little halfling woman nearly disappearing into it's folds. Grabbing the edges with both hands she pulls it closed around herself and smiles, feeling the welcome warmth of the soft fabric, "Oh! Thank you very much Miss Finch," she says gratefully. At least now she was warm and covered up properly. She still felt the cold metal of her one manacle on her wrist and silently wondered how she was going to get it off. She didn't like the idea of walking around with it jangling at her side, and it was bound to start chaffing if she left it too long.

Looking around at her companions she found she was having a hard time making out details in the dark cave, "Well, this is no way to make proper introductions," She was trying her best to be cheerful. After all, she was alive and away from those maniacs in Perth. She hesitates a moment, but again there is a strange feeling of trust she can't explain, and she somehow knows these people aren't going to persecute her if she works a little magic. So she speaks the words of one of the first incantations she ever learned, and her quarterstaff lights up with a brilliant white light, giving them enough light to see each other clearly and to examine their surroundings more fully.

[Zero_Point]

As the light of Farli's spell illuminates the darkness, it drives back the shadows of the cave to reveal that the group is standing on a narrow ledge of rock protruding out from the wall roughly eight feet. The rock ledge the group is standing on extends along the wall heading east far past the limits of the light. To the south, behind the group, the solid stone wall of the cavern rises up, and to the west and north the ledge drops off into inky green-black water that laps softly at the stone. The water extends out into what seems to be an underground lake far past the groups ability to see, it's surface glassy and still, broken only by the occasional stalagmites rising up from the depths in little clusters like the fangs of some forgotten beast. At the appearance of the light, a dozen bats take wing from somewhere high above the group's heads and fly off over the water into the darkness beyond.

Laying wedged between a stalagmite rising up from the water and the rocky ledge the group occupies appears to be the corpse of a human in a tattered sailor's garb, though the clothes are foreign to everyone in the group. By his appearance where he floats face down in the water, the man was dark skinned, and his outfit appears to be pieced together from several different uniforms as well as regular clothes. It consists of a military style coat with brass buttons, a now ruined silk shirt, tattered trousers, military black boots, a wide leather belt with a gold buckle, and a light blue scarf wrapped several times around the man's neck. The apparent cause of the man's death is a crossbow bolt sticking up from his back surrounded by the dark stain of blood. It doesn't appear as though the body has been there very long.

[Machuchang]

Lauren laughed as Farli burrowed into the blanket. 'Miss Finch!' That was a new one. She didn't mind, though. It made her feel a little bigger, a little more important.

Her eyes grew wide as the halfling cast a light spell on her staff. A spellcaster! Yes! She could work with that! Lauren's excitement quickly gave way to sadness though, as the magic brought Orlan and his cat back to front of her mind.

But before she had time to dwell, her eyes caught sight of the body in the water. She gasped in shock, and quickly turned to gauge the faces of the party, to make sure that they were seeing the same thing she was. They were.

Lauren gulped. Carefully, she drew her two kitchen knives and crept towards the floating body. Her eyes kept getting drawn the crossbow bolt in the man's back. They were not alone. She did not like that at all.

Spot: [roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]
If she gets close enough to the body to check it, Search:[roll2]

[Luccan]

Hamic's eyes widen as the spell goes off. As he sees the body, he pulls his axe in front of himself again.
Spirits! What is going on here?

He looks to the others and nods I am called Hamic Derard. Do any of you know what is going on? He turns back to the body and readies his shield as well.

[Centaurion]

Melia

The moment, Melia hears the verbal component of the spell, she draws her sword in a practiced and fluid motion. Then, seeing that it was merely a light spell, and finally seeing the others, she lets the sword point towards the floor.

"I am Melia Oathbound. I have no idea where we are, I think I stepped through a portal, and - " her eyes then follow the eyes of her peers. Apparently, there is a body in the water, shot dead. "Careful, this could be a trap." Her instinct told her to move towards the wall, away from the chasm. On her way, she provisionally fixes the half-empty sack to her belt, and readies her shield. "If there are snipers, our light will be to their advantage." She finally comments, as if reciting something she has learned, and just remembered.

[Eladrinblade]

Staying still and silent while trying to piece together her situation, Lei'alor simply listens to the others to determine if they are a threat or somehow responsible for what just happened. She quickly deduces they are as clueless as her. Axe in hand this whole time, she finally loosens up and goes to pull the body from the water. "Whatever has befallen us, I think it unlikely we would appear in a shooting gallery. We need to know what is happening, and here a clue has washed upon us." She inspects and searches the body after dragging it out of the water. "If I am wrong, waste no time in fleeing, though try to stay together."

Taking 20 on a search check.

[Glitchy]

Farli takes a moment to notice the body in the water, but when she does her eyes grow wide in shock, "Is...is that a body? Is it...dead?" it was a rather stupid question, but Farli had a hard time thinking straight when she was nervous. The situation wasn't improved when Melia draws her sword and announces that this could be a trap and there might be snipers. Farli squeaks and burrows further into the blanket she is clutching around herself so only her eyes are peeking out, "But...why would anyone do that?"" it didn't make any sense to her. She was a no one, a former slave and prisoner. She doubted the men of Perth would go to such elaborate lengths to kill her, especially since they had already had her tied to the stake before all this happened.

When the fifth and finale figure on the rocky ledge finally moves and speaks Farli is a little surprised having nearly forgotten there was another person there. The little halfling watches as the elf woman pulls the body from the water and begins to search it. She made sense too. Why would they have been brought here just to be shot down? Walking over to get a closer look at the body and the elf woman, Farli pokes a hand out of her blanket cocoon, "Um...Hi. I'm Farli. I didn't catch your name..." she puts on her best smile but it is utterly wasted since her face is almost completely covered by the blanket.

[Zero_Point]

Searching the corpse turns up only a few items of interest. A rapier hangs on the man's belt, pitted and clearly in need of repair, as well as a coin purse. The coins are unlike anything any of you have seen before. They are octagonal and made of bronze with a center of polished green stone. In an inner pocket of his coat there are three small vials of syrupy amber liquid. Turning the vials in the light produces strange patterns in the liquid, and it doesn't flow like you would expect it to, clinging to the glass of the vial and beading up into tiny balls before flowing into a single mass again. Each vial is capped by a tin stopper held in place by wax to form an absolutely water tight seal.

[Machuchang]

Lauren crept toward the body, happy to have the mysterious elf woman beside her. True, it seemed unlikely that she and her five companions had been taken to this cave for some sort of sick sport, but she had heard far too many strange stories from Orlan to rule out that scenario entirely. And whether that was true or not, it was nice to have someone so confident by her side. A teeny, tiny part of her was also a bit relieved to not be the only potential target.

Lauren crouched awkwardly by the water as the elf pulled the body onto the cave floor, unsure if she should help or not. But before she managed to reach a concrete decision, the elf had already completed her task.

This wasn't the first dead body Lauren had come across; not even close. The thought hit her like a hammer. She should have been afraid, or disgusted, or sad, or- or something! But she was indifferent, numb. It felt like she was moving in a dream as she rifled through the man's various pockets. The realization unnerved her, so she forced herself to focus harder on the task at hand.

Definitely not Altierian coins. Or Kalkoran, for that matter... Lauren sifted through the dead man's purse haphazardly and grabbed a couple coins before passing it over to the elf. The coins were certainly strange, but they were nowhere near as interesting as the vials. Lauren admired the mysterious liquid inside as wracked her brain, struggling to remember if Orlan had ever dealt with something similar.

Knowledge (Arcana): 19+3 = 22

[Eladrinblade]

Lei'alor turns and gives the halfling a small and somewhat strained smile, "Hello Farli, I am Lei'alor, of Silverymoon." Elves aren't big on handshakes, but she knows most are, and so offers forth a hand from her crouched position. "I fear I am just as lost as all of you." She turns back to the corpse, and inspects his sword. "I can only hope this poor fellow wasn't brought here in the same way, for it would spell a dark omen for us." She turns back to look at everyone else for a moment, then looks down the only dry path available.

Her voice is small and light, probably forcing those standing away to come closer to hear, but she doesn't seem aware of this.

[Luccan]

Pleasantries later, we should retreat He raises his shield and turns toward the only land way out. Shields first His tone indicates he is used to commands being followed.

[Glitchy]

Farli grimaces a little watching Lel'alor search over the corpse, but she does her best not to show it. She's seen dead bodies before, orcs, humans, even her own people. She even had to loot bodies during her time as a slave, but she never quite got used to the sight.

When the coins are produced she stares at them with wide eyes, "Ooohh, those are pretty. Can...I have one?" she asks with a little blush. She had always liked foreign coins and still had a few she had collected in Perth, but those were just simple stamped silver and copper. These were much more unique and seemed to have a jade core. She wondered if the people who used them had other denominations with different stones or metals. If allowed, she takes one of the coins and happily slips it into her coin purse.

When the vials appear she is much more interested, and this time doesn't ask permission before grabbing one of them, "Fascinating..." she speaks more to herself than to the others as she examines the liquid. She loved potions, elixirs and oils. Back home she had been an armature alchemist, and had even managed to brew a few of her own minor potions on the rare occasion she had the time and coin to do so. She wondered what this strange liquid could be and searched everything she knew about alchemy. At the same time she casts another spell to determine if the liquid is magical in nature.

Knowledge (Arcana) [roll0]
Craft (Alchemy) [roll1] (not sure if this can be applied)
Cast Detect Magic and focus on the vial and it's contents for three rounds (18 seconds)

[Zero_Point]

Lauren has no knowledge about the liquid in the vials. It doesn't match anything she has ever experienced or heard about.

Farli's examination of the vials doesn't turn up anything new, but when she casts detect magic on one she gets the impression of a strong magical aura from it. (You need to make a spellcraft check to determine more)

[Glitchy]

Farli's eyes glow faintly as she focuses on her spell, studying the vial intently, "These are magical," she announces, [B]"Some type of potion or elixir..." the little halfling trails off as she tries to determine more about the aura she was seeing.

Spellcraft [roll0]

[Zero_Point]

Farli can tell that whatever is in the vials holds a strong enchantment aura and will likely grant the one who drinks it some special property.

[Centaurion]

Without thinking, Melia follows the command, gets in position, her shield up. She was simply very used to act upon such orders. She waits however, for the others to be done with the corpse before proceeding. After all, they also had the only light source.

[Machuchang]

Lauren smiled at Farli's request and handed her the purse.

"They're awfully pretty, aren't they?" She watched, amused, as the halfling sifted through the bag and admired the coins. Lauren fiddled with one herself while she examined the strange vial.

Is it a healing potion? Or some sort of oil maybe? Hm. Oil. I wonder if you could cook with this stuff? It probably wouldn't taste very good. But then again, maybe it might! Silverport's water always tasted better when Orlan purified it. But then again, was I even tasting magic when that happened? And is this even magical at all? It sure- Lauren was so lost in her thoughts that she barely noticed when Farli plucked up one of the vials. But once the halfling cast her detect magic spell, she became the sole focus of Lauren's attention.

"So it is magical!" She said, once Farli had finished her assessment. "Stellar. Hopefully it's the good kind."

Her knees popped as she pushed herself up from the floor. Hamic was right. There would be time for actual pleasantries later, or at least she hoped so. It was time to get moving. Lauren couldn't help but notice Melia's fluidity as the tall woman took her position. She was practiced, alright. That was good. It looked like newfound friends were a trained warrior, a courageous elf, a spellcaster, and an intelligent man. Maybe their chances of escaping this place weren't so bad after all.

[Glitchy]

Farli grins as the aura becomes clear to her and she turns the vial over and over in her hands, "This thing has a strong enchantment in it. It will give whoever drinks it a speacial property. But I'm not sure what exactly. Maybe it grants the power to see in the dark! Or to swim really fast! Or maybe fly! Or.." her rambling stream of possibilities cuts off as the rest of the group makes ready to leave, "Oh, are we going? Okay," Farli slips the vial into her belt pouch and takes up a place near the middle of the group. She wasn't a fighter, so she wanted to keep one of the big people both ahead of her and behind, just in case.

[Zero_Point]

As the group moves down the rock shelf, it begins to narrow until they are forced to walk single file. The light from the glowing staff, at first, reveals nothing but more rock and water, until slowly a large shape looms up before them. At the very edges of low-light vision there is a mass of shadows that might be a rock formation, but it is too far away to see clearly or to make out any details at first. Approaching it, they discover a ship anchored a few feet off the rock shelf. As they draw closer to the ship the group can see it is unlike anything any of them has ever seen before. Made of metal and wood, it vaguely resembles a tramp steamer, but with a distinctly Victorian construction reminiscent of something out of a Jules Vern novel, with sweeping brass fixtures and ornate filigree adorning it's hull and cabin. A pair of good size paddle wheels dominate the port and starboard hull, and a pair of short smoke stacks rises up from the rear of the ship's cabin.
http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/transport-empire/images/5/54/Archimedes_cargo_steamship.png/revision/latest?cb=20151227064005

Beached on the edge of the rock shelf is a long boat that seems to match the ship in the style of it's construction, though it has no paddle wheels, only a pair of oars. Laying on the rocks near the long boat in a pool of mostly dry blood, is another corpse. Rolling the body over reveals a stab wound to his gut, and the amount of blood suggests he bled out from the injury. This man is dressed similarly to the previous one, and there is an empty hand crossbow clutched in one of his hands. Another rapier, this one in slightly better condition, hangs from his belt, along with another coin purse containing more of the foreign coins, giving the group a total of thirty. There is also a satchel slung over one of the man's shoulders, and inside are a dozen more of the amber liquid filled vials. As before, Farli's spell shows her that each vials glows with a strong aura of enchantment.

Looking toward the ship anchored out in the water, Farli can sense more auras of magic. Most of them, more than she can really keep track of, are concentrated in one area and all match the aura of the vials the group has found. But there are three more auras, two moderate and one very strong, that are different. (Spellcraft check to identify the schools of magic)

[Glitchy]

Farli hums softly as the group walks long. She was feeling much more relaxed the longer she was here. She was alive and, so far as she could tell, far away from Perth, her new friends seemed competent and skilled and they didn't persecute her for being an adept. Despite being lost in an unknown land and seemingly trapped deep underground, it was really turning in to a much more pleasant day than she had expected.

When the ship comes into view Farli's eyes widen, "Wow! That looks amazing! I've never seen a boat before. Or this much water come to think of it. Do all boats look like that? I think I'd like to ride on a boat. Are they fast? That one looks fast. How does it work? I though boats had sails, but that one has wheels. Can it go on land?" the little halfling is prone to babbling when she gets excited, and it takes her a moment to notice the body laying next to the long boat, "Oh...I guess he killed the other man? He has more of the enchanted vials. If no one minds I'll look after those," she takes the satchel the dead man has and loops it over her own shoulder. Made for a human, the bag hangs to her ankles, but she doesn't seem to mind, and she adds the vials they already collected to the collection in the satchel.

Looking out at the ship Farli taps her chin against her staff as she thinks, "There are more vials out there. I can see their auras. There's other magic too. I'm not sure what it is yet. Let me see..." she trails off and concentrates, trying to determine the school of magic for each of the new auras.

Spellcraft [roll0]
Spellcraft [roll1]
Spellcraft [roll2]

I think I need a separate roll for each aura right?

[Luccan]

Hamic finally relaxes somewhat, as the group takes formation and moves as one towards their only sensible exit. The narrowing path sets him on edge again, but he strides down it with a determined gait. These new... allies were strange. Well, not strange, though he'd rarely met elves and only heard of halflings in his homeland. But he'd never worked with so many women at once before. Sardar and Yamash didn't use many female agents or if they did, kept that knowledge a secret. He had been in contact with only two female spies in his time. Still, his allies gave him some confidence. They seemed competent and their skills were diverse. Perhaps he wasn't dead. Perhaps where the Void had placed him was somewhere further west than had ever been traveled. The soldier seemed well trained and responded well to commands, that would be useful and the others were clearly inquisitive. With a mystic as well, he at least had some hope of...

As the ship and second corpse come into view, he grimaces. He reaches a hand out to stop Farli's advance, but fails to catch her and he steps after her, intent on keeping the shield between the halfling and the boat. Her report, however, causes him to shift slightly and he glances back at the othersWe'll gather everything useful from this one. I've never seen a boat like this, but we might be able to make use of it, if it is empty. Does anyone other than me and Melia have combat training?

[Zero_Point]

The auras of the vials distort Farli's vision a bit and she is only able to determine the school of one of the moderate auras. She can identify abjuration magic coming from somewhere on the ship, likely the wheel house. But the other two new aura elude her, all she can do is pin point their locations. The second moderate aura is in the wheel house as well, but the strong aura seems to be below decks in the stern of the ship. the auras for the vials are on the deck of the ship, all grouped near mid-ship.

[Machuchang]

Lauren's jaw dropped as soon as the ship came into view. It was like nothing she had ever seen before! She smiled as Farli spoke, the halfling's thoughts perfectly mirroring her own.

"That ship does look awfully fast, doesn't it?" She said to Farli. "And you're right; all the ships back in Silverport had sails, and no wheels to speak of. Maybe it's some sort of magic..." Her voice trailed off once she noticed the dead body.

"What a way to go," She said to no one in particular, as she examined the man's stomach wound. While Lauren couldn't claim to be an expert on anatomy, she had seen enough wounds on refugees back in Altier to be sure the man suffered a slow, painful death. She drew her hand to her stomach instinctively, imagining what it must have felt like to bleed out like that. She shook her head, and tried to turn her attention to something else. Fortunately, Farli's discovery of the other magical auras was a perfect distraction.

Lauren nodded in affirmation when she heard Hamic's words.

"Sure sounds like a good idea to me," She replied. "I mean, it's not like they're going to be needing anything anymore,"

She stared down at her knives when Hamic asked if anyone had martial training. Her blades seemed awfully inadequate next to the axes and blades she saw some of the others carrying. Hell, she vividly remembered chopping vegetables with the one to her left. Still, they were better than nothing, or so she told herself.

"I can't say I have any real combat training, no," She told Hamic. "But I have been in a few scraps here and there. If it comes down to it, I can hold my own," She said, with a confidence she did not fully feel.

[Glitchy]

Farli frowns and actually smacks the side of her head a few times as if it might make her spell work better, "Hmph! Well, there's abjuration magic out there, some sort of protection or barrier I guess. But I can't make out the others," she turns away from the ship and smiles at Lauran. She was really starting to like her, she was nice and didn't intimidate her like the elf, the knight or the man.

When Hamic inquires about combat training Farli blinks and starts to rummage around in her belt pouches, "Oh...hmm...I have this!" she pulls out one of her darts and holds it up proudly, "It's really sharp and I can throw it really well. I have a good arm. I once hit an apple right off the branch," she suddenly frowns and looks thoughtful, "Of course, the tree belonged to a farmer. He got mad. Maybe he didn't like holes in his apples. It still tasted fine though. I'm not sure what the problem was," she then smiles again, still holding the dart up. Clearly she had no formal combat training, and might even be more of a danger to herself than anyone else.

[Centaurion]

Melia

Great, another ship. Melia's thoughts were not half as happy as the words of the others.

"Does anyone of you know how to actually operate a ship? In particular a magical one?"

[Glitchy]

Farli lowers her dart finally and tilts her head as she regards Melia, "Um...No. But I don't think the ship is is magic. There are magic thingys on the ship, but the ship itself isn't giving off an aura. Are magic ships common? What makes them magic? Can they fly? I think most magic things can fly. Or at least I hope they can. I think I would like to fly. It would be fun to see things from up high, instead of always being short. The world isn't built for halflings," she is looking thoughtful again, which seems to lead to some strange ideas and babbling, "Well, at least my world wasn't. Maybe this world is different. Maybe I'm a giant here. Do I look taller to you?" she looks down at herself and stands on her toes, genuinely checking to see if she is any taller than she was before.

[Eladrinblade]

Lei'alor walks up to the new corpse, taking the hand crossbow and the better rapier. "I can use a few weapons, such as these swords, my axe, and bows, but not this little contraption.", she shakes the hand crossbow. "I have had some tutoring, but I am no warrior. I am a scout, though not a professional." She looks at the large boat, "I know nothing of ships."

She looks over the ship from where she is for a moment, noting details (especially any ropes or rigging hanging off the side with which to climb up) and trying to get an idea of the inner space. "I will enter the ship; can anyone else move quietly?" She hands the rusty rapier to anyone else who can use it, and readies to move the small boat to the larger boat.

Were there any bolts with the crossbow? If so, she takes them too. Also, does the path continue,
or does it stop with the boat?

[Luccan]

Hamic approaches the smaller vessel, shield still raised towards the ship. He glances inside for anything other than oars and if no attack comes from the boat off shore, he lowers his shield again.I'm light on my feet, but I have no training in silent movement. We can take the smaller boat up to it as a group. If you have confidence in your abilities, you can scout the ship before we board. But I don't like the idea of anyone boarding alone. He turns to the others again and waits to see if anyone else volunteers to scout the ship.

[roll0]

[Eladrinblade]

"If you are all willing, I am fine with that." She waits quietly for the others to decide.

[Centaurion]

Melia

"First time and last time I was on a ship, the ground suddenly vanished under me and I was put into some strange cavern. So, no experience here. Also, I have basic survival training, but I am no member of the scout divisions of -- well, let's just get on the boat. If you think it's better to first have a look around that's fine. Holler if you need help, and we'll come to your aide. If no one else takes it, Melia takes the rusty rapier. It would suffice as a backup weapon for now, and a backup weapon is always good to have, she thinks, remembering the story the one old recruiter would always tell, about the hero warrior who would constantly lose his ancestor's sword, and never pack a backup weapon.

[Machuchang]

Lauren chuckled at Farli's questions. She was becoming quite fond of the halfling. She was almost like the little sister she never had.

"Well, you're a magic thing, Farli," She said. "So I'm sure you'll be flying in no time! And maybe you are a giant here! But if you're a giant, what would that make me? For the sake of the poor people wherever we are, I think I'd much rather be, well, me-sized!"

She sized up the ship again, her eyes drawn to the filigree. It really was something else. While the dead bodies everywhere were a little, well, disconcerting, she had to admit that she would love see the inside.

"I've, uh... I've done my fair share of sneaking around, I guess," Lauren said, remembering how she hid from Kalkoran soldiers in bushes and evaded thugs in the Silverport's alleys.
"I can tag along with Lei'alor. Like you said, Hamic, it'd be much better than someone going in alone. And we would have plenty of backup out here," She nodded to Melia. "If that's our best plan at the moment, I say we get to it,"

She eyed the crossbow curiously.

"Y'know, if you don't want that little crossbow, Lei'alor, I'll take it," She remembered seeing many similar weapons put to use back in Altier. Hand crossbows like this one were particularly common in the back streets of Silverport. While she never had the opportunity, or inclination, to use one herself, times were different now, and in all honesty, she would feel much more comfortable having an actual weapon, even if she didn't have any ammunition as of yet. She was sure she could figure it out without too much trouble.

[Glitchy]

Farli looks up at Lauren and blinks as she considers her words, "Oh, that's true. I don't want to step on anyone. I hope I'm not a giant," She lifts one foot and looks under it as if expecting to find a tiny person stuck to her heels. When Lauren says she thinks Farli will fly someday the little halfling gives her a big smile, "Oh! You think so? I would like to fly! I think it would be fun. As long as I don't go to high. I think I'm scared of heights, but I'm not sure. I've never flown before," she seems to be contemplating this and looks distracted as the conversation moves on.

However, when Lei'alor asks if anyone else can move quietly Farli put her hand up, "I can sneak!" she all but shouts, much louder than necessary and with a smile on her face, "I can be very quiet, and I'm small. I can hide in places big people can't," the little halfling then pulls the blanket up over her head and holds it shut so only her eyes are visible, "I once hid in a bush for three days playing orc and scout with my cousin. He never found me. I think he stopped looking after a few hours. I wasn't sure though, so I stayed hidden. It was a long game. I got hungry and ate some of the leaves. they made me sick. I don't like vegetables any more," Farli looks from the elf woman to Lauren as she rambles on.

[Centaurion]

Melia

Melia slowly starts to massage her right temple with her hand, her eyes closed for a moment, as if she has a strong headache. All is so confusing, and yet, she does not feel mistrust against those other people. She feels that something is not right, something she is unable to put her finger on, but the feeling stays.

"Alright then, whoever feels like it, get on the ship and search it. I'll stay in the boat with the rest, side by side with the ship. Alright?" She sounds somewhat tired.

[Zero_Point]

The long boat is easily large enough for the group to fit in comfortably, but there is only enough space for one person to row at a time. It is a simple matter to push the boat away from the rock ledge and out into the dark water. It glides easily across the glassy surface, the gentle splashing of the oars echoing in the cavern as they push the boat toward the anchored ship. Droplets of water that splash the group in the boat reveal the water to be much warmer than one might expect from a body of water that has never seen the sun, and the smell reveals that this water is brackish, a mixture of fresh and salt water. There are no signs of any vegetation in the water, and the light from Farli's staff penetrates the water to a good depth, revealing nothing but clear water with no signs of life. However, the water is deep, the bottom well beyond the sight of the group, and there is a feeling of presence, as if something below is watching them.

Coming up alongside the ship the group can now get a good look at the ornate designs that decorate the hull and railings. Every inch of bronze work has been styled to resemble crashing waves with stars surging from the foaming surf, and the railing that encircles the deck appears to be carved in the likeness of coral. The heavy anchor chain extends off the bow of the ship and disappears into the dark water, providing one means of climbing on board. Rowing around to the stern of the ship also reveals a set of chains attached to a complex counter pulley system that appears to be where the long boat is kept when not in use. However, it appears as though someone must be on board the ship to operate the pulley system and pull the boat up out of the water.

(Climb/Strength Check to climb either the anchor chain or the pulley chains to get on board. DC 10 to succeed. DC 15 to do it silently. Failure drops you into the water.)

[Eladrinblade]

Lei'alor motions for the oarsmen to go for the anchor chain, and once there, begins to quietly climb it. Once at the top, she peers over the side and scans the deck.


Take 10 on the climb check (unless I can't, in which case this next roll...)
Climb: [roll0]

Use the side of the ship as improved cover, and peer over, making a spot check to notice anything noteworthy in or on the ship.
Hide: [roll1]
Spot: [roll2]

I'd take 20 on the spot check, but the light has a limited duration and I don't want to waste it.

[Machuchang]

Lauren jumped slightly, surprised by Farli's sudden outburst. While initially a little concerned by her volume, Lauren's trepidation soon subsided. She couldn't fault the halfling for her excitement, and Farli's magical abilities would be of great use on board. And she was small, so hiding wouldn't be an issue.

"You don't like vegetables anymore? Evidently, people haven't been feeding you the right ones!" She said to the halfling. I'll have to cook you up some real, honest-to-goodness, tasty veggies once we get out of here. I'm a pretty good cook, you know," She winked. "I'm sure I could change your mind."

She sighed as she examined the anchor's chain. She had never been particularly good at things like climbing and jumping, and she really did not fancy falling into the brackish water below. But so far, that seemed to be her best, and only, option. She would have to take her time, though.

Climb: It looks like Lauren's going to need to take 20, but if that's not possible, here's the roll: [roll0]
Hide: [roll1]
Listen: [roll2]
Spot: [roll3]

[Zero_Point]

Upon reaching the top of the chain, Lei'alor is able to lever herself up over the rail and onto the deck of the ship where she finds four large wooden crates tied down to the deck and covered by tarps made from some kind of gray material that might be shark skin. Taking cover behind them is a simple matter. She does spot one more body laid out on the deck, human and dressed in similar fashion to the previous two back on the ledge. Like the others he has a rapier on his belt and a coin purse containing another six of the foreign coins. A door leads into the cabin of the ship, and a set of stairs leads to a smaller wheel house above the cabin. There are no signs of anything moving on the ship or any form of threat. The body is most definitely dead, and by his position on the deck and the wound in his back, it looks like he was back stabbed while on watch without ever having the chance to fight back.

While Lai'alor surveys the scene, there is a sudden splash from over the side as Lauren loses her grip on the chain and falls into the unpleasantly warm water. It rushes up over her head as she drops beneath the surface for a moment, but it is a moment that lasts a lifetime. While under the water Lauren opens her eyes and finds herself looking down into an enormous eye larger than the ship above her. All around her are shadowy forms that reach out to her with insubstantial hands, seeking to drag her down into the blackness. In an instant she experiences a series of visions and feelings. There is a wide, grinning mouth with too many teeth. A pair of weeping, hollow eye sockets. A feeling on intense, unending hunger. A slumbering consciousness she cannot fathom. It only lasts for a moment, and then the visions are gone. There is nothing but empty water all around her and she breaks the surface again. (Make a Will Save DC 15. Failure means Lauren is Frightened for the next ten minutes, success means she is only Shaken for five minutes

[Glitchy]

Farli wrinkles up her nose when Lauren suggests making vegetables for her, "Yuck. No thanks. I like pancakes. Can you make pancakes? Pancakes make everyone happy," she smiles and then climbs into the boat with the others. As they row across to the ship Farli stares over the side into the water, "How deep do you think it goes? Maybe it doesn't have a bottom and just goes on forever," she dips the tip of her glowing staff in and frowns, "I can't see the bottom," she says sounding a touch annoyed, as if this was a surprise.

When they reach the ship she looks up at the chain and frowns, "I don't like climbing. It makes me tired. I once... her latest story is suddenly cut short when Lauren slips and falls into the water. Gasping Farli leans over the side of the boat, tilting it dangerously as she tries to see where her friend went, "Did you drown? Please don't drown! We were gonna have pancakes!" the little halfling sticks her glowing staff into the water to give Lauren something to grab onto and a light to see where the boat is.

Not sure if it's needed but just in case
Strength to pull Lauren out [roll0]

[Eladrinblade]

Lei'alor draws her two weapons and backs up against the side of the ship while staying behind the cover of the boxes. She's worried that the noise will draw the attention of something on the boat. Whatever the splash was, there's not much she can do about it from up here, and if there is something dangerous on the boat, she's in trouble and needs to be careful.

Throwing axe in main hand, rapier in off-hand.

So you don't have to wait on me, if nothing comes from inside, she'll help the others climb up if she's able.
Even if it's only to pull them up during the last five feet.

[Luccan]

Hamic immediately reaches over the side to help Lauren back aboard the boat. At Farli's outburst he turns briefly and makes a shushing sound. Farli, I know you're worried, but we need to be quite. Now, could someone help me here? He is attempting to pull Lauren aboard without tipping the boat.

Strength [roll0]

[Centaurion]

Melia

Shocked, Melia observes how first one of her new friends falls into the water, and the others trying to help her to get out again. After a moment of paralysis, she works on compensating the movement of her allies so that the boat is not overturning.

[Machuchang]

It took all of Lauren's willpower not to scream when she came face-to-face with the giant eye under the water. Things only got worse from there. She tried to close her eyes to block out the horrors, but she couldn't. Then, just as suddenly as the visions appeared, they vanished.

Lauren forced her head out of the water as quickly as she could. Despite the warmth of the water, she was shivering violently. Was she crying? She felt like she was crying, but she couldn't tell. She had to get out of the water.

She caught sight of something glowing in her peripheral vision. Farli's staff! She grabbed it as soon as she could, desperate for anything that could get her out of this gods-forsaken water.

Will Save: [roll0]

[Zero_Point]

It is a simple matter to gt Lauren back into the boat. Despite all the splashing and shouting there is no movement on board the ship and no sign of any threats. The entire cavern around the group remains quiet and still save for the ripples in the surface of the water caused by Lauren and the boat.

[Machuchang]

Lauren sat, shivering, at the base of the boat.

"Thank you all so, so much! And Farli, I think I owe you as many pancakes as you want after that," She said, trying her best to hide the panic in her voice. She forced a laugh, but it came out more like a strangled sob. She put her head in her hands and wiped the briny water off our her face.

"But did anyone else see that?" She scanned the faces of her party. "Please, please tell me someone else saw that! The shadows? Th-the teeth? The e-eye?" Her voice rose in pitch with each word. She realized she was hyperventilating and forced herself to take a deep breath. After a moment that felt more like an eternity, she gathered the strength to speak again.

"Oh, gods," She said, with another laughing sob. She looked down at her quavering hands. "I-I don't even know if I can c-climb up there!"

[Glitchy]

Farli looks extremely concerned as she regards her friend shivering in the boat and she moves closer to her, pulling the blanket off and wrapping it around Lauren's shoulders. She has to stand on one of the boat's seats to reach high enough, but she manages to get her arm most of the way around Lauren's shoulders and she hugs her, "It's okay. I didn't see any eyes or teeth, but maybe it was a big fish?" she smiles, "We can stay here and let the others search the ship. Maybe there will be a kitchen and I can make you pancakes. Pancakes make everything better!" the little halfling is trying very hard to be comforting, not fully understanding what Lauren saw or why she is so rattled.

Does the water give off any magical aura? I assume you would have mentioned if it did. Did Lauren pick up any magical auras while under the water?

[Luccan]

At Lauren's mention of monsters, Hamic stiffens. Perhaps the Void did have beasts here. Though he saw nothing when he glanced in the water... Either way, everyone needed to be on that boat as soon as possible, consequences be damned. We've made enough noise,
already. If you can, get up the chain. If you can't, we'll figure out what contraption will let us haul you aboard. Do not get in the water. So saying, he beings climbing the chain himself.

[roll0]

[Eladrinblade]

Lei'alor looks around the deck for a rope; surely there must be one on a boat.

[Zero_Point]

There are some tangles of rope on the deck, maybe one hundred feet of it.

[Eladrinblade]

Lei'alor collects the rope and lowers it to the boat with the others, so she can haul them up if needed.

[Luccan]

Hamic pulls himself onto the boat and assists Lei'alor in hauling people aboard

[Luccan]

As they prepare to lower the rope, Hamic stops and smacks his head No one has come out. They're either all dead or deaf.
Why not just use the pulleys to bring them up? He drops the rope and heads toward the contraption, but not before signalling the smaller vessel to row to that side.

[Centaurion]

Melia

Not feeling like it was a good idea to interrupt the dynamics between Lauren and Farli, she rather focused on the question on how to get up. Then, when she finally wanted to suggest to simply use the mechanics, Hamic did.

"Will do."

She rows the boat over to the side with the mechanism. Once there, she assists in using the mechanism to get them up.

"After you." she says, politely, and somewhat drained from all the shock, when finally everybody can enter the ship.

[Zero_Point]

(Since I assume the group will be exploring the ship I took the liberty of laying out all of the easily attainable information they would find)

Moving to the stern of the ship it is easy to locate the pulley system that raises the longboat out of the water. A series of gears makes the process a trivial matter once the long boat has been secured to the chains, and one person can easily crank it up until the boat is level with the deck of the ship, resting between the two smoke stacks of the ship. The smoke stacks are cold to the touch, though they still show signs of soot near the upper edges.

With the whole group on board now, they have the chance to look around and explore a bit. The crates on the deck of the ship are nailed closed. All except for one of them which has a corner pried up. Looking inside, the group see dozens, possibly hundreds of neatly packed vials of syrupy amber liquid. Each one is wrapped in cloth and placed so as not to be jarred or broken. It is easy to see that several of the vials are missing from the empty spaces. The crates themselves are each marked by a lantern symbol branded onto the wood.

A check reveals that the cabin door is locked, but walking up the stairs to the wheel house the group finds the door is open. Three walls of the room are filled almost entirely by windows that give a good view of the ship and the waters beyond, while the fourth wall shows an impressive chart of an unknown sea spotted here and there by islands, some tiny and others appearing miles across. The chart shows large caverns of open water, smaller caverns filled with forests of stalagmites, and narrow river tunnels twisting and turning through a strange underground land.

The ship's helm is located in this room facing out toward the bow of the ship and consists of a twelve spoke wooden wheel, a brass lever that appears to be marked with increments of speed, and a strange crystalline orb that appears to be a compass-like device, but is not marked by the cardinal directions, but rather several strange symbols that look runic.

A low table is bolted to the floor beneath the chart. On this table rests an ornate brass oil lamp with a fluted glass chimney that is wide and rounded at the base and narrow at the top. But more astonishing is the tiny creature apparently trapped within the clear glass chimney of the lamp. It appears to be a four inch tall humanoid with pale blue-grey skin. Its ears are long and pointed, and its eyes appear as two opaque black spots. It wears a tiny scrap of rag as a dress, and a pair of pearlescent dragonfly wings sprout from its back. Apparently female, she is emits a blue glow, as her hair seems to be made from a flickering blue flame.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dc/a4/11/dca41162c90d70d4abc42386735fdf78--dark-fantasy-art-fantasy-world.jpg
Farli is able to see that the oil lamp and crystal compass device are the sources of the two moderate auras she had seen from shore.

There is a fourth body on the floor of the wheel house that appears to be similar to all the others the group has found so far. However, this man’s uniform seems more extravagant than the others, with a wide brimmed black hat resplendent with a plume of deep blue feathers. Rather than a rapier, this man has a well maintained scimitar on his belt, along with a ring holding three keys. His coin purse is much heavier than the others, containing another twenty of the same coins the others had, as well as five ne coins. These ones are silver with a core of ruby. The man also has a brass spyglass in the pocket of his coat. Like the body on deck, this man appears to have been back stabbed without ever having the chance to fight back.

[Luccan]

Hamic crouches and examines the body, taking the hat and idly turning it in his hands The captain, I presume. Something is definitely wrong. He holds the keys out for someone to take and continues turning the hat in hand as he looks around the room. He turns and studies the map, concern crossing his face as he notes the vastness of the underground cavern. It could take some time to navigate our way out. I don't know how we'll maintain enough light, without fuel or... He turns to the creature in the lamp and a knowing smile crosses his face Of course. That's why they have our tiny friend here. He leans in to more closely examine the strange blue creature.

[Glitchy]

Farli helps Lauren on board the ship and at first the little halfling stays with her. however, as she sees the wonders of the ship she starts to wander off, exploring with the others, a big smile on her face. She glances into the open crate and then at the satchel she is carrying, "I wonder why they took these ones out and left the rest," she wonders out loud before moving on.

She wanders up to the wheel house and her eyes widen at the sights inside. She rushes in, ignoring the dead body at first, and hurries over to the crystal compass orb thingy. Looking at the runes she tries to determine what they might mean or if she has seen anything like them before. She lays her hands on the orb and tries to move it.

Then she spots Hamic picking up the fancy hat and she smiles, "That's a neat hat. I always wanted a hat. Could I have it?" she asks, standing there is her prisoner robe and bare feet.

Finally she turns her attention to the oil lamp and it's occupant. Blinking she looks over to Lauren, "Oh my gosh. I think I am a giant here! Look how tiny she is!" looking bak to the lamp she taps the glass with one finger, "Hello? Little tiny person? Can you hear me? What's your name? Why are you in a lamp?" she tilts her head curiously, "Does it hurt having your head on fire? It's a very pretty flame. Can you change the color?" Farli was eager to learn about the little creature and hopeful she could give them some information abut where they were.

Knowledge (Arcana) to determine if she recognizes the runes on the orb [roll0]
Spellcraft if it is needed [roll1]
Knowledge (Arcana) to Identify the little creature [roll2]
Knowledge (Nature) to Identify the little creature [roll3]

[Luccan]

Hamic chuckles slightly and hands Farli the hat I'm not sure it'll fit you He looks at her bare feet and turns to Lauren, noticing she still seems shaken from her fall in the water and seems to realize the miserable condition they're all in. We should look for food,soon. And see if we can find some halfling sized boots.

[Glitchy]

Farli squeals and takes the hat, putting it on her head and not caring that is fits loosely and is floppy on her head. Grinning she looks at one of the cabin windows, trying to see her reflection in it. Then Hamic mentions food and she whirls around, "PANCAKES!!" she raises a fist above her head triumphantly.

[Machuchang]

Lauren gave Farli a small, but grateful, smile as the halfling put the blanket over her shoulders. It was just as she feared. She was the only one who saw those, those things in the water. And if Farli hadn't seen any magical auras in the water, then that would mean... Lauren shuddered at the thought. No, they had to be an illusion! There was no way such horrible things could actually be real, right? Right...?

The young woman followed the rest of the group in a haze, too lost in her thoughts to pay any attention to the world around her. She only tuned back in once her party discovered the crate full of vials. Did these men really kill each over something so small? She thought, as she examined the liquid again. There's just so much of this stuff. It feels wrong to fight over it. She shook her head. Even though she knew people didn't act like that, she still had trouble understanding why.

She continued to wander the ship, and her eyes lit up when she came across the sea chart on the wall. It was incredible, beautiful, to her eyes. She stared at it in awe and traced her fingers across the various waterways. There really was a whole other world out there. She wondered where she and her new friends fit into it.

Is there any indication on the map where the boat might be? And if not, are there any checks Lauren can make to see if she can figure out where they are?

Also, how long has it been since Lauren fell in the water? Is she still Frightened?

It was then that she noticed the little... fairy? in the lamp on the table. She barely had time to comprehend what she was seeing before she heard Farli's voice. She turned, to see the halfling standing nearby, wearing an enormous, ornate hat. She couldn't help but smile at that.

"Well, I suppose you are a giant indeed, Farli-girl," She said, her voice hoarse from disuse. "But it looks like you've found yourself an even giant-er hat! It looks good,"

She heard Hamic's words and nodded. Even though he looked a little snobby, he wasn't bad at all. He had a good head on his shoulders, and he had actually been pretty nice so far. Actually, they all had been. Not one of her new acquaintances had hesitated to help her out of the water. When she was with them, she actually felt kind of, well, safe. Or at least, as safe as she could feel knowing there was some unexplainable horror lurking somewhere out there.

Despite her state, she could not contain her laughter at Farli's emphatic request for pancakes.

"Well, I did say I owed you pancakes," She said. "I will need the proper ingredients, though," She pulled off her sodden blanket and wrung it out over the side of the ship, before turning her attention to the rest of the group. "Did anyone happen to see a larder while they were walking around? 'cause, you know, nothing makes me hungrier than near-death experiences!"

[Centaurion]

Melia

Just before they all teamed up on the bridge, Melia softly touches Lauren's arm, giving her a sign to stay outside just for a second. When the others are in, she lowly says:

"Hey, I have no idea what you saw down there, or if it is real. I am also not quite sure if I'd like to find out. But as frightening all this here is, I have the feeling that we are - I don't quite know how to describe - you know - that we are somewhat connected. I see you, and I have no idea who you are, where you are from or literally anything about your past. And while it feels very wrong to be here, so far away from home, away from everything that makes up my life, something feels right. Not the place, definitely not the circumstances, but... us." She slightly smirks. "And that's also pretty much the only thing that keeps me from freaking out right now."

--

Again, she is slower to react to her environment than her peers. She takes the keys when the body is probed, and when they are all done, she kneels beside the man, and tries to roll the corpse into a position which makes it look as respectable as possible, slightly ordering the man's remaining clothing. After all, this body had belonged to an intelligent being yet, and she starts to dislike the missing respect that they -- including her -- payed to the dead. While the others address the fairy thing, she stays quiet for the moment.

[Zero_Point]

Farli's examination of the compass orb tells her only that it is indeed some type of way finder. The runes are foreign to her, but they resemble ones used for scrying, but altered in some way that she does not recognize. She also can not read them to determine what they might say. When she tries to move the orb she finds it is somehow magically held in place and will not move an inch. However, the brass fixture around it spins freely at her touch and she can move the compass arrow anywhere she likes. When it is released though, it returns to it's original position pointing to one of the many runes. The direction it points is off to the ships starboard, toward the darkness of the cavern.

Farli can tell that the tiny humanoid is not a natural creature. Though she has no idea exactly what it is, there are enough defining characteristics for her to determine it is definitely some sort of fey. Judging solely on its appearance and size, she can only assume it is some type of pixie. The little fey gazes out at Farli when she speaks, and she tilts her flaming head curiously. It is unclear at first if the creature can hear or understand Farli's words, but she slowly stands in her glass prison and offers a little curtsy in her filthy rag. Her mouth moves as if she is speaking, but the only sound the group can hear is a very soft crackling, like a pine cone on a fire.

Looking at the chart on the wall there are numerous markings that seem to label ports on nearly all of the islands, and many of the caverns and tunnels are named as well. There are blue, arrow shaped pins in the chart around several of the largest islands, as well as in several of the tunnels that lead to these islands, and by all appearances they seem to be marking pathways, or possibly patrol routes of ships. There is a single red pin, but it is located just outside the boarder of the chart. Lauren can surmise that this pin most likely represents the ship the group is standing on, and it's placement might suggest that they are not in charted waters. (It has been about five minutes since Lauren fell in the water, she is still affected by the frightened condition)

[Glitchy]

Farli points to the compass device, "I think that's a compass. I can't read the runes, but I think they have something to do with seeing far away. Since it always points at one, I think maybe the compass can see whatever that rune represents. So, maybe it's a town or something, and that's how you find your way to it," Farli shrugs, not nearly as interested in the device as she is in the tiny creature.

Blinking at the little fey, Farli frowns, "She's a pixie. But I think her voice is broken. That's sad," the little halfling looks sad for a moment then very suddenly she perks up and thrusts her triumphant fist in the air, "I can fix it!," she shouts and then taps her chin, rolling her eyes up as she thinks really hard, trying to remember the spell she wanted. Grinning, she speaks a few words and tugs on her ears in a rather comical fashion. When she finishes she turns back tot he pixie with a big smile, "Okay. Try again. I have magic ears now. What's your name and why are you in that lamp?" she tilts an ear to the lamp to better hear the little pixie thing.

Casts Comprehend Languages

[Luccan]

Hamic notices Melia moving the body and nods to her We can give them a proper burial after we make sure the boat is secure. He waits to see if Farli can get through to the pixie

[Machuchang]

Lauren, though still shaken up, couldn't help but smile at Melia's words.

"You're awfully kind, Melia," Lauren said. "And as silly as it sounds, it means a lot to hear that. It's nice to know that someone else feels the same way you do, you know?" She laughed wryly. "Of course, you seem to be handling yourself a lot better than I am,"

Her gaze wandered across the deck, and she found herself half-watching Farli and half-staring off into nothingness. She grinned, hoping that her smile looked more convincing than it felt.

"Huh. Is there anything our little friend can't do?" She said, to no one in particular. "I wish I could do magic. Never quite got the hang of it," She found her thoughts drifting back to Orlan, to his tower and her failed magic lessons within. To cooking in the kitchen, and petting Burglar by the fire, and laughing, and... and...

She felt her eyes begin to mist and blinked it away. Gods, how embarrassing. She just couldn't keep herself together. There was no use dwelling on her thoughts now, though. That would only make things worse. Between Orlan and her visions, there was nothing of any use in her mind right now. Hell, she was lucky she hadn't had the time to even think about her parents yet. There'd be no coming back from that.

Lauren forced herself back into the present, directing all of her focus towards Farli and the fey creature. For now, it would be better to live in the present.

[Zero_Point]

The pixie creature looks a bit confused at Farli as she casts her spell. She then speaks again, but Farli can still only hear the crackling noise. Any attempt to remove the glass chimney from the lamp fails, no matter how hard the halfling girl pulls or even if she tries to break it. The opening at the top is also too narrow for her to fit even her small hand down so there is no way to make contact with the creature.

[Centaurion]

Melia


Lauren, though still shaken up, couldn't help but smile at Melia's words.
"You're awfully kind, Melia," Lauren said. "And as silly as it sounds, it means a lot to hear that. It's nice to know that someone else feels the same way you do, you know?" She laughed wryly. "Of course, you seem to be handling yourself a lot better than I am,"
"Then again, I did not fall into the water yet." She says lowly and smiling, indicating that she can really empathize with Lauren, basically meaning "If I fell into the water, and have seen something bad down there, I would have freaked too."


We can give them a proper burial after we make sure the boat is secure.
Melia nods and gets up from her knees. Of course, the corpse was still... a corpse, but this way, it did not look as bad as before.

Seeing that their efforts on the bridge are not met with too much success, she suggests:

"I'd suggest we investigate the locked cabin. We need to find shelter, and the room could just serve as that. Maybe we also find some dry clothes for Lauren, and preferably also some clues where we are."

If no one objects, she goes to the cabin, hopefully followed by others. She has the ring of keys with her.

[Luccan]

Agreed. We should finish searching the ship. We could bring the lamp with us. The creature provides light and we might find a way to release her below deck. He follows Melia to the cabin.

[Glitchy]

Farli has gone into a magnificent sulk at this point with her failure to communicate with the pixie creature. She stands beside the table tapping at the glass lamp in a forlorn manner until Melia suggest they search the ship's cabin and Hamic suggests they take the lamp with them for light, and because they might find a purpose for it below decks. The little halfling grabs the lamp and holds it up, "I got her! and she follows the others out to investigate the cabin.

[Machuchang]

"Alright, sounds like a plan," Lauren said. She quickly folded her sodden blanket and stuffed it in her pack, before she followed the rest of the group.

[Zero_Point]

One of the keys on the ring the group found does indeed unlock the cabin door. Pushing the door open reveals a room larger than the wheel house, at least twice the size, and made to serve more as a crew quarters. The port and starboard walls are dominated by six small bunks, three on each side, and a table is bolted to the middle of the floor. The top of the table is littered with playing cards, dice, empty glasses, and a half full bottle of what smells like ale or grog. The stern wall of the cabin is set with six narrow metal lockers, only three of which seem to have been in use, containing spare clothes and boots, another seventeen of the jade core coins. Beside the lockers on one side is a narrow door which unlocks with one of the keys on the ring, that leads to what must have been the captains quarters, a small, comfortable room with a single bed, sea chest and wooden wardrobe filled with more clothes and boots. There is a small desk contained blank sheets of parchment, a quill pen and ink, and a large, leather bound book.

Opposite the door to the captains cabin, on the other side of the lockers, is another narrow door that can be unlocked with one of the keys, which reveals a set of stairs leading down below the deck.

[Luccan]

As they enter the crew quarters, Hamic glances at the beds, but begins searching the chests when he sees them At least there aren't more bodies If it seems like any of the boots would fit Farli, he gives them too her, and he helps Lauren find dry clothes as well, but otherwise leaves things in their place. When they enter the captain's quarters, he spots the book and immediately picks it up and begins turning through it. Hamic looks through the book, trying to find some clue about where they are and what might have happened to the crew.

[Zero_Point]

Opening the book reveals it to be a journal or log of the crew and ship, apparently kept by the captain. Most of the entries are dull and typical of what one might expect from a bored sailor on a cargo ship, but as they go on, they become more and more erratic. One entry that seems to be from roughly a week ago reads:

Damn it. I knew it was a bad idea to take on this job. Damn you Giles! I'm all for running weapons and supplies to the out ports, but Amber? In this quantity? Don't think I've ever seen so much of the bloody stuff in one place. I wonder where Giles got it. I've seen Nate eyeing the crates since we took them on. No doubt he'll try to get his hands on some, the damn addict. I'll have to keep a close watch on him.

In the mean time, these uncharted caverns give me the creeps. Their too dark, and I feel like something is watching us. The boys are getting jumpy the longer we're off map, but it's the only way to be sure we don't run across them damn Conclave patrols or worse one of them Illithiir ships. If either of them got wind of what we're doing we'd be in for a short drop and sudden stop.

I'll be turning us back toward the charted tunnels in five days time. Should put us well outside the patrol routes and just three days hard burn for Gambit's Wharf. Hope Jassen can keep us going. Hard to get any rest out here in the dark, and we need his magic at full strength if we're going to make good time. We'll unload, get paid, and find a safer cargo to take back to Elysium Spire.

Can't wait to see Emmaryn again.

The following entries read much the same until the finale entry which is written in a shaking script, as if the writer could not hold his quill steady:

So dark...I can see them...hear them...Grinning...Weeping...Devouring...Dreaming.. .all forgotten...forgotten...forgotten...

The script trails off as if the writer lost interest or became distracted.

[Centaurion]

Melia

Melia looks at the discovered clothes. "Looks like we're in luck." She says to Lauren, pointing to the clothes. Seeing Hamic scrolling through the book, she asks: "Anything useful in there?"

[Luccan]

It would seem our hosts were smugglers. At least with this cargo. Whatever is in those vials is apparently addictive and they were avoiding patrols. I believe the captain has left a lover of some sort behind as well... And there's some good and bad news. He turns to Lauren and turns back to where the captain first gets jumpy, re-reading a few passages allowed The captain seems to have had a bad feeling about the area and his crew was unhappy being so far off the map. His last note indicates he was seeing things, though I can't say whether they were real or not. He turns, looking at each of his companions, his expression dark I suspect we'll want to gather what information we can about the boat and leave quickly. Good Spirits don't seem to dwell here. I believe we may be in the captain's window to avoid unwanted patrols.

[Machuchang]

Lauren wandered through the crew's quarters, though she was still a bit too shaken up to pay much attention to her surroundings. She absent-mindedly picked up a deck of cards and started shuffling it with practiced hands. She had always loved games, and Orlan had taught her quite a few good ones over her time at the tower. Dice were fun too, but Burglar liked to knock them around too much.

She looked up when she heard Melia's words, barely realizing that she had just dealt two hands on the table.

"Ooh, let's take a look," She said, as she started rooting through the lockers. Hopefully there would something that could at least fit her. She'd always had more of a boyish figure, so wearing men's clothes was nothong new. But she was so short and skinny, it was hard to find clothes that fit and still looked good. She would rather not look like a child playing dress-up in her father's clothes. She froze when Hamic began to relay the sailor's paranoid ramblings, and shuddered.

"Well, I guess that proves I'm not the only crazy one here," She said, half-joking, but half-relieved as well. Finding the right outfit didn't feel fun anymore. She grabbed a handful of clothes and turned back to the party.

"So, I realize I've run into a bit of a conundrum," She said. "I would very much like to change my clothes, but I'm also incredibly afraid to be alone," She turned to the rest of the group, clearly flushed with embarassment. "What should I do?

[Centaurion]

Melia

Melia looks at Lauren, and for a short moment there is confusion in her eyes about the elf's conundrum. Then, she finally appears to understand the problem -- a problem she remember from the beginning of her career, but she soon outgrew. In the guard, it was normal to undress in front of her colleagues, regardless of their gender or rank. She can't but friendly chuckle.

"Don't worry, we're not leaving. I'd suggest we all just turn around and you get yourself into a set of dry clothes so you don't cough out your lungs tomorrow. Guess that's as much privacy as you're going to get without closing a door after you. And while you're doing it, we might as well discuss what we're doing next." She smiles an encouraging smile, and will turn around if Lauren agrees and would like to change clothes now.

--- Assuming she does so:

"So, we're on a smuggler's ship, and off charted terrain. I think there's two things. Either we try to use the ship to get back into charted terrain as soon as possible, or we first try to find out whether this cavern holds any more clues that tell us where exactly we are. As I have no idea on how to drive this vessel, I'd say we do the second, and use the ship more as a safehouse."

[Glitchy]

Farli enters the cabin with the others and puts the lamp with the pixie down on the table so she can wander freely and look at everything. She pokes through the lockers a little and checks the boots and clothes for anything that might fit a halfling, since she was still only wearing her ragged prison robe with bare feet. If she doesn't find anything that will specifically fit her, she will instead grab an over-sized shirt and pirate coat.

Examining them, she wanders into the captains cabin and grins at the sight of ink and paper. She had always loved to write but parchment and ink were expensive back in her home world and she had never been able to afford them. Seeing the ink well, pen and parchment on the desk she rushes over to examine them, "Does anyone mind if I take these? I've always liked writing," then, hearing that there is a journal she gets excited, "Oh! Maybe I can keep a journal of our travels here! It will help us keep track of everything we find!" she happily collects the blank parchment, ink well and pen for later use. If they remained on the boat she could maybe even use the captain's desk to do her writing.

All but bouncing now she returns to the cabin as Lauren picks out clothes and states her problem. Farli looks a little confused for a moment then she seems to get it and turns on Hamic, "You! Out, out, out, out! It's girl time!" she does her best to push the much larger man either out on deck or into the captains cabin where she can close the door to block his view, "Girls only! No peeking! Oh! Maybe we can have a slumber party! We can gossip about guys! Although there's only Hamic. Do you like him? I wish he was shorter. Or maybe I like him tall. I haven't decided yet. Wait, does one of us have to sleep with him? I don't think I want to. Or maybe I do," the little halfling seems flustered as she pulls off her prisoners robe and pulls on the over-sized shirt and coat she found. Neither garment fits her, and the shirt is more like a short dress. But once she secures it with her rope belt it is passable at least and warmer than her old prisoner outfit.

Feeling the manacle and chain rattle on her wrist she frowns and holds it up, "Does anyone know how to get this off? I don't want to wear it forever. It's ugly," she shakes her wrist for emphasis.

[Centaurion]

Melia

Now, she is completely confused. Slumber party? Girls time? This all sounds kind of misplaced for her. Why would Hamic getting out matter more than herself getting out? For a moment, she stands there somewhat puzzled, unsure what to do.

[Luccan]

At the mention of Lauren needing to change, Hamic let's out an unexpected, odd-sounding cough and rises to leave. His expression rapidly flashes to confusion at Farli's insistence on his exit and comments about him, but he quickly adopts a more cordial and noble bearing I'll just go check the cabin again, shall I? With that, he exits back to the cabin, waiting to be called back in

[Machuchang]

Lauren gave a brief sigh when Hamic left the room. She certainly felt a lot more comfortable without there being a man in the room, but she was also worried about him being left alone, even if he was still on the ship. Better to get changed quickly then, so the party wouldn't remain separate for too long. She raised an eyebrow at Farli's comments about Hamic, but decided it was better to simply let that part of the conversation be.

"A slumber party, huh?" She said as she rooted through the pile of clothes. It was strange, but this was the first time she had spent with other girls, in, well, forever. It was weird, but it wasn't bad. "I'm not opposed to the idea, but now is probably not the right time," She said, before turning her attention to Melia. "That sounds like a good plan. It's probably wise for us to get an understanding of our surroundings, and I don't want to be stuck in this cave for any longer than necessary," She turned back to Farli. "But once that's all taken care of, we'll have ourselves a nice slumber party with pancakes and all that good stuff,"

She found some clothes close to her size and quickly threw them on.

"Alright, Hamic! It's safe to come out now,"

[Centaurion]

Melia

Melia actually decided to get out together with Hamic, just as if she had read Lauren's thoughts. But, it was over quick anyway. When all are rejoined:

"So, we're on a smuggler's ship, and off charted terrain. I think there's two things. Either we try to use the ship to get back into charted terrain as soon as possible, or we first try to find out whether this cavern holds any more clues that tell us where exactly we are. As I have no idea on how to drive this vessel, I'd say we do the second, and use the ship more as a safehouse."

[Luccan]

Hamic reenters after Lauren calls him back in and sits on one of the bunks, staring at the door leading downWe should see what's down those stairs first. Once we have the ship searched, we can try exploring the cave.

[Glitchy]

Farli looks down the stairs to the below decks area and gives a little shrug, "Well, what are we waiting for?" she grabs the pixie lamp for light and happily marches down the stairs to see what other mysteries this strange ship might hold. Her new over sized pirate coat dragging on the stairs behind her.

[Zero_Point]

In the hold of the ship the group finds a strange device that dominates the space near the stern. It is an impressive amalgamation of iron, brass and bronze, with dozens of green crystal lenses surrounding a smooth sphere of blue-green marble etched with runes. Something resembling a burner and boiler are set near the center of the contraption. However, rather than a place to put fuel in the burner, there is a small, roughly oval opening with an opening at the top. There is a space directly in front of the marble sphere that is clearly intended for a person to stand in.

[Machuchang]

Lauren stared at the contraption in awe. Things certainly kept getting stranger around here, didn't they? She approached the contraption cautiously and ran her fingers across the smooth metal, trying to get a feel for the device. She examined the opening in the device curiously, and wondered what sort of things would go inside.

Knowledge (Arcana): [roll0]

[Luccan]

Hamic approaches the standing spot, examining the strange device as he does so. He looks back to Farli Have you ever seen anything like this? He's sure the mystic will have some idea of what the purpose of the device is.

[Centaurion]

Melia stays at the top of the stairs. The strange apparatus only confirm her initial suspicion that she must be incredibly far from home. What kind of sorcery is this? And could it be used to attack home? Wherever home is right now...

For the moment, she stands and waits for those with the capability of making educated guesses on the topic to do it.

[Glitchy]

Farli gazes at the contraption with wide eyes for a long moment before placing the lamp on the floor and approaching to get a closer look at the runes on the marble sphere, pushing past Hamic to stand in the open spot that was clearly meant for someone to stand in, and also seemed to offer the best view of the device.

Knowledge (Arcana) [roll0]
Spellcraft [roll1]

[Luccan]

Hamic pauses as Farli rushes past him and watches as she and Lauren examine the device. If you ladies are going to handle this, Melia and I can see about the captain's chest and the crates on the deck. He glances at the device again, then heads up the stairs, raising a hand for Melia to follow. He heads up to the deck, collecting the crowbar from earlier and straining to open the first unopened crate with it. It's clear he isn't very used to manual labor.

[roll0]

Melia, you seem like a capable soldier. Where do you hail from?

[Centaurion]

Melia follows Hamic, and gestures that she could also help him with the crowbar.

"I serve the people of Arboria." She explains pointing to the coat of arms on her armor, which is the same as the one on her shield.

"Have ... have you ever heard of Arboria?"

[Luccan]

Hamic shakes his head and huffs from the effort of opening the crate I have not. I suppose you haven't heard of House Sardar or of Ash'Lariah itself? He gestures between them We come, I think, from places very far from each other. It is odd, though. When first we appeared in the cave, I was relieved to meet you all, as if greeting old friends. And yet, I have never seen a halfling in my life and your mannerisms are not recognizable as part of any House I know.

[Centaurion]

Melia gestures him to let her try instead, taking the crowbar, and trying to open the crate, she answers:

"I have also not heard about the houses you refer to. But I know what you mean with this feeling of knowing each other. It's really odd. As if we're in a dream or so."

[roll0]

[Luccan]

Hamic lets Melia take the crowbar and grins as she mentions it could be a dream As pleasant as I find your company, I hope this is just a dream He shrugs, a more comfortable gesture than his polite nobleman demeanor has allowed so far Then again, I don't have anything to get back too. His smile falters for a moment, as he thinks of home.

[Machuchang]

Lauren nodded in agreement with Hamic's suggestion.

"Sounds like as good an idea as any," She said. "Just let us know if you find anything!" Splitting the group up actually made Lauren a little nervous; who knew what else was out there? But at the same time, it probably wasn't going to hurt to check the ship a little more thoroughly. And it wasn't like she was going to be all alone. She still had Farli, after all.

Lauren turned back to the halfling and watched her examine the device. She seemed so small and fragile. Lauren couldn't help but worry what would happen to her if those monsters from the water were to appear. Lauren eyed the knives in her belt ruefully. Fat lot of good those would do. But maybe she'd be able to hold them off so Farli could escape? ...Even that seemed like a long shot.

Lauren forced herself to think about something else. Dwelling on her fears wasn't going to help anyone.

It suddenly occurred to her that she had been so caught up in her own head that she didn't really know anything about her new friends.

"Hey, Far?" She said tentatively, worried about breaking the little spellcaster's focus. "Where did you say you were from, again?"

[Glitchy]

Farli looks up from her examination of the device when Lauren speaks. The question catches the little halfling off guard and it takes her a moment to answer, "I'm from the foothills of the Sun Peaks originally. I grew up in a valley along the Raindrop River until..." she hesitates a moment, a bit unwilling to talk about how her entire clan had been enslaved, "Until...some stuff happened. Then I traveled a lot. Mostly south. I don't like going south," she muses, "Then I got to Perth. At first it seemed nice. But then it didn't," the chain still manacled to her wrist rattles softly as if to emphasis her point, "I'm really glad I ended up here though! I got to meet you, and Hamic, and Melia! You're all nice. You don't make me feel dumb and you don't treat me bad," she has a big smile on her face as she attempts to climb up the device to get a better look at the lenses.

Looking over at Lauren, her over sized hat flopping down almost low enough to cover her eyes she asks, "What about you?"

[Machuchang]

"The Sun Peaks, huh? Sounds really pretty," Lauren said. "As for me, I'm from a country called Altier. I grew up on the border, next to this other country called Kalkora. Then a war broke out and..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Well, anyway, I ended up in Silverport. The capitol. Altier's capitol. I mucked around there for a bit before this kind, old wizard named Orlan took me in. He tried to teach me magic, but that never really panned out. He still let me stay, though. He was kind of like a grandfather to me. I lived there for a while, until Silverport got attacked too. Orlan told me to run, then there was this big explosion... and now I'm here."

Lauren was silent for a moment while she tried to regain her composure.

"You know, when I tell it like that, today doesn't sound like a very good day," She tried to laugh, to make light of the situation, but her words fell flat. "It hasn't been all bad, though!" She added quickly. "I'm happy I got to meet you and the others today too."

[Centaurion]

Hamic lets Melia take the crowbar and grins as she mentions it could be a dream As pleasant as I find your company, I hope this is just a dream He shrugs, a more comfortable gesture than his polite nobleman demeanor has allowed so far Then again, I don't have anything to get back too. His smile falters for a moment, as he thinks of home.

Melia

Melia stays silent for a moment. "I... I actually have a lot to get back too." She starts to explain.
You don't make such promises without intending to fulfill them." She concludes, laughing lightly.

[Luccan]

Hamic smiles at Melia's comment and laughter Indeed. He crosses to the next crate and begins working his dagger near the nails, trying to gain some amount of leverage. As he moves, it's clear he is more relaxed now and he seems much less severe than before. What is Arboria like, then? Its lands and people? As his dagger slips from the crate, it is clear he's more interested in what Melia has to say than actually opening the crate.

[Centaurion]

Moira goes on opening more crates, assuming that nothing crazy happens.

"Arboria is a huge empire. Most of Arboria's citizens never leave the empire. It's a union of many kingdoms, some bigger, some smaller, some more some less powerful, all under the reign of our High Queen. There are also a lot of different houses and families who divide the power between them... Some only within single kingdoms, some over the borders of kingdoms... I guess we have all kinds of lands and people you could have. Well, at least as I can imagine. At least I don't know of any other empires or states that have other kinds..." She shrugs. Sorry, I guess that was not overly informative." Again, a low laughter. It is somewhat hilarious for her to realize that she has sworn endless loyalty to an empire which she fails to properly describe to a stranger.


Take 20 on the strength check for DC 22 (or I think even 24 with crowbar; if we assume Hamic to be able to aid another)

[Luccan]

Hamic does his best to assist Melia in opening the crates. He listens to her comments on her homeland and nods It seems a fair description. Ash'Lariah is similar, but less... harmonious. There are many houses struggling for power among the council that advises the royal family. He slips into a sly smile There were rules, of course, for what one house could do to another, but those were rarely followed. He shakes his head It seems ridiculous, saying it now. So many people fighting for scraps of power.
Perhaps Lariah herself had seen it coming. Perhaps it is why she gave us the laws in the first place. He nods to himself, in a sort of imitation of a wiseman.

[Zero_Point]

(Sorry it took so long)

Lauren’s examination of the device doesn’t turn up any arcane knowledge but it does reveal that it is definitely attached to the two large wheels on either side of the ship as well as to the smoke stacks that are mounted behind the wheel house on the upper deck.

Farli is able to determine a bit more. She can tell that the runes craved onto the marble sphere are a strange modification of dispelling and anti-magic runes that seem to imply some sort of magical siphoning effect, redirecting magical energy that is focused at the sphere out into the device. The energy is then focused through the lenses and channeled into the empty space in the burner, though to what effect the halfling adept can not say.

Up on deck, the first crate that Hamic and Melia manage to pry open contains a collection of strange devices. They seem to resemble large crossbow stocks, but seem to be lacking the bow or string. Along the top of the stock is a narrow metal tube, closed at one end with a small, hammer-like lever tipped by a red crystal, and open at the far end where an arrow should be mounted. The design of the odd weapons is very ornate, a dark stained wooden stock covered in brass fixtures. Also in the crate are a number of glass flasks, each one holding a pint of syrupy green liquid that glows with a faint light.

The second, and final, crate that the pair pry open reveals a collection of long, curved swords. Similar in many ways to scimitars, the blades are narrower and they look much lighter. They each have a hard sheath and appear to hang from the belt by short chains rather than traditional scabbards. As with the odd weapons in the first crate, these are all very ornate, mixing steel, brass and wood for both form and function. This seems to be the accepted aesthetic in this world as it matches the ship the group is currently on as well.

While the group is busy with their examinations of the ship’s mysteries, the entire vessel is suddenly rocked by a wave that rolls in from somewhere out in the darkness of the cavern. Hamic and Melia make spot checks DC 20

The adventurers on deck can see a large shape moving through the water, sending up a large wake behind it as it moves. The shape appears to be a creature, easily twice the length of the ship but slender and serpent-like. As they watch, the creature turns and shines a pair of lamp-like yellow eyes in their direction/. It blinks, and changes it’s course toward the ship.

The adventurers on deck can not make out what caused the wave, but they can hear something moving in the water and it sounds like it might be getting closer.

[Centaurion]

Melia

Before the incident, Melia had expressed her confusion with the firearms they had found, as she had never seen anything like this before. When she wanted to comment on the flasks, the ship was rocked.

"What... What was that? Could you see anything? I think it's approaching..."

DC 20 is impossible with a -1 spot
Check

[Glitchy]

Farli was thoughtfully tapping her chin as she examined the device she was quickly coming to realize was an engine of some sort. One that seemed to run off of magical energy. She was just about to explain this to Lauren when the ship suddenly rocked from the wave hitting it. Gasping and grabbing the pixie lamp before it fell over, the little halfling stares wide eyed at her friend, "What was that?!" she quickly dashes up the stairs and out onto the deck with the others, "What happened? Why did the ship move? Are we sinking? I don't want to go in the water!" she squints out into the dark but can't make out anything. She does, however, hear something swimming toward the ship, "Oh no, oh no, oh no!" As quick as she can the little adept wiggles her fingers through an incantation, uttering the syllables and spreading her hands out wide. Instantly a dense fog rolls out around her, engulfing the group and the ship in a white mist.

Cast Obscuring Mist to maybe hide us from sight. I assume a 20' radius is big enough to cover most if not all of the ship?

[Machuchang]

"Wait! Farli! Where are you going?" Lauren called out as she chased after the halfling. Whatever rocked the boat felt big. Too big. Cold sweat trickled down her neck. An eye larger than the ship. Shadowy forms, seeking, pulling, dragging. A wide, grinning mouth with too many teeth. Her stomach sank as the visions from earlier bubbled back up to the forefront of her mind. Could it be them?

She glanced around frantically when she reached the deck.

Spot: [roll0]

[Luccan]

Hamic had been happy to discuss the newest discovery with Melia. Were they weapons? The swords clearly were, but while the other items could be said to resemble crossbows, they were unlike any he had ever seen. When the boat shook, he almost fell over the crates. Gazing into the darkness, he saw the beast turn toward them. Spirits save us! Look there! He points toward it's eyes, but almost turn back to the crates. If the strange items were weapons, perhaps there was a way to use them.

[roll0]