Savage Tides, Take 3! Entering the Den of the Lotus Dragon...

[RCgothic]

"Hey, is someone back there? We're not here to hurt you!" Cordelia calls out, approaching cautiously with her pals outstretched to show she's not carrying any weapons. "Are you being kept here against your will? That's horrible! We can help you," she soothes.

Spoiler

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Diplomacy (1d20+4)[22]

[Farmerbink]

Firi'Sar stops short, utterly stunned by the voice coming from where he thought an animal was. As Cordelia approaches, he sheathes his blade and lowers his hands in a fashion he hopes is unthreatening. "As she said," he murmurs quietly. "We're here to help, so long as you're not hurting people."

Spoiler: OOC

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Diplomacy assist: (1d20+9)[19]

[farothel]

Tillandi stays at the back of the group, letting the others handle this, watching out so nothing comes up from behind, as there's still those few guards about somewhere. And from there she can offer support if needed.

[DarkOne-Rob]

In a sudden burst of frenetic motion, a small, green-skinned kobold (female) dashes out from under the blankets and makes an ineffectual but zig-zagging dash to try and get past the PCs and into the dining hall. The little creature's cries of fear and panic are easily heard, and though she's clearly trying to tumble in a way that might be hard to hit, her efforts are not those of a trained combatant (untrained Acrobatics check to avoid incurring AoOs, result is a 19 if you plan to engage her).

Do you attempt to catch her? Attack her? Have Kitten stop her from fleeing? Etc...?

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" As the little beast flees past them Akula will gaze at it, letting his ocean God's judgement fall upon the beast as he peers at it looking for evil. As it flees he shakes his head and holds the net and harpoon in non threatening manners, a glance at the others, "Strange creature. No threat, we should try other route.." his tone and words suggesting to the others that they shouldn't attack it either.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Casting Detect evil and using that as a sonar as we move forward toward the corner and the doors.

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 2 // 2, Init 4,
HP 15/20,
Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15,
CMD 18, Fort 5, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 3
Unarmed +7 (+5/5) (1d6+5, x2)
MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +8 (1d8+6, x3) [Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy ]
Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +7 (touch) (Entangled, CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str,)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P)
MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (3/4 remaining): n/a
Studied Target +1: n/a

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]


Spells
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path

[farothel]

"Wait, we just want to ask some questions and then you can go," Tillandi said. If that didn't work, Tillandi would hold out the shaft of her trident to try and trip the thing. She really didn't want it to run of and warning those who weren't warned, and she also liked to know more about the compound. And if there was one thing she knew it was that servants mostly went everywhere.

Spoiler: OOC rolls

Show

diplomacy first: (1d20+5)[16]
if that doesn't work: trip attack (using CMB vs the critters CMD): (1d20+4)[9]

[Farmerbink]

Firi'Sar is visibly surprised when the Kobold leaps out. He reacts much too slowly; with his blade sheathed he never had a chance to intervene before the Kobold was past him. "Wait! Stop! We're here to help!"

[RCgothic]

The kobold manages to dodge past Cordelia's attempt to stop her.

"Wait, it's not safe out there!" Cordelia calls, as she hurries to follow.

In the main room Kitten looks up in surprise. Seeing the kobold appear without her friends, the stuffed spider drops to the ground forgotten as a deep snarl crosses her lips. A moment later Kitten springs upon her hapless prey.

Spoiler

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Kitten charge (1d20+10)[22] damage (1d4+1)[4] plus trip (1d20+10)[24]

[DarkOne-Rob]

The shriek of abject terror when Kitten pounces on the little kobold is heart-wrenching. From her position in the doorway Cordelia watches the little kobold fall, her tiny arms covering her face as she begins cowering in a tight ball on the floor. When the little creature shows no resistance to the cat's attack, it seems to realize that this new creature isn't a threat, and Kitten backs away slightly, looking at the figure curiously. The kobold doesn't stop crying, instead choking out several pleas for her life - "Please! Stop hurting Churtle! I just cook - you can have my shells and treasure! Just don't hurt poor Churtle! Waahaahaa!"

It's obvious this creature isn't a threat, but as you all noted she might know something valuable or warn the Lotus Dragons of where you are. How do you react to her desperate entreaties for mercy?

[Farmerbink]

Firi'Sar quickly assesses the situation and begins assigning his allies to the tasks at hand. "Akula, block the doorway, please. Tilandi, can you heal the poor Kobold? She is as much a victim here as any other, I suspect."

He approaches slowly, hoping to not startle the cook. "Now, Churtle is it? My name is Firi'Sar, and these are my friends and companions. You've seen Tilandi heal you, Cordelia is a sweetheart, and Akula won't hurt you as long as you don't try to hurt him. I promise you, we're here to help you escape, or at least we're not here to hurt you. Can you sit down and talk with us for a few moments?"

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+9)[23] diplomacy

[farothel]

"Sure, no problem," Tillandi said, digging out the healing kit out of her backpack. She had no more spells left and she'd rather keep her channels for the team in case they needed it. But she could still bind wounds.
"Just keep still a moment," she said to the kobold as she took out a salve from the kit, "this might sting a bit, but it will speed your recovery."

Spoiler: OOC rolls

Show

Treat deadly wounds: DC20, the kobold gains her level in HP, and 4 extra if I make DC25.
(1d20+8)[24]

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula nods to the elf and stpes to the doorway, his bulk blocking it amost effectively as the door. Eyeing up the cat he pauses to look around the kitchen for a piece of meat of some kind to throw to Kitten. "There you go my friend, taste better than string Churtle". Watching the way out oft he kitchen he glances back at Tilandi and Cordelia, "Is lizard mauled badly or will it live. It not seem a threat."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Casting Detect evil and using that as a sonar as we move forward toward the corner and the doors.

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 2 // 2, Init 4,
HP 15/20,
Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15,
CMD 18, Fort 5, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 3
Unarmed +7 (+5/5) (1d6+5, x2)
MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +8 (1d8+6, x3) [Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy ]
Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +7 (touch) (Entangled, CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str,)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P)
MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (3/4 remaining): n/a
Studied Target +1: n/a

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]


Spells
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path

[farothel]

"Oh, she'll live, no problem," Tillandi replied, looking up from the bandaging for a moment, "the wounds might be a bit painful for a day or two, but nothing too bad."

[RCgothic]

"Oh gods! I'm so sorry!" Cordelia cries. "Kitten's usually quite friendly, but this isn't exactly a normal situation!"

Kitten for her part at least manages to look abashed, guiltily picking up the stuffed spider again. Cordelia doesn't scold her however, is a pretty understandable mistake.

"What are you doing down here, Churtle? Why are the Lotus Dragons keeping you in a cell in the... kitchen? With poison on the door?" She asks, confused. "Seriously, that makes no sense to me at all."

[farothel]

Given the fact that the poison was on the door and there was nobody else inside, it had to be the Kobold who had put it there. Tillandi kept a closer eye to the creature and tried to figure out if she was faking her fear of the thieves.

Spoiler: OOC rolls

Show

if she speaks again: sense motive: (1d20+4)[24]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Churtle seems to get control of herself - barely - and allows her wounds to be bandaged. At Firi'Sar's suggestion of escape she looks confused and says, "Escape? But the cat stopped Churtle from escaping...?" Then, turning to Cordelia she continues. "This is Churtle's kitchen! And nest! Not a cell, silly! Cook! Churtle is the cook! Oh, and mix the urchins venom. Very fun, but have to be careful..."

It is immediately obvious to everyone, especially Tillandi, that Churtle isn't lying. She's afraid of the party, not the Lotus Dragons! (She's less afraid now, but still eying the door longingly.) While not a combatant, if she is their cook and poison-maker, perhaps she knows more that could aid the party in their efforts...

[Farmerbink]

Firi'Sar frowns thoughtfully, pondering the situation for a few moments. After a fair pause, and glancing towards Akula to confirm that Churtle is (at least apparently) truly trapped for now, he continues carefully. "Churtle, do you understand that the people you work for are bad people?" He slowly assesses her response, considering body languages, pauses, and any other tells he can, before adding more.

"We are here to stop them from hurting more people, and you've just admitted you're helping them hurt people. I want to help you, but you've made that a bit difficult now. If you can tell us more about them, that might help us stop them, we can probably let you go. Do you understand? We need to know whatever you can tell us about the Lotus Dragons."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Still trying to be "good cop," here. (1d20+6)[7] sense motive regarding her response(s); (1d20+9)[23] diplomacy for the request

[farothel]

In order to make escape less possible, Tillandi simply closed the door to the kitchen. While there might be other ways out of the kitchen they didn't know about, closing off one route of escape already limited options.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Churtle curls up a bit more at Firi'Sar's words, hugging her knees and rocking back and forth. "Churtle just cooks and makes poison. The urchins are everywhere and make hunting easier. Churtle's clutchmates used venom to hunt...warmbloods have to hunt too, right? Rowyn was always nice to Churtle, kept Churtle safe when other warmbloods wanted to hurt Churtle. That's not what bad people do!" the little reptile says, arguing as much with herself as the PCs. "You talk with Rowyn - Rowyn can show you why you're wrong! You talk to Rowyn!"

It doesn't appear that Churtle is very bright. Her defense of this "Rowyn" is heartfelt, if likely misplaced. For all her emotions, it doesn't appear she noticed the kitchen door closing, nor does her aggression look likely to be more than verbal.

Spoiler: Knowledge (Nobility) DC 20

Show

Rowyn Kellani is the youngest daughter of the noble house of Kellani in Sasserine. The family is "new" nobility, having largely bought their way into noble status several generations back after decades of debatably shady business dealings.

[farothel]

"Who exactly is this Rowyn and where can we find her," Tillandi asks. She's not all that familiar with the name and in any case there could be dozens in the city.

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" The burly Darfellan nods at the odd little cooks words. "Yes. We will look for this Rowyn to.... talk. " He looks around the other to see if they recognise the name and then looks back to CHurtle. "How big is this underground warren? We found a map room and the training room. What esle is there and describe the layout? We have to make sure there is no-one else here." he demands. His voice slightly abrupt but not overly threatning

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Casting Detect evil and using that as a sonar as we move forward toward the corner and the doors.

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 2 // 2, Init 4,
HP 15/20,
Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15,
CMD 18, Fort 5, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 3
Unarmed +7 (+5/5) (1d6+5, x2)
MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +8 (1d8+6, x3) [Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy ]
Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +7 (touch) (Entangled, CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str,)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P)
MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (3/4 remaining): n/a
Studied Target +1: n/a

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]


Spells
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Rowyn is big boss lady - all the other warmbloods do what she says. And warren is big - too big, easy for attackers to move, not safe. Big circle, why?" responds Churtle to the questions, rubbing her bandaged wound and looking back to her den with an expression you think must be longing. "Can Churtle collect shells from den? When Churtle runs away, would like to keep shell collection..."

[Farmerbink]

"Who exactly is this Rowyn and where can we find her,"

Firi'Sar purses his lips. "I think I know," he murmurs as Churtle continues babbling. He continues listening intently, and his suspicions are nearly immediately confirmed. He keeps his peace, however, until Churtle suddenly asks about her shell collection. He begins nodding slowly. "Yes, I think that will be just fine, Churtle. Go collect your shells, dear."

As the Kobold (no doubt) scampers away, Firi'Sar watches, but speaks to his companions. "She's a young noble. Of the Kellani's- very much new blood in Sasserine, somewhat well known for shady business dealings and an unlikely propensity for flaunting the gains thereof." He glances at his companions just long enough to note the surprise and confusion on their faces.

"She- uh... She used to be more interested in less... violent enterprises," he explains, echoing his own past. "Highly doubtful she would remember me. We never interacted directly."

He raises a finger as the Kobold's rummaging from the other room seems to cease. "Finding her might be another matter altogether. It seems we've likely just spooked her from her favorite hiding place."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

With a modified 32 on the necessary check, I felt like adding some extra details. Also, it seems like we didn't get much of a lead on finding her, and we've already established that taking info to Miss Vanderboren isn't the play.

Soooooo.... uhhhh..... now what? XD

[farothel]

"If she's part of an important family, she will have a public life," Tillandi said, "of course, we can't just go arresting her without a lot more proof than our kobold here. But finding her shouldn't be too difficult."

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Akula watches Churtle leave with a sad shake of his head. "Strange beast she is.." then looks back to the others, rubbing a hand over the black and white patterned bald head. "We will catch this Roywn. But now we should sweep northwards and cleanse the vermin from this place. There will be more of these Lotus Dragons and some sea demons escaped. There is still much work to be done in here."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Casting Detect evil and using that as a sonar as we move forward toward the corner and the doors.

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 2 // 2, Init 4,
HP 15/20,
Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15,
CMD 18, Fort 5, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 3
Unarmed +7 (+5/5) (1d6+5, x2)
MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +8 (1d8+6, x3) [Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy ]
Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +7 (touch) (Entangled, CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str,)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P)
MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (3/4 remaining): n/a
Studied Target +1: n/a

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]


Spells
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path

[farothel]

"From her point of view we're probably just as strange," Tillandi remarked, "and indeed, we'll have to check the rest of these caverns and then see what we can do about this Rowyn woman."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Current Map

Show

Do you all leave Churtle behind? What do you do with her? So far your Diplomacy checks have been enough to entice cooperation, but if you wish to invest more in Churtle you can. The campaign material recommends that DMs support efforts if the party wants to "adopt" Churtle as a friendly NPC, but it does take some tenderness on your part. Either way, it isn't crucial to the story, but worth confirming your actions before we move on with the exploration.

The party begins to creep steadily north, finding several doors, hallways, and rooms as they go. Of note, they find what must be a simple barracks for rank-and-file Lotus Dragon thieves, complete with simple beds and footlockers at the end of the bunks. There are eleven bunkbeds in all, with the beds clearly being well-used. They also find a room with four large barrels of rum and a hallway that suggests it leads back towards the guard post from earlier.

As they go, no one finds any (new) possible-threats until they go up the left side. There they find a room littered with partially eaten bones, clumps of dark fur, and the smell of a filthy, wet dog. Past that room the party finds what is obviously a cell block, with five prison cells lining the west wall. Each cell features a nasty-looking heap of straw, a wooden bucket, and little more. Iron bars close each cell off, with a narrow gate and large lock allowing egress from each into the hallway. Finally, past the cells is another door with a small, barred window. Looking through a PC can see what is obviously a torture chamber, complete with a man strapped into the rack! Across the room is a hooded figure heating branding irons in a brazier...

You can go either direction - east towards the guard room where the thieves blocked your advance before, or north to the torture chamber. What do you do?

[DrK]

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter" Happy to leave Churtle to their own business Akula looks disgusted by the cells and rancid room with the wet dog smell. He pauses now and then to let his senses sweep the area in front of them sniffing out the stench of evil. As Akula hears mention of the man strapped to a rack and his torturer Akula's face darkens, his black orb like eyes narrowing to points. "Come we must save the trapped one." Looking at the door he motions to his eleven friend. "Firi'Sar, can you check the door?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Casting Detect evil and using that as a sonar as we move forward

Akula N'Kuttik "Shark Splitter"
M NG Darfellan Brawler (Beast Wrestler)// Inquisitor (Sanctified slayer / Keeper of the Current), Level 2 // 2, Init 4,
HP 15/20,
Speed 20ft Land / 40ft Swim
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15,
CMD 18, Fort 5, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 3
Unarmed +7 (+5/5) (1d6+5, x2)
MW Harpoon (50ft Rope) +8 (1d8+6, x3) [Grapple on a critical, has rope to control enemy ]
Snag Net (Trip (does 1+ damage)) +7 (touch) (Entangled, CL DC17+SL, DC 22 escape or DC 25 Str,)
Leather Lamellar w/Armour spikes (+7 1d6+4/19-20 x2 P) MW Shark scale Armour, In combat (+8 1d6+4/ 19-20 x 2 P)
MW Klar (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 8

Condition/Effects
Martial Flexibility (3/4 remaining): n/a
Studied Target +1: n/a

Traits: +1 unarmed damage, +1 Dam vs [Aquatic], +1 hit [Aquatic]


Spells
0: Light, Detect Magic, Sift, Guidance, Create Water
1st: Divine Favour, Protection From Evil, Nature's Path

[Farmerbink]

"Agreed. Get in there!" Firi'Sar whispers urgently. As quietly as he can, he immediately begins to test the door for a lock, and pick it, if found.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Stealth the priority: (1d20+9)[29]
Opening the door, if needed disable device: (1d20+12)[19] modified with inspiration to 23.
4/5 inspiration remaining (the knowledge ones are free)

[farothel]

Tillandi was standing by, weapon ready to storm in as soon as the door was open. While she knew that death was part of nature and every creature killed to eat, there was a huge difference between killing to eat or defend yourself and torture. That was something she couldn't condone.