Quest #21 "Island Hopping"

[ravenn4544]

Alordan considers the plan, "It makes sense to maybe head back for the night and come back after we've rested. Remember - it's when we leave these caves is when we were attacked from above. Let's make sure we have strength for that...."

After a few seconds, "I happen to be down to my last coins if we are going to come back again, just sayin'... I definitely think we need to get to the bottom of what's going on here..."

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"A rest may be in order now for sure."

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche hobbles over to retrieve the bamboo pole he dropped when he fell unconscious. Leaning heavily on it for support, he listens carefully to the proffered suggestions and opinions.

"Der reason Cora didn't get eaten wos coz she seemed," Maag looks sideways at Sir Crestbrook, "to be evil. Dat's why she wos safe in der."

He slowly nods at Maag, pain still evident from even this slight motion. "A logical inference, Mr. Maag. That, or the amulet disguised her to appear as the medusa for whatever in the tunnels may prove to be hostile. I agree, resting there is not a safe option."

"If we are not going to go looking behind secret doors just yet, let us at least explore the rest of this place, at least they passage leading off to the left of the entrance chamber to see what’s down it."

Andron silently chuckles at Saracen's grumpy remark to Sir Crestbrook, but the resulting sharp pain dulls the humor he felt. "Thank you, Brother Saracen. You are quite right that we must attempt to glean as much information before we leave. The destruction of the amulet, I fear, may have started a chain of events we are as yet unaware. Let us proceed with placing the statue and conduct a survey of what's beyond. We may need to bring additional resources based on what we discover. There will likely be additional traps and wards, though. We should avoid touching anything past this point."

"It makes sense to maybe head back for the night and come back after we've rested. Remember - it's when we leave these caves is when we were attacked from above. Let's make sure we have strength for that."

He turns to respond; the ranger still keeping close watch on the tunnel approach. "Indeed, Mr. Alordan. We still don't know what activates the summoning of a minotaur and therefore must assume one is waiting in ambush. Another reason we should alter our current objective to purely scouting. If that trap is any indication, destroying this evil will not be an easy task."

Andron studies the statues again, this time keeping a discrete distance. He rubs his chin in thought for a few moments before indicating the statues with a gesture of his hand. "If these are indeed petrified minotaur, the implication is this mechanism was contructed after they were petrified. Which suggests that the summoned minotaur is not representative of the other statues as we thought." He retrieves his map of the complex from his backpack and points to two different spots with an index finger. "That one of the kobold statues in the altar room was moved suggests there may be a similar secret to be found. The dancing minotaur are another odd arrangement. Without any clues as to what reveals them though, it's best to leave this thought as speculation for now."

He carefully folds the parchment map and returns it to his backpack. "If no objections, I think we should proceed with moving the looking statue and surveying the area beyond the secret door, if one is revealed ... but avoid touching anything! After which we double back and attempt to verify if a minotaur was summoned. If not, proceed to survey the west entrance tunnel."

[kruk]

Sir Crestbrook the Mighty

Saracen moves over to Crestbrook. Who dubbed you a ‘sir’ anyway? he grumbles sourly. He withdraws his holy symbol and chants a spell of healing over the burned Paladin once again. .[/dialog]

The paladin feels the warmth from the magic from the warrior priest. Thank you Saracen for the healing...He pauses for a second and then looks the warrior priest in squarely in the eye. It is very important to keep me at full strength so I can protect you and all of the others. All that is evil fear me as I my massive strength, endurance and courage! I am Sir Crestbrook the Mighty!!! He thrust his sword up in the air in a well practice pose.


Lerrick

Saracen If Lerrick can heal your wounds Andron, we may yet see what is behind the statues before retreating.

Absolutely. The cleric moves to Andron and uses her last healing spell
CLW on Andron for [1d8] = 7 hp

[wolfpack]

Gramble looks at Andron

You need to eat more mutton and drink ale. Your constitution is far to weak if you drop form little smelly acid.

[OGRE MAGE]

Back In The Cave
Moonday, 15th of Goodmonth
Late Morning, Damp, Dim, Humid

Maag suggests that if the group is going to rest, they might just as well head back into town instead of sleeping in a dangerous cave. Alordan tends to agree, though he cant even afford supper or an ale once he gets back. Tlachtga also nods her head, stating that a rest might definitely be in order now.

Saracen takes a moment to heal the paladin, who seems appreciative, since he is clearly the most important person in the group. He then suggest that if Lerrick could heal some of the others worst wounds, they may be able to continue their exploration. Andron seems to agree with not resting in here as well, though he too believes that they could explore a bit more before heading back if the worst of his wounds could be healed magically first. Gramble just looks down at the skinny spell caster, suggesting that a better diet might make him a bit more sturdy in the future.

The badly injured Lerrick says a prayer over Andron, mending her fellow half-elf's burns and boiled skin completely, allowing him to think clearly once again. He ponders the layout of this cave system as he looks over his map a bit more. He suggests sliding the statue covering its eyes into its matching alcove behind the one covering its ears, now that Maag has discerned the trap successfully. That way they can be sure if there really is a secret to be found or not.

Actions?

map:

04244396-0C8C-43FC-BDEC-4310D1D10800.jpeg (82.03 KiB) Viewed 515 times

Sir Crestbrook 7/11 LoH
Gramble 13/16
Tlachtga 8/8 0/4 1st (torch: 40'r/4.9T)
Cu AC:3 13/13
Lerrick 3/11 0/4 1st (torch: 40'r/4.2T)
Saracen 28/33 1/5 1st 2/2 2nd
Alordan 15/18
Andron 6/6 0/3 1st CL, DM, RM / 1/1 1st
Maag 12/12

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche watches with intense curiosity as Sir Crestbrook strikes a heroic pose for Saracen. Most people, in his experience, would view such behavior as conceited or pretentious, yet the young human had an umistakable charismatic presence. A characteristic shared by all paladins. This particular display caught his attention, though. While pondering the theoretical basis for his new spell, Andron realized that the material component must be himself, and as the voice of his god would be reflected through him, he must be able to project this with crystal clarity.

It was at this moment that he understood that the paladin's unwavering confidence and conviction was the key. Sir Crestbrook is able to manifest and act as a constant conduit for his deity's power. A process very similar to turning the undead, but as opposed to presenting and channeling that power through a holy symbol, the paladin himself is a purified icon to express the divine. Therefore, the spell's verbal component is more than the magical phrases but the caster's unequivocal belief at that very moment to channel the voice of Rao. Andron was never one of the more charismatic in the temple, certainly not like the practiced diplomats and ambassadors of his order. He would need to experiment with different methods of oration to discover the one that would yield the desired effect.

While all of this was going through his mind, he didn't even register Lerrick approach him to cast a spell of healing. It wasn't until the familiar warm glow spread through his body and the pain from the burns fading away did he notice her act of compassion. Feeling completely rejuvenated, Andron turns to her and finally realizes the full extent of her injuries. Although not quite as bad as what he endured, the burns and blisters visible on her skin were still very serious. "Thank you, Sister Lerrick, for the blessing from Pelor. Praise be to The Shining One." He also glances at Sir Crestbrook and sees that although his wounds were healed as well, he still bears significant injuries.

He rubs the skin where so recently he was burned and stretches his limbs and muscles with a sigh of contentment. "Thanks to Sister Lerrick I am able to think much more clearly now. The pain was rather distracting. More importantly, I can see now that both herself and Sir Crestbrook are worse off than I thought. We're virtually drained of our spell resources, too. Therefore, I suggest we leave the statues as they are and proceed with Saracen's idea to briefly survey the western entry tunnel and retire to town for recuperation. If as I suspect Brutus may be found beyond this wall, he may also be hostile to an intrusion, and we should be at full strength to prepare for that possibility."

Andron reaches into his backpack and procures several bundles of dried, iron rations, enough for four days. He carefully places these in front of the speaking statue, saying, "Brutus hasn't shown himself to be hostile to our presence, so perhaps an offering of a gift may help prove that we are friendly. Mr. Maag, may I borrow a piece of charcoal?" With the charcoal in hand, Andron writes on the floor next to the offered rations, 'a gift', in the Common tongue. He pauses to consider just how long Brutus has lived here, and decides to write below that in Ancient Suloise the same words.

[Quonundrum]

You need to eat more mutton and drink ale. Your constitution is far to weak if you drop form little smelly acid.

Andronichishche looks up at the rather imposing fighter, "Indeed, Mr. Gramble. Too much time spent in study, I suppose." He considers the man's large frame, adding, "And coming from yourself, I shall take your advice as from good authority!"

[Storm11]

Saracen moves over to lerrick and begins his last spell of healing.

[1d8] = 2 Casts cure Light wounds on Lerrick

[Rex]

Tlachtga

Tlachtga will wait for everyone to decide what we are doing.

[ravenn4544]

Alordan follows the group,"maybe we can leave something on the dais on the way out to see if anything moves it. I wonder if that is a two way travelling device?"

[Jernau35]

Maag

"I can't see der 'arm in a little bit more explorin' ",says Maag, "before we knock off for der day, as long as it's not through dat door."

"We've run out of 'ealin spells just tryin' to get through dis door. I don't fancy running in to Brutus wivvout any."

Maag looks at the pile of iron rations on the floor.

"Yer know people are starvin' back in town, right? i wouldn't go braggin' about doin sumfin daft like dat". Then he smiles. "Talkin' of starvin' people, didn't we 'ave a plan to bring back all der fruit we saw on dis island?"

Maag turns to the paladin. "Oy, Cresty. Wot der yer call dat feelin' yer get when yer fink about somebody apart from yerself? I fink I've got it."

[ravenn4544]

Alordan brightens at the return of the fruit idea, "Good idea - i got a canvas we could wrap up a bunch of fruit in and float back to the island? it's not that far... maybe get some folks an idea of coming over to farm or harvest - well, after we figure out what the hell is going on here.."

[kruk]

Sir Crestbrook the Mighty

Maag"Oy, Cresty. Wot der yer call dat feelin' yer get when yer fink about somebody apart from yerself? I fink I've got it."

The paladin smiles and taps the half-orc on the back with the 10' pole A good feeling Maag. Nothing better than helping someone in need.


Lerrick

Lerrick turns to Saracen after he heals her and gives him a warm smile. Thank you Saracen. I was so preoccupied in attending to the needs of others that I failed to tend to myself. Much appreciated.

[Jernau35]

Sir Crestbrook the Mighty

Maag"Oy, Cresty. Wot der yer call dat feelin' yer get when yer fink about somebody apart from yerself? I fink I've got it."

The paladin smiles and taps the half-orc on the back with the 10' pole A good feeling Maag. Nothing better than helping someone in need.

Maag

"Naah, dat's not it. It begins wiv a 'G' though...er...'ang on it's on der tip of me tongue...Gullible! Yer dat's it!"

[OGRE MAGE]

Back In The Cave
Moonday, 15th of Goodmonth
Late Morning, Sunny, Hot, Humid

After a great deal of clear thought, Andron finally thinks better of continuing past the trap in this area. He instead suggests moving back into the entrance chamber so the western passage can be explored. He crumbles up some valuable rations and leaves a note on the floor for whoever might come by here, to which Maag reminds him of the starving commoners back in town.

The group tends to agree with leaving, tossing ideas of their own into the mix as well. Saracen casts the last of his healing magic upon the injured Lerrick, curing some, but not all of her horrible wounds.

Reuniting again at the cave entrance, the group can now see sunshine coming in from outside, believing it to be around noontime or so. Nothing else in this area looks any different to any of them. They look down the western passage, wondering just how far they should push their luck before heading back with injured members and almost no magic left between them.

Sir Crestbrook isn't afraid, so he leads the way a short distance into the unexplored passage. It doesn't take him long to notice that the passage here is narrowing badly. Just before he would need to turn sideways in order to continue, He spots another minotaur statue completely blocking the now very narrow tunnel. He can see that the tunnel continues beyond the statue, but it would need to be smashed or moved out of the way if anyone other than a Pixie wants to get past.

Actions?

map:

D6BC3504-07E1-4B5E-8EA3-23582B715D2B.jpeg (109.85 KiB) Viewed 466 times

Sir Crestbrook 7/11 LoH
Gramble 13/16
Tlachtga 8/8 0/4 1st (torch: 40'r/4.7T)
Cu AC:3 13/13
Lerrick 5/11 0/4 1st (torch: 40'r/4.0T)
Saracen 28/33 0/5 1st 2/2 2nd
Alordan 15/18
Andron 6/6 0/3 1st CL, DM, RM / 1/1 1st
Maag 12/12

[Quonundrum]

"Yer know people are starvin' back in town, right? i wouldn't go braggin' about doin sumfin daft like dat".

Andronichishche glances up at the half-orc briefly while he completes writing the message on the floor. He then stands to reply, handing back the piece of charcoal as he does so, "Quite so, Mr. Maag. As I've learned from a new friend recently, that although I occasionally overlook the obvious, I am doing this precisely because people are starving."

He nods at the crumbled rations neatly piled on the floor. "That food would feed one person for four days, perhaps a little longer. This island has a bountiful supply of replenishing fruit for the entire town." He now points to the wall behind the speaking statue. "Behind that wall may be the only ... surviving ... being on this island with any information about the nature of the evil contained within these caves. It is this evil that must be destroyed to ensure the townspeople have safe access to that fruit. I am willing to make a small sacrifice for even a chance to befriend and ally with Brutus."

Andron relaxes his shoulders and his demeanor softens, replaced with a calm, serene expression. "I can also see your friendship with Sir Crestbrook is having a positive impact on your sensibilities. I think you would find you share more in common with Rao than you realize. I would be happy to teach you more about him."

"maybe we can leave something on the dais on the way out to see if anything moves it."

"An excellent idea, Mr. Alordan. It may serve as a warning to us that another minotaur was summoned when we return."

Peering ahead to see another statue blocking the narrowing tunnel ahead, Andron frowns in consternation. "Even if we were to dislodge or dismantle that statue, the narrow tunnel would tactically be very dangerous. I suggest we ignore it for now and hopefully we can discover another way around it later. Before we leave though, we'll need a strategy on how to detect if yet another minotaur is laying in wait above the cave entrance."

[Jernau35]

Maag

" 'ow about Cresty goes out der an' bravely lays down 'is life so der rest of us can escape?" pipes up Maag. "It's exactly wot I'd do meself in dese circumstances".

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche was about to call out the logical flaw in Maag's suggestion but decides that Niole Dra wasn't built in a day. He knew Sir Crestbrook though, and decided to interject before the young paladin eagerly accepted the mission. "Certainly an option, but I think we can develop a plan a little more nuanced." He turns to address Saracen. "Brother Saracen, would you be able to cast a silencing spell centered just outside the cave entrance? There should be a blind spot immediately below the ledge we can skirt through silently and thereby avoid another ambush."

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"I agree on avoiding the narrow tunnel for now."