Quest #21 "Island Hopping"

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag spends the days casually snooping around town and it's environs. Not doing much in particular, just seeing what people are up to. When he's not doing that, he's sleeping or lounging around in the Treehouse.

He does take the time to cut himself another bamboo pole. Maag also tries to find any dried out driftwood, coconut husks, old sticks and anything else that will burn rapidly. He puts all this into a small sack and carries it out to the boat.

"Der oil might not burn," he says to the others, "but dis stuff will".

[kruk]

Sir Crestbrook the Mighty

The paladin spends day two resting under a palm tree in deep thought. Seeing Maag and some of the others from the group make their way to the boat, the paladin does so as well.


Lerrick

After a full day of rest and prayer the young cleric moves to the boat as well. Thank you Andron for letting me stay at your place. My powers are fully recharged.

[ravenn4544]

Alordan wakes and makes his way to boat - without a net again. He sees the other guys down there and approaches, "I was thinking about those trees with the vines. What if they get smarter this time and completely block our path? I love trees as much as the next guy, but those don't seem like regular trees and have something unusual - and probably dangerous - going on. Saw your bamboo there and was thinking of something to hold back the vines or cut them in some way?"

After a little while, "Did you hear about all that pirate talk in the tavern last night? Sounds like those fella's are almost done for. It sure would be nice to finish that job and get rid of that threat. Light knows there are plenty more on this island and one less would be, at least, something."

[Jernau35]

Maag

"Yeah, der trees are creepin' me out too", Maag replies. "Dat's wot dis is for". He holds up his sack of dry wood and tinder. "I was thinkin' dat I could just light it an' chuck it at der trees if dey got in der way."

"But now yer mention it, maybe it could be like a big torch. Stick it on der end of a pole and wave it at der trees, see if dey get out of der way. It might not burn long, but I reckon it'll burn bleedin' fierce."

"Anybody else fancy makin' one?"

[Rex]

Tlachtga

Tlachtga ans Cu head for the boat on seeing everyone else.

"I doubt that tinder would catch green wood on tire, you need very intense heat and flames for that or long exposure. It might frighten them though, if they are intelligent enough to know what fire does and maybe it cause them pain which could be used to sort of herd them if we are forced too."

"I am for helping deal with the pirates first, it seems a reasonable plan."

[Jernau35]

Maag

"As long as der trees leave me alone, I'm 'appy wiv not settin' em on fire", Maag replies to Tlachtga. " 'ang on...leave me alone...trees...geddit? HAHAHAHA!" Maag guffaws, almost crying at his devastating unintended witticism.

Once he calms down, he addresses the pirate threat. "I can't stand der bastards. Dey really do need a good shoein'. But dat fella back in der Treehouse told everybody on dis island about 'ow e' was gonna sort dem out an' 'e was gonna do it right now. Might as well 'ave rung a bell to announce dey are comin'"

"I'm 'appy keepin' me 'ead down fer now."

Maag starts to load his gear on to the boat again. "Beside's, wot's on dis island 'as bin buggin' me since I got 'ere. If Andron is right, we might be near to findin' out wot it is."

"An' on top of everythin' else, I paid for der first boat ride out 'ere. I gotta get me money back some'ow".

[ravenn4544]

Alordan nods, "I'm torn between which to do first also - they are both important. I have to agree with our comrade here though and say the island first - we have some momentum there and it's driving me nuts trying to understand what the hell is going on there.. With Bing out of the way, and likely no hope of rescue or reinforcement, a few more days makes sense. Especially if our fears of someone taking back the plan to them and ruining the surprise. i dunno..."

He trails off and looks to gather some tinder while they wait for the rest of the group - keep himself busy and his doubts to a minimum...

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche bows in response to Lerrick, "Of course, think nothing of it. You're free to stay as long as you like." He rubs his chin in thought when Alordan mentions the strange trees. He pauses momentarily before speaking, and then does so with measured words. "I was of the same thought, Mr. Alordan. What strikes me as odd though is that they seem to remember the route taken to escape the ring of stones, yet they don't guard the beach in the same fashion. I also mentioned them to lady Nallissa at the Hi-Lo and she said several people went to the island in the early days but were never seen again. We haven't found any evidence of them either. No bones, clothes, or any indication they were ever there. As they do appear to be intelligent however, I'd prefer to use violence as a last resort."

When Maag cracks his botanical play on words, Andron suddenly chokes as if he swallowed water into his lungs. Between fits of coughing could be seen a definite humored expression, and as his coughing begins to abate it's intertwined with muffled mirth until he finally erupts with a deep throaty laugh. He quickly stops and blushes crimson when he's aware of the others' inquiring stare. Andron clears his throat before saying, "Sorry about that, I agree with Mr. Maag concerning the pirates. I provided Mr. Darklin with knowledge of the Sleep spell which should make the ensuing battle rather one sided ... and that was also quite funny", he adds with a tip of the bamboo pole he's holding towards Maag.

He looks across the waters now at the distant island, his expression once again calm and collected, "I'm still quite concerned that Sir Crestbrook has not regained his ability to detect evil. We have freed Cora from the influence of the amulet, yet it seems the evil itself still exists? I am reluctant to further delay our mission, as we still don't know the nature of this evil and the full impact destroying the amulet has had on its imprisonment."

[Storm11]

Saracen shrugs at that. I shouldn’t be so concerned. Paladins as I understand it, are supposed to be all noble and chivalrous. Murdering a woman in cold blood when she hasn’t done anything to you would probably put a Paladin in hot water with their god. It’s probably just a sign of displeasure at the reckless behaviour of a paragon of virtue, until he atones for his sin he’s likely not going to be getting to use his ability. Perhaps he can prove himself as we continue our exploration, and hopefully conclude it upon the Isle of Cats

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche's eyes widen when Saracen mentions Cora was slain in cold blood, and apparently without provocation. "I have known that what occurred with Cora involved a mistaken intent due to the influence of the amulet, but ... I wasn't aware of the details concerning her death until now." Andron cups his chin with his right hand and closes his eyes in contemplation. After a few moments he continues, "Yes, you're quite correct in that paladins are held to a lofty standard of purity. I would normally expect the loss of his divine grace completely for such an action ... but there is wisdom in your words. Perhaps his god understands the nature of this evil and to achieve the greater good requires his completion of the mission; therein also lay the path for Sir Crestbrook's redemption."

[Storm11]

Saracen nods and crosses his fingers. Paws crossed he says giving that horrific grimace that is his smile.

[wolfpack]

I have thrown my fortune in with you lot so which ever you decide I will go

hearing the discussion of cora Gramble scoffs.

nonsense. she was evil and nothing was in cold blood. she made threats and tossed her cursed snakes at me, I would cut her down again.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche nods to Gramble in acknowledgement. "I believe in what you saw, Mr. Gramble. It is very likely the amulet influenced you as it did to poor Cora."

He rubs his chin in his usual manner, "If the evil trapped within the amulet still exists then we must be prepared to question what we see as we explorer further inside. It may yet possess the ability to delude us with illusion and subterfuge."

[kruk]

Sir Crestbrook the Mighty...Now Cresty...until if and when he gets his power to detect evil again

Sir Crestbrook listens to the conversation going on about him but stays silent until the end. He then turns to Andron. I tend to to view Gramble's account more than I do Saracen's. I detected evil radiating from Cora. I moved to stamp it out. Unfortunately, it was the amulet she was wearing which was the true evil. I...I didn't know. I agree with Saracen that I've lost the favor of my God. I will atone for what I've done before we leave this island. I will earn the favor and respect of my God once again when I sink my blade deep into the the creature responsible for the wickedness that ratiates throughout this island. Until I do, I am not Sir Crestbrook the Mighty. I am CRESTY! AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! He thrusts his sword upward into the air as he stares into the heavens above.


Lerrick

The cleric works through her checklist of her adventuring gear to make sure she has everything she needs. She listens to Cresty state his case and silently roots for him.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche clasps Sir Crestbrook on the shoulder with his free hand. "And I would have expected you to do no less. Remember, this is an evil strong enough that a powerful wizard was apparently only able to imprison, not destroy it. I suspect you have never encountered an evil so extreme, and your presence likely was able to pierce the amulet's veil to those immediately next to you. We will see this through together, my friend."

[kruk]

Cresty

Andronichishche clasps Sir Crestbrook on the shoulder with his free hand. "And I would have expected you to do no less. Remember, this is an evil strong enough that a powerful wizard was apparently only able to imprison, not destroy it. I suspect you have never encountered an evil so extreme, and your presence likely was able to pierce the amulet's veil to those immediately next to you. We will see this through together, my friend."

Cresty smiles back. Thank you my friend. Let's finish this.

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"Then we head for the isle. All together."

[OGRE MAGE]

Back To Work
Freeday, 19th of Goodmonth
Early Morning, Sunny, Warm, Humid

After 3 full days of rest, healing, and recuperation, allowing Saracen and Andronichishche to build on their magical repertoire, the island hopping group reassembles on the beach, ready to go back and finish what they’ve started inside the strange cave system they found.

After a good deal of early morning discussion, they appear content to head back to the island, despite the pirate threat that some of them are concerned with.

Pete and Joe are waiting on shore by their boat as promised. One stretches out his rowing shoulders while the other stretches out his palm to the group with a smile and a hearty good morning.

Actions?

A couple of players are still wrapping up behind the scenes actions, but as long as it isn’t too confusing for them to play in two different places/times at once, I think we can get this thing underway again. If anyone who hasn’t expressed their actions for the last few days wants to have done anything during that time, just let me know about it. Thanks! (if any of the below information has changed, please let me know that as well)

Sir Crestbrook 11/11 LoH
Gramble 16/16
Tlachtga 8/8 4/4 1st
Cu AC:3 13/13
Lerrick 11/11 4/4 1st
Saracen 33/33 5/5 1st 2/2 2nd
Alordan 18/18
Andron 6/6 3/3 1st CL, DM, RM / 1/1 1st
Maag 12/12

[Storm11]

Saracen encourages everyone to get out their belt purses.

How much is it exactly to procure your services again good sirs?

[Jernau35]

Maag

"We're not just selfish gold-grabbin' gits now. We're collectin' food for der needy. Dis is a mercy mission". Maag points out.