Vencarlo points out to a spot on the river. "It went down about there. " 'There' is an uncomfortably large stretch of water. Vencarlo grins as if this is not great thing. He slaps the side of the chest that's on the back of the mule he brought. "I know some people who were able to talk to some people in the Academy." No small task. You learned that the great and powerful Academy had magically sealed all entrances until the plague was over. "  They got us these. They're loaners. But should get the job done."

He hands each of you a small pearl. "This will let you breathe underwater. It will also let you move relatively normally. They have to be on your person. Touching the skin. " Each one is bound on a thick string so it can be worn like a necklace. "Put 'em under your shirts. "

He hands each of you a small bamboo tube. Each end is sealed tightly with thick wax. "Just in case...there's a brew that will let you breathe underwater inside each one. It won't last long. To use it put one end in your mouth and bite the seal. Swallow the fluid. It won't last long. So if you have to use it, head for the surface as quick as you can. "

The last thing he takes out are several pieces of quarts. Each one has been enchqnted to shine light, though a dimmer light than normal. "So you can see. "

He sighs and shuts the chest. "The pearls are supposed to allow you to speak underwater. How effective that will be I don't know." He glances at Tarrov and Izzick . "Can't say what it will do to your magic."

He grins again. "But. I did think to stop and pick up a few things." He gestures to the instruments strapped to the back of the mule.

There's a trident. Some short spears. And what appears to be two modified crossbows. They have smaller than usual bolts. "Supposedly the tritons use these. Underwater crossbows. I never heard of such. But...my source says they'll work. I didn't ask how he got them."

He nods at the row boat waiting on the shore below. "I'll row you out and wait around for you. Any questions?"

"Thank you for the aid good sir." Vaddis says as he accepts the items and puts the pearl around his neck and tucks it neatly inside his shirt and armor so that it was against his skin as instructed. He puts the tube inside his pack just in case he needed it. He also accepted the trident.

Selvin was awake but tired and summoned his ally as normal. He folded up his new wings and walked along with the group to their destination.

Once there he listed to Vencarlo. He eyed the pearl for a moment but then took it. His ally allowed him to breathe underwater, but he didn't mention that because what if his ally were banished or killed? He would need the pearl then. He put the pearl necklace on and slipped it into his shirt. He shrugged and took the bamboo tube, really hoping that this wouldn't be necessary.

The quartz was a mixed blessing too. Selvin could see in the dark while his ally was with him, but not all his traveling companions could so he would just have to live with light. Luckily he had low-light vision himself so that should help.

At the weapons, Selvin's eyebrows shot upwards. He looked at the rest. "Who wants which? I don't need any, except for distance."

He chuckled at their 'benefactor'. "I think you have been very thorough. Thank you."

He gestures to the boat. "Shall we?  "

He is quite spry for a man his age. He asks for no help in manning the oars and appears to need none. He stops when you are two stone throws from the opposite shore and hands one of you a rope. A bell is tied to one end. "Here. Take the end without the bell. It will only go a hundred feet or so. If something happens, pull on it and...well. I'll do what I can." He looks at you all. "Good luck. "

The water is cold. The pearls make it tolerable, but just barely. The current is strong but not enough to be a hinderance. You each become accustomed to the feeling of breathing water and then get to work.

Vencarlo's sources were accurate. The Direption lays on the river bed, eighty feet down and a couple of hundred feet from where you dived. The boat appears to have split in two. The front third lays on top of a large rock outcrop. It rests there on it's hull, forming a seventy degree angle with the rock. The other half of the ship lays on the other side of the rock. It came to rest on it's side.

The break in the ship reveals two decks below. You see no signs of life around the ship.

---

---

"Huh," said Tarrov, slipping the pearl necklace over his neck and ensuring it was touching his skin.  He also took one of the small crossbows--it seemed as if his trusty whip wouldn't be much use where they were going.  Finally he took the bamboo potion and secured it in a pocket of his vest where he could easily reach it . . . he didn't want to learn what it was like to suddenly find himself out of breath underwater for one second longer than he had to.

He took one of the glowing pieces of quartz in his hand, wondering if he could string it into a necklace as well.  "Yes, thank you, Vencarlo," the bard nodded his agreement with Vaddis.  "These are incredibly helpful.  Hopefully we'll be in a condition to return them to you," he grinned mirthlessly, "seeing as they are loaners."

"Let's go then."

Tarrov boarded the boat with an attempt at good humor and was shortly suitably impressed with Vencarlo's rowing ability; he wasn't sure he could have done the same and he was a third of the older man's age.  After the boat stopped, Tarrov listened intently to Vecarlo's instruction.

"Thanks again," he said as he dipped a toe into the water, wincing at the chill.  "Hopefully we won't need it."  Whether he was referring to the bell, the luck, or both was a little unclear, but he was too preoccupied with the temperature of the water to clarify.  "Outstanding."  The silver-haired bard sighed, then took a deep breach and jumped in.

"Holy Desna!"  He tried not to shriek as he jumped into the water.  It was cold.  It took some time to adjust to the water, but eventually he only felt chilled through rather than a human icicle.

"Hmmm," Tarrov said, testing out the voice properties of their pearls as they approached the ship.  "Guess we're heading in?  I vote bottom deck."

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 11:05, Mon 03 Nov 2014.

Vaddis followed Tarrov into the icy water and felt his nether regions tighten dramatically at the cold water.

Upon reaching the ship he nods at Tarrov's suggestion for the lower deck. "I'll lead."

Selvin's wings folded behind him as they won't be terribly useful in the water. Between the gills of his companion and the pearl, he was fine for breathing the water. He was grateful for the slight resistance to the cold water that the pearl gave him, that was for sure.

He gave Vaddis a shrug at his not-really-a-suggestion that he would lead the way. "If you think it best." He didn't say more than that, not feeling the need to go in to reasoning on why it might not be.

Vaddis looked back at Selvin, "If you wish to go first, by all means do so."

As you all propel yourselves downwards, you watch for any signs of movement from the ship. There are small slim shadows...eels most like...darting around the remnant of the shattered bow. The larger stern section seems very quiet. You don't even see any darting fish nearby.

As you head for the gaping hole, you see that the captain's cabin on the main deck remains undisturbed. The door is still shut, though there's a gap under the frame so there's no chance the cabin isn't filled with water.

You head past the flooring of the top deck. The second deck looks to have had a few cabins and a small hallway leading into a main hold. From inside the hold you see something large circling. It moves quickly. In a moment it has moved away from your lights and into the more shadowed regions of the hold.

The lower deck looks to be mostly a bilge. It appears to be clear. A set of stairs leading upwards to the second deck is at the far end of the space.

---

---

Tarrov grimaced at the lower deck.  "What do you gentlemen think?  I don't like the look of the creature down there, and it seems to be just a bilge, but who knows what it might actually contain?  We should probably explore it before we leave, even if just out of a sense of thoroughness."  He pointed at the upper deck.  "But we might want to look there first."

---

---

"I agree." Vaddis heads toward the upper 'deck' of the ship to begin searching the cabins and captains quarters.

Selvin watched with a wary eye. "Yeah, agreed. Start at the top an' work our way down if we don't find what we're after I'd say."

You swim upwards, coming over the top of the fractured top deck.

The cabin door is the only thing of interest. As you pull on it, it actually comes away from the frame. It was hard to tell before due to the general murk, but it had been ripped from it's hinges. And then placed back.

Mercifully, nothing comes lumbering out at you. Ruined bits of furniture scatter about the floor. Bed sheets bob in the current like children dressed up as ghosts for a night of pranks. A dead man lingers amidst the wrecakge. He does not stir. He just hangs there limply. His face is covered by a mask. It is like one of the doctors masks you saw in the Palace square earlier. A full leather facial masks with the eyes covered up by thick goggles sewn into the leather and a long, thin beak of an appendage jutting out from the mouth. He appears as a giant misquito, long since dead from it's unfuflfilled thirst for blood. It appears at least pne of the Queen's plague doctors came aboard this ship. Though whether he was here when it sank or he came along since, there's no way of telling. At least there isn't by just staring at him.

Vaddis checks the body out.

Search take 10

"Think they were here after t'find a cure, or did they start all this?" It was really a rhetorical question as none of them knew the answer.

Selvin will search the room while Vaddis checks out the body, just to be thorough.

---

---

Tarrov also looked around the room carefully.  He approached the body, trying to determine the cause of death.  Had this physician died from the plague, or to more-sinister activity?

---

---

Sorry about lack of posts, I thought I had been keeping better track, but it's been a busy week

The half-orc had donned the same pearl as the others before heading into the water, but even with the magic, it was simply a strange sensation to be under water with such free movement. Of course, he remained cautious as they approached the boat. He hoped Vencarlo had been wrong about his implications on their ability to cast spells. He wasn't sure just how much of a fight he could put up if worst came to.

As his companions looked over the found plague doctor's body and posessions, Izzick's fingers worked on casting a spell. Perhaps he would test what Vencarlo had said by searching for any magic in the room. Perhaps if the Plague Doctor had some magic allowing him to breath underwater, they'd know he came after it sank.

Going to cast Detect Magic and search the room

There is little amidst the floatsam and wreckage Selvin which the water has not ruined. You find a couple of journals whose pages are throughly ruined. One of the covers is still intact enough for you to read the cover. Rois Vindmel. It appears it was a personal journal.

You twitch your thick fingers Izzick and are rewarded with a spell. At least you know your magic is castable down here. Outside of the items on your companions though, there is no magic present in the chamber.

A look at what is left of his flesh Tarrov does show some signs of the Veil's rash and scarring. But it does not look too advanced. He probably drowned before succumbing to the disease.

The body is a mess Vaddis. Somehing has taken some chunks from him. But as you lift up his shirt, you get another sort of nasty surpise. Around his neck is a brass ornament worn on a chain. The ornament is shaped into the likeness of a moth with a skull on it's back. The Death Moth. Sacred to the Palid Princess, Uragotha. Mother of Disease. The man was probably a worshipper.

Vaddis removes the evil holy symbol from around his neck and puts it in his pocket. "Anything else you guys want to see? Or do we work our way below now?"

Selvin looked a bit disappointed, but he hadn't expected much else from the journals. He pocketed the one journal in case it might be somehow salvageable on the surface. He turned in time to get an eyeful of the partially-eaten corpse. He looked disgusted but shook his head. "I'm good t'move on."

"He doesn't seem to have one of these pearls," Izzick confirmed before they moved on, "</darkgreen>He might have been on the ship when it sunk. This is pretty far to get with just a temporary spell. Just a guess though at best,</darkgreen>" he offered, their own pearls so easily removable that it would be lucky if they didn't share the same fate. But he nodded in agreement once they'd searched the room that it was time to move on.

---

---

Vaddis' revelation of the amulet took Tarrov by complete surprise.  Although now that he thought about it, it probably shouldn't have.  Uragotha.

"This plague is no accident, then."  The bard said, his face grim.  "We're not fighting against chance and bad luck.  We're fighting against a plot to infect our city."  He looked around at his companions.  "That's not good news."  He nodded.  "Let's see what else we can find."

---

---

The next deck below contains the hold. There is a hatch in the deck which leads downwards. Or you can swim back to the break and swim in that way. The shape you saw was in the hold. Or at least it was.

"Hatch, or open hold through the break?"

"Now, now," to simply play the devil's advocate, "there are other ways besides these pearls to breathe underwater. Spells, my companion, etc. Now, I've been sayin' all along it was a plot, but I'm jus' sayin' it doesn't prove anythin'. Yet. We need more evidence."

He turned to Vaddis and shrugged. "I say Hatch."

Vaddis looks to Tarrov and Izzick for confirmation on entrance to the hold.

"Agreed. Deeper in we go," Izzick confirmed as Vaddis looked towards him.

---

---

Tarrov nodded his agreement as well.  There had to be more here.  Didn't there?

---

---

Vaddis opens the hatch and peers in to see what he sees before entering the hold. He sees nothing so enters with his trident.

07:43, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 1 using 1d20. Perception.

The hatch comes open easily. The only light comes from your magic torches and the little light that filters down through the river's inky waters. The light shining from your torches doesn't penetrate too far down. The hold looks like it contains mostly shadows and more water.

Selvin, you see it before the others. The large shadow thay detaches itself from the other shadows and comes rushing up. Whatever it is, it's too large to fit through the hatch. So it shouldn't be a problem. Right?

A moment before it hits, you all see it quite clearly. A large shark. A very large shark. A very, very large shark. How in the hell did it get in there?

Regardless, it's there now. And it's swimming up at you at a breakneck speed. You barely have time to think before it hits the deck under your feet. And smashes through....

Everyone except Selvin...roll init and beat an 18. If you do, you can take an action. Selvin, you aced the perception check so you had a moment to prepare. You can post an action.

09:03, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 2 using 1d20. Initiative.

09:35, Today: Izzick rolled 9 using 1d20+6. Init.

The sight of the creature surprised the half-orc, but soon enough, he had his bearings back and his movements and words conjured from his finger a ray of weakening green energy.

09:37, Today: Izzick rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Ray of  Enfeeblement.
09:38, Today: Izzick rolled 6 using 1d6+2. Strength Damage

The shark will take 6 strength damage, DC15 Fort save for half

In reply to Izzick (msg # 32):

OOC - There is no save for RoE, it's just 6 strength damage

Selvin still wasn't sure about casting spells underwater so he decided to go with the old tried and true. He braced himself and then kicked off towards the large shark, trying to halt the things forward movement with a flurry of attacks. He swung out with his claws, the large scorpion style stinger on his tail and a bite as well for good measure.


OOC: Didn't think I'd be able to charge so just assuming I attack once he reaches us.
09:57, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 19,14,24,15 using d20+5,d20+5,d20+5,d20+5. Power attack full attack. (claw, claw, bite, sting)
09:59, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 10,12,8,10 using d6+7,d6+7,d6+7,d6+7. Damage - Claw,Claw,Bite,Sting.

The shark erupts through the planks as if it were cheap paper. The fact you are all floating is to your advantage. Had it managed this little trick above water, several of you migt go flying.

As it shoots by, Selvin  manages to score three solid hits on it. It lurches past him and then begins to swing around...

Vaddis and Tarrov go. Tarrov, I'll assume your action goes off about the same time as Selvin's depending on what it is.

The thin beam of blue-black light leaps from the tips of Izzick's fingers. It hits the shark who seems to move slightly more sluggishly afterwards.

Vaddis sees the shark erupt through the floor at them and slams the trident into the creature's side!


07:50, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 29 using 1d20+9. trident attack. Critical threat
07:51, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 12 using 1d20+9. Confirm Critical Hit. Failed
07:51, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 8 using 1d8+4. trident damage.

---

---

Sharks.  Why did it have to be sharks?  Tarrov hated sharks.  Growing up in Korvosa, he was of course familiar with the animals, and sailors' stories regarding these gray, merciless monsters of the sea had always terrified him.

Still, the bard was shocked by the ferocity of the shark's attack.  He was no marine biologist, but could this possibly be normal behavior for such a creature?  Or was it's attack prodded by an intellect greater than the animalistic brain of this apex predator?

But now was not the time for pondering.  Tarrov brought up his underwater crossbow and sent a bolt plunging through the seawater towards their ravenous, toothy attacker . . .

OOC:

12:34, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 3 using 1d8. Underwater Crossbow Damage.
12:33, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 15 using 1d20+4. Underwater Crossbow Attack.

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Wed 12 Nov 2014.

The beast flinches as trident and bolt pierce it's thick hide. It tries to catch Selvin and Zac in it's maw, but Vaddis' blow was powerful enough to thrust it aside.

Ya'lls go

---

---

Tarrov was literally out of his element here; fighting underwater, against a big fish, took away a lot of what the bard normally did when things took a turn for the violent.  That said, he was heartened by his success with his first shot from the underwater crossbow.  And he was certainly gratified that the monster seemed much more interested in consuming Selvin than in dining upon a certain silver-haired entertainer.

Confidence fortified, Tarrov reloaded his crossbow and sent yet another bolt at the deep sea's most-feared predator . . .


OOC:

22:58, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 7 using 1d8. Underwater Crossbow Damage.
22:58, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Underwater Crossbow Attack.

---

---

Vaddis thrust the trident yet again at the beast!


07:03, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 10 using 1d8+4. trident damage.
07:02, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 16 using 1d20+9. trident attack.

As Izzick's hands went back to work casting, now swirling blue orbs appeared in front of him and followed the shark's movements before slamming into it.

Magic Missile
12:01, Today: Izzick rolled 9 using 2d4+2. Magic Missile.

Selvin was both very excited and a little afraid. It was an interesting new experience to be underwater and fighting, but the ginormous shark was a bit daunting as well - AND IT WAS TRYING TO EAT HIM!! He swung out with his claws, snapped at it with his teeth and jabbed his stinger tail at the creature but didn't connect as successfully this time.

14:48, Fri 14 Nov 2014: Selvin Larst rolled 21,6,12,21 using d20+5,d20+5,d20+5,d20+5 ((16,1,7,16)).
14:49, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 13,8 using d6+7,d6+7. Damage on MegaShark.

The poor shark seems confused of a sudden as he finds himself the center of attention. Really. All he wanted was a nibble. Why'd you guys have to take it so far?

As he turns to a fluffy cloud of chum. The four of you stop a moment, catching your breath as it were as the water turns the color of shark's blood. You've won. Savor the moment. Because now is when it all goes to hell.

"Nice trident..." says a voice like cracked, wet leather from behind Vaddis. "Mine's bigger..." There is a sharp pain in your back Vaddis that pushes through to your chest. You look down to see two prongs come jutting out from your stomach. Yeah, that's gonna leave a mark.

The 'woman' who has appeared behind the paladin is naked. Not that that's a good thing. She looks as swollen and dirty as the river water she is treading. Her hair is more a mass of dead weeds and old kelp than hair. Her hooked nose juts over her wide, thick lips. Her eyelids are more folds of rubbery flesh that mostly hide solid black orbs beneath.

She ignores the skewered paladin and glances at Izzick and Tarrov before looking at Selvin. One of those thick fleshy lids pulls back Selvin, and you see the solid mass of souless nothing beneath.

The hag flicks her arm and lifts Vaddis with the same motion a cook would flip an over easy egg. Vaddis, the motion slides you off the prongs of her trident and you float above the deck a moment, watching your blood billow out the holes she has left in your gut.

The Hag bares her teeth in a grin. Algae covers her sharp fangs like saliva would hang off the lips of a starving man. "C'mon fellas. Let's romp!"

Vaddis, 21 pts damage. You are floating above her head about 5'.

Selvin, make a save. CHA based DC 14. Mind affecting. Fail means you're staggered.

Surprise round is over. New init please, though I'm going on a 3, so I imagine everyone is going before me. Her AC is 17.

Bring your A Game guys. This one's gonna be ugly.

Selvin feels something trying to grip him, a magic of some sort trying to pull him down and weigh him down. He manages to shake it off, however, and gets angry. He lets out a growl but before he can charge forward, Izzick starts talking to the hag! Selvin reluctantly holds back for the moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Tue 18 Nov 2014.

Izzick paused a moment, knowing his own blood's fate, but perhaps he'd have better luck than whatever ancestor had ended up damning their line. "If this is your boat, then I am glad that I may have found you." He was knew that he was able to enter into a hag's coven, so he hoped that she would sense such an ability in him. "I come not in violence, but in hopes of forming an arcane circle with you. A coven together."

If this fails, here's my initiative:
02:50, Sat 15 Nov 2014: Izzick rolled 23 using 1d20+6 ((17)).

Otherwise, here's my bluff for the hag since I'm able to enter a coven as an Accursed Sorcerer:
02:51, Sat 15 Nov 2014: Izzick rolled 30 using 1d20+10 ((20)).

:o

08:05, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 16 using 1d20. Initiative.
08:05, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 8 using 2d6. channel positive energy.

HP: 39/52

Tarrov hoped Izzzick's ploy was going to work, but in case it didn't he began humming an inspirational tune under his breath.

OOC:

Begin performance: Inspire courage.

The Hag looks Izzick up and down. She gestures at Vaddis, Selvin, and Tarrov. "And these?"

"Well, if I didn't have to worry about Shark attacks, I wouldn't have needed protections," Izzick said, hoping to keep the tale going, at least until they received information. "<dargreen>I've had more than enough attackers on the surface to know that there are never too many precautions.</darkgreen>" Still, he tried his best to steer the subject, "There are rumors abounding in the city above about this vessel. The uncurable disease above is a curse most impressive. One of yours?"

In reply to Izzick (msg # 49):

She shakes her head slightly. "No." She cocks her head. "How did you hear of me?"

---

---

Tarrov raised an eyebrow.  A question of knowledge!  And one that was right in his wheelhouse.  He searched his mind for everything he knew, had heard, or even had hinted about this hag, her coven, or their activities.  Once he had the knowledge in mind, he placed a hand on Izzick's shoulder, letting him know with a meaningful squeeze that he had something to add to their high-stakes charade . . .

OOC:

Standard action - Use Lore Master skill to score a "20" on whatever knowledge check is most appropriate to learning about the hag, her coven, and/or their activities.

---

---

There are tales of a 'sea witch' told amongst those who live on the docks. Though the tales have her usually residing near the mouth of the river to the south. She has been given a few names by sailors. Shark Mother. Beautiful Disaster. Yvicca. Old Ka.

None of the tales are terribly comprehensive. Mostly sightings of a strange, ugly, bedraggled woman in the waters. A few fishermen come up missing each year, and this is attributed to her. As well as disappearances that occur in villages upstream for Korvosa. How much is her, no one can say.

None of the tales mention anything that sounds like a coven. The tales only mention a single crone.

There isn't much more known on the matter.

Vaddis detects evil.

---

---

"Milady," Tarrov sketched a bow, "if I may, I believe I may be the best one to answer your question.  I am Master Izzick's ears, and occasionally his voice."  He glanced at Izzick, as if seeking permission to go on.  Apparently receiving such permission, he continued.

"Master Izzick told me to be on the lookout for any information regarding powerful witches or warlocks with whom he might be interested in associating, and I am sure you are aware that your reputation precedes you in Korvosa.  I could hardly talk to a sailor without one mentioning the 'Shark Mother' living in the mouth of the river to the south.  Or the Beautiful Disaster.  Or Yvicca.  Or Old Ka.  The name varied depending on the tale teller, but the subject did not."

"Master Izzick was fascinated by your stories and impressed with your obvious power.  When we heard of this shipwreck, he suspected your influence and arranged for this expedition in an attempt to find clues regarding your whereabouts so that he could petition you.  And now he has found you."  Tarrov bowed again, then stepped back, looking at Izzick.  "Master?"

---

---

The Hag lights up like a night fesrival devoted to evil Vaddis

"Ah...Shark Mother. Yes. I have always liked that one," she purrs. She gestures towards the cloud of bloody shark mist that is still dissapating into the river. "Speaking of...that was my baby. Now I know of course it was just one of those things. But still. He was my little num-nums." She cocks her head and grins. "How are you going to pay me for that?"

Okay. Let's move things along.

The Hag watches Izzick a moment and then gestures at Selvin. "Will it be him?"

She points a finger above her at Vaddis. "Or him?"

She jerks her head at Tarrov. "Or pretty boy here? C'mon. Blood for blood. Which one?"

"I fairly think that's fair. He did attack us first after all. And you have already drawn blood back," he said, mentioning the cleric as he eyed that way, but he added, "And of course, should we actually form a coven, that would be most advantageous to us both." He'd always been convincing at lying himself into advantageous positions, but this double edged sword seemed just as likely to backfire. "This ship just sank, didn't it? Perhaps we could make it more home-y for you...unless you came here for another reason."

Shark Mother shrugs. "It did. I am just nosing around. Looking to see what's what?" She cocks her head and grins crookedly back at you Izzick

"Maybe we can come to a middle on this. Compromise is the basis for all good working relationships...right?" She raises one hand, palm side facing you. "We'll settle the blood between ourselves. You and I. A pact. Cut your hand and I'll cut mine. We'll let the water mix us and come up as one."

Her smile deepens. "You do want this. Don't you?"

---

---

Tarrov glanced from the Shark Mother to Izzick.  Whatever she was proposing sounded . . . serious.  And her words buttressed that perception.  Tarrov knew a little something about a lot of things, and more about witches than most, having grown up in a theater whose plays often used them as subjects.  He racked his mind for stories about witches and the ceremonies that accompanied their profane rites.  What exactly was it she was offering to Izzick?  And what dangers might that offer hold?

OOC:

22:27, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 29 using 1d20+9. Knowledge (Arcana) Check re: Rite.

---

---

Selvin glanced at Izzick and then shook his head. "Nope. He's not ready fer that kind o'commitment to an older woman." He leaped forward to attack.

OOC: Unless Izzick is going to stop him?

"Die evil witch!!" Smite Evil


15:30, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 31 using 1d20+12. trident attack smite evil.
15:31, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 8 using 1d8+7. trident damage.

Blood pacts are an old form of magic Tarrov. At least according to the tales you know. You know covens are capable of great feats of magic, including causing natural disasters and plagues. Sealing a bond with blood makes sense in someways regarding the formation of such an alliance.

Of course, blood in water is also a good way to attract sharks. And it's doubtful that the Shark Mother would have any worries if some sharks did happen by.

Since there are two sharks swimming towards your group, you guess you'll get to test that hypothesis first hand. They come rising over the top of the cabin where they must have been hiding before now.

The Hag raises her trident to try to block your thrust Vaddis but isn't quite quick enough. The trident spears into her shoulder and she squeals almost like a school girl.

Init please. I'm going on a 17.

Sorry. Meant to note there are now three opponents. The Hag and two sharks.

23:14, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

---

---

Tarrov was taken aback by the sudden outbreak of combat.  One moment the sea witch had made an offer to blood-bond with Izzick--the next swords were out and sharks were summoned.  The young bard was not yet used to the ubiquitous combat that seemed to be his lot lately, and was a little slow in his reaction to the sudden hostilities . . .

OOC:

23:58, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Initiative.

---

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08:47, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 12 using 1d20. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Thu 27 Nov 2014.

"Well, I tried anyway," Izzick said with a scowl upon his face as he chanted out arcane words of a conjuration spell. If she had sharks, he would bring in allys of his own. The sea witch wasn't the only one with friends she could call.

13:23, Fri 28 Nov 2014: Izzick rolled 22 using 1d20+6 ((16)). Initiative

I'll cast Summon Monster II for a Small Water Elemental to appear at the start of my next turn

The Hag uses the momentum from the push Vaddis' swing to bring the haft of her trident against Tarrov's collar bone. The deck under the young bard gorans and then splinters apart as Tarrov sinks ankle deep into the deck.

Izzick you mumble the mental incantation that invites an ally to come over. You feel an answer at the back of your neck. The elemental is drawing itself through the water towards you.

Vaddis, the two sharks seem to have caught your scent. They seem to like it as they both fixate on you. One shark slaps you in the back of the head with it's tail while the other lands it's maw on your right thigh. It doesn't have a firm grip yet. But you can feel the ends of it's jaws tearing into your oh-so-baby-soft skin.

Selvin, you seem to be doing fine at the moment.

Tarrov, 7 damage. The hit didn't knock you through the rotted deck, but it will keep you in the same spot next round.

Vaddis, my dice seem not to like you this go around. Total of 6 damage.

Ya'lls turn.

Vaddis attacks the hag once again, but due to the distraction of the shark, misses!

07:47, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 14 using 1d20+12. trident attack smite evil on hag.

Selvin wasn't far from the hag but was still a bit unused to fighting underwater. He made a misstep that slowed him down and then his bite and his tail went wide, though both claws seem to connect with the hag.

OOC: I'm assuming a 12 misses
07:47, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 12,24,25,8 using d20+7,d20+7,d20+7,d20+7. Pounce on hag (no power attack yet).
07:48, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 6,5 using d6+3,d6+3. Damage on hag.

Izzick's chanting ends as the water elemental comes into being behind them, standing guard at the doorway between the floors, hoping to have it intersect any sharks that may try to come through. Still, the half-orc continued to concentrate, forming another incantation in his mind before he let an aura of magic seep around his hands and moved in towards the hag. All he needed was to touch her.

Water Elemental will ready an action to attack the first shark to enter through the doorway.

I cast Touch of Idiocy and then go to try touching the hag.
12:41, Today: Izzick rolled 9 using 1d20+3. Touch attack.

:(

The shark biting your leg bears down Vaddis. You feel the teeth pierce the skin and sink into the muscle.

The Hag takes both claws across her chest and then gives you a wicked grin Selvin a wicked grin. "...someone wants to cuddle." She slams her trident up into your friends middrift. The tines or whatever the tips of the ends on a trident are called manage to penetrate fairly deeply. They may even be tickling your own abs.

Izzick, the tussle between Selvin and the Hag carried her just outside your range.

Vaddis, 8 pts. Selvin you take 11. You guys are up. Izzy, you get to roll for your elemental.

The elemental's small watery arms just don't seem to work as well on the fish as Izzick hoped.

00:56, Today: Izzick rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Slam. Welp.

Selvin let out a howl of pain as his eidolon cried out in pain. He gave the hag a snarl, "Not likely."

22:59, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 12,26,27,17 using d20+7,d20+7,d20+7,d20+7. Full attack on hag.
23:00, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 5,8,8 using d6+3,d6+3,d6+3. Damage on hag (not sure if 17 hits).

Vaddis lashes out at the hag again and misses again. "Can someone deal with this shark?"

06:45, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 14 using 1d20+12. trident attack smite evil on hag.

Sorry for the delay. Last minute holiday drama. I had to check again Selvin. A 17 does hit.

As Tarrov wrenches himself from the hole in the deck, he begins a song. The water elemental swishes past the hag's head as Selvin smacks her around. Her hide is as tough as shark skin though. Maybe that's where she got her nickname.

The shark chewing through Vaddis leg makes progress. The water around the paladin is a crimson mist. The other shark wheels about and swims just past Izzick's head, missing by a scant space. The hag pushes on her trident, sending it further into the Vaddis/Zac combo. She's strong. The tines sink deeper and deeper in.

Vaddis, 9 more hp damage. Selvin, 10 pts. I will let you take 4 pts of the damage yourself instead of passing it to Zac if you wish. She is pushing her trident up into ya'lls guts after all.

Selvin cried out in pain as did the symbiotic outsider as the hag continued to hurt them. He decided to push forward and try to end the hag if he could but his more powerful swings tended to go a bit wider so less connected.

22:14, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 11,25,24,13 using d20+6,d20+6,d20+6,d20+6. Power attack full on hag.
22:16, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 9,14 using d6+8,d6+8. Power attack damage on hag.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:17, Tue 02 Dec 2014.

Vaddis finally has enough of the shark and 'frogs' it on the trident!


08:05, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 24 using 1d20+9. trident attack. HIT!
08:05, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 10 using 1d8+3. trident damage.

The shark on your leg becomes shark on a stick Vaddis. It manages to squeeze a bit more on your poor tendons before it wiggles itself out of a grip.

The second shark smacks Izzick with it's tail as it tries to nring itself around and bite for his head.

The Hag ceases pressure on the trident Selvin and instead mumbles something to herself and flicks her free hand in a certain way before resting it on herself. Healing magic. She's weakening then.


Vaddis, you take a paltry 4 dam. Izzick you got a whooping 3 hp dam.

Ya'lls go.

Selvin gives a fierce grin at the hag as she has to heal herself. He lashes out at her viciously with all his natural weapons, managing to hit her with one claw and then his stinger in a feinting move to her side.

21:19, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 14,14,22,25 using d20+6,d20+6,d20+6,d20+6. Power attack full on hag.
21:20, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 13,11 using d6+8,d6+8. Power attack damage on hag.

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Tarrov turned his crossbow on the shark attacking Vaddis, hoping to finish it off.  The bolt sped through the water, piercing the shark right through its vulnerable eye socket!

OOC:

00:56, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 10 using 2d8+4. Aquatic Crossbow Critical Damage.
00:55, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 23 using 1d20+6. Aquatic Crossbow Critical Confirmation.
00:53, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 25 using 1d20+6. Aquatic Crossbow Attack.

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With the shark free of his leg, Vaddis resumes his attack on the hag!



08:08, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 32 using 1d20+14. trident attack smite evil on hag.
08:09, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 12 using 1d8+9. trident damage.

Izzick and his water elemental seemed to have different targets, but moved in synch. Izzick's hand tried to make just the briefest touch of the hag. Certainly the pain of the shark threw him off, but the spell on his hand didn't need concentration, only contact. His water elemental went for far more than a touch, but it's movements were fluid underwater as it tried to pound it's arms against the shark's hide. It seemed unable to break through the walls of muscle however.


00:36, Thu 04 Dec 2014: Izzick rolled 14 using 1d20+5 ((9)). Touch of Idiocy / touch attack #2
00:38, Today: Izzick rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Elemental Attack.

Well, still hoping the 14 hits the hag's touch, meaning if it hits
00:39, Today: Izzick rolled 6 using 1d6.

The hag will lose 6 Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.

The hag snarls and then gets turned this way and that from the impact of so many blows. She becomes limp and floats in the water, a thick blackish goo oozing from her wounds. She lays still.

The shark attacking Izzick looses interest and flips aside, launching itself on it's now dead comrade. It seems to be enoying a shark lunch at the moment.

The four of you look at the hag through the cloudy red water. The battle seems...seems...to be over.

Selvin steps back, breathing heavily. "Is she...dead?" He takes a moment to cast a spell on the symbiotic creature draped over him. Some of the wounds on the skin seem to close over and heal.

21:53, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 8 using 1d10+5. Rejuvenate Eidolon Lesser.

Vaddis, not taking any chances, stabs her again!


08:40, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 16 using 1d20+14. trident attack smite evil on hag. No dex it should hit if she is 'dead'.
08:42, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 11 using 1d8+9. trident damage. +4 damage needs to be added from last time for my smite evil and +2 for the song. I missed them

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Once Vaddis has confirmed the hag's deceased status, Tarrov quickly searches her to determine if she is carrying anything of interest or any information indicating a connection to the spread of the plague in Korvosa.

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Izzick exhales deeply, "Sorry that story seemed more trouble than it was worth...I was hoping she'd have some bit of information about this plague," the half-orc said, taking blame for the failure.

Vaddis sticks the fork in her. She's done.

The bard's search of her comes up with a few interesting trinkets. First, she is wearing bracers with some odd runes etched into them. The glow when someone detects magic. Her trident also glows as well. She has a pouch straped to her back. Inside is a small vial of a noxious greenish looking goo and some odd implements. These implements are a puzzle. One appears to be some kind of tool, perhaps used for wood shavong. The other are sticks of various thickness she has carved down to a certain thickness. At one end of each she has carved in various grooves. It looks like she was trying to shape a key for something...

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"It's all right, Izzick," Tarrov replied, waving his hand as if brushing aside the man's apology.  "We were going to fight her anyway, and you gave us some time to set up for it.  It was a good idea."

"These are interesting . . .," said the silver-haired bard absently as he leaned over the key-like implements, trying to determine where, for what, or in what circumstances they might be used.

OOC:

23:33, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 22 using 1d20+8. Knowledge Check.

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Selvin looks over the items and casts Detect Magic to see if any are magical and what they might be.

OOC: 16:01, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 15 using 1d20+7. Knowledge Arcana on Bracers.
16:02, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 8 using 1d20+7. Knowledge Arcana on Trident.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Sat 06 Dec 2014.

Izzick attempts to identify the properties of the trident and the bracers. Though his knowledge of either is lacking and he passes them off to Selvin while Tarrov is busy.


14:37, Today: Izzick rolled 12 using 1d20+9. ID Trident.

14:37, Today: Izzick rolled 10 using 1d20+9. ID bracers.

Dice Roller hasn't been liking me lately.

The bracers have some kind of defensive magic on them. The trident appears to have just the usual enchantments on it to make it a better weapon.

The pieces of wood are unusual. It looks like she was trying to make a key. But to what? It couldn't be large. Assuming her dimensions are accurate, it would fit a small locker or chest of some kind.

Bracers of Armor +2. Trident acts as a short spear +2. The keys are too large for one of those coffers you suspect carry the plague coins. Whatever she was trying to open was bigger than that. Or they may be for a door.

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"I wonder," Tarrov wondered, "if the reason she was here, on this boat, was not because she was somehow apprised of our presence, but because she wished to retrieve something from the wreckage.  From everything I know, she does not live in this area.  And the chances she was here just to investigate a sunken ship seem small."  He held up the key-like implements.  "What if she was intent on using these to obtain something aboard this vessel?  Something we have not yet found?"

He looked around, as if this mystery item would suddenly reveal itself to them on account of its mention.  It did not.  Undeterred, he went on.  "Maybe a chest in the hold?  I think we should search closely for such an item."

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Vaddis moves back into the hold to investigate, in obvious pain and discomfort.

Selvin gave a nod and shrug. "Could be. Would make as much sense as anything else we've run into on this crazy ride so far." He headed back to the hatch they were entering before being so rudely interrupted. "So...who wants the Bracers and who wants the Trident? And shall we then go back the way we were going?"

"I can use the trident for now."

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"I could use the bracers," added Tarrov.

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The contents of the hold are suprisingly little. The few crates are either undone or require no key to open. You scour the last of the ship and find a small room behind the hold. From the looks of it, it served as a sickbay of sorts. Odd medical instruments are scattered about. Most already starting their voyage towards rust.

In back is a small bed made of floatsem and kelp. The hag's stench is almost detectable despite being underwater. Nestled in her crib is a small locker. It is locked and something rattles inside.

Selvin looked at the locker. "hmm...think this is what those key-things were for?" He looked at his comrade and tried to open the locker but no good. "Anyone good at picking locks?"

Vaddis shakes his head no.

As Izzick tightens the bracers onto his own wrists after a bit of discussion he looks to the box and Selvin. He shook his head in disagreement as well.

There seems little else of interest on the wreck.

Unless you guys had something else you wished to do here, I'll move us on tomorrow.

Can we take the box or break it open?

Box will come with you. I'm working on the new thread now.