After explaining the situation to Cressida she reluctantly frees up the funds to purchase four potions of water breathing. Although scrolls would be a cheaper method she didn't have any way to reliable purchase them on short order however the guard did keep a few high level potions on hand for emergencies, and it wasn't hard to convince the guard captain that this was such an emergency.

"We need information and that ship is too suspicious not to check out. Go to the wreck and see what you can find out. See if it has any connection to the plague and if so, bring back something we can use to get to the bottom of this catastrophe."

Thus the party found itself marching back through the sewers on yet another unpleasant task to try and help save their home city. Diving into the murky depths to explore a sunken plague ship isn't high on anyone's list of preferred activities and getting there by waste tunnels only made it that much more unpleasant. Luckily Yelloweyes' directions proved to not only be accurate, but also efficient. While it wasn't the most direct route from what they could tell she routed them around other inhabitant nests and lairs giving them a peaceful, if foul smelling, trip to the discharge tunnel that emptied into the river right across where the ghost ship had sunk.

From what the party can tell the ship lies about 80' below the surface. The water is black and murky and will be difficult for those without night vision to see.

OOC: Let me know if you're making any other preparations. I hope you are all familiar with underwater combat rules.

Figus will buy an additional potion from Eries Yelloweyes for 300 gp.

Eries hands Figus a small bundle when he hands over his coins.

"I know you did your best to keep the others alive. Accidents happen but overall it most will survive. Not many would go out of their way to help out a pack of sewer rats. Thank you."

When Figus unwraps the bundle he finds that there are two potions inside.

OOC: mark down 2 bottles of Water Breathing CL 5

"Thank you, Eries." Figus fidgets a bit before proceeding "I would ask you one thing though. During the fighting, I believe I was bitten. What is the fastest way to determine if I need something to cure it before it's too late?"

Kraw suggests "I think we need to speak to local fishermen and hire a boat. If these waters frequently have sharks, we can hire a boat to chum the waters a fair distance from where we will be exploring. Draw them off so we don't have any added headaches."

Kyra confirms Kraw's words. "There are sharks aplenty in these waters, and worse things as well." Kyra shrugs. "Some bait might draw at least some of them away."

Not a bad idea.

In reply to Kyra (msg # 6):

"I appreciate your concerns Kraw, but we may not need to go to that length unless we find it warranted.  It seems the wreck is 80' below us right now and we are ready to dive.  I propose we or I can take a quick look and see whats about.  If there are no sharks or other creatures of the deep we can precede with the potions.  But if there are then we can hold off on the water breathing potions and contract some chums to chum for us.  What say you?"

If this is agreeable, Ayeesha will slip in to the water quietly, relying on her Ioun torch to see what is about with the plan to swim down 30' and look about while holding her breath. She will drink a mage armor and touch of the sea (+8 swim, 30ft swim spd take ten on check)potion before entering the water with long spear (piercing)at the ready. If nothing is spotted in this short scouting foray, then I advocate we proceed with the dive.

"Sure, hold on Ayeesha. Let me cast a spell on you to make things easier. It will last about five minutes but will let you breathe."

Figus will cast Air Bubble on Ayeesha before she goes swimming.

Eries sniffs the wound on Figus and gives him a solemn nod.

"Yes, you should go see a priest to get this cleaned up. You'll need a powerful cleric. very powerful to break the curse. Otherwise some wolfsbane has been known to cure it. You have until the next full moon or else the curse will become forever part of you."

OOC: Hoooo boy I thought I would catch you with that one. That would have been a fun surprise, eh?

So mechanically speaking to break it guaranteed you would need to spend 360gp to get the head of a temple to cast Remove Disease on you. Nobody you know and have influence with would have that so the only cure is spending the gold.

It is well known that the river is home to jigsaw sharks. In fact Kraw spotted them when they were first trying to hunt down Gaedron at his chum factory several months ago. Chumming the water might not be a bad idea and would be very cheap, only a few coppers for the bait and a few more to have a fisherman dump it overboard.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 10):

"I'am ready to dive when everyone else is."

Kraw holds up a hand. "Give me an hour to pay some fishermen to chum the waters away from the wreck,please? I like you too much to lose you to a bunch of sharks." If agreed, he goes off to do this, spending time and 2 sp to get it done.

"Take your time. I'm not in any hurry to go diving, even without the sharks and who knows what else lurking down there." Kyra comments as she looks over the water, trying not to think on her previous experiences with the river.

Kyra will cast Mage Armor on herself before diving. Got a couple of Mage Armor scrolls as well, in case someone would rather leave their armor on the shore. They only last one hour though.

OOC: I am assuming that Kyra has or will cast the Anthropomorphic Animal on Alpha before we go swimming. If I could not get the special armor for Alpha, then she will drink a potion of Mage Armor before going swimming as well.

Figus nods his head and pats Alpha on the shoulder. His companion is still getting a hang of the new shape and clutches his spear. "I know its different, but it will allow you to do a lot more things, my friend. You will see."

Figus nods his readiness and prepares the potions he will use, one for himself and one for his partner.

Swimming through the murky water the party quickly realizes just how valuable Yelloweyes' directions were. With the water so dark it was very disorienting and they could have ended up searching the same area over and over again without realizing but following the directions literally "exit the pipe, go across the river, dive to the bottom" the party ended up swimming down nearly right on top of the wreck.

There are obvious scars from fire and trebuchet strikes that mar the ship's broken hull and it has broken over a rocky outcropping into two pieces. The bow has fallen to the side and a larger section of the stern sits on the other side of the rocks.

Because of how the Bow had cracked and fallen open it would be relatively easy to explore however the stern collapsed on itself as it hit the rocks and accessing its lower decks will likely be difficult.

After a quick circle the party identifies a few likely places to explore:

The Bow
The front portion of the ship broke away and landed awkwardly here, revealing two splintered decks inside. Its bowsprit shattered and decks filled with debris, the vessel bears an ominous moniker along its fire-scarred hull: Direption.

The doors into the forecastle and galley here swing open in the current, their interiors wrecked and disordered.

The Shattered Hold
A yawning wound in the ship's charred timbers allows murky water to flow easily through this debris-cluttered hold. Loose timbers, small fish, and dozens of identical boxes float eerily
in the quiet darkness.

The Captain's Quarters
The door on the top deck that likely leads to the captain's quarters appears to be shut tight despite this part of the ship being sideways and crashing against the rocks.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 15):

"Bottoms up! or is that down?"

Glug, glug, glug, Ayeesha drinks her potions. In the order of, the Water breathing, Mage armor, and then Touch of the sea.

Ayeesha takes a moment to examine her webbed hands and feet before quietly slipping into the depths of the River, swimming with ease.

Figus keeps an eye on his companion. This is the first time that Alpha was wearing a humanoid shape in such an unfamiliar environment.

"We may find something in the Captain Quarters. I do not know if any papers would survive, but you could never tell."

Assuming it's possible to speak...

Kyra tries not so see sharks everywhere around them in the murky waters. This place is really giving her the creeps. "Doubtful anything written on paper would remain legible, but it does not hurt to check. We should secure one of those boxes as well, preferably without handling them directly."

I don't suppose someone brought along a bag or something else to put a box in?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:59, Fri 23 Apr 2021.

Kraw pulls out a folded net and proceeds to 'net' a couple of the boxes without touching them.

The boxes do look like the kind described with the skull motif however these have all been opened, likely from the violent sinking. While there is the occasional silver piece here and there they seem to be mostly empty.

Figus checks on the door to the captain's quarters and finds that the water has swollen the door shut.
OOC: DC 20 str check to force it open.

Figus calls Alpha over to give him a hand with opening the door, but it's stuck pretty well and Figus can not budge it.

"Ayeesha, give me a hand, maybe we can still force it. Otherwise, we may have to go through a window or something."

13:38, Today: Figus Dva rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  STR check DC 20.
13:37, Today: Figus Dva rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18.  Alpha Aid STR check.

In reply to Figus Dva (msg # 21):

"Suuuurrrrreeee"

Ayeesha lends a hand or shoulder.


16:00, Today: Ayeesha rolled 19 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 15.  Strength check to force the door.

Figus directs Alpha to help him in giving Ayeesha a hand at forcing the door.

16:11, Today: Figus Dva rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18.  Alpha Aid STR check.
16:11, Today: Figus Dva rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4.  Aid STR check.

In reply to Figus Dva (msg # 23):

Ayeesha will pull her crowbar out of her backpack for +2 to strength test toward forcing a door. She will look for a good pry point and position the tool. Then she will rage and accept any assistance before attempting to force open the door.

"ARRGGGHHH"

A 24 so there goes the door.

07:48, Today: Ayeesha rolled 24 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 16.  Strength CK to Force the door +8+?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Sat 24 Apr 2021.

After about a minute of struggling and kicking and wrenching the door finally squeezes free of its frame. As they open the door they can confirm that this is indeed the captain's quarters. Along with a few other bits of ruined furnishings, the scorched sheets of a canopied bed twist like ghosts above the snapped wooden bed frame. Knotted amid the linens, a drowned corpse wearing the birdlike mask of a Queen’s Physician twirls in the current.

The body is currently twisted up in the sheets but unraveling it will be easy enough, if a little time consuming. Searching the body reveals an average and slightly overweight (now very bloated by water) man with splotchy skin. Around his neck he is wearing some kind of brass holy symbol but it isn't one of the "popular" symbols so nobody recognizes it.

Other than the body there is nothing of note in the captain's quarters...suspiciously so. A boat like this would have likely been to sea for quite some time and captain's always take the time to personalize their living space where they will presumably be spending months at a time in but this captain's quarters is almost completely bare apart from basic living needs. No treasure chest full of valuables, no knick-knacks and keepsakes lining the shelves, even the dresser is empty of clothing.

Figus casts a Detect Magic and scans the cabin. "Does anyone recognize this holy symbol?"

Kraw examines the symbol, comparing the stmbology and any markings to known, local deities.


00:52, Today: Kraw rolled 18 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 5.  Linguistics .

00:52, Today: Kraw rolled 16 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 6.  Knowledge Local .

They turn the holy symbol around this way and that but nobody can identify it. While searching around the party does feel like they can detect magical emanations from deeper inside the cargo hold.

3 magical auras all clustered together - Faint Necromancy, Faint Evocation, and Moderate Abjuration.

Kraw casts Detect Magic to zero in on the emanations.

"Let us take the holy symbol, we can identify it later and the mask. Once we check out the rest of the ship, we can come back for the corpse if we want to. Meanwhile, looks like the  cargo hold is where we need to check next."

If the rest are in agreement, then we start heading toward the cargo hold.

In reply to Kyra (msg # 6):

OCC: If we have carefully searched the body and chamber then we can move on to the hold.

Ayeesha stow's her crow bar in her back pack and takes up her long spear as they move on to the cargo hold.

Kyra nods. "Fine, but let's take the body with us as well once we go back. With a right spell, we might learn a lot from it."

I'm thinking Speak with Dead. Maybe the marshal could be persuaded to cover the cost of a scroll, but if not Kyra can buy one.

Following the "scent" of magic the party swims through the deck and end up in the ship's infirmary. Several bent metal bed frames and glass-paned cabinets lie shattered across the floor of the room. The room swirls with a haze of gore, fish heads, and half-eaten eels chumming the circling waters.

Suddenly a horrible looking woman wielding a harpoon appears flanked by a large shark. As the party catches sight of her she makes some arcane gestures and suddenly another shark pops into existence in front of her.



The large shark swims forward biting at Figus taking a bite out of the swimming elf.
12 damage

Round 1

Kraw casts a Shield spell (duration 5 minutes) and swims to K-7, circling around Ayeesha. With quick-draw, he has two daggers in his hands in an instant.

Figus and Alpha engage the Large Shark. Alpha misses with both the spear and her bite, while Figus managed to wound the shark with his Kukri for 1 pts

14:56, Today: Figus Dva rolled 4 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 1.  Kukri damage. (should be +1 for 2 halved)
14:55, Today: Figus Dva rolled 13,20 using d20+5,d20+5 with rolls of 8,15.  scimitar, kukri.
14:46, Today: Figus Dva rolled 5 using 1d20 with rolls of 5.  Bite.
14:45, Today: Figus Dva rolled 16 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 10.  Spear. (Should be +4 instead of +6 miss anyway)

In reply to Figus Dva (msg # 35):

Ayeesha will use a free action to rage and take AOO with long spear (10' reach) against large shark as it moves in with power attack -2 to hit +6 dmg 2hd.

She will 5' step to K7 and longspear attack 2hd raging PA on large shark in K9 square with reach.

Hit with AOO (24) for 18 dmg and a standard attack hit (27) for 16 dmg for total of 34 off.

OOC: Oops messed up on dice roller. Please disregard the d20 for dmg and add another 6 for 1d8+9 roll. :)


17:40, Today: Ayeesha rolled 10 using 1d8+9 with rolls of 1.  longspear dmg 1d8,2hd,+6,rage +3,PA +6.

17:40, Today: Ayeesha rolled 20 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 11.  longspear dmg 1d8,2hd,+6,rage +3,PA +6.

17:40, Today: Ayeesha rolled 27 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 18.  Longspear +9 2hd, rage +2,PA -2.

17:34, Today: Ayeesha rolled 18 using 1d8+15 with rolls of 3.  longspear dmg 1d8,2hd,+6,rage +3,PA +6.

17:32, Today: Ayeesha rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15.  Longspear +9 2hd, rage +2,PA -2.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:17, Sat 01 May 2021.

Kyra throws an arcane gesture of her own in response, and a cloud of golden dust appears in the waters around the... hag? and the sharks.

Step to N7. Glitterdust (will DC 15) on upper-right corner of J9. I think Glitterdust would work underwater?

Ayeesha's quick reflexes lets her tag the shark as it was incoming.
9 damage to large shark

Kraw casts a defensive spell and moves next to Ayeesha.

Figus stabs the shark.

Ayeesha goes into a rage and nearly guts the shark from front to end.

Kyra creates a burst of bright light and glitter and while the hag and the large shark don't seem affected by it the other shark does seem blinded by the light.

---

Round 2

The hag catches Ayeesha's eye and she feels a chill run down her spine.
Ayeesha hit with Evil Eye. Make a DC 14 Will save or be Staggered!

The large shark snaps at Ayeesha, biting her in the arm even as she tries to resist the hag's evil gaze.
9 damage

The smaller shark spends its time shaking off the effects of Kyra's spell.

Figus and Alpha keep attacking the large shark and Alpha manages to stick it good with the spear.

17:01, Today: Figus Dva rolled 16,13 using d20+5,d20+5 with rolls of 11,8.
17:01, Today: Figus Dva rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7.  Damage.
16:59, Today: Figus Dva rolled 23,13 using d20+6,d20 with rolls of 17,13.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 38):

Ayeesha shacks off the effect.

16:12, Today: Ayeesha rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Will save +4,+2 while in rage.

OCC: Ayeesha has swim speed 30'; so I believe she can 5' step?

Move action: To swim to I8, eating an AOO.

Standard Action: Ayeesha casts "Protection from evil" on herself to gain +2 deflection to AC and +2 resistance to saves against effects created by evil creatures.

Kraw swims to J8 and tries to gut the large shark from behind. Fails miserably,too.



18:41, Today: Kraw rolled 11 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 1.  Dagger attack, flanking.

18:41, Today: Kraw rolled 8 using 1d4+5 with rolls of 3.  Dagger damage.

18:40, Today: Kraw rolled 17 using 3d8 with rolls of 6,4,7.  Sneak stab damage.

With her area spell not having much of an effect, Kyra this time focuses her will directly on the hag.

Slumber on the hag, DC 15. Move action to ready a wand of CLW.

Round 3
Figus and Alpha finish off the large shark and creating a giant crimson cloud of blood.

Ayeesha swims past the carcass and readies herself to engage the hag.

Kraw moves in to attack the shark but fails to land a strike.

Kyra attempts to hex the hag right back but an experienced witch like the hag does not succumb to the effect.

Round 4
The hag lets loose a screech that seems to sap the strength from everyone around her.
Everyone must pass a DC 14 Fortitude save or take 1D6 Strength Damage

The hag swims forward evading Ayeesha's reach and attacks her with a spear and claw attack unleashing a fury upon Ayeesha and carving up the barbarian.
<orange>Two attacks hit for 10 and 12 damage. Minus the bonus HP that is 7 net damage.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 43):

Ayeesha sees red as she shrugs off the sea hags ugly looks.

15:32, Today: Ayeesha rolled 30 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 16.  fort save dc 14 ,+9,rage+3,PFE+2=+14.

Ayeesha 5' steps back and powerattacks the hag.

21 to hit the ugly for 21 dmg.

15:37, Today: Ayeesha rolled 21 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 12.  Longspear +9 2hd, rage +2,PA -2.

15:38, Today: Ayeesha rolled 21 using 1d8+15 with rolls of 6.  longspear dmg 1d8,2hd,+6,rage +3,PA +6.

Kyra feels her strength being drained from her. "The hell?!" With her magic failing against the hag twice now, she focuses instead on the remaining shark.

Failed the save, took 3 Str damage.
22:17, Today: Kyra rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  Fort save.
22:19, Today: Kyra rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Str damage.

Slumber on shark. I need to get some better offensive spells.

Figus and Alpha ignore the underwater screech.

Figus takes a double move action and then activates his shirt to move again to get to G10 to set flanking for Ayeesha. (Will take an AoO from the small shark)

Alpha moves to H7 and attacks with the spear but misses.

17:32, Today: Figus Dva rolled 11 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 5.  Alpha vs Hag spear attack.
17:28, Today: Figus Dva rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  DC 14 Fortitude - Alpha.
17:27, Today: Figus Dva rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  DC 14 Fortitude.

The feathers that cover Kraw's ears give him just enough protection against the horrid shriek.

17:15, Today: Kraw rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Fort Save DC 14.

From his position at J8, Kraw acrobatically swims/leaps over the hag to position himself in G9. From there, he stabs quickly with his enchanted Silver dagger.


17:15, Today: Kraw rolled 18 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 1.  Acrobatics to avoid AoO.

17:16, Today: Kraw rolled 28 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 18.  Dagger attack, flanking.

17:16, Today: Kraw rolled 7 using 1d4+5 with rolls of 2.  Dagger damage.

17:16, Today: Kraw rolled 16 using 3d8 with rolls of 7,5,4.  Sneak stab damage.


OOC: Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think a '1' is an automatic failure with skills. Combat and Saves, yes. Skills, no.

Round 4
Ayeesha powers through the yuck and stabs the Hag with her spear.

The shark seems to go unfocused and instead of swimming at the party it is just drifting lazily around.
Sharks don't really sleep, per se. They instead go into a passive resting period because they have to keep moving to breath and stay alert for danger. It still counts as sleep though but just fluff reasons it isn't going to just turn on its side and start snoring.


Kraw flips around and scores a hit on the hag as he gets into position behind her.

Round 5
The hag shifts back to get out of the flanking action the party is setting up turning to unleash her fury on Figus, stabbing him with her spear and then clawing at her face. Despite her frail and horrid looks she hits with the strength of a giant opening up serious wounds on Figus.
1 spear and 1 claw hit for 20 total damage

Alpha moves up and attacks with her spear, but misses the quick moving Hag.
Figus shutters from the damage he has taken and uses a charge from the wand to heal himself.

16:41, Today: Figus Dva rolled 5 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 4.  CLW - wand.
16:40, Today: Figus Dva rolled 11 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 5.  Alpha vs Hag spear attack.

In reply to Figus Dva (msg # 49):

Ayeesha will move to position herself as necessary to range attack the hag with long spear.

When in position she will power attack with destined strike while raging and maybe flanking in an attempt to skewer the soggy crone.

OCC: I believe you home rule auto crit on nat 20s.

Ayeesha Pierces the Sea hag through with a nat 20 dealing a devastating critical for 60hp of damage!


17:35, Today: Ayeesha rolled 31 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 20.  Longspear +9 2hd, rage +2,PA -2,DS+2,Flk+?

17:37, Today: Ayeesha rolled 60 using 3d8+45 with rolls of 6,8,1.  longspear dmg crit! 3d8,2hd,+6,rage +3,PA +6x3.

Kyra runs around the melee so that she can heal Figus as well.

Double move to F9. That hag is a combat beast, but fortunately so is Ayeesha.

Round 5
You have to roll to confirm crits as per RAW:

16:03, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ayeesha, rolled 2 using 1d20 with rolls of 2.  confirm crit.

Fail to confirm for 21 damage.


Figus withdraws to heal while Ayeesha skewers the hag. Kraw attempts to capitalize but despite her numerous injuries the hag proves to still be a formidable opponent. The shark continues to drift lazily around as Kyra moves into position.

With a sudden burst of speed the hag shoots straight up and then swims at full speed out of a nearby hole in the wreck.

Hag is going to withdraw. Her swim speed is 40' so double move puts her 80' away. Is anyone going to try and stop her?

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 52):


Ayeesha moves into position to skewer the medium size slumbering shark.

Ayeesha then yells at the hag."If you leave with out answering our questions then I will kill the shark!"

After all the damage the hag did, Kyra is not willing to just let her flee without at least trying to stop her. She swims to the hole the hag has went through and, once she has her in sight, casts a spell that she hope will slow her down.

Hey, that could be our magic items getting away!

Move to where I have line of sight on the hag and cast Blindness (Fort DC 15).

The hag moves swiftly beyond Kyra's vision. While Kyra can follow her to the hole beyond that it is unclear if the hag fled straight or zig-zagged.

If you want to guess, roll a 1d2 and call it high/low.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 55):

Ayeesha ends her rage (-4rnds?) and works on catching her breath while looking around to see if there is anything else of interest in the hold.

21:01, Today: Ayeesha rolled 22 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 14.  perception +8.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Mon 10 May 2021.

Figus will swim out of the hole to see if he can spot the hag.

"Oh, hell. Looks like she is gone." Kyra does not bother trying to guess where the hag went to, as there's little point to that if they can't catch her. Instead she joins the search of the hold, using a spell to look for any magic left.

Detect Magic.

Kraw casts Detect Magic and begins to methodically search the holds of the weeck.


Detect Magic SLA
Take 10 for Perception (= 22)

Some of the magic seems to have departed with the sea hag however using it the party discovers a fully intact skull coffer. It detects of faint necromancy and it seems like it would be easy enough to open up...

Meanwhile Ayeesha discovers a more mundane discovery: a small darkwood coffer. It looks like it has a seal around it that would keep it airtight although it feels pretty light and doesn't detect as magical.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 60):

"Since it appears air tight lets take it to the surface before we fiddle with it!"

If it will fit, Ayeesha carefully places the coffer into her backpack.

"Call me paranoid, but I think we better be careful around this one until we can find a safer way of looking inside it." Kyra points to the skull-motif necromancy-radiating chest.

Anyone got a spare net or something to take it with? Oh, and I'm still in favour of grabbing that body as well before we head back. Scroll of Speak with Dead is relatively cheap at this point.

Kraw has 2 nets. He can use them to gather the coffers without touching either one.

"We may as well take the body with us. Between these things and dead man we should have gotten what we came for."

Exploring the bow section is fairly quick. It appears that something is making a lair there but there isn't anything there right now. Perhaps chumming the waters drew it away for the moment?

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 65):

Ayeesha surfaces with the rest of the party when they ascend.

The party heads back to shore with their loot. Examining the body doesn't reveal too much more than they already know. The key is that it appears to be wearing the same mask as the Queen's Physicians, or one in a similar style although it looks remarkably similar. This would be particularly ominous as the boat sank prior to the outbreak and the physicians being summoned.

The second item of note is the strange brass symbol it is carrying. Perhaps it is a holy symbol or some kind of organization sigil. Looking at it doesn't make anyone feel at ease though. Whatever it is, it definitely is not the symbol of a good organization focused on healing or protecting people.

Next is the sealed skull coffer as well as a dozen opened ones. The opened ones on closer inspection are of little value. They bear no traces of magic, no contents or anything else of note other than there were probably lots of them based on how many they recovered weeks later.

The sealed one bears traces of faint Necromancy and is closed up tight.
Let me know if anyone decides to open it up.

The final item of note recovered is the airtight box. Opening it up reveals a trove of ledgers and paperwork, likely looted from the captain's quarters. It is fairly typical paperwork in terms of merchant ship registration. It was based out of Cheliax and all the invoices and paperwork reference the shipped owned by an organization identified only as 'B7'. About halfway through the stack they find the manifest and title for its departure. It lists the title as belonging to 'R. Davaulus' and the cargo is just listed as 'specimens.'

"R. Davaulus ... as in Dr. Reiner Davaulus? This does not look good. Would should get Ishani to look at these things before we play around with them."

OOC:

In reply to Figus Dva (msg # 68):

"B7 , I wonder who they are?

Maybe Ishani can identify this symbol and get this bloated fellow talking?

Kraw, what do you make of this sealed box?"

Ayeesha eyes the necromantic box warily and keeps her distance from it.

I suppose we should report our findings to Cressida at some point.

Despite just getting out of water Ayeesha cant seem to help feeling like she needs a hot bath.

Kraw Detects Magic as well, and gets nervous from the necromantic aura. He says "with all due respect, I'd rather not handle that thing if I can help it. Let's get a priest in here to identify that symbol and perhaps divine what the necromancy is. And we definitely need to inform Marshall Croft of this. If the not-so-good Doctor owned title to the Direption, why didn't he say he knew the ship that went down?"



19:33, Today: Kraw rolled 15 using 1d20+13 with rolls of 2.  Perception .

19:32, Today: Kraw rolled 12 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 9.  Spellcraft.

"Suspicious as hell, alright. But let's see what we can learn from the corpse and the chest before we bring this to the Marshal. I could do some shopping that would help us with that." Kyra gives her opinion as she examines the papers discovered.

We can try with the priest first, and Ishani might help us with the symbol, but I doubt he or any other cleric in the city has Speak with Dead prepared right now. With an epidemic they have far more pressing needs for their 3rd level spells. So I propose that Kyra just buys a scroll of Speak with Dead. She has enough cash for that.

As for the chest, I'm thinking some Open-Close scrolls? Cheap, and we can open it from range that way (not to mention up-wind). I suspect we would need to open it before examining what is inside in any detail. But I'll still give my Spellcraft roll in case we can learn anything without opening it:

09:09, Today: Kyra rolled 17 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 8.  Spellcraft.

In reply to Kyra (msg # 71):

Figus is against the 'Open-Close' scrolls idea. We have seen opened ones before. I think once it is open, there is no way to close it in time. Ishani may have the knowledge of what it is. Is it possible to do an Identification without touching? Perhaps an Identify spell can do that?

From their observation it seems likely that whatever magic is inside is triggered when the chest is opened considering that this is the only closed one they have ever found while the numerous open ones appear to be completely mundane.

As far as Kraw can tell there isn't any sort of trap on the lock and while the lid is secure with a clasp it is not locked in anyway. Anyone could walk up and open it, and a simple magical spell would open it easily as well.

The party make there way to the Bank of Abadar and find the crowds of the sick and desperate even thicker than before. The guards are on the verge of being overwhelmed as the throngs shout that they have money and can pay or begging for mercy and charity.

As the group approaches they can hear a couple of civilians commenting and saying that every temple in the city is on the verge of being mobbed by those desperate. The temple of Asmodeus has enlisted the Hellknights to cut down trespassers while Grand Cathedral of Pharsma has had to block all access to the Grey Ward so they can focus on keeping the restless undead spawned by the thousands of awful deaths in check.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 74):

Ayeesha pressess through the humanity to make her way to the  temple entrance.

"Make way! Make way!, We are on official Guard business to fight this plague.  Please, let us through, we have important business to combat the plague!"

Ayeesha makes herself a force to be reckoned with but tries to reason with the people as she moves through the mob that they are there to help.

She will request an audience with Ishani or any Abadaran Priest; explaining they have important information regarding the plague.

Figus is afraid that announcing themselves as part of the guard may make matters worse rather than better. But, the cat is out of the bag so to speak so he aids Ayeesha in forcing their way through.

Instead of trying to push through the crowd, Kyra raises up in the air to fly over them at a safe height. Many here are likely already sick, and she has no wish to risk infection herself.

Flight hex.

I take it we are still dragging that body with us?

Ayeesha's words are drowned out by the cacophony of noise as the masses are screaming at the top of their lungs to be let in. Trying to push through the crowds is going to be a challenge, especially with a dead body in tow. Given the state of panic it would likely cause a riot if the masses believe the body died of blood veil.

Kyra could simply fly over the crowd but again what would the sight of someone flying over, perhaps cutting in line, do to the angry mob? The crowd is a hair's width away from turning violent.

OOC: Consider your next actions carefully is all I'm trying to say. You have a dead body and a mob on the verge of outright riot.

Seeing that Ayeesha is not getting through to the crowd, and just how close things are to spiral out of control, Kyra changes her mind. "This... seems like a bad idea. At any moment this place could turn into a bloodbath, and I have no wish to be the cause of that. Let's look for another way to contact the priest instead."

Kraw falls back on his training to circle the mob, find an access point on the outside of the bank, and stealthily climb up unseen by the mob. It is his intention to slip into an upper window or flue to gain entrance and alert the brethren that they had discovered something critical.


09:55, Today: Kraw rolled 21 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 4.  Acrobatics .

09:55, Today: Kraw rolled 26 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 20.  Climb.

09:55, Today: Kraw rolled 31 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 17.  Stealth.

09:55, Today: Kraw rolled 22 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 10.  Perception .

In reply to Kraw (msg # 80):

Ayeesha backs off and re-groups with Kyra and Figus while Kraw works his trade.

"If Kraw cant get through maybe we should check in with Cressida."

Kraw finds his way through an upper story window and is almost immediately intercepted by guards having tripped the magical wards set in place. Breaking into the Bank of Abadar is almost impossible even for a master thief however Kraw is not attempting to steal from the vault. Finding out that he is one of the watch and came in through an "alternate entrance" because of the mob outside leaves the Abadar guards satisfied although they do escort him to Ishani.

Ishani waves off the guards, taking full responsibility for Kraw. Despite all assurances that he belongs here and has business here the guards give Kraw several dirty looks before departing.

"Well then, that was unexpected. When I heard someone had broken into the Bank I wasn't expecting to see you as the culprit. How can I help you?"

"We investigated the quarantine ship that was sunk in the harbor. Despite the interference of a sea hag, we recovered a body as well as several papers and a sealed box that has necromantic energies eminating from it. We were hoping for a Diagnose Disease, maybe a Speak with Dead to unravel further information. We also found out who the owner of the ship is."

Ishani nods gravely, taking up a nearby quill to jot down notes.

"My spells have already been expended for today but I promise you tomorrow I will pray to Abadar for what you seek. I...wouldn't advise asking the rest of the clergy. You would likely not even get more than a grunt from them unless you dangle a hefty pile of coins and even then you would be competing against the merchants and nobility of the city. Even consultations are being priced at hundreds of gold pieces. There is just too many seeking our aid and they are trying to price the temple right out of the market.

As for the owner, is it someone I would know? I thought I heard it was a Chelish ship and I am not familiar with their navy."

Outside

While the party is waiting for Kraw to let them in a woman approaches. She has long dark hair and an attractive figure spoiled by the look of anguish on her face. Judging by the dark circles she has not slept in days and her eyes are red with either fatigue or grief.

"Wait! You! I know you! Or I've heard about you! You're the heroes that saved that sick little girl! I need your help! Please!"

She practically rushes down the street towards the group, her eyes fixated on Figus as his dark skin causes him to stick out compared to the typical Korvosan.

"It's my brother. I need your help! Please save him!"

"Ahhh, I think we need to leave and quickly. This mob will swamp us. They do not know that we can't do anything to help them."

Figus looks for the best way to get out as soon as the others agree.

In reply to Figus Dva (msg # 87):

Ayeesha listens to the woman with some empathy then responds.

"Hello, Iam Ayeesha, What is wrong with your brother? Is he sick?"

"Ayeesha, I know you mean well, but this is dangerous. These people have nothing to lose and if they think you can help they will literally tear you to pieces. Let's get out!"

Kyra is torn between wishing to help the woman and worrying on how the crowd may react.

"Tell us where we can find you later, and be quick." She hisses to the woman as quietly as possible, before adding in a theatrically loud voice: "You got it all wrong good woman, a priest of Abadar saved the girl, not us. Seek help in the temple!"

Is a bluff roll needed? DM can make one for Kyra if yes.

In reply to Ishani Dhatri (msg # 85):

Kraw nods. "The body, papers, and box are outside with the others. There is an odd Religious sign we do not recognize. The ship belongs to a group that identifies itself as B7. The cargo, which I think contained diseased rats, is listed as 'Specimens', and the paperwork suggests that title to the cargo belongs to R. Davaulus......as in Dr Reiner Davaulus, the Queen's personal physician."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Fri 21 May 2021.

When Kraw shows Ishani the symbol the man takes a step back, putting his hands up in a warding gesture on impulse. Quickly he recovers and rushes foward pushing the symbol back into Kraw's pocket.

"I'm sorry but you must keep that covered here. Do you know what that is? No, of course you don't, that is why you brought it here, right? That is a symbol of Urgathoa, the goddess of disease itself! If there is a cult of Urgathoa here there is no doubt it is linked in some way to the blood veil. The question is did the disease erupt first and thus attract her worshippers to help it spread, or did they arrive first and unleash it?"

When Kraw mentions the ship belonging to the Queen's physician Ishani just shakes his head.

"My apologies but I don't know what to make of that. Was his ship stolen by cultists? We will know more when we speak with the dead tomorrow but for now I would suggest keeping all of this quiet until we have more proof. The queen's personal physician is in charge of stopping this plague. Throwing an accusation unfounded might cause more harm than good. Return tomorrow..."

He pauses and the two can hear the uproar happening outside as the mob is clashing with the guards.

"No, I will meet you at the guard quarters. Arrange for a private room so that we might not be disturbed and I will let you speak to the dead and bear witness to its answers. I must speak with the senior priests about this...quietly of course. The Bank of Abadar does not wade into local politics lightly and we do not wish to make an enemy of the Queen but if the queen's doctors or his physicians are spreading the plague then it is our duty to intervene. While I cannot promise the entire Bank will step up you at least have me as an ally, and anyone else I can convince."

Deyanira's eyes go wide at the mixture of reactions to her pleas and she looks around and seems to understand. She lowers his voice and approaches. As the group is waiting in an alley off to the side they are mostly sheltered from the cries and shouts of the mob at the front door but she understands not to draw undo attention to the group.

"No, he isn't sick. At least I don't think he is. I mean, I don't know where he is. He's gone missing. I've been pleading with the guards to investigate but they always tell me that they're too busy dealing with the plague. They won't listen to me. Or they won't believe me. They don't understand, but maybe you will. A couple days ago my brother, Ruan, was invited to a personal masquerade at Carowyn Manor. They're Korvosan nobility and longtime patrons of the arts.

When he didn't return, I went to the estate only to find it abandoned, I think. The entrance is locked, the curtains are all pulled and there's no sign of activity inside. This isn't just a case of the plague, think about it. The night before a bunch of the Korvosan aristocracy goes to a private function and then the next morning everything is locked up and abandoned? Something happened there and given who the Carowyn's are that is a matter of concern for the city.

I know you have other things to do but I beg you to go into the manor and find my brother. I'll give you everything I own. I'm a singer, I'll compose a song in your honor and my brother will perform it for everyone, I'm sure. Just please, help me. Please!"

No bluff check needed because she is looking for the town guard, not a priest
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Mon 24 May 2021.

In reply to Deyanira Mirukova (msg # 93):

"I am so sorry to here about your brother, we are in the midst of an investigation but perhaps we could swing by this Carowyn manor and do a welfare check and see what we can find out."

Ayeesha weighs the needs of the many versus the needs of the few.  She hates to leave someone hanging but the plague is of utmost importance. Maybe if we have a lull in the investigation they could stop over at the manor for a quick look?

"Right. Just as soon as we get rid of that." Kyra points over her shoulder to an unmistakably corpse-shaped wet bundle carried around by the party.

Does Kyra know where this Carowyn Manor is? Or anything about them? She has Knowledge Local and History but that sounds like Knowedge Nobility.

Deyanira nods and gives the adventurers directions to both the manor and the home she shares with her brother in case they find him and need to bring him back.

Kyra strokes her chin thoughtfully. From what she has heard of Carowyns, the woman's story does sound plausible at least. "That... is a bit strange. Even with the current mess, someone that influential does not just disappear without investigation. We should look into this as soon as we can."

Ok, so we are waiting for Kraw to return, then we go to the Marshal with what we found? Or do we hold with the report until tomorrow, for the priest to do his stuff first? I'd prefer to wait until we gather everything we can before we start throwing accusations.

Either way, we should have some time today to follow that new plot hook, I think. And Kyra still has most of her spells.

In reply to Kyra (msg # 97):

OCC: I think Ayeesha is at 31/47 hp at the moment with one spell, 8 rnds of rage, and 2 destined strikes. If I get healed to full and equipped back to normal I will vote to check out the manor.  Maybe DM will be generous and let us go in fully rested and equipped with new purchased items?

"I agree Kyra, The sooner the better."

Kraw agrees and makes his way back out, avoiding the mob. He seeks out his group. When he arrives, he says "the prelate has agreed to cast a Speak with Dead and let us listen in. We have to secure a private room at the guard headquarters for this. And I found out about that religious symbol, too."

I don't recall when you took the dive but I imagine the undersea adventure only taking 30 minutes tops, plus a couple hours of walking around. I imagine you could probably go back to the guard post, sleep, and visit the manor just as the sun is setting...

Oh, hell. I forgot about healing after the last fight. Let's see, Ayeesha is at 31/47 and Figus at 15/42. Kraw is at full health, at least by the last combat log. So, Kyra will burn some wand charges to heal Ayeesha and Figus.

22:41, Today: Kyra rolled 6,4,4,8 using 1d8+1,1d8+1,1d8+1,1d8+1 with rolls of 5,3,3,7.  CLW x4.
22:43, Today: Kyra rolled 3,2,6 using 1d8+1,1d8+1,1d8+1 with rolls of 2,1,5.  CLW x3.
22:43, Today: Kyra rolled 7 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 6.  CLW.

First 3 rolls bring Ayeesha to 45/47, the rest go to Figus to bring him to 41/42. Burned 8 charges for that.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 100):

"Thank you Kyra, I feel much better."

After Ayeesha rests and prepares for the manor visit, she regroups with the party.

"Shall we proceed to Carowyn manor?"