Chapter 9: A Primitive Sea

[Dave B.]

Shorak calls out, "We need some help here! Condign is stable, but he's still hurt very bad."

[Dave W.]

"I'll be right there... Here, do you mind keeping an eye on this?" Adamant hands the small chest to Belarin and does his best to hurry through the water to help Condign.

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no idea how long it's going to take to get over to Condign, but if he gets there before anyone else stands the tiefling up, Adamant will lay hands on Condign. Unfortunately, unlike the cleric and warlord, paladins can't heal at range, he's got to actually touch him.

Assuming it plays out that way, Adamant spends a healing surge and Condign regains his surge value +4. That's number 2 for the day... One left.

[Jeff]

It takes several painfully long moments, but the lacedon's strength and undead persistence gets Adamant back up to the edge of the chasm, where he's able to walk again under his own power and drag the chest behind him. The ghoulish sahuagin swims right behind him, reaching up its claws and sucking at the shredded flesh that clings to them (mostly Condign's).

By this time everyone else has returned to the bubble and spends the time gasping for air!

Then Adamant reaches out, lays his metal fingers upon the prostrate Condign, and the warmth of faith flows into the battered tiefling.

Condign surges into wakefulness again, though his wounds scream at him and the saltwater burns. The first thing he sees is Adamant looming over him, a figure of protection and safety (as bad as he, too, looks)....and a lacedon, the very one that almost killed him, lurking just behind the warforged and just outside the bubble.

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Adamant uses lay on hands and heals Condign 16 hit points.

[Darren]

As Kal reaches the bubble, he opens his mouth and feels the burst of air hit his lungs. The air is not fresh, but it feels wonderful. The life of a fish, it seems is not for him.

Glancing over his shoulder, Kal says, "We should move quickly. Is there anything else we need to do here?"

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We should gather H'raska's eye, per his request. But Kal doesn't know that.

Also, Kal will use a Healing Surge, if possible.

[Ken]

Belarin returns to the bubble, gratefully gasping for breath -- and gratefully putting down the chest that Adamant had suddenly handed off to him.

"Is... is.. everyone all right?" He watches as Adamant uses his healing gift on Condign, and then says, "Sorry, Adamant, couldn't... answer you earlier... some problem with... speaking underwater." Taking another second to breathe, he continues, "Yes, it seems I have limited control over this fellow," he says, casting an appraising glance at the lacedon. "He may have saved your life, Adamant, or perhaps Histra and I did... without her assistance, I wouldn't have been able to do this."

Holding the black candle, he mentally commands the lacedon, Rass'ka, well done. Now return to the area by the chest that you had guarded. Retrieve two shiny objects that had fallen out from the chest, then leave them right outside this bubble of air.

[Jeff]

As Belarin enters the bubble carrying a strange black candle which is lit with a slight purple flame and seems to seethe with shadows, the rest of you feel a slight chill suffuse the air, but it's not quite so eroding as you felt before.

The lacedon turns and swims off toward the precipice. The kraken has moved a little closer to you all.

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For now, no necrotic damage outside that zone.

Kal spends a healing surge and heals 12 hit points.

[Ken]

Belarin reaches into a pocket on his belt and hands the bubble-controlling pearl back to Kal. "Here you go," says Belarin with a strange smile. "I've got enough things bouncing around in my head at the moment."

As he sees the kraken move forward slightly, he continues, "Annnnd, yes, if Condign is well enough to move, feel free to steer us away from the area. I'm not sure how we'll find or convince the Blue Fin sahuagin of our 'worth' now, but mere survival takes precedence."

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Belarin also uses a healing surge. And like Kal, he doesn't know about Hras'Ka's final comments to Shorak.

[Joe]

Streko races to Condign's side and will use a healing kit to take care of him (I typed this up yesterday, but apparetnly it didn't save....would you believe I rolled a 33 on my heal check, Jeff?).

"Shorak, before we go, would you please retrieve Condign's sword. It's right below us...and I doubt he'd be happy to know we left it behind!"
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Let me know if you want me to roll the heal check again, Jeff...ugh...sometimes lag just annoys me to NO end!!!

[Brian]

Feeling floods back into Condign's body--and not all of it is good. Pain racks his limbs. His hands clench. Familiar shapes swim before his gold eyes: Adamant, Streko. The pain grows then recedes like the flowing of the tide. Water. Something about water. Then he remembers. He was underwater!

He tries to sit upright but only manages a half-grunt and a twitch on the wet ground. Taking a moment to gather himself, his eyes lock on the lacedon floating nearby.

"That," he says shakily, "tried to kill me."

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Condign spends a healing surge.

[Jeff]

When Belarin's subservient lacedon reaches the edge of the chasm, it pauses and looks around. A few moments of it grasping among the seaweed, the kraken reaches out and enwraps the ghoul in one tentacle; now the behemoth has two in its grasp. Its eyes remain fixed on the rest of you.

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Joe, no worries. Condign doesn't need a Heal check now that Adamant used actual magic healing on him anyway. Although I don't see your roll in Streko's roll list. No biggie.

Condign spends a healing surge and heals 12 hit points.

[Dave B.]

"Before Hras'ka sacrificed himself to that giant fish thing. He complimented us on our fighting prowess and said to take one of his eyes so that his kind would know. I'm not sure if he meant that the Sahuagin would know that we fight well or that Hras'ka sacrificed himself. Anyway, he also reminded us to take the artifact to the Blue Fins."

Shorak offers a steadying hand to Condign, "You had me a little nervous there. Fortunately, the fighting came to an end at almost the same time I got you bandaged up."

"!@#?!" Shorak curses in Drow when the kraken stops the controlled lacedon from its treasure hunt. "Oh well, there'll be more and better trinkets somewhere else in our travels."

[Ken]

Belarin nods sadly at Shorak's comment. "Yes, I did try. A few extra valuables could have been a balm for some of our wounds. Alas..." He pulls out his pact dagger and takes a few deep breaths. "I'll deal with the gruesome task. It seems to be my role today!" He leaves the bubble and advances toward Hras'Ka's corpse.

[Darren]

Kal nods as Belarin moves out of the bubble. He sheathes his own dagger, keeping a wary eye on the kraken. "Everyone be ready," Kal says, rolling the pearl between his fingers. "As soon as Belarin gets back, we're leaving."

[Brian]

Gasping, Condign manages to get himself to a sitting position. He pauses for a bit, catching his breath. Then he struggles to his feet. He stumbles over to his sword and picks it up. Everything hurts so badly.

Pulling in a breath between clenched teeth, he says to Kal, "Ready."

[Dave W.]

Adamant watches Condign struggle in rising, the warforged standing near in case the tiefling needs help but trying very hard to not appear to be ready to help.

When Condign announces his readiness, Adamant nods, "Yes, Kal, we are ready."

Adamant picks up the small chest.

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how big is the chest? I originally wrote that he hoisted the chest to his shoulder; the pirate imagery is appealing. But I don't know how possible that really is.
 

[Jeff]

The kraken begins to stir, and the lacedons continue to struggle in its grasp, but the mighty creature doesn't seem to be trying to destroy them.

Through his necromantic connection and the power of his fey curse, Belarin will know when the one lacedon "expires." But Belarin suspects he and his allies have little time—the kraken is either impatient for their departure or too capricious to test. He locates what appears to be half of Hras'Ka's head and scoops it up, because there's just no time for a good clean eye-carving just now.

Adamant lifts the chest and hoists it up along his shoulders. It's heavy enough to require it.

Several minutes later the party has moved some distance back the way you came, "safely" breathing inside the bubble and walking along the sea floor. The pearl continues to operate, despite the sahuagin shaman's death, maintaining and moving the Sphere of Life. Soon the ledge, and the kraken, are out of sight. Most of you are still breathing heavily, glad to have air. And most of you look like you just crawled out of some bloody pocket of Dolurrh. Your wounds sting from the saltwater.

But the next question arises, especially to Kal: where to go from here? You're not quite sure where you were when you descended. At what point do you head to the surface? And does moving up work just as easily with the shaman's pearl?

And then several dark shapes begin to emerge from the watery gloom from what you think may be the west: Sharks. Of varying sizes. It's hard to tell how big they are from here, but they're getting closer. With this realm's top predators, the sahuagin, gone, and some much blood clouding the water around you, you think may be in trouble.

Again.

[Darren]

"Wonderful," Kal mutters as the shapes grow nearer. "Belarin, can you contact the Merrow? Maybe they can drop anchor and give us some indication of where they are? I'm not sure how easily this thing goes up, but I'm hoping I can just move it up and we can swim up with it. Either way, we need a target and our guides..." Kal jerks a thumb towards H'raska's head, letting the rest of the statement hang in the air.

[Joe]

"The sooner we get back onto dry land...or at least a dry ship, the better. Especially since the company that's coming for dinner no doubt believes WE are the main coarse."
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Did Shorak grab Condign's sword? Just curious....as I don't see where anyone other than Streko noticed or mentioned it.

[Jeff]

No worry, Joe. Condign grabbed Condign's sword.

[Ken]

"Yes," says Belarin grimly. "I've been tasted enough this year. Isn't that right, Hras'Ka?" He speaks to the grotesque half-head.

Then he focuses his thoughts and sends them through the arcane connection: Professor? Histra? We've survived the battle... but our hosts have not. Fortunately, I believe we're done here, at least until we get to Shargon's Teeth. Any chance of finding our rough location through the ring? If so, we'd like to surface and avoid the sharks that will soon attempt to eat us.

[Dave W.]

"I don't suppose anyone anyone can speak to sharks?" Adamant inquires of his friends. "I would much rather if the sharks and the kraken debated over who was diner and who was dinner."

[Dave B.]

Shorak keeps a wary eye on the sharks as he moves along with everyone else, his short sword at the ready. Just in case.

[Jeff]

I will inquire about the anchor, Histra responds to Belarin. Perhaps it would be safest for you to swim upward now? If you surface, you may see us. Stay alive, Belarin. I will see if there is anything we can do.

The sharks are getting close. Which you think means the kraken, now out of sight, is probably still keeping a distance. The sharks would almost certainly avoid a monstrosity like that.

Now you can see that some of the sharks are small, and likely no threat—too far down the food chain from their larger cousins. But some are as large as men, and you see one that's even larger. Dark gray in color, this terror is four times the size of Adamant and seems intent on finding a meal here and now. In total, three man-sized sharks and the one giant appear to be the only ones venturing close to you.

They look like they're hunting, and have begun to circle you. You see no malice in their eyes, only a dark, unreasoning need to kill and devour. Their attack is inevitable.

With the black candle still in his hand, and still lit, Belarin sees that shadows cling to him as if he were using his own ambulatory magic to gather them.

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Only the sharks that are a threat are on the map. The smaller ones are circling but keeping a distance. I've added shapes behind the circular icons just to show you their general counterclockwise motion.

If you do opt to attack, this is the initiative order. I've made the rolls for everyone. Also, you haven't had a 5 minute rest yet. So encounter powers have not recharged. But you do all have an action point. Streko's armor is now +2.

23 = Belarin
21 = Shorak
17 = sharks
15 = Condign
14 = Adamant
13 = Kal
13 = Streko

Belarin has concealment.

[Darren]

"My friends," Kal says quickly, "we do not have another fight in us. Gather close to the center of the bubble. I do not imagine sharks are keen to come out of the water. I'm moving it up, so be prepared to swim up with it....."

With that, Kal begins to slowly cause the Sphere of Life to ascend, watching to make sure that everyone can safely stay inside of it.

[Joe]

"Where is that damnable wizard who brought us here in the first place? He should be doing something besides gloating in the dry safety of his cabin."

Streko doesn't have the strength to fight, but if shark #4 gets closer. Streko will have something waiting for them.
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Streko will cast LANCE OF FAITH at shark #4 if it moves toward him in an attack gesture. If Streko is not threatened as he is swimming upwards, he will hold off until next round.

Typical roll:

HIT: 1d20+7=15

Damage (if applicable...hahaha): 1d8+6=11

[Dave W.]

"I agree Kal, we are tired and ill-used," Adamant agrees, "if it comes to a fight we must hit has hard as we can as fast as we can. Hold nothing back."

"But let us hope it doesn't come to that."

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I'm thinking if we get attacked, we spend action points and the best attacks we have left right away. These are HUGE sharks...

[Ken]

"That 'damnable wizard' will simply moan, 'Oh why in Khyber did my genius convince me to hire you?'" says Belarin in response to Streko. It's strange to converse with Belarin as he stands in a nest of shadows.

"Let's head up! Histra says that the Merrow's crew is going to look for us, but obviously they need us to surface for a better chance -- and yes, Good Streko, I'm humbly and honestly asking for Olladra's blessing right now."

He eyes the sharks, focusing on one near its much larger cousin. "But first, let's see if we can give them something else to chew on." Extending the dagger, he intones, "Your gruesome teeth and brutal creed / Have made your death an urgent need!" Belarin's signature red-and-silver energy erupts not once but twice at the shark!

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Standard: Belarin attacks the normal shark to the south with eldritch blast vs. Reflex: 1d20+7=23. Damage: 1d10+5=11; that includes the extra point from Empowering Shadows.
Belarin spends an Action Point.
Same attack, same target: 1d20+7=23. And same result!
Damage: 1d10+5=9. Cool, an even 20 points.

P.S. Did you notice the note about Belarin using a healing surge a few posts back?

[Dave B.]

Shorak nods at Belarin. "Let's see if I can add some blood to the mix. Hopefully, that will draw their attention away from us." He shoots a bolt at the same shark Belarin attacked.

Not waiting to see if the bolt strikes home, Shorak sends another bolt at the one diagonally across from the one he just attacked.

Sly flourish 1d20+9=18
I forgot to add Shorak's +2 for combat advantage so the total to hit is now 20.
If that hits -
Damage (1d6+7=11)

Sneak attack damage (2d8=6)
Shorak uses an action point.
Sly Flourish (1d20+9=11) Oh well.

[Brian]

Condign watches the others unleash their attacks at one of the sharks.

"Here we go again," he mutters. Then he slides his sword awkwardly into his belt--I really need to get that scabbard!--and grabs his crossbow. He gets off two quick shots at the shark that had been recently hit.

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Minor Action: Change weapons
Standard Action: Crossbow shot at the same shark Belarin hit

Attack Roll vs AC: (1d20+3=21) Sorry, it was a +2 modifier. That makes it a 20.

If it hits, Damage Roll: (1d8=5)

Condign spends an Action Point

Standard Attack: Crossbow shot against the same shot

Attack Roll vs AC: (1d20+2=18)

If that hits, Damage Roll: (1d8=2)

[Jeff]

Belarin spent a healing surge and healed 11 hit points.

Round 1

23 = Belarin
21 = Shorak
17 = sharks
15 = Condign
14 = Adamant
13 = Kal
13 = Streko
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Belarin is the first to act. He turns and throws fey energy out the bubble, through the water, and directly into one of the closest sharks. The fey fire hits the creature, burning it with otherworldly magic. The shark shudders under the impact, but it makes no sound. Then Belarin repeats the attack swiftly.

Shorak sights down the same target and unleashed a small crossbow bolt. The bolt takes the shark in the side and immediately trails blood.

• Belarin's eldritch blast hits shark #1 / 11 damage to shark #1
• Belarin spends an action point (and heals 6 hit points due to Condign's presence).
• Belarin's second eldritch blast hits shark #1 / 9 damage to shark #1
• Shorak's sly flourish hits shark #1 / 11 damage to shark #1
• Shorak spends an action point (and heals 6 hit points due to Condign's presence).
• Shorak's second sly flourish misses shark #1

Then the sharks close in. The three smallest move together, almost like an organized pack, while the massive fourth shark merely continues its closing circle.

The first one surges in toward Condign, opening its mouth at the last moment to reveal wide gums and many jagged teeth. The beast is strong and fast, but its tactic is straightforward and Condign feels ready for it. He dodges just at the right moment and slaps at its mouth with the flat of his blade, forcing it away from his body.

The next shark comes in too fast for Adamant to be ready—especially with the chest still hoisted on his shoulders. The shark makes no distinction to the fact that he is not flesh and bone; the warforged has heard that sharks will try and eat anything. Its teeth close in around him, puncturing wood and scoring metal. It releases again, clearly finding him less than optimal a meal, but the damage is done.

The third shark Kal sees coming. He tries to dodge away, but its teeth close in and scrap along the edge of his armored shoulder. He feels the animal's strength, but he's avoided a serious bite.

Condign loads his crossbow, finding the weapon to move sluggishly—clearly it is not designed to be immersed in saltwater for a long period of time—and releases a bolt. The bolt sinks into the shark's flesh, spewing even more of its blood.

You can't quite tell, but it looks like the wounded shark may be drawing the notice of the others...

• Shark #1's attack vs. Condign's AC: 19 (miss)
• Shark #2's attack vs. Adamant's AC: 26 (hit) / 17 damage to Adamant
• Shark #3's attack vs. Kal's AC: 18 (miss)
• Condign's basic ranged attack hits shark #1 / 5 damage to shark #1
• Condign spends an action point.
• Condign's second basic ranged attack hits shark #1 / 2 damage to shark #1
• Shark #1 is bloodied.

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I'm posting thus far, because I'm not sure if Darren wishes to alter his actions or if Adamant wants to do something.

Streko can still use lance of faith, though I hadn't numbered the sharks until now so I'm not sure which one he's really targeting.