Chapter 9: A Primitive Sea

[Dave W.]

Adaamant drops the chest and tries to beat on the shark's snout. For that reason or because his body is not palatable, the shark lets him go but taking a bit of him with it.

"URRRGGGGGH! By all that is Holy!! I have had ENOUGH of being bit, stabbed, clawed, and tentacled for one afternoon!" Adamant rips his sword free of his sheath, eyes glowing brightly. "Dol Arrah, if it does not violate Your Will, let us leave this place by our own power."

"With Your Blessing I send forth Your Light." Adamant touches his his octogram and bright light surges forth all about him. The light heals some of his wounds.

Adamant's base voice bellows forth, "Hold nothing back! Whatever power is left to us we use NOW!"

To enforce his point, the warforged sets his fatigue aside and stabs at the beast that bit him.

-------------------------

Challenged at Beginning of round: no one

Move Action: Draw sword

Standard Action: Hallowed Circle all enemies in a close 3 burst (Shark 1, 2, and 3):
Hallowed Circle vs Reflex (1d20+7=12, 1d20+7=18, 1d20+7=15)
Not stunning rolls... just in case
damage (2d6+4=12)

Regardless, it creates a zone of bright light that lasts until the end of the encounter. Me and my allies gain +1 to all defenses while in the zone.

Minor Action: Lay on Hands; target - himself. Burn a surge, get 14+3 hp back. This is the last until we rest a while.


---------------------------
ACTION POINT TIME!!!
---------------------------

Standard Action: Bolstering Strike (with -2 underwater penalty)
Bolstering Strike vs AC (1d20+13-2=20)
Again, just in case: damage (1d8+7=10)
If that hits (not holding my breath ... but then I'm a warforged ) Adamant gains 3 temporary hp.

Challenged at end of round:


Fair Warning... if you guys don't kill or drive off these sharks by Adamant's next turn then someone's going to be getting a Divine Bodyguard put on them (Adamant will take half their dam)

[Darren]

Kal spins to his left, drawing Skyfang as he does so. In one fluid motion, he turns and raises his arm to point the dagger between Shorak and Condign. A streak of electricity flies out towards the wounded shark.

_______________
Minor: Draw Skyfang
Move: shift one square SE to end up next to Streko
Standard: Lightning Orb vs. Shark #1

Lightning Orb vs. Reflex (1d20+8=19)

Lightning Damage (1d10+5=15)

I know sharks have great reflexes, but I really hope that was a hit.

I'm not going to use my Action Point, yet. I want to see what the sharks do, first. Especially mega-shark.

[Jeff]

Round 1, continued

14 = Adamant
13 = Kal
13 = Streko
________________________

Adamant drops the chest to the ground. As light blazes all around the paladin, with him as its center, glowing symbols of Dol Arrah scripture appear in a large circle. The sharks are naturally repelled by them; one of them is even injured by them. The effect is inspiring. All of you feel like the tide is turning, and quickly.

Adamant, not easily broken, refocuses his mind and feels his artificial muscles, ligaments, and vital fluids repairing themselves under the grace of the Sovereign of Sun and Sacrifice. Then he draws his sword and slashes into the shark still trying to chomp on him. His blade splits shark flesh, spewing more blood into the water.

Kal sidesteps away from the nearest shark and sends a sphere of lightning arcing over at the one battling Adamant. The electricity sparks and sizzles, blackening the animal's hide.

Seeing almost everyone's attacks focused on the one shark, Streko throws his faith into it, too, hurling a lance of white fire. The lance misses, just barely, and dissolves in the water beyond it.

• Adamant's hallowed circle misses sharks #1 and hits shark #2 / 12 damage to shark #2
• Everyone gains a +1 to all defenses while in the hallowed circle's zone.
• Adamant uses lay on hands, spends a healing surge, and heals 17 hit points.
• Adamant spends an action point (and heals 6 hit points, courtesy of Condign).
• Adamant's bolstering strike hits shark #2 / 10 damage to shark #2 and Adamant gains 3 temporary hit points
• Kal's lightning orb hits shark #1 / 15 electricity damage to shark #1
• Streko's lance of faith misses shark #2.

But almost immediately, you can see the sharks are quite off-put by Adamant's circle of light! The wounded one is already beginning to swim on, away from the warforged, and you're not sure the others look so interested in you anymore.

The largest one continues to circle around you ominously. It's impossible to get a read on its intent...

_______________________

Warforged: heal thyself! (After all this, Adamant still has 9 healing surges left. The guy really is a tank.)

You won't know what the sharks are going to do until their turn comes up again. Those of you who go before the sharks can delay if you want to, or you can do something anyway first.

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

[Dave B.]

Shorak watches the sharks, waiting to see what they'll do next. Especially, the really big one.

Shorak delays action until after sharks go.

[Ken]

Belarin also delays. If a couple of them are moving off, he doesn't want them rethinking that decision.

Everyone: If the fight continues, focus on taking out Shark #1 first if it attacks. It's already bloodied. That would be one less mouth to, ah, feed.

[Jeff]

The three sharks begin a retreat. You're not sure if it's the wounds or Adamant's bright light, but they seem spooked.

The big one...just keeps circling, but doesn't seem to be closing in.

__________________________

The battle will continue if you wants an opportunity attack against shark #1 on its way out. Just say the word.

[Joe]

"We are in no shape to take on yet another powerful foe, let alone one with minions. We must escape and hope the blood from the wounded shark leads the others, including mother here, away from us. I think we shou;d swim upward as quickly as possible and fight only if we have to."

[Darren]

Keeping Skyfang in one hand, Kal closes his fist more tightly around the pearl in the other hand. "Okay," he says with resolution, "everyone get ready to swim. Eyes in all directions, understand? If you see any of them come towards us, we'll drop this bubble as fast as possible and get back onto the ground where we can fight." Kal looks at each person in turn, making sure they are focused. "Alright, then. Let's go."

____________
Okay, Kal will move the bubble up now....

[Ken]

Belarin nods and begins moving as well. "If you have a light source, use it," he says to the group. "After Adamant's display, the shark might think twice before approaching any light source from us ... I hope. At the very least, the extra illumination should make it easier for the Merrow's crew to spot us as we reach the surface." As he speaks, fey motes of light again start to glow on his clothing. They detach themselves from the fabric and begin chaotic orbits around Belarin.

Histra, we're heading up! he communicates through Larest's ring. There is still one salivating shark circling us, and it's the size of Larest's bank account. Look for our light, and tell Spindrift to have someone with a harpoon and good aim standing by.

____________________________
Belarin uses the light on his feyweave for illumination (minor action), and will move and use Total Defense as his standard action. He still has concealment.

[Brian]

Condign begins half-swimming up, his legs kicking in the water. He keeps his eyes on the especially large shark and remains on guard in case it attacks.

______________________

Also total defense.

[Darren]

Can Kal use Total Defense, or is moving the bubble a minor action? If he can use it, he will.

[Jeff]

With the sharks veering off, you begin to move up. And it's hard work. Kal finds it easy enough to slide the Sphere of Life upward with simple concentration, but treading water to stay afloat at the bottom requires a lot of effort with so many bruises and lingering wounds. Adamant, especially, struggles, trying to hold onto the heavy, smaller chest while treading water. But slowly, you're making progress.

Still the giant-sized shark continues to circle you ominously. Every now and then it seems to close the distance a little, just enough to make you feel a twinge of fear...but then it never comes close enough to attack.

For a few moments, Histra does not respond to Belarin. Then:

Look for the crates, she says through the telepathic rings. The crew has thrown some empty ones overboard. Starg is arranging them.

[Dave B.]

When Kal moves the bubble up, Shorak kicks off the ground and treads water as he and his companions begin the arduous journey to the water's surface.

He does not, however, take his complete attention away from the extremely large shark that continues to circle them.

Keep on swimming, keep on swimming. ;D

Also, Total Defense.

[Ken]

Belarin replies to Histra, Understood. The physical exertion of swimming is making it harder for him to focus his thoughts. Next time, a mountain vacation. I'll see you soon.

"The crew is dropping empty crates as 'landmarks,'" he says to his friends, trying to keep the weariness out of his voice. "Keep your eyes open."

[Jeff]

Shorak keeps his eyes on the shark. He thinks it might be distancing itself.

The next ten minutes are arduous. Though the water is cold, your muscles burn from the constant repetition. Some of the burden of ascent is accounted for by the Sphere of Life, but after all you've been through even treading water is getting painful.

Adamant continues to hoist the chest; Belarin maintains his hold on Hras'Ka's half-head, the two large, fishy eyes staring back at him under the fey light in a surreal, dreamlike fashion; Shorak has never felt further from the jungles of his homeland; the rest of you glance at one another without speaking—it's enough to just breathe and tread water.

The surface seems an eternity away above you right up until you reach it. The moment the top of the bubble touches the air, the entire sphere vanishes and sea water immediately rushes in to fill the void, crashing over you when you're not quite ready for it. Gasping and spitting up water, you drift to the surface and finally suck in sweet, sweet air!

It seems like the giant shark might have wandered off, until you see its large dorsal fin crest the surface. Now it's a little closer than before. What is it waiting for? Two or three of you together would be an easy mouthful.

You also see a large wooden crate floating nearby...and another a short ways off of that. The waves are high, blocking your view of the horizon or any ships, but the crates aren't drifting any paritcular direction. Against the current, they're just...there.

[Dave W.]

Adamant struggles silently to reach the surface. He had been forced to sheathe his sword in order to carry the goal of this quest.

His metal face breaks into the air and though he didn't need the air it was a welcome thing. 

The shark fin catches his attention... "I am sorry my friends if my frustration has brought a doom upon us. It's never wise to tempt the gods... Well, lets see to the current test."

"Creates you say?"

[Darren]

Kal takes a long, silent breath. His face is uncharacteristically grim. Having survived a trial such as this, he should be grinning. Come to think of it, why aren't I? But he's hurt, and so are his friends, and danger still looms close by. So he does the only thing he can - lead by example.

Kal quickly stuffs the pearl into his pocket - it might be worth something - then fixes his companions with a look. Then he turns his attention to the nearest crate and begins to swim with all his strength towards them.

[Ken]

Belarin spits out some water and starts moving toward the closest crate. "Adamant, I plead with you... ptui... not to cast blame upon yourself. First, you have done no wrong, and second, none of us have the breath to yell at you if continue to do so!"

After a couple of more strokes, he says, "Yes... the crates... Starg's doing, Histra says... nice trick." He communicates through the ring, Histra, we've surfaced! We see the crates. The shark is still here.

[Joe]

It takes every ounce of willpower Streko has not to look below the surface to ensure the giant shark's friends aren't coming up for an unexpected attack. The single fin cutting through the waves nearby is enough to fill him with complete and utter dread. His fight for survival beneath the surface of the sea has given the Halfling a deeper understanding, and hatred, for The Devourer.

I am beginning to hate more and more. This is not like me and I fear what I am becomming, he thinks to himself as he swims toward the crates. Too much adventure can taint the soul of even the most stout of my kind, it would seem.

[Dave B.]

Shorak breaks through the surface of the water, taking a breath of the fresh sea air. He starts swimming with everyone else towards the first of the crates Belarin spoke of.

Taking note of the giant shark fin rising up through the surface of the waves, Shorak comments wryly. "It seems we may not be out the water, yet. Both figuratively and literally."

The shark's fin wouldn't happen to be blue, would it?

[Jeff]

When Kal goes to pocket the pearl, he finds that it has dissolved entirely, just like the bubble itself.

Shorak observes that the shark's dorsal fin is dark gray.

It doesn't take too long to gather around the crate. Once Belarin makes Histra aware that you've all reached it, there is a pause.

Hold onto it, she then tells him.

Then the crate starts to drift as if on a slender current of its own, slowly toward the second crate. Then you see that a third crate comes into view... You crest over a large wave, and finally the Merrow Down itself comes into view. You can see that at least two other "strings" of crates are floating out in other directions around the ship. Some invisible force has tethered them together, and is even now reeling them all back in toward the ship.

Once the sailors have spotted you, they start to wave. The shapes of Histra, Larest, and Sem Darlesh appear at the rail, too. And you Starg, standing aloof, one arm held out in concentration, the other clutching the black orb he carries. The elder minotaur doesn't even seem to be facing you right now, just focusing on his telekinetic work.

And all the while, the massive shark has kept pace with you. With your heads above the water, you feel even more exposed than before. You can't see well into the water. When Streko pokes his head back under and accepts the stinging saltwater in his eyes again, he doesn't think there's anything else lurking there. But it's very hard to tell.

Were there any deaths? Histra asks Belarin from the distance. From her tone, he thinks she means among his allies, but there's an academic curiosity in it, too. From here it looks as though everyone is accounted for. Are you well?

[Darren]

As the crates move closer together, Kal looks to see if he can pull himself up on top of them and try to get his legs, a tempting treat for the shark, out of the water.

[Dave W.]

"No, I do not despair nor seek blame, but this fish does not act like it's smaller cousins."

As he grabs the crate and is pulled across the sea, Adamant continues, "If you are still thinking at the ship -- no offense intended but sometimes i think there are more voices in there than is normal -- are they aware that a shark of unusual size is trailing us? That is a shark perhaps one quarter the length of the ship?"

[Ken]

Nov 6, 2011 19:35:06 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

As he grabs the crate and is pulled across the sea, Adamant continues, "If you are still thinking at the ship -- no offense intended but sometimes i think there are more voices in there than is normal -- "

"HAHAHA!" Much of the rest of Adamant's comment is drowned out by an unexpected burst of laughter from Belarin. It sounds almost like giggling, and for a moment you wonder if Belarin is delirious. "Oh, Adamant..." he says finally as he clutches at the crate, "... you have no idea. As for communicating with the ship, yes... EVERYONE, grab onto the crate any way you can! Starg is pulling them -- and us -- toward the Merrow, almost like a fishing line. And I'll remind them about the shark... say, here's a thought..." His tone gets serious. "Are there any tales of the Devourer manifesting his presence through avatars.... say, a massive devouring carnivore?"

The abruptly appearing notion troubles him, but he manages to shift his thoughts back to Histra. We're grabbing onto the crate now. And yes, WE are all accounted for, but the massive shark is still hovering disturbingly. How am I? Oh Histra... I've been better. But I am intact.

___________________
Jeff: Could Belarin make a Religion check to call up any details about the Devourer's use of avatars?

[Jeff]

Belarin isn't aware of any specific "avatar" incarnation about the Devourer beyond the many mythic forms told of his primeval manifestations, which include a human or merfolk with seaweed in his hair and beard, a sahuagin, a dragon turtle, or as an enormous shark.

_____________________________

Belarin's History check (1d20+5=22)

Nowhere on Eberron is it a matter-of-fact that a god has ever walked the mortal world. But that doesn't mean many cultures don't make the claim.

[Brian]

Condign clamors noisily toward one of the crates--then realizes he is splashing like a wounded fish. Quickly he calms down and makes slow, broad arm strokes through the water. Soon he reaches one of the crates.

Instead of trying to climb atop the crate and possibly tipping it over, he becomes motionless--and therefore maybe invisible--to the shark. He marvels briefly as he is drawn slowly toward the ship.

He is tired. But his wounds and the saltwater keep him alert enough to cling to the crate. Once he is aboard again, he may sleep through the rest of the voyage.

Life is safer that way.

[Jeff]

At the Merrow's railing, sailors have gathered with crossbows and throwing spears. In less than five minutes' time, you've been reeled in up to the ship by Starg's magic. During that time, a second very large dorsal fin crests the water on the opposite side, heightening the tension. The sailors on the Merrow stare down in wonder.

Still there come no attacks, so the sailors don't try to spear the sharks. Yet.

"The Devourer favors ya!" one sailor calls out.

"Or savors ya." another says.

"Aye, those're flesh-feasters," Anng says, looking on. "Bad news, mostof the time."

"A relative of the dire shark," Spindrift clarifies.

Larest nods. "Better climb up. Now."

And with the crew's assistance, all of you are helped up a roped ladder they've thrown down to the water.

Adamant is finally able to set down the chest. He looks battered, and though 'exhaustion' isn't quite the word for the warforged, he feels significantly weaker than when he first went in the water. He can't help but slump right now. Spindrift walks up to him. "You look like you came out of the forge sideways." He slaps Adamant on the shoulder. "You have done well. I will help you repair, but when we reach port I advise you to seek out a proper artificer for better realignment."

When Belarin climbs aboard, dripping, his clothing clinging to him and the sahuagin's half-head still in hand, Histra approaches. Shadows still cling to him, still formed from the black candle. The nearest crewmen step fearfully back away from him, which gives Belarin a heady taste of power. Histra, unafraid, looks him up and down, and smiles her crooked smile. "You lived. And you have it. Show me." Her eyes search out the candle.

Tangat comes bounding across the deck in a frenzied bark. As he barrels into Kal, the dragonmarked heir's mind is also assailed with empathic bursts of concern and joy. Before Kal can return the attention—he still hurts—the wolfdog turns and attacks Streko, too, with his muzzle and tongue.

When Shorak and Condign climb up, Anng and a group of sailors help them up and gather around them, as well as Streko. "Aye, the luck o' the Host is in your sails," Anng says, and he jabs a finger toward the halfling. "But you look like you've been through Khyber's bowels."

Syrdan and Lerrhana stand off to one side, looking on quietly. Syrdan's got a half-smile on his face. He shakes his head.

"What of the sahuagin?" Sem Darlesh asks the group at large but he eyes Belarin's grisly prize. "The Blue Fin and all that."

___________________________

Hey, guys. I'm going to disappear for about a day, preparing for a fairly momentous job interview I've got tomorrow. So I won't post again until probably tomorrow night (though I'll probably pop in a few times today just to read).

[Joe]

Somehow, through his fear and his fatigue, Streko is able to smile. He hugs the big dog and allows himself to be licked and slobbered on.

"I missed you. too! Neither of us would have made it without your strength and love, Tangat. Thank you!" He hugs Tangat again and gives Kal a nod.

"Olladra be praised. This ship and her crew are the greatest sight I can recall seeing in quite a while. Thank you all for your assistance!"

When Shorak and Condign climb up, Anng and a group of sailors help them up and gather around them, as well as Streko. "Aye, the luck o' the Host is in your sails," Anng says, and he jabs a finger toward the halfling. "But you look like you've been through Khyber's bowels."

Streko laughs heartily. "Indeed, I have!! We all have and we have lived to tell the tale. Alas, our guides were not so lucky, though they were as brave as any of us could hope to be. I would ask that, should you ever encounter members of this tribe again, your recount their bravery and their passion for The Devourer, for He, too, had his say in our fortune this day. Now, if you don't mind, I am sure I smell like somthing's bowels...I need a shower and then I need, more than anything else, to dry off and rest. Again, I thank you."

He turns to all his comrades. "Your courage is an inspiration and I am humbled by each and every one of you. Please, don't hesitate to wake me up...in several days time."

With that Streko will move towards the staricase leading belowdecks, unless, of course, someone says something or does something he needs to respond to.

[Darren]

Kal smiles at Tangat, scratching him behind the ears, but saying nothing else. What else needs to be said between them?

The sorcerer gives a deep sigh, finally allowing himself to feel the great exhaustion he has been holding back. Death has stalked him and his companions a bit too closely this day. "Belarin, show them what remains of H'raska," Kal says. "Everyone, H'raska and his clan gave their lives for us," he begins, raising his voice so that all on deck can hear him. "Their bravery was undeniable, but in parting they gave us this gift." Kal gestures towards H'raska's severed head. "They, too, were impressed with us and with the efforts we made to assist them, and so H'raska gave this to us so that all in his clan would know that we are worthy of their assistance. I do not expect any trouble from them. If you have a way to contact them, I am certain they will send a guide."

Kalarian wavers for a moment, swaying unsteadily on the moving deck. He reaches out a hand to steady himself. "It has been quite a day," he says to those near him. "Unless you have further need of us, my friends and I could use some rest."

[Ken]

by the time he reaches the main deck, Belarin is feeling pain in nearly every muscle, including some muscles that he didn't realize he had. When the crewmen step back from him, he glances at them in confusion, and then he realizes the truth. They're frightened. Of me, he thinks, feeling empowered and only mildly unsettled by this.

Nov 7, 2011 12:43:47 GMT -4 Jeff said:

When Belarin climbs aboard, dripping, his clothing clinging to him and the sahuagin's half-head still in hand, Histra approaches. Shadows still cling to him, still formed from the black candle. The nearest crewmen step fearfully back away from him, which gives Belarin a heady taste of power. Histra, unafraid, looks him up and down, and smiles her crooked smile. "You lived. And you have it. Show me." Her eyes search out the candle.

Belarin can't help but smile. However strange their relationship may now be, he certainly didn't expect Histra to come rushing into his arms. Still, it would've been nice... He blinks for a second, wondering if that thought went inadvertently through the communication ring. But a look at Histra's intent, eager face confirms that even if it did, she didn't "hear" it.

He holds out his hand, displaying the candle. "Beautiful in its own way, isn't it?" he says softly, almost as though he were describing a bouquet of flowers to his betrothed. He allows her to pick it up and study it. "I would like your assistance in understanding it. That reminds me, I actually did bring something... different back for you, with your unique appreciation in mind. STREKO, wait one moment, please!"

Belarin then reaches out toward Streko and places his hand in the halfling's haversack. "It's in here somewhere... is that a squirrel? ... ah, have it!" He pulls out his blood-stained cloak, currently wrapped around a large, long, irregularly shaped object. He offers it to Histra. "You may to unwrap this gift below decks. Then I'll have to find some way to get the gore out of my cloak..."

"What of the sahuagin?" Sem Darlesh asks the group at large but he eyes Belarin's grisly prize. "The Blue Fin and all that."

"Ah yes, this," says Belarin, following Sem's gaze. He listens to Kal's description of Hras'Ka's sacrifice, and then he adds, "Hras'Ka said that we needed to remove his eye and display it to the Blue Fin when we give them 'the Devourer's gift.'" He indicates the chest that Adamant brought up, and then he looks at Shorak. "Is that roughly accurate, Shorak? Would you or someone else mind doing this particular task at the moment, please? My hands are otherwise engaged. Oh, one more thing..."

He steps away from Histra for a moment -- and almost falls as his leg muscles begin to cramp. Out of sheer reflex, he places a hand on Histra's shoulder for balance as he massages the leg. He looks up at Histra and says apologetically, "Sorry... couldn't help that." Straightening up, he walks over to Larest and hands him the communication ring. "My thanks, Professor," he says honestly. "It's safe to say that we would all not have survived without that ring..." he looks back toward Histra "...and Histra's knowledge. Thank you both." He glances around the deck. "Thank you ALL! Especially Starg! I understand the crate trick was his doing."