Chapter 19: Endless Nights

[Jeff]

"To be honest," Histra says, hearing the exchange, "I think we'd best not leave the ship, as long as we can. I would wager it's returning, because the gaunt cannot bind it here, but not whatever water we're on."

[Dave W.]

Jan 29, 2021 17:01:40 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Calirataia dashes weakly over to Adamant. She looks to him like a tender tree about to be felled. Dryad wraps one arm around him tightly. "I am sorry for bringing you here. I saw a shape, and I heard voices, and it lured me somehow . . ."

Adamant gently returns the hug. He looks down into the dryads eyes, “No, you did not mean to cause a problem. You were exploring like any of us would have done.”

“Tell me about how you were drawn here. Maybe there is something about how you came here that could lead us back?”

[Dave B.]

Shorak coils the Rope of Entanglement and stows it away, along with sheathing his boomerang. He is about to climb up to the crow's nest when the ropes and rigging begin to disintegrate. "Well that's not going to happen." He comments. Hearing the water rushing into the ship and watching the ship starting to crumble around them, Shorak looks around to see if anything looks like a portal or something that might lead them back to the Dragonfly.

"I'll be fine if we end up in the river." Shorak says as he lays his hand on Liquire. "But, if we do, will it be the same river that the Dragonfly is on?"

[Ken]

"This ship was brought here by the gaunt and all the death that occurred," says Belarin, acknowledging Histra. "The ship belongs in OUR world. Stay in contact with it for a long as possible!"

[Darren]

Kal takes a deep breath. The light at the end of his staff begins to flicker violently, matching his emotions. Another deep breath....

..."You must remember to breathe, Kalarian," his instructor tells him. Kal looks in panic as lightning streaks over his head, crashing into the stone walls of the Sentinel Tower. His heart races and each breath is a gulping gasp. "Kalarian," the voice says calmly again. "Look at me, Kalarian." His instructor kneels down in front of him, bringing his face close, and takes Kalarian's hands. Kal looks down to see his own hands wreathed in flame, the fire licking at his instructor's hands, scorching them black where they make contact with Kalarian's skin. Kalarian closes his eyes, feels the wet tears escape the corners of his eyes. "Kalarian. Kalarian, open your eyes," the voice says. "Kalarian, look at me." Kal opens his eyes. "Good. It's okay, Kalarian. You are in control. Just breathe." Kal takes a deep breath, feels it fill his lungs, his chest expanding. He lets it out slowly, and the cool breath seems to quiet the fire around his hands. His instructor smiles and nods, and Kal can't help but look at the seared flesh surrounding his own. "It's okay, Kalarian. Just breathe." Another breath in, and Kal looks up at the tumultuous storm raging abovbe him. As he lets it out, the thunder subsides, the lightning streaking past and disappearing. "Good, Kalarian," the voice says as the instructor stands up and places a ruined hand on the boy's shoulder. "Always remember that you control your power. Don't let it control you."

Kal lets out a long breath. "We are going to end up in the water," he says calmly. He looks at his staff, now glowing a calm and quiet blue. "Find anything that floats and grab hold of it. Barrels, planks of wood. We only have moments. This world is coming back into contact with ours. I think we'll be another shipwreck like the ones we saw from the deck of the Dragonfly. Once we're there, we can send up signals for Brack to find. Prepare yourselves."

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Jeff, are there barrels or loose planks or anything?

[Jeff]

"Yes," Histra says to both Shorak and Belarin. "Be as ready as you can."

Jan 30, 2021 0:35:04 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Jan 29, 2021 17:01:40 GMT -4 Jeff said:

“Tell me about how you were drawn here. Maybe there is something about how you came here that could lead us back?”

The dryad's face darkens. She turns so the gaunt's body does not lie in her field of vision. She is clearly disturbed by it. "It was like an unquiet dream. I heard voices, they seemed in distress. I knew of the spirits in the water, that we fought before. I didn't think it was one of those."

Water gurgles up from the hole, and even the grate—that is usually opened to lift or lower cargo—is suddenly overtaken by water. The central deck is flooded swiftly, forcing those lingering near to move up the stairs to the first tier of the sterncastle.

Calirataia looks at the rising water then back to Adamant. "I went toward the bottom—what Bracken and Kurra call the keel—to listen. Then I saw, no, felt something watching me." Without turning, she points toward the dead fiend. "It has no eyes but it can see, perfectly. Its sight is blackness, yet it could see me somehow. Like it was studying—"

Mysterious cargo, and sickening, glazed corpses begin to float up out of the deck's hole. Skulls, barrels, and crates—all badly decayed—surface and bob. Some rise up to the surface of the water outside the ship, much resembling the flotsam you'd seen the last couple of days on the river. Lone skulls quickly outnumber the whole corpses. The bodies of the undead not disintegrated by Streko's holy power join the foul jetsam.

"Then the spirits began to appear, passing through the hull. I returned to the hold, and . . . Kurra was there. She started to attack them, thinking they'd already been attacking me. I think that made the more real. But it wasn't . . . wasn't her fault. She was trying to save me. Then I was grasped." Calirataia shakes her head. "I don't remember much else. This won't help us, Adamant."

Attachments:

[Jeff]

Jan 30, 2021 11:30:59 GMT -4 Darren said:

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Jeff, are there barrels or loose planks or anything?

Simul-posted with Darren.

Yes, there are now some loose things. Though many of them are rather gross and badly rotting.

[Jeff]

Jan 30, 2021 11:30:59 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal lets out a long breath. "We are going to end up in the water . . . . Prepare yourselves."

"Kalarian is correct," Histra says. "We should stay with the ship as long as we can, but we will end up in the water. Possibly under. At some point, be ready to swim, and to hold your breath."

[Brian]

"Great," Melethos mutters, and starts looking around for something that might float. "Everyone stay together," he adds, perhaps unnecessarily.

[Dave W.]

Jan 30, 2021 11:34:28 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Jan 30, 2021 11:30:59 GMT -4 Darren said:

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Jeff, are there barrels or loose planks or anything?

Simul-posted with Darren.

Yes, there are now some loose things. Though many of them are rather gross and badly rotting.

Well, there are loose bits of Adamant lying about...

[Dave W.]

“Don’t give it another thought. We are all here. We will be home soon and these days of Night will be over.” He tells her with firm certainty.

“I don’t mind ending up in water so long as it is our water... water we share with the Dragonfly.”

“I am not a graceful swimmer;” he says to Calirataia, “you should make your way to the ship as soon as it appears. Kurra will help us once she knows where we are.”

[Dave B.]

Shorak crouches down, holding to anything that is still part of the ship. "I'll help any who may need it, once we are in the water. Fortunately, I'm an even better swimmer now that I have this dagger."

[Jeff]

Jan 29, 2021 14:59:39 GMT -4 Ken said:

Jan 29, 2021 13:12:10 GMT -4 Jeff said:

He walks over to the gaunt and attempts to cut off a digit with his pact dagger.

At first it's not cutting loosely: the finger he chooses is uncomfortably cold to the touch, and the rubbery flesh clearly hardens the more it tapers, so it's hard to figure out where to cut. Histra commands her wraith to come close, where it reaches and wraps a shadow-hand around the base of the finger Belarin has chosen. He feels the deadly chill of the wraith, so he hurries, hoping to get away from it quick. The decay rapids, and then the finger comes free! There is a glimmer of moisture, but not actual blood.

A two-foot-long segment of long black finger is now Belarin's hand. It looks jointed, but he can't tell there's bone within it or not. Histra smiles and takes it from him. "Thank you," she says as she secured it in her wet robes.

The ship continues to tremble, and this time you hear and almost see a visible crack shoot through the central deck beneath the water. The river, or whatever it is this ship floats in, continues to rise higher, forcing you up another tier of the sterncastle. Dim water rolls over the body of the gaunt.

Calirataia slips from Adamant's arms unpexepctedly and sinks to her knees beside Adamant. "I am so . . . tired, Adamant." Her head hangs down, and it almost looks like she's falling asleep.

More filth and debris rises up from the central hole in the deck. Skeletons and crusted bodies mostly. Then something bob to the surface in the foul churn that catches Kal's, Shorak's, and Streko's attention*: a large chest reinforced with metal that gleams even in the dim light like gold. It's hard to tell in this gloom, but it doesn't look like the rest of the ship's cargo and crates—nor appear rotted in any way. A cloaked skeleton clings to the chest as well as if locking on it in a death grip. Its garments are rotted but it looks...special somehow.

*A matter of passive Perception checks.

PC icons are fairly arbitrarily placed. Mostly wanted to show that you've had to move backward on the ship to stay out of the water.

Adamant's Bless spell, of course, has ended.

[Darren]

Kal points to the rising chest, calling everyone's attention to it. "Everyone, make your way over there now. As many as can grab on, do so. Everyone else, find something else nearby that's floating. Calitaraia, stay by me." He looks at Adamant. "I will watch over her. If it becomes necessary, I will carry the two of us to the Dragonfly quickly and bring the ship around to pick up everyone else."

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How large is the chest? Can we all grab on to it? In any event, that's where Kal is going, hopefully with Cali.

[Brian]

Melethos searches where Kal indicated and spots the chest. "Okay, everyone. Head that way. Belarin, tell me what you can about that chest. Anything magical?"

Melethos starts moving toward the chest, being careful where he steps lest he break through the decking.

[Dave W.]

“Stay with me.” Adamant says with some urgency. He picks the dryad up and holds her tightly. “Dol Arrah, grant me the strength to see her through, I ask in humility though I confess with some selfishness.” Adamant prays.

To Calirataia he says, “Just hold onto me. I will get us there.”

Adamant starts to swim, not gracefully as Shorak surely would but relying on main strength to pull himself through the water. He prioritizes keeping Calirataia’s head above water.

With no better idea presented he heads towards the chest Melethos and Kal are pointing out.

Well, perhaps a horse would not be helpful now…

---

do you want a swim check? I think that’s Athletics.

[Darren]

Kal nods at Adamant. "Keep close." He looks at everyone as he heads into the water, swimming somewhat awkwardly because of the staff in his hands. "We're going into the water anyway. Everyone stay as close as you can. Find something to help you float."

[Joe]

Streko makes his way toward the chest, glancing around to make sure a skeletal hand doesn't pop out of the water to grab his wrist, or Arawai forbid, his ankle! Once at the chest he finds himself next to the skeleton. "Id snap you off, but I fear you are attached to this and don't want to somehow disturb the chest's place in this realm. So I suggest you continue hanging on. We will address you later!"

[Ken]

Belarin says, "Histra and I are already soaked through from that wizard's attacks. A little more water won't hurt... I think."

He moves toward the chest and uses his eldritch talents to look for auras.

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Invoking Eldritch Sight.

[Jeff]

Histra eyes the chest longingly as well, but does not immediately follow Belarin. She holds his hand, pulling him back for a moment. “A glittering prize, indeed. And it requires us to break contact with the ship. Do you really think it wise?”

[Ken]

Belarin nods at Histra's words as his eyes continue to look over the chest.

"Keep in mind," he says to everyone, "that the chest may not be OF the ship. If it's a choice between touching the chest or touching a piece of the ship, pick the ship."

_________

Does Belarin see anything odd with his Eldritch Sight?

[Dave B.]

As much as Shorak would love to share in what treasure might be in that chest, he wants to be sure he returns to his home. He nods at Belarin's words and stays near the warlock and Histra. Doing his best to keep contact with the ship as the water continues to rise.. "Bring the chest over this way." He calls to those that are swimming toward it. "You'll have a better chance to stay in contact with the ship and still keep hold of it."

[Jeff]

Sheer exhaustion makes the swimming slow going for Kal, who still feels the draining effects of that green miasma. Melethos and Adamant both find it challening for their own reasons—Adamant for the weight of his body and managing to keep hold of Calirataia—who now rides piggyback behind him, head lying against the back of his neck, almost asleep—and his glaive. Very uncomfortable and slow. Melethos finds it hard to swim in his heavy armor and keep hold of his shield. Finally, Streko swims alongside them, not liking chainmail as swimware and not speedy in the water at the best of times.All four of them, independently, worry about having to fight like this.

Belarin, Histra, and Shorak remain on the dry part of the ship, though the water already begins to rise to the next level. This ship is sinking fast. By the time their friends reach the floating chest, all but the top tier of the sterncastle is underwater. The ship is already canted at the nose, so the bow and forecastle has gone under. Worse, the sky is darkening even more—as if the overlap of Mabar and Eberron has the Endless Night taking over.

Adamant, over by the chest, provides a circle of light in the gloom, and this allows him and his nearest friends to see better where they've swam to in the cold water. (Though I seem to recall Kal having cast Light on something early, right?)

Histra with little more than gesture draws the wraith back into her staff. Her other hand is firmly clasped in Belarin's.

The two halves of the party are now some eighty feet apart. One would need to shout to be heard clearly.

The chest is intriguing, for it is excellent condition. The skeleton clinging to it, you suspect, is female. You see no sign of any symbols, but the rotted garments appear feminine in design. She is grasping the chest firmly, her lower half in the water. Where her right hand grips the gold banding, you see what appears to be a tarnished silvery ring on one fingerbone.

Athletics checks won't be needed unless you are in battle or under duress in some fashion. The water is, at least, fairly still. This is also a reminder that both Kal and Shorak have 1 level of exhaustion, so all ability checks are made with disadvantage.

[Brian]

Melethos struggles to keep his head above water as he swims next to Kal. "Either we make this fast," he says, panting, "or we go back. Let's put some speed into it."

His arms start flailing a little more.

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I'm giving Mel an Athletics check for the swim.

Melethos: 1D20+4 → 24( (20) + 4)#Strength (Athletics) Check

[Dave W.]

“I do not think speed is an option just now,” Adamant tells Melehtos. “I am contending with sufficient complications as it is.”

---

Adamant won’t try to go fast, still focused on keeping Calirataia safe.

[Ken]

"HURRY" yells Belarin. The dimming light makes him fearful of his friends' safety.

[Joe]

"I remember something about being told to keep in touch with the ship. As it is sinking and we are quite a long distance from any dry portion, I have deep concerns. This might not have been a great idea."

[Dave B.]

Shorak just watches and waits. Either they make it back or they don't. Hopefully, they'll know soon.

[Darren]

Kalarian frowns watching as his friends continue to stand on the rapidly sinking ship. He lets out an exasperated breath, but as he reaches the chest, he looks at those around him. "Okay, then, here's the plan. Grab hold of this and KICK! Let's try to get back to them as quickly as we can. If you feel you can't make it, Streko, grab hold of something else and get back. I will deal with the chest myself, if necessary."

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Kal will grab onto the chest and begin kicking back towards where Belarin and Histra are. He will attempt to avoid touching the skeleton, but if it looks like the skeleton might break free, he will hang on to it to try to keep it attached. If it comes to life, well....that's a whole other thing.

[Jeff]

It has become night-black. No more gray, just endless gloom. The paladin's light is the only thing that can be seen easily.

Kal, Adamant (with Calirataia), Streko, and Melethos have surrounded the chest now. Is anyone touching it?

Belarina and Shorak hear water surging down below the hole in the final segment of the sterncastle. They can make out one another but see no more details. Flotsam gathers and bobs against the remains of the ship like trash eddying in the wind.