Ch 2: Part 1: The Great Skymetal Rush: Session 18

[13:51] <Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[13:51] <Kilarra> ~~Chapter 2: Children of the Void~~~
[13:51] <Kilarra> -Session 18-
[13:52] <Kilarra> Captain Josper just stares at Tognik blankly for a moment, and then a big smile bursts across his face. "I like you little man. Going off on an adventure just to show that you can. That actually reminds me a little of myself. I designed the Flying Cloud here for speed so I could push records with her."
[13:55] * Tognik grins and nods, continuing his strut to board the ship, as long as Kilarra was done bothering him.
[13:57] * Kilarra rolls her eyes. "Alright then, let's do lunch then. How long before your crew gets back?"
[13:58] <Kilarra> Kjell chuckles at the gnome. He liked this guy. However, he waits for the captain to actually lead them on board and to the proposed luncheon.
[13:59] * Tognik sits down and leans against a wall of the ship, closing his eyes. He'll do with taking a nap until they're off.
[14:01] * Aluthyra smiles lightly as Tognik boards, shaking her head as she turns her attention back to the captain.
[14:04] <Kilarra> Josper nods and leads the others onto his ship. He leads them below the deck to the Captain's Cabin at the bow of the ship just below the upper deck. He seats them down and treats them to a meal of fresh reefclaw and vegetables, with warm bread and chilled wine. "Don't get used to such finery once we're at sea mind you, but for now just relax and enjoy. So, tell me, what are the three of you actually headed to Devil's Elbow for?"
[14:07] * Aluthyra stays silent, glancing at Kilarra, unsure of whether or not it would be appropriate to tell the captain.
[14:08] * Kilarra ponders for a moment, then shrugs, "We've got some unfinished business there. Unlike some greedy folks, we're not going there for the skymetal."
[14:09] <Kilarra> Kjell cuts in, "Nay, we're after the ones who brought the star down."
[14:10] * Aluthyra blinks, shaking her head at Kjell.
[14:11] <Kilarra> Josper blinks, "Brought down the star?"
[14:13] * Aluthyra sighs. "Yes, we have reason to believe that it was not a natural occurrence, and that those responsible are on the island." She gives Josper a smile. "We would appreciate it if  you would keep this information private, if at all possible."
[14:14] <Kilarra> Josper blinks, "That's rather ominous. What sort of power could pull down a star from the sky?"
[14:15] * Kilarra sighs, cat was out of the bag. "We're not sure yet, just something old that some nasty folks are trying to repurpose. What about you Captain, what's the deal with this ship? Why is the speed so important for you if not for escaping from something?"
[14:16] * Aluthyra goes back to eating the food that was so generously offered to them.
[14:17] * Aluthyra keeps her attention on the conversation while doing so, not wanting to be rude.
[14:19] <Kilarra> Kjell eats quickly and heartily, but still chips in, "Speed is just as useful outside of fleeing. You mentioned a record earlier?"
[14:22] <Kilarra> Josper nods and smirks, "Aye. My goal is to set a new speed record travelling between Varisia and Andoran. I'm still some time from making the acutal run, but there's all sorts of speed records across the Arcadian coast that I want to break."
[14:23] <Kilarra> Josper continues eating, and looks around the group, "Still, I can't imagine anyone wanting to use Devil's Elbow as a place for experimenting of any kind. You're familiar with the legends I take it?"
[14:23] * Aluthyra shakes her head, stopping eating for the moment. "I am not. Are there any rumors we should be made aware of?"
[14:26] <Kilarra> Josper shakes his head, "Not rumours. History."
[14:27] * Aluthyra nods. "Right. History then? I am still not familiar."
[14:28] * Kilarra shakes her head, "Me neither. Shorafa probably knows, but it's not the sort of thing I would have thought to ask before recent events."
[14:31] <Kilarra> Josper nods, "Well, the way I was told it, the island is, or was, home to a Siren known as Virashi. A while back, a man named Yaris attempted to settle the island. Gods know why, the place doesn't really have much in the way of resources or hospitable... anything. Still, maybe he was like me, trying to do it to show that he could. Anyways, I'll spare you the details of the myriad of problems. Suffice to say the whole thing fell apart.
[14:33] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow. "And was this misfortune caused in part by the siren? If she does still inhabit this island, do you know anything more of her? "
[14:34] <Kilarra> Josper continues, "Way I heard it, he tried to kill the Siren to claim the island for his own, and was cursed for it, which is why everything else went to pot. No  one really knows if the Siren is still there, but most folks avoid the place. At least until it suddenly became the site of a skymetal impact."
[14:37] * Aluthyra nods. "Thank you for the information, and the meal, Captain Josper. It is most generous of you."
[14:39] <Kilarra> While the group is enjoying their meal below decks, something untoward is going on up above. The planned journey of the ship to Devil's Elbow has not gone unnoticed, and some people are interested in keeping competition to a minimum.
[14:43] <Kilarra> A small group of saboteurs sneaks past the dozing Tognik and head towards the sails and rigging. Aluthyra can hear the soft footsteps above.
[14:44] * Aluthyra frowns, standing up and looking to Josper. "...Your crew would not be back quite yet, would they?"
[14:44] <Kilarra> Josper blinks, "No, we'd be able to hear them if they were. They're as rowdy as your average sailor."
[14:46] * Kilarra raises an eyebrow at Aluthyra.
[14:47] * Aluthyra 's frown deepens. "Then someone is aboard this ship, and does not want to be heard." She pulls her bow out, nocking a single arrow. "I believe I may be able to go unnoticed if I go up alone, if none of you protest."
[14:49] * Kilarra blinks, then frowns, "Aw hell no. Not that me or the big guy are sneaky I imagine, but if someone is trying to mess up our ride, I ain't just sitting here."
[14:49] * Aluthyra shrugs. "Let us move quickly then, before any damage is done."
[14:50] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and stands up in agreement, "If we are to go, then let us go together. You may lead in silence if you will, but I shall be right behind you."
[14:50] <Kilarra> Josper stands up as well, "No one hurts my ship."
[14:52] * Aluthyra nods, waiting for the others before turning and continuing up to the deck of the ship, moving as quietly as she can.
[14:53] <Kilarra> Aluthyra, heading up to the main deck, can see a group of six men starting to spread oil over the rigging and masts. They seem engrossed in their work and don't notice her.
[14:54] * Kilarra whispers to Aluthyra, "What's going on?"
[14:55] * Aluthyra replies quietly, "They are setting the masts on fire. I will let my arrows fly, and we shall all charge," she looks to Kjell, "Agreed?"
[14:59] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and steps forward in front of Kilarra, "Aye, that'll do."
[15:03] * Aluthyra concentrates, channeling her Ki pool as she aims forward, firing a duo of deadly arrows, each at a different saboteur.
[15:09] <Kilarra> Aluthyra's aim proves deadly against the lowly saboteurs, two of them hitting the deck before the others can ever react.
[15:11] <Kilarra> Kjell heads up on to the deck, looking to Aluthyra, "Good shooting. If they flee fine, but I think we'd like to keep at least one to find out who's trying to undermien us."
[15:12] * Aluthyra nods, her bow still at the ready.
[15:15] <Kilarra> The saboteurs look shocked to see they had been noticed and two of their number dead before they could even finish spreading the oil. Two of them draw shortswords while looking a little unsure of themselves. The other two pull out small vials and toss them at the parts of the rigging they did manage to oil, setting them ablaze.
[15:18] <Kilarra> Kjell rushes in, although isn't quite as quick as the Saboteurs. Still, he draws his sword and aims to take care of one of the ones with drawn sword, while getting close enough to the other to keep him from fleeing.
[15:19] <Kilarra> Kjell's swing of his unusual blade cleanly unseams his target, leaving the two fire starters just out of reach, but putting the other sword wielder in a position where he would have to get around the large man to flee.
[15:21] * Kilarra casually makes her way up next to Kjell, passing him in favour of the two that started the fire. She grabs one of them firmly and smirks, "I'm afraid that little stunt is gonna cost you." She pumps him full of negative energy.
[15:21] <Kilarra> The Saboteur drops to the floor, smouldering a bit.
[15:29] * Aluthyra aims at the final firestarter, firing two arrows, with as much precision as she can muster, at his feet.
[15:31] <Kilarra> Aluthyra's shot skewers the Firestarter's shin, causing him to yelp in pain.
[15:36] <@Aluthyra> Tognik looks around in surprise as he wakes up. A rather rude awakening. Seeing the fire, he quickly starts mumbling an incantation, pointing his hand to cast a spell at it before it spreads.
[15:38] <Kilarra> Tognik's spell consumes the few flames in a whoosh, shooting upwards into a display of fireworks.
[15:39] <Kilarra> Although, those close enough to be blinded by the display all happen to have their eyes looking straight ahead rather than up.
[15:39] <Kilarra> The people at the docks get a show though
[15:41] <Kilarra> The shived saboteur attempts to hobble towards the plank down and off the ship, but the arrow in his shin makes him slow going. The Saboteur facing Kjell simply drops his sword and falls to his knees, "Alright, alright, I give up!"
[15:42] <Kilarra> Kjell keeps his sword out but lowers it. He calls over his shoulder, "Tognik, you seem to have a silver tongue. Perhaps you would be so kind as to have a chat with this man."
[15:44] * Kilarra brings her whip out and trots over to Tognik, "If you can't get anything out of him, I'll try next. I'd like to know who's trying to keep us grounded."
[15:45] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods, walking up to the saboteur. He gives the man a flash of his smile, waving his hand for him to stand. "No need to beg," He frowns. "Though fire isn't the best welcoming gift." Tognik shakes his head. "In light of that... I'm sure you wouldn't mind telling us who sent you to do this?"
[15:46] * Aluthyra slings her bow over her shoulder, not bothering to chase down the fleeing saboteur.
[15:47] <Kilarra> The hobbled flight of the shot Saboteur progresses until he manages to get away.
[15:47] <Kilarra> The remaining saboteur looks around at the corpses of his four fallen fellows. "Alright, but you let me go after I tell you."
[15:48] <@Aluthyra> Tognik nods. "Of course."
[15:48] <Kilarra> The saboteur nods, "Clegg Zincher paid us 20 gold apiece to keep any other ships headed for the Elbow from launching."
[15:50] <@Aluthyra> Tognik looks to Kilarra. "Name ring a bell?"
[15:50] * Kilarra seems slightly disappointed that she didn't get to whip the guy, but slips it away and looks to Aluthyra, "Way I heard it, Zincher was causing trouble for Katarina and Daroskt when they worked for Saul. Shorafa is not fond of him, but has no means to undermine him."
[15:50] * Kilarra looks to Tognik and repeats her statement
[15:51] * Aluthyra and Tognik both nod, and Tognik waves off the saboteur.
[15:51] * Kilarra adds, "And I know Lil would love to see his head somewhere other than on his shoulders."
[15:52] * Aluthyra frowns. "It seems this Clegg Zincher is one that needs to be dealt with, if he is to blame."
[15:53] <Kilarra> Kjell grunts, "This Zincher sounds like he's going to be trouble. However, if he's already on the island, we'd probably be best leaving him be if the local wildlife or drow haven't already done away with him for us. If not, we can save him for after we deal with the bigger threat."
[15:54] * Kjell looks to the sword in his hand, "No, he's not in charge here. Seems to be an Overlord above the crimelords." ... "Oh yes I don't doubt it, but it's hard to enforce in a lawless city like this." ... "If the opportunity arises, we'll see."
[15:55] * Kilarra raises an eyebrow as the man talks to his sword. It just seemed... odd. She shrugs it off and casts her gaze at Aluthyra again. Always nice to look at.
[15:57] <Kilarra> Captain Josper is inspecting the damage to the rigging, "Could have been a lot worse, but we'll still have to replace some of this. I'm afraid we're going to have to postpone the trip until tomorrow morning. I'll go find my crew and tell them what happened, and add the repair costs to our other supplies."
[15:57] * Aluthyra sighs and stretches-- always good to keep your muscles limber-- after nodding at Josper. "Will you need more protection through the night? Or do you think they will not attack again?"
[15:58] <Kilarra> Josper shakes his head, "I should have kept a couple guards handy, knowing this city, but your elf friend was fairly generous with his pay, so I figured I should let them enjoy themselves a little."
[15:59] <@Aluthyra> Tognik groans. He was hoping to catch a /quick/ ride to this island! He plans on giving Zincher a 'thank you' for the delay.
[16:00] <Kilarra> Kjell pats Tognik on the back, "Nice work with the fire Red." He strokes his own red beard at this to indicate it's an affectionate nickname rather than a derogatory one. "I don't have much in my repetoire of magic that's good for reducing damage."
[16:00] <Kilarra> Josper nods, "If you could stick around until I come back with my crew, I would appreciate it. After that, we'll take care of the rest."
[16:01] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs. "Always nice for a show, and handy in some situations."
[16:01] * Aluthyra nods. "That will be no problem. We shall be here until you return."
[16:02] <Kilarra> Kjell chuckles and nods, "Very nice indeed. I'll have to get you around for birthdays once I've got a wife and children."
[16:03] * Kilarra trots up to Aluthyra, "Nice shooting." Everything about this woman was nice in all the right ways. She was still determined to figure out what about this woman made her so appealing. The only other woman she'd ever lusted after the same way was Shorafa herself, and she was pretty sure the busty older tiefling had some succubus in her.
[16:03] <@Aluthyra> Tognik chuckles and smirks. "Sure, sure. I will await the day that my adventures will be to perform at children's parties."
[16:04] * Kilarra smirks a bit as she remembers the one time Shorafa actually let her into her bedchambers. Best night of her life... so far anyways.
[16:06] * Aluthyra smiles at Kilarra and bows her head. "Thank you. I must compliment your own efforts as well. That spell seemed..." She looks past Kilarra and to the once smoldering body. "Effective."
[16:08] <Kilarra> Kjell chuckles boisterously, "There is no greater delight I think, than spreading joy to children." He smiles, "Once I find the right woman, I plan to have at least half a dozen."
[16:08] <@Aluthyra> Tognik blinks. "Quite... a lot."
[16:09] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Mind you, I won't be siring them all myself. I grew up in an orphanage sponsored by Cayden's followers, so I would want to provide a proper family to some children who lack it, knowing their situation all too well."
[16:10] <Kilarra> Kjell adds, "But first, I want to do my part in making the world a safe place for them to live in, which is why Bane and I are travelling in the first place." He gestures to his now sheathed sword.
[16:12] <@Aluthyra> Tognik smiles and chuckles, looking at the sword. "Well, a good companion to have." He nods. "If your children are in need, I'm sure I can throw a fireworks show or two as well. No charge, even!"
[16:12] * Kilarra smiles at the compliment. Being complimented by this woman was... nice. And possibly a bit of progress. "I can heal as well as harm, depending on who or what I lay my hands on. Any cleric can, most just choose not to in favour of healing. However, since my weapon of choice is better suited to making foes vulnerable, the ability to directly inflict harm is a nice supplement."
[16:13] <Kilarra> Kjell pats the gnome on the shoulder, "You and I are going to be lifelong friends I suspect."
[16:16] * Aluthyra nods. "Indeed." She looks towards the pier. "Once the captain arrives, are we heading back to the Goblin? I had not planned on staying in this town another day, and I admit... I am unsure of what to do to pass the time."
[16:17] <@Aluthyra> Tognik chuckles. "Well, friend, I think that It's time for another nap, seeing as we're staying here until the captain gets back."
[16:18] * Kilarra smirks. Opening, "Well, I can think of one enjoyable way to pass the time." She wiggles an eyebrow suggestively. Her pointed teeth are showing.
[16:20] * Aluthyra blinks. It takes her a moment to catch on... and her face turns bright red. She clears her throat and composes herself, her blush quickly fading. "Again, I will have to... decline."
[16:29] * Kilarra pouts a bit, but finds that blushing rather adorable. She would normally have gone on to other prospects after the first declination, but this felt like progress, and she still had an inexplicable compulsion to go after this woman.
[16:32] <Kilarra> Josper eventually returns with his crew and thanks the party for their help. He also refunds them 35 gold pieces. "For your trouble and your help. Less the cost of the repairs, you'll be sailing with me to Devil's Elbow free of charge."
[16:33] * Aluthyra smiles appreciatively. "Thank you once again, Captain Josper. If there is nothing more, I think I will take my leave and return in the morning."
[16:35] * Kilarra nods, "You can always stay with us at the Goblin anyways, even if you don't want to share my bed in particular."
[16:40] * Aluthyra gulps and nods. "Yes... I will be at the goblin then." She quickly leaves, heading back to the gambling hall, though Kilarra might notice a parting glance in her direction when Aluthyra leaves.
[16:42] * Kilarra thinks she sees something, but given the woman's previous reactions, she waives it off in her head. She heads back to the Goblin as well. If they were going to be waiting till tomorrow, she would have a chance to re-prepare he spent magic.
[16:42] <Kilarra> Kjell also heads back to the Goblin, figuring he could take the time opened up by their delayed departure to take one of the scrolls he had purchased and transcribe the spell upon it into his Spellbook for future use.
[16:44] <@Aluthyra> Tognik loots the saboteurs corpses before he leaves, and follows out after Kjell. He calls out from behind him, "Kjell! Know of someplace I could stay for the night? An inn, perhaps?"
[16:45] <Kilarra> Kjell stops and smirks at the Gnome, "Even better. We've got free room and board at the Gold Goblin gambling hall courtesy of Daroskt and Katarina. They were, I am told, the previous bearers of our quest before extenuating circumstances forced them to retire from it. They instead offer lodgings and aid as best they can."
[16:47] * Tognik smiles widely. "Wonderful." He offers the masterwork studded leather to Kjell as they walk. "Bit... too heavy for me to carry. I don't really need it, and you could always just sell it."
[16:51] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and takes the armors, "Thanks friend. I'll split the proceeds amongst our companions at least. My own chain shirt is of better quality though. With practise I hope to be able to wear heavier protection without it interfering with my own magic."
[16:52] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs. "We'll see. Though... to the Goblin?"
[16:52] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Indeed." He stops in a shop along the way to sell the decent quality armor, then splits up the proceeds as they return.
[16:53] <Kilarra> Katarina and Daroskt are wrapping up the last of the repairs on the Gold Goblin as the party returns. They seem surprised to see them back.
[16:54] * Aluthyra waves at the two of them. "It seems our departure has been delayed... staying another night, will not be a problem, yes?"
[16:55] <Kilarra> Daroskt shakes his head, "No, but why were you delayed?"
[16:57] * Aluthyra frowns. "Saboteurs attempted to light the ship on fire. We were able to stop them, but it was partially damaged."
[16:57] <Kilarra> Katarina frowns, "Oh dear. Were you or any of the ship's crew hurt?"
[16:58] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "No. Though we would ask for another room," she points to Tognik as he arrives. "He has joined us, and will be accompanying us to the island."
[16:59] <@Aluthyra> Tognik grins and bows to the two purveyors. "Tognik, nice to meet ya'!"
[16:59] <Kilarra> Daroskt nods and looks to the gnome curiously, "Were you going to the island for your own reasons, or are you aware of what our guests are in pursuit of?"
[17:01] * Tognik smirks. "Own reasons. Just some exploring!"
[17:05] <Kilarra> Daroskt nods, "At your own risk then, but if you're friends with our guests then you can stay as well."
[17:07] <@Aluthyra> Tognik smiles. "Thank you much."
[17:07] <Kilarra> Daroskt nods and steps inside, "It is close to mealtime. Would all of you like to join Katarina and I, or did you have your own plans?"
[17:10] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "I do not have any plans, and I would be happy to join you."
[17:10] <@Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs. "I'll join in too." Free food!
[17:11] <Kilarra> Kjell smirks, "Once again your hospitality is appreciated good sir and madam."
[17:11] * Kilarra nods, "Sounds good."
[17:12] <Kilarra> Everyone goes inside for dinner, yay! During the meal, anyone perceptive or familiar with flirting (Looking at you Kilarra), might notice that Katarina seems to shimmy close to Daroskt on occasion, and keeps sending smiles in his direction. The Half-orc seems largely oblvious for now though.
[17:15] * Aluthyra is completely oblivious to this as well, eating her meal. "Thank you for the hospitality. Compliments to the chef as well. This is delicious."
[17:15] * Kilarra takes notice, but doesn't say anything. She didn't really see the appeal of the half-orc, but of course, she was mainly looking at his physical appearance.
[17:16] <Kilarra> Daroskt nods, feeding some scraps to Chip. "I learned to feed myself when out in the wilds, and while sometimes it led to very gamey meals, proper ingredients allow me to do well enough."
[17:17] <@Aluthyra> Tognik is too busy eating to notice. Being an explorer full-time doesn't lend itself to the best of meals. He nods his head approvingly at Daroskt nonetheless.
[17:19] <Kilarra> Kjell raises his mug, "A toast to our hosts."
[17:20] * Aluthyra raises her mug of water, clinking it with Kjell's.
[17:21] * Kilarra lifts her glass but doesn't clink it.
[17:21] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles and downs his ale.
[17:22] * Kilarra finishes her meal and then goes to her room to enjoy a bit of private time with her fingers and tail.
[17:23] <Kilarra> Kjell, upon finishing his meal, uses his room as a study to go about transcribing the scrolled spell.
[17:23] * Aluthyra waves to everyone and the hosts before heading to her own room, meditating before heading to sleep early.
[17:24] <@Aluthyra> Tognik goes to his room and sleeps right away. When he isn't exploring, he's a bit lazy.
[17:25] * Kilarra dozes off after finishing her fun.
[17:25] <Kilarra> The following morning the group is aokwen by the smells of breakfast cooking. Katarina and Daroskt are up early getting the final preparations in order for their re-opening.
[17:27] <@Aluthyra> Tognik's belly rumbles, as loudly as it can for one of his size, and he quickly gears up to get a filling breakfast, moving quickly on his stubby legs to the dining hall.
[17:28] * Kilarra takes her morning fun before breakfast, getting her spells ready and being as immodest as ever.
[17:28] <Kilarra> Kjell gets his own spells prepared as well before breakfast, wanting to be able to depart quickly.
[17:30] * Aluthyra has a quick meditation, cut short as she finds herself unable to concentrate with Kilarra's 'morning fun' being so loud. Shaking her head, she heads to eat a quick breakfast before heading out on the ship.
[17:31] * Kilarra heads out as well, looking satisfied.
[17:32] <Kilarra> Kjell kinda thinks Kilarra could stand to be a little quieter, but isn't going to do anything against her unless she directly did anything evil. For the most part she was mainly just unpredictable.
[17:32] <Kilarra> Josper and his crew, being sailors, are up early and ready to sail as soon as the party arrives.
[17:33] * Kilarra boards the ship, looking a little unsure, "Never actually traveled this far by boat before... should be interesting."
[17:33] <@Aluthyra> Tognik assumes his resting position against a wall of the ship.
[17:35] <Kilarra> Kjell makes pleasant conversation with the members of the crew as they work, even lending his arm a couple times in the interest of being friendly.
[17:35] * Aluthyra smiles at Kilarra. "Oh? You are not nervous, are you?"
[17:40] * Kilarra shakes her head, "Not nervous, just not sure if I get seasick or not. Only ever took brief trips across the river in Riddleport. You?
[17:40] <Kilarra> "
[17:43] <@Aluthyra> "I have taken a few trips by ship, some long. Though I have not taken one in quite a while," She shrugs. "Near... forty years now, since my last voyage by sea."
[17:45] * Kilarra blinks, "Forty... damn you look good. What's your secret?"
[17:46] * Aluthyra blushes and shrugs. "I do not know. I am certainly not human, though I do not know my heritage."
[17:46] * Kilarra chuckles, "I'm Ninety myself, but tieflings live way longer than humans."
[17:49] * Aluthyra smiles. "Indeed." She looks to the captain, looking to see if they were about to set sail.
[17:52] <Kilarra> Josper calls down from the slightly raised wheel well. "We're ready to go."
[17:55] * Aluthyra nods, ready for the ship to depart.
[17:57] <Kilarra> The ship pulls out of port with its crew and passengers. The weather is fair and the seas are mostly cooperative, and after a mere five hours, they approach the curved island. The island is quiet as the ship approaches, with no immediately apparent signs of life. A low ridge forms a 'spine' along the length of the island.
[17:58] * Kilarra is slightly queasy, but doesn't show it much.
[18:00] <@Aluthyra> Tognik yawns, getting up from his position, and calls to Josper, "Thanks for the ride, Cap'n! Much appreciated!"
[18:01] * Aluthyra keeps an eye out for any hostility, being as they were here to find drow.
[18:02] <Kilarra> Two stone towers stand amidst the dense forests along the steep slopes of the island, one to the east and one to the center. A thin plume of smoke rises from the midway point between the two towers. As the ship circles the island, looking for a place to land while avoiding the reefs and sandbars, those on the deck get a view of the massive crater on the north side of the island, made largely evident by the flattened trees in a wide ra
[18:02] <Kilarra> -by the burnt, flattened trees in a wide radius around the impact point
[18:04] <@Aluthyra> Tognik smiles widely, his mind filling with ideas of precious metals in the crater.
[18:06] <Kilarra> Josper calls down from the wheel, "I don't fancy sticking around this island, between the reefs and the siren's curse, it ain't a safe place for sailors. I'll drop you off, and we can arrange a pickup time."
[18:07] * Aluthyra nods, taking her bow in hand just in case they met any early hostility.
[18:07] <Kilarra> As Josper speaks, a bright flash of light erupts over the central tower. It lingers for several seconds before fading.
[18:08] <Kilarra> Josper frowns at the sight of the light, "Aye, there's something afoot here, and I'd much prefer to keep my ship and crew out of it."
[18:09] <@Aluthyra> Tognik takes one of his many wands into his hand.
[18:11] <Kilarra> Creevy sails the ship up to the old piers that mark the only safe place to land on the island, the dangerous reefs blocking any other access.
[18:11] * Kilarra is happy to get off the ship and stretches her hooves as soon as she's back on solid ground.
[18:12] <Kilarra> Kjell waves off his new sailor friends and joins Tognik, "What have you got there little Red?"
[18:14] <@Aluthyra> Tognik grins. "Well, if we do run into any trouble, I can just use this to make you a bit more formidable."
[18:15] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles, "I like it!"
[18:15] <Kilarra> As the party unloads from the ship, a voice calls out from one of the nearby, supposedly abandoned buildings. "Ahoy, the ship! Ahoy!"
[18:16] <Kilarra> "Goldhammer's Expedition requesting permission to approach!"
[18:16] * Aluthyra waves to the Captain and the sailors as she departs from the ship, standing next to Kilarra. "Do you have any idea where on the island--" She is interrupted, looking towards the source of the noise.
[18:16] <Kilarra> The voice is deep and booming, but sounds friendly and, based on the nature of the statement, presumably isn't looking for trouble.
[18:17] <Kilarra> The voice is eventually revealed to belong to a dwarf, slowly walking towards the docks with two other dwarves and two humans in tow.
[18:18] <@Aluthyra> Tognik waves to the group, seeing as they seemed friendly enough.
[18:18] <Kilarra> It is immediately apparent as they approach that these folks have had a hard time. Their faces are tired and haggard, their clothes are tattered and filthy, and the only thing that seems to be undamaged is the impressive beard of the lead dwarf.
[18:19] <Kilarra> -End Session-
[18:21] <Kilarra> Rewards: 6 CR 1; 600 Experience each