Storm In A Teacup
The road soon became treacherous and visibility next to none, the carts soon became immovable in the quickly rising waters and mud.
Up ahead in the distance through the rain and trees some ways off the main road you catch a glimpse of flickering lights of possible lodgings, and over the deafening roar of the wind and rain you call out to your companions to unhitch the horses and make for shelter.
arriving at the structure you find shelter to tie the horses and move towards the building.
Water cascades down the building like a torrent, the windows are foggy obscuring the inside and a dim light shines out into the night and bellowing storm.
Standing at the entrance you knock but receive no reply, and with that you prepare to enter.
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed empties water out of her pan pipes and rings out her tutu*
"my hair is a mess we should get inside as quickly as possible"
Kemosabe
"I'm wet, cold and hungry. How the hell does it look like I'm doing?!"
Kemo grumbles
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I was thinking about a clever remark, but I was washed off of my humor.
Can't we just put the doors down?"
Thrundain
I'm a little tired, so I run towards the door and try to break it down with my shoulder.
Kes
Kes is currently in the barn seeing to the horse (feed and water) and securing the cart and goods for the night before heading back to the others at the front of the house.
Kemosabe
"Anyone tried the latch?" Kemo asks dryly, stepping out of the way
Thrundain
"God damn!" I grab my shoulder. "Fu... aaaggrrr!"
Thrundain
"It must be frozen or something." I'll kick the door lightly.
@Thrundain hits the door hard but ends up sitting in the mud as he bounces back.
@Poppyseed flitters over and tries the handle.
the door opens with a squeak on rusty hinges.
Kemosabe
"Hello! Hello in the house!" Kemo calls loudly through the door.
looking inside you can see that the building is more like a seaside fishers shack than a woodland home, with piles of rope, netting, and fishing paraphernalia, even a bottle with a little ship inside sits over the empty fireplace.
the inside seems just as wet as the outside, water streams down the walls and over pictures and ornaments on the walls, the water gushes down the chimney and there seems to be a good foot of water on the floor which flows out in a stream through the now open door.
deeper inside the house coming from an open doorway you hear a moan as if someone or something is responding to @Kemosabes call.
Kemosabe
"More water inside than out! Strange. I'm going to have a look." Кето informs the group and enters the house. He is on alert and carefully observing his surroundings as he makes his way to the moaning sound.
@Poppyseed follows close behind @Kemosabe flittering above the lapping waters on the floor.
following the moans you pass through the front room and a cascade of water coming down an old staircase and enter a kitchen, it is raining inside this room and water streams down the walls and fixtures, there on the floor half submerged by a rickety old table lies a mermaid, she appears badly injured. on the table a small porcelain teacup with intricate patterns sits, from the teacup water spills out onto the table and down onto the floor.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Hello, gentlemen! Anything interesting in there?" Jayber Crow asks from the first room.
Kemosabe
"Look at this!" Kemo calls to the others and moves to the mermaid. He uses his healing kit to stabilize her. "That's all I can do." he says and carefully examines the room.*perception*
the room is full of seafarers and fishing paraphernalia, the most unusual thing within the room other than the smell of the ocean and the water streaming down the walls, is the bottle with a ship inside, it is quite a large bottle and although it is dirty and covered in salt residue looking at it you could swear the ship inside was tilting and rolling as if on stormy seas.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Commenius follows the call from Kemosabe. "Wow! Is she dead?"
the half submerged mermaid raises her hand towards you as a sign for help.
Kemosabe
"Barely alive. Something very unusual going on here." He says with his keen sense of the obvious
Jayber Crow Commenius
Commenius runs to her and kneels to hold her hand as if in a curtsy. "This might explain all that water outside. Inside."
"How can we help you, lady? Should we move you from here? Do you speak any of our languages?"
Kes
Kes returns to the group
'The horses are sett...' stopping mid sentence when she discovers the others around the mermaid.
Merfolk
*the mermaid blinks and stairs at you for a moment, then speaks in an older Sylvan dialect, but mostly understandable, the sound of her voice like a watery song of lapping waves.*
"We were delivering an ancient to our city within, but we were set upon by deep dwelling darkness and were overwhelmed, I fear I may be the only survivor, please help return our ancient to its slumber so I may take it to its resting place."
Kemosabe
"Ancients slumbering? Cities within?" Kemo scratches his head and frowns. He knows little of the Ocean or it's inhabitants
Jayber Crow Commenius
"What's an ancient?" Looks around arms open in confusion. "How should we transport you?"
Merfolk
"I... can't...... strength not within.... I'll send you."
Poppyseed
"I think she wants us to retrieve something stolen...... maybe...."
Kemosabe
"Fish Girl, you must explain. We have animals to care for and are not going to be sent anywhere without knowing a lot more.
Kemo is sympathetic but Life has not taught him to be a trusting soul!
Merfolk
*the mermaid holds out her hand, entwined is a bunch of sea grapes, which seems to froth and swirl under their skin as if the very ocean itself lay within.*
"hold my hand, I shall show you."
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed flitters over grasping the mermaids thumb in her tiny hand, as she does so she pips a tune on her pan pipes and sings.*
"We sail in leaky bottoms and on great and perilous waters; and to take a cue from the dolorous old naval ballad, we have heard the mermaidens singing, and know that we shall never see dry land any more. Old and young, we are all on our last cruise."
(@Kes your insight tells you the mermaid is telling the truth and that she is in need of your help, and that she means you no harm.)
Kes
Kes walks forward paying no heed to the strange scene, rain water dripping from her soaked short hair and plain robes tunic.
Placing her hand in silence gently in the mermaids Her face alike gentle and compassionate.
@Kemosabe
it all seems outrageous and the situation is confusing, you search your memory for facts on merpeople, but the constant rain pitter pattering on your head just washes away any train of thought you might have.
but then you look at poppyseed, the fairies wide eyes pleading with you to help, there may even have been a little lip quivering.
@Thrundain
it all seems outrageous and the situation is confusing, you search your memory for facts on merpeaple, but the constant rain pitter pattering on your head just washes away any train of thought you might have.
but then you look at poppyseed, the fairies wide eyes pleading with you to help, there may even have been a little lip quivering.
Thrundain
I frown. "I don't trust any of these strange creatures." I'm still holding my lowered axe in one hand, the blade resting toward the ground. The metal is heavily scratched, its battle-worn notches clearly visible. The wooden haft is dark and worn smooth from years of use. "Either it'll mess with your head, or it'll summon its hell-born buddies straight out of its damned backside!" I add nervously, in a deep, raspy voice.
Kes
'She, not creature, needs help.. I, will do what I can'
She says this clearly, calmly.. Her soft brown eyes focused on the hurt mermaid.
Kes understands the old dwarfs feelings.. You do not survive so long without good instincts.
But my instincts tell me she means us no harm.
Thrundain
"I'll stand over here. Just for safe."
I take a few steps away from the @Merfolk and keep an eye on Kes, watching closely to see what happens. I'm ready to jump in.
"Careful it maybe bite your fingers off-that'd be a shame. I've dealt with one of those, uh, creatures before. Looked nice enough, but it was a real bastard! Ate fingers like sausages! We had to put it down in the end-too many villagers were getting curious because of how cute it looked. It used to hide in a puddle just outside the village... and when it ran out of fingers, it started eating frogs and kids."
He chuckles. "But she was a real looker! Horung got so drunk once he tried to... well, you can imagine." He laughs again, then shifts back into a ready stance.
@Jayber Crow Commenius
you search your memory regarding merpeople, from what the mermaid has said you believe an artifact containing a water elemental (ancient) has been stolen by a Merrow (deep dwelling darkness) the mermaid wants you to rescue the elemental so she can return it to her home city.
she seems to be telling the truth and means you no harm, her plea for help is sincere.
Jayber Crow Commenius
To @Thrundain, "He tried to lay with her? Thanks for sparing us of knowing what she took for a finger."
"On a serious note, though, merlady, my group and I are willing to help. When you talk about an ancient, do you mean an encased elemental was stolen by a Merrow - the 'deep dwelling darkness' you mentioned, right?"
Merfolk
*nods in agreement*
"e...le..me..........yes that is what I said."
Jayber Crow Commenius
Smiles to the group. "Well. It seems we have an assignment."
Merfolk
"hold my hand I shall show you"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Certainly." Offers her a hand again.
Thrundain
Watching if @Merfolk will eat his fingers.
Merfolk
*looks expectantly at the rest of the group, waiting for them to touch her hand.*
Thrundain
"You want hand from all of us? I hope you are not hungry..." I slowly reach my hand to touch her.
Kemosabe
The Fey instincts of Kemo tell him that some powerful magic is at work here. He has a feeling about what may happen if he takes the fish girl's hand.
"What about the livestock if we get transported to SeaWorld?" he asks his companions, always the practical one
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I don't know. But lady here promised us seahorses, so it's an easy choice for me."
Kemosabe
"Seahorses? What about the*finger bitters?!" Kemo asks, one hand unconsciously covering his *family jewels*
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I don't think she will; that's @Thrundain's story. You're not that type, are you, merlady?"
the group gathers around the mermaid reaching out they all place their hand on hers.
suddenly the water rises as if a large wave had inundated the room, the group soon finds themselves completely submerged under frothy swirling water.
Then as quickly as it began the water recedes draining away completely, the party find themselves no longer in the cabin, they are now standing on the deck of a large ship.
you breath in the salty sea air so thick and humid like nothing you've ever experienced before, the twilight sky a symphony of colours, the setting suns light glinting off the waves dazzling and blinding to your eyes your senses seem to be working overtime to process your surroundings only Poppyseed seems to be unaffected by the deluge on the senses.
eventually you calm yourself as you start to acclimatize to the surroundings, you realize that the ship is actually a shipwreck, you stand at the bow while the stern of the ship is submerged below the lapping waves. the ship is wedged between craggy rocks, in the distance a heavy fog parts momentarily to reveal more rocks and a white structure you can't quite make, looking around you see the mermaid watches you from the waters edge.
Kemosabe
(@Kemosabe gives what is left of the ship a quick search)* perception*
(... and somehow manages to get something in his eye!...)
*the mermaid beckons you to come closer*
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Should we jump, merlady? What's your name, by the way?"
"Any of you gents don't swim?" Jayber Crow starts removing his boots and tying all his stuff together in order to get into the water.
Kemosabe
Kemo stumbles up beside him, rubbing his eye, and begins getting ready for a swim
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Lady @Kes, can you swim? I excluded you by saying gents. No shame if you don't." Whispers, "But I will probably make fun of the dudes who don't."
Merfolk
*the mermaid offers you all one of the sea grapes she was holding*
"eat.... you become move and live in water."
Poppyseed
"I can't swim...... I fly"
Merfolk
"no matter you become like water life."
Poppyseed
"ummmmm ok."
*takes and eats the sea grape.*
Jayber Crow Commenius
Mildly frustrated, Commenius also eats his grape.
Kemosabe
"Screw it" Kemo grumbles and eats a grape
Kes
Kes. follows the others in eating a grape.
@Poppyseed and @Jayber Crow Commenius feels as if their movement has become unhindered and breathing has become easier, @Jayber Crow Commenius also feels more comfortable from the barrage of the senses the location is imposing.
(freedom of movement/ water breathing granted)
@Kemosabe @Kes follow suit and receive the same blessings
Merfolk
"my name is #$#@#&........ but you can call me Uni."
Kemosabe
Kemo bows and introduces himself
Merfolk
*the mermaid hands the others a sea grape and they to receive the blessing, she points in the distance to the white structure in the fog*
"there lies the temple of the ancie....... elemental, it has grown large and breached the waters. it must be put to slumber once more, but be careful the Merrow once kin now twisted with darkness and hate seeks the elemental for itself."
Kemosabe
"Uni? How do we *put it to slumber* when we find it?"
Merfolk
"the Merrow has..... disturbed it. once..... fine the elemental.... should return to its peaceful rest....... most likely."
Kemosabe
"So we take out the bad Merrow and it will go back to sleep... most likely?"
Merfolk
*nods*
"yes... most likely"
Kemosabe
"They are at the temple now? Any advice on how to fight them?
@Kemosabe, will take this quest, My Lady!"
Thrundain
"Aahh!!" I yell. "Uh! My fingers... oh... one, two... ten... good. I have all fingers." I look around... "hmm... I am probably stupid but... what's going on here?!" I shake my head from that. When I see how everyone eats some grapes I am not hesitate for long. I grab it and eat it too. Then I shrug and following the group.
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed heads to the water, at first she is hesitant since she can't swim but with a reassuring smile from the mermaid she takes the plunge, flying up looping in the air then diving down with a very small splash.
she is gone for a minute or two then flies back out of the water.*
"weeeeeeee that was amazing, it felt like I was still flying, the water didn't bother me at all! amazing!!"
Merfolk
@Kemosabe
"Merrow are strong and evil creatures but they aren't too intelligent..... I'm not sure if that's helpful sorry."
Kemosabe
"It may be useful, thank you. Anything about the temple itself we should know?"
Merfolk
*she thinks for a moment*
"oh.... now is big, but if elemental is peaceful it become small again, you can carry it back here to me.........."
Kemosabe
"... and what to do if it doesn't *shrink?*" Kemo asks a little nervously
Merfolk
"hmmmm..... don't worry if it doesn't shrink, then the elemental has not become peaceful, which means you're probably dead."
Poppyseed
*poppyseed stops laughing and smiling*
"that's not ok"
Merfolk
"sorry I didn't mean to be insensitive."
Jayber Crow Commenius
"You weren't. But you should understand we need to prepare. Also -and now I am risking sounding like the insensitive part - aside from the rich experience we are having after following you, learning this place and being able to enjoy the sea in a totally new way, could it be that your people has some sort of material reward for our group? Ah, I didn't mention the honor of serving the merfolk, of course."
Kemosabe
(Kemo actually smiles! He was amused by the Merr's reply, Poppies response and even more by Jayber's very pertinent question!)
Merfolk
"I'm sure I can arrange for some form of compensation for your assistance......yes."
Kemosabe
Kemo nods at the Merr and turns to the others.
"Who is coming? Let's start the hunt."
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed quickly returns to her usual bubbly self again and with a quick pip on the pan pipes dives back down into the water*
Kemosabe
"Y'all know what? That little hummingbird will come in mighty handy!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Poppy? How's that?"
Poppyseed
*poppyseed is flying around under the water waiting for everyone to move forward."
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Ok, ok, little starry friend, we're coming. Don't turn me into a cat, please."
Kemosabe
"She can really do that?" Kemo asks him quietly as he starts towards the temple. Though out of his element, he takes point from habit, watching carefully...
Jayber Crow Commenius
Also whispering, "I was turned into a cat by a pixie. They're all the same. Kinda. Don't take the chances."
the group heads into the ocean heading towards the obscured temple in the distance.
looking around as you walk along the bottom of the ocean you notice the waters are clear and warm. around you you see pockets of rocky mounds adorned with corals of different shapes and colours with all manner of smaller fish and other living creatures, in the open water larger fish cruise by as well as schools of fish spiraling through the water like flocks of birds.
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed turns flying backwards hands on hips gives @Jayber Crow Commenius a disapproving glare*
"fairies and pixies are very very different!"
*she huffs and pouts, then smiles, turns and continues flying forward.*
ahead in a pocket of tall kelp Kemosabe sees the glint of steel, teeth, and fins.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I'm so sorry, dear, I didn't know you could listen! Wait, did you also eavesdrop our boys talk earlier today?" Gives Kemo an elbow nudge.
Poppyseed
"my ears are a little big, not that it matters you're talking so loudly the whole ocean can probably hear you."
Kemosabe
Kemo stops and holds a fist up suddenly, then points ahead at a pocket of kelp some distance ahead of them.
"Bad Merrow, ambush" he whispers to the others
Jayber Crow Commenius
Jayber Crow readies himself. How will his attacks work underwater?
Kemosabe
"Shit" he grumbles, thinking what he could do with his longbow!
Kemosabe
"Archers and magic users, Fire!
Fighters form a line and ready action!" In his excitement, Kemo instinctively shouts of order, forgetting is not back with his own troop!
Kes
Kes moves to front line
Thrundain
I grip the haft of my axe tightly. Scratches on its edge reflect beams of light off the dulled steel. "Behold! Water creatures! Hungry for fingers!" I smile. Then I move 5S and brace myself. (Dodge.)
Kes
I move a few paces to Thrundains right.. Not to close or far.
Enough that any that try to pass between us is within reach of us both to attack
@seee
walk forward as far as I can
@Reef Shark 2 circles out towards a rocky coral outcrop.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Jayber Crow swims forward and stops between @Thrundain and @Kes. He mumbles something to himself (or not?) and makes a disgusted grimace before a ray of black goo launches from his raised left hand towards @Sahuagin 4.
Kemosabe
@Kemosabe moves up beside @Kes, standing on her right. (East) He ready actions his weapons and will attack the first enemy that comes within reach!
@Poppyseed flies up behind the group.
@Reef Shark and @Reef Shark 4 circle around to a coral outcrop.
@Reef Shark 3 circles the opposite way joining @Reef Shark 2
the Sahuagin remain lurking in the tall kelp forest. (dodge action)
Thrundain
I go 4 N and 2 NW dodge again.
@Kes @seee your turn
Kes
Move 2N 1E the throw a dart if sharks are in range, otherwise wait.
@Kes s dart finds its mark delivering serious damage to @Reef Shark 2
@seee
walk forward slightly above thrund and cast eldritch blast at reefshark 1
@seee's eldritch blast grazes the @Reef Shark
@Reef Shark 2 swims towards @Kes its teeth gnashing as it attempts to bite her.
a vicious bite on @Kes sends blood streaming through the water.
Kemosabe
Kemo charges up beside Kes (East) and attacks shark #2 with both weapons... Stab! Stab!
Jayber Crow Commenius
Commenius insists on basting @Sahuagin 4.
Jayber Crow Commenius
He shakes his hand as if he's having cramps.
@Reef Shark 2 is looking tattered its swimming and buoyancy greatly affected from the large amount of damage it has sustained.
*@Poppyseed flitters up behind @Kes *
"Hey fish bait! your gills are showing!"
(casts vicious mockery on @Reef Shark 2)
a single tear rolls down from the sharks cold eyes.
*she then puts a tiny hand on @Kes 's shoulder curing her wounds*
@Reef Shark and @Reef Shark 4 swim up over the coral outcrop coming down behind @Thrundain, their sharp teeth gnashing. (pack tactics)
their jaws gnashing at the dwarves limbs.
@Sahuagin 4 and @Sahuagin 6 throw their spears at @seee
grazing his right knee
@Reef Shark 3 attacks @Kemosabe
(pack tactics)
but misses
Thrundain
"Well!" I rise my axe and swing with her against @Reef Shark beneath me. My legs when I turn around with my axe, dig into the sand. My beard following me against my shoulder while my quick attack coming. And after that a second attack coming on @Reef Shark head.
@Thrundain s mighty blows cuts the @Reef Shark in two, the two halves float down onto the sand, blood spilling out in all directions like an ominous red cloud.
Kes
Attack then attack again with bonus action, nearest threats.
@Kes punches @Reef Shark 2 in the nose stopping it dead in its tracks. it slowly sinks to the ocean floor.
@seee
walk backwards toward jayber and cast eldritch blast on sahu 6
Kemosabe
Kemo slashes overhand with the scimitar followed by an upward stab with the short sword to the soft underbelly of #3
Jayber Crow Commenius
"You're not escaping, sea thing!" Jayber Crow tries a third blast at @Sahuagin 4.
@Reef Shark 3 receives a large cut from @Kemosabe s scimitar.
@Reef Shark 3 attacks @Kemosabe biting at his exposed limbs.
but the elf is too quick.
@Reef Shark 4 lashes out at @Thrundain biting and thrashing, while @Sahuagin 4 swims up from behind, attacking @Thrundain with its sharp teeth and claws.
While fending off the @Sahuagin 4 the @Reef Shark 4 is able to land a bite on @Thrundain .
@Sahuagin 6 swims towards @Jayber Crow Commenius attacking with its bite and claws.
the @Sahuagin 6 takes a bite of @Jayber Crow Commenius
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed calls out to @Reef Shark 4*
"Hey fish face, you're swimming the wrong way!"
the @Reef Shark 4s brow furrows and its mouth turn upside down into a frown.
Kes
Another attack on shark 3
Thrundain
"Sure! A sandwich!" I m axe strike on @Reef Shark 4 "How curious!" Then another strike coming to his head. My Axe dripping blood from Reef shark I kill recently.
@Thrundains strikes true carving the shark in half releasing a cloud of blood into the water, its body parts drifting off on the current.
two consecutive blows sends the @Reef Shark 3 reeling.
Kemosabe
Kemo attacks #3 again, Stab! Stab!
@Kemosabe s scimitar cuts deep into the @Reef Shark 3 severing its fin, its lifeless body sinking to the ocean floor.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Frustrated, Jayber Crow has the idea of checking his gear. He finds a fishing net - a simple, but intricate piece of handiwork. He prepares it as the others are attacking and, in the proper time, throws it as a skillful fisher over the same creature he's been failing to hit. It seems he's planning to entangle the creature in order to gain some advantage in his next attacks.
@Jayber Crow Commenius ensnares @Sahuagin 6 in his net
@Sahuagin 4 attacks @Thrundain with tooth and claw.
(blood frenzy)
@Sahuagin 6 tries to free itself from the net.
but is tangled up and is unable to move.
Poppyseed
"looks like we caught some bait hay fish face!"
(vicious mockery)
The Sahuagin is enraged by the fairies taunts.
Kes
Attack Sahuagin 6
Thrundain
"Damn that hurts!" I swing my axe @Sahuagin 4 twice. "You shall not get my FINGERS!"
(Two attack with extra attack)
Thrundain
I take a second breath and swing my axe again against I twice missed.
Thrundain
i take a deep breath and fill my veins with new blood.
a massive hit on @Sahuagin 4 severs an arm spurting a cloud of blood into the already read murky waters, other larger fish are now on approach wanting to join in on the feeding frenzy.
@Thrundain feels invigorated once more.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Commenius leaves his theatrical blasts aside and pulls his greatclub. He tries to smack the head of the Sahuagin under the net.
Kemosabe
In a flash, Kemo appears behind Merr. #6 and stabs with both swords into it's lower torso.
@Kemosabe s scimitar cuts deep down the @Sahuagin 6 s back
Seee
cast eldritch blast on sahu 6 inflicting a vicious wound.
Poppyseed
"you'll never get outta that net guppie brain"
@Sahuagin 6 turns on @Kemosabe after being stabbed from behind, it ignores the net choosing instead to attack in a last effort to survive clawing and biting at him as the blood filled water around them churns.
but the net restrains it making it almost impossible.
Kemosabe
Kemo attacks #6 again... Stab! Stab!
@Kemosabe stabs at the @Sahuagin 6 tangled in the net, as it fubles for a bottle of red liquid.
it gurgles its last dropping the bottle in the sand.
Thrundain
"Let's get finish this fish fillets!" *I strike with my axe on @Sahuagin 4 and again on his belly.
@Thrundain cuts the @Sahuagin 4 in half, the water now dark with blood, the sinister shadow of the large predator now entering the area.
Thrundain
I go 2 SE
Jayber Crow Commenius
Jayber Crow casts Eldritch Blast on the shark.
Jayber Crow Commenius
(clears throat)
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed claps and pips a triumphant tune on her pan pipes*
"yay you hit something!! JC JC he's our elf he can't do it he'll get the shelf!!"
(bardic inspiration granted to @Jayber Crow Commenius)
The eldritch blast from @Jayber Crow Commenius lashes at the side of the giant Hunter Shark.
Kes
She will step back onto the rocks SE on the map
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Thank you, @Poppyseed dear! Having you all with me makes all the difference. Yes, I know, I'm a bit over the top now."
Seee
walk up and cast eldritch blast
another eldritch blast this time from @seee lashes against the giant Hunter Shark.
Poppyseed
"come on you great big fish sandwich!"
The Hunter Shark is saddened by the vicious mockery of the tiny fairy.
the giant @Hunter Shark swims in for the kill on Thrundain but flails and misses after the fairies insults.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Jayber Crows takes some distance and also Eldritch Blasts the shark.
another vicious blast lashes at the @Hunter Shark
Thrundain
I strike twice on @Hunter Shark
a massive hit from @Thrundain slices down the side of the @Hunter Shark, cleaving off its right fin and hindering its movement.
Kemosabe
"Damn Carp!" Kemo snarls and attacks the giant shark, the scimitar slashing at it's gills, the short sword stabbing upwards...
the violent combo from @Kemosabe is more than the large predator can take, without the opportunity to escape it is beheaded, its body sinking to the sandy ocean floor.
and with that as the blood stained waters clear there is calm once more in the ocean. the carcasses are quickly moved away into rocky coral crevices of the outcrops and feasted upon by smaller ocean life.
although you realize it would not be wise to linger long as you see larger shapes lurking and circling the area looking for their meals.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Congratulations, comrades. Is anyone hurt? From our group, I mean."
Kemosabe
"That wasn't too bad." Kemo comments as he untangles the net and hands it back to@Jayber Crow Commenius. He then picks up the bottle that fish boy tried to use.
"We should move." he says in his quiet way and leads off towards the temple, watching carefully...
Jayber Crow Commenius
Commenius follows.
Poppyseed
* @Poppyseed pips a tune on her pan pipes and sings*
"The Shanty of the Sinking Teeth"
Oh the tide was high and the moon was blue, When down we dove with a daring crew, The sea was black and the currents wild, But we laughed like fools and the ocean smiled!
Heave ho, through the dark we go, Steel in hand and eyes aglow! Sharks may bite and storms may roar, But we'll send their teeth to the ocean floor!
They came in fast with their eyes like death, We held our breath and clenched each breath, A flash of fin, a snapping maw, But Kemo slashed one with his trusty scimitar!
Heave ho, through the deep below, Blood and bubbles start to flow! They circled close, but we struck true, And painted the reef with a crimson hue!
Thrundain roared and sliced a pair, While Kes cracked one in half midair, Seee let loose an eldritch blast-That fish won't swim again so fast!
With JCs net and Poppys tune, The brutes were beat 'neath the silver moon, Now the sharks are bones on the ocean shelf, And we've a tale to sing ourselves!
Heave ho, let the tale be known, We faced the beasts where the sea-winds moan! With sword and spell, we made our mark-The day we danced with the demon shark!
@Poppyseeds tune refreshes and invigorates the group
the group make their way towards the temple moving through the seagrass.
ahead they see the rocky cliff side leading out of the ocean and up onto the jagged rocks where the temple awaits.
@Kemosabe sees what appears to be a wreck a short distance away from your intended path out of the ocean.
the wreck is that of a ship wedged within a cave entrance in the cliff side wall.
Kemosabe
"Hold up" Kemo raises one fist in the air.
"I see a shipwreck wedged in the mouth of a cave some distance off the path. Want to check it out? Might find something useful." He shrugs and waits to hear from the others.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"A shipwreck, really? Sure, why not. Are you all coming, right?"
Poppyseed
"Kemo is right, there may be something we can use in fighting the Merrow, but we shouldn't waste too much time."
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I'm so excited, I've never been to a shipwreck before."
Kemosabe
"I've never been on the Ocean before. Now I'm a *thousand leagues under the Sea! Oh, well! I wanted to see new country, I'm sure doing that! Let's go!" he chuckles and takes his bearings, then leads off towards the shipwreck. (... watching carefully...)
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I see it's the first time for many of us in more than one thing. It's the first time I see a swimming pixie, for example. You're doing very good, lady @Poppyseed, and thank you for the healing."
Poppyseed
"that sea grape did wonders, it feels no different than flying....... although it's a lot wetter, and the salty ocean water is making my skin all pruney."
*a look of dissatisfaction crosses her face as she glides along through the water looking at her wrinkled hands*
Kemosabe
"Indeed, thank you, My Lady. You're as lovely as the Morning!" Kemo says in his most polite Elfish, then adds in Common... "Speaking of healing, take this, Killer. Save it for an emergency." He grins and hands @Thrundain the healing potion.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I have only one complaint, Poppy: will you not Rebuke me for saying you're a pixie? Please, don't deny me this satisfaction."
Poppyseed
*Poppyseed pips a tune on her pan pipes*
"There once was a half-elf named JC, Who grinned and said, "Cute pixie, I see!" But the fairy took flight, Full of fury and spite-Now he's cursed with blue warts on his knee!"
*wags her finger disapprovingly*
Kemosabe
"So... not a Pixie. A Sprite? You're much to small for a Dryad. I knew one back Home, she was wonderful!" Kemo looks far away and dreamy eyed for a moment
Poppyseed
*Poppyseed ignores @Kemosabes slight, and sings a little tune.*
"Beware the wrath of a fairy scorned, With glittering eyes and wings adorned.
Her smile may gleam, but don't be fooled-For mischief's laws are fairy-ruled.
She'll braid your hair to knots of pain, Turn morning tea to acid rain, She'll charm your boots to dance all night, And whisper lies to spark a fight.
Your voice may squeak, your nose may grow, Your shadow might refuse to go. She'll salt your bread, unbutton clothes, And make your sneeze shoot fire from your nose.
So mind your tongue and manners true-Or taste the wrath of fairy rue. For though she's small, her vengeance vast, And fairy grudges tend to last!"
as the group jests and heads further to the right they soon arrive at the base of the cliff outside the wreck.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Take a look at that! Hey, any of you guys know how to Detect Magic?"
Poppyseed
*shrugs*
Kemosabe
"Not me" says Kemo as he observes the wreck
*look around*
Thrundain
I put the healing potion in m bag. "Thanks! It's will be really helpful!" I smile at him. "So... what we are looking at? Hm... it's strange place with bloody finger biting creatures."
Kemosabe
"Shipwreck there." Kemo points. "Maybe something useful? Maybe more bad fish." he shrugs, studying the wreck carefully before entering. *perception*
Thrundain
I play a while with bubbles in the water. "Hehe... what? I... don't think we found something on that ship... maybe some map with treasure, or another fish with... teeth... sharp teeth... and that ugly soft skin... nah..." *I wave my hand casually.* "maybe I just hate that 'sharks' hehe!"
looking at the wreck you can see that it sticks out of the cliff cave, the ship has mostly rotted away but there is what looks to be the remains of the forward deck and captains cabin above the sand line, some parts of a ceiling remain littering the cave cieling with broken beams, rotting archways, and debris.
on the deck you can see a rusted barnacle covered cannon as well as other weapons and equipment scattered here and there.
you see barrels and large containers laying about, some are broken some are not.
at the back of the ship past overhanging debris you see a skeleton, it is slumped against a barnacle covered chest, one arm rests on the chest holding a flintlock pistol, the other a bottle of alcohol.
Kemosabe
"What's this?" Kemo picks up a broken javalin and moves to prie the skeleton off the chest, then check it for traps.
stepping onto the wreck Kemo heads towards the chest
As @Kemosabe picks up the rusted javalin laying on the deck and heads through the mouth of the cave a well concealed trap is triggered, debris falling down mixed with broken blades, javalins, and broken glass.
@Kemosabe fails to dodge the falling debris taking the full force of the trap.
as the sediment clears and he is able to pull himself free you hear the shifting of wood, steel, and the ominous sound of hollow bones knocking together.
Skeleton Captain
Yo-ho, we sailed through storm and flame, With blades held high and hearts untame. We found our hoard on a blood-red shore, Then swore we'd guard it evermore!
Skeleton 4
Even sunk and cold, we guard our gold, With ghostly eyes and hands that hold! From the depths we rise, with bone and blade, To chase off thieves 'til debts are paid!
Skeleton 2
They say we drowned in a devil's tide, But still we watch where our riches hide. Our ship may creak with a haunted moan, But touch our chest, you're not alone...
Skeleton 6
Even dead and gone, we linger long, With cursed hearts and siren song!
So dig, ye fool, but mark this rhyme-That treasure's bought with your own time!
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Shut your lacking trap, toothpick! Your rhymes don't stand a chance against lady Poppy's lovely tunes!"
Poppyseed
*clicks her little fingers*
Yo, I roll up deep with my crew in the night, Torch in my hand and my blade held tight. Click-clack bones? Man, that ain't a threat-One swing later, they ain't got no head!
They rattle, they clatter, they rise from the tomb, But I bring the boom like a dungeon of doom. Shield in my grip, got spells on tap, Turn a skeleton mob into bone dust snap!
Crunch goes the rib, crack goes the spine, I'm the reaper now-undead, you're mine! So if you hear that bony beat, don't sweat-Just know the Bone Breaker's not done yet.
bardic inspiration for @Thrundain
Seee
walk away (on Kes side) then cast eldritch blast on skeleton 6
Kes
Flurry of blows attacking skeleton 3
@seee s eldritch blast smashes into @Skeleton 6 sending brittle bones flying off into the ocean along with centuries of accumulated sediment and flotsam.
@Kes s relentless blows on @Skeleton 3 smash its brittle bones to pieces.
@Jayber Crow Commenius unleashes an eldritch blast smashing the lower portion of @Skeleton 5 which drops to the deck legless and grinning.
Kemosabe
Kemo pulls out a couple splinters and shakes off the debris, quickly gathering himself. He is angry about missing the trap and intends to take out his frustrations on the Skeleton Quartet! His attention seems to intensify and focuses on the skeletons. (Hunters Mark, Bonus Action)
With a wild yell, he attacks #5, circling it slightly, putting his back to the *cannon*.
@Kemosabe assaults the torso of the @Skeleton 5 his blow reducing it to rubble on the deck.
The @Skeleton Captain gangly walks up towards @Kemosabe raises the flintlock and fires ................ the rusty barnacle encrusted flintlock clicks as the hammer strikes the frizzen, but the powder is wet and creating a spark underwater is near impossible.
grinding its teeth the captain throws the pistol at @Kemosabe and draws its sword.
the flintlock pistol flies over @Kemosabe head harmlessly.
Thrundain
I go (3N, 1NW) "I make from you bones for dogs!" I swing my axe against his ribs and then I attack his n his skull.
@Thrundain brings his axe down on @Skeleton Captain smashing it into a pile of dust and carried away on the current.
@Skeleton 2 and @Skeleton 4 surround @Thrundain attacking him with their rusty swords.
they cackle and their teeth chatter as they stab at the dwarf.
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed runs up behind @Skeleton 4*
"leave him alone! you bag of old bones!"
*she wacks him on the head with her silver staff*
but she finds it quite awkward to wield the staff while flying and her attempts turn out to be more of a gentle tap on the skeletons shoulder.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Could you spare one for me please?" Jayber Crow shoots @Skeleton 2 with an Eldritch Blast.
@Skeleton 2 is spun like a top from the force of @Jayber Crow Commenius's eldritch blast.
as it rotates back around it clacks its teeth and readies its weapon.
Kemosabe
Kemo shifts his attention, focusing on #2, stepping behind it and hacking at it's spine with both swords. (transfers Hunters Mark, Bonus Action)
@Kemosabe deals devastating damage to @Skeleton 2 cutting it in half leaving only a pile of bones and sediment on the deck of the wreck.
@Kes unleashes his attacks landing a blow with his off hand.
Thrundain
"Now you got what you will deserve!" With a smile on my lips, my mustache twitches. My calloused hands grip the axe, and with a swift swing, the blade heads straight for the skeleton's jaw. And just to make sure he remembers never to ambush my party... especially the grumpy dwarf... the second strike follows right behind!
@Thrundains swing sends skeletons head spinning off out of sight into the ocean deep, the body collapsing into a pile of sediment.
With all the skeletons destroyed peace returns to the wreck.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Jayber Crow proceeds to look for something valuable.
Thrundain
I rush straight to the cannon and peek inside to check if there's a cannonball.
"Can I fire this thing?" I glance at the party.
"This is gonna be fun!"
My mustache curls into a grin, and my eyebrows shoot upward as the wrinkles on my forehead form the excited expression of a little kid.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Jayber walks to the wooden trunk and pokes it with his mace.
looking in the cannon you see a cannon ball but the ignition chamber is full of unknown sea life, you will unlikely be able to fire it.
the chest makes a heavy clunk sound it seems to be full of something.
Jayber Crow Commenius
JC tries to open it.
Thrundain
"Damn!" I kick that cannon. Then I look around how can I windraw that mess in ignition chamber.
@Thrundain glares intently for a moment at the ignition chamber oblivious to his surroundings.
he notices a brightly colored shrimp and recognizes it as a mantis shrimp.
carefully he agitates the shrimp coaxing it to attack the cannon ball.
Success!! the mantis shrimp attacks with its full force, with a combustion of gas and bubbles the cannon ball is fired from its chamber, it streaks across the ocean hitting a Piller of rock covered in coral.
the piller wobbles then topples hitting another piller of rock covered in coral, this piller also topples, creating a cascade like dominos of some 13 rock pillers.
@Thrundain can only stand and gaze upon the beauty of the wanton destruction he has caused.
Thrundain
I watch my handiwork in awe. Then, seeing the reproachful looks from my companions, I point to the spot where the mantis shrimp had been. "It was her!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
(You won't receive a repproachful look from my chaotic neutral Jayber Crow for that.)
Kemosabe
"Say there, Short and Stocky, you ever heard of something called *stealth?* Let me tell you about it sometime!" Kemo shakes his head and begins a systematic search of the area. First the bodies, the Captain especially for a key. "Don't have any lockpicks,yet." he comments, glancing at the chest. If he fails to find anything, he will search the Cabin, opening the door carefully before entering.
Thrundain
I look on @Jayber Crow Commenius and shrug my shoulders when @Kemosabe gives me a hard time. "Well..." I give a last joyful look on my work and follow the others.
@Thrundain admirers the destruction he created, the others to are too busy looking here and there to notice anything, @Jayber Crow Commenius successfully cracks open the rusty old padlock on the chest oblivious to the very real danger he is in, all too late the once innocuous albeit large mug laying on the deck without anyone noticing begins to jolt and bend as tentacles, and teeth, and hooks, begin to emerge the mugs form bending and warping.
Kemosabe
"There you go! I fall in a trap and you get ambushed by a Mimic! So much for the perceptive Elfs!"
Poppyseed
"yes your thoughts must be elsewhere at the moment"
the @Mimic lashes out at @Jayber Crow Commenius
a sticky 'tentacle' latches onto @Jayber Crow Commenius's shoulder.
(grappled)
Kemosabe
@Kemosabe charges straight for the Mimic with a wild yell! He runs up and uses his momentum to hack at the tentacles holding @Jayber Crow Commenius with both swords.
Kemosabe
and stumbles all over himself doing it!...
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Burn, you filth!" Jayber Crow curses the mimic with a voice that's only partially his. (Hellish Rebuke) Then, using his free hand (assuming I have one), he attacks the mimic with his greatclub.
Kes
Kes leaps in trying to gain a flank and strikes
Thrundain
When I see a mimic I shout. "Don't lick it!" Then I run 5N and in sprint I strike twice against that tongue thing.
as the @Mimic reveals itself, chaos erupts.
@seee sends an eldritch blast crashing into the @Mimic
@Kemosabe swings wildly at the @Mimic but the creature is too agile and the blows fail to land.
the @Mimic is writhed in flames from @Jayber Crow Commenius rebuke as his great club comes down crashing on top of the @Mimic .
@Thrundain sprints forward landing a heavy blow with his axe on the @Mimic severing the tentacle which clings to @Jayber Crow Commenius.
the @Mimic recoils from the blow strange cries and warbles welling up from within the creature yet the sticky tentacle remains stuck to @Jayber Crow Commenius although now limp and lifeless.
@Kes enters the combat striking at the @Mimic and landing a mighty blow with his staff.
Poppyseed
"you filthy abomination, get your sticky tentacles away from JC!"
(vicious mockery)
in such a short space of time the @Mimic has sustained massive damage it tries to escape, transforming into a wheal and attempting to roll away.
(attacks of opportunity)
as the @Mimic starts to roll away the rain of blows proves too much for it to handle as the wheel breaks dropping to the deck then changing to a goop which trickles away through the floor boards of the deck.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Yuck!" Shakes his arm energetically. "I give up on you, ghost ship. No loot for me here."
Kemosabe
"Assaulted by *testicles* would be disturbing." he grins and searches the skeletons, hoping for a key
searching the ship one last time @Poppyseed finds a crusty copper piece.
Poppyseed
"find a copper pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck"
Kemosabe
"Look!" Kemo holds up another single, crusty cooper piece. "Now if one of us dies, we can put coins over their eyes for the Ferryman! I knew coming to this shipwreck would be useful!" he exclaims sarcastically
@Kemosabe also finds a bottle which once contained rum but now is empty.
@Jayber Crow Commenius checks the chest he opened before being attacked, he finds golden table wear with a street value of approximately 500gp.
Kemosabe
Kemo rubs furiously on the bottle, then glares into it. "Genie! Genie! where are you Genie!?"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Here, bur I'm busy now." Answers casually.
Kemosabe
"If a Genie comes out of this bottle, I'd rather she not look like you! No offense, Brother!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Ah ok, you're waiting for a girl. I thought you were wishing only for a smart and powerful being. No offense taken, by the way."
@Kemosabe keen eyes spot something glistening in the sand just a little ways from the wreck, it looks like a pearl.
Kemosabe
"That's right, a *smart and powerful* being. A Woman!" Kemo laughs and gives @Poppyseed a wink before ambling over to the "pearl.* He retrieves the javalin along the way and pokes around at it...
the rusty javalin pokes at the pearl but it seems to be stuck to something as it does not move when poked.
Kemosabe
"I say! J. C., old buddy! I've found something else! I'll trade you this huge pearl laying there for that gold tablet. Straight up!"
searching the wreck @Kes finds a stash of gems with a market value of 500gp.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"No, no, don't try to put me into trouble, specially with lady Poppy, Kemo. I didn't say a woman *can't be smart and powerful; I said 'you were wishing only for a smart and powerful being'."
Kemosabe
"I jest, Friend! Something seems *fishy* about this *pearl.* I believe we should just leave that where it is."
Poppyseed
"Kemosabe, an elf sly and slick, Loved jewels and coins he could nick. But he picked the wrong vault, Now he's jammed in a jolt-In a mimic's mouth, swallowed up quick!"
Poppyseed
*wags her finger*
"greedy elf"
Kemosabe
"Too sly for the *Seed!*
She can not nick me!
I'll leave the *pearl* be!"
Poppyseed
*claps her little hands*
"nice! looks like there's a bard in you trying to get out........"
*quietly *
"and probably run away"
Kemosabe
"I could be a poet
and not know it?" he ponders
searching the wreck @Thrundain finds an ornate music box with crystal ornaments and a golden dancing bear, with a street value of 500gp.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Seeing that everybody seems to be finding things, Jayber asks Kemo, "Are you sure you don't want to pry that pearl? Maybe the whole ship is another mimic; we would be ridding him of an unbecoming wart. He would be thankful."
Poppyseed
"if you're sad about it I'll give you the copper piece I found"
*she holds out the copper piece in her tiny hands*
Kemosabe
"What's he have to cry about? I found a penny and an empty bottle!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"A penny for the date he's not paying and a bottle for the booze he's not drinking after the foot he's not having stamped on his arse from that same date. Right, mister Kemosabe? Does that help increase your level of poetishness?"
Poppyseed
"speaking of dates....... I hope there's not a time limit on this rescue mission..... we kind of got a little sidetracked....."
Jayber Crow Commenius
"By the treasure hunt you mean?"
@seee finds a pearl necklace amongst the bones of the Skeleton Captain while searching the wreck with a street value of 500gp.
Poppyseed
"I was more thinking about the singing skeletons and the mug of mimic..... but yes the treasure hunting."
Kemosabe
"You may all kiss my ass." Kemo states poetically, in a huff.
He can't understand why his keen perception isn't working! He can spot a squirrel at a hundred yards but can't find something right in front of him?!
Kemo sighs, "Oh well, the powers that be are fickle! How is everyone? Are we able to go on?"
Poppyseed
"yes, does anyone need healing before we press on, who knows what lies ahead."
Kemosabe
@Kemosabe raises his hand.
"Oh! Me! Me! Dear Poppy! I was just kidding about the ass kissing thing! You're wonderful! That pink too too really sets off the whole ensemble!"
Poppyseed
*she raises an eyebrow*
"very well"
*@Poppyseed casts cure wounds on @Kemosabe *
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I thought you were addressing the ship..."
Poppyseed
"I have one spell left..... hopefully it's enough to get us over the finish line."
*she looks doubtful*
Poppyseed
*as the group turns to depart @Poppyseed pips a tune on her pan pipes*
"Down in the wreck where the cold tides creep, We fought through the dark where the dead don't sleep. Bones came clattering, swords held high-But we cracked those skulls with a battle cry!
Then a mug gave a grin with a toothy smack, A mimic, hungry, launched its attack! But Poppy sang and Kemosabe struck true, Seee lit it up with a bolt of blue!
Now the ship is ours, the gold is free, No bones, no beasts, just victory! So raise a cheer and pass the rum-We've bested the dead-now let treasure come!"
The group backtrack and scale the cliff up towards the temple and out of the ocean.
once they reach the craggy shore they are greeted by lashings of rain, thunder and lightning, the air is hot and humid and they realize that the fog they saw from the safety of the ship with the mermaid is actually steam, hot, thick and heavy in the air.
through the rain and steam they can now see the glorious temple, a giant porcelain teapot with similar markings to the tea cup they had seen gushing water on the little table in the shack, a memory that almost feels like a lifetime ago.
the giant teapot is wedged in the rocks, half submerged in the ocean, its spout tilted towards the ground creating an entrance to which is large enough for you to enter.
at the entrance you see four more Sahuagin who seem to be in the middle of a fight with two Mephits. The Mephits appear to be guardians of the temple they blast steam here and there but the battle seems to be at a stall with neither side able to get the upper hand.
the fighting is concentrated at the teapots spout entrance, and while it continues you will find it difficult to gain entry to rescue the elemental from the Merrow.
Jayber Crow Commenius
(Did they see us coming? Can we hide to shoot with advantage?)
they are unaware of your presence at the moment as they are too focused on each other.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Are you thinking the same as me? Surprise attack on the fishmen?" Jayber moves 10ft north, 10ft west in order to position himself behind a rock. From there, he will wait for the others consent and movement.
Kemosabe
"I'm with you, let's take those two first." Kemo suggests, pointing at 3 and 5. He moves 20' due West, Javelin ready actioned, waiting to throw at #3 when all are ready
Kes
Kes keeps low and quietly follows taking a concealed position to attack from
Kemosabe
Kemo reaches out and takes @Thrundain by a strap on his pack, pulling him over and pointing at bad fish 3 and 5. "This is stealth! Get ready to shoot one of them! Throw something, whatever!"
He looks around at the others, "Let's fire when @seee does. @seee? Shoot one of them!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I'm afraid he's not seeing us." (chuckles)
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Good. Ready when you are." Commenius assumes position and starts mumbling something to prepare one of his blasts.
Kemosabe
Kemo sees @seees' magical attack and instantly let's the ready actioned javelin fly at the nearest fish boy! (#3)
@Kemosabe throws the rusty javalin from the wreck at @Sahuagin 3 hitting it in the back, the javalin shatters on impact injuring the creature further.
an eldritch blast from @Jayber Crow Commenius slams into the back of @Sahuagin 5 doing a massive amount of damage to the unsuspecting Sahuagin.
Thrundain
I'm running for my life at the @Sahuagin 3, my axe already slicing through the air in front of the creature's face. "Feast on sand, monster!" I strike at its jaws to stretch its grin, then come down from above between the eyes-so it has something to look at.
@Thrundain dashes from the cover attacking @Sahuagin 3 the wounds from the shattered javalin still fresh on its back @Thrundain cuts it down in a brutal attack leaving it dead and bloodied on the rocks.
@Thrundain follows up with his second strike dealing another devastating blow cleaving the @Sahuagin 5 in half blood spraying into the air and raining down on the rocks around @Thrundain
@Kes nimbly runs up attacking @Sahuagin from behind dealing heavy damage to the Sahuagin.
@Poppyseed fires her bow at @Sahuagin
the arrow imbedding in the Sahuagins shoulder.
@seee s blast finds its mark dropping the @Sahuagin dead on the spot.
Kemosabe
"Can we reason with the elementals?" Kemo shouts the question as he charges the last Carp, using his full movement to come up behind it and stab with both swords.
@Kemosabe short sword sinks deep into @Sahuagin 2
Seee
screaming. should we fight the elementals or do we just attack the carp
Thrundain
I go next to @Kemosabe from his left side. And prepare myself. If something come closer i will attack.
the blast from @seee hits the @Sahuagin 2 hard
the arrow hits deep dropping the @Sahuagin 2 to one knee, it is breathing heavily and bleeding out onto the rocks.
@Steam Mephit 2 flies down towards the @Sahuagin 2 and unleashes a jet of hot steam. Engulfing @Sanguafin 2, @Kemosabe, and @Thrundain
the steam boils the @Sahuagin 2 its cooked corps dropping to the rocks rigid in its final agonizing moment.
Seee
can we have peace. "looking at the steam elemental"
Steam Mephit
"non shall enter the temple"
Steam Mephit 2
"we answer only to the keepers of the ancient"
Kemosabe
"Like Hell! Their are evil Merr. in their attacking the Great Elemental right now! We have been sent by the "Keepers!* We are here to help!" Kemo looks around at the others for support, maybe someone that's good at persuading things! (Edited)
Seee
we are here to save the great elemental we harbor no I'll intend so please can you let us by
Poppyseed
*poppyseed pips a tune on her pan pipes*
"Beneath the waves so deep and wide, A mermaid wept with tears she'd hide. "My teapot's gone," she cried in woe, "Stolen by crabs from down below!"
So rose the heroes, brave and bold, To fight for tea and treasure gold. Through kelp and caves they dove with grace-To fetch the pot from its shelly place!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
Commenius leaves his stone and walks calmly, but with confidence to the Mephit "Exactly as my elf friend just said. You certainly noticed we are elves, humans, dwarfs - we had nothing to do with mer business, except (makes a pause) that we found a merlady named Uni who pleaded for our help with protecting the great elemental. How glad we felt as we just got here and saw you fighting valiantly against those Sahuagin. We considered ourselves blessed by having unknown friends already fighting ahead of us!
the two Mephits pause for a moment then taking flight they return to roost at the entrance to the teapot.
Steam Mephit
"if you have truly been sent by a keeper, you may pass."
Seee
*bow* thank for understanding our predicament
Steam Mephit 2
"but be warned something dark and sinister slipped past us, and now the ancient is in a frenzy."
Seee
should we help them defeat the dark thing
Poppyseed
"the dark thing must be the Merrow"
Seee
who's merrow?
Poppyseed
"my understanding is that a Merrow is like a demon mermaid."
Kemosabe
"The bad fish. Must stop the bad fish from disturbing the elemental. Then it will go back to sleep... most likely." Kemo bows to the guardians and starts for the spout. "Let's finish the
hunt!"
Seee
so like a fey correct?
Poppyseed
"they used to be mermaids, then became corrupted and turned into evil Merrow"
Seee
oh thats really bad.
Poppyseed
"indeed"
Kemosabe
"Come on! Come on! It's *teatime!*" Kemo calls back, laughing, nearing the entrance...
Kemosabe
and comes to a halt, hands on hips. "Are y'all gonna make me go by myself?!The Lone Ranger?!*" this sends him into a fit of laughter, tears running down his cheeks...
Thrundain
I look on group. "Everyone is okay? No one needs a time for rest?" I grab my package of rations and start eating while I following them. "Wanna taste?" I look at @Kes and offering her piece of my dry meal. "With salt it's better."
Poppyseed
"right behind you"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I'm a little bruised, actually. But not enough to earn precious magic points from lady Seed. Being in peace with her has been more than enough as a balm for my wounds."
the group enter the spout opening of the teapot, heading towards the main chamber, as you approach you hear a deep dark voice chanting over the crashing of waves and the roar of the ocean.
Jayber Crow Commenius
Whispering, "Is that elemental *the elemental*?"
Kemosabe
"I don't know. Let's kill the bad fish and see what happens!" Kemo whispers excitedly and goes into stealth mode. Taking a short lead on the others, longbow ready, he will shoot the first Merr. he sees.
as you grow nearer, and can see into the main chamber you see the Merrow in the center of the room, a monstrosity of a creature, once merfolk now a twisted hulking fiend a true shadowy twisted reflection of the beautiful merfolk. it perches on the water arms outstretched chanting a dark ritual to subdue and take control of the elemental, in its hand a vicious looking harpoon attached to a long wet rope. you also see the source of the roaring and crashing of waves, the elemental circles the chamber frenzied and panicked it crashes into the sides of the chamber as it circles.
Kes
'Thank you' Trying the dried meal as we walk towards the inner chambers
is that merrow
Kes
Without hesitation and still chewing the dried meal Kes runs full speed towards the Merrow.
Leaping in the air she aims a flying kick at its head then as she comes back to her feet an elbow drop
@Kes charges forward landing her mighty blows only to find hard wet scales at the other end, her blows deflected the Merrow towering over her hate and malice in its eyes as it glares down on her.
@Poppyseed casts 'bane'
Poppyseed
"How dare you cause so much pain and suffering!!"
the @Merrow is taken aback by the intense fury of the tiny fairy, its once indomitable glare and posture wavering.
Thrundain
*i run 5N* then i dodge. (Thats all for now.)
Jayber Crow Commenius
Commenius shoots an Eldritch Blast at the merrow.
@Jayber Crow Commenius eldritch blast slams into the @Merrow but its concentration does not faulter as it continues its chanting.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Hit his face if you can!!!"
the @Water Elemental continues its rotation of the room, water washing up the sides, the roar of the ocean echoing through the chamber.
Kemosabe
Kemo focuses intently on the Boss Carp and fires an arrow at it's ear, hoping to break it's concentration. (Hunters Mark)
@Kemosabes arrow flies true piercing and severing the @Merrows right facial fin, yet it continues its chanting with steely resolve.
the @Merrow grabs @Kes attempting to grapple her with its vicious clawed hand.
but the baneful glaze of @Poppyseed proves too much and it misses its target.
@seee unleashes an eldritch blast buffeting the @Merrow but the large creature continues its ritual unfazed.
the clear waters of the chamber begin to turn a reddish black including the elemental, and dark shadows begin to creep over the white porcelain walls as an eerie light descends over the chamber.
Kes
Kes seeing an opening lets out several powerful strikes to the throat of the Merrow 'KI'
-Flurry of blows-
Jayber Crow Commenius
"You're doing great, keep hitting!" Jayber releases another Blast.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Aargh!"
@Kes unleashes a flurry of blows on the @Merrow landing two glancing hits with her off hand.
but the @Merrow keeps chanting as an eldritch blast flies past its head from @Jayber Crow Commenius
Poppyseed
"damn you! you scale brained poor excuse for a fish!"
(vicious mockery)
hearing the little fairies taunts the @Merrow stops chanting enraged by her taunts and her baneful gaze.
the chambers shadowy gloom and the waters reddish hue begin to flicker as the rituals power faulters.
the @Water Elemental crashes about the edge of the chamber lashing out at @Thrundain as it passes him.
but the waters wash over the dwarfs solid frame and heavy armour harmlessly.
Kemosabe
Kemo aims and gently releases, firing an arrow towards the creatures gill..
Custom Roll (1D20+Modifiers)
@Kemosabes arrow flies harmlessly past the @Merrow s head hitting the wall behind it.
The @Merrow enraged charges towards @Poppyseed
attacks of opportunity
Merrow
"I will devour you! you annoying fairy!!"
Kemosabe
"You will die choking on your own blood, Fishboy!" Kemo drops the bow and draws both swords in a flashing movement...
as the @Merrow rushes towards the tiny fairy @Thrundain swings his axe as it passes decapitating the monstrous creature its body hitting the floor and sliding coming to a stop at the fairies feet.
with the Merrow defeated the chamber returns to normal, the elemental slows as it circles calmly around the chamber the waters gently lapping against the sides like a gentle tide on calm beach shores.
Poppyseed
"WOW, that was anticlimactic....... everyone ok?"
Thrundain
"I think i need rest for a while." i yawn loudly.
Seee
man I thought he would be tougher
Seee
let's get some rest guys
as the group relaxes after their harrowing ordeal @seee and @Kes notice that the elemental has stopped circling and now rests peacefully in the center of the chamber, they also notice that the chamber appears to be shrinking as well as the spout and exit while you are still inside.
Seee
guys we should get out of here now it seems like the area is shrinking
looking around you realize what @seee said is true you notice that the elemental has stopped circling and now rests peacefully in the center of the chamber, they also notice that the chamber appears to be shrinking as well as the spout and exit while you are still inside.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"You serious? The merrow is dead? Mission completion? We didn't even risk death."
Seee
guys run for the exit or we may be stuck here
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Oh!" Commenius finally sees it and runs to the door.
the party starts to run for the exit through the spout, the wall closing in around them, the light at the end of the spout growing dim.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Poppy, please, turn me into a cat! I promise to think of a worthy insult later!"
Poppyseed
* flying as hard as she can for the exit*
"I'm not a pixie damn it!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"There goes the insult you needed!
Exhausted and out of breath the party makes a last ditch effort to reach safety diving for the quickly vanishing exit of the teapot.
@Thrundain dives out of the teapot spout, as he leaps he attempts to use his strength to pull another of his companions to safety with him, but he is exhausted and is unable to grasp another of the group.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Save the fairie! Yes, I'll die hating myself for saying that!"
Seee
try and get us out if you can
Thrundain
"I... I can't anymore!" I breathe deeply,
Kemosabe
Kemo dives back towards the spout, reaching in with both arms. He snatches up @Poppyseed in his left and takes @Jayber Crow Commenius outstretched hand in his right.
Cursing, he wiggles his way back out, dragging them with him.
"Do something magical, Dragonfly!" he exclaims (Looking for a loophole*).
@Kemosabe is able to grab @Jayber Crow Commenius as he dives out of the spout.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"You idiot! Don't save me! Save the ladies! Save Kes!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Kes, honey, come! Grab my hand!"
Kemosabe
"Hey! I was going for the Fairy! You were an afterthought!"
@Jayber Crow Commenius is able to grab @Kes as he falls out of the teapot spout.
@seee grabs hold of @Kes's leg and falls out of the teapot after her, just in time as the opening of the spout becomes too small.
with a tiny pop sound the teapot sits on the rocks having reverted to its original size.
the five companions sit exhausted and in shock staring at the small porcelain teapot.
as the waves wash against the rocks you can almost hear @Poppyseed s pan pipes and singing.
"We sail in leaky bottoms and on great and perilous waters; and to take a cue from the dolorous old naval ballad, we have heard the mermaidens singing, and know that we shall never see dry land any more. Old and young, we are all on our last cruise."
Jayber Crow Commenius
"What do you mean last? Speak for yourself! Noo!" Jayber is sprayed on the ground.
Seee
I'll never forget you so long as I live
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Where is Poppy? Poppy, no fun! Show up, girl!"
only the sound of the lapping waves on the rocks can be heard.
Seee
she's gone jayber she's dead
Kemosabe
"I would have stayed myself before leaving her. I thought I could reach her." he says, hiding a tear
Jayber Crow Commenius
"She's not, good old Kemo saved her!" Jayber gets on his feet and starts sniffing the air randomly.
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I saw his left hand around her chin."
Kemosabe
Kemo jumps to his feet! "She lives?!"
Seee
("visibly crying) I wish she could have lived let's continue this mission for her sake
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Mission is done, kid. Nothing else to save. Poppyyyyy!"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Lady Seeeeeed!
Seee
I guess so let's the get the teapot back to the merfolk or whatever
Jayber Crow Commenius
"First Quystal, then Poppy? I won't work with another pixie anymore.
Pooooop! (read as open O, please, not poop)
Seee
man too soon to make poop jokes
Thrundain
Lying on back. "Wha... what happens down there?!" I said when I see their crying faces.
Seee
poppy is dead
Kemosabe
"The whole thing has gone to shit! I couldn't save Seed!" now the grim Ranger actually holds his head and cries
the group gather themselves and the large teapot and make their way back to the mermaid and the ship where they began.
the journey back is thankfully uneventful albeit a lot quieter and somber than the journey they made when setting out.
eventually they arrive back at the ship and find the mermaid waiting at the waters edge.
Merfolk
"oh thank goodness you have returned with the temple, I was starting to lose all hope for its return."
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Lady Uni, how good to see you. We brought the teapot, but one of our crew is trapped inside. What can we do to save her. A very nice person, totally worth saving."
she takes the large teapot and lifts the lid, inside curled up in a little ball you see Poppyseed sleeping.
Merfolk
"this person?"
Poppyseed wakes and stands up in the teapot, stretches and yawns.
Seee
yes!
hugs her welcome back
Poppyseed
"what's all the ruckus about, I was having a wonderful dream."
Jayber Crow Commenius
Amazed, "Really? Haha, that was the funniest prank, lady Poppy! Feigning death just to see us - them - crying, haha."
Poppyseed
"you cried for me, I'm honoured, but I wasn't pretending, I just couldn't lift the lid up from the inside. I tried singing but since nobody opened the lid I took a nap."
Kemosabe
"You little Bitch! You made me cry!" Kemo exclaims joyfully, taking her by her tiny little hands and swinging her around in a circle!
Poppyseed
"I think I shrank a little being cramped up in there...... anyone got a tape measure?"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"I knew I heard some singing! That's why I couldn't believe you were dead. Wait. Didn't you hear me shouting like a mad?"
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed pips a tune on her pan pipes and sings*
"The Mermaid's Teapot"
(to a lilting, sea-shanty-style melody)
Down in the deep where the sea stars gleam, Lived a mermaid lost in a porcelain dream. Her teapot was stolen one cold moonlight tide, By a Merrow who vanished where dark waters hide.
So raise up your oars and tighten the sail, We're chasing a thief through storm and gale! For friendship and tea, we'll battle the sea, And bring back the pot where it's meant to be!
Through kelp beds and caves, through whirlpools and mist, With magic and courage and iron-bound fists, We found the old brute with the pot on his throne, Sipping salt water and laughing alone!
So raise up your blades and summon the light, We're storming his lair in the heart of the night! For friendship and tea, we'll battle the sea, And bring back the pot where it's meant to be!
With a flash and a roar and a shimmering spell, The Merrow was bested and rang like a bell! We snatched up the pot, now safe and warm, And fled with the tide through the gathering storm!
So dance with the waves and sing with the breeze, The teapot is back where it steeps in peace! For friendship and tea, we conquered the sea, Now pour us a cup for our victory!
Poppyseed
*@Poppyseed finishes singing and shrugs*
"maybe I might have heard something"
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Humpf. I know."
Merfolk
"thank you all for returning the ancient to us, I must take it now to its resting place below."
Seee
so what now
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Oh, please, do it, Uni. It took a lot of courage and sacrifice."
Kemosabe
"Uh.. pardon me Miss Merr.? We need taken back where we came from. Maybe a little something for our trouble?"
Merfolk
*she gestures to a small table with a teacup at the center*
"touch the artifact and you will be transported back to where I found you."
Seee
so we get no reward (looking a little bit mad)
Merfolk
*she hands each of you a small pouch*
"please take this as a token of our gratitude."
Seee
(check the bag)
Jayber Crow Commenius
"Thank you so much, lady Uni. It was a pleasure to get acquainted with some of your people and customs." Jayber accepts the pouch and goes touch the teacup.
Poppyseed
"Thank you Uni, we won't ever forget you or our time here."
*@Poppyseed flitters over to the table and placing her hand on the teacup pops out of existence*
touching the teacup @Jayber Crow Commenius pops out of existence
Kemosabe
"Good luck, My Lady." Kemo bows and rubs the teapot
bye lady hope you will never face another threats again walk over to the teapot (Edited)
inside the bag Seee sees a beautiful seashell on a seaweed rope necklace.
@Kemosabe and @seee on touching the teacup pop out of existence
Kes
Kes bows slightly to Uni before following the others
upon touching the teacup @Kes pops out of existence
the next thing you realize you are back in the woods a short distance from the main road, the horses are still tied up where @Kes left them, the rain has stopped, and the old shack is nowhere to be seen.
the sun has just set and it seems as though no time at all has passed since you first entered the building during the storm.
looking inside the little pouch you see a beautiful seashell attached to a seaweed rope necklace.
the group gathers their belongings and set up camp for the night. exhausted you sleep soundly until morning at which point you have breakfast, harness the horses to the wagons and set off once more on your return journey to the city of Spring.
it is unlikely anyone will believe your tail of the mermaid, the Merrow and the elemental within the teapot, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen, and you will all remember your adventures everytime you gaze upon the beautiful seashell necklace.
