Sahuagin Raiders:
CHES 25th (THE CLAW OF SUNSETS)
01:10 am
Zarek was unsure as to why there was an Aquatic Lizard, belonging to the Sahuagin which the pair were soon to discover, in the Cell and wanted to have Hank go and be his eye so he could look at the creature more closely.
Alley questions why there should be a Cell on a Pleasure Yachts in the first place.
Zarek: “Good point and what’s with the connection to Wizards, specifically from the School of Illusions?”
The Rogue and Bard go over the recent discoveries and make a plan for their next move.
Why would there be an Aquatic Lizard locked in the Cell, or was the Cell even locked?
Alley: “We always need to test our Hypostasis or we will go around and around in circles Zarek, after all you are our lock man so to speak.”
Zarek: “That make sense and am missing the obvious and forgetting my training. Check it twice and pick it once as Iomhar use to say.”
The two Heroes think someone, or something, must have placed or left the Aquatic Lizard in the Cell and that it needed further investigation.
Alley: “I have a Potion of Animal Friendship’ remember, from the Druid that came to Trollskull Manor and helped us with the Pseudodragons in out chimney.”
Zarek: “A very useful Potion indeed which could help us with many of the creatures we have encountered thus far.”
The Arcane Trickster uses the ‘Detect Magic’ Spell to warn him of any potential attacks or treasures and Zarek senses that there is the presence of several magical effects within 30’ feet of himself, emanating from the deck below. I can not sense anything from above but I am sure that is because of the amount of wood between me and the other decks.
Zarek: “This Wand will be a very useful item yet I am already carrying so much I worry that I will not see the Needed Item for Magic items.”
Hank swims silently to the Cell and within the Rogue is able to view the Cell through the eyes of the ‘Octopus Familiar’ an he sees that there is a pile of crustations in the Cells corner, food Zarek guesses.
Next the Rogue spots organic material that had been fashioned into cord or rope and that was around the Aquatics Lizards neck and passed through its mouth, a bit and reigns the Rogue thinks to himself.
They communicate once more with the Arcane Trickster use of his ‘Message’ Spell.
They do not believe that the Aquatics Lizard entered by itself or that the Sea Spawn used them as transport and so there was another mystery as to its purpose.
Zarek: “I think we need to search these rooms while I still have the ability to ‘Detect Magic’ it could be invaluable.”
Alley: “I don’t expect to find anything here but knock yourself out, I guess its your job after all. I’ll keep a watch on the stairs it’s the only way up or down.”
the Arcane Trickster use of his ‘Detect Magic’ Spell and does not sense any Magic within the rooms. The Rogue then proceeds to check the rooms for clues and treasure as reported by Zelifarn.”
The rooms are empty or have nothing for the most part, except for the first and last rooms checked. Zarek even managed to notice that one side was for males and the other for females.
In the first Crew Cabin the Rogue discovers a loose plank as he swam out of the room. Under the plank was a hidden item wrapped in old and warn out fur.
Zarek: “It must had been waterproof once.” Zarek thinks.
The Rogue is hesitant at first but then removes the item from its hiding place.
Zarek: “Probably wasn’t trapped anyway.”
The Item was much heavier than the Rogue expected and he felt compelled to take a look with the wrapping. It was a pure bar of Gold, some 10 lbs in weight he estimated. There was also a scrap of paper within and the Arcane Trickster thought it best not to touch it as it was in a very delicate condition.
Then Alley’s voice came to him.
Alley: “Always start the day off by knowing what Spells you have; it may help at critical times or even save your life.”
Of course, I have my ‘Mending’ Spell that is perfect for when I have some time and my current Spell has finished.
The Rogue puts the Gold Bar in his ‘Bag of Holding’ and moves on with his search.
In the last room, the female side, the Rogue find a chest with unusual items within it. Lots of organic material which appears to be clothing, lots of simple expensive looking jewellery, leather thongs, rope or bindings and unusual hand-held machines.
Zarek: “What could this all be, there appears to be a name on the chest. Anne Summers, I think it reads.”
The Rogue then suggests that they both swim down to the Lower Deck and investigate the Magic emanating from there. The Bard is worried that there maybe more guest on the Neverluster than they think.
The Rogue elects to swim down first, as quietly as he can, and look about the Lower Deck. Zarek has Hank hold onto him but does not use the ‘Familiar’ to investigate in advance.
Zarek sees the Lower Deck and it initially appears very different to the other Decks. There is no detritus or disturbed furniture and the area appears in order and in pristine condition. The ravages of the sea, its flora and fauna had not caused the damage seen on the rest of the Neverluster.
Zarek: “The whole area, I can sense Magic emanating throughout the deck are far as I can see. Wait what was that movement.”
The Rogue spots the movement of 2 humanoid figures that swim to the Fore section of the Neverluster and out of his sight. The Rogue did notice that the whole area was emanating a faint light.
Fearing being seen and having to fight these new adversaries, the Rogue retreats and seeks the safety of the Orlop Deck.
Alley joins Zarek and they converse using the ‘Message’ Spell cast by the Rogue.
Zarek is fearful and believes that they are no match for the creatures below.
Sahuagin Raiders:
Zarek: “They were top guys and we can’t take them, I think we need to leave and seek the aid of Zelifarn.”
Alley: “Seriously, we have got this far and you are afraid of these, wait a minute what are you afraid of? Were they more Sea Spawn.”
Zarek explains what he had seen and that he believes them to be other creatures unknown to him. The Rogue is able to provide Alley with a detailed description however.
Their skin was of shades of green or grey, the other was darker on the back and lighter on the belly for camouflage. They both had a muscular, humanoid build, but possess gills, webbed extremities, and a finned tail. A unique, sharp dorsal fin runs along their back, with additional fin-like frills on their heads (resembling ears) and forearms. They had large, dark eyes; I am guessing that they had keen eyes optimised for deep-sea vision.
They possess thick, leathery hide, that I venture provides natural protection, and they look like they are capable of breathing both air and water, I could not say. Alley might be able to recall if she had ever read about such creatures, but she will need to wait for now.
The Rogue pulls back from the top of the stairs leading down to the Lower Hold and calls forth his ‘Familiar’ Octopus Hank who has been clinging to the Rogues chest. The Arcane Trickster uses his ‘Message’ Spell to communicate with the Bard and says that e will send Hank down into the Lower Deck to spy on the Aquatic Humanoid Creatures below in the Lower Deck.
Zarek: “They ware armour made from shells, carried a Spear each and wore clothing to cover their private parts. I thin they may be the ones who brought the Lizard.”
Alley: “One Lizard for 2 of these large creatures, I think we are missing something.”
Too late the events on the Neverluster were fluid and they need to act and not react.
Hank was sent down into the Lower Deck and attempted to move as stealthily as possible but the environment below was clearer than the other areas of the ship and one of the Sahuagin was looking straight in the direction of the stairs.
The Sahuagin was uneasy and alerted the other raider and they both began to advance slowing looking about the Lower Deck and a t the only other living creature. There was also a lack of fauna here too.
Hank was commanded by the Arcane Trickster to return to him and the Rogue and Bard in turn dashed to one of the crews’ cabins and shut the door.
At the last minute, the Rogue ordered Hank to hide on the mast so the Rogue could use its eyes to spy on anyone, or anything, that came up the stairs.
One of the Sahuagin did in fact follow Hank up the stairs and it walked all the way down passed the Crew Cabins. At first the Sahuagin did not notice that the door had been opened and left that way.
The Sahuagin raider seemed to have gone to the Cell and returned back to the stairs leading to the Lower Deck. They must not have wanted the creature to escape or have anything happen to it.
Once the Sahuagin raider had passed the Crew Cabin, the Rogue once again called Hank to action and sent the Octopus ‘Familiar’ down the opposite stairs, Port side, to those they used and hoped that he could see the actions of the Sahuagin raiders below.
Once again Hanks movements was enough to alert the Sahuagin Raiders to his presence, that and the fact it was the only other moving object in the Lower Deck.
Both Sahuagin move towards the Octopus and as Hank attempts to flee, that is when it is speared by one of the Sahuagin raiders. As it disappears, and does not bleed or leave a trace, the 2 Sahuagin Raiders are further alerted to unusual events.
Had they been warned regarding the Magical influences upon the Neverluster?
Zarek curses the fact that he did not send Hank into the pocket dimension, but then again both would appear as Magically influenced events.
Both Sahuagin Raiders then swim hastily towards the Aft of the Lower Deck calling out as they did so in their strange incomprehensible Aquatic language.
Zarek beings to feel like they had taken on too much and feared for them both. The Rogue was all for leaving the Neverluster and seeking the aid of the Young Bronze Dragon, Zelifarn. The Arcane Trickster casts the Spell ‘Message’ and debates with the Bard their predicament.
Zarek believes that they should leave as they are out matched. Alley know that they have made an agreement with Zelifarn and more importantly, with Tymora for her help in finding the killers of Iomhar.
Zarek: “The two Sea Creatures below look too strong and fast for us Alley; we are in their realm and they have the advantage over us.”
Alley: “Then let us impose our own advantage, did you not say that you can now make yourself ‘Invisible’? Then I suggest we both do so.”
Zarek: “That’s a great idea and then we can swim up and out and ask Zelifarn for his help.”
Alley: “That’s not what I mean, I mean to have you check the Lower Deck with the ‘Detect Magic’ Spell you already have running and see what is valuable and what is ‘Illusional’.”
The Rogue nods and casts his ‘Invisibility’ Spell on himself. Alley does the same and is able to keep an eye on where the Rogue is as long as she kept within 30’ feet of the Rogue.
The Arcane Trickster looks at the Lower Deck and can see that the 2 concentrates on the Sahuagin Raiders had gone to the Aft section and were out of his sight. They however, may have a greater range.
The Arcane Trickster looks about and can immediately sensation that most of the items with the Lower Deck give off a Magical aura. The Rogue, ‘Invisible’ making him feel a lot more comfortable than he had been so far, can see the following item of importance in the Lower Deck of the Neverluster.
- A Pair of large screens or mirrors
- Carpets all over the deck
- 2 carved pillars
- A raised dais with a single chest upon it
- A large circular table
- A coffin
- A small table with items
- An elaborate idol
- A small table with a bowl and jug
- 2 carved pillars either side of a skeletal horn fountain and bowl
The Rogue was immediately drawn to the chest and believed that it contained the one item they had come to find. Concentrating on the chest the Arcane Trickster finds that the item, or items within, emanate a Transmutation aura.
Zarek: “I know that Transmutation Magic transforms creatures or objects. This could be many things but I will attempt to open the chest.” The Rogue ponders to himself.
This is when things begin to go awry and the Rogue forgets all his basic training and the comfort and false sense of security of the ‘Invisibility’ Spell meant that he failed to be alert.
The Rogue gently swims over to the chest and begins to pick the lock and forgets to check it for traps, which the chest does indeed have. The Rogue not only fails to pick the lock but triggers the trap and he is sliced but a retractable blade.
Now the Rogue is visible and bleeding, two states that convince the Tiefling that his luck has run out and the best recourse is to flee. Flee the Neverluster, swim back to the row boat and head off to find Zelifarn.
The Rogue swims out, out of the Lower Deck, out of the Orlop Deck past the Main Deck and out into the sea of Waterdeep harbour. Hoping that Alley will follow him and that he is doing the right thing. Then he realises that Zelifarn had gone to keep and eye on the Eyecatcher, that he was not sure if their borrowed row boat would still be where they left it floating and most importantly if Alley would not do something impulsive like stay to fight the Sahuagin raiders by herself.
Zarek looks back down at the Neverluster and he had abandoned his comrade in arms, then he looks up to the surface of water and his escape. Then fate pushes the Rogue as he spots the smaller shark in the area swim away as if spooked by something.
Zarek: “What could scare a Shark away so. A bigger Shark!”
The Rogue can spot a large shape swimming in the water above him, not sleek and fast like the Reef Sharks but slow and methodical like something that does not have a fear in the world. Zarek believes it to be a Hunter Shark and feels even more exposed knowing that it can swim faster than him.
Zarek: “I have no choice but to swim back and help Alley.”
As the Rogue turns and swims back down to the Neverluster, it I purely his Roguish ability and training that allow him to just make it into the ship before the Hunter Shark catches him. The Rogue is sure that he hears the creature speaking, the same language as the one he communicated with whilst in the row boat.
The Rogue swims back down to the Neverluster Main Deck and swims down to the Lower Deck, passing the Orlop Deck on the way and seeing no other enemy.
The swim had oxygenated the Rogues blood, which in turn fed his brain and he remembered to think of the rules of distance.
- What have I got on me that will help?
- What is there to hand that will help me?
- What is there in the area that will help me?
The Rogue remembers the Scrolls and casts 2 of the Spells from them. First ‘Alter Self’ to allow the Tiefling to swim faster and then ‘Magic Weapon’ to increase his Rapiers ability and also be able to hit creatures or monsters that are protected.
The Rogue concentrates so hard that he hardly displaces any water or disturbs any silt and so is able to arrive at the stairs like a predatory hunter, unseen and unheard. A perfect approach.
Once at the stairs, the Rogue looks down into the Lower Deck and spots not only the 2 Sahuagin Raiders, but a third raider. This third raider looks smaller and carries a staff, with sea treasures affixed to it, rather than a spear.
Zarek: “It must be a female of the species.”
Sahuagin Priestess:
The female Sahuagin Priestess is slightly smaller than males and it has yellow, speckled, or striped colouration on her tail.
Again, the Arcane Trickster finds that he need not approach the chest itself and that he can use his ‘Mage Hand Legerdemain’ to attempt to open the chest. The Rogue, fearing that his time may be short and the Sahuagin Priestess would find whatever it was she was looking for, wasted not time on checking the chest for traps a second time surmising that such a trap would activate only once before needing to be reset.
Fail, the first attempt was unsuccessful and the ‘Illusionary’ embellishment hid the deformities cause over the decades. The Rogue attempts a second time and again is not able to lift all of the necessary pins and the chest remains locked.
The Sahuagin Priestess is studying the skeletal horn fountain and bowl with 2 carved pillars either side of it. The 2 Sahuagin raiders look on. This is the point that Tymora shines down on Zarek and he find the courage of his convictions to trust that Alley can see or know him to be there once more.
Alley is alerted and is able to see the Arcane Tricksters ‘Mage Hand Legerdemain’ as it is not ‘Invisible’ to her abilities. The Bard stays hidden by one of the carved pillars on the Starboard side of the Neverluster and close to the stairs where Zarek is crouched.
The third time is the charm and the Rogue is able to silently open the chest, he manipulates his ‘Mage Hand Legerdemain’ to open the chest slightly and from his position is able to see into the chest which contains a Rapier and Dagger, both of exquisite craftsmanship.
Zarek: “I need to pinpoint Alley and we should leave with our prise.”
Once more Tymora shines on those who follow her teachings: “Life is short. Live it as Tymora means it to be lived!” and the Rogue is able to spot the Bard even though she was both ‘Invisible’ and Hidden.
Zarek is able to speak with Alley using his ‘Message’ Spell and the Rogue attempts to persuade the Bard to join him in leaving the Neverluster once that they had retrieved the Magical Weapons in the chest.
Zarek; “Let us take what we have and leave Alley, this new creature has the appearance of Magic about her.”
Alley: “Leave, we can’t keep leaving all the time. We have the advantage and you have used the Scrolls I see.”
Zarek: “Yes you are right.”
Alley: “Let me get a bit closer and you can attack.”
Zarek: “What if I change my appearance to look like them, it may give me the slight advantage that we need to get close.”
Alley: “Great idea.”
Zarek moves first and elects to use one of his items, the ‘Wand of Magic Missiles’. This he uses on the Sahuagin Priestess and fires all but one of the missiles. The Sahuagin Priestess is pummelled by the attack and shelters by one of the carved pillars either side of a skeletal horn fountain and bowl.
Then Alley Attacks and becomes visible in front of one of the Sahuagin raiders wielding a Magical Rapier in one hand and her own in the other. The Bard carves into the Sahuagin.
Then Zarek joins the fight taking advantage of the Bards presence to aid in his Sneak Attacks. However, the Sahuagin Priestess is fastest and she casts a Spell that engulfs all three of the Sahuagin and the effects are unknown for now.
The Rogue and Bard both attack with mixed results allowing the Sahuagin raiders to return the favour. They both attack twice and do minimal damage. Zarek wields the new Magical Dagger and the Rogue can feel is superiority and quality.
Then the Sahuagin Priestess attempts another Spell aimed at the Bard and her fortitude is able to fend off its effects.
Alley: “She has attempted a ‘Hold Person’ Spell on me, if it wasn’t for our recent increase I would have failed.”
More blows are exchanged and the Sahuagin are revived as the Sahuagin Priestess casts a Spell on them both.
The Rogue and Bard do extremely well and are able to dispatch both of the remaining Sahuagin raiders. Think that they only had the Sahuagin Priestess to deal with the both turn to face her and suddenly from behind a third Sahuagin raider swims straight towards the Bard from the Aft section of the Lower Deck.
The Sahuagin Priestess then unleashes her Spectral Jaws attack, a Spectral Aquatic Fish head appears in front of Zarek and bites the Rogue causing him more damage. Alley continues to fight the last Sahuagin raider.
The Rogue closes in on the Sahuagin Priestess then attacks with the full demonic rage of his race. The Sahuagin Priestess takes damage but still lives.
The Sahuagin Priestess then casts ‘Hold Person’ on the Rogue and he fails in his attempt to resist its power. The Rogue is Paralysed, unable to move or to speak.
Alley finishes of the last Sahuagin raider and swims over and above the Sahuagin Priestess to join the Rogue in the last assault.
The Sahuagin Priestess attacks the Bard with her Spectral Jaws attack and draws much blood.
Then the Rogue breaks free from the influence of the ‘Hold Person’ Spell cast by the Sahuagin Priestess and Zarek sends the poor creature into Davy Jones’ Locker.
Zarek casts ‘Message’ and the 2 Field Ward heroes both praise each other for a good job well done and deliberate what to do next.
Alley: “Sahuagin, that’s their names very interesting creatures indeed..”
Zarek: “Too late Alley, what was the Sahuagin Priestess looking for and why did they avoid the other items here?”