Depths of Deception.

[GameMaster]

On the bustling island of Lantan, a tense confrontation unfolded at the estate of Phineas, the inventive sorcerer/artificer. A Lantanese city magistrate, a meticulous and sharply dressed gnome named Bimble Tinkerdap, stood authoritatively at Phineas's door, flanked by members of the Gondar Guard.

With his well-groomed silver beard and spectacles perched on his small nose, Bimble was not a stranger to the household. He had a long-standing history with Phineas's family, a master shipbuilder. They had once collaborated with one another on revolutionary maritime designs. Phineas's mother, a beloved teacher, had inspired Bimble's own interest in mechanics and invention during his youth. However, the current circumstances had strained these old bonds, as Bimble's duty to Lantan's laws now pitted him against the son of his old friends.

Flanking Brimble were Sergeant Ironclamp, a human with a robust build and a face bearing the scars of past experiments gone awry, and Corporal Gearspark, a half-elf with keen eyes and a toolbelt rattling with various devices, standing ready to document the encounter or assist in any technical aspect required.

Their mission was clear: to confiscate all journals, textbooks, and materials related to smokepowder and smokepowder weapons from Phineas's possession. The council feared the potential misuse of such dangerous information, especially in the hands of the guests of Phineas, two half-dragons whose ambitions and powers were well-known and somewhat feared.

As the debate heated up at the front door, Phineas stood his ground, arguing for the sanctity of his research and the importance of his and his father's contributions to Lantan's prosperity. Bimble, though sympathetic, remained firm, citing laws and regulations, his tone reflecting a mix of regret and duty. Sgt. Ironclamp's hand rested on the hilt of his weapon, not out of aggression, but as a subtle reminder of the authority they carried. Corporal Gearspark's gaze flitted between the papers she held and the escalating conversation, ready to interject with pertinent regulations or data.

The standoff was tense, with Phineas and the magistrate exchanging heated yet respectful arguments, each rooted in their deep love and concern for Lantan's future.

[At Phineas's front door, Bimble Tinkerdap is speaking with authority, holding a document in his hand.]

Bimble Tinkerdap: "Phineas, you must understand the gravity of the situation. The Council is deeply concerned about the potential misuse of smokepowder technology. It's imperative that we secure all related materials immediately."

Phineas: "Magistrate Tinkerdap, these journals are the culmination of my father's life's work and my own. You know better than anyone the importance of this research, not just for warfare but for the advancement of Lantan's technology."

Sergeant Harnel Ironclamp: "Orders are orders, Phineas. We're here to ensure that the council's directives are followed, for the safety of all Lantanese."

Phineas: "But to barge into my home and demand my private research... This is an overreach. You're stifling progress!"

Bimble Tinkerdap: "It's not about stifling progress, Phineas, it's about preventing disaster. Your work, especially in the wrong hands, could lead to catastrophic consequences for Lantan herself and possibly all of Faerun."

Corporal Elara Gearspark: "We don't want to escalate this, sir. Cooperation would be in everyone's best interest."

Phineas: "I will not simply hand over decades of knowledge and innovation!"

As the heated exchange continued at the front door, Kragar  observed the proceedings with keen eyes and ears. He noticed the subtle shift in Sergeant Ironclamp's posture—the slight tightening of his grip on the weapon's hilt, looking around as though calculating distance, and then focusing hard on Phineas with an intimidating glare... Kragar, understanding the unspoken language of power and threat, subtly adjusted his own stance, standing tall and imposing behind Phineas.

Kragar's stature and the quiet aura of arcane and martial power he wielded served as a potent reminder of his capability to defend their ground if necessary, and it forced the Gondguardsman to shift his focus to the towering half-dragon. This silent exchange of resolve between Kragar and Sergeant Ironclamp added an undercurrent of tension, a wordless dialogue of power and deterrence, subtly influencing the dynamics of the encounter, reminding all parties involved of the latent forces at play, ready to be unleashed if the situation escalated.

*****

Restless, Etali found himself in a room separate from the others, exploring the public areas of the house and looking for anything resembling fresh food. He smelled some sort of fish nearby, and that's when his sharp senses picked up on an unusual sound coming from the ocean side of the house, a place where only the lapping waves should be audible.

Outside, hidden among the rocky shore, a group of creatures shouted to one another in their guttural, aquatic language-- three of them that he could see, but it smelled like there might be more. They tood upright like humans but with distinctly aquatic features that hinted at their oceanic origins. Their bodies were covered in scales, shimmering with a mix of greens and blues, reminiscent of the deep sea. Sharp, fin-like protrusions extended from their heads, backs, and limbs, adding to their menacing appearance.

Their faces were a terrifying blend of fish and predator, with large, bulbous eyes that gleamed with predatory intelligence. Their mouths were wide and filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth, designed for tearing flesh with ease. Gills fluttered along their necks, allowing them to breathe underwater, while their webbed hands and feet were adept for swimming, yet capable of gripping weapons with deadly proficiency.

These beings moved with a predatory grace, whether on land or in the water, their bodies perfectly adapted for hunting and combat. Their presence evoked a sense of dread, a reminder of the merciless, unforgiving nature of the world beneath the waves.

Opening a side door, Etali stepped out, confronting the intruders, who were nearly upon the doorstep.  The creatures, taken aback by Etali's sudden appearance, broke into a hurried, hushed discussion with one another.

"Squa'tak nurul, kresh wik?"

"Lur'tak shi'nal, kresh gurak!"

Their eyes darted to each other and then back to Etali, hands gesturing towards him and then towards the house, their intentions clear through their aggressive postures and pointed fingers.

Etali, though not understanding their words, read clearly the hostility in their movements. The tightening grip on their weapons, the low, menacing growls, and the strategic positioning all signaled their deadly intent. They had decided to attack, and he was ready for them.

Etali drew his weapon and the clash of steel and the hiss of slicing air filled the space as he engaged the first of these strange aquatic foes.  The ranger's strikes were calculated, exploiting the brief openings in his adversaries' defenses, his blade finding its mark in the flesh between their scales. One by one, they faltered, succumbing to his superior skill and ferocity.

However, the creatures were cunning and coordinated, using their numbers to flank and distract. As Etali focused on one, another circled behind him, moving silently across the rocky terrain. In a moment of focused combat with one opponent, Etali failed to notice the silent threat approaching from behind.

With a swift, brutal thrust, the creature behind him drove its trident deep into Etali's back, the pointed prongs piercing through armor and flesh to puncture his lung. A sharp pain exploded in his chest, his breaths becoming ragged gasps as air and blood filled his lung cavity.

The shock and sudden agony forced Etali to disengage, his survival instincts screaming for retreat, though he could no longer scream for help. With every labored step, he felt his strength waning, the world around him starting to blur and spin as he struggled for breath he could not gain. Using the last remnants of his will to escape, leaving a trail of blood on the rocks, he noticed there was actually no sound at all any more, as though a magical veil of silence absorbed every noise that should be.

Desperation fueled his retreat back to the safety of the house, each step driven by sheer willpower and the dire need to warn his companions. The once confident and formidable ranger was now reduced to a wounded, faltering figure, his lifeblood seeping out with each painful breath.

Reaching the room where Phineas and Kragar stood with someone else, Etali fell forward to the gray hardstone floor.

His last thoughts before the darkness took him were how nice it was that Phineas kept his floors so clean...

[GameMaster]

Sergeant Ironclamp was the first to react, immediately rushing to the fallen half-dragon's side, smoothly pulling a reddish-green vial from a pouch on the front of his belt as he did so.  Sliding into a kneel next to the fallen Etali, he struggled to turn him over with one hand, then held his head up gently and poured the liquid from the vial into his mouth, trying to get him to drink it.

Bimble Tinkerdap's indignant anger was on full display as his entire body turned a full pinkish-red as he shouted, "Sergeant Ironclamp, we do not use magic freely, especially to save the life of a..."

Whatever he was going to say next was drowned-out by the violent coughing and wheezing of the half-dragon as the magic sealed his damaged lungs and grew them back into health in a matter of seconds.  The bleeding stopped just as quickly, and the scaly skin of his back grew back into health beneath him.  A disgustingly vile taste is left in Etali's mouth, but it feels warm and rejuvinating.

Etali sat there for a moment, his natural height towering over the man kneeling next to him, though the man shows no aggressive actions.

"Can you breathe?  Are you with us?" he asks, and from the urgency Etali can tell it's probably not the first time the man asked.

Before the man can answer, Bimble is standing next to him, his nasal voice making his anger all the more annoying.  "Sergeant. Ironclamp.  You.  Will.  Listen..."

An angry glare from Ironclamp stopped the man's next words.  "I'm assigned to work with you," he said gravely, and turned his attention back to Etali and took his wrist, feeling for a pulse.

Brimble continued, "Well, Corporal Gearspark, write this in our report immediately, including insubordination..." but she was already circling around Etali and putting her hand on his back, feeling to make sure the scales and skin had sealed properly.

Brimble started to stare at Kragar, but immediately thought better of it, and turned his ire on Phineas instead.  "The council will hear of this!" he screeched, and stomped toward the doorway.

[Coyotemoon]

I am fine thank you. (Etali says as he gets back on his feet.) Tis a flesh wound.( while staring at the corporal with a slight smirk.) But more importantly Phineas we have company. Fish people are in your back yard.

[Kragar]

I Head toward the back, drawing my sword, as I go.

[Coyotemoon]

I follow Kragar. Downing one of my potions of healing. My anger physically manifesting itself by the sparks crackling from my mouth.

[Phineas]

<speaking in a firm, authoritative voice>

"Excuse me, Master Bimble (emphasize), I have some uninvited guests to deal with, come back when you're in a better mood."  <<using Intimidate to keep Bimble backed off [roll : nat 19 + 6(mod) = 25]>>

(grab my baldric with my shortswords and daggers off of the wall)

"Gods, I hate interruptions in my day."

I head towards the back door, donning my baldric and pulling my swords.

[GameMaster]

Together, the three of you step out into the back of the estate, the scene before them a testament to the fierce skirmish that just occurred. The rocky shore, typically serene and offering a picturesque view of the ocean's expanse, is now marred by signs of battle. The bodies of several strange, fish-like creatures lay scattered across the ground, their scales glistening in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the lifelessness in their bulbous eyes.

Etali's handiwork is evident in the precision of the wounds that felled these creatures, a grim reminder of the ranger's prowess even when caught off-guard. Blood, both crimson and a strange, darker hue from the creatures, stains the rocks, creating a macabre tableau of the confrontation.

Across the rock pier, the one creature that managed to stab Etali in the back can be seen making its retreat into the water, its limping gait suggesting injuries sustained during the skirmish. It casts a last, hateful glance toward the estate before plunging into the murky waters, leaving a trail of bubbles as it disappears into the depths.

Sgt. Harnel Ironclamp and Corporal Elara Gearspark, still processing the abrupt shift in their mission from confiscation to crisis response, follow cautiously behind Phineas, Kragar, and Etali. As they approach the gruesome scene, the stark reality of the threat becomes undeniably clear.

Ironclamp, with his gruff, battle-hardened demeanor, takes in the sight of the fallen creatures with a furrowed brow and a tight jaw, his experience in Lantan's guard preventing any outward show of surprise. However, his voice betrays a hint of the concern stirring beneath his stoic exterior.

"By Gond's forge... what in the seven seas are these things doing here?" he mutters, his deep voice resonating with a blend of anger and disbelief. Hand on his sword hilt, he looks around intently as if expecting more to burst out of the waters at any moment.  He is careful not to draw it without overt threat, but he does seem ready to use it if need be.

Corporal Gearspark, her eyes wide as she surveys the scene, quickly reverts to her training to mask her shock and fear. She pulls out a small notepad, her hand slightly trembling as she begins to jot down observations, her voice adopting a formal tone that clings to procedure as a lifeline in the chaos.

"Initial assessment indicates multiple hostile entities, species resembling aquatic humanoid classification. Fatalities inflicted by defensive actions from resident... uh, residents? Will require immediate reporting to high command and request for reinforcement. Possible larger strategic implications given the proximity to Lantan's core territories," she recites coldly, obviuously taking refuge in her well-known world of procedures and regulations as she takes steps to document the encounter.

[Phineas]

With baldric set in place on my shoulders, my swords in hand, I step forward looking around, assessing the area. when I see that all enemy combatants are dead or retreated, I sheathe my swords. I speak towards the corporal.

"Corporal, we aren't going to need to call for reinforcements, we need to deal with this ourselves now and find out why they are here. Hopefully figure it out before that one comes back with more help."

"Kragar, Etali,  those were sahaugin,, what the hell were they doing here. Normally they are many leagues away and they generally fight with merfolk and aquatic elves, it's rare that they come on land. Ideas  ...  suggestions  ...  Sergeant???"

[Coyotemoon]

In anger I send a blast of lightning into the water where I saw the creature last. As I begin to loot the bodies I hear what the Sargeant mutters My attentions immediately turns to them. "You know what these things are don't you?"

[Kragar]

Seeing no immediate danger, I sheathe my sword.  "Sahaugin.  They also like to attack ships.  They don't taste good, unless cooked and seasoned, properly."

[GameMaster]

Etali
The creature was under water and at the very edge of the range of your blast, so you can't see if it hit anything.


Corporal Gearspark
Looking obviously at a loss and completely out of her element, the young Gearspark looks to Ironclamp.  "Sir, protocol suggests..."

Sergeant Ironclamp
"Agreed, Corporal."  He held up his hand to keep Phineas from protesting.  "Go at once to report this directly to Captain Gearlock.  None other, do you understand?  Tell only him, we don't want politics entering into this if it is a threat against Lantan herself.  Do you understand?"

He watched her leave, and then turned back to the group.  "She is going to report it anyway, and Captain Gearlock is right now in bed with the Lady Boltstitch, who a few days ago you would have known as Miss Chainflow... As you can imagine, the Good Captain won't want anyone intruding on his private time with his master's own wife!"

He chuckles without mirth.  "It will buy us some time, perhaps until after next meal, at least..." he looks hard at Phineas, "Don't make me regret it.  Why in the Rusted Hellscape are these things on my island!?"

In response to Etali's question, Ironclamp nods as Phineas explains.
"Sahaugin," he repeats.  "Underwater humanoids.  Evil and viscious, one and all.  Seen them on ships, killing and partaking in debauchery, but never on land itself!"


In response to Kragar's comment, Ironclamp looks at him at first in disgust, and then with deep belly laugh.  "Well, seafood is seafood, I suppose... Though you wouldn't catch me eating the smelly things!"



*"Rusted Hellscape" in fact refers to a layer of The Abyss, which Lantanese despise both for its chaotic nature and the fact that everything there rusts.  Whether it is real or imaginary, the term has found its way into the Lower Common language of Lantan as a very strong curse!

[Coyotemoon]

I would like to go back to looting the bodies.

[Phineas]

<<responding to Sergeant Ironclamp>>

"I agree, Sergeant, he will definitely NOT want to be disturbed and NO, I will not make you regret it. I want to know why those things are here, too. Damn, that is infuriating and frustrating."

Looking around at everything   ...  "Well, let's get cleaned up and have something to eat and drink, it's almost dinner time."

[Kragar]

"I am a bit hungry."  I take flight to scout about for something to eat.

[Phineas]

<<whistle loudly, point inside>>

"Hey, scaly one  ... inside  ...  pantry  ...  lots of food  ...  if you want meat, there's the cooler pantry."

"Oy vey, draconians  ...  don't want to slow down for a second  ...  got to have blood, once the blood scent gets to their nostrils."

<<watch Kragar fly away to hunt>>