One problem.
The ruins thanks to the Master are known basicly a waist high grass, moss ridden, vine, and tree, covered rain forest. Not to mention a group of rather ticked off Skaven setting up a refugee camp right in front of the building they need to return to.
The trip back to the location of the crashed ship was largely uneventful. After making some plans and resupplying the group led by The Master traversed the difficult terrain. They did (random encounter) stir up a very large snake that served as an example to the group that it was not only the plants of the area that were affected by the masters release of earth magic back into the land, but some of the fauna as well.
Snake taken care of they moved on to the meet of the problem.
How to get past a bunch of Skaven and steal a rather heavy object.
For the record it was determined that the glowing blue ball that was found by the party and could only be manipulated by someone wearing the red gloves also found on the gnome ship, was in fact a magical ballast.
The ballast acts like a gyroscope that will not allow a flying ships boiler to tip over once it is installed. The superstructure of the ship is then built around the boiler and from then on the ship is steady in the air. The effect of this ballast would also make the boiler slightly lighter, while not making it weigh less.
The plan became:
- Johann will Turn Guthar and wilhelm invisible.
- The master will turn into a small nondescript animal (mouse.)
- The orb will be given to one of the invisible party members.
- Johann being a small gnome will hide in the weeds and distract the skaven using what else, fireballs.
- The others will sneak in, place the orb and get the hell out, with the master acting as guide and scout.
All went as planned with the skaven including the chief due to some good holding off getting caught in the fire balls.
The Skaven chief's mace broke open revealing that it contained a massive horde of rats, which only added to the chaos.
Several tents were set on fire.
A large cooking pot was toppled scalding a few scaven onlookers.
During this fracas Johann used the high grass for cover to sneak to the other side of the compound.
Once the boiler was secured, and the orb placed the party came to a sudden conclusion.
"We can't move this thing without being seen."
Still invisible Willhelm and Guthar started pushing on the boiler. As expected moving the large object it attracted the attention of the few Skaven guards who had remained inside. Willhem choose the road of dwarven diplomacy. He moved behind one of the skaven and while invisible hit him in the back of the head with his warhammer, pushing the back of the skavens skull to the front of the skavens face. Guthar who had remained invisible tried to make spooky ghost noises but clearly the skaven were not having it. Now visible the gig was truly up. A quick fight ensued. The master having seen enough turned into a bear and the group quickly dispatched or dispersed the small group of very suprised skaven.
With that the party lashed the boiler to the bear (the master) and using the brawn of the bear and Wilhelm's help they bolted for the doors. Having decided to make a beeline towards the nearest large creek, the group was betting that the fires would keep the skaven totally at bay. The were wrong and a merry chase soon ensued.
The party made excellent time with the Master picking a good path and (still in bear form) doing the majority of the pulling. As fast as they were they were still soon set upon by the skaven As the party reached the water, groups of skaven started crashing through the underbrush and attacking. Willhelm and the master took the fore and attempted to hold back the skaven while Guthar and Johann lashed together a crude raft to float the boiler way. It was a pitched battle with more skaven flooding the scene every minute.
Finally Johann and Guthar were ready for launch but failed due to the weight of the boiler! It was not until the Willehlm and the bear * lent their strength to the task that the rafted was pushed into deep enough water to float away.
Just as more skaven jumped from the trees, Guthar unleashed the full power of his god Thodin killing several skaven and pushing back the host. The skaven horde was stopped just long enough for the party to cling the raft and float away.
Now the group has the plans for and the boiler from an ancient Gnomish airship. In time I' m sure they will begin reconstructing the vessel.
The story continues....
* "Wilhelm and the Bear" should be the title of a podcast.
that was a good misadventure
ReplyDeleteYou gut to rip a Skavens arm off as a bear.
ReplyDeletethat's a bonus.