Castlevania II: Dracula's Curse (IC)

[dangelo]

Mustafa the Vampiralgietch Human Cleric 3 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Concentrating: --

Hoping to clear the battlefield for his shield-brothers, Mustafa strikes the undead horse closest to him.

Spoiler

Show

If H2 is already down, move one square north-east and hit H1 instead

(1d20+5)[14] for (1d4+3)[5] blugeoning + (1d4)[4] radiant damage

[J-H]

Sabian strikes the undead horse, but lacking vital organs, even a well-aimed blow isn't enough to kill it this time. Mustafa strikes down the one next to him with a flash of light from his holy symbol as it burns away the necromantic energies inhabiting the equine. Vidrik's crossbow bolt lodges in the next horse; Sabian can see it poking out the other side... but unfortunately the undead remains undead (Undead Fortitude vs DC 18: 20). Chloe further burns it with acid, and somehow a bolt from her homonculus finds its way to an important bone, and the creature collapses to the ground after absorbing far more killing blows than it should have!

Spoiler

Show

Undead fortitude saves passed against:
Sabian's attack
Vidrik's attack
Chloe's Acid Splash

The two remaining zombies approach. One claws clumsily at Sabian, while the other merely shoves its way through the undergrowth.

Spoiler

Show

Attack (1d20+3)[13] or (1d20+3)[16] for (1d6+1)[6]
Adv. Reckless

Z2 is just northeast of Sabian
Z3 is north of Vidrik, NE of Mustafa, E of Cassandra, SE of Sabian
=>Cassandra, Sabian, Mustafa, Vidrik, Chloe

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 23 (cover from foliage) HP: 27/32 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: No Reckless: Yes Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Two down, two to go! Sabian calls out. He retaliates against the zombie that grabbed at him, trying to pluck its head off its neck with his spear. Spoiler: Turn 2 Show Action - Attack Z2, Advantage from Reckless Attack - (1d20+6)[19], (1d20+6)[25] Damage - (1d6+4)[8]

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 HP: 8/17, AC: 15 Conditions: Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2 Bladesongs: 0/2

"My opinion of horses has taken a drastic fall," Cass sighs before moving closer to Sabian and helping him with his undead friend.

Spoiler

Show

Move adjacent to Sabian and attack Z2 with the Vampire Whip. To hit: (1d20+7)[21], to damage: (1d6+5)[7] bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 19/24 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: Create Bonfire Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.) Chloé launches another flask over Sabian's head and moves back towards the road, eyes peeled for any other shambling shamblers they hadn't noticed.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Action: Acid Flask Z2 (1d6)[3] Acid on DC14 dexsave fail.
Z2: (1d20)[16]


Bonus Action: Servant Strike. Z2 (1d20+5)[8]
Damage: (1d4+2)[3]

Move: North, if it matters, to look back at the road in case of any more incoming zomboys.

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

Show

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 6 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[Bobthewizard]

Vidrik Oakheart Wood Elf Ranger AC: 15 HP: 28/28 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14 Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 Speak with Animals: 1/1 Conditions: +10' speed

Vidrik again maneuvers around to try to line up a shot that might hit both zombies.

"Come on crossbow. Let's see what you can do."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move to get in position
BA Hunter Prey
Aim shot in a line to hit both zombies
To hit: (1d20+9)[26]
Damage (1d10+7)[12] + (1d6)[1]
then move away as far as he can

[J-H]

Cassandra and Sabian focus on one zombie. Mustafa dodges. Vidrik shoots at the other one that's closer to him, hitting it hard but not hard enough to kill it. The ranger then backs away. Chloe doesn't have much luck with her attacks.

Spoiler

Show

OA (1d20+3)[9] for (1d6+1)[5]

The zombies attack... one trying to bite Sabian, and the other Cassandra. Neither meets with success.

Spoiler

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Z2 vs Sabian
(1d20+3)[21] for (1d6+1)[6]
Z3 vs Cassandra
(1d20+3)[5] for (1d6+1)[7]

Spoiler: Map

Show

=>Party

[Bobthewizard]

Vidrik Oakheart Wood Elf Ranger AC: 15 HP: 28/28 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14 Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 Speak with Animals: 1/1 Conditions: +10' speed

Vidrik moves forward and shoots again at the closest zombie. He then moves back to his current position.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move N 2 squares
BA Hunter Prey
Aim shot in a line to hit both zombies
To hit: (1d20+9)[20]
Damage (1d10+7)[16] + (1d6)[6]
then move back to his current location

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 HP: 8/17, AC: 15 Conditions: Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2 Bladesongs: 0/2

"These zombies sure are stubborn," Cassandra says, attacking the one in front of her.

Spoiler

Show

Vampire Killer attack against Z3. To hit: (1d20+7)[16], to damage: (1d6+5)[11] bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 19/24 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.) She still felt confident that they were on top of things, even if her last throw had been a bit...unimpressive.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Action: Acid Flask Z2 (1d6)[1] Acid on DC14 dexsave fail.
Z2: (1d20)[9]


Bonus Action: Servant Strike. Z2 (1d20+5)[15]
Damage: (1d4+2)[5]

Move: None

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

Show

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 6 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[/QUOTE]

[J-H]

The two remaining zombies fall before your attacks, the foul magics that desecrate the bodies of the dead unable to hold them together.

=> What do you do?

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 HP: 8/17, AC: 15 Conditions: Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2 Bladesongs: 0/2

Cassandra will approach the carriage to see if anything is inside, any sort of sign of survivors or at the very least what happened to the occupants. Even though they had made enough noise to wake the dead, pun intended, she approaches cautiously and silently.

Spoiler

Show

Stealth check: (1d20+3)[23]

Regardless of what she finds, she will suggest to the group that they find somewhere to rest for the night. It has been a long day, Cassandra is tired and hurt, she has spell scrolls she'd like to learn from and copy into her spellbook as well as the encyclopedias that could help them prepare for future battles. Most importantly they need to figure out their next steps instead of just blindly walking into danger every five minutes. There's also the matter of the Order.

[J-H]

Cassandra approaches the wagon, finding no threats. Surviving contents include food, (not preserved, but enough can be taken to provide food for 3 days), 150’ of rope, cooking equipment, and several large bundles of completed fabric, not yet cut and sewn into garments.

[Bobthewizard]

Vidrik Oakheart Wood Elf Ranger AC: 15 HP: 28/28 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14 Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 Speak with Animals: 1/1 Conditions: +10' speed

Vidrik follows Cassandra to the cart. He looks in and sees nothing worth taking the time to gather, since we have our own supplies. He is shocked to hear Cassandra talk about resting so soon, in the middle of all of these undead.

"Let's leave all this and keep moving. We need to get away. If we try to rest here, we will be overrun. We had planned to get across the bridge before it gets dark. It's less than an hour to the bridge, so let's keep going."

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 27/32 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: No Reckless: No Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Sabian says, Vidrik, let's at least take the food. I can supplement our rations by foraging, but we don't know what the road ahead has in store for us. And I think Vidrik is right Cassandra, we should at least get to the other side of the bridge and try to find some shelter before we stop for the night.

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 19/24 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.) "I can keep going, and I'd feel safer if we found somewhere slightly more defensive to rest." Chloé says, rummaging in her bag for one of her home-grown potions. They didn't last long, but they were as potent as anything that did. In the heat of battle she'd just smash the thing over the wounds, but given the time they have she's able to pour it gently over Cassandra's injuries, knitting back skin and beating back bruises.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Expending a spell slot to Cure Wounds Cassandra for 10 (rolled in discord).

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

Show

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 6 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[J-H]

After you're done salvaging food from the wagon, a brief discussion ends with a consensus to carry on at least until sunset.

Following the road, you reach the east bridge off the island with no further issues. The bridge is 15’ wide and made of sturdy wooden planks laid across long logs, which are supported every 30’ by stone piles coming out of the river. It’s about three hundred feet across to the far shore.

Nothing looks dangerous or out of place, so you walk up the ramp and start to cross the bridge.

As you reach the mid-point, a large humanoid with fish-like features and scales, and a lower body that appears to be a moving column of water, rises out of the river 20’ upstream of the bridge. It’s clad in damp, but well-made silk clothing that uses seashells as buttons. It speaks with a deep and clear, but slightly gurgly voice.

“Woe, woe upon you travelers, for I am Ghussam the Gregarious, and my siblings and I have been contracted to prevent travel in this region. I, specifically, am to prevent the travel of any living mortals across this bridge.”

Spoiler: Arcana DC 12

Show

Ghussam the Gregarious is a Marid, an aquatic type of genie.

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 HP: 17/17, AC: 15 Conditions: Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2 Bladesongs: 0/2

"Well I feel dead so..." Cassandra sighs quietly to herself, before addressing the being in front of them.

"Ghussam the Gregarious," she says with a bow, "Why don't we just... sit and talk for a while? We have travelled far and the roads have been dangerous, so some fine company would be nice."

[J-H]

Spoiler: Cassandra

Show

You can go look up the Marid statblock if you want. As far as this particular individual, you wouldn't have heard of him probably.
Marids on the Prime Material Plane is unusual, but he did mention being hired. Genies of all sorts can choose, or be forced, to serve for a contracted amount of time. They have a reputation for being extremely good at parsing the letter of the contract vs. the spirit of the contract if they are not happy with their instructions, or if they dislike their master / boss.

"If you wish to sit and talk for a while, let us do so. I regret that I am unable to offer you tea or refreshments. The current situation makes it untenable for me to forge the bonds of hospitality with those whom necessity may force me to harm."

[Bobthewizard]

Vidrik Oakheart Wood Elf Ranger AC: 15 HP: 28/28 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14 Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 Speak with Animals: 1/1 Conditions: +10' speed

Vidrik sighs at the marid stopping us. We were so close. But we are not powerful enough to fight a water geinie.

"Mr. Ghussam, may I ask who you have been employed by? And what were the specific terms of the contract? Do you need to keep us from crossing the river, or just keep us from using the bridge? Do you know if there are others blocking the bridges over the other rivers?"

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 HP: 17/17, AC: 15 Conditions: Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2 Bladesongs: 0/2

"That is a shame," Cassandra says, "A powerful and wise being such as yourself should not be kept from doing what they enjoy just because of a contract. Whomever this contract was made with must not appreciate the company of the living, but I can't imagine the undead we've met thus far make for good conversation."

She ponders for a moment. "You say you cannot allow any living mortal to cross this bridge, correct? So what if we crossed this river elsewhere? My friends and I are too weary to traverse such a strong current ourselves, but if you were to help us cross at a different point with your immense mastery over water then nothing would prevent us from enjoying each other's company a while."

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 27/32 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: No Reckless: No Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Sabian studies the strange creature ahead of them, a weird fish like person whose body is partially a water spout. He offers a curt smile then turns to the others and speaks softly, I don't know what this is, but with our numbers, we can defeat it. If not, I can shove it back over the edge of the bridge and we advance as far as we can before it returns. I think once we've made it across, it would be outside the bounds of his contract to give chase, as we've already crossed the bridge. Fighting is always an option for a Skellegue, especially when the alternative is fording 300ft of river at night with an army of undead at your back.

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 19/24 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.) "I'd like to avoid another fight. This one's talking, it's more than we can say for the zombies." Chloé hisses at Sabian under her breath.

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

Show

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 6 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[/QUOTE]

[J-H]

Spoiler: Summary

Show

Vidrik: Persuasion 14. Who is the employer? Terms of the contract? River, or bridge? Other bridges?
Cassandra: Persuasion 3 What if we crossed elsewhere?
Sabian: We can kill it!
Chloe: Let's not.

Ghussam looks at Vidrik, who appears to recognize the genie's power. "You may ask who I am employed by. I, in my turn, may choose to not answer, as a matter of professional courtesy. Although currently dead, he is rather powerful, and offending him would not be something done lightly. Exceptions were made for his servants, of course. I understand that he has placed a powerful curse on the region; you may be the last living mortals to come this way for some time."

Ghussam looks around. "I guard the bridge and passage across it. Just the bridge. It's a nice enough bridge for one built by the unlearned, but I have seen many better ones. I suppose the location does have a certain... quaint charm. It must be important for some reason though, as my brothers are instead moving along the rivers to prevent travel. If you see Hussham or Fasshuum, pass along my courteous greetings."

Unfortunately for Cassandra, Ghussam perceives her comments as insincere flattery, which works against her earlier success. He continues in his deep voice, which gurgles with watery sounds. "I chose to make this contract. The pay, which I shall not disclose, is good, and comes with the favor of a powerful entity should his plan succeed. In the meantime, I am not here to solve the problems of mortals for them. If you've heard any stories about genies held captive in bottles granting wishes or randomly fixing the needs of flesh-based life forms out of a sense of unwarranted generosity, I assure you that they range from outright lies to exaggerations spread through excessively numerous re-tellings where the truth is stretched farther and farther in the pursuit of coin or drink."

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 19/24 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.) While she can't say she knows much about the creature in front of her, Chloé at least knows a little about binding magical creatures - they tend to be magical, and this one is clearly water-oriented. "Did...did your contract come with any exclusivity clause? What would the cost be for your assistance in our crossing the river?" She's still stammering a bit, though this is more for fear of being smote than social anxiety - talking with a fish genie doesn't make her quite as antsy as some of those in the Order.

Spoiler: Persuasion

Show

(1d20)[6]

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

Show

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 6 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 HP: 17/17, AC: 15 Conditions: Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2 Bladesongs: 0/2

"It was wrong of me to ask for help. You are right, this..." she motions vaguely, referring as much to the bridge as the dangers beyond it, "...our problem to solve. I apologise, I did not mean to offend," Cassandra says politely, "It has been a long and difficult day and there has been far too much death to process."

When Ghussam mentions his brothers, Cassandra chokes up a little. Rudgar... "I have a brother too, but I don't know where he has gone. I don't even know if he's still alive. We got separated in the chaos. You would like him, though. He could talk the ears off of an elephant."

She chuckles a little as she wipes away a tear. "I wish he were here. He'd know what to do, what to say."

What would Rudgar say? "Use their strength against them."

"This bridge... As you say, it is nice enough for the unlearned... but you could do better, couldn't you? If you were to build a greater bridge than this, your talent would be immortalised. Just imagine how many would cross the Great Ghussam Bridge. Architects all over the world would come here to learn from and honour your skill."

[J-H]

(to Chloe) "As I said, I am not here to solve the problems of mortals. Were you not listening?"

"Hmmm... I could certainly build a better bridge, but it would take some time to retrieve the stones from the nearby cliffs and riverbeds. Perhaps after my duty here is completed. At that point, this may become a rather dreary place not worthy being adorned with a great bridge. I will keep the idea in mind, mortal."

[dangelo]

[QUOTE=dangelo;25943089]

Mustafa the Vampiralgietch Human Cleric 3 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Concentrating: --

Mustafa had refrained from interacting with the spirit, hoping his companions would be more articulate than him. However, as the conversation progressed, the way forward became foggy, and so he spoke his mind: "This spirit seems civilized enough that it warned us before attacking. Perhaps we can expect the same courtesy from his brothers who guard the river, and perhaps they will be more open to negotiation, or at least telling us what's going on. If that also fails, then we must regroup, determine our options and vote for the least worse of them."

[J-H]

Ghussam waves goodbye to you as you elect to swim across the river. "I see you have some insight. It will serve you well. I would bid you safe travelers, polite mortals, but it would be an empty gesture to do so."

Although the area around the bridge is not turbulent and full of rapids, it is an area where the river is narrower, and thus deeper and faster. You don't simply need to swim across the river - you also need to swim quickly enough to not be swept downstream a ways.

Spoiler: Athletics checks

Show

DC 15 to avoid being swept 1 hex downstream, still landing on the side of the river you want to.
Vidrik (1d20+1)[5]
Sabian (1d20+7)[21]
Chloe (1d20-1)[17]
Cassandra (1d20-1)[2]
Mustafa (1d20+4)[24]

Vidrik & Cassandra are being swept downstream.
Mustafa, Sabian, and Chloe succeed on your checks. Do those of you who succeeded want to roll a 2nd time to aid Vidrik or Cassandra? If so and if you fail the DC 15 on this roll, you're also carried downstream by the current.
If the party is separated, you simply land in 2 different hexes and have to spend 2 hours getting back together.

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 27/32 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: No Reckless: No Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 "I'd like to avoid another fight. This one's talking, it's more than we can say for the zombies." Chloé hisses at Sabian under her breath. Sabian shakes his head and hisses back, It's talking to let us know it will kill us if we try to cross the bridge. Better to strike first. He looks around behind them, We don't have time for pleasantries. The party continues to try to negotiate with the marid, but to no avail. Seeing no sign of its "brothers" near the river, they decide to cross where they are. As they leave the bridge, Sabian turns with some parting words for the marid, In my experience, everything I've crossed blades with is mortal, no matter how long lived. The water is cold, though the armor shields Sabian from the worst of it. The river moves quickly here, and they have to swim hard and fast. Before the group reaches the end, Vidrik and Cassandra begin to get swept away. Sabian reaches for Cassandra to try and get her to the other side. Spoiler: Swim! Show Athletics (1d20+7)[20] vs DC 15