DM Alexander Kilcoynes Serpents Skull PbP- Chapter 1, Souls for the Smugglers Shiv (Inactive)
Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Savarend holds up his hands, "Easy, musty! Easy! Why don't you rattle your bone-box a bit and tell us who or what is Aeshamara?"

For the first part of the evening Chi and Gwen giggle and laugh as they tell stories to each other, some quite risque as Chi tells the stories of her mistress and her many 'visitors'.

When the spirit appears, Chi speaks quietly to Gwen and other gathered around. "This spirit still yearns for his love, we should ask what we can do to let his soul pass into Pharesma's care. At the very least, return what he seeks and let him rest peaceably, whatever his behaviour in life."

At the appearance of the spirit, Gwen's mind races. What have we taken from this spirit? Why has it not come before today? she wonders, her mind finally seizing upon a solution. She scrambles to find the locket with the picture, finally holding it up to the spirit's eyes.

Er det dette du vil?

...she asks the spirit, her heart hammering. Gwen pleadingly looks to Chi for assistance.

At the appearance of the spirit, Gwen's mind races. What have we taken from this spirit? Why has it not come before today? she wonders, her mind finally seizing upon a solution. She scrambles to find the locket with the picture, finally holding it up to the spirit's eyes.

Er det dette du vil?
** spoiler omitted **

...she asks the spirit, her heart hammering. Gwen pleadingly looks to Chi for assistance.

Ignoring Savarend, the ghost whirls round on Gwen, flames rising from the campfire as he snarls at her.

Yes, you dirty thief! Quit jabbering in your foreign tongue and give Aeshamara to me you devil! the Ghost says, reaching out for the locket. The wet, bony hand moves right through the locket- and Gwen's hand. Gwen recoils in pain as the icy hand chills her to the bone and infuses her with negative energy, but resists the pain and remains concious- dropping the locket in the process.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20Fort save pass.
3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) = 12Take 6 damage Gwyneth.

The ghost wails in frustration as his incorporeal hand continually passes through the locket.

So many years now... So close was I, to gazing upon my love's face once more, when the heart of Captain Kinkarian a-beating stopped... he mutters whimsically, still fumbling to open the locket.

Chi replies to Gwen, forgetting that she spoke in Celestial, "What Gwen, you think he wants that pretty little trinket back, the one with the picture of that nice half-elf?"

Chi turns to the pirate, "Is this what you want?", pointing to the opened locket with the picture showing. "Who is this beatiful lady? Can we help you anymore than just returning the locket, anything so that your souls can live together with Pharasma, when her time to cross the planes is come?"

Sorry about the ninja Chi, but it fits in nicely.

Chi scoops up the locket once more, opening the locket for the ghost to gaze upon the face of his beloved. The ghost pauses, staring at the picture, touches it tentatively with one hand and then disappears with a contented sigh, finally ready to meet his true death. The picture inside the locket slowly disappears, leaving the valuable locket in Chi's outstretched hand.

200XP each for bringing Captain Kinkarian the true death.

Who would have guessed that the notorious Captain Kinkarian had love for anything other than gold... Jask mutters in wonder. Here, Gwyneth, you don't look so good... Jask mutters as he channels his soothing positive energy and wraps a blanket around the young woman.

1d6 ⇒ 1
1d6 ⇒ 2
1d6 ⇒ 3

Chi steps back as the apparition disappears in front of the travelers, in the light of the fire. Her hand shakes slightly, before her face regains its color and a smile returns. "I don't know what to think, he was an evil man in life with no manners and seemed to take those features into the grave with him. But then again, once he could take his love's image with him, he was just a man in love. It is indeed a very strange island." She looks around to see Gwen's pallor pale and weak after the touch of the ghost. "Gwen are you alright, QUICK, Jask come help Gwen, she has been hurt by the apparition."

I keep taking too long to write my replies...LOL

Gwen begins to shiver uncontrollably when struck by the apparition, but the symptom abates once Jask channels Positive Energy.

Thanks, Jask - that was...odd. I am glad it occurred to me that he might want the locket - I thought it must be that, since we had just procured it today, and the girl inside was so lovely - reminded me of my mum, she did. It's almost a shame that the picture is gone now.

One thing is for certain... souls do not rest easily on this island, for whatever reason.

Second level is so close I can almost taste it!

I know! 367 XP to go, that's like 2 snakes, another NPC loyalty quest, and... a dimorphodon nest? Not much.

James visibly relaxes as the phantasm vanishes, saying nothing at first but simply finding one of the groups blankets and wrapping it around Gwen's shoulders against the shivering and the chill of the night. Then, squatting down in front of the two girls he looks them both in the eyes for a moment.

"Never doubt your value to us. I know you both often feel you are of limited use in our survival on this island, and that we are always having to protect you, but you two both possess a power of spirit far beyond any of us. I was helpless before that spirit, and you two appeased it with nothing but wisdom and kindness. I am proud to call you my friends."

Gwen smiles warmly before nodding off to sleep.

Midnight encounter-1d100 ⇒ 50 No encounter.

Dawn encounter-1d100 ⇒ 95 No encounter.

The group wake up, relieved to find no one has gone missing in the night. Gelik is on the dawn watch shift, yawning as he 'keeps watch' from his hammock. The group begin to go about their daily activities and make plans for the day.

Dawn, Day 6.

Gwen gathers the group to discuss how to proceed.

I believe we should begin to proceed southwest. I'm not sure how much further another hard Southeast march could take us, but I'd really like to see what lies along the other coast. Fairly soon we're going to be looking at moving the camp again, so we should probably keep an eye out for good places to move it to. With all this talk of indigenous people on the island, I'm finding I'm eager to determine who they are and what they're on about. Anyone object?

Just to back up a bit to the ghostly encounter...

Ambroze stands open-mouthed, the Abendego Cantos held before him and a dumbfounded expression on his face as he watches the spectral pirate rise from the campfire, rant and rail at the castaways, and then disappear along with the picture in the locket.

"Tha... tha... that was a REAL GHOST! Wasn't it?" the gnome scholar asks incredulously. He sits on the ground, stunned. "I mean, I've heard of ghosts before... read about them... but never SEEN one in real life... or death, I guess. And all he wanted was the locket... This island gets stranger and stranger..." Ambroze continues to babble for several minutes.

Now as Day 6 begins...

"I agree with Gwen that we should check all of the area in our vicinity. And since we're on the eastern side of the island now, let's also keep an eye out for that 'top of a hill with no jungle' that Ishorou told us about a few days ago. You know, the one that his map says has an old pirate's stash buried on it?" Ambroze suggests.

A ginger cat is seen returning early and wandering lazily into the encampment with a small rodent hanging from his mouth. He lays the dead rodent at Chi's sleeping form, before nuzzling Chi. Chi awakes to wipe the sleep from her eyes and a cat demanding attention and a stroke. She sees the dead animal and the cat with a satisified grin, pleased with himself. Chi, tickles the cat and a loud purring sound is heard, before with the other hand, she lifts the expired mouse and throws it as far into the forest as she can.

With yawn and a stretch, as she waves her arms high she speaks, "Morning everyone, another day when it's great to be alive. What are we doing today?" She moves to the fire and starts to cook breakfast. "Are we searching for those two treacherous souls who left us here or something else? You know Ambrose, I'd like to see the top of the hill, so we get to see maybe the whole island from up there?"

But you can tell from Chi's tone, she doesn't really worry what is decided, she knows the others in the group will make the right decision.

James grumbles a little about not continuing to follow the trail, seemingly obsessed with tracking down their tormentors, but he does concede to spending a day exploring in the other direction.

With the geographical knowledge you gleaned yesterday, your aware you have two choices that don't involve going south-west. First of all there is the western coastline that you have mentioned, but you could also explore the western river fork which appears to lead up onto a ridge overlooking both the eastern area you saw yesterday and the western coast. Which would you like to explore today?

Ishorou Will Save-1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20Success.

Ishorou seems to have fully recovered from his early melancholy, especially with Chi's relentlessly enthusiastic, cheerful and eager to learn attitude to being his student (ad hoced as a +2 bonus). His morale has now improved to hopeful, and everyone in the camp is in great spirits.

No more morale checks for now.

I know, James - I'm eager to find those two as well - but we can't leave the camp exposed to danger from cannibals or the Gods know what else. Had we no responsibilities but to ourselves, I would pursue them day and night, but given that these kind people have trusted us to be their eyes and ears so far, I feel as though we have a responsibility to keep them as safe as we can. Let's explore that western river fork, the ridge might afford us some view that will help us decide what to do next.

After two hours of following the river, you approach the height of the ridge where the river ends, and where you will be able to get a good overlook of the area. Tun'ada notices that there are subtle webs spun in the trees above you, and they contain the corpses of goats, vermin and even a dimorphodon. In addition, Tun'ada's keen eyesight allows him to spot the spider lurking 180 feet away in the webs, waiting for you to venture further. The spider is about the size of a fully grown lion, and is a pure, ebony black. Tun'ads gets the distinct impression your entering the spider's territory if you go any further...

8AM, Day 6

"Even the bugs are huge in this jungle..." James grumbles, "and I'll bet you it's poisonous just like everything else. It might be worth getting rid of, it's only a short walk from the camp and it is in our path."

Chi shivers at the sight of the webs and the spider. "I doubt my magics are much use against such a beast, but if we decide to take it on, I will try my best, and use my bow to aid you from distance."

The spider retreats out of sight, scurrying up another web where you then lose track of it... But your sure its just waiting for an opportunity to strike...

Tun'ada pulls his bow and readies an arrow should the spider show itself again.

I don't know if you need this yet or not but. Fort Save:1d20 + 3 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 4 + 4 = 12 (care of a healer, berries)

Nice timing on a "1" *grumbles*

Tun'ada pulls his bow and readies an arrow should the spider show itself again.

I don't know if you need this yet or not but. Fort Save:1d20 + 3 + 4 + 4 (care of a healer, berries)

Nice timing on a "1" *grumbles*

Ah yeah I forgot to ask for Day 5's evening fort save. Lootmeister thats another handful of berries gone, down to three handfuls now. Tun'ada took a turn for the worse again last night, and took 1d6 ⇒ 6 strength damage.

You wait a while but the spider doesn't reveal itself again. To get a good view from the ridge you will have to enter the predators territory.

Okay seriously, Tun'ada is in BAD shape. Why don't we go back to camp, everyone go on guard duty and build a ton of traps to dissuade wandering predators that may come across us while we sit still for a bit. The man is halfway to paralysis, he's in no shape to traipse around the jungle.

I could always just go feed myself to the spider....while it's busy the rest of you could be on your way ;)

I'm going to allow a re-roll on that fortitude save, otherwise known as Captain-Kinkarian's-Beyond-The-Grave-Hero-Point (TM). It doesn't sit well with me to have the party turtle while Tun'ada heals, although I know its the logical move.

As a fellow DM that doesn't sit particularly well with me, but in this case I'll take it. :)

Fort Save:1d20 + 3 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 4 + 4 = 14

OK...I'm really starting to hate the Paizo dice generator...

As a fellow DM that doesn't sit particularly well with me, but in this case I'll take it. :)

Fort Save:1d20 + 3 + 4 + 4

OK...I'm really starting to hate the Paizo dice generator...

14 passes, Tun'ada is no longer suffering from Red Ache and is currently on 15 strength. Ahem, so back at the dangerous jungle woods...

With that in mind, who wants to take on the big bad spider?

Let's go kill us a spider. I wonder if spider legs taste anything like crab legs? ;)

Venturing into the last section of forest, the group keep their eyes peeled for the large-sized spider Tun'ada spotted. Suddenly, just as Savarend spots it, the beast lands at the back of the group, ten feet behind Chi and lunges for her, the vermins eight legs skittering as they absorb the drop from the trees. The massive spider bites into Chi, dropping her instantly with a sickening crunch.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Chi please make me a fortitude save.

The good news is that the spider chose to attack Chi from ten feet away, so moving to her and healing her is not risky AOO wise. The bad news is that moving into melee with the spider will provoke an AOO due to its ten feet reach, unless you use a reach weapon etc.

Savarend made the perception check so he is able to act in the surprise round. One he's taken his action i'll post up the initiative order. The rest of you are all within 10 feet of Chi.

I told you she didn't like spiders...

Fortitude Save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

I'm joining Tun'ada on not liking the dice roller

Savarend charges toward the spider, his short dwarven legs pumping to bring him to the vile arachnid. "Rain in High Wind." He unleashes a number of quick and powerful side strikes.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 (20 total with charge)
Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Use Punishing Kick, Fortitude DC 13 or fall prone.

I told you she didn't like spiders...

Fortitude Save 1d20+2

I'm joining Tun'ada on not liking the dice roller

I'm quite fond of this dice roller for D20's, it tends to like me ;).

As Savarend rushes in the spider lunges to meet him with a deadly bite, striking Savarend and injuring him. The Dwarf retaliates, wounding the spider but failing to knock it prone.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Hit (-2 AC for charging)
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Damage
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Round 1 Initiative

Gwyneth- 17
Tun'ada- 16
Large Spider- 15
Ambroze- 14
Savarend- 14
James- 9
Chi- 8

James draws his polearm and rage charges the spider with it.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

1d12 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Seeing Chi fall, Gwen rushes to her side, channeling positive energy into her fallen comrade.

Guder, nei! Ikke min venn!

Standard Action: Cast Cure Light Wounds.
Move Action: Move to deliver the spell to Chi.
Free Action: Deliver the spell.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 HP healed!!

Longspear in hand, Tun'ada moves to attack the spider.

Attack:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

And the crap d20 rolls continue...

Fortitude saving throw

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

I don't get what is up with the Preview button. I pushed 'Preview' and the dice roller tells me I rolled a 19 for a total of 24. Then I push 'Submit Post' and I get this.

Fortitude save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Feeling Gwen's energy flow through her, Chi groggily gets to her feet, feeling weak from the surprise attack, blood still trickles down her arm from the magically healing wound. She looks at the spider as her eye turns black with green veins lighting the inky darkness.

Evil Eye hex on spider, -2 on attacks for 7 rounds, Will Save DC=15 to reduce to 1 round.

Preview button worked for my last post, saw a 6, got a 6.

Preview button worked for my last post, saw a 6, got a 6.

Hmm... I don't know what I did... DM AK, please take my lower roll to be fair.

Gwenyth wrote:

Preview button worked for my last post, saw a 6, got a 6.

Hmm... I don't know what I did... DM AK, please take my lower roll to be fair.

Previewed with default alias, then changed to Savarend to post? That will cause your roll to change. Best not to preview as a player anyway.

Savarend Whiteroot wrote:

Gwenyth wrote:

Preview button worked for my last post, saw a 6, got a 6.

Hmm... I don't know what I did... DM AK, please take my lower roll to be fair.

Previewed with default alias, then changed to Savarend to post? That will cause your roll to change. Best not to preview as a player anyway.

Ah, yes! That's exactly what I did. I usually preview for the purposes of flavor text, but I can try to avoid it. ;)

Round One Action:
Ambroze studies the massive black spider, trying to recall any information regarding the weaknesses of such a creature and the appropriate tactics for battling one. (Ambroze will relay any information he recalls to his companions.)

Knowledge (nature) check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

If the Knowledge check is sufficient, Ambroze will use his standard action to activate Bardic Performance: Naturalist - this will grant him and any allies within 30 ft a +1 insight bonus to AC and attack rolls and on saving throws against the spider's spell-like, supernatural, and exceptional abilities (including POISON) as appropriate.

Round One Action:

Ambroze studies the massive black spider, trying to recall any information regarding the weaknesses of such a creature and the appropriate tactics for battling one. (Ambroze will relay any information he recalls to his companions.)

Knowledge (nature) check: 1d20 + 9

If the Knowledge check is sufficient, Ambroze will use his standard action to activate Bardic Performance: Naturalist - this will grant him and any allies within 30 ft a +1 insight bonus to AC and attack rolls and on saving throws against the spider's spell-like, supernatural, and exceptional abilities (including POISON) as appropriate.

You passed the check yup.

The large spider continues to attack Savarend, the monk's reflexes not quite sharp enough to evade the deadly bite. The spider leaves Savarend bleeding out on the floor.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Ambroze begins to recant useful information about the spider, which turns out to be a giant black mamba. James roars and joins the fray, significantly wounding the beast.

Chi, standing up from prone will provoke an attack of opportunity. You can evil eye from prone if you wish. Please confirm your action. As you failed your fort save this round Chi, take an additional 1d2 ⇒ 2 strength damage and i'll need a new save next round.

Savarend is now at -7 hp.

Fortitude save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

At least the Fortitude save came through...

Just saw Deevor's request to bot Chi.

Chi remains prone, and her eye flares with her magick, but the spider appears to entirely ignore the effect.

Gwyneth and Tun'ada are up. To reach Savarend, Gwyneth would have to move through a threatened sqare, so if the spider has combat reflexes thats an AOO.

Round 2

Gwen steps backward slightly, taking pains to avoid the spider's reach. As she raises her arms to the heavens and closes her eyes, a wave of positive energy washes over the party, but avoids the spider.

Move Action: 5-Foot step back.
Standard Action: Channel Energy.

Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Tun'ada, while trying to avoid being biten, strikes at the spider with his longspear.

Attack:1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21 (naturalist)
Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11