As the group rummages through the useful supplies, Munkustrap sees nothing of real value on an open market, then refocuses that he is stranded on an abandoned island with little hope of rescue.
Malaise settles over him like a warm blanket as he shifts gear to the deck of the sinking ship. As they retrieve the items form the captain's cabin, and his love for Ileana is revealed, Munkustrap longs for the beach once again to find the end to this mystery, and why his precious life was caught up in it.
He moves over to the locked drawer.
Try as he might, he just can't seemed to open the lock.
After a close inspection of the damaged captain’s quarters, Thorion conjured a spell and began concentrating. The priest turned slowly within the room with a gaze that seemed to be fixed on an imaginary horizon. His eyes, which darkened during the casting of the spell, seemed to glow with a faint bluish color during the spells effect. Once the spell faded, the priest decided to comment on the captain's condition.
”It's possible that the captain was under the effect of a compulsion spell. His behavior sounds over drastic, even for someone who is smitten.”
After completing his inspection of the room, Thorion began to gather some of the useful items that the group discovered and started hauling them to a safe location off the ship.
Neltji helps the others as she can in searching the rest of the ship. However once it is seen that there is no more threat at all Neltji moves back to the rope and climbs back up. I will keep a watch up hear and help haul anything that needs brought up. We can worry about cataloging it later once everyone is safe and the ship cleared out of salvageable items.
Once that is done though then she will converse witht he others about what may have happened. It does seem like the captain was under some sort of compulsion. It is possible that Ileana slipped him a love potion of sorts. It is the easiest explanation thus far. Why go through the trouble of stacking our gear up though is a mystery.
If none of the keys work.
You all are able to make it back to camp where you overhear Gelik saying, ...never see those fools again! He then turns startled by your approach. Sasha laughs and says, I should have bet you! I knew they would be back! Even Ishirou smirks at Gelik while Aerys mummers softly.
Jask approaches with a huge smile. My liberators! He then begins to divvy out cooked sea serpent with planks of wood used for plates to each of you.
Once a campsite is established, it provides a safe place to rest out of the relentless heat of the sun, while the shelter and smoke from a campfire helps to ward off insects (reducing the chance of being exposed to disease to 10% per day). In addition, there are five roles that PCs or (more likely) NPCs can take up as part of their daily duties to further enhance the effects of a campsite, as detailed below. In order to fill one of these roles, the character
must spend the entire day pursuing the role.
Defender: A defender works to set traps, shore up ashelter’s walls, and see to the safety of the campsite. The first time in a day that a wandering monster or hostile creature attacks the campsite, the defender’s traps inflict 2d6 points of damage—divide the damage done as equally as possible among all attackers. Each additional defender
assigned to a campsite increases this damage by 2d6.
Entertainer: An entertainer helps to raise hopes for rescue—each entertainer grants NPCs a +2 bonus on Will saves to increase morale.
Guard: Each guard reduces the chance of a wandering monster attacking the camp during the day or night by 5% (minimum chance of 5%).
Hunter: Each hunter provides enough food and water for eight Medium creatures per day.
Medic: Each medic reduces the chance of being exposed to disease by 5% and increases the number of hit points healed naturally during a night’s rest in the camp by 2.
"It is strange." Rii-Chi muses as the group works. "The captain was a sensible man, a good sailor. To have acted like this... it is most unlike him. Maybe it was not the captain that saved us, but the First Mate?" He keeps busy, making sure that all the useful tools and equipment are saved.
On return to the camp Rii-Chi surveys the surroundings.
"I suggest we move further from the beach to establish a camp. We don't want to be too close to the sea. Under trees we will find shelter yes? We have tools too - to make shelter!"
To augment the much needed meal, Thorion began handing out fresh water from his water skin. Once the skin become depleted, he would conjure the magic needed to refill it. The task was daunting, but he knew that fresh water was imperative for the groups survival. Spell after spell the water skin became the reciprocal of plenty. Soon the task waned as each of the survivors received their share of fresh water. Once enough water had been distributed, Thorion sat down and consume his portion of the crab meat. The meal wasn’t pleasant, but considering the situation, it provided more than enough nourishment to allow the group to continue with what needed to be done.
As the day pressed on, Thorion took a short stroll around the area. He hadn’t spent a lot of time out of the city, but he had undergone some basic training in survival during his time as a healer in the military.
As they return to the others Neltji takes a last look at the ship and says a somber fairwell to it and th first mate. That last long look is filled with more sadness as well as she seems to withdraw into herself. She doesn’t engage with the other survivors as the camp. She simply goes about her business in gathering her supplies and following the others. She only answers questions directed at her and offers help when asked but doesn’t initiate it. When the food is served Neltji picks at it but doesn’t eat much. The only thing to really stir her is when Anthony crawls on her shoulder. She offers him a bit of food before sinking further into her funk.
Reverse timeskip
Rii-Chi waits for Caine to finish fiddling with the lock, before apply his nimble fingers and surprising strength to the task of extracting the drawer from the desk - which he does so after a couple of minutes.
Back on the beach, Caine does some looking about for a good camp site and apparently falls in a hole.
After digging himself out, the hunter ponders the fact that he has skills quite useful for this situation... if only he'd stop falling in holes.
Mischa rolls her eyes at Gelik as they return to the group.
"Thank you," Mischa tells Jask as she accepts the food he cooked. She sits down in the sand eats it hungrily.
"The captain caused us to crash here, and possibly even poisoned everyone." she tells the others. "Poor man had gotten obsessed with Ileana for some reason. Went mad." She shrugs. "Not that it matter now. What matters is survival. This place is said to have haunted beaches, so we need to move inland before dark. Set up a shelter of some kind."
She stands and shoves as much as she can carry into her backpack, then fills her arms with salvaged gear.
"This way."
With a nod to Thorion, Mischa remarks, "Nice find. This place will do nicely."
She starts putting out all the tools and equipment we have then sets to work building a shelter.
Unsuccessful, Munkustrap curses softly to himself as he rises to his feet. "Sorry friends, I did the best that I could ...." he stops in midsentence as Rii-Chi grabs the lock and begins a singular tug-o'-war to wrench the locked drawer open.
Laden with goods and sundries from the Jenivere, Munkustrap drops everything unceremoniously to the sand. "Nice to see you have been hard at work while we toiled on the Jenivere, Gelik. Oh wait, you have done nothing but work on your tan waiting once again to be rescued like a maiden fair. Why don't you put your pallid humour to use by livening up the mood in the camp and entertain us? Tell us a story of your adventures as a Waymaker .... no Pathlooker ... nope, what is that silly club called again with the Report ... Steal .... Murder motto again?"
After listening to their responses to Mischa's questions regarding the captian, Munkustrap is feeling a bit claustrophobic. "[b]"I for one would like to scout around a bit. Anyone care to join me?"
"Poor man had gotten obsessed with Ileana for some reason. Went mad."
Gelik scoffs, Are you sure it wasn't present company that caused it?
"Nice to see you have been hard at work while we toiled on the Jenivere, Gelik. Oh wait, you have done nothing but work on your tan waiting once again to be rescued like a maiden fair. Why don't you put your pallid humour to use by livening up the mood in the camp and entertain us? Tell us a story of your adventures as a Waymaker .... no Pathlooker ... nope, what is that silly club called again with the Report ... Steal .... Murder motto again?"
Gelik perks up at the insult. I'm entertaining how, I mean entertaining like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to entertain you? What do you mean entertain?, entertain how? How am I entertaining?
Gelik says with all seriousness. Then he laughs. I'll entertain you all, but some of you might not like my wit. It is razor sharp like those daggers you carry..or your claws.
"I for one would like to scout around a bit. Anyone care to join me?"
Ishirou grunts, I'll go. I could use the exercise.
"I for one would like to scout around a bit. Anyone care to join me?"Ishirou grunts, I'll go. I could use the exercise.
”I’ll join the two of you, if you don’t mind. I’m kind of curious to see where my cargo may have gone.” Caine adds.
”What do you make of the situation, Ishirou? Someone must have a plan for us or why would they put us on the beach?”
"Poor man had gotten obsessed with Ileana for some reason. Went mad."Gelik scoffs, Are you sure it wasn't present company that caused it?
Mischa looks at Gelik and raises an eyebrow.
"Are you honestly accusing ME of driving the captain insane?" With a frown she shakes her head. "If anyone's going to drive someone mad around here, it's YOU."
Then she ignores him and goes back to setting up camp.
Neltji pretty much ignores the back and forth between Gelik and the rest of the party as she follows along silently dragging her feet to the camp site. Undoubtedly there was work to do but she just couldn't bring herself to care much right now. She does cast guidance once or twice on those scouting about but that is about it.
You can tell that the incident on the ship has and particularly the death of the first mate has affected Neltji deeply. She was this bubbly extrovert that was asking questions and always trying to help even if it meant she was in the way. What is going on in her head though is hard to cypher though unless you ask her. If you can get her out of her depression though hopefully she will be back to helping out and contributing to the camp.
Munkustrap just gives Gelik a droll stare. 'It takes our mind off these dire circumstances to listen to you, Gelik. I care not for your humor, for with humor there should be concern taken for the recipient of so rapier a wit, and your humor seems more akin to malice, but to each their own. You are a smart man, you'll do fine."
Hearing both Caine and Ishirou accept his invitation, Munkustrap genuinely smiles. "It will be nice to have such able-bodied warriors to accompany me. I try to pass quickly and quietly, anything I can do to help you two do the same?
"Here Ishirou, let me fix the straps on your armor. Loose straps are prone to get caught on vegetation, or slap-flap against you as you move. Remember this is an abandoned island and the wildlife should be inbreed and skittish to say the least.
"Now that I am saying this out-loud I couldn't be happier to leave present company to explore the wilds with you two. This should be fun!"
Ishirou
"It will be nice to have such able-bodied warriors to accompany me. I try to pass quickly and quietly, anything I can do to help you two do the same?
I move fairly quietly. Ishirou says. As Munkustrap fixes the straps, Ishirou bows in thanks.
”What do you make of the situation, Ishirou? Someone must have a plan for us or why would they put us on the beach?”
Ishirou looks thoughtfully. [b[Hmmm...I put no faith in deities. We make our own choices in life and it is not due to the favor or disfavor of gods. He is quiet for a moment. [b]Ruling out divine intervention, we all have an opportunity on this island to make our lives better. He then looks around to and then continues on to Caine and Munkustrap. I have a collection of some old treasure maps, and if this is Smuggler's Shiv, then there might be treasure here. He looks around again as if they were being spied on. He pulls out a Map and points to a spot and says, There is supposed to be more than enough treasure for each of us and the others. He pauses for a moment, Well, maybe not Gelik. I really don't like that guy. He then grimaces at his own joke. What do you say, partners?
Gelik
"Are you honestly accusing ME of driving the captain insane?" With a frown she shakes her head. "If anyone's going to drive someone mad around here, it's YOU."
Gelik smirks, [b]Isn't a woman's job to drive men mad? Or is that just get them mad?
Aerys
Aerys staggers over and starts going through the supplies. You know, alcohol can be used to sterilize wounds. Did you find any of it on the wreck?
Jask
Jask laughs heartily when Mischa returns his gear. Thank you so much! I thought I would never see these things again! He then turns serious. I do owe you my life. One of the incriminating papers I found so long ago indicated that one of my superior’s contacts in the Shackles was a man named Avret Kinkarian. Kinkarian’s ship, the Brine Demon, reputedly wrecked here on Smuggler’s Shiv. I knows it’s a long shot, but I would love to track the ship down and explore the wreck on the off chance there could be more evidence somewhere aboard to prove his innocence. If you do find the wreck in your travels will you let me know?
Sasha
As Caine and the others get ready to go out and do some scouting, Sasha stops Caine. I know you are a hunter and tracker. I love wildlife. This island should be home to a flying creature called a dimorphodon. I know they are poisonous, but if you find me one, I promise to keep it under control. Please! Pretty Please! She says pleading.
Mischa smiles, "You're very welcome, Jask. If I find it, I'll be sure to check it out." After a moment she suddenly exclaims, "Oh, hey! Are you trained in healing? Would you mind looking out for the others around camp while I'm out tomorrow? I'm not sure what we've got planned, but I'll need to go hunting or exploring, at least."
Munkustrap looks at Ishirou. 'Partner." He spits on his hand and extends it. "Let's keep this to ourselves, for now. And Gelick stays none the wiser." Munkustrap looks at Caine to make sure he is on board.
Throughout the day, Thorion attempted to interact with a few of the survivors by making suggestions or general statements that he thought would be useful. The customary response to his unusual personality only heightened his resolve to remain on the sideline and help from there. He knew his social limits and the side effects of exceeding them.
In the distance the sun began to wane over the western horizon, while the coolness of the sea presented itself as a formidable advisory. The refuge of the camp would soon become the only haven from such hardships, yet the job of setting up the camp was far from complete. Wood beams, fashioned from freshly stripped branches, would provide an adequate fence line, while freshly weaved thatch would provide a temporary barrier from the elements. The smell of wood burning, in a newly fashioned pit, mixed with a heavy blanket of smoke that bellowed from the simi-green vegetation that had to be used as firewood. The camp was incomplete, yet the hard work was beginning to take shape.
As others in the group worked to create some semblance of organization, Thorion defaulted back into his solitary shell. With his hands swollen from the day’s work, he decided to take a moment and allow his body to rest. Sweet rolled down his face as he took comfort upon a modest size bolder that had been placed next to the camps fire.
It didn’t take long before Thorion noticed the change in Neltji’s demeanor. Under normal conditions he would have left well enough alone, but the young deckhand had become more than an acquaintance and he felt it would be prudent to check on her from time to time. After taking a moment to enjoy the warmth from the fire, Thorion walked over to Neltji, and then sat down alongside her.
“Is it just me, or do I detect a large gloomy cloud following you around?” The priest stated while braking a nearby branch into four small pieces and then tossing them into the fire.
Sasha stops Caine. "I know you are a hunter and tracker. I love wildlife. This island should be home to a flying creature called a dimorphodon. I know they are poisonous, but if you find me one, I promise to keep it under control. Please! Pretty Please!" She says pleading.
Caine shrugs. "I'll keep my eyes open, Sasha. But it's going to be second to finding water and watching out for other threats. Once we have that done and camp's in order, we could probably go looking for one."
"Yeah, Gelik rubs me the wrong way too. Consider me in on treasure finding," he extends his hand. "If someone managed to secure some valuables here and got a map out, then it means it's possible to get off this rock."
Neltji sees Thorion walk over and sit next to her. At first her guard was up but she eventually ralxed a bit around him. After all they had many ocnversations on the ship over the past few weeks. When he starts inquiring about her mental state she tries to play it off as nothing out of the ordinary. Yet they had spent too much time together for Neltji to convince herself or Thorion that nothing was amiss. Well since you ask Thorion yeah something has been bothering me. I thought I was going to be ok when we all woke up on the beach; however I was just fooling myself. I mean I was ok at first but once we went ont he ship and I saw the first mate dead like that it...it just really bothered me. That and reading about how the captain went crazy...They were the ones that were suppose to keep me safe. I was suppose to be with them and go to them if I had any problems.
Neltji's chest starts to heave as she tries holding back sobs. How am I suppose to get back to my family? How are they to know that I am still alive? How are they or myself going to hold on to hope that I will see them again? Lucas is turning 6 next week and Tommen is turning 4 the month after that. Will I ever see them again and tussle their hair or wrestle with them again?
Jask
Mischa smiles, "You're very welcome, Jask. If I find it, I'll be sure to check it out." After a moment she suddenly exclaims, "Oh, hey! Are you trained in healing? Would you mind looking out for the others around camp while I'm out tomorrow? I'm not sure what we've got planned, but I'll need to go hunting or exploring, at least."
Jask smiles warmly, I am somewhat trained in the healing arts, but I derive most of my ability through Nethys. After all you have done for me, I will gladly do all you ask of me!
Can I request the base camp rules get put on the campaign info tab for ease of reference?
Ishirou
Ishirou looks at the wet paw. If you want to do it that way, that is fine. I thought we would be making the pact in blood. He nonetheless shakes Munkustrap's outstretched paw. He likewise does the same with Caine.
"Yeah, Gelik rubs me the wrong way too. Consider me in on treasure finding," he extends his hand. "If someone managed to secure some valuables here and got a map out, then it means it's possible to get off this rock."
If we get off this rock then we will live like kings!
Sasha
"I'll keep my eyes open, Sasha. But it's going to be second to finding water and watching out for other threats. Once we have that done and camp's in order, we could probably go looking for one."
The girl is almost giddy. Thank you! Thank you! She says as she twirls around.
Thorion noded slightly with understanding while Neltji disclosed her feelings about her friends. After listening to her entire story, he drew a deep breath and then attempted to offer some wisdom.
“Life is a peculiar thing. At times it is impossible to understand and yet sometimes we manage to comprehend it, if only by chance. Death on the other hand is a subject that most of us try to avoid. Death brings with it sorrow, in the absence of a kindred soul that is no longer present in our lives. It also reminds us of our own mortality. A subject that we try very hard not to think about."
"I have been told that a man's longevity can be measured by those that have fallen in his path. Ultimately, Death is a reality that can't be overlooked. It lurks at every turn and stands dauntingly over us. It is the final price of life. When it is our time, we must answer the call. There is no choice in the matter."
"Your sadness reflects the fact that you will miss them and the impact they made in your life. Morn not their death, for they have transcended and made their way to Pharasma. Instead, celebrate their life and what they contributed to this world. Mortality is not a bad thing. Imagine a world where you live forever. Where you watch everyone around you die. An existence where you are truly alone. In the end, one lifetime is more than enough. To exist beyond that would be undesirable in my opinion.” After a brief moment of silence, Thorion concluded his thought with a simple statement.
“You will say goodbye in your own way and at a time you deem is correct. Once you have done that, hopefully you will be able to embrace your own life once more. As far as getting off this island is concerned. We will be successful if we were meant to succeed. Only the gods know our fate. That being said, we have a good group of resourceful individuals here with us and I believe that we have more than a good chance of succeeding.”
Munkustrap looks at Ishirou. "Blood? You're kidding, right?" he nervously laughs off the awkwardness.
Munkustrap keeps the conversation light, as the trio make a quick circuit around the makeshift base camp. "How abouts in the next day or two, we three say we might have found a potential well for some fresh water, and we take some digging equipment." Munkustrap looks at Caine as if to say You can carry that "We can head over and check out the first sight on that map, Ishirou. Sound good?"
Munkustrap cannot help the feeling of euphoria that comes over him, thinking about a buried treasure and riches.
Neltji gives Thorion a strange look as he begins to dispense his wisdom to her. It took a bit for her to fully understand what he was saying as she was lost in her own thoughts and feelings though. After a while though she started to figre out the meaning behind his words and could extrapolate the answers she needed. Thanks Thorion. While we may differ on our outlook of life and death and the will of the gods I still understand what you are talking about. There is no point mourning the loss of my family as they are not truly lost yet. Even if something should happen to them or me then we will be judged by Pharasma and will still see each other again in the afterlife. For now though there is still a chance that I will get to see them in this existance. The only way that is going to happen though is if I stop being so morose and help the others.
She jumps up then and gives him a huge hug before seeing what she can do to help the new campsite.
Blood? You're kidding, right?
Ishirou gives a non committed shrug and you still don't know if he was serious or attempting a joke.
"We can head over and check out the first sight on that map, Ishirou. Sound good?"
Ishirou gives a languid nod. Do you think we should bring the others? I heard it is a tremendous treasure.
"Tremendous treasure?" Rii-Chi interjects. "This sounds exciting, I will help!" The excitable monkey has been surprisingly quiet over the last few hours, simply helping out quietly and avoiding much social contact with all the people who he does not know as well. His strength and speed, so useful on board ship, are somewhat awkward here where he doesn't quite understand his role.
"So, where is the treasure?"
While it seems that Munk, Caine and IShirou are exploring the immediate vicinity Neltji helps out at the site itself looking it over and trying to help where she can.
survival aid
Not being too familiary with the island itself Neltji tries to map a crude area of the beach they landed on and the path they took to their campsite. That way should they need to get back to the beach she could follow the instructions with her compass and not get herself hopelessly lost.
While she is doing that she sees Aerys looking through the supplies.
Aerys
Aerys staggers over and starts going through the supplies. You know, alcohol can be used to sterilize wounds. Did you find any of it on the wreck?
Sorry Aerys but we found nothing of the sort. We did get the needed lumbar, rope and other items to make the campsite though. Perhaps there is is some buried on the island as this is a pirate's island is it not?
"This sounds exciting, I will help!"
Ishirou appraises Rii-Chi then gives a curt nod. He discreetly shows Rii-Chi the spot on the map. We will probably need the others except Gelik. We really don't want to cut him in.
Sorry Aerys but we found nothing of the sort. We did get the needed lumbar, rope and other items to make the campsite though. Perhaps there is is some buried on the island as this is a pirate's island is it not?
A flash of anger crosses the woman's face and then embarrassment. I hope you don't. I really wish I didn't need it so...
Her Reaction was only too telling I that clearly she was addicted to the alcohol. Neltji ,are a mental note that if they did find any alcohol to keep,it away from her. Yet she could not say that to her or risk alienating her or worse. Instead she tried to ease the situation a bit, My father only let me have a few sips now and then. I never really acquired a taste for the stuff but I can see how this situation would cause someone to want some. However wishing won’t make it happen. In fact Thorion had to help me with that idea just moments ago. Instead maybe we can work on something else to keep our mind busy. Are you a good cook that we could see if there is anything edible and plan a menu?
Diplomacy with a bit of guidance
Thorion seemed genuinely unmoved by Aerys’s request for alcohol, or the fact that the individual was rummaging around the camp’s supplies for the grain-spirit. Quietly, he stood off to one side and watched as Neltji fumbled for a proper response. The young deck hand’s attempt to be politically correct, on a subject that would most likely prove to be a major irritant, was an interesting sign of her recovery. In all, he was glad to see her begin to interact with others in her usual pleasant manner.
Mischa sighs. So much for hoping her alcoholism wouldn't become my problem. We've barely been here half a day and already she's trying to drown in spirits. She'll be trouble.
"Yeah, sorry Aerys." Mischa replies as she continues to work on the shelter. "If you're out of booze, we have none." With a sweet smile she adds, "Sterilizing wounds is a good use for it, though. If anyone does find some hand it over to Jask. He'll put it to good use."
Catching Jask's eye, Mischa winks.
"Good question, Neltji. Do you have any skills that can help make this more bearable, Aerys?" Turning to Sasha she asks, "How about you, Sasha?"
Ishirou appraises Rii-Chi then gives a curt nod. He discreetly shows Rii-Chi the spot on the map. We will probably need the others except Gelik. We really don't want to cut him in.
Caine scrutinizes Ishirou's expression, "I get not liking Gelik. But is there some extra bad blood between the two of you, Ishirou? I don't normally pry, but if the two of you are going to come to blows, I'd like to be forewarned."
Are you a good cook that we could see if there is anything edible and plan a menu?
Aerys thinks for a moment. Speaking of cooking, I have heard that viper nettle berries can help those that are struggling with the drink. If you can find some in your search of the island, I would really appreciate it.
"Good question, Neltji. Do you have any skills that can help make this more bearable, Aerys?" Turning to Sasha she asks, "How about you, Sasha?"
On the subject of cooking, I am not much of a cook, but I can help guard the camp at night.
Sasha pipes up. I can do some hunting. I have hunted in the outdoors before. Especially if I have a little dimorphodon by my side! She squeals.
"I get not liking Gelik. But is there some extra bad blood between the two of you, Ishirou? I don't normally pry, but if the two of you are going to come to blows, I'd like to be forewarned."
Ishirou shrugs. I wish him no harm, just don't have a use for a snobby bully. I have had to work every day of my life and that little troll hasn't done anything. I'd rather the treasure goes to those that deserve it, those that have worked their entire life then to those that have had everything handed to them.
"That will be wonderful!" Mischa replies to Aerys and Sasha. "We'll come to rely on both of you before this is through."
Mischa chuckles a bit at Sasha's excitement. "A dimorphodon? Why do you want one of those? Aren't they venomous?"
Sasha giggles. That is exactly why I want one!
Glad that Aerys has improved her mood slightly Neltji nods her head. Definitely. If we can find some of those viper needle berries we will make sure to collect some. Besides helping with drink, they may provide other benefits as well. It would do a lot of good to have an arrangement of medicinal herbs around. You never know what may happen. Also the needles may be steep in water to create a tea for those that are dehydrated.
know nature on berries to identify poisonous? likely local? etc?
With everyone pitching in, you are able to set up a base camp. That night you all spend a restless night in camp.
drink. But something big goes into your mouth as you do so, and you feel a sharp bite on your tongue. You drop the bowl, only to reveal a serpent had hidden in your soup that now dangles from your tongue as it chews furiously. You start awake, biting your own tongue in an attempt to bite through the snake’s body.
Mischa awakens with a sigh, still tired from a restless night of nightmares. After preparing her spells, she digs a hole, lines it with water and casts a spell, filling it with fresh water. She washes her hands and face in the water, with the soap from her grooming kit, then moves out of the way so others can do the same.
She hums an old, jaunty Varisian tune to herself as she brushes her hair, ties her sash around her head like a headband, and finishes getting ready for the day. Then she heads over to the fire pit and starts to cook up some of their left-over food for breakfast.
"Did anyone have a good night?" she asks.
After a while she goes back to humming to herself as she cooks and eats.
Neltji wakes up screaming in pain as blood pours from her mouth. Thrashing around she throws off her bedroll and blankets as her hands plunge into her mouth. Her hands look like they have been dyed red in the blood. Anthony raises his tail ready to strike but there is nothing around her that seems like a threat. Quickly though Neltji stops the hysterical screaming as the screams turn to sobs of pain and agony. Grabbing a handful of cloth she gingerly places it in her mouth to try and stem the bleeding.
Calling over Anthony she holds the scorpion in her other hand as she seems to talk to it. Something clearly happened though as a light shined through her mouth. Removing the cloth you can see the bleeding has stopped. The heeling was just of the tissue though and not of the mind as Neltji sits sobbing still rocking back and forth holding Anthony.
The night had been one of restlessness, which left Thorion in a cold sweat. The images of his dream haunted him, even in an awaken state. The nightmare reminded him of the gruesome end his parent’s met. Revisited memories of gore and the unyielding dead, caused Thorion’s hand to tremble slightly as he reached down to pick up his scythe. The nightmare was unsettling, yet he managed to maintain his customary granite-like expression. After regaining his composure, he stood quietly and listened to the inner conversations taking pace within the camp.
Munkustrap lays awake in his hammock under the freshly constructed shelter at base camp. As he gently sways from side to side the monotonous surf crashing on the shore drowns out the sounds as the other others toss and turn. The realization that he is stranded on an island, one that no one has reason to visit settles over him like a wet blanket. Panic rises in his chest. Would someone ever come? What if no one ever came and he was stranded with these people? These people he could barely tolerate with a potential dragon's horde of treasure. Would someone come to find him years after his death to find his bleached bones up top a pile of coins and gems?
Sleep came hours later, and fitful at best. He woke more fatigued than before to screams. Rolling off his hammock, he observed Neltji running for water. Staying out of the strange bond that had formed between her and Thorion, Munkustrap serectly hoped the overly abrasive man would take care of it.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he walks over to the camp fire and grabs some of Mischa's cooking. "I don't know what this was alive, but dead and cooked you have done a mighty fine job of making it palatable. Nice work." he compliments as he extends a claw to pick a morsel from between his teeth. "Ishirou, come one over and grab some of Mischa's fine cuisine." The catfolk hands the gruff man a plate. "Say, any chance you can shore up our defenses while some of us take a look around? Once we have a better bearing on camp and the area around us, we can see about that treasure on your map. What say you my new friend?"
Munkustrap, far from wanting the responsibility of being the leader of this rag tag group of cast always, nonetheless pipes up. "So, who has those maps we lifted? Anyone have any bright ideas of where we go from here?"
Caine wakes up in a cold sweat. At first, the vividness of the dream's imagery convinces him that he's still soaked from the sea. But then the sounds of other castaways moving about returns him to reality. Realizing he's not going to get any more sleep soon, the hunter gets up and stretches.
He joins the cluster forming for some morning repast. Looking about at other sleepy or haggard faces, he asks, "I take it sleep did not go too well last night for any of you either?"
Neltji remains in a ball rocking back and forth holding Anthony. She does not respond verbally to CAine or the others but shakes her head emphatically no! She remains like that for almost an hour just holding Anthony and rocking back and forth. Eventually though she gets up and starts moving about helping with the morning ablations. The food is a bit cool by then but she takes some, Th...thanks Mischka. I could use some food right now.
Once the food hits her belly and she starts feeling better with the sun coming up she goes over to Munk. I don't have the maps but if you want I think I could go along with you today. I could use some exercise and stretch the muscles. Being busy would help as well to keep my mind...busy on other things.