With the defeat of the dark Dryad and surviving many of the islands others challenges, the party is well on their way to becoming the Shiv's masters...only Ieana stands in their way...
Init +1 Perception +12 AC 20 Tch 13 FF 19 HP 59 Fort+7(+8 vs disease) Ref+3 Will+8 Spd 20' CMB +11 CMD 23 Acro-2*Climb+6*Esc Art-2*Spellcraft+5 Stealth-2*Swim +6 ACP -2 (shield)
Nim is sitting cross legged in the grass as you approach. His eyes are closed and he seems to be breathing deeply. As you get closer he opens his eyes and stands, nodding to the group. He listens quietly as each of you speak, and when he responds, it is obvious the anger is gone.
I am sorry for my outburst. Although I stand by what I said, I should not have lost my composure. My frustration springs from the fact that many creatures we encounter on this island presuppose to judge our worth to serve their ends. It seems to me that the same standard should be applied to them by ourselves. I do not see why should take orders from some tree harpy we just met. Has she proven herself worthy of our assistance? It is nothing to offer a reward for a job when those doing the job may never return to claim it. We are to risk our lives with nothing more offered than her word and promises?
That being said, much like the rest of you, I planned on visiting the grey island from the moment I saw it. Something about it did not sit well with me, and if the dryad is to be trusted, we now know why...
I will go, but it is not because she asks...
...I could care less about seeing her again. I am not a puppet on a string to be worked...
Nim looks to the treetops and adds, And the same goes double for the mountain devil! I shall remove its head if it shows itself to me!
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim archetype) 6
Mihai sighs "Regardless of the isle of blight, I see a choice of two paths laid out for us. The devil seeks the death of the dryad and if we do not kill the dryad, then the devil will seek our death. If we walk from this hill leaving her breathing... then our first action must be to slay the mountain devil."
Init+3, Perc+2,AC19/14/15 HP 37,Frt+5,Will+4,Ref+4,Spd 30',CMB+5,CMD 19,Str 14, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 10
Smiling at Nim's words and gripping his sword. I would like to see this blighted island as well. If there is something there that one of our puppeteers fears mayhap we could find a way to use whatever it is to manipulate them!
Corbius nods at Mihai's words as his eyes scan the horizon looking for the devil beast approaching as if expecting it to appear any moment.
I agree that we must deal with the mountain devil. Perhaps we could ambush it somehow?
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
Ack! Attack of the bold! Nothing but dialogue in this post, so un-bolded for eye safety.
"So I count Aedalis, Nim, Corbius, and myself in favor of at least going to the grey isle and exploring it. I think that we are ready to give Aycenia an answer (of sorts), although Tragershen is quiet and Mihai speaks in riddles; but she can wait, as she was not entirely forthcoming with us."
"We also need to settle the question of what to do next. I must say, Mihai, your last riddle has caused me to reconsider. If we make killing the Red Mountain Devil our top priority, then going back to camp and setting an ambush is not the most direct way of accomplishing it."
"When I suggested that, I was thinking in terms of 'the more hands the better'... but what's true against human cannibals might not be true against a single powerful monster. Perhaps it would be better for us to simply head directly to the Red Mountain first thing in the morning, and settle the matter at our own choice of place and time. This idea appeals to me more, because what kind of hunter waits to be attacked at his home with his friends? We know where our prey lives; let's go there."
"The devil has been keeping tabs on us, that we know. If we fail to deal with it quickly, it will certainly start to pick us off one at a time. And if we are weakened in dealing with the blight, coming off that island would be a perfect time for the devil to deal with us. While I am in the camp that believes we need to deal with the devil quickly, I would be willing to address the blight first if the majority feels that way."
After a moment's thought, Tragershen adds "Does anyone think there is a way we could deceive the devil into thinking we have indeed dealt with the dryad as he demanded, and would it be to our advantage to do so?"
You have to admit though that the Dryad and the red hued Oak tree have your curiosity up. You have never seen an Oak with that coloration before. Of course you have not met many Dryad's before so it is unknown to you if this is part of the relationship between the two. Maybe Aedalis or Tragershen might know more.
Aedalis:
You are a little more cautious than the others about dealing with this creature. You guess that facing the Chupacabra without a significant advantage may lead to one or more deaths of this group...
You are discussing when Pezcock appears. I see, werrrrrupt, that you came back alive. That is good. I was worried. You are discussing your next steps no? I can guide you somewhere if you need it? Of course it is late. he looks up into the sky towards the soon coming night.
Init +1 Perception +12 AC 20 Tch 13 FF 19 HP 59 Fort+7(+8 vs disease) Ref+3 Will+8 Spd 20' CMB +11 CMD 23 Acro-2*Climb+6*Esc Art-2*Spellcraft+5 Stealth-2*Swim +6 ACP -2 (shield)
Nim remains quiet after having said his bit, listening to the others debate the merits of one course of action over another. He eventually shrugs his shoulders and offers little by way of opinion. I go as the group decides...
In response to Tragershen's question Nim adds, Doubtful. Both because we likely do not possess the means, and because it would require a certain level of trust and co-operation from the Dryad...
Nim follows Pezcock's gaze and agrees. It is getting late. Do you think that we could make camp near your home this evening? We would be most appreciative...
DM:
I thought the tree was a Banyon tree? ;)
Aedalis:
At some point after leaving the Dryad's hill, Nim makes a point to pull you aside and ask your opinion of the Dryad's bonded tree. I have to admit that the red hued Banyon tree has my curiosity up. I have never seen one with that coloration before. Of course I have not met many Dryad's before so it is unknown to me if this is part of the relationship between the two. I thought maybe that you might know more...
Tragershen:
At some point after leaving the Dryad's hill, Nim makes a point to pull you aside and ask your opinion of the Dryad's bonded tree. I have to admit that the red hued Banyon tree has my curiosity up. I have never seen one with that coloration before. Of course I have not met many Dryad's before so it is unknown to me if this is part of the relationship between the two. I thought maybe that you might know more...
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
Anton looks at the sky with a skeptical eye, holding his chin thoughtfully. "I don't like traveling in the dark. I might as well be blind for all I can see at night. I think it would be better for us to take the dryad up on her offer to camp on this hill."
Everyone:
I just felt like getting in on the spoiler action. Mission accomplished! :p
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim archetype) 6
"While I do not trust the dryad... I am confident that she needs us and would leave us unharmed. We also know that we are safe from the devil here... I would side with Anton and propose we make use of her invitation."
Mihai's spell loadout will change post-rest, will confirm once I've settled on the details
Based on Nim's request, Tragershen closes his eyes and focuses. Can he recall having heard anything in his lectures or read anything in his studies about red banyon trees, or strains of dryads that may have unusual red trees? Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Anton:
Spoilering is awesome! All the cool kids are doing it!
Pezcock confirms that you can't reach his "nest" before dark.
The jungle seems very quiet around here. Much more than you are used to. The night seems to pass without incident though other than one bird that sits up in a tree staring at you intently...in an almost odd way...
Sometime in the night it disappears but you are quick to notice another bird in a different tree seeming to be watching you as well.
Aedalis & Tragershen:
Going off of Aedalis original check & Tragershen's which was bot good enough to know these facts:
Dryads are benign guardians of trees, and though they can do little in the way of direct violence, they can trap and disable threats to their homes or turn enemies into allies.
Some keep one or more charmed humanoids in their territory to fend off or lead away attackers. Incapacitated foes are typically dragged to the edge of the forest by the dryad’s allies and left there, but evil or overtly hostile ones are killed once combat is over.
Two things strike you as odd. First the Dryad seems to be deceiving according to Mihai which is a little out of character from what you have heard about them, also the coloration of the tree is not something either of you have heard before. Usually they bond with a tree but it has no visual effects.
2nd of Neth
You awake the next morning feeling good and refreshed. What are your plans?
HP 39/30, AC- 11 (15 MA) T- 11 FF- 10 (14MA), CMD- 12, F +6, R +4, W +7, P +7, In +5
Sorry guys, been quite ill today and barely made any posts anywhere. DM, could you bot Aedalis and tell Nim what he wants to know? Got a 29 on the earlier knowledge (Nature) I believe. I'll be turning in for the night quite soon so don't want the group waiting on me.
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
1st of Neth
Unable to come to a decision before bedtime about their next course of action, the intrepid adventurers inform the deceitful dryad that they'll explore the grey isle on their own schedule and for their own reasons. Maybe they'll even do something about the blight while they're at it.
2nd of Neth
Although the bird watching them is far more likely a minion of the nature fey whose hill they're on than of an arrogant, man-eating monster, Anton is disinclined to take chances. He shoos it away, slinging a pebble in its general direction as a warning shot. Privacy obtained, he broaches the big question: "So. What next?"
"Do we go straight to the Red Mountain to kill its Devil? Back to the ruins to set an ambush? Something else? This is not a case where my skills at exploring give me any advantage. I favor the direct approach, but I've been known to be wrong -- rarely, but it happens -- and I'd like to hear more perspectives."
Init +1 Perception +12 AC 20 Tch 13 FF 19 HP 59 Fort+7(+8 vs disease) Ref+3 Will+8 Spd 20' CMB +11 CMD 23 Acro-2*Climb+6*Esc Art-2*Spellcraft+5 Stealth-2*Swim +6 ACP -2 (shield)
I must admit I am totally lost with the map... it has not been updated to reflect any of these changes to our intended course. Could you please give me a list of the hexes that need changing from the last map below?
We are at a point where you have pretty much seen the entire island from her hill and your travels. Here is the map and I marked where the Dryad is. Pezcock's crab is in U16.
Link: SS Map
Init+3, Perc+2,AC19/14/15 HP 37,Frt+5,Will+4,Ref+4,Spd 30',CMB+5,CMD 19,Str 14, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 10
I agree chasing the beast into it's home territory is to dangerous. It would be better to draw it in somehow and attack in a situation of our choosing.
HP 39/30, AC- 11 (15 MA) T- 11 FF- 10 (14MA), CMD- 12, F +6, R +4, W +7, P +7, In +5
Aedalis shook his head slowly as he finally weighed in.
I know more of these Chupucabra's than any of you. This is not arrogance speaking, but simple truth. I've researched such creatures extensively and this one dwarfs even the "usual" others of its ilk. Without a clearer advantage, lives will be lost. The beast clearly fears the Dryad he pointed out as he continued to reason.
And perhaps with good reason. Mihai seemed sure she tried to deceive us, which is not at all in character for a normal Dryad. Add to that the strange colouration of her tree- once again, this is not something a Dryad's influence should have on it. I suspect much as we are not dealing with a normal Chupucabra, we are also not dealing with a normal Dryad. Perhaps its something to do with this island, some latent magical aura that twists its inhabitants. After all... the walking dead? Cannibalism? The strange Dryad and the powerful Chupa?
Aedalis petted Tilsini as he came to his conclusion.
We are not ready to face it- not yet. Chasing the beast or trying to attack it now is not a logical course of action. This Dryad gives the beast pause. We do not- and only one of these two forces on the island is actively promising to slay us if we do not do its bidding. No matter how the Fey has offended you, put away your pride- we would do well to secure an alliance with her. We should deal with the grey island. For one thing, we have others depending on us. The sooner we can secure an alliance and move our camp to here, where the beast dares not come, the safer they will be.
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim archetype) 6
Mihai's voice does not change in timbre, but you can sense a certain tightness to his face and jaw as he responds "The wood witch is tied to her tree and cannot help us beyond this hill... she cannot protect us or those that rely upon us back at the ruins. The mountain devil watches us, and will know that we have visited the witch and not slain her when we walk from this hill. What are we to do when it comes calling?"
For clarity - Mihai believes that the chupa is likely to visit us as soon as we leave the hill. When it finds out we haven't killed the dryad, he's deducted that the chupa will try and kill us... or go to kill our friends at the ruins camp.
At this point he isn't currently concerned about alliances or the tainted isle - just surviving once the devil realises we haven't killed the dryad.
HP 39/30, AC- 11 (15 MA) T- 11 FF- 10 (14MA), CMD- 12, F +6, R +4, W +7, P +7, In +5
We tell it we are going to use whatever she is so afraid of on this grey isle to slay her. If it even notices. You cannot assume its watching us all the time, especially in this place. A chupacabra has needs.
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
Anton listens intently to his new friends. "I'm an optimist and a realist. I think that if we have special knowledge then we should use it, and that if it's a possibility that we're doomed then we should ignore it. There's no point in planning to fail."
The well-armed halfling leans forward where he sits on the pleasant hill, sun shining and birds tweeting in the background. "I trust that Aedalis knows what he's talking about -- and Mihai, you said yourself that Aycenia was understating the chupacabra's threat. If we're outmatched, then so be it. I change my vote to go back to the ruins, spend a night in comfort with our friends, and then check out the blighted islet."
"Maybe the mountain devil watches us, and maybe we're not actually as important to it as we think. If one of those means probable death, and the other means that at least we have a chance, then I'll take that chance and deal with it if I'm wrong." Done with his impassioned monologue, the emotional ranger leans back.
HP 39/30, AC- 11 (15 MA) T- 11 FF- 10 (14MA), CMD- 12, F +6, R +4, W +7, P +7, In +5
Aedalis felt Mihai was stating the obvious but he respected the man's companionship- he had been through more with him than the others.
I never assumed it was not, but it seems objectively, unlikely. It fears this place- why would it venture inside merely to watch us? It is an arrogant beast; I do not believe it would even consider that we wouldn't do its bidding. If it watches the hill from afar, it cannot watch each direction at once.
Aedalis added another thought.
Travelling at night with minimal night would minimise the risk of encountering it still further. It can see in the dark like a Dwarf or Orc, but its vision is limited in this regard much like those races. If it does seek to pick us off one by one though, the advantage is with it in the night more than ever.
Aedalis smiled at Anton in gratitude for his kind words. The older man gave his final counsel and put his motion to a vote.
I feel we should make for the grey island today- we secure an alliance and a safe haven with a more reasonable ally than a blood-thirsty, predatory magical beast. The island even gives us something of an alibi if the chupa confronts us en route- it probably knows the Dryad fears it. Are any of you in favor of this idea?
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim archetype) 6
In truth Mihai did not disbelieve their words, but merely wished to ensure that the path tread was known and the risks understood. He gives a mild nod before stating "I will walk with the group"
You decide to head to the gray island. After a quick discussion with Pezcock it is evident that due to the tides you have to cross early tomorrow morning so you will probably spend the night by his crabshack.
You make your way back through jungle and trails and get back to his shack just before noon. Perched on top of the shack is the Red Mountain Devil.
Pezcock freezes at the sight of the beast....at about 50 feet it speaks to you.
So have you made any progressss against the wood witch? Probably not unless you carry her head in one of those sssacks?
It continues to talk before you even answer...
I guess the other humansss decided to strike against your camp again while you were gone. They carried off two of your people back to their camp. I care little for their fate, but I thought it another sign of my good will towards our deal. Kill her for me otherwise I will grow tired of our little game and decide to turn my attention to you. Though you might want to get your humans back before they end up as food for the man-eaterssss. You have three more nights to fulfill our deal before I decide you are now my prey...
You only have a few seconds to say anything back to it before it starts to fly off.
Aedalis, you are fully surprised by the intelligence this creature is showing. You have never heard of an example of one like this before...a rare find indeed.
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim archetype) 6
Mihai feels a coldness around his heart that his fears were realized... or at least seemed to be so. He did not speak, as apparently the creature was disinterested in their thoughts... but he did study the devil...
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
...to try and ken if the devil was truly as disinterested as he stated. It seemed to be going out of it's way to attempt to force them... perhaps it was behind the cannibals being sent to attack the ruins camp again?
HP 39/30, AC- 11 (15 MA) T- 11 FF- 10 (14MA), CMD- 12, F +6, R +4, W +7, P +7, In +5
Why does the Wood Witch fear the Grey Island? We need more time to use it against her! Aedalis shouted at the beast.
After-
I suppose the grey island will have to wait- but once we rescue the others, I think we should relocate them to the Dryad's grove. She will have to take it on faith that we will deal with the island promptly afterwards.
The Red Devil gives Aedalis a wide toothed little grin as it begins to lift to the air, Whatever isss on that island is not natural and growing...she is tied to this island so it is probably one of the few thingsss it fears.
If you speak with the wood witch, don't trust it...or you will disappear like the others. and it lifts to the air, heading east.
@ Mihai, You sensed no disception from the Red Devil on either of its statements as far as you can tell. Maybe it just believes what it is saying. Of course it is a little harder to read this creature's body language than the humaniods you usually deal with.
Init +1 Perception +12 AC 20 Tch 13 FF 19 HP 59 Fort+7(+8 vs disease) Ref+3 Will+8 Spd 20' CMB +11 CMD 23 Acro-2*Climb+6*Esc Art-2*Spellcraft+5 Stealth-2*Swim +6 ACP -2 (shield)
Nim had begun to heft his spear in anticipation of hurling it at the Red Mountain Devil when it appeared before them. Before he could get a clear shot, the thing had had its chance to speak and Nim lowered his spear. Nim's mind raced... Who has been taken? Sasha?! Nim cursed under his breath. Nim almost threw his spear at the retreating monster out of anger alone, but stayed his hand as he knew a more important fight awaited them elsewhere. Your time shall come devil! Nim thought to himself.
Agreed. The grey island waits for now. Rescuing the others from the cannibals obviously takes priority. Nim shakes his head as he adds, I do not agree however that they should be left with the Dryad. We do not know enough about her... and things don't seem right. I just don't trust her!
Her tree... the red color... the color of blood... the fact that both the devil and the cannibals have stated that those that cross her disappear. That is unlike any Dryad I have heard of. This all leads me to believe something is seriously amiss with her. Even the devil fears her... and she doesn't seem concerned that it wishes her dead.
Nim nods to Pezcock, in reply to his request. Of course. It was my preference all along.
Turning to the others, Nim asks, Do we trust the devil at its word and make for the cannibals directly? Or should we return to camp first? If the devil lies, and the cannibals have not carried off some of our number, he is just trying to provoke another clash. If he speaks the truth and we delay, will it be too late for those taken?
If the cannibals bested our camp... why did they take only two? The endless possibilities swirl in Nim's mind... If we return to camp we will be stronger in number, and I am sure they would wish to know that we are attempting a rescue...
He throws back his head and yells at the sky in frustration.
Regaining his composure he remarks, What say the rest of you? Make for the cannibals directly or back to camp first?
What kind of delay/time frame are we looking at? What kind of delay are we looking at if we return to camp first before going looking for the cannibal camp? Do we even know where the cannibals are specifically?
You are probably looking at about a day's delay if you return to the camp and then go against the Cannibals.
Pezcock knows where their camp is and after a brief discussion you can barely get there before dark today or go back to your camp and then possibly get there at the end of the day tommorrow.
Pezcock stands there almost shaking with fear, It knows where is live...I am no longer safe. Can I travel with you for the time being?
"I would only put forth one condition. Should you decide to resume your solitary ways, let us know first before departing our company. We certainly wouldn't hold a choice like that against you; you have done remarkably well here on your own! But you see how me are, choosing now to go after our companions taken by the cannibals. If you were to disappear without word to us of your decision, we would fear for your safety and unnecessarily try to seek you out."
Tragershen makes a mental list... Cannibals, Blight Island, Red Mountain Devil, dryad... They certainly have their work cut out for them.
I'll check Tragershen's spells in a bit to see if they need adjusting before pressing on.
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim archetype) 6
Mihai sighs the roads are not easy... but they must be walked. "Aye Aedalis, let us make with haste for the cannibals. Even if the devil is lieing to us, then they are a similar blight upon this island that we would do well to excise."
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
"The cannibals for sure. They demonstrated a clear lack of self-restraint in the battle. If the beast tells true, then one dinnertime could be one too many; if false, well... I've been wanting to end their threat anyway." He looks off into the distance thoughtfully and pulls out an average, ordinary dagger that looks rather large in his hand.
"This belonged to a friend that I cared about very much. It's not my only momento of her" -- he shows an iron holy symbol of Desna -- "and I'm fairly groaning under the weight of all my weapons. Would you like to use it? Just in case." Anton spins the dagger in the air briefly, catching it by its sheath and presenting it hilt-first to Pezcock.
Init+3, Perc+2,AC19/14/15 HP 37,Frt+5,Will+4,Ref+4,Spd 30',CMB+5,CMD 19,Str 14, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 10
Corbius bristles at the news that the cannibals have again struck at the camp his hand clenching in frustration. After watching the beast fly away he listens to the discussion of the others as they decide what to do his jaw clenching steadily throughout.
Quote:
Turning to the others, Nim asks, Do we trust the devil at its word and make for the cannibals directly? Or should we return to camp first? If the devil lies, and the cannibals have not carried off some of our number, he is just trying to provoke another clash. If he speaks the truth and we delay, will it be too late for those taken?
If the cannibals bested our camp... why did they take only two? The endless possibilities swirl in Nim's mind... If we return to camp we will be stronger in number, and I am sure they would wish to know that we are attempting a rescue...
Although I do not trust this beast it seems unlikely that he would distract us with such measures if his true priority is the death of the Dryad. Why send us on a fools errand and give us an ultimatum as to when the witch must die? I think he tells the truth when he says they were carried off but I do not understand his motivations in sharing this information with us. it does not help his cause or speed us up? Beyond trying to convince us of his trust worthiness there is no benefit.
I agree that we should seek these cannibals out to rescue or companions though I worry for the fate of the ones that remain at the camp. We should act quickly however, I hate to think about what might happen to them if we were to delay.
I aslo wonder how they knew we would be gone and were so willing to attack us even though we recently bested them so easily.
Corbius grinds his teeth in frustration at any delay and is clearly ready to recovere the others.
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric (Varisian Pilgrim archetype) 6
Mihai agrees with Corbius' assessment "Aye, the games of beasts and fae are beyond the ken of my mind. But as you say, we have trust enough to think it speaks truth of our companions' plight. Let us walk in faucibus mortis"
in faucibus mortis - into the jaws of death
I had thought we rested on the hill, but double checking the thread it looks like we set off to the crab-shack first, intending to rest there?
Between Anton and Pezcock you find the way to the Cannibals camp avoiding several more traps. The way was almost entirely on trails so you traversed the distance in suprising time pushing hard to get there as soon as you could.
Pezcock stops you when you can hear the ocean and the gulls squaking. He tells you that the trail rounds a corner and then goes up towards their camp that sits near the cliff face. Pezcock also tells you that there is a good view down the trail from the camp so it will be hard for you to approach that way without being seen.
The only other way up appears to be thick jungle and a moderate slope.
How do you plan to approach and any other plans for assaulting the camp? Looks like getting to the top may take longer than minute duration spells so you will probably want to hold onto those.
You were told some information about the camp, see below:
1. How many does the remaining tribe number?
I think there is at least this many again alive. Although some of our number are always out hunting for food.
2. Any notable members? Their specialized abilities?
Malikadna, she is the Witch of our village. She has always been. She is the one that gives new leader his power. You kill all three of our best warriors...she will probably lead until someone new claims the right to leadership. She has very bad magic...I have seen her wither someone who displeases her into a corpse with her magic. She also curse you if you displease her.
3. Location of the tribe's camp? Travel time from here to there?
Ort points South-SouthWest, Go that way for half a day until you get to the trail. Follow the trail in that direction, if you run for half a day you may just get there. It is on the coast at bottom end of Island. he looks at your group, You not know jungle or trails, it take you two days...most likely.
4. Defenses of the camp?
We have scout watching trail up to camp. Also Shiv Dragon watches the trail up and attack anyone who not one of us. Can smell the difference, you will not smell right.
5. What does he know of the "night visitor"?
What is a night visitor? Ort not understand???, Corbius describes the creature that he encountered, Ort grows fearful and starts babbling. It takes you a few minutes to calm him down, That the Red Mountain Devil. We sacrifice to him once per moon to keep him happy. If he grows dipleased with us, hunters disappear. We were going to give at least one of you to him...please not give Ort to Red Mountain Devil. We hear the screams sometimes from his mountain if we grow too close, he eats very slow...
6. Other notable locations or inhabitants of the island?
Hmmm, we hear of the wood witch that way. he points more to the SW, If we go to close to her home, hunters also disappear.
Also crazy bird man lives over there points more over to the west-southwest area, he probably good eating, but he is fast and smart. We not capture him yet for the table.
7. Is he aware of a way off of the island?
No way off, this our home, me not want to leave, you stay here long time, maybe you become chief? Life hard here but hunting good! You kill Klorak, you should claim title of Chieftain! I support your claim, what you think?
Init +1 Perception +12 AC 20 Tch 13 FF 19 HP 59 Fort+7(+8 vs disease) Ref+3 Will+8 Spd 20' CMB +11 CMD 23 Acro-2*Climb+6*Esc Art-2*Spellcraft+5 Stealth-2*Swim +6 ACP -2 (shield)
Reporting for duty!
Thanks again for the invite Stephen. Let the great game begin! :)
Will stat up Nim later today... when you next see him he will have changed from wiry and sturdy to completely ripped... as I am going to focus on melee with Nim since we seem to be a casty bunch! :)
Lets get this show on the road. I am hoping to start the 1st chapter on Monday. That is contingent on everyone being able to complete their characters by Sunday night.
If you see a problem due to the holiday or personal reasons let me know, not a big deal, just trying to gauge everyone's availablity.
Item two, house rules. Skills will play a bigger part in my game. I haven't finished flushing out all of my rules, but just an idea of what are a few things that are different:
Crafting: Crafting times will be shortened, but the cost to craft will be at least 75% of the retail gp value of the item.
Skill focus feat: If you take skill focus you gain two additional powers from the feat:
Example: Skill focus (Acrobatics)
1) Extraordinary skill: Once per day your level of expertise in your chosen skill allows you to perform one act of "Extraordinary skill". You gain an additional +5 circumstance bonus to your roll when you choose to use your skill focus power.
2) When you use Acrobatics to tumble past opponents, you gain +2 to your armor class vs. attacks of opportunity.
Every skill focus feat will have its own power but the Extraordinary skill is the same for any skill you pick to focus on.
Hey, reporting in! Thanks for the invite, I really look forward to seeing how this pans out. As I mentioned this will be the first PBP I've played in, so I'll need some guidance and such.
I understand that it's typical to make an 'alt' as is were for RPing purposes? If some-one could outline the typical expectations there-in, that would be awesome(or just point me to an example I can look over).
I think I have everything for Nora done, including an equipment list which I'll post as soon as I've got formatting and such figured out.
Click on the My Account in the gray bar near the top of the page. In the left hand column there's a Messageboard Aliases box. Put your character name for the Avatar Name, select an avatar image that fits your character, and hit Submit Changes. There, it's created. When you start a post you're have a Post As dropdown in the lower left corner, select the character for the game when doing so. It's also common to put your character sheet in the Aliases' profile for easy access.
Also if you click on my picture, click on alias', and then click on Malthir you will see a common character breakdown that is used on a PBP. Sections for relevant character attributes, attacks, etc. One we start pulling the characters together over the next few days I will provide some feedback on those types of things as well.
Don't mind helping out a new person so keep the questions coming!
Posting to dot. I don't see any problem getting the character ready in time. I'm mostly done as it is. Really looking forward to this. Thanks for picking me!
I believe I should have a completed character sheet in my profile now. Let me know if you have any questions about the math, or if you want me to expand on my background at all.
Posting to dot. I don't see any problem getting the character ready in time. I'm mostly done as it is. Really looking forward to this. Thanks for picking me!
I know he is not complete yet, but you look like you have over 20 ability points.
If each of you could let me know when you character is complete and I will review him.
Also let me know if you are interested in taking a skill focus and I can tell you the relevant power.
Gaming tonight so probably won't be back on until tomorrow morning.
Woohoo! I will definitely finish my character ASAP. I still have to choose a feat and a non-campaign trait, so I'm going to do a quickie analysis of our team.
Two Wis-based divine casters, Nim and Nora.
Two Int-based arcane casters, Corbrius Jank and Tragershen.
Two melee-oriented casters, Corbrius and Nim.
Two ranged-oriented Desna-worshippers, Nora and Anton Green.
Two wilderness survivalists, Nim and Anton.
Two non-humans, Tragershen and Anton.
One dedicated healer and diplomat, Nora.
One dedicated arcanist and know-it-all, Tragershen.
One dedicated sneak, observer and trap-disabler, Anton.
Trained-only skills that less than two have as class skills: one Disable Device (Anton), one Knowledge/Engineering (Tragershen), one Knowledge/Local (Tragershen), no Sleight of Hand, and one Use Magic Device (Corbrius).
Skills that effectively get +1 from Armor Expert: nine. Traits that suit Anton particularly well: Starchild (APG) and Helpful (Halflings of Golarion).
Anton's lowest skills with ranks in them: Handle Animal and Survival. The most important skills for a scout: Perception and Stealth.
Okay, so now I'm going to go do something else while that all percolates in the back of my head. I'm so excited!
I know he is not complete yet, but you look like you have over 20 ability points.
Yeah, big time typo on the charisma there. Corrected it now. Thanks!
Also, are you comfortable with some pre-game metagaming? Coordinating skills and spells and such between players? I just wanted to make sure it was okay before I posted anything along those lines.
Okay, so with Luck I have done this all right, I think she should be ready for inspection. A quick note that wearing the backpack she has jammed with stuff pushes her well into heavy encumbrance territory which is 'assumed' in her AC stats, her AC will be 1 higher in situations she isn't wearing said equipment, the same obviously applies for movement as well.
I know he is not complete yet, but you look like you have over 20 ability points.
Yeah, big time typo on the charisma there. Corrected it now. Thanks!
Also, are you comfortable with some pre-game metagaming? Coordinating skills and spells and such between players? I just wanted to make sure it was okay before I posted anything along those lines.
Since you guys have time together on the ship before you get to where you are going I am fine with some metagaming with spells although I am not big on coordinating skills since these would have been gained before you got together.
Going to look at the characters of the next couple of days.
Okay, so with Luck I have done this all right, I think she should be ready for inspection. A quick note that wearing the backpack she has jammed with stuff pushes her well into heavy encumbrance territory which is 'assumed' in her AC stats, her AC will be 1 higher in situations she isn't wearing said equipment, the same obviously applies for movement as well.
Otherwise I think I'm good.
My understanding is that your speed would be 30 ft. with or without the backpack.
CRB p. 169 wrote:
If your character is wearing armor, use the worse figure (from armor or from load) for each category. Do not stack the penalties.
The "for each category" appears to be referring one paragraph up to "affects his maximum Dexterity bonus to AC, carries a check penalty... reduces the character's speed, and affects how fast the character can run."
Making progress myself, will have an alias soon. For my feat, I'm leaning toward Mounted Combat; but out of curiosity, what's the power for Skill Focus (Perception)?
Edit: oops, wrong book.
Edit edit: unless the Travel domain has been errata'd to work like the Barbarian's fast movement?
Mounts will not be as effective in this AP i'm afraid. Since all of the terrain will be difficult and there will be quite a few ruins a small mount could still be used but there could be some climbing and such. Just something to keep in mind.
As far as skill focus Perception, hope you like it:
Skill Focus (Perception)
Benefit: You get a +3 bonus on all checks involving the chosen skill. If you have 10 or more ranks in that skill, this bonus increases to +6.
Special: Extraordinary skill: Once per day your level of expertise in your chosen skill allows you to perform one act of "Extraordinary skill". You gain an additional +5 circumstance bonus to your roll when you choose to use your skill focus power. This is a free action.
Skill Power: Perceive the Enemy - Once per day you can take a move action to evaluate an enemies defenses by making a Perception check vs. their CMD to lower that enemies Armor Class vs. your attacks by 2 for the duration of the combat.
Mounts will not be as effective in this AP i'm afraid. Since all of the terrain will be difficult and there will be quite a few ruins a small mount could still be used but there could be some climbing and such. Just something to keep in mind.
As far as skill focus Perception, hope you like it:
Skill Focus (Perception)
Benefit: You get a +3 bonus on all checks involving the chosen skill. If you have 10 or more ranks in that skill, this bonus increases to +6.
Special: Extraordinary skill: Once per day your level of expertise in your chosen skill allows you to perform one act of "Extraordinary skill". You gain an additional +5 circumstance bonus to your roll when you choose to use your skill focus power. This is a free action.
Skill Power: Perceive the Enemy - Once per day you can take a move action to evaluate an enemies defenses by making a Perception check vs. their CMD to lower that enemies Armor Class vs. your attacks by 2 for the duration of the combat.
Taking a total of my equipment 'weight' puts me well into the 'Heavy Load' category right. I thought for some-one with a base speed of 40ft that this would reduce me to a speed of 20?
The base speed for a human is 30', dropping to 20' with medium or heavy armor or encumbrance. You add the +10' bonus to those figures, making it 40' or 30' respectively. That's assuming the +10' bonus doesn't drop off when you are at particular encumberance levels, like the monk or barbarian class abilities specifically call out.
I think Tragershen is ready to go. A couple of his mundane items (like his hammock) are from Adventurer's Armory and the details are available on d20pfsrd.com. Let me know if you want those dropped since that book wasn't listed in your original post on the recruitment thread.
Tragershen is starting at medium encumbrance, though after he goes through five days of rations he'll move up to light.
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
Nora Kettlesmith wrote:
Taking a total of my equipment 'weight' puts me well into the 'Heavy Load' category right. I thought for some-one with a base speed of 40ft that this would reduce me to a speed of 20?
Naw, check the unnumbered table "Armor and Encumbrance for Other Base Speeds" on p. 170, and compare with table 7-5 "Encumbrance Effects" on 171.
Pretty much ready to go except for gear, description and avatar image.
Edit: I did in fact go with Skill Focus (Perception). It was a tough choice, but I'm trusting everyone else to excel in their roles, and spotting things early is half of mine. However, if not for the bonus powers, I might've gone with something else like Alertness or Eagle Eyes.
I believe I should have a completed character sheet in my profile now. Let me know if you have any questions about the math, or if you want me to expand on my background at all.
Corbrius looks fine, my mind is already swirling with some ideas about the "black blade"....
I must warn all of you though after starting to review everyone's character, this AP is filled with disease and poisons. Characters with low Fort saves may be in for a short life in case anyone wants to tweak their character to account for this.
Now that you have been warned, expect to make a lot of fort saves...
The base speed for a human is 30', dropping to 20' with medium or heavy armor or encumbrance. You add the +10' bonus to those figures, making it 40' or 30' respectively. That's assuming the +10' bonus doesn't drop off when you are at particular encumberance levels, like the monk or barbarian class abilities specifically call out.
I think Tragershen is ready to go. A couple of his mundane items (like his hammock) are from Adventurer's Armory and the details are available on d20pfsrd.com. Let me know if you want those dropped since that book wasn't listed in your original post on the recruitment thread.
Tragershen is starting at medium encumbrance, though after he goes through five days of rations he'll move up to light.
Tragershen looks fine...may want to review hs Fort save though as per above post... :)
Okay, so with Luck I have done this all right, I think she should be ready for inspection. A quick note that wearing the backpack she has jammed with stuff pushes her well into heavy encumbrance territory which is 'assumed' in her AC stats, her AC will be 1 higher in situations she isn't wearing said equipment, the same obviously applies for movement as well.
Taking a total of my equipment 'weight' puts me well into the 'Heavy Load' category right. I thought for some-one with a base speed of 40ft that this would reduce me to a speed of 20?
Naw, check the unnumbered table "Armor and Encumbrance for Other Base Speeds" on p. 170, and compare with table 7-5 "Encumbrance Effects" on 171.
Pretty much ready to go except for gear, description and avatar image.
Edit: I did in fact go with Skill Focus (Perception). It was a tough choice, but I'm trusting everyone else to excel in their roles, and spotting things early is half of mine. However, if not for the bonus powers, I might've gone with something else like Alertness or Eagle Eyes.
Anton looks fine, my only comment is on his weapons:
Weapons: Blowgun, Dagger, Halberd, Halfling sling staff, Lucerne hammer, Sap, Trident
Not sure how realistic it is to be carrying all of those weapons on your tiny frame, but there is nothing in the rules saying you can't...if you can sell it in the RP, then I okay with it.
I will give people a day to make any last minute changes to their characters, but we might start early with the rist post on Sunday if everyone is good with this?
Corbrius looks fine, my mind is already swirling with some ideas about the "black blade"....
Not that she activates until 3rd level. Still, I've long thought that character backgrounds are where players should offer plot hooks to the DM instead of the other way around. That's why I left Asilande's origins and purpose deliberately uncertain. As long as you stick to the general guidelines for black blades (same alignment, typically helpful) I won't object to anything you do.
Corbrius looks fine, my mind is already swirling with some ideas about the "black blade"....
Not that she activates until 3rd level. Still, I've long thought that character backgrounds are where players should offer plot hooks to the DM instead of the other way around. That's why I left Asilande's origins and purpose deliberately uncertain. As long as you stick to the general guidelines for black blades (same alignment, typically helpful) I won't object to anything you do.
Taking a total of my equipment 'weight' puts me well into the 'Heavy Load' category right. I thought for some-one with a base speed of 40ft that this would reduce me to a speed of 20?
Naw, check the unnumbered table "Armor and Encumbrance for Other Base Speeds" on p. 170, and compare with table 7-5 "Encumbrance Effects" on 171.
Pretty much ready to go except for gear, description and avatar image.
Edit: I did in fact go with Skill Focus (Perception). It was a tough choice, but I'm trusting everyone else to excel in their roles, and spotting things early is half of mine. However, if not for the bonus powers, I might've gone with something else like Alertness or Eagle Eyes.
Anton looks fine, my only comment is on his weapons:
Weapons: Blowgun, Dagger, Halberd, Halfling sling staff, Lucerne hammer, Sap, Trident
Not sure how realistic it is to be carrying all of those weapons on your tiny frame, but there is nothing in the rules saying you can't...if you can sell it in the RP, then I okay with it.
I will give people a day to make any last minute changes to their characters, but we might start early with the rist post on Sunday if everyone is good with this?
No no, you're right, I'm still tweaking his gear. What's up there now is more like a wish list. ;) If I had it all, I was picturing leaving some on my warpony or in camp or whatever, and just taking what the situation called for. And Sunday is fine.
Thanks for the warning about the fort saves. With an elf as the base, there is only so much I can do to bump his saves. But I did change both of his traits, giving a +1 to fort saves and +2 vs. poisons. I picked immunity to giant wasp poison as a boon from Calistria. I'm focusing a little less on the explorer aspect of him and more on the robbed-left-for-dead-and-seeking-power-and-wealth-to-exact-revenge aspect of his background.
And, just in case, I'll have a dwarven wizard backup... :)
Nora and her good Heal skill should go a good way to mitigating such problems. At lower levels when there's little in the way of magical remedies available, you might be surprised just how helpful the Heal skill is with poisons and diseases.
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
OMG I finally have my gear done!! The only thing is that for Desna's holy text, Gods & Magic says that The Eight Scrolls fits in two scroll cases. And.. that's all. So, I took two scroll cases and eight pieces of parchment, and bumped it up to 4 gp. Sound about right?
Thanks for the warning about the fort saves. With an elf as the base, there is only so much I can do to bump his saves. But I did change both of his traits, giving a +1 to fort saves and +2 vs. poisons. I picked immunity to giant wasp poison as a boon from Calistria. I'm focusing a little less on the explorer aspect of him and more on the robbed-left-for-dead-and-seeking-power-and-wealth-to-exact-revenge aspect of his background.
And, just in case, I'll have a dwarven wizard backup... :)
BTW you don't need to buy any rations, they are supplied to you as part of the equipment you get. Just in case you want to use the money towards anything else.
Can everyone supply an e-mail address to me? I want to send you an invite to the party google site. You will then be able to upload things to the site. If you want to give me your IM as well it sometimes is helpful if you want to IM me a quick question and I am on-line quite a bit. Just spoiler it please.
*
mine:
terok11@yahoo.com
my IM address is the same.
*
Could use several volunteers for the party to track several things to help me out:
1. Treasure keeper. This person will track and upload a list of items and treasure splits for the party.
2. Experience keeper. This person will track and upload the current XP count for each party member.
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
DM Stephen wrote:
BTW you don't need to buy any rations, they are supplied to you as part of the equipment you get. Just in case you want to use the money towards anything else.
In that case.. a bedroll! Um. Apparently I missed some things, forgot others existed, couldn't picture unslinging my backpack each time I wanted to use my compass or mapmaking kit, stuff like that. There has been some tweakage. If you need it, here's the text for the miner's lantern from the Pathfinder Society Field Guide.
Lantern, Miner's:
A smaller version of the bullseye lantern, a miner's lantern provides normal light in a 30-foot cone and increases the light level by one step in the area beyond that, out to a 60-foot cone (darkness becomes dim light and dim light becomes normal light). A miner's lantern does not increase the light level in normal light or bright light. It burns for 6 hours on 1 pint of oil. A miner's lantern comes with straps for attachment to a helmet or other piece of sturdy headgear, but it can also be carried in one hand.
Also, I've decided that I boarded in Magnimar. It seems like a good destination for Anton's last delivery, fitting his interview and background.
my email:
electrolemming-google@yahoo.com
Of course I'd be happy to track the treasure. If you saw my worksheet for Anton's gear.. let's just say that I'm obsessive enough to track it down to coppers and 1/8 lbs., and nice enough to not inflict it on you. ;) But if Corbrius would rather, that's fine too.
Thanks everyone, you are right, I was just reading the chart wrong. So we are aiming to 'start' on Monday? How does that go precisely? Also I understand there are some reasonably standard formatting conventions in these sorts of things?
If you hit the Show button under your posting window it'll explain some of the more common tags. Typical conventions are to put spoken dialog in bold and put your rolls in an ooc line. It also shows the proper format for dice rolls. As an example, with the tags showing:
Corb wipes the blood from his face and brings his blade back in line with his foe. [ b ]"I won't die that easily, you bastard."[ /b ] Drawing magical power into his weapon he lunges forward with a vicious slash.
[ ooc ]Swift action, spending an Arcane Pool to enhance my sword. Standard action, one attack of [ dice ]1d20 + 5[ /dice ] damage for [ dice ]1d6 + 4[ /dice ] damage.[ /ooc ]
Which with the spaces removed from the [ ] so that they work looks like:
Corb wipes the blood from his face and brings his blade back in line with his foe. "I won't die that easily, you bastard." Drawing magical power into his weapon he lunges forward with a vicious slash.
Swift action, spending an Arcane Pool to enhance my sword. Standard action, one attack of 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 damage for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 damage.
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
Nora Kettlesmith wrote:
Thanks everyone, you are right, I was just reading the chart wrong. So we are aiming to 'start' on Monday? How does that go precisely? Also I understand there are some reasonably standard formatting conventions in these sorts of things?
Sunday actually, since we've all been so prompt. Our DM Stephen will link to an in-character thread in the Play-by-Post forum. I don't know how it all works, but somehow the characters and DM and threads will all become connected. Then, you can click on a character to see his campaign, or else when looking at a campaign, view all the various threads (discussion, in-character and even recruitment).
There's one other common formatting: italics for thoughts. "Yes!" Corbrius thinks at his blade, though it doesn't respond. "You're awesome!"Critical confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 extra damage. Incidentally, I previewed this post so that I'd know the dice result and how to roleplay it. Corb's blade almost seems to draw him forward, lunging faster than the eye can follow... or at least faster than the villain's could. "Ha! Best that, fiend!" The enemy staggers with the telling blow. Apologies for RP'ing your char -- but I did double your damage. ;)
Yep, I kind of forget that this is still a new PBP so we need to set up some basic rules, so here goes:
1. I will roll initiative for everyone for the combat to get everything started.
2. When speaking please put it in bold text, doesn't need to be in quotations.
3. Use italics for special descriptive text or thoughts. Normal text for non-spoken actions is fine.
4. If you don't post in combat for 24 hours I will take your action for you.
5. There may be some times that I move things along like after a battle and healing where I just say that you guys heal up in order to move things along as well.
6. I may spoiler actions or questions to specific players, please don't read other players spoilers or the DM spoilers, it will just make it less fun for you and anyone else.
Will be sending out the e-mail invites to the shared site in a little while, expect the first post later today, I will link to it from here. And thanks to the group for giving Nora some pointers for me, keep the questions coming.
Actually I just shared the Serpents Skull site with everyone. Just go to it from the the link in this spoiler. You should be able to post stuff to the site, if someone could test it by adding a file and posting something in the journal.
Init +1 Perception +12 AC 20 Tch 13 FF 19 HP 59 Fort+7(+8 vs disease) Ref+3 Will+8 Spd 20' CMB +11 CMD 23 Acro-2*Climb+6*Esc Art-2*Spellcraft+5 Stealth-2*Swim +6 ACP -2 (shield)
You have made the site public (viewable by anyone) but we aren't able to make changes to the site... at least I can't anyhow. You probably need to change a setting, but I'm not sure that you want just anyone being able to make changes... perhaps you should restrict it to invited viewers only...
You have made the site public (viewable by anyone) but we aren't able to make changes to the site... at least I can't anyhow. You probably need to change a setting, but I'm not sure that you want just anyone being able to make changes... perhaps you should restrict it to invited viewers only...
Male Halfling (Molthuni) Barbarian 1 Ranger (Trapper) 3
I have an idea. The "Online RP" page on the Google site is superfluous... or is it? We've been together on that boat for who knows how long (I'd have to go back and look at backgrounds to see who boarded when). Jumping right into the action on Paizo is nice, but there's no reason why we can't also use the Google thread to RP earlier onboard conversations.
I have some things to do, but if there aren't any objections, then I'll go ahead and get that started later today, since I boarded at the beginning.
I have an idea. The "Online RP" page on the Google site is superfluous... or is it? We've been together on that boat for who knows how long (I'd have to go back and look at backgrounds to see who boarded when). Jumping right into the action on Paizo is nice, but there's no reason why we can't also use the Google thread to RP earlier onboard conversations.
I have some things to do, but if there aren't any objections, then I'll go ahead and get that started later today, since I boarded at the beginning.
I am fine with it, though I was thinking you would really start the RP meat and potatoes with each other now. I had thought to do some on the ship earlier, but I figured people would be more inclined to want to jump into the AP as soon as possible...
