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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Things have been quiet here. Please, come sit close to the fire, it will minimise your risk of infection or disease from insects... Jask says, swatting a mosquito away from his face. These damn insects are at their worst at sundown... Are any of you wounded?

Gwen moves closer to the fire.

Not wounded, Jask, just...tired. We rid the area north of here of a den of snakes, and Southwest we found a nest of the oddest flying dinosaurs...there were a few other nests of them along the shoreline that we skirted around, as well. Be cautious if you venture out of camp, will you? I am not sure if James or Tun'ada or the others are wounded...it has been a long... she falls asleep, curled by the fire.

Gelik's performance winds down, and he looks at Gwyneth, and goes red in indignation.

I'll have you know i'm a qualified comedian...Girl has no appreciation for good comedy...

Chi moves from the fire for a few moment returning with the cat, "Stay here cat and rest, its warmer and away from the bugs of the night." She strokes the ginger cat, whose coat glistens in the flickering of the file. The cat starts to purr. Talking quietly to the cat she says. "You know some of these we have met today may well be called friends one day." The cat starts to sleep in the warmth of the fire.

"Jask, how's your first day of freedom been, better than the shackles I hope. It's been a strange turn of events, freedom is full of adventure is it not?" Chi looks around and the collection of races brought together in this strange way, her thoughts are of her childhood, free in the Expanse. She smiles to herself. Then listening to Gelik, gives a little clap, and laughs, freedom seems good.

"Jask, how's your first day of freedom been, better than the shackles I hope. It's been a strange turn of events, freedom is full of adventure is it not?" Chi looks around and the collection of races brought together in this strange way, her thoughts are of her childhood, free in the Expanse. She smiles to herself.

Jask smiles wryly.

Truth be told, I was devastated at our situation. Shipwrecked on Smuggler's Shiv, with little to no hope of rescue. But then, I was probably going to be executed in Sargava anyway. So i'm going to enjoy my freedom, even if its on a hot, insect-infested, hostile island that will probably be the death of us all.

Jask grins as he finishes his statement.

"I have survived much in my life, as I am sure you all have. This will be no different, we will survive this and escape this island."

Doesn't look like you guys have any other business, so i'll advance time a bit.

The group settle down in the uncomfortable jungle camp.

Random Encounter Chance-1d100 ⇒ 44

The night passes mostly uneventfully, except for the sounds of the jungle and the wildlife within. As the group mostly finish resting the sun has risen and the day begins to get hotter... Aerys begins her guard duty, having seemingly found a hip flask in her backpack...

Approximately 6:30AM, Day 2...

Castaway Morale Rolls-

Aerys-1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Gelik-1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Jask- 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Sasha-1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Ishorou-1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Aerys manages to shake off some of her depression. Her morale is now shaken instead of frightened, and the mood around the camp improves a little.

Gelik seems to have enjoyed his own performances so much his morale goes from frightened to normal.

Jask is utterly inspired by his release, and his freedom. He is now Hopeful and will no longer need to make morale checks for the rest of the chapter except in special circumstances. Diplomacy checks made to influence his attitude gain a +2 bonus.

Ishorou's mood does not change, while he is still frightened he still tries to help out setting traps as a defender where he can. He may be scared, but you think he'll hold firm if battle comes, just about. Diplomacy checks to influence his attitude take a -2 penalty.

Sasha has given in to utter despair, and although she does not sob, it is clear she is incredibly melancholy. During any attack by hostile forces she is liable to flee, and diplomacy checks made to adjust her attitude take a -4 penalty. She makes no move to get ready to go hunting today.

Castaway image in my profile has been updated for easy reference.

Dawn random encounter chance roll-1d100 ⇒ 56

No encounter.

Edit: Group map also updated on my DM profile, i'm using a close up of your current location rather than an overall map of SMuggler's Shiv as its so hard to see the detail on the big map. Anything marked with a red cross or square has been explored/exterminated.

Ambroze tries to cheer up Sasha, telling her all about the dimorphodons they encountered the previous day and promising to bring her some of their eggs if the group finds any (since the eggs are such a delicacy). (Ambroze will also present Sasha with the masterwork short sword if the group has not already done so.)

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 8 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 4 - 4 = 27 (included +4 for first check since we gave her the short sword)

Ambroze tries to cheer up Sasha, telling her all about the dimorphodons they encountered the previous day and promising to bring her some of their eggs if the group finds any (since the eggs are such a delicacy). (Ambroze will also present Sasha with the masterwork short sword if the group has not already done so.)

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 8 + 4 - 4 (included +4 for first check since we gave her the short sword)

While Sasha is still melancholy and deeply worried, she cheers up momentarily from your attentions, and is soon laughing and joking with you. When you present her with the short sword she looks extremely pleased and beams with happiness. As you have made her attitude friendly, she decides to trust you with her tale. Pulling down the back of hergarments, she shows you the tattoo upon her back- the tattoo of the Red Mantis Assassin's Guild.

It's not how it looks... she says hastily. I've always been a good fighter, but I DETEST taking orders. My mother is a high ranking member you see, so I was sent to Eleder to help look after Mantis interests in Sargava. Its an exile really, after the last time I disobeyed her... She cut off one of my fingers as a last warning see... she finishes holding up her four-fingered left hand.

But, I get to remain independent, and i'll never become a fully fledged assassin- and that suits me just fine. she says cheerfully.

The eggs you say? Oh these creatures sound absolutely wonderful! So sweet and playful! Rather than bring me one of their eggs, perhaps you could be a darling and dashing Gnome and bring me one of these Dimorphodon's as a pet? I promise i'll keep it under control!

Yes, that really is her side quest ^^. The group earns 25XP each for gaining a friendly attitude with Sasha.

"Oooh! Yes!" Ambroze says excitedly. "While it was a bit of a fright to battle a full-grown specimen in the wild, it would be fascinating to study a young one as it develops in a more... domesticated... setting."

"And don't worry," the gnome adds in a whisper. "Your secret is safe with me!" he assures her with a smile and a wink.

Flute wakes up and jolts, panting and sweating. He lays back down on his side and mutters in dwarven thinking about what just happened.

by the beard of me grandmother Dora Earthstriker, what did I just see... I should prolly keep it to meself.. maybe not.. maybe gwen and ambroze would know a bit.. i've seen it herself she's blessed by tha gods with visions.. I'll tell her when i wake..and ambroze's booksmarts exceed even tha riches o' dragons.

after waking up
Gwen an' Ambroze.. could I have a werd wit ye two?

EPIC GNOME DIPLOMACY!!! Now, work some of that same magic with Aerys...and how the heck did she find alchohol...

Gwenyth awakens with first light, working her way through the camp, chatting with various people. She smiles as he sees Sasha and Ambroze laughing and carrying on. This is quickly replaced by a frown when she sees Aerys nipping out of a flask. Gods DAMN that woman!, she mutters to herself under her breath. Our camp is being guarded by a DRUNK woman. Gwen catches Ambroze's eye briefly, then gestures quickly with her head toward Aerys.

After Ambrose chats Aerys up, and everyone has done what they need to do, Gwen calls a huddle.

So, what's on the Agenda this morning? I've been thinking about it, and I'd really like to quickly hit that nest we cleared out yesterday, to see if there are any young present. I can't stand to think of young from any species starving to death slowly and painfully. We owe them either a quick and merciful end or we might bring them back to camp for domestication. After that, I'm dying to know what's on that shipwreck...Anybody have any other ideas?

after waking up

Gwen an' Ambroze.. could I have a werd wit ye two?
** spoiler omitted **

"Hmmm, that's a very interesting dream, Flute," Ambroze says slowly, his brow furrowed in thought. "'Everyone seasick,' you said, and we were all sick when we woke up on the beach. Maybe you're remembering some of what we went through before and during the wrecking of the ship. Although I'm not sure what the wooden spoons signify..."

So, what's on the Agenda this morning? I've been thinking about it, and I'd really like to quickly hit that nest we cleared out yesterday, to see if there are any young present. I can't stand to think of young from any species starving to death slowly and painfully. We owe them either a quick and merciful end or we might bring them back to camp for domestication. After that, I'm dying to know what's on that shipwreck...Anybody have any other ideas?

"I agree. We should see to the care of any young dimorphodons in that nest," Ambroze says as he surreptitiously winks at Sasha. "After all, we did kill their parents, so they're sort of our responsibility now."

"I'd like to check out that other shipwreck, too," he adds. "Who knows? There may still be something useful left on it."

As the group make their preparations for the day, Ambroze tries to talk to Aerys. The scholarly gnome thanks her for acting as guardian for the camp the previous day and night, and tries to find out what prompted her to make the journey to Eleder on the Jenivere.

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Gwen grins widely at being called a 'lad'.

Well, good Flute, I am no expert on dreams, but I would tend to agree with Ambroze. Perhaps the toughness of your heritage allowed your mind to retain some measure of the memories stolen from us when we were poisoned, as it seems that we surely were. One thing and one thing only vexes me about our arrival on the beach yesterday - I know that Master Rambar could have played no part in the thing. He was a bad cook, may he rest in peace, but he was not a vindictive man. Many were the small kindnesses he showed me, when he might not have otherwise. We know from examining his body that he was dead before the meal was served, but I do recall him being present at the feast. I know that there is magic that allows people to appear in alternate forms, but beyond that my knowledge of such things is limited. I am not certain as to what I am proposing...but at any rate I hold Rambar blameless in this matter.

Chi wakes refreshed, a good nights sleep out amongst the flora and fauna, with the fresh air bringing new life into her lungs, so much better than in the confines of the boat. Her whole being feels stronger Recovers 1pt of Con. She sits up to find a ginger cat, curled up over her feet, it opens one eye and looks at Chi, before slowly moving and stretching its limbs, followed by a session of cat cleaning, his little pink tongue licking down his fur and paws. Chi smiles, even her cat is more at home here. Her hand reaches down to pamper him, and the sound of purrs sounds quietly amongst the morning noises of creatures and birds stirring. An hour later, spending her time with her cat, Chi is ready to continue with the day. "Well my beautiful, taday we'll visit that ship and find more of those flying dinosaurs, you ready for it all?" A purr is all the reply Chi hears.

Todays spells Detect Magic, Read Magic, Dancing Lights, Sleep, Obscuring Mist

Me thinks its a symbol.. like a metaphor... tha poison was definitely from tha food.. and I'm sure that other bookreadin' goodfernothin' lass that I boarded with has somptin' ta do wit this. Maybe she shifted her shape and trickin' tha cappin'.

Anyways enuff about me dreams.. I'll let tha thought brew a bit more in me head and see if I can sort a bit o' it out more. What's tha plan for this mornin'?

Today's spells: endure elements x2

As the group make their preparations for the day, Ambroze tries to talk to Aerys. The scholarly gnome thanks her for acting as guardian for the camp the previous day and night, and tries to find out what prompted her to make the journey to Eleder on the Jenivere.

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 8

Well... My dearest little Am-booze... Aerys says after you have talked for a time, taking heavy swigs from her hip flask. You shee my little Gnome... I've always known that one fine day i'd have the oppre... opportwune... chance... to be cap'n... of my own ship! A woman captain, in a male-dominated indushtry! Its... its almost poetic, I tell ye Ambroooozy, heh...

Aerys takes another huge swig of alcohol, and sighs with contentment.

Shhhpeaking of poetry little misGnomer heh... I bet ye wouldn't believe that Aerys Mavato is... a master of prose and poetry! My... deepest fear is that I won't finish my masterpiece, the Abendo Cantos, now that we're stuck here on this horrid island.

Aerys squints at you and then grins lop-sidedly.

I learnt something of Tian poetry, they call it a Haiku...

Aerys stands up groggily to her feet.

I shall now give a rendition in honour of my new friend, Ambrosh!

My new friend the Gnome,
Noble, true, wise and sober,
His voice is my lullaby.

Aerys collapses next to Ambroze, almost falling on top of him.

Help me... I want to kick my drinking habit Ambroosh... Look for.. viper nettle berries...

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Aerys sags against Ambroze, and begins to snore and drool. You notice Ishorou has been watching this whole exchange with narrowing eyes.

Diplognomancy has earnt the group another 25XP each.

Approximately 7:30AM, once the group has finished preparing spells and is ready to move. Day 2.

A note for you all but especially James as he is lootmeister- Sasha is far too spooked to fulfill her role as hunter today, so you will not be gaining any rations from her hunting. If one of you wants to go hunting and foraging, it will take four hours and require a survival check.

I could go hunting today if thats alright with everyone.

Honestly, That should be fine. Either you or Tun'ada would be the rational choices, and we might have need of his higher BaB wherever we go. Here's hoping you don't get eaten!

Which ever route we want to try is fine with me.

Hunting/Foraging will take 4 hours, are the rest of you doing anything while Flute hunts?

I think we could maybe hit the dino nest while he's gone. That shouldn't take too much time, but it's all I'm really comfortable with doing without him around (both from an in-game and out-of-game perspective, if we go to the ship, who knows how long it might take). Hopefully Tun'ada will be able to at least convince one of the dino's to come with us. If he can't we'll probably need Charm Animal at a future time. Just my 2 cents.

James can easily hunt too, sorry about my lack of activity today, been moving into my new house.

Actually, you, Tun'ada, and Flute could all hunt, and we could just wait for 3PM. Heck, two of you (aided by Flute's Endure Elements) could even hunt during the hot part of the day, too. Then we'd have enough food to go around awhile, and could really concentrate on exploring. Does that sound like a plan? We'd be leaving for the nest at 3:30 if we do things that way.

As Flute has the highest survival modifier he can make the primary roll. You guys can assist just by taking 10, or you can try your luck by splitting up ;).

Do I just roll a survival roll? Can I roll a knowledge geography/nature

Well lads, Flute 'eres gonna head off to get us sum grub.

Survial roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
k(geo): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
k(nat): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Do I just roll a survival roll? Can I roll a knowledge geography/nature

Well lads, Flute 'eres gonna head off to get us sum grub.

Survial roll: 1d20+10
k(geo): 1d20+5
k(nat): 1d20+7

Generally its just Survival. By the way, you may want to consider preparing goodberries occasionally, they are excellent for these circumstances.

WOW! I never saw the berries count as nurishment for a medium creature part of the text of that spell until you pointed that out.

Aerys sags against Ambroze, and begins to snore and drool. You notice Ishorou has been watching this whole exchange with narrowing eyes.

Seeing the Tian swordsman watching them, Ambroze motions Ishorou over as the gnome tries to extricate himself from the half-elf woman leaning against him.

"Master Ishorou, I'm afraid that Mistress Aerys is very ill. And this is the source of her illness," Ambroze says, taking the flask from Aerys' limp grasp. The gnome pours the contents onto the ground before flinging the flask as far as he can into the jungle overgrowth.

Ambroze motions for the other castaways to join the conversation as he continues talking to Ishorou. "Before she passed out, Mistress Aerys asked me to find some viper nettles for her. It's a type of tropical plant that can help cure diseases, particularly afflictions such as Mistress Aerys' addiction to alcohol. We'll make every effort to find some while we're out exploring, but until then we need to keep her away from the drink. However, until we find the nettles I'm afraid she's likely to be ill with withdrawal sickness without her demon-in-a-bottle. Would those of you remaining in the camp help watch after her while we're exploring? And would you help us search for and dispose of any remaining alcohol while she's... indisposed?"

Diplomacy check (if needed): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

To speed things along, why don't we just assume that James and Tun'ada take 10 and assist that check. Then, if you want, Flute, I can go out with you at 11:30, aided by an endure elements on both of us. I should also be able to aid with a take 10. That way we can leave at 3:30, and get 2x the game.

Flute, Tun'ada and James return just before the harsh midday sun arrives with various berries and edible leaves, and even a little meat from trapping.

Ishorou and Jask agree to help Aerys kick her habit and keep any alcohol from her.

6 days rations gained, so enough to feed 6 people for a day.

Encounter check- 1d100 ⇒ 49 No encounter.

Flute, you and Gwyneth going out into the heat to hunt some more with the aid of endure elements then?

That sounds good to me... except I only have 2 casts of it and there are 3 of us.

That sounds good to me... except I only have 2 casts of it and there are 3 of us.

Actually, it'd just be you and I... we'll give the other two some time off to rest. I'm fresh, having sat around and *gulp* listened to Gelik all morning, and you're...well...a dwarf. Besides, my background makes me out to be an herbalist, so I'd like a chance at looking out for any of the viper nettle berries that Ambroze and I talked about earlier today while you were out hunting (and yes, I am retconning that discussion in, haha).

Go ahead and make your roll, I'm taking 10 on an aid another (Survival). AK, do you need a seperate roll to look for the berries?

Nope i'm good with the one roll.

Also I forgot you were checking out the nest earlier- you find a single dimorphodon egg but no young. (I have assumed take 10 on climb checks).

I'll make a sling of some sort, then, and carry it back to camp.

When Tun'ada/Flute return from hunting, and before I go out with Flute:

My friends, do either of you have any idea how long we're looking at before this hatches? I assume this would be a Knowledge: Nature check.

Ambroze predicts it will hatch in about three weeks.

He already made a high DC on these things.

"Hmm...I'm not quite sure. Flute come over here and let's have a closer look."

Knowledge (Nature) (Assist Flute):1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Chi watches the hunters leave camp from her vantage point up her watch tree. Chi stays up this tree, with the cat, all morning until the hunters come home. I assume she could stay up there on watch through out the midday sun, as all she does is lie back against the tree and look out, not too taxing. It's also shaded by the tree's leaves. If this isn't OK, she will come down before midday.

Chi joins the expedition in the afternoon to the Dino nest and/or the shipwreck.

What's that you say Ambroze? 3 Weeks? I guess we should cook the thing, then... I doubt Sasha will want to sit on it for three weeks. Eh, sasha? We'll visit the other nests soon enough and find a youngling for you.

Yep, soon as Flute makes his second Survival roll we can fast forward to the shipwreck, which I believe is our evening destination.

What's that you say Ambroze? 3 Weeks? I guess we should cook the thing, then... I doubt Sasha will want to sit on it for three weeks. Eh, sasha? We'll visit the other nests soon enough and find a youngling for you.

A youngling? Oh no dear... I want a fully grown adult! Just trap it in a net or knock it unconcious, and i'll take it from there...

A youngling? Oh no dear... I want a fully grown adult! Just trap it in a net or knock it unconcious, and i'll take it from there...

Gwen chuckles at the older woman's bravado.

Well, alright then, I'm fairly sure that could be managed. We'll work on that for you over the next few days.

survival:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

I've been quite busy the last few days.. so sorry about my infrequent posts... EDIT: as well as my survial rolls :p

Whew.. good ta be back at camp.Flute stretches a little and then goes over to ambroze and/or gwen.

I've been thinkin' more on me dream.. and I keep gettin' tha shivers when I think aboot Iaena or whatevar her name is...ye know.. the scholar who was wit the cappin'..she's no good. I can feel it. Me family says I got me grandmudder's blood. Dora always had that sense.. her beard was always longer than she was old if ye know what I mean.

survival:1d20+10

I've been quite busy the last few days.. so sorry about my infrequent posts... EDIT: as well as my survial rolls :p

Whew.. good ta be back at camp.Flute stretches a little and then goes over to ambroze and/or gwen.

I've been thinkin' more on me dream.. and I keep gettin' tha shivers when I think aboot Iaena or whatevar her name is...ye know.. the scholar who was wit the cappin'..she's no good. I can feel it. Me family says I got me grandmudder's blood. Dora always had that sense.. her beard was always longer than she was old if ye know what I mean.

5 days worth of food gained on the second hunt in the intense heat. Let me know the group's next move. Remember all, today (the 24th) is the last day I can post for 2/3 days.

I vote we try to go get Sasha a dimorphodon pet - that might make her happy enough to be functional as a hunter on the next day. And if we can find some viper nettle berries along the way, so much the better.

You know, initially I wanted to go tackle the ship, but... I agree. We need Sasha functional. Let's try to help her along with a dimorphodon pet. Let's hit the other two nests in the order in which we encountered them yesterday. If no objections in an hour or two, I'd say go for it, AK.

You'd probably have time to do all three if you wanted, they are all to the west of you.

Sounds good to me. If we can hit all three, let's do it.