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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

"They were here... and not long ago."

Survival to get a better idea of how long ago:
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

James accurately determines from various signs that this campsite was made on the same day you were shipwrecked, and left on the first evening three days ago. He also clearly identifies a set of tracks left from the pair, leading south.

5:25PM, Day 4.

"We should go after them," James announces fiercely, fire burning in his eyes, "follow the trail as far as we can now for as long as we have the light to head back, and return tomorrow."

Waiting for others to weigh in- follow their tracks?

"Definitely, let's follow the tracks. Perhaps we can get a few of the answers we are looking for."

"Let us find and punish those who would leave us to die on this island."

I agree, also, but - I would be remiss not to let you know this - I am feeling almost completely spent as far as my ability to commune with the Gods today.

"I agree that we need to follow them, but I don't know how much aid I'll be able to provide as I've depleted most of my arcane resources for today. James said that the trail is three days old - would it hurt for us to rest for one more night before we head out after those villains?"

Gwen nods her head slightly, and gestures at Ambroze.

That would be my recommendation, as well. At least we know where to start.

Any idea if it's looking like rain in the next 24 hours, AK?

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

You expect it to rain sometime heavily in the next hour- it does almost every day on the island, signalling the end of the day's intense heat and lasting for a couple of hours.

James is happy to go with Chi, Tun and Flute and follow the trail as far as they can before it rains and covers it further.

Oh, let's all go if it comes to that - but I will be far more a liability than I will be helpful, is all I'm saying. Ambroze at least has Knowledge, I've got one 1st level spell and all the Guidance you want.

Hopefully, we'll be OK.

Chi moves to Gwen, with compassion in her eyes and warmth in her voice, "Never underestimate what you can do to help us, I too am not able to help too much, but only together are we strong enough to overcome the challenges. Your contribution is always something I have been grateful for, even when you didn't even know I was present."

Tracks are quite well preserved on the island despite the daily rain, due to the sheer amount of jungle a raindrop has to pass through to get to the ground, and as for tracks on the beach, they aren't really disturbed by rain too much. Sory for the lack of update, i've been out RPing.

You make slow progress as usual in the difficult terrain of this island- the only means to travel quickly appears to be by using the coastline.Heading back to the river, you venture a little further south where the river branches off into two- and just across the river you can make out...

A large grove of thorny vines grow on these river banks, presenting a seven-foot-tall wall of green leaves and intimidating six-inch red thorns. Ambroze points out that this grove is a patch of poisonous plants called viper nettles—the bright red thorns on the vines can grow up to 6 inches long in places, and they have been requested by Aerys to help her sober up.

The river itself looks fairly easy to cross- it is not fast flowing and not particularily wide, but the problem with viper nettles is the precious and rare berries are surrounded by 60 feet or so of poisonous nettles. The nettles are hard to avoid and can make a person sick if they catch themselves on them- the best bet is for a single harvester to move through the nettles as fast as possible, and get to the safer centre where the thorns are smaller and the berries grow. This is no easy task, so whoever you send preferably should be tough and fast.

If you are going to send someone across to harvest the berries i'd like them to make me-

Also, Ambroze recalls that the berries also help against any form of disease- eating a handful of these berries grants a +4 bonus on any disease saving throws for 24 hours.

Let the hustlings begin...

Approximately 6PM, Day 4.

Gwen nods at Chi's kind words, and smiles warmly at the elven woman in return.

Later...

Ohh, we need to get those berries. As an herbologist, I'm very curious to study their properties. I can see why they're so hardy - they're very well protected.

Gwen will cast Guidance on whoever seems willing to jump into the water...and will do so herself if no one else looks willing. (Let's hold off and see if anyone takes the task on before assuming I do so... but I will!)

James will do it, especially since Tun'ada is sick he's the strongest swimmer in the group, and while he's not the most agile of the group has a very tough immune system if he does get pricked by the nettles.

Chi looks around the jungle, hoping to see hanging vines she used to play and swing on as a child. "You know, when I was a child, we used to use vines as swings, perhaps if we see some strong enough, James might be able to find a way to the berries without exposing himself to the sharp needles. There must be something we can do to help him through the needles to the berries?"

Perception to see any hanging vines strong enough to take James weight and carry him to the berries.

I'm hoping for a Tarzan moment, swinging gracefully through the jungle....

Chi looks around the jungle, hoping to see hanging vines she used to play and swing on as a child. "You know, when I was a child, we used to use vines as swings, perhaps if we see some strong enough, James might be able to find a way to the berries without exposing himself to the sharp needles. There must be something we can do to help him through the needles to the berries?"

Perception to see any hanging vines strong enough to take James weight and carry him to the berries.

I'm hoping for a Tarzan moment, swinging gracefully through the jungle....

I like it, make the roll to find one suitable. Perception or survival at your discretion.

James will take ten to assist the search.

To speed things up i'll assume the group does their best to help out and assist. Chi's primary roll- 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

After a few minutes of searching, Chi and the group settle on a long vine that looks like James may be able to get enough momentum off to land somewhere in the centre of the nettles. It will certainly get him over the river...

Clinging onto the vine with both hands, James takes a running leap out over the river, wrapping his legs around the thick tendril as he swings through the air.

1d100 ⇒ 23

James manages to leap into the centre of the large nettles, landing with a crash near some bright red berries...

Please make me four reflex saves to avoid the smaller thorns as you carefully harvest the berries...

1d20 ⇒ 201d20 ⇒ 161d20 ⇒ 11d20 ⇒ 10

1d20; 1d20; 1d20; 1d20

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

You sting yourself twice over the course of ten minutes as you gather 12 handfuls of viper nettles berries.

FYI Aerys requires a week's worth, so 5 handfuls could be used by the group against disease, lootmeister can track it.

Seeing the large wall of thorns in front of him, James sees no option but to rush through them as quickly as possible and hope for the best...

Two more reflex saves please, roll fort save if you fail either or roll two if you fail both.

1d20 ⇒ 121d20 ⇒ 111d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

James will take ten on the swim check back.

James crashes back through the thorns at breakneck speed, then hurls himself into the river, having made it through all the poisonous nettles seemingly no worse for wear, and having obtained the viper nettles berries Aerys sought.

Approximately 6:20PM, Day 4

As long as the group still has time to make it back before dark, James would like to keep tracking.

You get far enough to spot another shipwreck off the east coast a mile or so to the south of the berries, but your forced to turn back to be back before dusk. You get back to the camp just before 8PM, and Jask immediately starts Tending Tun'ada's disease. As you return to camp, Gelik appears to be attempting to cheer up the melancholy Aerys, but is clearly on the verge of giving up as he is barely able to get a smile.

7:55PM, Day 4

"Aerys," James calls in a low voice as they enter the new camp, "we found those viper nettle berries you were after. We'll have you off the drink for good in no time." He says this with a smile, obviously keen for their new friend to have speedy recovery.

Aerys eagerly eats a handful of the berries, nodding her thanks.

Thank you... All of you... I... Will do my best to sober up, honest. Here, you might appreciate this more than me now... she says, handing James a bottle of fine brandy.

50XP each for fulfilling Aerys' quest and making her attitude helpful.

I guess I can trust you enough to read my life's work now... I have been so afraid I will perish before I get to finish them... Please make sure you treat the parchment with respect...

1d100 ⇒ 27 No dusk encounter.

James thanks Aerys for her honesty in handing over the alcohol, and takes it away where he will discreetly destroy it later.

I imagine we'll all read it as and when we get the chance? How do you want to work that Alex.

Here, you might appreciate this more than me now... she says, handing James a bottle of fine brandy.

Gwen shoots a glare at Jask and Ishirou, as if to say, "great job finding her alchohol."

Thank you, Aerys - it's very kind of you to share this. The writing is exquisite! I'll let the others peruse it first, but I am eager to have a good sit-down with it.

Gwen finds her space and lays down, falling asleep almost instantly.

Chi returns to the camp giggling in conspiratorial, but light hearted tones with Gwen. "Did you see James land when he jumped from the vine. He thought he looked so fine as he landed, so proud of himself. Ha ha ha! Almost fell on his backside into the thick of the nettles...Ha, ha, ha....I'm so glad he didn't mind, he's a brave and strong man, but funny...Ha, ha, ha..."

After a while Chi again opens the tools and starts to ask her friends if anyone knows how some of the more interesting tools work. She starts with Gwen and Jask. "Umm, Jask, Gwen, ever seen one of these before?, Do you know what it does or how it works?" as Chi holds out a piece of carefully designed and crafted brass colored metal tool, all delicate and in spirals. Chi twists it round in front of the Gwen and Jask so they can see it fully, although Chi is somewhat reluctant to let go of her new toys.

Chi takes the tools round al the party and the friendly NPCs.

Sorry if it's a bit out of sync, but the adventure moves on so swiftly, it's great! As for the book, I expect Chi would be one of the last to read it.

James thanks Aerys for her honesty in handing over the alcohol, and takes it away where he will discreetly destroy it later.

I imagine we'll all read it as and when we get the chance? How do you want to work that Alex.

I like the idea of Ambroze reading it aloud to the group at the campfire at nights and in the three hours you shelter each day. We'll say by tomorrow evening (Day 5 Dusk) you'll have all gained the bonus if Ambroze approves.

"Umm, Jask, Gwen, ever seen one of these before?, Do you know what it does or how it works?"

Ishorou suddenly appears to your side, taking a minor break for his vigilant guard guty.

I would be happy to show you how these tools work Chi. It would be my honour. Faster than the eye could follow, a set of similar tools appears in Ishorou's hands. Using the manacles found in the shipwreck, Ishorou happily begins to teach Chi the nuances of lockpicking, showing her how to gently coerce the manacles to open.

Talomyr- Assuming your going to eat some of the berries too, make a fortitude save at a +8 bonus.

Games been pretty quiet lately... Anyone out there?

The evening passes slowly, and the nightly watch pattern begins in earnest. This campsite is much more peaceful than the last one, situated on top of a small clear hill and not in the middle of the jungle.

1d100 ⇒ 99 No midnight encounter.

Chi, rather surprised, gladly accepts Ishorou's help. "I am most grateful for your help, I hope we can spend many evenings together so that I can learn how to use these tools and other tricks that might come in useful. Although, I am surprised by your skills with these tools, who would have thought it. I will not pry, but can't help wondering the story behind the man, if you ever want to tell, I will listen."

Once the lessons are over Chi goes to find Gwen, but she is already sleeping, it reminds her she too must put her head down and close her eyes. Chi her mind racing with the things she's learning and with a new found admiration for Ishorou, finds sleep difficult but eventually her eyes close and a deep slumber refreshes her mind and body. A cat comes and sleeps by her head, purring and she dreams as she sleeps.

Both awake the next morning, ready for the day ahead.

After hearing about the medicinal qualities of the berries, Tun'ada gladly eats a few.

Fortitude Save vs. Disease:1d20 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 8 = 28

I would hope that would do the job of curing me :)

After hearing about the medicinal qualities of the berries, Tun'ada gladly eats a few.

Fortitude Save vs. Disease:1d20 + 3 + 8

I would hope that would do the job of curing me :)

I'm afraid that won't cure you (you need to pass two consecutive saves, its a nasty one), but as you beat the DC by more than 10 i'm going to rule the berries helped you regain a single point of strength damage for Day 5.

Oh man the dice aren't favouring you Talomyr...Tun'ada fort save VS contracting Mindfire-1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Passed

Castaway Morale-

I've taken various things into account with their bonuses based on RP, accomplishments, fulfillment of personal goals, attitude towards party...

Aerys- 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Sasha- 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Ishorou- 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

The new campsite does much to improve the spirits of the less hopeful NPC castaways. With a faint light at the end of a tunnel of withdrawal symptons, Aerys perks up somewhat and is actually quite a pleasure to be around. Sasha delights in her new pet and is even talking about staying on the island if there is a chance to lave, and starting a breeding program for the 'darling creatures'. Ishorou smiles a self-satisfied smile as he seems to have earnt the respect of the group with his blademanship, and he now has a young one to teach.

All the castaways are now Hopeful and won't need to make more checks, with the exception of Ishorou who has improved to normal morale.

Dawn encounter check-

1d100 ⇒ 51No encounter check.

I'm afraid that won't cure you (you need to pass two consecutive saves, its a nasty one), but as you beat the DC by more than 10 i'm going to rule the berries helped you regain a single point of strength damage for Day 5.

Cool, works for me. Are there any of the berries left? If so I would like to save a few for tomorrows check.

DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:

I'm afraid that won't cure you (you need to pass two consecutive saves, its a nasty one), but as you beat the DC by more than 10 i'm going to rule the berries helped you regain a single point of strength damage for Day 5.

Cool, works for me. Are there any of the berries left? If so I would like to save a few for tomorrows check.

There are four handfuls left, each is effectively one dose.

6:30AM, Day 5.

Updated close up map of your current area, with the shipwreck seen in the distance, the viper nettles berries and the abandoned campsite shown.-Link to Close-Up

Updated overall map of Smugglers Shiv that Ambroze is filling out as you go.-Link to Overall Map of Smugglers Shiv

Back over to you guys. Plans? RP? :)

Gwen awakes with the sun, having fully rested the night before. As she watches the others sleep, she thanks the Gods silently for providing her with such stalwart companions. Without them, she thinks to herself, I would have been dead several times over in this place. She sits down with a small scrap of paper and begins to write quietly. By the time she is finished, nearly the whole camp is awake.

Once everyone is up, Gwen approaches James, Tun'ada, Flute, Chi, and Ambroze.

Good morning, all. Are we back to following tracks this morning, or shall we investigate the shipwreck we saw last night? I can't help but think that the Captain and the Scholar won't be going anywhere of any significance without a boat. I would like to look at the shipwreck first. Care to indulge me?

Alarmingly, Flute doesn't seem to be in his tent, and no one on watch saw him leave the campsite... Ishorou eventually recalls the Dwarf complaining he 'needed to piss' but hes sure the Dwarf didn't go far...

Chi, pleased as punch with her new found teacher and wanting to practice the skills she's learned, agrees with Gwen that going to the ship wreck might prove interesting. She smiles "I'm with Gwen, you never know what you might find in the ship, maybe a chest or something." All the time thinking how she might be able to unpick a lock, like Ishorou showed her last night. This journey was becoming so much more interesting than she would ever had thought when she ran away. Even the oppressive heat didn't seem to hold the dread it had on previous days. And tonight she could learn so much more from him.

However on discovering the Flute has gone missing, she asks James and Tun'ada "Ummm, with Flute gone missing, shouldn't we spend the first part of the day looking for him. he can't have gone far, but there maybe dangers we missed when we set up camp here? Can we please go find him?"

Games been pretty quiet lately... Anyone out there?

You know I am, Ambroze has been quiet lately though.

James is resistant to the talk of leaving the tracks to degrade even more while they explore the wreck first, but caves under the united front of the girls. However, his attention shifts direction completely once they discover Flute is missing.

"We have to find him", the Shoanti agrees, "this island is too dangerous, he could be in trouble. Or worse yet, taken by our enemies."

You can make survival checks to try and track Flute if you wish.

Retracing Flute's steps from his tent, James tries to locate the Dwarf.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Flute appeared to have walked a short distance from the camp, and seemed to have stood facing south towards the rest of the island. His tracks end there.

End how? Like he just vanishes?

Seems so, unless for some reason he carefully backtracked along his own tracks, or didn't leave a trace if he went elsewhere...