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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Seeing that his companions have the battle well in hand, Ambroze trains his crossbow on the trees from which the savages emerged in case more appear.

You could shoot the fleeing savage if you wish, although the shot will be at a -2 range increment penalty.

Round 2 Summary-

James cut down a savage, and took another wound from a second assailant.

The savages attacking Savarend fail to take the Dwarf alive, or at all, both missing with their respective actions.

Chi curses James' other assailant with an evil eye.

Tun'ada scores another blow on his opponent while easily dodging the savage's attack.

Gwyneth unleashes apowerful burst of positive energy, healing James of some of his grieveous wounds.

Ambroze keeps his crossbow trained on the forest line, possibly finishing off a straggler (TBC).

Savarend connects a third time with one of his assailants, taking the man down with a lethal blow.

Round 3 Initiative-
James- 22 (acted)
Savages- 16
Chi- 15
Tun'ada- 9
Gwyneth- 8
Ambroze- 7
Savarend- 7

As the remaining barbarian attacking James begin to turn to flee, James cuts across with a mighty swing, sending the man's torso and upper body flying but leaving his legs where they are.

Assuming Ambroze doesn't shoot him before, the fleeing savage disappears in the direction of the game trail. The barbarian in melee with Tun'ada makes a break for the treeline in a single burst of speed, throwing caution to the wind. Tun'ada buries his blade in the back of the foolish man's skull, killing him instantly.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23Tun'ada crit threat AOO.
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16Confirmed.
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

On the other side of the battle, the other barbarian is blissfully unaware of his allies fates as he focuses on the stubborn Dwarf. Feinting a high slash, the barbarian lunges forward, but Savarend neatly sways aside from the blow.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

One barbarian is liable to get away unless Ambroze chose to take the shot in Round 2. The only other active Barbarian is attacking Savarend unsuccessfully.

Map Link

Ambroze will fire his crossbow at the fleeing savage in Round Two, moving forward 20 feet if need be.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

He was well over 100 feet away (these guys have crazy movement) so the -2 still applies- happily you still hit.

(Round 2 Retcon)
Ambroze's bolt sails through the air and slams into the back of the fleeing barbarian, dropping him with a well-placed crossbow bolt.

Tun'ada rushes over toward Savarend.

Double move to L21

"Take this one alive! We need a him to rattle his bone box about the other barmies on this island!" Savarend shoots forward on one knee, attempting to wrestle the man's leg and arm.

Combat maneuver check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

The dice gods are not favoring this character :(

Chi, seeing Savarend in no particular trouble against the savagem decides to go off in search of the arrow that missed, in case it can be reused.

Chi, seeing Savarend in no particular trouble against the savagem decides to go off in search of the arrow that missed, in case it can be reused.

50% chance of being re-usable (01-50)-1d100 ⇒ 20

Need Gwyneth's and Ambroze's action.

As Savarend and Tun'ada deal with the remaining savage, Ambroze moves to examine the bodies of the fallen.

Gwen will attempt to determine if any of the savages could be revived if needed.

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Having returned the arrow to her quiver, Chi makes her way over to Savarend and Tun'ada in their dealings with the savage. She makes ready her bow and arrow, ready to shoot down the native, if he makes a bid for freedom. With the adrenalin levels falling, she becomes a little confused, knowing that she too would have been called a savage, had she not been made a slave. Life does not seem quite so simple, I hope this native will calm down and help us, rather than loose his life.

Bursting into a sprint, James flies to Savarand's aid his eyes wild.

Run action to K29

Gwen will attempt to determine if any of the savages could be revived if needed.

Heal: 1d20+6

One of the savages James struck down is still alive, but close to death.

Hey, I might be able to save this one over here...

Sorry all, i've been feeling pretty ill most of the day.

Round 4 Initiative-
James- 22 (acted)
Savages- 16
Chi- 15
Tun'ada- 9
Gwyneth- 8
Ambroze- 7
Savarend- 7

Finally seeing that the battle has turned against him, the last savage makes a break for it, hoping that the speed of his sprint will protect him from retribution. Both James and Savarend are able to land powerful attacks on the savage, and he falls down from a massive bruising on his back in combination with a vicious slash.

James AOO-
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 5) + 9 = 16

Savarend AOO-
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

200XP each. I believe protocol dictates a DING sound here. Please do not make any changes yet until we've got you back at camp and you've spent a day training (you have to survive that day to level remember)

Appraise check (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Ambroze casts Detect Magic as he studies the items taken from the savages.

Finally calming himself, James bends to examine the corpse of the savage, turning the odd amulet over and over in his hands.

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Appraise check (untrained): 1d20 + 2

Ambroze casts Detect Magic as he studies the items taken from the savages.

Nothing glows with a magical aura. James estimates that each amulet is worth about 50 gold pieces, the gem set into each one is a precious gem found near volcanos and inside natural caverns inside dormant ones.

Gwen will attempt to treat the wounded Savage.

Heal (to stabilize):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Geez. Somebody aid?

With the final savage taken care of, Chi turns to see Gwen tending another of the savages, she quickly runs over to Gwen to help her in her work. As she rns over to help she calls out, "Tun'ada can you come and help us over here, Gwen's found one of these warriors, still alive. I think she wants to befriend him. I think she might need some help though."

As she joins Gwen, Chi puts down her weapon and does her best to help, "Let us hope this one lives, he may be able to help us if we came help him."

Aid another heal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Limping over to where Gwen and Chi are trying to save the savage in case they need some help if he comes to, James stands ready besides them, leaning tiredly on his sword. The many wounds to his body still bleeding, although Gwen's earlier healing did heal the most deadly among them.

"You girls alright?" The Shoanti asks with grimace.

The savage us stable, but unconcious. With the adrenalin rush of combat wearing off, the group begin to feel the exertions their actions in the extreme heat had on their bodies... Remaining active in the midday sun will provoke further checks.

Fort Saves to resist extreme heat (heavy clothing or armour penalty applied)-

Tun'ada-
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Take 1d4 ⇒ 2 points of non-lethal damage, and you are now fatigued from heatstroke. The fatigue wears off when your non-lethal damage has healed, either naturally or magically. Non-lethal damage heals at a rate of 1HP per hour.

James
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Gwyneth
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Take 1d4 ⇒ 4 points of non-lethal damage, and you are now fatigued from heatstroke. The fatigue wears off when your non-lethal damage has healed, either naturally or magically. Non-lethal damage heals at a rate of 1HP per hour.

Savarend
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Take 1d4 ⇒ 2 points of non-lethal damage, and you are now fatigued from heatstroke. The fatigue wears off when your non-lethal damage has healed, either naturally or magically. Non-lethal damage heals at a rate of 1HP per hour.

Chi
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Ambroze
1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12
Take 1d4 ⇒ 2 points of non-lethal damage, and you are now fatigued from heatstroke. The fatigue wears off when your non-lethal damage has healed, either naturally or magically. Non-lethal damage heals at a rate of 1HP per hour.

Approximately 12:30PM, Day 6.

"Whew! This heat sure is getting to me!" Ambroze says, wiping his brow. "Let's get this savage secured and get back into some shelter before we melt!"

You spend another two hours or so in the shelter, after binding the savage. Savarend, Ambroze and Tun'ada mostly recover from their midday heatstroke, but Gwyneth is still fatigued. The savage comes to shortly before the midday sun abates, spitting and shouting in a strange tongue and attempting to break his bonds. None of you speak the language he is speaking.

Any who are able may attempt a DC20 Linguistics check to determine the language he is speaking.

Approximately 2:30PM, Day 6.

Linguistics check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

James, I see that you're still hurt, but I can barely breathe right now. I can call on the Gods to aid me, but I'm so tired...I don't think I have much left. So that I can actually live to see the camp, I must aid myself, I think. If you need healing, by all means use a potion...I'm sorry, I wish I could do more.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Alright, let's get this fellow back to camp. Maybe someone will be able to talk to him.

"Curse this thrice-damned heat! And not a breeze to be seen! Are we having any luck with the berk we captured?"

Back to the camp when the heat lets up then?

sounds like a good plan to me.

Chi and cat lay in the shade as the heat of the day takes it's toll. "So how do we get back from here? are we going to have to climb back up to that ridge, or are we making our way round? Whilst we lay here in the heat, we might as well make plans."

"Thanks Gwen," James replies with a grateful smile as her healing energies take the edge off of his pain.

"Let's head back along the north coast Chi."

Wait, James - re-read my last...I had to heal myself, not you.

The group recover all their non-lethal damage en route.

Heading back to camp with the savage fiercely resisting, gnashing his teeth and snarling at all opportunities, the group don't make particularily good time. By the time they get to camp, evening has fallen. The group are met by a relieved Ishorou.

We were in the process of organising a search party... he mutters as he helps you escort your prisoner into camp. The other castaways gather round as the savage snarls and speaks in his strange tongue.

Ishorou Linguistics-1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Gelik Linguistics-1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Aerys Linguistics-1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sasha Linguistics-1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

There is some confusion and no one seems to be sure what he is saying. Eventually, Aerys squints at the savage and speaks up.

Its Infernal... At least, a primitive, pidgin form of it. I can barely understand what hes saying and I speak the language fluently... Hes telling us he will see us... Sacrificed to the red mountain and eaten for our... spirit?

6:30PM.

"Well that sounds delight, now doesn't it? I'm all for resting for a bit. What should we do with this sod now that we get his sacrificing-people-for-power angle?"

Update to 2nd level now?

"Well that sounds delight, now doesn't it? I'm all for resting for a bit. What should we do with this sod now that we get his sacrificing-people-for-power angle?"

Update to 2nd level now?

I've been thinking about it, and i've changed my mind a bit. Normally I require days of training for levelling but time is important in this campaign, so i'll hand-waive it for this one.

1d100 ⇒ 94 No dusk encounter.

Yes, you can all level to level 2. PFS style average HP or roll, your choice. Please do all levelling in the discussion thread including changes made (in particular i'd like to know what your new perception, survival and init modifiers are if they change.)

Savarend, Sasha takes the time to teach you the techniques of the Mantis Assassins, gain a +1 bonus to your initiative.

Everyone, gain a +1 Will bonus vs Enchantment (Compulsion) effects due to Aerys' compelling poetry and prose.

In addition, anyone who wishes to can take a few hours to study Jask's mantras to gain a +2 bonus on concentration checks.

All questions to the OOC thread please. Once everyone's levelled i'll pick up the game on the afternoon of Day 7.

Edit bolded.

1d100 ⇒ 25 No Day 6 Midnight Encounter.

1d100 ⇒ 87 No Day 7 Morning Encounter.

1d100 ⇒ 65 No Day 7 Midday Encounter.

Quick retcon:

"Thanks Gwen," becomes "Don't worry Gwen, I'll be fine."

Back to the present...

"Jask, I'm still injured from our fight with the savages. Would you mind healing my wounds?"

I'm afraid Ishorou took a nasty wound earlier this evening driving off another one of those damn Dimorphodons, but i'll do what I can son.

1d6 ⇒ 6
1d6 ⇒ 1
1d6 ⇒ 6
1d6 ⇒ 2

"Thanks Jask, so infernal? What language is that Aerys?"

Looking over at James...

"I don't believe it takes a great deal of imagination to what sort of beings speak infernal as their primary language."

"I'm sorry Tun'ada," James replies, looking a little embarrased at his apparent lack of education and knowledge. "I've never learnt much of other cultures or their languages, I have no idea what an infernal might be."

"I'm sorry Tun'ada," James replies, looking a little embarrased at his apparent lack of education and knowledge. "I've never learnt much of other cultures or their languages, I have no idea what an infernal might be."

The Caldaru man smiles. "Nothing to worry about, James. The only reason I know is from my days as a slave to a Chelish master...I'm afraid far too many of those of Chelaxian stock speak the damned language."

"Cheliax?" James asks with interest, "I boarded there. I've heard that the rich there make deals with monstrous beings from places beyond our world, are these the creatures that speak such a language? It sounds horrible."

The ranger solemnly nods. "Fortunately, my former owner was not powerful enough to be able to make such deals, but he knew many who did. As a result, I have seen such creatures once or twice in my life, though all I know about the creatures are that they are both unnatural to this realm, and decidedly unholy."

Why, then, would their language be spoken by these tribesmen? I don't know much of the world outside Promise, but I can tell at a glance that this savage is neither rich nor powerful. Unless this island is somehow ruled by or guided by one of these Infernal creatures, what need would there be for the indigenous people to speak such a language?

"Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps even better with your connection to the divine."

I will need to think on this...but until proven otherwise, I'm assuming that some Infernal influence holds sway on this island...or did at some point, anyway.

"Not all natives follow demonic gods, my tribe would speak with the spirits of the forest for guidance. But just because they may follow different ways, doesn't make them all bad. They just haven't found a more peaceful way yet."

Savarend waves a hand in front of his face, "I've never met any square religion that chattered the language of Hell and I'll bet you a gold coin for every tooth in my bone box that his mates are all soul-rotted. What should we do with him while we're out gallivanting?"

Why, then, would their language be spoken by these tribesmen? I don't know much of the world outside Promise, but I can tell at a glance that this savage is neither rich nor powerful. Unless this island is somehow ruled by or guided by one of these Infernal creatures, what need would there be for the indigenous people to speak such a language?

Perhaps a warship from the fleet that came to subjugate Sargava many years ago shipwrecked here, and we're looking at their descendants?They had to learn the language from somewhere...

Gelik looks decidedly uncomfortable for a moment, before he unrolls up his sleeve, revealing small blue-white spores sprouting within his flesh. The spores seem to throb with Gelik's heartbeat.

Can someone do something about this... Gelik mutters, his voice shaking.

"Geww!" Savarend takes a step back, grimacing and rubbing his own forearms.