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

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

"Jask, you OK, it would seem we've eaten sometime that didn't agree with us. Funny though, all our belonging are here, best get yours, though I doubt you'd want to keep the manacles."

My belongins were kept locked up on the Jenivere. None of them are here... he says, sounding somewhat bitter.

Tun'Ada and James find evidence of a set of humanoid footprints leading to and from the water along with a fair number of furrows leading up to where you awoke, suggesting that someone dragged you all up from the water’s edge.

"Who was the first of us to awake? James, I believe you said that you were the first, were you not? The footprints do not seem to match the ones you would make, which makes me wonder, who drug us farther up onto the beach, and why?" Tun'ada says, pointing out the humanoid footprints.

I feel fine now. Although our current sitution is somewhat dire... Gelik mutters.

"Yes, you're right," Ambroze agrees with Gelik's assessment. "But is looks like someone left some of our equipment here with us. Maybe our situation is not as dire as it could be. Here, let me help you find your possessions."

Ambroze moves over to the pile of equipment to find their gear. "Well what do you know!" he exclaims with delight. "Here's my backpack with all of my supplies, and my weapons too!" The gnome's face then takes on a worried cast. "Has anyone seen my chest of books?" he asks with concern.

Good man, my previous interactions with the prisoner do not lead me to believe that he is guilty of the charge levied against him. He seems more trustworthy and honest than many of those assembled here. You are welcome to your own opinions, of course, but I do not sense danger from him.

"I... agree, I think he is a man of his word."

James turns to Jask now.

"Then we should go and get them, Flute and I would like to investigate the Jenivere anyway. We're not in anyone's country, or on anyone's ship now, there's no rules here but what we make. So do we really claim to have the right to call you guilty of something we know nothing about? For goodness' sake, why is this man still in chains?!"

My belongins were kept locked up on the Jenivere. None of them are here... he says, sounding somewhat bitter.

"Then we will have to go to the wreckage of the ship and get your things, plus whatever else may be on board to help us survive."

DM Alexander Kilcoyne wrote:

Tun'Ada and James find evidence of a set of humanoid footprints leading to and from the water along with a fair number of furrows leading up to where you awoke, suggesting that someone dragged you all up from the water’s edge.

"Who was the first of us to awake? James, I believe you said that you were the first, were you not? The footprints do not seem to match the ones you would make, which makes me wonder, who drug us farther up onto the beach, and why?" Tun'ada says, pointing out the humanoid footprints.

"I have been wondering the same thing. Which begs the question who poisoned us in the first place?"

Gelik aka DM AK wrote:

I feel fine now. Although our current sitution is somewhat dire... Gelik mutters.

"Yes, your're right," Ambroze agrees with Gelik's assessment. "But is looks like someone left some of our equipment here with us. Maybe our situation is not as dire as it could be. Here, let me help you find your possessions."

Ambroze moves over to the pile of equipment to find their gear. "Well what do you know!" he exclaims with delight. "Here's my backpack with all of my supplies, and my weapons too!" The gnome's face then takes on a worried cast. "Has anyone seen my chest of books?" he asks with concern.

I think I saw a chest over on this side! Sasha says excitedly, poking her head over the remaining equipment and smiling brightly.

Why is he in chains? Well, none of us have the key silly...

You go investigate the ship. I am in no position to with these manacles. Perhaps we can start to look for a suitable place to make a camp. Its dawn now, but I imagine it gets extremely hot here about midday...

Ambroze wrote:

Gelik aka DM AK wrote:

I feel fine now. Although our current sitution is somewhat dire... Gelik mutters.

"Yes, your're right," Ambroze agrees with Gelik's assessment. "But is looks like someone left some of our equipment here with us. Maybe our situation is not as dire as it could be. Here, let me help you find your possessions."

Ambroze moves over to the pile of equipment to find their gear. "Well what do you know!" he exclaims with delight. "Here's my backpack with all of my supplies, and my weapons too!" The gnome's face then takes on a worried cast. "Has anyone seen my chest of books?" he asks with concern.

I think I saw a chest over on this side! Sasha says excitedly, poking her head over the remaining equipment and smiling brightly.

Why is he in chains? Well, none of us have the key silly...

"That's easily solved," James growls, gripping his sword hilt pointedly, every part of him thinking how wrong it is that this man should not walk free.

"As soon as we can, at least some of us should head for the ship to collect anything useful before it is taken by any number scavenger species that live on the Shiv." Tun'ada then turns in Jask's direction, "With any luck we'll find the key to Jask's chains, and perhaps a clue of who or what did this to us."

"That's easily solved," James growls, gripping his sword hilt pointedly, every part of him thinking how wrong it is that this man should not walk free.

Jask backs away as you raise your blade.

Not worth your time warrior. These manacles are extremely well made.

Finding her tools in the heap, Chi returns to Jask and tries her best to remove the manacles from Jask's hands, but nothing seems to work and his manacles remain. "Does no one have anything to help my friend?"

She then goes to Gwyneth and thanks her for the healing power and hopes they will become friends.

Ishorou shrugs and lowers his eyes, which you assume is a gesture of consent.

Thank you for that kindness. Gwen approaches Jask and Chi. Jask, you know this person? What can you tell me of her? Gwen extends a hand to Chi. My name is Gwen. I'm sorry for the chilly reception. I take it you were hiding in the hold with Jask? You're very adept, I never saw you once in all my trips down there.

Hearing the talk about freeing Jask, Gwen glances at Ishorou.

Is this alright with you, honorable Ishorou? I also agree that while we are seeking to survive, Jask should hardly remain manacled. If you are his guardian, though, you should certainly have your voice heard on the matter?

I apologize if I missed it, but is the Captain not here? He'd probably have the key...

Ishorou aka DM AK wrote:

Ishorou shrugs and lowers his eyes, which you assume is a gesture of consent.

Thank you for that kindness. Gwen approaches Jask and Chi. Jask, you know this person? What can you tell me of her? Gwen extends a hand to Chi. My name is Gwen. I'm sorry for the chilly reception. I take it you were hiding in the hold with Jask? You're very adept, I never saw you once in all my trips down there.

Hearing the talk about freeing Jask, Gwen glances at Ishorou.

Is this alright with you, honorable Ishorou? I also agree that while we are seeking to survive, Jask should hardly remain manacled. If you are his guardian, though, you should certainly have your voice heard on the matter?

Aint my damn concern lady. Ishorou mutters, sharpening the edge of his katana with a whetstone.

Incidentally, all of the PC's have an attitude of unfriendly or indifferent to the party, at the moment, with a few minor exceptions concerning certain PC's. They won't be willing to search the Jenivere with you.

James grunts, in frustration, but stands back to let Gwenyth say her piece. He seems a little concerned at Jask's intimidated response.

"I mean you no harm Jask, quite the opposite, I hate to see you like this. This lot have no right to force you to their code. I'll find that key."

The Captain is not here. The people here consist of the party and five NPC's- Aerys, Ishorou, Jask, Gelik and Sasha. The entire rest of the crew are missing, including the scholar Ieana, the first mate Alton, Captain Kovack and the chef.

Having been unsuccessful in her quest to find alcohol, Aerys shrieks and begins to sob on the sands uncontrollably.

"Alright, there are two of us going to the wreckage. Anyone else care to come along with James and I?"

"Flute, we could use your strong arm, will you join us?" James asks, smiling broadly at his new found friend. "You too Gwen, we could use the gods good will right now, and you are truly blessed."

I'll go to the ship, but might we find a shelter or a safer area for those who are staying behind first?

Gwen approaches Aerys, attempting to comfort the woman.

There, there, dear. All will be well.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Are there any supplies to build a lean to or something amongst the stuff we have?

Chi looks out to the ship, deciding whether to join the expedition or not.
Perception looking to the ship 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 What does she see? how do they get there? how far? is there anything to help them? Looking across the sea she tries to understand the dangers they would face? Knowledge nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Seeing her cat look at her wih what looks like incredulity, she decides to stay.

Conceeding that Gwenyth has a valid arguement, Tun'ada searches out the surrounding area for at least temporary suitable shelter while waiting for everyone else is going to the ship to be ready.

Survival:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Survival Assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

James helps, he's not about to leave the others stranded and exposed alone, but he is eager to get moving.

You have some of the tools you will need to build a base camp, but your also missing a lot. It's possible you'll be able to salvage a lot of what you need from the ship. The ships a little further up the coast, about half an hour's walk away. Its a clear walk from where you landed on the beach.

Tun'ada finds a defensible spot just off the beach, sheltered by a large boulder and a short distance from the treeline. The NPC castaways get to work- at least, Gelik, Ishorou and Sashs do. Aerys is still apparently suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptons, although shes cheered up by Gwyneth's sympathy for a short time

Smugglers shiv ye say? This is turnin' into a shalestorm aint it lads?

ready? haha boy I was born ready! I'm ready fer anything as long as there be a hair on me chin! Bring yer sword incase more of these buggers are aboot. The other tall lad should come along too!

We'll have plenty o' time to figure out this shalestorm we're in after we search tha ship me thinks. On the move!

Perception while approaching the ship: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Chi, seeing that the journey does not involve getting wet, decides to go along with these people and find what she can. A cat follows along some distance away. Rather than go with the others Chi goes to the edge of the beach and jungle following the others quietly and out of the way.

Stealth on journey to ship1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 normal speed using elf trait silent Hunter
Perception on journey 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

EDIT: yikes didnt see you were sneaking.. okay I edited my post.
Perception roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Chi, seeing that the journey does not involve getting wet, decides to go along with these people and find what she can. A cat follows along some distance away.

Did Chi totally ignore me when I tried to talk to her? My feelings are hurt :(

After the base camp is in decent order, Gwen nods her head briskly. Aye, let's go then.

EDIT: yikes didnt see you were sneaking..

[ooc] Comes with being shy...LOL..and mainly just trying the skills out, if you got 'em flaunt 'em...LOL

I'm under the impression it is just James, Flute, Tun'ada and now Chi going to the boat while the others are with the NPCs making shelter. Is this correct?

Did Chi totally ignore me when I tried to talk to her? My feelings are hurt :(

This pbp is going so fast, I'm finding it difficult to keep up here at work...:) Chi definitely would have chatted earlier..but no too much just yet.

I'm under the impression it is just James, Flute, Tun'ada and now Chi going to the boat while the others are with the NPCs making shelter. Is this correct?

No, I'm going, I've said so twice now :)

I'll go to the ship, but might we find a shelter or a safer area for those who are staying behind first?

After the base camp is in decent order, Gwen nods her head briskly. Aye, let's go then.

Theres not really any cover or concealment for stealth checks on the approach to the ship.

After a short walk, the group stand before the wreck of the Jenivere.

Even a cursory glance is enough to confirm that the Jenivere will never sail again. Only the fortuitous presence of a sharp ridge of rock near the side of the sheer cliff wall has prevented the wreck from sinking entirely into the sea, for only the ship’s stern seems to have survived the wreck. This portion is wedged at an angle between the cliff and the rocks, and each wave shakes and tosses the wreck alarmingly. It won’t be long before the constant pounding of the waves dislodges the wreck and allows the hungry sea to claim the last of this once-fine ship.

Its very clear to you that any of the crew would have been unlikely to survive, as the lower decks that have been completely destroyed where were the majority of the crew slept.

It is low tide at the moment, and the easiest path onto the ship is to walk up the exposed rocks onto a natural ledge that overlooks the ship's decks. At normal or high tide, this would be all but impossible.

As you approach the ship, you notice the ships only lifeboat is not in its usual location on the ship- it was washed up between the ship and the cliff and was crushed by the action of the waves smashing the Jenivere against the cliff side. Part of the lifeboat’s bow still lolls about in the surf, attached to a protruding timber by a thick rope, as if someone had moored the boat to the wreck...

Current time- Approximately 7:30AM.

I have assumed all the PC's end up going to the ship, for the sake of not leaving anyone with very little to do on this PbP for some time.

Edit: Apologies for the fast pace, its player driven though really. You keep posting, i'll keep reacting :P. I like a nice fast pace anyway, it will inevitably slow down again later I expect.

This pbp is going so fast, I'm finding it difficult to keep up here at work...:) Chi definitely would have chatted earlier..but no too much just yet.

I hear that... Just remember, I've extended the hand of friendship. Can't have you feeling like an outcast :)

My mistake about who is coming along. Yeah this is going by REALLY fast :D makes my day here at work go by a bit faster.

Approaching the wreck

Well frost my beard.... He pauses.Maybe thar be some rum on board along with some survivors. All that cryin of that prickly lass got ME to need a drink... and as my travelling great aunt martha gingerpike used to say-
"Human rum is better than no rum!"

Flute thinks to himself At least thar be no snakes like in me dreamvisions..

edit: (if necessary) initiative for order to go up after James: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

The question though Flute, is where has the rum *gone*? ;)

James stays quiet again on the journey, receding a little once more, but he does seem to be slowly coming out of his shell. He's certainly more comfortable here than he was aboard the confines of the ship.

Knowledge Nature on when the tide will come in? 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

James grins at Flute's bawdy Dwarfness, and takes the initiative to head up the rocks.

All that cryin of that prickly lass got ME to need a drink... and as my travelling great aunt martha gingerpike used to say-

"Human rum is better than no rum!""

Gwen chuckles at the Dwarf's diatribe. Well, that'd be well and good for you, Master Dwarf, but please, if we do find Rum - or any alchohol for that matter - let's not take it back to the camp. The sooner Aerys clears her system of the drink, the better for us all.

Tun'ada nods and smiles in complete agreement with Gwenyth's suggestion. "Until we find out otherwise, this is a matter of survival, and we would be best served to have all of our senses clear."

Her loss then.. I'd rather shave me grandmother's beard than give up drinkin'. Me guess is that its a bit like askin' you to give up readin'. Now what'll be the best way to get up to the wreck....

Say "learning" rather than "reading", and you'd be close to the truth, Flute. I never was much one for books, but I have always enjoyed making puzzles fit together, you might say. As for that... she gestures to the exposed rocks. It would seem that yon rocks would be the best way to approach. Anyone care to go first?

Ambroze has been silently studying the remains of the ship and the crashing waves, trying to determine when the tide will be coming back in.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

...Me guess is that its a bit like askin' you to give up readin'...

"Wait! Wha-?" Ambroze splutters as his distracted attention snaps back to the current conversation. "Give up reading?" he asks, horrified.

Ye like puzzles eh? Funny how yerself seems ta be the biggest puzzle of them all so far...with yer blessin' and strange speach.He chuckles Well..the biggest puzzle besides us being stuck on slag heap island.

edit: also it seems James is takin' point and headin up the rocks first. I was hopin I could getta boost from him and ya'll as I'm built for goin' through rock.. not over it.

edit 2: I got you and ambroze mixed up! lol no worries it still worked out it seems haha!

Ambroze has been silently studying the remains of the ship and the crashing waves, trying to determine when the tide will be coming back in.

You figure you have a couple of hours leeway before the tide starts to come in.

Gwen follows behind James and Flute, picking her steps carefully in case the rocks are slippery.

Chi smiles at Gwyneth Those rocks do look the best way, I'll see if its easy or not. Chi starts out slowly along the rocks, placing each foot carefully, missing the small pools containing green, yellow and red seaweeds gently waving in the clear seawater. Closed up shellfish, white and pearl line glint as the sun shine down on these small treasures of pool. Chi has to remind herself to keep moving on as she is distracted by the beauty of them. Gwyneth, look at the beauties here. She points to a larger pool.

Acrobatics to walk across the rocks to the ship 1d1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Perception to notice anything on the way across 1d1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

EDIT: Ohh...great rolls, looks like I'll be the unlucky character...you weren't joking Flute...And I really like this fast pace, its the way to go...hope we can keep it up. I just take too long to post though...

Acrobatics to walk across the rocks to the ship 1d0+3

Perception to notice anything on the way across 1d0+3

EDIT: Ohh...great rolls, looks like I'll be the unlucky character...you weren't joking Flute...And I really like this fast pace, its the way to go...hope we can keep it up.

You typed "1d0 + 3" twice in your post, it defaulted to 1d1...try a d20 ;)

Tun'ada moves towards the ship, lagging behind to help anyone who is having difficulty.

Acrobatics:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
or
Climb:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 which ever is more appropriate

Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

You definitely rolled MAXIMUM considering the sided die you rolled there Chi. ;)