DM Berwick's Serpent's Skull Adventure

Game Master Lost Gamer

"Yes, indeed I am." Jask turns slightly to assist in what little way he can with your attempt.

Though your first try failed, you spend more time on it, and at some point realize that this lock is just beyond your skill.

Even taking twenty, your score would not have been high enough for this one.

"A priest? That one? Seems more like a roguish type to me. Well, it is true what they say about not judging a book by its cover." He slumps slightly, defeated that he remains in chains.

He rolls back over, and sits up, though he must twist uncomfortably to remain so.

"As I said, Jask is the name. I once came from Sargava actually, though Corentyn has recently been my home."

He seems appreciative of your attempt to free him, but remains depressed perhaps because he is helpless in the deadly land.

Here is the information on a base camp.

. . . though there is some simian hooting in the background.

Origen stops for a moment to wipe the sweat from his face. He mutters, "Apes . . . why did it have to be apes?"

We'll need two hunters to avoid dipping into our supplies, but we might want to focus more energy on building the campsite for the first few days. I nominate Torden for our primary entertainer. Also, I suggest that we double up on this role for now because if we could get the NPCs to be helpful, it would magnify our capabilities.

Origen has ranged attacks, so he might be a good hunter or guard, though he also might make a good entertainer because of his high charisma. However, he'll do anything needed.

If he can, he'll use his Aid Another roll from before to assist in making the campsite. Jonagher had a good base roll for making the site (19, now that we have tools).

If not, here's another Aid Another (Survival) roll: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 Sweet. +2 it is.

"Apes . . . why did it have to be apes?"

"Pardon? Of all the creatures in this world, you have chosen... apes to be wary of?"

As soon as they reach the camp, Isandril places his load on the ground and stretches, quite happy to be rid of the heavier things. Noticing the sour looks on the various people, he approaches the half-elf.

"We found quite a few things on the ship. Supplies and tools that could certainly help setting up a camp, as well as various potions of a healing and restorative nature that could also come in handy. Also, a few sea charts and maps that I am sure the ship's navigator can put to good use," he informs Jonagher and Frik before his voice becomes a little quieter. "Also, there were two dead bodies. One of them had been dead for more than a while, while the other belonged to the First Mate and it seemed as if he had been in a fight. I could not determine what killed them but perhaps Yuuwa, being a cleric, or one of the others did?"

Stepping back a little, he resumes talking without whispering again. "What about you? Anything of interest here?"

As if remembering something, the elf adds a few more words. "Ah, yes... We also found some things that probably belong to the prisoner here. Not to mention several keys in the Captain's cabin. So," he asks turning to Jask, "what is it exactly you did to warrant your being in chains?"

Isandril could fill the role of the Guard and even the Hunter, though someone might need to lend him a bow.

If needed, here is an Aid Another roll.

Survival 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

He probably does more harm than good with that roll. Heh...

Returning to camp, Bran approaches Jonagher and Torden too and tells them of their findings on the wreck. And then he says, "Nice place for a camp - we found some more supplies that might help make it a little better. Want to help me with them?"

Bran can fill the role of Guard or Defender

Yuuwa pauses in the designated camp site, wipes the sweat from her forehead, "Looks like a nice place for a summer cottage, don't know why a colony would fail here. The docile wildlife, ambient temps, mana from the trees. Perfect!"
She drops the supplies salvaged from the Jeniever and removes her armor. "Aaahhh, so much better. And yes to the question of are the Sea Scorp edible? You are supposed to remove the stingers and a few other parts but I have had no experience prepping nor eating said beast. I'd ask the cook but someone or something stung him, probably with vengence immediately following that last meal. Whodathunk we'd miss GLOP? Nope. Still don't."

She looks around the campsite and notices the shocked demeanor of the survivors. She whispers to her fellow "heroes" "We can't let them stew in their thoughts. We have to get them organized and busy. Jon and Jask (once he is free of the chains and has his personal effects returned), Aerys and Gelik please accompany me to retrieve our first dinner here in the form of Sautee'dSeaScorp. They're dead and won't deliver themselves to the campsite. Jon, bring your weapon, I'll bring my trident just in case but leave the armor here. I think we reduced the local SeaScorp population to zero."

Yuuwa will take this opportunity to discuss things that need to be done to ensure survival and gently let the passengers speak of thier background as they see fit. If nothing else she'll mock the former cook's atrocious skills and encourage recipes where SeaScorp would be more palatable than the Glop.

Though your first try failed, you spend more time on it, and at some point realize that this lock is just beyond your skill.

"Well, bother me," Jonagher grouses, finally giving up, "Apparently, they chose a good set of manacles when they put these on you. I'd hoped maybe they'd be more poorly constructed. But I can find nary a weak link and the locks are sound."

He seems appreciative of your attempt to free him, but remains depressed perhaps because he is helpless in the deadly land.

"Ah, don't fret too much," Jonagher tries to sound encouraging, "The others went to explore the ship. Maybe they'll find the keys lying about somewhere. If not, I'll go look for them myself. I'd rather have your hands free to help around the camp than bound up like this..."

"As I said, Jask is the name. I once came from Sargava actually, though Corentyn has recently been my home."

"It's nice to meet you, Jask. Whatever put you in these chains before has no bearing between us here. We've all got to survive and make do. And I've had my own share of brushes with the law in my mis-spent youth. So I'll hold nothing against a fellow castaway as long as they hold nothing against me."

Defender: A defender works to set traps, shore up a shelter’s walls, and see to the safety of the campsite.

This sounds like something Jonagher might excel at...or he might make a capable Guard or Hunter as well, I suppose.

Noticing the sour looks on the various people, he approaches the half-elf. "We found quite a few things on the ship. Supplies and tools that could certainly help setting up a camp, as well as various potions of a healing and restorative nature that could also come in handy. Also, a few sea charts and maps that I am sure the ship's navigator can put to good use," he informs Jonagher...

"Well, that sounds promising. Our plight isn't looking quite so bad, after all."

"Also, there were two dead bodies. One of them had been dead for more than a while, while the other belonged to the First Mate and it seemed as if he had been in a fight...."

"Interesting," Jonagher muses, "We all know something had to have put us on this island. Since most...if not all...of the passengers are here and accounted for...except, Ieana, of course...it would seem that she or a member of the crew itself would be responsible. I take it you and Yuuwa sailed with the Captain and First Mate long enough to have at least some ideas on who would do this. Let's get together with Origen, Torden, and Bran later tonight while the others are asleep to discuss who might have done this...and our next steps."

"What about you? Anything of interest here?"

"Nothing more than the finest campsite on the whole island," Jonagher offers with a sweep of his arms, "I give you...paradise! And remember this later when we're all stung by a thousand insects and struggling to speak with one another over the rumbling in our malnourished stomachs."

"We also found some things that probably belong to the prisoner here. Not to mention several keys in the Captain's cabin. So," he asks turning to Jask, "what is it exactly you did to warrant your being in chains?"

"Does it really matter now?" Jonagher mumbles in a low-tone for Isandril's sharp ears only. "He's trapped here like the rest of us. I already promised we'd have those chains off him. He also doesn't seem threatening to me. And we could use another able-bodied hand if we're going to build a shelter and survive."

"Nice place for a camp - we found some more supplies that might help make it a little better. Want to help me with them?"

"Yeah. Let's see what you've got. I'll lend a hand."

"Looks like a nice place for a summer cottage, don't know why a colony would fail here. The docile wildlife, ambient temps, mana from the trees. Perfect!"

"Ah...see! A lady after my own heart!" Jonagher beams. He gives a wink back at Isandril. "Just like I said, I found paradise for us..."

She looks around the campsite and notices the shocked demeanor of the survivors. She whispers to her fellow "heroes" "We can't let them stew in their thoughts. We have to get them organized and busy. "

"Yeah, I've been trying to work on that," Jonagher whispers back, "Give'em some time. They'll come to grips with the situation soon enough, I suspect. And once we get a shelter built and some food on the fire, things should start looking up."

"Jon and Jask, Aerys and Gelik please accompany me to retrieve our first dinner here in the form of Sautee'dSeaScorp. They're dead and won't deliver themselves to the campsite. Jon, bring your weapon, I'll bring my trident just in case but leave the armor here. I think we reduced the local SeaScorp population to zero."

"As you wish," the half-elf nods. He looks back to Bran with an apologetic shrug, "Looks like I've been commandeered for a different duty. When I get back, I'll help cut some palm fronds for the shelter's roof, though."

"Well, that sounds promising. Our plight isn't looking quite so bad, after all."

"Yes, it is shaping up to be a veritable camping trip," the warrior retorts with a soft chuckle. "Not that I am complaining mind you. If nothing else, at least whoever is responsible for the shipwreck chose a pretty enough place."

"Does it really matter now?" Jonagher mumbles in a low-tone for Isandril's sharp ears only. "He's trapped here like the rest of us. I already promised we'd have those chains off him. He also doesn't seem threatening to me. And we could use another able-bodied hand if we're going to build a shelter and survive."

"That is a a very good point indeed," Isandril agrees before starting to try the keys on the lock. If, or when, he manages to set the man free, he shows him the items found in the footlocker. "I think these are yours Jask. Not much point in setting you free and leaving you defenseless."

"Ah...see! A lady after my own heart!" Jonagher beams. He gives a wink back at Isandril. "Just like I said, I found paradise for us..."

"Yes, I believe I can hear the angels singing," he quips, but stops abruptly and strains as if trying to hear something. "Alas, no... Just insects and... yes, I do believe those to be monkeys."

After being done with that, the elf turns to Yuuwa, taking care to have the conversation out of earshot of the various passengers. "I noticed you examined the bodies as well. I could not find anything out but I admit I am not exactly skilled in the healings arts. What about you? Anything that could tell us what killed them? The body in the larder in particular seemed to have been dead for quite some time."

"Yes, I believe I can hear the angels singing," he quips, but stops abruptly and strains as if trying to hear something. "Alas, no... Just insects and... yes, I do believe those to be monkeys."

"Just don't tell Origen about them. Or, he'll be building a raft to get off this island in record time."

Torden returns with the rest and is overjoyed at being back on dry land. He then goes about emptying the sack of food he gathered from the larder.

“Bran me boy,” he says, pulling the swordsman aside. “Keep an eye on this stockpile. Right now this is even more precious than that chest o’ gold you pulled out of the captain’s quarters. Relate the same to our fellows.”

Then his voice thunders above the waves. “There’ll be no eating of Sea Scorpions today. However,” he pauses upon seeing eyes turn toward him, “we need to ration our food until we determine the amount of food worthy beasts inhabit the jungles and the waters.”

Though in his mind Torden agrees with Origin on the apes and the thoughts of the others on insects and hunger, he realizes that it would only demoralize the castaways more to linger on such issues.

After using his Pathfinder journal to record everyone’s name and draw columns to account for their daily ration, he busies himself in assisting with erecting the campsite.

Survival 1d20 ⇒ 10

Torden then thunders on his drum with a dual purpose. He hopes to lift the spirits of the castaways, but those who spent the night in the Blakros museum with him recall the familiar tune he currently plays as the one used to calm the raging apes.

Origen Leanthris wrote:

"Apes . . . why did it have to be apes?"

"Pardon? Of all the creatures in this world, you have chosen... apes to be wary of?"

"It's a bit of a long story, starting with my elder sister Elly's poor taste in pets and ending in a battle with miniature servitors of Anghazan, Demon Lord of Apes. Somewhat irrational, I suppose, except for my wondering how badly we annoyed Anghazan by chopping his minions into toothpicks."

Isandril could fill the role of the Guard and even the Hunter, though someone might need to lend him a bow.

Feel free to use Origen's light crossbow if you need to. Under the circumstances, it's more useful in someone else's hands.

"Nothing more than the finest campsite on the whole island," Jonagher offers with a sweep of his arms, "I give you...paradise! And remember this later when we're all stung by a thousand insects and struggling to speak with one another over the rumbling in our malnourished stomachs."

"Nice spot for a campsite, Witt." Origen drops his load on the ground, then takes off his hat and wipes his forehead. "Don't worry about the insects. They'll never be able to get through our protective coating of sweat."

"We can't let them stew in their thoughts. We have to get them organized and busy. . . ."

Origen nods, recognizing the wisdom in Yuuwa's words. "I'll help with the campsite, but your party's welcome to take my crossbow. Just in case."

"Also, my hat protects its wearer from heat for a day if you invoke its magic. You could keep your armor for the trip to the beach."

You might also want to channel energy to wipe out our non-lethal damage either now or when you get back. Because few of us have real damage, it should take care of double the 1d6 roll in non-lethal damage.

Isandril Velahrn wrote:

"... yes, I do believe those to be monkeys."

"Just don't tell Origen about them. Or, he'll be building a raft to get off this island in record time."

Origen smiles wearily. "Too late. I'm already planning to get off this island in record time."

Then his voice thunders above the waves. “There’ll be no eating of Sea Scorpions today. However,” he pauses upon seeing eyes turn toward him, “we need to ration our food until we determine the amount of food worthy beasts inhabit the jungles and the waters.”

"Torden, I want to eat some boiled sea scorpion, preferably with melted butter. Which we don't have. But eating them seems like an appropriate payback anyway."

He mutters to Bran and Torden, "I do agree with you about watching the supplies. Especially the bottle of brandy." His eyes flick to where Aerys lies in the sand.

DM Berwick has indicated to Origen that Aerys drank a lot during the sea voyage. I predict trouble if she finds out about the brandy.

How's this sound for tomorrow's roles? Torden as Entertainer, Jonagher as Defender, Bran and Isandril as Hunters, Origen as Guard, and Frik as Medic. Yuuwa could be a Medic, Defender, or Entertainer, but I'd suggest one of the latter two until our camp is more built-up. Alternatively, Origen could be the second Entertainer, and Yuuwa could be the Guard.

When Bran is talking to Jonagher, he whispers, "Be careful with that prisoner. He ain't wearing them chains for decoration."

And then after Jonagher leaves and Isandril begins trying to unlock the chains on the man, Bran stands over him and spits near his leg. When the man looks up at him, Bran pats the hand axes at his belt. "I normally don't judge men for what they did, but if I find you trying to steal anything or hurt anyone in this camp, I'll chop you up like firewood and feed you to the sharks. Savvy?"

With that, Bran yells, "Frik! Stop laying around and help me with the supplies. We need to put this canvas up - a storm is liable to blow up any minute."

Looking about the camp, you see the various survivors sitting in different areas of the camp.

Jask sits awkwardly beneath a palm tree, his body twisted to allow him to sit upright with his hands in chains behind his back. He is a middle-aged, plain looking Garundi man with hair starting to gray and watery eyes. He sits there in his ragged clothes, and manacles that bind his wrists behind his back.

Aerys is a trim, athletic woman with short dark hair, tanned skin, and fierce blue eyes. She dresses in tightly fitted leather armor and favors dark clothing and tricorn hats. She has slightly pointy ears that poke out from under her hat. She is sitting in the shade, slumped against a tree, drinking deeply from a flask that she got from somewhere, giggling at nothing. She hums a song under her breath, and manages to slur even that.

Gelik is a spry, energetic gnome with blond hair and a neat goatee. He dresses like a noble at all times. His shirt is crisp and dry, his fine clothing seemingly freshly cleaned. Only the ink stains on his fingers break the illusion of a proper gnome nobleman. He sits and watches the group, making snide comments here and there.

Ishirou is a rugged Tian man who appears much older than he is, with graying hair worn in a ponytail and a perpetual scruffy beard. His clothing and armor are well kept and clean, but obviously of low quality. Only his sword, a beautiful katana, has any perceived value amongst his second-hand gear. Ishirou is understandably protective of it. He kneels under a shade tree, watching Aerys with a slight frown on his face.

Sasha has tousled red hair and mischievous green eyes, and is missing the pinky finger of her left hand. She bears a tattoo between her shoulder blades. Slender and athletic, Sasha never stands still or stays quiet for long. She sits under a tree for a bit, the shuffles around, sighs and gets up. She stretches, then moves to another spot and sits for a moment.

Jask nods a Jonagher's promise to free him, barely containing a smile.

When Isandril comes and asks, Jask shakes his head,

Friend, there are some places in this world where knowledge itself is a crime. I have been falsely imprisoned because of...others...knowledge...dangerous to Sargava.

He breaks off, as his eyes glaze over, and he starts to mumble to himself bitterly.

Later
The survivors make motions to get up and come help, but Torden's announcement motivates them to sit back down and brood a bit more.

After Torden's soulfull performance,

Jask looks up to Bran after he spits,

Though you show it in a strange way Northman, I appreciate your trust. May Nethys bless you, and your group.

Once Isandril unlocks the chains...
A quiet tear traces a path down Jask's face, as he rubs his wrists for the first time in months. He stretches his arms in front of him, and gets to his feet quickly. He moves over to the foot locker, and retrieves the holy symbol. He starts muttering a string of prayers, as his garments begin to knit themselves back together again around him.

Jask is now friendly...in a Diplomacy sense!

You have trusted me today, and I will trust you. Here is my story, I once was employed by the Sargavan government, but when I uncovered evidence of corruption involving illicit deals with the Free Captains of the Shackles, I confronted my superior, only to be betrayed and framed for the same crimes. Faced with imprisonment, I fled all the way to Corentyn, where I lived a modest life as a scribe for a decade. I'd thought my enemies in Sargava had forgotten me, but then a Sargavan agent caught up with me and put me in irons. The agent handed me over to the Captain of the Jenivere with instructions to return me to Sargava for trial, but the Captain disappeared during the shipwreck, leaving me alive but bound. I was given some of Cookie's Glop surprise, and then my memories are a blur. I woke up to you fighting on the beach.

He relaxes as he digs the rest of his gear out,

One of the incriminating papers I found so long ago indicated that one of my superior’s contacts in the Shackles was a man named Avret Kinkarian. Kinkarian’s ship, the Brine Demon, reputedly wrecked here on Smuggler’s Shiv. I know it’s a long shot, but I would love to track the ship down and explore the wreck on the off chance there could be more evidence somewhere aboard to prove my innocence. If you come across it out there, I would love to come explore it with you. In the meantime, I would be more than happy to provide my services as either a hunter or a medic here at camp.

Survival total: +2 from Origen; +0 from Isandril; +0 from Torden

Need a survival check from Jonagher, and Yuuwa. I will make one for Frik, and Jask.

Jask sits awkwardly beneath a palm tree, his body twisted to allow him to sit upright with his hands in chains behind his back. . . .

Origen approaches the man. "Jask, isn't it? I'm Origen Leanthris."

Origen tries to get a sense of Jask's truthfulness.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 Ah yup. He's trustworthy, all right.

Edited for DM Berwick's ninja attack.

"I'd be happy to help an innocent man clear his name." Origen offers Jask his hand.

Despite his tiredness, Origen helps Bran as best he can with setting up the campsite.

Don't forget that we have a pavillion tent, which sleeps up to ten and allows a fire inside if we need it. It may also help keep some of the animals out of our supplies.

After the tent is set up and the campsite prepared, Origen makes an announcement to the group.

"Everyone, I know a minor magic to clean the salt and grime out of your clothes and hair. It can also improve the flavor of food or drink. So if you would like any help with those things, just let me know."

He promptly demonstrates by cleaning the grime, sand, and sea scorpion ichor off his clothing.

When dinner is prepared, Origen sits down beside the gnome Gelik. "I know that you've travelled quite a bit, Gelik. Ever been in a shipwreck before?"

During the eveing, Origen will try to talk to each of his fellow castaways and see how they are doing. If Torden or another PC is attempting to raise the spirits of some NPCs, Origen will attempt to assist.

Aid Another or Diplomacy (Aerys) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Aid Another or Diplomacy (Gelik) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Aid Another or Diplomacy (Ishirou) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Aid Another or Diplomacy (Jask) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Aid Another or Diplomacy (Sasha) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Aid Another or Diplomacy (Frik, if necessary) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Bran frowns at Torden's drumming, mumbling to Isandril, "He's gonna tell anything and everything on this isle where we are. So be ready for critters sneaking through the brush...or trees," Bran finishes, looking up into the canopy.

Bran then walks around inspecting the campsite and sees Ishirou watching everyone else. He walks over to the man and says, "Nice blade. Is that a fancy family heirloom or can you put it to use when needed?"
Bran grins slightly, hoping the man recognizes the gesture as friendly and not challenging.

After talking briefly with Ishirou, assuming the man responds, Bran then walks directly over to Aerys and kicks the flask out of her hands. "Get drunk on your own damn time! We will need every one of us to be alert and help out if we are to survive this! We are no longer on a ship where you can hide in your cabin and drown your miseries."

Time is short supply today. Posting rolls as requested to keep plot moving. Apologies.
Yuuwa's checks
Survival assist 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Diplomancy assists1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

She is hauling back the SeaScorpions with the others for a little vengence dinner. When she returns, it is obvious every one could use a "pick-me-up" but the Handslap moment comes when Origen suggests to her to channel a heal. "Normally, I don't use it for minor stuff like this, but looks like this is no longer minor when it is so widely affecting everyone. Lets get everybody close to the center."

Channel positive energy 1d6 ⇒ 4#2of6
Heal 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"Hey Torden, who ya drumming to? I sincerely hope they're family."

"Everyone, I know a minor magic to clean the salt and grime out of your clothes and hair. It can also improve the flavor of food or drink. So if you would like any help with those things, just let me know."

"I believe I will take you up on your offer Origen, especially on the clothes part. If nothing else, I prefer my clothing clean and comfortable."

Bran frowns at Torden's drumming, mumbling to Isandril, "He's gonna tell anything and everything on this isle where we are. So be ready for critters sneaking through the brush...or trees," Bran finishes, looking up into the canopy.

"You do have a point," the elf replies as he too looks at the trees surrounding them. "Still, it might at least serve to improve the morale of these people a little bit. But I will keep my guard up nevertheless."

Once Bran moves on to talk to Ishirou, Isandril follows his example and approaches the red-haired woman, Sasha. Amused by her constant moving about, the warrior picks a moment when she is standing still and sits down beside her. "So, since we will be staying here for a bit it seems, we might as well get to know each other a little better. What is your story then?" he asks in a friendly tone. 'Perhaps a little conversation will also help take their minds off of our current predicament,' he thinks to himself.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Perception check... 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Bran frowns at Torden's drumming, mumbling to Isandril, "He's gonna tell anything and everything on this isle where we are. So be ready for critters sneaking through the brush...or trees," Bran finishes, looking up into the canopy.

"You do have a point," the elf replies as he too looks at the trees surrounding them. "Still, it might at least serve to improve the morale of these people a little bit. But I will keep my guard up nevertheless."

Jonagher holds up a hand. "Shush!" He waves everyone down so he can listen intently, focusing his attention towards the island's interior.

"Did you hear that?" he asks, "That's not an echo. That's someone else beating a drum in response." He looks around at Torden and then back to Origen. "We're not alone on this island. And I don't think that's just the Captain or the rest of the missing crew and passengers."

Survival check... 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
"I heard nothin'," Torden says, pausing the drumming. He looks at Jonagher. "What'd ya think? Shall I take it up again?"

"Bran," he calls the swordsman over. "You need to lighten your spirits. Marching around here and kicking bottles is like as not to aggravate our situation. Don't get me wrong lad, I agree with ya. It's just we need to stay positive whilst we figure out a plan. Do me a favor and find out more about that Tian fella. I'll worry about Aerys."

While Torden awaits the group's consensus on his drumming he makes his way over the inebriated, muttering girl. "Lass, the boy's right. We need to keep our wits about us. I'd love a good long drink meself, but in the heat the drink will kill ya faster than a viper's fang. Is there anything ya'd like to talk about?"
Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Also, the group receives +100 xp for assisting Jask, and getting him to be friendly. Oh, and for the beach and the ship, you all get 74 xp, so a total so far of 174 each. Should I just keep track and let you know when you should level, or do you want to keep track?

Also, each of the castaways are technically shaken. -2 on attacks, saving thows, skill checks, and ability checks.

You can make requests of each of the castaways, but only one check per day counts for shifting their attitude, and that will be a special one I will call for.

Currently, to make requests from the castaways as per the diplomacy rules, please roll a diplomacy check against the following difficulties:

• Aerys: DC 21
• Gelik: DC23
• Ishirou: DC20
• Jask: DC 12
• Sasha: DC 16

DM Berwick casts Wall of Text.

Jask nods at Origen, and smiles at him, taking his hand to assist him to get up.

You may ask each of the castaways for assistance in setting up camp against their DC's, posted above to get them to make an aid another check.

Also, who is making the main check to set up the camp? I need to calculate how many hours it takes you guys. I will provide a +2 circumstance bonus because of the tent.

Torden, you seem to be the group diplomat, so please make a daily attitude check for Gelik and Ishirou please. They are the only one's who have not be checked for.

Bran speaks with Ishirou for a moment.
Bran's Diplomacy check vs. Ishirou: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

He stares at you for a moment, and then pulls his sword closer to him. He is not mean, just seems to want to be left alone.

Bran kicks the bottle out of Aerys' hand.
Bran's Diplomacy check vs. Aerys: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 4 = 16

She growls at you, and crawls on hands and knees to find her flask, hiccuping as she goes.

As she crawls around camp, Gelik laughs,

"Yes, m'lady Marinade has to have her special sauce!"

As Isandril speaks with Sasha, she stops moving for a few moments.

Isandril's diplomacy check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

She grins, and starts to tell a tale...

"I used to live in Ilizmagorti with my mother. She had trouble with me, and has sent me to work in Eleder. She and I don't...exactly see eye to eye. She sees tradition, I see adventure and curiosity...

Please note what your perception checks are for. We are going to have a lot of those and diplomacy checks flying around.

Torden speaks with Aerys as she crawls about.

She looks up into your eyes, hers obviously glazed over, she reaches up and pats Torden on the face as he kneels over her. This motion removes her support and she falls to the ground.

So nice...beardy man sooo ni..nice to me.

She promptly nods, and passes out.

Jask however, seems agreeable, and asks if you need help with anything?

"Right now, some help with setting up the camp would be wonderful. Can you think of anything else?"

Origen talks to him some more while they set up the camp, trying to get a feel for Jask and his abilities.

Clerical domains? Other useful skills? As proof of good faith, Origen will volunteer information about his own abilities if Jask asks (e.g., what spells that he knows).

"Normally, I don't use it for minor stuff like this, but looks like this is no longer minor when it is so widely affecting everyone. Lets get everybody close to the center."

After the channelling, Origen seems to get his second wind. "Thanks, Yuuwa."

"I believe I will take you up on your offer Origen, especially on the clothes part. If nothing else, I prefer my clothing clean and comfortable."

"Of course." Origen assists Isandril in cleaning off his clothing.

"I heard nothin'," Torden says, pausing the drumming. He looks at Jonagher. "What'd ya think? Shall I take it up again?"

Origen says, "Torden, whoever else is drumming already knows that we're here. You might as well keep it up to show that we aren't afraid of them. But to be safe, let's post an extra guard tonight."

"Yes, m'lady Marinade has to have her special sauce!"

"Her special sauce is less bitter than yours, Gelik." Origen helps Torden drag the drunken Aerys to her bedroll. After they're done, Origen picks up her bottle, corks it, and puts it into the group supplies.

Later, after rooting through his pack for a few moments, Origen pulls out what looks like a ball of yellow-white flame, though it doesn't seem to burn him. He raises it close to his ear and drops it. But instead of falling, it begins to orbit his head like a small comet.

He says, "This is an ioun stone. It's spelled to give off light, and it may be helpful to those on watch during the night." He reaches up and snares the stone in his hand, but lets his companions examine it if they want. "But be wary. It'll make it easy to be seen as well as see."

"Lotta good it did trying to talk to her," Torden tries to make her comfortable, so that she at least doesn't wake up with a crick in her neck.

Meanwhile he moves about the group smiling and talking in friendly tones.
He takes special care to speak with the Gnome and the Tian.

Diplomacy toward Gelik 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Diplomacy toward Ishiru 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

After making the rounds he sits back down with his drum and begins playing again, moving away from the deep jungle rhythm and playing a jaunty beat by which the others can work.

Occasionally he pauses and listens for the drums Mr. Witt mentioned earlier.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

"Bran," he calls the swordsman over. "You need to lighten your spirits. Marching around here and kicking bottles is like as not to aggravate our situation. Don't get me wrong lad, I agree with ya. It's just we need to stay positive whilst we figure out a plan. Do me a favor and find out more about that Tian fella. I'll worry about Aerys."

Bran grunts. "I already tried - I think he just wants to be left alone. Nice sword though. And you're wasting your time on the lush; she ain't gonna be no good to anybody until she dries up."

Bran then walks over to help Origen with the campsite.

Survival check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Craft: Woodworking: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Also, who is making the main check to set up the camp? I need to calculate how many hours it takes you guys. I will provide a +2 circumstance bonus because of the tent.

I thought that it was Jonagher, as he picked the site. But if we're picking a leader based on trained skills, I'd say Isandril or Bran (unfortunately, given their unlucky rolls).

DM Berwick

Yuuwa trims a Sea Scorp and proceeds to pick the best parts likely to survive a steam/roast over fire. She places them alongside the fire and rotates regularly. She occasionally opens it up to test for tenderness and color. Eventually satisfied that it is done, she pulls one out, cracks the exo-skeleton fully to let out steam. "Well, lets see if I am a better cook than our previous one."
Survival?1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Fortitude?1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
"Not bad for the first attempt. Might go back and see if there were spices aboard."Turning to the others, she gestures to the still roasting Scorpion segments and raises her voice to include any others who might need something a bit more substantial. "I ain't ringing a dinner bell, it's self serve and plenty of it. Or, you can dine on ships rations. If its red meat you'll be wanting, we'll find a monkey to dine on later. There is a slight smirk as she says this, careful not to glance at Origen.
As she assists in the preparation of camp, she clears out some debris, but calls dibs on two trees close enough together a hammock.
Her AssistSurvival check1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
She picks out the Capt Log and charts from the booty, sits with her back against the tree away from the crowd and starts reading.
Perception1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Lingustics1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
SenseMotive1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

To Isandril

Spell prep for tomorrow, I'll adjust on Avatar Profile as well

The huge wall of text thing is confusing me. I will respond to posts individually.

To start off with, let's figure out this survival/camp situation.

Jonagher's original roll was to find a campsite.

• Origen made an Aid Another check to set up the camp in Post #103, at 11, providing a +2 to the total.
  
• Isandril made an Aid Another roll in Post #153, coming up just short of the DC needed to assist.
  
• Torden made an Aid another roll in post #159, at 10, providing a +2 to the total.
  
• Yuuwa made an Aid another roll in post #168, also coming up just short of the DC needed to assist.
  
• Jonagher made a survival check in Post #170, for 14.
  
• Bran made an Aid another roll in post #176, coming up just short of the DC needed to assist.

I will have Torden, as the diplomat of the group, ask both Jask and Sasha to assist in setting up camp:
Roll to request Jask's assistance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 vs. DC 12
Roll to request Sasha's assistance:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 vs. DC 16

Close, but not quite there.

So we have: 14+2+2+2 = 20

So you set up that camp in 4 hours. This places us around 4pm. Which is good, cause as you do, it starts to rain. -4 Perception penalty for everyone.

Origen
As you sit in the tent, watching Yuuwa cook the sea scorpions, you strike up a conversation with Jask.

Origen's Diplomacy roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

He grins as you ask about him and his abilities. He starts confidently,

"As a cleric of Nethys, I saw his power represented in his Knowledge and his Magic and those are the things about him I try to emulate. I have a knowledge of healing techniques, and am well versed in the knowledge of arcana, geography, local information, and religion. I am also learned in spellcraft and the ways of survival. I can speak several languages also, Azlanti, Osiriani, and Polyglot as well as Taldane which we are speaking."

_ - \ | / - _

Does channel energy cure damage caused by heat?

_ - \ | / - _

You find that Jask nods, and asks for clean clothes also.

"Clean clothes, and a clean body keep away the sickness."

_ - \ | / - _

Gelik turns at Origen's comments,

"They don't call us the STOUT folk for nothing. I prefer to think of myself as just more hoppy."

He cackles under the tent.

Torden
As you make Aerys more comfortable, Jask comes over and checks up on her.

"A kindness is never a waste of time."

He smiles at you and continues on taking care of Aerys.

_ - \ | / - _

Neither Gelik, nor Ishirou seem particularly receptive to your conversation, with Gelik being caustic, and Ishirou sighing, and rolling over to go to sleep.

_ - \ | / - _

You cannot detect any echoes or any other sounds besides your drums in the evening.

Bran

Totally forgot about your characters background. This should be interesting...and I swear this is what is presented in the book.

_ - \ | / - _

What are you trying to craft, Sir Bran? 21 is a good roll.

"Not bad for the first attempt. . . .If its red meat you'll be wanting, we'll find a monkey to dine on later. There is a slight smirk as she says this, careful not to glance at Origen.

Origen pretends not to hear, crunching loudly into the sea scorpion's leg. "Mmmm . . .tastes like prawns. Pretty good, Yuuwa, but I agree that it's missing something." He mutters a spell, and his chunk of sea scorpion begins to smell like melted butter.

Origen listens to the rain falling on the canvas above them, very happy that they got the tent up in time to avoid getting soaked. "Torden, Aerys is under the canvas, isn't she?"

Yuuwa

I would say that cooking a meal is a Profession(Cook) roll, which you have a +3 to anyway from Wisdom, so same result. As an aside, this is also the roll necessary to determine if something is generally edible.

As if to emphasize your point, after your comment about the monkey, everyone hears a loud monkey screech in the distance.

_ - \ | / - _

Jask certainly helps himself to the scorpion, as well as Gelik, and Sasha.

As you read the log, you can almost hear the captain speaking, his writing being exactly like the way he speaks. His handwriting is familiar to you, as you have had to deal with his little squiggled notes on maps more times than you care to mention.

Sasha turns to the group as she eats,

"You have been talking about duties and things around the campsite. I don't know what is needed, but I am more than willing to serve in the capacity of a hunter for food, or a defender for the camp. Just think about it, and let me know."

"As a cleric of Nethys, I saw his power represented in his Knowledge and his Magic and those are the things about him I try to emulate. I have a knowledge of healing techniques, and am well versed in the knowledge of arcana, geography, local information, and religion. I am also learned in spellcraft and the ways of survival. I can speak several languages also, Azlanti, Osiriani, and Polyglot as well as Taldane which we are speaking."

"That sounds extremely useful. I've always liked Osiriani, but had difficulty with remembering all the hieroglyphs." Origen engages in a bit of shop talk about magical theory with Jask.

OOC for All

You find that Jask nods, and asks for clean clothes also.

"Clean clothes, and a clean body keep away the sickness."

"Hmmm, didn't realize that." Origen cleans off the unconscious Aerys too. "Anyone else?"

Gelik turns at Origen's comments,

"They don't call us the STOUT folk for nothing. I prefer to think of myself as just more hoppy."

He cackles under the tent.

Origen retorts, "Yes, you're certainly a hopless case. But I thought dwarves were the stout folk. Doesn't that make you thin beer?"

Earlier

To Isandril

Spoiler:

"That was the actual Cook then? And not only that, but a large snake killed him? That is odd," the elf replies after a moment's thought. "Someone seems to have gone to a lot of trouble to cause all this. We should tell the others, at least the others who seem to have their wits about them," he adds indicating the group of adventurers.

A little later

"I used to live in Ilizmagorti with my mother. She had trouble with me, and has sent me to work in Eleder. She and I don't...exactly see eye to eye. She sees tradition, I see adventure and curiosity...

"As for myself, I spent most of my life in Absalom, which in my case would mean several decades," Isandril says to Sasha in turn. "But, like you I suppose, at some point I wanted to see what else lies out there. The call of adventure and curiosity, as you yourself put it."

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Now

Isandril helps himself to some sea scorpion and, after offering his plate to Origen to have it spiced up a bit, starts eating.

"An ioun stone, is it? I have seen my share of those, though it seems that having them rotate around one's head is not the only way to put them to use," he says to Origen. "I have seen some people fix them in their Wayfinders. Do you have one of those?"

Waiting for the others to fall asleep, Isandril also shares his and Yuuwa's findings about the two dead bodies on the ship.

Details can be found in the Heal checks here and spoiler for Isandril here.

Bran

Totally forgot about your characters background. This should be interesting...and I swear this is what is presented in the book.

_ - \ | / - _

What are you trying to craft, Sir Bran? 21 is a good roll.

I just figured that with his woodworking skills and the materials we found on the ship, he could rig up a nice campsite using the natural foliage and such. Just trying to put his skills to use.

Bran helps himself to the cooked scorpion and gives Yuuwa a smile of thanks. He intently listens to her reading of the captain's log, frowning at the last few lines.
"Seems our captain not only lost his heart but his conscience as well. What some folks do for love, eh? Too bad I'm gonna have to hunt him down and kill him for that."

"An ioun stone, is it? . . . I have seen some people fix them in their Wayfinders. Do you have one of those?"

Origen shakes his head. "I used to have one, but I lost it on my last expedition. Too expensive to replace."

Waiting for the others to fall asleep, Isandril also shares his and Yuuwa's findings about the two dead bodies on the ship.

"Well, we didn't have any snakes on board. Not the literal kind, anyway."

Origen tilts his head back for a few minutes, thinking what could cause such a thing. "Transmutation magic? A shapeshifter? Are there were-serpents?"

Knowledge (Nature, untrained) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Of course! Anyone would recognize the handiwork of the Sargavan flying sea snake!
Knowledge (Arcana) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Knowledge (Planes) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Seems our captain not only lost his heart but his conscience as well. What some folks do for love, eh? Too bad I'm gonna have to hunt him down and kill him for that."

Given the attention that Origen paid to Ieana during the sea voyage, he silently offers thanks to Sarenrae that he didn't have his throat slit by the obsessed captain.

"Suddenly our predicament makes more sense. Do you think that Iseana cooperated with the captain, or is she just another victim of his insanity?"

"Well, we didn't have any snakes on board. Not the literal kind, anyway."

Origen tilts his head back for a few minutes, thinking what could cause such a thing. "Transmutation magic? A shapeshifter? Are there were-serpents?"

Bran visibly shudders at the conversation and a good listener can hear him mutter, "Damn, I hate snakes!"

"Suddenly our predicament makes more sense. Do you think that Iseana cooperated with the captain, or is she just another victim of his insanity?"

"Maybe...then maybe he's a victim of hers. What kind of woman makes a man mad with lust and obsession? Mad enough to poison his crew and run his own ship aground? Could she have hexed him?"

Sasha turns to the group as she eats, "You have been talking about duties and things around the campsite. I don't know what is needed, but I am more than willing to serve in the capacity of a hunter for food, or a defender for the camp. Just think about it, and let me know."

"If you go out hunting, I wouldn't mind coming along," Jonagher offers, still somewhat intrigued by the woman.

Later...

"Maybe...then maybe he's a victim of hers. What kind of woman makes a man mad with lust and obsession? Mad enough to poison his crew and run his own ship aground? Could she have hexed him?"

"The elves tell tales of all manner of feminine fey creatures that can charm someone into doing just about anything," Jonagher offers, "I've never heard of one stowing away on a ship, though."

"And then there are spells and love potions and so on and so forth, or so I have heard," Isandril offers. "Not to mention good old-fashioned obsession over a beatiful woman that could very well turn to madness all on its own."

The elf lets out a sigh. "Either way, he, as well as Ieana, will have a chance to explain once we track them down."

"Well, since circumstances have brought us together, we could take this opportunity to learn a bit more about each other and our skills and abilites. That is, if you are not too tired of course."

"Origen has already mentioned a certain connection to the Pathfinder Society? Does that apply to all of you?"

"Origen has already mentioned a certain connection to the Pathfinder Society? Does that apply to all of you?"

"By our good fortune, indeed it does..." Jonagher answers, "We had cause to assist the Society with a little matter back in Absalom and received a field commission, as it were, shortly thereafter. Seems they sent another expedition into the Mwangi Expanse and never heard back...except for Origen here, who washed ashore without a single memory of what happened. They've sent us to see if we can get to the bottom of things. Although, I'd imagine they didn't forsee the simple matter that we might be shipwrecked before we ever made landfall. I'm sure it's just a temporary setback, though. Desna favors the resourceful. And we're definitely that!"

Yuuwa considers for a moment, then speaks, "I am not a Pathfinder, although I've encountered a few, and suspected more. Only on voyages that I've been a crewmember on naturally." She participates in the conversation but continues to pore over the Capt's Log and Charts as if the key to thier rescue is found between the pages.
Just for fun, rereading the log... Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

She toys with her trident, spinning it on its axis, tines pointing up,
"As for my skills on land, it is limited to port calls and marketplaces. I'll do what I can to help us depart this "Paradise", as I've no intention of starting my own colony of shipwreck survivors. No offense but I'd prefer to have a wider selection of mates. Gozreh willing." This last bit she says with a grin, so no offense is given.

""Well, since circumstances have brought us together, we could take this opportunity to learn a bit more about each other and our skills and abilites. That is, if you are not too tired of course."

"I can do magic. Minor cantrips for cleaning, flavoring, heating, or cooling things may be helpful, and I can stun nearby creatures with a blast of light. I can also strike from a distance with acid or cold, but it does no more damage than an arrow and has shorter range. Still, I can't run out of ammunition.

"Besides that, I have some academic training, a good eye for hidden things, and some useful equipment: more rope, some rations, tindertwigs, a signal whistle, and a few needles. Oh, and this hat can make its wearer resist heat exhaustion, which might come in handy for those of you with armor.

"What about you, Isandril?"

"What about you, Isandril?"

"Well, I am no stranger to the Society, although I am not one of them," Isandril begins, a smile appearing on his lips and disappearing just as quickly. "My parents were, both of them in fact, but my father died in the line of duty, so to speak, and my mother, attempting to find out what had happened to him, shared his fate some time later."

There is no anger in his words and very little sadness, the reason for this becoming apparent as he goes on. "That happened about a century ago, give or take a few years. My parents had friends and comrades who took it upon themselves to care for me and raise me, thus I spent the better part of that century, if not all of it, among the Pathfinders. I never became a member though." He shrugs before adding, "Too many rules and regulations for my liking. As a result, there came a time when I chose to leave, see what else is out there and what adventures I could find. Regardless, I owe them a great deal and I am always willing to lend a hand." Those last words are accompanied by a wink, more or less the meaning being that the others may have just found themselves stuck with him.

"As for my skills, I did not spend all of my time at their Grand Lodge in Absalom doing chores and getting myself in trouble. A little swordsmanship and survival training here, some social skills there... All in all, time well spent once they decided they might as well provide me with some formal martial training. Perhaps they were expecting me to become an official member at some point." Putting his hands on his swords' hilts, he concludes, "I am not as strong as Bran over here, but I get by. I prefer to fight with two weapons, but I admit I could use a bit of practice; the previous months on the Jenivere did not exactly help me hone my skill with the sword. At least working on a ship did wonders for my balance and coordination."

"Oh, and sometimes I can talk too much."

"What you see about me is what you get," Bran says, waiting for everyone else to speak first. "My Da was a Pathfinder - a successful one in his prime, but...well..." he hesitates and looks at the ground for a few seconds and then says, "...let's just say he did not always honor the Society by the way he lived his life."

"I decided to join the Society after a few of us did a mission in Absalom with crazy apes and crazier men. I normally don't have too much to say - I prefer to let my blade and axes do the talking for me. And Isandril, I'm feeling a little rusty myself." He grins at the Elven warrior as he pulls his longsword from its scabbard. "How's about a little practice?"

Isandril smiles at the fighter and makes to stand up, his hands moving to the hilts of his swords. "Far be it from me to refuse a duel. That is if our fellows do not have any objections?"

"It might even provide a distraction for the others," he reasons as he draws the matching blades. Then a soft chuckle. "Thankfully our dinner was a bit on the light side."

If I may point out that Bran should have 19 hit points at 2nd level, not 18? With his Constitution, he should have had 12 hit points at 1st level and gained another 7 hit points (1/2 HD + Con mod) when he leveled up.

Torden rejoins the group after having dozed off in the newly established shade and the cool of the rain.

"Seems I caught you all in the middle of getting better acquainted," he says as he sits down and watches the noshing of the Sea Scorpion. He cringes at the thought and instead gobbles some stale biscuits from the ships stores.

"I see know reason to go hunting in the rain. Let's just remain here we'll be find until morning. We should just get some rest, make sure we have a sound watch and a sound watch at all turns, and get some rest tonight. It will help everyone's nerves and give us strength for the morning."