DM Bloodgargler's Heroes of the Shiv

Game Master BinkyBo

Lost count of time. What time is it? Did we have time to rest?

"I only care for Aerys, not so much for Sasha, but if we have to look into these other matters better move as soon as possible. I've had enough of this island as well."

Iolana looks everyone waiting for opinions.

"What blight's that?"

"The one Aycenia was talking about to the north--you know, the dryad," Syndlara replies. She pauses. "Wait. I don't think you ever met her. Anyway, she's a very pretty lady with leaves growing from her head instead of hair. Quite helpful, very friendly. We said we'd help her with an...infestation that was affecting an area to the north. Fungus-people; 'vegepygmies,' I think she called them."

Aycenia's description seems to get the big orc's attention.

"Pretty eh? I suppose I could lend a hand while we wait for rescue."

Da jungle have no mercy for fools. Those two are fools. Deir choice, Mugambi dont care for them, lets stay here.

"Let's not be too hasty", Truk adds as he adjusts his dingy leggings. "This girl's in trouble. We can't leave her for dead."

Iolana moves close to Mugambi.

"I too think we should leave Sasha here, there was something not right with her.Aerys on the other hand seemed a bit reclusive, but not a bad person. Anyway Garborn is right in saying we need supplies" she stops a moment and looks towards Aycenia's place then turns to the others again.
"I'm afraid we cannot afford to not to take another trip into this jungle, and looks like a dangerous one,but we can kill two birds with one stone at least."

Despite the danger, Garborn actually manage a weak smile at that.

bump

During the night, the native women performed a ritual on the beach... to aid the last wayward souls on their journeys, and for malevolence to never return.

You wake in the morning after the prolonged ordeal which made up the bulk of yesterday. Tol has the map spread out under the bamboo and thatch eave of the largest building. "So through the middle of the island? Along the coast? Which way do you plan to travel?"

Am not looking at the map now, i think along the coast isn't much longer but it is safer. Let's hear the others

Truk studies the map closely and snorts.

"The coast's gunna to be safer. Where's this girl holed up and who's got her?"

"We don't know... she and the other woman left the base camp, but not with us. There is a chance that these plant pygmies nabbed them if their territory is the lion's share of what's left unexplored."

everybuddy all leveled?

>map repost<

"Um...if...if t...they have t...them, we ma...may need to h...h...hurry."

Truk nods in agreement.

”Let’s get out there and try to pick up their trail. Every minute out there could be their last.”

Garborn titters a little at the thought of meat being eaten by vegetables, but quickly shuts up and looks apologetic.

"Sigh!! So we are also in a hurry. Let's take the shorter route then."

Iolana is leveled; i guess me or Truk are going first in walking order ?

Let's do it!

"We'll take care of keeping the lighthouse going. Gelik and that post nasal drip mephit have become fast friends - the little bugger should do well watching for ships."
"Alright... good luck to ya. I think it's gonna be a scorcher today."
The air is still, and the warmest of mornings you've had since arriving.
Because of the wide bay to the northwest, you decide it is best to take the trail which will lead to the coast - just north of where you faced the "Swarm Lady".
Route to coast on map... Q(lighthouse camp) past R(Gorilla Caves) to north of O(Swarmlady).
Vegepygmy lair is on V(Grey Blight island), but Kekkaw has seen them as far south as T(Pearl Bed)

"P...piendy...
H...his name is P...piendy...
...
CAPTAIN Piendy..."

Coastal route it is. Q > R > O > T > U > P > V

Do we have some hints on the whereabouts of Aerys or Sasha? At least where to start looking for tracks?

Hopefully we'll be able to pick up tracks near the pygmy lair.

This is what Tol was trying to get across: Actually searching for tracks would be near impossible. If they followed the coastline opposite your group's path from the Jenivere, then you may run into them or fresh tracks as you reach the pygmy stomping grounds..

You follow the riverside path for a little more than two hours before you come to the crossing.
The jungle is as alive as ever, but none of its inhabitants seem interested in even acknowledging your group as you make your way across a known area of the Shiv.
Those who've been here before remember the path becomes far more crowded with foliage for the next few miles - as you pass the Gorilla Caves and beyond. It becomes much quieter with the reduced visibility of the fat-leaved growth... most creatures who call this area home rely on sound more than sight.

Iolana keeps an eye for tracks and general dangers.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Truk does his best to move like a powerful jungle cat while helping Iolana look for tracks.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Mugambi grumbles complaints as he goes help the others search for people he considers already dead. At the gorilla's caves he helps search for tracks.
Aid Another Surv: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Survival: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Syndlara keeps her eyes open for tracks as the party moves as well.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

The only tracks you find are your own old tracks, and a few small primate tracks. Despite the narrow trail being crowded with leafy shrubs and flowering vines, your trailblazers move at a good pace.

You exit the lush shaded jungle a half mile from shore. The morning sun is starting to cook the dry and scrubby grassland which spans in between.

You reach the rocky edge of the rise above the western shore. The dark-flecked grey stone radiates a great deal of stored heat, but you now feel a bit of relief from the light winds at the waters' edge.

From there you head north. As you travel, you can see the cliff face of a jutting mini-peninsula (T on map) and the little outcroppings around it "grow larger" as the water recedes with the coming low tide.

No signs of the girls I presume? What time is it?

no sign of them yet... it is about 11am when you reach the coast.

Even though he's sweating pretty heavily now under the near-noon jungle heat, Truk powers on.

Iolana too is panting for the hot,wet climate, but she isn't slowing down the pace.

You reach the slight descent at the edge of the tidal causeway. (U on map)
Those who've been here before have seen the landbridge to the first island which is passable when the tide is low. Though too rocky here, to the east you see more varied terrain... ground which would show tracks if anyone had passed through in recent days.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Syndlara pauses to take in the view.

Mugambi tries to put most of his weight in his good leg and limps behind the group.

K. Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Low tide comin'. We can walk to da first island soon. Mugambi says unhappy still wanting to go back to camp.

did you level to lvl 5 Mugambi ? Also we should be fully rested and recovered spells/skills.

"Glad to hear that. I wouldn't have liked to have to swim alone there."

Mugambi seems to have a good feel for the timing of the tides. Noon to 4pm is when the water will be lowest.
It will be at its highest from midnight to 4am. During that time of night, the middle island will be completely submerged.

Truk nods in understanding.

"So we'll wait a bit. That'll make crossing safer."

"W...we s...should f...find shade then. And e...eat.
I...I h...have learned t...t...that after a d...decade on this island...n...never pass up a chance to restore your e...energy, even if you f...feel fresh at the m...moment."

There is an overhang with sufficient shade - where this rocky area meets the beach to the east. You fill your stomachs waiting until the landbridge is ideal for passing. The smell of the low tide starts to hit as you finish your last bites.

Gatherine made her presence known with a jaw cracking jaw.

Finishing her meal:
"That was good,thanks for telling us Garborn. Now looks like we should move."

After filling his belly with oysters and raw fruit, Truk belches loudly and gestures.

"It should be time. Let's get going."

You make your way back up to rocky peninsula, across the slightly "U" shaped land bridge to the first island. The porous rock looks painted along the edges with pastel blue/greens and salmon-pink. It's topped with moss-like algae and reedy growths in dark greens, bright orange to rusty hued spongy coral growths - some the size and bulk of a portly dwarf.

The unpredictable crosswinds and sometimes slick terrain force you to stay somewhat focused on your footing. A few crabs skitter into the water as you make your way along the tidal causeway - referred to as the sinking island by the native women.

I'll take perception checks, kn(nature), survival

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16