Caine growls in frustration as he tries to defend himself from the obnoxious lobscorp, but once again his dagger is deflected by the creature’s carapace.
The comedy of errors continue as the elusive sea scorpions continue to evade the various blades being brought to bear against them!
If the eurypterids could laugh, they would as they pinch Caine and Munkustrap.
Without any sign of frustration over his lack of effectiveness, Thorion continued to hack away at the crustacean.
Thorion splits one of the eurypterids in half.
Rii-Chii stamps again, hoping that he is finally learning to predict the things movements.
Anger finally welling up in the man, Munkustrap stands up. Twirling his dagger betwixt his fingers impossible fast, he grins from the corner of his mouth. "It ends."
Reversing his grip so that his pinky-finger rests on the guard, he stabs down will all his force.
Her target gone Neltji steps 5ft closer to the last thing and hits its with a hex again hoping to make it reconsider everything it has ever done. Curiously none of her companions have said anything to her about helping as she is appears to just cower behind Thorion and Caine.
Misfortune hex DC 14 will save.
Mischa takes a calming breath, trying to keep her illness under control. Then she winds up and punches the last lobster thing with a bark covered fist.
Caine gathers up his bow from his gear, wary of any other critters that may be opportunistically following the lobscorps looking for an easy meal.
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The last of the ochre eurypterid falls.
After a few moments, the sickness passes and you see your fellow castaways start to wakeup.
Aerys spends a few moments frantically searching for something before retreiving a flask from the sand. She quickly tucks it back into her clothing.
Gelik looks around and quickly takes stock of the situation. If I had to be stranded wherever this is with all of you, I think I'd rather drown!
Ishirou blinks several times and nods in grim acknowlegance of his situation.
Sasha screams several times and launches several coconuts into the air. Not at anything in particular but just in random directions.
Finally there is a man you haven't seen before - a man in chains.
He cries out feebly. Please free me.
Sometings you notice on the beach:
-You are all not particularly wet, and someone stacked your gear in a pile.
-As you scan the northern vista you spot the Jenivere, listing to port, partially submerged, and with her hull a gaping ruin as she leans against a jagged cliff side among several sharp rocks.
Mischa holds a hand to her head and looks around in confusion. She places a hand on her near dry clothes, and cocks her head at the pile of her gear...
"What the...? What's... going on?"
She equips herself, the looks around. At the sight of the Jenivere she frowns. "Are we all that... survived?"
Upon seeing a man bound like a prisoner, Mischa looks surprised. "Oh my! What happened to you? Rii-Chi, is this who you mentioned?"
knowledge nature
prof cook
heal
As the sickness fades Neltji is able to take stock of the situation. It seemed they were on a deserted island somewhere in the middle of...somewhere. The bodies that were around them were not drowned victims at all but members of the crew who were also shipwrecked. Neltji recognized all but 1 of them even though she had not spent much time talking to them individually. That they were alive was the most important but Neltji was worried more about her companions that just survived the fight with the lobstrosities.
Calling out to them Neltji tries to take stock of their precarious situation. Is everyone ok? Anyone too hurt from the creatures?
Answering Mischi, I don't know if there are others or not. Hopefully there are more washed up somewhere on the island.
Once it is apparent that the injuries are few Neltji looks closer at the things themselves. I don't know about you guys but if we are shipwrecked here I think we need to collect as many supplies as possible. These lobstrosities should be good to eat as long as we stay away from their tails. The tails are poisonous which the poison might be useful as well if we want to try and harvest it.
As she mentions this Anthony comes out of her cloak pocket and seems to give her a look. Those nearby can hear her whisper to it, Don't worry I won't let them eat you.
After the last of the lobster-like creatures crumpled to the ground, Thorion pulled his scythe back into an at-rest position. The haft of the awkwardly shaped weapon stood firmly in the sand, bearing the priest’s weight, as he quietly leaned on the weapon for support. With his customary blank expression, Thorion listened and watched as the rest of the crew regained their bearings and began to rummage through the pile of items that was left sitting a short distance away. While the crew began to work off the grogginess from the sedative, Thorion’s eye’s set upon the wreckage off in the distance. His blank stair echoed a plethora of questions that he new wouldn't be answered without a trip to the vessel.
(Why preserve us from the catastrophe, assuming that is what I am looking at. An act of treachery? Or possibly an overt act of compassion? Poison has historically been a device of the deviant, but then why preserve the crew? Intriguing.) After a short moment in contemplation, Thorion reverted his attention back to the rest of the crew.
”Our condition is the result of a mild poison. No doubt consumed during our last meal. By my measure, whoever implemented this conspiracy, has prevented us from experiencing whatever happened to the ship.” Thorion stated plainly, and then looked back over at the wreckage.
If that is the case Thorion, the question is then why? Oh there are too many questions right now it is making my head hurt. The main question though is what do we do now?
It is at this point that she pays attention to Jask and heads over to the chained man. I don’t know why you were locked up but if I can help you I am inclined to do so. Right now I think we are going to need everyone to pull together to survive. That being said, I hope that you appreciate the moment and the second chance you are getting.
The ill effects of the poison had finally diminished, allowing the priest to regain his composure. After considering the deckhand's question, Thorion revisited her earlier statement. “As you pointed out earlier, provisions such as food, water, and shelter, will become a priority, depending on how fare we are from civilization. The crab meat would likely provide nourishment for a short time, if properly prepared. Fortunately, I learned the art of conjuring fresh water, so that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. That leaves shelter, and a score of questions unanswered.”
Thorion glanced down at the man in chains, just as Neltji began looking for a way to free him. “Until we know a little more about this man’s circumstances, I would be hesitant in freeing his bonds.” The priest stated as he moved past Naltji and a little closer towards the sunken ship.
“I believe we will need to examine the wreckage. There is a chance that it might hold some answers. There is also a chance that it might contain additional supplies as well.”
After his last statement, Thorion glanced back over to the man in chains. “Why where you bound?” He asked in a very dry tone, while carefully considering the man's response.
"There's no reason we can't do both," Mischa replies. "We're going to need all the help we can get." She obviously intends to help the man out of his chains. "Then we can explore the wreckage if you like."
Looking across the beach at the many mouths to feed she adds. "Food and shelter are a greater priority, though."
"I can butcher these strange lobsters if someone else would like to get a fire started. Then some of us," she glances at Gelik, Aerys and a few others, "Can keep an eye on the food as it cooks while we check out the wreck."
Pulling out a dagger, Mischa sets to work butchering the lobster-beasts, being sure to stay FAR away from the tails.
The whole situation was utterly confounding. Drugged into unconsciousness, dumped on a beach with their gear, and yet there's the wrecked ship! Why would someone drug them and then, seemingly, maroon them relatively safely on an island? How would that have then led to the wreck of the Jenivere? It was all so bizarre.
And what happened to his cargo?
In the end, practicality wins out and Caine steps up to give Mischa a hand with shucking the lobscorps.
"We may be the only survivors, but I suspect there's a lot more mystery to uncover before we know for sure. I think your extended vacation may be longer than expected.
Rii-Chi looks around but quickly realises that the others are much more able to contribute at this point. Looking out to the Jenevive he surveys the cliffs with a practiced eye. "I will go out to the ship, friends. The cliff is an easy climb and I swim well when need be. What do we need? Ropes and canvas for shelter. Food if it's still good?" The lilt in his voice makes the last part a question. "Mischa or Neltji-who-knows-food, will one of you come too?"
Mischa lets out a laugh at Caine's comment. "Good thing I've got a loose timeline." She smiles and shakes her head as the absurdity of their situation sinks in. "This is definitely the craziest vacation I've ever had."
To Rii-Chi she nods. "Sure, Rii. I can go with you." She removes her arms from the lobster-monster insides and brushes her hair out of her face with her inner elbow. "Are we sure we want to split up so soon, though?"
She looks at Gelik, Aeris, Sasha and the two men she doesn't know. "Can any of of you take over with this lobster?" she asks.
Neltji has the same concerns as Mischa. I will be happy to join you to salvage what we can but perhaps we should all go together. Who knows what we may find or need to haul out. I would prefer some more muscle and extra bodies just to be on the safe side.
Thorion continued to stair blank-faced at the bound man while awaiting his response.
"It would be ill advised to separate. We just don't know enough about the surrounding area and the circumstances involved with the destruction of the ship." The priest stated in response to the group's hesitation about splitting up.
As the last of the lobster monsters is silenced forever, Munkustrap unceremoniously rolls over and flips to his feet. Brushing large swaths of sand from his fine fur, he shudders. He quickly goes through the motions of chcekeing each anf every dagger in turn. Satisfied that they are are accounted for he turns to the group at large, "What in the hells just happened? Once minute I am dining on the utter slop the Jenivere prepares, an the next I am being clawed by these monstrosities. You are telling me . I don't buy this, any of this." ending his tirade he walks to his gear and picks it all up and slings it on his back. He moves towards the edge of the clearing and begins to inspect the near by trees to find one that wouldn't be too hard to scale and would accommodate his girth for him to sleep in.
"Let me know if anyone is headed out for food, or firewood." Extending his claws, he begins to scale the tree.
As Munkustrap reaches the top of the tree, Mischa calls up to him. "What do you see?"
Rii-Chii runs up the tallest nearby tree like a, well... like a monkey and calls down a report from the top.
Mischa looks at the sky, the geography and climate and comes to the sickening realization that they just might be stranded on an island by the name of Smuggler’s Shiv.
How are the chains secured?
All Jask has are ragged clothes and manacles that bind his wrists behind his back.
"Oh my! What happened to you?
In a raspy voice, Jask says, I was once 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 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. He stops to catch his breath. The captain had the keys to my shackles but I don’t see him or a key. Please free me.
Sasha starts laughing a manic laugh. Sounds like the gods passed judgement on you and us with you!
I don’t know why you were locked up but if I can help you I am inclined to do so. Right now I think we are going to need everyone to pull together to survive. That being said, I hope that you appreciate the moment and the second chance you are getting.
Jask looks at Neltji with sad eyes. May Nethys bless you for showing mercy on one of his humble servants.
“Until we know a little more about this man’s circumstances, I would be hesitant in freeing his bonds.”
Jask looks at Thorion with pleading eyes. Please good sir. All I have right now is my word, but if this is Smuggler’s Shiv, there might be a way I can prove my innocence. Please!
“Why where you bound?”
I was betrayed by my superior for his crimes. I am innocent. You must believe me!
Then some of us," she glances at Gelik, Aerys and a few others, "Can keep an eye on the food as it cooks while we check out the wreck."
Gelik looks at the wreck, You’re going over there? Good luck! I’d rather stay here with food and relative safety.
Aerys takes a sip from her flask and Sasha starts laughing manically again. Ishirou just nods.Mischa is able to butcher the sea scorpions without much difficulty.
"Can any of of you take over with this lobster?"
Ishirou nods and takes over for Mischa.
"Smuggler's Shiv..." Mischa breathes, "This place is notorious! It’s not shown on most maps, but is feared by those who ply the waters of Desperation Bay."
She pauses a moment, collecting her thoughts. "The island is named for its knife-like shaped coastline, AND for its uncanny habit of wrecking ships that draw too near." After a moment she adds, "I've heard the shores of Smuggler’s Shiv are haunted by the ghosts and ghouls of the sailors who have died on the jagged rocks and reefs surrounding the island. Apparently there were a few failed attempts to settle the island that support those claims, but I've never read them..."
"So... Not a good place to be, I guess." she finishes with a chuckle.
---
Mischa takes a peek at Jask's manacles. "You poor man!' she exclaims. "I'd get you out if I could, but I'm no good with lock picks." She looks around at the others. "Anyone?"
"A way to prove your innocence?" she asks at his outburst. "What do you mean? How?"
---
At Gelik's words, Mischa chuckles. "Yeah, I meant YOU could watch the food, while some of us head to the wreck."
---
As Ishirou takes over for her, Mischa smiles. "Thanks, pal. I'm Mischa. And you are...?"
---
Once she's passed off the butchering to Ishirou, Mischa heads over to the ocean and washes the mess off her hands.
"Alright," she remarks, shaking her hands dry. "Who wants to check out the wreck?"
Thorion glanced cautiously over at Mischa. "I believe he is being sincere."
Without much hesitation, Thorion gathered what supplies he had laying in the pile of gear and then prepared for the trip to the wreckage.
know history
When Mischa lets on that they might well be on Smuggler's Shiv Neltji can't help but let out a little cry of alarm. No, please tell me that you are wrong Mischa. If your right then we are in serious trouble.
A while back I was with my father as he was doing some work late at night on the books. While I was waiting a few of the crew were there as well. I heard them talking about having a close call passing Smuggler's Shiv. Well, these sailors seemed quite fearful of the place so I asked them why. Not only did they tell me the same stories you heard Mischa but there was more. It was rumored that a group of Chelish engineers and soldiers once lived on the island. The engineers tried to help by creating a lighthouse on the southeast, Neltji pauses for a moment in thought before continuing. No they said it was the Southwest part of the island to warn people. However the soldiers were different. They became deranged and turned on each other and the engineers.
Giving another shudder Neltji wraps her wet cloak tightly around herself. The stories the sailors told were that the soldiers, driven mad, started to eat the engineers. As if that wasn't bad enough, the sailors had reports that ships would sometimes pass close enough to the island to see the soldiers. If they tried to land and help the soldiers instead killed them and ate them too.
We need to get off this beach quickly. Gather everything we can and lets head to the wreck to see if there is anything that can help us avoid these cannibals.
Caine also leaves the rest of the lobscorp shucking to Ishirou and heads toward the beach and ship. Taking note of the tracks on the beach and the sundered cage, the hunter laughs and shakes head. “Good luck, you ugly bastard,” he says.
Closer to the ship, Caine frowns at the sight of the wreck. ”There may be supplies worth salvaging from that thing. Some of the food might not be ruined, and maybe tools.
Responding to Neltji’s story, Chellish cannibals? Figures. They probably forgot to pay off their loans to Mammon and Asmodeus claimed their souls. Might be ghouls, though. They’re supposed to be unnaturally hungry, aren’t they?” Caine says, turning to scan inland of the beach.
"Either way, I'm not up for being devoured, thanks." Mischa replies. "I agree. Let's check out the wreckage."
Mischa heads off towards the wreck of the Jenivere with the others. As they travel she keeps a way eye out for danger, and noticeable signs of animals (or cannibals!).
Scampering down the bole of the tree, Munkustrap lands without a sound on the sand. We walks back up to the group and pulls a leather satchel from his pack. Untying the toggles, he unrolls the worn leather bundle on a tree frond. A litany of bent wires, small tools, and cables each rest in their own slot. "You want me to unlock the man? It will take a good chunk of the day, but I can get him out."
In light of the information, Thorion stood quietly in contemplation. The thought of another encounter with the undead was not something that he looked forward to, yet it appeared that he would have little choice. He considered the notion that he might, once again, be in a position to witness the dead destroy life. The thought was agonizing, yet he managed to maintain an astute composure. Quietly he waited within the folds of his dark hooded cloak, deep in thought. (It would appear that Pharasma has chosen a new course for me. I can feel the wisp of death in the air. Mother of Souls, have you chosen my contribution to your cause? You know how I ache to destroy those who defy your call. Without question, if this is what you desire of me, I will embrace this fate.)
Thorion’s thoughts began to fade away as the rest of the group finalized their resolve to move forward.
"Best to move quickly! The ship will sink if we are not getting there soon!" Rii-Chi calls , sliding down the tree as he does so. He leads the way to the cliff and immediately begins scrambling down towards the wreckage.
"A way to prove your innocence?" she asks at his outburst. "What do you mean? How?"
"Yeah, I meant YOU could watch the food, while some of us head to the wreck."
That’s fine. Go to the wreck and those of you who do not come back means more food for us! Gelik taunts.
Aerys lets out a belch.
"Thanks, pal. I'm Mischa. And you are...?"
Ishirou grimaces which you assume is his way of smiling. Ishirou. My name is Ishirou.
"I believe he is being sincere."
I am, good sir! Please free me!
Munkustrap examines Jask’s manacles while Jask looks on hopefully. He pulls two rusted nails from some driftwood and begins to go to work. After a few moments there is a click and Jask is free.
Thank you, good sir! I am in your debt! He bows his head and rubs his aching wrists. I will keep an eye on camp until you return. He casts a suspicious eye on Aerys, Gelik and Sasha. You are wounded. I can help. He holds his hands over where the sea scorpions pinched Munkustrap and says a prayer. Munkustrap’s wounds close up.
---
At Gelik's taunts Mischa shakes her head. "Let not make our lives into a joke, shall we? It might backfire on you."
---
When Jask is freed Mischa smiles and pats Munkustrap on the back once. "Well done!"
She offers Jask a hand up to his feet. "Are you a priest, then? Or a gifted healer?"
---
When Rii-Chi takes off she nods at the others in farewell. "That's my cue." She then turns and hurries off after Rii-Chi, Caine and the others.
I hope they'll be alright...
Turning her gaze to the sinking wreck of the Jenivere, she frowns.
I hope we'll be alright.
When Caine mentions the cannibals might be ghouls Neltji just looks at him in horror. This is bad enough as it is. We shouldn't make light of the situation. Its not fun to joke about such things like that. Please don't.
-------------------------------
Neltji stands by watching Munk as he undoes the manacles. Thanks Munkustrap. I would not be able to do that myself. With the manacles off and Jask healing Munkustrap Neltji eyes go wide. Quite impressive. We may need your healing arts with this situation. But before we can talk more the Jenivere needs our attention. Please stand watch while we are gone.
Neltji hurries over to Mischa as the taunts come her way. Don't listen to them. They don't know what they are saying. We are the smart ones here looking for supplies and other valuable items in the ship. Once we come back they will be begging to be with us. Come on now lets hurry before something happens to the ship.
She then picks up her pace to a hurry to follow Rii-Chi. Do you have any rope with you? If so give us one end. That way if you find something we can haul it back for you.
She then picks up her pace to a hurry to follow Rii-Chi. Do you have any rope with you? If so give us one end. That way if you find something we can haul it back for you.
"No rope." Rii-Chi calls from halfway down the rock. "I will find some!"
After hearing the final 'CLICK', Munkustrap cannot help be smile in triumph as the manacles fall open to the sand. "You are most welcome ..." he never finishes the sentence as healing washes over the man. "My aren't you full of surprises. I feel better already. Keep an eye on Gelik" he whispers as he gathers his belongings to move out with the others.
"In our absence" Munkustrap address all those that choose to stay behind, "there is much and more to do. Scout the area for fire wood, start to gather material for a shelter, and pray that a ship enters this cove soon. You should think about the benefit of cooperation." he eyes them all before departing.
Poisoned. Someone poisoned us and they could very well be sitting on this beach. Yet someone rescued us, and they too could very well be sitting on this beach. So there is a poisoner and a savior. Now to figure out who is who.
Munkustrap eyes everyone warily as he treks out.
Unable to maintain the brisk pace that Rii-Chi and Neltji had set, Thorion found himself falling slightly behind. The inquiry about a rope, seemed to blur against the background of the relentless tide that continually took its toll along the island's ridge. Although the question was difficult to make out, Thorion managed to understand enough of it to grasp Neltji’s request.
“I have fifty foot of rope if you need it Neltji.” Thorion responded from a moderate distance behind the deckhand. Again, the crashing sound of the waves seem to obscure the priest’s response to the point that he wasn’t sure if he had been heard or not. Fighting against the encumbrance of his armor, Thorion decided to forget about the rope, and put all of his effort into one final attempt to keep up.
perception
As Neltji hurries along she hears her name called from behind. Turning around she sees Thorion hurrying as fast as he can to keep up. Be right back Rii-Chi, I think Thorion said he had rope.
Neltji runs back to Thorion to grab the rope, Thank you for being prepared. she then rushes back to Rii-Chi with the rope in hand.
As the group heads out towards the wreckage, Munkustrap cannot help but notice the absence of silence. He peers to the left and right, finally behind him spotting the warpriest lagging behind. He motions to Mischa, Neltji, Rii-Chi and Caine to keep going. As he waits for the man to catch up, Munkustrap produces a dagger out of nowhere. He extends his claws and picks at something lodged in his third digit.
Eventually Thorion catches up and as quickly as it appeared, the dagger vanished on his person.
Mischa spares a glance behind her for Munkustrap and Thorion, making sure they're alright. With a shrug she continues on ahead of then, as Munkustrap suggested.
When they near the wreckage, she looks around, trying to get her bearings, find a route to the ship, and ensure nothing dangerous lurks nearby.
"Let not make our lives into a joke, shall we? It might backfire on you."
Speaking of fire, I don’t suppose any of you geniuses know how to make one? Gelik queries.
"Are you a priest, then? Or a gifted healer?"
I am just a humble servant of Nethys, who has not abandoned me even though others have, but for Nethys it makes sense. When you return from the wreck I will share with you why I believe the proof to my innocence might be here.
Quite impressive. We may need your healing arts with this situation. But before we can talk more the Jenivere needs our attention. Please stand watch while we are gone.
You all have freed me from a horrible fate. My services are at your disposal. Jask says with a bow. Ishirou grunts but whether he is agreeing or mocking, you don’t know.
Keep an eye on Gelik
Jask winks to signal his comprehension.
"there is much and more to do. Scout the area for fire wood, start to gather material for a shelter, and pray that a ship enters this cove soon. You should think about the benefit of cooperation."
Gelik mockingly bows. Yes Master! By your command, Master!
"Let not make our lives into a joke, shall we? It might backfire on you."Speaking of fire, I don’t suppose any of you geniuses know how to make one? Gelik queries.
Mischa raises an eyebrow. "Of course. Can't any of you?"
She looks honestly surprised if none of those staying behind can make a fire.
"Are you a priest, then? Or a gifted healer?"I am just a humble servant of Nethys, who has not abandoned me even though others have, but for Nethys it makes sense. When you return from the wreck I will share with you why I believe the proof to my innocence might be here.
Mischa waits for Rii-Chi to toss down the rope for everyone, then she follows, climbing the rope up the cliff face.
Rii-Chi moves smoothly down the cliff, securing the rope as he goes. Finally reaching the ships remaining deck he scurries off immediately, searching for anything of value which he could retrieve.
Having pushed himself greatly, Thorion had to take a moment to catch his breath once he finally reached the cliff face. Even in his winded state, he recognized the urgency in everyone’s voice. Although he lacked the skill to determin the state of the wreckage, he was able to identify the obvious time restraint that was pending before the ship's husk made its final voyage to the bottom of the sea.
Without hesitation, Thorion made his rope available to the group. After resecuring his pack, he stood patiently and observed Rii-Chi’s uncanny ability to climb. It was remarkable how much of the primates original heritage was still present, yet the monkey-man had demonstrated an unbelievable amount of intellectual evolution.
Once secure, Thorion braced the rope for Mischa as she made her way along the cliff face. He considered the difficulty of the climb, as he watched the young woman struggle with the process, even with the aid of the rope. Concerned that the climb might be equally as difficult for everyone, he decided to attempt the climb last in order to brace the rope for the rest of the group. Finally, once everyone was safe, he attempted to make the climb himself.
Munkustrap listen to Gelick's droll response before he retorts, "And this sand is horrid, maybe sweep it for all flotsam from the sea, or perhaps make a pattern of Desna for luck, use your creativity for a purpose Gelik my good man." Munkustrap eyes Jask with an apologetic look as he departs.
Munkustrap watches the nimble Rii-Chi affix a rope for all to safely descend to the wreckage of the ship. Making sure all his daggers are in pace and accessible for quick access, Munkustrap follows.