Adara frowns at the gnome. She doesn't know what he's just done, but somehow she feels like she should...
Adara glances over at Dejere.
"Do you think you can assist Mizu, Holy Gun Dejere? If you move carefully, you should be able to reach the ship's wreckage as well."
"Oh how wonderful... Gelik has the gift of divine healing. Come.... It is Gelik, correct?"
She tips her head toward Lawdrak. "What payment would you require to bring this well-muscled man back to working order so he may help us survive, good sir?"
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Establishing a Base Camp
Creating a safe camp to sleep, eat, and relax in can make the difference between survival and death. A base camp needs to be located in a safe and stable location, and must adequately provide for shelter from the environment and protection against wildlife. Locating a suitable site and building a
shelter requires a DC 12 Survival check and takes 8 hours.Lack of building tools imposes a –5 penalty on this check (REDACTED INFORMATION ON HOW TO AVOID SAID PENALTY). The time required is reduced by 1 hour for every 2 points by which the Survival check exceeds DC 12, down to a minimum of 1 hour.
Once a campsite is established, it provides a safe place to rest out of the relentless heat of the sun, while the shelter and smoke from a campfire helps to ward off insects (reducing the chance of being exposed to disease
to 10% per day). In addition, there are five roles that PCs or (more likely) NPCs can take up as part of their daily duties to further enhance the effects of a campsite, as detailed below. In order to fill one of these roles, the character must spend the entire day pursuing the role.
Defender: A defender works to set traps, shore up a shelter’s walls, and see to the safety of the campsite. The first time in a day that a wandering monster or hostile creature attacks the campsite, the defender’s traps inflict 2d6 points of damage—divide the damage done as equally as possible among all attackers. Each additional defender assigned to a campsite Increases this damage by 2d6.
Entertainer: An entertainer helps to raise hopes for rescue—each entertainer grants NPCs a +2 bonus on Will saves to increase morale (see below).
Guard: Each guard reduces the chance of a wandering monster attacking the camp during the day or night by 5% (minimum chance of 5%).
Hunter: Each hunter provides enough food and water for eight Medium Creatures per day.
Medic: Each medic reduces the chance of being exposed to disease by 5% and increases the number of hit points healed naturally during a night’s rest in the camp by 2.
Morale
The NPC castaways react to their near-death experience in different ways, and if the PCs don’t bolster their morale, they could easily fall prey to despair. Although the shock of the wreck is enough to mute their personalities somewhat on the first day, clashes among the NPC castaways can
manifest as soon as the first night on the island.
Morale has five categories: hopeful, normal, shaken, frightened, and panicked. All five castaways start with a morale of shaken. Events during play can adjust each castaway’s morale in one direction or another—either
positively (to normal and eventually hopeful) or negatively (to frightened and eventually panicked). Morale affects only NPC castaways.
Adjusting Morale: Every morning, an NPC castaway must make a DC 15 Will save. If successful, the NPC’s morale increases to the next category toward hopeful. If the Will save fails, the NPC’s morale doesn’t change unless
the roll failed by 5 or more, in which case her morale moves one step toward panicked. Note that once an NPC reaches hopeful morale, she no longer needs to make these Will saves, but special events can still adjust her morale
downward (in which case she’ll need to start making her morning Will saves again).
Effects of Morale: Each level of morale has different effects on the NPC castaways, as listed below.
Hopeful: The NPC functions normally, and does not need to make morning Will saves to adjust morale. Diplomacy checks to adjust the NPC’s attitude gain a +2 bonus.
Normal: The NPC functions normally.
Shaken: The NPC is shaken.
Frightened: The NPC is shaken. Diplomacy checks to adjust the NPC’s attitude take a –2 penalty.
Panicked: The NPC is shaken, and during any attack by hostile forces, she immediately becomes panicked and flees the area, heedless of the danger.
Diplomacy checks to adjust the NPC’s attitude take a –4 penalty.
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Ishirou, Sasha, and Aerys go about the business of helping move the gear a bit further off the beach, while Jask helps Adara in determining the condition of all the castaways present. Gelik, self-absorbed, and not as chatty as normal spend a few moments repeatedly casting a cantrip to return his clothing to a proper and pristine appearance.
Occasionally you hear Aerys complain, "No rum, no wine, nothing...gods I could use a drink."
Sasha is quite pleasant and chipper, or at least she is putting a good front. "It will all be alright. We were traveling a major sea lane, it won't be that long and another ship will be by, just you wait and see."
Gelik's head snaps in the direction of Estietre as she addresses him. "Oh, why yes, yes my name is Gelik Aberwhinge." Looking over at the fallen druid he says while stroking his goatee, "Well...I'm not sure how much use all of those muscles have been to him. After all, he was nearly scorpion-chow."
Thinking a moment he says, "Yes, I suppose I can help him...hopefully he won't make a habit of laying down on the job."
Lawdrak spasms into wakefulness, flailing around wildly for a moment.
"The scor...The ship...wine....Sharpmaw!"
He stares around, wild-eyed, drawing deep, gasping breaths, until he realizes that the danger seems to be over. His cheeks redden and he hangs his head.
(Assuming that the others fill him in on the particulars), the youth gets up, a little gingerly, and says "I'd best go to the ship with the others - Sharpmaw is like to be rather upset by the wreck, and when he's upset, he bites. I can help find a campsite when I get back"
He will don his armor and secure his gear, then, nodding his thanks to Gelik for the healing, he will work his way down toward the ship.
"Good good. Perhaps more of us should go along? Oh.. should I? I could stand in reserve should we find gaining entry to the ship unlikably precarious."
"But shelter is paramount, is it not?" She scans the inland for a "nice spot".
"Oooh... buttons." she curses her indecision.
"What would you have me do, Adara my dear?"
"Yes, we must not lose hope. Rescue is a very real possibility," Dereje concurs as he makes some final adjustments on his belt. "But until then, we had best get comfortable with our surroundings."
He nods to Adara, moving to accompany those traveling to the ship. "Find shade, but do not stray too far from the beach."
Adara nods in approval at Lawdrak as he doesn't hesitate to take action once he's had a moment to come to his senses.
"Excellent, you and the paladin should be able to cover Mizu well. Please return with as much as you can. I imagine we will need it ere long."
Adara approaches Aerys. "Perhaps they will find some spirits as they loot the ship. Would you like to accompany them to check the larder and hold?" she asks the usually reclusive woman.
"Right you are, Sasha," Adara says with an approving smile. "All we need to worry about now is getting out of Sarenrae's powerful light since this part of Golarion is closer to her orbit, and she burns those who dare too long without proper obeisance. The others will return with supplies, and we will begin foraging as well."
Adara turns to look out at the sea with a serious expression. She looks up and down the shoreline a couple times. "Does anyone know if we landed north or south of Desperation Bay? If all else fails, we should be able to simply march our way to Sargava."
"There." Adara points to a good spot for the survivors to shade and recover while still placing them within sight of those braving the wreckage of the Jenivere. She gathers what she can locate of her gear. She buckles a nicely made scimitar around her waist which bears the symbol of Sarenrae. For those with martial knowledge, it seems clear she must not have any skill with the blade. Her stride seems to be somewhat clumsy as if she does not usually have the weapon fastened in this way. But as a devout follower of the Dawnflower, it only makes sense she would insist on having it...
As they move, Adara approaches Gellik. "Thank you for healing Lawdrak's wounds, Gelik Aberwhinge. I'm heartened to know we will not have to rely on only my ability for recovery. Between yourself, Lawdrak, myself, and possibly, Master Jask, I believe we should be able to overcome anything the jungle has to throw at us."
Once they are settled, Adara turns to watch the ship and eyes their surroundings for any sign of hostility. "Everyone, please keep your eyes and ears open. There are surely to be more dangerous things waiting for us to lower our guard."
Adara gestures for Mum to come closer. "If I may have your counsel, Mum." She says quietly so as not to be overheard once the woman arrives. "Do you have much knowledge of this tropical region? Anything we can know about the the dangers and difficulties we might face will be the key to survival. Even the slightest bit of information could turn our fate."
Mum beams at the thought of being of use "Knowledge from books, yes... up to my ears, but.. I've yet to spend any time at all in the jungle. Anxious to see if the nature study drawings do justice... so vibrant. I'd grown quite tired of blue on that ship.".. as she gazes inland again.
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Adara approaches Aerys and asks if she would like to accompany the team heading to the wreck of Jenivere. The reclusive woman responds, "That ordinarily wouldn't be a bad idea, but right now my head is killing me and stomach feels as if there is something akin to a hurricane rolling around in there. I probably wouldn't be much help."
Sasha smiles, hearing someone else with a more positive outlook on the group's current plight.
Gelik responds with a simple nod, perhaps a bit embarrassed about his cowardice during the fight with sea scorpions. "We'll see. I know my capabilities, but still don't know what to think of rest of these folk as of yet."
(shaken)
(shaken)
(shaken, sickened)
(shaken)
(shaken)
Starting with Adara's suggestion for a location to set up a camp, the group begins to make significant progress on setting up camp. One would guess the camp might be ready to go before mid-day. That would certainly be the case should the others be able to recover any tools or supplies from the ship.
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Mizu, Lawdrak, and Dereje easily make their respective ways through the shallow sea or across the slippery, jagged rocks to find what is left 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.
The Jenivere is missing much of her bow, and although it’s only noticeable as you get closer to the ship, she’s also missing much of her lower deck. All that survives are the upper decks, a portion of the captain’s cabin, and on the mid-deck, the larder, a supply room, and the brig and galley. Although the Jenivere’s only lifeboat at first seems to be missing, as the PCs approach the ship, the fate of this smaller boat becomes clear—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.
As you board what is left of once proud ship you hear two sounds even above the crashing waves from what you assume what is left of hold. A roar that Lawdrak easily recognizes as his companion, Sharpmaw and the other a clicking, scratching noise. What else could be aboard the wreckage?
A trifle heedless of what might be prudent, Lawdrak will scramble ahead for the hold.
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Hearing Sharpmaw, Lawdrak makes for the hold as quickly as his feet will allow him. Heading down the stairs, he sees his companion still in the cage that Captain Kovack insisted that the dinosaur remained in during the journey.
When Lawdrak reaches the bottom of the stairs he sees the cause of the scratching noise the party had heard from on deck, another sea scorpion, this one with a bluish tinged carapace and a bit larger than the ones faced on the beach.
As Lawdrak noisily moves down the stairs, he attracts the attention of the sea scorpion. The scorpion seeing a potential meal that is not behind a closed door, moves toward the young druid and attempts to sting. Fortunately for Lawdrak the attack misses bouncing off of the stair's railing.
Initiative Order
Eurypterid - Acted
Lawdrak
Mizu
Dereje
"Another one! And bigger! Open the cage, Sharpmaw will help!" Lawdrak shouts. His footing uncertain, he steps toward the sea scorpion and stabs with his spear.
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Lawdrak reflexively steps in toward the sea scorpion, planting his spear deep into the side of the monsterous vermin. Unfortunately for the druid just as the spear pierces the scorpion's carapace, the scorpion's stinger pierces the young Kellid's flesh.
Initiative Order
Eurypterid - Acted, 1 AoO used
Lawdrak - Acted
Mizu
Dereje
Lawdrak hisses in pain, but is able to snatch the stinger out of his thigh - before too much of the creature's venom is pumped into him.
Dereje follows Lawdrak down the stairway, firearm already in hand. Catching a glimpse of the sea scorpion, his hands move quickly as he prepares his gun for firing. The motions seemed somewhat complicated, but the paladin performs them with practiced grace. After half-cocking the flint, powder from the horn at his hip is poured into its muzzle, quickly followed by a small ball of lead. With an audible click, he holds the gun up, ready to fire.
While the euryptid is busy stinging Lawdrak, Mizu rushes down, drawing her sword as she goes, and slashes down at it.
Wsssh!
Mizu continues her attack with a low horizontal cut.
Wsssh!
Dereje grimaces when Lawdrak drops, counting it as a failure on his part. However, he does not let it distract him from what needs to be done. He draws a bead and then pulls the trigger. With a small explosion that cuts through the air, the bullet he loaded is propelled toward the eurypterid.
Without stopping to assess his result of his gunshot, he turns and approaches the caged creature.
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Mizu is unable to connect, partially due to the railing blocking her swing, partially due to the constant uneven rocking of the shipwreck.
Dereje takes aim and fires, but only succeeds in blasting the railing.
- Pass
Round 3
The scorpion moves, putting Lawdrak's fallen form between it and Mizu before striking at the woman. The scorpion's stinger pierces Mizu's thigh, injecting its deadly venom.
Initiative Order
Eurypterid - Acted
Lawdrak - Unconscious, bleeding. Please make a DC 11 CON check or lose another hp.
Mizu
Dereje
Dereje grimaces, not at all happy with his poor shot. Such a close one, at that. He debates on loading and firing another round, but quickly decides against it. Instead he turns toward the cage and fiddles with it, attempting to let out the ferocious-looking beast. He had seen the creature in the hold before, but never had he gotten so close to it. Now, he did not exactly have much of a choice.
"Your master needs your help," he says to the small tyrannosaur, knowing full well that it could not understand him. Nonetheless, he steps out of the way and points in the sea scorpion's direction, while hoping Lawdrak's pet would not try to eat him. Assuming that the beast does not try to eat him, only then does the paladin start the process of reloading his gun.
Feeling woozy, Mizu resigns herself to dying horribly on a wretched desolate island, eaten by scorpion-crabs.
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The group that remained at the beach is making surprising progress having cleared a small area for a camp. Ishirou begins working on weaving large long leaves together to form the roof of a shelter. Jask is unable to do much beyond provide advice and direction as his hands are still bound behind him.
Lawdrak continues to bleed onto the shattered deck.
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Scorpion moves 20 ft and attacks (miss) Lawdrak with stinger (10 ft reach)
Lawdrak moves in (difficult terrain - no 5 ft step) and attacks (hit) drawing an AoO (hit)
Mizu moves and attacks from higher ground, but with a cover penalty (miss)
Dereje moves and loads his gun
Round 2
Scorpion does full attack routine (claw, claw, sting) all hit, Lawdrak falls.
Lawdrak unconscious
Mizu attacks higher ground, but with a cover penalty (miss)
Dereje fires his gun (miss)
Round 3
Scorpion moves 5ft (no 5ft step to square below Lawdrak - 10 ft away from Mizu and stings (10 ft reach) Mizu (hit) - No AoO for Mizu due to cover.
Lawdrak bleeds
Mizu attacks (requiring a move to be within range) draws AoO (hit). Hits and kills the scorpion. I should have given you an opportunity to tumble around the AoO (Armor check penalty). Tumble succeeds. No AoO.
Adara moves among the survivors attempting to learn what they each know and what talents they have. The oracle assists when she's able and learns when she can. Her attitude is one that expects she will be able to learn and master anything she's shown. She's receptive to feedback and shows respect for those who already have the skill and knowledge. She may come across as imperious and perhaps seem haughty, but it is not intentionally arrogant.
She keeps Jask close under the pretense of listening to his advice for each of the tasks at hand. She's still evaluating him and trying to determine if she can trust the assumed convict. After all, her usual purpose is to bring justice when necessary.
Adara approaches Aerys.
"How are you feeling?" she begins. Under this pretense Adara lowers her voice, "I see someone seems to admire you."
"It seems that your assistance won't be needed after all," Dereje tells the dinosaur, still uncertain of how tame it was. He looks over at Lawdrak's unconscious form with a frown, knowing full well that he was in danger of bleeding out. "But your master still needs help."
Holstering his gun, Dereje stoops down by the Kellid boy and assesses his injuries.
"We need to stop his bleeding. Could you lend me a hand?" he asks Mizu, not a terribly skilled healer himself. Unfortunately, he did not yet carry Abadar's grace...
Mizu shakes off the gore on her katana and sheathes it carefully. She wobbles for a moment, then straightens again.
"I am not a skilled physician, but I will see what I can do," she says dubiously. She casts around for a bit of cloth to stanch the bleeding.
Amazingly, she is able to stabilize Lawdrak.
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Mizu is able to staunch the flow of blood from Lawdrak's wounds. Looking around the hold you see the still caged Sharpmaw, who seems more eager than ever to escape his cage as he sees Lawdrak's prone form.
Looking around the corner toward the area the scorpion was clawing at prior to your arrival you see a badly damaged door with a fairly significant amount of blood seeping from underneath.
To open the cage to set Sharpmaw free is a standard action.
Instead he turns toward the cage and fiddles with it, attempting to let out the ferocious-looking beast. He had seen the creature in the hold before, but never had he gotten so close to it. Now, he did not exactly have much of a choice.
"Your master needs your help," he says to the small tyrannosaur, knowing full well that it could not understand him. Nonetheless, he steps out of the way and points in the sea scorpion's direction, while hoping Lawdrak's pet would not try to eat him. Assuming that the beast does not try to eat him, only then does the paladin start the process of reloading his gun.
Mizu approaches the door cautiously. "Didn't someone say something about the key being in the captain's quarters?" she asks Dereje.
Aerys looks back at Adara. "I still pretty much feel like s#1t." Rolling her eyes she continues, "Just great, that's just what I need right now, an admirer."
Adara smiles in empathy. "I have also experienced...inconvenient attention. We sulis usually do," she says with a somewhat casual flip of her gorgeous hair while watching its movement with a wry expression.
"I will do what I can to help keep your admirer focused on the things we need to be doing rather than burden you further. Perhaps when our situations are more settled, you will feel differently or at least more curious. One can never know how Shelyn will touch our hearts."
With Lawdrak out of immediate danger, Dereje stands and looks for any sign of the precious cargo he had been guarding. Its safety came second to that of the crew and passengers obviously, but it was still of grave concern to him.
"That would be on a higher deck," Dereje replies to Mizu, his eyes fixed on the blood seeping out from under the door. Had he lost track of how many people were on the beach? He quietly curses himself for not taking count of everyone. Drawing his pistol once more, the paladin loads another round and nods to the samurai. "Whenever you are ready, Lady Mizu."
Mizu nods and advances to the door cautiously, sword in hand, and checks it with her other hand softly to see if it's locked.
Mum takes a break from the tasks at hand, and looks about.. admiring what they'd accomplished so far, and sighs.
"Well here we are, Kainey."
She removes her Desna brooch from her traveling garb, eyes it "I did wish for a thrilling experience in the jungle... What's worth doing is worth overdoing, yes?", and pins it to her current, more appropriate attire.
She then stands, and scooches over near Gelik as she looks around again.
"Look how much we've accomplished in so little time.. without tools.. in unkind conditions... I don't know about you, good Sir Aberwhinge, but I've decided this unexpected interruption in my life will not break me. I will gain strength, and stories... and unlock the primal spirit which lies hidden within me."
After a moment's thought...
"I want to hunt with a spear!"
She takes off to search the inland perimeter of the camp for a suitable branch or sapling.
Mizu looks back at Dereje and gives the nod that trained warriors give when they're about to break a door, then she pushes at the door and slides sideways to bring her sword up in case anything hostile is inside.