DM Talomyr's Serpent's Skull (Inactive)

Game Master Talomyr

"We might as well visit the dimorphodon nest again, then move outward and increase our knowledge of the area," says Mizu. "Since we are all new to this island, we should probably leave some trail signs as we go so that we can always find our way back to camp."

The party travels roughly thirty minutes to return to the cliff side where the dimorphodon nest resides.

The height of the cliff side looks a bit daunting, to Lawdrak and Adara in particular. The former still weakened from the dimorphodon's venom and the later due to a general feeling of weakness and muscle soreness.

DC 15 to climb the cliff side without aid.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"I think we are in the general area, but where now?" says Mizu.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

Adara looks around bleary eyed. "Wasn't this the place, Lawdrak? Are you able to hear the young ones' cries?"

If we fail this because no one makes this roll... :-/

Do I need to mark anything down as the result of the illness, DM Talomyr?

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

Dereje looks up the side of the cliff with a frown.

"I imagine that they would somewhere high up, but I don't hear anything. Perhaps some other wild beast preyed on them overnight."

Do I need to mark anything down as the result of the illness, DM Talomyr?

Not as of yet. You have contracted a disease, but haven't suffered any actual mechanical effects as of yet. Tomorrow morning you will have to make another save or suffer the ill effects of the disease. Two consecutive successful saves will be needed to clear the disease.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

"They're up there," Lawdrak says, indicating the clifftop with a wag of his chin. Pausing to lean a little heavily on his spear, he adds, "Careful if we go up there, though. They're sacred and hungry."

How many climb checks would that be?

Standard climb is at 1/4 speed DC 15. Accelerated climb is 1/2 speed and DC 20. The cliff is 40 feet, so for a character with a 30 move at standard speed, 4 checks (5 ft, 10 ft, 5 ft, 10 ft). 3 checks at accelerated speed (15 ft, 15 ft, 15 (10) ft). Obviously the DC can be decreased with a climbing kit or finding a good place to anchor a rope.

The Kellid youth peers warily at the cliff-face. " I really don't know about this. I know I'd have a hard time getting up that on a good day, much less today. Maybe we should follow the cliff face around and see if we can find an easier way up?"

Visually following the cliff line, you imagine it would take you easily another thirty minutes to reach the top via a safer route.

Recap of potential timing: 30 min out from camp. An additional 30 min to reach the cliff top. 30 more min to get back to where you are and another 30 min to return to camp. Assuming you left camp 0700, that would put you back at camp at 0900 (also assuming no other delays). 1200 - 1500 is the time that is dangerous due to heat.

Given that timing, we would get back to this spot at about 8:30, assuming no major difficulties.

IF we head due east from the nest until we hit water, even if it takes an hour and a half, I think we should be able to walk the beach back and get back to the camp by noon. Thoughts on this plan?

You would also have the option of seeking shade/shelter while you are out if you are inclined to a longer trip out.

Adara pinches the bridge of nose whole closing her eyes. Breathing deeply, she nods.

"Yes, that should do nicely. If Sasha knows what she's about, perhaps these animals will be able to help defend our new camp."

"There is no reason to risk a broken limb if it can be avoided," says Mizu.

The party follows Lawdrak through the thick undergrowth leading up to the top of the cliff side.

Arriving at the top of the cliff you see the dimorphodon nest, containing five young and noisy dimorphodon hatchlings.

How many do you wish to take? Who is removing them from the nest and how are you transporting them back?

Considering the adults were Medium(?), what are seeing here in terms of size?

Upon seeing the young dimorphodons, Adara's hearts softens.

"Oh, dear...seeing these hatchlings certainly makes me regret our actions yesterday. We were the invaders, and they were protecting their nest," the pretty suli says sounding ashamed. "Now they, too, are adrift without knowledge of where their meals will come and whether they will be protected."

Shaking her head, Adara says, "I fear we have not gotten off to a good start here. If we are to survive this island, we will need to take better care to become more integrated in its life cycle. If we fight against it, I imagine this island will certainly set itself against us in whole, and we will not likely survive such wrath."

Would you permit a know/nature or survival check for the best way to acquire and transport that?

know/nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
sigh

That would be a 12 survival.

Dereje chuckles softly when he hears Adara's concerns. "Mankind has conquered frontiers like these since the beginning. How else does civilization take root? Well, not that I plan to remain here by any stretch of the imagination. But all the same, I am certain that we can endure anything this island has to offer.

"As for these young things... Perhaps we could just drag the entirety of the nest back with us?"

Mizu simply raises an eyebrow in a display of incredulity.

The dimorphodon hatchlings are currently tiny and will be small in a couple of weeks, assuming they live. Dragging them in their nest is a possiblity, but will increase your required travel time by 50%. (i.e. 45 minutes to get back to the cliff base and an additional 45 minutes to get back to the camp. The only concern is that the hatchlings will likely try to bite whomever tries to pick them up and they are venomous. Might be a good time for Wild Empathy.

That's my cue...

SLowly and carefully, Lawdrak kneels at the side of the nest. Spreading his hands wide, he slowly reaches in, hand low, to stroke the back of the first hatchling.

WIld Empathy +dinosaur whisperer: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Adara kneels next to Lawdrak and spreads her hands and letting a trickle of the power of the sun flow into them in order to warm and comfort the saurians.

"Tiny beings...we will not hurt you. Allow us to make recompense for stealing away those who would protect and nurture you in this world," she says softly.

Handle Animal Aid Other: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

At first the young dimorphodon snaps at Lawdrak, out of fear more than anything, but eventually warms up to the Kellid druid.

The hatchlings are bit stand-offish when Adara kneels down as well, but after a bit of time the dimorphodons begin to warm up to her as well.

Call it another 30 minutes to get all five to the point where they aren't going to immediately bite you. Current time ~0830.

Adara is willing to spend the time. Anyone else want to throw some dice rolls in the mix? Might shorten it up. :D

Mizu seems rather uninterested in the dimorphodons, and more concerned with keeping watch lest something sneak up on the group, looking for an easy meal after hearing the incessant chirping of the young ones.

What do you want to do about the dimorphodons? Take them with you? How? How many?

"Difficult decision... perhaps we should take them all. We might as well take the time to drag the entire nest... unlikely we'd have much time to further explore before the heat gets unbearable regardless."

Dereje nods. "Regardless of how we transport them, we will have to head back to camp anyway. Unless anyone wants to travel through the jungle while cradling a screeching lizard."

Lets take them all and head back.

Between Lawdrak's and Adara's efforts, the young dimorphodons are eased enough that they allow themselves to be drug along behind the part in their nest.

Large bits and pieces fall off of the nest during the hour and half long journey back to camp and by time you arrive the nest is in shambles.

Seeing the party return, Sasha's eyes widen. "You've brought five of the little darlings! How wonderful!" she exclaims rushing over toward the now badly damaged nest.

Current time ~1000. Two hours until it starts to get really hot."

"Shall we head west for an hour - or a bit less - past the wreck of the Jenivere, then turn around?"

"I suppose we had might as well cover as much ground as possible. Would anyone here happen to be skilled at cartography? Drafting a map of this place as we explore could go a long way."

Mum raises and waves her hand enthusiastically.
"Ooh! Me! Me! I'd be happy to draft a map!"
She bustles around looking for materials to do so.
"I do so enjoy keeping busy, and being of use!"

Which way? I've heard both east and west. It is possible to find shelter for the few hours of the day that are too hot do much else if you want to go further than an hour out.

west now, then return for the sweltering hours, then east?

Suits me fine. Mizu's no survivalist so she's not in a position to make these decisions. :)

LEt's take a short trip west, return for the heat of the day, and resume exploring east later.

The party gathers up and begins to travel west, leaving the care of the young dimorphodons to the their fellow castaway, Sasha in particular.

Heading west, the group trudges through thick over-growth. Sticky humid conditions and biting insects are problematic, but nothing that can not be overcome.

The trip through the jungle-like conditions is uneventful until Mizu feels something strike at her boot, fortunately the bite glanced off of the protective leather as she quickly looks down to see a seven foot long blue and black serpent.

With only one creature, I'm not going to bother with a map for this one. Adara and Estietre are up before the Viper goes. The viper is directly next to Mizu and well within a move action of the rest of you.

Initiative Order
Adara
Estietre
Viper
Mizu
Dereje
Lawdrak & Sharpmaw

"Yow! Unfriendly!"
Mum fires a thin bolt of ice somewhat toward the viper nipping at Mizu with her finger... more wild reflexive action than aimed attack.

RoF (firing into melee) vs Touch: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 4 = 8

Adara jumps in surprise as the snake suddenly attacks Mizu, but she quickly recovers, her mouth set in a firm line. Survival was never going to be easy in this wild place.

Adara touches Mizu lightly, a surreal fire suddenly washing over the woman at Adara's touch burning away distractions and bringing a clarity of focus from the divine magic.

Adara moves to Mizu's side and casts guidance.

The viper coils back and lashes out at Mizu again. This time the serpent's fangs find their mark biting into the samurai-ko's leg.

Mizu takes 1 point of damage.

Mizu Fort Save DC 13: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19 (guidance)

Mizu, Dereje, Lawdrak & Sharpmaw are up to end Round 1. Adara and Estietre can post Round 2 actions.

Mizu scowls and lashes out at the serpent with her sword.

Katana attack!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Deeming the serpent unworthy of his ammunition, Dereje hurries forward and hacks at it with his blade.

Cutlass Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Round 2

Without a word, Adara raises her hand above her hand and fire engulfs it. She steps forward and attempts to punch the viper square between the eyes.

Adara activates her Suli Elemental Assault choosing fire. There should be an AoO against her as she does not have Improved Unarmed.

Unarmed attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
unarmed nonlethal damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
fire elemental assault: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Angered and perhaps causing her to strike too wildly, Mizu chops at the snake with her katana, sinking the blade deep into the earth. As the serpent slithers to the side to avoid Mizu's attack, Dereje steps up and cuts a long gash into the body of the snake.

Adara sets her arms aflame and lashes out at the viper, dealing it a leathal blow as the smell of burning snake flesh fills the area. Adara's strike is not without consequence as the viper sinks its fangs deep into the suli's arm with its dying breath.

Fortunately for Adara, she is able to fight off the venom injected by the snakes's bite.

Adara takes 3 damage. Combat over. You have traveled approximately 30 minutes. Continue west?

"I suppose that we've just found ourselves another meal. A partially cooked one, at that," Dereje muses as he sheathes his sword and moves to collect the viper's carcass. Remembering himself, he pauses and looks to Adara, his voice lightly tinged with concern. "Are you all right with going on, Lady Adara?"

Adara nods, "I should be fine. If the bleeding doesn't stop or I feel its poison wounding me, I will call for the aid of the Dawnflower to heal me. It is early yet."

The party continues westward after the minor altercation with a viper.

As you reach the southern shore of this portion of the island you see sitting upon cliff side some fifty feet above you another winged reptile. This one, larger than the dimorphodons you have previously encountered, must have a wingspan of at least thirty feet.

At least for now, the creature seems to either not notice you, or is simply paying you no mind.

Looking inland, you see significant tree cover. You imagine that you could seek shelter there should you not wish to return to camp immediately.

You have now been traveling for 1 hour. 1 hour back to camp would put you at 1200, just in time for the hot part of the day.

know/nat vs. dinos: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"Hmm. Pteranadon. Not sure it belongs here - its the only thing we've seen so far that isn't poisonous. "

The original plan was to head back to camp, so I imagine they'll be expecting us. Lets do that, then head west again. How much time between cool-enough-to-travel and sunset?

Roughly 5 hours.