Edwin presents The Fires of Zatal an adventure through the lands of Maztica

Game Master Insnare

The Plumaweaver steps back and fires twice - this time at the tentacle the wounded her

I think I should have taken two attacks last turn. ROF2/1. Guess I'll take two this turn.

on 4
14 - 1d20 ⇒ 14 - (6) = 8
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
14 - 1d20 ⇒ 14 - (20) = -6
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Meri misses all three of her strikes.

Through the combination of Otzali and Ik Skull tentacle 4 is severed with her arrow and his maca.

The squid splurts a large amount of ink covering the hull of the ship in ink. And it swims off.

Combat Over You each get 225 xp for scaring off the squid.

You can hear the captain giving orders as the ship limps toward the north coast of what you presume to be Pezelec.

Orren breathes a sigh of relief, "Well fought. I feared the entire ship might be taken down with that beast. The crewmen... I knew them not but all the same a great tragedy. Are any of you injured? I have some kits that can bind wounds though I am not terribly good at it. In fact, terrible is probably a more appropriate description".

"Let me see, Orren. I have been taught many secrets of the body; it is the way of my people." The Payit woman looks over the wounded, and does what she can to clean and bind their wounds.

vs 17 healing?: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Yes i think there are a few people with open wounds that need to be looked after she says as she looks around for other sign of danger

Well fought anyway despite the terrible loss the crew suffered as she sheath her weapons

Once Otzali confirms that Ik'skull is OK he finally nods his agreement. "Well fought, but at great cost."

He shakes the ichor off his maca with a quick flick of the wrist before closely inspecting the weapon and the obsidian chips that make up its edge. Once satisfied that the weapon stands ready for the next battle he moves to the railing. He keeps looking out to sea as if expecting another attack will come soon.

Orren will do what he can for the wounded though he lacks any formal skills. Should I make a roll or just leave this as RP DM Fiat whether what I do is actually useful?

If you don't have the healing or herbalism skill there is not much you can do. Other than rp it.

Hasoctl says, "You may want to look at me. I took a violent strike to the face."

I will continue to move it forward.

The ship limps toward the shore and after about two hours the ship is anchored very close to shore and night falls. In the morning the men are scrambling around ship on top deck and in the life boats around the hull taking stock of the damage to the vessel. At around noon the captain calls the four of you with Hasoctl and Ironspike into his quarters and says, "Well, we.re sound but not
altogether safe. If we're cautious, we can limp back to Helmsport. But
this is as far as we go. We.ll put you ashore here, and you have to go the rest of the way yourselves."

That is fine with me. i like footslogging rather than open waters she says mostly to assure herself

is there anything we should know about the environment we are going to be walking in?

The captain shrugs and says, "Its a jungle. Stay hydrated, watch out for snakes. Other than that, I am not sure. The quickest route is due south through the jungle and then there you will meet up with the Pezelac southern plain."

Orren looks less than pleased, "How far from the destination does this leave us? Otzali, Il'Skull are you skilled in the ways of the hunt? This may be a foolish question but we will need to eat and I was relying on the rations stored here on the ship..."

The captain gruffly says, "The rudder is kaputt and the ship is taking on water. We cannot continue our voyage it isn't safe. I am sorry for the inconvenience but this ship is my livelihood and the only port where we dock her and have her repaired is Helmsport."

"I know some of the ways of the true world - some of the dangers - and I can trap and track my lord. This particular land is not known to me."

"Captain, I understand and do not blame you for what is not in your control. Still it remains that our task is now much more difficult".

Orren smiles and Ik'Skull, "I am no Lord my Lady, you may simply call me Orren".

The captain smiles and says, "Look here young man, I can misplace five days of rations of salt pork and hard tack for each of you, if that could help you a bit. I do not know your mission but I know that Drakosa has sent you with the blessings of Cordell and that is why I will help you that much more."

He then chuckles and says to Meri, "It is so rare to see a lady dwarf and I so enjoy how their beards grow a little different than the man ones."

Orren nods to the Captain in thanks, "I appreciate that Captain. Good luck with your repairs. I should hope that we will share a glass of wine when we return from our duties deep in the jungle".

Orren turns to Ironspike, "Do you believe that from this distance on foot we will still be able to successfully complete this mission? Perhaps there is another city on the way we may need to visit to get further provisions or assistance. Have you any thoughts on the matter?"

Indeed that they do she says smiling back 5 days of food stuff is a start, we can kill our food on the way. And good luck to you too captain it has been a pleasure

A rowboat brings your group ashore and as they paddle off just beyond the beach is a triple canopy jungle ahead of you and then Ironspike pulls out his map and folds it in a way that the most important features to your journey are seen and then shows it to you.

MAZTICA

Ironspike says, "Well this setback will probably add an extra ten to fourteen days to our journey. As you can see on the map, there are two possible ways to go. We can head due south through the jungle, skirting Mount Plutoq which is probably the longest route which then either adds a climb or we can follow the coast westward close to where we would have been dropped off and then follow the original route."

With only so much food rations i would say the shortest route is better.

Meri will ask if she can copy the map and do so when she has time during night rest and break

Ironspike says, "Well we could spend today building a large canoe and then follow the coast for three days or we could just walk. It doesn't seem that any of you are proficient in wood working so maybe it is not a good idea."

"While I like the idea of a canoe I think we should follow the original route on foot. It seems travel by sea is an ill omen based on what we just encountered".

Orren turns to his new Native allies, "Is it wise to stop in this city named Kultaka or would it be too dangerous do you think?"

Hasoctl says, "The Kultakan nation is a friend to Cordell and these Easterners will be somewhat welcome their and not chosen for sacrifice, for in Kultaka such bounties to the gods are outlawed by their Warchief."

There is a glimer that light in merisiel's eye

A friendly city? great idea she turns to Ironspike I would rather walk if you don't mind. Us dwarves aren't too fond of open large bodies of water she says

"I am sure the overland route will be fine. What better way for outsiders to learn the beauty of this land?". Ik' Skull smiles and bows shallowly to the group.

Sidenote could you copy and paste your backstories into your profile so it is easier to reference them

You follow the beach a short time and then march into the jungle. This is a forbidding environment that makes travel difficult, and
contains several threats to the unwary trespasser. The jungles of
Maztica are actually rain forests of tall trees, interwoven vines, thorny brush, and millions of brilliant
flowers. The jungles are not quiet.always there is the drone of
insects, the chattering of monkeys, and the cawing of the colorful birds.

Occasionally the harsh bark of a jaguar will cut through the air, and
for a few moments, then, the forest falls silent. You continue moving westward sticking as close to the ocean as possible to aid in your orienteering. In the early afternoon you spot three porcupine in forest to your front.

GM Rolls

In the early afternoon you spot three porcupine in forest to your front.

Aren't these cute she says smiling

Meri will be moving atound them so as no to frighten the things

Ironspike says, "They are food."

really ? Ok then she looks at ik and Otzali for a nod

Ik' Skull considers for a moment. "I you wish, I could set a trap to catch the creatures."

animal lore vs. 14 : 1d20 ⇒ 11
set snares vs. 17 : 1d20 ⇒ 18

Wouldn't an arrow be faster than setting up a trap ? she ask

Ironspike helps Ikskull in her endeavor and then says, "We should probably set camp to process the meat later."

After 1d6 ⇒ 2 hours you catch 1d3 ⇒ 3 porcupines.

To process the meat to turn it into rations, I will need a cooking skill check

hehe, not a bad catch. nice hunting. she says helping to set up camp.

Merisiel will set up her tent If you want there is room for two she whisper to Ik'Skull

Orren feels slightly useless as his skills provide little in the way of assistance. Instead he focuses on his studies.

Memorize Magic Missile and Sleep as Armor is still active from my last casting.

Ok you save your rations for two days eating the porcupine meat for dinner and breakfast.

Day 2

GM rolls

Meri roll me a saving throw please

The second day the group makes its way westward through the jungle trying to navigate by the ocean on their right hand side and are able to make about 16 miles while taking proper breaks and stopping.

In the evening Meri will ask for adventures stories from those that are from the True World.

----

The second day
Saving Throw: 1d20 ⇒ 11 here you go :)

We are making good time aren't we

Day 3
GM Rolls

You spend your day walking through the dense jungle same as the day before until the jungle around you becomes
thick and oppressive, each step a battle against vines and
overgrown foliage. Suddenly the way becomes clearer, and the
undergrowth disappears entirely.

Up ahead, you see a large pyramid in good condition. A
small trail leads to its base. It is very oddly shaped, with rounded
corners. Music and laughter can be heard drifting from the top of
the pyramid.

Impressive structures aren't they she says to Orren

Any idea who it belong's to cause i see no city around. Is there a reason for such a lone structure like this?

"Impressive but certainly odd placement, the map foes not show this structure does it?"

Hasoctl chuckles a little bit and says, "Here in the True World, as it has done since the dawn of time, civilizations spring up and then just as quickly when the gods deem it should end. Kiltzi and her sister Watil take back on occasion what they feel is theirs."

Ironspike says, "A lost civilization that has music in the wind may be worth exploring, what say you?"

Of course, of course she says getting excited

Orren hesitates, "Perhaps we should go on the way back, we are already behind on our mission no? What say you Ik'skull and Otzali?"

"Wonder or horror... Both are intriguing. I would say yes. "

You make your way toward the pyramid along the trail and there are steps on only to of the faces of it. You can see different platforms up the stairs. The pyramid consists of thick limestone blocks covered in stucco. Going up at least 100 feet. As you approach the native music gets louder.

There is no time constrain that we were given Orren she says as she continues to climb

You climb the front steps, and after traversing 100 feet of stairs before you reach a landing five feet wide. You then climb another ten feet to the First Platform.A ledge runs around the pyramid
at this level, ranging from 5’ to 15’ feet in width. At the front is a large doorway, with its stone frame carved to resemble the open mouth
of a great serpent.

Can we see anyone, is the music getting louder?

The music has gotten louder but you haven't seen anyone.
Do you go through the door?

I could try to sneak ahead. That is, however, the traditional way roguish sorts meet an early demise

Merisiel will look at everyone else wait for 45 seconds, shrug her shoulder and enter if no one has done so

Otzali climbs the stairs cautiously, looking from side to side for any type of evidence that might give them a clue to what the group might find inside. He pauses at the doorway to again examine the carvings and signs.

Anything about the symbology that tells us something about the pyramid? any significance to the music playing??

Seeing Merisiel about to step forward Otzali reaches out a hand to touch her arm.
"We don't know who's in there. Maybe we should show them a ... local face..... first?"

Taking a deep breath and readying his maca, Otzali takes the lead and steps through the doorway. unless the symbols/music give us some other type of warning, of course!