GM Giuseppe's Serpent's Skull (Inactive)

Game Master Giuseppe Capriati

Aerys smiles at Jesari and takes the hat. "Oh...Thank you Jesari! I've recently lost my own hat during the shipwreck and I would have done anything to get another hat. But I thought that was impossibile...Seems like it was not!".

Aerys seems to be about to hug Jesari, but she stops, maybe embarassed. "I...I can't find the right words to thank you. You've been such a good friend for me. Wouldn't it be for you, I would have gone mad already in this forgotten island."

Back at camp after the funeral, Alexite is more somber than usual. He carefully goes through Hakeem's belongings and takes the CLW potion for himself.

He then looks at Sasha, "Heads up!" and tosses the other potion (CMW) to her. "You earned it. Pretty decent swordwork, especially with two blades. I could never get my left hand to be very proficient. Where did you learn that?"

later
He once more attempts to get Ishirou to cooperate. "People are dying. Do you now see the need to work together here? Your money isn't going to help you if we can't get out of this island? I'm sure you didn't want to be shipwrecked here, right?"

He sighs, "With the rations running low, the diseases running rampart, and the wildlife trying to eat us, we need all the help we can get. How about you come around and help out a little more?"

diplomacy?: 1d20 ⇒ 13

more later
Alexite nears Jesari and Kali'da, "Ladies, we will moving camp tomorrow at dawn, and I'm worried about the others. Jask and Sasha have been pulling their weight. How do you feel our other companions are doing? Do you think we can count on them?"

Kali'da finally regains consciousness at the camp under the care of Jask and the others. She awake with a killer headache, but holds her complaints to herself. She looks quite downtrodden about his death, but not as much so as others maybe. To her, death was just the next part of the cycle; it was only sad for the people left behind.

When Alexit approaches them later about moving the camp, Kali'da thinks over the other's behaviors.

"I'll talk to Gelik about makin' sure he's really carryin' his weight, not jus' talkin' about it," she says. "I t'ink we'll find Ishirou will cooperate a bit betta' in de meantime. He's comin' around at his own pace."

~ ~ ~

When she gets the chance, she'll take a moment to speak one on one with Gelik.

"Tell me, Gelik, about yaself. I heard ya stories and such, but what is it that ya good at? What are de t'ings Gelik really does? I wanna hear de real adventcha's of Gelik." Kali'da tries to appeal to his sense of self and (in her opinion) over inflated ego to gauge what it is he might be real good at around the camp. "We gonna need all hands on deck now, wit' us down one man. I'm certain we can count on ya to help wit' de slack."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Sasha catches the potion tossed by Alexite. For a moment, she studies the potion, before offering it to Jesari: "I'm not a true member of the scouting party, at least for now. I think this potion would be more useful in your hands, Jesari".

She then focuses her attention on Alexite: "It was long ago. It's not that difficult if you wield a light weapon in your off-hand, something similar to a dagger for example. But I know there are people out there who can wield an heavy weapon such as a longsword in each hand...".

---

Ishirou looks at Alexite with a careless expression: "All my life I've been serving for free, boy. I won't do that again now that I'm free. I will help if that's needed for my own survival, but won't do anything more than that. People die. We have to deal with it. I saw people dying from savage monsters, starving, succumbing to disease, poisons, spells, ancient curses. We're no different. We are likely going to die here. If I can do something so save my own skin that would also allow other to be saved, well I think I'll do it. But otherwise, I won't risk anything for anyone, except if I get paid handsomely for that".

---

Gelik is clearly flattered by Kali'da words: "Well, my uncle Arnisto was a good cartographer, and I've learned some tricks of the trade. I've already begun to draw a map of this island. Besides, I'm a brilliant inventor: I can easily design tools to improve our daily life here, as my cocoon shower proves. Have you already had the pleasure to try it? I'm also good at cooking...I can do almost everything in truth. And I'm already helping out here".

______________________________________

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================

When all preparations are complete, the group starts its long journey to next camp location. It will be a long traveling of about 3 days, but the large group will likely scare off many of the dangerous jungle denizens, or at least this is the hope of the castaways.

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

The first day of travel has proven much simpler than expected: the group managed to navigate the jungle without getting lost, and the castaways were even able to avoid any dangerous encounter with jungle denizens and natural hazards. Most of the cataways have been carrying an heavy load during the travel, trying to move all of the useful things scavenged from the Jenivere to the new campsite.

When night comes, everyone is tired but satisfacted. The journey, so far, has been almost enjoyable. The hunters were even able to hunt so good that you hadn't resorted to rations at all during the day.

______________________________________
You can spend some time during the travel trying to befriend an NPC. Please tell who and if you want to befriend for each day of travel and roll a Diplomacy check in your OOC post section.

Alexite, I'm going to assume that you spend your rest action training Tito.

Jesari, if you would like to read Aerys' book, you have to use two rest actions. I'm assuming you spend your rest actions helping Jask and Kali'da in maintaining the camp for now.

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Date - Erastus 6th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================

The group departs again for its second day of travel.

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Date - Erastus 6th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

The second day of travel is calm too: the group has explored this part of the jungle several times now, and Alexite knows how to guide the group in the thick jungle vegetation.

At night, you all start to feel like you goal is nearing and you feel like the most difficult part of the job has been done. There's only one problem: rations. The hunters returned empty-handed from their hunt, and you are forced to not eat at all to save the valuable rations still remaining. You're very hungry, but a day without food is still acceptable in such a desperate condition.

______________________________________
You can spend some time during the travel trying to befriend an NPC. Please tell who and if you want to befriend for each day of travel and roll a Diplomacy check in your OOC post section.

Alexite, I'm going to assume that you spend your rest action training Tito. With this, you have spent your 7th day training your monkey, and you can now attempt your Handle Animal check in your OOC post section to try to teach Tito a new command.

Jesari, if you would like to read Aerys' book, you have to use two rest actions. I'm assuming you spend your rest actions helping Jask and Kali'da in maintaining the camp for now.

Ishirou looks at Alexite with a careless expression: "All my life I've been serving for free, boy. I won't do that again now that I'm free. I will help if that's needed for my own survival, but won't do anything more than that. People die. We have to deal with it. I saw people dying from savage monsters, starving, succumbing to disease, poisons, spells, ancient curses. We're no different. We are likely going to die here. If I can do something so save my own skin that would also allow other to be saved, well I think I'll do it. But otherwise, I won't risk anything for anyone, except if I get paid handsomely for that".

Alexite was very frustrated with the Tian man, "Then why are you here? Why are you telling me this? Knowing you won't risk your skin for us, do you think we would risk it for you?"

The ranger shook his head, "I am no boy. I have seen plenty of fighting in the Sargavan army before acquiring my skills in the wild. If you don't change your stance on helping us, it's probably best if you strike out on your own."

=========================

Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

The first day of travel has proven much simpler than expected: the group managed to navigate the jungle without getting lost, and the castaways were even able to avoid any dangerous encounter with jungle denizens and natural hazards. Most of the cataways have been carrying an heavy load during the travel, trying to move all of the useful things scavenged from the Jenivere to the new campsite.

When night comes, everyone is tired but satisfied. The journey, so far, has been almost enjoyable. The hunters were even able to hunt so good that you hadn't resorted to rations at all during the day.

Once more Alexite neared Jesari and Kali'da, "I think we have a problem. It's Ishirou. I talked to him yesterday, and he flat out told me that he would not risk his life for any of us. We can't have that type of attitude if we are going to survive. I have 'left the door open' for him to leave us and strike out on his own. I'm hoping that may shock him in to being more helpful, but I don't know. Beware of any underhanded tactic he may employ with you or the other castaways."

He looked at them, "How's Aerys and Gelik doing?"

In the next couple of days, Alexite will try befriend Gelik and Aerys and teach Tito the command 'fetch'
diplomacy Gelik: 1d20 ⇒ 14
diplomacy Aerys: 1d20 ⇒ 9
handle animal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

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Date - Erastus 4th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Jesari flashes a glimpse of the smile that had been absent since learning of Hakeem's fate at Aerys' hesitance to show affection. It was sad in a way, knowing what she did about Aerys' past, but it was still cute enough to push all that aside and earn a genuine albeit brief laugh. "How are you feeling? Have the berries helped?" Jesari took a second to look over Aerys as she repsonded, practically assessing her before taking her hand. "Come on. I think Alexite has done far more to earn your gratitude than I have. We owe him a visit."

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Jesari turned toward Alexite as he approached her, listening to his proclamation. Her response likely wasn't what the ranger was hoping for; the young woman practically buried her face in her hands and sighed a sigh of frustration. "Why are you both so ridiculously stubborn? We can't just leave him behind. That's murder." Jesari placed her hands on her hips and hung her head; she was already dreading the next words that were coming out of her mouth. "I'm going to go talk to him." Memories of his lecherous gazes were still fresh in her mind but it still wasn't enough to dissuade her from calming the situation down. She couldn't let what happened to Hakeem happen to anyone else, even a perverted and selfish old man.

Her steps as she neared the Tian were soft and cautious, half expecting the man to be filled with anger after his talk with Alexite. With the softest voice she could manage, Jesari spoke up as she drew closer. "Hey...Ishirou. Alexite told me what happened. Just know that it isn't true...and that he didn't mean it. He's just upset with everything that's been happening, you know? It's hard not to be, right?" Jesari paused, searching her mind for the words to get Ishirou to open up to her but the fact was that she just didn't know anything about the past he constantly alluded to in order to make that happen. So instead Jesari continued with the sweet voice of innocence, wearing a mask of concern as she looked for a way in. "Can we talk? I haven't really been able to get to know you with everything that's been happening."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Gonna use my first day to talk with Ishirou, maybe the second as well depending on how things go. I'd like to switch over to reading the book as well. I don't mind starting on the third night since you already made all the rolls.

=========================
Date - Erastus 4th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

"Why am I here? Well, I didn't choose to get stranded on this f+&%ing island, so I cannot tell you why!", answers Ishirou. "You're exactly as every other f~&@ing a#*&*%# out there. You just cannot help but ask my aid in exchange for nothing".

---

Aerys smiled at Jesari, a clear embarassment painted on her face: "I've only used them once, so I can't really tell you if they're gonna work or not. But you're right. I need to thank Alexite for what he has done. I just...Well, I don't know how to do it. Tell him that his help was most appreciated".

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Ishirou quietly listens to Jesari's speech. Considering his harsh temper, is a good sign already. When the girl ends her speech, Ishirou seems to be reflecting on what to say for a few moments. Then, he spits on the floor and says: "We can talk. You speak well, baby. You certainly know how to please a man...". Another filthy smile appears on the Tian man face, but it suddenly slips away. "With your words, I mean. Well, there's nothing about me a beautiful girl like you would like to hear. My life has been riddled with violence, injustice and exploitation. I've seen many places, met many people, discovered many secrets, sailed many seas: but I never had nothing back. No one paid me. I worked for...an organization. They didn't pay me because I was owing them a debt. But now I'm free from their shackles, and I just don't want to put my skills at anyone's service once again. I just want to find a way out of here and reach Eleder. But in order to do that I need to ensure that I'll have enough money to never work for the Cons...For my previous organization once again".

Ishirou invites Jesari to come near with a gesture of his hand. If Jesari does, the Tian man whisper in her hear: "I've got a tresure map I found long ago. I never thought I would use it, because I didn't know the location it referred to. But now I'm sure: it's Smuggler's Shiv. My map points towards this island! Come with me. We can claim the treasure for ourselves and spend the rest of our days as nobles if we manage to get out of here. Ask to your companions, if you want, but we must not be more than 4 in total: I don't want to split the treasure too much...but at the same time we need a good team to be able to find the treasure without getting killed in the process. Ask them. If we find the treasure, I promise I'll help out with everything at the main camp when we'll be back, because I'll be a rich man, and a rich man doesn't need to be payed anymore. So? What you think about it?"
______________________________________
Alexite, you've successfully taught Tito the command "fetch".

Aerys' attitude towards Alexite has improved by one step even if he failed his check due to his part in recovering the berries for her.

=========================
Date - Erastus 6th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================

The last day of travel starts.

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Date - Erastus 6th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

The last day of travel has been calm just as the previous days. You easily spot the intended campsite location and make camp there. The hunt is very plentiful today and you're able to sate your hunger without resorting to rations.

The journey is complete!

---

In the evening, after you've ate the food provided by the hunters, Ishirou comes to Jesari and whispers: "So? Will you come with me? The treasure is not far from here...".

In the meantime, you notice Sizara has fallen victim to a bad jungle disease, and Jask reccomends not to take her with you in your next exploration.

______________________________________
You can spend some time during the travel trying to befriend an NPC. Please tell who and if you want to befriend for each day of travel and roll a Diplomacy check in your OOC post section.

Alexite, I'm going to assume that you spend your rest action hunting with the others now that you've successfully taught Tito a command.

Jesari, I'm assuming you spend your rest action reading Aerys' book.

Kali'da, I'm assuming you spend your rest action helping Jask in maintaining the camp. This allows you to finally gain access to the benefits of his mantras. You gain a +2 bonus on all concentration checks.

Now I need to know wheter you accept Ishirou's proposal and depart with him to seek out the treasure, or you rather want to continue your exploration of the island ignoring Ishirou's request. In this latter case, I need to know if you want to take any NPC with you, and what's your intended route (Alexite, should this be the case, please mark your intended route on our map).

=========================

Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Jesari turned toward Alexite as he approached her, listening to his proclamation. Her response likely wasn't what the ranger was hoping for; the young woman practically buried her face in her hands and sighed a sigh of frustration. "Why are you both so ridiculously stubborn? We can't just leave him behind. That's murder." Jesari placed her hands on her hips and hung her head; she was already dreading the next words that were coming out of her mouth. "I'm going to go talk to him." Memories of his lecherous gazes were still fresh in her mind but it still wasn't enough to dissuade her from calming the situation down. She couldn't let what happened to Hakeem happen to anyone else, even a perverted and selfish old man.

The ranger was indeed taken back by Jesari, "It's not that I'm stubborn. I have tried talking to him several times but just can't get through to him."

He considered his next few words, "It really comes down to survival. If we can't rely on him to risk his life for us then we shouldn't have to either. We need to look out for our people, meaning those that are willing to help. I'm not going to ask Jask to come hunting with us; that's not his thing. But the man has proven his worth and does his fair share. That's the kind of people we need if we are going to survive."

He shrugged his shoulders, "If you can get Ishirou to start pulling his weight, then I have no problem with him so let me know how that goes."

later
Alexite was wearing the monkey out by all the fetching but Tito seemed to be enjoying it. He was used to the little monkey on his shoulder and Alexite wanted to now teach him to warn him should something be a danger. Two sets of eyes were better than one even if what Tito thought as dangerous may not classify so for Alexite. On the other hand, the monkey had lived here all his life so maybe he could teach Alexite a thing or two about the island and its perils.

I want to teach Tito to warn me if he perceives any danger. Excuse the metagaming but I want you to roll perception checks for him in whatever occasions you think is appropriate.

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Jesari took a step back from Ishirou, eyeing him incredulously. Was that really what all this was about? A treasure? How someone could maintain greed in the face of death was beyond belief but for the good of the other survivors, Jesari bit her tongue. "Ok, deal. We help you, you help us. Why couldn't you have brought this up earlier though? You're looking for a treasure and trying to get off this island alive...two things you just admitted you can't do alone. Why fight against us?"

***

Jesari returned to Kali'da and Alexite, looking more confused than anything. It took her a moment to arrange the words in her head in a way that made sense, both to herself and her companions. "Ishirou wants to find a treasure that he has a map to and he wants us to help. He says once he has his treasure, he'll help us get off this island. I think he doesn't want off this island until he has a life worth going back to. I guess he thinks whatever that map of his leads to is going to solve whatever problem he's hiding from."

Gonna hold off on responding to Ishirou until Alexite and Kali'da have their say. No way Jesari is going off alone with him.

I think my third day diplomacy is going to be for Sasha. I guess just spend some time small talking or something. I can't really think of anything specific Jesari would want to talk to her about.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================
Jesari returned to Kali'da and Alexite, looking more confused than anything. It took her a moment to arrange the words in her head in a way that made sense, both to herself and her companions. "Ishirou wants to find a treasure that he has a map to and he wants us to help. He says once he has his treasure, he'll help us get off this island. I think he doesn't want off this island until he has a life worth going back to. I guess he thinks whatever that map of his leads to is going to solve whatever problem he's hiding from."

"A treasure map? The Tian has a treasure?"

Alexite was not buying it, "Does that mean that he marooned us here on purpose?"

He thought for a moment, "So if he wants us to help, is he willing to share the bounty or is that greedy bastard expecting to keep everything for himself?"

"I don't know about this. I would think that he wants to hurt you so you did well in not going by yourself. But if we all three go together, now that's different."

The ranger thought some more, "To be honest with you, we are just exploring the island so we can still do that while looking for the Tian's treasure. If we find it, then we can evaluate how dangerous it is to try to retrive it. In the meantime, he can hopefully change his attitude towards us. If for whatever reason we can't find it or get it, then at least we can say we tried."

The ranger smiled, "I say we do this provided two things: we all share the loot and he changes his attitude no matter what the result is as long as we give this a fair chance of success. Do you think he would go for that?"

tag ladies

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Jesari shrugged in response to Alexite's questioning. "He said he would split it up to four ways. As for whether or not he holds up his end of the bargain afterwards, I can't speak for him. Honestly, I don't find him particularly trustworthy but I'm at least willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until he proves me wrong. Call it naivety or whatever else you want, but I think everyone at least deserves a chance to do the right thing, even if you have to drag it out of them sometimes."

=========================
Date - Erastus 6th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Jesari lowers Aerys' book to her lap as she notices Ishirou approaching; also dismissing the spell she had been using to read in the waning sunlight. After Ishirou poses his question, Jesari softly closes the book, stands, and places it near the rest of her belongings. "Sure, Ishirou. Just let me ask the others. We can leave with you in the morning and say we're going out to explore as we normally do. No one else has to know."

Minutes later, Jesari walks up behind the ranger, tugging on the sleeve of his shirt to get his attention if she hadn't already and leaning in to whisper to him. "Ishirou wants to leave with us for the treasure. He says it's nearby."

I figured I'd go ahead and move things along since its been awhile. I can rewind if we decide later we don't want to help Ishirou.

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Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================

A decision has been made: Ishirou prepares his things before leaving, and then everyone is ready the group greets those who are going to remain at the base camp, hoping that this won't be last time they see each other.

---

Before leaving, Aerys wishes Jesari good luck for the journey. "I'm sure you'll come back, Jesari", says the half-elf with a genuine smile.

---

Sasha talks with Alexite for a while during the preparations: "This time I won't be with you, but I'm sure you'll do well even without me. I trust you Alexite. You're a good guide and a real man. You earned my respect. I'll be staying here and hunt for the others, while I keep watch for any jungle beast which may be attacking. If we can save some food, we'll try to save them for you when you come back. Good luck."

=========================
Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

This day of travel has been almost uneventful: the group has followed Alexite along the river course, heading south. From time to time Ishirou has been giving some advices on the route to follow, but he has kept saying that the direction is right according to his map.

When evening comes, the group has traveled for a long time already. Alexite and Ishirou go hunting together while Jesari and Kali'da maintain the temporary shelter they have found near the island's eastern shore. The is successful, and you don't need to eat rations for the day.

After eating and chatting a bit, you spot a dark silhouette looming on the horizon. Intrigued, Ishirou swiftly moves closer, and then he heads back saying that he saw some sort of shipwreck lying against the cliff. You follow him to see the shipwreck with your own eyes.

A ninety-foot-long shipwreck lies against the cliff side and several jagged reefs here, encrusted with salt and moss. Its masts remain intact, but the sails have long since rotted away. At the bow, a leering demonic figurehead of green-caked brass provides an intimidating greeting.

You have to choose whether to explore the shipwreck or not. This time you don't need to swim to the shipwreck: the ship is in fact lying against the cliff side, and you currently are on that cliff, meaning that using a rope you can easily cimb your way down to the shipwreck. This would be a DC 5 Climb check, but assuming you all take 10, everyone should be able to reach the shipwreck without any risks. You can also count on a good light thanks to both Jesari and Kali'da being able to cast light. Please read the following only if you decide to explore the wreck.

______________________________________
Sorry for not waiting for you to post, Kali'da. I need to keep things going here, and since it seems that Alexite and Jesari agree on following Ishirou to the tresure location, I'll assume that Kali'da goes with them too.

From now on, I will assume that Alexite takes 10 on his Guide the Group action, totaling a 16. Additionally, since the group is currently following the river course, he gains a +2 circumstantial bonus to avoid getting lost, for a total of 18. As a consequence, since your character have now learned that most of the time a DC 15 Survival check is enough to navigate the wilderness, I will assume that Jesari stops helping Alexite to guide the group, focusing instead in taking care of her companions.

I want you to tell me if you explore the shipwreck or not. As far as time is concerned, I need you to make this decision today using the discussion thread or roleplaying here on the gameplay thread. When a choice has been made, I need you to post a reaction to what you find inside the ship or a brief RP scene if you choose not to explore the shipwreck.

If you decide to explore the shipwreck you may notice that I seem to be assuming that you cast certain spells or attempt some skill checks. I'm doing this to speed the game up, and also because I'm sure that you would have tried the necessary skill checks if given the chance.

=========================

Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================
Sasha talks with Alexite for a while during the preparations: "This time I won't be with you, but I'm sure you'll do well even without me. I trust you Alexite. You're a good guide and a real man. You earned my respect. I'll be staying here and hunt for the others, while I keep watch for any jungle beast which may be attacking. If we can save some food, we'll try to save them for you when you come back. Good luck."

Alexite is pleased with Sasha's attitude. "Your skills are valued here in camp. We'll have you come explore with us next time. Soon, I promise."

With a nod for Tito to climb onto his shoulder, the ranger says goodbye.

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Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================
SHIPWRECK

With a little bit of coaxing, they managed to convince Jesari to come with them and take a look at the Brine demon.

Alexite carefully lowered his companions before tying off the rope and clambering down himself. Tito was already waiting for him below.

At the sight of the treasure, the ranger softly whistled, "The craftsmanship of the dagger is exquisite and the artist did a superb job on the picture inside the locket>"

But it was the papers that made ranger smiled, "This is the proof to exonerate Jask!"

He turned Jesari guessing that she knew more about legal documents than Kali'da, "Am I reading this right?"

Apologies for the missed post yesterday.
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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================
Traveling with the entire group was interesting if nothing else. It gave Kali'da a chance to try speaking with Sasha, who she had not yet had a chance to get to know.

Diplomacy with Sasha: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Sorry for no RP >.> Kali'da will just talk about things of mild interest, like maybe an anecdotal tale from her youth.

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Date - Erastus 6th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
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"Apparently we all be on a new diet togetha' tonight..."

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Date - Erastus 5th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================
"Alexite, Ya need to worry less about Ishirou. He'll come around in his own time. I imagine he'll surprise us all in de end."

~ ~ ~

Kali'da cants her head curiously at Jesari's revelation about Ishirou. "Ha! Treasure map! Dat's an adventure made fa' stories. Not enough recreation time around hea' in my opinion. We ought to go on a scavanga' hunt foa dis. If for no oda' reason den to give us a direction and goal!"

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Date - Erastus 6th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================
"He want's t leave in de mornin' now dat we got to de new camp, I take it?" Kali'da takes a moment to ponder but eventually shrugs. "I mean, why not? We were probably goin' to go explorin' again anyway. Now we jus' got a map to tell us where we ought to go next."

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Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================
Kali'da gathers her belongings and checks on the others they would be leaving behind at the camp.

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Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
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Another shipwreck... This is just a graveyard for ships. I wonder what the final fates of their crews were.

Might as well explore dis one. No swimmin'. Just your type, eh Jesari?" Kali'da says in the form of a good natured joke.

~ ~ ~

Once in the shipwreck, Kali'da spends most of her time holding a light for the others. Not that she minds, the others seem to be more competent at the search.

"I bet he'd be happy to see somet'ing like that," Kail'da notes, peeking over some shoulder to glimpse the documents herself.

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Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Jesari lagged behind the rest of the group as a way to distance herself from the looting both physically and mentally. This almost felt like grave robbing in her mind; just because it doesn't look like a tomb doesn't mean it isn't one. Still, the book found by Alexite piques her curiosity enough to bring Jesari in closer, the young woman peeking over his shoulder as he read. As Jask's name continued to come up and his innocence became clearer and clearer, Jesari could only speak in astonishment. "Wow. To have found this is one of those one in a million coincidences. Jask has someone looking out for him."

Jesari stopped to look at Ishirou out of the corner of her eye, half expecting him to be stuffing the amulet into his pocket as the three of them hovered around the ledger. She had half a mind to just let the Tian man keep everything he found. At least then he'd have something of value in case the treasure map turned out to be a flop, possibly making him easier to deal with if things didn't work out ideally.

=========================
Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Just as Jesari has assumed, Ishirou swiftly stuffs the amulet in his pocket while Jesari, Kali'da and Alexite hover around the ledger.

---

Once the investigation on the shipwreck is done, the party quickly comes back to the shelter. A few hours have passed, when suddenly something terrifying happens.

A translucent figure rises out of the flames of the campfire. It's a nearly skeletal form, his bare bones picked clean bu the fish and crabs, yet he still wears his dripping coat and tricorn hat. One of his hand is a gleaming metal hook, and his Whole insubstantial form constantly drips with cold, brackish seawater. "THIEVES! SCOUNDRELS! GIVE ME MY BELOVED BACK! His voice is ethereal and raucous, almost completely obfuscated by rage and anger as the creature reaches out to Ishirou".

The Tian man jumps in fear, but answers back again with a disgusted expression: "What the f+*+ do you want from us you fool creature?! Stay away from me!". Ishirou gets back up and extracts his katana, looking at the strange being in front of him with defensive stance.

______________________________________
I just need to know what your characters do. Go on and tell me how do your PC acts.

A picture of the strange being has been added to our gallery.

=========================

Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

A translucent figure rises out of the flames of the campfire. It's a nearly skeletal form, his bare bones picked clean bu the fish and crabs, yet he still wears his dripping coat and tricorn hat. One of his hand is a gleaming metal hook, and his Whole insubstantial form constantly drips with cold, brackish seawater. "THIEVES! SCOUNDRELS! GIVE ME MY BELOVED BACK! His voice is ethereal and raucous, almost completely obfuscated by rage and anger as the creature reaches out to Ishirou".

Taken back by the apparition, the ranger gets up and slowly back away. "We are not thieves; we're castaways. Who are you and who's your beloved?"

=========================
Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================
Kali'da gives a slight twitch of surprise at the sudden apparition in the fire, then leans in to examine it.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
To notice anything odd about the apparition, as well as potentially identify it? I assumed undead from the description and appearance of the thing

"Feeling restless are we?" Kali'da muses out loud.

She readies a casting of create water, prepared to drop it on the fire should the need arise.

=========================
Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Night
=========================

The creature seems to ignore all of your words, focusing instead on Ishirou and swowly moving towards him, his shining metal hook stretching out to reach the Tian Man. “AESHAMARA! AESHAMARA! GIVE HER BACK TO ME! THIEF!”. The eerie voice coming from the strange creature is raucous and unnerving, almost ghostly.

---

Ishirou tightens his grasp on his katana, ready to strike: "Go away! GO AWAY! We don't know this f$*%ing Aeshamara you're looking for! Step back, or I'm going to hit you!".

______________________________________
Please act as though you were in initiative without respecting any particular order but limiting your action to what you could do in a single turn.

Intelligence: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Jesari scrambled to her feet, partly out of fear but also to prepare to defend herself against the apparition. However, it quickly became evident to her what the ghost was after once she saw who it marched toward and heard the ghost's rants. "Ishirou! Stop! He wants the amulet, not us. Give it back; it's not worth dying for."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

INT check DC=13: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Alexite was at once relieved that the ghost was interested in Ishirou but also scared as what happens. He repeated his question to the apparition, "Who's this Aeshamara you're looking for?"

With Tito trembling on his shoulder, the ranger backed away from the ghost and Ishirou.

=========================
Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Night
=========================

Ishirou grinds his teeth at the thought of giving up the locket to the ghost, but Jesari’s words are enough to convince him that the gold locket isn’t something worth dying for. He reluctantly digs into his pocket, extracting the gold locket as the ghost approaches with an increasingly threatening expression. “THIEF! YOU STOLE IT! GIVE ME BACK MY AESHAMARA!”, yells the eerie creature. Terrified, Ishirou finally throws the amulet to the ghost. The creature though seems unable to open the locket with his incorporeal limbs: after several attempts, the ghost screams eerily before turning again to Ishirou. This time, the creature does not wait: it puts his incorporeal hook in Ishirou’s chest. With a cry, Ishirou starts trembling as though his very essence was being sucked in by the ghost: “Nooo! Help! Help! I’ve given you what you wan…”. At the last moment, the Tian man manages to collect his strenghts and jumps back, avoiding the menacing spectral hook. "Do something! DO SOMETHING!", he screams to his fellow castaways.

______________________________________
Please act as though you were in initiative without respecting any particular order but limiting your action to what you could do in a single turn.

The gold locket has passed through the ghost's incorporeal form, and now lies to the ground at a distance of 10 feet from the ghost and 15 feet from Ishirou.

INT check: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Seeing the ghost fumbling with the locket confirmed that this was what it wanted.

Alexite continued to back away and asked, "You have what you want. Do you want us to put the locket back in your ship, in your cabin? Just tell us what you want and we'll do it."

diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 8

"Stay calm! It don't be helpin' any jumpin' around like an angry bullfrog! We jus' gotta sort dis out wit' dis... t'ing." Kali'da says with a motherly tone, conveying a certain gravity to her words as well as maternal caring for Ishirou.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
To convince Ishirou not to bolt from the camp x.x

Intelligence: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

"He can't open de locket himself! We gotta open it foa de fellow."

Not sure how many actions what I've done has taken so far but, if I have any left, Kali'da will snatch up the locket and open it for him, if not, then she'll leave it at what's been said.

=========================
Date - Erastus 7th 4710 AR
Time - Night
=========================

As soon as Kali'da snatches up the locket and opens it for the ghost, the creature suddenly turns its attention to her, as though it could "feel" the locket being opened. The ghostly captain moves closer to Kali'da, but just when the girl was expecting a painful spectral hook to pierce her flesh, she finds out something completely unexpected: the ghost stands still contemplating Aeshamara's portrait, its ghostly form slowly dripping and draining away, as if its very essence was being pulled back to the sea. Then, the creature suddenly disappears: "Ashemara...My dear, dear Aeashamara...". Kali'da could swear to have seen some tears wetting the creatuere's eyes a second before its disappearance.

"F@+#!!! What the f*#+ was that being?", screams Ishirou when everything is over, still trembling in fear. He's holding his katana tightly, as he's expecting the ghost to suddenly come back.

______________________________________
Encounter overcome! XPs have been added to your tracking sheet.

=========================
Date - Erastus 8th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================

After the unpleasant encounter with the ghost, the night is quite and uneventful. When the sun rises again, you're all rested and ready to depart again. Ishirou extracts his map and tries to give some direction tips to Alexite, to ensure the group's route is actually going to pass through the area marked with an "X" on his treasure map.

=========================
Date - Erastus 8th 4710 AR
Time - Afternoon
=========================

The has been walking for several hours. Now, three hours after noon, you've finally managed to climb up a steep hill.

---

The crown of this hill is one of the few areas on the Shiv that's not jungle-the entire hilltop is an open area of tall grass overlooking the island's eastern shoreline.

---

Ishirou suddenly says: "The place is right. The treasure should be buried somewhere nearby". The Tian man puts his backpack to the floor. "The map says that to find the precise spot where Captain Quellig hid his trasure, one must climb to the top of this hill and wait for sunrise. At dawn, one must simply walk to a point atop the hill where the sun seems to be rising directly between the two spike-shaped rocks protruding from the sea to the east". Ishirou pauses to indicate the rocks he believes correspond with the description written on his map. "That will be the correct place to begin digging". Ishirou smiles with a greedy expression: "Tomorrow we'll be all rich, my friends. Now I say we rest here and wait for the sun to rise again", he says as he unpacks his backpack contents.

Alexite tries to spot a place where to take shelter on the hill, but his examination of the area, aided by his companions (including Ishirou) turns out nothing interesing, so in the end the group decides to rest atop the hill.

---

Alexite and Ishirou spend some hours hunting for the group, managing to keep everyone in the group satiated*. In the meantime, Jesari and Kali'da do what they can to make the hill shelter more comfortable. The group members have even some spare time before going to sleep**.

______________________________________
* You managed to get enough food for 1 person to eat during an entire day more than what was currently needed. You're able to turn that "food excess" into a trail ration, which has been added to your ration count.

** Due to the relatively short time you've been traveling, you have two rest actions to perform during the day. One is to hunt (Alexite) or maintain the shelter (Kali'da and Jesari), while the other is up to you.

=========================
Date - Erastus 8th 4710 AR
Time - Afternoon
=========================

Jesari gave Ishirou an amused glance as he pulled out the map and went over all the steps to find the correct spot to begin digging. "I'll never understand pirates. Treasure maps, buried treasure, cryptic directions; it's all so ridiculously dramatic." Jesari laughs to herself and folds her arms, already beginning to pace around the hilltop out of boredom. "What's even supposed to be buried here? I'm not sure hauling a chest full of gold and jewels back to camp would be worth the effort. At least not until we find a way off this island."

Unless someone can offer her a better way to pass the day, Jesari settles down into a shaded spot and withdraws Aerys' epic from her pack. It was a nice change of pace to get some time to just read, a pastime she enjoyed back home even among all the countless other distractions.

=========================

Date - Erastus 8th 4710 AR
Time - Afternoon
=========================

Jesari gave Ishirou an amused glance as he pulled out the map and went over all the steps to find the correct spot to begin digging. "I'll never understand pirates. Treasure maps, buried treasure, cryptic directions; it's all so ridiculously dramatic." Jesari laughs to herself and folds her arms, already beginning to pace around the hilltop out of boredom. "What's even supposed to be buried here? I'm not sure hauling a chest full of gold and jewels back to camp would be worth the effort. At least not until we find a way off this island."

Happy to have spent some time in a productive manner with Ishirou, the ranger asked him, "Yeah, what's the story about this treasure. I'm sure there's a story right?"

later
The ranger pulled out the finely crafted dagger and admired its workmanship one more time. "We need to talk about the loot we have gathered. While I am the temporary keeper of this beautiful weapon, I am more than happy to give it to one of you if you like." he then looked at Ishirou, "What did you do with the locket with Aeshemara's picture, I'm sure that's worth a few gold."

I'd like Alexite to befriend Ishirou now that they are spending time together. Is Gelik unfriendly towards Alexite? How are we handling loot distribution? Should we write the stuff we found so far in our sheets?

=========================
Date - Erastus 8th 4710 AR
Time - Afternoon
=========================

Ishirou hunches his shoulders: "I own several promising treasure maps. I've got them years ago, while I worked for...For my organization". He pauses for a bit, then adds: "I don't know the story about this treasure. They say it leads to an infamous captain's treasure hoard. I don't know much more than that...Besides, who cares about it?".

=========================
Date - Erastus 8th 4710 AR
Time - Evening
=========================

Ishirou answers by looking at Kali'da: "She has got it. I've thrown it at that creature...I think we should distribute the treasure equally. Everyone has the right to claim his own share. It's how it works, usually, isn't it?".

=========================
Date - Erastus 9th 4710 AR
Time - Dawn
=========================

When the sun rises, Ishirou quickly begins investigating the area in search of the place where to dig. The Tian man swiftly finds the place: "Here. We should begin digging as soon as possible. Come on, take this shovels I've brought from the main camp". Ishirou seems decidedly more amenable now.
---

You dig for 3 hours: after this period of time is passed, you uncover, under a 10 feet deep layer of earth, a wooden plug blocking the access below. On the plug you find a skeleton.

Drying the weat covering his forehead, Ishirou says: "We must find a way to get through this plug"*.

______________________________________
* You have to choose between two possible options to get through the wooden plug. Please, only read the spoiler when a choice has been made.

In your posts, try to attempt all the checks listed in the proper spoiler for the option you've chosen. If you fail those check and you don't incur in any consequence, please attempt the check again until at least one of the party members has reached the bottom of the shaft.

heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Profusely sweating from the exertion, the ranger was both relieved and curious when they finally found the entrance. The sight of the skeleton certainly was unexpected. After a brief inspection, he could not discern its purpose or reason for being there. Maybe to keep the secret

The next thing that happened was Ishirou trying to destroy the wooden plug. Here they were in a 10-foot deep hole, standing on this plug that the Tian was trying to destroy.

Alexite held up his hand after the first hit, "Stop this! Look at where we are. If we break this, we'll likely fall right through. We need to dig around it."

After a couple of more hours, they finally broke through and looked down at a deep shaft.

Alexite pulled out his bow and checked the straightness of an arrow, "Well, Mr. Treasure hunter, why don't you go down there and I'll cover you with my bow?"

He looked at his companions, "Can one of you send a light down there for Ishirou to see better?"

So it's 40 feet to reach the surface of the water and we think the water is 10 feet deep? Is there any 'dry area' below?

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Jesari leaned against her shovel as she peered down at the skeleton, completely exhausted from her efforts thus far. "That's not a good start. Hopefully it's just some kind of morbid warning and not a sign of things to come."

Even though it meant more work, Jesari nodded in agreement with Alexite's suggestion. "Better safe than sorry. No telling what could be down below."

Stepping to the edge to get a better view once the cavern is completely uncovered, Jesari gives the obstacle before her an unsure glance. "Maybe we should use some rope?" Before Ishirou can begin descending, the sorceress does as requested, taking a single crossbow bolt from the case at her hip and effortlessly casting a spell to make it shine like a torch. Jesari gives a polite smile as she tucks the projectile beneath one of the leather straps crossing his chest, giving it a gentle pat to make sure it's in place. "Be careful, ok?"

=========================
Date - Erastus 9th 4710 AR
Time - Noon
=========================

Ishirou nods to both Alexite and Jesari with a greedy look. "Alright, I climb down with this rope. You two girls hold it. You cover me, boy. I'll be back soon". The Tian man smiles greedily, savoring the great treasure he's going to uncover.

Ishirou climbs down the shaft. When he reaches the water-level, he shouts: "Argh! This water smells like shit!". He then dives in the murky water. Some seconds of silence ensue. Then, suddenly, a scream comes from below: "ARGH! Hey boy would you mind helping me? I'm not alone here!". In fact, two strange creatures emerged from the murky waters, their long red tongues hissing towards Ishirou*.

---

INITIATIVE ORDER

• Jesari
• Foes
• Kali'da
• Alexite
• Ishirou

______________________________________
* You can't identify the creatures yet, because you cannot see them very well. You still can try to hit them with ranged attacks. Ishirou is 40 feet below you, partially submerged in the murky waters of the shaft. The pit itself is 10 feet large.

@Alexite: From what you can see, yes, the shaft is 40 feet deep and the water seems deep another 10 feet. There's no sign of dry areas.

Please act in whichever order you wish, even if you could act only after your foes.

Alexite dropped his bow and gripped the rope almost bowling over Jesari.

He yelled down to Ishirou, "Grab the rope! We'll pull you up."

With his bow close at hand, the ranger prepared to bring up the Tian; Tito chattering wildly urging him on.

delay action to see if Ishirou grabs the rope

Jesari backed away from the rope, leaving the task of pulling Ishirou up to Alexite. Instead, she scrambled for her weapon and peered down into the cavern, trying to make out their foes. If she finds an opening where Ishirou isn't in her way, Jesari will fire her crossbow down at the monsters below.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Round 1

"Don't drop de rope, girl!" Kali'da shouts as she's suddenly left as the only one holding on to it. Not wanting Ishirou to lose his only life line by dropping the rope herself in favor of aiding the battle, she clings to the rope and braces herself, hoping someone else helps her, or that Ishirou doesn't start climbing too quick.

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Hopefully he doesn't try to climb... >.>;;

Since Kali'da's turn came before Alexite's, she'll hold the rope as if she's the only one doing so. It'll take her full turn.

=========================
ROUND 1
=========================

You hear the sound of screams coming from below, but the pit is dark and you can't see what's happening there precisely. "Stay away from me you fool creatures!", you hear Ishirou shouting at the beings below. Then, a scream of pain comes from the depth of the pit. "Argh, that hurts!"

After some seconds, you see Ishirou desperately climbing up the rope while trying to keep his enemies away from him kicking his way up. One of the creatures manage to scratch Ishirou's leg while he's intent on climbing up. The Tian man screams again, cursing the creature once again, but in the end he manages to emerge from the pit. Breathing heavily, Ishirou stands up, all covered in murky and foul water. "Those things...They're coming from below! Be ready!"

INITIATIVE ORDER

• Jesari
• Foes
• Kali'da
• Alexite
• Ishirou

______________________________________
Jesari, you couldn't fire your crossbow due to action requirements. You have spent a move action to extract the crossbow and another move action to load it.

Please act in whichever order you wish, even if you could act only after your foes.

As Ishirou surfaced, the ranger let go of the rope and picked up his bow and arrow.

He sighted and waited for whatever was coming to come within view.

When the first creature appeared, the ranger let an arrow fly, hoping to at least hurt it bad enough that they would lose the grip on the rope and fall back down.

"C'mon, don't let them come out!"

short bow to hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

hopefully catch them so that they can't use their DEX to their AC and maybe make them fall

Hearing Ishirou's warning, Jesari cautiously backed away from the opening so that whatever was pursuing Ishirou wouldn't have an easy time dragging her down into the watery pit. With crossbow raised and aimed at the hole they had dug up, Jesari waited for whatever it was they were dealing with to poke its head into the sunlight before she pulled the trigger.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Dunno if we have a map or not. Either way, I'd like to move 20 feet away from the hole and ready an action to shoot whatever pops out.

Kali'da let go of the rope once Ishirou was safely out of the pit and drew her staff. She moved towards the edge of the pit, ready to beat back any of the creature's who may manage to make their way out and up to the surface.

"Are ya hurt, Ishirou?" she asked, giving him a quick look up and down. We don't need to be losing any more folks to the jungles...

=========================
ROUND 2
=========================

The creatures quickly try to climb their way up. Alexite fires an Arrow against one of them: his shot is accurate, and hits the creature's hand. Unfortunately, the being proves to be a good climber, and don't lose its balance.

---

In a matter of seconds, the creature are out of the pit. Now you can see them: they have long, sharp teeth, and their pallid flesh is stretched tightly over their starved frame.

---

Jesari quickly fires her crossbow, managing to hit one of the creature on its chest. The creatures though seem not willing to withdraw, and move towards with a manic and hungry look on their faces.

---

INITIATIVE ORDER

• Jesari
• Foes
• Kali'da
• Alexite
• Ishirou

______________________________________

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Having no desire to place herself in the center of a pack of ghouls, Jesari reloads her crossbow and fires at the one she had already struck once again.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

"Here they come!"

Kali'da brings her staff down, looking to crack the skull of this... thing.

Staff Atk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Bludgeoning Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Her swing was poorly aimed, if it hit anything it would be a miracle.

Now that the creatures were out, the ranger dropped his bow and picked p his spear. One of the monsters had already been hit and Alxite concentrated his attack on it, trying to out it down once and for all.

He lunged with his spear...

spear 2H to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

...but failed to connect. the ranger yelled at Ishirou, "C'mon Tian, let's see that fancy blade of yours!"