GM Weynolt's Serpent's Skull - Part 1

Game Master Weynolt

I lean in. "Here let's work together." Linguistics:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

You take the remainder of the day, and into the early evening, deciphering the text of the logbook while others pack up (as much as possible) their gear from the camp. The first watch is already underway by the time you finish, but you have pieced together an account most peculiar from the Captain of the Nightvoice.

The crew had been taking the astounding voyage of going around the southern end of Garund, and were well on their way home to Almas to report their findings to their lodge when a strange leathery pod they'd discovered in a seaside cavern burst open, infecting nearly the entire crew with russet mold spores—only Captain Havner Ames managed to resist the infection. As he watched his friends and crew succumb to the infection, he knew that he couldn't allow the strange bulb (which had closed up on itself and was pulsing with a foul life, as if replenishing its store of spores) to reach the coast. Yet the Nightvoice was now adrift on a current that would swiftly take it to the coast of Sargava. It was all Captain Ames could do to alter the large ship's course on his own so that it instead crashed against the rocks here. Delirious and mad, Captain Ames abandoned the wrecked ship and climbed over the island, hoping to find a place to hide the fungal bulb away where it could do no more damage. The final entries contain the captain's plan to "carry the blasphemous pod up to the top of a rock spire to the east of this island” in an attempt to hide it away from the prying eyes of humanity.

Gelik gives a low whistle at the end of the account, and begins selectively going back over a few entries of the book that had caught his eye earlier. "Such a log of travel... My friend, you have a treasure without compare in your possession here! You must help me return this to Almas someday, and on to Absolom, where we will enter the names of the crew on the Wall of Names, and so record their brave travels." He hops up and capers about. "This is it! Gelik is back in the Society! They'll never kick me out again, and they'd be right not to! There may even be a field commission in for you, Aaron - ha ha!" he cheers.

This display draws somewhat cross looks from others, who are preparing for sleep, and eventually Gelik settles down.

I look at Gelik with a grin. "I hope you wouldn't mind if I copy several entries of this logbook into my own journal before I let you have it would you? The knowledge within a captain's logbook is more valuable than most treasures and there is a lot to learn from here."

After the chat with Gelik I join the others for first watch of the night and then retire.

The next day I do what I can to get the rest of the people ready for the adventure.

With a bit of concern I approach Ishorou. "Will you be okay? The journey will be a long and difficult one and I heard you haven't fared well. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Diplomacy:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

I understand their is a Quest for each Castaway. I know we got Aeyrs, Sasha's, and I beieve that was Gelik's quest. I cannot remember if we completed Jask's or not and I know we haven't done Ishorou's. I'd hate to leave things unfinished. Also, I lost my loot tracker. I was keeping track of loot on a separate file on my PC but I forgot to transfer it when I got my new Computer. Now it's gone. I'm going to have to go back through the entire thread just to find everything I had *sob*

No worries, let me work something up, too re: loot and we'll compare.

Gelik happily permits copying, particularly a translation from the encoded journal.

There are no interruptions to sleep that evening, and you quickly wake.

Gustav appears to be coming down with something, and so both Jask and Theria attend to him. "We may want to use the potion in your satchel that cures diseases, if we wish to move now," Jask informs you.

Ishirou bows at your words, the Tian man quietly informing you that he fought off a disease some days past. Though it did not kill him, it did weaken him considerably for some days.
He pauses a moment, then offers, "There is another opportunity on this island, and from your tale you clearly have not found it. A treasure, to which I have come across a map. It will be time before another ship will retrieve us - would there be any harm in searching for a bit of treasure? I offer a split, 70 - 30. It is my map, after all. What say you?"

Yeah, Jask's was getting the papers off of the ghost captain's ship. This is Ishirou's (finding the treasure). Still working on the loot list.
You've gained the following benefits from completing quests:
Aerys - +1 to Will saves vs. Compulsion
Gelik - +1 bonus to the save DC of any charm or language-dependent effect a PC uses
Jask - +2 bonus on concentration checks
Sasha - +1 to Initiative

Are those bonuses awarded by companions permanent? If so, those are HUGE. Also, I won't be able to go over the thread thoroughly until Tuesday. too much to do and too little time to do anything extensive at the moment.

Yep! Permanent they are indeed. I'll try to remember when I hit you with a Compulsion spell, but do remind me just in case it happens. No worries re: Tuesday. I'll see what I can do this afternoon.

Ok, thinking have them all here. Between Cyrioul and Jask, you have all magic items identified. If you could note which items you are wanting to carry, that's be great. If you want to know where something comes from,I can probably recall.

MWK Studded Leather
MWK Short Sword
A block of tackle
three large canvas sheets
two fishing nets
a grappling hook
two bullseye lanterns
12 flasks of oil
150 feet of rope
five shovels
24 trail rations
Jenivere's sea charts and maps
Bottle of Chelaxian Brandy
darkwood model of the Jenivere in a glass bottle worth 100 gp
1105.72 GP 
Ten potions of cure light wounds
a potion of cure moderate wounds
Six potions of lesser restoration
a potion of remove disease
a potion of water breathing
a potion of water walking
masterwork dagger - Jask
a suit of leather armor - Jask
two potions of cure light wounds - Jask
a holy symbol of Nethys - Jask
spell component pouch - Jask
gold locket worth 500 GP
+1 dagger
Brine Demon ledgers and journals
Darkwood coffer
MWK dagger
light wooden shield x12
41 javelins
scimitar x16
red pearl amulet x12 each worth 50 gp
wand of vampiric touch (8 charges)
heavy wooden shield
+1 scimitar - Aerys
Klorak's red pearl amulet worth 500 gp
three antitoxins
two smokesticks
three tanglefoot bags
a thunderstone
432 cp, 284 sp, 123 gp, and jewelry worth 250 gp
bracers of armor +1 - Cyrioul asks to use these after he identifies them
wand of mirror image (5 charges)
Nightvoice captain's log
Climbing kit

Okay, your list matches mine for the most part. I thought we got rid of the Chelaxian brandy though. I believe we stored most of the stuff at the lighthouse as we would not be able to carry it. I have the Jenivere in a bottle as well as ANY documents found on ships save the one Jask needs, I make a copy of all others. I have the Masterwork std leather armor. Again, everything else is stashed for the moment. I can't wait to sell all that. Wish I only hand to share it with Jask, Sasha, and Aeyrs. I shouldn't tell the others about it, aw but if they find out they are all gonna want a piece of it. BAH! Whatever, It can't be avoided. I won't be seeing as much of the profits as hoped. Oh well. Everything looks good moving on.

I nod to Ishorou. "Very well. What direction would we need to take to find this treasure of yours?"

Yeah, I didn't figure that you were still carrying all, so thanks for clariypfying who has what and where.

So um...What is Ishorou's response?

Sorry, busy week.

Ishirou pulls out the map and shows you what is - essentially, a scrap of coastline with an 'x'. The map indicates that to find the spot where the treasure is buried, one must to climb to the top of the 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 ease.
As you look at the coastline and judge the distance, you realize that it is describing the portion of the island just south of where you found the raft that Ieana and Kovack had used to escape the ship, and just north of where you camped and encountered the ghost of captain Kinkarian.

"So, you have been over this island," Ishirou states. "Any idea where this might be?"

Just a reminder/FYI that I'll be out of town all next week, so this week is going to be a little crazy. I'm hoping that on the airplane and in the hotels I can get some WIFI for the iPad, but no guarantees.

Sorry, I missed the last post it seems

I nod to Ishorou. "Yeah I've been around there. Didn't find anything but I can get us there. We'll do that once the lighthouse is functional. Another castaway named Pezock says he can operate the lighthouse, I want it up and running before we do anything further exploring"

We finish packing up and make for the lighthouse, swinging by to pick up Pezok along the way.

No worries. So what I'll do right now is roll for some random encounters and chance that someone catches a disease. If nothing comes up, I'll just figure out the amount of time it would take you to get to the lighthouse (going for Pezock first) and then you can either put together a crew to go get the treasure, or start making craft(carpentry) checks. If there is a random encounter, we'll handle it Final Fantasy Tactics style: you will be in the fight with three others of your choosing from your party, since you have so many to choose from. Sound good? Here we go.

Ok, did the math, looks like it'll be about 22 hours of hiking. Unless you do a Forced March, it'll take 2.75 days of hiking to get there. I'll assume that you will walk normally for the rolls below.

Here is our Map.

The Red Stars are your starting campsite, Pezock's Site, and the Lighthouse. The Red Dashes are your travel line (best I can figure). The Blue Squares are where you set camp for the night. The Red Circle is where you figure Ishirou's treasure map leads.

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Ok, so need to write up the following rolls. I'll do this once im at a keyboard again.
Day 17: No fort saves (Ishirou is already inoculated)
Day 18: Fort saves for Gasha, Jask, and Theria
Day 19: Fort save for Gustav

Random Encounters will occur at the following times. Tell me who you want with you for each, then I'll tell you the opponent.
Day 18: Afternoon and Night
Day 19: Morning and Afternoon

Sorry for not posting sooner. I missed what you had asked for. Of course I would take Sasha, Jask, and Aerys.

Back in town later than I had thought. I'll follow up tomorrow. Hope you are well!

Spring Break! I am back as well. Good to see you still kicking.

Sorry man, Holy Week was a beast at church. I should have something for you later today.

Hello? Are you still around? Is everything okay?

I am alive. Unfortunately, it's been exactly 6 months since gaming with you. I took over GMing a weekly home game with some friends, running the Kingmaker AP. It's a doozy for prep, what with it being such a sandbox campaign.
If you are still interested, we can pick up with y'all at the lighthouse (having no trouble making it back there) and securing it as your base of operations from this point.
If you aren't interested anymore, no worries - I understand that my flakiness is pretty terrible.
Hope you are well, and that you are looking forward to a good week.

It's been a few days since you left the northern shore of the island and transported everyone to the lighthouse here on the southern coast. Though all besides Aeyrs, Sasha, and Jask (who initially accompanied you here) are disgusted by the leftovers of the cannibals occupation, they are glad to have a more permanent structure in place.
 
Cyrioul and Theria set about cleaning out the witch's hut in the southeast corner of the camp.

Gasha takes charge of the northern watch post, setting out her bedroll under its meager cover and declaring it her space.

Gustav commands Surtin to begin cleaning out the "guest room" on the main floor of the lighthouse for their use, as he deems it the most defensible space. 

Gelik, Ishirou, and Jask set about clearing the communal hut of refuse so that they or others can sleep there. 

Aerys and Sasha begin cleaning up Klorak's chamber on the second floor.

Most stay silent as they work, busying themselves throughout even the heat of the day with cleaning and throwing junk into the hole in the center of the camp.

At one point, Jask approaches you about that very pit. "Aaron, you know that something is living down there. Sasha heard it when she feel in during the fight with the cannibals. Whatever it is, we won't truly feel safe until it is dealt with. What do you propose we do?"

Sorry it took me so long, I had to reconfigure what I had planned for Aaron and reread a lot of the thread just to get back into character. I have his path down again and I should be good to go.

I clean up the top of the Lighthouse for myself where I can be near my work. I basically set up a cozy little spot to write in my journal and plan the repairs day by day.

When Jask approaches me about the hole I nod. "I see. Well we could climb down there and see if we can deal with it. I have come to trust you and the girls with my lives and can rely on your skills in a pinch. I suggest the four of us check it out and make it secure. I don't want anything sneaking up on us now that we have a chance to get off this island."

Understood! It's been a while. FYI - I'll be in the car without internet most of the day tomorrow, but if you get another post in I can write a response while my wife drives, then get things posted. We may have to do non-map things until the weekend.

Jask nods. "I'll let Sasha and Aerys know that they'll be needed. Do you want to go in this evening or tomorrow morning? We'll be ready either way." He waits for your response, then nods and heads off to get the girls.

They each ready their combat equipment, leaving behind their travel gear. As a reminder of appearances (making this post much longer than normal while I have ten minutes to write it):

Sahsa shakes out her red hair while holding her kukri-knife in her teeth. the sun glints off of her chain shirt, recently cleaned from many days of travel. She straps the kukri to her right hip, then draws and checks the finely crafted rapier on her left hip. After sheathing the rapier, she shoulders a large quiver crafted from tree bark that contains four javelins. Sasha brings three torches from the party's stores, and readies them for lighting.

Aerys spends ten minutes to stretch out in her studded leather armor, before preparing her fists by punching at a sack of sand she has hung from a nearby tree. The exercises seem to bring her to a clearer focus, as her eyes focus in conversation as her black hair stays tightly braided underneath her tricorn hat. She wears Klorak's enchanted scimitar in a sheath on her back, alongside a quiver of javelins similar to those carried by Sasha. As she steps up to the open hole in the ground, she carries forward two coils of rope, and begins knotting them for easier climbing before securing a far end to a nearby tree as an anchor.

Jask, clearly willing to help but just as clearly past his prime, rubs a brown-skinned hand through his graying black hair. He straps on his suit of leather armor, battered from many straight days of use, and belts a fine dagger to his right leg. A holy symbol of Nethys hangs about a leather cord on his neck, and he loops the strap of the potion satchel over his shoulder and across his chest. He straps a small shield to his left arm, still leaving his hand free to manipulate the rope for climbing down.

When you are ready to go, Sasha will light both torches to drop into the hole (away from the rope) to better illuminate the landing area 10' below. Sasha gives you a grin and a wink and states, "Didn't see what it was, but anything that scampers in the dark that much MUST be fun to cut open!"

I nod to Jask. "Best to wait until morning. Things that live in caves are less active during the day. Might be able to catch them tired."

I Fasten the armor I got from the First mate of the Jenivere firmly to my torso. I tie on my bandana and shake my messy dirty blond hair. I then flourish my dueling sword just to get warmed up for the trek. I then sheath it at my side. I then prepare my gear and cast light on a stick and hop into the hole.

I laugh at Sasha's remark. "Maybe we'll get lucky and their will be plenty for each of us." I then take point and look for the the nearest pathway.

Sasha's chuckle follows you down from the bright morning sunlight to the dim coolness of the cave. You see once more that it is roughly 30' north to south, and 40' east to west. The uneven floor of this ten-foot-high cave is stained with blood and scattered with pieces of wood, fallen leaves, broken weapons, and in places, bits of bone. There is no trace of the cannibal bodies that you previously dumped into this hole. 

There is an opening in the wall to the east that appears to be a passageway sloping downward, perhaps 5' wide. You listen (Passive Perception 18) and hear the sound of surf echoing up from this  passage. The others quickly descend to join you, draw weapons and take up torches, and prepare to move forward. Aerys motions with a hand signal as if to say, "Do you want to take point, or should I?"

I look to the passage and then to Aerys. I take point but motion for Aerys to stay close to me. I begin down the passageway keeping alert as I go.

I have low-light vision so I can see twice as far as the two humans in the party can with torchlight.

Combat map here - Roll20.net

Ok, using the above for the combat map right now. Got to run, but wanted to get this uploaded so you can see what's coming up, and I can just reveal areas as you explore them. Let me know if you have any trouble seeing it.

As you maneuver down the passageway, your illuminated stick shows a widening cavern, where the smell of decay is thick in the air. To one side, the ceiling drops down to little more than three feet in height over a region strewn with bones and bits of old flesh, while to the other, the ceiling bulges upward in a dome shape—six circular, pod-like alcoves line the walls of the cave at this side.

You reach the mouth of the cave, but hear and see nothing initially, but listen carefully, along with Aerys...
Aaron Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Aerys Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

...and you hear the barely concealed scratchings of two creatures, both jsut out of sight. One is to the left, the other to the right.

Initiative!
Aaron 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Aerys 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Jask 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Sasha 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Enemy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Order:
Aaron
Aerys
Enemy
Sasha
Jask
You are up! Map is at the link a little earlier. Let me know if you can't see it.

I call back to the others. "Monsters, move to engage. Aerys take the right." I move out to the monster at the left. Once I see the creature I will strike at it.

Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 For:1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (6) = 11
As per the rules, since I go before the creature in the first round of combat, it counts as flat-footed allowing me to do sneak damage.

EDIT: Though I probably missed anyways :P

You leap around the corner quickly and find the fearsome visage of a ghastly creature. It is hunched near the floor like a predatory animal, has grayish-green skeen and substantial fangs and claws. Your strike goes just over its head, and it hisses in response.

Sasha slashes out hard with her magical scimitar, not wanting to draw any closer to punch the creature.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
1d6 ⇒ 1

She slashes hard through its salt-toughened skin, striking a vital point on its side, but in the process opens up a foul-smelling set of pustules that burst forth with disgusting fluids. Aerys Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 - Success!

Each of the creatures responds by slashing and biting at both you and Sasha:

Red vs. Aaron
Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Blue vs. Aerys
Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

You are slashed by a wicked claw, and it also lands a bite on your leg that immediately festers as it chews down and tries to trip you...
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2, 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
...but fails to pull your legs from under you.

Aerys is also slashed by a claw, cutting through her armor.
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Sasha runs into the cave, dropping her torch and drawing both rapier and kukri. She pulls around the corner towards your foe and stabs...
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
...but can't cut through its tough skin.

Jask runs forward and sees the enemies...
Knowledge(Religion) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
...and announces, "It is a Festrog - undead!"

He raises his holy symbol, and unleashes a blast of pure energy to damage them...
2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
Red resist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Blue resist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
... they appear to resist the blast somewhat, but a good amount of damage still goes through.

Your turn!

I wince in pain as the monster strikes at me. I growl as I strike again at the monster.

Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 For:1d8 ⇒ 1 Awe come on

Oooh, bummer![ooc]

Round 2

Your sword pierces the monster's arm, which still manages to release a pustule-contained spray of filth onto you. [ooc]Please make a Fortitude save.

Aerys steps to the side and faces down her opponent...
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
...unfortunately it just dodges out of the way.

The two creatures slash and bite back at you, clearly fighting to the death.

Red
Claw vs. Sasha: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw vs. Sasha: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 - HIT
Bite vs. Aaron: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Blue vs. Aerys
Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 - HIT
Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 - HIT
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Sasha, reeling from the hit, strikes back with both rapier and kukri...
Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2, 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 - Does not confirm
Kukri: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24, 1d4 ⇒ 2
...getting a good stab in and a spray of disgustingness for her efforts.
Sasha - Fortitudes save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Jask raises his holy symbol again, sending a piercing white light throughout the cavern, which the undead monsters try to resist...
2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8, 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
...the festrog nearest you takes a lot of damage from this, and the other facing Aerys is seared! Its charred husk collapses to the ground.

Round 3 - your turn!

I attack the monster again. Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 For:1d8 ⇒ 7
Confirm Crit:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 For:1d8 ⇒ 6

Nice!

Your sword pierces the undead's face, right between the slavering jaws, and it drops to the stone floor. 

There's a moment of silence when you all look at each other in recovery. After that moment, you hear a chorus of growls emanating from the passageways leading out of this chamber. 

"All right," Sasha stretches and cracks her neck. "Which way next? Or just wait here and see if they come to us?"

I hold out my hand and gesture to positions. "Hold here. If we can play defensive we will have the advantage of taking them down before they can do much damage. Line up and make sure you are all adjacent to someone and ready any action you deem appropriate."

I ready my action to attack a creature if it comes into melee with me. I hold this readiness until ten rounds have elapses (One Minute). Then I change tactics.

For now, Readied attack check:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 for:1d8 ⇒ 8
Confirm Crit:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 For Addtional:1d8 ⇒ 3

Jask sees Aerys' more grievous wounds, raises high his holy symbol to release another pulse of life-giving light.

2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

After a moment, you hear the sound of feet slapping on cave floor, and rounding the corner is a gaunt, slavering form.

Initiative Checks:
Aaron - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Aerys - 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Jask - 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Sasha - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Enemy - 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Initiative Order:
Enemy
Sasha
Aerys
Jask
Aaron

Your readied slice cuts deep into the creature's leg. It responds by biting at you... 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 ...but it only scrapes against your armor.

Sasha steps forward and delivers two quick blows with rapier and kukri...
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
...piercing the enemy's side and dropping it to the ground.

Aerys steps up, draws, and throws a javelin at the second figure...
1d20 ⇒ 11
...but it misses high as she attempts to avoid her allies in melee.

Jask calls out, "It is a ghoul! Don't let it scratch or bite you!"

Your turn!

I hold my action to attack it if it comes within reach of me.

Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 For:1d8 ⇒ 4

It steps around the corner, drawing your attack, then launching into an attack on Sasha...
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
...the last claw scratches hard...
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
...but Sasha shakes off it's paralyzing effect.

She responds with rapier and kukri...
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 1d4 ⇒ 1
...but can't get through it's natural armor.

Aerys steps forward to lay a heavy punch on it...
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
...crunching into its skull.

Jask stays back, ready to heal those who are hurt.

Your turn!

If possible I would like to five foot so I can set up a flank with Sasha. I call out. "Sasha move into position and we'll strike together. " This applies to Aeyrs too. I don't know who is where but if we are all adjacent to the ghoul two of us can five foot to flank.

I ready my action to attack as soon as one of the girls moves to flank with me.

Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 for:1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (4) = 9

Seeing an opening to strike, you lash out with your sword and cut loose a major tendon in the creatures leg. It shrieks as it falls to the ground, and Sasha and Aerys quickly silence its cries with their blows.

Now that the pace of combat has slowed, you are able to examine the ghoul at your feet. Though the clothes it wears are tattered, there is no mistaking that this is the coat worn by the once captain of the Jenivere, Alizandru Kovack.

The others are silent for a moment, before Sasha leans over and checks the pockets of the coat. With a laugh, she stands and holds a scrap of paper up to a light source and reads quickly,

"I am Captain Alizandru
Kovack, betrayer of my crew
and destroyer of the good
ship Jenivere. Hell would be
a welcome escape from what
hideous unlife looms before me,
but it is no less a punishment
than I deserve. That I was
enslaved mind and body to a
serpentine demon who wore a
Varisian’s skin does not pardon
me. It is my weakness that
led the Jenivere, her crew, and
her passengers to their doom.
That Ieana has abandoned
me here is nothing more than
the fate I deserve. I do not
beg forgiveness, but I despair
that she lives still, and that
she seeks something dire on
this forsaken isle—she seemed
particularly interested in Red
Mountain. If you read this
and you be a kind soul, seek
out what I have become and
destroy me, and then seek out
Ieana and slay her as well.
And to those whose lives I
have helped destroy, I can only
apologize from this, my dark
cradle and darker grave."

Sorry for the delay. Needed to get back into character.

After hearing the note read, I am quiet for a moment as the shock of it hits me. I take some time to collect my thoughts and emotions. I nod. "We better head to this red mountain and complete the captain's last wish." My voice is heavy with fury as it is clear that I am still sorely upset about the loss of the ship and my friends.

I look around. "For now let's finish clearing out this tunnel. Come on." I begin to lead the party down further if further we can go.