Dristen is up to his collarbone in water, but the group begins advancing towards the land.
No other tracks are visible nearby.
The size of some of the crabs as you approach is surprising; larger than small (human) children, they compete with half the party for mass. Their coloring seems normal, borrowing occasionally from the warm end of the spectrum but staying neutral otherwise, and they don't seem hostile. Granted, you've not provoked them yet, but they don't move in to snap at you - even the smallfolk.
Ummm, well yes, I could use some assistance please. Haggin isn't too fond of swimming or the water in general so he will gladly accept any help getting to the island.
Ariston grins, not expecting anyone to take him up on his mostly facetious offer. "Very well, then." He picks up the small gnome and hoists him onto his shoulder, Haggin's weight slowing him slightly. He marches resolutely to the shore, letting Filios drag the boat alone. He makes conversation as he walks, and indicates the aloe plants to Haggin. "You see those? Excellent healing properties. They'll make good ingredients in my mixtures."
Drysten stands in the water trying to hold his gear above his head. I should have stayed in the boat, but that would have made me seem weak. I guess I'll have to tough it out. He breaks from his thoughts as he notices the metallic object. So this place isn't completely barren. There is some life here.
That's metal. Do devils work metal?
Izzat so? Well, at least there's one reason to be happy we came here. Haggin decides to ask the half-orc a question. So, what types of mixtures do you tend to make? I mean, you do make stuff that doesn't blow up, right?
"I do make non-explosive materials, but they're... less of a focus. But I have many different substances, that do all sorts of things. I could make you strong enough to carry me, or quicken your steps to make you the fastest of us. I could make you swim like a fish or allow you to understand the words of even the most fearsome, archaic being. Mostly I tend towards the more practical ends of things, such as healing wounds. Or, for instance, making my aim sharper with bomb or blade."
Ariston rubs the back of his head ruefully with his free hand. "Perhaps I should give more of my attention to them, given my performance on the boat. Another hole like that would be disastrous."
Wow, really? You can make stuff that does all of that? Haggin seems to be quite impressed with the list of things Ariston says he can create. And you can make all of this stuff out of leaves and such? Without using magic? Amazing! Haha! That makes you some sort of scientist or something, doesn't it?
Don't get too excited Haggin, I already asked to use the potion substance that will make me bigger.
"Ha! It's nothing to be too impressed by, just simple applications of ingredients, made stronger by a little of my own magical power. But yes, I suppose it makes me a "scientist or something." But what of you, little friend? I hear you're a jeweler, but when those invaders attacked, I saw the magic you made. You have your own magic - tell me about that."
Ariston grins again when Dristen speaks up, and nods. "Yes, Dristen gets first call on my growth extract."
Oh! Who, me? Oh no, I only dabble in the magic arts, yes indeed. Haggin stammers a bit when talking about his magical side. I mean, as you saw, the time I tried to use it I was nearly killed! No, no, I'm just a jeweler really. Been doing that for some time now, yes I have. Perhaps I could make you something one day, or maybe for your mother? Yes, I would be happy to do that for you, and for a good price!
Ariston bursts into laughter at the offer, eventually calming to just the occasional chuckle. "My mother? A very kind offer, Haggin, I thank you. However, I don't think she's much for jewelry. Perhaps, once we make our way home again, I shall buy something from you for myself. It would be nice to have a souvenir from this most peculiar journey."
Ariston shakes off the remainder of his chuckling, and grows slightly more serious. "You should not discredit yourself so quickly - next time, work your magic from a safer place, and I am sure it will have great effect. You're not to blame for the hostilities of others."
Sal swims to shore and waits for the others to make the first move, drying her crossbow as best she can and making ready in case there is trouble.
After towing the boat to shore, Filios takes a hard look at their surroundings, never really taking his eyes off of the metal object on the beach. He also is sure to check the ground for any prints in the sand.
Dristen, you said that thing was metal?
Follows the trail and leads point
As the other head for shore Drysten realizes that no one is approaching the metallic object. Nows my chance! Drysten equips one of his shields, uncovers his ioun torch, and makes sure his pack is above the waterline on his back. He approaches the object and when he gets close enough pokes it with one of his daggers.
Dristen, what are you doing with that thing? Haggin asks, truly noticing the metal object for the first time. What is it, anyway?
Haggin will ask to be put down on dry land and then will walk over toward Dristen, casting Detect Magic as he does so.
As the group reaches dry land, more light comes from the moon reflecting than does from the sun's dying rays. This status of the sky doesn't deter the group from poking around on shore though.
The tracks visible before are clearer now - only coming from one direction, leading down the beach to the item.
Approaching the object - indeed a helm up close - it's clear it was no mere hardhat; the side facing the group is the back, a rear-guard designed to keep the neck safe from harm. Haggin detects no magic on the item as Dristen rolls it over with its dagger. It takes a bit of force as a small level of sand has accumulated around the base.
Upon turning the piece of armor, it's clear the metalwork was of good craftsmanship; no thin edges, no bent noseguard - the smith knew his work. Undamaged, the piece might offer great protection upon one's head.
But perhaps not the one still inside it.
A man's head and upper vertebrae remain inside the "protection" of this helm, staring back at you with lifeless eyes. Though the head is unscathed, the neck has shreds of flesh and sinew at differing lengths covering what spine remains.
Dried blood cakes the sand beneath were the discovery sat before it was disturbed. The fluids cover one of the man's cheeks and infuse some of his locks with a thick, dark look. He wasn't hard on the eyes - maybe in his upper 20s, rugged - but he was Pharasma's now.
A mild breeze stirred the palms on the beautiful island, their fronds waving to you in welcome.
Or in warning.
Drysten gasps as he turns the helmet over and then quickly covers his mouth. He watches the trees for a second to see if anyone emerged. Somebody... ripped his head off. Drysten gags and starts back away. He notices Haggin approaching. No, it's probably best if you don't see this Haggin. He raises his voice a little so the others can here. Uh, guys, whatever is on this island has the strength to rip off a man's head while he is still in his armor. He gags again.
Filios leans in closely, then stands with a smile.
Hmmmm. Looks like he pissed off somebody. Let's try not to do that, eh.
Good eyes there Dristen, but have no fear for I'm here to protect you, and I am a very strong capable fighter!
See what? Haggin tries to move in closer, his curiosity peeked. What is it that you have there? Upon seeing the head-in-a-helmet Haggin gasps. Oh my! What a grisly scene! Where is the rest of him?
Ariston frowns at the sight of the head, though more out of confusion than horror. "Who knows? It seems it's been here for a while - the amount of sand surrounding it suggested at least a day. I'm curious, though; what was he doing on this island, and in such a well-made helmet? Perhaps the mainland has prospects here..."
"We can only hope."
Though I'm not exactly sure what we can hope for. I prefer to keep my head on my shoulders. Haggin looks at Saladraxis with a worried look. But I suppose we have no where else to go, do we? So, umm, do we stay here until morning or shall we follow some tracks or what?
I'd say let's follow the tracks in a bit and then find a defensable point if we find nothing of note, I personally am itching to stretch my legs a bit regardless of any potential danger! He paces about, a slight sway lingering from his time on the ship nothing like solid dependable earth beneath your feet!
I am with you, Gansukh.
Filios begins to aid in discovering any tracks.
Drysten follows the others to land. He follows Filios' lead and starts looking around for... anything really. Signs of life, a pathway leading from the beach, a safe place to stash the boat for now. He happens upon the first: tracks leading away to the east. He follows them for a few steps to be sure and then turns back. "It looks like the dead man came from that way," He points to the East. "Do we want to try that way? He doesn't look like a devil?"
Some signs of life are present. The jungle off the beach is teeming with life - at least of the plant variety - and you can hear the noise of nocturnal insects as well there. No larger animals are heard, but it is nighttime. Crabs and fish were spotted in the shallow waters just below the surface.
The pale moonlight coats the world in pearl and shadow, so those looking over the tracks see them as darkness in an otherwise ivory shore. The darkness leads out to the East, beyond your field of vision. Nothing seems to lead into the jungle (about 50' inland) from where you are.
Certainly not a devil, let's head that way maybe we can find some civilization!
"I am with you on that. It would seem our best course is to follow them to where ever he came from, and civilization would be a nice change."
After ten minutes or so of following the tracks, you see them branch off towards the jungle at a boulder on the beach - the first you've seen. This development doesn't rest long in your minds before Sal and Dristen note a rumbling beneath the surface though. Unable to move far, they avoid a gigantic worm which bursts forth from beneath the sand. The color of burnt orange, its maw glistens with serrated teeth.
Right before they plunge towards the alchemist.
The unsuspecting half-Orc is snatched by the creature's vicious mouth, lifted clear off the ground in its grasp.
Sal brings her crossbow around to bare upon the wormy enemy...
...and lets off two beautiful bolts directly into the things fleshy body.
Ariston gasps lightly as the worm bursts forth and grabs him. This is followed by a much more pronounced gasp of pain, and then a low moan as the creature bites into him. He starts to struggle after a moment, motivated by both the enormous worm and Sal's bolts thudding into the creature. He gives her a sideways look as he does this, one eye closed in pain. The look is somewhere between a glare for risking the chance of shooting him, and a silent plea for help. It's really quite the accomplished look, given the circumstances.
Dristen dodges out of the way as some thing breaks up from thew rumbling ground. He as he turns back to face he sees it is some kind of worm. Backing away from the creature and the others, Dristen secures a position behind Gansukh and away from the others. He pulls out unholy symbol from the left side of his belt and channels energy.
Oh my! Haggin weighs his options but worries that anything he might do would put Ariston in danger. Not wanting to simply stand there idly, Haggin grabs his dagger and tries to stab the worm.
Though Saladraxis's second shot bounces off the creature's thick carapace, the first bolt punctures - right at the crease between segments. The creature emits an ear-piercing scream , then drops the greenskin onto the sand.
It immediately turns toward the source of the bolt, attempting to consume her.
The small companion disappears inside the creature's maw.
The sorcerer's dagger scrapes the exterior of the creature, but he's merely exfoliating it.
Drax! Haggin exclaims at the sight of seeing the female gnome's fate. We must save her!
charges the worm with his tetsubo and enters a rage(assuming flanking due to grappled saladraxis and position of charge
Filios also moves into a flanking position and attacks the worm.
A foul-smelling blood seeps from the puncture Saladraxis' bolt made, and Filios and Gansukh hack into the creature's body; it looks in bad shape.
Ariston, startled by the sudden shriek and the painful fall to the sand, takes a moment to stand, drawing his falchion as he does so. He takes a slice at the giant worm, attempting to get it to release Saladraxis.