ProfPotts' Serpent's Skull PBP

Game Master Alexander Scott

Just to note - although Aerodus has asked Marik to translate a couple of times, I've had no indication that Marik is actually doing that... I'm not about to put words (even foreign words) into the mouth of a PC (just in case anyone was working on the assumption that such translation was actually taking place).

Shisa senses nothing more than the usual jungle noises (which are disturbing enough...) in the immediate area.

Aerodus noticed no use of a holy symbol, and certainly no 'glowy runes' (although it's good to note that the paladin is taking such close interest in the teenage girl's body... 'special hell'...) ;).

Sneaking (alone) back towards the boat, Shisa's approaching the end of the jungle and the start of the beach when...

Prof:

"Me" pointing to himself, "Her" pointing to where Shisa left, "No flirt." He says with a good natured chuckle while shaking his head. Asking Marik for his linguistic expertise "Did I say that right?"

At the mention of cannibals, the laughter will subside: "That changes things greatly, so much for asking for refuge in their village. Can you ask her what she plans to do now?"

No problem Prof with the translation! Somehow this makes me think of Journey..Just a small cannibal girl.. living in a lonely world, she took quicksand pit going anywhere...

Meanwhile, back at (stately Wayne manor) the clearing...

The 'cannibal girl' glances between Aerodus and Marik as they talk, a look of intense concentration on her face, as if she's trying to follow what they're saying... but failing... although she does appear to have some sort of recognition of a few words here and there...

Gliding gracefully, down through the trees, to land on a nearby branch Yipper regards the girl, c0cking his head to one side...

For her part the girl starts a little, then peers at the little swoop lizard with great interest... then looks between Yipper and Marik... then grins excitedly, pointing and saying...

She pauses, then sighs and pouts a little before continuing,

C0cking her head to one side, mirroring Yipper, the girl says, her tone serious,

Prof:

As Tony is laying back watching the girl and trying to understand the conversation, an idea occurs to him. Sitting up again he addresses the girl.

Polyglot is supposed to be a general trading language in this region, perhaps she knows it.

The girl looks blankly at Tony... then points to him,

'Iam't oni' she says, before pointing to herself,

'Taki'.

She seems deep in thought for a moment, then says,

'She-sa flirt Tha'serodus.'

Of course that is the one thing she can say besides names!

Having given up on his attempts to try and break the language barrier, Aerodus will remove his armor, and find a log to sit on while trying to remove the mud/quicksand from himself and his gear. "The time I actually need to wash on this island, and the sun turns against me." He mutters amidst his work.

IF this is a double post I apologize.. I think it ate my earlier one?!?!

Having given up on his ability to break the language barrier, Aerodus will remove his armor, and find a log to sit while he begins to remove the mud/quicksand from himself and his gear. In the meantime he will utter: "The one time I could really go for a quick rain shower to bathe in, the rain stops and sun decides to break. I'm starting to think this place is out to get us..."

Sitting quietly beneath the green canopy above her, Shisa continues to watch over their gear, her ears and eyes perked for the slightest indication of danger or company. "I wonder what's keeping the boys," she wonders, "I'd thought they were right behind me. Oh well. Someone has to watch over our stuff, I guess I'm it."

Once the group has reassembled Marik will sum up what he's learned.
"The girl's name is Taki, she from a tribe of cannibals called the Thrunefangs. they supplement their diet with survivors of the shipwrecks and loot the wrecks for valuables and equipment. Taki is a Witch, or will be one when she finds her 'spirit animal', whatever that may be. She was exiled because the tribes reigning witch, named Malikadna, grew jealous of her and kicked her out and she wants revenge. She also mentioned something about making the 'magic juice' for the tribe, which could mean potions which she's not able to do yet but this Malikadna is apparently capable of."

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
For information on the Witch class

"Well at least we know more of her past... and that she doesn't seem to have reason to give us up to her tribe. But the question remains.. What does she want to do, and what does it mean for us? I'm for taking her with us, she seems truthful and helpful enough. Her knowledge of the local life could be of great benefit. And at the least to remove the chance she does tell this "Thrunefang" tribe where we are."

With that being said, Aerodus will try his best to clean the mud off his armor before rising and motioning for the others to follow. "We should head back to the shore, lest we have the Songstress sneaking up on us."

Assuming everyone's okay with rejoining Shisa on the beach...

Trudging back to where the gear was left on the beach, with the pointy-toothed girl in tow, the scouting party gather to decide on their next course of action...

So... go ahead and decide!

Seeing Aerodus start back to the beach, Tony gets up with a groan. He hated being sick and weak; he took every opportunity to lie down now, hoping it would pass.

When they got to the beach he asked; "What do you think, my Lords and Ladies; shall we camp out here or press on? While I feel like resting, I can manage to go on as needed."

Remaining concealed as the others walk past and onto the beach, Shisa waits for a few moments watching their back trail making sure they have not been followed. She notices that the native girl is with them and double checks the trail before stepping out onto the beach.

"Well Tony," she begins as she walks up behind the others. "I think we should press on. There's something huge and flying around here," she continues, motioning to the goat laying a few feet away. "It's been drained of blood, but looks otherwise intact if we need fresh meat. I do however, think we should not tarry long."

She perks her ear as Marik relays his information. now that the group is rejoined and gives the girl an inquisitive look. She shrugs, making a mental note to keep her eyes on her as she walks over to pack up her things.

She pulls the dagger from the box and ties it securely around her left leg, tucking the blade end into the top of her boot. Grabbing her pack, she scratches at the rash and struggles into it, bending over at the heavy load. "Ugh, this is going to be slow going."

Unless people forgot, we kind of did promise to row back up and get the others once we got a camp established.

Onward to za campsite!

At the sight of a blood drained goat felled on the shore, Aerodus will make his usual sign to ward off evil. "Further proof that there is something wrong with this island. The sooner we make camp the better."

Grabbing his backpack and throwing it over the shoulder, Aerodus again turns towards Marik. "Lead on Scholar."

Passing by Shisa, and seeing her falter with the weight of her gear. "Let me know if I can assist Songstress."

Passing by Shisa, and seeing her falter with the weight of her gear. "Let me know if I can assist Songstress."

Looking at the knight, Shisa sets her pride aside and says, "Aero, if you could carry this pack, I can more easily scout ahead. Not sure what's wrong with me, there's not much in it, but it's weighing a ton today, and I can hardly move with it on."

She pulls off her pack and reaches over to pick up the box still laying on the sand and stuffs it into the pack. Looking up at Aerodus, she gives her thanks and moves ahead to scout the way.

the following if needed

perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
stealth 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Seeing a dead goat lying on the beach, twin gashes in its neck, and a slightly shrivelled look to it, Taki immediately starts to scan the skies, nervously stepping behind Aerodus as she does so and muttering...

Assuming everyone's okay with following Aerodus's suggestion and heading towards the proposed campsite...

Gathering their equipment, the party of scouts head back into the depths of the jungle, making their slow way through the dense undergrowth, clambering over gnarled tree roots, pushing past a continuous wall of green leaves, and trying to avoid getting slapped in the face by branches, as they head towards the 'bare hill'...

The first major obstacle in their path, aside from the omnipresent jungle itself, is clambering up a steep, one-hundred or so foot tall, ridge...

A series of DC 15 Climb checks required to ascend - 7 checks if your base speed is 30ft, 10 checks if you're a Paladin in movement-imparing armour...

... or chosing to take the long way round (doubling the estimated time to get to the hilltop from four hours to eight hours).

Stopping at the bottom of the ridge and looking up, Shisa lets out a sigh as she tries to catch her breath. The heat and humidity are taking their toll on her weakened state. She reaches up to pull the hair back from her face. Looking at the others, "Given our beat up condition, I'm for taking the long way around. A slip from up there could cause a serious injury and we're already banged up enough," she offers.

Sizing up the ridge, Aerodus will nod whole heartadly at Shisa. "I concur, no point in risking breaking our necks." And starts to head towards the path.

Tony wipes his brow as he looks up the slope and nods.
"I have to agree. We'll try the shortcut when we're feeling better."
He proceeds up the path.

He proceeds up the path.

If only there was a path...

As the scouting party trudges ever on through the dense jungle, the hours start to tick by, and the oppressive heat gets worse and worse...

DC 15 Fortitude save each, -4 penalty for wearing armour (or heavy clothing... like anyone would...), 1d4 nonlethal damage on a failed save. With whatever Survival checks the PCs make and Taki's aid, you can all have the related +2 bonus to the roll though.

Without warning something darts out of the undergrowth - a reptilian beast at least ten feet long! There are flashes of large talons on the thing's four feet and a long, whip-like, tail, but it's the inch-long serrated teeth, covered in reddish drool, which try to take a chunk out of...

... Aerodus's greaves... luckily!

Initiative and declared actions please! Marik gets to take a Standard or Move action in the surprise round, thanks to his Forewarned power, and should declare an action for the first round as well as that. Everyone else just declare for the first round (it's a sneaky reptile, so it is!)

The jungle you're in counts as heavy undergrowth, with trees. Movement is divided by 4 (which also means that Aerodus is too slow to take any 5ft steps, thanks to his armour), Acrobatics are at +5 DC, but Stealth is at +5 circumstance bonus, running and charging are impossible. Also, every attack has a 30% miss chance - but I can worry about that. The trees give partial cover as you dodge round them: +2 bonus to AC and a +1 bonus to Reflex saves, and are DC 15 to Climb, if you feel like doing that in the middle of a fight...

Right now the creature (medium size) is toe-to-claw with Aerodus. Shisa's pretty certain she's still unseen. Everyone's likely pretty close, to avoid getting seperated, but you can all be 5 or 10 feet from one of the others as you wish at the start of combat. Have fun!

I may be wrong about the movement rules, but unless im immobilized, I can spend a full round action to move 5ft? If that is true.. would it provoke AoO?

Initative: 1d20 ⇒ 10

As the beast emerges from the brush, Aerodus will shout: "Damnable beast!" and draw his blade to strike at the monster/spawn.

Move action: Draw sword
Standard Action: Melee Swing

Swing :1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Tony cursed as he drew his sword and lunged at the creature.

Deulling Sword attack: 1d20 + 2 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 3 - 2 = 8

@#$@% this being sick and weak! At the same time!

Fortitude save: (leather armor and drawing on Tiki's aid 1d20 + 0 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 0 - 4 + 2 = 13

NL Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

hps 5 (NL) / 8

Hearing a crash through the undergrowth, Shisa turns in time to catch the sight of a large lizard as it bites into the protective armor of Aerodus' greaves. will refrain from making comments on greave-ious wounds

initiative: (dex + impr init) 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 4 = 22

Dropping her bow, she draws the short sword and slips up to the lizard's back side and tries to thrust the sword into it's back.

attack (weakened -2 str bonus): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10
damage (weakened -2 str bonus): 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

not sure of any mods for the first mate's short sword

WHOOPS forgot fort save/survival check

Survival Check: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 4 = 8
NL Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Fortitude save:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Damage (non-lethal): 1d4 ⇒ 3

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Surprise round:
As the creature bolts from it's concealed spot, Marik casts a Grease spell on the area between it and the party. DC: 15 Reflex save to avoid having it's legs splay out from under it and fall.

Round #1: Marik spans and loads his crossbow and prepares to fire at the overgrown lizard.

Current HP: 6 (60%) Max HP >>: 10
Status: Sickened (-2 to everything), Str drained (6 points)
AC: 13 (No armor)

Fort save: 1d20 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 2 - 2 = 17 Made it!

Not to bother folks again.. but I think we all get a survival check and ever point above the dc (dont know, think it was 15 last time) lets another person get that nice +2 bonus! (really only makes sense for Shisa)

Not to bother folks again.. but I think we all get a survival check and ever point above the dc (dont know, think it was 15 last time) lets another person get that nice +2 bonus! (really only makes sense for Shisa)

survival (untrained) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

hrm.. guess being a half elf in the woods (sorta) helps? heh More worried about this lizard as we're all hurting / sick / poisoned / weakened or a combination of the above. ugh!

I may be wrong about the movement rules, but unless im immobilized, I can spend a full round action to move 5ft? If that is true.. would it provoke AoO?

Aerodus is down from a Move of 20ft to a Move of 5ft, so he can still move 5ft as a Move action (10ft as a Full-round action), but he can't take a '5ft step' action, meaning that, yes, if he moves out of a threatened area he provokes.

Not to bother folks again.. but I think we all get a survival check and ever point above the dc (dont know, think it was 15 last time) lets another person get that nice +2 bonus! (really only makes sense for Shisa)

Sorry, I was trying to cut down on an already wordy OOC post, but what I meant was that Taki rolled a natural 20 on her Survival check, even before bonuses, so it doesn't really matter what the rest of you rolled, she got enough to grant the bonus to the whole group. At least with those PC Survival checks we know you're all still heading in the right direction... right... right..? ;)

And hey, it looks like I forgot the 'DC 12' part of the Knowledge spoiler above... I'm guessing that would've helped...

Seeming to start casting his spell even before the reptilian beast bursts forth, with an arcane gesture, mystic words... and fingers slick with melting butter... Marik conjurers up a glistening layer of clear grease which coats the roots, jungle floor, and underbrush just beyond Aerodus's feet... and right under the reptile! Eyes going wide with surprise, long forked tongue flickering the air, it scrabbles comically for a moment, then all four of its legs decide to head in different directions, and it belly-flops to the ground... The faint scent of butter permeates the air...

Stepping gracefully across the greased area (roll successfully made on her behalf by me) Shisa cuts a deep slash across the back of the reptile's flank... I added her +2 flanking bonus, and the +1 from the sword being Masterwork (which I'm pretty sure no-one ever checked on, but it's easier for you to remember than me!), and rolled a 5 on her Sneak Attack damage for an impressive total of 9 damage. The -4 AC it got from being prone helped a lot too...

Tony draws his sword and thrusts... but in his weakened state the blade just skitters harmlessly off the creature's thick scaled hide... But only just..

Marik readies his crossbow, as Aerodus draws and swings his blade, uttering the obligatory paladinic battle-cry as he does so... but he loses sight of the scrabbling reptile in the undergowth, and the swing goes wild... Concealment chance in action... boo!... yes the island really does hate you!

Looking frightened, Taki hangs back, with Marik, and tugs on his shirt as she cries out,

Hissing loudly, the lizard pounces from the greasy zone of jungle floor, to rapidly ascend a nearby tree - its long claws biting easily into the bark as it climbs quickly out of melee range... but not before Shisa, Tony and Aerodus all get a chance to swing at its retreating whip-like tail... AoO rolled by me (hope you don't mind): Shisa hits, with Sneak Attack damage too, and Tony hits, but Aerodus swings wild (total of 9 damage inflicted by those two hits).

Halfway up its tree, the ten foot long (plus tail) reptile hisses at the scouting party, reddish drool dripping from its serrated teeth as it does so... although with three wounds already, it's looking a little the worse for wear...

Next round actions, please!

Attack roll: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

As Marik takes aim at the creature in the trees he shouts " The creature is called a Shiv Dragon and it's bite is , of course, poisonuos." Who needs a Druid
Just as he pulls the trigger on the crossbow, the stock slips from his greasy hands. Wiping his hands on his leggings he mutters to himself "Butter fingers."

Eyeing the lizard, Shisa returns to pick up her bow, re-sheathing her sword. Setting an arrow to the string, she carefully moves to where she has a shot.

too much movement to shoot this round.. darn tree limbs

My apologies on the extra post!

Seeing the wounded beast, Aerodus will draw his shield as he moves closer to finish it off. "Don't let it get away, or we'll never find it again!"

Move action: Move to get close(around grease! and draw shield)
Standard: Ready Attack if it gets into range.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Roll to confirm:
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Tony pulls out a dagger and readies it to throw, but hesitates; the sickness sapping his confidence. If I miss, he thinks, I'll never find it again.
He shifts to acrobatic defensive, readying an attack just in case it comes back in range.
Sword attack: 1d20 + 2 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 3 - 2 = 3

Carefully stepping out of the greased area (check rolled by me again... ;) ) Shisa readies her bow and tries to line up a shot...

Tony and Aerodus make ready for the creature's next move, as Marik's pot-shot with his crossbow flies wide of the mark... but proves enough to encourage the beast to leap from it's perch, all scales and teeth and claws...

Staggering a little, feeling as if his trusty sword was made of lead, Tony's weak swing doesn't look like it'll stop the creature's assault... Then Aerodus's blade fashes out, neatly severing the reptile's head from its body in a single blow! The creature's decapitated body slumps to the jungle floor at the paladin's feet, as it's head bounces, skids across Marik's mystical grease ('For all your household needs - buy Marik's mystical grease!') and comes to rest, eyes bulging and glazed, and long forked tongue lolling lifelessly from the corner of its jaws...

Taki (who screamed and hid behind Marik as the reptile pounced) stares at the creature in utter amazement, then stares at Aerodus,

... she murmurs, in a reverant tone...

Tony looks at Aerodus, impressed.
"Well done sir! Although I could have done it myself, given time."
He sheathes his weapons as he peers down at the creature.
"Does anyone know what this thing is? It's bigger than any lizard I've ever seen before."

Aerodus will flick the blood from his blade with a flourish. "No match for Mendevian steel, at least we can have something to eat." and will get to work on field dressing the body.

Take 10 on cooking/survival.

Oops, sorry Prof. I totally overlooked you saying you'd rolled for Shisa the first time. Apologies.

Watching the others fret over the now dead lizard, Shisa turns to the jungle around them and keeps her eyes and ears trained on the area. With a signal to Tony, she moves off just far enough to still see the others, yet conceals herself in the foliage.

stealth 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Roused from her shock, Taki kneels by the body of the dead Shiv Dragon and shoos Aerodus away. Turning to Marik she explains...

... she looks up to where Shisa was moments before, then shrugs (smiling a little), and gets to work on preparing the lizard meat...

After cutting the body open (with a borrowed knife), the pointy-toothed girl makes strange gestures over the carcass, murmuring half-chanted words as she does so. With great ceremony she removes the creature's heart and, hands bloody, knees before Aerodus, offering the organ to him with both hands, her head bowed...

... Glancing up at Aerodus after a few moments she screws up her face in concentraction, then manages to say in Common...

'Eat?'

Just... lovely

Eyeing the whole ritual warily, Aerodus will keep the look of horror from his face as the witch/priestess does her work. When she does offer him the beast's heart, he will turn and look at Marik. "Can you tell her, we can eat after its cooked?"

And will take her hands in his and say, "Not now priestess, we can eat after we make camp."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

As her gaze travels across the little bit of jungle that she can see and back to the party, Shisa notices Taki kneeling beside Aerodus with her blooded arms uplifted holding something small and red.

"Great, it looks like a tribal ritual. I hope Aero doesn't offend her by refusing," she thinks to herself, remembering childhood stories some of the hunters used to tell of eating fresh deer hearts.

joys of growing up in an elven village..

She shakes her head and returns to her vigil.

"No, no Sir Aerodus! Clearly this is the local law; you must eat it raw!"
Bluff! Bluff! 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 he said, biting his lip in order not to laugh.

Marik responds to Taki's comment "Dragonslayer, indeed."

Marik looks at Tony and says "Not exactly the law, but a custom. Taki's people believe that if you eat the heart of your foe, you gain the strength and power of that foe."

As Aerodus takes Taki's blood-soaked hands (and the still warm heart they contain) in his, she smiles at him... then frowns as he seems less than interested in her offering...

'Eat?' she asks again, hesitantly, then glances towards Marik,

... she looks a little confused...