Siddok is missings his twos bags ofs caltrops, buts everthings elses is heres Siddok goes and checks on the condition of the others being extra careful around Jask
Vantas gives an almost hopeful look. One he is sure Somia has seen many a time due to her beauty. His mannerisms made it clear. However he would not say it, less he make himself out to be a fool. " I ... had hoped you say that.. "
He cross-referenced this area with his prior knowledge from looking at atlas' and maps of previous sailings. And when the realization crept upon him, he had cursed his grand ind 100 times over. He had an almost frightening wealth of geopraphical knowledge of this area for it was one of many stories.
Vantas cleared his throat and neatly rolled the map back a bead of sweat issuing from his brow. " Now, I must say, my mind was able to ascertain this many-a-time before I repeat the location and name. I did not want to tell you out of possible fear this may cause but I found it less beneficial for the rest of you to go blindly around. This place is dangerous, moreso than other islands.. for this is Smuggler's Shiv. I have NO doubt from this map and now more than ever think that survival should be our top priority. As to my knowledge, ship routes have not come this way in forever. Whatever the person that poisoned us wants is either on this accursed island.. or they have doomed us to a terrible fate"
Siddok comes back and informs the party: Everyones oks, justs as littles battereds, nothings serious. Thoughs wes shoulds waits tills everybodys gets ups befores decidings whats tos dos... Siddok reallys wants tos checks the ships fors clues.
The unconscious bodies on the beach begin to stir; all of them look around the beach in a confused daze. Some of them rub their eyes two or three times to make sure they are not seeing things incorrectly.
Then a murmuring of questions directed torwards the party; "what happened?" "Where are we?" "Where are the others?"
These questions are soon overtaken however be Jask who lets out racous laughter, loud, hearty, and long.
Siddok pees a little
Thrace had been polishing her remaining starknife as the other talked and gave noncommittal grunts. Once Jask started laughing, she ran over and brandished her blade against the man's neck.
Were you behind this? What do you know?
Jask pretends not to notice Thrace's threat and smiles looking around the beach happily.
"Ahhh, it's a good day isn't it? Nice little beach, plenty of attractive women, and best of all, no blasted Jenivere to carry poor old Jask off to captivity! Ha Ha Ha! Now whats say you get these manacles off of Jask here?"
Sasha gets to her feet, brushing the sand from her blouse. Before walking over to the stockpile of equipment and pulling out a rapier and kukri.
"Shipwrecked on an island? Well I can't say as I mind too much, hah! This'll be fun, think of it - The crew and passengers of the Jenivere struggle for survival in the unforgiving jungles of Sargava! Hell, we might even get to make a few kills!"
*Sasha turns to stare directly in Jask's eyes.*
Ishirou merely grunts, pulling his katana from his back and checking its edge for any imperfections. Apparently sastified no damage had come to it, he moves to the stockpile wordlessly, retrieves a hand axe and begins to sharpen it with a nearby whetstone.
Aerys quickly reaches to her side where she finds a scroll case, opening it up to ensure no water had managed to break through its seal, she breathes an enormous sigh of relief before closing the case again.
"I don't know what exactly went on here, but when i find out who cased this disaster, I'm going to strangle them with my own two hands."
Gelik merely begins drying out his clothes murmurring about the misfortune of his newest attire getting soaked.
"I think we'd all like to know what's been going on. I don't suppose anyone has any light to shed on that matter?"
Siddok points at humanoid footprints in the sand Siddok believes wes weres carrieds tos this spots judgings bys theses footprints, thoughs Siddok believes theres is mores thans ones partys ats works heres. Ifs someones wents throughs the troubles ofs knockings us outs, whys woulds theys drags us tos shores ands puts ours equipments ins ones piles, Siddok thinks thats someones saveds us froms as waterys graves.
"it seems like a lot of effort to go to, without hanging around for a reward?"
Maybes takings ones things from eachs ofs us was theres rewards... That's is ifs mys therorys is corrects... Seeings hows wes ares missings verys littles considerings wes weres ins the waters Siddok pulls at his wet clothes with slight discomfort Fors nows thoughs lets sees ifs wes cans finds ors makes shelters, ands wes needs someones tos keeps ans eyes ons Jask...
Aerys interjects,
"Regardless as to your missing property, we need to set up a shelter and fire before nightfall. Can your magicks start a fire for us Vantas? Or are perhaps one of the rest of you capable?"
Jask begins to eye Thrace nervously.
"I can't help but notice ya still got that wicked knife thing to poor Jask's throat. I swear I ain't had nothing to do with this mess, but I won't pretend to be sad either."
Within seconds Siddok has a nice big fire and a fire pit already made on the beach before Aerys finished speaking, already begining to drag the scorpions over to roast them. He then looks up at everyones faces as they look on in wonder of when did he do that. Siddok smirks and then continues to drag the scorpions.
"I must admit I'm more used to finding a someone to keep me warm, than building my own shelter. Still, if we can retrieve anything from the ship, we may be able to harvest sails to make a shelter, or some of it's other stores?"
With a loud grunt of annoyance, Thrace pulls her blade back from Jask's throat and in anger kicks the bound man to the ground.
One wrong move, criminal, and I will not hesitate to gut you myself. And with that the violent young girl walks to the fire to continue brooding the loss of her starknife.
Vantas listens allowing the recent recovered passengers/fellow survivors vent. When they had finished their tirade he spoke up to quell the chatter and establish a standing. " Enough of this, before you all were awake I, Vantas, have already dealt out instructions; deftly so as you see Siddok achieving. I also strangled a beast to protect those left helpless with my bare hands. Our Food is provided. First and Foremost, Thrace, Jask is unable to do much in his current state and is currently a burden if anything. He could not have done much as he was always under surveillance.. and the three most suspicious persons are not here as of yet. " He goes into a deeper more foreboding voice, not fully powerful but not soft and to the ears either.
" Which is why I suggest we release him of his restraints. This is not the time to squabble over petty crimes or issues. At this point we have a common enemy and an even worse realization. This is Smuggler's Shiv. This is no joke, nor a fantasy cruise, nor am I mistaken. It is rumored to have had a Chellish Crew some odd 70 years ago crash landing here and deteriorating into cannibals. Rumors like that do not simply appear and most likely have some form of truth to it. And the little creatures we have slain are most likely nothing compared to those we may find deeper in. This means we need every able body to band together to survive; I have watched Jask, he is smarter than he appears and could be helpful that way. I'm not sure about you.. but I plan to live. "
He tightens up his strap on the wands currently upon his person. Then points to the ship. " As Somia suggested we are going to salvage materials from the ship, however, we will then establish a base camp. We will split into two parties of 4, You all shall mind this area for now and do what you can, DO NOT travel near the woods until we get back. We will return with what we can to erect walls, traps and suitable shelter. After which, we will eat, if the creatures here are not enough than my magicks can provide suitable comfort for a bit. The next day an exploration party will be sent out to gather a more stable camp or supplies, follow the tracks and a most important mission with yours truly. " his points to himself as he unstrung the Longspear on his back.
" Long ago a lighthouse was planned to be erected and this island placed upon the maps as a trade colony. That however just have fallen through as you can see.. My hope is that along with a village or settlement of some kind, that the Lighthouse is at least intact. If so I can use it to flag down any oncoming ship and get us all to safety. We will also move our camp to such a place as it would most likely have buildings. Now Somia, Thrace, Siddok; we are off to the wrecked Jenivere. "
He turns to Somia in particular " And as to the warmth of yourself in particular.. I might be able to whip up a spell for just an, occasion... If not a spell I assure you it shall be magical nonetheless"
Vantas will await the others response and then head off in the direction of the ship.
With a deft flick of the wrist, a dagger appears in Thrace's hand.
I would rather not tempt fate anymore with this laughing man. Clearly he is hiding something, and I would not have him roaming free amongst us. You think it is dangerous here; well it would only be more dangerous with this man unbound.
Standing up and walking back to the man, Thrace turns back to Vantas, I will settle the problem of him being a burden in an instant, Wizard. No burden. No treachery. One slice.
Looking to the others, she continues, Who knows his crime? If we are transporting a man to his death, we can save everyone some time now.
Siddok looks longingly at the campfire hoping that Vantas would call someone else to go to the ship, the longer he waited in silence, the deeper he felt Vantas's eyes pierce him until he looked up upon the wizard with sparkles in his eyes from such bright light. Vantas was waiting for him to respond, with one last breath Siddok looked at the party, stood up and walked with Vantas to the ship. Hoping this wasn't just going to turn out like that time before.
Vantas' eyes narrow "Thrace, you unwise woman. Have you not noticed who all else this man would have to assault to even become an issue? He is without weapons or any form of protection or items of his own. Aerys can kill a man with her bare supple yet strong hands; Sasha is deft with those two blades of hers I can tell by their movement, she is not amateur. Ishirou uses a finely crafted blade from the east and knows how to take care of weapons.. the only one in danger would be Gelik and to my knowledge that would require him to overpower the other 4. He is no threat, and if you kill him you shall have to deal with the clean-up.. excess death could infect our camp and attract the attention of animals along with possible disease. You are overreacting. "
Yays! Mores foo... Siddok means ums... Siddok is hungrys...
He begins to eat some roasted scorpion
Vantas simply smirked when Siddok finally positioned himself near hi and gave the Kobold a reassuring nod "Stay close to me and you should be fine. "
Being without weapons does not mean he is unarmed. I have faced foes who could finish off half a dozen swordsmen with their bare hands.
She resecured her daggers, Any deaths are on your head, Wizard. Don't make me regret leaving him alive.
You have one chance, Jask. Don't blow it.
Thrace looks through the pile again to check for any unclaimed weaponry. She then takes a long draw from her water skin before dumping her pack with the crew members staying.
Jask immediately acts as if the matter is settled.
"See there? Nothing to worry your pretty little head over is there lass. You might even grow fond of old Jask."
He gives Thrace a wink.
"So, let's not waste anymore time. Free poor old Jask from these wretched bonds."
There is a visible twitch in the young rogue as she holds back wanting to punch Jask in the face. Well, Wizard? Free the criminal. I'm not going to do it...
" As much as I would like to, I am still the only member of the Jenivere Crew available and I'd LIKE to get everyone there alive and well~ish, y reputation is at stake. Now follow me..Miss Fireball otherwise your rash behavior would mar my record with what you warn are..'deaths' "
Vantas nods to Jask " When we return we shall see about it.. as we currently do not have the keys.. all else fail I may have a way around that. "
"Well then, let us be on our way."
Somia starts towards the ship.
Swimming to the ship turns out to be fairly easy as the water merely comes up to most of your waists.
The party arrives at the broken ship and are able to pull themselves up onto the deck, where they find themselves face to face with a much larger version of the scorpion like creatures they found back on the beach.
Eying the giant scorpion, the thief doesn't look pleased, but at least she gets to try out the new daggers....
Thrace moves in towards the Scorpion and throws her dagger.
Missing the scorpion it approaches Thrace and attempts to sting her.
But it misses as she sidesteps it easily.
Siddok moves to the left of the scorpion and blows a plum of white fog that saturates the deck causing it to become slippery beneath its apendages.
Vantas curses as Thrace seem to have missed her target. He however applauded the Kobold Siddok for his use of ice, caging the creature's movement. Rushing forward he goes up and around leaping from the rail and landing with his Longspear out to threaten the creature. " Thrace! Now why its Distracted. Strike when I do! " Vantas lunging forward when Thrace gets into position.
Thrace swings away with starknife and dagger at the scorpion:
Thrace and Vantus combined efforts tear the lowly scorpion in half. One side being speared in the haunches by Vantus, while Thrace's starknife slices off the creatures mandibles and left claw.
Looking about the ship the first thing you search is the captain's quarters. Much of his possessions have been washed out to sea in a hole at the back of the ship. However, his dresser was fortunately too large to fit through the hole.
Inside the dresser you find the captain's journal.
The Captain’s Log -
An examination of this log reveals that the Jenivere’s
captain seemed to be suffering from some sort of
madness that grew over the course of the ship’s final
voyage. Earlier entries from previous voyages are
precise in recording progress and events along the
way, as are entries from the first two-thirds of this
last trip. Yet as one reads further, the more recent
the entries get, the less common they become—in
some cases, several days are missing entries. What
entries do appear are strangely short, focusing more
and more on one of the passengers—the Varisian
scholar Ieana, with whom the captain seems to have
become obsessed. Several entries are nothing more
than poorly written love poems to Ieana, while others
bemoan Captain Kovack’s inability to please her or
catch her attention. Near the end, the entries begin to
take on a more ominous tone with the captain starting
to complain that other members of the crew are
eyeing “his Ieana.” In particular, he suspects his first
mate is in love with her, and writes several times about
how he wishes Alton would just “have an accident.”
The final entry is perhaps the most disturbing, for in
it the captain writes of how he’s changed course for
Smuggler’s Shiv at Ieana’s request. He hopes that the
two of them can make a home on the remote island,
but also notes that the crew are growing increasingly
agitated at the ship’s new course. The captain muses
that “something may need to be done about the crew”
if their suspicions get any worse.
One upper drawer
contains several keys—one of these fits Jask’s manacles.
A lower desk drawer is locked But Siddok was more than capable of disabling it - it contains a bottle of fine
brandy, a darkwood model of the Jenivere in a
glass bottle, and a small coffer containing
350 gp. Also in this lower drawer is a long leather satchel
that holds a dozen potions.
Finally, a large footlocker leaning against the desk contains Jask Derindi’s confiscated gear, including a masterwork dagger, a suit of
leather armor, two potions, a holy symbol of Nethys, and a spell component pouch.
Larder: Although the majority of the Jenivere’s food
stores were kept in the now-missing cargo below, enough
preserved rations are stored here to supply a single person
with food for 24 days. You also find the dead body of the cook here with several wounds.
Supply Room: This toom contains first mate, Alton Devers. Alton’s body lies slumped against the wall, quite dead. Alton still
wears his masterwork studded leather armor and clutches his
masterwork short sword in one hand. A search of the rest of the supply room turns up several tools and lumber that could come in handy in building a secure campsite: a block and tackle, three large canvas
sheets, two fishing nets, a grappling hook, two bullseye
lanterns, 12 flasks of lantern oil, 150 feet of hemp rope, and
five shovels.
Siddok points out that all the knife wounds on the victims were done with the same knife.
Thrace immediately strips the first mate of his armor and replaces her own leather armor with the higher quality gear.
Thinking the ship in the bottle could be pawned for a few gold, she stuffs it into her pack as well. She passes over the heavier items, the booze, and the potions. None of that interests her. She does grab a handful of coins though (88gp).
She scoffs at the holy symbol, but takes Jask's dagger.
As she pulled off the armor and got a better look at the body, Thrace realized the weapon was a rapier that took the life of the first mate.
Who on the ship favours using a rapier? Because that would be our killer. I'd bet my share of the loot on it. Well... half my share... Stay away from my share.
Somia's hand barely reached the hilt of her rapier before her companions ended the scorpion.
She muses over the journal, "Seems our Captain was quite insane, I wish I had noticed before, perhaps I could have done something about it."
sigh"It's not my own armour, but given our situation, I think it may be prudent." she takes some leather armour. We should probably hike everything we can back to "camp". Somia will also take the masterwork shortsword and/or dagger if no-one else wants them
Her ears perk up at Thrace's words, "I hope you don't mean to accuse me, I'd have nothing to gain from this, and I don't kill at random." she looks Thrace in the eye, watching her reaction.
Thrace deftly twirled the new dagger in her hand, No, not you. I was thinking of that loud-mouthed redhead. The other loudmouth redhead... She went straight for a rapier in the wreckage pile. Anyone remember her name? I didn't bother to commit it to memory.
Seeing Somia take the leather armor, Thrace gestures towards her discarded non-masterwork studded leather armor, It has a bit more protection if you want it. I have no need for it, and it's too heavy to lug around two sets of armor.
Siddok inspects the potions and begins seperating them into different catagories, after he identifies all of them he turns to the party and explains what they are. Six potions of cure light wounds, a potion of cure moderate wounds, four potions of lesser restoration, a potion of remove disease, a potion of water breathing, and a potion of water walking. He looks to the party to decide how to split them
"Why thank you Thrace,I'd normally prefer something lighter, but I think the protection may serve better in our current situation." Somia smiles at the redhead.
"hmmm potions... The multiples we can share between us, may as well leave the rest in the bag, and you or Vantas can carry it?"
Splits the cures lights potions ands the restorations potions tos ones ofs eachs ofs us, the remainders shoulds be kepts ons Vantas, hes woulds haves bests judgements ons whens tos employs thems.
Siddok looks back twards camp and shudders.
This is gettings tos bes tos muchs excitements fors Siddok...
Vantas muses over the information laid about upon him at this moment and their sudden reclamation of loot. He is quiet during this time watching the rest of the party go along with their predisposition. He deems it appropriate to speak now, " Well then, it seems our situation is worse than I thought. Ieana must have been behind most of this, she entranced the captain with her beauty and I'm sure wiles. Then went about her plans to come here for some misguided reason. To think he was so easily manipulated, I question why he was the captain rather than I, but alas that matters little now." only beginning his speech.
He turns to Thrace who seemed to be busy taking anything for herself and questioning who could have done this. " As you can tell the wounds were made by the same person, one after the other. Most likely the captain and Ieana killed the cook when he refused to place something into the food that knocked us all out. And then when Alton found out AFTER the crash they killed him as well.. I think so for I have had many talks with Alton; He was a little rough but a good-natured fool. Rest his soul. I also remind you that much like Sasha, the one you accuse or Somia, the captain also wielded a rapier to my knowledge.. and anyone can wield a dagger. And those two are gone. Not to mention the captain's stated intent. " Vantas uncrossed his arms and sighed, setting the end of his longspear to the deck.
" Regardless, either one of them are Kill-on-sight at this point. Neither mean good intentions for our survival. Grab what you can and anything else hand to me. You might not realize it, but from that spear thrust I can tell you that carrying scrolls, books and other accessories builds strength. At this point it is in our best interest to suitably equip ourselves. Thrace can have the dagger and armor for now. Somia you should take her offer for armor as.. you are most exposed. Take Alton's Short Sword as well, its quality should give you the edge if need be. Every one of you shall take a potion of Cure Light Wounds and One of Lesser Restoration. That way you have a way of revitalizing yourself or another in dire straits. DO NOT, however use them if we are not in danger, I should be able to handle such wounds. " He begins instructing then almost like a commander.
" The supplies here will help in my plan most of the ship has been compromised but it is enough for my purpose. Shelter is what we need, Food has been provided but will only last 3 days, we need to get it back to the camp. The material here, from the ship is enough to create a small shack, but that will not be enough for 9 people. I will instead create a longhouse, much like the ones in the lands of the North, using the sails and other cloths as the roofing then using the excess wood for walling and a perimeter. We shall dig holes to hold the pieces in place and use the Mast as a center foundation.
Siddok shall set up traps to alert and catch prey that wanders too close to the camp. The rest of you will gather materials of smaller size after deconstruction of this ship or cook if you cannot do anything else.. Guard if that is your only skill. Do not worry, we shall get this finished today. I have had magicks prepared just in case some passengers were pinned under a particularly heavy object during a storm. It allows one to carry 3 ties the weight of any man.. Me and another will be doing the heavy lifting.
From what I have seen, Jask must be a divine member of Lord Nethys' ranks which means not only possible healing magicks but the ability to have divine magicks along with my own to make the entire process easier. All of them should be equipped with some form of protection as well. When we get back I shall explain the plan to them. Are there any questions or comments I should know of? If Not, saddle up and get ready to swim back, I'm making sure we survive this Hell hole. "
Vantas grabs the remainder of the Items ties them comfortably and looks to the party for recognition.
"Hmmm, I love it when you tell me how to please you." Somia purrs, eyes twinkling.
Vantas noticeably blushes when Somia responds with high praise and flirtation simultaneously. He kept a commander's stature and form nonetheless. " Well then, I hope I continue to impress you much.. Later, Lady Somia" he winks back at her though there is a bit of sweat.
Siddok looks back and forth between Vantas and Somia, not understanding what they are implying. Siddok nods in agreement to go back however.
" Thrace if possible don't try to take more than your able.. your combat prowess will drop and make your near useless.. Remember you are under my leadership for now. If there is nothing else lets us leave. "
Vantas carries a sizable amount, with the rope and extra armors, potions, shovels and whatnot. If nothing happens along the way Vantas will then explain the exact plan to the other survivors at the camp picking the strongest out of them as his partner in lifting. Jask would receive freedom along with the leather armor, his Holy symbol and spell component pouch; Vantas obviously pleased the follow the same diety. He would request the use of Ishirou's axe and the might of anyone capable, those less-so would be staying at the base camp with Siddok as he draws a crud map in the sand depicting where holes should be dug and where rope should be attach to create a strong frame when the rest receive the materials. But first their acceptance of the plan was most needed. Everyone no matter ability, would feel useful.
The young thief mumbled profanities in Varisian as the wizard talked over her and gave orders. I don't want any more gear anyway. Keep the potions; they only weigh me down. And Jask isn't get back his dagger. she finished securing the masterwork blade in one of her wrist sheaths as she noted the last point. The rogue seemed quite pleased with her haul over the day as her belt was now fairly full of throwable blades.
It is late at night before Vantas' tasks have been completed. Most everyone looks exhausted from the days work excepting Ishirou. As it took so long to complete only one night watch need be taken, which Aerys offers to do.
Vantas assures this night everyone is somewhat merry after the work is done but is quite tired after the event. His magic gave both him and Ishirou the strength of an Ant. The Mast was the toughest piece to carry but was the most important. With Two campfires at each end and his floating Ioun stone providing light from inside, the longhouse was sufficiently lit, protected and comfortable.. for something they made in one day.
Before sleep he will request that Jask prepare spells such as Mending to clear patches and strengthen the structure. Create Water and Purify Food and Drink. The others he should see fit, And if possible.. to use the glow of Nethys to revitalize the scouting group before they venture out. The Group consisting of Thrace, Somia, Siddok and himself.
Ishirou he set along with Aerys, on guard duty. They were strong enough to repel lesser threats. If the scouting party didn't return after a set time he set Sasha had Gelik on hunter-gathering. Even though they had about 18 stores left, that was far too little to be comfortable with.
After all is said and down Vantas crawls into his bed/elevated Hammock for the night, weary and satisfied with his endeavors... mostly. He keeps his items close, shaking the wand that no longer had energy but storing it in his Scrollbox to remind him he would need to restore it.
Basically this with a mast made to be the main structural supports and ropes to hold the canvas.
The night passes uneventfully and the party awakens to a new day on the island.