Serpent Skull (Inactive)

Game Master Nickadeamous

Nimar will move slowly while keeping his eyes open for traps.

Nimar nods and moves along the path watching for snares, trip-wires, and any number of other methods of triggering traps.

Gelik can't help but open his mouth. "Guys, is this really a good idea? Maybe we should go back and get the others? I really don't want to die out here in the jungle. There...there could be more of them. What if they're going back to get more of their friends?"

After Neil is done sparring with Sasha, he'll ask Ishirou and Aerys if they would like to do the same.

"Gelik isn't wrong on that. They could be going for backup," Nimar says as he pokes at leaf on the trail, ensuring it doesn't hide trap. "Personally, I want to find the captain and whatever transport they're using to get out of here sooner, rather than later. What do you think, Nym? Orne?"

"They could be goin' for backup, but if they wanted to kill us, I reckon they woulda tried not long after I got skewered. They 'ad us flanked, I was down, an' they 'ad us outnumbered at least two to one." Nymra releases her grip on her blade and it dissipates. She leans up against a tree, crosses her arms, and furrows her brow in thought. "That said, it wouldn't hurt to get some backup of our own jus' in case, so long as we get right back to the trail. We wait much longer an' we risk losin' the trail for good an' all. God's I hope it doesn't rain." She looks up, trying to get a sense of the coming weather through the canopy.
Survival to tell the weather for the next 24 hours, DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
She frowns and looks back down at the trail.
"Well, we should probably head back now, and hope it don't rain."
She summons her blade again and gets ready to head back to camp.

In the new guy. I've already counseled strength in numbers. If they are hostile, following them is not smart. If not, then we just end up talking.

I come across this a lot with reclusive natives on any continent. We're new, strange to them. They might be reporting to Elders.

Day: 6
Light: Daylight
Time: 12:00pm

The four trackers spend the next two hours backtracking back to base camp. Upon arrival, Gelik is actually happy to have survived his first mission. The weather holds steady and the heat increases but the rain does not come. As soon as Jask sees Nimar, he runs over to the man and begins "you were able to remove my restraints. I was hoping you would be able to open this coffer we found aboard the Brine Demon. It was the only thing on the ship that had not been picked clean."

Nymra, on seeing Gelik happy for once, kneels in an effort to be at eye level with the little man. She puts a hand on his shoulder, saying "It was a short expedition, but you did well. You had my back out there and I won't soon forget it. Thank you Gelik."

She then joins Nimar and Jask. "Hope it's good news," she says looking at the coffer.

"I would be happy to give it a try, Jask," Nimar replies to the former prisoner. He has a sip of water then takes a seat in the shade. He unrolls his tools and begins taking his time examining the coffer.

Perception to detect traps: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Assuming it seems safe he will take 20 picking the lock for a total of 29

Nimar jiggles his tools around in the locking mechanism for a moment before it pops open. Inside are an expensive looking gold locket, an extremely well made dagger, and numerous ledgers and journals. The locket itself contains a tiny, incredibly detailed portrait of a beautiful, red-haired half-elf woman. Along the bottom edge of the portrait is the name "Aeshamara" which is barely legible.

The ledgers and journals contain irrefutable proof of collusion between Captain Kinkarian and half a dozen Sargavan and Bloodcove government officials, who were skimming off the tithes and taxes offered to the Free Captains of the Shackles. These documents provide clear evidence of Jask's innocence and he becomes ecstatic. He grabs Aerys and begins dancing around with her. "Haha, I can't believe it. After more than 10 years, I can finally begin to reclaim my life. I owe it all to you people. You have freed me and saved my life. How can I ever repay you?"

Gelik looks at Nymra "I was happy to be of service. I'm just glad you guys listened to my wise words and returned back before we were all slaughtered by the natives. You know, perhaps you should name me leader. Yes, I think I like that idea."

Appraise locket: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Appraise ledgers: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"Ah, well will our fearless leader be joinin' us on our next 'venture?" Nymra says playfully with a grin.
"Speakin' o' next 'venture..." She then tells the rest of the group about the trapped trail and the skittish natives.
"So, we figure if we wanna keep on the trail o' the cap'n, we'd best head out in a larger force for safety."

What chance they... followed us?

Nimar sips from his water and wipes his forehead. "The worst of the heat should be past by now. I say have a quick lunch and gear up."

I concur, we should hit the trail again and follow the tracks.

Did Ishirou or Aerys decide to spar with Neil? That kind of got skipped over. I was curious if they'd have morale improved by some physical exercise and personal bonding.

"It's possible they could have followed us Orne, our tracks would be plenty easy to follow." Nymra says with a frown. She digs through her backpack and fishes out a bell and a length of string. "Whoever stays behind oughta set this up somewhere, might help you hear em comin' if they do."

Ishirou simply shakes his head and replies "no, Ishirou watch" when offered the chance to spar. Aerys doesn't respond at first, but further probing catches her attention. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm just trying to finish what I'm working on. Maybe next time."

At hearing the possibility of being followed back to camp, Gelik becomes very nervous. "What? You think they could have...would have followed us? Oh dear. Okay, if you guys are going out again, then I'm not being left here. I'm going too."

Good call, Nym. We definitely need an alarm system of some sort set up.

Setting up a traps is a craft (traps) check. The DC is variable based on how difficult it is to find, how difficult it is to take apart, and more. It is rather complex.

Yeah it is lol. Done a bit of reading since our last trap making session and I still have no clue how it works.

Day: 6
Light: Daylight
Time: 5:00pm

With the possibility of natives stalking the group and potentially knowing where the group's base camp is, none of the group are particularly keen on remaining in the camp with lesser forces. The group packs up everything they can carry that won't slow them down and head out after a quick bite to eat.

Its a few hours to back track down the river, past the poisoned clearing, and arriving at the trail. The remnants of the rope trap still hangs in the air not far down the trail.

It's about 3 hours to nightfall. All 5 npc's are coming with you so you'll need to decide upon a marching order. Also, you'll need to decide if you're going to move at full speed following the trail, or move at 1/2 speed following the Captain's tracks. A DC 22 Survival check will be needed to pick up the Captain's tracks again.

Nymra will keep an eye on the tracks, going half speed or less depending on what Nimar needs to go to keep an eye out for traps. I don't think anyone wants to march down the path at full speed after that last trap lol. Nimar will be in the lead with Nymra behind him. Is Ishirou trained in stealth, and if so, would he and Sasha be willing to sneak off the trail, watch our sides? After that, I figure the clerics, and Gelik in the center, Aerys watching our back, and Neil wherever he wants to be. I'll take 10 on the survival check for 18, and we'll need two successful assist rolls if we want to track.

Day: 6
Light: Daylight
Time: 6:00pm

The group proceeds down the trail cautiously while Ishirou and Sasha flank them. It's roughly an hour later when Nymra quickly reaches out and grabs Nimar. She points down to the ground and Nimar soon realizes that he was inches away from stepping on one of the spiked snare traps that ensnared Nymra earlier.

Ding! Level achieved! Congratulations, you are now 2nd level. Please post a brief post in the discussion thread about your new changes and abilities.

Yes, both Ishirou and Sasha are trained in Stealth.

Day: 6
Light: Daylight
Time: 7:00pm

About an hour later, Nimar easily spots another of the spiked snare traps. Whether it's knowing exactly what to look for or the fact that he almost stepped right into the last one, Nimar notices it without even trying. Sasha and Ishirou continue to flank the group just beyond the tree line. Gelik cannot help but occasionally try to strike up conversation with anyone, mostly out of nervousness. "You think they're following us now, those natives? You think they set those snares, or was it the Captain trying to slow pursuit? Do you think the Captain knows he's being pursued?" Questions that are probably on the minds of others are vocalized periodically as the group marches along.

The trail itself cuts back and forth every few dozen yards making progress slow going. There's only about an hour of sunlight left and there hasn't been a suitable place to make camp since leaving the base camp. The faint sound of running water can be heard to the south and there's no telling how much farther the path runs...

Intentions? Do you wish to continuing marching after the sun sets or try to find a place to camp for the night?

Nimar catches sight of a snare trap while tuning out Gelik's questions. He had the same thoughts that Gelik was considering, but with dusk approaching, he needed to focus. When the shadows and setting sun made things more difficult he stopped and turned to Nymra. "I'm concerned about everyone's safety, Nym, especially my own," he chuckled and grinned. "We're running out of daylight. I could use a torch, but that might alert anyone watching us. Sounds like there is a stream near, maybe we should make camp?"

Nymra will humor Gelik's questions. "I think it's safe to assume they are followin' us, probably did set them traps. Based offa that last page of the cap'ns journal we read, I don't think he's aware of much."

"I don't blame ya, let me tell ya, those traps hurt." Nymra says with a chuckle. "Aye, were this trail not riddled with traps, I'd say lets keep goin', but yer right. Lets find that stream."

Day: 6
Light: Dusk
Time: 8:00pm

As the sun descends below the horizon, the group breaks through the tree line and comes upon a small embankment. There isn't much room and most of the wood had to be left behind, but a quick search of the immediate area reveals that there are no traps and the area is relatively safe from natural hazards. Sasha for one, gets a little excited at the prospect of fresh fish for dinner and quickly sets about making arrangements. Jask sets about gathering some fire wood while Gelik simply begins tossing small stones into the river.

The embankment is only 10 feet wide so you're either next to the jungle, or next to the water. Post watches if you like and let me know if you're taking any additional precautions.

Nymra will set about foraging for food around the area.
Survival DC 10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Nimar does his best to fashion a fishing rod and joins Sasha on the --bank. He stays quiet the whole time, trying his best to relax.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Last night it was Jask, Ishirou, Nimar, myself, and Aerys. Tonight, Gelik, Sasha, myself, Nymra, and Orne will take watch. I'll be taking the midnight shift every night to cover for the odd number of people we have. Gellik, you good with first watch tonight?

"I'll take your shift tonight Gelik, I owe ya that much. I'll take the first two or the last two shifts.

"Works for me, hopefully I can get a full, uninterrupted night's sleep! Hey, take a look at the fish I caught." Nimar tells the group with a grin after he returns from fishing in time to hear Neil's watch schedule.

Gelik is very appreciative of Nyrma's offer and takes her up on it. Everyone is still awake as the fish cooks across the open fire when a ghostly figure rises up right out of the fire itself! It appears as a nearly skeletal form of bare bones picked clean. It still wears a tricorn hat and a coat that seems to drip like water back into the fire. One of it's hands is a gleaming metal hook "Aeshamara! it calls out with it's deathly voice.

Initiative - Round 1
21 - Gelik
21 - Aerys
20 - Ghost
19 - Orne
17 - Ishirou
16 - Jask
14 - Neil
12 - Sasha
12 - Nymra
9 - Nimar
6 - Lesedi

Gelik is taken aback and falls over backwards landing on his rear, the panic evident is his eyes. Aerys on the otherhand is on her feet quickly and draws her weapon. The ghost once again calls out "Ashamara! as it slowly looks around, still floating within the fire. Ishirou calmly disappears into the shadows out of view. Jask backs up a few feet to the end of the jungle and fumbles about trying to pull out his holy symbol. Sasha quietly raises an eyebrow in disbelief while slowly circling around the ghost. Lesedi stands up and retreats a few feet in shock.

Feel free to post out of order, but actions will occur in order of initiative. PC's are up! Also, since it's only one foe, I have not updated a map.

Nymra jumps up and summons her sword, which looks slightly different now. It is still a large blue crystalline greatsword, but now it has three bladed hook-like projections coming off the backside of the blade.
"No Ashamara 'ere stranger, move along," she says, pointing the blade at the ghost.
The sword has the trip special weapon property.

"Whoa! There is no Ashamara here, friend! Perhaps she's down that way?" Nimar draws his rapier and assumes a defensive posture. He points down the path in the direction the tracks lead.

Standing as a move, drawing weapon as a move.

Who is Ashamara? Neil asks, confused. He then takes a look around the camp to see if there's anyone else here; perhaps this is a trick.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Thieves! You have stolen it!" the ghost shrieks. It slowly scans the group. It looks each one of you in the eyes. When it gets to Neil, the fire swells up and the ghost raises its insubstantial arm and points it right at Neil. "Return her to me!" The others are frozen in their tracks. Focused on the ghost, Neil doesn't notice anyone else present.

PC's turn again. The ghost has not attacked, yet. It clearly seems to think you have something, or someone, that belongs to it.

Initiative - Round 2
21 - Gelik
21 - Aerys
20 - Ghost
19 - Orne
17 - Ishirou
16 - Jask
14 - Neil
12 - Sasha
12 - Nymra
9 - Nimar
6 - Lesedi

Orne eyes the powerful spirit. Perhaps, we can help you find... it.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

I... Um... I..I..I'd be happy to. Neil stammers out as he wrecks his brain to see if he's taken anything from any of the ships... Perhaps... Was she on the Brine Demon? Where can I find her? How can we get her back? Who took her from you?

Wait... Neil pulls out a scarf he found earlier and offers it to the apparition, Is this what you're looking for?

Nimar moves close to Neil, ready, to jump in to defend him should the apparition grow violent.

Readying an Aid Another to AC.

"You! You have stolen her. I must see my love Aeshamara! I must see her face! Show me her face or perish with your companions!" the ghost screams. It begins to close in on Neil as it moves out of the fire.

Initiative - Round 3
21 - Gelik
21 - Aerys
20 - Ghost
19 - Orne
17 - Ishirou
16 - Jask
14 - Neil
12 - Sasha
12 - Nymra
9 - Nimar
6 - Lesedi

"Uh, maybe you should just toss it to him, Neil?"

Nimar continues to ready an Aid Another.

Neil takes a side step to ensure that if he misses the toss, the scarf won't land in the fire, and then he tosses the scarf at the ghost.

Nymra steps to the side of Neil and gets ready to stike the ghost should it try to attack him. "Sure you didn't take anythin' from any of the shipwrecks, or anythin' on the island at all? No paintings or sculptures? Animals? "

Just Jask's box, but I don't have that anymore. It's over there. The only thing I've grabbed from this island is that she-devil's scarf and my captain's hat.

I've got it! There was a locket with that name on it in the chest we opened yesterday! Quick, someone grab it and show it to him! Open it up and show him!

The answer was there for us at the top of this page. Lol

As soon as the scarf leaves Neil's hand, the flashback hits him like a fist to the face. The scarf itself floats through the air like a leave of the wind. It flutters slowly to the ground as the outstretched ghostly hand tries to catch it. The insubstantial ghost becomes incensed. It lets out a terrifying moan that grates the bones in your body. Aerys, Gelik, Ishirou, Sasha, and Lesedi all bolt into the dark jungle in fear of their very souls. Jask finally grabs his holy symbol and prepares to channel positive energy.

A successful DC 18 Will Save is needed to avoid Panicking for 6 rounds. This is a sonic, mind-affecting, fear effect.

Initiative - Round 4
21 - Gelik
21 - Aerys
20 - Ghost
19 - Orne
17 - Ishirou
16 - Jask
14 - Neil
12 - Sasha
12 - Nymra
9 - Nimar
6 - Lesedi

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Nymra grimaces from the scream in her face, but shakes it off. She looks to Jask. "Jask, that locket! It still with your coffer?"
Perception to find the coffer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
If I have any actions remaining, I'll spend them moving to the coffer and getting it open to retrieve the locket, assuming it's in there and that my perception check located the coffer.

An active Perception check is a move action so you still have a standard or move action remaining.

Jask shouts "It should be in the coffer, yes. Should I...should I try to turn it? What should I do?"

It's a move action to get to the coffer, and a standard action to grab the locket and display it to the ghost.

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Fear washes over Nimar as the spirit lets out a keening wail. He wants to run, but stands his ground.