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Hank takes the news well, but inside he is despondent. He thought that even if an experiment failed, so long as he wasn't dead (or, worse, proven a quack) he'd be able to re-calibrate the phase-emitters and try again. But this.... How is our intrepid hero gonna get out of this one.
He munches slowly on the ever-present pleasant-tasting fauna that abound and muses on his situation. Perhaps some long-term goal for his fertile mind to chew on would once more seduce Muse's fickle gaze?
"So," he says, to everyone and no one. "What now?"
The dryad nods to Silvio. "As long as they respect my tree and don't taint the water in my pool, they are welcome here."
"I suggest telling the other crew members of this island and then search the main island for ways to get off the island. Fleet, any ideas since you have been here the longest?" ask Amy.
"I was also thinking we get back to the main land by raft then secure it on the other side for the rest of the crew to travel back here." suggest Amy.
"So be it then. Let's rest now get the raft in the morning."
John Fleet, you know the following information about the island.
There's a giant crab monster that roams the South beach.
There's a bloodsucking demon that flies at night.
There's a large tribe of cannibals that rule the Northwest quadrant of the island. Very dangerous. Lots of traps.
There's a creepy cloud-covered island to the North of this island's hook. It's within swimming distance of the shore.
Be wary of poisonous plants, tigers, komodo dragons, and sea scorpions.
Because the island is surrounded by dangerous reefs, shipwrecks are everywhere.
Fleet thinks hard about Amy's question. When he speaks, his mouth is in a wry expression. "I agree with the raft idea, by the way, but as to getting off the island for good...I have an idea, but I don't think you're going to like it."
He stands and tosses away the pit of the fruit he had been eating.
"When we first met, I told you that there was a tribe of indigenous people to the north of the island. They filled their part of the jungle with ponji pits and dart traps. But before I was driven away, I saw that they possess seaworthy ships, ships with light enough water profiles to skim over the dangerous reefs around the island."
Using the sun as a reference, he points to the north end of the island, across the narrow strip of water. "We could try to steal one and take it to the mainland."
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Roman gets a thoughtful look on his face and then asks Silvio, "I heard a song once about you seducing a mermaid off the coast of Varisia. Any part of that true?"
”Ah, you are talking about Mina the mermaid. There are many parts that are true. Silvio would prehaps not use the word ‘seduce’, as it was not on purpose. You see, Silvio and his crew was souring the coast looking for the dread bandit Duncan Poltrouce! The word was that he had made camp in the area, so Silvio went looking. Alas, a terrible storm broke and raged for hours. Fortunately the crew survived but the ship was left worse for wear. The sails were torn and the masts were broken. Without any means to steer the ship we were the mercy of the great sea. For days we drifted without hope of rescue. It was then that Mina the mermaid showed herself. Our ship had entered into her domain and she was set to bring every man and woman on board down to the depths. But when she saw the glint in Silvio’s eyes and the pearly shine of his smile something inside of her melted. Mesmerized by Silvio’s very being she faltered. She agreed to use her power to steer the ship towards land in exchange for one night with Silvio. Later when we reached the shore we found the remains of Duncan’s camp but sadly the bandit king was nowhere to be found.”
"I suggest telling the other crew members of this island and then search the main island for ways to get off the island. Fleet, any ideas since you have been here the longest?" ask Amy.
”Silvio likes this train of thought. With all the castaways staying here in the safety of our luscious host, we are free to investigate the rest of the island.”
Fleet thinks hard about Amy's question. When he speaks, his mouth is in a wry expression. "I agree with the raft idea, by the way, but as to getting off the island for good...I have an idea, but I don't think you're going to like it."
He stands and tosses away the pit of the fruit he had been eating.
"When we first met, I told you that there was a tribe of indigenous people to the north of the island. They filled their part of the jungle with ponji pits and dart traps. But before I was driven away, I saw that they possess seaworthy ships, ships with light enough water profiles to skim over the dangerous reefs around the island."
Using the sun as a reference, he points to the north end of the island, across the narrow strip of water. "We could try to steal one and take it to the mainland."
”That sounds like a splendid idea. How big would you say that these boats are? Would one hold our entire crew or would we have to procure several? Also, are you sure that the people of the main island may not be persuaded to lend a boat to us?”
Silvio turns to the dryad with a deep bow. ”Silvio wishes to once again thank you for your hospitality and he is reminded that we have not asked for your name. A name surely as beautiful as this island and its caretaker.”
"They might be able to carry us. I'm not sure," confesses Fleet. "As for giving us the boats willingly...I think they'd sooner eat us than help us. They're cannibals, an evil practice."
He coughs in obvious discomfort at his own words, and continues. "Whereas, I only eat the brains of people when I absolutely need information."
" I like the plan. " Amy says but ignores Fleet's comment about eating brains.
"The crude raft we used on the last crossing should still be on the beach. says Amy.
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Hank tosses back the last of the milk of a thing that he thinks might be related to a coconut, and looks at the group.
"Ah! That makes things MUCH clearer. Thank you for pointing that out.
I concur that the dirty, dirty tribals will need to be dealt with harshly. If there are no rival tribes on this island, but they surround themselves with traps, it seems that they are simply defending themselves for the sake of it. Bad business that.
As far as a raft goes, now that I know what you're intending, I might be able to SCIENCE something useful. Pause a moment."
Hank bends to his Configu-a-tron and messes with some dials. In time he points the thing at a small puddle and fires it, with the setting set on 'slow molecules'.
And the puddle freezes.
"I may be able to construct a temporary land-bridge. It would take time, and would only be able to hold people for a short while, but it's something to keep in mind, should there be some problem with this 'raft' concept."
Roman chuckles softly st the Professor using his gizmo to make a bridge. Compared to some of the other exotic uses for the weapon he had seen Fleet utilize in the past, making an ice bridge was charmingly mundane.
He then went back to work writing Silvio's version of the mermaid story.
He tapped the plume of his quill along his face and thought, Hmm, perhaps I could come up with an alternate version of the song...
Amy takes it all in. Silvio telling his tell, Roman writing his tell, Fleet planning the way off the island for the 100 time most likely, and Hank freezing water. She smiles that even after what has happen the group is enjoying themselves.
"You guys ready to head back to the main island? " ask Amy and she heads to the beach to check the raft.
'What do you think of the raft Hank? Can you make it better or would you want to do the bridge idea? How long will it take to create the bridge?" inquires Amy of Hank.
[b]"Silvio is all for returning to our fellow stranded souls on the main island and bring them here. While he is impressed with the show of magic the bridge of ice seems abit to volatile at the moment. We should negotiate the stretch of water by raft for now, but as friend Hank says, keep the use of 'science' in the back of our heads."[/ooc]
"Let's make our way to the rafts, then. The others will be wondering if we're still alive." So saying, the necromancer rises from his seated position and makes his way to the beach where they left their raft that they used to get over here.
"Why would they wonder that? Silvio was apart of the expedition, clearly it was successful", Silvio states, truly puzzled by John's words.
Fleet just rolls his eyes and grins as he walks toward the beach.
Amy gives a small laugh as the group walks to the beach as Silvio and Fleet talk. Then turns to Fleet and ask a question, "Last time you old master pushed the raft to the beach. How are we to get across this time?"
The raft is right where you left it. As you cross the small stretch of water and begin your journey through the jungle, you notice a distinct lack of biting and stinging insects - a parting gift from the Dryad .
It takes you two days to return to the shipwreck site. There, you see that your fellow castaways have been busy. Led by the stoic Ichiro, they've been hard at work constructing crude lean-twos. They've also managed to catch some fish.
"Oh, this group is not going to be thrilled about moving. We're going to need to sell this."
"Already thought of that," Fleet says, holding up another of the juicy fruits be picked up from Robinia's island of plenty. "This is way better than any grub they can find on the main island. Should help convince them. Those lean tos won't be as comfortable as a dryad's protection."
Unabashed Silvio steps forward and addresses his fellow cast aways. ”Great news! Silvio and his merry band of friends has returned! He can see that you are all excited to see him and with good cause. During the time we were away Silvio and his friends has braved the wilds of the jungle, fought great evils and secured a safe location for us to settle down on our time here at the island. You see, in defeating the malicious influence that had a small adjacent island in its clutches, we also set free its protector! Now the lovely Robinia has granted us a sanctuary with fresh water, beautiful scenery and sweet fruits! ”
"And no mosquitoes."
Amy hangs back just a little. She hopes the group has forgotten the arguments from earlier. She prays that the group will listen and be safe.
Fleet helpfully provides a visual aid by tossing the heavy fruit to Ichiro when Silvio mentions it.
John notices that Hank, the newcomer, is off kicking sand by himself. He realizes that he, quite rudely, didn't introduce the newcomers that they had met on the mysterious isle.
"Everyone," he calls out, addressing everyone on the beach, "you may have noticed that we added to our number on that mysteriously misty isle. These two men were instrumental in helping us to escape there alive and fulfill the dryad's quest. Hank Rearden is his name, and the blond that you've met already is Roman, Roman Andari. Hank, Roman, this is Ishirou, Gelik, Aerys, Jask and Sasha. They-" he indicates the 5 he just introduced, "shipwrecked with them," he says, pointing at Amy and Silvio. "I wrecked here separately."
"Indeed it is," the necromancer comments. "Our two ships shipwrecked within weeks of each other on this island, and since making landfall here I've discovered that there are numerous other ships that have been destroyed on the perilous reefs that encircle us."
He pauses, rubbing his chin. "Still, that many wrecks could serve to our advantage. Plunder can most likely be found among the destroyed sea-faring vessels."
Ichiro takes a bite of the fruit and grins. "Is good fruit." He huddles up with the other castaways, and they have a whispered conversation. Then, with a nod of agreement, they turn back to you. "Very well. We'll look at the place you've found. If it doesn't work out, we can always use this site as a backup campsite."
"Before you head over there, is there any injures that need healing. I would be glad to heal them. " offers Amy.
Nodding his satisfaction, Fleet moves over to the treeline and finds a suitable section of undergrowth.
"Time to test this little artifact's remaining abilities," he comments aloud, as he takes it from his belt.
Closing his eyes to focus, the necromancer slowly drags the sickle over a particularly thicketed area of the foliage. Under his concentrated command, the magic of the sickle begins to transform the plants, shuffling them around until they form an approximation of a human shape.
It takes him over 15 minutes to finish the transformation; when he's done, a section of vines, bushes, small trees, and other plants have separated themselves from the ambient jungle and formed a corpse made of plants in front of him.
He attempts to animate it.
[dice=Animate "Dead"]2d6+2[/dice]
✴On a 7-9, also choose one:
• The flesh resists you, start with 1 less Power.
• You draw unwelcome attention or put yourself in a spot. The GM will tell you how.
• Magic barely holds the corpse together and afterwards, the corpse will disintegrate.
When he finishes, the magic draws the plants together with the power of the sickle, and creates a crude "plant golem" animated via necromantic energy.
"Looks like this sickle's still useful after all! This construct won't last long, but he will help you reach the island faster without having to swim," he comments. "I'll order the plant golem to swim behind your raft and provide forward thrust to get you across the water. It'll destroy itself when you arrive, so you don't have to worry about looking after it."
Ichiro takes a bite of the fruit and grins. "Is good fruit." He huddles up with the other castaways, and they have a whispered conversation. Then, with a nod of agreement, they turn back to you. "Very well. We'll look at the place you've found. If it doesn't work out, we can always use this site as a backup campsite."
"Excellent! Silvio would be happy to show you the way."
"Looks like this sickle's still useful after all! This construct won't last long, but he will help you reach the island faster without having to swim," he comments. "I'll order the plant golem to swim behind your raft and provide forward thrust to get you across the water. It'll destroy itself when you arrive, so you don't have to worry about looking after it."
"Silvio thinks that he should go on the raft to introduce the new faces to Robinia. It would be a good start on what is destined to be a long lasting relationship."
"Fleet, I am glad that your sickle still works. The group that we are heading to, are they closer to here or the raft? I thinking that we can all carry the items stored here to the raft and sent it over with group. If that sounds good to everyone." Amy says this as she looks at Ichiro and the rest of the group.
"Excellent. Now we just need to figure out where to go after that? Does anyone have any ideas?"
"I say we sneak over to the local population's side of the island, and see if we can steal a boat," the necromancer suggests. "I can lead the way."
"That is a good idea as any. Silvio approves of this plan. How big are the boats in their possession?"
Roman makes a point of providing traveling music to keep everyone's mood high. Or at least as high as a group of castaways on a possibly haunted island could have anyway.
"Lets head out then but lets also keep any eye out. I was just thinking back about the fact that those who survived the shipwreck can not completely remember what has happened and some has come back in nightmares. Hopefully over time we will be able to figure why our ship was wrecked. There are at least three facts that we know for sure that I think are important. One, one of the life boats from the ship was missing. But we awoke on a beach with no boat. Two, when I woke up on the beach, I detected nutmeg in my mouth. In the world of medicine it is know that nutmeg can used to hide poisons. One that most likely caused us to black out at the party. Three, there was a pile of items that we needed neatly stacked like they were placed by a person near us on the beach. I have been thinking it over and I think that the wreck was caused on purpose by someone. Who or why? I don't know. But I believe that they are alive and on this island. " stated Amy.
"Well that's simple then. We find this person and we ask them kindly what happened. Like falling off a log."
"Intentionally causing a shipwreck.." the necromancer shakes his head at the idea of such treachery.
"Well, if we find them, I promise you that we will inquire very forcefully as to why."
Leading the way, the necromancer Blazes a Trail for their Perilous Journey.
XP Marked. It takes longer than normal for us to make the journey.
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"I find when examining a mystery there is one important questions that needs to be answered: Who stands to gain?
Hence, if you were brought here, who has gained by your presence?
One could observe, rightly or not, that you have just completed a job for someone. This someone seems very powerful, with large assets, control over nature and the elements, and had a problem that you have now taken care of.
Hence, it seems reasonable that the shipwreck might have been caused by that Dryad we just left, who then tasked you in slaying that pirate-zombie.
That's not a bad thing, in itself, but it is one working theory."
Hank follows along, wondering if Fleet is really going in the right direction.
Fleet falls silent when Hank brings that up.
"Hadn't considered that, actually," he says, in a quiet voice, as they travel. "Do you mistrust her?"
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Hank smiles. "I trust only one thing, and that is the motivation of self-interest. I am NOT making gadgets so that I could stomp around on some deserted island. I AM making gadgets so that I could sell them for outrageous amounts of money and live in a style that I find comfortable. Hence, as profit is my motivation, then one can predict my actions accordingly. It would be bad for my bottom line to kidnap individuals and subjects them to tests or hold them as employees, so I do not do so, but that revolves around both my personal morals and the law enforcement apparatus in the country of my origin.
However, were one very powerful, not subject to a law enforcement aperture, and lacking such morals, one could say that one might profit from forcing someone's hand.
Hence, I trust her to do what is in -her- best interest. And she has! However, I find the utter LACK of recompense to be insulting, both morally and ethically--if you do a job for someone they should pay you for it. She seems to think that giving you your freedom--which she stole in the first place--is payment enough.
Though, if she has the hand of the tyrant, you may be powerless to do aught about it. And, if you find the role of the slave to be of your liking, then who is to gainsay it?
Were it me, I might start working against her self-interest and see how she reacts. She has not been wiped from the island by the sentient races that inhabit it, so I think she should have more resources than she let on.
Or you could let it go. If your prospects are bright enough, then that is good too.
What I mean to say is, no, I feel that more payment should have come from her, and it was not, so I would be retarded from being in her employ in the future as I would not trust her to make good on her end. And in that sense, I do not trust her."
"But she would not need a life boat." thinks Amy out loud.
" For now I don't think that she was the one who stranded us here but she did take advantage of the fact. But does not hurt to have a powerful ally who could help in times of need or provide protection when ill or hurt. I have a feeling that it was one of the crew on the ship or some unknown person that was traveling with us. " responds Amy.
"And a safe place to stay is a worthy recompense given the situation. Had she paid us in gold and silver coin, what would we do with them? Eat them? I hardly think so."
"Moreover, it doesn't fit the narrative. Had she truly lured you here to solve her problem, then she would have simply killed you once you were done. It's classic drama."
"Plus, the woman had legs that went all the way to the ground. Surely she isn't evil."
Fleet has to chuckle at that. "If only it were always that way," he muses, looking up at the jungle canopy and the sunlight streaming down through the leaves. "Hey, who's got the rations? I'm feeling hungry."