Leaving the most trusted lower officers in charge as before, the party heads back inland, resuming their trek to the elevated mountain staircase and pathway that cuts through the center of the island.
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F. LOOKOUT POINT
A tall stone tower topped with battlements rises along the cliffs here. Two eyeless cyclops statues rise above these defenses, gazing sightlessly over the western sea. Above them, the spire continues upward, tapering into a giant crystal shard of pink quartz. At ground level, immense double doors, decorated in ancient glyphs, form the tower's only entrance.
This stone watchtower is 60 feet tall, with battlements encircling a raised platform about 40 feet up. Similar to the tower at the Chelish fort (area B17), it provides a commanding view of the seaside cliffs.
You can see that the tower is still manned by Cyclops, some watching the sea for passing ships, some watching the jungle around the tower.
What are you doing?
Whispering to the others from their lookout advantage, Ashlei scowls.
"Doesn't this island eventually run out of be-damned one-eyed giants?! Kinda looks like a wizard's tower...doesn't it Esmarelda? I wish we could turn everybody invisible and just sneak in there."
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"well queen of the isle... what should she we do?"
He asked Ash stonefaced.. he was joking wasnt he. He crossed his arms under his chest.
"Cass thats apretty big hunk of crystal... any magical reason that would be there? "
He asked while eyeing the approaches to the Cyclops tower
"we've broke their stronghold there are bound to be small bands roaming the island we need to clear them out if we actually plan on settling this place.. which i do intend to do... wont be done in a day of course but...
His mind ran through a million things at once it seemed... could there be any uses of rying to speak with the one eyed freaks? could they be swayed to be of use to the isle? probably not but...
"Anyone have any idea how to get them to work for us?"
"Given what we've gleaned of their history so far, and our interactions with them to date, I seriously doubt it. They're as likely to consider us food or slaves. I wouldn't trust them around the crew." Rhialla says looking up.
"I can probably spin up an illusion to cover our approach up to entering the tower."
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"Huh... Yeah you're right." Esmarelda half agreed as she looked over the scene.
"Whatever we choose, I'd like not to get too close." Esmarelda said as she looked to Rhialla. "For the obvious reasons."
While you are watching it becomes very clear that the Cyclops watching the ocean aren't very alert. The ones scanning the surrounding jungle on the other hand look very alert.
In fact one of them lobs a rock at a small deer which wandered too close, he misses and it runs away. The Cyclops look very disappointed, and very hungry.
What now?
Ashlei shrugs and sighs.
”I could go get the ship and lob some ballista shots at the tower. Doubt it would do much but risk the ship from thrown rocks. But it SHOULD get their attention.”
"I'm not great with illusions, but I could just disintegrate a section of the wall away from their guards so we could waltz in. I do like Ash's idea, though," says Cass.
"A combination of all three sounds like the best approach. A ship feint attack from the sea staying just out of range of them throwing rocks, but enough to draw their attention. I cover our approach with an illusion, and Cass blasts us a way in." Rhialla replies.
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H. GREAT STONE BRIDGE
Ancient carvings decorate this large stone bridge, which crosses a swift river flowing from the mountain to the north. A pair of statues of cyclops warriors stands at each end, with massive, fiery gemstones representing their singular, unblinking eyes. The statues to the east
hold giant swords above their heads in a guardian pose, while those to the west point their blades toward the ground, heads bowed in reverence.
The ancient carvings on the bridge actually tell the history of Sumitha and its purpose as a place of sojourn and meditation.
With a successful DC 20 Linguistics check, a PC can piece together their meaning.
The eastern statues represent the cyclopes who came to Sumitha for insight, who were expected to boldly announce their arrival here before submitting themselves to the seers of the mountain stronghold.
The western statues represent those cyclopes leaving Sumitha in reverent benediction following their enlightenment there.
Treasure:
The four eyes of the statues are fire opals worth 500gp each should you choose to remove them.
I. MOUNTAIN AERIE
Progressively higher hills lead into this mountain, which provides a commanding view of the island's northeast coastline.
Gullies from the runoff of tropical rainstorms form navigable pathways up the sides of the peak.
As you get closer you can see large, flying dinosaurs seem to be nesting on the highest peak.
A flock of Pteranodons has established nests here at the island's highest elevation, feeding on fish gleaned from the ocean.
But like most of the large fauna on the island, they have nearly been hunted to extinction by the cyclopes.
Only a dozen or so pteranodons remain, and they fiercely defend their habitat.
You are not in their threat range yet. What are you doing?
Ashlei sighs, then points at the flying animals.
”I say we leave them alone for now. Then we come back later with a druid and tame them. Flying mounts are rare, but we could turn the eggs of the creatures into useful additions and it will only cost us the training help and some fish.”.
Cass says, "I kinda agree, it would be a shame for such majestic beasts to go extinct. Unlike the cyclopes."
"I mean, think if you turned the crow's nest into a nest for them and have them rain down upon people who tried to take the ship?" Esmarelda suggested
Judging by the lack of tracks in this area the Cyclops avoided it for some reason?
What now?
After they take the time to liberate the fire opals from the statues, Rhialla nods after assessing things. "So we leave the flying dinosaurs to deal with later, and move on. Let's go!"
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"Those were dsome awkwardly majestic flying lizards.... I wonder if they will cause issues later on.... these looks like what Sheep land?
He paused once more looking over the island.... possible 'his' island. This was something he had never pictured being a thing when he started his journey at sea....
Cassiopeia automatically makes the check. You can read the spoiler now.
What now?
J. MANGROVE SWAMP
A dense, overgrown swamp stretches beneath this mile-long cliff. Colorful birds make their nests among the foliage, their mating calls echoing across the expanse.
You are currently on the cliff looking out over this swamp. What are you doing?
"I hate swamps." Esmarelda said with a long sigh. "Nothing good ever happens in a swamp! Have you noticed that?" She half asked the others as she crossed her arms and looked around.
"Interesting though... this must be the watershed, where water coming from higher ground collects before going into the ocean, probably full of dinosaurs and stuff like that."
Cass cricks her neck and says, "The only real reason we should check it is in case something awful lives there and comes out to hunt things. Which is probably the case, since the cyclopes gave this place a wide berth, which means whatever was in there scared even them. Ugh. I'm with you, Es, I hate walking through swamp. Gets all in my footwear and you never know if you're about to fall into a bunch of mud and get it up on your bits."
Smirking at the Captain’s joke, Ashlei nods at the swamp.
”I guess we can’t claim to ‘pacify’ the island if we don’t make sure the swamp is clear first. Could we use magic to traverse it faster or safer? Could we fly, or walk on water…or something? Also…that looks like a good place for a Hag to hide in too. We should be extra cautious, just in case she is hanging around still. The cliff base might have some caves too, so monster/animal dens are always possible as well.”
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"Alright so we need to watch for critters quicksand deep pools and bugs. Not much we can do about the bugs... who has some rope... lets tie off Rhialla and Cass about 25 feet of rope tie to me... Es you and Ash are a buddy team. if we hit a sudden deep spot a pit of quickmuck or a fast moving underwater monster we have the rope to pull you back. and the 25 feet gives us room to manuever...It does put us in danger from some spells so everyone keep your eyes peeled."
The cliff is easy to descend. Plentiful hand and foot holds. Plus it is only 30' down.
The swamp is humid and heavily overgrown. As you look around the lush greenery you become aware that something big is heading for you.
An enormous coil of muscle and scales, this giant snake flicks its arm-length tongue in the air as it scans the area for prey.
The giant snake watches the cliffs for Cyclops to snack on. It is 60' away and heading straight for you. What are you doing?
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Smiling evilly, and moving a little further away from the others and obliquely towards the monster (I moved her icon to some cover by a tree trunk with what appears to be a clear view), Ashlei will pull out and try her new Rod of Wonder!
d% Wondrous Effect
*16—20 Gust of wind, but at windstorm force (Fortitude DC 14 negates).
NOTE (Per the Spell 'Control Winds'): A windstorm (51+ mph) drives most flying creatures from the skies, uproots small trees, knocks down light wooden structures, tears off roofs, and endangers ships.
[oc]What a waste. :([/ooc]
Slithering along the soft terrain Mr Snakey ignores the wind.
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"F%+~ thats a lot of boots......"
He said with a frown startling as his oft overzealous ifrit companion darted ahead to play with her friggen wand. He was about to yell at her wehn a huge gust of wind whooshed by his coat and hair flying wildly about. He stepped torwards her as close as he could manage and mentally insured his boarding pike was extended as far as it could go.. He couldnt cover Ash.. but to get to the others it would have to go past him.
"You know what, I'm going around this time." Esmarelda said bluntly as she moved around in front of Cassiopeia and stated "Hate, swamps" as she passed.
Seeing the massive snake, and Percy's move to intercept it, Rhialla moves up behind her lover, uttering a spell and resting her hand on his back, the Pirate Lord's skin hardening and taking on the color and texture of rough iron.
"Just a big bag of bony meat," mutters Cass just before she erupts in dragon breath.
(DC 20 Ref save for half)
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Cassiopeia starts cooking the snake.
Rhialla makes Percy hard.
The snake speeds up and rushes towards you.
Everyone can now act!
Laughing evilly, Ashlei ducks around to the other side of the tree she was hiding behind, and activates the Rod once more!
*37—46 Lightning bolt (70 foot long, 5 foot wide), 6d6 points of damage (Reflex DC 15 half).
As her red hair stands on its end Ashlei screams!
"I'M LOVING THIS S#!T!"
The mighty python gets a bit tingly.
Next
Esmarelda kept making her way around the massive snake in order to make the most use out of the distraction Percy was providing.
Cass pushes out another volley of magic missiles.
Walking up to stand behind Percy, Rhialla adds a shard of freezing ice to the assault on the giant snake.
Everyone hits but Percy.
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The gargantuan reptile lunges at Percy!
It immediately sinks its fangs deep into him, though his Iron body negates some of the damage. It then wraps it's coils around him.
What is everyone doing now? On it's next action it will start constricting.
Cass pops a resilient sphere around Percy.