Wardove's Rumble in the Jungle

Game Master Laithoron

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Uugh, Scylla and Charybdis...

"Good point." A sour expression comes to Alis' pretty face at mention of the accursed abomination. "I should attempt to scry upon Tiniel or Yvonne tonight to give them warning. Although, depending upon what protections they are using there's no telling if I'll be able to reach them..."

She sighs and finishes off her glass. "Only one way to know for certain."

"At any rate, we need to get the lighthouse operational, and there's also the matter of that blighted island."

She thinks for a moment. "It wouldn't hurt to start surveying Reaver's Shiv either. If Priyya is going to remain here to erect a temple sanctuary, then we need to take stock of where to build and if there are any major threats remaining. At some point, I would like to have the various shipwrecks cataloged, and there's still Quellig's Treasure if we have time."


Sasha perks up and quits trying to steal food off Gelik's plate. "Did you say treasure?! Yeah, I'll help!"


Lureene smiles at her good friend and thinks, That would be quite interesting to check out, plus ‘Lis would probably need the treasure to help finance her government…

”That does sound like fun, Sash. I think we can certainly check it out, although getting the island surveyed is important as well, not to mention the lighthouse working.”

She pauses in thought for a moment, before continuing ”I think we should split into teams in order to save time here. ‘Lis, Sash, Darv and I can check the treasure out. Mal and Priyya can start their surveying, and the rest of you can work on getting the lighthouse fixed. Once we have done that, then we can check out that island which is threatening Aycenia’s grove.”


"NO!" Jask pounds the table with his hand. "That is not right! Aycenia has been most gracious and most understanding. That devil, the giants, the vampires... they may be gone but it would be a black mark on her Highness' honor to put new goals before existing commitments!"

He looks at Lureene hard, his eyes watering, driving a finger into his palm for emphasis as he speaks. "To put fun ahead of a threat is selfish. To suggest such a thing without shame before a kind-hearted host is disrespectful."


Lureene stares at Jask, shocked that he would show so much passion over what she considered a trifling detail. As she thinks of a response, she cannot help but feel a sense of resentment on his presumptiveness.

HE was not the one who risked his LIFE and LIMB to save Aycenia! I was the one who nearly was killed trying to save her, while he was safe and sound!

She opens her mouth to utter a blistering retort, but then stops as she sees Alis watching her out of the corner of her eye. She then realized she is supposed to be a retainer of a Princess of Silverwake, not just a common adventurer.

How would ‘Lis handle this…

Lureene bows her head in a gesture of apology, ”You are correct of course, Master Jask. I was thoughtless in putting my own desires before those of our gracious hostess. As a representative of the Governor of Dafar, it is inappropriate for me to speak for her wishes out of turn. Please forgive me.”

As she waits for Jask to respond, she cannot help but think, He does remind me of Father…in a way…

Diplomacy 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 1 = 30 charming


Alis pats Lureene's hand in thanks for handling the situation gracefully. "Shipwrecks and buried treasure are not going to mysteriously vanish if we don't get to them right away. Jask is right, we have unfinished commitments to honor. Of course, there are also enough of us that we can split up and get more done."

With a twitch of her finger, her tiny backpack opens and her journal sails into her hands. "Let's see now..."

Going around the table she begins to write down everyone's names starting at her right.

"Hmm..."

She makes another list beside the first listing objectives in order of priority, then holds it up so everyone can read. "Alright, I'd like suggestions on who would like to do what. We should have one person keeping watch from the lighthouse at all times and someone else there to relieve them or to work on the signal. The first goal we need to finish after that is ending that blight followed by continued work on the lighthouse and rebuilding the village into a suitable base of operations. After that comes treasure-hunting and surveying the island and wrecks."

Handout: Task List


Lureene thinks for a moment, then turns to Aycenia, "Aycenia, how far can you go from your grove before you start feeling the effects of being away from your...tree?"


Dwarf Lightbringer

Darvesch pipes up when he hears about duties being split amongst the group. "I'd like to volunteer myself for keeping watch. I can assist someone if they want to try to work on the signal, if need be. Who will go with me, to the lighthouse?"


Aycenia contemplates Lureene's question for a moment. "The other day I traveled all the way to the sea. I think perhaps that is the furthest I have ever been. It was quite exhausting!"

She smiles demurely and sips some more of the wine, a blush coming to her cheeks. "Why did you want to know, Lureene?"


"I should be goin' with you Mr. Hellhammer. If that'll be ok with you, your highness. Lookout was my job back on The Pearl, and besides yourself maybe, Alis, I'm thinkin' the only one who knows proper flag signals."

As an afterthought, she adds, "Might not be showin', I suppose, but I'm handy with tools. I'm no stranger to buildin' and repairin' what's needin' it. If what I've been hearin' about your folk is true, Mr. Hellhammer, we might be makin' a good team."


Lureene returns the dryad's smile, "I was thinking you would be a natural in helping us look out for approaching ships, but if you are not capable of straying that far, then we don't need you falling asleep while on duty!" She laughs lightly. "Perhaps you could help us survey this island instead? With the evil taint expunged, your plant allies should be able to tell us much of this place."


Dwarf Lightbringer

Darvesch responds to Aerys, "Agreed." He then looks to Alis, "When should we set out, Highness?" with a smirk on his face.


Alis arches an eyebrow at Darvesch's random formality and his smirk and shakes her head.

Boys...

"Daybreak seems like as good a time as any." She draws a few lines in her journal. "Volunteers to inspect the blighted island?"


Jask puts a long hand to his chest. "Please, Highness, allow me to assist. I owe Lady Aycenia a great debt for the kindness and charity she has shown to this old man."

He glances at Gelik trying to make himself extra small and put himself out of Alis' gaze and adds, "Friend Gelik, I think, should also wish to repay such hospitality."


"Nnnggh..." The gnome blanches at the old priest's suggestion, but when he sees Alis simply nod in agreement, he scrunches his face in a forced smile, shoulders slumping all the while.

"Yes, of course..." he mumbles.


A sinister twinkle lights up Sasha's eyes and she nudges Lureene in the side with her elbow. "Hey well I should probably go along and make sure you don't get lost there Gel! El, you want to come along too?"

Given Sasha's wolfish smile, it's not hard to tell that she relishes the idea of getting to torment Mr. Aberwhinge for some reason.


Lureene gives both Jask and Gelik a smile, although the gnome notices a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Sash, I would LOVE to tag along. I am sure Gelik would appreciate my company as well!"


"Oh, yes," he says dryly, "without a doubt..."


"Sounds good..."

Alis looks over the remaining names and tasks, and a slight smile comes to the corners of her mouth.

"Priyya, if you intend to build a temple sanctuary here, it might be beneficial to see if that tidal pool further north is deep enough for vessels to dock. Do you think that you and Mal could handle surveying that with just the two of you?"


Mal furrows his brow and leans forward looking at the princess and her now white-haired friend seated at her right hand. "If Hellhammer's going to the lighthouse with Mavato, and Da– Priyya and I are headed up there, then who's watching you?"


Alis can't help but crack a smile. "It sounds like you think I need a nanny Mal. There's a good bit of information I need to wade thru, and allies I'll have to scry on to see if I can contact anyone with the naval convoy. The best place for me to do that will be someplace peaceful."

"Ieana," she looks past Mal to the wizardess seated between him and Aycenia, "given the unique perspective you have on what's been taking place, I would like to go over some matters with you tomorrow. I need to learn what Yarzoth was after and what she uncovered during your... time together. Could you please remain in Aycenia's grove tomorrow? There's a good chance Dafar may have a need for your archaeological expertise — one that pays well."


"Ah!" The wizardess perks up at the mention of archaeology and money. "Well, it would certainly be impolitic and self-defeating to refuse such a request from a potential patron such as yourself. Adequate sponsorship is one of the greatest impediments to the advancement of our knowledge of antiquity rivaled only by land rights. I–"


Who's selling to who?

"Just pencil her in for a late brunch, Alis. I have the feeling the good professor will be getting as much sleep as a child the night before your Yuletide."

She gives Mal a sidelong glance and smirks. "Whatever shall you do with only a single woman on hand to body guard, Mal? You'll be bored stiff won't you?"

Rolls:
Bluff Checks
A 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26
M 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
P 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Sense Motive Checks:
A 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 20 + 3 = 25 alertness
D 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
L 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 3 = 9 alertness
M 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

A 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
G 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
I 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
J 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
S 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2


"Uh..." Mal blinks like a deer caught in the light of a bulls-eye lantern, slack-jawed, and dumb-founded.

Sense Motive DC 24 (Alis, Darv, Jask):
You can by the tone in Priyya's words that there was more that a good bit of innuendo in that comment of hers and that it was anything but idle.


"Poor thing," Alis clucks as she takes a sip of wine, "hopefully there will be enough to see and do that he won't nod off from boredom. Priyya, if Mal starts slacking, you have my permission to discipline him. 'Spare the rod,' as they say..."

Sense Motive DC 26 (Darvesch):
In spite of her remarkable self-control, you pick up on just enough of a twinkle in Alis' eyes as she takes a sip of wine to realize that she knows something but isn't sharing.


LK Calendar: Uniens 09, 4210 — Lakusday (day 5)
Time: 3:00et (evening, 9:00pm)
Darkshoal: Post First Quarter

It is not long after you finish desert and your celebration has wound down that the rainstorm finally abates. Outside, the jungle seems quieter than it has been in some time. The wind is softer, the cries of animals in the jungle somehow less panicked. The sound of crickets and the twinkle of fireflies greets when you step outside into the soft, damp grass of Aycenia's grove.

"Alis," Mal says, hoisting a pack, "Priyya and I are gonna get a head-start tonight. Anything special we should be looking for?"

Handout: Task List, r2


Lureene has been spending time looking over the map of Reaver's Shiv, trying to figure out the best way to approach the blighted island. As she looks it over, she notes in interesting notation on the beach where the tidal pool meets it.

She waves Alis, Priyya and Mal over and asks, "'Lis, you marked on here a 'Tengu', and from what I recall you saying he was shipwrecked long ago. Perhaps we should try to contact him. He may have some additional information about the blighted island." She traces a path along the with her long manicured fingernail. "It looks like only a couple of miles out of our way. I think we should track him down, unless you think Mal and Priyya would be a better choice?"


"Actually that looks like Sasha's handwriting," Priyya chides, "but the point stands."

"So Sergeant, want to go ruffle this Tengu's feathers or just cut to the chase and feed him to Little Sister?"


"Hmm... yes perhaps sending a seven-foot tall hunter with a black lioness for a pet isn't the best way to greet an oversized bird." She winks and says, "Lureene, I think you and Gelik might be slightly less intimidating."


"Yeah..." Mal scratches the back of his head. "Talking isn't really my thing. I mostly just prefer to hurt people."


Lureene smiles, "Well, I was under the impression all gnomes were fierce combatants! Still..." She glances over at Gelik, "I think Gelik just has not let his manly side out!"

She looks over the map again. "I think that trail where we were ambushed by the giants several days ago will lead to where he is located. We should head along that trail. What do you th---"


From out of nowhere, Lureene suddenly feels someone jump her, a smooth cheek pressed up against her own while a pair of long arms warp around her waist, holding her close.

"Mother of–!"

Alis backpedals, one hand held to her heart, as she hisses, "SASHA!" thru clenched teeth.

Rolls:
Stealth Checks
S 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 18 + 2 = 36 jungle

Perception Checks
A 1d20 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 3 = 33 alertness
L 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 3 = 23 alertness
M 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 5 = 19 visual
P 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16


Sasha gives such a big grin that for a moment, Priyya wonders if she intends to eat Lureene. Upon noticing how... intimately she's holding the succubus she's fairly certain of it.

Well, looks like I'm not the only one who is still hungry anyway...

"Now, now," Priyya admonishes, nodding towards Alis, "No hanky panky in front of the innocent eyes of children you two..."


Double Post


Male Sky Elf Game Master lv 20

DAMN you forum bug!


Lureene moans in pleasure while in Sasha's embrace. She is all too aware of how LONG it has been since she had been ...intimate with someone....

Focus, El....FOCUS! The voice echoes from somewhere deep in her heart, a commanding voice. One she has heard in her dreams...

She strokes the redheads hair, marveling at how soft and silky it was I wish my hair was like this..., then as Priyya's voice intrudes in her mind, she gently disengages from the embrace still flushed and breathing heavily.

"Yes, Priyya, that is probably for the best..." She glances over to the inside of Aycenia's tree, "I wonder if there is any wine left?"


Sasha grins at Alis' surprise and purrs slightly when she hears Lureene's moan. At Priyya's words she pouts a bit. At Lureene's reply she says, "Yeees, Miiis Saaaraaah..."

Ooh, wine! Good idea!

"Hey I think there's some wine left. Those bottles don't seem to be running out, want me to get some?" As she talks, Sasha plucks the now crumpled map from Lureene's fingers, not noticing the icy cool look that Alis is giving the white-haired priestess for the jab she took.

"Sooo, whatcha lookin' at?"


"Oh," Alis says coolly, "just taking a look at some trails..."

After a moment, she gets a sly look in her eyes. In a silken voice, she says, "Say, wine sounds like a wonderful idea, Sash'! Would you mind getting a bottle and three few glasses? You, El, and I could stay up and sip wine while stargazing! Maybe a blanket too... Here, I can hold that for you."

Rolls:
Bluff Checks
A 1d20 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 20 + 1 = 26 seductive

Sense Motive Checks:
L 1d20 + 2 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 3 + 5 = 15 alertness, familiarity
M 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 5 = 18
P 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 5 = 28

S 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 2 = 17 human


"OOOH!" Sasha's green eyes almost seem to glow at Alis' suggestion. "Yeah, that sounds like a great idea!"

Without another word, she hands Alis the map and goes skipping back towards the banyan tree, humming to herself.


Priyya smirks. "Something you needed to say, Alis?"


Alis nods and steps closer, keeping her voice down so that no one else can hear. "You need to build a temple, but there's something I'm going to need as well..."

She points to the tide pool, her eyes becoming a shade darker with her intensity. "A naval outpost. One that's protected from the sea."


Mal straightens, a somewhat perplexed look on his face. "Doesn't Port Eldarion have room enough for that?"


"Whether it does or not," Priyya says in a whisper, "if it comes under attack from outside the city, there are no friendly ports Alis can call on for quite some distance."

Rolls:
Sense Motive Checks:
P 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33


The princess nods and looks to Lureene, then Mal, and Priyya. "Under no circumstances do I want this mentioned this to anyone else. Not Darv, not Aycenia, not Ieana or Sasha either. If I want them to know, I'll tell them myself. Are we clear?"


"Yeah, I'm clear." Mal nods, face grim.


Lureene nods quietly, much of her ardor chased away by the seriousness of Alis' tone. The situation must be VERY serious in Port Eldarion, if 'Lis is that concerned...

"Yes, Princess."


Noticing that Sasha is returning, Priyya says in a normal tone, "Crystal! I really can't say that I've ever seen crystal quite like what your goddess conjured up for us here tonight. Don't tell her I said so, but your Aunt Corrina's just can't compare."

Rolls:
Perception DC 25
A 1d20 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 3 = 32 alertness
L 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 3 = 21 alertness
M 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 5 = 21 visual
P 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Bluff Checks
P 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Sense Motive Checks:
A 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 20 + 3 = 27 alertness
L 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 3 = 16 alertness
M 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

S 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9


"Huh? What's tha–"

A quick jab from Priyya's elbow and a coy smile silences Mal before he can put his foot in his mouth.

"Yeah, well I guess we better get going, huh?"


"Oh..." Sasha looks down at the five glasses she's holding. "You two aren't staying?"


Priyya shakes her head and slaps her rear with her palm. "Afraid not. I was finally starting to work off a few of the pounds I packed on while enjoying the sort of fare Alis has us eating but that feast is liable to have me looking like Lureene did when you first saw her in that disguise back on the ship."

Sasha pauses and her gaze lowers from Priyya's face to her bust, before turning to look at the curvaceous blonde beside her.

"Well," Priyya grumbles, "maybe not exactly like that..."

Giving a short sigh and hoisting her pack, she says, "Anyway, point being, I need some exercise so Mal, Tal, and I are going to get a head-start. If you run into trouble on that 'Silent Island', see if you can't make some noise. If we're still near that big tide pool we might just be able to hear you."

"Enjoy the star-gazing you crazy kids!" With that, she gives Mal a whack across the stomach with the back of her hand. "Double-time, Sergeant!"

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