The Straits of Dumara: A Bump in Time

Game Master ellequoi

Rustling can be heard above, and several coconuts fly into the pit and onto the spikes.

Ethra takes the rope from Berm, scrambles up the pit, and tries to tie it around the nearest tree, throwing the other end into the pit.

If that works, her next course of action will be to jump (still in monkey form) onto the face of the nearest person, trying to distract them.

The rope secured, monkey-Ethra flings herself onto a hapless victim, who had been watching her tie the rope with interest. He squawks and stumbles backwards, kept from falling by the other onlookers.

Those in the pit can hear the commotion, as well as laughter.

"Throw a banana at it!"

"No, it's lonely, groom it!"

The man attempts to pry Ethra off, though his success is hampered by trying to be gentle.

Strength (disadv): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Ethra may roll an opposed Strength check to stay on. Whoever's going first on the rope (whoever posts next other than Ethra) can roll an Athletics check to see how far up they get.

A voice cuts through the chaos, though Ethra is unable to see past her target. "What's going on here? Weren't there intruders?"

The laughter abruptly ceases.

Berm tries to climb up the rope.

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Depending on making it to the top Berm will draw his maul and stand there waiting to see what happens.

Lark tries to climb the rope after Berm.

Athletics @ disadvantage: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 71d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

Hearing the conversation above, Lark shouts out, "Hello up there! I don't suppose the group of you are from the village of Tanohsit by chance? We've come looking for information."

The people at the top of the pit grip their own weapons as they see Berm reach for his but otherwise make no move.

“They took out most of the stirges,” says the one who has the final stirge perched on their shoulder.

“We are from Tanohsit,” says the man who just approached, squatting by the pit. His lip curls. “Apa will want to talk. Get out of there and we’ll bring you to the village.” He does not sound particularly happy about the prospect.

Lark slowly makes his way out of the pit.

Tabynth follows the group and climbs up with the assistance of the rope. Athletics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

She casts message to Lark I wonder if these people are the villagers who can help us?

After cresting the top of the pit, Lark flops on his back to catch his breath, replying to the man with the stirge, "Well... to be fair... the stirges took the most out of us... as well."

He sits up after a moment, leaning over the edge to help Tabynth out of the pit and replying with an uncertain shrug, 'I think these are the villagers all right, although their willingness to help is yet to be seen.'

After helping Tabynth out, Lark dusts himself off and turns to the man squatting down by the pit, outstretching his hand for a handshake, "This is quite the welcome mat you have here. Were you expecting trouble?" He glances about the group, trying to figure out if they look like warriors expecting a fight or just a scouting patrol. "We were pointed in your direction by an apothecary named Kitu. He said you might have some information about the area that could help us."

Insight: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Seeing as this situation doesn't seem to be escalating, Berm put his maul away and walked over towards the rest of the party.

Once she realizes there is no immediate threat, monkey Ethra jumps away from the flailing hands of her victim and climbs up a nearby tree. Her plan is to watch and listen, until she is comfortable that there is no danger.

If the conversation continues into introductions and civility, she will climb down and join the group as dwarf Ethra.

Tabynth is able to climb out of the pit.

At the mention of Kitu, the group lowers their weapons. The mud on their sarongs has dried, suggesting they have been out for a while since the wet morning.

The man by the pit clasps Larks forearm briefly.

"With Lusitanos crawling all over our land, there's always trouble," he says. The group turns their heads and spit.

The recently-freed victim of the monkey attack gasps and says, "Plus the beast and the-"

"Hold, Ini! It is not for us to explain." The man by the pit stands up and crosses his arms. "I am Seletar. Where are you from? What information do you seek?"

"Well met Seletar, my name's Lark, and this is Tabynth, Berm, and Ethra," Lark points to his companions in turn. "We'd heard rumors in Dumara that there was a beast terrorizing the area, and we're out here trying to determine what we can do to stop it. It sounds like this beast is known to you then?" he prods for information gingerly.

Before there is a chance to respond, he sparks up, "Oh! And Kitu... asked us to pick up... some sort of plant... while we were out too... ummm..." He rummages around a few of his pockets hastily before looking up towards his companions. "Did one of you grab the drawing of the plant?"

I believe Ethra would have picked up the drawing, since she studied it at Kitu's and did a Nature check to see what she knew, which distracted her as Chiang So had his...magical tattoo panic attack :)

Ethra pulls the rolled up drawing from underneath her cloak and holds it up for Seletar to see.

She also continues Lark's discussion. "Yes, the beast! I have spoken to the creatures of the swamp and they seem very disturbed by the beast, and also by the glowing lake. It seems this area is not acting within the standard laws of nature. But we are here now! We can help you!"

Not sure if a Persuasion check is due here, if so:

Persuasion: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

There are a few nods in regards to the mention of the beast, though they are met with glares from Seletar.

Bringing up the lake causes a stir, the villagers murmuring amongst themselves.

"There is glowing further south now?" asks Ini, brow creasing in concern.

"Our people never had such troubles until the Rodinians came," Seletar mutters. "A sorry state for us to be accepting aid from outsiders."

He looks briefly at the drawing, then dismisses it. "That grows everywhere around the lake. You can probably pick some up on the way."

Behind him, Ethra notices the man with the stirgw on his shoulder shake his head and mouths, "Not now."

Out loud, he says, "We would welcome the assistance. I am Rana." He smiles and nudges Seletar.

Seletar rolls his eyes and says, "You must understand, we have been under threat for some time now. We must protect ourselves from intruders." He digs around in a pouch and pulls out several strips of cloth. "If you let us blindfold you, we will tapke you to our village."

He stares down the party.

The party can roll Insight.

Tabynth looks warily seeing if we can trust these villagers to not take out belongings once blindfolded Insight: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

Insight: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Recalling what Kitu told them about where the village is located, Lark argues, "I'm not sure what blindfolds are going to accomplish, we already know about the longhouses on the far side of the lake, and she," gesturing to Ethra, "can just ask the animals where anything is anyways. I really don't intend to be rude, I just don't want to waste anyone's time trying to guide a group of blinded people through the thick underbrush."

He flashes a quick smile and looks over to Berm with a joking wink, "Well, unless you intended to carry us... In that case, hand it over!" He playfully feigns interest in getting a blindfold from Seletar.

Persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Taybnth tries to look serious but also stifle a smirk in response to Lark.

Ethra feels at ease with most of the villagers, but quietly focuses on Seletar. Realizing he is in charge of the group, she wonders what he might be hiding.

Insight: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Tabynth notices unease amongst the villagers in response to Seletar's speech. Seletar himself looks at the party with barely suppressed triumph, as if he is hoping the party will not cede to his demand. No one appears to be eying up the party's belongings. Ethra doesn't observe anything off about Seletar.

At Lark's speech, a few villagers casually let out croaking cries, their gazes wandering.

Nature may be rolled.

In response, Seletar stiffens. He takes a deep breath before speaking again.

"Of course our village is not hidden," he says evenly, "but, as you have noticed, our traps are. Our guidance is for your safety. Lark, as you say, perhaps we can dispense with the blindfolds for travelling. In that case, I would request blindfolds as we reach our outer guards as a sign of good faith."

"I already have one trap to rebuild," says Rana, patting his stirge. "Wouldn't want you to find any more!" A few people laugh.

Seletar sighs. "Can we be on our way?"

Ethra is surprised at the villagers' response.

Nature: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

She nods her head in agreement to being blindfolded for the last part of their travels.

Ethra recognizes the cry as that of a local bird called the ruak-ruak, which is more often heard than seen and is known as a retreating, shy bird - or perhaps, as the villagers might interpret it, a cowardly one.

Seletar looks at the rest of the party, eyebrows raised, then stalks deeper into the jungle. "Come along," he calls without breaking stride.

The others file after him except Rana, who peers into the pit and sighs. He opens his mouth as if to say something, then retreats to within view but out of earshot of the party.

Tabynth follows into line with the rest of the party and expressed her willingness to be blindfolded on the way closer to the village.

"Can you please point out the traps so we can avoid them when we have to leave?"

Went through my pics - how's this for monkey Ethra?

Rana laughs. "That would take the whole village and time we don't have!" His smile fades. "The Lusitanos have better weapons and numbers than us. Trickery must be our armor. We will see you safely away when your business here is done."

The group's pace flags as they travel, exhausted by the heat and rigors of the day. Seletar occasionally doubles back, annoyed, but the others don't seem to mind, joking and playing pranks along the way. Glimpses of the lake can be seen occasionally, but the villagers are wary of getting too close because the rumours of the glowing lights.

Finally, as the afternoon wanes, Seletar whistles and everyone slows. He brandishes the blindfolds with a smirk.

The party can go for it and/or roll checks to try something, e.g. sneaking a peek or leaving a trail.

Tabynth steps forwards to get the blindfold on. She will try to take peaks every 50 steps.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

I am not sure how to keep rolling for every 50 steps

Monkey Ethra, I love it!

Ethra looks for anything glowing or out of place whenever they catch a glimpse of the lake.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Ethra will accept the blindfold. However, she will sneakily try to use druidcraft, and every several paces use a spore or small mushroom from her clothing to create a red spotted mushroom, leaving it on the ground behind her.

Ideally she will try to fall as far back in the group as possible.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

If she gets caught or anyone says anything, she will reply exclaiming, "I always try to leave nature more lush and healthy than I found it - don't you care about the jungle? I help plants grow to their fullest potential, and if you haven't noticed, mushrooms are just kind of my thing."

Deception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

For taking peeks, we can use the roll as an average. With multiple attempts involved, you can try another sleight of hand roll.

Tabynth receives a clout to the ear, like those given to misbehaving Dumaran children, in response to her attempts to loosen her blindfold. She is escorted under closer supervision after that; both of her arms are grabbed.

On the way, Ethra spots a glimpse of glowing blue around the edge of the water that reminds her of faerie fire. Once blindfolded, she is pushed along and unable to fall back. Her spellcasting draws some attention, but fortunately, a mushroom enthusiast is interested in what she has to say, and the others just groan and drop the topic.

We can backtrack later if needed, ie anyone else wants to try anything.

Soon, the ground becomes less uneven under the party's feet, and their blindfolds are removed to reveal the sight of several longhouses teeming with activity.

"Welcome to Tanohsit," says Seletar without much enthusiasm. "Are you ready to see our chief, or do you need to prepare gifts first?"

Ethra looks to her group. "Uh oh, we didn't pick up gifts did we? I don't have much. I could make more Goodberries, or offer to translate a conversation between the chief and a favorite animal, if he has one? Otherwise, I don't have anything to offer! What about the rest of you?"

"Uh, yes. Gifts?", Tabynth awkwardly looks to the party, "I don't have much to offer but I could carve something out for the chief, from a fallen branch of a local tree that the chief favours?"

A ripple of laughter follows Ethra's offer.

"I think the chief would have a lot to talk about!" says Rana. Seletar actually cracks a smile. "Tabynth, I'm sure-"

He stops short as an older man approaches from the largest longhouse, a crown on his head and a chicken in his arms. The villagers snap to attention and clasp their fists over their chests.

"What trouble have you brought me?" he asks Seletar with a chuckle, then presses his forehead to the younger man's. He turns to face the party. "Long time since I have seen new faces. I am Chief Aman anak Aring. Shall we drink tea together? The jungle looks to have worn you out!"

Fun fact - the chief's picture is adapted from an actual photo. Obviously, I had to write in the chicken once I saw it.

Tabynth stifles a giggle at the sight of the chicken, "Sir, I'm Tabynth. Yes the jungle has definitely taken its toll on us. I could go for a tea, thank you."

Turning to the chicken, as Tabynth is a gnome she can communicate with small beasts, "Good day, how are you?"

The chicken pecks delicately at Tabynth and says that its day is going well except for a tick it can’t get out of its tail feathers. Chief Aman is delighted to watch the exchange, boasting of his chicken’s intelligence.

The chief beckons the party into the longhouse, where there are intricately patterned cushions laid out to sit on, and says he will go fetch tea. Seletar is waiting for him by the door and tags along, speaking in hushed but agitated tones.

While they are gone, a curtain of wooden beads at the back of the room rustles. A young girl laying on the ground peeks out quickly, gasps, then retreats.

Both men enter some time later with a tray. Seletar heads behind the curtain.

“What has adventurers such as yourselves interested in Tanohsit?” asks the chief as he pours. Murmurs and a giggle can be heard from behind the curtain.

Things to do: Perception or Insight checks at any point, backtracking to address anything specific, any Investigation or Stealth that your character might want to attempt.

Sorry for the delay, this just skipped my mind for a bit, along with being kept busy lately.

Lark, being worn out from the trek, is pretty quiet and in his own thoughts for the majority of the walk. His mood visibly improves at the sight of buildings and shelter, although the heat and humidity keep him exhausted enough that he's content to let the others handle the bulk of the talking.

Upon entering the longhouse and seeing the invitation to sit on the cushions, Lark takes a moment to clean himself off as much as he can and, after dropping his bags and gear, eagerly hops onto a cushion and begins to get comfortable.

Ethra is curious about the young girl. About how young is she? While the chief and Seletar are still gone, she will head over to the beaded curtains and pull them slightly aside to look inside.

Ethra is looking primarily for the girl, or anything else that catches her eye.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

If she finds the girl, she will gently approach, offering a blooming flower she created from Druidcraft. She will introduce herself and try to prompt the girl to do the same.

Backtrack Tabynth addresses Chief Aman and asks to help remove a tick from the chicken to make her more comfortable.

Not sure if I need to roll animal handling? I'm guessing he would allow me to, but if not, here is a persuasion roll too.
Animal handling: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Persuasion: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

Tabynth seeing Ethra look for the girl, will try to hear the conversation that is taking place outside between the Chief and Seletar. If it is in a different language she will cast Comprehend Language

[ooc] Again not sure if I need to roll
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Investigation: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Good to have Lark back :)

The chief waves his hand to grant Tabynth permission to handle his beloved pet. He quickly takes back his chicken, alarmed, when she moves at the wrong moment, gets a feather pulled out, and squawks. He mutters something about Rana and lets the chicken loose with a pat on the head.

Looking behind the curtain, Ethra sees a young girl of around 5 laying on a mat, a dark flush on her cheeks. Several gourds, smelling of strong herbs, are on the ground around her, and a jar of leeches sits to the side. As the girl notices the curtain's movement, she gasps and pretends to be asleep. She cracks open an eye to look at the flower but only snores at Ethra's introduction.

Tabynth slides towards the Chief and Seletar unnoticed. They are speaking in Bahsa.

"...so angry lately," says the chief.

"I have simply learnt caution," says Seletar, though he sounds uncertain. He slams a hand into his fist. "After all that outsiders have taken from us, how can you trust them?"

"Dedari's life is at stake. Is it not worth the chance?"

Seletar sighs. "Let me keep an eye on them."

"If it would put you at ease," says the chief. He clasps Seletar's shoulder. "Enough jumping at shadows, my son."

They walk off talking of village matters.

People can share their findings at this point, before the chief comes back...

As the chief pours, he says casually, "Perhaps you have heard of the bounty? We thought word would not reach Dumara yet."

Before the chief comes in Tabynth relays on the message to the party.

Addressing in response to the Chief, "Sir, If we may be honest with you we will be returned the favour amongst yourself and your village. We have heard of no bounty. We are under the order of the Senhora and are to do her bidding till we can repay her via our service. Anything we make, she must see also. But word has certainly reached."

As Tabynth talks, Seletar bursts through the bamboo curtains at the back, revealing another glimpse of the young girl, who peers out again then ducks back. He hurries to stand behind the chief, brow creased.

Investigation checks may be rolled against Seletar.

The chief stands and circles the party, his focus on their necks. He chuckles.

"We've seen tattoos like this before. I can offer more than money - perhaps you would like a chance to learn more about these markings. I don't know what the Senhora is after, but I am interested in the beast's brains."

Roll Nature.

Tabynth is shocked that she has a tattoo on her neck. She messages Ethra, Didn't the Senhora want the head? I have no idea what to do.

Sorry it's been forever. Got some holidays now which is nice for a little.

Tattoos. Did we know about those before? Emily and I can't remember.

Berm, a little oblivious of his surroundings with this discovery, walked over to Tabynth just suddenly awoken to the fact they all have tattoos. Hey, did you know we have tattoos on us. Do you think they were put there by the Senhora? You are a wizard, do you think they are....wizardy types to track us down? Can you tell?

Tabynth did notice a tattoo in the very first post, and then there was this encounter with Chiang So (I had to search the thread to find that!):

https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75ivk9n/gameplay&page=2#63

The chief, sensing the party’s hesitation, adds, “Please. My little girl is very ill. This may be her only chance for survival.”

Seletar’s mouth twists, but he nods.

I had interpreted that post as just Chiang So having had the tattoos, I didn't recall that we'd noticed tattoos on ourselves as well, but that might have just gotten missed. Good to know!

Lark has been taking the time to relax while listening, but perks up when the chief mentions that his daughter is sick. He hops down from his seat and makes his way over towards the girl to look her over.

Medicine: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Lark, rubbing his hands together in focus, offers, "Well, it's certainly not my forte, but I do have some ability to cure poisons and diseases. I can give that a try if you would like?" He pauses for a moment, as if waiting for answer, before abruptly adding, "Oh, and it would help me to get a general idea of what is ailing her... You know, to, ah, to make sure I can provide the right treatment..." He definitely feels out of his element a bit, as he otherwise only used his healing for patching up wounds.

If the chief allows, he will use his Lay on Hands to cure one disease or poison.

Nature for beast brains: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Ethra takes a glance at Berm's tattoo and shrugs. "I suppose we'll deal with that later."

She had been pondering the scene of the young girl surrounded by herbs and leeches when Seletar also burst out from behind the curtain. Ethra tries to piece together what may be going on with the girl, considering Seletar's actions.

Investigation: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15

Upon hearing that the girl is sick, Ethra considers what the herbs & leeches may be trying to treat.

Medicine: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Nature: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Assuming Medicine is needed to understand sickness, but thought Nature could help identify the herbs.

The girl squeaks as Lark approaches and hides her head in the pillow. Despite this, he observes flushed cheeks, a higher temperature, shallow breathing, and wide pupils in the girl, all suggesting a heightened immune response. Looking closer, he can also see swelling around the back of her neck and bluish fingernails - not good signs.

The chief waves him off healing, saying, "Appreciated, but we have tried regular healing without success. This is more than a typical disease. Nor is it a curse or enchantment. We suspect a supernatural or extraordinary ability."

"Laid down by a Rodinian, no doubt," Seletar mutters, narrowing his eyes at the group.

(reminder - the Rodinians are natives of the other continent, including the Lusitanos, that have been starting to colonize or trade in the area)

Will post in response to Lark's last check and Ethra's next, just getting this out before bathq|\\\\\\\\\time.

“It could also be poison, though one unknown to us,” Seletar continues.

His father disagrees, defending the Dumarans they allow into the village.

“Whatever the exact cause,” says the chief with a quelling look at his son, “the malady is in the brain. We saw that the beast was a magical creature, possibly of fey origin, so its brain is ideal for strengthening my daughter.”

Ethra has heard that ingesting a part of something to take on its properties in the corresponding area adds great significance and power to local magic and healing, though those who practice it are secretive about their methods.

Besides what Lark observed, Ethra notices a slight tremor in the girl’s hand. The herbs include ones that heat up the body, according to locals, and a paralytic. Seletar’s sudden appearance seemed to be due to surprise on his part, although a still-wet wooden bowl behind the curtain suggests he may also have been administering water or medicine.

Thinking about the beast, Lark isn’t certain that the head will retain its use as a trophy if the brains are harvested. The Sultana might herself be interested in the healing attributes of the brain, for that matter.

Tabynth remains quiet throughout this time as she cannot help medically.

She would like to recall if she noticed any ajar doors, coughing, sickness as they were walking through the Sultana's home. Not sure if this is possible

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Addresing the Chief, "Is there anything of greater worth that she may want?" and towards he party, " Or even a different beast that looks similar? I would hate to trick her but I don't know what to do?"

Sorry for the confusion - the Senhora has asked for the head as a trophy for the Sultana. I’ll treat your roll as a History check.

The Sultana is not known to be in ill health, but she is getting on in age and has an ailing son.

“I assure you, my daughter would need those specific organs - not many magical beasts here. As to what you need, I’m sure any great beast will do so long as it looks impressive. Not much is known about this one yet. We’re used to foreigners raiding our jungle for trophies. You’re free to the head of this one once we’re done with it.”

The chief does not sound particularly concerned as to the party’s particular obligations.

Ethra has much more concern for the immediate danger the young girl is in, and is not so worried about whatever trophy the Senhora may want. She turns to the group and speaks her mind about this.

"I see a child in need, and a group of us that may be able to help! Plus, let's not stand here and ponder what to do with the head of a beast that is still roaming wild and free. Our first task must be to hunt it down.

Then, we may decide what to do with the beast's head. If my understanding is correct, there may be someone local here who can use this powerful brain for the purpose of healing. Those in the Senhora's circle would likely not even know of these secretive rituals."

She turns to Seletar, "I assume if we agree to help we will be aided with any information you or other villagers have?"

Lark, frustrated that he is unable to help, heads back to the seat where he dropped his gear and starts rummaging around with his things. He does this for a while, staying uncharacteristically quiet during this discussion.

Tabynth turns to Ethra and the villagers, "I'm in, as long as we don't have to be blindfolded. Let's find this beast and then deal with any potential consequences later."

“Excellent!” says the chief, then, “Blindfolded?!” He gives Seletar a hard look, which is ignored.

"We can show you where we last tracked down the beast and give you some fresh bait," says Seletar, "but you will need to be at peak strength to attack." He eyes the group critically. Other than Ethra, who is as fresh as a daisy, the group is in rough shape from the heat and rigours of the day.

"You are welcome to stay with us to rest, but the afternoon nap will surely be enough for hardy folk such as yourself." The chief unrolls a bundle of bamboo slats and consults the astrological chart drawn on them. "It's a full moon soon, so it would be an auspicious time to brew our medicine. How do you wish to proceed?"