Sasha almost seems to be reluctant to stop now, but then drops the point of her rapier and smiles at the paladin. It looks like thwe honestly enjoyed the diversion.
"You didn't handle yourself half bad either Grandpa. Lets repeat this sometime. So its a deal you will show me the way to the Dimorphodon nest tomorrow?"
Gregor claps saying Well Done Sasha Well Done Indeed!!!
Davor steps in with a grin at Sasha, "Glad to have you along!"
After the mock fight you feel the tiredness from marching through the jungle for a full day and decide to get a full nights rest.
Later in the night during Hewits watch
You are watching out into the jungle trying to discern any apparent dangers, when you hear a wooshing sound like a large wing beating in the distance.
Hewits watch
-------------------------
After the mock fight you feel the tiredness from marching through the jungle for a full day and decide to get a full nights rest.
Later in the night during Hewits watch
You are watching out into the jungle trying to discern any apparent dangers, when you hear a wooshing sound like a large wing beating in the distance.
Hewitt is searching with his eyes in the direction the sound came from, but to no avail. The heavy rain is obscuring any clues he might otherwise spot. For the rest of his watch he keeps an ebven tighter vigil, but nothing further happens.
In the morning he tells the others about it, but nobody spotted anything.
In the morning Jask is feeling very weak and takes his time to get up. Further inspection shows a red rash on his legs and arms.
Davor glances away from the rash and mutters, mostly to himself. "Crap! What is that? Jungle rot?
Gregor awakens and stretches. seeing Jasks Rash he scowls... Any idea what thats from Jask? he askes the priest.
"I am not sure myself. I believe its transmitted through insect bites. This is why we left the fire burning with a little bit of smoke in the evenings. But it must have gotten to me anyway."
The leafs of the neem tree can be ground into a paste to help reduce the rash.
Father Kerndrew approaches Jask with concern. "Did you get into anything yesterday? Maybe walking through any strange plants exploring the jungle here while we were gone?"
His concern is real, but an informed observer would quickly realize that he's not trained in any form of medicine or healing at all.
He nodded at Jasks words and says so Im looking for Berries for Aerys and leaves from a Neem' tree as well as doing some hunting today. What does this teem tree look like? and Aerys, what were those berries again? and what do they look like?
Says Gregor as he prepares to go 'hunting'
Kenderella shakes her head in disappointment. "I'm sad we didn't find more interesting things yesterday. But today is another day we can find new things. I will also keep a lookout for these herbs.
Sasha, I believe you wanted to go see the birds? If we can get close to one, I can use my magic to try to talk to one. Maybe it can tell us more about what it sees on the island, what dangers to avoid or other inhabitants there are. Who are going with me and Sasha to the birds? Are you coming with us Gregor, or going of on your own hunting?"
While the others continue to discuss Jasks disease Sasha went down to the shore and speared 2 small fishes with her rapier. when she hears Kendrella remarking on her ability she asks: "If you talk to him please also tell im, that I want to be his friend. I even brought him some food" showing of the fishes she caught.
Kenderella, Ill be staying behind to help here at camp, what with both Jask and Aerys being hindered today. You guys go enjoy the view with the birds. and be careful
Gregor takes charge of the camp as the other start up the cliff to go look at the prehistoric birds.
He asks Aerys to just keep an eye out (Guard)
He asks Gelik to keep everyones spirits high (Entertain)
He asks Isharou to improve the defenses and help Aerys. (Defend)
Hewit is asked to work as camp medic
He then starts the day hunting and looking for the Neem trees. Finding a few, he harvests several leaves to take back to camp, both for Jask and for Hewit to make into poultices for others.
During this time he hunts for game and edible plants as well. spending the hottest part of the day resting. He finds a tree full of edible fruit bringing back enough oranges to feed 7 folks and then brings down a couple rabbits enough for 2.
Thats 8 and 2 rations Great day.
Jask is able to add another 8 rations.
Davor, Father Kerndrew, Kenderella and Sasha are soon heading out to the Dimorphodon cliffs. They take a route a bit further west to explore that bit, and reach their goal after 3 hours.
"You know, I can't believe that I recognized this, but I think that's a snake track. Don't you guy? See the pattern, how the ferns here are all pushed down this way, the ferns over there are pushed down the other way? That's a slither or the Starstone's still in the sky!" He examines the trail he noted. "I'd say it probably lives farther west of here. Given this jungle, I bet it's poisonous; I think we should note where this is, but move on. We can tackle the snake if it becomes a threat to us later."
Davor studies the snake trail, looking overhead as well just in case the snake had climbed to fall on its prey. "Depending on the size a snake can make a good meal. But we really should have more people along with bows and such. If we spot it before it attacks we could possible kill it before it got a chance.... Not today of course!"
Davor and Kerndrew are easily able to spot the discarded snake skin and the leftovers of a small jungle animal, concluding the existence of a snake in the area.
Gregor is able to find some niem trees near the camp and is able to collect some materials for making poultices.
"Snakes are dangerous creatures. We could surely find better targets to hunt. That said, we should be vary. If some of us are bit, the poison could be our undoing. We should try to avoid it. I could perhaps talk to it, but that might not save us if it's hungry. I think we should approach the birds, though I'm not sure how to best get it to talk to us in a friendly manner. Enzi should definetly stay out of sight. Maybe me and Sasha should approach first, offering the fish? I'll try to lure it down and if it approach us, I'll cast my spell. It'll only last a minute, so I don't want to waste it if we can't get it to get close to us." Kenderella says as she motions for Enzi to wait for her while she moves to approach closer to the birst. Though she doesn't want to go further away than she can call for him if needed.
"I like that idea. Lets do it."
"Some of my family were rather fond of birds. There was one in particular, Hamuki that seemed to spend more time with birds than with rest of us. I've learned how to deal with them from him." Kenderella lets out a string of chirping calls, flapping her arms like wings to get the birds' attention and get it to come down to them.
The flying dinosaur is a bit disappointed to be taken for a bird but the fish and the friendly manner of the grisl easily convince him to hop down.
Kenderella unfortunately doesn't have much knowledge of nature yet, but maybe she will learn in time to differentiate the different species. Regardless, she's quite happy to see the flying dinosaur approach them and she focuses for a moment as she activates her magic to be able to talk to the birds. There's a faint green flash in her eyes as the magic is activated, but otherwise she looks completely normal.
"Hi, we bring fish and would like to talk. I'm Kenderella. If you talk good, maybe more fish." She pauses for a bit to let the words sink in. "We are new here on the island and would like to know more about what else is here. What other creatures are there and where are they located? Are there any peculiar landmarks or strange things to keep a note of?"
She moves closer to pet the bird in what she hopes will be a comforting manner. "What others are dangerous and should be avoided? And where might it be good to look for food? Are there any shiny or unnatural structures anywhere? What about caves or holes? Are there any creatures living in them?" Kenderella is careful to space out her questions to give the creature time to answer each one instead of overwhelming it with a barrage of them. She tries to phrase it in a way the creature can understand.
Davor stays back not wanting to look dangerous to the bird/dinosaur.
"Ask it if it's seen other creatures like us anywhere on the island."
At Father Kerndrew's prodding she asks the question. "[b]Have you seen any other creatures like us?[/dice]"
Kenderella takes a moment to focus on making herself as charming and attractive as possible, infusing herself with the otherworldly charisma of the fey in her blood.
"Why you have so many different furs? Are you poisonous?"
"But the fish smells good. There are lots of fish here, good for eating but hard to catch. And some snakes. By the sun live the giant crabs. They bad, eat all fish."
"On other side of fish very bad, big illness no animals"
"Other creatures? like you? Bright woman comes earlier. Stays near cliffs end. Direction of Sundown "
Then he looks expectantly at the second fish.
Sasha steps forward and holds out the fish to the dimorphodon.
"Beautiful bird, I have nice fish. You wanna come with me? I can help find more fish"
Kenderella relays what the bird says to the others and answers the bird. "We're not poisonous, but we're looking for friends. Do you want to be our friend? We'll feed you and give you more fish if you can tell us what you see when you fly around."
After some more nudging and holding out fish the Dimorphodon flies down towards Sasha and takes the fish out of her hand. It even lets Sasha touch its neck before gracefully taking off and sitting on a neraby branch. downing its bounty.
Sasha beams happily as she raises back up. "I think it likes me. Have you seen his the beautiful white pattern on his neck? Almost looks like a Knive."
She turns to Kendrella: "Thanks for helping me in this. I think I will come here again and visit it tomorrow. Could we leave some marks on our way back that I can find the way myself?"
Later back at the camp
-----------------------------
"Thank you for finding the medicine. I am sure it will help me and getting better soon with some care from the others.", the priest tells Davor once the party returns. "I am sure with the help of the ointment Gelik can get me back up in no time."
"But what are your plans? Have you found out anything helpful on your trip? I remember you planned a longer expedition tomorrow. Where will you be heading to?"
"I'm not sure other than we need to get further along in exploring. Cutting through the jungle is hard work. But once we have trails we can go farther and learn more about what is on the island. For all we know, there might be natives that would work with us. But we have to find them!"
"Is there something important for you that we might encounter? An animal, or another ship wreck? We've seen a couple of those so far. And I'm sure there will be more."
"I'm not sure other than we need to get further along in exploring. Cutting through the jungle is hard work. But once we have trails we can go farther and learn more about what is on the island. For all we know, there might be natives that would work with us. But we have to find them!"
"You are certainly right, but so far we haven't found neither trails nor natives. But Sasha did tell me, that you heared about a woman living out in the west. Maybe she can tell us more about this island."
"Is there something important for you that we might encounter? An animal, or another ship wreck? We've seen a couple of those so far. And I'm sure there will be more."
"Nice of you to ask. As I told Gregor already, The Brine Demon was a ship of a pirate captain, who was in league with my superior in the conspiration. If you would find his ship, there might be some proof that it wasn't me but my superior who sold the information to the pirates"
"I, too, think we should seek this woman out. But it would mean a much longer trek; we would need to have some overnights in the wilderness. Jask, Sasha, are you comfortable holding down this camp in our absence?"
"I think things went quite well in the last few days. We will be able to handle some rogue crabs and bad weather easily. you go and loom out for this woman. Maybe its Ieana and we can finally find out what this is all about."
Jask, Sasha, Ishirou and Aerys easily agree.
I agree. Let us explore this peninsula 'out west' and see what we can see. then the next day double back. At least before we venture inland we will know what lies that way.
After an uneventful night the group wakes up in the morning and prepares for their first longer expedition.
Gregor, Father Kerndrew, Davor and Kendrella will set out west for a two day journey and discuss what route to take and what to carry with them.
Sitting on a downed log the castaways have been using as a chair, Gregor says. Lets break into the sea chest emergency rations for this trip and not use the camps rations. I think we out to forego hunting and foraging and go straight along the coast towards the point and then come back along the southern route. If we come across the snake, then so be it. Gelik? Jask, If youve got the camp, You two confer for camp roles for the three days. I think athree day trip actually will be warranted returning mid afternoon on the third day. That way we will scout the entire peninsuela
"I think that's warranted," Father Kerndrew agrees, regarding the rations. "I'm sure the camp can provide for itself regardless, but no sense depleting a resource they might need."
He looks over Gregor's sketch of their route, and also nods his head at that. "Good plan, Gregor."
Day 6 (Midsummer) - At the Beach camp
Shortly after sunrise - the weather is very hot and humid
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When the sun rises it is soon obvious that the weather is going to stay hot for at least another day. The group has decided to start westwards and go looking for the brightly colored women the Dimorhodon has spotted.
In preparation for the trip, gregor breaks open his sea chest and takes out enough rations for a 4-day trip. After some final words with Jask and Gelik to make sure everything will be fine, back at the camp, Kenderella jumps on Emzis saddle and joind Gregor, Davor and Kerndrew up the cliff.
At the top they follow yesterdays path for about half an hour before turning west and folow the northern cliffside.
Gregor is carefully monitoring the Jungle but it appears the viper, whose tracks you discovered yesterday is still sleeping that early in the morning .
Day 6 (Midsummer) - On a cliff atop a wreck
Late Afternoon - the weather is very hot and humid
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You continue follow the coast for another 4 hours before you rest to avoid the worst of the noon heat. As usual a heavy downpour starts int the early afternoon, but makes the way forward rather unpleasant.
After another two hours when you once more reach the edge of the jungle to check out the coastline you spot another wreck about an hour further along the coast. This on is sunk much closer ot the coast than the last one and might be reachable from the shore.
You head forward another half an hour drawing nearer to the spot when you spot remnants of a small campsite on the beach in front of the wreck.
Seeing the remnants of a campsite on the beach Davor motions for everyone to go slow and careful, watching for any dangers but also watching for footprints.
The Wreck is in reasonable shape, not older than a few months, The cliffs seem to be almost reaching it, you are sure you can somehow get onto the forecastle. Its broken in the middle and the back is mostly submerged.
The campsite consitst of a fireplace, a shade providing shelter and some kind of fanced of area. There are also some clothes drying in the wind, now that the downpoour has stopped. There is also some movement of a tiny creature.
You are able to spot lines leading to the sea and the jungle, which might be tracks.
Gregor crouches looking at the camp. So this is 'the place of the bright lady', whatever that means. Lets circle around and come down the cliff out of sight of the camp, so if the person is hostile they canot start shooting at us before we even reach the beach.
with that Gregor stands up and starts to head inland.
Unaware of your approach you spot a humanoid shape knelt collecting berries in one of the bushes nearby the camp. When you approach or call her attention, she suddenly hides in the bush, and puts a mask on the face.
Slowly the humanoid, which is an elven by the shape of the ears, addresses you in the old language of the first men "... Vos es, qui non viridi fungus creaturae illorum. Terrebis me terribly. Quis es? Quid vos hic agis?" the timber of the voice is clearly female and she points at you with a steel trident but seems clearly scared by your presence.
"You... you are not one of those green fungus creatures. You scared me terribly. Who are you? What are you doing here? What do you want?"
The groomy elven female covers her face with a strange wooden mask. Despite this cover you can see her lively green eyes through holes in the mask. Her elven arms unveil a grey skin with a shade of purple. She wears golden jewelery and sea trinkets over a set of bright clothes whose colors reminds you to the sea. Spilling over the ocean of blue, her long brunette hair strikes you as waves playing on the sea surface.
You recognize the wooden mask as the type the Mordant Spire elves, also known as grey elves, usually dress. Peculiar and reclusive these elves dwell almost entirely on the island of Mordant Spire in the Steaming Sea, where they guard ancient Azlanti artifacts and patrol the many remaining islands of that lost continent.
Mordant Spire elves are pale-skinned, aloof, and stand-offish. They usually wear masks, and speak only Azlanti to outsiders, as they are one of very few peoples in the Inner Sea region who still speak that language natively.
Most Mordant Spire elves live in floating wicker buildings around the island proper. They typically spend their time fishing and diving in the Steaming Sea, which provides many resources leaving them little interest to trade with outsiders.
They consider themselves inheritors of that lost civilisation of Azlant despite formerly being their enemies. They lay claim to all of Azlant surviving relics, and chase treasure hunters protecting any such object.
Despite their antagonism towards artifact plunders, their patrols have brought stability around the sunken continent. The elves' xenophobic attitude is not universal and some of the younger elves believe that much can be gained by accepting other races' access to the ruins of Azlant.
"An elf of the Mordant Spire! She's probably speaking Azlanti to us, though I don't know the tongue. Does anyone speak Elven? Perhaps she'd understand that?" Father Kerndrew leaves his blade sheathed, and offers his hands, palms out, in a gesture of nonviolence.
Gregor paused an slowly put the hand axe he carried when blazing a trail through the jungle into his belt and slipped out the battle axe, cautiously. He said to Father Kerndrew Dont know anythin about em, but that mask isnt exactly friendly. Lots of folks put masks on to hide their identity for their evil deeds.
then he turned to the 'bright lady' Can you speak the common tongue? We mean you no harm, if you are friendly.... his tone was cautious but non aggressive.