The druid checks out the river the group is walking next to. Dar is surprised to realize the river is flowing away from the ocean. . Dar finds this strange and ponders it.
Dar wonders if this isnt a river at all. But simply a body of water between two islands.
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The adventurers set to mapping out the new region, cognizant that they're out here to map the land but mindful of their foot situation. Fortunately, Dar is able to find plenty of nuts and berries in the wilderness.
An overnight rain peters off by the morning, and the group once more they resume their reconnoitering of the region. Around midday Zelkeke is speaking to Senizar. "That is interesting. In my tribe, we are led by the women. They-"
The cracking of branches interrupts him as Senizar falls into a hidden pit!
Senizar, head in his notebook wa-
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With a sudden drop that surprises everyone Senizar falls into a pit! He slams to the ground with a bruising jolt that momentarily winds him.
Rope is retrieved and lowered down to the wizard, and after a few minutes he emerges battered but alive. Dar wastes no time, using both his natural magic and more mundane skill to help.
Zelkeke takes a moment to study the pit. "Someone dug this. But I do not think it was recent. Still, I find this interesting."
The rest of the day is uneventful, and by nightfall the group has a good map of the area.
And the river (or is it a strait?) does not seem to have narrowed.
"If this is a strait, not a river, this counts as the coast. We should keep on. Crossing would likely be the end of us if we have to swim it."
Oi, wizard, get ye out of there and I'll tend to those little bumps!
While bandaging Senizar, Haedrig nods at Zelkeke's observation. Aye. This *was* dug by hands. Something lives nearby--or lived. Either way, I'm fer thinking we should find out.
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A light rain greets the adventurers at about midday, though with the summer temperature it feels refreshing. And though they keep close to the water the nearby forest is dense, with a canopy that keeps the rain away for the most part.
Dar has little trouble finding food, putting his spear to use and catching fish for their evening meal.
The next day is cooler, with clouds blotting out the sun as the adventurers continue onwards. Dar is able to find a few edible mushrooms, but not enough of them. Knowing that the next day will be one of mapping a new region, they eat their bland rations and hope for a sign of civilization.
It's the sound of morning doves that wake most of the group the next day, their cooing a gentle way to be brought to consciousness with the dawn. Senizar once more pulls out the parchment map he's been documenting, and the group set to the task of charting the area in detail.
Their druid is able to find a few berries to supplement the rations that they eat that day. It's while they're chewing on them that the typically taciturn Zelkeke speaks up. "I am sorry. It would have been better for you if I had stayed as a statue. All I have done for you is given you another mouth to feed. I am not giving back to your tribe. If you wish, I can depart the next morning."
He gestures towards the flow of water that the group has been following. "The water is a challenge I would face to find my tribe, lost though I am. Though unlike you, my people live with the water. I can hold my breath for a long time."
Zelkeke, I sleep better with your presence in our party. A warrior isn't needed till he is needed. I'm glad we don't face overwhelming odds everyday! But I assure you, sooner or later your fighting skills will be of great benefit to the group.
At the moment, I don't see a need to send you into the water. Splitting the group would make us more vulnerable. But we will keep your expertise with the water in mind as we go along.
"I agree with Dar. Stay. We've travelled well with could food discipline. Stay."
Haedrig muses. Ye say yer feeling guilty for not giving back to the tribe? How about you scout along the coast, in the water, alongside we land lubbers? Ye may find something of note, or even if the river goes shallow.
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Zelkeke bows his head, accepting the group's wisdom. Continuing to be translated through Senizar, he replies, "I thank you. As you say, I will scout along the shore for you."
The first day of reconnoitering done, Dar does his best to find food. What he brings back is meager, but supplements some of the rations they eat.
Fortunately for the group the next day is a good one. They complete their cartography by the end of the day, and Dar manages to bring down a deer. He whispers a prayer of thanks for the kill, and the group eats very well that day.
"Excellent!"
Senizar, starting to worry, recommends sticking with the plan - along the water.
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Zelkeke keeps close to the shoreline, working parallel to the group as the others push on towards the northeast. Fortunately, it's a good day to travel, with the sun keeping spirits high despite the current food supply. It's made better still when Dar is able to gather enough edible flora to sate their collective appetites.
Alas, sun turns to rain overnight, and the downpour is a heavy one. The forest canopy is no match for the liquid deluge, and each of them are soaked to the bone in no time.
At least Dar manages to catch some trout using his spear. It takes work to get a fire going, but they manage to cook the fish.
With a new area to chart, the group once more sets to its cartography work. The task itself is made easier by the fact that the rain relents and the sun comes out in full force. It makes for a humid day, but the ground is dry enough by the end of the day that setting camp is no challenge.
Dar finds more fish and does his best to make a stew. During dinner Zelkeke marvels at the druid. Translating through Senizar, he says, "It is a wonder to have you, friend. Your ability to find food in the wild is why we live. I will be forever in your debt."
That evening they take turns on watch. At one point during his watch Senizar makes a slightly larger circuit of the camp, and is surprised when his foot gives way! Another pit!
Senizar, now well practiced with surprise pits, pulls himself out.
[dice=Athletics]d20+0
Senizar, now well practiced with surprise pits, pulls himself out.
The half-orc offers Senizar a hand and helps him out of the pit. Good reflexes, getting better with practice.
The group studies the pit and the area around it. Is there anything to be learned?
Haedrig grumbles as he settles back down gotta search our campsights better...
"Yes. Yes we do."
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The adventurers get an otherwise uninterrupted rest, rising the next morning to a light rain that does not last the heat of the sun. Zelkeke once more sets off to scouting for the group, keeping along the shoreline as they reconnoiter the area.
At one point in the mid-afternoon the group catches up with their iruxi friend who, through Senizar, gives them the all clear. Though the opposite end of the shore is visible beyond this not-a-river, it's still quite a distance.
They're about to return to their task when there's a loud splash of sound as something bursts from the water! At first glance it looks like an incredibly large river fish... but this one has black scales and a pair of flapping wings!
And it's flying towards Zelkeke!
+1 for Scout
+1 for Scout
It flies towards the lone warrior, spitting a ball of caustic mucus at him!
He sees it coming, managing to avoid the worst of the beast's spit!
ROUND 1
Enemy - Spit!
Dar - Go
Senizar - Go
Haedrig - Go
Zelkeke - TBD (-7hp)
Haedrig pulls out his sling and looses a stone.
He then readies his shield, preparing for the beastie to retaliate on him.
Senizar tries to get a bead on what that thing is!
Dar is amazed by the large flying fish. Then he is concerned for his lizardman comrade getting spit on. The half orc bursts into action and starts climbing and scrambling down the slope.
Athletics
"Whatever it is, get it before it gets us!" He hurls his staff towards the flying fish
for
He then moves a bit.
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Dar nimbly descends the surface and heads towards their iruxi friend while Senizar launches his staff. It strikes the beast!
Furious at the attacks from Haedrig and Senizar, it flaps its wings and surges into the air and at them! Once close, it lets loose a frenzy of strikes at the two of them!
ROUND 2
Enemy - Surge & Frenzy (-14hp)
Dar - Go
Senizar - Go
Haedrig - Go
Zelkeke - TBD (-7hp)
Glad for the arcane armor, Senizar takes a small step back and lets fly a riotous spray of color!
Round 2
The half orc growls abit as the flying fish now flies up the cliff he just climbed down. In his rage Dar calls out for Papa Storm's wrath
Cast Tempest Surge DC15
The storm deals 1d12 electricity damage. The target must attempt a basic Reflex save. On a failure, the target also is clumsy 2 for 1 round and takes 1 persistent electricity damage.
Haedrig grunts at the nasty hit. He drops the sling and draws his axe, and does his best to take the beastie down before it takes HIM down.
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Haedrig managers a glancing cut on the flying creature, who nonetheless shrieks from the pain.
Zelkeke watches his two allies fight up above. He looks to Dar and gestures at the man's spear, beckoning for him to give it.
Meanwhile the monster lashes out at Haedrig in retaliation, releasing a frenzy of attacks!
Teeth sink into Haedrig's shoulder, piercing the dwarf's armor. Its tail thrashes about, but harmlessly.
And with shocking speed it beats its wings and flies away from the melee! It looks like it's heading towards the water!
ROUND 3
Enemy - Frenzy & Surge (-25hp)
Dar - Go
Zelkeke - TBD (-7hp)
Senizar - TBD
Haedrig - TBD (-8hp)
Round 2
Angry at this fish for being a difficult enemy to fight, the druid once more calls on Papa Storm’s wrath to bring the lightning.
Cast Tempest Surge damage
He also offhand tosses his spear to Zelkeke
Since I did not use my reaction, do I get an AoO?
Retcon round 2
The half-orc tosses his spear toward Zelkeke then focuses his inner power. He seeks the bitter cold of the brutal winter winds…
Action 1: spear toss
Action 2-3: Frost Ray to hit Cold damage
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Dar's magic finds its mark, further injuring to flying foe!
Zelkeke catches the expertly tossed spear and rushes toward the beast. The iruxi warrior manages to get close enough, stabbing out as it flies.
His attack is wide of the mark.
A tail lashes out at Zelkeke in retaliation!
ROUND 3
Enemy - Frenzy & Surge (-30hp)
Dar - Ray
Zelkeke - Miss (-17hp)
Senizar - Go
Haedrig - Go (-8hp)
Haedrig curses, his sling being his only missile weapon. He drops his axe, retrieves his sling, loads it, and let's fly--knowing he needs Desna's blessing to make such a far shot...
I think the range increment is too great...
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"I have no spells to strike at this range!" Senizar shouts to the party. He knows he's barely proficient with it, but he aims his crossbow:
for . He then reloads!
Haedrig curses, trying to get to Zelkeke's side to help take the fish down.
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Haedrig works his way down, finding handholds without too much difficulty. He hustles towards the monster, looking to help Zelkeke.
With the iruxi a close target, the beast unleashes yet another frenzy of attacks!
When its teeth sink in, Zelkeke cries out in pain! His eyes roll back and he collapses to the ground!
What's worse is that the beast does not relent! It's tail comes thumping into the prone form!
It connects a second time, but misses with its third!
With a final, draconic shriek at the group it kicks up another burst of speed and dives down into the water, swimming away!
ROUND 4
Enemy - Frenzy & Swim (-35hp)
Dar - Go
Senizar - Go
Haedrig - Go (-8hp)
Zelkeke - TBD (Dying 2)
"Dammit! Let it go! Get to Zelkeke!" [ooc] but can't get down quickly.
The dwarf drops his axe and yanks out one of his prepared poultices, hoping their new friend's anatomy isn't so different than what he's used to.
The half-orc rushes over to the downed Zelkeke. Also noticing the dwarf's injuries, Dar takes a moment more and calls upon The Mother for her healing touch.
Full 3 actions: cast heal healing to all creatures in a 30' radius.
The half-orc rushes over to the downed Zelkeke. Also noticing the dwarf's injuries, Dar takes a moment more and calls upon The Mother for her healing touch.
Full 3 actions: cast heal 2d8 healing to all creatures in a 30' radius.
The half-orc shakes his head a little as he looks to where the giant flying fish disappeared back into the water. I bet that would have been good eating...
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After tending to the wounds, the adventurers once more set to completing their cartography work. They eventually set down for the night, camping a healthy distance away from the water.
Unfortunately for Dar, he is not able to find enough food to sustain the whole group.
What is clear to the group is that this forest continues to the south and southeast, but following the river northeast the terrain becomes marshy. This excites Zelkeke. Through Senizar he says, "It is possible we are nearing the lands of my people. But know that our ancestral territory is large, and would take many days to cross. And though I have not traveled through all our land, my village was bordered on the west by water."
He looks to you, curious which route you all want to take.
"Our food is running low, but I don't see a better option than continuing to follow the water."