Jivaji Varesh's page

"Yes, Amy, what do you think? Where would you prefer to go?"

Jivaji ponders for a while, then signs back to the group.

:: I don't get the feeling that Amy's existence will be well-received. The caravan leader clearly knew something more of what's going on. If the vampires have anything to do with the safety of the town, we will only be making enemies by taking her back. What do you think friends? ::

I don't know, I was just keeping the thread going.

Jivaji cools down from his escape by taking a drag from his waterskin. Then he checks on Amy to see if the sun is bothering her.

Jivaji breaks through the foliage around the camp, greatly relieved to find Silent in one piece, making his hand signals.

Breathing heavily, and clearly a bit shaken, Jivaji blanks away his surprise and conveys his relief
"Silent, my friend, your speed is quite the virtue. I am not sure if I should be ashamed or amazed that you outran that beast and still arrived back at camp before me. Either way, I am grateful."

** spoiler omitted **

Stealth 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Man, quiet we ain't.

Jivaji throws his cloak over the girl, then sets out for the hunt.

"Let's see if we can find her something quickly, then attempt this wall?"

Hunting: Stealth 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Survival 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

"Well, we can continue to attempt this climb in the dark, or we could wait until morning." With that, Jivaji pauses, turns to the girl, and asks, "Wait, you were hunting at night. Are you and the rest of these vampires nocturnal? If so, we would benefit from waiting until light, however what would we do with the girl?" The last statement and question seem almost rhetorical.

"Well, if we choose to wait until morning, we can attempt to hunt live game for Amy, otherwise we should be on our way over this wall. Between Tam and our copious amount of rope, we should make short work of it."

"There is no need to kill you. As long as you maintain a desire for self-control, I think we will be ok. Since you believe yourself incapable of control at this point, I think it best we heed your warning."

Jivaji inhales deeply, puffing out his feathered neck for a moment, then sighs slowly.

"Now, with that out of the way, you say you've been searching around this wall here. What can you tell us about it? How large are the grouns?"

"Very well, my elven friend, you certainly have cause to be the most offended. I'm sure no one will object, of course, if we remain cautious." He asserts this matter-of-factly and retrieves his bow, knocks an arrow, and sits so that he may still draw if necessary.

"What can you tell us about these other vampires? There must be some sort of order or leadership. What do they do when not feeding on innocent young women?"

Jivaji, ever the skeptic, trains his keen eyes on the girl.

Sense Motive (what's her deal?) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"If what she says is true, she may not be able to control her urges. If any of us were starving we would attack our prey just as viciously. It it perhaps wise to keep her bound for now? For her own safety, of course."

I have been similarly preoccupied. Not entirely sure how my posting frequency will be affected in the long run, will keep everyone updated.
Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
"Yet another abomination. At least she can think and has a sense of self-preservation."

Jivaji shakes his beaked head, clucking his tongue.

"Well then, we have no intention of hurting you more, unless we need to restrain you. We need answers, and you're going to help us get them girl."

Jivaji helps the group bind the girl and settle her in near the fire.
After checking on Eltumal's wounds, he sits and lets the combat excitement wear off and begins asking questions.

Jivaji tries to throw the girl off balance mentally by asserting her identity. "So. Tell us about yourself, your sister, and your father. Tell us what is going on in the village, why it is protected, and why you left."

"Knock her out before she bleeds Silent dry!"

Jivaji follows his own advice, stepping up and swinging again.
Bastard Sword (2H) 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13, dmg 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 S nonlethal (flanking?)

Oh, I suppose that was the AoO, normal round now.

He chases after her and tries to knock her feet from under her.

Trip (provokes) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Flumph? Cave Stalker? Mimic?

Oh wait she's prone? yay.
Jivaji screeches incoherently, slapping at her fervently.

Bastard Sword (2H) 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 4 + 2 = 9, dmg 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 S nonlethal

Jivaji finally catches up with the rest of the group, quickly assessing the situation, he runs up to the grappled pair, out of breath, and manages to shout out between heavy breaths "Don't kill her, knock her out!"

Jivaji then grabs his sword with both hands, turning the blade so that the flat is showing, and swings for the fences.

Bastard Sword (2H) 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15, dmg 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 S nonlethal

Jivaji follows behind Joe, as quietly as before.

Jivaji stirs quietly, reacting to the commotion around him.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18+2 if human

Drawing his sword and shield, Jivaji looks about bleary-eyed.

"I Will take next watch." Jivaji watches the ape climb nimbly to the top of the wall. "By the way Tam, what do you see up there?"

Tam I think you need to make a climb check

Edit: Perecption on my watch 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

No further than earshot or line of sight, whichever is further

"Who indeed..." Jivaji scratches the underside of his beack and ponders.

Shrugging off his pack as well, and hitching his animals to a nearby tree, he unshoulders his bow. "If we are settling in, I think it best that we know what's around."

Jivaji sneaks off to investigate the area.

Stealth 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Survival (if necessary) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Jivaji turns his head in response to Joe's question. Apparently in a mental fog, his brain doesn't quite understand what he's seeing until he turns back to face the trail in time to see a creature lurching for him.

He quickly draws his sword in a panic(move), and tries a double overhand chop to cut the thing down.(standard)

Bastard Sword (2H) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19, dmg 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 S

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 +2 if target is human
right there with you

I've been checking the thread every day. Didn't realize we were waiting on me. But then I've been a bit preoccupied with a massive job-hunt campaign.

Jivaji follows up later after taking care of business in town. He finds the group outside of town, impressed that Joe has already found the tracks of the man and his girls.

"Well then, well done Joe. Let us be on our way and find out what we can."

As the group begins walking, Jivaji makes sure everyone is out of earshot of the village, and says "So I think it's pretty obvious, but I'm certain that Ofal is hiding something about this town. I'll bet he knows why it is unaffected by the dinosaurs. I question if it has to do with this disappearance or not. I also question if it has to do with those statues. Hmm..."

Assuming Jivaji and Silent cleared the traps before meeting with Ofal

"Speaking of hunting, we were able to find some food. Please take this offering and share with your village."

Survival 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Jivaji closes his eyes and nods. He places his hands behind his back, covertly signing one word as he shifts them into place.
Sleight of Hand 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Sense Motive 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

The hunter training in Jivaji will cause him to check his traps first thing in the morning. Whether that's resolved before or after the conversation with Ofal doesn't matter.

While talking to Ofal
"Well, there is one thing we are curious about. It seems that your village lives not at all in fear of the terrors of this jungle. In fact we see no evidence of dinosaur attacks whatsoever. Why is that?"

Edit to add some dice rolls

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Sense Motive 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Is there anything you guys need from me?

Jivaji is ready to start his watch.

For those interested in the statue I'm talking about: this post

Listening to Joe's report as he settles in to his watch, Jivaji nods his head.
"I wonder if it has anything to do with those statues. We should find out if the villagers know anything about them."

This is all the info I see…

** spoiler omitted **

I think that's it

No, Jivaji forgot that I was with the away group, or at least he didn't mention me in his post.

I do keep forgetting you! I'm sorry. Actually I forgot to roll anything at all. I got caught up in my daughter's 16th birthday party. Whoops!

Were Silent and Jivaji at all successful in finding any small woodland critters on our brief stint? If not it's fine and we'll be checking traps in the morning.

Jivaji pokes the GM

BTW Shan, never saw results of opening that chest. Might have to make trading decision based on the contents!

That's a good point. Want to get back before it's dark. So it would probably be good to set traps, poke around a bit, come back and start watches?

Watching Tam and Joe head out, Jivaji turns to Silent.

"Well, I suppose we should be going."

Jivaji will set two bear traps and two snare traps.
I think that, for the most part, there's not a skill check on how to best set a trap. I figure survival to find good spots. The traps would still get a perception check to be discovered (just about anything except mindless should be wary of weird looking contraptions).
So, Survivals:
Bear 1 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17, Perception DC 20, Disable DC 20
Bear 2 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20, Perception DC 20, Disable DC 20
Snare 1 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21, Perception DC 20, Disable DC 15
Snare 1 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26, Perception DC 20, Disable DC 15

Aside from that, Jivaji throws his tracking abilities into the mix when heading out.
Survival for hunting 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Survival for picking up the Carpenter & Daughters trails 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Stealth while hunting 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Perception while hunting 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

"Excellent, then. Let us make good use of the night."

Jivaji leaves the animals behind, but takes some supplies with him.
Torches, a couple beartraps, Rope, a saw.

Splitting the party usually ends in disaster. It usually makes DMs salivate.

Other than those concerns, the plan sounds reasonable. I would suggest that Joe and Tam do some questioning. Joe is likable enough, and would be right useful were a scuffle to occur from unwanted questions. It keeps Tam from having to ape out as well. Also I think Tam is likely the most 'diplomatic'.

That would leave Eltumal alone to do trading. Trading usually isn't terribly dangerous. Right? Right guys? Anyhow, when/if we see if we can make a crafting arrangement with the village, I want to put in a request for traps to be made. I just really don't get much of an opportunity to create them, and I can't make them quickly until 5th level.

Jivaji waves Silent on.

"Well, I think it is still prudent to set a watch tonight. To keep an eye or ear out for Silent, and an eye on the animals. I'll take middle watch."

D'oh! I forgot! MW Thieves tools add another +2 to the checks. Making my 'Take 20' attempt a solid 30. If that doesn't succeed, Jivaji will reluctantly put the chest away to try again later.

"For the benefit of those who did not follow Silent's charades, he's found the scent of Raylof and perhaps his girls. Also a lot of blood. Perhaps over the next couple of days, we can try to find out more about what went down."

"Ah, Joe, you bring up a good point. Perhaps over the next couple of days, Silent could seek the tracks of the carpenter and his daughters? This would still give us time to heal, and also give us a good solid lead on finding these people."

Jivaji gestures philosophically with his be-taloned hand.
"Now, I could understand heading out immediately if the girls had only been missing for a couple days. But Ofal said he was gone for 5 days now, and the girls must have been missing for longer."

Jivaji then shrugs, as if weighing a difficult decision.
"We take risks either way. We could leave tomorrow, bruised and bleeding if we do not use potions, or dangerously low on potions if we do. Or we could leave in a couple days, raising the risk slightly that the girls could have been killed in these two coming days. I truly do understand your moral plight, but we must also consider our own survival. It is most certainly not news that this jungle is supremely dangerous; it will literally eat us alive if we are caught unprepared."

Jivaji then stands up, hold his hands out in a gesture to include the attention of everyone in the house.
"My opinion I think is obvious. I am willing to submit to a vote, if anyone else feels that it would be... let's say irresponsible?... to delay our task. Should the group's opinion be that we leave; If I may but make the request that we take at least one day to heal and replenish supplies?"
His head tilts greatly to one side, waiting for responses.

Enlarge Person is always a great potion. It's a standard action to drink instead of a full-round to cast. Plus the melee dudes can drink when they choose. CLW is always a winner.

Jivaji begins tinkering with the as-yet unlocked chest from before, now that he has the time to.

Perception for traps 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

After that, Jivaji hunts around on his mule for the sack that he randomly stuffed items in from the caravan.
It was about 50 lbs of random crap. Anything good in there Shanosuke?

Silent, the boy wrote:

Cool. can you do that twice and get both items?

I'm not sure what that parchment with a level on it is, either. ARe those unidentified scrolls?

As to the rest of the gear, Silent could use that light Crossbow. He's got bolts but no ranged weapon at this point.

I should be able to use it once and get both items. With a six-round duration, I should be able to get them both.

Also, we should get that locked chest unlocked, unless it's only marked as locked to remind us of the lock that's on it, and it's really open.

Nope. There were 2, One got unlocked (it's listed in the coin/valuable items section.)

One of the things that Jivaji plans on doing is unlocking that other chest, now that there's time.

In fact, why don't I do that now?

Jivaji watches Silent's question, and replies "That is possible, there were all types of women in that woman-village. The daughters very well could be amongst them. We shall have to ask Ofal for a description"

Once settled into the house, Jivaji shows visible signs of relaxation. He begins bringing in goods from his equine friends.

As the items are sorted out, he poses an idea to the group.

"So, I have an idea. It appears that the people in this camp are quite industrious, and so far I think we can trust them more than the elven village.
I'm wondering if we can work out a deal where they can craft some of the items we will need. I know I haven't had the opportunity to work on some of my traps, and I'm pretty certain that I could show them what I need.
Also, Gylwinth's lab may prove more useful here, if we can have them create potions for us. Perhaps if we help them out with their missing people, or carpentry, or what have you, we can make a ...beneficial arrangement?"

Jivaji pauses for a minute to let the idea sink in. After a long pause he adds in.

"Also, I was thinking that perhaps we should rest a few days to heal our wounds without using potions, and maybe even use that time to replenish our stock?" Jivaji turns his questioning, beaked face to Eltumal as his question is raised. "During such time, we could further show the people here what we would need, if we could strike such a bargain."

Shrugging briefly, he adds "It is just a thought. What do you fellows think?"

Re: Parchment. No clue what the levels mean, that's what Gylwinth had listed. I don't see any difference. I'll just change it to Parchment x11.
I think he planned on scribing scrolls at some point.

As far as the goods, current claims are:

Joe:
nothing yet

Eltumal:
nothing yet

Silent:
Crossbow (& bolts?)

Tam:
Nothing

Jivaji:
Switch Comp. Longbow(+2) for MW Comp. Longbow(+2)
Arrows x100
Torch x2
Potion of CLW x2
Trail Rations x9
Sunrod x2
MW Thieves Tools
Crowbar x1
Rope, Silk(50 Ft)
Caltrops x1
Marbles x1
Chalk x1
Earplugs x1
Flint and steel x1
Grappling Hook x1
Fish hook x1
Waterproof Bag x2

*Jivaji only cares at all about the bow, which to be honest, he could take or leave. If anyone else wants to claim something, by all means do so and Jivaji will not object. Plans are to move as much of the goods as possible tot he mule, so that Fazmir can be ridden again.

Sorry, I know I kinda took the lead there, then disappeared. I got super busy with work and home life.
By the way, Jivaji only mentioned trading because it's the universal sign of "we don't want to kill you." Though it's entirely likely we can still get some good trading relationship going on here.

Jivaji patiently waits for Ofal to finish telling Joe the story of the carpenter before adding to the conversation.

"Thank you so kindly for your generosity. The hospitality is most welcome. As our eager friend has pointed out, we are concerned for the loss of your Raylof and his daughters."

"As my friends have mentioned, we are terribly exhausted, if you do not mind, and if no one else has questions?..." Jivaji turns to the rest of the party, offering a moment to comment. "we would like to rest before anything else."