Fazaam examines the dirt, and sniffs it. "Sorry, I haven't seen anything like it before. Ghari, how bout you?"
:P
Fazaam looks dejectedly at the unrolled, empty shorts. "I thought for sure there would be something hidden in there, that's how I hide stuff from those thieving pirates on the ship!" HE smirks at Gharin, then goes over to look at the chest with Fudrick.
"I don't know, even if it was a 'once only' trap, it's still locked. We're gonna have to bust the lock. Gently, if possible. Otherwise anything fragile in there is history." He smiles at Fudrick. "At least that's what the others on the ship say, I wouldn't know,... personally."
Fazaam Knowledge; NATURE check: (1d20+5=25)
Fazaam suddenly stops, turns around, and all but snatches the jar out of Gharin's hands, who was examining it next. He then takes a pinch, tastes it, and grins like a cat-eating canary.
"I'll be a monkey's uncle, Dwarven Healing Earth!" He cries, drawing an outraged reaction from his shoulder-perched friend. "Sorry Hasan," He murmurs aside, then continues to Gharin excitedly. "I read about this back ho,... um, once. It was in a book called '1001 Things that Might Save your Life', I remember it because I thought it was a joke, I mean, who would believe that dirt could heal?!? Shulim, I think this might just be what the cleric ordered!"
While the others check the camp, Yrar walks around and surveys the jungle using this time to suck in breath, stretch out his burnt skin and muscles, and getting blood flowing throughout his body. Looking up at the setting sun Yrar simply states, "We should go soon."
Fazaam suddenly stops, turns around, and all but snatches the jar out of Gharin's hands, who was examining it next. He then takes a pinch, tastes it, and grins like a cat-eating canary.
Ghari is startled and a little cross when the jar is snatched from his hand. "Hey!" But then amused at Fazaam's subsequent actions.
"I'll be a monkey's uncle, Dwarven Healing Earth!"
"You have got to be kidding me." Shaking his head Ghari sweeps through the camp to reclaim his bow and arrows. As he goes he keeps an eye out for a waterskin and perhaps some food.
"After we get resupplied we need to head up to the dig site. My cousin, if still alive, should be able to tell us what...
While the others check the camp, Yrar walks around and surveys the jungle using this time to suck in breath, stretch out his burnt skin and muscles, and getting blood flowing throughout his body. Looking up at the setting sun Yrar simply states, "We should go soon."
"Why would you guys want to go this 'dig site' now? It'll be dark soon, and there is something just as nasty as our burnt offering here still out in the jungle. And, as long as you're counting corpses there's a third one in the jungle too. At least if we stay here we've an open field of view for anything coming out of the jungle. "
"Because, oh most dense warrior-of-the-woods," Fazaam explains as he reclaims both his rapier and bow from where he left them, "Our good Fudrick's cousin happens to be the leader of the expedition that we were sent to spy on. And as he is not here, if he is alive he is most likely still at the site. And hopefully he has a clue what these things are and how to deal with them better."
He stops and looks at Ghari, looking as close to serious as Ghari has ever seen him. "And they, well, the noble Half-orc at least, have promised to help rescue your sister,..." He says quietly. He holds Ghari's eyes for a moment, then claps him on the shoulder and moves to Shulim. "Besides! YOUR the one who's always telling me I need to get out more and get enjoy nature!"
"You just apply it to your wounds until they start to feel better." He explains as he hands the jar of gold flecked dirt to Shulim. He then takes it to Yrar and repeats his instructions. He then hands the jar to Fudrick to keep. "It probably belongs to your cousin, and you seem to be the resident healer." He explains as he hands the jar to him.
"Alright, everybody ready?" Fazaam asks airily as he knocks an arrow to his bow. "Gharyn, as you and I have been there before, you want point? With Yrar following?" He asks grinning.
"Ahhhhh, much better," Yrar grunts a few moments after applying some of the dirt. "Works good. Weird, but good."
"Should be about three applications left, I'd save it for an emergency. The book said it was also proof against poison and diseases." Fazaam elaborates as Fudrick stores the jar away.
He points at the big chest. "If we're going to open that, let's do it. We want to have enough time to check out the dig site before dark. Mr. Shulim? Are you up opening it now that the trap is triggered?"
Hasan, who was playing with the two pairs of now-unrolled shorts, seems disappointed that there was nothing in the case more interesting than a jar of dirt. HE climbs back to Fazaam's shoulder and voices his protest, loudly. Fazaam winces. "How many times have I told you? NOT in my ear! Don't worry, I'll find you something nice and shiny to ta,... play with soon." He assures the restless simian, who seems mollified if not altogether happy with the statement.
|
The flacks of gold fade from the earth as it is applied to the wounds of Yrar and Shulim. Leaving just grey mud and healthy skin.
He tests the lock and it clicks open after a twist of a needle-like tool.
Slowly the gnome opens the chest keeping the lid between him and the opening.
Inside is a long cloak of dark silk. Wrapped inside are three objects.
The first is a silver circlet, marked with angular writing and bearing three blue stones.
The second is a tablet, again with angular writing on it.
The third is a small statuette of a twisted woman. The grotesque figure has long hands and a thin body. She holds a pearl in her grasp.
There are also three gnomish sets of explorer clothes, and a belt of very well made tools, brushes and needles. With this equipment is a small chest. The chest contains a new healer's kit.
"Wow, that is one ugly woman."
"Say, Fudrick, blessings on you and your family. " The polite form is rather rushed. "Fazzam tells me you're in charge here. Out of your great and wise beneficience, would you grant me the loan of that healing kit? I've some skill in that way , and if we're to hazard the jungle it might be wise for many people to be equipped to provide aid and you obviously have better means of healing."
The flacks of gold fade from the earth as it is applied to the wounds of Yrar and Shulim. Leaving just grey mud and healthy skin.
He tests the lock and it clicks open after a twist of a needle-like tool.
Slowly the gnome opens the chest keeping the lid between him and the opening.
Inside is a long cloak of dark silk. Wrapped inside are three objects.
The first is a silver circlet, marked with angular writing and bearing three blue stones.
The second is a tablet, again with angular writing on it.
The third is a small statuette of a twisted woman. The grotesque figure has long hands and a thin body. She holds a pearl in her grasp.
There are also three gnomish sets of explorer clothes, and a belt of very well made tools, brushes and needles. With this equipment is a small chest. The chest contains a new healer's kit.
Fudrick's face turns very serious "I don't mind using what we need to save lives, but these items belong to my cousin and his crew. Whatever we take is given back to them as soon as it's feasible. If, Hettama bless their souls, they are no longer around then we make every effort to give the items or just compensation to their families. These fellows have families that depended on their income. As long as you all agree then we take what is needed."
"I don't know much about magic items. So I can't tell them apart from normal. Can any of you tell if cloak and the circlet are magical, and if so their uses?"
After everyone gathers their supplies, refreshes waterskins and eating some food, Fudrick puts the circlet and tablet in his bag. If someone wants to wear the cape he lets them. "We need to be out of here now. Did you say it takes about two hours to get up to the dig site? Ok then lets get a move on."
Fazaam bows at Fudrick's words. "As you say, O most wise and considerate of gnomes. I am afraid That I will be of little help in determining if the items are magical in nature, while I am capable of casting the charm in question, I'm afraid that I haven't actually learned it, yet." He grins sheepishly. "At the time it seemed that there were so many more important things to do."
'Otherwise, I agree completely with your evaluation, we need to move if we are going to make it before dark."
Roman just looks flatfaced at them, "Greed kills more than most armies, lets go"
"I am in need of nothing else from the camp. The jungle will serve my needs well. Now, let us beat the setting sun to our destination." Yrar lifts his maul and looks to the trees and grasses.
|
|
Although no one can tell which items are magical, the cloak is slightly weighted, human sized and used for duelling.
Duelling Cloak
A duelling cloak is a short cloak that is slung over one shoulder and taken into hand to parry attacks.
A duelling cloak is specially made for combat and is woven of a materiel thick enough to defend the wearer in battle. A duelling cloak is held in your off hand and provides a +1 shield bonus, as the heavy fabric turns aside blows. If you are proficient with light armour you are proficient with the duelling cloak. Although masterwork duelling cloaks can be crafted, these items cannot be enhanced using Craft Magic Arms and Armor. Some rumours suggest, however, that some duelling cloaks (created through the Craft Wondrous Item feat) exist with a variety of flashy and particularly theatrical effects.
Disarm Attacks: By using it as an off-hand weapon, you can use a duelling cloak to disarm an opponent. When using a duelling cloak in this manner, you get a +2 bonus on opposed attack rolls made to disarm opponents (including the roll to avoid being disarmed if such an attack fails). For the purposes of penalties on your attack roll, treat the duelling cloak like a light weapon. If you use your duelling cloak to make a disarm attempt, you lose its AC bonus until your next action (usually the next round)
Duelling Cloak Cost: 100gp, +1 AC Bonus, Max Dex – Armor Check Penalty: -1
Arcane Spell Failure Chance: 10% Weight: 3 lb
Note that you cannot wield a weapon and a cloak and cast a spell. But it is a free action to let go a cloak.
The tall grasses encroach on the track leading away from the camp towards the crater. Gradually the ten foot wide track rises although there are folds and knolls covered in bushes and trees up ahead.
Yrar moves ahead, using his instincts to guide his every move. He momentarily gazes upon the sky and the setting sun in an attempt to determine an appropriate pace to set while still using caution.
With the correct path now known, Yrar takes it upon himself to move through the trees. Turning back right at the forest's edge, Yrar looks at his new companions, "Are you sure we can make the dig site in two hours? Fudrick, Zatari is your cousin. Any thoughts on the matter? Would he truly set up camp two hours away? Making a round trip four hours every day. Seems like much lost time to get the job done." Yrar then looks back at the newcomers for their reactions to this thought as his suspicion becomes apparent.
Fazaam glances at Ghari as Yrar's suspicion becomes apparent.
"Well, we only went up there the once, and our former 'partner', " HE practically spits the word, "was leading the way, and we were trying to keep from being noticed. So, yes, it does sound odd now that you mention it. Perhaps we are much closer than we thought?"
He turns to Ghari, "He told us that the people who returned to camp were running, I don't know anyone who can run for 2 hours straight. What was he up too?" Fazaam then returns his gaze, and arrow-point, to the jungle they are traveling through. His elvish ears alert for any noise.
Fudrick's face turns very serious "I don't mind using what we need to save lives, but these items belong to my cousin and his crew. Whatever we take is given back to them as soon as it's feasible. If, Hettama bless their souls, they are no longer around then we make every effort to give the items or just compensation to their families. These fellows have families that depended on their income. As long as you all agree then we take what is needed."
Ghari's face turns red. "I am no common thief. I will borrow what I need to help you. I will return it all."
"My large esteemed friend, " Ghari addresses Yrar. "Let me take the lead. I have seen the route and know my way in the woods."
He shoulders the waterskin and sack with a bit of food and healing kit in it and starts off. Not wanting to get caught out in the jungle at night, he sets as brisk a pace as possible, but looks back over his shoulder often to make sure everyone is keeping up.
Assuming we get near the dig site without incident, Ghari will stop a couple hundred yards short of the site for discussion.
Spot Listen and survival checks on the trail (1d20+5=13, 1d20+5=14, 1d20+5=19)
|
|
The journey up through the foothills is an arduous one. About three-quarters of an hour later the trail reaches a small bridge over a minor ravine.
The bridge seems to be of fairly new construction, it consists of a wooden slatted floor and two waist high guide ropes, and gently sways in the breeze.
It is about a thirty foot drop to the river and its protruding rocks. The walls of the ravine slope down, rather fall straight so climbing around would be feasible.
Fazaam and Ghari Spoiler
hour to get here.
Fudrick looks at the jungle unable to make anything out other than the sounds made by the native animals. A shiver runs down his spine as he recalls the fight at the camp. "There is something still out there. An abomination so evil that it can corrupt a man and bring him back as undead. From what we know there are at least two of its servants out there. Watching. Waiting for us to make a mistake." As the group stops at the bridge he says, "The bridge is obviously new. There isn't a whole lot of daylight left and going around it just causes us to delay longer. I am worried about traps. There was the pit trap at the mouth of the trail at the beach. If my cousin had the traps set then the bridge might be as well. Lets take a look at the bridge real quick and see if we can spot any telltale signs of a trap."
"It doesn't looked trapped, but we could have missed something. Lets head across one at a time. Yrar, mind taking the lead? Shulim and I will bring up the rear as we are the lightest."
"Gentlemen, we are moving slower than we should. This bridge is about halfway there, but we should be farther up the trail by now."
"If the big guy, Yeowr?, wants to cross first that's fine with me. "
Spot, Search, Survival checks at bridge. (1d20+5=15, 1d20+5=22, 1d20+5=16)
"Was this bridge used by the newcomers on the way back, then I strongly doubt there was time to place new traps on it then, but if this is half way we need to move faster"
Roman Scowls
"Yeah, I'll go first," Yrar simply states. He moves to the edge and tests his large mass against the, more than likely, built-for-a-Gnome bridge. Then he begins to make his way across.
Slowly but steadily, Yrar moves across the bridge and reaches the other side without any problems. "All Clear. Let's move."
"We've crossed the bridge before, it was safe both ways. BUT that doesn't mean that it couldn't have been tampered with since then." Fazaam explains.
"I'll be happy to cross,... " Fazaam starts to state in what is undoubtedly supposed to be a 'Brave Hero" pose. But is cut short by the simple expediency or Yrar's statement and putting words into action.
When Yrar makes it safely across, Fazaam releases a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, and smacks Ghari on the shoulder.
"I TOLD you there was nothing to worry about!" He grins, then adds in a softer voice. "We should have reached this bridge 15 minutes ago? What's taking so long oh most mighty tracker? Do I need to draw you a map?" He is smiling, but his friend notices the true concern in his voice.
Fazaam crosses softly but swiftly on his turn, moving with the grace that only the elves can make look so easy. Once across he continues to cover the far side of the bridge (Where we came from) as well as possible with his bow until everyone is across. Obviously trusting in the ability of the large half-orc to protect this side of the bridge from an attack.
Ghari crosses the bridge quickly and moves to take up the point again.
Next planned stop: just out of view of the site?
As they re-enter the jungle, Fazaam keeps his eyes and ears peeled. Hasan climbs first to one shoulder, and then another, acting like a lookout on a ship.
;P
Over a rise and Hasan starts chattering away, pointing out to sea. From here, the view out into the Straits shows the other larger island and nestling between them, a small dhow. It is Zarea's vessel, the Sea Harem. However it would be almost impossible for anyone to spot the party from the ship.
The journey upwards continues to the edge of the dig. This takes another forty five minutes or so. It is dusk and the sun is setting across the Straits. The Straits of Vinggor are a popular northern trade route, but today the sea is flat and clear.
Here the ground is fairly open with a thin covering of grass. Dotted among the grass are purple and blue flowers - known as nighteyes.
Up above the trail goes between two banks towards the summit. No movement, unless the odd breeze through the grass counts.
When Hasan's chattering calls attention to the pirate vessel, Ghari looks briefly out to sea. His brow furrows and lips tighten.
Fazaam's Con Check: (1d20 1=13)
As they reach the top of the climb, Fazaam is breathing loudly, but seems his usual spry self as he grins at his friend, daring him to say something about the 'superior human constitution'.
At Hasan's chattering Fazaam whirls around, looking for a target. When he sees the ship, his eyes narrow. His fingers twitch on his bowstring, and you realize that he is still looking for a target. After a moment he exhales slowly and deliberately, and turns to Ghari. "It's alright. We have time. She'll be fine. It's alright." He says quietly.
Though whether he is trying to convince Ghari, himself, or even Hasan is unclear.
He turns back to the trail, looking ahead. His elvish eyesight competing with the monkey's knack for survival to see who can spot any potential danger first.
"All I see is the breeze on the grass. Ghari? Yrar? Hasan?" He says quietly.
"I hope so, Fazzam." Ghari murmurs.
"anyone need a break?"
If anyone wants to stop Ghari will fidget, look pointedly at the setting sun, start up the trail for 10-15 yards and come back.
If not he'll start off again, his plan is still to stop just out of view of the dig site.
On the ridge between the two banks up above, a small animal scampers into view.
Hasan points it out first. The creature, a spindly little monkey, is coloured pale orange as the rays of the setting sun hit it. It shades its eyes.
When the small monkey scampered into sight, Hasan perked up, hoping he had found a new playmate. After a moment he begins to scream and squeal, pulling Fazaam's long hair.
"OW! QUITIT!" Fazaam shouts in surprise as the small simian tries to hide IN his hair. " Hasan, let go! Calm Down! What is it? What's the prob,... ?" His eyes widen. He takes a single step to the side so he can see around Yrar, landing in a deep fencer's lunge, and lets fly with his bow in a single fluid motion.
"BAD MONKEY!" He cries shrilly, caught up in his familiar's excitement.
Fazaam's to hit & dmg with shortbow: (1d20+3=16, 1d6=6)
"anyone need a break?"
Yrar looks over at the Ranger, "Break, heck I barely worked up an appetite." Yrar shows a big grin, "I could still eat though."
“I see nothing,” Yrar grumbles.
For a moment, the Half-Orc tenses as Fazaam nocks an arrow and fires. Yrar watches the missile and sees an orange monkey, “You shootin’ us dinner Elf?”
Yrar looks over at the Ranger and notices the worried look. The Half-Orc follows his gaze out over the ocean to an anchored ship. He nods his head, "Yeah, we'll rescue her. As long as I am alive, I'll make sure she has her freedom. Filthy pi-rats." Yrar then spats and prepares to continue to the dig site.
Yrar looks over at the Ranger and notices the worried look. The Half-Orc follows his gaze out over the ocean to an anchored ship. He nods his head, "Yeah, we'll rescue her. As long as I am alive, I'll make sure she has her freedom. Filthy pi-rats." Yrar then spats and prepares to continue to the dig site.
Upon hearing this Ghari straightens up a little. "Thanks, Yrar."
[Fazaam shouts in surprise as the small simian tries to hide IN his hair. " Hasan, let go! Calm Down! What is it? What's the prob,... ?" His eyes widen. He takes a single step to the side so he can see around Yrar, landing in a deep fencer's lunge, and lets fly with his bow in a single fluid motion.
"BAD MONKEY!" He cries shrilly, caught up in his familiar's excitement.
" HaZaam! Are you nuts?!" Despite his words, Ghari puts arrow to bowstring and tries to sight along Fazaam's shot.
The monkey skips to one side and Fazaam's arrow barely misses it.
"Fazaam, its just a little monkey. What could it do?"
"Yeah, why we shootin' at this monkey? Need me to go over there and smash it?"
"Yeah, why we shootin' at this monkey? Need me to go over there and smash it?"
Fazaam takes a deep breath to calm himself of the agitation that Hasan is still obviously feelilng. And reaches for another arrow at the same time.
""NO!, I mean, No. don't go near if it you can avoid it! Can't you see it? it's like that flaming corpse we fought, it's dead!" He exclaims, taking time to draw a proper bead on his target this time. "We need to get rid of it before it calls any friends,.."
The monkey disappears back over the ridge, chittering as it goes.