Blackleaf lets out a stream of Elvish curse words as the beast moves to fast for him to bring his axe to bare, he pulls and axe from his belt and hauls it at the beast as it swoops back toward the tree tops
Nature check
Attack
Damage
As Tragershen comes to, he's keenly aware of the commotion around, signaling the threat is still present. He looks for the closest monster, then flings his sword at it!
To Hit
Damage
The sword spins out at the creature, then slides through the air back into Tragershen's hand.
Does Tragershen know anything about these creatures that might help chase them off?
Knowledge Arcana
Knowledge Local
Knowledge Nature
Bottom of Round 1, dimorphodons
(14) Vincenzo rushes to Tragershen, reaching down and pressing his hand onto his gushing wound, feeling the guiding hand of his faith pull Tragershen's wound together under his hand. "They're coming right for us!"
(14 Tragershen) As Tragershen comes to, he's keenly aware of the commotion around, signaling the threat is still present. He looks for the closest monster, then flings his sword at it! The sword spins out at the creature, barely missing. It then boomerangs through the air back into Tragershen's hand.
(8) Blackleaf lets out a stream of Elvish curse words as the beast moves to fast for him to bring his axe to bare, he pulls and axe from his belt and hauls it at the beast as it swoops back toward the tree tops. The hatchet spins through the air catching the creature in the back cutting a deep gash.
Still unable to meet the swooping beast head on, Blackleaf drawls his other Throwing ax and hurls it once more at the monster
Attack
Damage
Vincenzo reaches for his starknife, nodding to Tragershen in surprise. "Where'd you learn that?!" Vincenzo exclaims, surprised at his sword returning. After drawing his starknife, he takes aim and throws it at one of the flapping creatures, wishing he had an invisible friend to bring his weapon back as well.
+0 BAB, +0 Dex, +1 bardic music
+1 Str, +1 bardic music
Rhys growls in pain as he is, for the third time that day, ripped open by a wild creature. He steps forward for the shelter of a nearby boulder, pulling a bolt into his crossbow and nocking it back, lifting it to his shoulder.
"Look out for their bite! It's venomous!"
He takes careful aim and lets fly at the creature he's already marked.
+1 (BAB), +4 (DEX), +1 (Point Blank Shot), +1 (Bardic Music)
+1 (Point Blank Shot), +1 (Bardic Music)
Round 1, dimorpodons
(24) Rhys growls in pain as he is, for the third time that day, ripped open by a wild creature. He steps forward for the shelter of a nearby boulder, pulling a bolt into his crossbow and nocking it back, lifting it to his shoulder. "Look out for their bite! It's venomous!" He takes careful aim and lets fly at the creature he's already marked. The dimorphodon is knocked out of the air and writhes on the ground with the quarrel lodged deep in it's lung.
(23) Nichelle reflexively ducked as one of the flying lizard-birds flew past, despite it not being close enough to attack her. It went without saying that she did not want to be attacked, but to make sure of that, she moved closer to the nearest tree, putting herself as close to the trunk as she could before shooting an arrow at the flying lizard that she could see. "Get out of the open!", she shouted, thinking that they might be safer under the trees.
(22) "Excellent shot," calls out Ishirou who quickly moves across the ground driving his katana through the dieing creature.
"Wait they're poisonous! Oh, oh, I want one! Try to not kill the last one please," shouts Sasha eagerly. Gelik continues to mock the lizards being especially cruel to the dead one. Aerys has finally drawn her blade to help.
(21) The remaining flying lizard tries to twist in the air and come straight around. It bends and flips diving back at Blackleaf to attack.
Perhaps thrown off by its maneuvers the bite misses.
(14) Vincenzo reaches for his starknife, nodding to Tragershen in surprise. "Where'd you learn that?!" Vincenzo exclaims, surprised at his sword returning. After drawing his starknife, he takes aim and throws it at one of the flapping creatures, wishing he had an invisible friend to bring his weapon back as well. The knife sticks in its neck and the dimorphodon falls to the ground in a spray of blood.
"Actually yes, if we find some eggs or hatchlings of these I would love to have one. They make wonderful guardians if tamed. My mother had one, only I never knew it was poisonous as well!" Sash is looking at the last one killed. "Nichelle you could probably get some more poison to work with from them like you did the sea scorpions."
Ishirou brings back the first one shot down, "Should be some good meat on these. Let us not waste it."
Rhys growls under his breath, looking down at the blood running in rivulets down his leather armor. Gritting his teeth against the pain of his wounds, he draws another bolt and reloads his crossbow, then stores it in the sling at his hip, reaching back over his head and drawing his heavy, curved scimitar. Twirling it once, he approaches the dinosaur he brought down and savagely decapitates it with a single swing.
"The venom pouches are recessed above the gums on the back of the skull, so if you want it the poison, take the head." His voice is slightly strained with pain, but no-nonsense. Everyone rest a moment. I'm going to see what kind of meat I can salvage off of these things."
Rhys begins flaying the creatures to gain their delicious meats.
Tragershen smiles at Vincenzo's comment. It is something I picked up when studying the arcane arts, not that it did much good here. However, if you are interested it can be taught, as can most tenants of wizardry...
The jungle rises up into another hill, similar to the one Rhys fought the snake at. At the top of the hill is a small clearing surrounded by trees. A stream bubbles straight out of the ground between three boulders flowing down the southern slope into the jungle. From on top of the boulders much of the north eastern section can be seen. An ideal location for a camp. By ten o'clock Rhys has finished organizing the camp with the help of the others. The nets and canvas have been setup along side a boulder forming a large tent. Palm leaves have been woven into the net to help keep out the clouds of insects. A small fire in the tent for food, and a couple of bundles of burning greens outside help smoke the air to further drive them away.
Ishirou spends the time gathering materials to use for traps to defend the campsite the next day. Gelik grudgingly assists Aerys with preparing a dinner for everyone from the fresh meat and fruit. Jask spends several minutes in prayer focusing the power of Nethys to heal the wounds of the group. Sasha does her best to help setup the camp as well.
Rhys leads the group to the top of the defensible hill and begins organizing the efforts to make a base camp. By the time the group is healed, camp is staked and food is prepared, he takes a seat by the fire and picks at his food idly, not eating quite yet.
"I volunteer for first watch," his voice is quiet, distant, somewhat distracted. "This island is dangerous, though. I'll need at least one person to stand with me. We can rotate in pairs throughout the night."
Vincenzo looks over the handiwork of the group, appreciation in his eye. It's good for what they have, and will keep them alive. He goes back to the fire and sits, watching the flames.
"I'll join you for first watch. I sleep later and later these days, anyways."
Blackleaf retrieves his axes after the battle then moves with the others to the new camp site. He helps the others build up the best defense they can. He listens as the others talk, but says noting as he eats. His eyes are always on the jungle, this is not the forests of his homeland, yet something calls him. He feels it in his blood, something near, if not here then close, yes he is on the path he thinks to himself.
"I suggest putting those of us who can see better in the starlight at different times, if possible have us in the dark of the night, with those with weaker eyes at dusk and dawn."
Rhys nods at Vincenzo appreciatively. "I'm honored by the offer, Father Vincenzo. Especially in light of your divine abilities. I seem to be something of a scratching post for monsters of late..." He looks down at the fresh, dark red scars on his arms where wounds have been freshly healed by divine magic.
He listens carefully to Nichelle and Blackleaf's statements. "You both have points. Blackleaf, you and I have practical experience in the wilds, so we should each stand watch separately with someone less experienced, and see if we can pass on some survival tricks. I understand Elves can see well in dim light, so you should stand watch in late evening or early twilight."
He pauses, his expression becoming a touch bitter.
"My...unique bloodline...allows me to see in the dark like a cat, so perhaps I'd best withdraw my offer for first watch, and take the middle of the night, when the darkness is deepest. I'm more comfortable in the darkness anyway. easier to hide. Easier to blend in."
He turns back to Vincenzo, nodding.
"If you're still set on first watch, perhaps you should join Sir Blackleaf. In the midnight hour, I can take Sir Tragershen or Miss Nichelle..." His neon yellow gaze slips casually to each of those two in turn. "If either of them wants to volunteer."
I am afraid I'll need the rest now to recover my arcane power. Perhaps the last watch, after I've had enough time to recoup?
Except for the rather noisy nocturnal wildlife the night passes peacefully. The campfires and makeshift tent cut down on the huge swarms of insect that would normally feast on living flesh. The bugs that do get through carry a deadly threat with them. One that many an expedition into the Mwangi Expanse and its jungles have had to face before.
Aeyrs Danger Zone.
Ishirou Danger Zone.
Jask Safe!
Nichelle Safe!
Rhys Danger Zone.
-Onset; 1 Day
Sasha Safe!
Tragershen Danger Zone.
Vincenzo Safe!
Fort save vs. Blindness;
Ishirou Brainworm Wis Damage;
Ishirou Brainworm Int Damage;
Rhys Demon Fever Con Damage;
Fort save vs. Drain;
1 point is Con Drain.
Tragershen Brainworm Wis Damage;
Tragershen Brainworm Int Damage;
Blackleaf shakes you awake for your shift around 5:00 AM. Despite the rest your head aches and your senses feel dulled.
Around 8:00 AM Tragershen begins to wake everyone up. The sun is already creeping its way up the horizon and the creatures of the forest are busy screeching and hooting. When he goes to wake Aeyrs she stretches her arms and legs complaining of being sore from sleeping on the ground. Suddenly she turns to Tragershen, foggy cataracts are covering her eyes. "Tragershen....I'm awake right?"
Tragershen will recover a point of strength overnight.
You are awake, but your eyes... Rhys! Vincenzo! Come quickly!
When they come, he'll indicate her eyes, hoping their mundane or divine healing abilities might be able to help.
"I can't see anything, and I feel so weak..What's wrong with me?" Aerys searches blindly for her flask and takes a quick drink from it. "I'm scared, all I wanted was to get over this drinking and become a Captain of my own, now I'm blind?!"
"That's what she get's for being an alcoholic," mutters Gelik. Sasha glares at him and puts her arm around the other woman trying to comfort her, "There, there, Rhys, or Vincenzo, or even Jask should be able to figure out what's going on. It can't be that bad."
Jask approaches her and aids one of the others to determine what's going on.
"Today I will take care of her and watch anyone else for diseases like this. The very air of the jungles can tear us apart."
Tragershen responds to Jask I don't know about any disease, but I had the most disturbing dreams last night, and now this morning I cannot think clearly or concentrate. Even when I was drugged on the ship that night, or poisoned by the scorpions and flying lizards did I have this sort of... trouble.
Vincenzo rockets awake at the first sign of trouble, and will inspect Aerys to see what's wrong with her.
+7 normal, +2 aid another
He whips around and points at Gelik. He literally points, pure fury in his eye, and speaks softly, "Don't you dare."
As Tragershen goes about his morning chores, he seems quite lethargic. In truth, he is struggling to go over a century of memories of stories, readings and studies to try and help determine what is happening to him.
K: Arcana
K: Local
K: Nature
Perception
Blackleaf slept well the night before, but it seems the night was not so good for some of the others. Aerys seems to be ill and while no healer he does search is thoughts for things that might cause such an ailment.
Know nature
If he can get Nichelle or Rhyes out of earshot of the others he says "Pity about the woman, Should we explore? fresh water would be good and I like not the idea of just sitting here waiting for the beasts to come and feast."
Jask nods in agreement with Vincenzo, "She has the blinding sickness, it saps the strength of limb and sight. Aerys...without divine help I think you may be permanently blind."
He turns to everyone else, "I know, many of you are from safe places. Cities and plains were diseases and contagions are not common, but here in the Expanse the food, the water, the insects, all of them are foreign to you and can destroy you from the inside out. I was hoping out shelter and fires last night would keep us safe but between the poisoning on the boat, and the fighting in the forest we may be compromised."
After searching around in his pack the ex-prisoner brings out a water-tight bundle wrapped in oilskin. Jask undoes the twine revealing a kit of herbs, poultices, tinctures, and bandages. "I'm going to check everyone, make sure nothing else was caught in the middle of the night."
When the cleric is done inspecting all of the castaways he lays it out, "Blackleaf, Gelik, Ishirou, Nichelle, Sasha, Vincenzo, and myself all appear to be fine. It seems that Gelik may have been exposed to a mild form of malaria but I don't think it will get very bad. Aside from Aerys we do have some problems."
"Tragershen, at some point you've been exposed to brainworms. They are a parasite that lives in the water and infected creatures. After entering an orifice or wound they travel up the spine and begin to reproduce in your skull. It explains your absentmindedness and lack of sensations, I've got some herbs we can boil and use the residue to drive them out of your ears."
"I'm afraid Rhys has caught a deadly fever though. I don't know from where, perhaps the dimorphodon's bite? Though it might be related to his...heritage," Jask says carefully,"He's caught demon fever, it can cause you to burn up while feeling ice cold. Sweat away all of the fluids in your body. It can cause permanent damage to your system as well. I have a potent tea usually made for normal fevers, but if we triple the amount it should help you."
"If anyone else becomes injured, or feels strange, please come to me. These are a far realer threat than animals and ghost stories."
Jask seems to have worn himself out speaking and creates a bowl of fresh water to help Aerys with.
Gelik Morale check; is no longer shaken.
Ishirou Morale check; becomes frightened.
Jask Morale check; is no longer shaken.
Sasha Morale check; is no longer shaken.
"I fear we are doomed on this island," says Ishirou quietly after Jask's speech. "A new life turns so quickly to death."
Louder he speaks to the group, "I will watch the sick and guard the campsite. Trust Ishirou's blade."
He shrugs at Nichelle,"I do not care if she comes along, it looks like Rhys is going to be down today, so we hunt. Any others you want to invite" he says with a smile
If no one else Joins or once they are all ready Blackleaf heads east into the jungle.
[Survival
Perception
I will go. The lessons of the wild will serve me well. I have read and studied it so very much, but I understand now that I need some time in practice before I can really be considered to have any proficiency.
Vincenzo will stay in the camp and take care of Aerys.
Guard; Reduces chance of random encounter by 5%, minimum 5%
Entertainer; +2 to Will save for Morale check each day
Hunter; Provides enough food and water for 8 people a day
Defender; Surrounds the camp in traps which have a chance to deal 2d6 damage during random encounter at the camp
Each of these roles requires the persons presence at the camp site for 8 hours. There can be more than one person per roll.
Blackleaf quietly leaves the camp, walking down the eastern side of the hill. Nichelle and Tragershen follow close behind. Sasha appreciates the offer to come along but decides to stay and help comfort Aerys. After an hour of carefully working through thick jungle it suddenly opens up to a 100-ft drop. Down below is a thin beach that leads north to a derelict ship of graying wood that has been washed ashore. The cliff continues to the south until it cuts inland forming a small cove.
I'll give that a shot. for Survival.
Nichelle, did you see anything on the wrecked ship that might give us a clue as to what happened with it? How or why we ended up here? I am reluctant to admit this, but I had a rather bizarre dream. It seemed to tell me that the first mate saved me, but that he was already dead when he did it! I think there is something important going on here still, and I believe we need to figure it out if we are to survive this.
EDIT: Based on that roll I think I'm safe with Trager saying It looks good to me. I think we could probably dive from up here and swim in to the wreck. What do you think, Blackleaf?
Tragershen will do his best to describe to Nichelle every sensation and effect the poison had on him, from sting to shaking it off. In academic detail. After, he'll ask "You mentioned a chest wound? Did you find his remains when you scouted the ship? Did you find anything else that might shed light on how we got here? It may be important in determining how we get away again."
This wreck appears several years old, it's a quarter of a mile to the north and lays on it's side half out of the water.
Wait, what papers, what satchel? Blackleaf, do you know more about what happened with the ship going down?
Glancing again down the dropoff at the ruined ship, he add Do you think we should try to reach that ship? Do you see a way down, because I certainly don't. Not without a Feather Fall spell for each of us.
During this outing, Tragershen will ask Blackleaf insightful questions about what he is doing and why. It appears that he has a great deal of academic knowledge about surviving in this sort of terrain, and just a smattering of practical knowledge could make him pretty useful in that regard.
Blackleaf looks over the cliff To judge how hard a climb it might be.
Survival
"I know I slept and wake up rather rudely on the damnedable beach" He says with a shrug. He keeps a eye toward the ship far below "As for that, been there a long while , most likely been picked over and home to gods alone knows what, but might be worth checking out or it might lead us to our death, Time will tell." he says
As Tragershen rattles his with questions about what he is doing he answers but keeps them short, blunt and to the point.