Seeing the last lobspion well out of reach, Tania bends down to wake the person at her feet. Wincing from the pain, her mouth numb from the salt and the sand, she immediately steps back a few feet, to let the person come to her senses on her own and realize their situation.
Tar'kanas, feeling the effects of the venom and the claw that just tore into him, swings at the creature hoping to end the threat.
Realizing that some of the others have retrieved their weapons from the nearby assortment of goods, Fi'Vannali quickly rushes to the pile. Where is my bow? It's got to be here. If I don't find it, somebody's gonna pay! Ahhh there it is, Thank Ketephys I found you.
Frustrated by his repeated misses, Quariel takes a moment to collect himself. He steps back and waits for just the right moment, then lunges in for a rapid strike at the last sea scorpion.
Round 5, sea scorpions
(25) Tar'kanas, feeling the effects of the venom and the claw that just tore into him, swings at the creature hoping to end the threat. The blade slides along carapace without making any damage.
(24) Seeing the last lobspion well out of reach, Tania bends down to wake the person at her feet. Wincing from the pain, her mouth numb from the salt and the sand, she immediately steps back a few feet, to let the person come to her senses on her own and realize their situation.
(24) Realizing that some of the others have retrieved their weapons from the nearby assortment of goods, Fi'Vannali quickly rushes to the pile. Where is my bow? It's got to be here. If I don't find it, somebody's gonna pay! Ahhh there it is, Thank Ketephys I found you.
(16) With the mindless determination of a lobster the eurypterid continues it's press on Tar'Kanas
Another strike of its claw causes a further wound on the barbarian.
(13) (13) Frustrated by his repeated misses, Quariel takes a moment to collect himself. He steps back and waits for just the right moment, then lunges in for a rapid strike at the last sea scorpion.
While it was the right moment his trident fails to pierce the tough armor.
(2) Eranla looks at the scorpion, then down at her hands. With a little sound that is probably best interpreted as "EEP!" she spreads her arms out and floods the area with a wave of healing energies, using her full concentration to exclude the scorpions.
Gods damn, this is why I stick to magic, spells are so much more reliable. Quariel moves to N5 to flank the lobster-like critter, then strikes once again.
What does it take to fell this beast?! Tar'kanas thinks to himself as he swings again.
Round 6, sea scorpions
(25) What does it take to fell this beast?! Tar'kanas thinks to himself as he swings again. The blow is clean and slides straight through its hard plates.
Suddenly nauseated from the burst of activity right after regaining consciousness, Quariel stumbles over to the pile of gear and sits down for a minute. Once he's gathered himself, he sifts through the gear and pulls out his equipment. "Well Reeds, this is a fine mess we've gotten ourselves into", he says as he makes sure his spellbooks are dry. "I'd best prepare my magic...it seems I've fallen a bit out of practice with my old spear." This comment is met with an affirmative squeak from Reeds.
Once finished, Quariel casts prestidigitation and uses it to dry all of his gear, then turns his attention to the other survivors.
Once his spells are prepared, Quariel turns his attention to figuring out what coast this is, combining his knowledge of astronomy, sailing, and geography.
With the defeat of the Sea Scorpions and the rush of combat fading, Fi'Vannali assists in the waking of unconcious shipmates. "Please wake up and take a few moments to clear your head. I'm not really sure what has happened to us, but I suspect some if not all of us were poisoned. Let's get a head count... Looks like there are nine of us. We seem to be missing Captain Kovack, First mate Devers, and the ships cook... Oh yes and the gruff man from Tian, Ishirou I believe his name was. Who am I missing? Does anyone Know? Was anyone awake long enough to offer any insight as to what has befallen us? For those of you who haven't already noticed, there is a pile of equipment and goods, you may find some of your belongings in it."
After her brief query, Fi'Vannali combs through the pile, searching for her remaining gear. How the hell did I lose my shoes, hope they're in here... What else, my lockpicks... My rope and grapple... Once satisfied with her loadout, she retires to the shade of a nearby tree and surveys her surroundings.
This is what I get for taking a boat controlled by humans....Unfortunately I didn't have much choice in the matter. It's not like this was a pleasure trip. Next time, I promise I will not be unprepared. He vows to himself.
Tar'kanas searches through the crates looking for his equipment, hoping to find as much as he can. Gathering whatever he can find, he then attempts to discern, along with the others, where they could possibly be.
Your last clear memories are of sitting down to dinner aboard the Jenivere. After that, there's nothing but a confusing jumble of images, remembered as if in a dream—feelings of nausea, panic, fear, and drowning.
It only takes a few moments of scanning the northern vista to spot a familiar looking ship. The Jenivere, listing to port, partially submerged, and with her hull a gaping ruin leans against a jagged cliff side among several sharp rocks.
Aerys, Gelik, Jask, and Sasha have all woken up with your assistance and spend several minutes trying to get over whatever plagued everyone else. They are all rather groggy.
It is early morning and the sun has only been up for an hour. There are still several hours before it reaches its peak. All of your gear is in the pile but not much else, like someone took all your luggage straight from your cabins.
From local tales at the ports you've visited in Sargava you have heard that Smuggler’s Shiv is a notorious island north of Eleder. It’s not shown on most maps, but is rightfully feared by those who ply the waters of Desperation Bay. The island is named not only for the knife-like shape of its coastline, but for its uncanny habit of wrecking ships that draw too near—mostly smugglers eager to avoid detection by Sargava’s navy.
It’s commonly believed that the shores of Smuggler’s Shiv are haunted by the ghosts and ghouls of the sailors who have died on the jagged rocks and reefs surrounding the island. These rumors are supported by reports of several failed attempts to establish long-lasting colonies on the remote island.
When Sargava was first settled, Chelish engineers erected a lighthouse on the Shiv’s southwest shore. The light was intended to warn approaching ships of the dangerous waters and, eventually, was to have been the first building in a small colony. The light and all plans for colonization were abandoned just before completion amid rumors of curses, haunts, and cannibalism.
It is already in the high 80's by full afternoon the temperature could be over a hundred degrees. Any exertion beyond moving about during that time would likely result in heatstroke. Without a campsite, resting characters will be much more exposed to the elements, wildlife, bugs, and other dangerous elements on the isle.
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Eranla limps over to the supplies. "I don't know how soon we're going to be rescued, but just in case, let's lay out what we've got." Pretty soon, she's pulled her stuff and a week's supply of dry rations is used to start a small pile. Well, it would be a week's worth if one slim girl were eating it - as it stands it will barely be enough for a very meager meal for everyone. Biting her lip, she looks up. "I won't ask if we can just go to the market, much as I'd like to, but does anybody else know how we can get food in a place like this?"
Tar'kanas, noticing the ship, gathers his weapons and the rest of his equipment and begins to head toward it to investigate.
"I-I remember, I think, right before I passed out, seeing Ieana whisper in the captain's ear. I sa them leave the cabin as we were all falling asleep!"
Her training doesn't surface as she walks back and forth, not showing her usual calmness. "But why?! Why us? Why here?"
Looking at how the others are looking for their stuff in a pile, she wonders and looks at the pile. How is everything all together?
After her inspection, she takes her equipment from it, and bring her four days of ration to Eranla. "That's a very good idea. I think we should all do the same. Do you think those crustaceans are edible?"
Looking at the boat, she asks Quariel: "Do you think we should go there and try to salvage a few things?"
seeing Tar'kanas heading for the wreckage of the ship, Fi'Vannali calls out. "Hey you there, cheese and biscuits! I never did get your name. Anyway, if your heading for the Jenivere I would like to go with you, and maybe we should ask the others if they want to go, as there is strength in numbers, and we can also salvage as much as possible from the wreckage. Hopefully we can finish our search in time to erect a campsite before nightfall, that should help our chances extremely".
As Tar'kanas has traveled a small ways from the party he stops to listen to what Tania has to say. Not surprised by her story, Betrayed by humans.....shocking. He thinks sarcastically.
When she finishes speaking, he continues his trek, until again he's called out by the same elf who asked for the cheese during the dinner.
He turns around and returns back to the party, "Tar'kanas." He answers flatly and then continues. "Those that wish to go....now is the time." And with that, he turns back around and heads for the boat.
"This is bad...if we're where I think we are. By my calculations, we're stranded on Smuggler's Shiv. This island has a bad reputation...really bad. Cannibals, undead...they've tried to colonize it with no success. Some says it's cursed, others say it's haunted by the souls of those shipwrecked on its jagged shores...we'd best be on our guard."
Seeing Tar'kanas heading off towards the ship, Quariel runs to catch up. "Wait for me! You may need my help reaching the ship."
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Eranla rolls her eyes and forces herself to her feet. "Oh for...you got stung worse than me." She tries to hobble after, using her glaive as a walking stick. "The Jenievere will still be there in a few hours, so don't you think we ought to actually get set up before we go poking around on an island that's supposed to be full of undead and that we know attracts monsters? Especially by yourself, which is what it looked like you were doing?"
The innermost portion of the beach is only a half mile from the other edge of the island. To the south, a wall of green rises in the form of a dense jungle filled with a cacophony of life. To the east and west, ragged arms of jagged rocks reach out to embrace a wave-tossed cove, while to the north, the waters of the sea surge and churn between the beach and a line of razor-sharp rocks. There is a rocky ledge that leads right up to what remains of the bow of the ship.
The rest of the castaways are up and about having recovered from their illness. Jask is standing near Sasha looking into her eyes. "I am sorry to intrude miss, but judging by the size of our pupils. The smell on our breath, and waxy palor, we are all suffering from severe oil of taget poisoning."
"Poisoning!" she replies, "Well, at least it's not my first? It feels like it's ninety degrees and the sun isn't even fully up."
Gelik who still looks ill stumbles nearby, "If you would shut up, maybe you would have heard Rhys when he said we're on Smuggler's Shiv. Has anyone heard of this place before? Is there a city or port?"
Ishirou is sitting on his knees carefully attending to his weapons and armor with a small stiff brush. While Aerys got up long enough to check over her person she has collapsed back into a stupor. Ishirou looks over at here and the others, "I think it would be best if these four stay here and I watch them."
Tar'kanas slows his pace just slightly, so as not to be obvious about it, to allow the others to catch up. Upon hearing Eranla's objections, he continues to move onward.
Looking at the conversations going on, Tania wonders.
Well, that elf sure seems to know what he is doing. I wonder how long it will take before he hits a wall... And those five fools wishing to stay!
Walking towards Tar'kanas, she speaks gently to the five wishing to stay: "As you wish Ishirou. But you should know that safety lies in numbers. We should try to stay together as it is now clear that we are not in a safe environment. Do you have everything ready in case you get attacked? Sasha, Gelik, Aerys, Jask, Ishirou? What are your strength, your weaknesses? How can you help each other in the face of death? I better go, that elf has fervour pushing, kicking him forward. Run if you change your mind!"
Tania then starts after the rest of the group, her black robe floating in the sea wind.
The exposed rocky ledge is slippery and slow going but not too dangerous. It is not too long before the group finds themselves overlooking what remains of the ship. The Jenivere is missing much of her bow, she’s also missing much of her lower deck. All that survives are the upper decks.
Although the Jenivere's only lifeboat at first seems to be missing, as the ranger approaches the ship, the fate of this smaller boat becomes clear—it was washed up between the ship and the cliff and was crushed by the action of the waves smashing the Jenivere against the cliff side. Part of the lifeboat’s bow still lolls about in the surf, attached to a protruding timber by a thick rope, as if someone had moored the boat to the wreck.
Something is in the remains of the lower deck and making a terrible racket. Loud scrapes and clatters come from below. Each wave that hits the ship causes it to shake and push against the cliff. There is only a small hop to the main deck of the ruined ship.
Taking in the scene, Tania reaches inside the foils of her robe to grab her shurikens. Did the Captain and Ieana also land here? On purpose?
She remains silent as she walks carefully towards the remains of the Jenivere. She doesn't try to board first, but wishes to watch closely the lifeboat for signs of his latest occupants.
Tar'kanas, hearing the clattering from the lower deck of the boat, readies his blade and prepares to board. "Probably more of those sea beast." He says, reminding himself of the stings from the previous ones.
Getting an uneasy feeling about this but knowing this boat needs to be investigated, he looks around, making sure he hasn't missed something somewhere. "Only one way to be sure. Let us board." He says as he proceeds to board the ship, barring no imminent danger.
Quariel also moves onto the deck, trident readied in one hand and the other ready to cast a spell should it be necessary.
[ooc]Perception to notice danger:
Following the lead of the handsome Ekujae tribesman, Fi'Vannali jumps down to the deck of the ship, longbow in hand. "Keep your eyes peeled for any useful supplies, we may be here for awhile."
Three of you land on the shattered deck easily. Your impacts causes the boat to tremor but only slightly more than the crash of the waves on the broken hull. As Tania leaves the ledge the trapdoor leading to the larder bursts open and a medium sized grey-green sea scorpion clambers onto the deck. It snaps a pair of large claws eagerly.
Fi'Vannali
Tania Teg
Tar'kanas
Quarial
eurypterid
(18) Fi'Vannali
(17) Tar'Kanas
(13) Tania Teg
(13) Quariel
(6) Eranla
Round 1, grey eurypterid
(24) Noisily it scrambles across the tilted boards striking at Tar'kanas with its arching tail.
The wicked stinger gouges deeply into his shoulder but the venom coursing from it fails to take root.
Well it's not quite a stalk through the bush, but I'm sure there will be plenty of hunting to be done in the coming days. Focusing on the eurypterid, Fi'Vannali reflexively draws back her bow and fires a single arrow at the target.
Uhhhhhhh! Feeling yet another sting from these sea scorpions, Tar'kanas attempts to bring his blade down on the beast's head.
Not looking forward to another close encounter with a sea scorpion, Quariel casts hydraulic push, hoping to create some space between the group and the creature.
Seeing as the three on board are already within striking distance of the eurypterid, Tania decides in a flas to try and get a better position where she could flank the creature. Keeping her thoughts focussed and away from the danger the crashing waves below represent, she jumps on the railing of the ship and tries to make it to the other side, while keeping her balance. "Keep it busy! I'll try to get behind it."
Tar'kanas, hearing Tania call out her plan, responds without the slightest hint of sarcasm but with a definite sense of frustation, "Do what you will. I will continue to occupy its stinger."
Round 1, grey eurypterid
(18) Well it's not quite a stalk through the bush, but I'm sure there will be plenty of hunting to be done in the coming days. Focusing on the eurypterid, Fi'Vannali reflexively draws back her bow and fires a single arrow at the target. The shot misses and sticks in what remains of the mast.
(17) Uhhhhhhh! Feeling yet another sting from these sea scorpions, Tar'kanas attempts to bring his blade down on the beast's head. It skitters to the side and he strike the deck.
(13) Seeing as the three on board are already within striking distance of the eurypterid, Tania decides in a flash to try and get a better position where she could flank the creature. Keeping her thoughts focussed and away from the danger the crashing waves below represent, she jumps on the railing of the ship and tries to make it to the other side, while keeping her balance. "Keep it busy! I'll try to get behind it." The railing of the tilted ship is slick and wet with spray from the crashing surf. Just a few steps in Tania loses her balance and pitches off the side.
With her arms pinwheeling Tania falls to the side and into the crashing waves below. She barely misses hitting the rocks the ship is stuck on and plummets into the rolling white water. Unable to right herself or find the surface the next wave slams her into the sharp rocks. Blinding pain shoot up Tania's arm and the water tinges red around her.
With her arms pinwheeling Tania falls to the side and into the crashing waves below. She barely misses hitting the rocks the ship is stuck on and plummets into the rolling white water.
(13) Not looking forward to another close encounter with a sea scorpion, Quariel casts hydraulic push, hoping to create some space between the group and the creature. A wave of water leaps up the side of the ship and lashes against the eurypterid blasting it back and rolling it on it's side.
(6) "What?!" the priestess calls out. "What's happening in there? Oh, Shelyn, please protect them." The girl clasps her hands in front of her chest in a short prayer that seems useless for a few moments, but a soft wave of light spills out over everyone present.
Round 2, grey eurypterid
(24) Enraged by being thrown about by what it believes to be an errant wave the sea scorpion rights itself and advances on Tar'kanas with snipping claws.
With a snip snap it tears at Tar'Kanas leg.
That was...less effective than I would have hoped. Seeing Tania tumble from the railing, Quariel turns his attention to helping her. If possible, he'll try and reach her in order to cast touch of the sea. If that's not feasible, he'll instead try to flank the sea scorpion and attack it with his trident.
Attacking the sea scorpion:
Trident M to hit
damage
Feeling her spine bend to its limit, Tania's cry is met only by the splash of salt water. She coughs and coughs, trying to get back to the surface and avoid the rocks against which the waves are pushing her.
Swim:
Concentrating on the eurypterid and waiting for Tania to flank it, he looks around quickly to find she is nowhere to be found. Ah yes... Again the usefulness of humans. Seeing a wave slam into the beast and then turn back and rush him, Ughhhhhh! The silent scream comes once again as he is gashed by the eurypterid. Tired of being torn up by these beasts, and secure in his belief that to count on a human is good enough to get you killed, he continues his assualt on the creature with all the strength he can stand to muster.
"Die you filthy beast." He says exhausted and bloody.
Cursing her first miss, Fi'Vannali boldly fires another arrow at the sea scorpion.