For today, before lunch why don't we follow the coastline that way he says, indicating the directions past the wreck of the Jenivere.Then after the midday heat, we can go the other way for a while. If any other survivors washed up, that probably our best chance of connecting with them.
"Sounds good to me"., Lilly says and begins to lead the way forward, Eyeball providing Air support.
As the scouting party prepares to make their initial foray out onto the Shiv, Kythas checks his feet one last time, inspecting his toes before sticking them back in his boots, along with his sharp dagger.
Securing his pack, bow and blade to his back, he stops only for the briefest moment aside Sasha as she picks at her rations, looking as though he's going to say something only to change his mind and start making his way to the edge of the camp.
"The part of the Jenivere that was beached hasn't yet been dragged out to sea as of this morning," the elf announced to the others, "while that in itself doesn't concern me, we did leave two of our dead on the ship and since the wreck might not be going anywhere, I'd suggest we recover and burn the two before the stench of their rotting attracts dangerous predators that may be inclined to visit our camp when they finish dining on them..." Kythas pauses only for a moment to consider a more sinister possibility. "...Or a worse fate befalls them."
"If we can gather them before we depart, it would be best. It would take about an hour at most to be finished with it."
An excellent point, Kythas. It would be time well spent, I believe. Let's be wary, though, in case more of those scorpion/crab creatures have shown up. After that, we should still be able to make it a decent distance down the shoreline.
"Then lead on please, Lilly and Kythas. Dantes' plan seems good to me, and you have the best chance of seeing trouble early. Perhaps Kystra and I should walk in the middle of the group, with Dantes as rearguard? Would that make sense?"
"Sounds like a sound plan to me." Kythas concedes to Avarthiel's suggestion, grinning at the dwarf, "Supposing Ironbelly doesn't mind inspecting Kystra's backside for the next few hours." (Making sure anyone from the camp who may be offended by the jest is well out of earshot, but taking great care that Kystra both hears it, and also sees the sly wink he tosses at Dantes after he says it.)
Switching back to a more somber tone, "It won't matter much on the beach, we'll be in plain view of anything that wishes to spy on us from the jungle, sea or sky, but once we get into exploring the green we should take greater care in how we present ourselves to hazards and potential enemies."
Kythas inspects the skies and seas looking for any hint of inclement or promising weather on the horizon as the others prepare to go.
Before you set out for today's expedition, Ishirou asks for your attention, and he unravels a map for you. He turns to Avarthiel. "I looked at my maps last night. I found this."
He turns the map around and shows you a small text, mentioning Smuggler's Shiv. The text is very faded, though it mentions great riches, and great danger. "I do not know where it is compared to our camp. I have a poor sense of direction. But this is not our priority. I have set up traps. Follow the pathways out of the camp carefully, and you will not trigger them. Good luck."
As curtly as he asked for your attention does he urge you on to explore.
The wreck of the Jenivere seems to be slowly sinking further into the sea. Its other half, which was lodged against cliffs and rocks further out at sea, is no longer in sight. There is more driftwood out at sea today too, and from what you can tell the waves are harsher today.
You advance along the north side of the island...
Updated map of Smuggler's Shiv.
You spot ripples in the sand - unusual ripples that go against the direction of the tide. After a swift scan of the area, you also spot what looks like droppings, and a serpentile trail. There seems to be a predator den somewhere close...
Kythas:
Avarthiel:
Dantes:
Lilly:
Kystra:
Kythas leads the merry band of castaways along the beach, past the rapidly disintegrating wreck of the Jenivere and west across the Northern shore.
"Looks as though the sea is claiming the rest of her." the elf notes, pointing out to the bare rocks that once held a section of the broken ship.
Picking up a few small pieces of driftwood and slipping them into his backpack, he continues along the surf in silence, listening to the banter of his fellows and looking unusually thoughtful.
Not long after losing sight of the wreck, Kythas notes the strange tracks in the sand and halts the party to inspect them closer, calling Lilly up to help determine the origin of the undulating pattern in the soft sand.
Spotting the droppings, he takes up a handful, crushing the vile-smelling waste in his hand and putting the nasty stuff very close to his nose to try to determine its "freshness".
"A large snake has passed this way." he tells the others, expressing his initial assessment of the creature, dropping the dung back into the sand and pointing to the tracks. "Its likely that it lairs near here. If it does, we should investigate and put an end to its predation. It is close enough to our camp and large enough that it could easily take Gelik," looking at Dantes as he says that part, knowing his fondness of the sarcastic gnome. "Maybe even one of us."
Kythas will confer with Lilly again once he's made his final decision regarding the nature of the creature, to see if she concurs.
Knowledge Nature
"Normally i'd just try to relocate it, but in this case...we might need it's resources". "Nature provides". Lilly then begins a short ceremony, and prepares her shortspear.
Kystra agrees to burning the bodies, unless she notices anything denoting either of the deceased religious affiliation, in which case she will suggest that the appropriate funeral rights should be followed.
Yes, a predator like that we'll need to deal with. And as Lilly said, some good meat for us, and the skin might be useful as well.
Dantes will let Kythas take the lead in the hunt since he found the tracks. Dantes will take up the rear guard instead.
Intriguing maps. If we are on this island at the poin where I think we are, it will certainly be some days before we can consider going that far. Thank you for sharing that with us; if there is a stash there of valuables, perhaps there are items that will help us survive, or even get away from this island. At his mention of the traps, Dantes smiles broadly. Well done. Tonight I shall sleep better for it.
Avarthiel smiles broadly as Ishirou demonstrates his trust in the group.
When they move out to explore, the wizard sticks in the centre of the group, eyes wide staring at the palm trees and brightly colored birds all around. "Well, Lilly, if you are happy for us to hunt the snake... then I am in full agreement."
The green-haired elf agrees with Lilly's words about relocating the creature, adding that he would prefer to leave it alone altogether, being the invaders into this creature's home. But as stated, current circumstances...
Quickly and quietly, he tries to trace the serpent's path to gauge where it is headed, while trying to determine the best course to follow it.
The size of the tracks and the shape of the slithering could be that of a Fer-de-Lance, a venomous snake. It seems to have slithered into the jungle to the south...
The signs all point to a Fer-de-Lance, a lancehead snake. It is known for its deadly venom. It is primarily nocturnal, but can forage at any hour during the day. It is also very, very easily agitated...
Once he is fairly certain of the type of snake and confident in the direction it, Kythas informs the others.
He adds that this particular serpent is highly venomous.
"If we can engage it at range, it would be the best option." he states, "If not, try not to get bit."
Drawing his bow and nocking an arrow, the wild elf begins to slip south into the leafy canopy. Keeping his eyes peeled for his quarry.
As the group starts out after the snake, Dantes wonders aloud I found it strange that we just now found out that Ishirou had those maps with him. I mean, I am glad he shared them with us, but what else do you think he might be hiding? Or any of them back there for that matter.
I'll go out on a limb and say that I don't really have an agenda. I was just working my way as I travelled the world. Sorry to ramble, but with the revelations about the captain, it has me doubting more than I am accustomed to.
Lilly moves forward slowly behind the elven outdoorsman. Her eyes peeled for danger, and looking for signs of the poison beast. Her short spear held ready.
Perception
"A venomous snake - even better. Yes, I would not wish to wake with such a thing sharing my bedroll." Avarthiel shakes his head as if to dislodge an unwelcome image, then says, "I have a minor arcana that can detect poison. If the snake proves elusive, then I may be able to help somewhat."
Always open to anything that makes the task at hand easier, Kythas considers the application of Avarthiel's spell and invites him to the front of the hunting party.
"That would make this hunt considerably easier Brother." he whispers to the wizard, "If you could stay about five paces behind Lilly and myself, your magic should be able to spot it if it is trying to hide in the trees or among some rocks where we may miss it until its upon us."
Even with the spell active, the wild elf remains on his toes while trailing the poisonous reptile. Especially with the mage so close to the front.
As he makes his way through the leafy jungle he occasionally reflects upon Dantes' words about the others back at camp, trying not to dwell too much upon it until the hunt reaches its end.
Avarthiel replies to Dantes as they walk through the jungle, [b]"I am glad that Ishirou came forward with his map. It shows an encouraging level of trust. You are right though that we will need to keep our wits about us to understand what happened on the Jenivere. It remains a disturbing mystery. Do we have any concerns about the others at the camp?"
Every minute or so as the group travels, the wizard pauses, and casts his arcane senses before them, searching for early warning of the venomous beast they track.
Putting voice to the others concerns about their fellow survivors only when they stop to re-cast Avarthiel's spell, Kythas speaks in hushed words "to tell the truth, I have little doubt that Aerys, the former prisoner and the gnome are of any danger to us. Aerys may be a mean drunk, but I certainly cannot fault her that, as I am even more so sober." the elf pauses to snort at his own failings, and continues the hunt.
"Ishirou went from quiet and brooding to suddenly helpful, which seems more than a bit insincere to me." Kythas begins anew at the next spell break, sweat already beginning to glisten on his brow. "It could be that he sees us as pawns to fetch this treasure for him. Or just as likely he's as eager to get off this sweltering rock as the rest of us and this is his proverbial 'ace in the hole'."
Saving his evaluation of Sasha until last, the wild elf simply says, without emotion, "I honestly don't know what to think about Isaria."
After that Kythas returns to stalking his prey, fully focused on not having the tables turned on the party by their deadly quarry.
Kystra will stay close to Avarthiel and Kythas during the hunt. During the hunt, if anyone plans to eat any leftovers from the night before or drink any water collected in the area, Kystra will insist on casting Purify Food and Water. "We cannot risk anyone falling sick at this time. Every precaution should be made."
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From the back of the group, Dantes will say Did I hear wrong? Did you say Isaria? Who's that?
Now and then, Dantes will pause to listen closely, making sure they aren't being followed. He is taking his duty as the rear guard very seriously.
As soon as Dantes says the name "Isaria", the wild elf stops dead in his tracks and turns very slowly back to the dwarf. He looks mildly embarasssed as he makes a gesture that looks like he's shaking the cobwebs from his head and hastily replies.
"Sorry, I meant Sasha." he offers with a small frown, "Just losing my thoughts a bit in the hunt.".
Kythas absently rubs his symbol of Gozreh as he explains and quickly returns to the front of the party.
Ah, Sasha. Of course. That makes sense.
There is doubt in Dantes' voice, but he says nothing more on the matter.
Changing the subject, Dantes says Perhaps while we hunt this snake, we should keep an eye out for potentially useful plant life. Anything that might be helpful as food or medicine.
Kystra nods at Dantes' suggestion. "I will do my best to forage during our patrol." Purposely being a little less alert to danger, Kystra will inspect bushes, plants, berries and roots as they pass by them for their nutritional or medicinal properties.
You are quick to catch the many signs of the snake's trail, which leads to the edge of the thick foliage that is the jungle...
You find a few berries here and there, none with particular properties beyond the ability to fill your belly.
You follow the trail for a little time until you come to the edge of the jungle. The snake's den is easily spottable from your position, a small cluster of leafy bushes and some displaced rocks. What first appears to be the serpentine owner is only molted skin. The snake seems to be out hunting...
Dantes will also scan the foliage around them as they follow the diligant elf, searching for anything that may be good for the survivors.
Survival
Kythas halts the hunt to fully investigate the serpent's lair. After a few minutes of searching, he determines it to be empty of his quarry.
"It appears our serpentine friend is still out looking to fill its belly." the wild elf muses as he looks to see which direction the crafty reptile choses to continue its predation.
"I vote we track the creature while the trail is still hot." he suggests. "If it returns here, it will know it has had visitors and may relocate. It would also serve no helpful purpose if we sit and wait for it to return as it may not do so until nightfall. This would be a good oppurtunity to continue exploring while ferreting out a dangerous predator."
"Sounds like a good idea to me". "If I knew more about it's habits I would try to create a snare...but at this time just killing it might be better".
Avarthiel concurrs. "We have tracked it this far, and we are as likely to find something interesting while we continue to track it as we are by wandering aimlessly."
The wizard casts his cantrip to detect venomous creatures one last time... just to be sure the snake isn't lurking nearby.
Kythas winces as he contemplates heading into the dense jungle to pursue the prey.
"We will be losing almost every advantage we have over the snake once we enter." the elf says, pointing his nocked arrow at the dark, seemingly endless mass of green foliage ahead of them. "There are probably things lurking in there that are far worse than simple serpents as well. We should stay very cautious. Take care to not get separated. Watch the person in front of you and behind you closely."
Looking at the dwarf, he continues, "Dantes, keep a very close eye to your back as well as ahead, crafty hunters are as apt to try to ambush the rear as they are the front."
Before we plunge into the jungle, let's think for a second. What if the snake is headed back to our camp? Perhaps the guards there would spot it coming, but perhaps not. Especially since every threat we've seen so far has come from the sea, not the jungle. Maybe we should go back, warn them about it, and rest through the midday heat. We can take this skin back to give them an idea of its size. Then after the worst of the heat has passed, we can return here. Maybe we'll find it resting here again, lethargic after having a meal.
The green-haired elf pauses to contemplate his former shipmate's wisdom, quickly coming to a decision.
"If the tracks look to be headed back towards the campsite, we should make haste back to deal with the thing." he says, clearly worried about something Dantes said. "If not, we'll follow the beast and finish it before it gets the chance to return here where it will likely detect our presence, and we will lose the element of surprise."
"Agreed?"
Kythas looks to the rest of the party and anxiously awaits the decided course of action.
Kystra nods her agreement to Kythas, "As long as we are able to, following the tracks seems most prudent at this time."
Kythas finds the snake's trail without difficulty; it seems to be heading westwards, away from the camp. The jungle is dense and difficult to navigate. There are a myriad of inscets about, wherever you turn, in swarms of small bugs that are almost invisible alone, and some close to as big as your hands. After a quick quarter, you come to a glade where the tracks are close to gone - and you can hear a soft hiss. The snake seems to be here, though it hasn't attacked yet...
Upon hearing the "hiss" of his quarry, Kythas drops into a low crouch and starts scanning the vegetation for the hidden predator. Arrow ready to fly should he find his target.
Unable to even venture a guess due to the incessant buzz of insects and the smothering heat of the steamy jungle, Kythas asks his companions, "Do you see it?"
Perception, Jungle, Mwangi Expanse
"Over there". Lilly gestures with her spear.
Dantes Perception
With two shurikens in his hand, Dantes scans behind them and above them, knowing that sometimes large snakes can climb trees...
Kystra will scan around the area.
Avarthiel stands in the centre of the group, and once more reaches out with his arcane senses, feeling around him for the specific emanations of poison or venomous animals.
Lilly and Dantes both spot the snake slithering thirty feet away from you, fifteen feet from the ground wrapped around great branches and trees. Its colours mesh beautifully with the dark green and brown foliage. It has noticed you as well, and it bares its great fangs. It starts slithering in your direction with a hiss...
"Clever girl." Kythas whispers to himself as he catches sight of the rapidly approaching serpent descending upon them from the canopy.
Drawing the readied arrow he prepares to let it fly into the crafty reptile.
Attack!
Damage: or Damage:
Alerted by Kythas and Lilly, Avarthiel admires the sinuous elegance of the great snake's approach, and murmurs, "The deadliest wounds come from that most fair."
The wizard quickly gathers arcane energy in a tingling rush, and deploys it with word and gesture to protect the group.
With a great hiss the snake begins to advance, slithering forward only ten feet. It bares its great serpentine fangs, and its eyes are gleaming with the intent to kill.
Kythas's arrow flares through the air and is buried into the snake's side. There is a painful gargle and the snake is visibly agitated...
Avarthiel:
Dantes:
Kystra:
Kythas:
Lilly:
Average: 11.4
Snake:
Knowing that the beast is outnumbered, Kystra will gacefully move forward, with mace and shield in hand.
Move to I13 and flurry shurikens at it.
To hit
Damage
To hit
Damage
Kystra's advance proves to be unsuccessful as it pulls away just in time of her strike. Dantes's assault is inefficient as his shurikens disappear into the jungle.
The snake hisses and snaps at Kystra...!
(miss)
Lilly moves to G12, and thrusts her spear at the creature, a little sorrow in her eyes. (Whoops I mean eye :-))
Short Spear Attack
Eyeball uses the first round to circle around behind the snake to achieve flanking.