(D&D Next) - Isle of Dread - IC

[Meltheim]

All - [Maiden's Kiss]

"Land ho!" the cry goes up from the crow's nest as the first images of Tanaroa, also known as the Isle of Dread, appear on the horizon. A man with a captain's hat glares up at the sun, then across the horizon. "Excellent, Canaan! Should take 3 hours, maybe 2, if the wind holds. Prepare for landfall!" he shouts. The crew jumps into action, clearing the deck, preparing for their arrival.

You find yourself aboard the Maiden's Kiss, one of a dozen ships in the past few years who has decided to gamble on the rumors of untold treasure, adventure, and mystery said to be found at the Isle of Dread.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan

Legs crossed, Erdan whispers his devotionals in a cylindrical pattern, his head bobbing as he in motion with his prayers. The wood elf would not appear all that unusual, hands resting on his knees in well worn leathers, if it weren't for the fact that the elf has lashed to the mast, upside-down, twenty feet in the air.

Hearing the call to action, he completes his unusual whispers, pulls on the chain he has wrapped around his chest, before swinging down to the deck and coiling the chain in an "X" around his torso before finishing with them as a belt. He walks calmly amidst the chaos of the roving crew, finding his assigned place among the throbbing horde, using his nimble fingers to make knots any sailor would be proud of.

[Gildedragon]

Serel

"Land Ho!"... The call rouses Serel from his sleep hidden on the deck. The sound of the waves against the ship having lulled him to sleep. Over the months at sea, the wizard's skin has tanned from his many hours above deck examining the weather and water around the ship. Yawning he gets onto his feet, brushing dust off his clothes. He heads below deck to fetch his books and journals to be ready for disembarking.

[greenstave]

Canaan

After giving the call, Canaan begins preparing his goods for docking, if there is a dock. He packs the remainder of his food, slings his quiver over his back, and grabs his bow. With the bow in his hand, he continues to keep a watchful eye. Out at sea, you are generally safe. Close to land, anything can happen.

As per usual, Canaan will stay up in the nest unless he is called to shore. He will keep vigil, prepared to call any troubles to the crew, or loose an arrow or 12 in an attack.

[Dakaran]

Baer Ungart - Hill Dwarf Fighter

With the Captain's order to prepare for landfall, Baer, standing at the captain's side, gives a nod, understanding that his duty as 1st Mate is to ensure that landfall is achieved without a hitch. As Baer passes the ships's mast he calls up to Canaan, "Canaan, you have a sharp eye! Send word to me when we are a half-mile from shore. We will need to strike the sails." As Baer moves on, his thoughts drift to the closing island, The Captain is right, rowing into shore is our best bet. I've heard too many stories of ships sailing straight into deadly reefs around this island... We shou- "Mason, you fool! Take hold of that rope before the sail slackens!" Baer shouts angrily as he spots a crewman more interested in trying to catch a glimpse of their destination than his work.

[Meltheim]

All - [Maiden's Kiss]

"HOLD THE COURSE!" the captain yells as the waves get choppy. "Mr. Ungart, kindly remind the crew that they are SAILORS, not Maruthasian dancers! Keep this boat in the water!" The waves begin to swirl as the ship gets closer to shore. Those on deck see the ship begin to tip forward, then back, then forward again, giving an unsettling rocking sensation to all but those with the strongest of constitutions or the most able of sea legs.

Though the sky is blue and clear, wind begins to pick up and the ship feels as if it is being pushed about like a child's toy. Sprays of ocean make the deck slick with water, making it all the more difficult for everyone to keep at their tasks.

Dexterity check please! Simply roll a d20 and add your Dex bonus. If you have Balance trained, you can add that +3 as well.

You're looking to beat a 10. If you are 10 or higher, then you're fine. Lower than 10, and you fall and take 5 damage. Canaan, if you fall you'll take 10 damage, since you're up in the crows nest

[greenstave]

Canaan

Canaan holds tight to the ropes in the crows nest and is able to prevent himself from falling to the deck below. He yells down

Captain, the skies are clear as far as the eye can see. Tis no storm of nature, this.

[Gildedragon]

Serel
Below deck the wizard struggles to find his footing on his way to his cabin, and fails. He falls, tossed down the deck like a rag doll, banging his head against a pillar. He gets up, feeling blood dripping down his scalp. He changes course and makes his way towards the top deck, crawling on all fours and feeling light headed. If he was tossed so, people may need to be helped fall softer on deck.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan Nalio

Seeing an injured man onboard, Erdan leaves his post to assist. But instead of letting those on his rope know his intentions, or taking direct path, he twirls away, brushing past the men suddenly feeling a greater weight tugging them forwards. In surprise, they drop the rope, and scramble to get a grip again. In that time, however, one of the jib tow-lines snapped, catching the elf in the chest and throwing him against the foresail mast, knocking the wind out of him. He slumps on the deck, legs sprawled out before him, head slumped against his chest.

[Dakaran]

Baer Ungart - Hill Dwarf Fighter

Baer shouts orders at the captain's behest and moves about the ship. As ocean spray coats the deck, Baer's sea-legs nearly give way as he steps on a slick spot and slides a good few feet before getting a solid foot back down. The temporary falter doesn't phase Baer as he goes right back into shouting orders and pulling ropes to keep the ship sailing towards its destination.

[Meltheim]

All – [Maiden's Kiss]

The sea gets more violent, tossing the ship back and forth as crew and passengers alike try to keep their footing. From high above the deck, in the crow's nest, a voice calls out. Most cannot hear it due to the churning ocean and sudden winds.

Everyone scrambles to keep the ship upright except for one individual, a monk. He remains calm, meditating on top of a barrel. While chaos erupts around him, he sits still, his legs crossed, his eyes closed, humming to himself in a deep trance. Then the fore boom swings around, crashing into his skull and knocking him off the barrel. The last anyone sees of him is his limp body flying overboard.

At the same time, Erdan struggles to keep his feet while darting across the deck to assist another passenger. Each slips and falls in the violent storm, sustaining minor injuries.

The captain stands solid, his body moving easily with the ship. With a hand holding his hat in place, he bellows out orders, trying to maintain control of his ship. After a few minutes of sheer terror and utter chaos, everything is suddenly calm. The captain and crew look around, taking inventory of the situation. One of the crew yells up from belowdecks "She's taking on water!" while another yells from the side of the ship, "We've hit the reef!"

Despite full sails and high winds, the ship flounders just a mile off the coast of the aptly named Isle of Dread, stranded on the reef. In a matter of minutes, the ship will sink.

[Gildedragon]

Serel

His eyes widen when he hears the ship is sinking, knowing he'll need to hasten to get his research supplies. Captain? he asks, wanting to hear what the plan of action is. Evacuation undoubtedly.

[Dakaran]

Baer Ungart

Baer rushes into the bowels of the ship to see the damage with his own eyes. Cursing loudly, Baer understands that the damage is irreparable in the time that they have before the ship slips underwater. Without waiting for the captain, Baer rushes above deck and calls out loudly and clearly, "ABANDON SHIP! ALL HANDS, ABANDON SHIP! TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED TO SURVIVE! DECK SWABS, LOWER THE ROWBOATS!"

With that, Baer turns and rushes into his own quarters to retrieve his trusty pack. For as long back as Baer can remember he's been able to fit all of his belongings into one pack or on his belt. It's days like today that remind him why that is. Baer shoulders his pack and places his large battleaxe into its sheath on his back. Baer is back out on deck in under a minute to continue to oversee the evacuation. Looking around, Baer thinks to himself, Where the hell is the Captain?

[greenstave]

Canaan

On Baer's command, Canaan flings his bow over his back, grabs his pack, and begins climbing the ropes down to the deck. Once there he heads for the boats and begins helping to lower them.

Once they are in the water, he heads back to Baer.

Sir, is there anything of urgent need that we must get off the ship. The boats are beginning to fill up, and though we have the space for all the men, if there is any cargo that HAS to come over, we should load it fast.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan Nalio – [Maiden's Kiss]

Lifting his head, the winded elf grabs hold of a pulley on the mast, and uses it to stand up, while walking around the mast as he does so. Continuing his path, he spirals outward, grabbing a few provisions, and continuing to stroll through the chaos until he finds himself seated on the bow of the port rowboat. From there, he assists others in boarding and loading the vessel.

[Meltheim]

All - [Maiden's Kiss]

The captain pulls a black notebook from his pouch, glances at a few pages, looks back across the water and sighs. He adjusts his hat and then shouts orders to the crew as everyone prepares to abandon ship.

"Baer, take the passengers in your boat, along with Canaan, Sven and Ardal. I'll take the others in my boat and we’ll head for the Isle."

With that, the captain moves to the starboard side of the ship and gets in the rowboat, assisted by some of the crew. Sven assists the captain and his crew with their boat, turning the crank and slowly lowering them to the water, before walking back across the deck to assist with Baer’s boat.

Ardal works with the passengers and Baer with getting into the boat on the port side of the ship. Once Baer, Canaan, Erdan and Serel get seated, Ardal steps on to the boat and holds his hand out to assist Sven with boarding. While trying to assist, Erdan bumps Sven, knocking him against the latch of the crank. Suddenly the crank flies loose and spins, knocking Sven in the knee with an audible crunch, as the rowboat drops 30 feet down to the water. Sven is left hanging off the side of the railing, screaming in agony.

On the starboard side, the captain's boat begins to row away, hoping to avoid being sucked down by the sinking ship. Ardal calls out to Sven, but Baer has already begun rowing away to avoid the suction as well. Sven's pale face looks back at the boat as he shouts his intent to swim, and Ardal jumps out of the boat into the water to meet him and drag him to safety.

[Gildedragon]

Serel
We have to save them! says Serel looking for nearby floating wreckage he can pull into reach by magic. Do we have a rope we can throw them? he asks

[greenstave]

Canaan

Forget "throw" Canaan yells as his hands are already flying. Out of his pack he's pulled a 50ft. length of coiled rope. He quickly ties it to an arrow. Removing his bow from his back he knocks the arrow, and aims for a point on the hull of the ship high enough that it won't sink below the water immediately but not so high as to be out of reach from the water within minutes.

He lets the arrow fly, and as Baer continues to row, he uncoils the rope, ensuring enough slack as to be reachable, but not so much as to allow it to pull under when the weight of a person grabs it.

Baer, keep rowing so we don't get sucked in. I have 50ft. here to work with. Someone help me hold this taught so they can use it as a guide to get back to our boat.


Let me know what, if any, rolls I need to do to accomplish all this. Maybe an attack roll to not hit the hanging man, or for the spot I aimed on the ship, though from a short distance, I imagine the broad hull of a ship is an easy shot!
Maybe dex to keep steady on the rocking boat?
Something for tying a rope to an arrow?

[Meltheim]

All - [Open Water]

The arrow hits the side of the boat with a solid *thunk* as the rope uncoils. At the same time, Sven falls from the railing into the water with a crash, and immediately thrashes about, unable to tread properly with his broken leg. Ardal swims out to meet him and after an agonizing minute, the two are reunited.

Unfortunately, Sven's thrashing about brought some attention to the boat and its crew. A few dark, triangular fins immediately appear on the surface of the water and begin circling the two sailors.

The sharks, Sven and Ardal are about 30 feet from the rest of you who are safely in the boat, and about 10 feet from the sinking ship.

[Gildedragon]

Serel

On seeing the fins a plan hatches in Serel's mind. He closes his eyes, focusing on his magic and on the mind of one of the sharks. He reaches out, producing a phantasm in one of the shark's minds to convince it that another one of the sharks is, infact, a delicious and bloody hunk of flesh; far more delicious than the humans could ever be.
The sharks will not be a problem he says as the illusion takes hold in the shark's mind, prompting it to spill blood in the water.

[Meltheim]

All - [Open Water]

One of the fins immediately changes its direction and drives straight toward another fin, and the water begins to churn and froth as the frenzy starts. The sharks are quickly distracted, paying no mind to the sailors who frantically strugle to simultaneously stay afloat and avoid notice.

Nice move Guigarci!

[Tegu8788]

Erdan Nalio - [Open Water]

From his perch on the other boat, he nods in rhythm with the waves crashing into the boat. Placing his hands on his hips, unhooks the chain wrapped around his body, and with a fluid motion lifts his hand over his head, whipping the flexible weapon in a counter-clockwise direction, before using to hook one of the sailors and drag him to the captain's boat.

[Dakaran]

Baer puts his back into guiding the rowboat out of danger of being sucked in by the sinking ship and as soon as he can begins guiding the boat towards the overboard men.

[Meltheim]

All - [Open Water]

Whether from the rocking of the boat or the pressure of the moment, Erdan's toss misses the mark by a few feet - but unfortunately it does not miss Ardal's head. The chain hits him solidly in the back of the head, bloodying him and knocking him unconscious.

Sven wraps an arm around Ardal's body while he struggles to keep treading with his one leg. Unfortunately, the effort is too much, and he is not able to keep the other sailor afloat.

With one last surge of strength, Sven manages to push himself up, off of Ardal's body, and catches the rope with his hand. Using Canaan's guidance, he tries to move hand-over-hand across the rope back to the rowboat. After a minute, he reaches out to clasp the hands of his shipmates and pulls himself onto the escape craft.

From the other side of the ship, a scream rips through the air, likely from the rowboat where the Captain and some of the crew are doing their best to survive. Unfortunately, the party can only hear, and not see, what is happening. Scream after scream rents the air from afar, while Sven slowly succumbs to his exhaustion and injuries, his eyes closing as he passes out.

[Gildedragon]

Serel - Open Water
The screams chill the wizard's blood. Baer, get us out...Serel says, worried. He looks at the unconscious crew members and reaches into his pack for a healing potion.Take care of Ardan he tells Erdan, uncorking the bottle, pouring the magical liquid down Sven's throat.

[Meltheim]

All - [Open Water]

With the Isle of Dread only a few hundred meters away, the small rowboat tosses in the waves as the group works at the oars.

Erdan looks up a the wizard's comment, then just as he is about to mention something about the odd nature of the sinking ship, the water begins to churn and froth as before, tossing the small boat about. Somehow, despite a clear sky, the ocean behaves as if a hurricane were upon them.

Suddenly, a gigantic tentacle launches out of the water, wrapping itself around the ship and pulling it down. The hull cracks and begins to split as the pressure of the water and the force of the creature's might wail upon it.

In a matter of seconds, the water is calm, once again, and the remaining ocean is full of nothing but debris. Floating, among the wreckage, is part of the captain's lifeboat. At least one person appears to be still aboard, though it is too far away to discern their condition.

[Dakaran]

Baer Ungart

Baer curses and puts his back into guiding his rowboat back towards the captain's lifeboat. "Serel, I can't leave any of my men behind. If either of you can find, I suggest you prepare yourselves. Canaan, keep your sharp eyes on the water and I'll try to get us over to the other rowboat." Baer slides his pair of oars into the water gingerly, propelling his rowboat forward with smooth grace. Easy, Baer, easy now, Baer thinks to himself. Baer's many years on the open seas has taught him much about the beasts of the sea. His instincts tell him to disturb the water as little as possible right now.

OOC
Roll for Knowledge check on tentacled creatures: [roll0]

[Meltheim]

All - [Open Water]

As Baer's years at sea help propel the group through the water, his allies scan the surface for any indication of survivors. Or at least bodies.

There are no more signs of any tentacled creatures, but in the back of his mind, Baer and Canaan each recall a children's song from their youth.

Legs of two, friend of me and you
Legs of four, snuggled by the door
Legs of six, kill it with a stick
Legs of eight, death is your fate

A half-drowned body floats in the remains of the captain's ship, clutching a black notebook in his hand. "Baer" the captain manages weakly. "Baer, take this and get to the island. Don't die here, not like this." He coughs a few times, then chuckles faintly, "Looks like you finally made captain, heh?" he says, doing his best to pass the notebook to Baer.

Just then another huge tentacle rises out of the water, slapping down next to the boat, sending huge waves through the water, pushing the boats apart, then back together, then apart again. Another tentacle does the same, smashing into some debris, as if it were 'looking' for the survivors.

[Dakaran]

Baer stands and looks solemnly at his dying captain. Baer reaches to take the notebook from the captain's outstretched hand. As Baer's hand latches on, the captain pulls slightly, drawing Baer a little closer and looks him dead in the eyes. As he gives Baer a silent nod, Baer nods back in understanding. The captain releases the notebook and Baer tucks it securely into a pocket. Baer nods to the captain once again, and as the man closes his eyes Baer swiftly pulls a loaded hand crossbow from his pack in the rowboat and fires. The bolt passes straight through the captain's forehead, killing him instantly. "Rest easy my captain. My friend. Know that you've helped us in our time of need." Baer watches for a moment as massive amounts of blood pour onto the floor of the captain's row boat. Regaining himself, Baer shouts "Alright, we don't have much time! There's a beast out there looking for prey, and we're not about to get snatched up. We need to capsize the captain's boat, but at a distance. The blood now pooling in the captain's boat should serve as a suitable distraction to allow us to make it to shore, but I want to put a little distance between us and the blood. I need ideas to capsize that boat at a distance and I need them now, people!"

[greenstave]

Canaan

Canaan solemnly watches the conversation, keenly aware of the tentacles about.

These boats are not made of the strongest material. With a few well placed arrows, it may be possible to remove the banding holding part of the boat together, allowing it to let on water. But it would be difficult to place those arrows, and would deplete the small supply I managed to get off the Maiden's Kiss. I am open to better options.

[Meltheim]

All - [Open Water]

The tentacles smash into the water again, getting closer. As Baer finishes off the captain, taking the title for himself, the tentacle that is about to strike pauses in mid air, then reorientes itself toward the small, slowly sinking rowboat.

*SMASH* The tentacles come, one by one.

*SMASH SMASH* The waves from the tentacle assault pushes the boat away

*SMASH SMASH SMASH* The final onslaught destroys what little remained of the captain's boat, pushing Baer, Canaan and the rest toward the island. The two sailors estimate it would take about 30 minutes of hard rowing to reach the island. As the group rows away from the wreckage, the tentacle makes its final smash.

The time of Captain Reginald Bartamus comes to an end. The time of Captain Baer Ungart begins.

[Gildedragon]

Serel
Serel stares, aghast. Best to get to the shore before that returns. he says gulping. The wizard realizes he has ordered the Captain. Sorry captain Ungart, I meant nothing by it

[Dakaran]

Baer stares at Serel for a moment before softening his expression. Given the circumstances, I think a little informality is just fine. I agree, we need to get out of the water. If there are any spare oars in the boat, grab them and help me row. We row for shore, men.

[Meltheim]

All - [Open Water]

Powered by adrenaline, nautical knowledge and taking advantage of the powerful waves generated by the creature's attacks, the group is able to quickly steer free of the wreckage and get to shore. As they get closer, they see that this portion of the island appears completely uninhabited.

There is a small sandbar that reduces the crashing of the waves and keeps the tide from getting too far up the shore, and there is a small stream trickling down a few hundred meters up the beach that provides a modicum of fresh water. Towering nearby are dozens of palm trees, bursting with coconuts and dates.

[Gildedragon]

Serel
The wizard sighs happily when his feet meet solid ground. He massages his arms, sore from rowing. We need food, water, and shelter; and at least one seems covered. he points at the fruit trees. They might be owned, though. he pulls his battered, oilskin bound spell-book. He sits himself on the sand. Give me some time and Ill have fire and some surveying power ready

Ooc: what would it take to know if they are wild or cultivated?
Ooc: prepping prestidigitation and levitate

[Meltheim]

All - [Beach]

The trees look natural and uncultivated, and the area around the party looks relatively undisturbed. In the distance, Canaan can see smoke from what is likely a village, and although it is not far away, the trek would require hours of rough overland travel through thick jungle.

While the party catches their breath and assesses their surroundings, Erdan notices items that have washed on shore from the shipwreck.

Four large tents (each tent sleeps 4 people)
1 10-foot pole
3 flasks of oil
1 barrel of salted pork
1 barrel of fresh water

The rations are enough to keep you comfy for 5 days

Baer seems to be preoccupied with the small black notebook at the moment, and is lost in his thoughts.

[greenstave]

Canaan

Canaan looks around at the surroundings on the island. He points ahead. Smoke, over there. In the distance. Could be a village, or town. Looks to be a long walk though. It's getting late. We should probably set up a camp. If someone has an axe, I can chop some trees for firewood, or a small shelter. I have some skill with building these types of things.

[Gildedragon]

Serel
He barely looks up from his text. The boat is a good base for shelter. A fire is a more pressing preoccupation. Stay close. Ill be done soon. the mage returns to his book, several more minutes remain in his spell preparation.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan - [Beach]

Sitting against a nearby tree, the bizarre elf points, without looking, at the shoreline. "Supplies."

[Meltheim]

All - [Beach]

After a little time passes, Serel has some luck getting a fire started while the others prepare camp using their new supplies. Soon the sky darkens, the sun dips below the horizon, and a cool breeze ripples through the encampment.

From the distance, where the smoke was earlier, the party can see bright lights and hear the faintest trace of drums, and something resembling chanting or shouting.

Sven remains unconscious, though his breathing has settled into a steady rhythm. His knee is swollen and purple, and his leg is twisted just slightly at the knee, giving a hint to the severity of the injury.

[Gildedragon]

Serel

As soon as the others are done setting up camp Serel approaches Erdan.You have a patient, Priest he says, gesturing at Sven. Canaan, if you wish, I could bear you aloft, up to about a thousand feet, so as to better reconnoiter our surroundings says the wizard to his companion. See what that fire and drumming is about.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan

Raising his hand upwards, he grasps the tree, and pulling himself up in a spiraling path around the tree, he stands. He saunters over to Sven, and taps him on the head. "Get up, you should. Things to do, there are."

Cure Light Wounds
1st-*level conjuration (word of power)
You channel magical energy into an injured creature to mend wounds and ease suffering.
Effect: Choose a living creature within 50 feet of you. It regains 1d8 + 4 hit points.

[Meltheim]

All - [Beach]

Though Sven remains unconscious, the bruising on his leg lessens significantly and a sharp *crack* brings it back into alignment. His eyes flutter briefly, as he looks up toward the odd priest.

"Thank you, sir. What of the captain? Did he make it?"

Sven props himself awkwardly on his elbows, trying to look around and figure out what has happened since he was pulled from the water. "Are we on the Isle?"

[greenstave]

Canaan

Canaan looks down at Sven, propped up as he is.

Captain didn't make it. Baer is captain now, and he has my loyalty for getting us this far.

[Meltheim]

All - [Beach]

"Aye" Sven says, nodding as he pulls himself to a sitting position. He wiggles his foot slightly and winces, then gingerly pulls himself up to standing. He obviously favors one leg and doesn't appear too mobile, especially on the loose sand and rocks that make up the shoreline.

"Captain Baer, Sven Hoek, reporting for duty!" he declares, managing a feeble salute before wobbling slightly and using a tree to steady his balance. Looking around the camp and seeing the scattered supplies and the faint firelight in the distance, Sven squints his eyes and rubs a hand through his hair. "Canaan, what is our next move?"

[Gildedragon]

Serel
Canaan interjects Serel. I will be yonder he says, pointing with his staff down the beach.Tell Baer if he asks. Also, I am not to be bothered unless it is dire. he reaches into his bag, pulling a bag of ritual supplies.

After walking for several minutes he traces out a summoning circle with his staff. He draws out runes and diagrams into it. He piles incenses and resin crystals on the sand, lighting the aromatic pyre.
With his staff he sits cross legged whispering arcane words into the flame, calling to the spirits beyond the world, summoning one to be bound as his familiar.

[Meltheim]

All - [Beach]

Hours pass as everyone makes themselves comfortable for the night. Sven gets a cooking fire going, since he's not too mobile, and prepares some food for the group. Baer eventually comes to join the group by the fire, but still seems withdrawn and silent. His hand clutches fiercely at the small black journal, and he frequently scans the area around them before glancing back at the book, as if there were a map or something he was trying to reference.

While the others eat and prepare their tents for the night, Serel sits apart, staring into his brazier. His voice chants low, almost inaudibly, and the lights of the fire swirl. The smell of incense, herbs and fat wafts through the air as his chant continues long into the night.

By now the activity in the distance has ceased, and there is a soft, peaceful silence on the beach. The gentle crash of waves lapping against the shore makes it difficult for any but the most resolute to remain awake.

Sven offers to take watch, but Baer silences him quickly, making it clear that the sailor needs his rest. Baer indicates that he would take the first watch, and looks to Canaan and Erdan to choose between the two of them who would take the second watch.

Serel remains motionless, chanting softly into the deep, dark night.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan

Taking a solid stance with his back to the fire, he pulls out his spiked chains, and taking one end in each hand, he methodically spins them before him. "Sleep, you should. Ahead of you, a long day you have."

[Gildedragon]

Serel
With the first light of dawn the ritual is done, Serel yawns tiredly, the brazier nothing more pit full of smoldering ashes and vitrified sand now.
He turns back to camp, a large, midnight blue, leathery bundle pressed against his chest. Tiredly he plops onto the sand, rekindling the dying campfire with magic. Tea is for him a necessity at this point. Tea then writing in his log. The results of the night's ritual were most impressive.

[Meltheim]

All - [Beach]

The gentle 'whir whir whir' of Erdan's chains provide a nice accompaniment to the various jungle sounds - insects calling, waves crashing, the occasional whale song.

Erdan finds himself coming to understand a bit more about where the party landed. He sees remnants of the wrecked ship in the distance - the scene fully illuminated by a bright glowing moon. The group is in a small cove, just east of the reef. In the chaos of storm he hadn't even noticed the small islands just off the coast. The village, to the south, remains quiet through the night.

Serel, a small distance from the party, stares into a fiery brazier, as if meditating.

Baer turns over in his sleep, restless. Erdan sees that the captain's hand still clutches the journal.

*********

Hours pass uneventfully as the fire slowly dies down to smoldering embers. The sun peeks slowly over the horizon, flooding the area with the purple-orange rays of a new day. Bird calls slowly fill the air as the world comes awake. Baer sits up, suddenly, then quietly nods a 'good morning' to Erdan.

Serel, having finished his ritual, returns to the group and rekindles the campfire. Erdan notices something new about the man, but he can't quite put his finger on it.

(sorry, these kind of ran in parallel. Serel did his ritual, Erdan took watch. We return with it being morning of the first day on the island and the group just waking up. Serel looks exhausted)

[Gildedragon]

Serel
A bunch of fresh dates lay on a blanket by the mage's feet.
The bundle leathery unfurls slightly, a silver-furred head peeks out from under the blue leather. Serel brings a date up to the creature's canine-like snout. A claw-tipped wing reaches out, pulling the hand and proffered fruit closer. The bat devours the sugary fruit greedily, visibly delighted by its taste.
Serel smiles, tossing the pit onto the sand and wiping his juice-coated hand on his pants before popping a few dates into his mouth.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan

Spinning his chains as he has all night, he rotates them around his chest, locking them in place with their own hooks. He spins around him place, knocking any loose sand off of his boots, and ends his twirl walking south.

[greenstave]

Canaan

Captain, there is nothing more for us here on the beach. We saved what supplies we could. I suggest hiding them on the forrest edge, and make for the villiage.

[Dakaran]

Baer

Aye, Canaan, I agree. We don't want anyone stumbling on what little supplies we have. Hopefully investigating the village will result in getting some aid in getting off this rock. I just don't feel right without a ship beneath me feet. We best we wary though. Let's hide what we can't carry and do some reconnaissance on this village.

[Gildedragon]

Serel
The mage yawns tiredly. I have two suggestions for reconnaissance he says, his bat gripping tightly to the date bunch; its blue fur now glistening with date juices. I could raise one of you Serel yawns, interrupting his speech. to a prodigious height; examining the village might as well be trivial by such means. Alternatively I could send... My familiar he looks apologetically at the bat, too tired to come up with a name suitable for his companion. ... Exploring, and I would see through its eyes and relay the information to you.

[Dakaran]

"Serel, I think I'm beginning to like you," Baer says with a hint of a joke in his voice. "Send your... bat... and we'll get some close eyes on the village. In the meantime, I want at least some kind of eyes on the village as well as our immediate surroundings. Canaan, I hope your kept a tight hand on your looking glass, because I need your keen eyes up in the air."

[Gildedragon]

Serel
What an honor, Captain. he responds teasingly. With that he closes his eyes, focusing his mind through the familiar bond.
The bat spreads its wings and takes off, serel's mind hitching along for the ride as it goes into the woods.

[Tegu8788]

Erdan

The elf sees the shadow of the bat fly over his head, and he slows his march southward.

[Meltheim]

Baer, Canaan and Sven -

Serel sits down to concentrate as his bat takes off through the skies. Erdan, with a few minutes lead on the party, makes his way slowly overland toward the village.

Sven hobbles about, still getting used to his new knee. Though repaired, it is still stiff from the healing last night, and everyday tasks take him a bit longer than usual. He does his best to pack up the supplies and hide them from view, wincing only a little when he steps here and there. Within a few minutes, and with the help of Canaan and Captain Baer, the campsite is relatively packed up and out of sight.


[B]Erdan - [Path to Village]

The ground feels good beneath the cleric's feet, and his southward march takes him smoothly overland while the rest of the party packs up and stashes supplies. As Erdan approaches the village, he sees and smells smoke - likely from cookfires - and hears the sounds of village life.

From what his eyes see, there is a long pier extending out into the water with several small ships docked. Young boys, human-looking, sit on the edges of the pier with fishing rods while older men haul in nets from the morning's catch.

Erdan estimates it would take the group a few hours to get through the rough jungle between the party and the village.


Serel/Bat - [Beach]

The celestial fruitbat flies overhead, easily outpacing the devout Erdan in a matter of minutes. With each flap of its leathery wings, the bat, and Serel, see the layout of the land between them. Through the bat's eyes, Serel sees a small path cutting through the jungle, likely obscured from Erdan's view at ground level. Serel estimates it would only take an hour or so to make the trip at their speed, longer if Sven came with them.

The bat moves beyond the jungle to the village after a few minutes more. The village is relatively small, though there is a decent-sized square at the center with a large statue, difficult to see properly from a bat's-eye-view. Dozens of thatched huts ring the village while a small stream cuts through on one side leading out to the ocean, likely the source of fresh water for the villagers.

Several boats are docked on the pier while dozens of people move about keeping themselves busy. At the center of the village are several brightly colored squares of fabric with people going in and out of them - likely a market or bazaar of sorts. Serel estimates, from what he sees, that there are anywhere between 50 and 100 people living in the village.

[greenstave]

Canaan

Well, if the rats eye view shows a town, then let's go. We can get supplies, maybe directions. Maybe a boat! C'mon Capt'n

With that, taking the lead, he heads off through the jungle towards the town

[Gildedragon]

Serel

Captain he says, when he comes out of his trance; yawning as he pushes himself up with his staff. There's a village of small to middling size approximately an hour north. he says pointing in the direction of the path. And a path that could lead us there. We need, however, to take into account Sven's condition. Personally I can lend him my staff and either Canaan or yourself could provide the muscle to help him along. The town seems large enough we could procure raw materials for me to make poultices and ointments for our use.

[Dakaran]

Baer

"Aye, our supplies could use some refilling and we will need a boat to get off this rock. Serel, lead the way. I'll help Sven along and hopefully we can catch Erdan. Let's find this village!"

Sorry for the delay guys! :smallfrown:

Strength check to help Sven: [roll0]

[Meltheim]

All - [Path to Village]

The group makes their way overland toward the small village. Birds fly overhead, avoiding Serel's bat, and the sound of the crashing waves fills the air.

Sven leans against the captain, slowing the both of them. After a stretch the party reaches the point that Serel's companion had indicated - a small path that winds through the jungle. After a few steps in, the party feels the sudden change in climate as the wind is all but entirely blocked and the canopy shades them from the sun. In a matter of seconds, the party is immersed in the jungle, following Serel's directions from his airborn familiar.

About 10 minutes in, the party has the distinct feeling they are being watched by something predatory.