On the island: Exploring the southern trail

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tkrexx
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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#261 Post by tkrexx »

Emm quickly recites the hymn of Speak With Animals again, and addresses the young owl, yet keeps her eyes on the cave. Quiet, now, something is happening. Stay behind me, and if things become chaotic, hide! She maintains her watch until it is clear what is going on.

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#262 Post by SocraticLawyer »

Ulrich emerges from the cave, carrying a strange looking baby turtle, that has little claws on its flippers and the head of what looks to be a baby lizard.

"Everyone, this is Pickle," he says, indicating the lizard in his arms. "I think he's a dragon turtle. Emm, if your enchantment is still active, could you inquire of my new little friend whether he's hungry?"

Ulrich scratches the lizard's belly playfully.
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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#263 Post by tkrexx »

Dragon... Turtle?? Emm's head perks straight up and cocks slightly to one side, as a dog inquiring a strange command from it's master. She stands slowly, her dark eyes seemingly entranced by the ... lizard ... in Ulrich's strong but gentle hands, and repeats: Dragon Turtle? She shakes herself from her own amazement. The Egg! It hatched? Her eyes lower a moment as she realizes the additional party member has additionally endangered them all. Oh, no. Of all times... No, I... I am not able to speak with such a creature, I fear. Yet it may be key to saving the Isle, if my guess is correct... But my guess of the egg itself was dreadfully wrong...She shakes her head again, not having time for self-doubt. We need to be about leaving, now! Bring the ... Infant, perhaps Shanny will be able to speak with it. Turning to the owlet, the Druid again whispers in it's tongue. We have another child to attend to, it seems. Perhaps you will have a new sibling?

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EST: The party greets their newest acquisition...

#264 Post by Argennian »

~ Once Bogdan and Cutler enter the cave after Ulrich, the remaining island ambush team members await a signal, hail or news of what's happened within...

Whilst Caelvanna and Lauranna remain low and on the lookout for any signs of trouble around the area in dawn's growing light, Emm casts her second speak with animals spell. She quickly relays a warning to the giant owlet behind her in nature-speak and the still-furry, young feathered avian appears to understand and hops over to a small depression where the cliff and bluff meet to get low and out of sight.


~ An eternal minute transpires as those outside hear the voices of their mates within the cave. When patience becomes strained and threatens to break due them not knowing what's going on, Ulrich emerges from the cave carrying something small in his armored hands. Cutler comes out next with the crate that was inside and Bogdan behind him. The grizzled cook moves over to get the crate strapped in and gather the dead soldiers' weapons that Ulrich collected previously whilst the big Half-orc swordsman moves over to retrieve his masterwork spears and take up a defensive position on the eastern side of the bluff opposite Caelvanna.

Ulrich holds up his hands and shows the others what all the excitement was about. Perched in his gauntlets is a tiny creature that indeed looks to be a mix of baby turtle and lizard. It lets out the faintest of squeaks as the dwarf cleric introduces it by the name, Pickle. He claims it to be a just-hatched dragon turtle and queries Emm on whether or not she can use her druidic powers to communicate with it.

Emm's eyes grow wide upon hearing Ulrich's words and she cocks her head to the side in a state of skeptical wonderment.
Dragon Turtle?! She finds herself stuttering and repeating the words as she stands up, lowers her spear and shield and steps forward for a closer look. It would appear the mysterious, sparkling egg they found deep inside the cavern has indeed hatched and bestowed upon Ulrich and the party a very rare yet surely precarious prize, if it truly is what they suspect...

After another few segments, the young druid snaps out of her trance-like state and responds that her speak with animals spell will not work, as it is not really a creature of nature, per se. She also goes on to detail that although it likely has something to do with the island and how things will play out here in the future, it's presence could bring more danger and peril upon them. In closing, Emm recommends they grab their stuff and hightail it back to the ship, adding her hope that Shanny can commune with it somehow and will know what to do.

Having offered what she can to Ulrich, who pets and scratches the unusual hatchling nuzzling his armored hands, Emm turns and nature-speaks again to the giant owlet. It climbs out of its hiding spot depression, and not yet knowing how to fly, hop-flaps its way over to her, all the while trying to look up with its big, yellow eyes at what the dwarf cleric has in his hands...


Actions?

Questions?

****************************************************

OOC: ok gang, unless there's anything else that needs to happen here, it looks like the party is ready to move out and head back to the ship & cove. Just need to confirm a marching order and who will help Cutler carry the heavy stretcher.

TOD & positioning adjusted!

TOD: @ 7:28am of Day 10 on island (Total time since departed Karagonia: 20 days)

If you have any questions, or need some additional clarification, please let me know!


HPs/Status: Bog 23/34 ; Caelvanna 32/32 ; Emm 13/13 , Lauranna 16/16 , Ulrich 15/22 ; Cutler ??/?? (hurt badly) , Sorel KIA
WIH (primary/secondary):
Bog – Karagonian masterwork spears / longsword & dagger
Caelvanna – short bow* / short sword (arrows fired: 7)
Emm – spear & shield / SC (owlet behind her)
Lauranna - none / DDDs, short sword & throwing knives (& Wily)
Ulrich – baby dragon turtle?! / mace & shield
Cutler - none / assortment of daggers & other weapons
Sorel - KIA
(SC = spell component/spell to cast, * indicates loaded and ready to fire)

Spells cast:
Emm: Charm Person or Mammal , Entangle, Speak With Animals x2 (2 of 6 minutes past), CLW
Lauranna: Sleep
Ulrich: Silence, CLW x2

M.O./Location:
Spread out on the lower bluff: Bogdan , Caelvanna , Emm (& the giant owlet) , Lauranna (& Wily) , Ulrich & Cutler

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#265 Post by Alethan »

Bog suggests Caelvanna takes the lead and then he and Cutler can carry the heavy stretcher (if that is possible for him to do), followed by the others (in whatever order they determine).
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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#266 Post by tkrexx »

If Bog can pick up the rear, Emm will certainly have her hands full.

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#267 Post by Nuke66 »

Lauranna finally returns to the group and announces "We found no sign of that nasty Mage. Let's get back to the ship."

She looks around making sure they don't miss any loot.

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#268 Post by SocraticLawyer »

Ulrich will head back with his new friend, Pickle. They'll take a place in the middle of the marching order.
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Re: EST: The party departs for the Seahawk...

#269 Post by Argennian »

~ With all immediate island treasure accounted for, both living and material, as well as the bodies of their fallen friend Sorel and the slain Karagonian Navy cleric, the party decides the time to depart has finally arrived...

Once the crate and two bulging sacks of old world treasure are properly secured to the heavy stretcher, Cutler and Bogdan take it up. Although the seasoned cook is much smaller than the big, burly fighter, he manages the load surprisingly well. The signal is given and the ambush party moves out.

Caelvanna moves away from the west side of the bluff to take the lead, her coveted short bow and a readied arrow to hand and keen Wild-elf eyes straining for danger and potential threats. Cutler and Bogdan move out after her, and wait for her to begin descending the z-shaped trail and make the first switchback before they follow. In order to keep the stretcher as level as possible and easiest to carry, Cutler puts his leading end up on his chewed on, armored shoulders so Bog doesn't have to lean down too far. Ulrich falls in next behind the stretcher-carrying duo, still gently carrying his just-hatched prize of baby lizard-turtle, and maintains a gap to prevent any potential twofer opportunities, just in case they run into any magical fire trouble like they endured during the ambush. Emm scoops up the giant baby owl and falls in behind the dwarf cleric. She too makes sure to keep a spread out marching order and uses the remaining minutes of her second speak with animals spell to nature-speak with the fledgling island avian*. Last but certainly not least is Lauranna and her faithful familiar. She waits until Emm starts down the trail before leaving her semi-covered position on the bluff and moving quickly to the trail head.

The party make it down the zigzagging trail and back to the more level ground of the southern coastal section of the island uneventfully. Caelvanna halts about two hundred paces from the hill and signals back to the others to hold, which they do and hunker down. After a good two minutes of combined listening and scrutinizing of the immediate area for trouble, the Wild-elf archer gives the all clear and begins moving out again. Instead of following the path back to the beach cove where the Karagonian navy longboat resides, however, she turns right and follows a well-worn game trail that eventually meets up with the main path they arrived on from the west side of the isle.


~ Mighty Hazara climbs higher and grows brighter in the morning skies as the ambush team continue westward. Caelvanna glides like a ghost through the brush and bramble, making barely a sound as she stealths ahead on point. Cutler impresses Bogdan with his strength and stamina in carrying the very heavy load and barely misses a step. Ulrich coddles his unique hatchling cargo as he walks along behind the stretcher-carrying duo, finding it seems comfortable enough in his armored hands to take a snooze. Emm follows the dwarf cleric with the giant baby owlet perched on her armored forearm and Lauranna and Wily bring up the rearguard, the mage's familiar sticking his head out her large belt pouch to sniff the air and listen for any commotion not being generated by the party.

The island ambush team continue to successfully navigate the terrain and are finally getting closer to home when Caelvanna suddenly stops short, gets low and signals those following to do the same. The party finds itself just inside the treeline at the east side of the small inlet cove where the giant monitor first attacked them and tried to eat general Jovak. The Wild-elf signals for the others to creep up next to her, and when they do, can see what made her halt. On the sandy beaches of the lagoon, scavenging the area and moving about the trails that lead past it to the hidden cove where the Seahawk resides, are two giant crabs! They do not appear to be aware of the party.



Actions?

Questions?

****************************************************

* ~ PM going out to Rexx for Emm's SWA spell duration!

TOD & positioning adjusted

TOD: @ 7:48am of Day 10 on island (Total time since departed Karagonia: 20 days)

If you have any questions, or need some additional clarification, please let me know!


HPs/Status: Bog 23/34 ; Caelvanna 32/32 ; Emm 13/13 , Lauranna 16/16 , Ulrich 15/22 ; Cutler ??/?? (hurt badly) , Sorel KIA
WIH (primary/secondary):
Bog – none (stretcher-rear) / Karagonian masterwork spears, longsword & dagger
Caelvanna – short bow* / short sword (arrows fired: 7)
Emm – spear & shield & giant owlet / SC
Lauranna - none? / DDDs, short sword & throwing knives (& Wily)
Ulrich – baby dragon turtle / mace & shield
Cutler - none (stretcher-front) / assortment of daggers & other weapons
Sorel - KIA
(SC = spell component/spell to cast, * indicates loaded and ready to fire)

Spells cast:
Emm: Charm Person or Mammal , Entangle, Speak With Animals x2, CLW
Lauranna: Sleep
Ulrich: Silence, CLW x2

M.O./Location:
Spread out in the eastern treeline of the southern lagoon: Bogdan , Caelvanna , Emm (& the giant owlet) , Lauranna (& Wily) , Ulrich & Cutler

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#270 Post by tkrexx »

Emm whispers quietly to the young owl and silently faunches at her choice of blessing for the day; her current status is nearly useless. She turns her eyes to the other members with her and simply shakes her head with lips tightly pursed.

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#271 Post by Alethan »

Bog thinks aloud in a soft whisper, "Wish we had that bugger's magical wand about now... Think we can scare them off with fire?" He makes a quick mental check of himself and then eyes the two giant crustaceans again. "Don't know if we should chance a fight with the two of them out in the open like that."

Then his stomach grumbles.

"But giant crab does sound pretty good about now..."
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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#272 Post by tkrexx »

The only way I could be of use would be to surround them with Light of the Faerie, Emm whispers, Make them easier to strike. Or Entangle them, if they can be lured into the forest. At least we could make our way past them, and perhaps leave a nasty surprise for anyone who could be following us. I don't recommend fighting them, Ulrich is seriously wounded.


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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#274 Post by SocraticLawyer »

Ulrich nods in agreement at Lauranna's suggestion. He tries not to make any noise that might wake up li'l Pickle.
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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#275 Post by Alethan »

Bogdan agrees with this plan, as well.
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EST: The party discusses their latest obstacle...

#276 Post by Argennian »

~ The southern trail strike team crouches within the eastern tree line to assess the two giant crabs blocking their way back to the ship...

Emm makes a mental check of her remaining spell roster as she pets the baby giant owl perched on her leather-armored forearm. Being plum out of speak with animals spells and initially thinking she doesn't have any others worthy of application in this particular instance, the druidess simply looks around to her fellow team members and shakes her head solemnly in the negative...

Bogdan openly wishes they had the escaped Karagonian lieutenant's magic wand, and wonders whether or not fire would be the right tool for the job at hand. He also ponders whether the party should risk open melee with both overgrown crustaceans in their present condition. Thinking of those massive portions of decadent crab meat moving around the lagoon in front of them, however, the big fighter's stomach grumbles and he subsequently admits he's getting hungry...

Suddenly realizing she still has something to bring to the table after all, Emm details the potential use of her faerie fire and entangle spells, describing how she might apply them tactically for the rest of team's benefit. In response to Bog's query on whether or not they should confront the giant crabs, the druidess thinks they shouldn't, citing concerns over Ulrich and others' compromised health status.

Lauranna nods and offers agreement to the idea the party should make their way through the prolific island vegetation to skirt and bypass the open area of the lagoon and its two scavenging inhabitants. She also opines that should the hard-shelled creatures try and follow, the party let 'em have it, so to speak. Wily sniffs the morning air and continues to watch the party's backside for any signs of island invader pursuit or scrutiny...

Ulrich looks up from the lizard-turtle hatchling snoozing comfortably in his gauntleted hand and considers his fellow team members' submissions. The dwarf cleric nods his head quietly in agreement, not wanting to disturb his precious sleeping cargo. He looks over to Bogdan and Cutler. The swordsman returns a nod of agreement to the plan but the grizzled cook still seems concerned.

"Hmm, that brush looks pretty thick," Cutler opines, wiping the sweat and dried blood from his forehead and looking back behind him to consider their heavy cargo. "Might not be able to drag this damn stretcher through there, unless there's a big enough game trail we haven't yet seen..."

At this point, Caelvanna looks back at Cutler. The two seem to exchange a wordless communication and the Wild-elf fighter rises to her feet and glides off silently through the thick flora to the north to try and scope out an alternate route. The party hold their position and wait quietly for her return. The two giant crabs continue to scavenge and still appear oblivious to the fact they're being watched and potentially sized up as the party's next meal. One of the two is just within the northern tree line, a fact that does not escape Emm and the potential use of her entangle spell*.


~ Within a handful of minutes, Caelvanna returns to the party. In a whispered tone, she elucidates there's in fact a small game trail right up against the base of the rock cliffs but there's not enough room for them to haul the stretcher through without some serious gardening and subsequent racket. Her and Cutler lock eyes again and the cook voices his concerns...

"We can't leave the stretcher behind, and every minute we waste going forward makes me nervous about the one that killed Sorel and got away. That being said, our options would seem limited here. Either we create a diversion to lure the crabs towards the northern tree line and try and get past them on the south side of the lagoon, or we deal with them now, the martial way..."

Seemingly confronted with the same impatience that's plaguing Cutler, Caelvanna readies her bow and a flight arrow again and points at the stretcher. "If we're putting it to a vote, I say you all take up those crossbows we snagged from the Karagonian marines and let's end this little stalemate from range with a few volleys. I too am tired and hungry and have concerns that we could eventually be discovered and then followed if we wait too long."

It takes less than a segment for a smile to appear on Cutler's hardened visage. "Well, that suits me fine enough. There are four heavy crossbows and plenty of ammo. With Caelvanna on her bow and the rest of us that can shooting away, I would think it shouldn't take too long...
"Mayhap Mistress Emm could use her faerie fire spell to make them easier to hit? And if anyone is still injured, I'd recommend using Shanny's healing elixirs, if'n you have any left. I used all mine, and am still injured, but I'm good enough to deal with this. We can always get more once back at the ship..."


The grizzled cook looks around to the rest of the southern trail strike team as he reaches for the Karagonian heavy crossbows and quivers strapped to the stretcher. "Well, what say you friends? If there's any other ideas, I'd like to hear 'em. Otherwise, let's eliminate this threat and put some fresh seafood back on the menu!"



Actions?

Questions?

****************************************************

OOC: okay gang, we're finally back in business! I still need to work on & clean up a few things in the forum but can do so as I'm able while we're posting in the action thread. Sincere appreciations again for everyone's patience and support!

~ Go ahead and post whether or not the plan sounds good, and if everyone's onboard with the proposed action. If you're drinking a healing elixir, go ahead and roll 1d8+1 and apply that to your HP on your battle sheet. Please also note if your character's taking up a crossbow to make a few volleys, or if not, what your WIH (Weapon In Hand) is, if any. Once we have everyone's status, we can make Declared Actions along with To Hit/Damage rolls and see how that shakes out! (TOD adjusted)

*/POP: If Emm wanted to use her entangle spell, she could catch the giant crab foraging in the northern tree line. The other one is down by the water's edge of the lagoon with no appreciable flora nearby.

~ If anyone's character wants to take up a heavy crossbow for the upcoming volley, even if it's a weapon your character class cannot normally use BtB, I'll definitely allow it. With, of course, the usual application of your classes' penalty to hit for use of non-proficient weapons! (i.e. fighters at -2 to hit, clerics at -3 to hit, etc., etc.)

TOD: @ 7:54am of Day 10 on island (Total time since departed Karagonia: 20 days)

If you have any questions, or need additional clarification, please let me know!


HPs/Status: Bog 23/34 ; Caelvanna 32/32 ; Emm 13/13 , Lauranna 16/16 , Ulrich 15/22 ; Cutler ??/?? (hurt badly) , Sorel KIA
WIH (primary/secondary):
Bog – none (stretcher-rear) / Karagonian masterwork spears, longsword & dagger
Caelvanna – short bow* / short sword (arrows fired: 7)
Emm – spear & shield & giant owlet / SC
Lauranna - none? / DDDs, short sword & throwing knives (& Wily)
Ulrich – baby dragon turtle / mace & shield
Cutler - none (stretcher-front) / assortment of daggers & other weapons
Sorel - KIA
(SC = spell component/spell to cast, * indicates loaded and ready to fire)

Spells cast:
Emm: Charm Person or Mammal , Entangle, Speak With Animals x2, CLW
Lauranna: Sleep
Ulrich: Silence, CLW x2

M.O./Location:
Spread out in the eastern treeline of the southern lagoon: Bogdan , Caelvanna , Emm (& the giant owlet) , Lauranna (& Wily) , Ulrich & Cutler

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#277 Post by tkrexx »

WOOOO!!

Emm glances back to Lauranna, Ulrich and Bog. The young Owl does need to feed, as does the dragon bairn, I suspect, tho I know not what it may eat. Crab would be a good bet. Her voice is soft, but her eyes signal she is ready if all agree. She makes a silly gesture, as if making a somatic spell component, points to the crab nearest the foliage and indicates a "one" with her index finger, and "two" toward the farthest.

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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#278 Post by Alethan »

Bog whispers, "I have a healing potion still, and no need of it right now, if anyone else does..."
He then quietly bends the lath on his crossbow, catching the string on its latch, and sets a bolt in place. This appears to take little effort and he does so without using any of the winding tools.

"If we can deal with just one of them at a time, then that would be good. I'm much better with the sword, but we can try and rough one of them up with these before it gets to us..."
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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#279 Post by SocraticLawyer »

OOC: can Ulrich fire the crossbow while holding Pickle? I'm guessing no....
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Re: On the island: Exploring the southern trail

#280 Post by Nuke66 »

Lauranna digs out her healing elixir and hands it to Cutler, "Just in case"

Moving to Emm, "Keep in mind I can still drop a web to lock one down too." The mage offers.

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