DM JamesM: Day 2 - Midafternoon 1:00 PM (Map) d10=3 ; Friday December 3rd, 2021 1:04:56 PM
Rain continued to be the order of the day as they ducked into to the tunnel like path through the brambles. Single file they moved through the underbrush until a tenth of mile north the trail opened up as it wound it's way north through a stand of cypress trees. To either side of the trail the ground turned decidedly marshy and appeared difficult to walk through.
When they could see the sky once more they also saw a stone monument off to the right side of the trail where it split into two paths. If it had any markings upon it none were visible. A few feet from the monument lay the hunter's bow. It would need a new string and a good polishing, but was otherwise in ok shape.
Survival DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {Straying from the trail would almost certainly get you stuck. At best you'd likely lose a shoe or boot. At worst the soft ground would pull you under.}
Survival DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You spot a boot print near the edge of the rightmost branch of the trail and another a few feet along. The tracks are almost demolished by the rain, but these two were especially deep in the soft ground. }
The heroes had a decision to make, take the left or right path.
Heal DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {It looks like Gore Thrum and Drotar have each contracted the disease, but you are certain it's in the very early stages and they have some time before their condition becomes critical. }
Acrobatics DC 15 to recover the bow.
DM: Please update your position on the map. Places will be official with next DM post.
Drotar Zaviyar (Robert S) AC 14/12/12 CMD 16 HP 14 d20+4=14 ; Friday December 3rd, 2021 6:58:02 PM "Not sure. I don't feel that off, just a little itchy. I don't know much about diseases and that sort of thing."
Drotar shrugs off the unpleasant conversation, looking at the bow sitting in the muck.
"I can get it. But I want to be sure I'll be able to get out, that looks nasty. Hold on to the other end of this and haul me out if I get stuck."
He ties a rope around his waist, before tossing it to whichever member of the party looks strongest, then cautiously steps out to get the bow.
(Survival 14, taking 10 on the acrobatics check for a 16 total)
Assuming Einar holds the other end of the rope, the gnome moves up to the barbarian in case things go wrong.
Once up there, Snark sees a bit more. "Oof, you were smart to tie a line to yourself Drotar. That muck looks like that ground could suck you in. And look there! I can see where there are some old boot prints. I wonder of somebody got sucked in."
Snark looks at an exposed area of Drotar's skin as he tying on the rope. "Hey Drotar, you got the early stages of something going on there. Prolly from them diseased sheep. It's not bad yet, but if we don't get you fixed up soon, her gonna be sicker than the dickens."
Snark casts Detect Magic, wondering if the boot prints may mean something may have sunk beneath the surface of the swampy area.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 9/9 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 d20+2=4 ; d20+2=22 ; Friday December 3rd, 2021 8:59:19 PM
Tae Che takes up the last position in the order as they head into the brambles of the hidden trail. Once they find themselves near to the monument, she notices that Drotar and Gore'Thrum's wounds from the sheep attacks appear to be getting slightly reddish. "I concur with Snark, Drotar. It looks like you might be coming down with something. You too, Gore'Thrum."
She sees Drotar heading into the muck to fetch the bow and smirks as she knows she wouldn't even try what he's doing. (Survival: 4; Heal: 22)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20+4=11 ; d20=5 ; Friday December 3rd, 2021 10:15:13 PM
Isaac decides to keep an eye on Drotar making sure he doesn't have any symptoms.(moves from AS15 to AW15) Isaac feels embarrassed that he spent so long looking around the stump when the bow was by the statue. Isaac will help with pulling Drotar outif he gets stuck.
Heal 11 Survival 5 (Ooc: I had forgotten I had the scarf)
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=22 ; Saturday December 4th, 2021 5:56:27 AM
Onesimos agrees with Snark and Tae-Che, ”Gnomes must have as good of eye as the elves. You are right and I was wrong. Drotar, I want to start you on a disease treatment that may stave off symptoms for longer. I regret I am not high enough in Flower’s favor to magically remove it entirely. Teddy, with your permission, I can do the same for your frog.”
Benni begins to treat the disease in Drotar and Gore-Thunn.
….. Heal DC22. Treat Disease. Every time the diseased character makes a saving throw against disease effects, you make a Heal check. If your Heal check exceeds the DC of the disease, the character receives a +4 competence bonus on his saving throw against the disease.
Ooc: no worries, Justin! The Scarf seems significant to remember.
Ooc: took the liberty of moving Drotar and Issac on the map where they said they were. Then moved Benni, and moved Everyone else to close the gaps. Please feel free to alter your Pc position if I was mistaken.
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Midafternoon 1:00 PM (Map) Saturday December 4th, 2021 3:22:04 PM
DM James: The treatment will take 5 weeks and since the DC of the Disease is 14 you guys get another save at +4. We can roll that now and hand wave the rest of you make it.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 d20+5=25 ; Monday December 6th, 2021 3:28:33 AM
(Survival 25)
Seeing the trail is becoming more dangerous as they go Einar indeed gets out the ropes he brought. The rope Drotar uses has a good knot at both ends for extra grip if needed. Should Drotar slip or get stuck in the muck, Einar will start pulling him onto the trail again. (Strength 15)
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:21 | HP: 19/19 - Blusinda: AC:12 | HP:16/16 Monday December 6th, 2021 6:40:11 AM
Whenever the Heal check is made Kristoph will throw in a Resistance giving +1 to the saves for everyone affected.
"Can the bow not be reached with a mage hand"?
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Midafternoon 1:00 PM (Map) Monday December 6th, 2021 2:24:42 PM
Kristoph asks if a mage hand can retrieve the bow while it’s determined that the two ill members of the party have contracted rabies. It has a long incubation time however and it’s unlikely to manifest itself while they are on this quest. Drotar is nimble and perceptive enough to step out for the bow and return safely with it.
They still have to decide which branch to take on the path.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 15/15 Monday December 6th, 2021 4:13:37 PM
I assume that Snark's detect magic revealed nothing, including the bow.
DM James: Nothing other than what the party carry.
Snark already pointed out the vestige of bootprints along the right most path.
"Good job Drotar! That guy'll probably be glad to get his bow back. And it'll probably score some points with the townfolk.
"Let's take the rightmost path. See those bootprints?"
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday December 6th, 2021 4:32:12 PM
Onesimos applauds Drotar and his feat of retrieving the bow.
Benni tucks some brown hair behind an ear and agrees with Snark. Boot prints are a sure sign.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 Monday December 6th, 2021 5:39:05 PM
Isaac agrees with Snark "Since his bow was over on the right side I'm guessing right as well"
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 Monday December 6th, 2021 5:56:15 PM
Einar nods and closely follows the scouts. He has his blade in sheathed for now and holds the rope in case anyone accidentally steps into the swamp.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 9/9 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Monday December 6th, 2021 9:28:20 PM
Tae Che is trying to remember what was said about the paths. "Hey, didn't they say something about which path to take when we see the statue, or something."
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday December 7th, 2021 12:11:13 AM
Onesimos nods with the memory of the dark elf. ”Kristoph, I remember Trevor telling us that the path diverges many times but always take the north one until we get to the cemetery. So… which one is north?”, concludes the city-bred Benni.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 10/16 AC 12/12/11 d20+7=27 ; Tuesday December 7th, 2021 1:11:44 AM
Teddy is able to easily determine where north is and tells the party (27 survival, though apparently that doesn't even require a check)
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Midafternoon 2:00 PM (Map) d10=9 ; d10=2 ; Tuesday December 7th, 2021 8:45:11 AM
It was midday, albeit a wintry cold midday, but the light from the sun was more dim than normal due to the dense cloud cover overhead. It had also started to rain again as they made their way generally north into the spirit swamp. for the next hour they moved along the driest parts of the trail they could find until they once more came to a decision point in their journey.
The decision was going to be hard however because whatever had been working at their resolve had gotten stronger as they progressed into the swamp.
Will Save DC 15 - Fail Highlight to display spoiler: {There is something about this swamp that is affecting you. A sense of dread you can't ignore. You are Shaken. A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked. Duration 15 minutes minus Save Roll.}
This time the path diverged into three different choices of direction, two of which looked like they were parallel for as far as the heroes could see before the grasses and rain obscured their vision. The last one looked like it ran along a section of water that was rippling in the strong wind that was whipping through the swamp. Far far in the distance you thought you saw a pirate ship's outline against the horizon. You blinked and it was gone, hidden by waving grasses and dark clouds that hovered just above the ground.
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You can see a piece of clothing floating in the water near the leftmost path.}
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a hat of the type worn by the townsfolk.}
Teddy Highlight to display spoiler: {All the paths lead north, but Teddy can see evidence of people moving along the leftmost path.}
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:21 | HP: 19/19 - Blusinda: AC:12 | HP:16/16 d20+7=10 ; d20+7=16 ; Tuesday December 7th, 2021 10:54:48 AM "You have a good memory Benni. I believe you're right, he said the path diverges many times but if you stay to the northern routes you’ll eventually find an old set of standing stones. Myself, I have turned so many times I'm not sure which one is north"! Shrugging Kristoph pauses briefly - staring into the distance: "Wait did I just see..." then falls back into silence, shakes his head in disbelief and pulls his cloak tighter.
(Perception: all fail. will save: pass)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 15/15 d20+7=12 ; d20+6=13 ; Tuesday December 7th, 2021 11:01:04 AM
(Will save 12, so shaken for 3 minutes. Perception 13.)
Snark blinks in the cold, wet wind. He plods along with the others, grumbling as he goes.
"...stupid rotten weather this is no place for a gnome i dunno why this spirit woad stuff is so important to these folks they must be nuts to go out in stuff like this when they have a nice warm town and they still go out it makes no sense to me not even sure why we're out ugh this rain and mud seems pretty dumb to be out here chased by rabid sheep no wonder the animals go crazy out here can't believe im out here in this stuff i'ma lose a shoe out here they got things with claws and pirates and who knows what else is gonna try'n eat us next...
Maybe every 30 minutes or so, or however long it take the rain to soak through our clothing, he will have everyone stop so he can take a couple minute to use Prestidigitation to get everyone dry and clean - hopefully this improves the mood a bit (circumstance bonus to will saves?)
He also periodically casts Resistance on himself.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 d20=12 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=13 ; d4=4 ; Tuesday December 7th, 2021 12:15:43 PM
(Will save 12 / Perception 9)
Like Snark, Einar to suffers... the swamp chills him to the bone. Or is could be the rain also...still Einar is shaken for 3 mins. The state he´s in makes him less perceptive to any details that could lead the group where they need to go. He just grips the rope even tighter.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 9/9 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 d20+5=7 ; d20+2=20 ; Tuesday December 7th, 2021 4:15:31 PM
Tae Che sullenly follows along with the others, the rain and wind and other swamp things getting her more and more depressed. She nods her head in ascent as Snark goes on his diatribe about the weather. She happens to look into the swamp at the right time and sees a scrap of clothing. "Hey all, I see a piece of clothing here in the swamp." She points out the piece of clothing near the left side pathway.
[Will Save: 7; Perception: 18 (including the Failed Will save)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20+6=8 ; d20=1 ; Tuesday December 7th, 2021 11:19:19 PM
Isaac shakes not sure if it's the cold or something else " Can't wait to be out of here I feel like something's watching me in this swamp." he says out loud feeling like he needs to say anything just to break some of the silence. He perks up when he hears Tae-Che points out something "Where?" he looks over the area she's pointing at as best he can. Whatever it was he had completely missed it. Will Save:8 Shaken duration 7min Perception:1 :(
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 10/16 AC 12/12/11 d20+4=20 ; d20+1=16 ; d20=4 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 12:01:20 AM
Teddy explains that both paths lead generally north so they should follow the one with the foot prints which is the leftmost one. Surprisingly despite his general dour demeanor he holds up well against whatever will is pressuring the party. (will save 20 for Teddy, 16 for Gore'Thum). He looks at the others uncertainly, not used to being the only one not freaking out and it's starting to make him freak out.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=14 ; d20+5=22 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 6:41:01 AM
Onesimos feels jumpy and he flinched as he looks this way and that. Maybe that’s why he can see the cloth Tae-Chi sees too. ”Its a hat, a hat like they wear in Heranmar! HELLO!!! WE ARE FROM HERANMAR TO RESCUE YOU!”. The elf doesn’t say it aloud, but his internal monologue matches Snark’s more verbal commentary. He wants to get the mission done and away.
….. Will. 14. Fail by 1. Shaken for 1 minute (10 rounds)
Shaken. 10/10 rounds. –2 attack, saves, skills, and abilitys.
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Afternoon 4:30 PM (Map) d10=2 ; d10=10 ; d10=6 ; d10=3 ; d20=4 ; d100=33 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 10:25:53 AM
And the leftmost path it was...
Kristoph reminded everyone that the directions were to keep to the northmost paths as they worked their way through the swamp, however in practice that wasn't as easy as it sounded. Snark grumbled, but his efforts to keep everyone dry were appreciated when the time came. Those brief moments of dryness and associated warmth was pleasing to anticipate, still there was an oppressive nature in the swamp that was dragging them down.
The sight of the hat floating in the water caused a chill in almost everyone as they considered their own fates in this cursed swamp. Only Teddy and Gore'thrum seemed unaffected by the bobbing headware to the left of the path. Tae was able to retrieve it with her mage hand and on examination found traces of blood on the brim. This was not a lucky hat...Benni called out to anyone that might hear, but his voice was swallowed by the mist and rain but there was no one there. Isaac however said he felt like someone was watching them.
Further down the trail they were at times forced to wade through ankle deep water to get to the path on the other side. Each time they did so they could hear the warning about reef claw from Trevvor resonating in their head, but no hidden attacks came. They also noticed that in places it looked like they were walking on bridges that had been swallowed by the swamp with only the planks of them showing through the mud. As they walked along Einar gripped the rope with a white knuckled death grasp. Swamps apparently weren't for him.
After several hours of walking in circles as the trail zigged and zagged through the swampy landscape they came to the waters edge. There was no sign of the boat Trevvor mentioned. One thing that was lucky was that they hadn't encountered any of the threats they had been told about, well not yet anyway. As they stood at the water's edge the sun dropped in the sky below the cloud cover to give them just a bit of warmth and light before night fall.
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You see the boat capsized and sitting in the water a few feet to your east. It’s behind a section of swamp grasses that hide it from passersby, only it's shadow and reflection allowed you to find it and you'll have to wade into the water to retrieve it. You can see that the boat was capsized fifteen feet out in the water beyond the grasses and it looked like there was a pale hand gripping the side of the boat from atop it as if someone were laying behind it and holding on for their life. }
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=17 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 10:49:47 AM
Onesimos doesn’t like the swamp, and is coming to the conclusion he doesn’t like wilderness, bilutbatnleast he has control of his senses once more. Getting to the end of the path with no boat has him concerned. The elf peers through the murk.
”I can’t see anything of note. Can anyone see the boat? Or the cemetery? Or the standing stones?”
… Perception. 17. Fail Shaken. Ended from hours of walking.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 15/15 d20+6=25 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 1:28:37 PM
(Perception 25)
"...stupid swamp rotten weather gonna kill us these townsfolk don't...
"Hey! HEY! I see the boat - it's right there beyond that grass! It's upside-down. And it looks like somebody's hanging on to it! Somebody big wade out to it. Here, whoever's gonna wade out there, I'll make you bigger!"
Snark pulls out his wand and will cast Enlarge Person on one of the bigger folk that wade out to save the person clinging to the boat.
---------------------------- Enlarge Person - This increase changes the creature’s size category to the next larger one. The target gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a -1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size. A humanoid creature whose size increases to Large has a space of 10 feet and a natural reach of 10 feet. This spell does not change the target’s speed. Equipment is similarly enlarged by the spell. Melee weapons deal more damage. Any enlarged item that leaves an enlarged creature’s possession instantly returns to its normal size.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:21 | HP: 19/19 - Blusinda: AC:12 | HP:16/16 d20+7=25 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 6:37:00 PM
Kristoph spots the boat too and shrugs: Why not? I'll do it"!
Grateful for the moments of dryness courtesy of Snark - he realises it wasn't ever going to last. He passes his backpack to someone and prepares to wade out.
The sensation of growing is strange - he looks down at the party and at his large hands before turning.
"Someone lend me a rope and be ready to dispel this if you try to pull me back"! He leaves one end with the party.
(Perception:25). If the water is freezing he casts Rose's Temperature Control.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 9/9 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 d20+2=9 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 9:15:35 PM
Tae Che, feeling only slightly better after several hours of walking along and getting dry and kinda warm from the simple spells is unsurprised when the boat is found and she couldn't see it, even with her special darkvision. She readily takes Kristoph's backpack, holding it high enough it doesn't easily get soaked.
[Perception: 9]
Drotar Zaviyar (Robert S) AC 14/12/12 CMD 16 HP 14 Wednesday December 8th, 2021 10:15:06 PM
Drotar looks out at the boat when it's pointed out, and frowns.
"How long has that boat been there? Several days at least, right? How could anyone still be clinging to it? Keep an eye out, just in case. Maybe not all the rumors we've heard in town have been exaggerations."
Grabbing the rope tossed his way, he digs his feet into the ground and eyes the hand warily.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20+2=21 ; Wednesday December 8th, 2021 11:21:09 PM
Isaac is starting to feel miserable with all the trudging through the swamp. He was a town guardsmen not a ranger or druid like Teddy he was feeling quite out of his element. Isaac looks over to where Snark points he feels that Snark is proving himself quite the lookout. "Kristoph be careful no telling what horrors are in this swamp. In fact one moment before you go out there..." Isaac activates his senses and looks over at the deathly pale hand trying to detect any evil influence that might linger in the area. Perception:21 (Would an undead, zombie or ghost register as evil?)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 10/16 AC 12/12/11 Thursday December 9th, 2021 8:16:25 AM
Teddy shuffles back and forth nervously as the rescue attempt is made wringing his hands in worry that some hidden monster in the water will attack or some other disaster occur.
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Afternoon 4:30 PM (Map) d10=1 d10=2 d4=3 d2=2 Thursday December 9th, 2021 11:37:46 AM
The mist diffused the light from the setting sun and made it difficult to see and Benni had trouble seeing more than a few feet into it as he asked if anyone saw the standing stones or cemetery. Snark from his position closer to the ground and incidentally in the exact spot to see through a low spot in the grass saw the boat to the northeast. Kristoph looked where snark was pointing and saw it too and offered to wade out into the water to retrieve it. Tae was feeling good and missed the boat, but it wasn't for a lack of ability since nothing anyone had would allow them to see through solid objects or this mist unless they happened upon a break in the ground cover or fog.
Drotar questioned whether anyone living might still be gripping the boat and suggested everyone stay alert. He gripped the rope and prepared to pull back Kristoph as he moved into the water. Meanwhile Isaac was alert to the possibility that undead might be in the area, so he reached out with his senses with the certainty that if that was an undead creature hanging onto the boat he'd know.
Isaac Highlight to display spoiler: { You detect nothing evil within 60' of your position.}
As soon as Kristoph entered the water he felt a numbing cold shoot through his feet and legs. He'd not be able to withstand that for long, so he cast his spell and the temperature in his body regulated itself to resist the effects of the water. At the same time he grew in size from Snarks spell so that he was only waist deep as he waded out to the boat.
Kristoph Highlight to display spoiler: {The person holding onto the boat is really just an arm. It looks to have been removed at the shoulder in some gruesome and painful manner. You can also see markings on the arm that might help in identifying who it belongs to. Perception DC 20 or It also seems he's stepped on something as pain shoots through his right foot(3 hp Damage) FORT Save DC 11 (lose 2 points CON). }
Kristoph could see a rope floating in the water that was tied off to the bow of the small boat. It would be easy enough to tow it back to shore.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 Thursday December 9th, 2021 12:36:10 PM
Numbed by the swamp Einar just stares at his friends as hey are checking out the boat. He still clings on the ropes. Let's just hopes he snaps out of it should Kristoph get in trouble.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 9/9 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Thursday December 9th, 2021 7:00:52 PM
Tae Che tries to bolster everyone's mood. "Good job, Kristoph, Einar, Snark, and everyone else! We've already done a whole lot! We've discovered the bow, and a boat that might help us locate the rest of the missing along with the Spirit Woad Heranmar is asking for. Let's all give our thanks so far."
Though she sounds upbeat, she doesn't think it came across so well...
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:15 | CMD:20 | HP: 14/17 - ENLARGED/POISONED! - Blusinda: AC:12 | HP:16/16 d20+5=9 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+10=16 ; Thursday December 9th, 2021 9:43:58 PM
Kristoph wades out and disappears into the mist. The silence drags on till his voice - sounding slightly disgusted echoes eerily: "Great, yuk. Well it seems the arm's all that's left of the poor man. There's a tattoo, hopefully someone'll recognise it. I'm on my way back".
The slosh, slosh sound of him returning supersedes his reappearance. Mist swirls around the giant tugging a boat behind and carrying a severed arm. Suddenly he staggers slightly, pauses, winces and scans the water before continuing on.
Rising out of the muddy, smelly swamp he places the severed arm reverently down on a stump and then flops down. Taking off a boot he pours water out and examines his foot. His face seems paler...
"Either something bit me or I stood on something"! If it doesn't look like like there's a secondary poison/phase he will pop his boot back on and man-up. ;-)
(Perception and Save rolls failed / Healing:16).
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=23 ; Friday December 10th, 2021 12:13:36 AM
Onesimos comes to help a fellow cleric in need, assisting Kristoph’s own diagnosis.
Aid Another 23 to give Kristoph a +2
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 10/16 AC 12/12/11 Friday December 10th, 2021 7:09:27 AM
Teddy moans as his fears are realized and he quickly casts dancing lights under the water, hoping to illuminate whatever is in there.
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Afternoon 4:30 PM Ouchies (Map) d2=1 ; Friday December 10th, 2021 9:06:38 AM
Einar was just not used to this kind of environment and hadn't adjusted as yet even as Tae congratulated everyone cheerfully. Kristoph found the boat and started bringing it back in but it was readily apparent that he'd stepped on something in the water. Blood billowed up in the water beneath him as he dragged himself ashore and fell down as he started to remove his boot.
There in his foot was a six inch spine of some sort that had pierced his boot and foot.
Kristoph, Benni, or Heal DC 11 Highlight to display spoiler: {The spine is poisoned. Kristoph needs to make another FORT Save DC 11 or take 1 additional point of CON damage.}
KS: Nature DC 11 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a dragonfish spine and while they aren't aggressive it's generally not a good thing when you step on one. (The poison will continue to work on him for another 4 rounds unless he makes a FORT save against the poison.)}
Teddy illuminates the water, but whatever was there is gone.
While they tended to Kristoph everyone else had a chance to look at the arm. It looked like it had been removed forcibly at the shoulder and then eaten a bit by swamp creatures. As Kristoph said there was a tattoo on the arm of a mermaid.
KS: Local DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {A mark on the arm identifies it as belonging to the woad hunter Illarial. She’d never have survived such an injury so you suspect she is dead.}
KS: Local DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {You seem to remember hearing that Illarial sometimes returned with Reefclaw. It was a particular favorite of the mayors and the lord of the manor.}
Heal DC 11 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The injuries on the arm are consistent with Reefclaw. }
As for the boat, it seemed little the worse for wear and once righted and emptied everything was there that they'd need. There was also two intact Reefclaw and a few others that had been eaten by something...crabs most likely.
PS: Sailor DC 10 or INT DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a small boat and while everyone will fit inside it you are certain it's going to be riding low in the water. You'll not want to get in any fights while piloting it. }
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 15/15 d20+7=8 ; d20+3=9 ; Friday December 10th, 2021 1:27:26 PM
(Knowledge Local 8, INT check 9)
"Sorry you got hurt there. Thanks for wading out to get the boat. Maybe this'll help." Snark looks at the still enlarged Kristoph's foot and casts Resistance (+1 on next save) on him.
"At least you're fully armed now.
"What? Too soon?"
He looks at the Reefclaw in the boat. "That boat'll probably hold us better if we toss those things out. Or maybe we make a fire and eat em first."
Whatever is decided, Snark will get in the boat with the others and head out.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:21 | HP: 14/17 - POISONED! - - Blusinda: AC:12 | HP:16/16 d20+10=30 ; d20+9=19 ; Friday December 10th, 2021 7:05:11 PM
Kristoph cleans the wound and thanks Snark.
(Heal:30)
'Treat Poison: By treating a single character who has been poisoned and who is going to take more damage from the poison (or suffer some other effect), when the poisoned character makes a saving throw against the poison, you make a Heal check. If your Heal check exceeds the DC of the poison, the character receives a +4 competence bonus on his saving throw against the poison' - I didn't know this so it's for my reference/reminder).
Kristoph is still dizzy and slightly pale but seems to be ok. Back to his normal size he bandages his foot and puts his boot back on. "I'm good to go".
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20+4=10 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+4=5 ; Friday December 10th, 2021 9:23:18 PM
Isaac sucks in his breath as the others take out the spine whatever had stung him Isaac hoped there were no more of the creatures. He took a look at the arm "Whoever it belonged to I don't recognize it" He takes a look over at the boat it would hold all of them but.. "When we load up in this we got to be carful to much rocking and we'll capsize the boat." At Snarks suggestion to eat the Reef Claw he internally gags "Not a good idea you'll will get food poisoning. No telling how long they've been there." Kristoph Heal:10 Arm Heal:5 :( Know Local:11 Int Roll:18
Drotar Zaviyar (Robert S) AC 14/12/12 CMD 16 HP 14 d20+7=22 ; Friday December 10th, 2021 11:18:58 PM
Drotar looks at the arm, noticing the markings.
"I do. One of the woad hunters, she was one of the few who dared to hunt reefclaw. My guess is that her luck ran out."
(KS Local 22)
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 9/9 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Friday December 10th, 2021 11:39:58 PM
Tae Che is concerned about Isaac but let's others do the handiwork as she's not very conversant with any skills in that area. "Might it be better to camp before heading out on the boat? That way, everyone will be a bit more focused." She states to the others.
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday December 12th, 2021 8:09:41 AM
Onesimos awkwardly pats the hand, and provides a hole and burial with some prayerful thoughts. ”We all go beyond the Shadowlands eventually; I hope she is able to rest from her cares and pain while she is there.”. He wonders what a reefclaw looks like and agrees with Tae-Che, ”I think a different set of divine spells would work better in the swamp. Can we rest here until tomorrow?”
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 d20+6=24 ; Sunday December 12th, 2021 1:38:47 PM
(Knowledge nature 24)
Einar's concerned that in this place danger and poison just lurks around every corner, under every rock and in every pool of murky water. The prospect of camping out here again doesn't really appeal to the Barbarian. They are fighting things they can't see... What's would be dangerous... camping out here or pressing on?!
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 10/16 AC 12/12/11 Sunday December 12th, 2021 8:33:02 PM
Teddy is not one to eagerly press on into danger but he doesn't want to rest in the creepy woods, especially since they rested after the sheep fight and have just been marching through the area since. "We should keep going, get done, and get out. I don't like it here."
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Evening 5:00 PM - Push on or stop? (Map) d10=8 ; d10=7 ; d10=7 ; Monday December 13th, 2021 9:23:06 AM
Snark thanked Kristoph for getting the boat and then cast a spell to aid him in resisting the poison. Kristoph pulled out his healing kit and worked for a few seconds on the injury and was able to remove the spine and a good portion of the poison. After a moment or two sensation had returned to his foot and it had a healthy pink color once more. He'd managed to control the poison and prevent any further damage from it. Issac isn't sure about eating the Reefclaw and warns the others about the small boat and all of them inside it. Drotar recognized the arm as that belonging to a woad hunter and suspected she had fallen to a reefclaw. Tae suggested camping here since it was already late in the afternoon. Benni also wants to camp for the evening as he looks at the two reefclaw in the boat. They look like large lobsters with oversized claws. Einar is wary of unseen dangers and uncertain about what to do. Teddy is for pushing on even though the sun is near to setting.
They stood at the edge of a body of water to their north. It was easy to see now that the mist was caused by the temperature difference of the water and the air causing quite a bit of ground fog. That fog seemed to amplify nearby sounds and make others seem more distant as they could hear splashing sounds in the distance that might be fishing jumping from the water, reef claw coming to eat them, or pirates guiding a boat carefully through the swamp. There were so many things that might lurk under the water or just out of sight in the mist.
Will Save DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You are shaken til morning.}
Survival DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {The water is near freezing and brackish. It's likely the Reefclaw is free of bacteria and good to eat. It does appear as if the only good parts would be the claws themselves with each providing about a pound of meat. It is supposed to taste like lobster.}
Survival DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a dry spot, or higher ground, about 20' from the trail near another of those short monuments they'd seen in the swamp. It looks like it's been used before. You can see the remnants of a fire there as well as a few stones used to encircle it. Everything is wet but that particular spot looks like it would still be above water at high tide.}
Survival DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You can start a fire with local materials. You also think that the weather will clear some by morning. It will still be raining, but the temperature will drop significantly enough to make the mist coming off the water fade.}
Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {As the sun sets you think you see something rising up out of the mist to the north. It could be the island of standing stones, or some other obstacle. Whatever it is the shape looks man made.}
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 d20=8 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=6 ; Monday December 13th, 2021 2:13:48 PM
(Will save 8 - Fail - again)
Ok this place is just not it for Einar... the barbarian does ok as long as he can swing his falchion but out here he's pretty useless. He makes a mental note to himself that next time he goes out to some scary swamp he should bring some potions that will help him calm down...
(Survival 13)
He puts on a sour face with bewildered eyes... [8b]"That fish thing is eatable but... don't we have something else to eat? Even a dry lump of bread would sounds better...
(Perception 6)
Einar's just too shaken to note anything right now...
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=21 ; Monday December 13th, 2021 3:30:25 PM
Onesimos is able to think of helping the community and not become shaken for the rest of the night. He moves about to the others, giving a few good words, a Calming Touch to who needs it to remove their own shaken conditions. ”we need a good night’s rest before trying to find if there are any more survivors.”
The elf doesn’t know about reefclaw delicacies, but at least he knows what a reefclaw IS now. And a lone arm on an overturned boat doesn’t seem like something the lobster-like reefclaw could do. It makes Benni nervous. And he eats some preserved rations for the night.
…. Will. 21. Not shaken Use Calming Touch on Einar and anyone else who may fail thier save (the first 6 to fail) to remove Shaken.
In spite of his preparations, Snark is getting a bit scared. But Benni's ministration make him feel a little better.
"Thanks Benni - you're alright. I don't like this place neither Teddy, it give me the willies. Sun's goin' down and I don't wanna be out on that water in the dark.
"As for eating these things, well, we ain't got no butter but they're 'sposed to be good eatin', so lemme see that I can do. Also, with this cold water and how fresh they are, we shouldn't have a problem."
He looks around, and his practiced eye sees a space that's pretty dry and should stay that way all night. "Hey, this is a good spot to camp. There's a little marker here, I can even see where folks before us has a campfire."
The little gnome move amoung the party, using Prestidigitation to dry everyone off. He makes sure everyone's bedrolls and gear are dry, and he even dries the firewood. Once the fire is going he will work with the others to get the meaty parts of the reefclaw cleaned and on the fire. Then he can use Prestidigitation to flavor the meat and make it even taste like it's got butter and salt!
As for camp, the little gnome will again use his waterproof tarp to keep dry as he sleeps. He's happy to take a turn at watch as before.
"Yeah, this place is bad but it'd be a lot worse without you guys here too."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 24/24 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20+6=7 ; d20-2=3 ; d20=17 ; Monday December 13th, 2021 5:55:02 PM
Something about this night sends a chill through Isaac normally he wouldn't be affected by the night but out in the cold and so far away from home fear starts to rise in him. He doesn't really know anything about the woods. The fog also obscures his vision ha can't see anything in the haze.
"I think for now we need to keep our sprits up." Isaac takes a bite from Reefclaw despite his earlier protests he was curious what they tasted like. " Does anyone want to tell a story? Might help lighten the mood." He was trying to hide the quiver of his hands from the others. He felt like something was watching them in the fog.
Will Save: 7 :( Shaken Survival: 3 :( Perception: 17
DM JonS: OMG Moment Monday December 13th, 2021 6:06:35 PM
OOC Sorry but I gotta say this, 'Does anyone want to tell a story? Might help lighten the mood' made me instantly think of the scene in the Aliens movie where their APC had blown up when their landing ship crashed into it ... ok, weird stuff goes through my head at times, please return to facing that Killer Giant Swamp Hamster that james and I have been designing in the background, mwhahahahahahah...
Blusinda is a portable fire... Kristoph chucks whatever he can find in and sits silently for a minute staring into the blue flames before taking some bread from his backpack and toasting it over the campfire. Carefully unwrapping a block of cheese he begins slicing it as he speaks: "An old teacher of mine told me a story once...
A warrior climbs a mountain in search of a monk. Eventually finding his cave he asks: 'What is the secret of heaven & hell'? The monk remains quiet and simply smiles. Infuriated the warrior draws his sword and shouts: 'Do not mock me old man! I have travelled halfway across the Wold and climbed a mountain to find you to learn this secret"! But the monk simply remains silent. The warriors face darkens and his grip tightens as he raises his sword even more - preparing to strike the defenseless monk. Finally the monk says: 'Brother, this is hell'! The words slice through the warriors rage and sheathing his sword he bows before the monk: 'I am truly sorry forgive me, I don't know what came over me'! The monks smile fades and in earnest he says: 'And brother, this is heaven'!
Kristoph allows a short beat for his words to settle like falling autumn leaves, then placing a hand on his chest: 'The true battlefield lays here - within our hearts"!
Then breaking his bread he passes slices of cheese on toast around the blue campfire.
Kristoph: (Stephen C) | AC:17 | CMD:21 | HP: 14/17 - Con drained! - Blusinda: AC:12 | HP:16/16 d20+7=14 ; Monday December 13th, 2021 7:16:49 PM
(Perception: fail)
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 9/9 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 d20+5=21 ; d20+2=11 ; d20+2=19 ; Monday December 13th, 2021 8:52:08 PM
Tae Che settles into her bedroll after having some of the reefclaw and bread and cheese, thanking each of the chefs as she takes the food. She was uncomfortable out in the swamp but undeterred by the fog and noises. She will take her watch time as normal, continuing to slowly work on a new jewelry piece.
[Will: 21; Survival: 11; Perception: 19]
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP 10/16 AC 12/12/11 d20=6 ; d20=16 ; d20=19 ; Tuesday December 14th, 2021 8:11:20 AM
Teddy finally fails a will save and is shaken (10). Gore'Thum continues to be fine. Teddy is able to help make camp and find the best dry spots to do so (survival 26). He has trouble sleeping.
DM JamesM: Day 2 - Evening 7:00 PM - Camp Food (Map) d10=1 ; d10=8 ; d10=1 ; d10=9 ; d20=5 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday December 14th, 2021 9:35:59 AM
They had just finished eating the reef claw and discovered that it indeed was a tasty animal. There was no doubt that these would bring in at least 50 gp each if they found more. Kristoph had just started his story when most of the party(Perception DC 5) noticed the sound of a boat sliding onto the sand through the grasses nearby.
Low light vision, Darkvision, or Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Two men in a boat have slipped out of it and are circling around to each side of the group. They look like pirates.}
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 d20+5=14 ; Tuesday December 14th, 2021 11:31:06 AM
Einar thankfully smiles at Benni as he starts to feel a lot more calm. Sheepishly he turns to the reefclaw but once he tastes the meat he starts to smile... that's tasty after all...
(perception 14)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 15/15 d20+6=24 ; Tuesday December 14th, 2021 1:02:12 PM
The gnome's low light vision finally pays off!
In a low voice, he says to the others. "Um, a boat just pulled up and we got a couple of folks sneaking up on us - one that way, and one that way. See? They're right there and there." He points out the two.
Snark will cast Dancing Lights creating 4 torch lights near the pirate to the northwest of us.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP27/27 - AC18/13/15 - CMD 18 Tuesday December 14th, 2021 1:37:15 PM
At Snark's warning Einar grabs his sword... "I'll have a dozen of thieves over this swamp any time..., he mutters to no one in particular, "... that is... as long as they are alive... "
“Benni” AC 18/11/17 CMD12 HP 13/13 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=15 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+2=17 ; Tuesday December 14th, 2021 3:00:30 PM
Onesimos applauds Kristoph’s story, and begins one of his own, of the most beautiful and ugliest people in the Wold, how they met, and how each learned how passing surface beauty really is. He’s too caught up in his telling to notice sounds, but the elf has come to trust Snark’s perceptions! He stands and makes sure his buckler and Morningstar are ready.
”Only two against the dozen of us? We don’t even need to call in our sentries! Let’s hope they are wise and peacefully meet us.”
… Perform Story. 15 Perception. 14 Bluff 17
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 11, HP 15/15 Tuesday December 14th, 2021 4:21:13 PM
Snarks smiles as he says quietly to Benni, "Now, if you scare 'em off we're not gonna get that extra boat."
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