Cleggor takes some deep breaths, smiling an odd smile when they finally leave the city behind and step into the jungle. He stretches his arms out and up, reaching to the sky, he feels absolutely exhilarated. The night before, he made ten goodberries, he secures them in his pouch and pats them, ready to consume for nourishment or healing. The morning of his departure he moves off away from everyone for a bit and when he returns, there is a small owl sitting on his shoulder. Cleggor has a big grin on his face, he climbs aboard the ankylosaurus and gets ready to ride.
“This here’s Ollie. Don’t ask me how I know that, thas just what he said his name was… to me. He’ll be riding with us, can peek around and poke around, maybe help us spot things. I feel good, the best I’ve felt in years! I know we’re headed into danger an all, don’t want to see any of those flaming fisters like ya said, but… I feel ready to tackle the world! I feel jus…*he looks down at his arms and legs, almost expecting them to look different* stronger, I dunno how, like I’m ready to tear this jungle apart and find the end to the curse! So… ifn you folk are ready, let’s go!”
Thyxius watches Cleggor with a mixture of amusement and admiration, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Your spirit is contagious, my friend,” he says as he surveys the dense jungle ahead. “We have no time to waste on bureaucracy—not when lives are at stake. The sooner we push forward, the sooner we get answers, and if that means cutting through the dangers of the wild, so be it.” His golden eyes flick toward Ollie, nodding in approval. “An extra set of eyes will do us good. I doubt the jungle will be any kinder than the curse itself.”
“I think watching out for hostiles is more of a job for us guides (indicating himself and their hired guide). We are more inclined to find to subtle nuances in the wilds that most of you would miss.”
Thyxius nods, chuckling as he glances around at the dense foliage. "Indeed, we should stick to our strengths. If trouble finds us, I’ll be the shield between it and the rest of you.” His tone is light, but there’s firm resolve behind his words.
Petor moves around in his position on the ankylosaurus, the gently moving, warm, tough skin of the ankylosaurus unnerving him slightly. "Can't say I'll be much help on this part of our journey." He finally settles in, mulling over the new source of power that seems to have appeared within him.
The first day in the jungle unfolds at a steady pace, with Azaka leading the group through thick vegetation, her machete clearing the worst of the tangled undergrowth. The sounds of civilization fade quickly, replaced by the distant cries of unseen creatures and the constant hum of insects. The air is thick with moisture, clinging to their clothes as they trudge forward.
Thyxius, eager to be useful, tries to assist both Azaka and Rhys with tracking and navigation, but his talents lie elsewhere. His movements are careful, his eyes sharp, but the jungle is an entirely different battlefield than what he’s used to. Every now and then, he steps on a branch or disturbs some vines in a way that earns him a quick glance from Azaka, though she says nothing.
Taban, on the other hand, seems restless, his gaze scanning the jungle as if searching for something. He keeps his enthusiasm in check, though, matching the energy of the group and ensuring his movements don’t attract unwanted attention. He occasionally grips his weapon as if expecting something to leap from the shadows, but he remains calm and composed.
The rest of the group moves with careful deliberation, their senses heightened, alert for anything that might pose a threat. The jungle is alive, but nothing immediately dangerous crosses their path. The day drags on, sweat and fatigue setting in, until at last, Azaka calls for them to make camp in a small clearing surrounded by thick brush.
As they settle in, unpacking gear and setting up a small fire, the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the canopy. The dim light of dusk settles over them, and the sounds of the jungle take on a different tone—deeper, more guttural calls echoing in the distance.
Then, a sudden rustling breaks the relative quiet. It grows louder, rushing toward them, and before anyone can fully react, two wild boars burst into the clearing, their hooves pounding against the ground. Their eyes are wild with panic, but the noise of their charge gives the group just enough time to sidestep the initial rush. The boars, undeterred, keep running, vanishing into the jungle without hesitation.
Azaka, who had been crouched beside her backpack, is on her feet in an instant. Her hand goes to her weapon as her sharp gaze follows the direction the boars fled.
"Something was chasing those boars," she warns, her voice low but firm. "Ready yourselves."
The jungle falls into tense silence. The sun is gone now, and only the faint glow of their fire flickers against the trees.
((roll initiative I'll have the map ready for you guys to position yourselves))
The jungle remains still for only a heartbeat after Azaka’s warning. Then, crashing through the undergrowth, a Deinonychus bursts into the clearing, its sickle-like claws digging into the earth as it pivots toward the nearest target—Taban.
The raptor's yellow eyes lock onto him, and in an instant, it changes course, sensing bigger prey. With a shrill screech, it leaps at him, claws extended.
Taban moves fast. Just as the creature pounces, he sidesteps with ease, the dinosaur’s talons swiping through empty air. Undeterred, it slashes again with a hooked claw, followed by a snapping bite, but neither find their mark—Taban is ready.
Before the raptor can recover, he grips his spear, shifting his stance. With two swift, precise thrusts, he drives the weapon deep into the beast’s chest and then its throat. The Deinonychus barely has time to let out a strangled cry before it collapses, lifeless.
The moment of victory is short-lived. Another Deinonychus barrels into the clearing, claws kicking up dirt as it lunges—this time at Thyxius.
The creature leaps, but Thyxius reacts just as quickly as Taban, twisting out of the way as the raptor lands where he had stood a moment before. It whirls, slashing wildly, but he dodges again—first the claw, then the snapping jaws.
Thyxius pivots sharply, golden eyes flashing as he sidesteps the raptor’s wild strikes. "You’ve had your chance,"he growls, shifting his stance. He brings his sword down in a powerful arc. The moment steel meets flesh, radiant energy erupts from the strike.
Cleggor moves to the east to get a clear look at this creature, then he hurls a mote of radiant energy at the thing, hoping to burn it up with divine power from nature. “Catch, ya murderous beastie!” The creature glows with a yellowish light.
Casts Starry wisp : 16 to hit, for 4 points of radiant damage.
As Taban readies himself after his kill, another rustling in the undergrowth signals fresh danger. A second Deinonychus bursts into the clearing, its eyes locking onto the gladiator. With a powerful leap, it pounces onto him, its claws raking across his side.
Taban grits his teeth as pain flares from the gash, but he plants his feet firmly, refusing to be taken down. His sheer strength keeps him upright, forcing the beast to drop back onto all fours, frustrated that its prey didn’t fall beneath it.
Meanwhile, Azaka wastes no time. Seeing Thyxius still locked in combat, she grips her yklwa and lunges forward, striking at the Deinonychus harassing him. The blade of her weapon finds its mark, cutting deep into the beast’s flank. It screeches in pain, whipping its head around, now aware of a second attacker.
Cleggor takes some deep breaths, smiling an odd smile when they finally leave the city behind and step into the jungle. He stretches his arms out and up, reaching to the sky, he feels absolutely exhilarated. The night before, he made ten goodberries, he secures them in his pouch and pats them, ready to consume for nourishment or healing. The morning of his departure he moves off away from everyone for a bit and when he returns, there is a small owl sitting on his shoulder. Cleggor has a big grin on his face, he climbs aboard the ankylosaurus and gets ready to ride.
“This here’s Ollie. Don’t ask me how I know that, thas just what he said his name was… to me. He’ll be riding with us, can peek around and poke around, maybe help us spot things. I feel good, the best I’ve felt in years! I know we’re headed into danger an all, don’t want to see any of those flaming fisters like ya said, but… I feel ready to tackle the world! I feel jus… *he looks down at his arms and legs, almost expecting them to look different* stronger, I dunno how, like I’m ready to tear this jungle apart and find the end to the curse! So… ifn you folk are ready, let’s go!”
Thyxius watches Cleggor with a mixture of amusement and admiration, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Your spirit is contagious, my friend,” he says as he surveys the dense jungle ahead. “We have no time to waste on bureaucracy—not when lives are at stake. The sooner we push forward, the sooner we get answers, and if that means cutting through the dangers of the wild, so be it.” His golden eyes flick toward Ollie, nodding in approval. “An extra set of eyes will do us good. I doubt the jungle will be any kinder than the curse itself.”
Perception to watch for enemies, etc: 8 -.-
“I think watching out for hostiles is more of a job for us guides (indicating himself and their hired guide). We are more inclined to find to subtle nuances in the wilds that most of you would miss.”
perception 22
Thyxius nods, chuckling as he glances around at the dense foliage. "Indeed, we should stick to our strengths. If trouble finds us, I’ll be the shield between it and the rest of you.” His tone is light, but there’s firm resolve behind his words.
Cleggor and Ollie passive perception : 15.
Perception: 16.
Petor moves around in his position on the ankylosaurus, the gently moving, warm, tough skin of the ankylosaurus unnerving him slightly. "Can't say I'll be much help on this part of our journey." He finally settles in, mulling over the new source of power that seems to have appeared within him.
Lucian Perception: 22
D&D since 1984
The first day in the jungle unfolds at a steady pace, with Azaka leading the group through thick vegetation, her machete clearing the worst of the tangled undergrowth. The sounds of civilization fade quickly, replaced by the distant cries of unseen creatures and the constant hum of insects. The air is thick with moisture, clinging to their clothes as they trudge forward.
Thyxius, eager to be useful, tries to assist both Azaka and Rhys with tracking and navigation, but his talents lie elsewhere. His movements are careful, his eyes sharp, but the jungle is an entirely different battlefield than what he’s used to. Every now and then, he steps on a branch or disturbs some vines in a way that earns him a quick glance from Azaka, though she says nothing.
Taban, on the other hand, seems restless, his gaze scanning the jungle as if searching for something. He keeps his enthusiasm in check, though, matching the energy of the group and ensuring his movements don’t attract unwanted attention. He occasionally grips his weapon as if expecting something to leap from the shadows, but he remains calm and composed.
The rest of the group moves with careful deliberation, their senses heightened, alert for anything that might pose a threat. The jungle is alive, but nothing immediately dangerous crosses their path. The day drags on, sweat and fatigue setting in, until at last, Azaka calls for them to make camp in a small clearing surrounded by thick brush.
As they settle in, unpacking gear and setting up a small fire, the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the canopy. The dim light of dusk settles over them, and the sounds of the jungle take on a different tone—deeper, more guttural calls echoing in the distance.
Then, a sudden rustling breaks the relative quiet. It grows louder, rushing toward them, and before anyone can fully react, two wild boars burst into the clearing, their hooves pounding against the ground. Their eyes are wild with panic, but the noise of their charge gives the group just enough time to sidestep the initial rush. The boars, undeterred, keep running, vanishing into the jungle without hesitation.
Azaka, who had been crouched beside her backpack, is on her feet in an instant. Her hand goes to her weapon as her sharp gaze follows the direction the boars fled.
"Something was chasing those boars," she warns, her voice low but firm. "Ready yourselves."
The jungle falls into tense silence. The sun is gone now, and only the faint glow of their fire flickers against the trees.
((roll initiative I'll have the map ready for you guys to position yourselves))
Thyxius' initiative: 15
Bok Choy! says Cleggor, holding his staff in his hand and readying his shield, his eyes scan the forest for what may have chased the boars.
Initiative : 8
Lucian Init: 16
D&D since 1984
7 init
((Which direction did the boars come from? Thyxius would like to move in front of the others, facing that direction.))
The jungle remains still for only a heartbeat after Azaka’s warning. Then, crashing through the undergrowth, a Deinonychus bursts into the clearing, its sickle-like claws digging into the earth as it pivots toward the nearest target—Taban.
The raptor's yellow eyes lock onto him, and in an instant, it changes course, sensing bigger prey. With a shrill screech, it leaps at him, claws extended.
Taban moves fast. Just as the creature pounces, he sidesteps with ease, the dinosaur’s talons swiping through empty air. Undeterred, it slashes again with a hooked claw, followed by a snapping bite, but neither find their mark—Taban is ready.
Before the raptor can recover, he grips his spear, shifting his stance. With two swift, precise thrusts, he drives the weapon deep into the beast’s chest and then its throat. The Deinonychus barely has time to let out a strangled cry before it collapses, lifeless.
The moment of victory is short-lived. Another Deinonychus barrels into the clearing, claws kicking up dirt as it lunges—this time at Thyxius.
The creature leaps, but Thyxius reacts just as quickly as Taban, twisting out of the way as the raptor lands where he had stood a moment before. It whirls, slashing wildly, but he dodges again—first the claw, then the snapping jaws.
Lucian, caught off guard by these intruders, hurriedly grabs his bow and fires at the the creature attacking Thyxius, however missing it entirely.
(7 to hit)
D&D since 1984
Thyxius pivots sharply, golden eyes flashing as he sidesteps the raptor’s wild strikes. "You’ve had your chance," he growls, shifting his stance. He brings his sword down in a powerful arc. The moment steel meets flesh, radiant energy erupts from the strike.
Action: longsword to hit 20, damage 7 and sap
Bonus Action: Divine Smite for 5 radiant damage
Cleggor moves to the east to get a clear look at this creature, then he hurls a mote of radiant energy at the thing, hoping to burn it up with divine power from nature. “Catch, ya murderous beastie!” The creature glows with a yellowish light.
Casts Starry wisp : 16 to hit, for 4 points of radiant damage.
As Taban readies himself after his kill, another rustling in the undergrowth signals fresh danger. A second Deinonychus bursts into the clearing, its eyes locking onto the gladiator. With a powerful leap, it pounces onto him, its claws raking across his side.
Taban grits his teeth as pain flares from the gash, but he plants his feet firmly, refusing to be taken down. His sheer strength keeps him upright, forcing the beast to drop back onto all fours, frustrated that its prey didn’t fall beneath it.
Meanwhile, Azaka wastes no time. Seeing Thyxius still locked in combat, she grips her yklwa and lunges forward, striking at the Deinonychus harassing him. The blade of her weapon finds its mark, cutting deep into the beast’s flank. It screeches in pain, whipping its head around, now aware of a second attacker.
Rhys is next
Rhys stares down the new beast, and casts hunter’s mark. Then draws his blades and attacks it head on.
Scimitar - 24 to hit for 5 dmg
Shortsword - 16 to hit for 10 dmg
Lucian takes aim fires his short bow again (13 to hit with 8 damage)
D&D since 1984