Fulcra now scans the shore they've arrived on. His goal is to look for cover, hopefully behind a tree, and continue to hold his spell ready for an attack.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
"Get away from the bank!" shouts Azaka, catching herself on the side of the canoe and splashing out of the water. She scrambles up to where Celtra and Cimeri wait, pulling Taman with her. The creature's head bursts from the water with a shriek ten feet from where the water end; Fulcra looses a firebolt, narrowly missing its face and eliciting another shriek. A tense moment passes as it hisses, head out of the water, before it slowly sinks back into the river, sensing this meal will not be as easy as picking carrion off the river bottom.
Azaka breathes out loudly, and plops down onto the mud. "We must be quieter on the river. We will wait a bit before getting back in." After a half hour or so, you slide the canoe back into the water and head upstream.
The next three days pass uneventfully; perhaps you've seen the worst the jungle has to offer. Azaka is not of that opinion and continues to bark orders during camp hours; she seems more tense than you've seen her before.
On the morning of the fourth day after the plesiosaurus sighting you round a curve in the river and come upon an abandoned riverside camp strewn with wreckage. The tents are moldy and tattered, and all the permanent structures appear to have burned to the ground. Two intact rowboats are tied off to a short dock.
North of the camp is a ridge, built into which is an 80-foot-tall stone statue carved to look like a man with a crocodile on his back. Between the statue's feet is a stone archway leading to a dark tunnel. To the left of the statue s a crude animal pen with a small, panicked bird running around inside it. There are no other signs of life.
"Camp Righteous," Azaka says quietly, "or what's left of it. And the House of the Crocodile. Camp Righteous was lost some months ago. Order of the Gauntlet built it, with little to no defenses as you see. Foolish templars. Here to rid us of our undead, but not good at it. Those who survived moved upriver to Camp Vengeance. They haven't died yet."
Seeing your curiousity at the House of the Crocodile, she continues.
"It is said that in the early days of the world, Man stood by the banks of a river, frightened. Crocodile raised his head from the water and asked, "What troubles you, cousin Man?"
Man said, "I must cross this river, but I fear to enter the water alone, because it teems with your brethren."
Crocodile replied, "It's true, you would not be safe. But I will carry you across the river safely on my back, if you promise to return the favor." Man agreed, and Crocodile bore him safely across the water.
When they reached the far bank, Man asked, "How can I repay you?" Crocodile replied, "I wish to see the realm of Humans, but I fear to go there alone, because it teems with your brethren. You must carry me on your back across your realm." Man had been tricked, but a promise is a promise, so he carried Crocodile safely on his back across the entrie realm of humans, a journey that lasted many years. He also swore, in his anger, that never again would Men and Crocodiles be friends, and so it has remained to this day."
The canoe floats to a rest next to the rowboats. "The temple was built many years ago." She looks at each of you. "It is early yet today. This place makes a decent camp when secured. [OOC: You could long rest here]. How does everyone fare? It is early to stop for the day, but it is your choice, should you wish to camp here."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A needless roll
Cimeri Acrobatics 20
"If we can secure it well enough to get the real rest - I would do all I can to help with the task!" Three days of day meditations made her anxious for some kind of activity. She realized, that she was speaking out of turn and actually had to be thankful for safe and quiet journey, but she was tired of expecting danger, and would like to either face it, or make sure it's not there.
Besides, exploring could break monotonous routine of the days and simply be interesting.
"I think we could all use a good camp." Taman speaks up. "Seems foolish to pass something like that up when it comes along." His eyes are on the cave entrance though. "I for one would like to check out this place further while we are here anyway..." He comments mostly to himself.
The canoe grates across the sandy landing next to the two rowboats tied near the rotting jetty on the eastern bank of the river; Celtra, Azaka and Bryn haul the canoe and its contents securely onto land and leave the bags, extra food and water, and makeshift stakes (Celtra has made 12 by this point) in the craft. You stretch your back, even though it's only about midmorning; any rest from paddling and sitting is appreciated.
You all move a bit to the north to get a clear look at your surroundings; the river is but a few feet away to the west, behind you.
Starting about five feet to the north is about a dozen of tents in mouldering disrepair; some have disintegrated completely. They're arranged in four columns of three, roughly. To the east of the tents is the crude animal pen with lone bird inside it, squawking; the temple looms directly south of the pen.
Two finer quality command tents sit about five feet from you to the southwest and directly south of you, 20 feet away, are four more dilapidated soldier's tents. Just ten feet beyond the command tents to the southwest is a ten foot swell, with a small building at its peak that has been burned down.
The last two features are the most obvious; the temple and the ridge it's been build into. Forty feet from where you stand are the steps that lead five feet up onto a landing that leads into the open doorway of the temple. The ridge starts about sixty feet from you and rises precipitously about 25 feet straight up. Beyond that a second ridge reaches even higher, to the same 80 foot height of the temple.
As you make your first inspection of the destroyed camp, you see latrines set up against the ridge to the north and south of the temple. The jungle foliage encroaches rapidly at the edges of the camp, though a few trees dot the ridge and ground around the temple.
Curious, you approach the stairs leading up to the temple landing. The doorway sits between the reclining giant statue's feet. It looks as if the ceiling inside might be about 20-25 feet high, and covered in cobwebs. The floor is covered with a thick layer of dirt, mud and creepers.
"Someone should scout the perimeter before going inside," Azaka says, "if you decide to go in. If you do, someone should stay with our things; flying monkeys and other jungle residents will take what you let them."
Fulcra climbs out of the canoe. Strangely untalkative, and serious he says only, “The temple should be the last place we look. Secure the camp first.” He seems to reconsider for a moment then a wide smile spreads across his face, “I just mean, it’s a shorter run to the boat when something out here tried to kill us. Hey Azaka, would you be ok guarding the boat while we go into the temple?” Fulcra heads to the nearest tent, pulling its canvas aside, expecting to find an undead hiding underneath. He works his way towards the command tents ensuring he leaves no undead hiding spot unturned. He mutters to himself on the way, “Undead are tricky. They could be hiding anywhere.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Bryn would agree with securing the camp and searching the perimeter first. While Fulcra and Taman make their way to the tents, she would start at the animal pens.
The druid would approach the lone squawking bird with some rough chatter noises and gentle shushes in hopes she could calm it a little as she neared. "Hello little bird." Bryn would talk to it as she inspected it and its pen. "You must have a story to tell. I am not wise enough yet to hear your words." She'd be interested in whether it was hurt before she would make an attempt to free it.
As Taman starts moving around the vacated campsite, he pauses and an Almiraj appears next to him. It is a long-eared rabit with a foot-long horn, like that of a unicorn, sticking out of its forehead.
(OOC: trying to pull in the image here...)
Taman has the rabit-creature help him in his searching and investigating...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Celtra grabs several of the wooden spike/spears she has made and stabs the into the ground facing the river around the canoe. Her hopes that they may buy some time if those creatures tried to rush up from the water. She will leave a few up for any who guard the canoe. After that Celtra will relay that she is going to walk around the clearing keeping her eye open for trouble. Undead could be massing in the thickest vegetation and though confident in her skill, sheer numbers can overwhelm even the most skillful of fighters.
Azaka shrugs in answer. "Gladly. There is something cunning about that temple. I have not entered as the last ones that I led here thought I would steal their treasure if I went inside. They came out quite different from how they went in." She ends on that cryptic remark and helps Celtra drive the spears into the mud.
Fulcra inspects the soldier's tents one by one; those still standing disintegrate at the slightest provocation. The canvas is covered with fuzzy mold where it hasn't been slashed to ribbons… either by claw or by weapon, it's hard to say. There's absolutely nothing of value in the soldier's tents, even after checking those to the south.
Taman moves to the first command tent; something slithers under a pile of refuse; maybe a snake, maybe more than one? It appears that the templars left in quite a hurry, but not so hurried that they left anything of value. It's clear there used to be a map table in this tent; the central space, four by four feet square, is untouched and the ground all around it is tromped flat. Ruined parchment lies at an edge of the tent. Otherwise it appears empty.
Taman is joined by Fulcra at the second command tent; again, insects scatter as you open the flap and snakes or other slithery creatures are disturbed by your entrance. There is also nothing of value here.
Bryn moves past the tents, giant temple looming on her right as she nears the animal pen; her head is about level with its pinky toe. As a druid it's clear to you that this is a fledgling, non-flying, predatory bird; it looks something like a cassowary. It goes still as you approach, eyeing you anxiously. You can see the hole in the fence where it must have come into the pen but has been unable to understand how to get out. It looks half-starved and has a wound on its flank.
Cimeri loops the camp area proper and investigates the jungle near the edges and the ridge. Even when joined by Bryn and then Celtra, there are no threats found. They notice that the building on the swell seems to be a shrine, and that against the ridge are four latrines.
Taman moves back towards the temple again. He has a thoughtful look on his face as he takes in the place from the outside, wondering what mysteries it holds within. Taking a drink from his waterskin, he wipes sweat from his forehead, the scale mail armor swelteringly hot in the jungle humidity. He replaces his waterskin at his side and glances to the others in their group. "Well who else is ready to see what this place holds within?" He asks. "I wouldn't take the time, but, if we are to camp here anyway, then I do not see any reason we shouldn't do a little exploring..." He gives the tiefling a smile as he speaks. "Ready to do so?" He asks her.b
Cimeri smiled back - not that she would stay behind, but it's better when there is no need to argue. "I'll try to check for traps." She suppressed involuntary move to pet Almiraj (Cimeri learned by now to leave familiars alone) and moved slowly and carefully inside the ruins of the Temple, trying her best to be quiet and observant.
"His name is Sabastian." Taman informs Cimeri when he sees her checking out the strange bunny-shaped familiar. "Figured having something that is from this area as my familiar might be better than a more usual form." Moving towards the temple he reaches out and places a hand on her shoulder. "Have Azuth's blessing..." he says, casting guidance on Cimeri.
Bryn would pull out a small handful of dried nuts and berries from her rations and offer it to the half starved animal. "Do I have your consent to work on your leg?" the druid would tilt her head while she asked the question, not really expecting an answer. She'd reach into her med kit for a bandage to see if it would allow her to treat it.
Bryn would eventually start placing rations down in a trail towards the hole in hopes to lead the bird there and coax it out of the pen. "Be free friend."
Once done with her tasks, the half giant would group back up with the others. "Ready." She'd nod.
Fulcra looks around the camp with a smile. “Well, I suppose we were worrying for nothing! This place seems totally safe.” He smiles at everyone’s looks as he seems to taunt fate.
”Alrighty, lets go get changed. Oh and hey, Azaka, don’t steal all our treasure while we’re gone.” He winks at her and follows Cimeri, Taman, and others into the temple.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
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Fulcra now scans the shore they've arrived on. His goal is to look for cover, hopefully behind a tree, and continue to hold his spell ready for an attack.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Get away from the bank!" shouts Azaka, catching herself on the side of the canoe and splashing out of the water. She scrambles up to where Celtra and Cimeri wait, pulling Taman with her. The creature's head bursts from the water with a shriek ten feet from where the water end; Fulcra looses a firebolt, narrowly missing its face and eliciting another shriek. A tense moment passes as it hisses, head out of the water, before it slowly sinks back into the river, sensing this meal will not be as easy as picking carrion off the river bottom.
Azaka breathes out loudly, and plops down onto the mud. "We must be quieter on the river. We will wait a bit before getting back in." After a half hour or so, you slide the canoe back into the water and head upstream.
The next three days pass uneventfully; perhaps you've seen the worst the jungle has to offer. Azaka is not of that opinion and continues to bark orders during camp hours; she seems more tense than you've seen her before.
On the morning of the fourth day after the plesiosaurus sighting you round a curve in the river and come upon an abandoned riverside camp strewn with wreckage. The tents are moldy and tattered, and all the permanent structures appear to have burned to the ground. Two intact rowboats are tied off to a short dock.
North of the camp is a ridge, built into which is an 80-foot-tall stone statue carved to look like a man with a crocodile on his back. Between the statue's feet is a stone archway leading to a dark tunnel. To the left of the statue s a crude animal pen with a small, panicked bird running around inside it. There are no other signs of life.
"Camp Righteous," Azaka says quietly, "or what's left of it. And the House of the Crocodile. Camp Righteous was lost some months ago. Order of the Gauntlet built it, with little to no defenses as you see. Foolish templars. Here to rid us of our undead, but not good at it. Those who survived moved upriver to Camp Vengeance. They haven't died yet."
Seeing your curiousity at the House of the Crocodile, she continues.
"It is said that in the early days of the world, Man stood by the banks of a river, frightened. Crocodile raised his head from the water and asked, "What troubles you, cousin Man?"
Man said, "I must cross this river, but I fear to enter the water alone, because it teems with your brethren."
Crocodile replied, "It's true, you would not be safe. But I will carry you across the river safely on my back, if you promise to return the favor." Man agreed, and Crocodile bore him safely across the water.
When they reached the far bank, Man asked, "How can I repay you?" Crocodile replied, "I wish to see the realm of Humans, but I fear to go there alone, because it teems with your brethren. You must carry me on your back across your realm." Man had been tricked, but a promise is a promise, so he carried Crocodile safely on his back across the entrie realm of humans, a journey that lasted many years. He also swore, in his anger, that never again would Men and Crocodiles be friends, and so it has remained to this day."
The canoe floats to a rest next to the rowboats. "The temple was built many years ago." She looks at each of you. "It is early yet today. This place makes a decent camp when secured. [OOC: You could long rest here]. How does everyone fare? It is early to stop for the day, but it is your choice, should you wish to camp here."
Day 5
[Food forage Total: 16 lbs -Needed: 0 (10 from previous day) lbs ]
[Water forage Total: 21 gal - Needed: 10.5 gal]
Day 6
rain caught: 0 gal]
[Food forage Total: 16 lbs -Needed: 0 (10 from previous day) lbs ]
[Water forage Total: 12 gal - Needed: 4.5 gal]
Day 7
rain caught: 0 gal]
[Food forage Total: 19 lbs -Needed: 0 (10 from previous day) lbs ]
[Water forage Total: 15 gal - Needed: 4 gal]
Day 8
rain caught: 3 gal]
[Food forage Total: 12 lbs -Needed: 0 (10 from previous day) lbs ]
[Water forage Total: 12 gal - Needed: 7.5 gal]
Day 9
rain caught: 3 gal]
[Day 9 - Morning: 28 bug repellent each: full rations (35): three raincatchers - full canteens (1.5 gal surplus)]
[Canoe Marching Order: Celtra - Fulcra - Cimeri - Bryn - Taman - Azaka]
[Rotating Watch, for tonight: Cimeri -Celtra - Fulcra - Bryn - OFF: Taman ]
A needless roll
Cimeri Acrobatics 20
"If we can secure it well enough to get the real rest - I would do all I can to help with the task!" Three days of day meditations made her anxious for some kind of activity. She realized, that she was speaking out of turn and actually had to be thankful for safe and quiet journey, but she was tired of expecting danger, and would like to either face it, or make sure it's not there.
Besides, exploring could break monotonous routine of the days and simply be interesting.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Celtra's acrobatics 20
"I think we could all use a good camp." Taman speaks up. "Seems foolish to pass something like that up when it comes along." His eyes are on the cave entrance though. "I for one would like to check out this place further while we are here anyway..." He comments mostly to himself.
Bryn would listen intently to the information and stories Azaka told, repeating them to herself in her head in practice to commit it to memory.
She juts her chin out, motioning in agreement to Taman. "I too would like to take a look."
just an unstable unicorn.
The canoe grates across the sandy landing next to the two rowboats tied near the rotting jetty on the eastern bank of the river; Celtra, Azaka and Bryn haul the canoe and its contents securely onto land and leave the bags, extra food and water, and makeshift stakes (Celtra has made 12 by this point) in the craft. You stretch your back, even though it's only about midmorning; any rest from paddling and sitting is appreciated.
You all move a bit to the north to get a clear look at your surroundings; the river is but a few feet away to the west, behind you.
Starting about five feet to the north is about a dozen of tents in mouldering disrepair; some have disintegrated completely. They're arranged in four columns of three, roughly. To the east of the tents is the crude animal pen with lone bird inside it, squawking; the temple looms directly south of the pen.
Two finer quality command tents sit about five feet from you to the southwest and directly south of you, 20 feet away, are four more dilapidated soldier's tents. Just ten feet beyond the command tents to the southwest is a ten foot swell, with a small building at its peak that has been burned down.
The last two features are the most obvious; the temple and the ridge it's been build into. Forty feet from where you stand are the steps that lead five feet up onto a landing that leads into the open doorway of the temple. The ridge starts about sixty feet from you and rises precipitously about 25 feet straight up. Beyond that a second ridge reaches even higher, to the same 80 foot height of the temple.
As you make your first inspection of the destroyed camp, you see latrines set up against the ridge to the north and south of the temple. The jungle foliage encroaches rapidly at the edges of the camp, though a few trees dot the ridge and ground around the temple.
Curious, you approach the stairs leading up to the temple landing. The doorway sits between the reclining giant statue's feet. It looks as if the ceiling inside might be about 20-25 feet high, and covered in cobwebs. The floor is covered with a thick layer of dirt, mud and creepers.
"Someone should scout the perimeter before going inside," Azaka says, "if you decide to go in. If you do, someone should stay with our things; flying monkeys and other jungle residents will take what you let them."
Fulcra climbs out of the canoe. Strangely untalkative, and serious he says only, “The temple should be the last place we look. Secure the camp first.” He seems to reconsider for a moment then a wide smile spreads across his face, “I just mean, it’s a shorter run to the boat when something out here tried to kill us. Hey Azaka, would you be ok guarding the boat while we go into the temple?” Fulcra heads to the nearest tent, pulling its canvas aside, expecting to find an undead hiding underneath. He works his way towards the command tents ensuring he leaves no undead hiding spot unturned. He mutters to himself on the way, “Undead are tricky. They could be hiding anywhere.”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Probably a good idea." Taman confirms and moves directly to the command tents to look there.
Bryn would agree with securing the camp and searching the perimeter first. While Fulcra and Taman make their way to the tents, she would start at the animal pens.
The druid would approach the lone squawking bird with some rough chatter noises and gentle shushes in hopes she could calm it a little as she neared. "Hello little bird." Bryn would talk to it as she inspected it and its pen. "You must have a story to tell. I am not wise enough yet to hear your words." She'd be interested in whether it was hurt before she would make an attempt to free it.
just an unstable unicorn.
As Taman starts moving around the vacated campsite, he pauses and an Almiraj appears next to him. It is a long-eared rabit with a foot-long horn, like that of a unicorn, sticking out of its forehead.
(OOC: trying to pull in the image here...
)
Taman has the rabit-creature help him in his searching and investigating...
Perception 15 (passive 12) Cimeri went about the campsite too (and tried to do so before volunteers to guard the canoe and stuff were called forward).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Celtra grabs several of the wooden spike/spears she has made and stabs the into the ground facing the river around the canoe. Her hopes that they may buy some time if those creatures tried to rush up from the water. She will leave a few up for any who guard the canoe. After that Celtra will relay that she is going to walk around the clearing keeping her eye open for trouble. Undead could be massing in the thickest vegetation and though confident in her skill, sheer numbers can overwhelm even the most skillful of fighters.
Perception: 20
Azaka shrugs in answer. "Gladly. There is something cunning about that temple. I have not entered as the last ones that I led here thought I would steal their treasure if I went inside. They came out quite different from how they went in." She ends on that cryptic remark and helps Celtra drive the spears into the mud.
Fulcra inspects the soldier's tents one by one; those still standing disintegrate at the slightest provocation. The canvas is covered with fuzzy mold where it hasn't been slashed to ribbons… either by claw or by weapon, it's hard to say. There's absolutely nothing of value in the soldier's tents, even after checking those to the south.
Taman moves to the first command tent; something slithers under a pile of refuse; maybe a snake, maybe more than one? It appears that the templars left in quite a hurry, but not so hurried that they left anything of value. It's clear there used to be a map table in this tent; the central space, four by four feet square, is untouched and the ground all around it is tromped flat. Ruined parchment lies at an edge of the tent. Otherwise it appears empty.
Taman is joined by Fulcra at the second command tent; again, insects scatter as you open the flap and snakes or other slithery creatures are disturbed by your entrance. There is also nothing of value here.
Bryn moves past the tents, giant temple looming on her right as she nears the animal pen; her head is about level with its pinky toe. As a druid it's clear to you that this is a fledgling, non-flying, predatory bird; it looks something like a cassowary. It goes still as you approach, eyeing you anxiously. You can see the hole in the fence where it must have come into the pen but has been unable to understand how to get out. It looks half-starved and has a wound on its flank.
Cimeri loops the camp area proper and investigates the jungle near the edges and the ridge. Even when joined by Bryn and then Celtra, there are no threats found. They notice that the building on the swell seems to be a shrine, and that against the ridge are four latrines.
Taman moves back towards the temple again. He has a thoughtful look on his face as he takes in the place from the outside, wondering what mysteries it holds within. Taking a drink from his waterskin, he wipes sweat from his forehead, the scale mail armor swelteringly hot in the jungle humidity. He replaces his waterskin at his side and glances to the others in their group. "Well who else is ready to see what this place holds within?" He asks. "I wouldn't take the time, but, if we are to camp here anyway, then I do not see any reason we shouldn't do a little exploring..." He gives the tiefling a smile as he speaks. "Ready to do so?" He asks her.b
Cimeri smiled back - not that she would stay behind, but it's better when there is no need to argue. "I'll try to check for traps." She suppressed involuntary move to pet Almiraj (Cimeri learned by now to leave familiars alone) and moved slowly and carefully inside the ruins of the Temple, trying her best to be quiet and observant.
Stealth 13
Perception: 16 + 4
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"His name is Sabastian." Taman informs Cimeri when he sees her checking out the strange bunny-shaped familiar. "Figured having something that is from this area as my familiar might be better than a more usual form." Moving towards the temple he reaches out and places a hand on her shoulder. "Have Azuth's blessing..." he says, casting guidance on Cimeri.
Bryn would pull out a small handful of dried nuts and berries from her rations and offer it to the half starved animal. "Do I have your consent to work on your leg?" the druid would tilt her head while she asked the question, not really expecting an answer. She'd reach into her med kit for a bandage to see if it would allow her to treat it.
Bryn would eventually start placing rations down in a trail towards the hole in hopes to lead the bird there and coax it out of the pen. "Be free friend."
Once done with her tasks, the half giant would group back up with the others. "Ready." She'd nod.
just an unstable unicorn.
Fulcra looks around the camp with a smile. “Well, I suppose we were worrying for nothing! This place seems totally safe.” He smiles at everyone’s looks as he seems to taunt fate.
”Alrighty, lets go get changed. Oh and hey, Azaka, don’t steal all our treasure while we’re gone.” He winks at her and follows Cimeri, Taman, and others into the temple.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.