Chapter 1: After the Storm

[Woe]

Maybe the reason why people are mistrustful of Saracen is that he sits around at night re-learning his spells, and you can all see bits of lightning coming out of his fingers while he does that...

For Sonja, it's actually a lot deeper than that. It's all in her background.

As for where we go, I (Sonja) would rather get a birds eye view of the place and investigate whether the village inhabitants can get us out of here. I'm less interested exploring ruins because:
a) I already had the problem of not being able to spend all the money Longman started us off with. More money won't help immediately, nor will it get us off this island any faster.
b) I've played with Longman before, and his secret treasure troves hold such valuables like:

There is also four wooden stools, two braziers with some charcoal, numerous pairs of wooden and cork clogs, a pair of stilts, a metal grate (2x2) designed to fit over a hole...

WOW!


Sonja will continue up or alongside the mountain. If the others want to head to the desert, she'll plan to meet them back at the beach in a few days. If the pirate "guard" leaves to find riches elsewhere, even better for her. It's a shame if the monk and mage leave though. They seem like people she can relate to, and eventually trust.

[MevlyTM]

Maju listens to Sonja intently. He then replies, "Your points are well taken. But I would point out a few things. First, we already possess a birds-eye view from here. We can see most of the island from this vantage point. Secondly, the smoke we see may or may not emanate from a village. And if it is a village, its denizens are just as likely hostile as friendly. For all we know, the smoke is from a virgin sacrifice, and they would like nothing better than to sacrifice, or even eat us. Furthermore, it lies thirteen leagues from here…through jungle. It will take a fortnight just to get there, and that's assuming that we don't have to take too long hunting along the way, which we will have to do because we haven't the provisions for such a march. And none of this considers the return trip.

"While some are interested in money…" Maju indicates Jaali, "others are interested in other treasures. You yourself are interested in getting off of this island. It seems that the ship is the only means that we know of. We should remain somewhat close to it so that we can observe, from a distance, the inevitable in-fighting and self-destruction that will likely befall the pirates and crew. Also, in the desert we can see danger from a great way off, unlike the jungle where even the large lizard set upon us before we knew it was there.

"As capable as you obviously are, it's best not to be alone in a place such as this. And the rest of us can certainly benefit from your skills. We know there are more of the lizard creatures out there, and who knows what else. We should stay together for mutual benefit. But all the same, you're free to travel whatever path you wish. But I would implore you to remain with us as we explore those ruins, as this group seems disposed to do."

OOC: Maju doesn't know what treasures the fates have in store for him, but his legs are tired, and there's nowhere to sit, so he wouldn't mind a stool.

[Longman]

Great post, Mevly.

I think it's time to move this along. So, I'm going to say that the main party move along the side of the mountains and into the final mountain hex to the north-west. This will take them a full day to get into and through that hex. After that, it will be faster going in the desert. It's up to Sonja whether she also moves in that direction.

Day 4, 10 am - You are moving along the side of the mountains when you come across three creatures feeding on some shrubbery. They are about 18' long. One of them turns to face you.



It bellows out a hostile reaction and looks like it is about to charge you. The others also turn around. You could run, or stand your ground. You are about 80 yards away from them right now so unless they are much faster than you, you will be hard to catch if you run.

[Woe]

Sonja (who still isn't convinced the ruins is a better idea, but willing to travel with them as long as the paths coincide) will sheathe her axe, hide behind a large tree, and get out her longbow.

If they're herbivores, maybe they'll just ignore us after stampeding.

[quozl]

Yuan-Cheng will climb a tree again.

[MevlyTM]

Maju begins to slowly back away while preparing to cast Sleep, and hoping these creatures would be affected by the spell.

[mTeasdale]

Jaali hides behind a tree and unsheath his cutlass.

[SerGavin]

Saracen will hide behind a tree and draw his scimitar.

[Longman]

The lead creature (alpha dude) charges you and the other 2 are close behind him.

They move 60 yards towards your position. The monk clambers into a tree again. This time, he has deliberately chosen one which the creatures will pass under, so he may try his death from above maneuver next round if he wants.

Everyone else hides behind trees except Maju who backs away slowly, preparing a spell.

It's pretty obvious they are going to attack so I am giving Maju an action in round 1. The Japanese mage casts his first spell, and the creatures shrug of the wave of drowsiness and come charging onward. It has no effect.

Round 2. You all get to act. They are attacking you. They are 20 yards away. We're in outdoor movement so all ranges are in yards except spell ranges.

[Woe]

Sonja will fire at the alpha.