What a horrible day that was.. surely they'd be rescued in a few days? Atleast Lenore was able to secure most of her things from the ship before it went down and made it on a lifeboat before that too sank by the time it made it to the shallows. Only thing she forgot in her haste were her boots.. but so far there was atleast only soft warm sand under her feet.

Finding a spot on the beach she unloaded all her stuff, sighing as she drew a hand across her moist brow before eyeing the debris filled coastline. Perhaps something could still be salvaged? There were dead bodies around but.. she imagined those didn't have anything helpful on them.. not to mention rifling through such would leave a bad taste in her mouth.


Lenore is studying the water and debris for anything interesting

The monk and cleric noticed the ships hull lying on the beach but the rest of the ship is either in pieces or lost within the sea. And the ranger spots three people, not moving covered in seaweed. One of them lost their arm, another lost their leg. Its horrible. Seveal barrels float in the sea about sixty or so feet away. Some others float, not moving. And some lay upon parts of the ship. Whatever hit the ship several times was even bigger then it! Its lucky anyone survived. Everyone else is soaked, barely making it to the shore. About 80 or so feet away is a lot of woodlands. In the sky several birds fly about watching. Waiting. But they don't look like normal birds. Just different, hard to tell.

Atleast there seemed to be a few survivors on the beach that she noticed, so that was good news. Hopefully there were plenty more elsewhere. "..The water looks calm enough.." Lenore began to herself. "Those barrels out there could still have some supplies." She had some basic familiarity with swimming, and knew how to float and keep her head above water, but had few opportunities to really practice a proper form.. nonetheless she ensured all her gear and supplies remained on the pile she dumped earlier to make her weigh as little as possible and paddles out from the beach to see how far she could get to the barrels, as long as the water remained calm with no treacherous currents.

14:06, Today: Lenore rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Athletics (swimming).
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Fri 10 Nov 2023.

To her surprise, what appeared to be a mystical being that looked part water elemental joined her. Never in a million years would she have foreseen something that convenient happening in the moment. She looked taken aback by the incident, trying to maintain her a somewhat forced look of composure as she treaded water and pointed to the distant barrels. "Umm.. those. Them barrels are just.. bobbing out there.." She said tepidly.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Tue 14 Nov 2023.

The two of them swim out easily enough and Lenore grabs at one of the barrels but when she does, she turns and it has a hand attached to it with a lot of blood and gore. As the two people paddle, it definatly becomes clear-the water is caked in places with blood. Bodies lie upon the surface. Some have massive chunks taken out of them. Others have smaller areas removed probably from whatever else lies within the sea. What looks like a odd crab sits on the back of a unfortunate soul. Beneath the waves something stirs. It knocks against the feet of the genasi not enough to harm him. Again it hits the feet of the elf. Back and forth. Then silence.

Upon the shore, what looks like a small floating box about the size of a foot both ways and about 4" high. Seems solid and made of a odd wood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:10, Tue 21 Nov 2023.

"Urgh.." Lenore brushes the severed hand off the barrel, takes a hold of the wooden frame and calmly whip-kicks her legs out to gradually swish back to shore. She thinned her eyes at the bodies floating all around, surprised that so many had washed close to the island.
She startled feeling something feel at her foot! "!.." It could have been anything. A fish, or something that could prevent them from making it back. Only one way to know for sure.

"Hhhh..!" She heaved, taking a deep breath, puffing her cheeks and swung her arms and head down underwater, feet kicking at the surface to gain some depth as she did an underwater flip to get a look to try get a glimpse at what just touched her. The saltwater stung her eyes, brown tresses of hair swirling about her vision.. hopefully the sun shining through the surface let her see something.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Mon 20 Nov 2023.

As the ranger dives down, he sees a reptilian creature! It looks like some sort of fish but definatly longer. It lets out a electrical blast hitting Lenore hard before swimming off!

A bit more wreckage comes from the water with bodies dangling here and there. Feet. Arms. Even a few heads roam the water and the beach. There seems to be no sign of anyone else besides the ranger and the monk. Yet. The sun beats down.

PM

Lenore widened her eyes slightly seeing a langly fish-like creature. Before she could deduce whether it was hostile or not she found herself waving her arms and legs frantically to try swim away from a glowing ball of energy before getting zapped. "Gmmbllaarrg!" She wailed out underwater in a cascade of bubbles as she lost control of herself completely for a few seconds. A black tunnel formed around her vision and a numbness enveloped her body, but just as it started it was quickly replaced by a surge of adrenaline with her senses kick-starting back up again, forcing her to claw back to the surface in a coughing sputtering fit amid heaves for breath as she grabbed the barrel and kicked like her life depended on it till the barrel hit sandy shore. From there she lay almost face first onto the beach, heaving, clearly needing time to recover.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Wed 22 Nov 2023.

The waves batter against the ground tossing the ranger further up the beach. A few barrels are tossed up there as well, probably three of them and a few other objects. It batters against the hull of the ship further up the beach but the hull remains where it is-broken and battered. The odd birds above circle the area and a few dive down to the beach and began going after the fresh meat.

Something happens.

The ground begins to thud. And thud.

And even more thudding.

Hearing the ground shake startled Lenore into staggering back to her feet. To her it sounded like a giant creature was approaching. "Aurgh.." Without any time to waste to even rub the layer of wet sand clinging to her skin and clothes she began to run the opposite direction of the thudding while sparing a glance behind her to see what that was.

Slowly the thudding stops. When Lenore looks back, everything seems to be normal. No beast. Nothing at all. Not a single living soul. Maybe she's the last survivor, hard to tell. Three barrels are pushed up to the shore. A few bodies are scattered around. After a quick scan there's about six bodies, three are crew members and the others are people hitching a ride to help out. In the distance is the hull of the ship seen beforehand. A few odd bird like creatures have taken off. Its a pretty eery sight. Death has come but not for the elf.

Not yet, not yet.

Blood cakes the waterways as far as the eye can see. Lenore seems to be alone.

"Huh.. what.." Looking around she felt clearly confused. Maybe it was just an earthquake? Regardless, as she stood there just barely able to keep her footing without swaying weakly, a sense of calm seemed to descend on the scene as she heard nothing more than waves upon coast. The carnage everywhere was ghastly but she couldn't move far for the time being.

Seeking the closest palm tree, Lemore decided to slump down to rest against it in the shade and try take a rest. Her body was too jolted to strain it further and hopefully the burning electrified pain would start to fade. If it did not.. she would have to try something else.

Silence. Three barrels end up on the shore as well as several dead bodies. The strange birds seems to have moved on or went after bodies elsewhere. Besides the barrels that are closed near the ranger, something makes a strange clanking sound. Sounds like glass? A few torn up blankets are washed up. Its hard to tell from Lenores vantage point if there is anything of value as no one checked. Course if she is the only person alove well....

The tree isn't a palm tree. It looks like it but doesn't have anything clinging off of it and its a brown color, a bit of sap coming off of it. As she sits down, trying to perhaps sleep the half-elf spots somehing coming out of the woods. It looks like a small turle and its something she has never seen before. Strangely, it has a walking stick and is moving very slowly towards the ranger. Almost cautiously. As it gets closer its shell is mainly covered in moss and fungus and it has a wooden shield on it as well as several odds and ends. It looks creepy.

Lenore got a few moments of being sat slumped under the tree with her head in her arms before the clanking sound alerted her. She raggedly gathered herself back up, rubbing a hand wearily over her eyes again and saw a strange turtle.. man? It looked sentient to her, since it was walking around with a walking stick and wearing a shield. With hopes of rest dashed for the time being, concerns turned toward hopes that this was a friendly island native.

"..Are you.. a person?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Mon 18 Dec 2023.

Tilting its head as Yawgo approaches, he stops a few yards away. The tortle blinks slowly and pulls something from his pouch. It looks like well weeds or some sort of green vegies. It bites down a few times and then starts to head towards the half-elf. He taps the staff against Lenore's leg and then the rangers hip. Yawgo circles around the ranger. It gets close to him being about the same side with Lenore sitting down. It definatly looks like a big turtle. Well a 3' tall turtle. Maybe 4'. Dropping the wood shield down, it seems to have been covering a pack. So slow almost like the tortle was afraid to get too close to the pack. Very strange. It pulls out some strange berries-ten of them and holds them out to the ranger.

Lenore was guarded as the turtle approached,, but didn't perceive it as a threat so far as.. it certainly did not look malevolent or anything. Just some kind of old local to the island who looked either confused or curious by her presence far as she could tell.

"Agh..!" She hissed under her breath as the staff was tapped to her hip where a nasty singe from the electric shock she received earlier was but continued to let the creature poke and prod while keeping an eye on it with deeply creased frown from the jolt of pain and general situation she found herself in today.

The trepidation around the pack and then the strange berries was.. concerning. But it would have been a faux-pas to reject a potential offer of aid. She squints her eyes at them and gingerly plucks one between her fingernails. When it came to foraging and testing reagents, the correct thing to do was take a very small amount, test it, and then observe the effects. She took a very small bite from the berry and carefully observed the taste and any effects it might have.

Oddly the berry is probably magical and when the ranger bites into it, the entire berry gets slurped down leaving nothing behind. What did Yawgo do? First reaction is probably trying to hack it up.

But nothing happens. And the ranger feels a bit better. Yawgo keeps the berries up, strange looking things. Nine more left. Taking his clawed hand, the tortle goes to take one of her hands and goes to place the berries against it.

Yawgo nods his head and slowly lets it tilt to the right.

OOC
Healed for 1 point.

Lenore blinked rapidly as the berry seemed to.. really want to be eaten by some magical means. And it did make her feel better almost instantly. A jolt of energy, and a soothing feeling around her shocked skin. "Okay.. you're probably not a bad sort." Besides, berries that were very poisonous weren't common. She gratefully accepted the rest of them and consumed them, wiping off the stain from her lips as they felt really good to eat.

Feeling significantly better Lenore pointed to the barrels left on the beach that she hadn't inspected the contents of yet. "Could you help me search through those?"

Tilting its head, the tortle watches this strange half-elf. It realizes what Lenore wants him to do and pulls out some dry sea weed and clamps down on it. Munch munch munch. Finally after searching the intact bodies and the three barrels, they find several items but the tortle leaves the hull where it is and doesn't go near it. When Lenore opens one of them, the tortle goes to close it for some unknown reason but the other two are opened. There's about 10 dead bodies (about 8 males 2 females) lying on the blood covered beach. Between the two they find:

3 Potions
10 Beaten up bords about 5' along the shore.
30' of hempen rope
Fishing rod but no fishing tackle
3 Barrels
-full of neat (preserved)-Yawgo forced Lenore to keep it closed
-full of herbs probably for cooking
-blankets (about 4), 4 containers of rum

Found inside several dead bodies-
Mirror
20 candles
20 pieces of chalk
2 Perfume (woman)
2 Bells
Signal Whistle

The task was.. unenjoyable to say the least. Lenore's face cringed multiple times checking the bodies. They ended up with quite a few odds and ends that Lenore formed into a pile to sort through later. Some of it was very pleasing and useful. Perhaps getting shocked by that eel creature was worth the pain..

With that she sat atop one of the barrels and thinks about what to do next, one of her toes swirling a circle in the sand contemplatively as she pulled out her waterskin and took a drink. Her eyes widened at the obvious.

"Turtle-person? Do you know where on this island one might find fresh water?" Without a source of fresh drinking water, she and whoever survived from the ship would die in a few short days. If the turtle didn't understand what she said she pointed at the waterskin and gestured at the water going into her mouth and then forming a shrug and pointing curiously every which way with a hint of urgency and trying her best to gesture refilling it.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Fri 29 Dec 2023.

Glancing at her as the tortle looked at the mirror and tilts its head, Yawgo shakes his head "Bad. Water bad." It looks back into the mirror, tilting its head to the left and right. Pointing to itself, the tortle speaks "Yawgo." And then to Lenore.

"Water bad?.." She sighed, not sure what was meant by that but shrugged and drank some more. Perhaps the near future would provide an answer. "I am Lenore.." She said grimly. "Thank you for your help.. but I need to get around to gathering up all these bodies and burying them." The half-elf had a deep set frown at that. It wasn't something she wanted to do, but all too necessary for atleast a hundred different reasons. She goes about to her pile of stuff trying to remember if there was a shovel there.

ooc: quickie post, will check if I actually have a shovel somewhere later

Theres quiet a few bodies, at least 10 in the current area. Of course not all of them are in one piece. Yawgo looks at Lenore, tapping his staff against the bloody beach and sighs. It raises the staff towards the water "Water bad." After checking out the current area besides the gear found Lenore finds 3 shovels, all are dirty and covered in bloody and gore. Yawgo goes to pull one of the bodies and waits for help not being the strongest tortle "Lenore help." The voice seems calm and collected but slow.

3 Dirty Gore-Covered Shovels
3 Potions
10 Beaten up bords about 5' along the shore.
30' of hempen rope
Fishing rod but no fishing tackle
3 Barrels
-full of neat (preserved)-Yawgo forced Lenore to keep it closed
-full of herbs probably for cooking
-blankets (about 4), 4 containers of rum

Found inside several dead bodies-
Mirror
20 candles
20 pieces of chalk
2 Perfume (woman)
2 Bells
Signal Whistle

In the process of helping pull the bodies, this almost immediately struck Lenore as being a lot more difficult than anticipated.

"..We'll atleast just get a few of them. Tell me, is there somewhere we can go that is.. much safer than this?"

She didn't feel good about piling up the various valuables she was finding on the crew's persons, but in this dire circumstance every little bit was going to be necessary. The fair amount of potions they've come across so far were going to be important.

After getting the bodies they can see up near the forest and buried which takes some time, Yawgo sits down by all the belongings found. It goes back to staring at the mirror and puts it down before leaning over and taking the potions. One bloe, one green and one red. It sniffs each one ad takes its claws to take a small dab of each. Its eyes narrow as it seems to be examining them before putting them down. Then the tortle reachs for the bell and taps it a few times. Its like its never seen one before. Or a mirror. It licks its jaws. "No safe. Home?" Strange.

“What the hell hit us?”, Argus says thinking out loud. It must’ve been huge to shatter the ship to pieces. He walks on the wet sand of the beach for better traction. Argus is soaked to the bone and exhausted.

He looks around to get his bearing. Bodies floating in the water, some have already reached the surf. Many of the bodies covered in gore and mutilated, he wonders out loud,

“I wonder if any of my Shield Brothers made it”

Almost a soon as he said that, he’s sees a strange sight. A short distance away is a….is that a turtle standing on its hind legs? Close to the turtle he spots a half elf digging in the sand with a shovel. Argus raises his hand and shouts, “Hello there!”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Tue 16 Jan.

Lenore thinned her eyes. "No safe?" What did the turtle mean by that? She sighed aggravatedly, shook her head and resumed digging. Perhaps then, best next thing would be a stretch of beach that wasn't strewn with corpses. She took pause hearing a voice that was very much alive, which wasn't entirely unexpected. Lenore paused her digging, planted the shovel and rested both forearms upon it to watch the newcomer with a wary gaze. She lets the turtle do the talking.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Wed 17 Jan.

Not knowing what to expect from the standing turtle, Argus walks up to it and pauses for a moment. He gives him a look for a quick study of it and then continues to walk toward the half elf…

"Greetings to you. My name is Argus Alanai. I’m glad to see survivors."

He is armed with a spear in his right hand and sword and axe at his sides. Chainmail from head to toe, helm, and a shield. Argus looks like a soldier.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Thu 18 Jan.

Given the dire straits of the current situation Lenore gets directly to the point. "The way I see it. We have two choices. Make this stretch of shore liveable for a time until we figure out how to proceed and regroup with more suvivors.. or find somewhere else to go." She then inclined her head to the turtle. "..Some kind of native.. doesn't seem to understand what we're saying as well as I'd like, wasn't able to get much answers from it. But seems quite friendly.. unlike the wildlife." She said bitterly recall the brief encounter with the eel.

“I prefer to stay here for the time being. We will need to build a makeshift shelter, nothing extravagant, just something to keep the wind and rain away. We'll also need to do a reconnaissance of the area as soon as possible after building a shelter.” Argus pauses for a moment then continues, “Once we establish ourselves here we will venture out and do a more thorough investigation of this island. Let’s hope we find more survivors.”

Argus looks at his surroundings, getting a quick lay of the land and then looks at the half elf, “What is your name?” He asks without emotion.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Sat 20 Jan.

"Lenore." She answered. "Very well.. if we're to stay here I will continue my efforts to clear out the dead, resting in the company of corpses rotting under the sun will not do." She gazed at the makeshift grave she started on and deepened her frown. "..But perhaps a pyre makes more sense." It was the first time Lenore found herself dealing with a situation like this and the more she thought about it the more impractical her initial course seemed. The half-elf tossed the shovel aside. She was tired of digging anyway. "Let us search for building and kindling material."

With the bodies buried in time between the half elf, the tortle and probably the human as leaving them out isn't a good move, perhaps others scattered around out of sight, Yawgo does help but doesn't understand completely. Course its hard to tell what the tortle understands. It looks at the mirror again and puts it into his belt. Turning its head, Yawgo watches this strange warrior and moves next to Lenore. It looks up at the man, being small in stature. Licking its lips, Yawgo speaks "Understand yes. Yawgo I am."</greem> Simple. Well sort of. Inside the forest, bad things." It nods "Shelter I got." The tortle tilts its head. "Bad fire. Bad."

Yawgo takes Argus by surprise, "You speak! What do you mean by 'fire bad' and that you have shelter? Where is this shelter?"

This indeed is a strange place Argus thinks to himself.

Before Yawgo has a chance to answer, Argus presses him, "What threats are in the forest. The more we know the better we can prepare."

After hearing the human hitting him with constant questions, Yawgo raises his hand "A lot of talk you do. Listen you should." The clawed hand is lowered. Its eyes narrow up at the half-elf and human "Prepare you cannot. Threat to others not to me. Threat to me, not to others." Slow and steady. It grips his staff "Fire bad. Others smell it, they come. Afraid of fire, some are not."

Lenore cupped her chin and shifted her weight, lips drawn in a thin line. "..So it sounds like something gravely dangerous lurks on this island.. and fire would draw its attention. Well, that's just splendid. Water bad, forest bad, fire bad.. it sounds for now we have no choice but to make the beaches our home and scavenge what we can. I'm sure there's enough for us to survive atleast a few days.. but I am worried about fresh water." She looked up at the sky. Maybe best pray for rain.

Argus takes a moment to chew and digest both Yawgo’s warnings and Lenore’s comments. Then he turns his attention to the half elf, ”I agree with your assessment. Let’s gather what we can and go a relatively short distance away from all the bodies and gore in case it attracts predators. We should also go into the tree line a little bit and not be so close to the shore.”

He looks over at the supplies that have already been collected, “We need to know everything we have, including our personal gear, to better assess our situation. Fresh water and food is on the top of the list of needs. There may be more supplies still floating around in the water or on bodies that haven’t been searched already as well.”

”We will search for more supplies first, then we can find a suitable place to make camp. We’ll take it from there.”

Argus gives Yawgo a quick look, ”And we won’t be building a fire.”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:58, Sat 27 Jan.

The tortle blinks at all the talking going on and trying to make heads and tails of it. The human wanted to get more supplies yet did they not have a decent amount? Yawgo tilts his head and grips its staff tightly. It seems the tortle is being ordered around and Yawgo doesn't like it-there's a reason why the tortle was always alone. Yawgo turns and heads towards the forest ignored what Argus wants. All they want is supplies. They don't need him. He already got what he wanted-the mirror and the two bells. Doesn't ask for much. Even leaving the potions behind. Perhaps they can used them. Soon the tortle dissapears into the woodlands leaving Argus and Lenore alone amongst the blood upon the beach and the now buried bodies as well as the supplies. No creature peek out. Even the strange birds have left but some are visibly soaring around a good distance away. A creature pop out of the woods keeping their distance.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic...9_dSTJk&usqp=CAU

"Well there it goes.." Lenore says as the turtle left, and then noticing a creature poking its head out of the woods. "This place is weird. I will get all my things. Lead the way elsewhere." Lenore went back to the spot on the beach where she left all of her possessions and ensured to collect all the valuables found throughout the day. The end result was a heavy pack.

Seeing the strange creature popping out, Argus makes a course correction, ”Weird indeed”, he says to Lenore, ”It’s probably a scavenger, let’s just take the supplies you have already gathered and find a good campsite. There’s the possibility that much bigger creatures may come along if we linger here.” He points to the barrels, “Between the two of us we can carry a barrel at a time.”

"Scavenger.. makes sense.." There was certainly a lot to scavenge. Lenore cringed some and then got on with returning to her stockpile of belongings in the sand and filling one of the barrels with them. She then got to the stumbling task of moving it for the laborious trek.

After some time Yawgo seems to be gone and the supplies are pulled up next to the beach, a few yards inside. Its a simple forest, with wild ferns growing in all directions. Large trees are scattered about with a small stream. Its relatively quiet. One of the barrels that has blankets and rum can be used for the items found. The potions someone can carry of course. Two more of the tiny creatures watch the human and half-elf. Another three creep out. All six of them watch what these strange people are doing. Its odd.

Observing the six strange creatures, Argus looks around him to see if he could spot any more of them and didn't see any. He turns to Lenore, "Have you ever seen creatures like these before? They don't look dangerous at all, but if there's a lot more of them they could be troublesome."

"No I have not.. let's just carry on with our work. They should get bored and move on. If they start digging getting too close I'll see if I can make a shrill whistle too shoo em away." Lenore said, turning around in her fingers a signal whistle she discovered earlier before handing Argus two of the three potions. "You can hold onto these two."

After taking inventory of what they had she was surprised to see a lot of preserved meat. "Huh.. so thats what the turtle was so distasteful of. Best dig into this while it's good." She said, taking a few good chunks and digging in with her teeth. Salty and stringy, but food was food. Moving barrels and bags and various odds and ends was hungry work. She then decided to fashion some of the meat into a fishing lure and decided to see if anything was biting in the waters off the beach, casting the line off far as she can.

(perception roll result)

..As she wandered closer to the side of the stream, she noticed at the very side of the river yet three more creatures they spotted earlier. "Huh.. there.. really are quite a few of them.." She then also noticed a round moss covered object underfoot, her eyes almost passing by over it entirely. That looked unusual. She used the solid end of the fishing pole near the handle to give it a few gentle prods and pokes to get a better feel for what this was.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:15, Tue 06 Feb.

Hearing Lenore mention there are still even more of the little creatures, Argus stops what he is doing and straps his shield to his left arm and grabs his spear again. He walks over to Lenore to provide backup in case she‘s in danger and to see how many more of the critters are about.

He sees movement but can’t make out what it was…

“How many more do you see?” He asks her as he moves in closer.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Tue 06 Feb.

The turtle shell shifts and what appears as a clawed hand bats at the rod. It slowly sticks its head out and then its arms, its legs. Getting up to the shore its apparently-Yawgo. Its eyes stare at the human, and it sits down watching the odd antics of the ranger "Fishing you are. Lose the rod you will." But its eyes never stop staring at the human. Whatever he did must have aggrivated the tortle. It looks around and notices the meat barrel open and its hands tighten around its staff. It goes over to it and covers it "Leave it be you will. Smell it they can."

"Think there's like four.." She said with a hint of worry before startling as the thing she just poked came alive! Oh it was just the turtle from before. The creatures were attracted by the meat? ..Oh course it all made sense now. Without hesitation Lenore sealed up the meat barrel and kicked it to roll down the beach into the water. Maybe that would disinterest the critters.

As for what felt like the warning against fishing she.. decided maybe it was best to heed that based on what just happened so she dropped the rod.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Tue 06 Feb.

Argus takes in everything he just witnessed. He can’t believe Lenore kicked away the salted meat, but at the same time saw the logic in it. That food is probably what’s attracting these critters. “We’ll find out soon enough  if that is what it is”, he thinks to himself.

They didn’t loose Yawgo. Who knows, maybe the strange humanoid-turtle could be useful.

”It’s good to see you again my friend.”, he says with a grin. “We all need each other’s help here on this island. I ask you to join us. I don’t know anything about your species but I’m willing to learn. What do you say?”

Nothing seems to be intrigued with the meat as Lenore tosses it out. Maybe with the fast pace? She pulls the line up as the tortle is revealed. Yawgo goes to take the meat from the line and tosses it into the river. It looks over at the fighter, tilting its head "Friend no. Earn it you must. Tortle I am. Shell I got." Well least it opened up. Sort of. The dinosaurs near the group scatter and seem to dissapear into the foliage. Yawgo sits down, and looks around. Its eyes close for a moment then open up fully.

Relaxing a little, Argus squats down to be almost at eye level with Yawgo …

”I’ll take that as a Yes. Thank you Yawgo.”

Argus noticed all the critters ran off when Yawgo appeared. He stands up again and turns to Lenore with a surprised look, ”Did you notice that when Yawgo came out of the muck how the critters scattered away?” He turns his attention on Yawgo, ”Are they afraid of you?”

"Hrm.." Lenore murmured sourly with an expression to match when her line became useless without its bait. "So much for that.. and I don't know.. now that you mention it, seems a bit of coincidence."

ooc: writers block dry spell for me a while..

Kriv coughes up some water turning over slightly before standing up. His vision is blurred and he can make shapes but not too much else as his head clears. He quickly thinks to himself, By the gods, what was that? He plants a hand on each of his belongings checking that they are still attached to his person. He looked for anyone still alive in the area trying to figure out as much as he could before stepping into the wooded area around him.

Surveying he is able to determine a number of bodies have washed up on the shore. He called out to anyone alive in the area, "Hello?", he asked trying to determine if people where close around him.

The tortle goes to say something and tilts his head. It turns towards something and grips his odd staff "Surprised them I did, scare them I did not." Its eyes narrow at something.

Kriv sees the creature and moves slowly towards it without saying much. He tilts his head similar to the way the creature tilts it's head.

"Hail. Creature, I am Kriv. You seem of the more friendly type. Were you on the ship that just was attacked? Do you know what happened or where we are?"

Kriv looks around uneasy waiting for this creature to talk before making hasty decisions about it.

Argus, hearing another voice and following in the direction that Yawgo is looking, he see's the Dragonborn. His eyes widen as he grips his spear a little tighter but not threatening. Argus hasn't seen a Dragonborn since he was a child (which in all fairness wasn't that long ago). "Hello stranger. It's good to see yet more survivors."

OOC: Kriv see's a human donned in chainmail. He's holding a large shield strapped to his left arm and a spear in his right. Longsword and handaxe on his hips. He wears a corinthian style helm with an alternating red and white crest and has a brooch that holds up his dark red cloak that looks like a symbol of rank.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Fri 16 Feb.

Lenore let Argus do the talking, not being much for building rapport.. but she did look heartened that another survivor has been found. With a bit of luck maybe they would find most of them by the end of the week.

Kriv turns to Argus. "Ah a human. A creature I am at least aware of of. Hail. I am Kriv. A wondering paladin of sorts. I was traveling on this boat to get to another location but it seems our boat was eaten. Did anyone see what attacked us?"

In reply to Kriv Yarjerit (msg # 60):

”We have no idea what hit us or that anything in the sea can wield such destructive power, but here we are.”

Argus introduces Lenore and Yawgo, ”This is Lenore and and Yawgo. My name is Argus Alanai. Why don’t you join us Kriv?”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Sat 17 Feb.

Kriv shrugs to Argus, "I see why not. Grouping in numbers is far better than finding myself in the middle of no where with no one. That creature has a name?".

Kriv is still struggling to understand what Yawgo is, he turns to the turtle creature. "Where do you hail from turtle thing? What manner of creature are you?"

Nothing creeps out as the dragonborn looks at the odd group. Yawgo looks up at Kriv, tilting its head. It takes its staff and stabs it into the dirt "Yawgo I am. Tortrle I be. Here I live, dwell I do not. Name I do, insult you did." The tortle stares again at the dragonborn. What is it with people insulting him? First Argus now Kriv. And Argus already stated its name. It sighs, looking at the ground and it sits down.
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:12, Tue 20 Feb.

Kriv throws up his hands in passivity. "I mean no harm Yawgo. I have just never one of your kind as I am sure you have probably never seen one of my kind. We are apparently the more cultured of our allies here."

Argus chuckles with a smile at the 'cultured' comment, "I guess you can call yourselves that. It's good that we are all alive. Whoever wants to help me set camp, let's get to it." He says in his military manner.

With that, Argus turns and walks over to the half made camp, starting with looking over the supplies.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Tue 20 Feb.

Lenore headed to over to make herself useful and get to helping with setting up the camp. She appreciated the straight to the point military style of direction. With a wince she felt the unpleasant reminder of losing her boots in the shipwreck as the warm sand beneath her feet was replaced with gnarled roots and branches.. she never realized how starkly different a slight change in nature could feel, something lost on her from many years of city life.

Kriv looks around for any sorts of food that he could find in the area but comes up pretty empty. He looks at the others before informing them, "Look bare here. We might need to keep moving to find suitable game and food. That is unless the plan is to stay here until we think someone will rescue us which is highly unlikely."

07:58, Today: Kriv Yarjerit rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Survival. – 3

As he's working on the camp, Argus tells Kriv, "The plan is to set up a basecamp from which to operate from until we can re-establish somewhere else. From here we will do sorties into the island, to hunt, fish, and get a lay of the land. Also, if at anytime we get separated, this is our current rendezvous point."

He continues, "I am eager to find high ground to get a good look at the size of this island and its features, but that will come in time."

"Child you are, ordering us about is not. Wise it is, asking others you should do. Dangerous you ask. Plan you have, asked others you did not.  Insulted I am, care you do not. Killed you will be. Aid you I won't." The tortle slowly gets up. Really slowly. It looks at the human, lowers its head and taps the ground. It tilts its head slightly and rubs the chin "Live here I do. Passes it does, time yes." Oddly Yawgo seems calm. Doesn't raise its voice, but seems serious. It glances towards Lenore and Kriv looking up at them then up at the foliage above.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Wed 21 Feb.

Argus, annoyed with Yawgo, decides to ignore the tortle and continue with making a base camp. He comes across one of the small barrels of rum and taking out his flask he fills it to the brim with the rum, then corks it and puts it away without drinking any. He continues his work setting up camp.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Mon 26 Feb.

She hadn't expected to play  mediator but.. "I apologize if our fellow's mannerisms might have offended you. Most of us are.. a rough folk, and extremely unaccustomed to this environment. We are grateful for the aid and guidance afforded so far and will do our best to be respectful of your home while we're here. We're just simply are looking for a way to sail back to our lands and would like nothing more than to leave this place in peace."

He didn't like Lenore apologizing for him, but she did manage to put his mind on a more positive path. Argus stops what he's doing, sits on a rock facing Yawgo, and with a sigh of resignation, he asks, "What would you have us do now?"

He can't believe he's taking advice from a turtle. This better be good.

"Parent I am not. Ordering you around I will not do. Order us about you will. Do what you want I will not. Listen you will. Adult you are not. Learn from others, you will do. Respect others you do not. Earn it you may." The tortle raises a clawed hand and goes to rest it on the humans shoulder before lowering it at a slow pace. The tortle gives Lenore a odd look and sits back down clutching his staff "Anger I do not, frustrated I was. Ordering me about, dislike I do. Young one he is, in my home it is. Ask me for aid, I may."

Kriv looks at the turtle oddly before speaking up. "Yawgo, I do not speak for others but I am a bit tired from after being attacked on our boat. We aren't really sure how we have survived and I would appreciate any help you are willing to provide us. I looked around and bit and I couldn't find much in the way of food short of the rations we already have. I think we would all prefer shelter of some sort if you know where to go for that. I think that would help."

Tilting his head, the tortle speaks slowly "Swim you did. Survived you might. Lucky you be, under the sea don't go." Tap tap goes his staff "Killing you do, rations you may.  Frustrated you are, think you must do. Cannot eat all you kill. Death will come, it will. Act before thinking not good. Not help showing where to do, no. Shelter I have, upon my back it is. Make home where I can." Yawgo gets up and goes over to the water and seems to be looking at it.

Kriv tilts his head as he turns around and looks to the others, "Apparently our friend Yawgo doesn't have a home. He carries most of that on his back. We would probably do good to find a make shift shelter for the night to hunker down with our backs defended so we can rally if we need to. Argus, I'm no leader and so far you've shown the most leadership so I'll take your lead. What do you want me to do?"

"Thank you Kriv I appreciate your faith in me. I will do my best.",

Argus says with not a hint of emotion, "First thing to do is to ask for Yawgo's aid as he's the leading authority on surviving this island." He says throwing the ball back to Yawgo's court. Argus just looks at Yawgo waiting for a reply.

The tortle doesn't look at the human, seeming foces on something in the water. After a moment, the tortle slips into it and dissapears. A few minutes later, two fish are tosses up onto the bank and Yawgo slowly comes out.  It grabs the fish and sits down, pulling out a dagger and starts to clean them. Odd. It seems to ignore the others, seeming like they want him to lead and he doesn't nor would be any good. They just met and most of them treat him like he doesn't know anything. But the human seems intriguing. Course they all do.

As Yawgo finishes cleaning the fish, Argus stands up to address the group…

”We will need teamwork and trust in each other. Know each others strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. This is one of the qualities of elite soldier units.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Mon 04 Mar.

Lenore was happy to watch and let the others get a moment to acclimate to each other. She raised her chin up and rests her hands on her hip to acknowledge the address and nodded along to it. "Hm.. team.. work." Having always been a lone wolf that was a foreign concept to her.. but probably one no one would get far here without.

The half-elf wouldn't strike anyone as particularly capable or strong. Bootless, wearing simple leather, and armed with a pair of flimsy blades and a worn wooden longbow. Somewhat waifish, Lenore looked like someone that needed to be eating atleast twice as much before growing into a serious threat.. but she was flexible looking and decently tall atleast, as was common for half-elves, and despite the other two survivors looking far more sturdier there was atleast a hint resilience and grit in her expression, a willingness to see this through.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Sun 03 Mar.

"Solders we are not. Listening to you I will not do. Make sure you will. Just met we did, others agree I assume. Telling us what to do, you may. Alone you will." The tortle stops working on the fish. It races a claw up then goes back to work "Leave you I can." Order me about you will not do. So quiet and calm. Almost emotionless. But its hard to tell. It looks over at the dragonborn and half-elf amd motions them to sit. Maybe it wants to show them something.

"Based upon what Yawgo is telling us, it sounds like we are mostly on our own. I think we can strike out in the forest and explore this land. We should have enough of us to deal with a moderate amount of danger." Kriv winks at the other two.

He takes out his weapon and looks around for anything that could be a torch. He searches for a source of fire and if not he will try to create one that he can use to burn the torch itself.

"We might need this."

OOC: Let me know if I require a roll for the torch making.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Tue 05 Mar.

"Listen you do not. Away I will. Need me you do not. Aid you I can. Long for death, you do. Show you the way I won't. Choose you will. Survive I have." The tortle finish the fish and leaves it for them before sighing. Apparently this human has already won a losing battle and wrapped the dragonborn with him. The tortle starts to walk off.

Argus quick-walks in front of Yawgo and gets in his way slightly and asks, ”We do indeed need you. How do we convince you to stay with us? Teach us of the perils of the island and survival.”

He takes a step back from Yawgo and says, “Please. I won’t issue you commands. Stay with us.”

Lenore figured even regular turtles were a stubborn lot of a single-mind.. she didn't see how Argus was going to get very far with that one.

"I don't know.. maybe it wants us to demonstrate we've learned something with what we've been told." She shrugged. "Perhaps.. it also has better things to do than babysit the likes of us." At the very least, she watches to see what happens.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Tue 05 Mar.

While the conflict between Argus and Yawgo is happening Kriv starts heading towards the wreckage left on the beach of the ship looking for details of what might have attacked them. Kriv surveys the area while doing that trying to be useful in some way look around and seeing if he notices anything out of the ordinary that he might draw the groups attention to.

The tortle moves aside, staring up at the human before turning back. As Kriv goes towards the beach, he can see what looks like a elf by the abadoned partial hull. There's nothing within eyeshot as Lemore and Yawgo found anything really of value. Kriv watches, like all the others know-some massive creature tore the ship apart. They got lucky. Or unlucky depending on the situation. All Kriv sees is a beach, a abandoned part of the hull and the elf near it holding something.

The Elf hails the Dragonborn, by raising a hand showing he is not armed.  The Elf makes his way to the Dragonborn.  Abandoning his search for food. He holds a box in his hands.

"Hello.  Are you injured?  How many survived?  What was that thing that attacked the ship?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:44, Wed 06 Mar.

Kriv sees Andar and heads over towards him, "Hail. Elf, I am Kriv Yarjerit. Where you on the ship when it was hit? We have several people who have survived the attack. Let us go back to them so we may discuss further plans. I should warn you we ran into a very helpful but stubborn Turtle named Yawgo. He seems to be a resident of the location but we really haven't managed to break his hard outer shell. Our tactics have been...well lacking. You might be able to help."

Kriv looks the Elf up and down obviously getting an idea of how background. "You smell like magic."

------------------
BEACH-Yawgo, Kriv, Andar
------------------

The tortle stands next to the towerring dragonborn. It leans on its staff, watching the two converse. It snorts for a moment. Not sure who this elf is and being new to it-the whole two odd races standing side by side, Yawgo is silent. Observing "Tortle I am. Speak Yawgo you do. Break it you try, harder it is you know. Insult me you did. Again you do. Scared you are, forgive you I may."</greem> It goes over to Andar and sniffs a few times getting rather close and shrugs <green>"Sea salt you smell." Really. Well everyone smells that way coming from the beach.

------------------
CAMP-Lenore, Argus
------------------
Back at the came, the tortle left shortly after the dragonborn leaving the human and half-elf to dwell on things. Maybe it did teach them, maybe not. Hard to say.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:39, Thu 07 Mar.

"I am Andar Silverblade, Priest of Life.  And yes I was on the ship.  Good to meet you Kriv.  And you are Yawgo.  Good to meet you.  We must all work together to survive.  Is anyone hurt or injured from the wreck?"

He holds a small chest under his arm.  And looks around.

"I thought I saw more of you before."

"Injured they are not. Healed them I did. Proud I am." Yup. The druid steps away a few feet "Elsewhere they are. Find them I know. Forest they are. Nearbye they be. Order me around, do not. Learn it they do not. Sad I am." It pears up at the elf curiously "Life you do, offer I an. Injure you are?" Right Yawgo.

"Good to know you are a healer Yawgo. But no i am not injured, my leg does hurt some but no blood or cut.  It will be fine. What can you tell me of your island home?  What are the main predators here?  Local Dangers?  And of course is there some place we can find shelter from the elements?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Sat 09 Mar.

The tortle gets bonbarded with questions and questions it doesn't want to answer. It tilts its head "Lurkering around here, bad thing they are. Avoid them I do. Small things I have seen, indeed I had. Deep within I dud not, venture I do not dwell. Shell I had, shelter do not need. Annoying you are, match the human you will." The tortle is aggrivated "Here it is, danger it does. Adventure do not. Danger it is." It sighs and taps the staff against the ground "Camp they have. Fire do not bring."

Kriv simply listens to Yawgo. After all the creature did probably think he was trying to eat him with the shell comment. Luckily Yawgo seemed like the slow turtle type that would get over his feelings.

"Ah good questions Andar. I have only asked him a few."

Unsure of where it is coming from, the ground shakes mercilessly.
Yawgo winces and looks around the beach. It motions towards the others and points at the woods before venturing towards them.

Andar sees the jesture and feels the booms.  He jumps up with his chest and runs towards the woods in the direction pointed.

"Let's get to some cover.  what ever thst is doesn't sound good."

Kriv starts running with Yawgo and Andar. Weapon drawn and ready to attack. Surely the others have to hear those sounds? It can't just be us? he thinks to himself. Trying to keep quiet and allow Yawgo to do most of the leading for now until we return to the others.

Argus, hears the first thud. He was about to wonder to himself what that sound was but when he heard it the second time, that's when his alarm bells went off. He takes a quick look at Lenore and motions for her to follow his lead running out of the forest and onto the beach.

"Lenore...Are you ok? What was that?" Argus asks with a concerned look on his face.

Looking down the stretch of beach, Argus tries to spot the group and the danger.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Mon 11 Mar.

"I'm fine.." By now, she was used to and unsurprised by strange things happening on the island. It seemed already like a highly outlandish place that was only bound to get stranger. She followed along, remaining alert.

The two groups finally see one another as one was going into the woods and the other was coming down from it. They meet right outside.

Coming down the beach are three strange looking creature.

VRROOMBOOM.

VRROOMBOOM.

They stop a good distance away. One starts to walk into the water. Yawgo seems to be in awe, sitting down watching these massive creatures.



Size difference:
https://www.britannica.com/animal/Iguanodon
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:53, Tue 12 Mar.

Judging from the fact that Yawgo is not shocked by the creature, Kriv puts his weapon up. He looks to the others. "I am worried that these creatures maybe running from something that could be behind them. What do you recommend we do Argus? Also I find this fellow with us, his name is Andar."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Tue 12 Mar.

In reply to Kriv Yarjerit (msg # 102):

Argus, awed at the wonder he is beholding, snaps out of it and addresses Kriv, "I don't think we need to worry just yet. Look at Yawgo he doesn't seem to be too alarmed at seeing these monstrosities. I recommend we stay together as a group and not wonder off."

He studies these dinosaurs from where the group is standing.

They Look so unbalanced.  How do they walk on two legs.  Have you ever seen the like?  Some form of Lizard maybe?

He looks around the area for more just o make sure the are not attacking.

"Keeps getting worse.." Lenore muttered. An island full of large exotic wildlife.. if this was what they encountered near the beach, who was to say it wouldn't only get more dangerous deeper in the island. She shook her head. "If we keep our heads maybe they'll move right along.. but best keep our guards up. This biome's properties must be aberrant in some way.."

"I am still considering searching the island itself. We need to establish some sort of base of operations along with deciding what we are going to do. I had places to be so I wasn't expecting to be stuck on an island with people I am unfamiliar with. No, hurt feelings hopefully. But the sooner we return back to getting off this island the better off we will be."

Kriv stays near the group but is ready to move forward with his ideas of starting the process of getting off the island.

THe tortle looks up at everyone and seems to want to say something but it doesn't. It sighs and looks over at these amazing beasts. Yawgo just watches them, seemiing to be not phased "Watch them we should. Learn from them we can. Run off you may." The tortle tries to give advice but maybe it was ignored. Slowly, Yawgo stands up. It sniffs a few times, tapping the ground "Agree with you I do, argue with the others do not. Lost you could do alone."

The creatures don't seem to be distrurbed. One of them sits in the water. Another one looks over at the group and makes a strange 'Howing' sound. The last looks at the group as well and snorts as it goes into the water staring at something.

Kriv takes the side of the tortle and sits down watching the creatures move. He looks at them with a bit of awe but also wondering just what these creatures are, Kriv is not a renowned explorer.

Andar decides to take the Tortle's advice and starts to slowly walk towards the creatures.  Trying to see what they are looking at in the water. He slowly inches forward towards them making no fast movements or anything threatening.

Well let's see what they are looking at.  Got to be something important in the water over there

---

13:01, Today: Andar Silverblade rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Perception. – 17
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Mon 18 Mar.

"Kriv, base camp is already set up. Very soon we can discuss at full length what our next move will be and get some well needed rest and food this evening." Argus says without looking away from the beast, then turns to Kriv as he points to the planks, "We can use these planks for our shelter. Help me bring these to camp.", he asks the group as he walks over to pick up a plank.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Mon 18 Mar.

Kriv gathers the planks as instructed and begins helping Argus with some of the heavy lifting. He grabs the supplies and walks along with Argus waiting for commands of where to put the planks.

Lenore watches their surroundings to try ensure no one would be caught by surprise from anything unexpected during a somewhat delicate process such as setting up a camp. Seeing as though the place was active with things running around it felt like a prudent idea.

Two of the creatures make a honking sound as the cleric approaches. One of them stares at him and steps forwards but keeps its distance. For a moment, the dinosaur looks into the water, the one floating in it and dips its head into the water. A moment later, it picks its claws up and a fish is lodge on a interesting finger nail or claw.

Yawgo stands up and goes to stand behind the cleric ignoring the others for now. Both seem interested. Nothing seems to be a evil threat.

For now.

The human and dragonborn make their way back to their campsite leaving the ranger watching the area.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:29, Wed 20 Mar.

Andar looks at Kriv. " There are several fish here in this water so that could be a food supply for us in the long term if we don't over fish it.  We just need some type of fishing poles or nets now.  Let's back up so we don't spook these creatures."

Andar backs away from the pair and starts moving back towards the camp.  "Are you ready to start exploring Kriv?  We need to see what else there is for us here.  Since we may be here for a while."

Argus finally realizes he didn't introduce himself to Andar. Another surviver! As he is carrying planks he says, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Andar is it? My name is Argus Alanai and I too am a survivor of this shipwreck. We will be discussing our options at camp very shortly. You won't have to wait much longer."

Well met Argus.  I think I saw you getting on the boat before we departed.  Glad you made it.  Looks like most didn't.  we need a plan for sure.

With the group talking about their camp, they head to it. Yawgo doesn't go with them ash it starts at the dinosaurs. They sit around the campsite, just a few tents and basic gear they brought with them and whatever they found on the beach. Everyone has their own one poerson tent. It starts to get dark and it it starts to get cold. The firepit isn't lit but there is enough light to light it up. Its good for warmth but for any predators....

The tortle doesmt show up. Maybe Yawgo is dead. Hard to tell. Its apparent it knows how to survive. The river flows nearybe.  Besides being on a unknown island its pretty nice.

For now.

What lurks within the island remains unknown.

Gear found on the beach-Now in the 'main camp'

3 Dirty Gore-Covered Shovels
3 Potions
10 Beaten up bords about 5' along the shore.
30' of hempen rope
Fishing rod but no fishing tackle
3 Barrels
-full of neat (preserved)-Yawgo forced Lenore to keep it closed-shoved back to the beach by Lenore
-full of herbs probably for cooking
-blankets (about 4), 4 containers of rum

Found inside several dead bodies-
20 candles
20 pieces of chalk
2 Perfume (woman)
2 Bells
Signal Whistle

Kriv looks at the others. "Do we want to consider burning a fire, if we do someone should take guard through the night. We could rotate in shifts. I think 3 of us could likely do that leaving one sleeping the whole night."

Kriv considers his make shift tent and will he enjoys the idea of staying inside he was raised in the wild. More than likely he will eventually stray away from tent as he requires more protection from the elements.

Andar sets up his tent and places his chest and pack within.  Looks around for some small pieces of wood. " What do we have in the way of fishing equipment?  Might be good to try to catch some fish to eat so we don't burn through our rations." What else has been found from the ship?
 Did anyone find a leather strap with a key floating around?  I lost the key to my chest and can't open it now.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Thu 21 Mar.

"We can't be burning any fires. It will attract predators and from what we have seen today those predators, no doubt, will be BIG!" Argus says as a warning. He continues, "We need to discuss, as a group, what our options are and the direction we will take."

"First things first though. We need to start off with the understanding that Yawgo has lived and survived this island and the rest of us have not. We need to be hanging by his every piece of advice."

"Second: Tell us something about yourself, where you're from, what you do for a living, skills you have, etc. It's extremely important for us to know what our strengths and weaknesses are. But back to Yawgo. Where is he anyway?" He asks bewildered.

Lenore frowned with the mentioning of fishing. "I tried that earlier.. the turtle didn't like that. So I probably wouldn't."
She decided to be the last person to talk if it was required, being more comfortable with listening and keeping the plan simple than having another voice potentially complicate things. It was already a tricky and sticky mess.

Kriv speaks up first, "I am a traveler. No home. More of a vagabond of sorts but I do have some survive skills that maybe of help. Growing up living on the land has given me advantage surviving off what I can find rather than trying to eat my rations. I won't tell you that I am a master of survival but I can hold my own."

"Andar is up next."Argus says after Kriv finished speaking.

I am Andar Silverblade.  I was on my way to visit my uncle when the ship was attacked.  I am a wonderer and have been exiled from my home.  I am a Priest of Light.  I used to be a Scribe but now only follow the Light.  So I wonder all over.

He looks around at each of the members here.

"I will be trying to make sure everyone here remains healthy while here."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Mon 01 Apr.

"Well.. I'm Lenore. Trying to get enough to eat back in the city when a good opportunity sprung up. Just my luck this happened huh? Needless to say, no training or combat experience.. But I will do what I can. Surely there's a search party going to be sent to find out what happened to our ship.. right?" The half-elf comments.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:49, Mon 01 Apr.

Kriv rolls his eyes at the attempt to some how form a team. "I am turning in. Regardless of what is going on here we need sleep. In the morning I am getting up and I am going to hopefully find a better location to survive in but we will see."

He grabs a few branches and sets them around his tent in tactical fashion about 15 feet or so way. If anyone asks he mubbles, "Alarms.". Before heading back to his tent for a well deserved rest.

Argus steps up, "My name is Argus Alanai. I am an infantry soldier in the army of the free city of Esha, 4th Cohort 2nd Battalion."

He stops, looks around at his new friends, and then continues, "I graduated from a top military academy and training facility where I was taught discipline, how to fight, survive battlefields, strategy & tactics, living off the land, and much more. I also had the honor of serving in one battle."

"I'm not some kind of mighty warrior, but I am honest and true."

"Kriv, I agree with you. Let's talk about it in the morning. For now, I'll take first watch. Goodnight everyone." With that, Argus sits on a large rock for 1st watch duty.

"Wake me for second watch.  I can see in the dark so that will help."

He moves over to his tent and lays out bedding.

Lenore figured out where she stowed away her bedroll and got it setup closeby. "First night will be the most uncomfortable.." She muttered, assuring herself it will only get easier from here. No doubt she'd be resting very, very lightly knowing what myriad of dangers lurked in the woods. She slid on in and lay down.. resting while still covered in the dirt and dust of the day wasn't ideal but she was somewhat used to it from the worse of the city days. "Right.. wake me up when its my turn to keep guard."

The night passes by uneventfully despite the odd sounds here and there. A bit of shaking slightly. But nothing happens. The group sleeps okay, the extra blankets did help. There is no sign of Yawgo. It seems relatively peaceful. The odd birds flutter above in the trees.

Kriv wakes up from his slumber ready to tackle the day and start the adventure. He grabs what little of his gear he decides to take and checks his rations just encase they get stuck somewhere. He takes to filling his flask with a bit of the water from giant leaves in the outskirts of the forest. Topping off whatever he might have been missing.

When someone wakes up he greets them with a "Good morning. Time to start off the day. Sunlight is burning so we need to be moving quickly. No sign of Yawgo either."

Andar rises with the Sun and says his morning devotion and prays for a good day.

"Good Morning Kriv.  Hope you slept well.  Did Yawgo ever make it back to the camp?  He seems angry with us yesterday. Was hoping to learn from him about the island and where we can find food supplies and what is edible and what isn't here."

He picks up his weapons and leaving his pack in the tent along with the Small Chest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:23, Wed 10 Apr.

Kriv scratches his scales. "Not sure. I haven't seen that turtle. He might have grown tired of us not listening to him."

Kriv decides to go by and check on everyone else to make sure they get up and get ready for this trip.

Lenore was up, leant against a tree as she upended her water flask. Drank it up already..
She cast a somewhat disapproving look at the nature of the conversation. "The turtle has helped us a great deal, it's true.. but we can't be relying on him anymore. We're going to have to figure the rest out on our own. So far we know to avoid starting fires, and avoid having any kind of meat on us. Doing so will attract all manner of creatures that live here.. and we should assume most of them are deadly. We should also assume getting into conflict with any of the creatures, even in self-defense should be avoided if possible.. because then the scent of the bodies will attract even larger beasts searching for a meal to our position. I have an idea that we're in a strange place home to huge monsters, both on this island and the sea.. which would explain what happened to our ship." She sighed. Getting out of this one is going to take something special.. most likely.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Thu 11 Apr.

Finishing up half of his daily ration already, Argus stands up to speak after listening intently to the others...

"Good morning. You all bring up valid points. No, we can't just stay here in this spot, we will have to move around and explore. We are not in Yawgo's charge, we are uninvited guests."

He pauses to gather his thoughts, "Today, if we all agree, we will venture a short distance into the island. I feel it's most important to get to high ground so we can get a better idea of the challenges we face, but first we have to find a way to get there. Thoughts?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Mon 15 Apr.

Andar

"Well we have 2 of the "Big Three" survival items covered.  We have shelter and the stream provides water so all we really need is a constant food source.  If we can find something other than fish we could be in a lot better situation.  Fruit trees or maybe a local edible plant. It looks like inland is the only way to go or we could keep walking the beach to see if anything else washes up on shore."

He picks up his weapons and prepares to explore the surrounding area.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Wed 17 Apr.

Once Kriv is sure everyone is up, he takes the lead and begins walking along the beach making sure to keep a lookout for anything that might draw interest. His pack on his black and only a weapon out but no shield for faster traveling. "Keep up!" he calls back to the slackers who maybe waiting or still hesitating.

OOC: 14:20, Today: Kriv Yarjerit rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Perception check. – 20
BOOM! Got dem Eagle-eyes!

"I'm going!"Lenore seemed more than happy to look around on the beach, the feel of the soft warm sand a lot more preferable to the terrain closer to the woods. "I could walk around here all day. Wonder how big an island this is.." She ensured to remember what one of them said about keeping an eye out for fruit trees, wondering if any of those palm trees she occasionally saw but never seen before getting shipwrecked had any kind of fruits.

Argus smiles at Kriv and Lenore for being so eager to explore, "You all heard him let's march!", he says to the others as he starts marching towards Kriv and Lenore.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Mon 22 Apr.

Andar falls in line with the others.

"We should keep an eye out for our friend too.  Let me know if anyone sees him and I'll try to talk to him."

The group travels along the beach, finding nothing. No sign of more of the shipwreck, no sign of tracks. Just beach and more beach. And the woodlands.  About a hour passes and they find  a small cove. Nothing creeps out. There is no sign of life other then the occasional bird like creature hovering above then darts into the woodlands. No sign of Yawgo either. Perhaps he either took off, is following the group or is just elsewhere if alive.

https://www.earthtrekkers.com/...Cove.jpg.optimal.jpg

Kriv frustrated by not finding anything looks at the rest of the group. "What should we do now?" he says looking at the group. "I almost think that not finding anything on the beach, it would be better to travel into the woodland itself and loop back around to camp if we continue to find nothing."

Andar

"Well we are hear, let's check out the cove and see if there are any tidal flats that trap fish and oysters when the tide goes out.  Probably could be a good spot to feed us if nothing else.  And we could use the cove for shelter too.  Would just have to explore it first to make sure there are no unfriendly things in there."

Argus considers Kriv and Andar’s suggestions for a brief moment, ”We should do both. We can explore the cove now and then circle inland to camp.” He likes the idea of a cove as a shelter. Hopefully, it can provide food as Andar suggests.

"A cove.. why, it looks lovely here." She tapped her lip. Truly looked like a place befitting a painting. And a place that could have been lovely to go swimming in, if not for the fact it was probably way too dangerous given the aberrant and savage nature of the inhabitants. She sighed. For now she'd have to be happy with just enjoying the sand and sights, which was just fine.

"Indeed.. no need to hurry back so soon. We have all the time in the world to scrape every inch of this whole island until a ship that doesn't get wrecked happens by."

Kriv steps up in front of the others. "I'll take the lead.". He pulls out his weapon just encase something gets the drop on him and walks swiftly looking for any signs of tracks or anything interesting that the group might be looking for.

09:50, Today: Kriv Yarjerit rolled 18 using 1d20.  Perception check. – 18
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Mon 29 Apr.

”I got your right flank.”, Argus says as he positions himself 5’ behind and to the right of Kriv.

Still looking forward without turning his head, he calls out to Andar and Lenore, ”Kriv is taking point. Andar, cover Kriv’s left flank, like I am but on his left. Lenore, stay behind us with that bow nocked and at the ready.”

Perception check entering the cove. 11:36, Today: Argus Alanai rolled 7 using 1d20+3 ((4)).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Mon 29 Apr.

Lenore blinked as everyone was readying their arms. "Expecting trouble?" Looking about she didn't notice anything to be out of the ordinary. "..Very well. Suppose this far into unfamiliar territory there's no reason not to be cautious." For what felt like the first time in a long while she felt the rough curve of her old bow and the sinewy length of an arrow around her fingers again.


12:01, Today: Lenore rolled 8 using 1d20+4 ((4)). Perception

Andar moves to the left side and watches the water for anything out of the ordinary (ripples, waves, or reflections).  Holding his quarterstaff at the ready.

"Ready on the right.  Just take it slow."

---

16:38, Today: Andar Silverblade rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Perception. – 22
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Tue 30 Apr.

Kriv looks back to Lenore, "Did you not see those creatures when we ran into Yawgo. My assumption is there are more of them and not all of them are going to friendly."

He continues on looking out for anything that might attack.

”Yes indeed”, Argus says agreeing with Kriv. ”I think it’s safe to assume there’s got to be some beasties here with bigger teeth.”

As the group approaches the cave, it seems to be just that-a cave. It looks like it loops around and goes into the darkness further on as the group checks out the entrance. It seems somewhat save, a small stream flowing from the outside into it.

Kriv notices something and points to the group. "Look! There, there is something in there." he says. "I know I saw something. But I am unsure what. Ready your weapons!" Kriv pulls out his weapons and readies his shield for whatever he just saw hoping it turns out to be nothing.

Argus using an overhand grip places his spear on the spear groove of his shield and points it in the direction that Kriv pointed out and advances 5 feet forward to form a frontline with Kriv.

”Show yourself!”, Argus barks out.

OOC: Perception roll, 18:30, Today: Argus Alanai rolled 20 using 1d20+3 ((17)) 20
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Sun 05 May.

"There is something moving in there. Looks Man sized, but do not attack until they do.  We don't need to make enemies out of someone we don't have to."

He lets his weapon point sag but keeps his shield up.

"Not sure they understand what your saying."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:59, Mon 06 May.

"Hrm.." Lenore stays put, bow lowered, but readied, and watches, more or less letting the others handle the decision making. Hopefully it was nothing.. and it'd proceed to be another day of life lived without a large monster keen on putting a stop to that.

Nothing pops out upon the fighter's request and order. Two creature  stands at the entrance, making cawing sounds but they don't attack.

https://as2.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/0...RImWEC31i34l8JBu.jpg

Spear still pointing forward Argus turns his head quickly in the direction of the two new creatures at the entrance for a fast look at them and then looks back at whatever is in the dark in front of him.

He says to Lenore, “If those two at the entrance become threatening get to the other side of me, I will cover you.”

“Kriv, what next?” , Argus asks.

Kriv looks at the two creatures trying to figure out what they are. He judges their movements with his eyes trying to get an idea of they will be a problem moving past them. He advances towards them with his defenses raised.

OOC: I want to check the creatures for any signs of aggression.
11:34, Today: Kriv Yarjerit rolled 1 using 1d20.  Animal handling. – 1
OH NO! Don't listen to me!

Lenore nodded, frowning somewhat warily as Kriv approached the lizard-like creatures.. but then again, maybe a draconic being would have something in common with them. "Well.. seems like the best person to approach those atleast.." She muttered, eyeing to see what happens next.

Argus notices Kriv moving defensively towards the two new creatures at the entrance. He covers Kriv’s back by walking backwards behind him, still pointing his spear and shield in the same direction towards the creatures inside the cove, just in case.

“Are you going to introduce yourself?”, Argus asks Kriv with a chuckle.

“Andar. Lenore. Stay sharp.”, he says with sudden concern in his voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Mon 13 May.

The two dinosaurs hiss and when the paladin gets close enough, they attack! They move towards Kriv, flanking him.

Dino 1-Bite Attack: Misses
Dino 1-Claw Attack: Hits/20 to hit
Dino 2-Bite Attack: Misses
Dino 2 Claw Attack: Misses

Damage to Kriv: 3 Damage

Group is up!
--------------------------------------------
Lenore: 21
-AC: 15
-24/24
--------------------------------------------
Andar: 20
-AC
-18//18
--------------------------------------------
Kriv: 17
-Attacked by 2 dinosaurs (Flanked)
-AC: 19
-24/21
--------------------------------------------
Argus: 14
-AC: 18
-24/24
--------------------------------------------
Dinosaurs: 5
-AC 12
-Dino 1: 16/16
-Dino 2: 16/16

As the creature clamps down on Kriv he looks back to Argus with smile before swiping up with his morning star landing a decisive blow against the creature. "Foul beast, let me introduce you to my wraith." he says swinging the morning star and bring up his shield in defense ready for the next attack.

HP 24> 21
08:47, Today: Kriv Yarjerit rolled 10 using 1d8+3.  Damage to Dino 1. – 10
08:47, Today: Kriv Yarjerit rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  To hit Dino 1. – 22

Argus moves and turns 180° and attacks the beast on the right flank of Kriv.

To Hit: 17
Damage: 11
08:56, Today: Argus Alanai rolled 17,9 using 1d20+7,d8+6.  First attack against Dino's in Cove.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:57, Wed 15 May.

"Damn.." Well atleast they knew that kind of creature was the one to avoid.. or one to try get rid of straight away.

As agreed upon she ensures to stay near and behind Argus.

She drew an arrow back, taking a few moments to try center it, fingers shaking from the drawstring tension. They weren't the easiest things to hit, but ultimately when the arrow released it struck fairly cleanly. Hopefully that luck kept up. (59/60 shots left)

15:10, Today: Lenore rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  longbow attack to hit dino1

15:11, Today: Lenore rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7. Damage roll
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Tue 14 May.

One of the dinos is hit with the arrow and after the fighter's attack-it looks down at its now bloody chest and collapses. The other dinosaur cawws a few times just as Kriv's morningstar cracks its arm and the cleric fires. The arrow hits it in its head. It takes a few steps back and collapes. It goes silent, eerily silent. The group pauses. Nothing comes out of the entryway or within the confines of the cave.

Kriv breathes in deeply but not letting his guard down. He goes a little deeper into the cave trying to get vision of any more of the creatures. "Follow me close" he says quietly. "We will come back for the meat later. Might be able to use the hides for something."

Argus, now with an adrenaline rush, nods his head at Kriv and says excitedly, "We got our first battle out of the way, lead on!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Fri 17 May.

"Just don't forget what the turtle said about storing meat. If we're going to harvest some.. best use it right away." She kept up with the rest but seemed skeptical about the point of doing so.. in her mind a cave meant a bunch of risk for no reward, not being one to believe the storybook pictures of piles of gold glinting in darkness. Atleast her eyes let her see pretty well in such places, but had to trust those that didn't had the good sense to decide to turn back or atleast find a torch.

"We have done well for our first engagement.  But do not get to inflated.  I am not sure these were adults.  And we were ready for them"

He moves forward to retrieve his arrow knowing the supply was limited until he could make more.

"Anyone hurt?  Let me know if you get injured.  Here a small cut can get infected since we have no way to stay clean."