Chapter 1: The Arrival

load previous
Feb 14, 2025 1:00 am
Novac smiled at Dalton. "I'm still betting my joint was laced with some kind of mushroom. I don't think I've changed much—maybe I've gotten a little taller. The prison clothes were loose when I got them, but now they're too tight. I don't feel any older, and I don't feel any younger either, but I was pretty young to begin with. Out of all of us, I seem to have changed the least." Novac didn't want to mention that he previously wouldn't have even known how to hold that shiv correctly. He had never owned a weapon. He was a burglar and a thief. His line of defense had always been to run.
Last edited February 14, 2025 1:08 am
Feb 14, 2025 12:39 pm
Once you are ready, you leave the temple behind, heading into the jungle as you follow the map. As you push forward through the dense undergrowth, it quickly becomes clear that this will not be an easy journey. The trees around you tower to heights of 100 feet or more, their dense canopy of woven branches and creeping vines allowing only traces of sunlight to reach the forest floor. Fortunately, both AJ and Al seem to be able to see through darkness unimpeded. Dalton and Novac would be stumbling through the treacherous undergrowth blind, though, if not for the dim light AJ's body gives off, a faint glow illuminating the area around her.

Aside from the darkness, though, you frequently find your path blocked by thorny shrubbery, sudden ravines, or other obstacles that force you to find an alternate route. The journey is grueling, and it isn't long before you find yourselves drenched in sweat from exertion and the humidity, your clothes sporting numerous rips and tears. The map shows the settlement is only 10 miles away from the temple, but even traveling that far before nightfall may prove to be a herculean task.

The jungle around you is alive with a riot of life. Birds, monkeys, frogs, snakes, and an infinite profusion of insects chirp, screech, and buzz, creating a cacophonous chorus to accompany you.
OOC:
In order to navigate the jungle successfully, one of you must attempt a Survival check to Sense Direction. A second PC may attempt to Aid if they wish.
Feb 14, 2025 1:12 pm
Dalton looked around at all the trees. Thank whatever fate this was that this dream body did not come with asthma and other problems of his real one. He would have passed out long ago - of course ironically he probably was passed out in a hospital some where.

"I don't remember dreams being this hard... although I used to have nightmares of giant spiders in my bedroom, so I keep looking for that."

He looked around at the trees - "Don't suppose anyone was carrying a compass? Are we lost you think? We probably need to start worrying about clean water."
OOC:

Dalton is untrained in Survival, so only a +1. Anyone who has it should probably be the one making the roll obviously :)
Feb 14, 2025 2:12 pm
"I keep hoping this might be dream. But in the worst case scenario that it’s not, looking for clean water is a good idea."

"Trees like these might have moss or fungi that could tell us something…"
OOC:
Al would attempt to see if the moss/fungi grows in a certain direction that might let them know of the current direction of their travel (north, south, east, west).
OOC:
Sorry, roll should say "Sense direction"
Last edited February 14, 2025 2:13 pm

Rolls

Determine cardinal direction - (1d20+7)

(10) + 7 = 17

Feb 14, 2025 2:21 pm
Al remembers the old adage that "moss always grows on the north side of a tree." While that might not actually be the case, it's a good baseline to start from, and he feels confident as he leads the group in the right direction.

As he walks, though, he starts to become aware of an innate connection he seems to have with the prolific flora of the forest. The subtle movements of the leaves seems to be almost a language unto itself. Maybe even a language he can speak?
OOC:
@cellarnovice, you've become aware of your Plant Empathy feat and how to use it. :D
Feb 14, 2025 3:13 pm
"There’s that feeling again. I can’t tell where my legs end and the earth begins."

Al stopped walking and focused on the flora, which seemed to be shifting around him. "They’re going to think I’ve lost my mind. Shit, I’m not even sure myself.

"C-can you hear me? We’re lost, and looking for a settlement somewhere north of this area. If you understand me, give me a sign."
Feb 14, 2025 3:50 pm
The vines and moss seem to whisper back in a voice only Al can hear: "That way...

To Al, the undergrowth seems to move slightly, as if beckoning him forward in the direction you were traveling...
Feb 14, 2025 4:03 pm
Al turned to face the group, one hand palming his forehead. "Alright, trying not to freak out right now but I just heard the plants speak to me, and I mean that literally."

He then gestured towards the path indicated by the undergrowth.

"Seems like we’re on the right track. I’ll admit I have no way of knowing if I’m right, but it’s the best we’ve got for now."

Al lowered his arm, staring once again at his now-green hands.

"If this is a dream, now would be a good time to wake up. If this isn’t … please don’t let me be wrong. They’re all counting on me."
Feb 14, 2025 5:04 pm
"The plants speak to me too, but usually have to smoke them first" The joke fell flat even to Novak, so he added, "Weird as it sounds, I actually believe you. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the trees woke up and started talking, like some cheesy Amazon Prime remake of Lord of the Rings," he said, a worried expression on his face. He was beyond questioning whether he was high. This was serious. The exhaustion, the sweat, the thirst—all too real. They desperately needed to find the town, water, or shelter. Novak turned to Al. "Can the plant tell you how far the town is? Or where we can find water? We're all pretty dehydrated after walking so long in this heat."
Last edited February 14, 2025 5:08 pm
Feb 14, 2025 5:11 pm
Dalton looked at the green man, well kind of a man, maybe something out of Lord of the Rings. Maybe he was like swamp thing or something.

He shakes his head, smiling broadly, "Can't believe I'm saying this, but you talking to plants might not even make the top 10 of strange stuff that's happened today."

With a shrug, "I'm almost blind in here - so your direction is as good as any. I can't believe you can see anything - and AJ glowing - which is on that list of unusual things somewhere."
Feb 14, 2025 8:50 pm
As the group traveled, AJ would periodically rub her jaw, arms, and neck. Even my skin feels different. At one point, the sleeve on her right arm is torn by some shrubbery. A hint of blue appears from beneath. Rolling up her sleeve some, there is a scaly, demonic-looking tattoo sleeve encompassing her arm. The armor plates of ink on her forearm are highlighted with blue. I guess not everything has changed.

The darkness of the jungle would have unnerved her if she wasn't different now. Being able to see in it helped, but there was also a part of her that felt more comfortable with it now. The dim glow around her helping the others was quite convenient for them, at least.

"Why'd you have to go and mention spiders? I hate spiders. Who knows what kind of shit is in this jungle? I feel itchy everywhere now. As if being sweaty and tired as hell ain't enough."

Watching Al stop to talk to plants threw her off for a moment before she remembered that there was all manner of crazier things done before that moment. Hearing Novac mention water caused her to start vigorously nodding in agreement.

"Yes, water, please. And sorry, I'd make myself brighter if I could. The only way I can think of making more light is to set something on fire. Or burn through the battery on my phone by turning the flash on. Not sure how long that would last."
Feb 14, 2025 8:59 pm
The talk of giant spiders proves to have been an omen for what would come. For at this moment, two enormous ticks, each the size of a small dog, scurry into sight at the edge of AJ’s glowing light! The blood-sucking parasites move with surprising speed as they dart towards you!
OOC:
@DrifterDwarf Dalton may act first! The ticks are 20 feet away from you. It is dim light, so the ticks are concealed unless you have darkvision or low-light vision, or a precise sense other than vision.

Concealed: You are difficult for one or more creatures to see due to thick fog or some other obscuring feature. You can be concealed to some creatures but not others. While concealed, you can still be observed, but you're tougher to target. A creature that you're concealed from must succeed at a DC 5 flat check when targeting you with an attack, spell, or other effect. If the check fails, you aren't affected. Area effects aren't subject to this flat check.
https://2e.aonprd.com/Images/Monsters/Tick_GiantTick.png

Rolls

Initiative (AJ, Al, Dalton, Novac, Enemies) - (d20+4, d20+7, d20+4, d20+6, d20+6)

d20+4 : (12) + 4 = 16

d20+7 : (12) + 7 = 19

d20+4 : (20) + 4 = 24

d20+6 : (4) + 6 = 10

d20+6 : (14) + 6 = 20

Feb 14, 2025 9:39 pm
Seeing the giant shadows of insects scurry out of the gloom as if summoned by Dalton's comment.

"Son of a bitch... I'm sorry if that's my fault."

Usually this was the point where he would wake up, flying out of bed as the giant insect descended on him. That did not seem to be happening at the moment.

Part of his brain wanted to scream, wanted to wake up - but another part was already shifting his stance as the insects approached, judging the distance, muscles tensing - taking over.

Dalton raced forward to strike the nearest insect, then stepped back to give him some room and not be swarmed by them.
OOC:

Not changing stance - basic Monk Unarmed Strikes

Action 1: Move to closest one
Action 2: Flurry of blows
Action 3: 5' step back

Post Roll Edit: That feels like 2 misses - I'm tick food :)
Last edited February 14, 2025 9:42 pm

Rolls

Conceal #1 - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Conceal #2 - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Flurry #1 - (1d20+5)

(2) + 5 = 7

Damage #1 - (1d6+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Flurry #2 - (1d20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Damage #2 - (1d6+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Feb 14, 2025 9:53 pm
Dalton's fists skid harmlessly against the tick's carapace. He steps away, but the ticks scuttle forward to attack. The first one bites his leg, its barbed mouthparts latching onto his flesh! It wraps its legs around him and holds tight as it starts to drain his blood! The other tick bites at him, too, but he is able to fend that one off. Still, he is starting to feel drained as the attached tick greedily sucks down his vital fluids!
OOC:
7 damage total to Dalton. The tick is attached to him and the tick is attached to him. When the giant tick Strikes a creature larger than itself, its barbed hypostome attaches it to that creature. This is similar to Grabbing the creature, but the giant tick moves with that creature rather than holding it in place. The giant tick is off-guard while attached. Dalton can attempt to remove the tick by Escaping (DC 16 Athletics or Acrobatics).

A creature that has its blood drained by a giant tick is drained 1 until it receives healing (of any kind or amount).

Everybody may act!
[ +- ] Drained

Rolls

Hypostome vs Dalton - (d20+8)

(14) + 8 = 22

Damage - (d6+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Blood Drain - (d4)

(4) = 4

Hypostome vs Dalton - (d20+8)

(6) + 8 = 14

Second Attack - (d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Feb 14, 2025 10:10 pm
Dalton - "AGH!!!"
Feb 14, 2025 10:18 pm
Novak seing how the spider like creatures are trying to suck blood stay away from melee range. Moves within 10 feet of them and then throws the Hatchet. How did he know how to do this ?
OOC:
Action 1 move
Action 2 throw
Action 3 move out of range
Sorry I forgot the flat check the first time around
Last edited February 14, 2025 10:22 pm

Rolls

Hatchet - Atk/Dam - (1d20+4, 1d6+1)

1d20+4 : (11) + 4 = 15

1d6+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Flat check - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Feb 15, 2025 2:31 pm
Al watched the giant tick latch itself onto Dalton.

"Dalton!"

Instinctively, Al rushed forward without a plan. He felt the same feeling when he summoned lightning, and knew his magic was activating. He raised his arm and power surged through it, sharpening Al’s nails into claws.
OOC:
Action 1: Stride to Dalton
Actions 2 + 3: Cast Gouging Claw (cantrip)
OOC:
Gouging claw also adds 2 persistent bleed damage
Last edited February 15, 2025 2:35 pm

Rolls

Attack roll - (1d20+7)

(17) + 7 = 24

Damage roll - (2d6)

(44) = 8

Feb 17, 2025 12:07 pm
The tick ripped through his jeans and leeched onto his leg, the pain was intense. 'This dream officially sucked... and an bad pun too...WTF"

A well of energy opened within Dalton and he grabbed at it desperately. Lines of force swirled down his arms, surrounding his fists as he pounded at the tick which bit his leg.
OOC:

I'm skipping the conceal roll on this tick - Dalton knows where it is ;) Tick should be off guard to Dalton since it is busy feasting on him. YUCK!!

Action 1: Inner Upheaval - Flurry of Blows - Force Damage
Action 2: Escape Attempt if it is still alive
Action 3: Step away from the other tick.

Rolls

Flurry #1 - - (1d20+4+3+1)

(19) + 8 = 27

Damage #1 - (1d6+3, 1d6)

1d6+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

1d6 : (5) = 5

Flurry #2 - (1d20+4+3+1-4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Damage #2 - (1d6+3, 1d6)

1d6+3 : (5) + 3 = 8

1d6 : (5) = 5

Athletics (Str) - (1d20+6)

(11) + 6 = 17

Feb 17, 2025 1:05 pm
The sight of the skittering parasites made AJ's skin crawl. Between the sticky heat, humidity of the jungle, and now these things, she wanted to be sick. Until she saw one of them bleeding Dalton.

"Get the fuck off of him!"

AJ rushed forward, bearing a blazing gout of fury in her fist.

Rolls

Ignition - Melee Spell Attack vs. AC - (1d20+7)

(5) + 7 = 12

Ignition - Damage - (2d6)

(35) = 8

Feb 17, 2025 1:27 pm
Neither AJ nor Novac are able to land a good hit on the tick sucking Dalton's blood. Fortunately, Dalton takes matters into his own hands. His fists glow with energy as he strikes down at the tick on his leg, scoring a critical hit. The arachnid splatters into chunks of ichor and carapace, splashing Dalton with his own blood that had been drained. The violent removal of the tick leaves a deep, bleeding wound behind.

Undeterred, Dalton immediately lashes out at the other tick, leaving a deep wound behind. Al capitalizes on the injury as he moves in channels primal power into his hand, transforming it into a claw with which he rips the tick apart! The fight is over, but Dalton continues to bleed.
OOC:
Dalton suffers 1 persistent bleed damage until the injury is healed or he succeeds at a DC 15 flat check at the end of a round (DC 10 if somebody helps him by staunching the wound with their hands or bandages or the like).
load next

You do not have permission to post in this thread.