Sodden Stories: Scene 2 - Exploring the Jungle

[admin]

Pixel turns to Ecmund
“The watch was much boring! Whoever said woods are scary is totally dummy!” he claims, winking at the others with a large grin on his face.

“Food now?” He offerts to rekindle the fire if more wood can be brought - even if a bit wet, he would cast many fire cantrips onto the campfire until the fire takes.

Notes

HPs: 14/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

[Silverstone]

Tover smiles at Pixel, packs up and readies himself to eat and head back out.

[JellyBrains]

Victor walks around the camp, trying to match the smell of the big cat last night to any footprints or other signs.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Back in time Survival check + 8

 

[rednetra]

Helping out making the meal for the morning. Cleaning up the camp but always keeping an eye and mind out into the jungleI found last night to be a very soothing experience and mesmerizing in many ways listening to the rain hit the canopy or the sounds of the jungle.

[Jinxs-3d]

Arkyat will assist with morning breakfast and when finished begin pack up the nights camp. He will use his skill as a Forager to render additional food for the party as needed, saving the parties food supplies when possible.

Survival (Foraging; Subsist): see Discord.

From: Archives of Nethys (legacy)
While using Survival to Subsist, if you roll any result worse than a success, you get a success. On a success, you can provide subsistence living for yourself and four additional creatures, and on a critical success, you can take care of twice as many creatures as on a success.

Each time your proficiency rank in Survival increases, double the number of additional creatures you can take care of on a success (to eight if you’re an expert, 16 if you’re a master, or 32 if you’re legendary). You can choose to care for half the number of additional creatures and provide a comfortable living instead of subsistence living.

Multiple smaller creatures or creatures with significantly smaller appetites than a human are counted as a single creature for this feat, and larger creatures or those with significantly greater appetites each count as multiple creatures. The GM determines how much a non-human creature needs to eat.

[holydeg]

As you break camp and follow Ecmund’s lead southeast, the dense jungle slowly begins to thin, giving way to the sound of rushing water. Before long, you come upon a wide, fast-flowing river cutting through the landscape. The water is choppy, swollen from the continuous rain, and looks deep in places, though there are a few calmer patches where the current appears weaker. The muddy shore they stand on is narrow and slippery, with thick undergrowth pressing close, making travel along it difficult.

Ecmund consults his guidebook, frowning slightly as he traces a finger along the worn map. “According to this, we need to stay on this course to reach the old Yamasa farms”, he says, glancing up at the river. “But we have a choice here. We can try to cross the river now or follow it along the shore for a while until we find a better spot or reach a natural crossing.”

[admin]

“Easy! We build boat to cross, to avoid the drowning!!” Pixel says, pointing at the forest and the abundant tree therein.

Notes

HPs: 14/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

[JellyBrains]

OUT OF CHARACTER

How far across the river?

 

[holydeg]

OUT OF CHARACTER

How far across the river?

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

about 60 feet

 

[Silverstone]

OUT OF CHARACTER

is our direction upsteam or downstream? Since we broke camp are we following a path aka this maybe was best spot to cross before rainy tears, or were we buswhacking our own path?

 

Tover says “walking right next to tiver seems risky, we would need to head in 10? Feet to be less slippery but close enough to monitor for a better crossing, also that farm may have had a better crossing naturally, maybe a reason they picked that spot initially...”

If heading upsteam “my vote is we keep walking hoping for better crossing conditions, so long as we don't run out of trees? ”

If heading downstream, “if we keep walking we may find a better crossing but risk this joining another river adding volume, we could try work to cross here, but im nervous a floating platform/ boat will still be really hard for all of us and gear...so lets walk more and see until we run out of trees or river grows?”

[holydeg]

OUT OF CHARACTER

is our direction upsteam or downstream? Since we broke camp are we following a path aka this maybe was best spot to cross before rainy tears, or were we buswhacking our own path?

 

The path you have been on continues downstream, but Ecmund is indicating that you need to break from the path at this point by either crossing the river now, or by following the river upstream.

OUT OF CHARACTER

I see one vote for crossing the river and one vote for looking for somewhere easier to ford through. Pixel, can you give me a Crafting check in case you attempt to cross the river here?

 

[admin]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Pixel's Crafting Check: 18

 

Notes

HPs: 14/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

[rednetra]

OUT OF CHARACTER

how strong is the current and how deep is it

 

I do think that we might want to build a small raft maybe not sure you tall folk but Pixel and myself my have issues being we are a wee smaller. We are already soaked so that should not be an issue but the raft might also be good for supply’s we do not wish to get completely destroyed from being submerged. I would lift them
Across the river with my telekinesis. Any way I would rather not swim but if that is our best bet then so be it.

[Silverstone]

OUT OF CHARACTER

were we following a path, and this used to be a spot people used to use to cross?

 

Tover says “Inva, how much weight can you mentally move and how far? Ex. Pixel holds a rope and and you move him above the river and he ties off the rope, forming a rope acrosa the river??”

[rednetra]

I could do a mage hand but sadly I could not lift Pixel just yet. Maybe after I train up a little I will be able to.

[holydeg]

Going back in timeShow

Victor walks around the camp, trying to match the smell of the big cat last night to any footprints or other signs.

OUT OF CHARACTER

I apologize, I missed seeing this entry. Can you give me a survival check for it, please?

 

Meanwhile, back at the riverShow

With Pixel's guidance, you set to work gathering materials for a makeshift raft. Using sturdy branches, vines, and some rope from your supplies, you manage to lash together a small but serviceable raft. You work quickly yet carefully, driven by Pixel's surprisingly adept instructions. The goblin's nimble fingers deftly tie knots and fasten the makeshift vessel’s parts together, and soon, the raft takes shape, simple but sturdy.

As the rain continues to drizzle, the party moves the completed raft to the water's edge. You secure your packs and gear to the raft with extra ropes, ensuring everything is tightly bound against the possibility of a rough crossing. The river's current is swift, but the edges appear manageable.

With a final check to make sure everything is in place, you push the raft into the water. The current catches it almost immediately, pulling the craft forward with surprising speed. You clamber aboard, carefully balancing yourselves as the raft rocks beneath you. The chill of the river's spray hits your faces, the cold water splashing over the sides as you grip the raft’s edges to steady yourselves.

Pixel, standing at the front, uses a long stick to push off from the shore and steer the raft. Tover and Victor position themselves along the sides, using makeshift paddles to help guide the raft and keep it steady. Arkyat, with his powerful frame, helps in the rear, using his strength to maneuver the craft and keep it pointed toward the opposite bank. Inva sits near the supplies, making sure the ropes stay tight, her eyes occasionally darting to the surrounding water, alert for any surprises.

The river’s current tugs at the raft, trying to spin it sideways, but the group works in unison, paddling and adjusting your weight to keep it on course. The water surges against the sides, splashing and spraying, soaking your clothes and leaving them shivering, but the raft holds firm.

A small whirlpool forms ahead, causing the raft to rock dangerously.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Tover, Victor, and Arkyat, please give me Athletics checks, or a relevant Lore skill check, to maneuver the raft around the whirlpool. Pixel and Inva, please give me Acrobatics checks, or a relevant Lore skill, to maintain your balance.

 

[admin]

Pixel's Acrobatics Check: 22 !

Notes

HPs: 14/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

[Silverstone]

Tover Athletics check 23

[rednetra]

OUT OF CHARACTER

INVA acrobatics CHECK IS 22

 

[JellyBrains]

Victor's Athletics check 12

[Jinxs-3d]

Arkyat's Athletic Check (discord) : 26!!

[holydeg]

The current grows stronger, and the water churns angrily, tugging at the sides of the raft, threatening to spin it toward the heart of the whirlpool. You spring into action, working to keep the vessel under control.

Arkyat, his muscles straining, digs his makeshift paddle into the water with powerful strokes. His Orcish strength is enough to push the raft partially out of the whirlpool’s pull, though the effort causes the raft to wobble dangerously. Tover, though smaller in stature, paddles with fierce determination, his years of adventuring giving him the grit to power through the challenge. Together, they manage to prevent the raft from being sucked into the swirling waters.

Victor, however, is not as fortunate. As he tries to paddle with the same intensity, the water surges against him unexpectedly, jerking the paddle from his grasp. His eyes widen as the paddle spins out of his hands, carried swiftly downstream by the powerful current. He hisses, trying to grab for it, but it’s too late—the paddle is gone. Without a paddle, Victor scrambles to steady himself on the slick, unsteady raft.

Meanwhile, at the center of the raft, Ecmund, still largely unaware of the danger, loses his footing as the raft rocks violently. His arms flail, and he teeters on the edge, about to be thrown into the water. Pixel, quick to react, abandons his efforts with the paddle and darts toward Ecmund. With a firm grip, he grabs the dwarf’s arm, pulling him back toward the center of the raft.

Inva, not far from Pixel, focuses on the gear. The raft rocks again, and the crates and packs tied down to the center of the raft shift dangerously. With impressive agility, she maneuvers through the chaos, tightening the ropes and ensuring the supplies stay in place. Her quick thinking and calm demeanor prevent the valuable gear from toppling into the water, saving the party from losing their essentials.

For a few heart-pounding moments, the raft is on the edge of disaster. The whirlpool’s pull continues to tug at them, and without Victor’s paddle, they are at a disadvantage. But with Arkyat and Tover’s combined strength, and Pixel and Inva keeping Ecmund and the supplies secure, the group manages to break free from the whirlpool’s grip. The raft veers away from the swirling waters, back toward the calmer part of the river.

For a few tense moments, the raft is carried into deeper waters where the current grows stronger, pushing you off course. You adjust quickly, with Arkyat and Tover using their paddles to fight against the river's pull, while Pixel expertly guides you back toward the shallower, calmer water. The raft creaks under the strain, but the vines and ropes hold tight.

After what feels like an eternity, the opposite bank comes into view, and the current begins to slow. You continue to paddle with determination, and, bit by bit, you close the distance. Finally, with a collective sigh of relief, the raft scrapes against the rocky shore on the other side. You’ve made it across.

You leap off the raft and quickly drag it ashore, securing it to a sturdy tree with more rope. The rain has soaked you through, and while your supplies remain intact, everything is drenched and needs to be dried out. Water drips from your clothes and gear, pooling at your feet.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Everyone, please make your choice of an Athletics, Crafting, or Survival check to dry yourself and your gear as best you can. Victor, please see the "Going Back in Time" section of my last post for a Check I missed having you roll earlier in the story.

 

[admin]

Pixel will see if he can start a small fire - under some cover - to help dry out!

OUT OF CHARACTER

Crafting Check for Pixel', 11 ⟵ [8] 1d20 + 3

 

Notes

HPs: 14/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

[Silverstone]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Tover athletics check 13. Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks for Scene 2

 

[JellyBrains]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Victor's survival check 18

 

[holydeg]

Back in timeShow

While inspecting the brush around the campsite, Victor notices two types of foreign footprints: one from a biped with triangular, webbed footpads and one from a quadruped with paws.

Cold, wet, and tired from the struggle to avoid the whirlpool, your efforts to dry your supplies are in vain. As you pack up and continue your journey, you are all Fatigued

Ecmund, still eager despite the exhausting river crossing, consults his guidebook once more, pointing the party southeast toward the remnants of the old Yamasa farms. He gestures ahead, oblivious to the dangers that lie hidden in the thick jungle foliage.

As you begin your march, Victor, scouting ahead, senses something unusual. The subtle sound of leaves rustling isn’t from the rain or the wind—it’s different. His sharp instincts kick in as he peers through the vines, his eyes narrowing. He halts the group with a quick hand signal, his ears twitching as he listens more intently.

Hanging from the vines above and coiling behind tree trunks are a number of bush vipers—small, but deadly. The snakes’ vibrant green and yellow scales blend almost perfectly with the foliage, making them nearly invisible to anyone not paying close attention. Their bodies are slender but muscular, wrapped lazily around the vines, some with their heads drooping down like the jungle’s own twisted fruit. Others remain coiled around the bases of trees, their bright eyes watching, tongues flicking out to taste the air.

You can avoid the snake-filled terrain with a successful Nature or Stealth check

Succeed DC 15 Nature or StealthShow

Every movement you make is slow and deliberate, the tension palpable in the air. The jungle seems to quiet as you inch forward, your senses heightened by the knowledge that one wrong step could spell disaster.

You notice a hanging viper swaying just ahead, its tail coiled around a vine, head drooping lazily, tongue flicking in and out to taste the moisture-laden air. The snake, its emerald scales nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding greenery, remains still, unaware—or uninterested—in your approach.

With a soft intake of breath, you take a step to the side, making sure not to disturb any nearby foliage. Your foot lands silently on the damp jungle floor, avoiding twigs or fallen leaves that might snap or rustle. Each movement feels excruciatingly slow, but there is no other way through this deadly obstacle.

As you crouch lower to pass beneath the viper, the snake's cold, unblinking eyes seem to follow you, though the creature doesn't react. Perhaps it is sluggish from the rain, content to remain coiled in its arboreal perch. Your heartbeat pounds in your ears, but your hand stays steady, gripping a nearby vine for balance.

The jungle feels closer than ever—the dense underbrush, the hanging vines, and the constant rainfall, all adding to the oppressive atmosphere. You press on, body tensed, shoulders hunched, and breath shallow. With a final, careful step, you manage to pass beneath the snake without disturbing it.

The moment you are clear of the viper’s vicinity, you let out a sigh of relief. Though the jungle remains treacherous, you have successfully navigated one of its dangers.

Failed DC 15 Nature or StealthShow

The jungle’s calm veneer shatters in an instant. Perhaps it wass a misstep—a boot catching on a root, or a hand brushing too close to a vine as you tried to balance yourself. Whatever the cause, the consequence is immediate.

Your movement sends a vibration through one of the vines, disturbing a nearby bush viper. The snake's coiled body suddenly comes to life, its eyes narrowing, and its once-lazy posture transforms into an alert, predatory stance. Its tongue flicks out rapidly, sensing the heat and movement of the intruding adventurer.

With terrifying speed, the viper uncoils from the vine, dropping down in a fluid motion toward you. The hiss of the snake cuts through the rain-soaked air like a sharp whistle, its fangs bared as it strikes. The snake's vibrant green and yellow body almost blurs as it lashes out, aiming for your exposed flesh.

Make a Fortitude Save

Succeed DC 15 Fortitude SaveShow

The bush viper’s fangs sink into your skin, the initial sting is sharp but fleeting. A surge of adrenaline floods your system, sharpening your focus as you instinctively jerk back, your muscles tense and ready. The snake, sensing resistance, recoils, retreating back into the vine with a hiss.

The burning sensation of the venom lingers for a moment, spreading from the bite mark as if fire is running through your veins. But this is where your years of training and experience kicks in. You steady yourself, taking a deep breath to focus through the pain.

Your vision sharpens instead of blurring, and the immediate weakness that threatened to take hold dissipates. Your pulse, which had begun to race, slows as your body resists the effects of the venom. The toxins try to spread, but your resilience prevents it from taking full hold.

Though the immediate danger of the bite has passed, you know you must still be cautious. The wound will need attention, and the jungle remains full of vipers ready to strike. But for now, you stand strong, having fought off the venom’s worst effects with sheer will and physical endurance. The jungle won’t claim you so easily.

Failed DC 15 FortitudeShow

You feel a sharp, searing pain as the fangs sink into your skin. The viper retracts quickly after the bite, retreating back to the vine or foliage, ready to strike again if threatened. Meanwhile, the venom begins to work almost immediately, a burning sensation spreading from the bite wound, accompanied by a sudden feeling of heaviness in the limb or body part affected.

Struggling to focus through the pain, you feel your their heart race as the venom spreads, muscles tightening. You stagger, vision blurring momentarily, but your still conscious.

Around you, the vipers are now more alert, a few more shifting from their coils, heads bobbing as they react to the disturbance. The jungle suddenly feels much more hostile, as if every shadow and vine hides a threat.

You stumble out of the viper nest, but must treat your wound. Make a medicine check.

Succeed DC 15 MedicineShow

The first thing you do is drop to one knee, keeping your injured limb as still as possible to prevent the venom from circulating too quickly through your bloodstream. You retrieve politices and bandages from set of Healer's Tools. Your hands move quickly but methodically, even under the threat of danger.

With a grimace, you pull a small knife or sharpened tool from your belt and make a tiny incision around the bite, allowing some of the venom to bleed out. It's a calculated risk, but one you know well from years of adventuring. The dark greenish liquid that seeps out is carefully wiped away with a sterile cloth.

Next, you crush a handful of herbs between you fingers, the bitter smell filling the air. These herbs, are mixed with water from your canteen to form a paste. Without hesitation, you apply the paste directly to the wound, feeling the coolness of the mixture contrast with the burning sensation still radiating from the bite. The herbs begin to neutralize the venom, drawing it out before it can take root in your system.

After applying the poultice, you wrap the wound tightly with a clean bandage, securing it firmly enough to limit circulation but not so tight as to cut it off completely. With a few deep breaths, you stand, already feeling the effects of the venom lessening.

You flex the injured limb, testing it. You still feel a dull ache from the bite, but you know you've averted the worst. You body, strengthened by your resilience and now aided by your quick thinking, will recover fully.

Failed DC 15 MedicineShow

Panic sets in as you scramble to treat the wound. Your hands shake slightly, uncertain how deadly the venom can be if it’s not dealt with swiftly.

You reach for Healer's Tools, hastily pulling out a small knife to make an incision around the bite. But in your urgency, the cut is too shallow, not enough to allow the venom to drain properly. A thin trickle of blood seeps out, but the venom remains trapped in your system. Beads of sweat form on your brow as you realize the mistake.

Next, you fumble with the herbs, mashing them together into a paste too quickly. It’s rushed, and the mixture is less potent than it needs to be. You apply it to the wound, but instead of the cooling relief you expect, the burn of the venom intensifies. Your vision swims for a moment, and you wince, feeling the numbness creeping further into your limb.

Despite your best efforts to bandage the wound, the venom has already begun to spread. The muscles around the bite tighten involuntarily, and a dull ache grows into a painful throb. The character grits their teeth, fighting the growing pain. You try to stand, but your limb feels heavy, resistant to their commands.

Take 1 piercing damage plus 1d4 poison damage from the bites.

[Silverstone]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Tover Nature 9, Fort 12, medicine 16 (success) Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks for Scene 2 Fatigued: -1 AC and Saves

 

[admin]

OUT OF CHARACTER

'Pixel's Nature Check vs snakes (incl. act two bonus) {REROLL with Hero Point}', 24 ⟵ [20] 1d20 + 3 + 1 With his Critical Success, can Pixel help out someone else about to fail his Nature Check?

 

Notes

HPs: 14/14 Hero Points available : 2 1 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

[holydeg]

OUT OF CHARACTER

'Pixel's Nature Check vs snakes (incl. act two bonus) {REROLL with Hero Point}', 24 ⟵ [20] 1d20 + 3 + 1 With his Critical Success, can Pixel help out someone else about to fail his Nature Check?

 

I like this idea, so yes

[holydeg]

After the harrowing journey through the snake infested trees, you take a moment to catch your breath. “Pixel, thank you for helping me get past though vipers!” Ecmund says. Whilst singing a few bars from a popular tavern song, Ecmund gently wipes the wounds away from the two most injured of you.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Ecmund cast Soothe on two of you, which heals 1d10 +4 HP

 

Once again Ecmund guides you through the rain and foliage towards his precious farms.

Suddenly a cry of alarm rings ahead of you, followed by a loud feline growl. You rush forward to find a Grippli at the mercy of a large panther! You have chance to react before combat begins. You can try to scare the panther away (Intimidation check), or make a single attack (Attack roll).