As soon as they entered the temple, Jil released Vistani's arm. She was alarmed at the tone the Tethyrian took with Zitembe. She kept her eye on them as they left. "No," Jil said in response to his question. "We came to speak with Inete. Allow me to introduce my new friends, Vistani, Korine, and Kulan." She points to each of them. "Zitembe, what was that about? What did those men want?"
Hearing the raised voices, so out of place in the serene temple setting, Korine lays a hand on the haft of her hammer as she approaches the cluster of men, following Jil. The argument is cut short as they get near, but not before she recognizes the familiar accents of her countrymen and catches the end of their questioning of the priest.
She greets the elderly priest with a respectful how. "Blessings of the holy be upon you, Grandfather. Are you well? Those men seemed rather insistent, have they been here before?" She paused, recalling the snippet of the conversation she'd overheard. "Artus Cimber, did they say? I've heard of this man. Long retired, I'd thought, but associated with the Harpers back in his adventuring days, if I recall. What would he have to do with anything here in Chult?"
Zitembe motioned over Inete while he considered both Jilwyn and Korine's words carefully. He hemmed and hawed for a moment, grip on his staff a bit tighter, and with a narrowed eyed near piercing stare he gazed at Korine, judging.
"Such respect is rare," he said lightly. "Who are you, gifted child?" His interest practically zeroes in on Korine at this point, all questions brushed off to the wayside.
Inete settles beside her grandfather and softly answers Jilwyn's question with a nervous flutter of her hands. "We don't know Cimber, Jil. He's...people have been asking about him. Perhaps he came to retire? Plenty come to retire in Chult." For a moment Inete paused, and then gasped and her hands slammed up to her face as her cheeks warmed. "Oh, oh! I forgot to greet you. I'm so sorry!" She bowed. "Greetings fair friends. Thank you for coming to this Temple of Savras. How may we assist you?"
Inete glanced to her grandfather, and then sighed in relief when it became apparent how focused on Korine Zitembe was.
"My name is Korine Thunderfist, Grandfather, called to Torm the True, in service to those in need. Though I suspect that is not really your question." She cocks her head, considering both Zitembe and his words. "That answer may be much more complicated."
Vistani gives a gracious bow to Zitembe and Inete when introduced. She listens intently to the words exchanged noting how intent Zitembe was with Korine to the point of not realizing Inete's slip in properly welcoming them. She smiles and laughs a little at Korine's words about it being more complicated.
"I think we complicate things without even trying. Most things boil down to simple, but we just aren't sure how to tell it and sometimes aren't sure what we should tell. Like knowing the right song or story for an audience can seem complicated, but boils down to a few simple formulas." Her smile widens. "But I'm curious of your gifting now, too. Not that I need to know unless it is better I do for future endeavors I may partake with you."
She stops and blushes slightly. "And I tend to talk too much, sorry."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
"Knowing where you come from is as important as knowing what guides you," Zitembe rumbled. He pat Korine on the shoulder with a smile. "Welcome to this humble temple to Savras, follower of Torm. Ask what you may. I shall try to answer."
Inete sighed after a second, eyed her grandfather, and then whispered a soft apology to the rest of the group.
"He's found a favorite," she shrugged. "He won't notice the rest of you for some time, I think." The next second Inete is rubbing at her head as Zitembe lashed out with his staff to thwap her sharply.
"I heard that child."
"Sorry, Grandfather!"
With a huff Zitembe turned to regard the rest of the group. "My offer to Korine stands. Ask what you may. I shall try to answer."
Jil turned to Inete. "As I said, we came to talk to you, as promised. My friends and I are leaving tomorrow morning." She glanced at Zitembe, unsure of how much Inete had told him. She didn't want to get the girl in trouble. "You and I had talked previously on... various matters. I only wanted to let you know that I agree." She hoped Inete caught the subtlety of her words.
Korine answers with a chuckle. "I know where I come from sure enough, but as to who or what guides me? A tougher question, as she speaks in riddles more often than not. I may well take you up on the offer to talk in earnest another time, but for now, we are actually here to speak with Inete. Jilwyn here, who we are just getting to know ourselves, had something to discuss with her."
"I envy your freedom some days, Vistani, and that of Cor'avin. There are times I feel little more than a pawn in a larger game I don't understand, serving a purpose I may not fully see, but knowing my role is vital to others' well-being." She shakes her head. "No, not all is as simple as you'd make it out to be, I think. Not when the gods are involved."
"Well, in the end the simplicity of it comes out, but the journey can be quite the thing. That is what I meant. And we do tend to complicate things rather than going with something simpler that could do the same thing. I'm quite sure there is a greater purpose to every life." She smiles at Korine. "The fun part of the journey is learning how others see the world and engage it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Zitembe chuckles. "A lively group of people you've gathered, Jilwyn," he muses, and then looks to Inete who shuffles nervously. "Hm, you've only come here about Inete's dreams? Fair enough. Please, come settle in one of the rooms and you may discuss further with her."
"Grandfather..." Inete fidgeted.
"Inete," Zitembe rumbled. "You need to discuss details, contracts, meetings...have I not taught you anything, child?" Inete ducked her head. "Now...I believe there is much for you to discuss--and if you have any questions for me, please, don't be afraid to ask." Zitembe eyed Korine. "I am...interested in the reasons for your journey here to Chult, gifted child of Torm, if you choose to indulge me, later."
Inete sighs, and ducks her head towards Zitembe, before she motions for the party to follow. "Please, this way, fair friends. There is much to discuss as Grandfather has said." She leads them to a small study, the walls covered in shelves, and a few tables strewn about with papers, maps, and other random paraphernalia. Inete sucked in a stabilizing breath and folded her hands at her front. "I...believe I said a payment of a hundred gold, correct?" She eyed the group.
Jil followed Inete and Zitembe into the study, finding herself a place to sit next to Inete. She took the girls hand. "Yes dear, but let's discuss payment later. I brought my new friends to hear of your request. Please, would you tell them what you told Larken and myself?" She desperately wanted to tell the girl they would absolutely help her, regardless of payment, but she knew not everyone would agree to that. No, she knew they all needed to decide for themselves, and that the promise of that amount of gold would appeal to some.
Larken's eyes narrowed at the mention of being threatened. "By one of them?" He asks. He nearly stops in his tracks to head straight for the temple. "If either of those snub nosed pricks threatened you..."
"Oh no, it wasn't them," Cor shook her head. "Aside from calling me a dirty street urchin, they didn't do much. No, it was one of Jorbal's lackeys."
It takes Larken awhile for him to remember which of the stuck-up princes Jorbal was. "A direct threat? Or more of a warning?" He asks. If Cor had been getting the attention of the merchant princes, she had been getting around much more than he thought she was.
"Just a warning, I think Az said something brews in the shadows. He's harmless enough, but he has me looking at every shadow now."
It was better she was on guard, he thought. "Try not to put too much faith in these friends you've made," he says. "They rarely give information... or warnings, away for free." Larken sees the entrance to the Public Bathhouse up ahead and adds, "I can't believe Qawasha frequents the Public Bathhouse as much as he does. Hopefully he's in here..."
"The only person I know I can trust and count on is you," Cor said, adding as an afterthought, "And Jilwyn."
Larken wasn't a big fan of the bathhouse himself, so he gestures for her to look. "Bring him out if he's in there, I guess," he says. He wondered where the donations to Sune went when people exited the bathhouse. He was sure the place was rife with thieves that enjoyed an easy picking.
Cor ducks in, and after a moment returns with a disappointed look on her face. "I could have sworn... To the Plastered Dragon next then?"
"The Plastered Dragon it is," Larken says. Again he lets Cor lead. She had a way with the paths of the city that he couldn't understand. He only hoped she still kept that same grace in the jungles when it came time to travel. Each time she dodged an oncoming pedestrian, he followed suit trying to copy her movement. It was tough, but she did it with ease. "Any idea what this Az was trying to warn you about?" He asks.
“Are you looking for me to list every single person I have pissed off in this entire city?” Cor raised an eyebrow. “Because if so, we’re going to be here for a while.”
Larken laughs. "I take that as a no," he replies. It's then that he is stopped by a beggar on the street. He grabs Larken's arm and begins shouting-- the rest of the crowd rolls their eyes as he does so.
"The ancient one beneath the Forbidden City gives birth to a terrible new god!" the man cries, shaking Larken's arm as he does so. "The snake-men know! They know!"
Someone from the crowd shouts, "Oh beg off Larius! Sober up, will you?" the begger stumbles off, muttering feverish words and proclamations of the end of the world.
"Odd timing, that," Larken says. He nods for Cor to keep going.
“Perhaps the ancient one beneath the city is the one that wants me dead,” the rogue smirked. “I didn’t even have him on my list!”
"The Forbidden City," Larken corrects. "Details are important," he lets off a soft chuckle as he says this. After a few more moments of travel he asks, "Are you sure you've seen this druid in the Plastered Dragon? Isn't it more of a local favorite? You can't get many clients as a guide in a place like that."
“Alright, to be perfectly honest with you, I added the Plastered Dragon to my list because after the day I’ve had, I really need a drink. I’m also hoping if I get some for the road, I’ll be less likely to murder one of the paladins in their sleep.”
"Fair enough!" Larken says. "But only one... we need to meet back up with them soon." He glances up at the sun as he says this. They've already been out for close to an hour. Luckily the Plastered Dragon was close to the temple. "We'll see if we can get two of them in for you..."
“Are you ready?” Cor’avin asked after a moment of silence.
"Nope," he replies. "Are you ever?"
“Sometimes I think if I tell myself I am enough, I’ll trick my brain into thinking I am.”
Are you ready? That was a question that was nearly impossible to answer. How can you prepare for something like this? It could have been a simple answer had they been back in the war, but even then it was impossible to say yes to. Are you ready? When is anyone ever ready? Jil could have a month to live... a week... or even a day. People died at random to this curse, and no one could figure out why. This Soulmonger was the closest thing to a clue they ever got, so there was no other answer than to jump in with both feet forward. Is he ready for Jil's death? No. Is he ready for this journey? No. Is he ready to see Cor put her life on the line for him again? No... There was no other answer to that question.
"I think I'll join you for a drink," he says instead.
Zitembe placed a hand upon Inete's shoulder, and she seemed to take strength from that. Inete sucked in a breath and nodded her head.
"I have been having...dreams," Inete said carefully. "Visions. Of red robes and something foul stirring. Magic that is...tainted." Inete leaned forward and licked her lips. Her eyes flickered to Korine, and then to Jilwyn's other companion. "I see a basin, the Aldani Basin, and some sort of camp and some sort of ill feeling." Inete looks down at her hands. She fidgets her fingers, wrapping them together and unwrapping them. "Grandfather is..."
"I am busy," Zitembe said calmly. "This is a sign from Savras for Inete, and I have my own duties."
"I feel drawn to this," Inete looked back up and swallowed heavily. "Something must be done. I am willing to offer one hundred gold in payment, and you need not worry about me, rations, or any sort of supplies. I need to get to the Aldani Basin. I...feel that this is Savras' will."
"Red robes, something foul, and magic? Sounds like Thayans to me. Are the red-robes at the camp?"
Kulan speaks for the first time since leaving the inn. Inete's money would allow the group to get far more equipment for their foray into the jungle, but the mention of red robes and magic makes him feel that Inete would likely be better off staying in Port Nyanzaru.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Do you have difficulty fitting everything you want into your signature? Then check out the Extended Signature thread!
At Zitembe's pointed offer and look, Korine nods in acceptance, the moves with the group when they go to find a more quiet place to talk with Inete.
Taking in her story, Korine can understand the girl's confusion if the dreams were new to her. "The gods, and their messengers - they do speak to some of us through dreams and visions. You are wise to listen, confusing though they may be."
Inete frowned. "Thayans? I...am not sure. The dreams aren't clear. I see red robes. I feel foul magic. I see a camp in the Aldani Basin. I know that I need to go there. That is...there is a foul feeling and with all that has happened recently...." Inete fumbled with her hands. "Savras' will is that I go. I merely would like some company for the way. The jungle is dangerous alone, and Jilwyn..." Inete looked over to the girl. "I trust Jilwyn."
Korine stays quiet for the moment. The girl trusts Jilwyn, and she has no wish to disrupt that.
"If you feel Savras has sent you this message, I will support that. We don't have a clear destination of our own, so helping you get to the Aldani Basin is as good a start as any. Your offer of the coin is appreciated, too. While I'd help without it, certainly, the nature of the journey calls for supplies and a guide if we can afford one and your money will be needed, I think. As to the red robes and magic? From what I have heard of the Thayans, that does make sense. Kulan may well be correct."
Jil smiled at Korine, happy to hear she would be willing to help. She only hoped Kulan would be as willing. Turning to Inete, she gave the girl a kind smile. "Unless Kulan has any objections, I think it's safe to say we will help you get to the Aldani Basin. Larken and Cor are out looking for a guide right now, and Cor picked up some of the supplies we will be needing, so I believe the plan right now is to leave first thing in the morning. We will be staying at Kaya's House of Repose if you require anything else of us." After a quick glance to the others, she quickly added, "And of course, I'll be at my shrine later tonight." Jil folded her hands in her lap and waited patiently to see if there would be more discussion.
‘Just one drink’ quickly turned into two, as Cor’avin seemed to be able to push just the right buttons to get what she wanted. While neither of the two friends were plastered, they were certainly far from sober by the time they stumbled into the Temple of Savras.
”A million blessings be upon you,” Cor curtsied to the acolyte at the door. Was that the proper greeting? She couldn’t remember. In any case, she was sure Jilwyn would lecture them on it later. “M’friends are in there, can you take us to them?” Her words were marginally slurred, and she had to grab the poor acolyte at one point to make sure she didn’t fall over. “You know, it’s the one with blonde hair that forms a perfect little halo around her perfect little head, and then two with sticks shoved up their-“
"Asses," Larken finishes for Cor. She'd mentioned once or twice how she was going to pull them out. It didn't sound very pleasant. "They should be meeting with a... girl." He couldn't think of the name of the girl, not with the fog clouding his mind. "She wears the same robes you have... Islet," that was the name, "Yeah, Islet. She has red robes on like you." Wait, he already said that. It's ok, the acolyte knows. "You know who I'm talking about..." He gives the acolyte a knowing wink.
Larken doesn't drink very often, but when he does he attempts to narrow everything in. Set a destination and a goal and go for it. Focus on that. Drive forward... avoid smelling people because it's weird to them. Don't snuggle strangers. Rules to drinking... they're important.
"Should we wait?" He asks. "We should probably wait. Cor!" He looks over to his right and then remembers she's on his left. He got a fresh whiff of her as he turns. "You smell good." Wait, he already told her that...
As soon as they entered the temple, Jil released Vistani's arm. She was alarmed at the tone the Tethyrian took with Zitembe. She kept her eye on them as they left. "No," Jil said in response to his question. "We came to speak with Inete. Allow me to introduce my new friends, Vistani, Korine, and Kulan." She points to each of them. "Zitembe, what was that about? What did those men want?"
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Hearing the raised voices, so out of place in the serene temple setting, Korine lays a hand on the haft of her hammer as she approaches the cluster of men, following Jil. The argument is cut short as they get near, but not before she recognizes the familiar accents of her countrymen and catches the end of their questioning of the priest.
She greets the elderly priest with a respectful how. "Blessings of the holy be upon you, Grandfather. Are you well? Those men seemed rather insistent, have they been here before?" She paused, recalling the snippet of the conversation she'd overheard. "Artus Cimber, did they say? I've heard of this man. Long retired, I'd thought, but associated with the Harpers back in his adventuring days, if I recall. What would he have to do with anything here in Chult?"
Zitembe motioned over Inete while he considered both Jilwyn and Korine's words carefully. He hemmed and hawed for a moment, grip on his staff a bit tighter, and with a narrowed eyed near piercing stare he gazed at Korine, judging.
"Such respect is rare," he said lightly. "Who are you, gifted child?" His interest practically zeroes in on Korine at this point, all questions brushed off to the wayside.
Inete settles beside her grandfather and softly answers Jilwyn's question with a nervous flutter of her hands. "We don't know Cimber, Jil. He's...people have been asking about him. Perhaps he came to retire? Plenty come to retire in Chult." For a moment Inete paused, and then gasped and her hands slammed up to her face as her cheeks warmed. "Oh, oh! I forgot to greet you. I'm so sorry!" She bowed. "Greetings fair friends. Thank you for coming to this Temple of Savras. How may we assist you?"
Inete glanced to her grandfather, and then sighed in relief when it became apparent how focused on Korine Zitembe was.
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign ThreadTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
"My name is Korine Thunderfist, Grandfather, called to Torm the True, in service to those in need. Though I suspect that is not really your question." She cocks her head, considering both Zitembe and his words. "That answer may be much more complicated."
Vistani gives a gracious bow to Zitembe and Inete when introduced. She listens intently to the words exchanged noting how intent Zitembe was with Korine to the point of not realizing Inete's slip in properly welcoming them. She smiles and laughs a little at Korine's words about it being more complicated.
"I think we complicate things without even trying. Most things boil down to simple, but we just aren't sure how to tell it and sometimes aren't sure what we should tell. Like knowing the right song or story for an audience can seem complicated, but boils down to a few simple formulas." Her smile widens. "But I'm curious of your gifting now, too. Not that I need to know unless it is better I do for future endeavors I may partake with you."
She stops and blushes slightly. "And I tend to talk too much, sorry."
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
"Knowing where you come from is as important as knowing what guides you," Zitembe rumbled. He pat Korine on the shoulder with a smile. "Welcome to this humble temple to Savras, follower of Torm. Ask what you may. I shall try to answer."
Inete sighed after a second, eyed her grandfather, and then whispered a soft apology to the rest of the group.
"He's found a favorite," she shrugged. "He won't notice the rest of you for some time, I think." The next second Inete is rubbing at her head as Zitembe lashed out with his staff to thwap her sharply.
"I heard that child."
"Sorry, Grandfather!"
With a huff Zitembe turned to regard the rest of the group. "My offer to Korine stands. Ask what you may. I shall try to answer."
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign ThreadTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Jil turned to Inete. "As I said, we came to talk to you, as promised. My friends and I are leaving tomorrow morning." She glanced at Zitembe, unsure of how much Inete had told him. She didn't want to get the girl in trouble. "You and I had talked previously on... various matters. I only wanted to let you know that I agree." She hoped Inete caught the subtlety of her words.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Korine answers with a chuckle. "I know where I come from sure enough, but as to who or what guides me? A tougher question, as she speaks in riddles more often than not. I may well take you up on the offer to talk in earnest another time, but for now, we are actually here to speak with Inete. Jilwyn here, who we are just getting to know ourselves, had something to discuss with her."
"I envy your freedom some days, Vistani, and that of Cor'avin. There are times I feel little more than a pawn in a larger game I don't understand, serving a purpose I may not fully see, but knowing my role is vital to others' well-being." She shakes her head. "No, not all is as simple as you'd make it out to be, I think. Not when the gods are involved."
"Well, in the end the simplicity of it comes out, but the journey can be quite the thing. That is what I meant. And we do tend to complicate things rather than going with something simpler that could do the same thing. I'm quite sure there is a greater purpose to every life." She smiles at Korine. "The fun part of the journey is learning how others see the world and engage it."
PbP - Beregost Blues - Portia Starflower, Half Elf, Cleric, Life Domain
PbP - Tome of Annhilation - Vistani Mocanu, Human, Bard
Zitembe chuckles. "A lively group of people you've gathered, Jilwyn," he muses, and then looks to Inete who shuffles nervously. "Hm, you've only come here about Inete's dreams? Fair enough. Please, come settle in one of the rooms and you may discuss further with her."
"Grandfather..." Inete fidgeted.
"Inete," Zitembe rumbled. "You need to discuss details, contracts, meetings...have I not taught you anything, child?" Inete ducked her head. "Now...I believe there is much for you to discuss--and if you have any questions for me, please, don't be afraid to ask." Zitembe eyed Korine. "I am...interested in the reasons for your journey here to Chult, gifted child of Torm, if you choose to indulge me, later."
Inete sighs, and ducks her head towards Zitembe, before she motions for the party to follow. "Please, this way, fair friends. There is much to discuss as Grandfather has said." She leads them to a small study, the walls covered in shelves, and a few tables strewn about with papers, maps, and other random paraphernalia. Inete sucked in a stabilizing breath and folded her hands at her front. "I...believe I said a payment of a hundred gold, correct?" She eyed the group.
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign ThreadTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Jil followed Inete and Zitembe into the study, finding herself a place to sit next to Inete. She took the girls hand. "Yes dear, but let's discuss payment later. I brought my new friends to hear of your request. Please, would you tell them what you told Larken and myself?" She desperately wanted to tell the girl they would absolutely help her, regardless of payment, but she knew not everyone would agree to that. No, she knew they all needed to decide for themselves, and that the promise of that amount of gold would appeal to some.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Larken's eyes narrowed at the mention of being threatened. "By one of them?" He asks. He nearly stops in his tracks to head straight for the temple. "If either of those snub nosed pricks threatened you..."
"Oh no, it wasn't them," Cor shook her head. "Aside from calling me a dirty street urchin, they didn't do much. No, it was one of Jorbal's lackeys."
It takes Larken awhile for him to remember which of the stuck-up princes Jorbal was. "A direct threat? Or more of a warning?" He asks. If Cor had been getting the attention of the merchant princes, she had been getting around much more than he thought she was.
"Just a warning, I think Az said something brews in the shadows. He's harmless enough, but he has me looking at every shadow now."
It was better she was on guard, he thought. "Try not to put too much faith in these friends you've made," he says. "They rarely give information... or warnings, away for free." Larken sees the entrance to the Public Bathhouse up ahead and adds, "I can't believe Qawasha frequents the Public Bathhouse as much as he does. Hopefully he's in here..."
"The only person I know I can trust and count on is you," Cor said, adding as an afterthought, "And Jilwyn."
Larken wasn't a big fan of the bathhouse himself, so he gestures for her to look. "Bring him out if he's in there, I guess," he says. He wondered where the donations to Sune went when people exited the bathhouse. He was sure the place was rife with thieves that enjoyed an easy picking.
Cor ducks in, and after a moment returns with a disappointed look on her face. "I could have sworn... To the Plastered Dragon next then?"
"The Plastered Dragon it is," Larken says. Again he lets Cor lead. She had a way with the paths of the city that he couldn't understand. He only hoped she still kept that same grace in the jungles when it came time to travel. Each time she dodged an oncoming pedestrian, he followed suit trying to copy her movement. It was tough, but she did it with ease. "Any idea what this Az was trying to warn you about?" He asks.
“Are you looking for me to list every single person I have pissed off in this entire city?” Cor raised an eyebrow. “Because if so, we’re going to be here for a while.”
Larken laughs. "I take that as a no," he replies. It's then that he is stopped by a beggar on the street. He grabs Larken's arm and begins shouting-- the rest of the crowd rolls their eyes as he does so.
"The ancient one beneath the Forbidden City gives birth to a terrible new god!" the man cries, shaking Larken's arm as he does so. "The snake-men know! They know!"
Someone from the crowd shouts, "Oh beg off Larius! Sober up, will you?" the begger stumbles off, muttering feverish words and proclamations of the end of the world.
"Odd timing, that," Larken says. He nods for Cor to keep going.
“Perhaps the ancient one beneath the city is the one that wants me dead,” the rogue smirked. “I didn’t even have him on my list!”
"The Forbidden City," Larken corrects. "Details are important," he lets off a soft chuckle as he says this. After a few more moments of travel he asks, "Are you sure you've seen this druid in the Plastered Dragon? Isn't it more of a local favorite? You can't get many clients as a guide in a place like that."
“Alright, to be perfectly honest with you, I added the Plastered Dragon to my list because after the day I’ve had, I really need a drink. I’m also hoping if I get some for the road, I’ll be less likely to murder one of the paladins in their sleep.”
"Fair enough!" Larken says. "But only one... we need to meet back up with them soon." He glances up at the sun as he says this. They've already been out for close to an hour. Luckily the Plastered Dragon was close to the temple. "We'll see if we can get two of them in for you..."
“Are you ready?” Cor’avin asked after a moment of silence.
"Nope," he replies. "Are you ever?"
“Sometimes I think if I tell myself I am enough, I’ll trick my brain into thinking I am.”
Are you ready? That was a question that was nearly impossible to answer. How can you prepare for something like this? It could have been a simple answer had they been back in the war, but even then it was impossible to say yes to. Are you ready? When is anyone ever ready? Jil could have a month to live... a week... or even a day. People died at random to this curse, and no one could figure out why. This Soulmonger was the closest thing to a clue they ever got, so there was no other answer than to jump in with both feet forward. Is he ready for Jil's death? No. Is he ready for this journey? No. Is he ready to see Cor put her life on the line for him again? No... There was no other answer to that question.
"I think I'll join you for a drink," he says instead.
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
Zitembe placed a hand upon Inete's shoulder, and she seemed to take strength from that. Inete sucked in a breath and nodded her head.
"I have been having...dreams," Inete said carefully. "Visions. Of red robes and something foul stirring. Magic that is...tainted." Inete leaned forward and licked her lips. Her eyes flickered to Korine, and then to Jilwyn's other companion. "I see a basin, the Aldani Basin, and some sort of camp and some sort of ill feeling." Inete looks down at her hands. She fidgets her fingers, wrapping them together and unwrapping them. "Grandfather is..."
"I am busy," Zitembe said calmly. "This is a sign from Savras for Inete, and I have my own duties."
"I feel drawn to this," Inete looked back up and swallowed heavily. "Something must be done. I am willing to offer one hundred gold in payment, and you need not worry about me, rations, or any sort of supplies. I need to get to the Aldani Basin. I...feel that this is Savras' will."
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign ThreadTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
"Red robes, something foul, and magic? Sounds like Thayans to me. Are the red-robes at the camp?"
Kulan speaks for the first time since leaving the inn. Inete's money would allow the group to get far more equipment for their foray into the jungle, but the mention of red robes and magic makes him feel that Inete would likely be better off staying in Port Nyanzaru.
Do you have difficulty fitting everything you want into your signature? Then check out the Extended Signature thread!
Here's my Extended Signature!
At Zitembe's pointed offer and look, Korine nods in acceptance, the moves with the group when they go to find a more quiet place to talk with Inete.
Taking in her story, Korine can understand the girl's confusion if the dreams were new to her. "The gods, and their messengers - they do speak to some of us through dreams and visions. You are wise to listen, confusing though they may be."
Inete frowned. "Thayans? I...am not sure. The dreams aren't clear. I see red robes. I feel foul magic. I see a camp in the Aldani Basin. I know that I need to go there. That is...there is a foul feeling and with all that has happened recently...." Inete fumbled with her hands. "Savras' will is that I go. I merely would like some company for the way. The jungle is dangerous alone, and Jilwyn..." Inete looked over to the girl. "I trust Jilwyn."
Dawning - A Homebrew Campaign - DM
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - DM | Recruiting Thread | Campaign ThreadTomb of Annihilation - DM
Dragon Heist of Waterdeep - DM
Korine stays quiet for the moment. The girl trusts Jilwyn, and she has no wish to disrupt that.
"If you feel Savras has sent you this message, I will support that. We don't have a clear destination of our own, so helping you get to the Aldani Basin is as good a start as any. Your offer of the coin is appreciated, too. While I'd help without it, certainly, the nature of the journey calls for supplies and a guide if we can afford one and your money will be needed, I think. As to the red robes and magic? From what I have heard of the Thayans, that does make sense. Kulan may well be correct."
Jil smiled at Korine, happy to hear she would be willing to help. She only hoped Kulan would be as willing. Turning to Inete, she gave the girl a kind smile. "Unless Kulan has any objections, I think it's safe to say we will help you get to the Aldani Basin. Larken and Cor are out looking for a guide right now, and Cor picked up some of the supplies we will be needing, so I believe the plan right now is to leave first thing in the morning. We will be staying at Kaya's House of Repose if you require anything else of us." After a quick glance to the others, she quickly added, "And of course, I'll be at my shrine later tonight." Jil folded her hands in her lap and waited patiently to see if there would be more discussion.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
‘Just one drink’ quickly turned into two, as Cor’avin seemed to be able to push just the right buttons to get what she wanted. While neither of the two friends were plastered, they were certainly far from sober by the time they stumbled into the Temple of Savras.
”A million blessings be upon you,” Cor curtsied to the acolyte at the door. Was that the proper greeting? She couldn’t remember. In any case, she was sure Jilwyn would lecture them on it later. “M’friends are in there, can you take us to them?” Her words were marginally slurred, and she had to grab the poor acolyte at one point to make sure she didn’t fall over. “You know, it’s the one with blonde hair that forms a perfect little halo around her perfect little head, and then two with sticks shoved up their-“
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
"Asses," Larken finishes for Cor. She'd mentioned once or twice how she was going to pull them out. It didn't sound very pleasant. "They should be meeting with a... girl." He couldn't think of the name of the girl, not with the fog clouding his mind. "She wears the same robes you have... Islet," that was the name, "Yeah, Islet. She has red robes on like you." Wait, he already said that. It's ok, the acolyte knows. "You know who I'm talking about..." He gives the acolyte a knowing wink.
Larken doesn't drink very often, but when he does he attempts to narrow everything in. Set a destination and a goal and go for it. Focus on that. Drive forward... avoid smelling people because it's weird to them. Don't snuggle strangers. Rules to drinking... they're important.
"Should we wait?" He asks. "We should probably wait. Cor!" He looks over to his right and then remembers she's on his left. He got a fresh whiff of her as he turns. "You smell good." Wait, he already told her that...
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.