Wakanga nods to Edwin and shows him the cloak, grayish blue in color.
"If you want to read, go ahead. Knowledge is something to be shared." He says, pointing to his bookcase. There's books with names in Common, Chultean and Elvish. Some are very old, with yellow pages. There's a lot of books, including ones with the following titles: "The Serpent and the Jaguar", "Mysterious Magic, Arcana and its Applications Deep in the Heart of Chult" and "Blood in the Wind".
"If you are on the look-out for literature, you might be interested to know that there was a guy trying to sell me a book he wrote, he came here a while ago." He says. "I'll be honest with you: He seemed like a charlatan, so I sent him away. But if you are curious enough, he must be bothering Jobal right now, you might find him there when and if you go talk to him..."
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Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
"Is there a possibility to replace my shield and possible my armor to allow for more stealth? My shield has served me well but I've heard of a shield imbued with magic to aid in perception as well as protection Sentinel Shield and a breastplate. It does not have to be ornate but it would help me not ruin the chances of the party the this old mail," Dryn explains.
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
"I do happen to have that shield... but I don't have a breastplate." Wakanga explains. "You might be able to get one from Zhanthi, but the armor she sells is of nonmagical leather, studded leather, and dinosaur hide. Even the shields Ekene-Afa sells are wooden with reptile hide over them. Metal armor is not very popular around here due to how heated it can get under the sun... Though I guess your kind wouldn't feel it as much."
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Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
"Yes, thank you I'll take it," Dryn replies. "Makes sense about the armor. I was raised here and gifted this armor. I guess I'm use to the heat," she adds shrugging.
OOC: Dryn doesn't know a lot about tieflings. I'm thinking there are a lot on Chult but none at her monastery.
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“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
"Me deepest thanks." Edwin replies, bowing deeply upon receiving the cloak.
After his further conversation about the reading materials available, he will skim through "The Serpent and the Jaguar" trying to get a sense of the book while waiting for the group to depart.
Erbert looks long and hard at all of the items, like a kid in a candy shop. He fingers the arcane grimoire, the tattoo needles, and many other items. As he is looking, he puts some common items in his component pouch. He can't resist the bag of holding, he is worried about his maps, spell book and items getting ruined in the jungle. He also can't resist the cartographer's map case, he quickly starts to pack the map of Chult into it and his notes, places inside the bag of holding. "I can't resist! I could stay here looking through things all day..." He puts 25 gold on the table and picks up a potion of healing as well. "I hope that's ok, can you please autograph my copy of "Mysterious Magic, Arcana and its Applications Deep in the Heart of Chult" for me? I am so honored to meet you, I will certainly chronicle this day in detail in my journal!"
"By the way, this charlatan that was trying to sell his book to you, did he drop his name? He was on the way to Jobal? I would like to speak with him and see what he is trying to pull."
Ice considered the gear that had been taken by the others. The greyish-blue cloak that had been offered to Edwin seemed to call to him. Something about it just felt right. "You wouldn't happen to have another of those cloaks would you?" Ice asks Wakanga, as he indicates the cloak that Edwin was now holding. "A little extra security can go a very long way. If not, then I have heard of magical rods that, once placed can not be moved. I am sure that such an item as this could be useful in many situations.(Immovable Rod). Also a potion of healing would be more than welcome. I imagine that there are any number fo unfriendlies waiting for us once we leave the limits of the city."
Zyanya conceded to Syndra's words, watching the group collect items that would help them to survive on the journey. Quite a few of them seemed to want to learn about the culture of Chult while out in the jungle, which was a welcome surprise. Maybe she wouldn't have to spend a majority of her time babysitting them, then "Papa, did you set aside those cute little slippers for me? The ones that let you move across the walls like a spider on the hunt (Slippers of Spider Climbing). I think they'll come in handy now."
She looked round at the group for a moment before continuing "And a couple of Potion of Healing. I have a feeling some are more prone to injury than others." Her eyes lingered on Erbert as she said that, a small smirk playing at the corner of her lips.
Listening to the others, Squawk squeaks out, "Wow, you guys really know your magic. I didn't know such things existed!"
After that, he approaches Wakanga while ringing his hands nervously. He says, avoiding eye contact, "Um, Mister Wakanga? Would you happen to have something that would help me see better in the sunlight? Bright light hurts my eyes, and I have a feeling there's going to be about it sunlight out in the jungle." He raises his gaze up to the merchant for a moment before dropping it down again. "
((I'm specifically looking for something to help out with the sunlight sensitivity, but there probably isn't anything.
Edwin, as you skim through that book, you read the following:
Of all the intelligent creatures that inhabit Chult's jungles, none has such a deep history as the Tabaxi and the Yuan-Ti. And while the snake people has always been hated and killed in sight by all Chultean tribes, there was a time when the humans and the tribal catfolk lived in harmony with each other. Those were times when the Deciever, Ubtao, still ruled over Chult as their God of Creation, and the Chulteans were all one tribe.
Together, the Chulteans and the Tabaxi built one city: Mezro. Mezro was the largest civilized population center in Chult, and it is believed to have been a holy place to the Tabaxi people.
Mezro was a theocracy ruled by the barae, the Chosen of Ubtao. Each bara was granted unique powers by Ubtao, and people thought they would live forever. Tabaxi warriors patrolled the city of Mezro and would brand any lawbreakers with a blue triangle on their forehead. Punishment for murder might have been execution, but most crimes resulted in just compensation.
It was built along the River Olung, which served as its southern and western borders, and it said to have been beautiful in a way words can not even describe.
But beautiful things never last.
For reasons lost to history, hatred started to brew between the Tabaxi and the human tribes, and in approximately the year of 483 DR, a terrible civil war begun, which would continue for nearly 300 years. It is said that the brutality of this war horrified Ubtao, who abandoned Chult due to his disappointment towards human cruelty. Forsaken by their god, hostility between the tribes continued to grow, as everyone passed down the blame of Ubtao's silence towards enemies, friends and family. Alleged heretics were executed, human sacrifices to Ubtao were made in a desperate bid to make him return, and Mezro fell into anarchy.
A dark demigod of shadow, destruction, cowardice and fear was born from the bloodshed: Eshowdow, the Shadow Giant. The tribe who worshipped him, the Eshowe, blamed the Tabaxi for Ubtao's silence and wanted to wipe them out. Eshowdow worked to control the Eshowe tribe through his priesthood and rebuild it to a force able to destroy the Tabaxi and anyone and anything that still protected them. Some Batiri goblins also turned to the Shadow Giant. The clergy of Eshowdow (who also constituted the ruling elite of the Eshowe tribe) were called the Eshewtak.
"Every creature is divorced from its spirit upon its creation.
The two cannot be reunited without following the teachings of Eshowdow. Only by merging the spirit with the body can a being enter a higher state of existence. Life is hard, but it is harder if you do not obey Eshowdow.
Never trust the Tabaxi.”
— the Eshewtak
After this, Ras Nsi, one of the Chosen barae of Ubtao, sought to wipe the Eshowe for their heresy, and he nearly succeeded in this task, pursuing them all the way to the Valley of Lost Honor. But to this end, he seeked help and forged an alliance with the Yuan-Ti, who strayed him from Ubtao's path and towards worship of Dendar, the Night Serpent. Overcome by greed and hatred, Ras Nsi became an even worse monster than the people he once fought against, and he is said to have murdered his fellow Chosen as part of a ritual to become a Yuan-Ti himself.
By the end of the war, almost nothing of the once great city of Mezro remained. All that was left was ruins.
When you open the book to read all of this, an illustration catches your eye, visible to any of your companions if they look over your shoulder. It is a portrait of how the Eshewtak looked like: A Chultean tribal priest with a wooden staff and what seems like some sort of ritual scarring on his face: There's what looks like burn scars around his eyes, as if he blinded himself with fire. The priest is wearing what seems like a black jaguar-skin cape... But a closer look reveals to you that it is the pelt of a dead Tabaxi.
"That cloak is sadly the only of its kind that I have available right now, but luckily for you I have a rod exactly as the one you are describing..." Wakanga answers to Ice, searching a bit for the rod before showing it to him: A flat iron rod with the design of a galloping horse on each of its ends, and a button on one end. "Be careful when pressing that button, tho"
The merchant lets his daughter take the slippers with a smile, and he is obviously delighted by Erbert's enthusiasm, and happily signs the book if he has it with him. "He did say his name, and quite a few times actually!" Wakanga laughs. "He seemed extremely hurt that I didn't recognized him, and claimed that he was a celebrity back at Faerun. He seemed like just a tourist full of himself, but I don't know, he might have been at least a little honest in that regard. Scholars and sages travel all the way here all the time, after all. He said he was... Wait a sec."
He fiddles with his beard for a moment as he tries to remember the name of the egocentric guest. "...Got it, now I remember! Volo, he said his name was Volothamp Geddam." He says. "I told him I wasn't interested on his monster manual, but that Jobal, who's something of a explorer himself, might be interested. Hopefully he won't get too mad at me for that..."
He looks at Squawk apologetically. "I'm sorry, little dragon. I've got nothing."
"I didn't think you would actually have one of these. I have only heard of them before." Ice took the rod and turned it over in his hands, looking at it carefully and admiring the workmanship. "This button you say. This is how it works?" Ice is very careful not to push the button as he inspects the rod.
OOC: If Ice was not given the potion as well then he will ask if there is somewhere he can purchase one.
Erbert did indeed have a copy and he is overjoyed that he signed it. "That will go nicely in my library back home. But anyway.... Volo! Good old Volo. My maester knew him and he frequently told him many tales of his exploits (I think they were a bit exaggerated if you ask me, if we went fishing together I would love to hear the tale afterward!)." As he's talking, Erbert is happily storing his backpack, all of his loose equipment, most everything except his daggers, staff, arcane focus and component pouch into the bag of holding.
"As I was saying... I would love to speak to Jobal, and that other fellow that you mention. And who has that insect repellent? That sounds like awfully important stuff. I should pack a good bit of it away for future use. The mosquitos in Waterdeep are bad, but here? My word! I could ride them! And the yellow flies too! Must put a note about it in my journal...." Erbert starts reaching into his bag and pulls out his pen and journal, starts writing hastily, lost in his notes for a moment...
He begins to draw, making notes of size, characteristics.
At the mention of Volo, O'waac looks around. "I know the name. He is a good man, if sometimes dishonest. I don't think he means anything by it. It is just his nature. He may have some extra insight into what we are getting ourselves into. It wouldn't hurt to talk to him."
He flexes his newly tattooed arm again, then readjusts his cloak to keep himself covered when they go back out into the city. The advice of Wakanga seemed good.
((@Sixfoot10: The potions of healing are a given. I have added two to you, and one or two to the others who have asked for them. No more than that, as Dryn already stockpiled a lot of them. Those should be more than enough.))
"...so that Volo guy was being honest then?" Wakanga says, surprised than Erbert and O'waac recognized the name. "Oh well... Truth be told, he was being insufferable, real celebrity or not." He confesses, laughing.
"The insect repellent is sold by Kwayothé, my daughter can guide you to her villa" Wakanga says to Erbert. "The bugs here can be truly a stuff for nightmares"
Remembering something, he looks up to the dragonborn and the kobold before leaving to search for something. Syndra takes the opportunity to speak. "...Here's a map of Port Nyanzaru. I can point you where each of the Merchant villas are, if you wish."
Wakanga returns holding a helm and a small cloak. "I'm sorry that I can't help you more with your sunlight problem, little fella, but wearing a cloak might help you to block the rays of the sun, at least a little..." He explains, giving the cloak to Squawk. The cloak is of his size, and while there's magic on it, it appears to be purely cosmetic. ( Cloak of Billowing ).
"As for you..." Wakanga turns to Fennic. "I had completely forgotten that I had this on my possession. While I do believe it is a poor substitute to actually learning a language, this helm could be of use if you and your companions find yourselves in a situation where you need to communicate with non-Common speaking tribes" ( Helm of Comprehending Languages ).
"I'll gladly administer medical aid to anyone who needs it," Dryn explains looking over the party. "Shall we find the other supplies we need to make our way into the jungles," she asks curiously nodding at Wakanga. "I appreciate what you both have given us in equipment and wisdom," she adds to the prince as well as Syndra.
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“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Fennic grinned wide as he took the awkwardly shaped helmet and tucked it under his arm for the moment, "You do me a great service. I do plan to learn your language Wakanga, and I am sure this will be very useful for strangers in a new land"
"I will enjoy buying this insect repellent," He glances around with a more serious tone, "We don't wish Heroes to perish from disease..." He glances back to Syndra, "Or anything out of our own control..."
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Viktor Dreamweaver - Cleric - "I'm the stuff of nightmares kid."
Tyril Strongbones - Ranger- "I prick and poke until I get what I need... Whether it be supple flesh or cold steel"
Zedair Daardendarian- Fighter- "You were not a challenge. How unfortunate for you."
DM. Player. Teacher. Husband. Cat owner. Dog Lover
Edwin looks up from his book, unsure of how long he had been standing there, as Dryn mentions visiting the other merchants. Though clearly engrossed, he returns the book to the shelf and rolls up his sleeves in preparation to venture back into the streets of Port Nyanzaru.
"Yes, thank you again for your generosity. After we have procured the rest of our supplies, do you have a suggestion as to where to start this venture? Is there anyone else we in town should talk to that might have useful information before we leave?"
"After getting the rest of the supplies? If you guys were just travelers, I would happily suggest to you all to not go anywhere until you go see the dinosaur race. The dinosaur races are great!" Wakanga says. "You can bet on the dinosaur races to help fund your expedition or earn some extra cash, or participate yourself. But..."
"...That's time that I might not have." Syndra interrupts. "It might be better to stick to buying supplies and then go, instead of betting and risking losing your bet, or risking life and limb on a sport. Dinosaur racing can be quite dangerous."
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Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
Erbert's eyes widen at the mention of the dinosaur race. "I have heard of those! It would be amazing to see! I don't think I could race, I would get crushed into a pulp, but I would love to see those magnificent beasts running at speed, the thrill of it!!" You see him bouncing up and down as he's talking about it..... then he catches look and words from Syndra, glancing at her eyes behind the mask.. "But, I agree. We came here for business, not pleasure and we should stick to that. We need to think of time, and getting help to Syndra, solving this mystery. Let's procure the insect repellent, make sure we have enough rations and potable water, and then begin the chase! The race to the cure!" Erbert's enthusiasm is infectious.
Erbert directs a question to Wakanga and Syndra, "Is there anything else that we aren't thinking of, anything else that would be helpful on our expedition that we don't have? Do we need mounts, what would be best to travel on this terrain? Anything else? After my purchases here from Wakanga, I am running a little low on gold.." He looks down, slightly embarrassed.
“I agree, Erbert, was it? We are here on business and there is little point waiting once the plans have been made. I too would like to get some of this repellent, but then the quest is calling. I feel there is much to learn outside these walls.”
Wakanga nods to Edwin and shows him the cloak, grayish blue in color.
"If you want to read, go ahead. Knowledge is something to be shared." He says, pointing to his bookcase. There's books with names in Common, Chultean and Elvish. Some are very old, with yellow pages. There's a lot of books, including ones with the following titles: "The Serpent and the Jaguar", "Mysterious Magic, Arcana and its Applications Deep in the Heart of Chult" and "Blood in the Wind".
"If you are on the look-out for literature, you might be interested to know that there was a guy trying to sell me a book he wrote, he came here a while ago." He says. "I'll be honest with you: He seemed like a charlatan, so I sent him away. But if you are curious enough, he must be bothering Jobal right now, you might find him there when and if you go talk to him..."
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
"Is there a possibility to replace my shield and possible my armor to allow for more stealth? My shield has served me well but I've heard of a shield imbued with magic to aid in perception as well as protection Sentinel Shield and a breastplate. It does not have to be ornate but it would help me not ruin the chances of the party the this old mail," Dryn explains.
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
"I do happen to have that shield... but I don't have a breastplate." Wakanga explains. "You might be able to get one from Zhanthi, but the armor she sells is of nonmagical leather, studded leather, and dinosaur hide. Even the shields Ekene-Afa sells are wooden with reptile hide over them. Metal armor is not very popular around here due to how heated it can get under the sun... Though I guess your kind wouldn't feel it as much."
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
"Yes, thank you I'll take it," Dryn replies. "Makes sense about the armor. I was raised here and gifted this armor. I guess I'm use to the heat," she adds shrugging.
OOC: Dryn doesn't know a lot about tieflings. I'm thinking there are a lot on Chult but none at her monastery.
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
"Me deepest thanks." Edwin replies, bowing deeply upon receiving the cloak.
After his further conversation about the reading materials available, he will skim through "The Serpent and the Jaguar" trying to get a sense of the book while waiting for the group to depart.
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
Erbert looks long and hard at all of the items, like a kid in a candy shop. He fingers the arcane grimoire, the tattoo needles, and many other items. As he is looking, he puts some common items in his component pouch. He can't resist the bag of holding, he is worried about his maps, spell book and items getting ruined in the jungle. He also can't resist the cartographer's map case, he quickly starts to pack the map of Chult into it and his notes, places inside the bag of holding. "I can't resist! I could stay here looking through things all day..." He puts 25 gold on the table and picks up a potion of healing as well. "I hope that's ok, can you please autograph my copy of "Mysterious Magic, Arcana and its Applications Deep in the Heart of Chult" for me? I am so honored to meet you, I will certainly chronicle this day in detail in my journal!"
"By the way, this charlatan that was trying to sell his book to you, did he drop his name? He was on the way to Jobal? I would like to speak with him and see what he is trying to pull."
Ice considered the gear that had been taken by the others. The greyish-blue cloak that had been offered to Edwin seemed to call to him. Something about it just felt right. "You wouldn't happen to have another of those cloaks would you?" Ice asks Wakanga, as he indicates the cloak that Edwin was now holding. "A little extra security can go a very long way. If not, then I have heard of magical rods that, once placed can not be moved. I am sure that such an item as this could be useful in many situations. (Immovable Rod). Also a potion of healing would be more than welcome. I imagine that there are any number fo unfriendlies waiting for us once we leave the limits of the city."
Zyanya conceded to Syndra's words, watching the group collect items that would help them to survive on the journey. Quite a few of them seemed to want to learn about the culture of Chult while out in the jungle, which was a welcome surprise. Maybe she wouldn't have to spend a majority of her time babysitting them, then "Papa, did you set aside those cute little slippers for me? The ones that let you move across the walls like a spider on the hunt (Slippers of Spider Climbing). I think they'll come in handy now."
She looked round at the group for a moment before continuing "And a couple of Potion of Healing. I have a feeling some are more prone to injury than others." Her eyes lingered on Erbert as she said that, a small smirk playing at the corner of her lips.
Listening to the others, Squawk squeaks out, "Wow, you guys really know your magic. I didn't know such things existed!"
After that, he approaches Wakanga while ringing his hands nervously. He says, avoiding eye contact, "Um, Mister Wakanga? Would you happen to have something that would help me see better in the sunlight? Bright light hurts my eyes, and I have a feeling there's going to be about it sunlight out in the jungle." He raises his gaze up to the merchant for a moment before dropping it down again. "
((I'm specifically looking for something to help out with the sunlight sensitivity, but there probably isn't anything.
Edwin, as you skim through that book, you read the following:
Of all the intelligent creatures that inhabit Chult's jungles, none has such a deep history as the Tabaxi and the Yuan-Ti. And while the snake people has always been hated and killed in sight by all Chultean tribes, there was a time when the humans and the tribal catfolk lived in harmony with each other. Those were times when the Deciever, Ubtao, still ruled over Chult as their God of Creation, and the Chulteans were all one tribe.
Together, the Chulteans and the Tabaxi built one city: Mezro. Mezro was the largest civilized population center in Chult, and it is believed to have been a holy place to the Tabaxi people.
Mezro was a theocracy ruled by the barae, the Chosen of Ubtao. Each bara was granted unique powers by Ubtao, and people thought they would live forever. Tabaxi warriors patrolled the city of Mezro and would brand any lawbreakers with a blue triangle on their forehead. Punishment for murder might have been execution, but most crimes resulted in just compensation.
It was built along the River Olung, which served as its southern and western borders, and it said to have been beautiful in a way words can not even describe.
But beautiful things never last.
For reasons lost to history, hatred started to brew between the Tabaxi and the human tribes, and in approximately the year of 483 DR, a terrible civil war begun, which would continue for nearly 300 years. It is said that the brutality of this war horrified Ubtao, who abandoned Chult due to his disappointment towards human cruelty. Forsaken by their god, hostility between the tribes continued to grow, as everyone passed down the blame of Ubtao's silence towards enemies, friends and family. Alleged heretics were executed, human sacrifices to Ubtao were made in a desperate bid to make him return, and Mezro fell into anarchy.
A dark demigod of shadow, destruction, cowardice and fear was born from the bloodshed: Eshowdow, the Shadow Giant. The tribe who worshipped him, the Eshowe, blamed the Tabaxi for Ubtao's silence and wanted to wipe them out. Eshowdow worked to control the Eshowe tribe through his priesthood and rebuild it to a force able to destroy the Tabaxi and anyone and anything that still protected them. Some Batiri goblins also turned to the Shadow Giant. The clergy of Eshowdow (who also constituted the ruling elite of the Eshowe tribe) were called the Eshewtak.
When you open the book to read all of this, an illustration catches your eye, visible to any of your companions if they look over your shoulder. It is a portrait of how the Eshewtak looked like: A Chultean tribal priest with a wooden staff and what seems like some sort of ritual scarring on his face: There's what looks like burn scars around his eyes, as if he blinded himself with fire. The priest is wearing what seems like a black jaguar-skin cape... But a closer look reveals to you that it is the pelt of a dead Tabaxi.
"That cloak is sadly the only of its kind that I have available right now, but luckily for you I have a rod exactly as the one you are describing..." Wakanga answers to Ice, searching a bit for the rod before showing it to him: A flat iron rod with the design of a galloping horse on each of its ends, and a button on one end. "Be careful when pressing that button, tho"
The merchant lets his daughter take the slippers with a smile, and he is obviously delighted by Erbert's enthusiasm, and happily signs the book if he has it with him. "He did say his name, and quite a few times actually!" Wakanga laughs. "He seemed extremely hurt that I didn't recognized him, and claimed that he was a celebrity back at Faerun. He seemed like just a tourist full of himself, but I don't know, he might have been at least a little honest in that regard. Scholars and sages travel all the way here all the time, after all. He said he was... Wait a sec."
He fiddles with his beard for a moment as he tries to remember the name of the egocentric guest. "...Got it, now I remember! Volo, he said his name was Volothamp Geddam." He says. "I told him I wasn't interested on his monster manual, but that Jobal, who's something of a explorer himself, might be interested. Hopefully he won't get too mad at me for that..."
He looks at Squawk apologetically. "I'm sorry, little dragon. I've got nothing."
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
"I didn't think you would actually have one of these. I have only heard of them before." Ice took the rod and turned it over in his hands, looking at it carefully and admiring the workmanship. "This button you say. This is how it works?" Ice is very careful not to push the button as he inspects the rod.
OOC: If Ice was not given the potion as well then he will ask if there is somewhere he can purchase one.
Erbert did indeed have a copy and he is overjoyed that he signed it. "That will go nicely in my library back home. But anyway.... Volo! Good old Volo. My maester knew him and he frequently told him many tales of his exploits (I think they were a bit exaggerated if you ask me, if we went fishing together I would love to hear the tale afterward!)." As he's talking, Erbert is happily storing his backpack, all of his loose equipment, most everything except his daggers, staff, arcane focus and component pouch into the bag of holding.
"As I was saying... I would love to speak to Jobal, and that other fellow that you mention. And who has that insect repellent? That sounds like awfully important stuff. I should pack a good bit of it away for future use. The mosquitos in Waterdeep are bad, but here? My word! I could ride them! And the yellow flies too! Must put a note about it in my journal...." Erbert starts reaching into his bag and pulls out his pen and journal, starts writing hastily, lost in his notes for a moment...
He begins to draw, making notes of size, characteristics.
At the mention of Volo, O'waac looks around. "I know the name. He is a good man, if sometimes dishonest. I don't think he means anything by it. It is just his nature. He may have some extra insight into what we are getting ourselves into. It wouldn't hurt to talk to him."
He flexes his newly tattooed arm again, then readjusts his cloak to keep himself covered when they go back out into the city. The advice of Wakanga seemed good.
Enzo Ballantine - Shadow Sorcerer
((@Sixfoot10: The potions of healing are a given. I have added two to you, and one or two to the others who have asked for them. No more than that, as Dryn already stockpiled a lot of them. Those should be more than enough.))
"...so that Volo guy was being honest then?" Wakanga says, surprised than Erbert and O'waac recognized the name. "Oh well... Truth be told, he was being insufferable, real celebrity or not." He confesses, laughing.
"The insect repellent is sold by Kwayothé, my daughter can guide you to her villa" Wakanga says to Erbert. "The bugs here can be truly a stuff for nightmares"
Remembering something, he looks up to the dragonborn and the kobold before leaving to search for something. Syndra takes the opportunity to speak. "...Here's a map of Port Nyanzaru. I can point you where each of the Merchant villas are, if you wish."
Wakanga returns holding a helm and a small cloak. "I'm sorry that I can't help you more with your sunlight problem, little fella, but wearing a cloak might help you to block the rays of the sun, at least a little..." He explains, giving the cloak to Squawk. The cloak is of his size, and while there's magic on it, it appears to be purely cosmetic. ( Cloak of Billowing ).
"As for you..." Wakanga turns to Fennic. "I had completely forgotten that I had this on my possession. While I do believe it is a poor substitute to actually learning a language, this helm could be of use if you and your companions find yourselves in a situation where you need to communicate with non-Common speaking tribes" ( Helm of Comprehending Languages ).
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
"I'll gladly administer medical aid to anyone who needs it," Dryn explains looking over the party. "Shall we find the other supplies we need to make our way into the jungles," she asks curiously nodding at Wakanga. "I appreciate what you both have given us in equipment and wisdom," she adds to the prince as well as Syndra.
“But no living man am I! You look upon a woman...You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Fennic grinned wide as he took the awkwardly shaped helmet and tucked it under his arm for the moment, "You do me a great service. I do plan to learn your language Wakanga, and I am sure this will be very useful for strangers in a new land"
"I will enjoy buying this insect repellent," He glances around with a more serious tone, "We don't wish Heroes to perish from disease..." He glances back to Syndra, "Or anything out of our own control..."
Viktor Dreamweaver - Cleric - "I'm the stuff of nightmares kid."
Tyril Strongbones - Ranger- "I prick and poke until I get what I need... Whether it be supple flesh or cold steel"
Zedair Daardendarian- Fighter- "You were not a challenge. How unfortunate for you."
DM. Player. Teacher. Husband. Cat owner. Dog Lover
Edwin looks up from his book, unsure of how long he had been standing there, as Dryn mentions visiting the other merchants. Though clearly engrossed, he returns the book to the shelf and rolls up his sleeves in preparation to venture back into the streets of Port Nyanzaru.
"Yes, thank you again for your generosity. After we have procured the rest of our supplies, do you have a suggestion as to where to start this venture? Is there anyone else we in town should talk to that might have useful information before we leave?"
Ryndar Shadowsbane - Lvl 3 Eldarin Fighter | Kassar - Lvl 2 Lizardfolk Druid (Circle of Stars) | Finnegan (Finn) Taggert - Lvl 1 Human Cleric (Peace Domain) |
Verdan Schmidt - Lvl 2 Half-Elf Bard | Grithik - Lvl 5 Deep Gnome Warlock (Celestial)
"After getting the rest of the supplies? If you guys were just travelers, I would happily suggest to you all to not go anywhere until you go see the dinosaur race. The dinosaur races are great!" Wakanga says. "You can bet on the dinosaur races to help fund your expedition or earn some extra cash, or participate yourself. But..."
"...That's time that I might not have." Syndra interrupts. "It might be better to stick to buying supplies and then go, instead of betting and risking losing your bet, or risking life and limb on a sport. Dinosaur racing can be quite dangerous."
Active Campaigns:
Raiketsu's Princes of the Apocalypse (DM: Raiketsu) - Shautha: Half-Orc, Level 3 Druid (Circle of Land: Mountain) ⟆ Monster Misfits Adventures (DM: ShadIn) - Vrakskan Onyxadyn: Dragonborn, Level 3 Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) ⟆ Rime of the Frostmaiden (DM: Sarvaeth) - Rildayne Uln'hyrr: Drow Elf, Level 1 Warlock of the Archfey
RachelEvening's Tyranny of the Dragon Queen - DM
RachelEvening's Tomb of Annihilation - DM
Erbert's eyes widen at the mention of the dinosaur race. "I have heard of those! It would be amazing to see! I don't think I could race, I would get crushed into a pulp, but I would love to see those magnificent beasts running at speed, the thrill of it!!" You see him bouncing up and down as he's talking about it..... then he catches look and words from Syndra, glancing at her eyes behind the mask.. "But, I agree. We came here for business, not pleasure and we should stick to that. We need to think of time, and getting help to Syndra, solving this mystery. Let's procure the insect repellent, make sure we have enough rations and potable water, and then begin the chase! The race to the cure!" Erbert's enthusiasm is infectious.
Erbert directs a question to Wakanga and Syndra, "Is there anything else that we aren't thinking of, anything else that would be helpful on our expedition that we don't have? Do we need mounts, what would be best to travel on this terrain? Anything else? After my purchases here from Wakanga, I am running a little low on gold.." He looks down, slightly embarrassed.
“I agree, Erbert, was it? We are here on business and there is little point waiting once the plans have been made. I too would like to get some of this repellent, but then the quest is calling. I feel there is much to learn outside these walls.”