".....o.....k," Silas waves slowly at the being, "Hello,"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
The diminutive dinosaur man waves back, his beak opening into a fang filled grin that seems as if it's meant to relay a smile. You smell what seems to be a tiny tang of lemon mixed in with the ham and rose.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
He walks forward a few steps, sheathing his sword, and nods to Badger. The smell of roses and ham fades away and a slight scent of tar fills the air. He waves to Kasaaptu.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Sir Darak Darkhall: Sheathing his sword, Darak steps forward and says, "Greetings, good... sir. I am Sir Darak Darkhall and these are my companions, Badger, Kasaaptu, Sickle, Silas and Yroc. Perhaps you can assist us? Might you know anything about the Frost Giants in the area?"
Badger seems to think there is something odd about this situation. He can see (and smell) the figure, but not hear anything. He makes a pretense of approaching with hand extended as if in greeting, but is looking for signs of illusion magic.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sickle’s hackles are raised. The lack of verbal response is unnerving and the smells are out of place in this environment. He looks around, worrried they might be falling into some kind of trap.
At the mention of Frost Giants, the dinosaur man looks very serious, his grin fading. He shakes his head, looking quite worried and everyone gets a distinct smell of flowers....perhaps...violets? Who knows there flower smells? Definitely not rose this time. Badger, on edge and scanning for any sign of illusion or magic can seem to sense none. He firmly grips the hand of the creature, who seems to know how to shake hands, even if he can't speak. The flesh on his hand is leathery, dry, and wrinkly. If it is a tactile illusion, it is exquisite. Sickle peers around, his senses on high alert. The warm thick air moist, and has the strong tang of the ocean. The flooded portion of the city is nearby and rotting vegetation and stagnant water is clearly nearby. The wind blows gently and the creatures feet make a scuffing noise as he steps forward to shake Badger's hand. He makes a bit of a strange quiet 'huffing' noise as he breaths. Nothing seems out of place to Sickle's mind.
After shaking Badger's hand, the creature points to the jungle, and then, waves both his hands at the group, and, positions his body at an angle, as if he expects to follow you. He stands there quietly, waiting.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Badger has decided the creature is fair dinkum - in fact he kinda likes this dude, maybe in part because he is the first humanoid he's seen since Barty left that is not super-tall (other than the poison-frogs). He turns with a smile to the group and says:
Urgh, he doesn't appear to have the capacity for verbal communication, but I believe he wishes us to go with him. I think we can trust him.
Badger continues to quiz the creature, carefully framing his questions to see if there is any pattern to the smells (if it is even the source).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
The creature moves off to one side, motioning for the rest of you to come with him, so that you're someone hidden, as Badger continues to quiz him. It becomes clear that the scents you smell do come from the creature. After about ten minutes of carefully worded questions, Badger and the rest of the group have determined a few things about this person.
He didn't come here by himself, but he's alone now. He knows how to use his weapon. He's most likely sad about having lost a friend. He is afraid of the frost giants. You think you've figured out the following smells that he gives off:
Brimstone - Confusion
Roses - Sadness
Lemon - Happiness
Baked Bread - Anger
Violets - Fear
Honeysuckle - tenderness / concern
Wood smoke - Loyalty or devotion
Tar - celebration
Ham - worry
The group moves back to find the zombie, it having been over and hour and her invisibility wearing off she is likely waiting for you. The dinosaur man seems to follow you. The Zombie woman is back near the edge of the ruins along with Gregory, Boris, Sedrik and Hammu. The smell of ham fills the air as your new companion spots the zombie, but soon the ham smell wafts away leaving the smell of pine, with a touch of Brimstone.
Pine - Curiosity.
He approaches the zombie who stands there regarding him in all its foul putrid stench, its blood clotted eyes blank. She hands a piece of paper to Kasaaptu. It's a smear of charcoal lines and rotting body liquids. It seems like maybe she tried writing, but it's too sloppy and then got smeared horribly. She talks, "Lithened to the Giant-th. Couldn't get too clothe, their wolveth kept getting upthet. They killed the guy they had, but th-trung him up to try and attract hith friend back. They're looking for thome powerful artifact, a ring." She points at your new friend. "They thaid that the dinothaur man had it. They have a th-hip of th-ore a few mileth. There are other thearch partieth thearching the jungle."
Ham, Violets, and Baked Bread fill the air.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Badger listens to the zombie's report, and then thanks her, congratulating her on a good job. He then asks Ham the Dinosaur Man several questions, waiting for a response for each (both smells and hand/head/facial gestures):
- The man the giants killed is your friend, no? - Do you wish our aid to recover his body? - Do you have this artifact? This ring? - If no: Do you wish to recover it, and do you need our help?
If yes, then perhaps we could discuss and weigh up whether to allow him to stay with us. Keeping a powerful artifact out of the hands of evil giants might be worth a risk. Ham in the party could be mutually beneficial - our numbers to help protect him and the artifact, and his sword (and ring?) to help us in our quest. If the rest of the party are agreed, Badger will put the proposal to Ham for his response...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Smelling Ham's ham-smelling hesitation, Badger reassures him that they mean him no ill-intent. Then, quietly to his companions, he asks:
Urgh, what think ye, friends? I for one suggest he accompany us - if for no other reason than for his safety and that of his artifact.
Privately, Badger wonders whether this strange creature could be important to the success of their mission. Perhaps even the One of which Badger prophesied at the very beginning, the one whose name starts with the letter 'A'.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sickle assists the others in attempting to translate the odors of Ham the Dinosaur Man. He is intrigued by the mystery surrounding him and his companion, and the presence and interest of the giants. At the mention of attacking them, though, Sickle objects. “A frost giant is a dangerous being. To bring one down would be quite a feat, but they are highly lethal. They could likely end any one of us with a single swipe. Attacking multiples would be a suicide mission for sure. Even attacking one would require extensive planning and a lot of luck, and even then we are likely to take heavy losses. I’m not sure that is worth it
“On the other hand, I’m not sure what we’ve gained by coming here yet. Certainly no obvious clues as to the nature of what we seek or our next step. Perhaps we need to get a better sense of this artifact and if it might be of any aid to us?”
"We are certainly grasping for straws but what choice do we have? We do no have any true information so we must chase what we can in hopes we find what we seek," Silas stated, "While I do not believe in fate, I believe we have found someone and something here for sure. Let not be greedy and overstay our welcome in these ruins. We have explored and we found him. Let's make haste before the giants find us," He points to general direction of the giants,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Knowing that there are frost giants with wolves about searching, the group spends a few hours moving further from the ruins into the jungle. The ruins of Mezro were not what you expected, and have left you no closer to finding the Soul Monger. It's clear to you why the jungles of Chult are so difficult to explore now. Moving across the land here is treacherous and time consuming, with disease, undead, and dinosaurs, along with all other manner of ways of dying. You've come to Mezro simply because it was a spot on the large map, but it seems Mezro is well visited by adventurers. Given it's on the shore, and it's location is common knowledge, in retrospect it's not that surprising that the ruins have been thoroughly picked through. That said, it does feel good to "check the box". The ruins neither demonstrate the activity of, nor what you'd expect to feel or find of an insidious world bending plot to absorb the dead lost souls of the world. Especially with Sir Darak's senses you would figure he'd get some pretty strong sense of evil. Ataaz Muhahah is south from here perhaps a days march, though you've already learned that the point of interest is an ancient stone bridge with a magical golem at its mid point. South, over a weeks walk from here is Kir Sabal, an Aarokrocra home where you've been told that perhaps you could be blessed with flight which would certainly help.
The Map also shows a place called Ishau down the coast over 100 miles that you know nothing about. Also, north 30 miles there's a place called Port Castigliar that you know nothing about. Meanwhile, far to the west, back the way you've been coming, well past fire finger are Camp Righteous, Camp Vengeance, and then a place called Mbala where perhaps you might be able to learn something from a wise Naga.
And then of course there are 100's of miles of unexplored jungle terrain to the south and west. Somehow in all of this you need to find the Soul Monger.
Your undead companion, rotting and smelly, but somehow staying together, shambles along with you, quiet and staying to the rear. Your new companion, Ham, walks in the middle of the of the group. When not talking to him, his smells seem to subside. It's a couple hours into the jungle when you feel a bit more secure where you stop to pull out the map and consider your next move, and perhaps question your new companion a bit about this artifact. He pre-empts the questions by pulling out a piece of paper and begins writing. A few moments later he shows you what he's written.
"I will show you the ring if you insist. But, it will lure you. It is evil and will seek to dominate your mind and wreak havoc. Only one of great strength of will can hope to wield its power. Others will just be subsumed."
".....o.....k," Silas waves slowly at the being, "Hello,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneThe diminutive dinosaur man waves back, his beak opening into a fang filled grin that seems as if it's meant to relay a smile. You smell what seems to be a tiny tang of lemon mixed in with the ham and rose.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Urgh ... do you understand our language? calls out Badger in Common. He repeats the same in Undercommon and Goblin, if there is no initial response.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kasaaptu will flash a big smile to the Dino-dude and Say hello
He walks forward a few steps, sheathing his sword, and nods to Badger. The smell of roses and ham fades away and a slight scent of tar fills the air. He waves to Kasaaptu.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Sir Darak Darkhall: Sheathing his sword, Darak steps forward and says, "Greetings, good... sir. I am Sir Darak Darkhall and these are my companions, Badger, Kasaaptu, Sickle, Silas and Yroc. Perhaps you can assist us? Might you know anything about the Frost Giants in the area?"
"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
Badger seems to think there is something odd about this situation. He can see (and smell) the figure, but not hear anything. He makes a pretense of approaching with hand extended as if in greeting, but is looking for signs of illusion magic.
Investigation (using Portent roll of 11): 16
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sickle’s hackles are raised. The lack of verbal response is unnerving and the smells are out of place in this environment. He looks around, worrried they might be falling into some kind of trap.
perception: 18
At the mention of Frost Giants, the dinosaur man looks very serious, his grin fading. He shakes his head, looking quite worried and everyone gets a distinct smell of flowers....perhaps...violets? Who knows there flower smells? Definitely not rose this time. Badger, on edge and scanning for any sign of illusion or magic can seem to sense none. He firmly grips the hand of the creature, who seems to know how to shake hands, even if he can't speak. The flesh on his hand is leathery, dry, and wrinkly. If it is a tactile illusion, it is exquisite. Sickle peers around, his senses on high alert. The warm thick air moist, and has the strong tang of the ocean. The flooded portion of the city is nearby and rotting vegetation and stagnant water is clearly nearby. The wind blows gently and the creatures feet make a scuffing noise as he steps forward to shake Badger's hand. He makes a bit of a strange quiet 'huffing' noise as he breaths. Nothing seems out of place to Sickle's mind.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
After shaking Badger's hand, the creature points to the jungle, and then, waves both his hands at the group, and, positions his body at an angle, as if he expects to follow you. He stands there quietly, waiting.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Badger has decided the creature is fair dinkum - in fact he kinda likes this dude, maybe in part because he is the first humanoid he's seen since Barty left that is not super-tall (other than the poison-frogs). He turns with a smile to the group and says:
Urgh, he doesn't appear to have the capacity for verbal communication, but I believe he wishes us to go with him. I think we can trust him.
Badger continues to quiz the creature, carefully framing his questions to see if there is any pattern to the smells (if it is even the source).
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
The creature moves off to one side, motioning for the rest of you to come with him, so that you're someone hidden, as Badger continues to quiz him. It becomes clear that the scents you smell do come from the creature. After about ten minutes of carefully worded questions, Badger and the rest of the group have determined a few things about this person.
He didn't come here by himself, but he's alone now. He knows how to use his weapon. He's most likely sad about having lost a friend. He is afraid of the frost giants. You think you've figured out the following smells that he gives off:
Brimstone - Confusion
Roses - Sadness
Lemon - Happiness
Baked Bread - Anger
Violets - Fear
Honeysuckle - tenderness / concern
Wood smoke - Loyalty or devotion
Tar - celebration
Ham - worry
The group moves back to find the zombie, it having been over and hour and her invisibility wearing off she is likely waiting for you. The dinosaur man seems to follow you. The Zombie woman is back near the edge of the ruins along with Gregory, Boris, Sedrik and Hammu. The smell of ham fills the air as your new companion spots the zombie, but soon the ham smell wafts away leaving the smell of pine, with a touch of Brimstone.
Pine - Curiosity.
He approaches the zombie who stands there regarding him in all its foul putrid stench, its blood clotted eyes blank. She hands a piece of paper to Kasaaptu. It's a smear of charcoal lines and rotting body liquids. It seems like maybe she tried writing, but it's too sloppy and then got smeared horribly. She talks, "Lithened to the Giant-th. Couldn't get too clothe, their wolveth kept getting upthet. They killed the guy they had, but th-trung him up to try and attract hith friend back. They're looking for thome powerful artifact, a ring." She points at your new friend. "They thaid that the dinothaur man had it. They have a th-hip of th-ore a few mileth. There are other thearch partieth thearching the jungle."
Ham, Violets, and Baked Bread fill the air.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
(maybe we can call Dinosaur man Ham Sammich..lol)
Kasaaptu says to nobody in particular " Seems like we may have to kill a Frost giant afterall..."
She wonders to herself if the flood of life force will be more intense for killing a giant..
Badger listens to the zombie's report, and then thanks her, congratulating her on a good job. He then asks Ham the Dinosaur Man several questions, waiting for a response for each (both smells and hand/head/facial gestures):
- The man the giants killed is your friend, no?
- Do you wish our aid to recover his body?
- Do you have this artifact? This ring?
- If no: Do you wish to recover it, and do you need our help?
If yes, then perhaps we could discuss and weigh up whether to allow him to stay with us. Keeping a powerful artifact out of the hands of evil giants might be worth a risk. Ham in the party could be mutually beneficial - our numbers to help protect him and the artifact, and his sword (and ring?) to help us in our quest. If the rest of the party are agreed, Badger will put the proposal to Ham for his response...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kasaaptu agrees its worthwhile to aid the guy
The man the giants killed is your friend? He nods sadly. Roses.
Do you wish to aid in recovering his body? He shakes his head sadly. Violets.
Do you have this artifact? The ring? He hesitates, his eyes darting about the party. He nods his head. Ham.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Smelling Ham's ham-smelling hesitation, Badger reassures him that they mean him no ill-intent. Then, quietly to his companions, he asks:
Urgh, what think ye, friends? I for one suggest he accompany us - if for no other reason than for his safety and that of his artifact.
Privately, Badger wonders whether this strange creature could be important to the success of their mission. Perhaps even the One of which Badger prophesied at the very beginning, the one whose name starts with the letter 'A'.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sickle assists the others in attempting to translate the odors of Ham the Dinosaur Man. He is intrigued by the mystery surrounding him and his companion, and the presence and interest of the giants. At the mention of attacking them, though, Sickle objects. “A frost giant is a dangerous being. To bring one down would be quite a feat, but they are highly lethal. They could likely end any one of us with a single swipe. Attacking multiples would be a suicide mission for sure. Even attacking one would require extensive planning and a lot of luck, and even then we are likely to take heavy losses. I’m not sure that is worth it
“On the other hand, I’m not sure what we’ve gained by coming here yet. Certainly no obvious clues as to the nature of what we seek or our next step. Perhaps we need to get a better sense of this artifact and if it might be of any aid to us?”
"We are certainly grasping for straws but what choice do we have? We do no have any true information so we must chase what we can in hopes we find what we seek," Silas stated, "While I do not believe in fate, I believe we have found someone and something here for sure. Let not be greedy and overstay our welcome in these ruins. We have explored and we found him. Let's make haste before the giants find us," He points to general direction of the giants,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneKnowing that there are frost giants with wolves about searching, the group spends a few hours moving further from the ruins into the jungle. The ruins of Mezro were not what you expected, and have left you no closer to finding the Soul Monger. It's clear to you why the jungles of Chult are so difficult to explore now. Moving across the land here is treacherous and time consuming, with disease, undead, and dinosaurs, along with all other manner of ways of dying. You've come to Mezro simply because it was a spot on the large map, but it seems Mezro is well visited by adventurers. Given it's on the shore, and it's location is common knowledge, in retrospect it's not that surprising that the ruins have been thoroughly picked through. That said, it does feel good to "check the box". The ruins neither demonstrate the activity of, nor what you'd expect to feel or find of an insidious world bending plot to absorb the dead lost souls of the world. Especially with Sir Darak's senses you would figure he'd get some pretty strong sense of evil. Ataaz Muhahah is south from here perhaps a days march, though you've already learned that the point of interest is an ancient stone bridge with a magical golem at its mid point. South, over a weeks walk from here is Kir Sabal, an Aarokrocra home where you've been told that perhaps you could be blessed with flight which would certainly help.
The Map also shows a place called Ishau down the coast over 100 miles that you know nothing about. Also, north 30 miles there's a place called Port Castigliar that you know nothing about. Meanwhile, far to the west, back the way you've been coming, well past fire finger are Camp Righteous, Camp Vengeance, and then a place called Mbala where perhaps you might be able to learn something from a wise Naga.
And then of course there are 100's of miles of unexplored jungle terrain to the south and west. Somehow in all of this you need to find the Soul Monger.
Your undead companion, rotting and smelly, but somehow staying together, shambles along with you, quiet and staying to the rear. Your new companion, Ham, walks in the middle of the of the group. When not talking to him, his smells seem to subside. It's a couple hours into the jungle when you feel a bit more secure where you stop to pull out the map and consider your next move, and perhaps question your new companion a bit about this artifact. He pre-empts the questions by pulling out a piece of paper and begins writing. A few moments later he shows you what he's written.
"I will show you the ring if you insist. But, it will lure you. It is evil and will seek to dominate your mind and wreak havoc. Only one of great strength of will can hope to wield its power. Others will just be subsumed."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.