The entire world of Toril is permeated of Magic. Everything is Magic. Life and Death are magic. It is when magic fails that the world comes into disarray. It happened in the Days of Thunder, thirty thousand years ago. It happened during the Times of Troubles. It has happened recently with the Spellplague. Somehow, it is happening now again. Magic of Life is failing.
Oh, but you are scared? What are scared of?
For the past several days, the talk of the streets and taverns has all been about the so-called death curse: a wasting disease afflicting everyone who’s ever been raised from the dead. Victims grow thinner and weaker each day, slowly but steadily sliding toward the death they once denied. When they finally succumb, they can’t be raised — and neither can anyone else, regardless of whether they’ve ever received that miracle in the past. Temples and scholars of divine magic are at a loss to explain a curse that has affected the entire region, and possibly the entire world.
You arrive in a tropical city under the blazing sun. The familiar sounds of a harbor — creaking ropes, slapping waves, heavy barrels rolling across cobblestones — mingle with voices shouting and cursing in an unfamiliar language filled with clicks, inhalations, and singsongy words that make it sound almost musical. The aroma of unfamiliar spices and tropical fruit mixes with the wharfside smells of fish, tar, and canvas.
Beyond all that, Port Nyanzaru is an explosion of color. Buildings are painted in bright shades of blue, green, orange, and salmon pink, or their walls are adorned with murals portraying giant reptiles and mythical heroes. Every building sports baskets and clay urns of colorful flowers or is draped in leafy, flowering vines. Minstrels in bright clothing adorned with feathers and shells perform on street corners. Multicolored pennants and sun awnings flutter atop the city walls. A crowd of children dressed in feathered hats and capes races past you, squealing in delighted terror as a street performer costumed as a big-toothed lizard stomps and roars behind them. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing, and singing.
The soon-to-be party have arrived in the city of Port Nyanzaru. Each of them has been contacted by an archmage, Syndra Silvane. She urgently asked the adventurers to come here in one of the few civilized settlements in Chult to investigate and hopefully eradicate what it is now known as death curse.
You have been invited to the home of the merchant prince Wakanga by Syndra Silvane, a retired adventurer and merchant. A uniformed attendant leads you up a grand staircase to the second floor, then ushers you into a wood-paneled room with a fireplace, comfortable chairs, and a heavy table bearing goblets and bottles of wine. The darkly paneled walls are hung with maps and sea charts. Racks, shelves, and cabinets hold hundreds more rolled-up maps and charts.
A person is seated in an overstuffed chair near the fire. You can’t discern a gender, because only the person’s head emerges from under a heavy blanket draped over the chair, and an embroidered hood and silver mask conceal the wearer’s face. Even the person’s dry, raspy voice provides no clue. “Help yourselves to wine, and seat yourselves, friends — I hope I may call you that.”
In the room you all see a man covered in bandages from head to toe.
OOC: [Are we coming in one by one?]
He begins to pour himself a glass of wine and has a seat. He's about 5'10, his bandages cover everything from his fingers to his head the only thing you can see his eyes which are light purple. He is currently not where armor just some loose common clothes and his bandages.
Felix: "So, are you the one who got me out of that cell?"
Brunella walks up the cobblestone path, comfortable in the heat. Her muscular and lithe build seems made for the tropical climate. Nearly naked, she embraces the heat as it rolls off her skin, sweating comfortably in balance with the environment. It is nice to finally breathe in the air of the jungles of Chult, from whence she came. This city's stink is small, more in tune with the surrounding jungle. She feels at home, after being away for so long.
She strides comfortably up the stairs and into the room. The room's occupants see a powerful dwarven woman, dressed in only a loincloth and torso wrap. A large greatsword, as long as her body, is tied behind her back. Her hair is red like autumn oak leaves, braided, and decorated with feathers and beads. She has white tattoo markings on her face and upper arms. She grabs the entire wine pitcher, ignoring the delicate crystal glasses placed carefully around it, raises it to her lips, and swallows hungrily, draining the entire contents. She puts the empty pitcher down with a satisfied grunt, making a loud clattering noise, and then turns to the window, looking out at the city below.
Wanting to thank the mysterious benefactor but failing to think of a gender neutral title to address his host, Irommek began to make his way over to the wine when the half naked dwarven woman entered the room and drained the wine in one motion.
Heheh, your new friends have rid you of your offering for wine. I would consider you a dear friend, at least for the day if you could produce some ale for this thirsty dwarf!
Felix: "So, are you the one who got me out of that cell?"
With rasping voice, Syndra replies: " I am the one, yes. No matter our past, our race, our beliefs. This curse has to end. "
After several moments of pause, Syndra regains the voice to continue: “I was an adventurer years ago. I died once and was raised from the dead. I have since closed the door on that stage of my life.”
“The death curse you’ve heard about has struck me. I don’t know how much longer I’ll last before I perish. Clerics have no help to offer. They’re stymied by what is happening.”
With rasping voice, Syndra replies: " I am the one, yes. No matter our past, our race, our beliefs. This curse has to end. "
After several moments of pause, Syndra regains the voice to continue: “I was an adventurer years ago. I died once and was raised from the dead. I have since closed the door on that stage of my life.”
“The death curse you’ve heard about has struck me. I don’t know how much longer I’ll last before I perish. Clerics have no help to offer. They’re stymied by what is happening.”
Felix: "...I see."
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Felix Windfall (Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA,Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA
A tortle, quite young enters the room. Glancing at the other persons, smiling: "Greetings, my name is Kurma Kappa. I have been sent here by my maester Genbu. It seems you are sharing the same...interest..." I am looking around, fascinated by all the old books, jumping from one bookshelves to the other..."such a nice collection.."
Not happy with the heat, Gertrude stomps up the stairs - and has to duck under the door frame at 7'11":
"Sorry to be late... water, just some water please - travelling on that ship turned my stomach" and I sink into a chair as far away from everyone else as possible... the chair groans dangerously under my body weight.
In the room you all see a man covered in bandages from head to toe.
OOC: [Are we coming in one by one?]
He begins to pour himself a glass of wine and has a seat. He's about 5'10, his bandages cover everything from his fingers to his head the only thing you can see his eyes which are light purple. He is currently not where armor just some loose common clothes and his bandages.
Felix: "So, are you the one who got me out of that cell?"
Syndra sits down as well, clearly not having the strength to stay up any longer: " I am...(*cough*) I am pleased to meet you all. Please, listen to me."
“My contacts in the Harpers have learned that the cause of the death curse is a necromantic artefact called the Soulmonger. According to their sources, the Soulmonger is somewhere in Chult.”
“Chult is a peninsula ringed with mountains and choked with rainforests. Enormous reptiles, savage goblins, and an army of undead prowl its jungles and ruins. Mapping the place has always been nigh impossible, and nothing is known about the region’s current geography beyond a few miles from the coast.”
“Working from dozens of sea charts, logbooks, and explorers’ journals, I assembled everything known about the current state of Chult into one map. I’ll provide it to you if you undertake my mission.”
Brunella crosses her arms, displeased. Being raised from the dead is unnatural ritual. Life and death are part of one cycle. This man will die like all others will one day. Running from death is a fool's errand. She wants nothing to do with this man, but the maps and charts could be useful for her to return to her tribe.
(OOC: Does Brunella have any knowledge of the local geography given her tribe is on Chult?)
(OOC: Does Brunella have any knowledge of the local geography given her tribe is on Chult?)
OOC Yes, you can assume that Brunella knows the general features of the north-western part of Chult and its inhabitants. However, she does know about the locations several civilized settlements.
"I (*cough*) ... I want you to find the Soulmonger and destroy it. The problem is its exact whereabouts. We do not know where it is. (*cough*). "
"I can't come with you. I’ll stay here with my friend named Wakanga O’tamu. He’s one of seven merchant princes who rule the city. The only suggestion that I can give you is to find a guide who knows Chult. Without it, going into the jungle is a fool's errand."
Kurma is still browsing through the different books in the room.
"We need to prepare ourself for this expedition, would you be able to spare some gold so we can buy some equipment ?". "Also, do you have an idea on who could be a good guide or an idea on where we could find such a person ?"
Felix: " No offenses but what's to say we leave for today or tomorrow and you drop dead. Are there guarantees well get compensation after we finish this "quest". I can't speak to the rest of these people but I'd like some insurance. Also the Turtle is right I was literally drop of by the docks in a crate with what you see."
Disappointed that he apparently wasn’t going to get the ale that he requested, Irommek turned to the task at hand.
“Aye, I have to agree with my bundled companion Felix here. Although I have my weapons and shield and a few golds to my name, I would like to hear what is in it for us. There is a fast ship for sale in port now and I have secured a deposit with her owner but find myself short on funds to pay the remainder. “
Irommek looked around the room and examined the group a little closer as he waited for a reply from Syndra. He was right, they would need a good guide if they were to have a chance to survive the dangers of this island if half the rumors he heard in the tavern last night were true. But this looked to be a good, capable group and one that he might be able to consider mates if they survived this adventure.
A slender moderately handsome but yet common looking half elf walks in. He walks to the chairs slowly eyeing the charts and maps on the wall looking for anything of value. Eventually he sits in an chair while eyeing those around him, identifying our silver masked fellow as the once who summoned him here with promise of gold.
"Adventures, adversaries, a relic of unknown location...in this rain and heat? Sounds like it may be expensive for you my friend."
Oniss eyes the other bottles of wine.
"I agrees with our companion under wraps here (points to Felix) I would like an little insurance. I didn't spend weeks at sea for the scenery of your beautiful island."
Oniss gets up from his chair and opens another bottle of wine and pours it into a empty goblet. Smells the sweet aroma and takes a sip. He then nods at Syndra approvingly.
"The payment I have in mind for you is magic items. A rare magic item for each one of you."
"For equipment here in Port Nyanzaru you can find the Jewel Market here in Merchant's Ward, or the Red Bazaar in Market Ward. Needless to say that the latter is the most affordable one. For a guide, I know that most of them in the two inns of Red Bazaar: The thundering Lizard and Kaya's house of repose."
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The soon-to-be party have arrived in the city of Port Nyanzaru. Each of them has been contacted by an archmage, Syndra Silvane. She urgently asked the adventurers to come here in one of the few civilized settlements in Chult to investigate and hopefully eradicate what it is now known as death curse.
In the room you all see a man covered in bandages from head to toe.
OOC: [Are we coming in one by one?]
He begins to pour himself a glass of wine and has a seat. He's about 5'10, his bandages cover everything from his fingers to his head the only thing you can see his eyes which are light purple. He is currently not where armor just some loose common clothes and his bandages.
Felix: "So, are you the one who got me out of that cell?"
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiABrunella walks up the cobblestone path, comfortable in the heat. Her muscular and lithe build seems made for the tropical climate. Nearly naked, she embraces the heat as it rolls off her skin, sweating comfortably in balance with the environment. It is nice to finally breathe in the air of the jungles of Chult, from whence she came. This city's stink is small, more in tune with the surrounding jungle. She feels at home, after being away for so long.
She strides comfortably up the stairs and into the room. The room's occupants see a powerful dwarven woman, dressed in only a loincloth and torso wrap. A large greatsword, as long as her body, is tied behind her back. Her hair is red like autumn oak leaves, braided, and decorated with feathers and beads. She has white tattoo markings on her face and upper arms. She grabs the entire wine pitcher, ignoring the delicate crystal glasses placed carefully around it, raises it to her lips, and swallows hungrily, draining the entire contents. She puts the empty pitcher down with a satisfied grunt, making a loud clattering noise, and then turns to the window, looking out at the city below.
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
Wanting to thank the mysterious benefactor but failing to think of a gender neutral title to address his host, Irommek began to make his way over to the wine when the half naked dwarven woman entered the room and drained the wine in one motion.
With rasping voice, Syndra replies: " I am the one, yes. No matter our past, our race, our beliefs. This curse has to end. "
After several moments of pause, Syndra regains the voice to continue: “I was an adventurer years ago. I died once and was raised from the dead. I have since closed the door on that stage of my life.”
“The death curse you’ve heard about has struck me. I don’t know how much longer I’ll last before I perish. Clerics have no help to offer. They’re stymied by what is happening.”
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAA tortle, quite young enters the room. Glancing at the other persons, smiling:
"Greetings, my name is Kurma Kappa. I have been sent here by my maester Genbu. It seems you are sharing the same...interest..."
I am looking around, fascinated by all the old books, jumping from one bookshelves to the other..."such a nice collection.."
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Not happy with the heat, Gertrude stomps up the stairs - and has to duck under the door frame at 7'11":
"Sorry to be late... water, just some water please - travelling on that ship turned my stomach" and I sink into a chair as far away from everyone else as possible... the chair groans dangerously under my body weight.
Looking at the rest, He'll sit up in his chair.
Felix: "Felix, Felix Windfall..."
Addressing the rowdy bunch that just walked in.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiASyndra sits down as well, clearly not having the strength to stay up any longer: " I am...(*cough*) I am pleased to meet you all. Please, listen to me."
“My contacts in the Harpers have learned that the cause of the death curse is a necromantic artefact called the Soulmonger. According to their sources, the Soulmonger is somewhere in Chult.”
“Chult is a peninsula ringed with mountains and choked with rainforests. Enormous reptiles, savage goblins, and an army of undead prowl its jungles and ruins. Mapping the place has always been nigh impossible, and nothing is known about the region’s current geography beyond a few miles from the coast.”
“Working from dozens of sea charts, logbooks, and explorers’ journals, I assembled everything known about the current state of Chult into one map. I’ll provide it to you if you undertake my mission.”
Brunella crosses her arms, displeased. Being raised from the dead is unnatural ritual. Life and death are part of one cycle. This man will die like all others will one day. Running from death is a fool's errand. She wants nothing to do with this man, but the maps and charts could be useful for her to return to her tribe.
(OOC: Does Brunella have any knowledge of the local geography given her tribe is on Chult?)
Brunella Wildheart, Dwarf Barbarian,Tomb of Annihilation
Nyx, Fairy Cleric, Descent Into Avernus
"I am here to follow commands, what is it that you wish us to do?"
"I (*cough*) ... I want you to find the Soulmonger and destroy it. The problem is its exact whereabouts. We do not know where it is. (*cough*). "
"I can't come with you. I’ll stay here with my friend named Wakanga O’tamu. He’s one of seven merchant princes who rule the city. The only suggestion that I can give you is to find a guide who knows Chult. Without it, going into the jungle is a fool's errand."
Kurma is still browsing through the different books in the room.
"We need to prepare ourself for this expedition, would you be able to spare some gold so we can buy some equipment ?". "Also, do you have an idea on who could be a good guide or an idea on where we could find such a person ?"
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Felix looking over the folks and look at Syndra.
Felix: " No offenses but what's to say we leave for today or tomorrow and you drop dead. Are there guarantees well get compensation after we finish this "quest". I can't speak to the rest of these people but I'd like some insurance. Also the Turtle is right I was literally drop of by the docks in a crate with what you see."
Felix gesturing his common clothes.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiADisappointed that he apparently wasn’t going to get the ale that he requested, Irommek turned to the task at hand.
Irommek looked around the room and examined the group a little closer as he waited for a reply from Syndra. He was right, they would need a good guide if they were to have a chance to survive the dangers of this island if half the rumors he heard in the tavern last night were true. But this looked to be a good, capable group and one that he might be able to consider mates if they survived this adventure.
A slender moderately handsome but yet common looking half elf walks in. He walks to the chairs slowly eyeing the charts and maps on the wall looking for anything of value. Eventually he sits in an chair while eyeing those around him, identifying our silver masked fellow as the once who summoned him here with promise of gold.
"Adventures, adversaries, a relic of unknown location...in this rain and heat? Sounds like it may be expensive for you my friend."
Oniss eyes the other bottles of wine.
"I agrees with our companion under wraps here (points to Felix) I would like an little insurance. I didn't spend weeks at sea for the scenery of your beautiful island."
Oniss gets up from his chair and opens another bottle of wine and pours it into a empty goblet. Smells the sweet aroma and takes a sip. He then nods at Syndra approvingly.
Oniss - Half-Elf Level 1 Sorcerer - ToA
Golden Blurg (GB) - Aarakocra Level 3 Wizard - KR
"The payment I have in mind for you is magic items. A rare magic item for each one of you."
"For equipment here in Port Nyanzaru you can find the Jewel Market here in Merchant's Ward, or the Red Bazaar in Market Ward. Needless to say that the latter is the most affordable one. For a guide, I know that most of them in the two inns of Red Bazaar: The thundering Lizard and Kaya's house of repose."