Barkas is excited with the discussion, very pleased in the direction of this plan. "Maps, did someone say maps?" He spreads out the map of Chult on a table, and then right beside it puts his Star Map, with his many annotations and notes scribbled all over it. "This guardian naga, where is it? Camp Vengence, ok, ok. Not forseen, but I think we can do it. But the guardian naga of Orolunga. Perhaps that is why there is the sign of the serpent peaking here... hmm..." He tries to get his star map to overlie on top of the Chult map, making turns and measurements, you haven't seen him this excited since the outset of the quest. He straightens up and looks at all of you, with a self-satisfied look on his face like he just had a really good bowel movement. "Progress! That's what I call this! Let us proceed! Eku, you have my full confidence. Will you guide us? Do you believe in the information in the sky, the constellations to guide us? I can't wait!" The dwarf seems ebullient and nearly hopping up and down. Elonath, perched above gives a snort.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Eku studies Syndra's map for a moment and then points to an area west of Mbala (highlighted in orange below). "Orolunga is in this area; so, you see that visiting Camp Vengeance can be done along the way."
She also ponders the star map but seems content to leave the reading of it to Barkas. "Such maps are foreign to me, but that does not mean it will not be helpful."
Eldeth studies the map. "Is the interior route safer than going around the coast, or is it simply a matter of choosing between two different types of dangers? And is one faster than the other?"
"One could sail to Jahaka Bay and then travel northward to Orolunga," replies Eku. "It is impossible to pass over the Mistcliff..."--she points to the wall of rock on Chult's northwestern shore--"...so Jahaka Bay is the most suitable harbor. Sailing to the bay and traveling on foot from there might pose less danger. I do not believe it will save much time, however. Finding a captain who will charter his ship to Jahaka Bay could be a difficult task."
"Orolunga? We heard a man instruct us to Speak to the wise guardian of Orolunga, east of Mbala. She can direct you to that which you seek," Rasp commented, vocal chords shifting to directly repeat the phrase from the man who collapsed near Zitembe's temple. "The guardian naga may be the guardian he spoke of. It seems we chose a knowledgeable guide."Despite Rasps's words, no enthusiasm was portrayed by his tone or dour demeanor. "I would be honored to aid in your quest, Eku. The naga seems to be our next step forwards."
"Grandfather Zitembe promised us another mote of knowledge tomorrow," Rasp explained. "While our mission is urgent, one of our adventuring group is currently elsewhere. Eldeth - you met a priest destined for Camp Vengeance, correct? I propose, for the unanimous safety of our group, we invite them to join Eku and our group to Camp Vengeance. We may then continue onwards to the Guardian Naga."
“Well, if everyone agrees, let’s proceed Eku. We have a couple of canoes that need to pick up. Do you have any beasts that could help us, any dinosaurs to help carry our load? Anything else you would suggest that we purchase?” Barkas is animated and anxious to proceed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Edrik nods to Barkas. "I am good with Eku. And it does sound like this Orolunga keeps coming up as a destination. But we should see what we hear tomorrow before we make our final decision."
Eku nods to Rasp and replies, "Thank you, kenku. What knowledge I have is at your disposal, and may it serve all of us well."
Then, directing her focus to the entire group, Eku says, "Speak with Grandfather Zitembe tomorrow as planned. That is as it should be. And if you deem the priest should travel with us to Camp Vengeance, then I see no reason to resist. Tomorrow, after midday, we shall meet where the River Soshenstar flows into the Bay of Chult. And, no, Barkas, we will have no dinosaurs to serve as beasts of burden. They are loud, slow, and cannot follow where we are likely to go. Other than the canoes, only two things are needed: insect repellent--in salve form-- and rain catchers. We dare not drink the river water."
- - - - - - - -
On your way to The Monkey's Fist, the five of you find yourselves amid the weekly excitement of the Port Nyanzaru dinosaur races. This event brings a sudden and significant change to the city as hundreds and hundreds of spectators line the side of the race route, which runs around the four hills upon which the city is built. You learn that races come in three varieties: the four-legged dinosaur race (comprised mainly of triceratopses, ankylosauruses, and dimetrodons), two-legged dinosaur races (comprised mainly of hadrosauruses and deinonychuses), and the "unchained" race, in which any dinosaur may compete. You quickly discern that betting on these races is both legal and common.
The hours-long absence of Faloniir is suddenly explained to all of you as you see the half-elf (smiling from ear to ear and donning an elaborate array of green garb and colorful feathers) astride a triceratops that is painted and decorated in equally garish dashing fashion. Believe it or not, Faloniir has somehow managed to procure a position as a rider in the dinosaur races of Port Nyanzaru. He will be part of the first of the three races.
Odds (for any who might be interested in placing a wager or two...):
Four-legged race (which features Faloniir astride Gorumi):
Barkas nods to Eku, "I have purchased and have in my bag here 6 jars of the insect repellent salve, and 6 rain catchers. We have also purchased 2 canoes. If that is all we need, let us proceed as planned tomorrow. In the meantime, I wish to see some of these dinosaur races!"
Barkas puts down 5 gold on Faloniir riding on Gorumi. He doesn't know enough about the other riders or dinosaurs to place other bets at this time, preferring to watch and drink beer in the stands, getting into the spirit of the thing.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
As Matthias walks with the group, he comes across Faloniir in the race which would make him think, "Oh you have to be kidding me." He'd chuckle to himself and approach the betting counter. He'd place these bets:
-10gp on Dark Alley in the 2-legged race -2gp on Too much Tej in the unchained -3gp on Grung in the Four-Legged Race
Eldeth won't wager any money, since she hasn't any idea how the different types of dinosaurs perform, but she'll watch all three races so that she can see how all of the different dinosaurs behave, in case the information is useful in the future.
Edrik shakes his head as he sees Faloniir has somehow gotten in the race. He is not interested in placing any bets, but with nothing much else to do he settles in to watch with the others.
Barkas raises a mug of Sloth Stout and shouts at the top of his lungs, “Go go go Gorumi and Faloniir!” He seems to be having too much fun for the setting, fascinated at the sight of the dinosaurs.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dinosaur race mechanics:
Per the ToA adventure rules:
A race runs a length of 300 feet; this is abstract, as a race actually covers a lot more ground. Every round, each rider makes a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check; the DCs for different types of dinosaurs are listed in the Racing Dinosaurs table. With each successful Animal Handling check, the first number listed as the dinosaur’s speed is added to its “running tally.” If the check fails, that dinosaur’s tally doesn’t increase that turn. When a racer’s tally equals or exceeds 300, that dinosaur crosses the finish line. A racer can try to move at the higher listed speed by lashing the animal furiously; in this case, the Animal Handling check is made with advantage, but the dinosaur must also make a successful DC 10 Constitution check at the end of this round or its speed is halved for the rest of the race.
No initiative is involved. Riders can make their Animal Handling checks in any order, or all at the same time. If two or more dinosaurs cross the finish line on the same round, the one with the highest tally wins. If the tallies are the same, the racers tied. In the event of a tie, brawls are likely to break out in trackside betting pools.
For Faloniir's race, I'm ruling that all the dinosaurs have the same racing "speed" (50/75) and the same DC for animal handling (DC 14). Additionally, each dinosaur will have the same CON modifier (+2) if/when the time comes for that dinosaur to make a CON check. Dylanthalas will decide if/when Faloniir will incur the risks/benefits of lashing Gorumi. I will make those same determinations for the three NPC riders.
Faloniir's antics arouse quite a bit of delight from the crowd, especially the children. Spectators point, applaud, cheer, and laugh. Bettors stare wide-eyed, uncertain about whether to increase or decrease their wagers on Gorumi. After a few minutes, the betting pools for the first race come to a close, and suspense hangs in the air as the five four-legged behemoths stand shoulder to shoulder at the starting line. Someone near the dinosaurs slams a wooden mallet into an enormous brass gong, and the race begins...
First round of racing...
Grung Stomper: His rider immediately goes to the lash. Rider's animal handling w/ adv is 19. Dinosaur's CON check is 18.
Charm of Chult: Her rider holds off on lashing. Rider's animal handling is 16.
Ubtao's Revenge: His rider holds off on lashing. Rider's animal handling is 12.
Misty Blue: Her rider also immediately goes to the lash. Rider's animal handling w/ adv is 9. Dinosaur's CON check is 8.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grung Stomper--the odds on favorite--takes an early lead, followed by Ubtao's Revenge. The other three racers, including Faloniir, endure a bumpy start and find themselves trailing. The cheers of the crowd increase in volume as the dinosaurs make their way toward the first turn.
Second round of the race...
Grung Stomper: His rider continues to use the lash. Rider's animal handling w/ adv is 15. Dinosaur's CON check is 22.
Charm of Chult: Hoping to gain on the leaders, her rider applies the lash. Rider's animal handling is 5. Dinosaur's CON check is 18.
Ubtao's Revenge: His rider elects to hold off on lashing. Rider's animal handling is 5.
Misty Blue: Her rider holds off on the lash this round. Rider's animal handling w/ adv is 8.
Barkas is excited with the discussion, very pleased in the direction of this plan. "Maps, did someone say maps?" He spreads out the map of Chult on a table, and then right beside it puts his Star Map, with his many annotations and notes scribbled all over it. "This guardian naga, where is it? Camp Vengence, ok, ok. Not forseen, but I think we can do it. But the guardian naga of Orolunga. Perhaps that is why there is the sign of the serpent peaking here... hmm..." He tries to get his star map to overlie on top of the Chult map, making turns and measurements, you haven't seen him this excited since the outset of the quest. He straightens up and looks at all of you, with a self-satisfied look on his face like he just had a really good bowel movement. "Progress! That's what I call this! Let us proceed! Eku, you have my full confidence. Will you guide us? Do you believe in the information in the sky, the constellations to guide us? I can't wait!" The dwarf seems ebullient and nearly hopping up and down. Elonath, perched above gives a snort.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Eku studies Syndra's map for a moment and then points to an area west of Mbala (highlighted in orange below). "Orolunga is in this area; so, you see that visiting Camp Vengeance can be done along the way."
She also ponders the star map but seems content to leave the reading of it to Barkas. "Such maps are foreign to me, but that does not mean it will not be helpful."
Eldeth studies the map. "Is the interior route safer than going around the coast, or is it simply a matter of choosing between two different types of dangers? And is one faster than the other?"
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
"One could sail to Jahaka Bay and then travel northward to Orolunga," replies Eku. "It is impossible to pass over the Mistcliff..."--she points to the wall of rock on Chult's northwestern shore--"...so Jahaka Bay is the most suitable harbor. Sailing to the bay and traveling on foot from there might pose less danger. I do not believe it will save much time, however. Finding a captain who will charter his ship to Jahaka Bay could be a difficult task."
"Orolunga? We heard a man instruct us to Speak to the wise guardian of Orolunga, east of Mbala. She can direct you to that which you seek," Rasp commented, vocal chords shifting to directly repeat the phrase from the man who collapsed near Zitembe's temple. "The guardian naga may be the guardian he spoke of. It seems we chose a knowledgeable guide." Despite Rasps's words, no enthusiasm was portrayed by his tone or dour demeanor. "I would be honored to aid in your quest, Eku. The naga seems to be our next step forwards."
"Grandfather Zitembe promised us another mote of knowledge tomorrow," Rasp explained. "While our mission is urgent, one of our adventuring group is currently elsewhere. Eldeth - you met a priest destined for Camp Vengeance, correct? I propose, for the unanimous safety of our group, we invite them to join Eku and our group to Camp Vengeance. We may then continue onwards to the Guardian Naga."
"Yes, she was planning on leaving tomorrow," Eldeth confirmed. "Would that work with our own plans?"
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
“Well, if everyone agrees, let’s proceed Eku. We have a couple of canoes that need to pick up. Do you have any beasts that could help us, any dinosaurs to help carry our load? Anything else you would suggest that we purchase?” Barkas is animated and anxious to proceed.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Edrik nods to Barkas. "I am good with Eku. And it does sound like this Orolunga keeps coming up as a destination. But we should see what we hear tomorrow before we make our final decision."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Eku nods to Rasp and replies, "Thank you, kenku. What knowledge I have is at your disposal, and may it serve all of us well."
Then, directing her focus to the entire group, Eku says, "Speak with Grandfather Zitembe tomorrow as planned. That is as it should be. And if you deem the priest should travel with us to Camp Vengeance, then I see no reason to resist. Tomorrow, after midday, we shall meet where the River Soshenstar flows into the Bay of Chult. And, no, Barkas, we will have no dinosaurs to serve as beasts of burden. They are loud, slow, and cannot follow where we are likely to go. Other than the canoes, only two things are needed: insect repellent--in salve form-- and rain catchers. We dare not drink the river water."
- - - - - - - -
On your way to The Monkey's Fist, the five of you find yourselves amid the weekly excitement of the Port Nyanzaru dinosaur races. This event brings a sudden and significant change to the city as hundreds and hundreds of spectators line the side of the race route, which runs around the four hills upon which the city is built. You learn that races come in three varieties: the four-legged dinosaur race (comprised mainly of triceratopses, ankylosauruses, and dimetrodons), two-legged dinosaur races (comprised mainly of hadrosauruses and deinonychuses), and the "unchained" race, in which any dinosaur may compete. You quickly discern that betting on these races is both legal and common.
The hours-long absence of Faloniir is suddenly explained to all of you as you see the half-elf (smiling from ear to ear and donning an elaborate array of green garb and colorful feathers) astride a triceratops that is painted and decorated in equally
garishdashing fashion. Believe it or not, Faloniir has somehow managed to procure a position as a rider in the dinosaur races of Port Nyanzaru. He will be part of the first of the three races.Odds (for any who might be interested in placing a wager or two...):
Four-legged race (which features Faloniir astride Gorumi):
Two-legged race:
Unchained race:
Barkas nods to Eku, "I have purchased and have in my bag here 6 jars of the insect repellent salve, and 6 rain catchers. We have also purchased 2 canoes. If that is all we need, let us proceed as planned tomorrow. In the meantime, I wish to see some of these dinosaur races!"
Barkas puts down 5 gold on Faloniir riding on Gorumi. He doesn't know enough about the other riders or dinosaurs to place other bets at this time, preferring to watch and drink beer in the stands, getting into the spirit of the thing.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
As Matthias walks with the group, he comes across Faloniir in the race which would make him think, "Oh you have to be kidding me." He'd chuckle to himself and approach the betting counter. He'd place these bets:
-10gp on Dark Alley in the 2-legged race
-2gp on Too much Tej in the unchained
-3gp on Grung in the Four-Legged Race
-4gp on Gorumi in the Four-Legged Race
Eldeth won't wager any money, since she hasn't any idea how the different types of dinosaurs perform, but she'll watch all three races so that she can see how all of the different dinosaurs behave, in case the information is useful in the future.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Faloniir stands in the stirrups of Gorumi's saddle, with arms extended up and outward and his face upturned toward the sky.
He continues to praise the sun as Gorumi trundles along toward the starting line.
Edrik shakes his head as he sees Faloniir has somehow gotten in the race. He is not interested in placing any bets, but with nothing much else to do he settles in to watch with the others.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Eldeth laughs and cheers. "Go Faloniir!"
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Barkas raises a mug of Sloth Stout and shouts at the top of his lungs, “Go go go Gorumi and Faloniir!” He seems to be having too much fun for the setting, fascinated at the sight of the dinosaurs.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Dinosaur race mechanics:
Per the ToA adventure rules:
For Faloniir's race, I'm ruling that all the dinosaurs have the same racing "speed" (50/75) and the same DC for animal handling (DC 14). Additionally, each dinosaur will have the same CON modifier (+2) if/when the time comes for that dinosaur to make a CON check. Dylanthalas will decide if/when Faloniir will incur the risks/benefits of lashing Gorumi. I will make those same determinations for the three NPC riders.
Faloniir's antics arouse quite a bit of delight from the crowd, especially the children. Spectators point, applaud, cheer, and laugh. Bettors stare wide-eyed, uncertain about whether to increase or decrease their wagers on Gorumi. After a few minutes, the betting pools for the first race come to a close, and suspense hangs in the air as the five four-legged behemoths stand shoulder to shoulder at the starting line. Someone near the dinosaurs slams a wooden mallet into an enormous brass gong, and the race begins...
First round of racing...
The racing action for Faloniir is next...
Faloniir AH check: 13
Grung Stomper--the odds on favorite--takes an early lead, followed by Ubtao's Revenge. The other three racers, including Faloniir, endure a bumpy start and find themselves trailing. The cheers of the crowd increase in volume as the dinosaurs make their way toward the first turn.
Second round of the race...
Faloniir's racing action is up next...
Faloniir will forego using the last at all and simply enjoy the experience with Gorumi.
Faloniir AH check: 4
Round 3: 20
Round 4: 20
Round 5: 5
Round 6: 15
Round 7: 5
Round 8: 9
Round 9: 6
Round 10: 18
Round 11: 5
Round 12: 10
Round 13: 7
Round 14: 22
Round 15: 16
I believe Faloniir reaches 300 in round 12.