This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Oh shit." Sarya says quickly as the Duchess of Rot appears before them. She hesitates for a moment and looks to the others, but then she takes a step forward letting Carlos touch her for guidance once more. "Ahem, you will have back what is yours oh Duchess of Rot, but first you must divulge what you know of this death curse that has been plaguing us. The Harpers will not give up until they have this vital information so if you don't want them knocking on your door soon again then please share what you know with us and we'll be on our way." Sarya says to the rotten lady. "What say you?"
Persuasion: 19 + Guidance: 4 (Rolled with advantage if help action is given by someone, otherwise go with first roll)
" Also I remind you we are literally having your soul in our hands. " After blessingSarya, Carlos stands between his friend and the lich. " I don't know if we can destroy it. But I'm pretty sure we can do something veeeery nasty to it. I bet you don't wanna live with our legacy for the rest of eternity. Please, Your Excellency. Just a few spells and information. And this mess will be over."
Harq, following the others, is amazed at the death and destruction around him. Though he has experience with dead things, they are nearly always ancient, posing little threat other than the traps they left behind. But the freshly dead army around him is tough to stomach. Even more shocking is the lich now suddenly in front of them. As the others take the lead and begin to negotiate for their lives, Harq gestures to Elonath to back up with him as tries to get distance from the evil wizard.
Zaldara's demeanor quickly shifts to that of resignation. "I know of this curse, warlock. Listen well."
The Duchess of Rot conveys that she has been researching the death curse and knows that the only thing that could cause such a phenomena is an ungodly necromantic device called the Soulmonger. What its purpose is beyond consuming souls is unclear to her, but she does know that the amount of dark energy gathered by the Soulmonger is enough to power an undead being like the world has never seen. Zaldara cannot pinpoint the exact location of the Soulmonger, but she has been able to determine it is somewhere in Chult.
As she concludes her summary of what she knows, Zaldara sends an icy gaze at Elonath and Harq. "Pathetic lizard. You deserve this company you now keep."
Then Zaldara fixes her gaze on Carlos. "My spellbook. If you have it, cleric, the time has come to hand it over."
" You know, wise lady. Information means nothing if we can't verify and deliver it. " Carlos takes out his flask and drinks the whiskey. He gives a glance at his friends. " Give our Potion of Healing to Remallia and healers. They know how to handle the situation.… Now Your Excellency. Please wait for a little more. I will not move an inch. If you think you are being betrayed, feel free to kill me or do whatever you want. But I warn you, if you are not quick enough, you'll be very sorry. "
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sarya listens to Carlos and continues. "In fact if you retreat to your tower and let us leave with our fallen and wounded you can have your spellbook now. Our business here is finished and unless you cause a reason for the Harpers to stage a new retaliative attack by preventing us to leave you will have your peace again Zaldara." She says with determination, doing her best to not be awed by the lich's presence. If Zaldara agrees to this Sarya will promptly hand her the spellbook, confident that the Lich will value her peace over petty vengeance.
Insight to determine if Zaldara is trying to trick us: 4 but Sarya is actually rather confident she is not.
Sarya nods and returns Zaldara's spellbook to her. "You did the right thing Zaldara. I suspect I will have other things on my mind in the near future but you might want to get some consulting on your security measures around that spellbook if you know what I mean."Sarya comments as the rotten tart presumably turns to leave.
Assuming Zaldara takes her spellbook and leaves the battlefield Sarya springs into action and uses her potion of healing to revive the closest Harper, hopefully one that can help with healing others.
The Duchess of Rot takes hold of her spellbook and says nothing as she turns to walk away. Moments later she vanishes into her dark, ominous tower.
Remalia stirs and arises, clearly shaken by the battle but extraordinarily relieved by the outcome. Wasting no time, she walks with you to The Diviner, where Callbrax is waiting. “Well done,” she remarks. “Brave souls are all of you, and fearless on behalf of Rennika’s memory.”
As you step aboard the keelboat, Remalia stays ashore. “Now we must return to Baldur’s Gate and speak with Syndra Silvane. I wish for you to speak with her of what you have done and what Zaldara has revealed. And, of course, there is that matter of payment for your work. And, I suspect, there will be a discussion of your further involvement in this grave matter."
" Is she gone? Do you think she's really gone? Oh thanks goddess! She's really gone! " Carlos sinks down to the ground the moment he is confident that The Duchess of Rot will not come back. " Damn, The Duchess was scary like Nancy when I told her we needed to break up. I'll have a proper feast to wrap this trauma. " The cleric tries to have another sip from his flask, but only finds it's already empty."… And bring more booze next time I enter deadly dungeons. "
@Remalia
" Please don't forget about my father, José. He is the reason why I am here and will be the reason I am going to Chult. If the rotten lady is right, my father's soul is with the Soulmonger, right? There's no way I'll leave the old man with that thing.… " Giving the dark horizon a one last look,Carlos turns on his heel and leaves the land of the undead.
Harq is in a bit of a daze after all of that, Duncan just peeping our from behind his hat, and Elonath flapping beside him in the suddenly calm air. As they board the ship and prepare to return to the Gate he says, "I only hope what we learned will be enough. The cost..." thinking of all the dead on the shores, "...Let us return quickly so that we may share with Syndra."
"Yes, umm brave, I'm not sure I would even be here if I knew it would mean facing that rotten tart, but we survived with information we sought so I guess the expedition was successful then." Sarya says to Remalia as Zaldara leaves, still clearly shaken by the encounter.
"Further involvement, what do you mean further involvement?" Sarya asks Remalia as keelboat leaves. She tries to find a comfortable place to sit for the 3-day journey home, already looking forward to a glass of wine and a warm bed at the Shawm 'n' Lute. "We did good in there though, didn't we?" She says after a while looking at the others in the keeboat. "Perhaps we should even offer to go to Chult and finish this? For Rennika, and all the others that was or is afflicted." She says.
Later Sarya would find the moment to talk to Thoradin about her patron. "I think we can have that talk now Thoradin, have a lot of free time the next three days it would seem." She says with a wry smile. "The powers you saw me wield was granted me by an Efreet Lord in exchange for my service. I can't say he's been very demanding this far, letting me go on with my life in Baldur's Gate freelancing a bit for the Guild, but I suspect he will make demands at some point. I can certainly try to arrange a meeting when we get back to Baldur's Gate if you're still interested?" Sarya says to the dwarf.
Thoradin nodded at Sarya. "Aye. Being a soldier is one thing, my hammer's all I needed this far since I was up against flesh and blood." He pulled on his shirt a bit to indicate that he wasn't even armored. "But the things we've faced today... and it sounds like this quest will be more of the same. I'd like to be better prepared. So why not make a deal with this Efrit of yours? I'd be curious what he can give me, apart from those force beams."
On the boat ride back Rawlings has some time to think about the events that transpired. Yes, they accomplished their objective and yes, that Lady of Rot was something else - she’s never come across a being like that before and was impressed with Carlos and Sarya’s confrontation with her. Rawlings herself was pretty tongue-tied with the entire thing and the conversation was over before she was ever ready to talk. She’s going to have to get it together if they are going to continue with this.
She also noticed how no one had issues with who she was. That was a first, most sized her up and acted like they knew who she was before they even knew her. True, their stereotypes would have been right if they met her 5 years ago, but now? She hopes to be more like the ones she is traveling with. She hopes they accept her for who she is. And she hopes she will be of value as they continue on their journey.
Four days after departing Cloakwood, you are ascending a grand staircase to the third floor in Syndra Silvane’s home. A uniformed attendant 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. And a select few shelves appear to house some very interesting pieces of arcana.
Syndra is seated in an overstuffed chair near the fire. To her left sits Remallia.
“Help yourselves to wine, and seat yourselves, friends,” comes Syndra’s voice from behind her mask.
As you make yourselves comfortable, Syndra continues, “Remallia has informed me of the speed and skill you demonstrated in Zaldara’s basement. It is a shame your friend Rennika is not here to learn of your heroics. And now we gather to ask if you will take on a greater task. Remallia, will you explain?”
Remallia Haventree nods, finishes off her glass of wine, and speaks for the next ten minutes, presenting the party with the following:
The Harpers’ certainty that the Soulmonger is real and Chult is where it will be found.
A summary of the geography of Chult, some of which is familiar to you already (i.e. it’s a peninsula ringed with mountains and choked with rainforests; it’s home to enormous reptiles, goblin tribes, and undead that prowl the jungles and ancient ruins; and little is known of its interior)
A map of Chult that she assembled by working from dozens of sea charts, log books, and explorers’ journals
The plan to arrive in Port Nyanzaru with Syndra, who will stay with Watanga O’tamu, a dear friend, who is one of the seven merchant princes who rule the city
When Remallia concludes, Syndra adds, “And from Port Nyanzaru, who knows where this quest will lead. The six of you are perceptive enough to see the risks that lie before you. Possibly you will do this thing solely for the sake of Rennika. Possibly you will do this for reasons unknown to me. Possibly you would do this with no promise of reward. I, however, cannot ask this of you without being willing to sacrifice. Upon your successful return, you will be rewarded. My years of prosperity have enabled me to procure several powerful items, and from my collection you will be given one of your choosing.”
“When your party is ready--and hopefully that is very soon--Syndra will teleport you to the Port Nyanzaru harbor,” explains Remallia.
Harq jumps up into a chair to listen using his mage hand to bring himself a glass of wine which he magically chills before taking a sip to listen. Once Syndra has explained everything he says, "We'll need a bit of time to gather supplies here in town of course."((gotta do our magic item shopping in character still))"And I have to say goodbye to a friend. But after that, I'll be ready to go on the morrow."Then thinking about the land of Chult, and what little of it he knows, asks, "Will your friend be able to give us any additional information of the land, or perhaps set us up with a guide? Though I've done my fair share of exploring old tombs, Chult is seen as both a wonderland for archeologists like myself, but perhaps a bit of an evil one. The land is said to be rather unforgiving." He then drains his glass and sends his hand to refill it as the others share their concerns or thoughts.
"Chult is it? Now that is quite the countryside. Not a place one typically visits." Rawlings sits back in her comfortable chair enjoying the ambiance and wine. Luxuries she is not used to and enjoying them to their fullest. "I agree with Harq, dawn tomorrow would be good. No time to waste and that will give everyone time to collect and purchase what they need." She takes a long drink and sighs "Now shall we meet back here at dawn for the teleportation? I am unfamiliar on how that works."
Sarya, still looking a bit green around the gills as she enters the home of Syndra Silvane, perks up at the sight of all the luxury around her, her fingers twitching at the sight of all the valuables just laying about. She takes a seat in one of the comfy chairs, her feet at the table, a glass of wine in her hand, listening to the ladies briefing on their next mission, having a hard time staying awake as she is bombarded with facts about this far away land she never even heard of. "Yeah, sure, I'll join your little expedition, thanks for asking, no wait you didn't ask did you."Sarya starts as the ladies have finished. "Well I'll do it, for Rennika. I appreciate not having to go there by boat though." She says and finishes her wine. "No questions right now, but I might think of a few until tomorrow, thanks for the wine." She adds readying herself to visit Sorcerous Sundries to shop for those pair of nice boots with wings on them she saw there once, and then have a night of revels at the Shawm 'n' Lute with those who would join her.
Syndra nods at Harq. "Finding a guide will be an important decision, yes. Wakanga may be helpful. And you are correct: Chult is sublime but dangerous. The five of you will no doubt do your research before journeying into its jungles. Or should I say the six of you? The pseudodragon you freed from the dungeon seems committed to our cause."
"Teleportation, Rawlings," explains Remallia, "is less unsettling than one might think. It almost feels as if you remain where you are while your destination takes shape around you."
Syndra gives a slight nod at Sarya before saying, "For Rennika then."
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At Syndra's request, you gather with her again the morning of the next day. Laden with your weapons, gear, and high hopes, you stand near the powerful wizard as she utters the words that will bring you to Port Nyanzaru in a matter of seconds. Syndra's home begins to fade away...
...and you appear under a grey sky in Port Nyanzaru. A steady mist falls all around you, and you immediately feel the humidity of this place. 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.
"If I understand correctly, you wish to be introduced to merchant prince Wakanga. Let us go. After that you will find lodgings," explains Syndra.
The first structure you pass is that of the harbormaster's office. It's a sturdy, airy building, but you notice the harbormaster isn't there at the moment. You also see that outside the harbormaster’s office is a bulletin board that provides the names and whereabouts of several wilderness guides.
As Syndra leads you through the winding streets, you are struck by the explosion of color around you. 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. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing, and singing.
Syndra points out a few of Port Nyanzaru's important places as you go: the royal docks (which are reserved for the exclusive use of the merchant princes), the Temple of Gond, the Temple of Sune, the Temple of Savras, and Goldenthrone (the palace that serves as the meeting place for the merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru and is recognized as the seat of the city’s loose government).
Across the street from Goldenthrone stands the villa of Wakanga. The merchant prince greets Syndra warmly, and you quickly discern the two have been friends for years. "Any acquaintance of Syndra Silvane is welcome here," he says to all of you with a bright, toothy smile as you enter his home.
Gathering around a large teak table, and with glasses of tej in hand, you begin to speak to the charismatic dealer in lore and magic, Wakanga O'tamu.
As they arrive Harq takes note of the spell the wizard casts, attempting to remember the motions and words for when he has more time. Once they arrive he takes a deep breath and is amazed at all the new smells and the moisture in the air. He then pulls out a broom, which the others had seen him carrying in the morning and holds it to his side. Speaking a word in gnomish, "날아!"it begins to float next to him. He jumps on it, and from now on, will rarely be seen walking on his own power, preferring to be whisked along by the broom, as well as now being mostly at eye level to the taller members of the team.
Arriving at the prince's house he attempts of follow the same style of greeting that the prince did with Syndra, saying,"You have a nice home. Thank you for your hospitality. Has Syndra here informed you of why we are here? I'd rather not bore you with the details. Though would love to know more of your nation. Is there a book store nearby where I might be able to buy guide books or books related to the flora, fauna, or culture of the natives?"
"Oh shit." Sarya says quickly as the Duchess of Rot appears before them. She hesitates for a moment and looks to the others, but then she takes a step forward letting Carlos touch her for guidance once more. "Ahem, you will have back what is yours oh Duchess of Rot, but first you must divulge what you know of this death curse that has been plaguing us. The Harpers will not give up until they have this vital information so if you don't want them knocking on your door soon again then please share what you know with us and we'll be on our way." Sarya says to the rotten lady. "What say you?"
Persuasion: 19 + Guidance: 4 (Rolled with advantage if help action is given by someone, otherwise go with first roll)
" Also I remind you we are literally having your soul in our hands. " After blessing Sarya, Carlos stands between his friend and the lich. " I don't know if we can destroy it. But I'm pretty sure we can do something veeeery nasty to it. I bet you don't wanna live with our legacy for the rest of eternity. Please, Your Excellency. Just a few spells and information. And this mess will be over."
( Carlos gives Sarya a help action)
Harq, following the others, is amazed at the death and destruction around him. Though he has experience with dead things, they are nearly always ancient, posing little threat other than the traps they left behind. But the freshly dead army around him is tough to stomach. Even more shocking is the lich now suddenly in front of them. As the others take the lead and begin to negotiate for their lives, Harq gestures to Elonath to back up with him as tries to get distance from the evil wizard.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Zaldara's demeanor quickly shifts to that of resignation. "I know of this curse, warlock. Listen well."
The Duchess of Rot conveys that she has been researching the death curse and knows that the only thing that could cause such a phenomena is an ungodly necromantic device called the Soulmonger. What its purpose is beyond consuming souls is unclear to her, but she does know that the amount of dark energy gathered by the Soulmonger is enough to power an undead being like the world has never seen. Zaldara cannot pinpoint the exact location of the Soulmonger, but she has been able to determine it is somewhere in Chult.
As she concludes her summary of what she knows, Zaldara sends an icy gaze at Elonath and Harq. "Pathetic lizard. You deserve this company you now keep."
Then Zaldara fixes her gaze on Carlos. "My spellbook. If you have it, cleric, the time has come to hand it over."
" You know, wise lady. Information means nothing if we can't verify and deliver it. " Carlos takes out his flask and drinks the whiskey. He gives a glance at his friends. " Give our Potion of Healing to Remallia and healers. They know how to handle the situation.… Now Your Excellency. Please wait for a little more. I will not move an inch. If you think you are being betrayed, feel free to kill me or do whatever you want. But I warn you, if you are not quick enough, you'll be very sorry. "
Sarya listens to Carlos and continues. "In fact if you retreat to your tower and let us leave with our fallen and wounded you can have your spellbook now. Our business here is finished and unless you cause a reason for the Harpers to stage a new retaliative attack by preventing us to leave you will have your peace again Zaldara." She says with determination, doing her best to not be awed by the lich's presence. If Zaldara agrees to this Sarya will promptly hand her the spellbook, confident that the Lich will value her peace over petty vengeance.
Insight to determine if Zaldara is trying to trick us: 4 but Sarya is actually rather confident she is not.
Zaldara's words drip with weariness. "What I have said is all that I know. Allow me to leave with my book."
There's nothing in her speech or behavior to suggest that she has been deceitful about the death curse and what she knows of it.
Sarya nods and returns Zaldara's spellbook to her. "You did the right thing Zaldara. I suspect I will have other things on my mind in the near future but you might want to get some consulting on your security measures around that spellbook if you know what I mean." Sarya comments as the rotten tart presumably turns to leave.
Assuming Zaldara takes her spellbook and leaves the battlefield Sarya springs into action and uses her potion of healing to revive the closest Harper, hopefully one that can help with healing others.
The Duchess of Rot takes hold of her spellbook and says nothing as she turns to walk away. Moments later she vanishes into her dark, ominous tower.
Remalia stirs and arises, clearly shaken by the battle but extraordinarily relieved by the outcome. Wasting no time, she walks with you to The Diviner, where Callbrax is waiting. “Well done,” she remarks. “Brave souls are all of you, and fearless on behalf of Rennika’s memory.”
As you step aboard the keelboat, Remalia stays ashore. “Now we must return to Baldur’s Gate and speak with Syndra Silvane. I wish for you to speak with her of what you have done and what Zaldara has revealed. And, of course, there is that matter of payment for your work. And, I suspect, there will be a discussion of your further involvement in this grave matter."
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" Is she gone? Do you think she's really gone? Oh thanks goddess! She's really gone! " Carlos sinks down to the ground the moment he is confident that The Duchess of Rot will not come back. " Damn, The Duchess was scary like Nancy when I told her we needed to break up. I'll have a proper feast to wrap this trauma. " The cleric tries to have another sip from his flask, but only finds it's already empty."… And bring more booze next time I enter deadly dungeons. "
@Remalia
" Please don't forget about my father, José. He is the reason why I am here and will be the reason I am going to Chult. If the rotten lady is right, my father's soul is with the Soulmonger, right? There's no way I'll leave the old man with that thing.… " Giving the dark horizon a one last look, Carlos turns on his heel and leaves the land of the undead.
Harq is in a bit of a daze after all of that, Duncan just peeping our from behind his hat, and Elonath flapping beside him in the suddenly calm air. As they board the ship and prepare to return to the Gate he says, "I only hope what we learned will be enough. The cost..." thinking of all the dead on the shores, "...Let us return quickly so that we may share with Syndra."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Yes, umm brave, I'm not sure I would even be here if I knew it would mean facing that rotten tart, but we survived with information we sought so I guess the expedition was successful then." Sarya says to Remalia as Zaldara leaves, still clearly shaken by the encounter.
"Further involvement, what do you mean further involvement?" Sarya asks Remalia as keelboat leaves. She tries to find a comfortable place to sit for the 3-day journey home, already looking forward to a glass of wine and a warm bed at the Shawm 'n' Lute. "We did good in there though, didn't we?" She says after a while looking at the others in the keeboat. "Perhaps we should even offer to go to Chult and finish this? For Rennika, and all the others that was or is afflicted." She says.
Later Sarya would find the moment to talk to Thoradin about her patron. "I think we can have that talk now Thoradin, have a lot of free time the next three days it would seem." She says with a wry smile. "The powers you saw me wield was granted me by an Efreet Lord in exchange for my service. I can't say he's been very demanding this far, letting me go on with my life in Baldur's Gate freelancing a bit for the Guild, but I suspect he will make demands at some point. I can certainly try to arrange a meeting when we get back to Baldur's Gate if you're still interested?" Sarya says to the dwarf.
Thoradin nodded at Sarya. "Aye. Being a soldier is one thing, my hammer's all I needed this far since I was up against flesh and blood." He pulled on his shirt a bit to indicate that he wasn't even armored. "But the things we've faced today... and it sounds like this quest will be more of the same. I'd like to be better prepared. So why not make a deal with this Efrit of yours? I'd be curious what he can give me, apart from those force beams."
On the boat ride back Rawlings has some time to think about the events that transpired. Yes, they accomplished their objective and yes, that Lady of Rot was something else - she’s never come across a being like that before and was impressed with Carlos and Sarya’s confrontation with her. Rawlings herself was pretty tongue-tied with the entire thing and the conversation was over before she was ever ready to talk. She’s going to have to get it together if they are going to continue with this.
She also noticed how no one had issues with who she was. That was a first, most sized her up and acted like they knew who she was before they even knew her. True, their stereotypes would have been right if they met her 5 years ago, but now? She hopes to be more like the ones she is traveling with. She hopes they accept her for who she is. And she hopes she will be of value as they continue on their journey.
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Four days after departing Cloakwood, you are ascending a grand staircase to the third floor in Syndra Silvane’s home. A uniformed attendant 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. And a select few shelves appear to house some very interesting pieces of arcana.
Syndra is seated in an overstuffed chair near the fire. To her left sits Remallia.
“Help yourselves to wine, and seat yourselves, friends,” comes Syndra’s voice from behind her mask.
As you make yourselves comfortable, Syndra continues, “Remallia has informed me of the speed and skill you demonstrated in Zaldara’s basement. It is a shame your friend Rennika is not here to learn of your heroics. And now we gather to ask if you will take on a greater task. Remallia, will you explain?”
Remallia Haventree nods, finishes off her glass of wine, and speaks for the next ten minutes, presenting the party with the following:
When Remallia concludes, Syndra adds, “And from Port Nyanzaru, who knows where this quest will lead. The six of you are perceptive enough to see the risks that lie before you. Possibly you will do this thing solely for the sake of Rennika. Possibly you will do this for reasons unknown to me. Possibly you would do this with no promise of reward. I, however, cannot ask this of you without being willing to sacrifice. Upon your successful return, you will be rewarded. My years of prosperity have enabled me to procure several powerful items, and from my collection you will be given one of your choosing.”
“When your party is ready--and hopefully that is very soon--Syndra will teleport you to the Port Nyanzaru harbor,” explains Remallia.
“What questions do you have?” asks Syndra.
Harq jumps up into a chair to listen using his mage hand to bring himself a glass of wine which he magically chills before taking a sip to listen. Once Syndra has explained everything he says, "We'll need a bit of time to gather supplies here in town of course." ((gotta do our magic item shopping in character still)) "And I have to say goodbye to a friend. But after that, I'll be ready to go on the morrow." Then thinking about the land of Chult, and what little of it he knows, asks, "Will your friend be able to give us any additional information of the land, or perhaps set us up with a guide? Though I've done my fair share of exploring old tombs, Chult is seen as both a wonderland for archeologists like myself, but perhaps a bit of an evil one. The land is said to be rather unforgiving." He then drains his glass and sends his hand to refill it as the others share their concerns or thoughts.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Chult is it? Now that is quite the countryside. Not a place one typically visits." Rawlings sits back in her comfortable chair enjoying the ambiance and wine. Luxuries she is not used to and enjoying them to their fullest. "I agree with Harq, dawn tomorrow would be good. No time to waste and that will give everyone time to collect and purchase what they need." She takes a long drink and sighs "Now shall we meet back here at dawn for the teleportation? I am unfamiliar on how that works."
Sarya, still looking a bit green around the gills as she enters the home of Syndra Silvane, perks up at the sight of all the luxury around her, her fingers twitching at the sight of all the valuables just laying about. She takes a seat in one of the comfy chairs, her feet at the table, a glass of wine in her hand, listening to the ladies briefing on their next mission, having a hard time staying awake as she is bombarded with facts about this far away land she never even heard of. "Yeah, sure, I'll join your little expedition, thanks for asking, no wait you didn't ask did you." Sarya starts as the ladies have finished. "Well I'll do it, for Rennika. I appreciate not having to go there by boat though." She says and finishes her wine. "No questions right now, but I might think of a few until tomorrow, thanks for the wine." She adds readying herself to visit Sorcerous Sundries to shop for those pair of nice boots with wings on them she saw there once, and then have a night of revels at the Shawm 'n' Lute with those who would join her.
Syndra nods at Harq. "Finding a guide will be an important decision, yes. Wakanga may be helpful. And you are correct: Chult is sublime but dangerous. The five of you will no doubt do your research before journeying into its jungles. Or should I say the six of you? The pseudodragon you freed from the dungeon seems committed to our cause."
"Teleportation, Rawlings," explains Remallia, "is less unsettling than one might think. It almost feels as if you remain where you are while your destination takes shape around you."
Syndra gives a slight nod at Sarya before saying, "For Rennika then."
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At Syndra's request, you gather with her again the morning of the next day. Laden with your weapons, gear, and high hopes, you stand near the powerful wizard as she utters the words that will bring you to Port Nyanzaru in a matter of seconds. Syndra's home begins to fade away...
...and you appear under a grey sky in Port Nyanzaru. A steady mist falls all around you, and you immediately feel the humidity of this place. 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.
"If I understand correctly, you wish to be introduced to merchant prince Wakanga. Let us go. After that you will find lodgings," explains Syndra.
The first structure you pass is that of the harbormaster's office. It's a sturdy, airy building, but you notice the harbormaster isn't there at the moment. You also see that outside the harbormaster’s office is a bulletin board that provides the names and whereabouts of several wilderness guides.
As Syndra leads you through the winding streets, you are struck by the explosion of color around you. 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. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing, and singing.
Syndra points out a few of Port Nyanzaru's important places as you go: the royal docks (which are reserved for the exclusive use of the merchant princes), the Temple of Gond, the Temple of Sune, the Temple of Savras, and Goldenthrone (the palace that serves as the meeting place for the merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru and is recognized as the seat of the city’s loose government).
Across the street from Goldenthrone stands the villa of Wakanga. The merchant prince greets Syndra warmly, and you quickly discern the two have been friends for years. "Any acquaintance of Syndra Silvane is welcome here," he says to all of you with a bright, toothy smile as you enter his home.
Gathering around a large teak table, and with glasses of tej in hand, you begin to speak to the charismatic dealer in lore and magic, Wakanga O'tamu.
As they arrive Harq takes note of the spell the wizard casts, attempting to remember the motions and words for when he has more time. Once they arrive he takes a deep breath and is amazed at all the new smells and the moisture in the air. He then pulls out a broom, which the others had seen him carrying in the morning and holds it to his side. Speaking a word in gnomish, "날아!" it begins to float next to him. He jumps on it, and from now on, will rarely be seen walking on his own power, preferring to be whisked along by the broom, as well as now being mostly at eye level to the taller members of the team.
Arriving at the prince's house he attempts of follow the same style of greeting that the prince did with Syndra, saying, "You have a nice home. Thank you for your hospitality. Has Syndra here informed you of why we are here? I'd rather not bore you with the details. Though would love to know more of your nation. Is there a book store nearby where I might be able to buy guide books or books related to the flora, fauna, or culture of the natives?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM: