Along the route from the harbor to Wakanga's villa, Harq's mode of travel elicits a few wide-eyed stares from passers-by. A few Chultan children run alongside the broomborne gnome, giggling as they go. One especially brazen child jumps into a water-filled low spot in the street in an attempt to splash Harq as he flies past. The playful effort fails to wet its target but succeeds in causing the other young ones to erupt in approving cheers.
A few minutes within Wakanga's company is sufficient time to reveal his cordial and hospitable manner. He smiles often, and it is a smile that suggests the prince merchant is a happy, content man. Nodding at Harq, Wakanga says, "Syndra and I have spoken, good gnome. I am compelled to establish that the death curse is familiar to me. This matter of the Soulmonger, however, is unfamiliar to me. Nonetheless, I wish to help in whatever way my means will enable me to do so."
After ensuring everyone's glass has been topped off with tej, the merchant prince continues. "To know more of Chult, you say? Allow me to convey three bits of knowledge that I believe are very important. First, enjoy Port Nyanzaru and appreciate its uniqueness! Second, remember our culture is different, but a different culture is not a lesser one, agreed? And, lastly, in your business dealings, be sure all transactions take place with those authorized by the merchant princes to conduct business here."
Regarding the presence of a bookstore in Port Nyanzaru, Wakanga shakes his head and replies, "You'll find no such place unfortunately. Seek the acolyte named Akezma in the Temple of Sune. She has devoted much time and effort to such matters."
"Different often has many things to learn, and many things that are almost... better? than those from back home." Harq says with a grin. "I am excited to explore your city, and will be sure to stop by the temple to speak with Akezma. One more question though, how are we to know that a merchant is authorized to conduct business here?"
"Legitimate sellers of goods will be located within the Grand Souk, the Red Bazaar, and the jewel market," explains Wakanga. "Guides approved by Jobal--the man who oversees such services--will be posted at the harbormaster's office. The one who wishes to strike a deal over a pint of ale in the back corner of The Monkey's Fist is...well, how shall I say it?...a risk."
Sarya feels familiar with the sounds and sights of the harbor but the rest is all very exotic to her, looking around her with wide eyes as they go to visit Wakanga. She awkwardly tries to greet him in the right way before following along again. She politely tries the Tej but is not immediately convinced, hopefully it will grow on her. She's about to ask about the penalty for stealing stuff that your really want, want even more than the guy who has it, but decides it can wait. "So as we are new to your land Mr. Wakanga, do you have any suggestions on where we should start our investigations into this Soulmonger business." She asks after a while, sounding a bit impatient already, wondering how long she would have to stay in this very hot and humid land.
Rawlings is in awe after the strange journey to this place. The colors, the sounds, they bombard her but once she gets over the initial shock, she starts enjoying herself. The heat and humidity don’t bother her at all, she is a tiefling after all. She smiles to herself as she watches the children chase after Harq. Harq is sure asking some good questions, Rawlings is a bit overwhelmed by the job at hand, teleportation and now the town affecting all of her senses. She’s glad one of them at least has his head in the game.
She bows to the Prince when they meet him without a word as she lets the others talk and she observes what is going on. He appears genuinely happy to see and help them and doesn’t seem affronted by who she is. When Sarya asks about where to start, she does add “Yes, kind sir. We very much appreciate your hospitality and though I would love to see more of your beautiful village, we definitely have a mission we need to stick to. Once Harq has spoken to Akezma, could you please show us where we will be staying? And we’d like to get a move on in the morning. And if you have any insight as to where we should start our search, it would be most appreciated.”
As Wakanga prepares to respond to Sarya, Syndra Silvane unfurls a piece of parchment on the table, revealing the map of Chult that she was able to create from a collection of sea charts and explorers' journals:
As everyone's eyes scan the map, Wakanga says, "I cannot say with any certainty where one ought to look. I do know, however, that the jungles are filled with ruins and, as you can see, mines. Such places might provide the Soulmonger's creator a safe haven."
"Regarding lodgings, Rawlings," explains Syndra, "you have two options. The Monkey's Fist will provide a rather lively environment. Kaya's Repose is a bit more subdued."
"Nice map Syndra, any chance we can borrow this? I'm sure Harq would appreciate carrying around some more parchments." Sarya says as Syndra unfurls the map. "So this in the middle, not a huge desert but rather unexplored terrain right?" She asks Syndra as she scans the map for interesting sites to explore. "I say we go for the ruins, even if we don't find this Soulmonger in the first one we could always find other stuff making it worth our while, right?" She suggests, looking to the others for their opinion. "I'm staying at the Monkey's Fist if you would care to join me."
"The map is yours," says Syndra. "And may it serve you well. And, yes, the center of the map represents the vast unchartered area of this peninsula."
Syndra explains to the group that she will remain a guest in Wakanga's villa for the entirety of your search for the Soulmonger. "Faerun shall be free of this death curse soon, I hope."
"Port Castigliar is a port in name only. In fact, it’s nothing more than a stretch of beach with an abandoned supply depot. Undead drove away the inhabitants long ago," Wakanga explains.
"Well Sarya, if you're looking for ruins, we could start there, otherwise we could head West to the mining area. And sure, the Monkey's Fist sounds fine to me. Anyone else have ideas on where we should start?" Rawlings asks while pouring over the map. It would be fun to fill in the missing portions as they go, but that will have to be for another day. They need to stay focused.
Sarya nods to Rawlings and smiles. "Monkeys Fist then. The place will never be the same." She then turns to Syndra again. "What could we expect to find in the mines? Are they active?" Sarya asks.
Harq will happily take and keep the map to study over drinks, and nods at the idea to start at a ruin, saying, "Ruins hold such interesting historical information. I am curious to learn more of this land while we are here. Though obviously we do have a mission at hand which is a bit bigger than my idle curiosity." Regarding a place to stay, the first also sounds fine, though he adds, "I'd like to waste no time and stop at the temple today. Learning is half the battle, as they say."
"Ah, Mbala," remarks Wakanga. "More ruins. High above the jungle, Mbala sits atop the cliffs I am told."
Syndra then offers what she knows about the various mines on the map. "I know little about the mining endeavors in Chult, but a tale surrounds this one..."--she points to the mining location north of Shilku Bay--"...it is said a red dragon eradicated the dwarves from there years ago. The Wyrmheart Mine is its name. And, no, Sarya, it cannot be assumed that all of these mining locations are active."
"May you gather more information than your mind can hold, Harq!" says Wakanga good-naturedly as he pours himself another glass of tej.
As your time with Wakanga comes to a close, the merchant prince stands and escorts you to the entrance of his elaborately-decorated home. "It appears your time in Port Nyanzaru will be brief, for your quest lies within the jungle. Syndra and I eagerly await your return, and when that day comes may your stay in the city be lengthy and wonderful."
Carlos appeared in a not very good condition on the morning the adventurers were teleported to Port Nyanzaru. He tried to say farewell to his four girl friends in one night. And it did not go as he planned. The cleric looked as if he had been beaten by a great club, stabbed from behind and scorched by lightning and fire. Also he vomited very bad after the teleport because of a hangover.
But after that Carlos quickly recovered his spirit. He enjoyed everything that the Port Nyanzaru provided him. The smell of spice, the color of buildings, exotics girls and their clothes. Or… in other words, lack of clothes. He drank a whole bottle before others finished one cup of Tej.
" …Ruins? " The cleric says in a slurred tone. " Come on! This port is amazing! Why don't we start by checking the bars and taverns! " He looks around at his friends faces and shrugs. " It's a joke. Well… a half joke. We better gather information before jumping into a stinky tomb again. If there are ruins, there will be scavengers. And those grave raiders would be gathering around the taverns like bees can't resist flowers. So Master Wakanga, where can we get the best information and booze in this great city? Oh! And I'm perfectly fine if they provide some shows for grown adults!"
"And sneaky trickery is the other half, right?." Sarya says to Harq with a smirk.
Sarya rolls her eyes at Carlos. "Well we wouldn't be leaving today if that is what you mean, obviously we would need to prepare and decide how to get to wherever we decide we should go first. Perhaps we should start with somewhere close though while we get the feel of the land." Sarya suggests.
Rawlings gives a smirk at Sarya's response to Carlos. "So are we wanting to head to the ruins at Mbala or go to the Wyrmheart Mine? Any thoughts or should we flip a coin?" She nods to Wakanga, "Thank you for your hospitality" and to the rest, "I think we should start by heading to this temple that Harq seeks. At least it is a direction and maybe what he finds will help us on our journey."
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Along the route from the harbor to Wakanga's villa, Harq's mode of travel elicits a few wide-eyed stares from passers-by. A few Chultan children run alongside the broomborne gnome, giggling as they go. One especially brazen child jumps into a water-filled low spot in the street in an attempt to splash Harq as he flies past. The playful effort fails to wet its target but succeeds in causing the other young ones to erupt in approving cheers.
A few minutes within Wakanga's company is sufficient time to reveal his cordial and hospitable manner. He smiles often, and it is a smile that suggests the prince merchant is a happy, content man. Nodding at Harq, Wakanga says, "Syndra and I have spoken, good gnome. I am compelled to establish that the death curse is familiar to me. This matter of the Soulmonger, however, is unfamiliar to me. Nonetheless, I wish to help in whatever way my means will enable me to do so."
After ensuring everyone's glass has been topped off with tej, the merchant prince continues. "To know more of Chult, you say? Allow me to convey three bits of knowledge that I believe are very important. First, enjoy Port Nyanzaru and appreciate its uniqueness! Second, remember our culture is different, but a different culture is not a lesser one, agreed? And, lastly, in your business dealings, be sure all transactions take place with those authorized by the merchant princes to conduct business here."
Regarding the presence of a bookstore in Port Nyanzaru, Wakanga shakes his head and replies, "You'll find no such place unfortunately. Seek the acolyte named Akezma in the Temple of Sune. She has devoted much time and effort to such matters."
"Different often has many things to learn, and many things that are almost... better? than those from back home." Harq says with a grin. "I am excited to explore your city, and will be sure to stop by the temple to speak with Akezma. One more question though, how are we to know that a merchant is authorized to conduct business here?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Legitimate sellers of goods will be located within the Grand Souk, the Red Bazaar, and the jewel market," explains Wakanga. "Guides approved by Jobal--the man who oversees such services--will be posted at the harbormaster's office. The one who wishes to strike a deal over a pint of ale in the back corner of The Monkey's Fist is...well, how shall I say it?...a risk."
Sarya feels familiar with the sounds and sights of the harbor but the rest is all very exotic to her, looking around her with wide eyes as they go to visit Wakanga. She awkwardly tries to greet him in the right way before following along again. She politely tries the Tej but is not immediately convinced, hopefully it will grow on her. She's about to ask about the penalty for stealing stuff that your really want, want even more than the guy who has it, but decides it can wait. "So as we are new to your land Mr. Wakanga, do you have any suggestions on where we should start our investigations into this Soulmonger business." She asks after a while, sounding a bit impatient already, wondering how long she would have to stay in this very hot and humid land.
Rawlings is in awe after the strange journey to this place. The colors, the sounds, they bombard her but once she gets over the initial shock, she starts enjoying herself. The heat and humidity don’t bother her at all, she is a tiefling after all. She smiles to herself as she watches the children chase after Harq. Harq is sure asking some good questions, Rawlings is a bit overwhelmed by the job at hand, teleportation and now the town affecting all of her senses. She’s glad one of them at least has his head in the game.
She bows to the Prince when they meet him without a word as she lets the others talk and she observes what is going on. He appears genuinely happy to see and help them and doesn’t seem affronted by who she is. When Sarya asks about where to start, she does add “Yes, kind sir. We very much appreciate your hospitality and though I would love to see more of your beautiful village, we definitely have a mission we need to stick to. Once Harq has spoken to Akezma, could you please show us where we will be staying? And we’d like to get a move on in the morning. And if you have any insight as to where we should start our search, it would be most appreciated.”
As Wakanga prepares to respond to Sarya, Syndra Silvane unfurls a piece of parchment on the table, revealing the map of Chult that she was able to create from a collection of sea charts and explorers' journals:
As everyone's eyes scan the map, Wakanga says, "I cannot say with any certainty where one ought to look. I do know, however, that the jungles are filled with ruins and, as you can see, mines. Such places might provide the Soulmonger's creator a safe haven."
"Regarding lodgings, Rawlings," explains Syndra, "you have two options. The Monkey's Fist will provide a rather lively environment. Kaya's Repose is a bit more subdued."
"Nice map Syndra, any chance we can borrow this? I'm sure Harq would appreciate carrying around some more parchments." Sarya says as Syndra unfurls the map.
"So this in the middle, not a huge desert but rather unexplored terrain right?" She asks Syndra as she scans the map for interesting sites to explore.
"I say we go for the ruins, even if we don't find this Soulmonger in the first one we could always find other stuff making it worth our while, right?" She suggests, looking to the others for their opinion. "I'm staying at the Monkey's Fist if you would care to join me."
"The map is yours," says Syndra. "And may it serve you well. And, yes, the center of the map represents the vast unchartered area of this peninsula."
Syndra explains to the group that she will remain a guest in Wakanga's villa for the entirety of your search for the Soulmonger. "Faerun shall be free of this death curse soon, I hope."
"Great, thanks Syndra, anything you can tell us about this Port Castigliar for instance?" Sarya asks, still looking over the map.
"Port Castigliar is a port in name only. In fact, it’s nothing more than a stretch of beach with an abandoned supply depot. Undead drove away the inhabitants long ago," Wakanga explains.
"Hm, sounds boring, and not a likely place to find what we're looking for. What about Mezro?" Sarya continues.
"Ruins. Ransacked ruins. The Flaming Fist* made certain of that years ago. From Fort Beluarian they sent troops to scour the place for treasure."
*Your time in Baldur's Gate assures that you are familiar with this mercenary company headquartered in that city.
"Meh, okay, one more, what about this place." Sarya says and points her finger at Mbala.
"Well Sarya, if you're looking for ruins, we could start there, otherwise we could head West to the mining area. And sure, the Monkey's Fist sounds fine to me. Anyone else have ideas on where we should start?" Rawlings asks while pouring over the map. It would be fun to fill in the missing portions as they go, but that will have to be for another day. They need to stay focused.
Sarya nods to Rawlings and smiles. "Monkeys Fist then. The place will never be the same."
She then turns to Syndra again. "What could we expect to find in the mines? Are they active?" Sarya asks.
Harq will happily take and keep the map to study over drinks, and nods at the idea to start at a ruin, saying, "Ruins hold such interesting historical information. I am curious to learn more of this land while we are here. Though obviously we do have a mission at hand which is a bit bigger than my idle curiosity." Regarding a place to stay, the first also sounds fine, though he adds, "I'd like to waste no time and stop at the temple today. Learning is half the battle, as they say."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Ah, Mbala," remarks Wakanga. "More ruins. High above the jungle, Mbala sits atop the cliffs I am told."
Syndra then offers what she knows about the various mines on the map. "I know little about the mining endeavors in Chult, but a tale surrounds this one..."--she points to the mining location north of Shilku Bay--"...it is said a red dragon eradicated the dwarves from there years ago. The Wyrmheart Mine is its name. And, no, Sarya, it cannot be assumed that all of these mining locations are active."
"May you gather more information than your mind can hold, Harq!" says Wakanga good-naturedly as he pours himself another glass of tej.
As your time with Wakanga comes to a close, the merchant prince stands and escorts you to the entrance of his elaborately-decorated home. "It appears your time in Port Nyanzaru will be brief, for your quest lies within the jungle. Syndra and I eagerly await your return, and when that day comes may your stay in the city be lengthy and wonderful."
Carlos appeared in a not very good condition on the morning the adventurers were teleported to Port Nyanzaru. He tried to say farewell to his four girl friends in one night. And it did not go as he planned. The cleric looked as if he had been beaten by a great club, stabbed from behind and scorched by lightning and fire. Also he vomited very bad after the teleport because of a hangover.
But after that Carlos quickly recovered his spirit. He enjoyed everything that the Port Nyanzaru provided him. The smell of spice, the color of buildings, exotics girls and their clothes. Or… in other words, lack of clothes. He drank a whole bottle before others finished one cup of Tej.
" …Ruins? " The cleric says in a slurred tone. " Come on! This port is amazing! Why don't we start by checking the bars and taverns! " He looks around at his friends faces and shrugs. " It's a joke. Well… a half joke. We better gather information before jumping into a stinky tomb again. If there are ruins, there will be scavengers. And those grave raiders would be gathering around the taverns like bees can't resist flowers. So Master Wakanga, where can we get the best information and booze in this great city? Oh! And I'm perfectly fine if they provide some shows for grown adults!"
"And sneaky trickery is the other half, right?." Sarya says to Harq with a smirk.
Sarya rolls her eyes at Carlos. "Well we wouldn't be leaving today if that is what you mean, obviously we would need to prepare and decide how to get to wherever we decide we should go first. Perhaps we should start with somewhere close though while we get the feel of the land." Sarya suggests.
Rawlings gives a smirk at Sarya's response to Carlos. "So are we wanting to head to the ruins at Mbala or go to the Wyrmheart Mine? Any thoughts or should we flip a coin?" She nods to Wakanga, "Thank you for your hospitality" and to the rest, "I think we should start by heading to this temple that Harq seeks. At least it is a direction and maybe what he finds will help us on our journey."