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!"
"Seek out a guide...one of those posted at the harbormaster's office. They've spent much time with the jungles of Chult. Some more than others, of course. And, undoubtedly, you'll find an adventurer or two at The Monkey''s Fist."
"I'll be prepared to let a coin flip decide, but perhaps we should just start with the temple and get a guide." Sarya suggests and collect her things, ready to follow Harq to the temple. "Thanks Mr. Wakanga, we'll be back with that Soulmonger thing...eventually." She says as she leaves.
(Advancing the story as if the entire party remains together; this can be adjusted if needed)
The farewells are said, and the party leaves behind Wakanga's villa as they head toward the Temple of Sune. The mist continues to fall, making everyone's clothing damp well before reaching the temple, which sits isolated atop a rocky formation in the sea and is reachable only by an elevated causeway. Inside, some of Sune’s faithful and visitors are partaking in public baths. Those within this place are dressed rather radiantly, and it seems that perfectly neat hair, combed, braided, and, in some cases, adorned with flowers is the norm. Needless to say, the five of you seem a bit out of place.
You are greeted by Akezma, a petite Chultan woman with vibrant green eyes. She happens to be the one mentioned by Wakanga. "The goddess of beauty welcomes you. What do you seek, travelers?"
"Considering converting are you Carlos?" Sarya says, smirking at the cleric of Selûne as they enter the temple.
"She does, how nice of her." Sarya says to the petite Chultan woman. "We seek enlightenment on our path to the Soulmonger." She says in an overly formal way. "And perhaps a bath."She adds.
"Yeah, you do stink Sarya" Rawlings says to her as she walks into the temple. "Thank you for your welcome miss, I think our gnome friend here is seeking your guidance." Rawlings addresses Akezma and points out Harq as she does. Then looks around and does agree that a bath would feel nice, especially with her clothes sticking to her the way they are.
"Soulmonger?" replies Akezma. "Such a name conjures dark images in my mind. I know nothing. I am sorry."
She then explains the slightly ceremonial process surrounding bathing in the temple, including where to undress, which pools to use, what to apply to one's skin during and after, and which temple acolyte to see for the combing and braiding of hair. She makes no distinction between between men and women in the process. Lastly, she does suggest that a donation to the Temple of Sune would be in order for such services.
When introduced to Harq and made aware of the gnome's academic interests, Akezma brightens noticeably. She explains that part of her devotion to the goddess of beauty takes the form of documenting the exquisite life, both plant and animal, located within the jungles of Chult. She then rattles off a bit of information about an unusually-colored yahcha beetle she found just outside the city walls last week before saying, "I am sorry. I do not mean to bury you under a mountain of my words."
"Ah no worries at all! A friend of mine would go on for hours when lecturing. Sometimes he'd not even notice his student's had left the classroom!"Harq says with a chuckle. "As you can see we're not from around here, and before we make any mistakes, or cause any offense, I find it useful to learn all that I can. I have heard that there is quite a bit of unique flora and fauna, and your description of this beetle makes it clear that this was no exaggeration. I'd also love to learn more about the locals outside the walls, as our travels may lead us there. But clearly for you to impart all of your knowledge would take years. Though I am happy to stay and study, we, unfortunately, do not have the time to devote to it. Have you any tomes or scrolls I may pursue or take notes from?"
"Take notes from my research?" asks Akezma as a mild look of surprise crosses her face. "I would be in error to deny such a request. Sune would wish for the beauty of this land to be shared with many."
The acolyte then whisks herself away for a minute. She returns with a small hide-bound book in hand and says, "Make your notes from this. I wish it were complete, however."
She hands the little tome to Harq as if it were a fragile heirloom and then walks away to tend to guests who are exiting the baths.
(May I assume Harq invests an hour's time, a bit of parchment, and some ink to take notes? While Sarya and Rawlings enjoy the luxury of a temple bath?)
(That would be a good assumption..) Rawlings heads over to where Akezema explained the process was to get into the baths and follows suit. Let’s out an audible sighof pleasure when she gets in.
((very safe assumption~)) Harq will set himself down into a corner as a quill pen magically appears in his hand where he spends as much time as needed to carefully go through the book and note which plants and animals are safe/dangerous, as well as general information about the locals' customs.
Returning her notes in as good of condition as he received, he would then ask the priestess if she'd like to join him for a lunch nearby to tell him more of her favorite things she's found recently. Also assuring her that any new information he finds while out he will note and present to her when they return in the future.
" Oh you hurt my feelings, dear Sarya! Just what kind of cleric do you think I am? I follow no earthly rules but my heart. And heart follows only the light of Selûne!" Carlos covers his face in a dramatic manner.
@Akezma
" Please forgive the rudeness of my companion. She just doesn't know what it is to be a servant of great power. By the way… I'm interested in the teaching of Sune. It seems to have a lot in common with our goddess'. Do you have time tonight? It will be wonderful to share our wisdom and deepen the insight toward our god's knowledge. " Carlos tries to take the hand of Akezma and kiss it…before taking a bath.
Sarya glances over at Carlos' attempt to build a bridge between two faiths and smirks before following Rawlings to the baths, quickly shedding her clothes and diving into the water. "Let's hope this will do something about my stench then." She says with a smirk swimming over to the tiefling. "Hm, never had braided hair, but I'll try everything once." She says looking at all the beautiful people walking around. "This place is nice though, I can definitely see myself coming here again." She says, leaning back in the water, closing her eyes and enjoying the cooling comfort of the bath.
After enjoying a bath, and making a small donation to the temple, Rawlings asks Harq, "Do you have what you need? We best get going if we're going to hit the harbormaster today before we are done for the day."
Akezma is unreceptive to the cleric's offer and politely steps away to resume her responsibilities within the temple.
Meanwhile, Harq admires the colorful drawings of the various plants and animals that Akezma included in her book. When the wizard concludes his copying, he has the following information:
Dancing monkey fruit. Eating its flesh or drinking its juice causes one to move about uncontrollably
Menga leaves. Tea made from dried leaves brings healing and relief from pain.
Ryath root. This bitter root can be eaten when raw and is a powerful healing agent.
Sinda berries. (no information provided)
Wild root. Applying its juice to a poisoned wound can alleviate symptoms.
Wukka nuts. When shaken, a wukka nut will emit faint light.
Yahcha beetles. Edible!
Zabou. A mushroom.
The book also contains multiple illustrations of a variety of dinosaur species, but no notes are attached to them.
Three ancient, vine-covered ziggurats tower above this crumbling ward. The whole district is a juxtaposition of ancient and decaying (but still occupied) stone structures interspersed with flimsy new huts and longhouses of bamboo and thatch.
1. Beggars’ Palaces: The Beggars’ Palaces are the two largest ziggurats of the Old City. Shops and tenements of bamboo are jammed onto the terraces of the ziggurats in wild profusion.
2. Executioner’s Run: The road through the Old City splits around a rectangular, stone-lined pit 15 feet deep, 50 feet wide, and 200 feet long.
3. Refuse Pit: An enormous sinkhole serves as the city’s garbage dump.
Merchants’ Ward
4. Goldenthrone: This palace serves as the meeting place for the merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru and is recognized as the seat of the city’s loose government.
5. Merchant Princes and Princesses Villas: Each merchant prince and princess has a private villa in the city
6. Grand Souk: The Grand Souk, or market, is one of the three markets in Port Nyanzaru
7. Temple of Savras
8. Temple of Gond
9. Temple of Sune
10. Jewel Market
Harbor Ward
11. Royal Docks
12. Statue: The statue at the center of the harbor represents an ancient Chultan king in full regalia, resplendent in a loincloth of leopard skin and a headdress of feathers, shells, and tyrannosaurus teeth; draped in a cape of girallon fur and monkey tails; and wielding the traditional oval shield and yklwa of Chult. Residents call it Na N’buso, the Great King.
13. Harbormaster’s Office: Outside of the harbormaster’s office is a bulletin board that provides the names and whereabouts of several wilderness guides.
14. Lighthouse: A flame burns atop the lighthouse day and night
15. Fort Nyanzaru
16. Warehouse District
17. Dry Dock
Market Ward
The Market Ward is where most of Port Nyanzaru’s regular shops are located and where most of its tradesfolk, merchants, and other middle-class residents live and work.
18. Red Bazaar: The residents of Port Nyanzaru shop for their daily needs at the Red Bazaar. Unlike the Grand Souk, which deals heavily in durable goods and luxury items, the Red Bazaar deals in everyday needs: locally produced meat, vegetables, tropical fruit, tej, light tropical clothing, insect repellent, rain catchers, and other household goods. The buyers and sellers in the Red Bazaar are predominantly locals.
19. Fish Market
20. Grand Coliseum
Malar’s Throat
This region outside the city walls is Port Nyanzaru’s slum district. Two sheer, jungle-draped ridges flank a deep ravine. Ramshackle buildings cling to the sides of the ridges, each structure seemingly built atop the lower one’s roof. Foot bridges of rope and bamboo hang above the ravine. Some of them are 200 feet long or longer and sway a hundred feet above ground, terrifying the faint of heart.
Sarya joins Harq and Rawlings after a long and pleasant bath, now with her red hair combed, braided and flowered. She actually remembers the donation before getting her gear, ready to follow along to the harbormaster. "Kind of pretty, right?"She says, showing off her new hairstyle.
"Thank you again."Harq says, rolling up his scroll and placing it into his bag. He then waits by the door, staying out of the mist, for the others. Once they join him he says, "I have been looking over a map of the city that we got. Hiring a guide is obviously priority before we head out, though we should do some shopping as well. Already I can feel myself being bitten by the noseeums here. And did you know that there are dinosaur pens here in town! Actually dinosaurs!"
“Braids are very helpful,” Rawlings comments to Sarya, showing her the multitudes of braids she always has adorned on her head. “They keep your hair out of your eyes or away from getting tangled in your gear. And with this humidity they are even more useful.”
Rawlings turns to Harq, “I’m sorry, did you say dinosaurs?!? Yes, I think that is the first place we shall visit after getting our guide. I’m sure there is time for that.” And she looks around for Thoradin and Carlos wondering where they disappeared to.
The walk to the harbormaster's office is a short one, but the mist turns to a light rain as you are en route. Postings for jungles guides are as follows:
Within the harbormaster's office a few clerks are at work; so, you surmise you may need to inquire with one of them about where to locate any of these guides.
"We should get out of this rain soon." Harq says, as Duncan the elf owl huddles in the mist. "Though any of these guides likely would be similar, I'm partial to this Stormfang. Though time is of the essence, we could help her to reduce our fees... as I did spend most of my reward on inks and papers... and a native of the jungle would be the most comfortable and explaining what we encounter."
"Seek out a guide...one of those posted at the harbormaster's office. They've spent much time with the jungles of Chult. Some more than others, of course. And, undoubtedly, you'll find an adventurer or two at The Monkey''s Fist."
"I'll be prepared to let a coin flip decide, but perhaps we should just start with the temple and get a guide." Sarya suggests and collect her things, ready to follow Harq to the temple. "Thanks Mr. Wakanga, we'll be back with that Soulmonger thing...eventually." She says as she leaves.
(Advancing the story as if the entire party remains together; this can be adjusted if needed)
The farewells are said, and the party leaves behind Wakanga's villa as they head toward the Temple of Sune. The mist continues to fall, making everyone's clothing damp well before reaching the temple, which sits isolated atop a rocky formation in the sea and is reachable only by an elevated causeway. Inside, some of Sune’s faithful and visitors are partaking in public baths. Those within this place are dressed rather radiantly, and it seems that perfectly neat hair, combed, braided, and, in some cases, adorned with flowers is the norm. Needless to say, the five of you seem a bit out of place.
You are greeted by Akezma, a petite Chultan woman with vibrant green eyes. She happens to be the one mentioned by Wakanga. "The goddess of beauty welcomes you. What do you seek, travelers?"
"Considering converting are you Carlos?" Sarya says, smirking at the cleric of Selûne as they enter the temple.
"She does, how nice of her." Sarya says to the petite Chultan woman. "We seek enlightenment on our path to the Soulmonger." She says in an overly formal way. "And perhaps a bath." She adds.
"Yeah, you do stink Sarya" Rawlings says to her as she walks into the temple. "Thank you for your welcome miss, I think our gnome friend here is seeking your guidance." Rawlings addresses Akezma and points out Harq as she does. Then looks around and does agree that a bath would feel nice, especially with her clothes sticking to her the way they are.
"Soulmonger?" replies Akezma. "Such a name conjures dark images in my mind. I know nothing. I am sorry."
She then explains the slightly ceremonial process surrounding bathing in the temple, including where to undress, which pools to use, what to apply to one's skin during and after, and which temple acolyte to see for the combing and braiding of hair. She makes no distinction between between men and women in the process. Lastly, she does suggest that a donation to the Temple of Sune would be in order for such services.
When introduced to Harq and made aware of the gnome's academic interests, Akezma brightens noticeably. She explains that part of her devotion to the goddess of beauty takes the form of documenting the exquisite life, both plant and animal, located within the jungles of Chult. She then rattles off a bit of information about an unusually-colored yahcha beetle she found just outside the city walls last week before saying, "I am sorry. I do not mean to bury you under a mountain of my words."
"Ah no worries at all! A friend of mine would go on for hours when lecturing. Sometimes he'd not even notice his student's had left the classroom!" Harq says with a chuckle. "As you can see we're not from around here, and before we make any mistakes, or cause any offense, I find it useful to learn all that I can. I have heard that there is quite a bit of unique flora and fauna, and your description of this beetle makes it clear that this was no exaggeration. I'd also love to learn more about the locals outside the walls, as our travels may lead us there. But clearly for you to impart all of your knowledge would take years. Though I am happy to stay and study, we, unfortunately, do not have the time to devote to it. Have you any tomes or scrolls I may pursue or take notes from?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Take notes from my research?" asks Akezma as a mild look of surprise crosses her face. "I would be in error to deny such a request. Sune would wish for the beauty of this land to be shared with many."
The acolyte then whisks herself away for a minute. She returns with a small hide-bound book in hand and says, "Make your notes from this. I wish it were complete, however."
She hands the little tome to Harq as if it were a fragile heirloom and then walks away to tend to guests who are exiting the baths.
(May I assume Harq invests an hour's time, a bit of parchment, and some ink to take notes? While Sarya and Rawlings enjoy the luxury of a temple bath?)
(That would be a good assumption..) Rawlings heads over to where Akezema explained the process was to get into the baths and follows suit. Let’s out an audible sigh of pleasure when she gets in.
((very safe assumption~)) Harq will set himself down into a corner as a quill pen magically appears in his hand where he spends as much time as needed to carefully go through the book and note which plants and animals are safe/dangerous, as well as general information about the locals' customs.
Returning her notes in as good of condition as he received, he would then ask the priestess if she'd like to join him for a lunch nearby to tell him more of her favorite things she's found recently. Also assuring her that any new information he finds while out he will note and present to her when they return in the future.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
" Oh you hurt my feelings, dear Sarya! Just what kind of cleric do you think I am? I follow no earthly rules but my heart. And heart follows only the light of Selûne!" Carlos covers his face in a dramatic manner.
@Akezma
" Please forgive the rudeness of my companion. She just doesn't know what it is to be a servant of great power. By the way… I'm interested in the teaching of Sune. It seems to have a lot in common with our goddess'. Do you have time tonight? It will be wonderful to share our wisdom and deepen the insight toward our god's knowledge. " Carlos tries to take the hand of Akezma and kiss it…before taking a bath.
Sarya glances over at Carlos' attempt to build a bridge between two faiths and smirks before following Rawlings to the baths, quickly shedding her clothes and diving into the water. "Let's hope this will do something about my stench then." She says with a smirk swimming over to the tiefling. "Hm, never had braided hair, but I'll try everything once." She says looking at all the beautiful people walking around. "This place is nice though, I can definitely see myself coming here again." She says, leaning back in the water, closing her eyes and enjoying the cooling comfort of the bath.
After enjoying a bath, and making a small donation to the temple, Rawlings asks Harq, "Do you have what you need? We best get going if we're going to hit the harbormaster today before we are done for the day."
charm for Carlos: 11
Akezma is unreceptive to the cleric's offer and politely steps away to resume her responsibilities within the temple.
Meanwhile, Harq admires the colorful drawings of the various plants and animals that Akezma included in her book. When the wizard concludes his copying, he has the following information:
The book also contains multiple illustrations of a variety of dinosaur species, but no notes are attached to them.
To aid everyone in navigating Port Nyanzaru...
Old City
Three ancient, vine-covered ziggurats tower above this crumbling ward. The whole district is a juxtaposition of ancient and decaying (but still occupied) stone structures interspersed with flimsy new huts and longhouses of bamboo and thatch.
1. Beggars’ Palaces: The Beggars’ Palaces are the two largest ziggurats of the Old City. Shops and tenements of bamboo are jammed onto the terraces of the ziggurats in wild profusion.
2. Executioner’s Run: The road through the Old City splits around a rectangular, stone-lined pit 15 feet deep, 50 feet wide, and 200 feet long.
3. Refuse Pit: An enormous sinkhole serves as the city’s garbage dump.
Merchants’ Ward
4. Goldenthrone: This palace serves as the meeting place for the merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru and is recognized as the seat of the city’s loose government.
5. Merchant Princes and Princesses Villas: Each merchant prince and princess has a private villa in the city
6. Grand Souk: The Grand Souk, or market, is one of the three markets in Port Nyanzaru
7. Temple of Savras
8. Temple of Gond
9. Temple of Sune
10. Jewel Market
Harbor Ward
11. Royal Docks
12. Statue: The statue at the center of the harbor represents an ancient Chultan king in full regalia, resplendent in a loincloth of leopard skin and a headdress of feathers, shells, and tyrannosaurus teeth; draped in a cape of girallon fur and monkey tails; and wielding the traditional oval shield and yklwa of Chult. Residents call it Na N’buso, the Great King.
13. Harbormaster’s Office: Outside of the harbormaster’s office is a bulletin board that provides the names and whereabouts of several wilderness guides.
14. Lighthouse: A flame burns atop the lighthouse day and night
15. Fort Nyanzaru
16. Warehouse District
17. Dry Dock
Market Ward
The Market Ward is where most of Port Nyanzaru’s regular shops are located and where most of its tradesfolk, merchants, and other middle-class residents live and work.
18. Red Bazaar: The residents of Port Nyanzaru shop for their daily needs at the Red Bazaar. Unlike the Grand Souk, which deals heavily in durable goods and luxury items, the Red Bazaar deals in everyday needs: locally produced meat, vegetables, tropical fruit, tej, light tropical clothing, insect repellent, rain catchers, and other household goods. The buyers and sellers in the Red Bazaar are predominantly locals.
19. Fish Market
20. Grand Coliseum
Malar’s Throat
This region outside the city walls is Port Nyanzaru’s slum district. Two sheer, jungle-draped ridges flank a deep ravine. Ramshackle buildings cling to the sides of the ridges, each structure seemingly built atop the lower one’s roof. Foot bridges of rope and bamboo hang above the ravine. Some of them are 200 feet long or longer and sway a hundred feet above ground, terrifying the faint of heart.
24. Temple of Tymora
Tiryki Anchorage
25. Dinosaur Pens
Sarya joins Harq and Rawlings after a long and pleasant bath, now with her red hair combed, braided and flowered. She actually remembers the donation before getting her gear, ready to follow along to the harbormaster. "Kind of pretty, right?" She says, showing off her new hairstyle.
"Thank you again." Harq says, rolling up his scroll and placing it into his bag. He then waits by the door, staying out of the mist, for the others. Once they join him he says, "I have been looking over a map of the city that we got. Hiring a guide is obviously priority before we head out, though we should do some shopping as well. Already I can feel myself being bitten by the noseeums here. And did you know that there are dinosaur pens here in town! Actually dinosaurs!"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
“Braids are very helpful,” Rawlings comments to Sarya, showing her the multitudes of braids she always has adorned on her head. “They keep your hair out of your eyes or away from getting tangled in your gear. And with this humidity they are even more useful.”
Rawlings turns to Harq, “I’m sorry, did you say dinosaurs?!? Yes, I think that is the first place we shall visit after getting our guide. I’m sure there is time for that.” And she looks around for Thoradin and Carlos wondering where they disappeared to.
The walk to the harbormaster's office is a short one, but the mist turns to a light rain as you are en route. Postings for jungles guides are as follows:
Within the harbormaster's office a few clerks are at work; so, you surmise you may need to inquire with one of them about where to locate any of these guides.
"We should get out of this rain soon." Harq says, as Duncan the elf owl huddles in the mist. "Though any of these guides likely would be similar, I'm partial to this Stormfang. Though time is of the essence, we could help her to reduce our fees... as I did spend most of my reward on inks and papers... and a native of the jungle would be the most comfortable and explaining what we encounter."
elf owl: smallest owl in NA ^^

PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM: