"Could you, maybe be, make a list of what equipment is usually taken to survive in the jungles?" Meili was so unnecessary excited about the meeting with the divine, she had to meditate good five minutes longer this morning and it seemed to work, she remembered a necessary thing in the time it was needed to be remembered. Sure, they all here were travellers. But not one was chultan, or navigated jungles before. The guide had to know better what to prepare.
The other distraction this morning was the book. But Meili pushed the thought away for a while. They could establish some "evening readings" - for everyone to get information together. But whether they were going to do it or not, she was looking forward to the watch duties with a good book in hands.
"Number one: you'll be needing freshwater, and lots of it. Especially for those wearing heavy armor. There is water everywhere in the jungles... and nearly all of it is tainted with corruption or disease. Take a sip from the mighty rivers, and you'll find yourself retching and a'fevered in no time. Rain-catchers. That should be your first purchase. You can count on showers most days in the field... enough to provide. If there will be six of us... then two rain catchers should be sufficient. Grab extra waterskins. If you have coin enough to invest in a pack animal, then barrels to store excess water would be even better. Hired porters would be cheaper, but most of the good ones are already in the field and I don't fancy breaking in some green kid from the Old City when our lives are on the line."
"Food, too. I can guide you to the plants that are safe to eat but you should try to have enough dry rations to feed each person for a tenday."
"Insect repellant. The mosquitoes carry 'shivering sickness' with their bite. Get a two month supply for everyone. You'll thank me later."
"Don't go spending all your coin yet, either. We might want to book a ship to take us down the coast... but go for now and deal with what you must. I will be here when you return and we can make the final plans."
[DM: edited for flavor as the last version made Hew sound way too erudite.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As you prepare to leave the Thundering Lizard, a messenger arrives with a letter addressed to the Five Foreigners from K'lahu.
Five Foreigners,
Your assistance was most beneficial, and my promise has not been forgotten. Prince Jessamine will entertain you for mid-day tea service at her villa. Present this letter with her seal to the guards. This will conclude our dealings.
- K'lahu
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
He was ready to offer the information he had about the unfinished manuscript to the bard when the prince intervened securing them the book. Something that Velan politely thanked before the group returned to the Thundering Lizard. In front of the tavern, the wizard bid his farewells and returned to the Golden Macaw. He barely needed to reach the Anchorage to hear word about the latest undead incursion. Maybe we should look for a way to break this curse too, he thought as his mind drifted back to the words of Zitembe. He was brought back to reality by the agglomeration in front of the Macaw. Murder, folk mentioned as the caster took a glance of curiosity. He was surprise to recognize the corpse - it was the woman who used illusion magic against Ran.
“Anyone saw what happened?”He asks approaching the body, worried if she was following him there. “Anyone?”
Answer came in the form of silence and shaking heads. Fine, Velan thought deciding to investigate the body. First he touched her forehead, paying attention to her skin color. Not yet cold, already much paler. She’s dead for over fifteen minutes, but less than an hour. He concluded turning his attention to her hands. No missing or broken nails, no scratch. Rising her sleeves, he didn’t find any cut or hematoma. No defense wound, she didn’t fight back against her attacker. She was killed before having any chance to react. Assassinated. Then he examined the wound. A claw mark with a clean cut. The first thing he noticed was that any bleeding seemed to have stopped. She’s not pale because pallor mortis, she lost most of her blood. The realization turned his eyes to the surrounding area, leading him to find spatters in the closest wall. Its pattern suggested a left-right slash while she was standing upright. It was hard to say if together with the puddle it made for all she was missing. What kind of beast would have this kind of claw and walk in disguised in the city? A shiver crossed his spine as he thought of her. No. It’s not possible. But then there was the missing blood. Maybe another like her? A were-beast was also likely, but the cuts were too clean. A weapon made of claws?
Looking at the woman’s belongings he found a sketchpad and a component pouch containing a small vial of distilled spirits, incense, a withered vine twisted into a loop, a tiny bell and a piece of fine silver wire. She was clearly a wizard, but there was no spellbook. No coin either, he noticed. Maybe they’re trying to make it pass for a robbery. With that in mind he finally entered the inn. He told Yapa of the killing and that the criminal could still be around, asking the man if he knew anything about what happened. Then he went to sleep.
He was surprised to have a dreamless night. Surprised and grateful. At the morning he stood his spellbook and took his meal as per usual before making his way to the Thundering Lizard. When he arrived his newfound companions where speaking with the one armed-dwarf they met the day before.
“I see we have found ourselves a guide.”Velan says approaching the table. “Good morning to all and have we received word from Prince Jessamine already?” The answer came in the form of a messenger carrying a letter from K’halu. “Well, any news beyond this?”
Ran raises an eyebrow as Hew goes on about how they're going to change the world.
"He doesn't lack for confidence, now does he, eh?" Ran says as they get ready to leave.
At the description of water that makes you sick and insects that kill, not for the first time, and probably not the last, he curses the name Tobem Rosznar.
"Why couldn't the brat have just run off to Silvery Moon or Luskan?" Ran says more to himself than anyone else.
He adjusts a boot strap then stretches his shoulders and waits for the others to be ready to head to the temple.
Yapa had heard about the attack. He also leveled with you that the victim had been waiting at the bar all evening and then had left right around sunset. Some passersby came in to tell him there was a body outside about 10 minutes later. He asked you not to share this news as he did not want to get wrapped up with any investigation, should the victim turn out to be someone import or if anyone cares to look into this.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Raising an eyebrow at the man's confidence, Danica asked plainly with an easy going smile, "What makes you so sure that we will? And won't just end up dead in the jungle like undoubtedly many before us have?"Trying to take special note of his answer and genuinely curious as he seemed to be speaking with much more surety and less bravado than a person would if they were just trying to uptalk their skills. (Insight: 15 )
Listening to Hew go on about the most important necessities they would need to stock up on, the elf nodded absently, getting out Volo's book and flipping towards the end to a hopefully empty or mostly empty page and realizing she was missing something and asked the group, "Anyone got any charcoal? Best to make a shopping list, right? Need two rain catchers, extra waterskins, possibly a barrel and a pack animal, tenday's worth of dry rations, two month supply of insect repellant, aaaand don't spend all our money. Easier said than done but we'll see." Chuckling at Ran's comment she added, "I'd rather Silverymoon myself but curses are never anywhere nice."
When they received the missive from K'lahu about the other Merchant Prince they would hopefully meet, the sailor let out a mild groan as she stared at it before asking with concern, "I feel like I might've jumped aboard on the name too early with the 'Helping Hands', what do you think fellas? Five Foreigners? Or Helping Hands?" Openly waffling on the decision and asking the group. "We'll need to correct one Merchant Prince either way, just need to decide which one is wrong."
"Mornin'." Shaking her head at Velan's question she then posed another of her own, "So Prince Jobal is in charge of guides n such and most of them have their own specializations. Do you know what Prince Wakanga and Jessamine's are? I'd imagine Jessamine's would have something to do with money or maybe gambling specifically. Just rather go in with a bit more knowledge so I don't put my foot in my mouth again like last night. Oh uh, to update, plan is to go back to the Priest of Savras, get a hopefully optimistic reading, then go ahead n grab the shopping list of necessities, meet up with Prince Jessamine by mid-day for tea and finally meet back up with Hew here to see about transport." Looking around at the rest of the crew she asked, "Sound like a plan?"
Meili just shook her head answering both Danica's questions: no, she did not have anything to write on (but she immediately asked the first waiter passing by), and no, she did not have an opinion about group names. Or, better say, her opinion would not help, because "Do we need some name?" They were random people joining forces by chance and circumstances, not some famous bandits or a circus troupe. She shrugged. Probably some sea or chultan tradition. "Sounds like a plan," Meili nodded to the last question. "If we have some money left, we might want to stock up on some healers material too. I have some, but this is not something you can have "too much". Shall we go?" It was not mid-morning yet, but she felt restless again.
Mica chuckles at Ran’s comments “Yea, ready to take on the world. But his advice is sound so far and will help us be wise in our purchases. I am interested in what his ideas are for our search” he cranes his neck to get a good look at the list Hew had passed to the group.
“Perhaps the priest will help narrow down our search as well.” He shoulders his pack and prepares to leave when the group is ready. He has long since become used to everything he owns everywhere he goes.
He grins at Danica's questions for the name of the group "It surely doesn't hurt to be known by different names to different princes. Helps us keep a bit of mystery about ourselves."
Danica, you ask Hewyour question and he takes a long sip of black tea from his to-go mug and looks out through the large windows of the Thundering Lizard at the early morning sky. At last he answers, his eyes still locked on the distant sky, "Because something is wrong out there, and someone needs to make it right. Why in the hells shouldn't it be us?"
The party sallies forth from the tavern and sets a leisurely pace in the direction of the Temple of Savras. It is earlier than mid-morning by any measure and you do not feel rushed. The Red Bazaar is full of carts as merchants return their wares from overnight storage back to their stalls and merchandise tables. A few are already open and call out to you as you pass, offering spiced meats and crafting beads for sale.
The weather is probably the most comfortable you have felt it since the four newcomers arrived, but it is still balmy by all of your continental standards. There is a faint breeze which had been absent yesterday, and scattered clouds are forming to the south. Velan, you have spent enough time here to suspect rain is on the way. Most days see showers in the mornings and evenings, and it is rare to go more than a day or so without some precipitation.
Further down the road, a giant lizard pulls a carriage through the street, and the party and other pedestrians are forced to make room to let them pass.
Soon you reach the Temple, and the doors are open, allowing you to pass freely inside. Once again it is dark and cool inside the stone halls and you head toward Grandfather Zitembe's chambers.
Outside his room there are two acolytes pounding on the door, a young Chultan woman and a robed and hooded man, both wearing the colors of Savras. "Grandfather!" the young woman says as she raps repeatedly on the door. "You must come out of there! His will is our duty; His visions are our gift. You taught me that. Let us face this with His grace and guidance. You are stronger than this!"
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
“Wakanga commands the trade of magic and knowledge both arcane and mundane, especially when it comes to History.” Not that the group needed the last specification. The prince had given then a couple of History classes on their meeting. Rather useful ones, one might add. “Ekene-Afa deals in weapons and gear. Blades, polearms, shields and travelling gear in general. You know, rain catchers, saddles, wagons, and canoes.” Maybe they would need some of it. A canoe seems particularly useful considering they intended to follow the Shonenstar. It would also be hard to keep watch of when they inevitably moved on land. “Jessamine controls the Executioner’s Run and outside of it she deals with plants, poisons and assassination.”
Assassination. Should the wizard question the prince about the dead woman? He doubted she would tell anything if the killing was ordered by one of her clients. Truth be told it was likely Jessamine wouldn’t even know if one of her subordinates did the killing. Unless either victim or client were particularly important.
“I think we do, Meili, for collective contracts and identifications. That said I would advise from using anything relating or alluding to foreigner origins.” He said looking from Meili to Danica. “The stronger nationalism becomes the more cumbersome such name would become and with so many outsider organizations here one can never say when someone from will give reason for the Chulteans to hate nonatives.“ Which was a pity. He quite liked the term drifter. The Drifters would have a nice ring, but could become a headache. “If we are changing from Helping Hands I think something like Seekers would be good enough. Our group was formed to achieve something specific, to seek and end to the curse so… It’s the best I can come up with, sorry.”
Admitting his poor naming skills he followed his companions to the Temple of Savras. When they arrived he way to the high priest was once again open to them, although this time no acolyte had come to guide the group. Velan thought it strange, but not as much as the scene happening before Zitembe’s chamber.
“Pardon me, did something happen to the Grandfather?”
She knew they had to come earlier! Meili took a deep breath and without words (the question was already asked) but quite intently looked at the acolites.
The Temple is of sturdy stone construction, Ran, but the door itself is built for appearances more so than defense. Were it to be necessary to break it down or unhinge it, you are certain it won't prove an obstacle.
At Velan's question, the young Chultan woman turns to look, her eyes widening in recognition as she takes in the five of you. "They are here, Grandfather. It is time. Find your courage, for both our sakes, please." She says something to the other acolyte, who takes her place in knocking on the door.
She approaches you. "Welcome to the house of the All-Seeing Eye. I apologize on behalf of my Grandfather and the Temple for the chaos this morning. It has been a long night. My name is Inete. We have much to discuss."
Assuming you are willing, she leads you further into the main chamber to some prayer pews. She takes another long look at all of you... it is a bit uncomfortable as you all get the feeling she knows you, but none of you have ever laid eyes on her before. At last she begins... "As I said, I am Inete. I have studied the teachings of Savras under my Grandfather's tutelage and our god has seen fit to bless me with a tiny bit of foresight. I am aware of the work Grandfather was doing on your behalf... but he was not the only one granted visions last night of what is to come."
"I have been troubled recently. There are a group of wizards who have come to Chult; the Red Wizards of Thay. Perhaps you know of them. For some weeks now, my dreams have been plagued by whisps of prescience; of dread. I have steered my daily studies toward this group, its history, and what they could be doing here. But last night Savras opened my Eye. I saw the Aldani Basin - foreigners named it the Swamp of Sorrows, so perhaps that name is more familiar to you. It is a vast, upland basin of swamps and lakes at the headwaters of the Soshenstar River. I saw the Red Wizards... they are massing there, deep in the heart of Chult. I did not see all, but enough to know their motives are dark, and all the augery I perform says their work spells doom."
"More than that, I saw what I must do... what we will do. I am to join your expedition, and you will deliver me to the Aldani Basin so that I can find the truth of what the Red Wizards are doing. Even Savras cannot see... He needs me to be his eyes. The way will be perilous, but with your aid, I will make it there and the Temple will learn the truth." Looking as though she has forgetten something, she hurriedly adds, "I swear I shall not be a burden. I will provide for my own needs, and I can contribute something to your expenses as well. The other elders of the Temple have already given me 90gp to help you fund your trip."
She looks very sad. "Grandfather saw this as well. He fears for me, for my safety. He knows well how dangerous this mission will be and he does not want me to go with you. I think this caught him terribly off guard and he is having... a crisis right now. I know there is more... he saw much more than I did, and I know Savras has a message for him to give all of you. But we are still trying to help him find himself... to find the strength to see his holy duty through to the end."
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
First, based on the skill check results: The Red Wizards hail from Thay, a nation ruled by mages. In many ways, that is the living example of non-mages fears about the danger of magic-wielders controlling too much power. Non-wizards a second class citizens, or slaves, and political clashes between the ruling families have disastrous consequences for the little people caught between. In recent decades, a powerful lich lord has risen to become the supreme ruler of Thay, making an already terrifying situation much worse. Now necromancers, liches and vampires hold seats of power in Thay and carry out their masters bidding. This has led to several civil wars, and there is a growing diaspora of Red Wizards who have chosen to leave Thay, though most continue to plot their return and 'liberation' of their homeland.
Next, based on character background: The Crone was well acquainted with the Red Wizards. She 'protected' a small village from their slavers. It was a relationship fraught with peril, as both sides feared and mistrusted one another, but sought to use each other all the same. Red Wizards would visit the Crone, seeking to make deals for protection, or to harm their enemies, or to gain forbidden knowledge. Other Red Wizards would come to try to force to the Crone to some action or to reveal secret dealings she had made with others. She was always able to navigate this deadly dance, and took great pleasure when she was able to come out on top of a deal or otherwise manipulate these haughty mortals. She would often speak of Szass Tam (the lich lord of Thay) and her desire to gain some leverage over him but whether she ever achieved this goal, Velannever knew.
Inetelooks at Ranand shakes her head. "No. In my visions, they only ever appear in red. Though here in the city, their agents seldom dress so obviously. I did... I did get the impression you have some connection with them, though," she says, still looking at Ran. "Savras showed me you would have questions for them. Unfortunately, I cannot tell whether or not they will answer you... or if you will ever actually meet them in person."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
“The Soshenstar again” Mica nods to Ran “and wizards. Red or White, it matters not. That’s no matter of chance. It appears our path follows your man for now.”
He turns and gives Inete an appraising glance “And does the Aldani Basin hold the answers we seek as well, or are we merely escorts for the will of the temple? What did Savras show the grandfather for us that upset him so?”
"We probably have to hear about his vision first, before we can promise anything. But if our paths aligned, there is no reason for you not to come too." Maili knew, even if briefly for she got very lucky, the fear of being unable to get to jungles with the hope to return. She would not deny anyone place in their midst. Of course, it was easy since Danica was the one to agree or disagree with the idea. "Do you think if we talk to your grandfather it will ease his fears and he comes out?"
"I don't know for certain what he saw. Whatever it was, it has left him shaken... I've never seen him like this." She looks down at the floor.
"Perhaps he will talk to you. You may try to reach out to him, if you like."
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
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"Could you, maybe be, make a list of what equipment is usually taken to survive in the jungles?" Meili was so unnecessary excited about the meeting with the divine, she had to meditate good five minutes longer this morning and it seemed to work, she remembered a necessary thing in the time it was needed to be remembered. Sure, they all here were travellers. But not one was chultan, or navigated jungles before. The guide had to know better what to prepare.
The other distraction this morning was the book. But Meili pushed the thought away for a while. They could establish some "evening readings" - for everyone to get information together. But whether they were going to do it or not, she was looking forward to the watch duties with a good book in hands.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"I have suggestions, yes," he says to Meili.
"Number one: you'll be needing freshwater, and lots of it. Especially for those wearing heavy armor. There is water everywhere in the jungles... and nearly all of it is tainted with corruption or disease. Take a sip from the mighty rivers, and you'll find yourself retching and a'fevered in no time. Rain-catchers. That should be your first purchase. You can count on showers most days in the field... enough to provide. If there will be six of us... then two rain catchers should be sufficient. Grab extra waterskins. If you have coin enough to invest in a pack animal, then barrels to store excess water would be even better. Hired porters would be cheaper, but most of the good ones are already in the field and I don't fancy breaking in some green kid from the Old City when our lives are on the line."
"Food, too. I can guide you to the plants that are safe to eat but you should try to have enough dry rations to feed each person for a tenday."
"Insect repellant. The mosquitoes carry 'shivering sickness' with their bite. Get a two month supply for everyone. You'll thank me later."
"Don't go spending all your coin yet, either. We might want to book a ship to take us down the coast... but go for now and deal with what you must. I will be here when you return and we can make the final plans."
[DM: edited for flavor as the last version made Hew sound way too erudite.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As you prepare to leave the Thundering Lizard, a messenger arrives with a letter addressed to the Five Foreigners from K'lahu.
Five Foreigners,
Your assistance was most beneficial, and my promise has not been forgotten. Prince Jessamine will entertain you for mid-day tea service at her villa. Present this letter with her seal to the guards. This will conclude our dealings.
- K'lahu
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
He was ready to offer the information he had about the unfinished manuscript to the bard when the prince intervened securing them the book. Something that Velan politely thanked before the group returned to the Thundering Lizard. In front of the tavern, the wizard bid his farewells and returned to the Golden Macaw. He barely needed to reach the Anchorage to hear word about the latest undead incursion. Maybe we should look for a way to break this curse too, he thought as his mind drifted back to the words of Zitembe. He was brought back to reality by the agglomeration in front of the Macaw. Murder, folk mentioned as the caster took a glance of curiosity. He was surprise to recognize the corpse - it was the woman who used illusion magic against Ran.
“Anyone saw what happened?” He asks approaching the body, worried if she was following him there. “Anyone?”
Answer came in the form of silence and shaking heads. Fine, Velan thought deciding to investigate the body. First he touched her forehead, paying attention to her skin color. Not yet cold, already much paler. She’s dead for over fifteen minutes, but less than an hour. He concluded turning his attention to her hands. No missing or broken nails, no scratch. Rising her sleeves, he didn’t find any cut or hematoma. No defense wound, she didn’t fight back against her attacker. She was killed before having any chance to react. Assassinated. Then he examined the wound. A claw mark with a clean cut. The first thing he noticed was that any bleeding seemed to have stopped. She’s not pale because pallor mortis, she lost most of her blood. The realization turned his eyes to the surrounding area, leading him to find spatters in the closest wall. Its pattern suggested a left-right slash while she was standing upright. It was hard to say if together with the puddle it made for all she was missing. What kind of beast would have this kind of claw and walk in disguised in the city? A shiver crossed his spine as he thought of her. No. It’s not possible. But then there was the missing blood. Maybe another like her? A were-beast was also likely, but the cuts were too clean. A weapon made of claws?
Looking at the woman’s belongings he found a sketchpad and a component pouch containing a small vial of distilled spirits, incense, a withered vine twisted into a loop, a tiny bell and a piece of fine silver wire. She was clearly a wizard, but there was no spellbook. No coin either, he noticed. Maybe they’re trying to make it pass for a robbery. With that in mind he finally entered the inn. He told Yapa of the killing and that the criminal could still be around, asking the man if he knew anything about what happened. Then he went to sleep.
He was surprised to have a dreamless night. Surprised and grateful. At the morning he stood his spellbook and took his meal as per usual before making his way to the Thundering Lizard. When he arrived his newfound companions where speaking with the one armed-dwarf they met the day before.
“I see we have found ourselves a guide.” Velan says approaching the table. “Good morning to all and have we received word from Prince Jessamine already?” The answer came in the form of a messenger carrying a letter from K’halu. “Well, any news beyond this?”
Ran raises an eyebrow as Hew goes on about how they're going to change the world.
"He doesn't lack for confidence, now does he, eh?" Ran says as they get ready to leave.
At the description of water that makes you sick and insects that kill, not for the first time, and probably not the last, he curses the name Tobem Rosznar.
"Why couldn't the brat have just run off to Silvery Moon or Luskan?" Ran says more to himself than anyone else.
He adjusts a boot strap then stretches his shoulders and waits for the others to be ready to head to the temple.
Velan:
Yapa had heard about the attack. He also leveled with you that the victim had been waiting at the bar all evening and then had left right around sunset. Some passersby came in to tell him there was a body outside about 10 minutes later. He asked you not to share this news as he did not want to get wrapped up with any investigation, should the victim turn out to be someone import or if anyone cares to look into this.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Raising an eyebrow at the man's confidence, Danica asked plainly with an easy going smile, "What makes you so sure that we will? And won't just end up dead in the jungle like undoubtedly many before us have?" Trying to take special note of his answer and genuinely curious as he seemed to be speaking with much more surety and less bravado than a person would if they were just trying to uptalk their skills. (Insight: 15 )
Listening to Hew go on about the most important necessities they would need to stock up on, the elf nodded absently, getting out Volo's book and flipping towards the end to a hopefully empty or mostly empty page and realizing she was missing something and asked the group, "Anyone got any charcoal? Best to make a shopping list, right? Need two rain catchers, extra waterskins, possibly a barrel and a pack animal, tenday's worth of dry rations, two month supply of insect repellant, aaaand don't spend all our money. Easier said than done but we'll see." Chuckling at Ran's comment she added, "I'd rather Silverymoon myself but curses are never anywhere nice."
When they received the missive from K'lahu about the other Merchant Prince they would hopefully meet, the sailor let out a mild groan as she stared at it before asking with concern, "I feel like I might've jumped aboard on the name too early with the 'Helping Hands', what do you think fellas? Five Foreigners? Or Helping Hands?" Openly waffling on the decision and asking the group. "We'll need to correct one Merchant Prince either way, just need to decide which one is wrong."
"Mornin'." Shaking her head at Velan's question she then posed another of her own, "So Prince Jobal is in charge of guides n such and most of them have their own specializations. Do you know what Prince Wakanga and Jessamine's are? I'd imagine Jessamine's would have something to do with money or maybe gambling specifically. Just rather go in with a bit more knowledge so I don't put my foot in my mouth again like last night. Oh uh, to update, plan is to go back to the Priest of Savras, get a hopefully optimistic reading, then go ahead n grab the shopping list of necessities, meet up with Prince Jessamine by mid-day for tea and finally meet back up with Hew here to see about transport." Looking around at the rest of the crew she asked, "Sound like a plan?"
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Meili just shook her head answering both Danica's questions: no, she did not have anything to write on (but she immediately asked the first waiter passing by), and no, she did not have an opinion about group names. Or, better say, her opinion would not help, because "Do we need some name?" They were random people joining forces by chance and circumstances, not some famous bandits or a circus troupe. She shrugged. Probably some sea or chultan tradition. "Sounds like a plan," Meili nodded to the last question. "If we have some money left, we might want to stock up on some healers material too. I have some, but this is not something you can have "too much". Shall we go?" It was not mid-morning yet, but she felt restless again.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Mica chuckles at Ran’s comments “Yea, ready to take on the world. But his advice is sound so far and will help us be wise in our purchases. I am interested in what his ideas are for our search” he cranes his neck to get a good look at the list Hew had passed to the group.
“Perhaps the priest will help narrow down our search as well.” He shoulders his pack and prepares to leave when the group is ready. He has long since become used to everything he owns everywhere he goes.
He grins at Danica's questions for the name of the group "It surely doesn't hurt to be known by different names to different princes. Helps us keep a bit of mystery about ourselves."
Danica, you ask Hew your question and he takes a long sip of black tea from his to-go mug and looks out through the large windows of the Thundering Lizard at the early morning sky. At last he answers, his eyes still locked on the distant sky, "Because something is wrong out there, and someone needs to make it right. Why in the hells shouldn't it be us?"
The party sallies forth from the tavern and sets a leisurely pace in the direction of the Temple of Savras. It is earlier than mid-morning by any measure and you do not feel rushed. The Red Bazaar is full of carts as merchants return their wares from overnight storage back to their stalls and merchandise tables. A few are already open and call out to you as you pass, offering spiced meats and crafting beads for sale.
The weather is probably the most comfortable you have felt it since the four newcomers arrived, but it is still balmy by all of your continental standards. There is a faint breeze which had been absent yesterday, and scattered clouds are forming to the south. Velan, you have spent enough time here to suspect rain is on the way. Most days see showers in the mornings and evenings, and it is rare to go more than a day or so without some precipitation.
Further down the road, a giant lizard pulls a carriage through the street, and the party and other pedestrians are forced to make room to let them pass.
Soon you reach the Temple, and the doors are open, allowing you to pass freely inside. Once again it is dark and cool inside the stone halls and you head toward Grandfather Zitembe's chambers.
Outside his room there are two acolytes pounding on the door, a young Chultan woman and a robed and hooded man, both wearing the colors of Savras. "Grandfather!" the young woman says as she raps repeatedly on the door. "You must come out of there! His will is our duty; His visions are our gift. You taught me that. Let us face this with His grace and guidance. You are stronger than this!"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
“Wakanga commands the trade of magic and knowledge both arcane and mundane, especially when it comes to History.” Not that the group needed the last specification. The prince had given then a couple of History classes on their meeting. Rather useful ones, one might add. “Ekene-Afa deals in weapons and gear. Blades, polearms, shields and travelling gear in general. You know, rain catchers, saddles, wagons, and canoes.” Maybe they would need some of it. A canoe seems particularly useful considering they intended to follow the Shonenstar. It would also be hard to keep watch of when they inevitably moved on land. “Jessamine controls the Executioner’s Run and outside of it she deals with plants, poisons and assassination.”
Assassination. Should the wizard question the prince about the dead woman? He doubted she would tell anything if the killing was ordered by one of her clients. Truth be told it was likely Jessamine wouldn’t even know if one of her subordinates did the killing. Unless either victim or client were particularly important.
“I think we do, Meili, for collective contracts and identifications. That said I would advise from using anything relating or alluding to foreigner origins.” He said looking from Meili to Danica. “The stronger nationalism becomes the more cumbersome such name would become and with so many outsider organizations here one can never say when someone from will give reason for the Chulteans to hate nonatives.“ Which was a pity. He quite liked the term drifter. The Drifters would have a nice ring, but could become a headache. “If we are changing from Helping Hands I think something like Seekers would be good enough. Our group was formed to achieve something specific, to seek and end to the curse so… It’s the best I can come up with, sorry.”
Admitting his poor naming skills he followed his companions to the Temple of Savras. When they arrived he way to the high priest was once again open to them, although this time no acolyte had come to guide the group. Velan thought it strange, but not as much as the scene happening before Zitembe’s chamber.
“Pardon me, did something happen to the Grandfather?”
She knew they had to come earlier! Meili took a deep breath and without words (the question was already asked) but quite intently looked at the acolites.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ran sizes up the door, looking at any hinges and the material, looking to see if it's wooden or stone in case they're going to need to break it down.
The Temple is of sturdy stone construction, Ran, but the door itself is built for appearances more so than defense. Were it to be necessary to break it down or unhinge it, you are certain it won't prove an obstacle.
At Velan's question, the young Chultan woman turns to look, her eyes widening in recognition as she takes in the five of you. "They are here, Grandfather. It is time. Find your courage, for both our sakes, please." She says something to the other acolyte, who takes her place in knocking on the door.
She approaches you. "Welcome to the house of the All-Seeing Eye. I apologize on behalf of my Grandfather and the Temple for the chaos this morning. It has been a long night. My name is Inete. We have much to discuss."
Assuming you are willing, she leads you further into the main chamber to some prayer pews. She takes another long look at all of you... it is a bit uncomfortable as you all get the feeling she knows you, but none of you have ever laid eyes on her before. At last she begins... "As I said, I am Inete. I have studied the teachings of Savras under my Grandfather's tutelage and our god has seen fit to bless me with a tiny bit of foresight. I am aware of the work Grandfather was doing on your behalf... but he was not the only one granted visions last night of what is to come."
"I have been troubled recently. There are a group of wizards who have come to Chult; the Red Wizards of Thay. Perhaps you know of them. For some weeks now, my dreams have been plagued by whisps of prescience; of dread. I have steered my daily studies toward this group, its history, and what they could be doing here. But last night Savras opened my Eye. I saw the Aldani Basin - foreigners named it the Swamp of Sorrows, so perhaps that name is more familiar to you. It is a vast, upland basin of swamps and lakes at the headwaters of the Soshenstar River. I saw the Red Wizards... they are massing there, deep in the heart of Chult. I did not see all, but enough to know their motives are dark, and all the augery I perform says their work spells doom."
"More than that, I saw what I must do... what we will do. I am to join your expedition, and you will deliver me to the Aldani Basin so that I can find the truth of what the Red Wizards are doing. Even Savras cannot see... He needs me to be his eyes. The way will be perilous, but with your aid, I will make it there and the Temple will learn the truth." Looking as though she has forgetten something, she hurriedly adds, "I swear I shall not be a burden. I will provide for my own needs, and I can contribute something to your expenses as well. The other elders of the Temple have already given me 90gp to help you fund your trip."
She looks very sad. "Grandfather saw this as well. He fears for me, for my safety. He knows well how dangerous this mission will be and he does not want me to go with you. I think this caught him terribly off guard and he is having... a crisis right now. I know there is more... he saw much more than I did, and I know Savras has a message for him to give all of you. But we are still trying to help him find himself... to find the strength to see his holy duty through to the end."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
OOC: Would Velan know anything about the Red Wizards or the Swamp of Sorrows?
Intelligence* Check (if necessary): 9
*Velan has proficiency in all Intelligence skills, so any check would have the same bonus.
Ran starts paying more attention at the mention of wizards and the Shoshenstar River.
"Any of these Red Wizards actually prance about wearing white robes?" Ran asks.
Velan:
First, based on the skill check results: The Red Wizards hail from Thay, a nation ruled by mages. In many ways, that is the living example of non-mages fears about the danger of magic-wielders controlling too much power. Non-wizards a second class citizens, or slaves, and political clashes between the ruling families have disastrous consequences for the little people caught between. In recent decades, a powerful lich lord has risen to become the supreme ruler of Thay, making an already terrifying situation much worse. Now necromancers, liches and vampires hold seats of power in Thay and carry out their masters bidding. This has led to several civil wars, and there is a growing diaspora of Red Wizards who have chosen to leave Thay, though most continue to plot their return and 'liberation' of their homeland.
Next, based on character background: The Crone was well acquainted with the Red Wizards. She 'protected' a small village from their slavers. It was a relationship fraught with peril, as both sides feared and mistrusted one another, but sought to use each other all the same. Red Wizards would visit the Crone, seeking to make deals for protection, or to harm their enemies, or to gain forbidden knowledge. Other Red Wizards would come to try to force to the Crone to some action or to reveal secret dealings she had made with others. She was always able to navigate this deadly dance, and took great pleasure when she was able to come out on top of a deal or otherwise manipulate these haughty mortals. She would often speak of Szass Tam (the lich lord of Thay) and her desire to gain some leverage over him but whether she ever achieved this goal, Velan never knew.
Inete looks at Ran and shakes her head. "No. In my visions, they only ever appear in red. Though here in the city, their agents seldom dress so obviously. I did... I did get the impression you have some connection with them, though," she says, still looking at Ran. "Savras showed me you would have questions for them. Unfortunately, I cannot tell whether or not they will answer you... or if you will ever actually meet them in person."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
“The Soshenstar again” Mica nods to Ran “and wizards. Red or White, it matters not. That’s no matter of chance. It appears our path follows your man for now.”
He turns and gives Inete an appraising glance “And does the Aldani Basin hold the answers we seek as well, or are we merely escorts for the will of the temple? What did Savras show the grandfather for us that upset him so?”
"We probably have to hear about his vision first, before we can promise anything. But if our paths aligned, there is no reason for you not to come too." Maili knew, even if briefly for she got very lucky, the fear of being unable to get to jungles with the hope to return. She would not deny anyone place in their midst. Of course, it was easy since Danica was the one to agree or disagree with the idea. "Do you think if we talk to your grandfather it will ease his fears and he comes out?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"I don't know for certain what he saw. Whatever it was, it has left him shaken... I've never seen him like this." She looks down at the floor.
"Perhaps he will talk to you. You may try to reach out to him, if you like."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War