[If we missed anything we can setup another trip to the Red Bazaar or Grand Souk. For now I will return us to the Thundering Lizard for some skull sessions with Hew....]
Carrying your new gear back to the Thundering Lizard, you arrive in the mid-afternoon, in the lull between the lunch and the dinner rush. The bar is far from empty however, and a few of the rowdy dwarves can still be found engaging in general merriment. Hew is pleased to see you, and Inete is here as well, though she is sitting separate and apart from Hew. She walks over to join you.
Hew had sketched out a crude map of Chult - [DM assumes Danica has no reason to conceal her map... if she did plan to keep it a secret... whoops.]- but once he sees Danica'smap, he marvels at it and crumples his own sketch into a heap and tosses it to the floor. "How did you come across this... it is remarkable. The southern coast is all wrong, and they've bloated the distance between the Kobolds and Lake Luo... but the rivers all look accurate. This is a fine map."
After examining the map some more, he proceeds. "So these are my thoughts, though of course I defer to the will of my employers. Much of the north has already been explored. Silvane's expedition went up the Tiryki, and we know they made it as far as Firefinger before turning west and disappearing. Shago led a group south out of Fort Beluarian before they all caught the shivering sickness and had to turn back. Broadleaf led another crew through the old cart paths in the Mistcliffs and then cut through the northwest jungles without finding anything. The Cormyr Company sent soldiers up the Soshenstar, and landed a small army near Mezro. The Waukeen worshippers were headed toward Mezro overland before they fell off the map. And Azaka just left with another group headed up the Tiryki, covering old ground."
"Which is why... I propose we start here." He points to the southwest corner of the map. "We hire a ship, land near Shilku, and press inland from there. If the source of this curse was in the north, someone would have found it by now. If it's in the south... which I suspect it must be... why waste a month walking there?" The look on his face suggests he is quite proud of his plan and he waits to hear your response before proceeding.
[He doesn't actually draw on the map, but traces these routes with the fingers on his remaining hand. The white lines are expeditions who left and came back... the colored lines are expeditions that went out and never returned. The red circle is his suggestion.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Happy to get another healer's kit, Meili placed it right with the first one and helped carry the stuff to the tavern. The first order of business was to ask Hew to check if the supplies were of sufficient quality but having both the map and the guide was calling for another question. "Where would you put on this map a place that is about 33 days of travel south from here, with,"she half-closed her eyes remembering the words exactly, "mountains to the left, mountains to the right, a rift in the jungle before the one looking, and at the bottom of it a hidden city, built by minotaurs and crawling with snakes."She opened her eyes again and looked at Hew. "Because this is our destination."
((Want to make sure the supplies are divyed out. Meili has the Healer's Kit, Mica has the Harvesting Kit. Everyone gets 2 Gourds of Insect Repellent, 1 extra waterskin and a tendays worth of rations.Danica will carry the two raincatchers and 66 blocks of incense insect repellent for now.))
Eyebrows raising at the generosity of the earth genasi, Danica took the coin hesitantly but deposited it with the rest. "Much appreciated. Though hopefully not needed. We'll see when we talk things over with Hew. If it isn't, I'll be sure to give it back." He had earned that coin fair and square after all, same as they all had for their share. Shivering a little as Mica brought up the rot grubs again the elf muttered, "Definitely glad we stocked up on repellent, though don't know that it'd do much good against evils such as those. Lesson learned to be sure. And who knows if the Flaming Fists would even care? I'm sure if it isn't signed and kissed by their own 'righteous' people that they wouldn't care."
Chewing on the inside of her cheek as she glanced over at Davynor, listening to Ran speak with a troubled expression on her face. "His life is far from over. Hopefully he's smart enough to realize that. But I see your point. Hopefully he'll last until we return."Again the optimism... There was a tiny voice in the back of her head that kept whispering, "If...." If they returned. If they survived. If they succeeded. So many 'ifs'. Sighing with a nod to Ran and Mica's prodding, she made sure Meili wasn't too far from them before agreeing, "Think we've got everything we'll need for now until we find out more. Glad my gut seemed right about this fellow, even if he probably is a bit...off."
Waving Inete over once they entered the Thundering Lizard once more, Danica set down her now heavier pack next to Hew as they all gathered around the table. "Mr. Hackinstone, this is Inete, a priestess?" She glanced at the chestnut skin colored young woman with an eyebrow raised in question before pushing on, "Of Savras. Grandaughter to Grandfather Zitembe. She'll be joining us on our journey. I hope that doesn't change anythin'. Inete this is Hew Hackinstone, our guide. One of the best from what we've been hearing and are paying for." She gave a light smile between them before frowning at the poorly sketched map Hew had been working on at the table. "Here, let's use something with a tad more detail."
Extracting the map where it had been safely stored in her pack and laying it out on the table between the group, using a few filled mugs and a few empty ones to help lay it flat. Chuckling as Hew through the scrunched up sketch he had been working on to the floor she answered his curiosity, "My employer purchased this none too cheaply. It was supposed to come with some sort of journal? But all that he ended up getting was this map." Her eyes flicked between the dwarf and the map as he mentioned a few discrepancies and she asked, "Should we be worried about that?"Knowing an inaccurate map was hardly a good one.
Sharp green eyes followed the paths he traced on the map out as he spoke and lingered on one spot in particular. "Can't help but wonder if the Cormyr Company and Waukeen worshippers met the Flaming Fists."Her tone was dark before hearing Meili's question and quirked a smile at their guide. "Any guesses? We were told of a rather specific yet vague vision Zitembe had about us."Glancing around at the group she asked mostly rhetorically, "Is there really any other kind of vision?"
Focusing back on the map she pointed at the Peaks of Flame and Skylizard Mountains, "We've got mountains here and here.... and that," She tapped on the jagged mark northward between them, "Looks an awful lot like a "rift in the jungle"." Drawing her fingertip up to the marker south of the River Olung she asked, "Now I don't know anything about the Ruins of Nangalore....but I'd be willing to bet at least five copper that it was built by minotaurs." Head raising to look at Velan and Inete hoping for more informed input before focusing back on Hew. "I'd much prefer a ride on a ship than a trek through the jungle but a little concerned about them."She tapped the rather bold "Pirates!" marker halfway down the western coast. "I imagine that's what's gonna make gettin' a ship a tad difficult."
Ran looks at the map and finally puts a finger down in the middle of it.
"No one really knows what's in the middle here, do they?" Ran asks. "See a few tall mountains from the coast, but there could be anything in the middle. Rifts tend to go down and are narrow."
As the others seemed to take to the ship route as the preferred option, Ran was starting to see that he might have to go up the Shoshenstar on his own.
"I know the vision said our journey takes us to this mystery city, but I also know my journey goes up the Shoshenstar. That's the only firm lead I have and that's the way I'm going to have to go. The river looks to run up to a series of lakes. And none of these expeditions you mention made it that far. Looks as good a place as any to shoot for."
[It occurs to me, I put the maps in spoilers to keep the thread shorter when skimming through, but didn't point that out. Everyone can and probably should open the spoilers and look at the maps.]
"Not at all," Hew says, when Danicaasks if the errors in the map should be concerning. "Few maps are perfect. And fewer still of this land. Most just copy old maps and repeat the same errors. But take the River Tath, for example. It passes near to the Aldani Basin. I cannot tell you how many maps lazily assume that is the where the river begins. But look... whoever made this map knew the truth... it turns away from the basin and rises into the Mistcliff Mountains, where it begins as meltwater. Whoever made this map traveled the land. Canoed its rivers... walked its trails... at least everywhere but the Wild Coast in the south. This is a good map... your benefactor got his money's worth."
At Meili'srevelation about the vision of the hidden city, he thinks for a moment, then traces a wide semi-circle, from Refuge Bay in the east, past the Peaks of Flame, and to Shilku in the West. "It's hard to say for certain, as the jungle has a way of slowing you down. But 33 days... that's about as far as you could get in 33 days of travel."
He hesitates when Danicasuggests Nangalore as a destination, his grey eyes looking over the map quickly. "I... am not sure about that. Nangalore is supposed to be a huge royal prison and burial site. It means 'place of exile' in the old tongue of Chult. There are supposed to be some old queens who were sent away and buried there, if the tales are true." His brow furrows. "But if you think it's worth checking out, we can make that our target."
Inetesmiles when Danicatries to introduce her. "Not a priestess. Not yet, anyway. Presently, I serve the Temple as an acolyte and researcher. I have always seen my path as one which will skew towards the arcane, rather than the divine. Though... current events may force me to reconsider. Receiving the gift of sight, even for just a moment, has been a revelation."
19
"Just one queen," Inete corrects Hewwhen he is discussing Nangalore. "Queen Zalkore. She was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, and Nangalore was a vast monument built to be her palace, and her tomb. It was supposed to be hanging gardens, as large as a city, and full of temples and statues. The exact location has been lost for generations, but this spot on the map is in the right general area. It was supposed to be far up the River Olung, south of Mezro."
But when talk turns to taking a ship to the south, her smile vanishes quickly, and she looks confused and moves to stand next to Ran. "Yes... I did not realize this matter was up for debate. My mission lies up the River Soshenstar, in the Aldani Basin. If you choose to go another way, I will not be going with you. And I will have to ask you to return the Temple's coin."
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
Danica swore under her breath as Ran brought up his own personal quest that she had very much agreed to. "Sorry Ran, slipped the mind." As Hew showed how far 33 days worth of travel would get them (if they were mostly unimpeded by the jungle) on the map, the elf frowned seeing how it spanned coast to coast from east to west. Too far, didn't quite fit the prophecy... She could just hear her old crew laughing at her for taking some old grandpa at his word about such a vision but she knew better than to doubt the stars or gods. And speaking of which, when Inete first spoke up about her own mission, the sailor's eyebrows furrowed in confusion before looking back at the map and shooting up in realization. Pointing to the series of small lakes she asked for clarification, "So this is the 'Swamp of Sorrows'?"
With a sigh she looked to Hew and stated, "Well that's two against and I prefer my voting be unanimous. Looks like the Soshenstar it is. Our nearest goal is on that river and at the end of it. Past that then lies the cure we can only hope."She seemed well and truly put out by the lack of travel by ship but didn't hesitate to change plans based on the needs of the crew.
"Which leads to our next choice, buyin' canoes or a large lizard and water barrel? Cuz I cannae afford both, even with Miss Inete's Temple's generous contribution." Giving a respectful nod to the acolyte. "So we'll defer to yer better judgement on the matter Mr. Hackinstone."
As he thought about his answer, she tried to gauge the distance between the two bays that Hew had said were 33 days worth of travel and then tried to see how far down along the map such a distance would take them if they were travelling south from Port Nyanzaru on the Soshenstar.
((GM: Not sure if I have to roll to....navitgate map? Or if it'd be as simple as laying a hand down and trying to calculate the distance roughly that way?))
Mica looks at the map with great interest, trying to commit the major features to his mind. He has always had an interest in maps, and a great memory for the features and general layout of the land. He notes the paths Hew traces with his finger and the location of areas that have already been mentioned in their discussions with others, including Port Castigilar and the Firefinger. But some are missing “We have heard tell of a Camp Vengeance, close to the Shosenstar. Where would that be on the map and what do you know of it?”
Oh, gods he thinks at Hew's suggestion not another trip at sea! He would much rather walk the thirty days, undead and all. Then Inete spoke up and reminded them all of the vision and the path laid before them. Mica quickly agrees with Ran and Danica “No, Inete, you shall not go alone. It seems our path lies up the Shosenstar. Perhaps we will find something with the Red Wizards that will make our task easier, or perhaps we are just being used by the gods.”
To Meili, it was not even a question. The prophecy stated "33 days of travel" and Hew just showed where would it lead - up the river Soshenstar and then deeper into the island. Ships were not mentioned in any way, so, obviously, they were going by the river (or along it - no matter). There was one more question, though, similar to Mica's. "We heard Flamin Fist claim you can not venture into the jungles without their permissions. Could that be a problem?"
Ineterelaxes. "I am sorry to speak so brusquely," she says to Danica. Looking next to Hew, "Please, continue master dwarf."
"Aye," Hew says to Danica'squestion about the spot on the map that looks like many little lakes. "Swamp of Sorrows or Aldani Basin - both names refer to the same place. It's a large and dangerous area. Mostly swamp, though some places are more like likes, some more like rivers, with areas of high ground mixed in." He frowns. "A lot of the big dinos nest and raise their young in the basin... which also draws a lot of predators."
"Even better, fog settles in over night and some days it never burns off. It is an easy place to get lost." He grins, "Lucky for you, you chose an excellent guide."
He gives a long sigh, his fingers still linger on the southwest corner of the map. "Well," he says at last, "If you mean to head up the Soshenstar, canoes are the only choice. There are some trails that follow the river, but canoes would cut the travel time in half, or more. And though the waters are dangerous, they are not half as dangerous as the jungles. Canoes, it is."
"Keep in mind," he adds, "this won't be some lazy river pleasure cruise. There are crocodiles, giant turtles, hydra, freshwater reptiles and worse in the rivers. And there is no sleeping in the canoes, so we will have to head ashore to make camp. There are a few settlements and camps along the river, and I will try to time our travels so we hit some of them before nightfall, but we will certainly have to camp at least a few nights in the bush. That means finding a defensible patch of land, ground the canoes, and setting a good watch."
He continues, "There are also several sets of waterfalls along the Soshenstar. Which means we need to head ashore, and port the canoes through the jungle to the upriver side of the falls before we can continue paddling. That - " He pauses for emphasis, "will be some of the most dangerous spots on the trip."
With Danica'spermission [?] he does mark a few sites on the map. "Camp Vengeance is here, just north of the Aldani Basin. The Order of the Gauntlet are fools, but damned determined fools. Their prior base, Camp Righteous was more than a decade ago, so they went ahead and built a bigger camp even deeper in the jungle. It's said they sometimes try to retake Camp Righteous, so its possible that site may be occupied with knights now as well. They aren't as bad as the Flaming Fist, no sir. But all the same, I don't trust the military orders."
He also marks several sites where he knows there to be ruins, though he cannot say for certain what they are. Mostly, they are places where ancient ziggurats pierce the canopy and can be seen from a distance. [These are the white triangles on the map below.]
"No," he says at last, in answer to Meili. "The Fist shouldn't bother us. Not cause they wouldn't love to, but we'll be on the wrong side of the peninsula. Their patrols seldom wander west of the Tiryki, and we'll be well further west of that yet."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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.
Nodding to the fighter's thanks, the sailor promised, "We'll keep all your limbs attached yet Ran." As Hew listed off the many dangers of the Soshenstar as well as the Basin itself she added, "Not to mention the Red Wizards of Thay. They're part of the reason we're going this way." She nodded to Inete before hesitating, her eyes flicking to Ran and Velan before ultimately keeping her mouth shut. She was painfully aware of every other person in the inn and tavern and realized that such a crowded place wasn't the best place to talk about sensitive topics. Clearing her throat she stated, "After we finish talkin', if you two wouldn't mind coming to my room for just a private word or two, I'd appreciate it."She preferred to operate with all of her crew on the same page.
As Hew gave the final word, Danica sighed, her eyes making their way to Mica, "I guess we'll have to save the animal collecting for in the jungle."Cracking a smile before seeing the dwarf's questioning glance as he held a writing implement and she nodded, waving a hand for him to continue. If there was anyone she trusted to make edits or additions to this apparently rightfully expensive map, it was him. "Can't be as bad as the Flaming Fists, but I understand yer sentiment all the same."
Nodding as he reassured Meili and also herself, the elf grumbled with little heat, "We'll have our hands full enough with dinosaurs, disease and undead let alone the Flaming ****s." Glancing around at their group she asked, "Unless there's any other questions...?"And would wait until there wasn't any or that they were answered before standing, heaving her pack with her and gesturing with a motion of her head for Inete and Hew to follow her to her room. Should any of the rest of the group follow, she wouldn't stop them, only look for anyone else trying to follow or eavesdrop.
Once the two people that she really wanted to speak with were crammed into the room with her, she would motion for them to close the door behind them before opening her pack as she spoke. "So we did more than a bit of shopping. We also met with Prince Jessamine. We were a little worried about our odds going against these Wizards with such a small group," Leaf green eyes met Inete's deep earthy ones, "And were trying to persuade her to sell or lend us some poison to help turn the tides. And she did more than that. Gave us a journal on venoms and poisons. How to find, extract, make and use them. Along with the right to do that and even sell should we want. She also said we'd be getting a delivery by nightfall, though I don't know all what that will contain. But most importantly,"
She extracts the writ that she had hidden in the depths of her pack, "A literal License to Kill." Holding the document for the pair to see and trying to gauge their reactions. "Grandfather Zitembe seemed rather...." The druid struggled with finding the right descriptive wording before finally spitting out, "Overwhelmed at this. I'd prefer this stick within the group until when we need to use it."
((Not sure how many people can fit in this room lol. Insight check on their reaction for funsies: 15))
From Jessamine village to the Grand Souk Velan focused his attention almost exclusively in finding the spell components. In that he was successful and because of that ten whole gold pieces poorer. Didn’t matter. He had more to gain in that journey and if the prophecy was true he couldn’t avoid whatever destiny was tied with it. As his companions bought much needed supplies he occupied his thoughts with magic theories. Invisibility and Find Familiar where necessities, but so was Leomund Tiny Hut. Not that he was anywhere near to being able to use it. Blindness/Deafness was also a good option.
When they arrived at the Thundering Lizard he was lost still in his own mind. An unusual silence from someone so outspoken to that point. It was only when Inete spoke about a vast monument that he forgot about magecraft.
“Just one thing.”He said casting his eyes to the acolyte. “Would you happen to know if a black obelisk is described as being part of the monument by the tomb of Queen Zakore? According to the prophecy we received the Death Curse is likely to originate from such a structure, in a city around thirty days south so…”
Maybe they had a name for the lost city they were seeking. Maybe this confirmation would help their guide trace an even more precise route.
Velan, Ineteconsiders your question. "Unfortunately, I don't know. There are few specific details recorded in the lore. When the Amnish conquered what was left of the old Chultan Empire, they were more concerned about the value of the land's exports than about its history, and few records remain. It is part of the reason so many of the old ruins remain lost to this day."
Hewtakes the news about possible conflict with the Red Wizards in stride. "It matters not to me. Having it in writing from the Prince makes it all nice and legal, but there's no law in the jungle." He scratches his beard and laughs, "Heh. But if you decide to kill any before we leave town, well then that little writ would come in mighty handy." He's interested by poison. "I've never worked with it myself. But if you've managed to secure some, more the better. I won't turn down an advantage."
Ineteis more disturbed by this revelation. "I am not on a mission of murder. Savras has only tasked me to go and see, not to exterminate." She seems gravely concerned. "... And you say Grandfather has a hand in this?" She shakes her head. "I will need to pray tonight."
An hour later, two runners arrive at the Thundering Lizard, each carrying a small wooden box belonging to your group. Altogether the boxes contain a poisoner's kit, 5 doses of poison, basic (vial), 5 doses of Assassin's Blood (Ingested) and 1 dose of Essence of Ether (Inhaled). Also included in one of the boxes is a lovely handwritten note from Prince Jessamine, with her compliments and a request that you share the contents of this gift basket with your new red friends.
Hewwill make arrangements to have canoes waiting for you [deduct the 118gp, Danica]in Ataaz Itlan, a fishing village at the mouth of the Soshenstar. "It is half a day's walk to the village. I suggest you all make any final arrangements here in town, eat a good meal, rest well, and then we will depart in the hour before dawn. Assuming we make proper time on our hike, we will be in the canoes by mid day and will reach a banana farm just upriver from the coast in time to camp our first night behind a wooden palisade, rather than on a wild stretch of beach."
"Savor this last night with your pillows and soft blankies. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to the real Chult."
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
Ran raises an eyebrow at the mention of the 'real Chult.'
"Doesn't get hotter does it?" Ran asks of Hew, not really expecting or wanting an answer.
He examines the poison and nods at Inete. "It's only if we have to. Always good to have an extra couple of backup plans in case there's no other way around."
Ran then looks over to the bar.
"Might as well get some decent food before we spend the next month eating nothing but scroggins."
"You are not the only one, Innete,"assured the young priestess Meili. "Do hope the one who is set on the murder will realize the wrongness of his desire. The poison can be used in some other ways, though."
The question of tents - or maybe mosquito nets? Or even face mesh? - was something she also wanted to know, so she paused to hear Hew's answer. Other than that, she was going to follow the guide's advice and retire to her room for the night.
Hew seems surprised by the question. Then he wrinkles his brow and thinks about it. "Aye, I reckon you would best grab yourselves some tents. I prefer to sleep in the open... wouldn't want to be caught in a tent if an allosaurus wandered into camp... I'd be rolled up like a plump little dwarf sausage in that case," he laughs. "But you folk... you might need some time before you get used to sleeping in the open night air, with the rain and the jungle sounds around you. A tent would probably help 'ease you in.'"
[Tents cost 2gp, if anyone wants to buy them. Two can fit in a tent if you want to pick a camp buddy.]
"As long as you brought enough bug smear, there's no need for netting or other such nonsense. The smear will keep all the little crawlies off of you."
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
Danica waffled at Inete's pointed question about her grandfather's involvement and she explained, "If by 'had a hand' in it you mean that he was present when we spoke to Jessamine, then aye, I suppose." While he did a lot more than just stand there, he certainly didn't seem to know what he was getting them if the man's reaction was to be believed. And she certainly didn't want to further sully their relationship right before the journey. "We're not askin' you to participate. But likely bear witness." The druid's expression was grave. She was actively trying not to think about the fact that they might be literally leading this woman to her prophesied doom. However the brunette couldn't help but say to the young woman, "I know you both left things a little rough. Might want to go have dinner with yer Grandfather before you'll hafta set out. We'll not be goin' anywhere tonight. Even if ye do want to spend one more night at home in the Temple, we'll wait for you here. One hour til dawn."
Making sure Hew had the gold he needed for the canoes and two tents, Danica stated, "I can do without a tent myself. Much prefer open air, or stars if visible. I know not everyone's up for that though so two should do us unless someone wants to buy their own so they won't have to share."
Danica cracked a wide toothy grin at his suggestion and declared, "I can't imagine there'll be much alcohol in the jungle nor safety to drink it so my plan is to do enough forward drinking to make up for the sixty six days I'll be lacking." Before she snapped her fingers as she recalled something and then slipped Mica back his ten gold. "Glad it wasn't needed after all. Wanted to make sure I returned it lest I be tempted to drink it away."She patted his shoulder before quipping, "Though I encourage you to drink it away should you be so inclined yerself. Come on "Seekers", let's seek some last bit of respite at the bottom of a bottle. First round's on me." Letting out a dry laugh at Ran's question she interjected, "Never been this far south myself but I can't imagine it'll get any better. Especially if that bit o'weather we got a peek at earlier was any preview."
First thing first though, Danica made sure to leave her backpack in her room as well as locking away excess coin, poisons, map and the many important written documents and book they had gotten away in the lockbox that was provided in her room. Before she locked away Jessamine's gifts she would say to Velan, "Do you want to hang on to all this once we head out? Not sure if we should have the person that's gonna be most likely wading in with them hold it all or spread out some of the little stuff to everyone."She left her shield leaning against her bed but kept her scimitar on her as she re-joined any companions at the bar and flagging down one of the barkeeps to pay for two things. One, a delivery of a letter to Merchant Prince Wakanga detailing the change in the group's name as well as that they had met with Grandfather Zitembe and received Savras' prophecy through him and when they would be leaving and by what means. And two, to pay for someone to make sure she was awake and up an hour and a half before dawn.
Once that was taken care of, she would glance over the menu again and take whatever meal came with the room she was already paying for but ask, "I'll take whatever you recommend to get me drunk for the cheapest and the first drink of whatever my crew orders."She gestures to said people before nodding a goodnight to Meili. "She probably has the better idea but even if I didn't only have to sleep fer four hours I'd be up anyway."The elf shrugs and will spend the night plying herself with cheap booze and trying to chat up whoever of their crew remained and then likely would continue to drink alone, humming old sailor's songs to herself as she looked up at the stars, mapping what she could see.
The real Chult. The jungle…at last. Mica smiles as Hew sends them off for the evening with the promise of adventure to come, or was it a warning? Regardless he takes advantage of the dwarf’s advice and enjoys a nice meal and some Tej with any of his companions that stay in the bar, trying to pull more stories from Hew of the jungle and the creatures that live within.
He nods when Danica slides his money back “Fine, just know I plan to keep the harvesting kit when this is over. I also have no need for a tent, I am long used to sleeping under the stars. But I will gladly use this money to buy one and will carry it until we link up with the canoes.”
As the evening progresses, Mica makes his way out to the courtyard and communes with the spirit of nature under the trees. At some point during the evening, he makes a sudden, and surprising connection with the magic of the wild. Perhaps a gift from Silvanus in preparation for their journey in the jungle? Or perhaps it was too much Tej. He eases to sleep, the question still on his mind.
Hewlooks at Ran'sremark about how hot it gets, and the look on his face it not comforting. "Lad, I don't know how to tell you this... there are places in this jungle so hot, so wretchedly hot... it is like to cook you alive inside that armor like an egg on a hot pan."
He maintains eye contact for a beat. "Hah!" he laughs. "You'll probably be fine. Miserable, but fine. Lugging that jangling armor around will leave you tired, hot and thirsty, and probably ring the dinner bell for every beastie within hearing distance, but as long as you make sure to drink regularly, you'll probably manage alright."
Meanwhile, Inetetakes Danica'ssuggestion and goes back to the temple for the night.
Danica, it costs 2cp to send a runner with the letter for Prince Wakanga O'Tamu. No charge for the wake-up call and they will provide that for everyone in the group. Anyone who hasn't already bought a room for the night [this is the second night at the Thundering Lizard] needs to decide if you want the dorm for 1sp or the single room again for 1sp 1cp.
As far as drinks, Tej is by far the cheapest in the house. It is 4cp per mug. If anyone wants to join her, Danicahas offered to pick up the first round. Just post if and how much and how late you sat up to drink and celebrate your impending adventure. If anyone has more than two mugs of Tej, make a CON save DC 10. If anyone has more than four mugs, make another CON save DC 15. [If either save fails, you wake up feeling hung over. No mechanical penalty, just RP it. FYI, Tej has a high sugar content, so it would be like a sweet wine hangover... emphasis on the pounding headache... :) ]
There are no dreams to disturb anyone's slumber or meditations tonight.
In the morning, you are all roused from sleep by the innkeeper, if you didn't wake up on your own. You find Ineteis standing outside the front door of the empty tavern room, talking to Hew. She steps inside when you all begin appearing downstairs. "I am ready," she says, her face a mask of serenity. Her colorful acolyte attire has been replaced with a drab taupe robe and she has a pack strapped to her back, and has obtained her own tent as well.
Hewremains outside on the front stoop, smoking a rolled tobacco cigarette and looking out at the pre-dawn southern sky. There is a light rain falling, and between the rain and the darkness your body expects to feel a chill in the air when you step outside, but is still just the thick jungle heat. From somewhere in the city a jungle bird, or perhaps a pterasaur, makes a shrill cry. Hew looks anxious, excited. When you assemble outside, he flicks out the cigarette and asks, "Are you prepared? It is time to begin."
[As soon as everyone has leveled up and confirmed in the OOC thread there are no more preparations to make or supplies to buy, we will begin the expedition.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Inete’s answer was inconclusive but didn’t discard the possibility. Either way the mention of a specific lost city didn’t make their guide prone to changing destinations. He ignored Meili comment, regarding it as idealism beyond reason and once again focusing his thoughts on magic. Maybe, he pondered with the voice of his mind, I should consider a spell to help carrying weight. The Crone used something like that on occasion, if he remembered correctly. Danica’s words caught him by surprise. Apparently, she had adopted his suggestion for name.
“Well, I will need to get back to the place I’m staying at, to get the rest of my gear.”A sudden realization crossed his mind as Velan cast his eyes upon the guide. “Would you happen to know about a local beast whose claw is used to make blades? Or about a beast that can move unnoticed in the city and attack unnoticed?”
After hearing the man’s answer the spellcaster studies Jessamine and Volo’s writings, then leaves the Thundering Lizard. Back at the Golden Macaw he warns Yapa about his travel and after dinner leaves for his room. There he studies his spellbook, finishing the summoning formula and derives a magic identifying equation from the item identification process.
The next morning he wakes early, studying his arcane annotations and leaving with his gear in search of the closest brass brazier. There he takes his book and uttering arcane words gradually burn his ten gold pieces worth of charcoal, incense and herbs. An hour later the flames dart into the air, gradually taking the form of a barn owl that lands with grace in the caster's shoulder. Wizard and familiar communicate through telepathy, making their presentation on the way to the rest of the group. He finds Hew outside of the tavern and soon the others arrive.
“This is Ninlil.” Velan says as the owl bow ever so slightly. “On our part, we are ready.”
Notes: If the group moves I would like to have Ninlil (the owl familiar) flying over the group, scouting from the air from any dangers.
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[If we missed anything we can setup another trip to the Red Bazaar or Grand Souk. For now I will return us to the Thundering Lizard for some skull sessions with Hew....]
Carrying your new gear back to the Thundering Lizard, you arrive in the mid-afternoon, in the lull between the lunch and the dinner rush. The bar is far from empty however, and a few of the rowdy dwarves can still be found engaging in general merriment. Hew is pleased to see you, and Inete is here as well, though she is sitting separate and apart from Hew. She walks over to join you.
Hew had sketched out a crude map of Chult - [DM assumes Danica has no reason to conceal her map... if she did plan to keep it a secret... whoops.] - but once he sees Danica's map, he marvels at it and crumples his own sketch into a heap and tosses it to the floor. "How did you come across this... it is remarkable. The southern coast is all wrong, and they've bloated the distance between the Kobolds and Lake Luo... but the rivers all look accurate. This is a fine map."
After examining the map some more, he proceeds. "So these are my thoughts, though of course I defer to the will of my employers. Much of the north has already been explored. Silvane's expedition went up the Tiryki, and we know they made it as far as Firefinger before turning west and disappearing. Shago led a group south out of Fort Beluarian before they all caught the shivering sickness and had to turn back. Broadleaf led another crew through the old cart paths in the Mistcliffs and then cut through the northwest jungles without finding anything. The Cormyr Company sent soldiers up the Soshenstar, and landed a small army near Mezro. The Waukeen worshippers were headed toward Mezro overland before they fell off the map. And Azaka just left with another group headed up the Tiryki, covering old ground."
"Which is why... I propose we start here." He points to the southwest corner of the map. "We hire a ship, land near Shilku, and press inland from there. If the source of this curse was in the north, someone would have found it by now. If it's in the south... which I suspect it must be... why waste a month walking there?" The look on his face suggests he is quite proud of his plan and he waits to hear your response before proceeding.
[He doesn't actually draw on the map, but traces these routes with the fingers on his remaining hand. The white lines are expeditions who left and came back... the colored lines are expeditions that went out and never returned. The red circle is his suggestion.]
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
Happy to get another healer's kit, Meili placed it right with the first one and helped carry the stuff to the tavern. The first order of business was to ask Hew to check if the supplies were of sufficient quality but having both the map and the guide was calling for another question. "Where would you put on this map a place that is about 33 days of travel south from here, with," she half-closed her eyes remembering the words exactly, "mountains to the left, mountains to the right, a rift in the jungle before the one looking, and at the bottom of it a hidden city, built by minotaurs and crawling with snakes." She opened her eyes again and looked at Hew. "Because this is our destination."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
((Want to make sure the supplies are divyed out. Meili has the Healer's Kit, Mica has the Harvesting Kit. Everyone gets 2 Gourds of Insect Repellent, 1 extra waterskin and a tendays worth of rations. Danica will carry the two raincatchers and 66 blocks of incense insect repellent for now.))
Eyebrows raising at the generosity of the earth genasi, Danica took the coin hesitantly but deposited it with the rest. "Much appreciated. Though hopefully not needed. We'll see when we talk things over with Hew. If it isn't, I'll be sure to give it back." He had earned that coin fair and square after all, same as they all had for their share. Shivering a little as Mica brought up the rot grubs again the elf muttered, "Definitely glad we stocked up on repellent, though don't know that it'd do much good against evils such as those. Lesson learned to be sure. And who knows if the Flaming Fists would even care? I'm sure if it isn't signed and kissed by their own 'righteous' people that they wouldn't care."
Chewing on the inside of her cheek as she glanced over at Davynor, listening to Ran speak with a troubled expression on her face. "His life is far from over. Hopefully he's smart enough to realize that. But I see your point. Hopefully he'll last until we return." Again the optimism... There was a tiny voice in the back of her head that kept whispering, "If...." If they returned. If they survived. If they succeeded. So many 'ifs'. Sighing with a nod to Ran and Mica's prodding, she made sure Meili wasn't too far from them before agreeing, "Think we've got everything we'll need for now until we find out more. Glad my gut seemed right about this fellow, even if he probably is a bit...off."
Waving Inete over once they entered the Thundering Lizard once more, Danica set down her now heavier pack next to Hew as they all gathered around the table. "Mr. Hackinstone, this is Inete, a priestess?" She glanced at the chestnut skin colored young woman with an eyebrow raised in question before pushing on, "Of Savras. Grandaughter to Grandfather Zitembe. She'll be joining us on our journey. I hope that doesn't change anythin'. Inete this is Hew Hackinstone, our guide. One of the best from what we've been hearing and are paying for." She gave a light smile between them before frowning at the poorly sketched map Hew had been working on at the table. "Here, let's use something with a tad more detail."
Extracting the map where it had been safely stored in her pack and laying it out on the table between the group, using a few filled mugs and a few empty ones to help lay it flat. Chuckling as Hew through the scrunched up sketch he had been working on to the floor she answered his curiosity, "My employer purchased this none too cheaply. It was supposed to come with some sort of journal? But all that he ended up getting was this map." Her eyes flicked between the dwarf and the map as he mentioned a few discrepancies and she asked, "Should we be worried about that?" Knowing an inaccurate map was hardly a good one.
Sharp green eyes followed the paths he traced on the map out as he spoke and lingered on one spot in particular. "Can't help but wonder if the Cormyr Company and Waukeen worshippers met the Flaming Fists." Her tone was dark before hearing Meili's question and quirked a smile at their guide. "Any guesses? We were told of a rather specific yet vague vision Zitembe had about us." Glancing around at the group she asked mostly rhetorically, "Is there really any other kind of vision?"
Focusing back on the map she pointed at the Peaks of Flame and Skylizard Mountains, "We've got mountains here and here.... and that," She tapped on the jagged mark northward between them, "Looks an awful lot like a "rift in the jungle"." Drawing her fingertip up to the marker south of the River Olung she asked, "Now I don't know anything about the Ruins of Nangalore....but I'd be willing to bet at least five copper that it was built by minotaurs." Head raising to look at Velan and Inete hoping for more informed input before focusing back on Hew. "I'd much prefer a ride on a ship than a trek through the jungle but a little concerned about them." She tapped the rather bold "Pirates!" marker halfway down the western coast. "I imagine that's what's gonna make gettin' a ship a tad difficult."
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Ran looks at the map and finally puts a finger down in the middle of it.
"No one really knows what's in the middle here, do they?" Ran asks. "See a few tall mountains from the coast, but there could be anything in the middle. Rifts tend to go down and are narrow."
As the others seemed to take to the ship route as the preferred option, Ran was starting to see that he might have to go up the Shoshenstar on his own.
"I know the vision said our journey takes us to this mystery city, but I also know my journey goes up the Shoshenstar. That's the only firm lead I have and that's the way I'm going to have to go. The river looks to run up to a series of lakes. And none of these expeditions you mention made it that far. Looks as good a place as any to shoot for."
[It occurs to me, I put the maps in spoilers to keep the thread shorter when skimming through, but didn't point that out. Everyone can and probably should open the spoilers and look at the maps.]
"Not at all," Hew says, when Danica asks if the errors in the map should be concerning. "Few maps are perfect. And fewer still of this land. Most just copy old maps and repeat the same errors. But take the River Tath, for example. It passes near to the Aldani Basin. I cannot tell you how many maps lazily assume that is the where the river begins. But look... whoever made this map knew the truth... it turns away from the basin and rises into the Mistcliff Mountains, where it begins as meltwater. Whoever made this map traveled the land. Canoed its rivers... walked its trails... at least everywhere but the Wild Coast in the south. This is a good map... your benefactor got his money's worth."
At Meili's revelation about the vision of the hidden city, he thinks for a moment, then traces a wide semi-circle, from Refuge Bay in the east, past the Peaks of Flame, and to Shilku in the West. "It's hard to say for certain, as the jungle has a way of slowing you down. But 33 days... that's about as far as you could get in 33 days of travel."
He hesitates when Danica suggests Nangalore as a destination, his grey eyes looking over the map quickly. "I... am not sure about that. Nangalore is supposed to be a huge royal prison and burial site. It means 'place of exile' in the old tongue of Chult. There are supposed to be some old queens who were sent away and buried there, if the tales are true." His brow furrows. "But if you think it's worth checking out, we can make that our target."
Inete smiles when Danica tries to introduce her. "Not a priestess. Not yet, anyway. Presently, I serve the Temple as an acolyte and researcher. I have always seen my path as one which will skew towards the arcane, rather than the divine. Though... current events may force me to reconsider. Receiving the gift of sight, even for just a moment, has been a revelation."
19
"Just one queen," Inete corrects Hew when he is discussing Nangalore. "Queen Zalkore. She was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, and Nangalore was a vast monument built to be her palace, and her tomb. It was supposed to be hanging gardens, as large as a city, and full of temples and statues. The exact location has been lost for generations, but this spot on the map is in the right general area. It was supposed to be far up the River Olung, south of Mezro."
But when talk turns to taking a ship to the south, her smile vanishes quickly, and she looks confused and moves to stand next to Ran. "Yes... I did not realize this matter was up for debate. My mission lies up the River Soshenstar, in the Aldani Basin. If you choose to go another way, I will not be going with you. And I will have to ask you to return the Temple's coin."
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
Danica swore under her breath as Ran brought up his own personal quest that she had very much agreed to. "Sorry Ran, slipped the mind." As Hew showed how far 33 days worth of travel would get them (if they were mostly unimpeded by the jungle) on the map, the elf frowned seeing how it spanned coast to coast from east to west. Too far, didn't quite fit the prophecy... She could just hear her old crew laughing at her for taking some old grandpa at his word about such a vision but she knew better than to doubt the stars or gods. And speaking of which, when Inete first spoke up about her own mission, the sailor's eyebrows furrowed in confusion before looking back at the map and shooting up in realization. Pointing to the series of small lakes she asked for clarification, "So this is the 'Swamp of Sorrows'?"
With a sigh she looked to Hew and stated, "Well that's two against and I prefer my voting be unanimous. Looks like the Soshenstar it is. Our nearest goal is on that river and at the end of it. Past that then lies the cure we can only hope." She seemed well and truly put out by the lack of travel by ship but didn't hesitate to change plans based on the needs of the crew.
"Which leads to our next choice, buyin' canoes or a large lizard and water barrel? Cuz I cannae afford both, even with Miss Inete's Temple's generous contribution." Giving a respectful nod to the acolyte. "So we'll defer to yer better judgement on the matter Mr. Hackinstone."
As he thought about his answer, she tried to gauge the distance between the two bays that Hew had said were 33 days worth of travel and then tried to see how far down along the map such a distance would take them if they were travelling south from Port Nyanzaru on the Soshenstar.
((GM: Not sure if I have to roll to....navitgate map? Or if it'd be as simple as laying a hand down and trying to calculate the distance roughly that way?))
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Mica looks at the map with great interest, trying to commit the major features to his mind. He has always had an interest in maps, and a great memory for the features and general layout of the land. He notes the paths Hew traces with his finger and the location of areas that have already been mentioned in their discussions with others, including Port Castigilar and the Firefinger. But some are missing “We have heard tell of a Camp Vengeance, close to the Shosenstar. Where would that be on the map and what do you know of it?”
Oh, gods he thinks at Hew's suggestion not another trip at sea! He would much rather walk the thirty days, undead and all. Then Inete spoke up and reminded them all of the vision and the path laid before them. Mica quickly agrees with Ran and Danica “No, Inete, you shall not go alone. It seems our path lies up the Shosenstar. Perhaps we will find something with the Red Wizards that will make our task easier, or perhaps we are just being used by the gods.”
To Meili, it was not even a question. The prophecy stated "33 days of travel" and Hew just showed where would it lead - up the river Soshenstar and then deeper into the island. Ships were not mentioned in any way, so, obviously, they were going by the river (or along it - no matter). There was one more question, though, similar to Mica's. "We heard Flamin Fist claim you can not venture into the jungles without their permissions. Could that be a problem?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ran nods his thanks at Danica and the others.
"Thank you. I wasn't looking forward to ending this a leg short." Ran says. Then waits for Hew to answer the other's questions.
Inete relaxes. "I am sorry to speak so brusquely," she says to Danica. Looking next to Hew, "Please, continue master dwarf."
"Aye," Hew says to Danica's question about the spot on the map that looks like many little lakes. "Swamp of Sorrows or Aldani Basin - both names refer to the same place. It's a large and dangerous area. Mostly swamp, though some places are more like likes, some more like rivers, with areas of high ground mixed in." He frowns. "A lot of the big dinos nest and raise their young in the basin... which also draws a lot of predators."
"Even better, fog settles in over night and some days it never burns off. It is an easy place to get lost." He grins, "Lucky for you, you chose an excellent guide."
He gives a long sigh, his fingers still linger on the southwest corner of the map. "Well," he says at last, "If you mean to head up the Soshenstar, canoes are the only choice. There are some trails that follow the river, but canoes would cut the travel time in half, or more. And though the waters are dangerous, they are not half as dangerous as the jungles. Canoes, it is."
"Keep in mind," he adds, "this won't be some lazy river pleasure cruise. There are crocodiles, giant turtles, hydra, freshwater reptiles and worse in the rivers. And there is no sleeping in the canoes, so we will have to head ashore to make camp. There are a few settlements and camps along the river, and I will try to time our travels so we hit some of them before nightfall, but we will certainly have to camp at least a few nights in the bush. That means finding a defensible patch of land, ground the canoes, and setting a good watch."
He continues, "There are also several sets of waterfalls along the Soshenstar. Which means we need to head ashore, and port the canoes through the jungle to the upriver side of the falls before we can continue paddling. That - " He pauses for emphasis, "will be some of the most dangerous spots on the trip."
With Danica's permission [?] he does mark a few sites on the map. "Camp Vengeance is here, just north of the Aldani Basin. The Order of the Gauntlet are fools, but damned determined fools. Their prior base, Camp Righteous was more than a decade ago, so they went ahead and built a bigger camp even deeper in the jungle. It's said they sometimes try to retake Camp Righteous, so its possible that site may be occupied with knights now as well. They aren't as bad as the Flaming Fist, no sir. But all the same, I don't trust the military orders."
He also marks several sites where he knows there to be ruins, though he cannot say for certain what they are. Mostly, they are places where ancient ziggurats pierce the canopy and can be seen from a distance. [These are the white triangles on the map below.]
"No," he says at last, in answer to Meili. "The Fist shouldn't bother us. Not cause they wouldn't love to, but we'll be on the wrong side of the peninsula. Their patrols seldom wander west of the Tiryki, and we'll be well further west of that yet."
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
Nodding to the fighter's thanks, the sailor promised, "We'll keep all your limbs attached yet Ran." As Hew listed off the many dangers of the Soshenstar as well as the Basin itself she added, "Not to mention the Red Wizards of Thay. They're part of the reason we're going this way." She nodded to Inete before hesitating, her eyes flicking to Ran and Velan before ultimately keeping her mouth shut. She was painfully aware of every other person in the inn and tavern and realized that such a crowded place wasn't the best place to talk about sensitive topics. Clearing her throat she stated, "After we finish talkin', if you two wouldn't mind coming to my room for just a private word or two, I'd appreciate it." She preferred to operate with all of her crew on the same page.
As Hew gave the final word, Danica sighed, her eyes making their way to Mica, "I guess we'll have to save the animal collecting for in the jungle." Cracking a smile before seeing the dwarf's questioning glance as he held a writing implement and she nodded, waving a hand for him to continue. If there was anyone she trusted to make edits or additions to this apparently rightfully expensive map, it was him. "Can't be as bad as the Flaming Fists, but I understand yer sentiment all the same."
Nodding as he reassured Meili and also herself, the elf grumbled with little heat, "We'll have our hands full enough with dinosaurs, disease and undead let alone the Flaming ****s." Glancing around at their group she asked, "Unless there's any other questions...?" And would wait until there wasn't any or that they were answered before standing, heaving her pack with her and gesturing with a motion of her head for Inete and Hew to follow her to her room. Should any of the rest of the group follow, she wouldn't stop them, only look for anyone else trying to follow or eavesdrop.
Once the two people that she really wanted to speak with were crammed into the room with her, she would motion for them to close the door behind them before opening her pack as she spoke. "So we did more than a bit of shopping. We also met with Prince Jessamine. We were a little worried about our odds going against these Wizards with such a small group," Leaf green eyes met Inete's deep earthy ones, "And were trying to persuade her to sell or lend us some poison to help turn the tides. And she did more than that. Gave us a journal on venoms and poisons. How to find, extract, make and use them. Along with the right to do that and even sell should we want. She also said we'd be getting a delivery by nightfall, though I don't know all what that will contain. But most importantly,"
She extracts the writ that she had hidden in the depths of her pack, "A literal License to Kill." Holding the document for the pair to see and trying to gauge their reactions. "Grandfather Zitembe seemed rather...." The druid struggled with finding the right descriptive wording before finally spitting out, "Overwhelmed at this. I'd prefer this stick within the group until when we need to use it."
((Not sure how many people can fit in this room lol. Insight check on their reaction for funsies: 15))
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
From Jessamine village to the Grand Souk Velan focused his attention almost exclusively in finding the spell components. In that he was successful and because of that ten whole gold pieces poorer. Didn’t matter. He had more to gain in that journey and if the prophecy was true he couldn’t avoid whatever destiny was tied with it. As his companions bought much needed supplies he occupied his thoughts with magic theories. Invisibility and Find Familiar where necessities, but so was Leomund Tiny Hut. Not that he was anywhere near to being able to use it. Blindness/Deafness was also a good option.
When they arrived at the Thundering Lizard he was lost still in his own mind. An unusual silence from someone so outspoken to that point. It was only when Inete spoke about a vast monument that he forgot about magecraft.
“Just one thing.” He said casting his eyes to the acolyte. “Would you happen to know if a black obelisk is described as being part of the monument by the tomb of Queen Zakore? According to the prophecy we received the Death Curse is likely to originate from such a structure, in a city around thirty days south so…”
Maybe they had a name for the lost city they were seeking. Maybe this confirmation would help their guide trace an even more precise route.
Velan, Inete considers your question. "Unfortunately, I don't know. There are few specific details recorded in the lore. When the Amnish conquered what was left of the old Chultan Empire, they were more concerned about the value of the land's exports than about its history, and few records remain. It is part of the reason so many of the old ruins remain lost to this day."
Hew takes the news about possible conflict with the Red Wizards in stride. "It matters not to me. Having it in writing from the Prince makes it all nice and legal, but there's no law in the jungle." He scratches his beard and laughs, "Heh. But if you decide to kill any before we leave town, well then that little writ would come in mighty handy." He's interested by poison. "I've never worked with it myself. But if you've managed to secure some, more the better. I won't turn down an advantage."
Inete is more disturbed by this revelation. "I am not on a mission of murder. Savras has only tasked me to go and see, not to exterminate." She seems gravely concerned. "... And you say Grandfather has a hand in this?" She shakes her head. "I will need to pray tonight."
An hour later, two runners arrive at the Thundering Lizard, each carrying a small wooden box belonging to your group. Altogether the boxes contain a poisoner's kit, 5 doses of poison, basic (vial), 5 doses of Assassin's Blood (Ingested) and 1 dose of Essence of Ether (Inhaled). Also included in one of the boxes is a lovely handwritten note from Prince Jessamine, with her compliments and a request that you share the contents of this gift basket with your new red friends.
Hew will make arrangements to have canoes waiting for you [deduct the 118gp, Danica] in Ataaz Itlan, a fishing village at the mouth of the Soshenstar. "It is half a day's walk to the village. I suggest you all make any final arrangements here in town, eat a good meal, rest well, and then we will depart in the hour before dawn. Assuming we make proper time on our hike, we will be in the canoes by mid day and will reach a banana farm just upriver from the coast in time to camp our first night behind a wooden palisade, rather than on a wild stretch of beach."
"Savor this last night with your pillows and soft blankies. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to the real Chult."
[Congratulations. You are all level 2.]
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
Ran raises an eyebrow at the mention of the 'real Chult.'
"Doesn't get hotter does it?" Ran asks of Hew, not really expecting or wanting an answer.
He examines the poison and nods at Inete. "It's only if we have to. Always good to have an extra couple of backup plans in case there's no other way around."
Ran then looks over to the bar.
"Might as well get some decent food before we spend the next month eating nothing but scroggins."
"You are not the only one, Innete," assured the young priestess Meili. "Do hope the one who is set on the murder will realize the wrongness of his desire. The poison can be used in some other ways, though."
The question of tents - or maybe mosquito nets? Or even face mesh? - was something she also wanted to know, so she paused to hear Hew's answer. Other than that, she was going to follow the guide's advice and retire to her room for the night.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Hew seems surprised by the question. Then he wrinkles his brow and thinks about it. "Aye, I reckon you would best grab yourselves some tents. I prefer to sleep in the open... wouldn't want to be caught in a tent if an allosaurus wandered into camp... I'd be rolled up like a plump little dwarf sausage in that case," he laughs. "But you folk... you might need some time before you get used to sleeping in the open night air, with the rain and the jungle sounds around you. A tent would probably help 'ease you in.'"
[Tents cost 2gp, if anyone wants to buy them. Two can fit in a tent if you want to pick a camp buddy.]
"As long as you brought enough bug smear, there's no need for netting or other such nonsense. The smear will keep all the little crawlies off of you."
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
Danica waffled at Inete's pointed question about her grandfather's involvement and she explained, "If by 'had a hand' in it you mean that he was present when we spoke to Jessamine, then aye, I suppose." While he did a lot more than just stand there, he certainly didn't seem to know what he was getting them if the man's reaction was to be believed. And she certainly didn't want to further sully their relationship right before the journey. "We're not askin' you to participate. But likely bear witness." The druid's expression was grave. She was actively trying not to think about the fact that they might be literally leading this woman to her prophesied doom. However the brunette couldn't help but say to the young woman, "I know you both left things a little rough. Might want to go have dinner with yer Grandfather before you'll hafta set out. We'll not be goin' anywhere tonight. Even if ye do want to spend one more night at home in the Temple, we'll wait for you here. One hour til dawn."
Making sure Hew had the gold he needed for the canoes and two tents, Danica stated, "I can do without a tent myself. Much prefer open air, or stars if visible. I know not everyone's up for that though so two should do us unless someone wants to buy their own so they won't have to share."
Danica cracked a wide toothy grin at his suggestion and declared, "I can't imagine there'll be much alcohol in the jungle nor safety to drink it so my plan is to do enough forward drinking to make up for the sixty six days I'll be lacking." Before she snapped her fingers as she recalled something and then slipped Mica back his ten gold. "Glad it wasn't needed after all. Wanted to make sure I returned it lest I be tempted to drink it away." She patted his shoulder before quipping, "Though I encourage you to drink it away should you be so inclined yerself. Come on "Seekers", let's seek some last bit of respite at the bottom of a bottle. First round's on me." Letting out a dry laugh at Ran's question she interjected, "Never been this far south myself but I can't imagine it'll get any better. Especially if that bit o'weather we got a peek at earlier was any preview."
First thing first though, Danica made sure to leave her backpack in her room as well as locking away excess coin, poisons, map and the many important written documents and book they had gotten away in the lockbox that was provided in her room. Before she locked away Jessamine's gifts she would say to Velan, "Do you want to hang on to all this once we head out? Not sure if we should have the person that's gonna be most likely wading in with them hold it all or spread out some of the little stuff to everyone." She left her shield leaning against her bed but kept her scimitar on her as she re-joined any companions at the bar and flagging down one of the barkeeps to pay for two things. One, a delivery of a letter to Merchant Prince Wakanga detailing the change in the group's name as well as that they had met with Grandfather Zitembe and received Savras' prophecy through him and when they would be leaving and by what means. And two, to pay for someone to make sure she was awake and up an hour and a half before dawn.
Once that was taken care of, she would glance over the menu again and take whatever meal came with the room she was already paying for but ask, "I'll take whatever you recommend to get me drunk for the cheapest and the first drink of whatever my crew orders." She gestures to said people before nodding a goodnight to Meili. "She probably has the better idea but even if I didn't only have to sleep fer four hours I'd be up anyway." The elf shrugs and will spend the night plying herself with cheap booze and trying to chat up whoever of their crew remained and then likely would continue to drink alone, humming old sailor's songs to herself as she looked up at the stars, mapping what she could see.
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
The real Chult. The jungle…at last. Mica smiles as Hew sends them off for the evening with the promise of adventure to come, or was it a warning? Regardless he takes advantage of the dwarf’s advice and enjoys a nice meal and some Tej with any of his companions that stay in the bar, trying to pull more stories from Hew of the jungle and the creatures that live within.
He nods when Danica slides his money back “Fine, just know I plan to keep the harvesting kit when this is over. I also have no need for a tent, I am long used to sleeping under the stars. But I will gladly use this money to buy one and will carry it until we link up with the canoes.”
As the evening progresses, Mica makes his way out to the courtyard and communes with the spirit of nature under the trees. At some point during the evening, he makes a sudden, and surprising connection with the magic of the wild. Perhaps a gift from Silvanus in preparation for their journey in the jungle? Or perhaps it was too much Tej. He eases to sleep, the question still on his mind.
Hew looks at Ran's remark about how hot it gets, and the look on his face it not comforting. "Lad, I don't know how to tell you this... there are places in this jungle so hot, so wretchedly hot... it is like to cook you alive inside that armor like an egg on a hot pan."
He maintains eye contact for a beat. "Hah!" he laughs. "You'll probably be fine. Miserable, but fine. Lugging that jangling armor around will leave you tired, hot and thirsty, and probably ring the dinner bell for every beastie within hearing distance, but as long as you make sure to drink regularly, you'll probably manage alright."
Meanwhile, Inete takes Danica's suggestion and goes back to the temple for the night.
Danica, it costs 2cp to send a runner with the letter for Prince Wakanga O'Tamu. No charge for the wake-up call and they will provide that for everyone in the group. Anyone who hasn't already bought a room for the night [this is the second night at the Thundering Lizard] needs to decide if you want the dorm for 1sp or the single room again for 1sp 1cp.
As far as drinks, Tej is by far the cheapest in the house. It is 4cp per mug. If anyone wants to join her, Danica has offered to pick up the first round. Just post if and how much and how late you sat up to drink and celebrate your impending adventure. If anyone has more than two mugs of Tej, make a CON save DC 10. If anyone has more than four mugs, make another CON save DC 15. [If either save fails, you wake up feeling hung over. No mechanical penalty, just RP it. FYI, Tej has a high sugar content, so it would be like a sweet wine hangover... emphasis on the pounding headache... :) ]
There are no dreams to disturb anyone's slumber or meditations tonight.
In the morning, you are all roused from sleep by the innkeeper, if you didn't wake up on your own. You find Inete is standing outside the front door of the empty tavern room, talking to Hew. She steps inside when you all begin appearing downstairs. "I am ready," she says, her face a mask of serenity. Her colorful acolyte attire has been replaced with a drab taupe robe and she has a pack strapped to her back, and has obtained her own tent as well.
Hew remains outside on the front stoop, smoking a rolled tobacco cigarette and looking out at the pre-dawn southern sky. There is a light rain falling, and between the rain and the darkness your body expects to feel a chill in the air when you step outside, but is still just the thick jungle heat. From somewhere in the city a jungle bird, or perhaps a pterasaur, makes a shrill cry. Hew looks anxious, excited. When you assemble outside, he flicks out the cigarette and asks, "Are you prepared? It is time to begin."
[As soon as everyone has leveled up and confirmed in the OOC thread there are no more preparations to make or supplies to buy, we will begin the expedition.]
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
Inete’s answer was inconclusive but didn’t discard the possibility. Either way the mention of a specific lost city didn’t make their guide prone to changing destinations. He ignored Meili comment, regarding it as idealism beyond reason and once again focusing his thoughts on magic. Maybe, he pondered with the voice of his mind, I should consider a spell to help carrying weight. The Crone used something like that on occasion, if he remembered correctly. Danica’s words caught him by surprise. Apparently, she had adopted his suggestion for name.
“Well, I will need to get back to the place I’m staying at, to get the rest of my gear.” A sudden realization crossed his mind as Velan cast his eyes upon the guide. “Would you happen to know about a local beast whose claw is used to make blades? Or about a beast that can move unnoticed in the city and attack unnoticed?”
After hearing the man’s answer the spellcaster studies Jessamine and Volo’s writings, then leaves the Thundering Lizard. Back at the Golden Macaw he warns Yapa about his travel and after dinner leaves for his room. There he studies his spellbook, finishing the summoning formula and derives a magic identifying equation from the item identification process.
The next morning he wakes early, studying his arcane annotations and leaving with his gear in search of the closest brass brazier. There he takes his book and uttering arcane words gradually burn his ten gold pieces worth of charcoal, incense and herbs. An hour later the flames dart into the air, gradually taking the form of a barn owl that lands with grace in the caster's shoulder. Wizard and familiar communicate through telepathy, making their presentation on the way to the rest of the group. He finds Hew outside of the tavern and soon the others arrive.
“This is Ninlil.” Velan says as the owl bow ever so slightly. “On our part, we are ready.”
Notes: If the group moves I would like to have Ninlil (the owl familiar) flying over the group, scouting from the air from any dangers.