"Some might as well already export these monkeys from Chult," agreed Meili but immediately shook her head. "Maybe not. If anything, dinosaurs would be the better target, would not they? Yet, I never saw one before arriving here."She corrected herself once again: "Not that I was in every corner of the mainland, of course," and fell silent.
The description of the chultian goblins she listened to without comments (even if the statement about "civilized goblin" felt like an oxymoron deserving a note). The tracks, though, made her look at the jungle a bit nervously and the next few paddle strokes were quite uneven. "Let's hope canoes do not look that tasty or that similar to crocodiles. Is the Camp Righteous far from here?" She continued looking at the shores periodically, searching for the signs of the ruins.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Smiling faintly at Inete's response she glanced over at their other wizard as she observed, "So you are like Velan in that regard then. You two should stay close and protect one another." It was mildly disappointing to not have another healer in the group, but one with such foresight was a boon as well. Shaking her head with a faint sigh as Ran insisted on being considered "dispensable" so as to be underestimated, the elf admitted, "You have a point. And yes, same as last time seemed to work well enough."
Glancing over at Mica as they began loading the boats she answered his speculations with some guesses of her own, "Perhaps they sense Savras sent her and want to thwart her? Or are threatened by any magic caster and Inete was simply the most vulnerable and easily targeted at the time?" The brunette shrugged before climbing in and glancing over at the woman in question, concern tugging at her stomach as she listened to Velan's reasoning and logic. The further they took her from her home, the more the sailor was worried that her grandfather was right and he wouldn't be seeing her again.
As the blue skinned man voiced that Inete should be sure to say something if she experienced anything unusual, Danica nodded fervently in agreement. The steady drizzle of rain seemed to set the tone as the group quieted as they set out under way along the river once more. It seemed like Hew was picking up on the atmosphere and trying to lighten the mood, filling the silence with interesting anecdotes and useful information about the flora and fauna that they traveled past. The first animal that he laughed off she would still swear to the ocean herself was undead. Just look at it!
But the second creatures absolutely delighted the druid, a smile lighting up her expression as she observed the strange bunch. The sheer number of them was daunting but she couldn't help but exclaim, "Lookit their wee whiskers! They look just like me ol' quartermaster haha!" The old gnome likely wouldn't have appreciated the accusation but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Ran's mention of the rich of Waterdeep wanting one made her smile fall and she was also glad that they were out here in whatever was the "wop wops".
The idea of fighting goblins stacked atop one another wasn't a pleasant one to consider. What was more unpleasant was the roar they heard and Danica was on full guard even with Hew's reassurances that the creature that made the sound wasn't one to be overly concerned over. Glancing up at the canopy, it was hard to discern through the tree tops as well as the cloud cover where exactly the sun was but given it hadn't been that long she guessed, "I can't imagine we're already that close to Camp Righteous. Stars I hate that damned name, damn self "Righteous" bastards..." Feeling annoyed that she even had to say the name of their camp aloud.
Mica paddles the canoe somewhat gingerly, still feeling the aches from the battle last night. Danica’s healing and some sleep helped him recover a great deal, but he was still sore. At least he learned to watch his back. He was enthralled with the monkeys, never seeing their like before in the wilds, and he tried to lure one of the whiskered ones into his canoe with a bit of ration. “Perhaps one will ride with us for a bit. They would make a fine companion for our journey.”
Animal Handling? : 4.
He listened with interest as Hew told tales of the batiri. Mica had fought goblins in the Savage Frontier, quick ambushes and hit and run attacks, but never imagined goblins riding on each other's shoulders. He laughs at the thought "Ha! Goblins riding each other. I wonder if they will topple like a tree when you strike down the bottom one.”
As Hew pointed out the spinosaurus tracks, he leaned eagerly over the edge of the canoe, memorizing the track and peering into the distance for some sign of the beast.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Micaextends the ration, and one of the whiskered monkeys climbs down a low-hanging branch to investigate.
The group holds its collective breath as the two share a moment. Their eyes meet... Man and Beast commune... the birds sing... the music rises... and then - with surprising alacrity - the monkey grabs the hand of one of its kin, swinging it down in a pendulum arc to snatch the ration from Mica'sgrip and then fling it back up into the higher branches. The little primates retreat and regroup in the treetops, breaking apart and distributing the ration as they look down at the canoe. Their high calls sound almost like laughter.
Later, Mica is again disappointed when he cannot catch any glimpse of the young spinosaur. It must have traveled deep into the jungle already.
Hewthinks for a moment, looking at the sky overhead and the jungle around you. 8
He soon growls in frustration. "Dammit all to the Nine Hells. I got distracted prattering on about the bugs and the apes. I cannot rightly say how fast we have been traveling." He looks furious with himself, all prior whimsy gone. "Unless we've been moving at a snail's pace, we should hit the camp at or before nightfall." Given the nearby spinosaur, he insists that the group take lunch as you continue to paddle, rather than looking for a place to stop.
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 gnaws on some jerky as they paddle, happy to put some distance between them and the large spinosaur prints.
He watches both shores as the continue upriver. He looks for signs of trouble but he also keeps a constant look out for any sign his sister and her companion have been this way. No sign of wreckage or debris is something he takes cheer from.
As it happens, you do come upon some wreckage in the late afternoon. A partial log jam of palm trees extends out into the river. Hewis cautious, concerned about ambush, but there are no aggressors lurking here. As you pass it, however, you see the remains of a small canoe sticking out of the upriver side of the jam. It is not seaworthy and has opend up and failed along most of its seams. It is a far cry from the sturdy canoes you secured for your journey - they may not be much to look at, but they have served you well thus far.
The wreck is empty and there is no sign of any corpses, and the nearby shoreline has no prints.
The rain lets up - at last - about that time. Birds, bats and insects take wing and the air is alive with their calls as the sun dips low in the sky. Just then Hew curses, for you have come around a bend and are now within sight of the ruins of Camp Righteous. "Bugger all. I had hoped to approach a little less obviously."
A small beach sits on the east bank of the river. Just past that are the remains of some collapsed wooden shelters and a pair of large dome tents. A brick building, most likely a forge, is half standing. Behind and above the camp looms a large hill, adorned with a massive statue. It depicts a man, crouching, with a full grown crocodile resting on his shoulders. Between the man's feet lies an opening into the hillside.
History DC 13:
You recall seeing carved figurines for sale back at the Red Bazaar that resemble this structure.
As impressive as the statue may be, something else demands your attention: the camp shows signs of recent occupation. There are tents, similar to the ones you secured from Port Nyanzaru. Some are ruined, but a few are still standing and look to be maintained. There is also smoke rising from the stack on the forge building, and someone has been trying to build canoes. You see a partially assembled boat, similar in design and craftsmanship to the wreck you passed earlier.
Two other canoes are tied up on the beach, but these look like salvage and are old, weathered, and have been stripped for materials.
There is no sign of anyone moving about the camp.
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.
Ran History Check: 16
Ran eyes the statue for a moment, but then his attention is drawn to the makeshift canoes and the sorry state of some of them.
"Hew," Ran calls, trying to pitch it so it only carries to the next canoe. "I'm no expert but those canoes look right crap. Ours are going to attract a lot of attention and interest. Is there any where near here we can pull up with having to do it right at the front door?"
"No signs of any struggle. Do you think we can not see anyone because people are hiding in the bushes aiming crossbows at us?" Quietly and with a little stiffer than she would like voice asked Meili.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mica history: 6.
Mica’s eyes search about the camp, looking for any sign of life. “Appears the camp is not as abandoned as we thought. Perhaps they are waiting to see if we are friend or foe”he nods at Meili’s comments “or maybe the dead drug them back in the jungle. Best be on our guard either way.”
“Those Righteous blokes didn’t build that”Mica gestures to the statue. “I saw something like that back at the bazaar. What does it mean, and where does that opening lead?”
Hewquietly studies the shoreline for a moment while you discuss options. "We could just skip it entirely. No telling who is in there, or how they would receive travelers." He sets the paddle down across his lap. "Or we could pass by, then park the canoes somewhere and double back through the jungle. It would be full dark by then. And its not likely anyone there would appreciate us sneaking in under cover of night. But if we a'feared of an ambush, that might be the safer bet."
"Or we could paddle right up, announce ourselves, and be damned anyone who wants to give us trouble."
Velanrecognized the statue from stories he heard in the Port, but Inetebeats him to the tale. "That, Mica, is the House of Man and Crocodile. In ancient times, there was a settlement here and the statue commemorates an old proverb.
In the early days of the world, Man stood by the banks of a river, frightened. Crocodile raised his head from the water and asked, “What troubles you, cousin Man?”
Man said, “I must cross this river, but I fear to enter the water alone, because it teems with your brethren.”
Crocodile replied, “It’s true, you would not be safe. But I will carry you across the river safely on my back, if you promise to return the favor.” Man agreed, and Crocodile bore him safely across the water
When they reached the far bank, Man asked, “How can I repay you?” Crocodile replied, “I wish to see the realm of Humans, but I fear to go there alone, because it teems with your brethren. You must carry me on your back across your realm.” Man had been tricked, but a promise is a promise, so he carried Crocodile safely on his back across the entire realm of humans, a journey that lasted many years. He also swore, in his anger, that never again would Men and Crocodiles be friends, and so it has remained to this day.
"A child's story, but one that held great significance for the ancients. In those days, the dinosaurs - the children of Ubtao - were much more docile, and the undead menace had not yet been unleashed. To the ancient people of this land, the crocodile was one of the most serious natural threats, and this story helped explain it and provide a teachable lesson."
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.
Mica listens to Inete’s tale with interest “So the lesson is to never trust a crocodile. I would think the teeth would give that lesson as well.”
Mica nods at Hew’s last suggestion and Ran’s response. “Yes, let’s just go through the front door and see if anyone is home.” Mica raises his voice and hails the camp “Hello the camp! Is anyone there? We are just passing through and looking for a place to rest tonight.”
Persuasion (to get any in the camp to respond): 15.
He marveled at each creature they found throught the journey, finding the whiskered monkyes especially cute. An opinion that Ninlil clearly didn’t share. He could not help but laugh at the small primate buggering the fey as she tried to stand into some tree branches. He considered Ran’s words about the dinosaurs and and after giving it some thought concluded the reptiles were harder to transport. They demanded space not only for themselves, but also the large stock of food necessary to their feeding. Not to mention the effects the swinging of the sea and the lack of light could have on their help. Too much cost for too little gain, he imagined.
As they reached the camp, Velan was unpleasantly surprised by the signs of humanoid presence. It could mean enemies, he knew. But considering that they were neither ambushed nor showered by arrows things could just end without a battle.
“I would say that the lesson is to never accept favors without thinking about what it will cost you.”He answered to Ran while telepathically commanding Ninlil to scout the area from the skies. “Mica, Hew, do any of you see footprints?”As far as the caster was concerned, in case the residents didn’t respond, the most prudent approach would be to track them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perception for Ninlil: 11
21
23
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
Micahails the camp while you wait just offshore in your canoes. For a moment in the damp, deepening darkness, there is silence.
And then a human man emerges from between the tents. He is tall and fair, though his gear is dirty and mud caked. He wears a breastplate adorned with the symbol of a mailed fist clutching a sword. Instead of padding, he wears it over loose fitting fabrics. All of this is dirty and unkempt. The same cannot be said about his longsword, which gleams in the twilight. He does not brandish it threateningly, but he does hold it high enough for you to see that he is armed. "Aye," he says, much softer than Mica's shout. "I am here. I have wounded men in my care. If your intentions are honest, I can trade safe shelter for supplies." He walks to where the camp meets the beach and waits to see how you respond.
Velan:
Ninlil flies in long slow circles over the camp and then reports back.
It is mostly quiet, however his eyes were drawn to restless movement in the back behind some more tents. Three more human men are waiting, and they hold the leashes of man-sized bipedal bird creatures. The monsters are undisciplined and strain at the ropes, preventing the men from hiding from Ninlil's watchful eyes.
Nearer the beach, another shape, armored like the man who approached the canoes, but smaller and bulkier, hides behind another tent.
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.
Ran watches the man approach the shore, noting the sword and the dirt.
"Yeah, we're not here to make trouble," Ran says, waving a hand in greeting, making no attempt to draw his own swords. "Getting late and this charming spot seemed a good a place as any to spend the night. Don't think we expected anyone to be here. We'd hear you lot had given it up and headed further up river."
Not that he was ever very good at reading people, unless they were running at him with a knife, Ran does his best to read the man's body language and see if he really does plan to be honest.
Insight: 2
"I'm Ran Deadgleam," Ran says, offering a hand in greeting as he gets out of the canoe and approaches the man.
“We can offer some healing aid. I myself I am herbalist.” He offered soon after Ran spoke, taking the care to not identify the members of the group that could actually do the healing. “And I believe we can reach an agreement about supplies, which would be better for everyone than risking our lives in battle. For starters, your three monster tamers and their minions, as well as your armored fighter approaching from the river, will not catch us by surprise.” Velan said pointing in the direction of each of the not so hidden individuals, trying to use his words to portray that there would be risks in fighting them and more to gain by negotiating. “We are speaking and did not attack. We would like to speak with you, no hiding involved. And to help your wounded.”
Saying so he turns to his companions, as if queuing some of them to take the helm of the conversation, to say something on the foundation that he tried to lay with his own words. It was an action meant to help whoever tried negotiating and, in the worst case scenario, it would at least ensure his friends wouldn’t be surprised. Thank you, girl. He says to Ninlil using the voice of his mind. Ten gold pieces was a cheap price to pay for her keen eyes.
Notes: Velan uses the help action to support anyone trying to negotiate (Charisma check) with the folk in the camp.
Meili definitely was not the one to helm any kind of conversation. In her opinion, everything was already said and she only hoped that a small unarmored girl like her was adding to the non-threatening image of the group. Those extra rations they picked up a day ago, seemed to come quite handy and sharing it for the chance of a peaceful rest did not look like a high price.
As soon as it became clear that the group is staying and those on the shore are not going to shoot, Meili paddled the canoe to the "dock".
Ran watches the monkeys with amusement and interest as they continue upriver.
"I can see every rich blighter in Waterdeep wanting one of these," Ran says with a smile. "Good thing they're out here in the wop wops."
The smile and amusement disappear at the sight of the massive prints in the muck on shore.
"Young one?" Ran parrots back. "Best not stick around and wait for mum then, right?"
Otherwise, Ran just paddles and keeps his eyes sweeping back and forth from shore to shore.
"Some might as well already export these monkeys from Chult," agreed Meili but immediately shook her head. "Maybe not. If anything, dinosaurs would be the better target, would not they? Yet, I never saw one before arriving here." She corrected herself once again: "Not that I was in every corner of the mainland, of course," and fell silent.
The description of the chultian goblins she listened to without comments (even if the statement about "civilized goblin" felt like an oxymoron deserving a note). The tracks, though, made her look at the jungle a bit nervously and the next few paddle strokes were quite uneven. "Let's hope canoes do not look that tasty or that similar to crocodiles. Is the Camp Righteous far from here?" She continued looking at the shores periodically, searching for the signs of the ruins.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Smiling faintly at Inete's response she glanced over at their other wizard as she observed, "So you are like Velan in that regard then. You two should stay close and protect one another." It was mildly disappointing to not have another healer in the group, but one with such foresight was a boon as well. Shaking her head with a faint sigh as Ran insisted on being considered "dispensable" so as to be underestimated, the elf admitted, "You have a point. And yes, same as last time seemed to work well enough."
Glancing over at Mica as they began loading the boats she answered his speculations with some guesses of her own, "Perhaps they sense Savras sent her and want to thwart her? Or are threatened by any magic caster and Inete was simply the most vulnerable and easily targeted at the time?" The brunette shrugged before climbing in and glancing over at the woman in question, concern tugging at her stomach as she listened to Velan's reasoning and logic. The further they took her from her home, the more the sailor was worried that her grandfather was right and he wouldn't be seeing her again.
As the blue skinned man voiced that Inete should be sure to say something if she experienced anything unusual, Danica nodded fervently in agreement. The steady drizzle of rain seemed to set the tone as the group quieted as they set out under way along the river once more. It seemed like Hew was picking up on the atmosphere and trying to lighten the mood, filling the silence with interesting anecdotes and useful information about the flora and fauna that they traveled past. The first animal that he laughed off she would still swear to the ocean herself was undead. Just look at it!
But the second creatures absolutely delighted the druid, a smile lighting up her expression as she observed the strange bunch. The sheer number of them was daunting but she couldn't help but exclaim, "Lookit their wee whiskers! They look just like me ol' quartermaster haha!" The old gnome likely wouldn't have appreciated the accusation but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Ran's mention of the rich of Waterdeep wanting one made her smile fall and she was also glad that they were out here in whatever was the "wop wops".
The idea of fighting goblins stacked atop one another wasn't a pleasant one to consider. What was more unpleasant was the roar they heard and Danica was on full guard even with Hew's reassurances that the creature that made the sound wasn't one to be overly concerned over. Glancing up at the canopy, it was hard to discern through the tree tops as well as the cloud cover where exactly the sun was but given it hadn't been that long she guessed, "I can't imagine we're already that close to Camp Righteous. Stars I hate that damned name, damn self "Righteous" bastards..." Feeling annoyed that she even had to say the name of their camp aloud.
Perception: 11
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Mica paddles the canoe somewhat gingerly, still feeling the aches from the battle last night. Danica’s healing and some sleep helped him recover a great deal, but he was still sore. At least he learned to watch his back. He was enthralled with the monkeys, never seeing their like before in the wilds, and he tried to lure one of the whiskered ones into his canoe with a bit of ration. “Perhaps one will ride with us for a bit. They would make a fine companion for our journey.”
Animal Handling? : 4.
He listened with interest as Hew told tales of the batiri. Mica had fought goblins in the Savage Frontier, quick ambushes and hit and run attacks, but never imagined goblins riding on each other's shoulders. He laughs at the thought "Ha! Goblins riding each other. I wonder if they will topple like a tree when you strike down the bottom one.”
As Hew pointed out the spinosaurus tracks, he leaned eagerly over the edge of the canoe, memorizing the track and peering into the distance for some sign of the beast.
Perception: 14.
.
Mica extends the ration, and one of the whiskered monkeys climbs down a low-hanging branch to investigate.
The group holds its collective breath as the two share a moment. Their eyes meet... Man and Beast commune... the birds sing... the music rises... and then - with surprising alacrity - the monkey grabs the hand of one of its kin, swinging it down in a pendulum arc to snatch the ration from Mica's grip and then fling it back up into the higher branches. The little primates retreat and regroup in the treetops, breaking apart and distributing the ration as they look down at the canoe. Their high calls sound almost like laughter.
Later, Mica is again disappointed when he cannot catch any glimpse of the young spinosaur. It must have traveled deep into the jungle already.
Hew thinks for a moment, looking at the sky overhead and the jungle around you. 8
He soon growls in frustration. "Dammit all to the Nine Hells. I got distracted prattering on about the bugs and the apes. I cannot rightly say how fast we have been traveling." He looks furious with himself, all prior whimsy gone. "Unless we've been moving at a snail's pace, we should hit the camp at or before nightfall." Given the nearby spinosaur, he insists that the group take lunch as you continue to paddle, rather than looking for a place to stop.
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 gnaws on some jerky as they paddle, happy to put some distance between them and the large spinosaur prints.
He watches both shores as the continue upriver. He looks for signs of trouble but he also keeps a constant look out for any sign his sister and her companion have been this way. No sign of wreckage or debris is something he takes cheer from.
As it happens, you do come upon some wreckage in the late afternoon. A partial log jam of palm trees extends out into the river. Hew is cautious, concerned about ambush, but there are no aggressors lurking here. As you pass it, however, you see the remains of a small canoe sticking out of the upriver side of the jam. It is not seaworthy and has opend up and failed along most of its seams. It is a far cry from the sturdy canoes you secured for your journey - they may not be much to look at, but they have served you well thus far.
The wreck is empty and there is no sign of any corpses, and the nearby shoreline has no prints.
The rain lets up - at last - about that time. Birds, bats and insects take wing and the air is alive with their calls as the sun dips low in the sky. Just then Hew curses, for you have come around a bend and are now within sight of the ruins of Camp Righteous. "Bugger all. I had hoped to approach a little less obviously."
A small beach sits on the east bank of the river. Just past that are the remains of some collapsed wooden shelters and a pair of large dome tents. A brick building, most likely a forge, is half standing. Behind and above the camp looms a large hill, adorned with a massive statue. It depicts a man, crouching, with a full grown crocodile resting on his shoulders. Between the man's feet lies an opening into the hillside.
History DC 13:
You recall seeing carved figurines for sale back at the Red Bazaar that resemble this structure.
As impressive as the statue may be, something else demands your attention: the camp shows signs of recent occupation. There are tents, similar to the ones you secured from Port Nyanzaru. Some are ruined, but a few are still standing and look to be maintained. There is also smoke rising from the stack on the forge building, and someone has been trying to build canoes. You see a partially assembled boat, similar in design and craftsmanship to the wreck you passed earlier.
Two other canoes are tied up on the beach, but these look like salvage and are old, weathered, and have been stripped for materials.
There is no sign of anyone moving about the camp.
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 History Check: 16
Ran eyes the statue for a moment, but then his attention is drawn to the makeshift canoes and the sorry state of some of them.
"Hew," Ran calls, trying to pitch it so it only carries to the next canoe. "I'm no expert but those canoes look right crap. Ours are going to attract a lot of attention and interest. Is there any where near here we can pull up with having to do it right at the front door?"
"No signs of any struggle. Do you think we can not see anyone because people are hiding in the bushes aiming crossbows at us?" Quietly and with a little stiffer than she would like voice asked Meili.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Mica history: 6.
Mica’s eyes search about the camp, looking for any sign of life. “Appears the camp is not as abandoned as we thought. Perhaps they are waiting to see if we are friend or foe” he nods at Meili’s comments “or maybe the dead drug them back in the jungle. Best be on our guard either way.”
“Those Righteous blokes didn’t build that” Mica gestures to the statue. “I saw something like that back at the bazaar. What does it mean, and where does that opening lead?”
History Check: 18
Hew quietly studies the shoreline for a moment while you discuss options. "We could just skip it entirely. No telling who is in there, or how they would receive travelers." He sets the paddle down across his lap. "Or we could pass by, then park the canoes somewhere and double back through the jungle. It would be full dark by then. And its not likely anyone there would appreciate us sneaking in under cover of night. But if we a'feared of an ambush, that might be the safer bet."
"Or we could paddle right up, announce ourselves, and be damned anyone who wants to give us trouble."
Velan recognized the statue from stories he heard in the Port, but Inete beats him to the tale. "That, Mica, is the House of Man and Crocodile. In ancient times, there was a settlement here and the statue commemorates an old proverb.
In the early days of the world, Man stood by the banks of a river, frightened. Crocodile raised his head from the water and asked, “What troubles you, cousin Man?”
Man said, “I must cross this river, but I fear to enter the water alone, because it teems with your brethren.”
Crocodile replied, “It’s true, you would not be safe. But I will carry you across the river safely on my back, if you promise to return the favor.” Man agreed, and Crocodile bore him safely across the water
When they reached the far bank, Man asked, “How can I repay you?” Crocodile replied, “I wish to see the realm of Humans, but I fear to go there alone, because it teems with your brethren. You must carry me on your back across your realm.” Man had been tricked, but a promise is a promise, so he carried Crocodile safely on his back across the entire realm of humans, a journey that lasted many years. He also swore, in his anger, that never again would Men and Crocodiles be friends, and so it has remained to this day.
"A child's story, but one that held great significance for the ancients. In those days, the dinosaurs - the children of Ubtao - were much more docile, and the undead menace had not yet been unleashed. To the ancient people of this land, the crocodile was one of the most serious natural threats, and this story helped explain it and provide a teachable lesson."
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 doesn’t like the idea of cutting back through the jungle in the dark.
”Okay. I say dock but don’t go too far from the canoes until we know what’s what.” Ran suggests.
He listens to Inete’s story and laughs at the ending.
”That was either one hulking man or one wee croc.”
Mica listens to Inete’s tale with interest “So the lesson is to never trust a crocodile. I would think the teeth would give that lesson as well.”
Mica nods at Hew’s last suggestion and Ran’s response. “Yes, let’s just go through the front door and see if anyone is home.” Mica raises his voice and hails the camp “Hello the camp! Is anyone there? We are just passing through and looking for a place to rest tonight.”
Persuasion (to get any in the camp to respond): 15.
He marveled at each creature they found throught the journey, finding the whiskered monkyes especially cute. An opinion that Ninlil clearly didn’t share. He could not help but laugh at the small primate buggering the fey as she tried to stand into some tree branches. He considered Ran’s words about the dinosaurs and and after giving it some thought concluded the reptiles were harder to transport. They demanded space not only for themselves, but also the large stock of food necessary to their feeding. Not to mention the effects the swinging of the sea and the lack of light could have on their help. Too much cost for too little gain, he imagined.
As they reached the camp, Velan was unpleasantly surprised by the signs of humanoid presence. It could mean enemies, he knew. But considering that they were neither ambushed nor showered by arrows things could just end without a battle.
“I would say that the lesson is to never accept favors without thinking about what it will cost you.” He answered to Ran while telepathically commanding Ninlil to scout the area from the skies. “Mica, Hew, do any of you see footprints?” As far as the caster was concerned, in case the residents didn’t respond, the most prudent approach would be to track them.
Perception for Ninlil: 11
21
23
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
Mica hails the camp while you wait just offshore in your canoes. For a moment in the damp, deepening darkness, there is silence.
And then a human man emerges from between the tents. He is tall and fair, though his gear is dirty and mud caked. He wears a breastplate adorned with the symbol of a mailed fist clutching a sword. Instead of padding, he wears it over loose fitting fabrics. All of this is dirty and unkempt. The same cannot be said about his longsword, which gleams in the twilight. He does not brandish it threateningly, but he does hold it high enough for you to see that he is armed. "Aye," he says, much softer than Mica's shout. "I am here. I have wounded men in my care. If your intentions are honest, I can trade safe shelter for supplies." He walks to where the camp meets the beach and waits to see how you respond.
Velan:
Ninlil flies in long slow circles over the camp and then reports back.
It is mostly quiet, however his eyes were drawn to restless movement in the back behind some more tents. Three more human men are waiting, and they hold the leashes of man-sized bipedal bird creatures. The monsters are undisciplined and strain at the ropes, preventing the men from hiding from Ninlil's watchful eyes.
Nearer the beach, another shape, armored like the man who approached the canoes, but smaller and bulkier, hides behind another tent.
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 watches the man approach the shore, noting the sword and the dirt.
"Yeah, we're not here to make trouble," Ran says, waving a hand in greeting, making no attempt to draw his own swords. "Getting late and this charming spot seemed a good a place as any to spend the night. Don't think we expected anyone to be here. We'd hear you lot had given it up and headed further up river."
Not that he was ever very good at reading people, unless they were running at him with a knife, Ran does his best to read the man's body language and see if he really does plan to be honest.
Insight: 2
"I'm Ran Deadgleam," Ran says, offering a hand in greeting as he gets out of the canoe and approaches the man.
“We can offer some healing aid. I myself I am herbalist.” He offered soon after Ran spoke, taking the care to not identify the members of the group that could actually do the healing. “And I believe we can reach an agreement about supplies, which would be better for everyone than risking our lives in battle. For starters, your three monster tamers and their minions, as well as your armored fighter approaching from the river, will not catch us by surprise.” Velan said pointing in the direction of each of the not so hidden individuals, trying to use his words to portray that there would be risks in fighting them and more to gain by negotiating. “We are speaking and did not attack. We would like to speak with you, no hiding involved. And to help your wounded.”
Saying so he turns to his companions, as if queuing some of them to take the helm of the conversation, to say something on the foundation that he tried to lay with his own words. It was an action meant to help whoever tried negotiating and, in the worst case scenario, it would at least ensure his friends wouldn’t be surprised. Thank you, girl. He says to Ninlil using the voice of his mind. Ten gold pieces was a cheap price to pay for her keen eyes.
Notes: Velan uses the help action to support anyone trying to negotiate (Charisma check) with the folk in the camp.
Meili definitely was not the one to helm any kind of conversation. In her opinion, everything was already said and she only hoped that a small unarmored girl like her was adding to the non-threatening image of the group. Those extra rations they picked up a day ago, seemed to come quite handy and sharing it for the chance of a peaceful rest did not look like a high price.
As soon as it became clear that the group is staying and those on the shore are not going to shoot, Meili paddled the canoe to the "dock".
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice