Star Metal Marauders- Highway Harvest

You walk another 6 miles through the night. The clouds seem intent on lingering, but fog settles low to the ground and thins as the moisture dissipates more.

11

In theSky, Lir notices 4 large winged creatures with vaguely human like bodies and wings that span approximately 20’ or so. These creatures circle a few times and then turn to fly off to the north.

Sparhawk’s backpack begins to emit a soft, reddish glow from inside.

"What the...." Sparhawk quickly takes off the pack. "Something is glowing in here."

He dumps the belongings, looking for the source of the glow. "Can anyone identify what this is?"

"Also there was some...eh, not important right now."

“I don’t have any identifying magic. Bjorn, how about you?” Eberk stands, looking over the glow.

Frangipani looked at the glowing thing with interest.

She hadn't answered Sparhawk regarding their various jobs because she had quite forgotten which one was which, she was happy just to be out in the wild, though some more water would be nice, with her family.

"I don't, but I think that Abernath's tome might have such a spell in it. Though, if it needs a component we don't have, then we're out of luck." (Pretty sure Identify requires a 100gp pearl iirc.)

  (What is the source of the glow when the pack is unloaded?)

You find the message tube is glowing, like you might have mail

Relieved that it isn't some cursed item this time, Sparhawk opens the tube, hoping to find some guidance from Dietrich.

" Sir Sparhawk,  

I hope this message finds you in good health,  the rumor is you and your crew died in a hole near the river or some such drivel, but I doubt it. An emergency has raised here in Luskan and we are going to depart immediately.  It is not safe to say why until after we sail, even through this magical means. If you can find your way to Chult, we can still business, it should take us about 2 weeks if the weather cooperates.  If not, I look forward to working with your crew on another venture in the future"

Sparhawk reads the note out loud and for the first time in days, he shows a smile.
"Bjorn, it looks like your wish has come true."

He glances at the group.

"Its time to write our good friend, Dietrich a reply."

"Sounds like we got out of Luskan just in time. Bets on what happened?" Bjorn gives the impression of thinking extremely carefully about it, then says, "One gold piece says the murderous gnome Butterman managed to escape the demolition of Abernath's manor and went on a killing spree."

"In any case, it might be wise to wait a day or so, that way he's out of port when he receives it."

"Perhaps, but he then may hire another crew, so I think I'd rather respond sooner."
"We don't really have any other jobs at this point. We've got 2000 gold  to collect from Irongrass, and I've got a very expensive wizards fingertip to prove it."
"Lets secure our employment. Dietrich may be able to communicate with this Volothamp fellow who can situate us at Port Nyanzaru."

He looks at the group.

"Then, if things go for us as usual, we'll have a few jobs before we know it again and are back in business. These giant bats and mud fields are killing our moral."

"He can tell us nothing. Yet. But tell him you live still and give a meeting place."

Sparhawk, learning that Lir is a man of few words, but when he does speak, Sparhawk should listen

"Yes....I do agree with that Lir. Other thoughts?"

"True, we don't want him hiring someone else I suppose. Especially if he's going to be our ride out of here."

Sparhawk composes a rough draft and shows it to the crew prior to sending it in the tube:

Master Dietrich,

It is good to hear from you and I am sorry I didn’t send you a message sooner. Indeed, we are perfectly fine and in Chult. We take our missions very seriously and after learning more of the dangers there, we have decided it would be in the best interests of your excursion if we did some reconnaissance of Chult prior to your arrival. We will find Volothamp and will meet you in Port Nyanzaru unless you provide us with further instructions. Some of my crew are concerned that we would not get paid until you arrive, but I have assured them that you are a reasonable fellow, and will honor your agreement regarding payment and supplies. (50gp/ per person per day) Looking forward to seeing you and your wife in person again. Its very hot here! Bring bug repellant.
Sir Sparhawk and my loyal crew.

We need a favor from you. As I had mentioned, we had a few obligations prior to our work with you. As a personal favor to us, could you please send a message for us.

To Kutoti Irongrass, Wizards Tower in Luskan:  Sir Sparhawk and crew have completed our mission and unfortunately, have very bad news. We are currently in Chult but will return shortly to discuss what we discovered.

"Looks alright to me. Very professional." Bjorn nods approvingly. "Especially 'cause ye left out the part where one of us died, an' the part where we triggered about eight different traps an' lost our wagon an' got teleported into the middle of nowhere."

He nods again.

"An' the part where we got covered in mud. If I didn't know better, I'd say yer a proper bard."