The captain offers you the use of a cramped but comfortable spare cabin as sleeping quarters, so as the evening goes on, you all eventually retire and are rocked gently to sleep by the slow, but continuous motion of waves. Your slumber goes uninterrupted, at least until morning, when you hear...
“Wake up, travelers!”The voice of Boerth, one of Wavechaser’s crew members, rouses you from slumber. The sun is barely above the horizon, but you can just make out the docks of a port through the porthole window of your cabin. “It’s past dawn and time to get moving.”
When you emerge from the cabin, you find that the refugees from Palma Flora are packing up the few possessions they were able to save. They see you and thank you once again for your rescue before they're led ashore. You find out that one of the refugees has business contacts in the port, and can arrange to help the other refugees find shelter and plan their next moves. He is also able to draw on funds as a final reward for your assistance—a few gp from each of the refugees brought on board, so a total of 75 gp given to you as their thanks.
As you look out at the landscape of Bisaft Isle, which is the largest island in an archipelago southwest of Port Damali, you see that it is a lush expanse of jungle. The port, a small village, lies along the southern shore of the island lies a single bastion of civilization, known as Bisaft Post.
Bosko looks out over the lush jungle, instantly feeling happier and more at home than on the sea. He looks across the scene for signs of birds and other wildlife.
"Captain say Shaman in hills. We catch food maybe, on way shaman? Not know how far, may need sleep under stars", he suggests to Sunita and the others, not wanting to waste any time in getting moving on the purpose for their travel here.
When the refugees try and gift him gold, he looks to the others. "People need more, they lost homes", he says and leaves it up to the others whether they take their portion of the money. If given a share, he will give it back to the refugees.
Alyndra had spent the remainder of the day being fairly awkward and anti-social, staring at people from afar but not actually approaching them or speaking. Instead she focused on studying her spells.
The sounds of the the waves were soothing and she could almost mistake it for the whistling of wind and hubbub of Zadash, though the rocking of the ship was still something she was getting used to. The half elf had no real trouble falling asleep or staying asleep even thankfully, cuddled up close to her partner, much to his unfortune.
The loud voice of Boerth shoots Alyndra up and awake, heart pounding for a moment before the light and her surroundings register. "Hnn..." She squints at the sunlight coming from the porthole, rubbing at her eyes and scrounging for her glasses in her pack.
After exiting the cabin much more awake and refreshed, it's odd when the young woman got her first thanks from a refugee for her part in helping them get away from their sinking home safely. Being an alchemist or even a part time mercenary was easy. It didn't usually involve being a hero. It didn't feel all that bad. Still, seeing Sunita and Bosko turning away their shares of the reward for their good deeds made the half elf do a double take. Were they seriously not accepting money freely given? It wasn't like they were extorting the people, they hadn't even mentioned anything about a reward.
Yet hearing Bosko's reasoning and looking over the refugees caused a lump in her stomach and Alyndra glances at Lazarus before pursing her lips. Perhaps the refugees needed it more, but they would get by... And it wasn't like she was wanting it for frivolous reasons or just to hoard. She had plans. So Alyndra accepts her share of fifteen gold pieces with humble bowed head and a sincere, "Thank you. It's much appreciated. I wish you all the best."
Shouldering her pack, the wizard surveys their surroundings, taking in Bisaft post more so than the jungle, though she wasn't looking forward to that either. "Dinner?" She asks Sunita incredulously before chuckling, "Skipping over breakfast and lunch so soon? I'm not sure this village will have a lot in the way of fine cuisine." But at Bosko's alternative of catching their own food she quickly amends, "Though I'm always eager to try new region's cooking! Or at the very least we can purchase some rations. In case we don't have any luck in catching anything." Alyndra tried to argue.
Lazarus would stand aside from his significant other as they were provided the gold as compensation for their efforts. When Bosko speaks about not taking it because the survivors would need it more, Lazarus would cross his arms. "That may be true but I think that us getting better equipment would help out in the long run."
He would look at the gold and take the 15 gold coins that would be his cut. "Maybe if we become famous, would could definitely make their new homes infinitely better than before! I've heard of some adventures becoming so wealthy, they practically throw money at everything!"
When the boat docks, the captain approaches you, points up towards the lush hills outside of the port and says, "It's a few hours walk to visit the shaman. There's a trail to get there, but I haven't been to see her for awhile, so I don't know how overgrown it might be. We can leave right away, or we can grab some breakfast at the local cafe, but the sooner we leave, the sooner we get back. I'm hoping we can make it there and back before nightfall, but we should be... prepared."
Chewing on the inside of her cheek in consideration Alyndra glances at the rest of their party before focusing back on the tabaxi, "Prepared for what exactly Captain?"
Markus accepts also the few gold pieces. Engineering is a costly hobby. "I think I should be able to create one item to breath under water, but my blueprints are unfinished. It will take time. It would be best to get some magic potions to breath under water in the meantime." Stepping out of the boat, Markus is happy to finally put a feet on the earth, this rocking boat has never been his favorite environment. He briefly check how much money he has, close firmly his purse and join the group that has already started to walk. "Shaman then Dinner" he repeats , smiling
Captain Three Earrings answers Alyndra, "Let's just say that going deep inside the jungle is not, shall we say, a walk in the park. There are things up there that would probably like to eat us if they were given the chance. We should be prepared to defer such opportunities, if you know what I mean. I will be coming with you, since I know the way, although, as I said... it's been awhile. My crew will remain with the ship."
To the group, she says, "Very well. Shaman then dinner it is. Let us begin our trek."
The captain gives a few quick orders to her crew, then leads the way through the small village of Bisaft Port. It's a surprisingly busy place for how small it is. In addition to being a tropical escape for Clovis Concord citizens, it's also a suitable port for ships in need of resources and repairs while passing through the trade lanes of the Swavain Islands. It has a handful of small markets, general stores and specialty shops, a few taverns and small inns, plus dwellings that house the relatively small population who lives here full time. Judging by the size of the place, you'd guess that less than a thousand people live here full time.
When you reach the edge of the village, the captain leads you onto the entrance of a trail that quickly ducks underneath the thick foliage of the jungle.
She turns to and says, "Let's move quickly, but we should definitely keep our eyes open."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Glancing over at Markus she remarked, "I think that was one of the other optional islands. The shaman we're going to is going to cast some sort of spell to allow us to breathe underwater I believe." Sighing at Bosko's sullen-ness, Alyndra focuses on Three Earring's information before wilting a little at the news. Grimacing a little, the half elf nods in agreement with the rest of the group. "Here's hoping the dinner is worth the journey." Tucking her hair back behind her pointed ears and adjusting her pack, Alyndra gives a quick smile to Lazarus before falling into step with him and the others. At the Captain's words of caution, Alyndra nods, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
The trail appears to be pretty well traveled, at least during the first half mile or so after leaving the village. Captain Three Earrings tells you that this way is commonly used for by hunters and people gathering fruits, nuts and other edible treats for the forest, both for consumption by families and for sale in the shops and food stands in the center of town. During the first part of your hike, you see numerous side trails that wander off from the main branch.
Eventually, the side trails begin to thin off as the trail starts to climb steadily uphill. The canopy becomes more a bit more dense here, and the trail itself starts to get more overgrown. The captain remarks, "Looks like no one's been this way up awhile. She doesn't get many visitors," referring to the shaman.
The air here is thick with humidity and quite warm, especially inside the canopy. As you walk along the trail, you see numerous forms of wildlife, including lots of birds that filter from tree to tree, creepy crawly things that scurry about on the forest floor, and annoying insects that hover around your heads, obviously excited by the warmth of your bodies. As you pass through a small wet, swampy depression, you're nagged by an increasing numerous biting flies and mosquitos that pester you as they try and land any patches of exposed skin they can find, like your hands, wrists, foreheads and the backs of your necks.
They're easy enough to swat away, but it it becomes a constant chore. With their thick fur, Bosko, Lazarus and The Captain are less bothered by the bugs than the rest of you, but even with them, the most incessant bugs still prove bothersome.
Then, at one point, both Alyndra and Sunita suddenly find themselves practically enveloped by two large swarms of biting insects that consist of thousand of bugs, easily three times the size of regular mosquitos, that relentlessly assail both of them with a maddening assault of painful bites and a cacophony of buzzing that fills their ears.
"Quick and eyes open tends to mean trouble at some point." Lazarus would chime in as he would look around. "These bugs sure are having a good meal, that's for sure. I mean, I'm surprised we haven't been whisked away yet." He would joke light heartedly. He would mainly begin swatting the bugs away from his face, the thought of one getting into his mouth was enough to make him sick. He would seemingly take his attention from elsewhere back to Alyndra to see her and Sunita being overwhelmed "What the hells?!"
"Nuts and berries huh? Are you experienced with that type of thing Bosko?"Whenever he had mentioned catching food as they went, she imagined him throwing a spear at a beast of some kind.
"Is she okay with unexpected visitors?"Alyndra asks the Captain, swatting at nearby bugs. They seemed to be getting worse and worse the further they got. Looking back at some of the others, she couldn't help but glower just a little upon seeing how less effected they were by the pests. Bringing out her Mage Hand, the half elf used the extra hand to help swat away bugs from her. But she was not prepared for the swarm that began engulfing Sunita and herself. Making small shrieks, Alyndra began flailing wildly with her arms and her Mage Hand. "Get em off, get em off, get em off!"
"Berries and nuts good. Hunt meat also. And have magic if else all fail", Bosko replies to Alyndra as they walk, patting his bow when he mentions meat.
He takes point, and is quiet for the most part as he walks, seemingly content to just be amongst the trees. As time goes by he realises he is scratches more and more, and focusses on the bugs.
"Yes, many bugs. Not usual...", he starts to say as he hears Lazarus' exclamation and Alynrda shout to 'Get em off'. He turns to see the onslaught of unusually large bugs.
"By Avernus, what is this ?" Markus shouts while moving both arms like windmills.
As the insects seem to accumulate, he tries two things. First, he activates one of his little trinkets he created. He reaches in his bag for his little smelling ball which release a bad smell in the hope the smell will cover their sweet scent. "Sorry about the smell, but it might make them go away !" he tries to explain to the group. If this doesn't work, he will light up a torch.
OOC: not sure why the warning message comes. I did roll a 21 in initiative
As you continue to feebly swat at and try to brush, fan, wave and shout these incessant biting insects away, Markus suddenly finds himself engulfed by another swarm that quickly materializes from within the thick foliage of the jungle. The buzzing is almost deafening to those who find themselves inside the swirl of the swarms.
Answering Alyndra about whether the shaman likes unexpected visitors, Captain Three Earrings says, "No... but she owes me a favor."
Round 1
Ok, get our your flyswatters, everyone! Sunita, Markus and Alyndra are up first.
The captain offers you the use of a cramped but comfortable spare cabin as sleeping quarters, so as the evening goes on, you all eventually retire and are rocked gently to sleep by the slow, but continuous motion of waves. Your slumber goes uninterrupted, at least until morning, when you hear...
“Wake up, travelers!” The voice of Boerth, one of Wavechaser’s crew members, rouses you from slumber. The sun is barely above the horizon, but you can just make out the docks of a port through the porthole window of your cabin. “It’s past dawn and time to get moving.”
When you emerge from the cabin, you find that the refugees from Palma Flora are packing up the few possessions they were able to save. They see you and thank you once again for your rescue before they're led ashore. You find out that one of the refugees has business contacts in the port, and can arrange to help the other refugees find shelter and plan their next moves. He is also able to draw on funds as a final reward for your assistance—a few gp from each of the refugees brought on board, so a total of 75 gp given to you as their thanks.
As you look out at the landscape of Bisaft Isle, which is the largest island in an archipelago southwest of Port Damali, you see that it is a lush expanse of jungle. The port, a small village, lies along the southern shore of the island lies a single bastion of civilization, known as Bisaft Post.
Sunita gazed at the all the green with a smile, she was looking forward to having actual land beneath her feet, she waved off any offer of reward.
" Who wants to go out for dinner?"
" Captain? Any good restaurants on Bisaft?"
Bosko looks out over the lush jungle, instantly feeling happier and more at home than on the sea. He looks across the scene for signs of birds and other wildlife.
"Captain say Shaman in hills. We catch food maybe, on way shaman? Not know how far, may need sleep under stars", he suggests to Sunita and the others, not wanting to waste any time in getting moving on the purpose for their travel here.
When the refugees try and gift him gold, he looks to the others. "People need more, they lost homes", he says and leaves it up to the others whether they take their portion of the money. If given a share, he will give it back to the refugees.
Alyndra had spent the remainder of the day being fairly awkward and anti-social, staring at people from afar but not actually approaching them or speaking. Instead she focused on studying her spells.
The sounds of the the waves were soothing and she could almost mistake it for the whistling of wind and hubbub of Zadash, though the rocking of the ship was still something she was getting used to. The half elf had no real trouble falling asleep or staying asleep even thankfully, cuddled up close to her partner, much to his unfortune.
The loud voice of Boerth shoots Alyndra up and awake, heart pounding for a moment before the light and her surroundings register. "Hnn..." She squints at the sunlight coming from the porthole, rubbing at her eyes and scrounging for her glasses in her pack.
After exiting the cabin much more awake and refreshed, it's odd when the young woman got her first thanks from a refugee for her part in helping them get away from their sinking home safely. Being an alchemist or even a part time mercenary was easy. It didn't usually involve being a hero. It didn't feel all that bad. Still, seeing Sunita and Bosko turning away their shares of the reward for their good deeds made the half elf do a double take. Were they seriously not accepting money freely given? It wasn't like they were extorting the people, they hadn't even mentioned anything about a reward.
Yet hearing Bosko's reasoning and looking over the refugees caused a lump in her stomach and Alyndra glances at Lazarus before pursing her lips. Perhaps the refugees needed it more, but they would get by... And it wasn't like she was wanting it for frivolous reasons or just to hoard. She had plans. So Alyndra accepts her share of fifteen gold pieces with humble bowed head and a sincere, "Thank you. It's much appreciated. I wish you all the best."
Shouldering her pack, the wizard surveys their surroundings, taking in Bisaft post more so than the jungle, though she wasn't looking forward to that either. "Dinner?" She asks Sunita incredulously before chuckling, "Skipping over breakfast and lunch so soon? I'm not sure this village will have a lot in the way of fine cuisine."
But at Bosko's alternative of catching their own food she quickly amends, "Though I'm always eager to try new region's cooking! Or at the very least we can purchase some rations. In case we don't have any luck in catching anything." Alyndra tried to argue.
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Lazarus would stand aside from his significant other as they were provided the gold as compensation for their efforts. When Bosko speaks about not taking it because the survivors would need it more, Lazarus would cross his arms. "That may be true but I think that us getting better equipment would help out in the long run."
He would look at the gold and take the 15 gold coins that would be his cut. "Maybe if we become famous, would could definitely make their new homes infinitely better than before! I've heard of some adventures becoming so wealthy, they practically throw money at everything!"
Lazarus Ryder - Adventures Abound in Wildemount
" Oh. Are we headed into the bush straight away? "
When the boat docks, the captain approaches you, points up towards the lush hills outside of the port and says, "It's a few hours walk to visit the shaman. There's a trail to get there, but I haven't been to see her for awhile, so I don't know how overgrown it might be. We can leave right away, or we can grab some breakfast at the local cafe, but the sooner we leave, the sooner we get back. I'm hoping we can make it there and back before nightfall, but we should be... prepared."
"Let me know what you'd like to do."
Chewing on the inside of her cheek in consideration Alyndra glances at the rest of their party before focusing back on the tabaxi, "Prepared for what exactly Captain?"
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
“Already said what want do. Should go Shaman now”, Bosko mutters, then waits for the Captain to answer Alyndra.
" Ok, Shaman then Dinner.", Sunita said 'borrowing' some hard tack for the trail.
" Bosko, you take point. I'll go rear guard, keep the important people in the middle."
Perception: 8
Markus accepts also the few gold pieces. Engineering is a costly hobby. "I think I should be able to create one item to breath under water, but my blueprints are unfinished. It will take time. It would be best to get some magic potions to breath under water in the meantime."
Stepping out of the boat, Markus is happy to finally put a feet on the earth, this rocking boat has never been his favorite environment. He briefly check how much money he has, close firmly his purse and join the group that has already started to walk. "Shaman then Dinner" he repeats , smiling
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Captain Three Earrings answers Alyndra, "Let's just say that going deep inside the jungle is not, shall we say, a walk in the park. There are things up there that would probably like to eat us if they were given the chance. We should be prepared to defer such opportunities, if you know what I mean. I will be coming with you, since I know the way, although, as I said... it's been awhile. My crew will remain with the ship."
To the group, she says, "Very well. Shaman then dinner it is. Let us begin our trek."
The captain gives a few quick orders to her crew, then leads the way through the small village of Bisaft Port. It's a surprisingly busy place for how small it is. In addition to being a tropical escape for Clovis Concord citizens, it's also a suitable port for ships in need of resources and repairs while passing through the trade lanes of the Swavain Islands. It has a handful of small markets, general stores and specialty shops, a few taverns and small inns, plus dwellings that house the relatively small population who lives here full time. Judging by the size of the place, you'd guess that less than a thousand people live here full time.
When you reach the edge of the village, the captain leads you onto the entrance of a trail that quickly ducks underneath the thick foliage of the jungle.
She turns to and says, "Let's move quickly, but we should definitely keep our eyes open."
Glancing over at Markus she remarked, "I think that was one of the other optional islands. The shaman we're going to is going to cast some sort of spell to allow us to breathe underwater I believe."
Sighing at Bosko's sullen-ness, Alyndra focuses on Three Earring's information before wilting a little at the news. Grimacing a little, the half elf nods in agreement with the rest of the group. "Here's hoping the dinner is worth the journey." Tucking her hair back behind her pointed ears and adjusting her pack, Alyndra gives a quick smile to Lazarus before falling into step with him and the others. At the Captain's words of caution, Alyndra nods, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
Perception: 14
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
The trail appears to be pretty well traveled, at least during the first half mile or so after leaving the village. Captain Three Earrings tells you that this way is commonly used for by hunters and people gathering fruits, nuts and other edible treats for the forest, both for consumption by families and for sale in the shops and food stands in the center of town. During the first part of your hike, you see numerous side trails that wander off from the main branch.
Eventually, the side trails begin to thin off as the trail starts to climb steadily uphill. The canopy becomes more a bit more dense here, and the trail itself starts to get more overgrown. The captain remarks, "Looks like no one's been this way up awhile. She doesn't get many visitors," referring to the shaman.
The air here is thick with humidity and quite warm, especially inside the canopy. As you walk along the trail, you see numerous forms of wildlife, including lots of birds that filter from tree to tree, creepy crawly things that scurry about on the forest floor, and annoying insects that hover around your heads, obviously excited by the warmth of your bodies. As you pass through a small wet, swampy depression, you're nagged by an increasing numerous biting flies and mosquitos that pester you as they try and land any patches of exposed skin they can find, like your hands, wrists, foreheads and the backs of your necks.
They're easy enough to swat away, but it it becomes a constant chore. With their thick fur, Bosko, Lazarus and The Captain are less bothered by the bugs than the rest of you, but even with them, the most incessant bugs still prove bothersome.
Then, at one point, both Alyndra and Sunita suddenly find themselves practically enveloped by two large swarms of biting insects that consist of thousand of bugs, easily three times the size of regular mosquitos, that relentlessly assail both of them with a maddening assault of painful bites and a cacophony of buzzing that fills their ears.
Need Initiative and actions from everyone.
"Quick and eyes open tends to mean trouble at some point." Lazarus would chime in as he would look around. "These bugs sure are having a good meal, that's for sure. I mean, I'm surprised we haven't been whisked away yet." He would joke light heartedly. He would mainly begin swatting the bugs away from his face, the thought of one getting into his mouth was enough to make him sick. He would seemingly take his attention from elsewhere back to Alyndra to see her and Sunita being overwhelmed "What the hells?!"
Initiative: 5+3= 8
Lazarus Ryder - Adventures Abound in Wildemount
Initiative:8
Sunita stripped of a branch from a trailside plant to use as a fan....but it was having little impact on the creatures....
Initiative: 18+2=20
"Nuts and berries huh? Are you experienced with that type of thing Bosko?" Whenever he had mentioned catching food as they went, she imagined him throwing a spear at a beast of some kind.
"Is she okay with unexpected visitors?" Alyndra asks the Captain, swatting at nearby bugs. They seemed to be getting worse and worse the further they got. Looking back at some of the others, she couldn't help but glower just a little upon seeing how less effected they were by the pests. Bringing out her Mage Hand, the half elf used the extra hand to help swat away bugs from her. But she was not prepared for the swarm that began engulfing Sunita and herself. Making small shrieks, Alyndra began flailing wildly with her arms and her Mage Hand. "Get em off, get em off, get em off!"
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
"Berries and nuts good. Hunt meat also. And have magic if else all fail", Bosko replies to Alyndra as they walk, patting his bow when he mentions meat.
He takes point, and is quiet for the most part as he walks, seemingly content to just be amongst the trees. As time goes by he realises he is scratches more and more, and focusses on the bugs.
"Yes, many bugs. Not usual...", he starts to say as he hears Lazarus' exclamation and Alynrda shout to 'Get em off'. He turns to see the onslaught of unusually large bugs.
Initiative: 8+3=11
Initiative: 19
"By Avernus, what is this ?" Markus shouts while moving both arms like windmills.
As the insects seem to accumulate, he tries two things. First, he activates one of his little trinkets he created. He reaches in his bag for his little smelling ball which release a bad smell in the hope the smell will cover their sweet scent. "Sorry about the smell, but it might make them go away !" he tries to explain to the group.
If this doesn't work, he will light up a torch.
OOC: not sure why the warning message comes. I did roll a 21 in initiative
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
As you continue to feebly swat at and try to brush, fan, wave and shout these incessant biting insects away, Markus suddenly finds himself engulfed by another swarm that quickly materializes from within the thick foliage of the jungle. The buzzing is almost deafening to those who find themselves inside the swirl of the swarms.
Answering Alyndra about whether the shaman likes unexpected visitors, Captain Three Earrings says, "No... but she owes me a favor."
Round 1
Ok, get our your flyswatters, everyone! Sunita, Markus and Alyndra are up first.