Investigating the flowers, Fifi finds that the foul odor emanates from the flowers themselves. Back when she was in Silverymoon, she recalled a botanist mentioning that large flowers, despite what one may think, usually smell terrible. One such example was the giant rafflesia flower, also known as "the corpse flower" for its distinct odor. Supposedly, the smell was to attract carrion-eating insects so as to aid in its pollination. Perhaps the flower before her is a specimen of such a species? There certainly are some flies buzzing about it.
"A wonderful idea, Rosie!" Klage says, taking a break from shoveling to wipe the sweat from his brow. "In fact, we could use some reconnaissance of the surrounding area. Perhaps we could send a team of... four or five, maybe, to explore the jungle. How's that sound, Rosie?" His tone is friendly, yet leaving the impression that he expected nothing short of agreement.
"Hmmm I see what youmean." Emilia says to Radu, stepping forward so that she now stands directly next to him, her eyes moving from the clouds to the forest canopies. The sky above the chasm wasn't even visible, yet everything was bathed in sunlight. "It's either a natural distortion caused by ambient transmutation magic rising up from below, or an intentional effect, set in place by a mage. Similar to a weather control spell, perhaps. I haven't heard word of anyone that powerful taking an interest in the chasm yet, though. Perhaps we'll find the cause when we go deeper." She looks over at Klage, slightly annoyed. "You'd think, by now, he'd have told us which route we're going to take."
"I am deeply sorry, Geraine!" the minotaur blurts, seeing that Lisana's glasses are now crushed. Her groans and slams his palm into his face "I should have been more careful. Now I've destroyed a possession of the deceased! This is surely a bad omen for me."
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"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Geraine smiles at Bruno and raises his hand up to rest on his shoulder, quickly tucking the glasses inside his belt with his other hand.
"It seems we both share a level of clumsiness my friend" He states as he rubs his forehead briefly, "but our hearts and intentions are well placed. While Lisana needed these in life, they are but a token for a memory of her now. However, our clumsiness is something we must keep in check else we risk misfortune upon our friends in the times to come."
After bringing the last of the stones Geraine pauses for a moment to assess the group. Klage and Angus are preparing the grave, many of the others seem to be scouting the immediate area. On Rosie and Klage's recommendation for the party to split, Geraine holds his holy symbol and casts Goodberry placing the 10 berries in his alms box, though keeping it out and open.
"I will stay here to assist with the arrangements for Lisana. For those moving out to scout, please take one of my blessed berries with you in case you become injured and out of my range to help."
Geraine's Goodberries heal for 4HP each per his Life Domain instead of 1HP.
“If it is the handwork of a mage then we better hope it is not one thirsting for blood.”The moment the words left his lips, Radu was sure a light bending spellcaster decided to kill the excursion. “And maybe he was more affected by what happened than he is letting out.”
The Blood Hunter didn’t believe in this possibility. Not for a second. Instead he saw value on withholding the information. Klage had hired them, sure, but that didn’t mean he knew them. The elf could not be sure someone there was not working for any rival of his. For a government or criminal syndicate. Whatever the case, the moment Eduan revealed the route the list of reasons to keep him alive would become an item shorter. And that was without considering the greed anyone there could have.
“I like the idea of reconnaissance.” He did not. He just hated the idea of not knowing what surrounded him. “One or two survivalists - preferably on the stealthier side - a front liner, a healer and a ranged specialist would make the ideal line up.” The team with the highest chance of not dying. “I can be one of the survivalists.” But he would rather not. To walk in the front meant to have stranger at his back. Strangers that could decide to kill him. “Or attack from distance.” He mentioned showing the retrieved bolts. “Either way, four to go.”
Notes: I'm assuming Radu have the two bolts that were on stirges back at his inventory (market the two of the missed shots out).
Rosie moves up to Radu and says to him in a low voice nobody else can hear. "I don't like the idea of splitting up. I'd rather we just keep watch here while the others finish digging. Has it occurred to you that we are putting our entire lives in his hands? Any one of us could have died from a faulty wire pack. Anyway, let's you and I keep watch with hmmm,"she looks around at the other people standing around that do not appear to be digging, "Fifi, Mat, Ryuma and Aju."
Should Radu agree, Rosie will move to those four people and ask them to help her keep watch while the others continue digging the grave. She would say to them: "How about we just keep watch. They will be finished digging soon, then we can all move on together to do reconaissance. I don't like the idea of leaving their backs unguarded right now."
Unaware of any growing tension amongst the group, Fifi takes Rosie's suggestion in stride, "Sure, seems like a good idea. We don't know what these canyons have in store for us, best we stick together for now."
"Oh please." Emilia scoffs at Radu's comment about bloodthirsty wizards. "It's probably some tree-hugger, if anything. They probably did so to allow for the vegetation to grow here."
"Yes ma'am?" says Mat when being called by Rosie.
After hearing her request, they all seem to agree. Ryuma shrugs his shoulders and grunts as if to say "sure, whatever", while Aju nods in agreement.
"Where should we position ourselves?" says Mat to Rosie, looking around, and then at the large dinosaur in the middle of the lake, staring at them. "Just along the edge of the water? Or maybe a bit further into it?"
Klage watches as Rosie seemingly rejects his idea. He watches curiously as the expedition members obey her. "Hm." He shrugs, then continues digging. They will be done with the grave in the next fifteen minutes, from the looks of it.
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"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
“Being a three-hugger doesn’t mean being inoffensive.” He said to Emilia, taking her words as optimism. “Never heard of cannibals on the boonies or protectors of nature wanting to destroy civilization?” There were more than a few horror stories of that and Radu wouldn’t be surprised if they were all true. “If someone’s behind this to make a biome grows then it wouldn’t be far farfetched to expect said someone to have some degree of authority over a number of pets that would take at least some time to bring down.” He traced line with his hands from the closest stirge to the lake where the giant reptilian creature stood. Lisana’s death was enough proof of how dangerous such beings represented. “To be honest, I prefer your idea of the facts, but let’s be ready for the worst.”
Most of the expedition seemed less than keen on scouting, the satyr going as far as to give what the Blood Hunter took as a good reason to have an advanced party searching the area, but seeing as Klage didn’t want to insist he decided to not discuss. In a group is the majority consensus that have to be followed and if they were attacked, well, there was a jungle to run towards and hide.
“Can’t say for sure what will be the best option until later.”He said to Rosie, rising to his feet. “Anyone can keep an eye for the big guy on the pond and anything coming from the water should be noisy enough for us to notice without needing to allocate the people with keener senses on the lake’s direction. We came from an actual wall, so we can cut three sides and focus on the forest.”
"Radu is right, most of our focus should be on the forest. I wouldn't venture into that water Mat, who knows what is lurking beneath the surface. I'm thinking we should probably stay away from those flowers that Fifi was looking at, do you agree?" Rosie readies her rapier and watches the tree line of the forest beyond the lake.
Geraine places his alms box down and takes a few moments to tend to the gash on his face, as well as gather his thoughts and settle his mind. After several moments he rises to see the grave digging is complete and Eduan and Gerard rise from within to dust themselves off. He walks to Lisana and removes the vestments to expose her once more. Taking his water from his pack he sparingly pours some over a piece of cloth and cleans her face and hands before returning the now broken spectacles to her face. He stares at her for a long moment trying to engrave her image, not the one in this current broken form, but of the visage of the blushing woman from dinner the night before with such hope and adventure in her heart. Remembering her mannerisms well, he bends forward again to adjust her spectacles with a smile, pauses to commit the memory a last time, and covers her once more with his vestments - carefully binding them around her in a makeshift burial shroud.
He retrieves his alms box and motions to Klage and the rest of the group that his preparations are complete. "Let us lie her in her final resting place, and I will begin the service."
Once her wrapped remains are lying within the grave, and those who are attending the short service are near and ready, he begins.
"The seeker wakes from day to day and sheds a light in credence of the promised time.Unyielding to the lures of forks and threads, the seeker stays the course of journey’s prime.By Keeper’s will, the seeker plots again, with every break to mark the hour sworn.To steady fast the rule from start to end Is Keeper’s gift to all the living born."
He pauses for a moment before beginning again:
"We are gathered here to celebrate Lisana, and to see her off on her journey beyond this realm. We can shed tears that Lisana has gone, or we can smile because she has lived. We can close our eyes and pray that she'll come back, or we can open our eyes and see all that she has left for us." He pauses to look around the group, absorbing the scenery of the area before continuing: "Our hearts can be empty because we can't see her, or we can be full of love and adventure that we shared. We can turn our back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or we can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday and the excitement of that to come. We can remember her and that she has gone, or we can cherish Lisana’s memory and let it live on. We can try and close our minds, be empty and turn our backs. Or... we can do what she would want: smile, open our eyes, live, love, and explore this new world."
With this Geraine walks over, grabs a handful of soil, and tosses it inside the grave before giving a nod to the group to repeat the same. As the group finishes he assists those helping with fully covering the grave and placing the cairn stones. Once the cairn is complete, he concludes with:
"O Keeper of the Eternal Sun, guide this soul in her last hour with the strength of thy Brightness and the substance of thy consolations. Let thy Shining Mercy pour over her and guide her to Labelas Enoreth by your divine constellations. Lisana, we will miss your knowledge, and cherish your moments. Your legacy will continue on through us, and through us you shall live on. For in death, life."
With this, Geraine smiles and looks about the group.
"Thank you all for helping to ensure she had as proper a rite as we could. This is a beautiful place, however it seems so out of place with all considered.."
From what you've heard, it is custom on expeditions for the leader to say a word or two in the event of a member's death, showing that they feel some responsibility, as they were the ones who brought them on the journey that caused their death. Klage, however, remains silent throughout the funeral. His expression looks unhappy, but relaxed at the same time. His gaze repeatably wanders to the edge of the forest, most notably when his turn came to toss a handful of dirt into the grave.
In front of Klage, Emilia and Angus stand side by side as they watch the burial, their hands folded and expressions grim. Angus holds his head down, his eyes closed in respect, while Emilia looks directly at the dead woman's face. She tilts her head slightly, unclear if it is out of intrigue or disdain for the departed.
Bruno shudders slightly from embarrassment as he watches Geraine place the broken spectacles over Lisana's eyes. His hand shakes as he drops his handful of dirt into the grave.
Mat seems somewhat shaken by the whole thing, as though the prospect of his mortality were only now dawning on him. He seems all too eager to get away from the grave once he has let his handful of soil fall.
Next to him stands Ryuma, who until then had been constantly slouching. Now, he stood straight, focused on Geraine's words. He shows surprising grace when he steps forward for his part in covering the grave.
Aju bends down on one knee, his eyes closed, whispering some indistinguishable prayer.
Mallory, like Mat, is clearly shaken by the events. She hadn't spoken once since Lisana's death, and seems somewhat reluctant to approach the grave when her turn comes to pay respects.
Gerard eagerly strides forward when his turn comes, zealously plunging his hand into the pile of soil, and scattering it over Lisana with splendor. "From the ground we came, and to the ground we must return." He mutters as he steps back from the grave.
Once the funeral service has been completed, the body fully buried, and the last stone place upon the cairn, Mallory approaches Geraine.
"I-I found this lying in the grass.." her shaking hand holds out Lisana's journal. A couple pages hang loose from its fall. "Let's put it-should we place it on the burial marker?"
Once the funeral congregation has dispersed, Klage speaks up.
"If I may have your attention, please!" he says, loud enough for all to hear, but not quite shouting, conscious of the potentially dangerous environment. He holds what appears to be a rolled-up map in his hand. "This seems like an appropriate time for us to rest and recover, both physically and... mentally." he clears his throat as his eyes briefly dart to the grave. "Afterwards, we best continue our travel, for the day is still young." He is correct. It isn't even noon yet. "Our next destination is a certain cave system that will bring us below the forest. The entrance to the caves is located about a two-and-a-half days' trek through the forest from here. Now you may be asking 'Why on earth, Mr. Klage, did we not drop into the chasm at a point closer to the destination?' There is an answer." He pauses briefly. "Purple worms." He pauses again to see the reactions of the expedition. "You see, we all stand upon a massive nest of hibernating purple worms. The bigger they get, the longer they sleep. These ones have been dormant for around a century, judging by the terrain. Now, merely walking across a sleeping worm isn't enough to wake it when it's been asleep this long. However, their burrowing has rendered the ground around their nest quite unstable. That area is covered in loose ground that may appear stable, but is at risk of collapsing if too much weight is applied. A sinkhole caving in is sure to wake up one of the worms. Once that happens, we're dead. So as you see, I had to plan out route ahead of time to work our way around the dormant worms." He pauses again, finding his words. "First, we shall proceed Southeast for a few miles. Once we've reached that point (which I presume will be around mid-afternoon), we will change direction as I say. Any questions?"
He gives an encouraging smile. Most of the other expeditions are at a loss of words, some slightly intimidated by the idea of creeping around purple worms, while others are beginning to question Klage's sanity. Mat speaks up.
"What do we do if we, or another explorer wakes up a worm? Do all the explorers in the chasm know about them?"
Klage chuckles. "Don't worry, I have a plan for that." He reaches into one of the pockets of his coat and pulls out an ornate crystal bottle filled with fine sand. "This sand I have here, obtained in Bytopia, will make us imperceptible to the worms for a short while. If they awake, the damage they cause to the ground will create fissures that we can climb down to reach the next layer of the chasm."
Mat is unsure of what to think of this "plan".
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"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Klage's speech only heightens Rosie's paranoia. He wanted to send us into the forest without warning us of this. She looks at the ground upon which they stand uncertainly.
"Wait, are you suggesting we have to purposely wake up a worm in order for us to reach the next layer?"
"Oh no, of course not!" Klage laughs "Mat here asked what we would do if a worm woke up. As I said before, the default plan is to take a route that leads us around the worm territory to reach the cave systems that connect to the next layer. If a worm does wake, I simply meant to say we can take advantage of it."
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"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Fifi grabs a pile of sand and adds it to the growing pile. The satyr knew that the expedition would have its risks, and that death was one of them. It would be foolish to think everyone here would make it out alive at the end of it all, but she didn't expect the first death to happen so quickly. We travel lands unknown. Many more sacrifices will be made to the canyon should we wish to learn more of its secrets, she thought morbidly to herself.
Nonetheless, Fifi resolved herself and prepared herself for the hike ahead of them. As the party rested a moment to recuperate, the satyr pulled out her lute and played a somber tune, humming in rhythm with her instrument.
(Fifi uses Song of Rest during the party's short rest. Anyone rolling hit dice to regain HP can roll an extra d6).
"Thank you Mallory, I think that would be a splendid idea." Flipping through the pages to look over her last works, once complete he fixes it as a marker on the cairn.
Turning to Klage, he asks: "This is a lot of detail, and quite specific actually - how did you come to learn of purple worms who have been hibernating for a century?"
"As I had mentioned last night, this is not my first descent into the chasm. I had taken a reconnaissance trip through the forest and the layers immediately below it, and thus gained some insight into the lay of the land." Klage says to Geraine in a matter-of-fact tone.
After a brief rest, the group begins travel, trudging around the border of the lake towards the jungle lying directly across from the cliff face. Klage does not lead the assembly, instead shifting around the middle ranks of the marching order. The dinosaur in the lake lets out a low rumble as you pass, as though saying goodbye. It then returns to munching on lily pads, keeping one eye on you.
As you cross beneath the forest canopy, you find yourself in a world bathed in green-tinted light. The boughs of the trees are twisted and gnarled into strange shapes, unlike any you'd seen up above. Some resemble balled fists, while others look something like the pattern of blood vessels. The humidity of the air increases immensely, condensation forming on your gear comprised of metal. The ground at your feet is still quite swampy, and it becomes evident that the lake you had seen was actually just the visible portion of a much larger marshland hidden beneath the treeline. Or perhaps another nearby body of water, hidden from view by the foliage. In parts, your steps cause you to sink up to the tops of your boots into the algae-rich swamp. The place is alive with insects. Horse flies, dragonflies, butterflies, fireflies, and other winged arthropods whose names don't end in "fly". The occasional stirge is seen flitting through the trees, in and out of sight. None seem to dare come close to you.
The forest appears to be a mismatched soup of plant life that should never be seen together. Mangroves and oaks, buttercups and plumerias, kudzu and clover all growing side by side, among dozens, if not hundreds of other species. Whatever caused the forest to grow this way was not natural. It feels... artificial. Like someone had deliberately placed all this plant life together. Like a garden... or a zoo, given that the animal life seems similarly arranged.
Monkeys cluster in the branches to watch your passage, chittering amongst themselves, as though discussing what to do with the newcomers in their domain. Parrots and macaws dance through the trees, screeching birdsongs at each other, each mimicking a different bird. A hulking spotted serpent hangs lazily from a tree, not even stirring as you pass by its dangling tail. At one point, you believe you might have heard the dying cry of some animal's prey in the distance.
Those of the expedition who wore robes into the chasm come to regret such a decision, as the garments get caught on every conceivable object in the jungle, as though every surface were covered in invisible hooks. Worst of all, Emilia had worn her blue dress. After less than fifteen minutes of trudging through the marshy woods, she called for a pause in the marching so that she could go somewhere private so as to exchange her dress for some more practical pants which she had fortunately had in her bag. According to her, she had expected the ground to be drier. Bruno seems to be a mosquito magnet, constantly swatting at the parasites. Aju, the silent tabaxi in the group, keeps his distance from the main concentration of adventurers, slinking through the trees, bow and arrow in hand. Klage seems unbothered by the heat or mosquitoes, maintaining a perpetually amused smile as he occasionally adjusts the group's direction. Mat and Ryuma, who seem to have become friends, are chatting together at the back of the group. Gerard huffs and puffs as he marches ahead, trying to keep up with the tabaxi. Mallory's boots keep finding themselves glued to the mud, and whichever unfortunate soul was walking nearest to her had to pull her out every time. Eventually, it was suggested she stick to what relatively solid ground was available, resulting in her tailing Aju with some difficulty maneuvering the sweeping giant branches of the larger trees that were becoming more and more frequent.
Eventually, at what you assume to be noon (the unnatural light of the chasm is diluting your ability to track time), you reach solid ground. Now, if you're lucky, your feet will be dry in a few hours. The newfound ground is coated in a thick pelt of moss and randomly assorted flowers. The trees here are much taller, possessing several canopies, stretching upward like majestic, primal towers, strung with garlands of flowers. Their trunks are as wide as a hill giant's belt. These trees seem to all be of the same species, possessing a pale, beige-colored bark and fanlike leaves. The sunlight is barely visible through the highest canopy. Some particularly wide branches almost resemble balconies.
Not long afterwards, the first sign of other travelers is found.
After more traveling, perhaps an other hour or two, you come across a clearing. The sunlight beams down through an opening in the leaves. The branches seem almost to have twisted themselves to avoid blocking the light, creating an eerily circular shaft for the sun to shine through. The ground is oddly clear, as opposed to the rest of the forest so far, which has been covered in dense layers of flowers and moss. Here, there is exposed earth, with the occasional patch of tall grass.
In the middle of the clearing, a staff has been planted into the ground.
It is made of a dark, varnished wood, carved with designs. On closer inspection, you find the designs depict exaggerated humanoid faces, wrapped amidst chains, spiraling towards the tip of the staff, which is carved into the shape of an emaciated human head wearing a crown.
The ground around the staff bears an implication of footprints.
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"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Radu’s mind was filled with questions as Klage explained his plans. The elf knew too much and too well. About the jungle, the worms, the risk of finding other parties. He should’ve known about the stirges, thought the Blood Hunter. Yet he did not warn about them. And now Lisana was dead. If not intent on killing everyone there, Eduan was at least not dedicated to keep them alive. Rosie’s question made Ashford respect the elder some more. Even Geraine, that he judged too oblivious to reality showed some suspicion. It was almost enough to make the pessimist think they could return from the expedition.
He had questions of his own but decided to keep them on his mind. If their patron wanted to murder the party, then it was better to let him think no one suspected his actions. Much like the grey elf, Radu walked more at the center of the expedition, although never in front of Klage. He was alert to every noise around them and at least two thirds of the times Mallory’s boots stuck in the mud he was standing the closest to her. Of course he was.
******* finally! He thought as they reached solid ground. The walk continued until a clearing. On it a peculiar staff and around the staff…
“Now, what could have left these?” Radu asked almost rhetorically, studying himself the tracks.
Notes: Can Radu identify the tracks around the Staff?
Rosie notes with interest Klage's position in the party: not in the front, or in the rear, but safely in the middle, surrounded by capable people. Seeing Gerard noisily following Aju, Rosie takes up position on the opposite flank some distance away, demonstrating her own ability for stealth, eyes constantly watching the surrounding murk and using her feet to feel for any potential rumbles. The fact entire nests of purple worms could be resting just below has her looking nervously at those of the party with heavier steps: like Bruno.
But they arrive at the clearing with no giant worm erupting from the ground to devour them whole, and Rosie takes the relatively quiet moment to sit on her haunches and rest a moment. At her lower position, she also studies the tracks around the staff, looking less at what may have left them, but more at *from* where and *to* where they travel.
Fifi disliked how the mud clung to her furred legs, but she carried on knowing that worse could happen. Seeing poor Bruno constantly berated by mosquito's, the satyr helped swat the small vampires off of him, occasionally using Vicious Mockery to insult a few to death with silly remarks, "Pick on someone your own size!" When the group lagged or stopped, Fifi always took the opportunity to jot notes down into her journal. She had come here to write history and music, so she did her best to write in detail of the group's experience and their surroundings.
Upon finding solid ground and the odd staff staked into the floor, Fifi watched as Radu and Rosie immediately began to investigate the area. Since it seemed the general approach was to look around, Fifi did the same and looked for any animals or beasts nearby.
Geraine feels the muscles tighten over his temple before he realizes he has raised a brow. He relaxes his face and decides not to verbally respond, instead nodding shortly.
Taking a position behind that of Klage, he watches his mannerisms and movements as carefully as the placement of his next step in the jungle. Within a short time he begins to feel the burden of his vestments atop his armor. Taking the front and twisting it around his waist he tucks it in his belt before doing the same to the tail, just to make it a it more bearable to keep pace.
As they enter the clearing, Geraine takes note of the carvings and the odd placement of this staff. He grasps his symbol and casts Detect Magic both looking at the staff, as well as scanning Klage over as well.
"Thank you, Fifi. I couldn't quite reach that one." Bruno says amusedly as he brushes the brain-fried mosquito off the back of his neck. As they enter the clearing, he turns to her. "What do you make of the staff?" he asks.
As Fifi scans the jungle around the group, she sees the occasional bird zip by, as well as some monkeys watching them curiously. However, further off, she notices that some of the bushes in the northern direction have had branches sliced off, as if to make a path...
Examining the faded tracks in the ground, Radu is able to discern that they are from small, barefooted humanoids. From the slightly longer-than-human toes, Radu is able to discern that they are goblins. Six of them. The tracks are fresh, too. Couldn't be more than an hour old.
As Radu and Rosie look closer, they find the tracks appear to have come from somewhere in the West, in a similar direction to that which they had traveled from. The goblins appear to have stopped here before being driven into a panic by something else, as the tracks suggest the troop had started walking backwards defensively. However, afterwards, the tracks continue forward somewhere out of the clearing and to the North. The trail is quite clear and would be easy to follow, from the looks of it.
The strange part is that, after apparently being panicked, the tracks leaving the clearing did not suggest a panicked retreat, but rather a calm march. There is no luggage or remains of a campsite, save for the staff, assuming the goblins were the ones who left it there.
Klage, noticing Geraine casting detect magic, turns to him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "So, what do you see?" he asks quietly, looking at the upward-pointed staff.
The rest of the group intrepidly work their way into the clearing, examining the staff, the tracks, and the odd way the trees bent to let the light in.
"Damn goblins." says Gerard, taking a pinch of dirt from one of the footprints.
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"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
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Investigating the flowers, Fifi finds that the foul odor emanates from the flowers themselves. Back when she was in Silverymoon, she recalled a botanist mentioning that large flowers, despite what one may think, usually smell terrible. One such example was the giant rafflesia flower, also known as "the corpse flower" for its distinct odor. Supposedly, the smell was to attract carrion-eating insects so as to aid in its pollination. Perhaps the flower before her is a specimen of such a species? There certainly are some flies buzzing about it.
"A wonderful idea, Rosie!" Klage says, taking a break from shoveling to wipe the sweat from his brow. "In fact, we could use some reconnaissance of the surrounding area. Perhaps we could send a team of... four or five, maybe, to explore the jungle. How's that sound, Rosie?" His tone is friendly, yet leaving the impression that he expected nothing short of agreement.
"Hmmm I see what you mean." Emilia says to Radu, stepping forward so that she now stands directly next to him, her eyes moving from the clouds to the forest canopies. The sky above the chasm wasn't even visible, yet everything was bathed in sunlight. "It's either a natural distortion caused by ambient transmutation magic rising up from below, or an intentional effect, set in place by a mage. Similar to a weather control spell, perhaps. I haven't heard word of anyone that powerful taking an interest in the chasm yet, though. Perhaps we'll find the cause when we go deeper." She looks over at Klage, slightly annoyed. "You'd think, by now, he'd have told us which route we're going to take."
"I am deeply sorry, Geraine!" the minotaur blurts, seeing that Lisana's glasses are now crushed. Her groans and slams his palm into his face "I should have been more careful. Now I've destroyed a possession of the deceased! This is surely a bad omen for me."
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Geraine smiles at Bruno and raises his hand up to rest on his shoulder, quickly tucking the glasses inside his belt with his other hand.
"It seems we both share a level of clumsiness my friend" He states as he rubs his forehead briefly, "but our hearts and intentions are well placed. While Lisana needed these in life, they are but a token for a memory of her now. However, our clumsiness is something we must keep in check else we risk misfortune upon our friends in the times to come."
After bringing the last of the stones Geraine pauses for a moment to assess the group. Klage and Angus are preparing the grave, many of the others seem to be scouting the immediate area. On Rosie and Klage's recommendation for the party to split, Geraine holds his holy symbol and casts Goodberry placing the 10 berries in his alms box, though keeping it out and open.
"I will stay here to assist with the arrangements for Lisana. For those moving out to scout, please take one of my blessed berries with you in case you become injured and out of my range to help."
Geraine's Goodberries heal for 4HP each per his Life Domain instead of 1HP.
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
“If it is the handwork of a mage then we better hope it is not one thirsting for blood.” The moment the words left his lips, Radu was sure a light bending spellcaster decided to kill the excursion. “And maybe he was more affected by what happened than he is letting out.”
The Blood Hunter didn’t believe in this possibility. Not for a second. Instead he saw value on withholding the information. Klage had hired them, sure, but that didn’t mean he knew them. The elf could not be sure someone there was not working for any rival of his. For a government or criminal syndicate. Whatever the case, the moment Eduan revealed the route the list of reasons to keep him alive would become an item shorter. And that was without considering the greed anyone there could have.
“I like the idea of reconnaissance.” He did not. He just hated the idea of not knowing what surrounded him. “One or two survivalists - preferably on the stealthier side - a front liner, a healer and a ranged specialist would make the ideal line up.” The team with the highest chance of not dying. “I can be one of the survivalists.” But he would rather not. To walk in the front meant to have stranger at his back. Strangers that could decide to kill him. “Or attack from distance.” He mentioned showing the retrieved bolts. “Either way, four to go.”
Notes: I'm assuming Radu have the two bolts that were on stirges back at his inventory (market the two of the missed shots out).
Rosie moves up to Radu and says to him in a low voice nobody else can hear. "I don't like the idea of splitting up. I'd rather we just keep watch here while the others finish digging. Has it occurred to you that we are putting our entire lives in his hands? Any one of us could have died from a faulty wire pack. Anyway, let's you and I keep watch with hmmm," she looks around at the other people standing around that do not appear to be digging, "Fifi, Mat, Ryuma and Aju."
Should Radu agree, Rosie will move to those four people and ask them to help her keep watch while the others continue digging the grave. She would say to them: "How about we just keep watch. They will be finished digging soon, then we can all move on together to do reconaissance. I don't like the idea of leaving their backs unguarded right now."
Unaware of any growing tension amongst the group, Fifi takes Rosie's suggestion in stride, "Sure, seems like a good idea. We don't know what these canyons have in store for us, best we stick together for now."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"Oh please." Emilia scoffs at Radu's comment about bloodthirsty wizards. "It's probably some tree-hugger, if anything. They probably did so to allow for the vegetation to grow here."
"Yes ma'am?" says Mat when being called by Rosie.
After hearing her request, they all seem to agree. Ryuma shrugs his shoulders and grunts as if to say "sure, whatever", while Aju nods in agreement.
"Where should we position ourselves?" says Mat to Rosie, looking around, and then at the large dinosaur in the middle of the lake, staring at them. "Just along the edge of the water? Or maybe a bit further into it?"
Klage watches as Rosie seemingly rejects his idea. He watches curiously as the expedition members obey her. "Hm." He shrugs, then continues digging. They will be done with the grave in the next fifteen minutes, from the looks of it.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
“Being a three-hugger doesn’t mean being inoffensive.” He said to Emilia, taking her words as optimism. “Never heard of cannibals on the boonies or protectors of nature wanting to destroy civilization?” There were more than a few horror stories of that and Radu wouldn’t be surprised if they were all true. “If someone’s behind this to make a biome grows then it wouldn’t be far farfetched to expect said someone to have some degree of authority over a number of pets that would take at least some time to bring down.” He traced line with his hands from the closest stirge to the lake where the giant reptilian creature stood. Lisana’s death was enough proof of how dangerous such beings represented. “To be honest, I prefer your idea of the facts, but let’s be ready for the worst.”
Most of the expedition seemed less than keen on scouting, the satyr going as far as to give what the Blood Hunter took as a good reason to have an advanced party searching the area, but seeing as Klage didn’t want to insist he decided to not discuss. In a group is the majority consensus that have to be followed and if they were attacked, well, there was a jungle to run towards and hide.
“Can’t say for sure what will be the best option until later.” He said to Rosie, rising to his feet. “Anyone can keep an eye for the big guy on the pond and anything coming from the water should be noisy enough for us to notice without needing to allocate the people with keener senses on the lake’s direction. We came from an actual wall, so we can cut three sides and focus on the forest.”
"Radu is right, most of our focus should be on the forest. I wouldn't venture into that water Mat, who knows what is lurking beneath the surface. I'm thinking we should probably stay away from those flowers that Fifi was looking at, do you agree?" Rosie readies her rapier and watches the tree line of the forest beyond the lake.
Geraine places his alms box down and takes a few moments to tend to the gash on his face, as well as gather his thoughts and settle his mind. After several moments he rises to see the grave digging is complete and Eduan and Gerard rise from within to dust themselves off. He walks to Lisana and removes the vestments to expose her once more. Taking his water from his pack he sparingly pours some over a piece of cloth and cleans her face and hands before returning the now broken spectacles to her face. He stares at her for a long moment trying to engrave her image, not the one in this current broken form, but of the visage of the blushing woman from dinner the night before with such hope and adventure in her heart. Remembering her mannerisms well, he bends forward again to adjust her spectacles with a smile, pauses to commit the memory a last time, and covers her once more with his vestments - carefully binding them around her in a makeshift burial shroud.
He retrieves his alms box and motions to Klage and the rest of the group that his preparations are complete. "Let us lie her in her final resting place, and I will begin the service."
Once her wrapped remains are lying within the grave, and those who are attending the short service are near and ready, he begins.
"The seeker wakes from day to day and sheds a light in credence of the promised time. Unyielding to the lures of forks and threads, the seeker stays the course of journey’s prime. By Keeper’s will, the seeker plots again, with every break to mark the hour sworn. To steady fast the rule from start to end Is Keeper’s gift to all the living born."
He pauses for a moment before beginning again:
"We are gathered here to celebrate Lisana, and to see her off on her journey beyond this realm. We can shed tears that Lisana has gone, or we can smile because she has lived. We can close our eyes and pray that she'll come back, or we can open our eyes and see all that she has left for us." He pauses to look around the group, absorbing the scenery of the area before continuing: "Our hearts can be empty because we can't see her, or we can be full of love and adventure that we shared. We can turn our back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or we can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday and the excitement of that to come. We can remember her and that she has gone, or we can cherish Lisana’s memory and let it live on. We can try and close our minds, be empty and turn our backs. Or... we can do what she would want: smile, open our eyes, live, love, and explore this new world."
With this Geraine walks over, grabs a handful of soil, and tosses it inside the grave before giving a nod to the group to repeat the same. As the group finishes he assists those helping with fully covering the grave and placing the cairn stones. Once the cairn is complete, he concludes with:
"O Keeper of the Eternal Sun, guide this soul in her last hour with the strength of thy Brightness and the substance of thy consolations. Let thy Shining Mercy pour over her and guide her to Labelas Enoreth by your divine constellations. Lisana, we will miss your knowledge, and cherish your moments. Your legacy will continue on through us, and through us you shall live on. For in death, life."
With this, Geraine smiles and looks about the group.
"Thank you all for helping to ensure she had as proper a rite as we could. This is a beautiful place, however it seems so out of place with all considered.."
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
From what you've heard, it is custom on expeditions for the leader to say a word or two in the event of a member's death, showing that they feel some responsibility, as they were the ones who brought them on the journey that caused their death. Klage, however, remains silent throughout the funeral. His expression looks unhappy, but relaxed at the same time. His gaze repeatably wanders to the edge of the forest, most notably when his turn came to toss a handful of dirt into the grave.
In front of Klage, Emilia and Angus stand side by side as they watch the burial, their hands folded and expressions grim. Angus holds his head down, his eyes closed in respect, while Emilia looks directly at the dead woman's face. She tilts her head slightly, unclear if it is out of intrigue or disdain for the departed.
Bruno shudders slightly from embarrassment as he watches Geraine place the broken spectacles over Lisana's eyes. His hand shakes as he drops his handful of dirt into the grave.
Mat seems somewhat shaken by the whole thing, as though the prospect of his mortality were only now dawning on him. He seems all too eager to get away from the grave once he has let his handful of soil fall.
Next to him stands Ryuma, who until then had been constantly slouching. Now, he stood straight, focused on Geraine's words. He shows surprising grace when he steps forward for his part in covering the grave.
Aju bends down on one knee, his eyes closed, whispering some indistinguishable prayer.
Mallory, like Mat, is clearly shaken by the events. She hadn't spoken once since Lisana's death, and seems somewhat reluctant to approach the grave when her turn comes to pay respects.
Gerard eagerly strides forward when his turn comes, zealously plunging his hand into the pile of soil, and scattering it over Lisana with splendor. "From the ground we came, and to the ground we must return." He mutters as he steps back from the grave.
Once the funeral service has been completed, the body fully buried, and the last stone place upon the cairn, Mallory approaches Geraine.
"I-I found this lying in the grass.." her shaking hand holds out Lisana's journal. A couple pages hang loose from its fall. "Let's put it-should we place it on the burial marker?"
Once the funeral congregation has dispersed, Klage speaks up.
"If I may have your attention, please!" he says, loud enough for all to hear, but not quite shouting, conscious of the potentially dangerous environment. He holds what appears to be a rolled-up map in his hand. "This seems like an appropriate time for us to rest and recover, both physically and... mentally." he clears his throat as his eyes briefly dart to the grave. "Afterwards, we best continue our travel, for the day is still young."
He is correct. It isn't even noon yet.
"Our next destination is a certain cave system that will bring us below the forest. The entrance to the caves is located about a two-and-a-half days' trek through the forest from here. Now you may be asking 'Why on earth, Mr. Klage, did we not drop into the chasm at a point closer to the destination?' There is an answer."
He pauses briefly.
"Purple worms."
He pauses again to see the reactions of the expedition.
"You see, we all stand upon a massive nest of hibernating purple worms. The bigger they get, the longer they sleep. These ones have been dormant for around a century, judging by the terrain. Now, merely walking across a sleeping worm isn't enough to wake it when it's been asleep this long. However, their burrowing has rendered the ground around their nest quite unstable. That area is covered in loose ground that may appear stable, but is at risk of collapsing if too much weight is applied. A sinkhole caving in is sure to wake up one of the worms. Once that happens, we're dead. So as you see, I had to plan out route ahead of time to work our way around the dormant worms."
He pauses again, finding his words.
"First, we shall proceed Southeast for a few miles. Once we've reached that point (which I presume will be around mid-afternoon), we will change direction as I say. Any questions?"
He gives an encouraging smile. Most of the other expeditions are at a loss of words, some slightly intimidated by the idea of creeping around purple worms, while others are beginning to question Klage's sanity. Mat speaks up.
"What do we do if we, or another explorer wakes up a worm? Do all the explorers in the chasm know about them?"
Klage chuckles. "Don't worry, I have a plan for that." He reaches into one of the pockets of his coat and pulls out an ornate crystal bottle filled with fine sand. "This sand I have here, obtained in Bytopia, will make us imperceptible to the worms for a short while. If they awake, the damage they cause to the ground will create fissures that we can climb down to reach the next layer of the chasm."
Mat is unsure of what to think of this "plan".
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Klage's speech only heightens Rosie's paranoia. He wanted to send us into the forest without warning us of this. She looks at the ground upon which they stand uncertainly.
"Wait, are you suggesting we have to purposely wake up a worm in order for us to reach the next layer?"
"Oh no, of course not!" Klage laughs "Mat here asked what we would do if a worm woke up. As I said before, the default plan is to take a route that leads us around the worm territory to reach the cave systems that connect to the next layer. If a worm does wake, I simply meant to say we can take advantage of it."
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Fifi grabs a pile of sand and adds it to the growing pile. The satyr knew that the expedition would have its risks, and that death was one of them. It would be foolish to think everyone here would make it out alive at the end of it all, but she didn't expect the first death to happen so quickly. We travel lands unknown. Many more sacrifices will be made to the canyon should we wish to learn more of its secrets, she thought morbidly to herself.
Nonetheless, Fifi resolved herself and prepared herself for the hike ahead of them. As the party rested a moment to recuperate, the satyr pulled out her lute and played a somber tune, humming in rhythm with her instrument.
(Fifi uses Song of Rest during the party's short rest. Anyone rolling hit dice to regain HP can roll an extra d6).
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"Thank you Mallory, I think that would be a splendid idea." Flipping through the pages to look over her last works, once complete he fixes it as a marker on the cairn.
Turning to Klage, he asks: "This is a lot of detail, and quite specific actually - how did you come to learn of purple worms who have been hibernating for a century?"
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
"As I had mentioned last night, this is not my first descent into the chasm. I had taken a reconnaissance trip through the forest and the layers immediately below it, and thus gained some insight into the lay of the land." Klage says to Geraine in a matter-of-fact tone.
After a brief rest, the group begins travel, trudging around the border of the lake towards the jungle lying directly across from the cliff face. Klage does not lead the assembly, instead shifting around the middle ranks of the marching order. The dinosaur in the lake lets out a low rumble as you pass, as though saying goodbye. It then returns to munching on lily pads, keeping one eye on you.
As you cross beneath the forest canopy, you find yourself in a world bathed in green-tinted light. The boughs of the trees are twisted and gnarled into strange shapes, unlike any you'd seen up above. Some resemble balled fists, while others look something like the pattern of blood vessels. The humidity of the air increases immensely, condensation forming on your gear comprised of metal. The ground at your feet is still quite swampy, and it becomes evident that the lake you had seen was actually just the visible portion of a much larger marshland hidden beneath the treeline. Or perhaps another nearby body of water, hidden from view by the foliage. In parts, your steps cause you to sink up to the tops of your boots into the algae-rich swamp. The place is alive with insects. Horse flies, dragonflies, butterflies, fireflies, and other winged arthropods whose names don't end in "fly". The occasional stirge is seen flitting through the trees, in and out of sight. None seem to dare come close to you.
The forest appears to be a mismatched soup of plant life that should never be seen together. Mangroves and oaks, buttercups and plumerias, kudzu and clover all growing side by side, among dozens, if not hundreds of other species. Whatever caused the forest to grow this way was not natural. It feels... artificial. Like someone had deliberately placed all this plant life together. Like a garden... or a zoo, given that the animal life seems similarly arranged.
Monkeys cluster in the branches to watch your passage, chittering amongst themselves, as though discussing what to do with the newcomers in their domain. Parrots and macaws dance through the trees, screeching birdsongs at each other, each mimicking a different bird. A hulking spotted serpent hangs lazily from a tree, not even stirring as you pass by its dangling tail. At one point, you believe you might have heard the dying cry of some animal's prey in the distance.
Those of the expedition who wore robes into the chasm come to regret such a decision, as the garments get caught on every conceivable object in the jungle, as though every surface were covered in invisible hooks. Worst of all, Emilia had worn her blue dress. After less than fifteen minutes of trudging through the marshy woods, she called for a pause in the marching so that she could go somewhere private so as to exchange her dress for some more practical pants which she had fortunately had in her bag. According to her, she had expected the ground to be drier. Bruno seems to be a mosquito magnet, constantly swatting at the parasites. Aju, the silent tabaxi in the group, keeps his distance from the main concentration of adventurers, slinking through the trees, bow and arrow in hand. Klage seems unbothered by the heat or mosquitoes, maintaining a perpetually amused smile as he occasionally adjusts the group's direction. Mat and Ryuma, who seem to have become friends, are chatting together at the back of the group. Gerard huffs and puffs as he marches ahead, trying to keep up with the tabaxi. Mallory's boots keep finding themselves glued to the mud, and whichever unfortunate soul was walking nearest to her had to pull her out every time. Eventually, it was suggested she stick to what relatively solid ground was available, resulting in her tailing Aju with some difficulty maneuvering the sweeping giant branches of the larger trees that were becoming more and more frequent.
Eventually, at what you assume to be noon (the unnatural light of the chasm is diluting your ability to track time), you reach solid ground. Now, if you're lucky, your feet will be dry in a few hours. The newfound ground is coated in a thick pelt of moss and randomly assorted flowers. The trees here are much taller, possessing several canopies, stretching upward like majestic, primal towers, strung with garlands of flowers. Their trunks are as wide as a hill giant's belt. These trees seem to all be of the same species, possessing a pale, beige-colored bark and fanlike leaves. The sunlight is barely visible through the highest canopy. Some particularly wide branches almost resemble balconies.
Not long afterwards, the first sign of other travelers is found.
After more traveling, perhaps an other hour or two, you come across a clearing. The sunlight beams down through an opening in the leaves. The branches seem almost to have twisted themselves to avoid blocking the light, creating an eerily circular shaft for the sun to shine through. The ground is oddly clear, as opposed to the rest of the forest so far, which has been covered in dense layers of flowers and moss. Here, there is exposed earth, with the occasional patch of tall grass.
In the middle of the clearing, a staff has been planted into the ground.
It is made of a dark, varnished wood, carved with designs. On closer inspection, you find the designs depict exaggerated humanoid faces, wrapped amidst chains, spiraling towards the tip of the staff, which is carved into the shape of an emaciated human head wearing a crown.
The ground around the staff bears an implication of footprints.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Radu’s mind was filled with questions as Klage explained his plans. The elf knew too much and too well. About the jungle, the worms, the risk of finding other parties. He should’ve known about the stirges, thought the Blood Hunter. Yet he did not warn about them. And now Lisana was dead. If not intent on killing everyone there, Eduan was at least not dedicated to keep them alive. Rosie’s question made Ashford respect the elder some more. Even Geraine, that he judged too oblivious to reality showed some suspicion. It was almost enough to make the pessimist think they could return from the expedition.
He had questions of his own but decided to keep them on his mind. If their patron wanted to murder the party, then it was better to let him think no one suspected his actions. Much like the grey elf, Radu walked more at the center of the expedition, although never in front of Klage. He was alert to every noise around them and at least two thirds of the times Mallory’s boots stuck in the mud he was standing the closest to her. Of course he was.
******* finally! He thought as they reached solid ground. The walk continued until a clearing. On it a peculiar staff and around the staff…
“Now, what could have left these?” Radu asked almost rhetorically, studying himself the tracks.
Notes: Can Radu identify the tracks around the Staff?
Survival Check: 11
Rosie notes with interest Klage's position in the party: not in the front, or in the rear, but safely in the middle, surrounded by capable people. Seeing Gerard noisily following Aju, Rosie takes up position on the opposite flank some distance away, demonstrating her own ability for stealth, eyes constantly watching the surrounding murk and using her feet to feel for any potential rumbles. The fact entire nests of purple worms could be resting just below has her looking nervously at those of the party with heavier steps: like Bruno.
But they arrive at the clearing with no giant worm erupting from the ground to devour them whole, and Rosie takes the relatively quiet moment to sit on her haunches and rest a moment. At her lower position, she also studies the tracks around the staff, looking less at what may have left them, but more at *from* where and *to* where they travel.
Fifi disliked how the mud clung to her furred legs, but she carried on knowing that worse could happen. Seeing poor Bruno constantly berated by mosquito's, the satyr helped swat the small vampires off of him, occasionally using Vicious Mockery to insult a few to death with silly remarks, "Pick on someone your own size!" When the group lagged or stopped, Fifi always took the opportunity to jot notes down into her journal. She had come here to write history and music, so she did her best to write in detail of the group's experience and their surroundings.
Upon finding solid ground and the odd staff staked into the floor, Fifi watched as Radu and Rosie immediately began to investigate the area. Since it seemed the general approach was to look around, Fifi did the same and looked for any animals or beasts nearby.
Perception Check: 19
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Geraine feels the muscles tighten over his temple before he realizes he has raised a brow. He relaxes his face and decides not to verbally respond, instead nodding shortly.
Taking a position behind that of Klage, he watches his mannerisms and movements as carefully as the placement of his next step in the jungle. Within a short time he begins to feel the burden of his vestments atop his armor. Taking the front and twisting it around his waist he tucks it in his belt before doing the same to the tail, just to make it a it more bearable to keep pace.
As they enter the clearing, Geraine takes note of the carvings and the odd placement of this staff. He grasps his symbol and casts Detect Magic both looking at the staff, as well as scanning Klage over as well.
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
"Thank you, Fifi. I couldn't quite reach that one." Bruno says amusedly as he brushes the brain-fried mosquito off the back of his neck. As they enter the clearing, he turns to her. "What do you make of the staff?" he asks.
As Fifi scans the jungle around the group, she sees the occasional bird zip by, as well as some monkeys watching them curiously. However, further off, she notices that some of the bushes in the northern direction have had branches sliced off, as if to make a path...
Examining the faded tracks in the ground, Radu is able to discern that they are from small, barefooted humanoids. From the slightly longer-than-human toes, Radu is able to discern that they are goblins. Six of them. The tracks are fresh, too. Couldn't be more than an hour old.
As Radu and Rosie look closer, they find the tracks appear to have come from somewhere in the West, in a similar direction to that which they had traveled from. The goblins appear to have stopped here before being driven into a panic by something else, as the tracks suggest the troop had started walking backwards defensively. However, afterwards, the tracks continue forward somewhere out of the clearing and to the North. The trail is quite clear and would be easy to follow, from the looks of it.
The strange part is that, after apparently being panicked, the tracks leaving the clearing did not suggest a panicked retreat, but rather a calm march. There is no luggage or remains of a campsite, save for the staff, assuming the goblins were the ones who left it there.
Klage, noticing Geraine casting detect magic, turns to him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "So, what do you see?" he asks quietly, looking at the upward-pointed staff.
The rest of the group intrepidly work their way into the clearing, examining the staff, the tracks, and the odd way the trees bent to let the light in.
"Damn goblins." says Gerard, taking a pinch of dirt from one of the footprints.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."