With a curt nod of his own and retrieval of the gold, Jolly bids Musharib goodbye before following after the Zubeki. Though the rest of the building might be designed to be at least a little accommodating for big'uns like the cleric, the giant-kin would nevertheless find himself scrunched into himself just to avoid a repeat of Wakanga's home. He won't entirely succeed. So, by the end of the trip -- however short that it may be -- his usual absent-minded smile is more nervous from possibly any one of the incidents.
Distracted as he was by examining the room, Jolly perks up the name, and turns to regard Zubeki. However, a lenghty moment of silence passes before the giant-kin utters a word. In the meantime, he just stands there staring at the wizard, staff still in hand, and expression for once serious if only because of the flatness to it. "Remove the mask, and speak the truth, one who calls themselves Zubeki. Why are you really here? And why did you accept this mission? Why abandon the life that you have thus far led? Thou has no reason to fully trust this one yet according to the rules of this world. Nevertheless, this one would hear an answer for one so filled with fear." He states calmly,
"Honestly I'm here because of a miscommunication and misunderstandings. When a craftsman is called by a Merchant Prince, you get on the first boat out of Waterdeep." Zubeki dries his hands on a gray rag crumbled by the bowl. "And here I thought my skills have made it this far south, but I was wrong. Wakanga's invitation was not for my tailoring skills, but because the damn Harpers have been on my backside about joining their ranks. I spent time as a younger man following a Harper around and I apparently left a very good impression, which does you no good because I am an adventurer no more."
Zubeki moves to the bed and starts organizing sketches together and stuff them into a notebook. "So I am stuck here, trying to impress powerful people because I was too embarrassed to say 'Oh, sorry, you got the wrong wizard.' But I will not fail..." Zubeki locks eyes with Jolly. "...that prince will by a customer of my shop even if it kills me." He breaks his eye contact. "Ok, actually we should stop the curse before it kills me. Don't take my lack of passion for my predicament as a sign that I won't be there for the group. I need your muscle and might to survive. More than you need my simple parlor tricks." With that Zubeki walks over to his staff and taps it twice on the ground. His tools start to dance and pack themselves away, while his coat folds itself and floats into a large cloth bag. "An unseen servant is my trick that usually impresses the lot, but it looks like Wakanga has seen his share of magic in his life."
Naivara looks around the bar, her chin in her hand. She taps her fingers against the table in a slight rhythm. She had been here for two days now, today she would be meeting the others who she would travel with to end the death curse. Looking up, she gives a slight distrustful look around, her bored tapping pauses as she sees some newcomers looking at them. Tilting her head in interest seeing the rather intimidating dragon born and the human man who had entered with him. She remembers the descriptions Syndra Silvane had given to her so that she would find the group easier. She slowly rises, keeping an eye on the two approaching the dragonborn first.
"I suppose you have spoken with Syndra about ending the death curse as well?" She asks, getting straight to the point before realizing the others might not have been warned of her joining them on this adventure. "My name is Naivara Liadon, two days ago I was told to wait here by Syndra Silvane until others who would be going into the jungle to end the death curse arrived."
Vrak turns and appraises the elf that has approached him. He takes in her clothing and demeanor.
"I have spoken with Syndra but I was not aware we were expecting additional companions. There were six of us, but two of them I have not spoken to since leaving her. Perhaps they felt this journey was too much for them. She appears to have called adventurers from many walks of life and any aid in our quest is welcome."
Vrak gives the lady a bow
"I am Vrakvroth Esstyrlynn, but you may call me Vrak. So you have waited two days for us to arrive here? We are here now. A couple of us are here to interview guides that we may wish to hire. We need a guide to help us navigate the jungle. The island has not been mapped well and there are many dangers both natural and..." He hesitates a moment "well, unnatural"
Vrak turns and points of Tyrgram.
"There is my companion Tyrgram." Vrak sees that Tyrgram is speaking with a tiefling. "Perhaps that is one of the guides, though I have not seen a tiefling advertising as a guide."
Vrak beckons Naivara to follow him.
"Come, I see at least one of the guides, Salida, is here. I will introduce you to Tyrgram and then we will interview the guides.
Naivara tilts her head slightly, Perhaps he is not as intimidating as I believe, I can't be too relaxed though... She thinks to herself as she listens to Vrak. She then looks over towards Tyrgram and the tiefling. "I doubt the tiefling is a guide if there is not any advertisement for his work." She states, she keeps a little distance between herself and Vrak while also keeping a steady distance between herself and others within the place. She follows Vrak over to Tyrgram and then looks at the tiefling with a slightly raised brow.
The male bartender walks over to Tyrgram and smiles. He points to the beautiful Chultan woman sitting with her feet on the table. "That's Zee," he says. "Can I get you anything else?"
'Thanks.' Tyrgram replies. 'And I'll have one glass of Tej, please.'
He patiently waits for his drink when suddenly he feels an arm sliding over his shoulders.
"It's okay to look, you know. They are putting on a great show." Jirani cooed before releasing the human, though still standing very close to him. "It's Tyrgram, isn't it?" The tiefling asked innocently, calmly listening in on the conversation he started with the bartender. "I do believe we've got Syndra Sylvane in common."
Tyrgram stiffens. He had heard that folks down south are more open and outgoing than most northern people but he did not expect to experience it for himself quite so... blatantly. The dancing girls were bad enough 'What would mother say if she caught me in a place like this? but now one of the local patrons had draped his arm around him in a manner Tyrgram had only seen with his drunk friends. He turns his head to see just who it is that is being so chummy. Gold. A lot of gold. Gold upon gold. Too much gold. Gold on bronze skin. With a smile. 'Is this for real?' Transfixed on the figure standing (too) close to him, Tyrgram blinks a couple of times as if to look past the fog of sleep and slowly raises his hand, three fingers stretched with his middlefinger curled up against his thumb.
*fleck*
A dull thud resonates from the spot where he strikes a golden horn with his finger. 'Okay, I'm not just seeing things.' Tyrgram exhales his breath that he was subconsciously holding. 'Who are you and what do you want with me?'
It is at this point that he hears Vrak calling as said dragonman is approaching the bar. 'Please tell me you can also see this devil who's trying to tempt me?' He then notices the Elf woman accompanying Vrak. 'Who's your friend?'
Did Tyrgram just flick the tiefling on one of it's horns? Vrak almost chuckles out loud at the absurdity of it. But he sees his friend may have drawn trouble to himself If he's lucky he'll get to keep that finger. I hope he doesn't need it for anything.
Vraks voice becomes hard, menacing. "Yes Tyrgram I do see this devil. If he is causing you trouble then but say the word and I will cleave its head from its shoulders."
Vrak stares at the tiefling, the type of stare that only a dragonborn can give. His right hand falls to the pommel of his sword and he then grips the handle, nearly pulling it free of its scabbard. He resists for the moment. Best not to spill blood in this tavern unless necessary.
"If this is a guide you are interviewing or the other business you had to attend to, if this is Zee, I do not believe that we are interested."
Almost as an afterthought, as if he had forgotten the elf that followed him, but he had certainly not "This is Naivara, she says she has been sent by our employer to join us on our quest." His voice is still hard, but not quite as menacing as it had been a moment before.
Vrak's eyes never leave the tiefling, as if he expects, well he is not sure exactly what he expects, except it will likely be evil of some sort.
When the human flicks one of his horns, Jirani can feel the tingling of butterflies in his stomach. As far as first impressions goes, that was adorable. The word 'devil' however, would be his most pressing quest to persuade Tyrgram into not using. It had such... bad connotations to it. Regardless he just smiled, wide from one ear to another revealing a set of pearly white yet menacingly sharp teeth. "Mm, I think I'll keep you." He cooed before looking over at the dragonborn and the elf walking in their direction. The dragonborn he recognized by the description his employer had given him and, after a second glance, the elf did, too.
"About me being a devil-" Jirani, now turned to the human, starts his plea of another nickname, but the dragonborn's voice interrupts him. Hearing 'devil' even more cemented now, as it had been spoken by two mouths, the tiefling takes a deep breath before smiling at the tall man. He would very much like his head still attached to his body. "Oh, Vrak. Please spare me. I'm very... attached to my head. Besides", Jirani runs a hand through one of his braids decorated with golden rings, "we're matching, you and I." His eyes glimmered, and the imposing stature of the dragonborn was as handsome as the innocent nature of the human was precious. What an interesting group so far. To hear that he wasn't interested was, however, a blow to his ego. Interested of what he had no idea, but it still stung.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Naivara." The bronze tiefling said and bowed politely, yet in a manner that kept his horns out of reach as to not touch anyone with them. The golden chains dangled between them as he straightened up again. "As a matter of fact she and I share our reason to be here, approaching you both. I'm also sent by Syndra Sylvane." Her more standoff-ish aura was intriguing. Gaining her trust wouldn't come easy, but he'd walk through fire to do so. Perhaps that didn't say much due to his ancestry, but given that his clothes would be completely ruined, he still felt that it meant a lot of effort on his part.
"We, tielfing, do not match." His voice remains hard. "As for sparing you? Perhaps for the moment. But how do you know my name? We have never met."
Vrak continues to stare the man down and his eyes narrow at the mention of Syndra's name. He relaxes the grip on his sword for the moment but his hand remains resting on the pommel.
"Naivara here has said the same thing. What do you know of this Naivara?"
Vrak's yellow eyes never leave the tiefling. His focus is almost all on the tiefling.
Naivara looks at the tiefling and tilts her head as she continually hears them call him devil, she goes to speak until Vrak speaks up first. The corner of her lips give a slight twitch at being asked that question and she speaks up, keeping a rather casual tone, however she continues to distance herself by not coming any closer. "I heard a brief description of this one, so I suppose he is with us, Syndra told me six of us would be joining together." Naivara then meets the tiefling's gaze, "If I recall what names I was given by our employer, your name shoud be Jirani correct? A bard.
Her gaze shifts down ever so slightly to his hip, where a flute rested and then back up. Her gaze then flicks over towards Tyrgram, she raises her brow ever so slightly. "And you are Tyrgram? Where are the others? I suppose you all split up in search of guides to interview?"
Tyrgram stares from one person to another as he is processing the situation. Defusing the tension seems to be the first order of business because they cannot just start a tavern brawl in the middle of the day. Or at any time for that matter. It would be most unbecoming.
'Okay, let's all back up for a moment.' He points towards Vrak and himself, 'We are here to find a guide. Well, he is. I need to speak to someone else.' He continues counting on his fingers. 'There are two others in our group but they are back at Kaya's.'He then points towards Jirani and Naivara. 'You two are in the employ of Miss Sylvane, correct? That would make us partners at the very least.' He takes a deep breath and tries to get something resembling a smile on his face. 'If we're going to be working together, it wouldn't bode well to start off with a fight, now would it?'
He peeks over Vrak's shoulder to see Zee. Or at least he tries to before realising that Vrak is nearly a foot taller than him so he leans a bit to the side to peek through the gap between Vrak and Naivara. Luckily, the one named Zee is still propped up at her table. 'If you would excuse me.' Tyrgram grabs a drink from the counter, hoping it is his, quicky drops the appropriate coin on the wood and shuffles over to one of the tables. 'You play nice with our new friends now, you hear Vrak?' He shouts back over his shoulder before dragging a chair up to the table.
'You are Zee, correct?' He says to the Chultan woman as he sits down. 'I'm here about a job you posted.'
Vrak watches as Tyrgram then slips past him and heads to a woman sitting at another table. Swinging his gaze back to the tiefling he appraises him once again.
"It seems you are not Zee then, are you? Jirani, that is your name? Naivara seems to know your name and she seems to be sent by our employer. I suppose perhaps you have been sent by her also to aid in the quest."
Vrak seems to think for a moment, some sort of internal conflict waging within. But then he seems to come to a decision.
"Companions we must be then Jirani. I apologize for threatening your life." Vrak removes his hand from the pommel of his sword and bows to the tiefling. "My friend Tyrgram appeared to have gotten himself into some trouble, but perhaps it was nothing more than a misunderstanding, on my part."
Looking about the room once again he spots Salida sitting further down the bar.
"I am indeed here to find and interview a guide. I see her down at the end of the bar. Come, I will buy you each a drink and we shall speak with her and see if she is a good fit for our group."
Vrak then motions for them to join him and as he moves towards Salida he gets the attention of the bartender. He then approaches Salida and gets her attention.
"Excuse me, Salida is it not? I and my companions are in need of a guide. We saw your post and would like to speak with you regarding your qualifications. Is there somewhere that we may speak?"
OOC - If Salida is willing to talk here is the list of questions:
How long have you been working as a guide? How much of the island do you know? What do you know of the Flaming Fist and your feelings towards them? What do you know of the history of the ruins and mines on the island? What of the Order of the Gauntlet? You have been at their camps? Do you know what they are doing on the island? Are they friendly to adventurers? What troubles can we expect while in the jungle besides roaming undead and dinosaurs? What about food and water? Do we forage for food and water, or must we carry everything? Can we take pack animals or carts? What do you know of the Star Goddess? Who is Ubtao?
"Ahh, you remember my name. I'm flattered." Jirani smiles with genuine enthusiasm towards the elf before turning to the dragonborn yet again, confirming what he said. "Yes, what Naivara said is correct. We were both sent her separately for the same purpose: to aid in the quest. A very important quest, if I may say so." In this, he meant every word he said. Death, when and where there should be none, would never amount in anything good.
A warmth spread in his eyes at the apology, and the bronze tiefling wasn't late to respond with a deep bow of his own, yet again minding his horns. "As I accept your apology, I will apologize, too. My curiosity often gets the best of me, and I caught poor Tyrgram off guard. And these", he resorted to flicking at one of his horns in a more elegant manner than the human had previously done, "doesn't always make for the best of first impressions."
"An offer of a proper conversation and some alcohol? I could never refuse that." Understanding that this was Vrak's undertaking Jirani simply followed him like an obedient hound. His curious, golden eyes glanced over at Salida, as the dragonborn addressed the stranger.
Naivara looks a little suspicious at the genuine enthusiasm that Jirani has been showing towards them and narrows her eyes just slightly. With a slight nod at Vrak's offer and she follows just a bit behind Vrak and Jirani, she goes silent and says not another word as she looks over at the guide they would be talking to. Quietly she decides to let Vrak do the interviewing, preferring to keep to herself a bit longer.
(Bah! Sorry this took so long. Meant to get this in before work)
Jolly is quiet and still throughout most of it; only ever shifting so that the staff bore more of his weight. Even his expression seems somewhat frozen. He never once visibly looks away, even as utilities begin their dance. Yet, by feeling alone it does not appear as if he missed a thing. Again, there is a bit of a pause before he defaults to the usual following a derisive snort.
"This one has no idea who these 'Harpers' are." Jolly chuckles lightly, demeanor returning to the lack-a-dasical once more. "But if their word was enough to convince both a prince of a foreign land and a retired arch mage, then they must know and believe in what this one can only suspect. That said, you are not 'stuck' here. Embarrassment, like many other feelings, is like the moon. It may feel as if its journey across the sky will last an eternity if you focus on it. But we both know that the dawn of a new day will always come. And with it, more possibilities."He says, making a wide over-head sweeping gesture.
"And do not belittle yourself, or cling to that mask of yours. You are better than that. Just as you are wise enough to know that you'll need greater conviction if you are to survive and prevail on this journey... should you chose to truly embark on it." At that, Jolly turns to leave, but stops short to add, "'till then, feel free to lean on us, if you so choose. As we may find ourselves doing to you, in spite of your misgivings. *chuckles* But do not come to rely on us wholly for inspiration or otherwise. For in the end, it's up to you to decide what to do with Mother Jannath's gift. Be it for good, ill, or somewhere in between as you have thus far made to appear to most."If he isn't stopped at or before that point, Jolly will carry on back to the common room to ask around for the thundering lizard before making his way there.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Zubeki is wholly impressed with the words that came from the firbolg’s mouth. The often jumbled Common that Jolly uses is saturated in sincerity and wisdom, and Zubeki is glad that he has such support in a strange land. “Let us find our team, we don’t know what kind of trouble they’ll be in.”
The Thundering Lizard was not that hard to find, but the crowds at this time made it tough to travel quickly. Zubeki looks behind him to only see Jolly towering over Chultains, smiling and following close behind. The pair enters the maw of the tavern to find most of the others conversing with assumed guides. “We have arrived!”
"Them? No. They... oh... Oh... Oh no." On that note, Jolly leaves at a much more hurried pace. Yet, much to his personal chagrin, navigating the streets of Chult is easier said then done. The people were so varied in their smallness, the sights no less intoxicating than his initial arrival, and frankly speaking he was just too nice for his own good to start moving folk.
By the time the duo arrival, Jolly is winded enough to spend the first few moments at the entrance resting heavily on his quarter staff. More so in response to Zubeki's words than having seen the rest and the 'guides', he manages a weak wave. "In... Indeed." He adds breathily.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Vrak then motions for them to join him and as he moves towards Salida he gets the attention of the bartender. He then approaches Salida and gets her attention.
"Excuse me, Salida is it not? I and my companions are in need of a guide. We saw your post and would like to speak with you regarding your qualifications. Is there somewhere that we may speak?"
Salida is 5 feet 4 inches tall and 120 pounds. She is fit and completely looks the part of a seasoned explorer. Her emerald colored eyes sparkle when she turns towards you and her smile is genuine. "Well meet, I am Salida and would be honored to answer any and all questions you may have. Please, everyone, have a seat."
How long have you been working as a guide?
I have been an employee of jobuls for about 9 years now. The pay is good and I get to meet interesting people and discover new places.
How much of the island do you know?
I know a good chunk of it, I can lead you down to the ruined city of Omu and across the Lands of ash and smoke, If you wish I can take you to the ancient monastery of Kir Sabal, or help you find the Guardian Naga at Orolunga. I know a lot of secret trails that don't appear on any map.
What do you know of the Flaming Fist and your feelings towards them?
They are a group of macho men that think they own everything. I try to avoid them if at all possible but at times it just can't be helped.
What do you know of the history of the ruins and mines on the island?
I know a lot of the histories of Chult. I was born and bred here. If you want to know what happened to the specific ruins we come across I most likely will know the answer, but of course, not everyone knows everything. There will be things I just don't know about. I do know how to get to a lot of ruins and mines and abandoned temples if that's what you're asking.
What of the Order of the Gauntlet? Have you been to their camps? Do you know what they are doing on the island? Are they friendly to adventurers?
I try to avoid the Order of the Gauntlet. Ever since they lost Camp Righteous, Commander Niles Breakbone has been 'enlisting' anyone that shows up in his camp. He claims it is wartime and he has the authority to enlist people. If you do not cooperate then he holds a trial, which you will always lose, and then stakes you to a tree outside and pours honey all over you so the insects will eat you alive. But Chultan knows why they are here. They are here to destroy the undead plaguing Chult once and for all. But if you ask me they bit off more than they could handle. They had no idea the jungle would be so deadly. They are used to the comforts of the mainland where its sprawling grasslands and forests, They weren't prepared for a climate that will kill you if you are not ready for it.
What troubles can we expect while in the jungle beside roaming undead and dinosaurs?
The usual, Disease, Dehydrating, wild animals, Grung, the plants themselves. The jungle is very dangerous and can kill you a lot of different ways if you go out their unprepared.
What about food and water? Do we forage for food and water, or must we carry everything? Can we take pack animals or carts?
Most people take some food with them but you can always forage for food if you are skilled enough. Water, on the other hand, is a different matter entirely. As for carts or animals. If you wish. But you would have to treat them like yourself and feed them and give them plenty of extra water.
What do you know of the Star Goddess?
Some airship that crashed. Not sure where it is though.
Who is Ubtao?
Salida makes a small hand gesture and kisses her fingers towards the sky. "Ubtao is the great god of Chult and I would not use his name in vain."
'You are Zee, correct?' He says to the Chultan woman as he sits down. 'I'm here about a job you posted.'
Zee looks you over and frowns for a moment. "Aye, I am. And you are?"
'The name's Tyrgram.' Tygrams replies as he leans in a bit closer. He had seen how Vrak and Zubeki handled the questioning of that albino Dwarf back at Kaya's so he figured he could give it a go. It did not seem all that difficult: the key was to be all confident and businesslike.
'I'm new in town and my party and I are about to have a walkabout in the jungle. We're on a mission of life and death so it's very hush-hush. But that's not important right now. What is important is that you have a job that needs to be doing, some temple ruins that needs scrubbing, right? Now I'm not Flint Fireforge, Dwarf Adventurer but what I do have is the manpower to aid you with that. There's six of us, myself included, from various walks of life: from the deepest depths of Hell to the loftiest highs of dragonflights and all the magic inbetween. So how about I scratch your back, you scratch mine and you tell me all about this adventure we're embarking on?'
Tyrgram glances to the side where Vrak, Naivara and Jirani are standing and gives them a subtle thumbs up from under the table.
Zee looks you over and frowns for a moment. "Aye, I am. And you are?"
'The name's Tyrgram.' Tygrams replies as he leans in a bit closer. He had seen how Vrak and Zubeki handled the questioning of that albino Dwarf back at Kaya's so he figured he could give it a go. It did not seem all that difficult: the key was to be all confident and businesslike.
'I'm new in town and my party and I are about to have a walkabout in the jungle. We're on a mission of life and death so it's very hush-hush. But that's not important right now. What is important is that you have a job that needs to be doing, some temple ruins that needs scrubbing, right? Now I'm not Flint Fireforge, Dwarf Adventurer but what I do have is the manpower to aid you with that. There's six of us, myself included, from various walks of life: from the deepest depths of Hell to the loftiest highs of dragonflights and all the magic in-between. So how about I scratch your back, you scratch mine and you tell me all about this adventure we're embarking on?'
Tyrgram glances to the side where Vrak, Naivara, and Jirani are standing and gives them a subtle thumbs up from under the table.
Zee watches Tyrgram give the thumbs up to someone at another table and looks over to see who he is giving it to and shakes her head with amusement. "You are so sure I'll be taking you along on my journey eh? Very well."
Zee takes her feet off the table and sits up. She looks over at the bartender and puts two fingers up in the air, after a moment the bartender comes over to the table with two glasses of a deep reddish colored liquid and puts it in front of Tyrgram and Zee. It has a very pungent, spicy smell to it. Zee holds her drink up in the air and waits for Tyrgram.
"Honestly I'm here because of a miscommunication and misunderstandings. When a craftsman is called by a Merchant Prince, you get on the first boat out of Waterdeep." Zubeki dries his hands on a gray rag crumbled by the bowl. "And here I thought my skills have made it this far south, but I was wrong. Wakanga's invitation was not for my tailoring skills, but because the damn Harpers have been on my backside about joining their ranks. I spent time as a younger man following a Harper around and I apparently left a very good impression, which does you no good because I am an adventurer no more."
Zubeki moves to the bed and starts organizing sketches together and stuff them into a notebook. "So I am stuck here, trying to impress powerful people because I was too embarrassed to say 'Oh, sorry, you got the wrong wizard.' But I will not fail..." Zubeki locks eyes with Jolly. "...that prince will by a customer of my shop even if it kills me." He breaks his eye contact. "Ok, actually we should stop the curse before it kills me. Don't take my lack of passion for my predicament as a sign that I won't be there for the group. I need your muscle and might to survive. More than you need my simple parlor tricks." With that Zubeki walks over to his staff and taps it twice on the ground. His tools start to dance and pack themselves away, while his coat folds itself and floats into a large cloth bag. "An unseen servant is my trick that usually impresses the lot, but it looks like Wakanga has seen his share of magic in his life."
Vrak turns and appraises the elf that has approached him. He takes in her clothing and demeanor.
"I have spoken with Syndra but I was not aware we were expecting additional companions. There were six of us, but two of them I have not spoken to since leaving her. Perhaps they felt this journey was too much for them. She appears to have called adventurers from many walks of life and any aid in our quest is welcome."
Vrak gives the lady a bow
"I am Vrakvroth Esstyrlynn, but you may call me Vrak. So you have waited two days for us to arrive here? We are here now. A couple of us are here to interview guides that we may wish to hire. We need a guide to help us navigate the jungle. The island has not been mapped well and there are many dangers both natural and..." He hesitates a moment "well, unnatural"
Vrak turns and points of Tyrgram.
"There is my companion Tyrgram." Vrak sees that Tyrgram is speaking with a tiefling. "Perhaps that is one of the guides, though I have not seen a tiefling advertising as a guide."
Vrak beckons Naivara to follow him.
"Come, I see at least one of the guides, Salida, is here. I will introduce you to Tyrgram and then we will interview the guides.
Naivara tilts her head slightly, Perhaps he is not as intimidating as I believe, I can't be too relaxed though... She thinks to herself as she listens to Vrak. She then looks over towards Tyrgram and the tiefling. "I doubt the tiefling is a guide if there is not any advertisement for his work." She states, she keeps a little distance between herself and Vrak while also keeping a steady distance between herself and others within the place. She follows Vrak over to Tyrgram and then looks at the tiefling with a slightly raised brow.
Vrak looks back at Naivara as they move across the room. "What you say is true Naivara, perhaps he is not a guide. But I do not know who he his."
As Vrak approaches he calls to Tyrgram,
"Tyrgram my friend, have you found us a guide to speak with? I see that Salida is here."
'Thanks.' Tyrgram replies. 'And I'll have one glass of Tej, please.'
He patiently waits for his drink when suddenly he feels an arm sliding over his shoulders.
Tyrgram stiffens. He had heard that folks down south are more open and outgoing than most northern people but he did not expect to experience it for himself quite so... blatantly. The dancing girls were bad enough 'What would mother say if she caught me in a place like this? but now one of the local patrons had draped his arm around him in a manner Tyrgram had only seen with his drunk friends. He turns his head to see just who it is that is being so chummy. Gold. A lot of gold. Gold upon gold. Too much gold. Gold on bronze skin. With a smile. 'Is this for real?' Transfixed on the figure standing (too) close to him, Tyrgram blinks a couple of times as if to look past the fog of sleep and slowly raises his hand, three fingers stretched with his middlefinger curled up against his thumb.
*fleck*
A dull thud resonates from the spot where he strikes a golden horn with his finger. 'Okay, I'm not just seeing things.' Tyrgram exhales his breath that he was subconsciously holding. 'Who are you and what do you want with me?'
It is at this point that he hears Vrak calling as said dragonman is approaching the bar. 'Please tell me you can also see this devil who's trying to tempt me?' He then notices the Elf woman accompanying Vrak. 'Who's your friend?'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Did Tyrgram just flick the tiefling on one of it's horns? Vrak almost chuckles out loud at the absurdity of it. But he sees his friend may have drawn trouble to himself If he's lucky he'll get to keep that finger. I hope he doesn't need it for anything.
Vraks voice becomes hard, menacing. "Yes Tyrgram I do see this devil. If he is causing you trouble then but say the word and I will cleave its head from its shoulders."
Vrak stares at the tiefling, the type of stare that only a dragonborn can give. His right hand falls to the pommel of his sword and he then grips the handle, nearly pulling it free of its scabbard. He resists for the moment. Best not to spill blood in this tavern unless necessary.
"If this is a guide you are interviewing or the other business you had to attend to, if this is Zee, I do not believe that we are interested."
Almost as an afterthought, as if he had forgotten the elf that followed him, but he had certainly not "This is Naivara, she says she has been sent by our employer to join us on our quest." His voice is still hard, but not quite as menacing as it had been a moment before.
Vrak's eyes never leave the tiefling, as if he expects, well he is not sure exactly what he expects, except it will likely be evil of some sort.
When the human flicks one of his horns, Jirani can feel the tingling of butterflies in his stomach. As far as first impressions goes, that was adorable. The word 'devil' however, would be his most pressing quest to persuade Tyrgram into not using. It had such... bad connotations to it. Regardless he just smiled, wide from one ear to another revealing a set of pearly white yet menacingly sharp teeth. "Mm, I think I'll keep you." He cooed before looking over at the dragonborn and the elf walking in their direction. The dragonborn he recognized by the description his employer had given him and, after a second glance, the elf did, too.
"About me being a devil-" Jirani, now turned to the human, starts his plea of another nickname, but the dragonborn's voice interrupts him. Hearing 'devil' even more cemented now, as it had been spoken by two mouths, the tiefling takes a deep breath before smiling at the tall man. He would very much like his head still attached to his body. "Oh, Vrak. Please spare me. I'm very... attached to my head. Besides", Jirani runs a hand through one of his braids decorated with golden rings, "we're matching, you and I." His eyes glimmered, and the imposing stature of the dragonborn was as handsome as the innocent nature of the human was precious. What an interesting group so far. To hear that he wasn't interested was, however, a blow to his ego. Interested of what he had no idea, but it still stung.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Naivara." The bronze tiefling said and bowed politely, yet in a manner that kept his horns out of reach as to not touch anyone with them. The golden chains dangled between them as he straightened up again. "As a matter of fact she and I share our reason to be here, approaching you both. I'm also sent by Syndra Sylvane." Her more standoff-ish aura was intriguing. Gaining her trust wouldn't come easy, but he'd walk through fire to do so. Perhaps that didn't say much due to his ancestry, but given that his clothes would be completely ruined, he still felt that it meant a lot of effort on his part.
"We, tielfing, do not match." His voice remains hard. "As for sparing you? Perhaps for the moment. But how do you know my name? We have never met."
Vrak continues to stare the man down and his eyes narrow at the mention of Syndra's name. He relaxes the grip on his sword for the moment but his hand remains resting on the pommel.
"Naivara here has said the same thing. What do you know of this Naivara?"
Vrak's yellow eyes never leave the tiefling. His focus is almost all on the tiefling.
Naivara looks at the tiefling and tilts her head as she continually hears them call him devil, she goes to speak until Vrak speaks up first. The corner of her lips give a slight twitch at being asked that question and she speaks up, keeping a rather casual tone, however she continues to distance herself by not coming any closer. "I heard a brief description of this one, so I suppose he is with us, Syndra told me six of us would be joining together." Naivara then meets the tiefling's gaze, "If I recall what names I was given by our employer, your name shoud be Jirani correct? A bard.
Her gaze shifts down ever so slightly to his hip, where a flute rested and then back up. Her gaze then flicks over towards Tyrgram, she raises her brow ever so slightly. "And you are Tyrgram? Where are the others? I suppose you all split up in search of guides to interview?"
Tyrgram stares from one person to another as he is processing the situation. Defusing the tension seems to be the first order of business because they cannot just start a tavern brawl in the middle of the day. Or at any time for that matter. It would be most unbecoming.
'Okay, let's all back up for a moment.' He points towards Vrak and himself, 'We are here to find a guide. Well, he is. I need to speak to someone else.' He continues counting on his fingers. 'There are two others in our group but they are back at Kaya's.' He then points towards Jirani and Naivara. 'You two are in the employ of Miss Sylvane, correct? That would make us partners at the very least.' He takes a deep breath and tries to get something resembling a smile on his face. 'If we're going to be working together, it wouldn't bode well to start off with a fight, now would it?'
He peeks over Vrak's shoulder to see Zee. Or at least he tries to before realising that Vrak is nearly a foot taller than him so he leans a bit to the side to peek through the gap between Vrak and Naivara. Luckily, the one named Zee is still propped up at her table. 'If you would excuse me.' Tyrgram grabs a drink from the counter, hoping it is his, quicky drops the appropriate coin on the wood and shuffles over to one of the tables. 'You play nice with our new friends now, you hear Vrak?' He shouts back over his shoulder before dragging a chair up to the table.
'You are Zee, correct?' He says to the Chultan woman as he sits down. 'I'm here about a job you posted.'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
"Hmm, friends you say? That remains to be seen."
Vrak watches as Tyrgram then slips past him and heads to a woman sitting at another table. Swinging his gaze back to the tiefling he appraises him once again.
"It seems you are not Zee then, are you? Jirani, that is your name? Naivara seems to know your name and she seems to be sent by our employer. I suppose perhaps you have been sent by her also to aid in the quest."
Vrak seems to think for a moment, some sort of internal conflict waging within. But then he seems to come to a decision.
"Companions we must be then Jirani. I apologize for threatening your life." Vrak removes his hand from the pommel of his sword and bows to the tiefling. "My friend Tyrgram appeared to have gotten himself into some trouble, but perhaps it was nothing more than a misunderstanding, on my part."
Looking about the room once again he spots Salida sitting further down the bar.
"I am indeed here to find and interview a guide. I see her down at the end of the bar. Come, I will buy you each a drink and we shall speak with her and see if she is a good fit for our group."
Vrak then motions for them to join him and as he moves towards Salida he gets the attention of the bartender. He then approaches Salida and gets her attention.
"Excuse me, Salida is it not? I and my companions are in need of a guide. We saw your post and would like to speak with you regarding your qualifications. Is there somewhere that we may speak?"
OOC - If Salida is willing to talk here is the list of questions:
How long have you been working as a guide?
How much of the island do you know?
What do you know of the Flaming Fist and your feelings towards them?
What do you know of the history of the ruins and mines on the island?
What of the Order of the Gauntlet? You have been at their camps? Do you know what they are doing on the island? Are they friendly to adventurers?
What troubles can we expect while in the jungle besides roaming undead and dinosaurs?
What about food and water? Do we forage for food and water, or must we carry everything? Can we take pack animals or carts?
What do you know of the Star Goddess?
Who is Ubtao?
"Ahh, you remember my name. I'm flattered." Jirani smiles with genuine enthusiasm towards the elf before turning to the dragonborn yet again, confirming what he said. "Yes, what Naivara said is correct. We were both sent her separately for the same purpose: to aid in the quest. A very important quest, if I may say so." In this, he meant every word he said. Death, when and where there should be none, would never amount in anything good.
A warmth spread in his eyes at the apology, and the bronze tiefling wasn't late to respond with a deep bow of his own, yet again minding his horns. "As I accept your apology, I will apologize, too. My curiosity often gets the best of me, and I caught poor Tyrgram off guard. And these", he resorted to flicking at one of his horns in a more elegant manner than the human had previously done, "doesn't always make for the best of first impressions."
"An offer of a proper conversation and some alcohol? I could never refuse that." Understanding that this was Vrak's undertaking Jirani simply followed him like an obedient hound. His curious, golden eyes glanced over at Salida, as the dragonborn addressed the stranger.
Naivara looks a little suspicious at the genuine enthusiasm that Jirani has been showing towards them and narrows her eyes just slightly. With a slight nod at Vrak's offer and she follows just a bit behind Vrak and Jirani, she goes silent and says not another word as she looks over at the guide they would be talking to. Quietly she decides to let Vrak do the interviewing, preferring to keep to herself a bit longer.
(Bah! Sorry this took so long. Meant to get this in before work)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Zubeki is wholly impressed with the words that came from the firbolg’s mouth. The often jumbled Common that Jolly uses is saturated in sincerity and wisdom, and Zubeki is glad that he has such support in a strange land. “Let us find our team, we don’t know what kind of trouble they’ll be in.”
The Thundering Lizard was not that hard to find, but the crowds at this time made it tough to travel quickly. Zubeki looks behind him to only see Jolly towering over Chultains, smiling and following close behind. The pair enters the maw of the tavern to find most of the others conversing with assumed guides. “We have arrived!”
"Them? No. They... oh... Oh... Oh no." On that note, Jolly leaves at a much more hurried pace. Yet, much to his personal chagrin, navigating the streets of Chult is easier said then done. The people were so varied in their smallness, the sights no less intoxicating than his initial arrival, and frankly speaking he was just too nice for his own good to start moving folk.
By the time the duo arrival, Jolly is winded enough to spend the first few moments at the entrance resting heavily on his quarter staff. More so in response to Zubeki's words than having seen the rest and the 'guides', he manages a weak wave. "In... Indeed." He adds breathily.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Salida is 5 feet 4 inches tall and 120 pounds. She is fit and completely looks the part of a seasoned explorer. Her emerald colored eyes sparkle when she turns towards you and her smile is genuine. "Well meet, I am Salida and would be honored to answer any and all questions you may have. Please, everyone, have a seat."
How long have you been working as a guide?
I have been an employee of jobuls for about 9 years now. The pay is good and I get to meet interesting people and discover new places.
How much of the island do you know?
I know a good chunk of it, I can lead you down to the ruined city of Omu and across the Lands of ash and smoke, If you wish I can take you to the ancient monastery of Kir Sabal, or help you find the Guardian Naga at Orolunga. I know a lot of secret trails that don't appear on any map.
What do you know of the Flaming Fist and your feelings towards them?
They are a group of macho men that think they own everything. I try to avoid them if at all possible but at times it just can't be helped.
What do you know of the history of the ruins and mines on the island?
I know a lot of the histories of Chult. I was born and bred here. If you want to know what happened to the specific ruins we come across I most likely will know the answer, but of course, not everyone knows everything. There will be things I just don't know about. I do know how to get to a lot of ruins and mines and abandoned temples if that's what you're asking.
What of the Order of the Gauntlet? Have you been to their camps? Do you know what they are doing on the island? Are they friendly to adventurers?
I try to avoid the Order of the Gauntlet. Ever since they lost Camp Righteous, Commander Niles Breakbone has been 'enlisting' anyone that shows up in his camp. He claims it is wartime and he has the authority to enlist people. If you do not cooperate then he holds a trial, which you will always lose, and then stakes you to a tree outside and pours honey all over you so the insects will eat you alive. But Chultan knows why they are here. They are here to destroy the undead plaguing Chult once and for all. But if you ask me they bit off more than they could handle. They had no idea the jungle would be so deadly. They are used to the comforts of the mainland where its sprawling grasslands and forests, They weren't prepared for a climate that will kill you if you are not ready for it.
What troubles can we expect while in the jungle beside roaming undead and dinosaurs?
The usual, Disease, Dehydrating, wild animals, Grung, the plants themselves. The jungle is very dangerous and can kill you a lot of different ways if you go out their unprepared.
What about food and water? Do we forage for food and water, or must we carry everything? Can we take pack animals or carts?
Most people take some food with them but you can always forage for food if you are skilled enough. Water, on the other hand, is a different matter entirely. As for carts or animals. If you wish. But you would have to treat them like yourself and feed them and give them plenty of extra water.
What do you know of the Star Goddess?
Some airship that crashed. Not sure where it is though.
Who is Ubtao?
Salida makes a small hand gesture and kisses her fingers towards the sky. "Ubtao is the great god of Chult and I would not use his name in vain."
DM Tomb of Annihilation X2
DM Curse of Strahd
Redleaf Moutain Dwarf Circle of land(Moutain) Druid
Zee looks you over and frowns for a moment. "Aye, I am. And you are?"
DM Tomb of Annihilation X2
DM Curse of Strahd
Redleaf Moutain Dwarf Circle of land(Moutain) Druid
'The name's Tyrgram.' Tygrams replies as he leans in a bit closer. He had seen how Vrak and Zubeki handled the questioning of that albino Dwarf back at Kaya's so he figured he could give it a go. It did not seem all that difficult: the key was to be all confident and businesslike.
'I'm new in town and my party and I are about to have a walkabout in the jungle. We're on a mission of life and death so it's very hush-hush. But that's not important right now. What is important is that you have a job that needs to be doing, some temple ruins that needs scrubbing, right? Now I'm not Flint Fireforge, Dwarf Adventurer but what I do have is the manpower to aid you with that. There's six of us, myself included, from various walks of life: from the deepest depths of Hell to the loftiest highs of dragonflights and all the magic inbetween. So how about I scratch your back, you scratch mine and you tell me all about this adventure we're embarking on?'
Tyrgram glances to the side where Vrak, Naivara and Jirani are standing and gives them a subtle thumbs up from under the table.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Zee watches Tyrgram give the thumbs up to someone at another table and looks over to see who he is giving it to and shakes her head with amusement. "You are so sure I'll be taking you along on my journey eh? Very well."
Zee takes her feet off the table and sits up. She looks over at the bartender and puts two fingers up in the air, after a moment the bartender comes over to the table with two glasses of a deep reddish colored liquid and puts it in front of Tyrgram and Zee. It has a very pungent, spicy smell to it. Zee holds her drink up in the air and waits for Tyrgram.
DM Tomb of Annihilation X2
DM Curse of Strahd
Redleaf Moutain Dwarf Circle of land(Moutain) Druid