A couple of hours later, Azaka joins the group, her sharp eyes scanning over the ankylosaurus and the freshly acquired goods from the Chultan merchants. She crosses her arms, tilting her head slightly as she sizes you up.
"Ah, so you lot are eager to hire me as your guide—good to hear."She nods in approval before letting out a short chuckle."Judging by your haul, you've wasted no time getting ready. That’s good. That’s real good."
Her gaze shifts to the darkening sky, lips pressing into a thoughtful line as she watches the steady drizzle. "You’re eager to head into the jungle. I like that. High morale makes for stronger legs when the going gets rough." She gestures toward the clouds, her tone turning more serious. "That said, I’d advise waiting until morning. These skies have been brooding for hours, and while the sun’s still up there somewhere, we’d get more use of it if we left at first light." She shrugs, rolling her shoulders. "Of course, it's your call. If you insist on leaving now, we’ll be moving in the dark anyway, so… makes little difference."
She then leans in slightly, lowering her voice just a touch. "Now, my standard fare is five gold a day, but Jobal—my lovely, ever-demanding employer—expects a thirty-day payment upfront as a guarantee." She pauses, then smirks, eyes glinting with something beyond the usual business talk. "Unless, of course… you’re willing to help me with a little business of my own out there in the jungle. Do that, and I’ll waive the fare. Jobal and I can settle things later."
Her accent carries the same distinct Chultan lilt as K’lahu and Taban, but there’s something different in her tone—something tired. She speaks like someone who’s repeated these words a hundred times, rattling them off like a tour guide reciting a well-worn script. But the moment she mentions her own business, there’s a shift—her voice gains an edge of real excitement, a rare spark of genuine interest breaking through the monotony.
Thyxius loads his backpack onto their ankylosaurus with a smile, already considering names for the dinosaur when Azaka approaches. He gives her a respectful nod. “A pleasure, Azaka. I’m Thyxius, a Paladin of Torm.”He turns to the others. “We’ve already made good progress today. I think waiting until morning to head out would be wise. What about the rest of you?” His golden eyes shift back to Azaka, curiosity sparking. “As for your business, if it’s worth a thirty-day fare, I imagine it’s no small matter. Why don’t you tell us more?”
Thyxius loads his backpack onto their ankylosaurus with a smile, already considering names for the dinosaur when Azaka approaches. He gives her a respectful nod. “A pleasure, Azaka. I’m Thyxius, a Paladin of Torm.”He turns to the others. “We’ve already made good progress today. I think waiting until morning to head out would be wise. What about the rest of you?” His golden eyes shift back to Azaka, curiosity sparking. “As for your business, if it’s worth a thirty-day fare, I imagine it’s no small matter. Why don’t you tell us more?”
Azaka crosses her arms, her tone firm and straightforward, but there's a glint of determination in her eyes.
"It won’t be easy, but with a solid plan, we’ll manage. We head south—ten days straight from Port Nyanzaru—until we reach Firefinger, a pterafolk nest. Those winged devils are nasty, but with a strong, balanced group, we can handle them."
She pauses, her gaze steady—until she mentions Firefinger again. Her posture shifts ever so slightly, her jaw tightening.
"I need your help. Those beasts stole something precious—a family heirloom. I aim to take it back. But make no mistake, they don’t take kindly to intruders and have a knack for killing people."
Azaka exhales, glancing away for a moment before fixing her gaze back on the group.
"And... I’ll say this now—I don’t do heights. I can get you to Firefinger, show you the best way in, but climbing? That’s on you. I’m not going up there."
She squares her shoulders again, regaining her usual confidence.
"Once that’s done, I’ll lead you through the jungle. But tell me—are you just here to prove yourselves as adventurers? Or is there something more you're after? Maybe the climb to Firefinger alone will be enough to satisfy your thirst for danger."
Thyxius listens intently, noting the shift in Azaka’s demeanor at the mention of Firefinger. He crosses his arms, his expression thoughtful but resolute. “A family heirloom is worth fighting for—I understand that well. If these pterafolk have taken something precious from you, then we’ll see it returned. As for heights,” he offers a small, reassuring smile, “we’ll handle the climb. You get us there, and we’ll take care of the rest.” His golden eyes meet hers, steady and unwavering. “We didn’t come to Chult just to chase danger—we came to end the Death Curse. If retrieving what’s yours gets us one step closer to that, then consider it done.”
Thyxius listens intently, noting the shift in Azaka’s demeanor at the mention of Firefinger. He crosses his arms, his expression thoughtful but resolute. “A family heirloom is worth fighting for—I understand that well. If these pterafolk have taken something precious from you, then we’ll see it returned. As for heights,” he offers a small, reassuring smile, “we’ll handle the climb. You get us there, and we’ll take care of the rest.” His golden eyes meet hers, steady and unwavering. “We didn’t come to Chult just to chase danger—we came to end the Death Curse. If retrieving what’s yours gets us one step closer to that, then consider it done.”
Azaka crosses her arms, her expression thoughtful but firm. “Death curse, huh? If that foul magic’s stirring somewhere in the jungle, there’s one place to start—Saja N’baza. That old naga sees more than most, knows the land like no other. If anyone can point you the right way, it’s her.” She gives a sharp nod. “Getting there won’t be easy, but if you’re serious about this, I can get you through.”
“Well, we’d be glad to speak to Saha N’baza, ifn you’d guide us there. Do we have everyone? Taban, are you ready? Let’s head out, to Firefinger!” Cleggor crawls up on the ankylosaurus, making himself ready to go.
Standing nearby Rhys readies his pack and stands near Azaka. As a guide himself, he’s eager to see any tips or tricks she might have that he could learn as well.
Petor's brow furrows when he hears the word "naga", but pushes it out of his mind, sure there will be plenty of time to do more research. He too clambers on top of the beast, sitting as far away from both the head and the tail as possible.
By dawn, everyone gathers at the spot Azaka had set the day before. Taban arrives early, carrying little more than rations and the gear he needs to hold his own in a fight—or to hunt if the need arises.
Azaka, ever prepared, shoulders her own pack and moves with practiced efficiency, securing the last of the supplies onto the ankylosaurus. Once satisfied, she turns to the group, arms crossed.
"Alright, before we set off—anyone got an exploration charter from the Flaming Fist?"
She barely waits for an answer before catching their blank looks and scoffing.
"Didn’t think so. Listen, we don’t need one, but you should know the first stretch of jungle? The Flaming Fist claims it as theirs. If we run into one of their patrols, could mean trouble." She pauses, eyes scanning the group. "You could head to Fort Beluarian and buy a charter—takes about seven days north to get there. But if you ask me?" She shakes her head. "I don’t like their attitude. Bunch of coin-hungry brutes who think they own the wilds. I’d rather keep our heads down, move smart, and avoid them where we can."
She exhales sharply, rolling her shoulders. "But it’s your call. You hired me to get you through this, so whichever way we go, I’ll see it done."
"Baldurs Gate has taught me a few lessons, and two of them seem to here conflict. The first is that you always play by the gangs' rules. They give you breath and every day you wake up is thanks to their mercy. The second, however, is to, as our wise guide said, keep your head down. It seems like we've escaped the Flaming Fist's notice so far, and buying a charter may just bring us to their attention, as well as waste our valuable coin and even more precious time." Petor weighs two conflicting principles in his head before nodding. "I say we trust Azaka and skip the charter."
With everything set, the group follows Azaka through the streets of Port Nyanzaru, leaving behind the towering villas of the Merchant Princes, the bustling markets, and the stone walls that mark the city's edge. The scent of salt and spice lingers in the air as they pass the last of the trade posts and warehouses, their colorful facades soon giving way to the dense, untamed jungle beyond.
The weather shifts unpredictably. At first, a light drizzle cools the humid air, but as they press on, the rain intensifies, turning the dirt path into slick mud. Thick foliage soon surrounds them, the towering trees blocking out most of the sky, and the distant sounds of the city fade into the chorus of the jungle—chirping insects, rustling leaves, and the occasional distant roar of some unseen beast.
Azaka stops once they are well beyond the last traces of civilization. She glances back at the group and nods.
"All right, this is it. The first ten days shouldn’t be much of an issue. Stick together, move smart, and use the foliage to our advantage. Jungle’s got eyes, but we’ll make sure none of them get the drop on us."
With that, she turns and presses forward, leading them deeper into the wild heart of Chult
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(Agree on both accounts)
D&D since 1984
Cleggor will donate 50 gp for the dinosaur mount and agree with the first guide. He is ready to head out if we have purchased the other supplies.
Thyxius is ready as well.
Rhys does one more quick shopping trip.
”Ok I think we are set!”
(purchased 4 waterskins, 1 rope, 2 chains, 1 crowbar, 2 grappling hooks :: -17.8 gp)
Petor nods along, agreeing to both the purchase of the dinosaur and of the charter of the guide. He's ready to rumble.
A couple of hours later, Azaka joins the group, her sharp eyes scanning over the ankylosaurus and the freshly acquired goods from the Chultan merchants. She crosses her arms, tilting her head slightly as she sizes you up.
"Ah, so you lot are eager to hire me as your guide—good to hear." She nods in approval before letting out a short chuckle. "Judging by your haul, you've wasted no time getting ready. That’s good. That’s real good."
Her gaze shifts to the darkening sky, lips pressing into a thoughtful line as she watches the steady drizzle. "You’re eager to head into the jungle. I like that. High morale makes for stronger legs when the going gets rough." She gestures toward the clouds, her tone turning more serious. "That said, I’d advise waiting until morning. These skies have been brooding for hours, and while the sun’s still up there somewhere, we’d get more use of it if we left at first light." She shrugs, rolling her shoulders. "Of course, it's your call. If you insist on leaving now, we’ll be moving in the dark anyway, so… makes little difference."
She then leans in slightly, lowering her voice just a touch. "Now, my standard fare is five gold a day, but Jobal—my lovely, ever-demanding employer—expects a thirty-day payment upfront as a guarantee." She pauses, then smirks, eyes glinting with something beyond the usual business talk. "Unless, of course… you’re willing to help me with a little business of my own out there in the jungle. Do that, and I’ll waive the fare. Jobal and I can settle things later."
Her accent carries the same distinct Chultan lilt as K’lahu and Taban, but there’s something different in her tone—something tired. She speaks like someone who’s repeated these words a hundred times, rattling them off like a tour guide reciting a well-worn script. But the moment she mentions her own business, there’s a shift—her voice gains an edge of real excitement, a rare spark of genuine interest breaking through the monotony.
Thyxius loads his backpack onto their ankylosaurus with a smile, already considering names for the dinosaur when Azaka approaches. He gives her a respectful nod. “A pleasure, Azaka. I’m Thyxius, a Paladin of Torm.” He turns to the others. “We’ve already made good progress today. I think waiting until morning to head out would be wise. What about the rest of you?” His golden eyes shift back to Azaka, curiosity sparking. “As for your business, if it’s worth a thirty-day fare, I imagine it’s no small matter. Why don’t you tell us more?”
“I agree Thyxius, it’s wise to heed to words of our guide, even before the journey has begun.”
Azaka crosses her arms, her tone firm and straightforward, but there's a glint of determination in her eyes.
"It won’t be easy, but with a solid plan, we’ll manage. We head south—ten days straight from Port Nyanzaru—until we reach Firefinger, a pterafolk nest. Those winged devils are nasty, but with a strong, balanced group, we can handle them."
She pauses, her gaze steady—until she mentions Firefinger again. Her posture shifts ever so slightly, her jaw tightening.
"I need your help. Those beasts stole something precious—a family heirloom. I aim to take it back. But make no mistake, they don’t take kindly to intruders and have a knack for killing people."
Azaka exhales, glancing away for a moment before fixing her gaze back on the group.
"And... I’ll say this now—I don’t do heights. I can get you to Firefinger, show you the best way in, but climbing? That’s on you. I’m not going up there."
She squares her shoulders again, regaining her usual confidence.
"Once that’s done, I’ll lead you through the jungle. But tell me—are you just here to prove yourselves as adventurers? Or is there something more you're after? Maybe the climb to Firefinger alone will be enough to satisfy your thirst for danger."
Thyxius listens intently, noting the shift in Azaka’s demeanor at the mention of Firefinger. He crosses his arms, his expression thoughtful but resolute. “A family heirloom is worth fighting for—I understand that well. If these pterafolk have taken something precious from you, then we’ll see it returned. As for heights,” he offers a small, reassuring smile, “we’ll handle the climb. You get us there, and we’ll take care of the rest.” His golden eyes meet hers, steady and unwavering. “We didn’t come to Chult just to chase danger—we came to end the Death Curse. If retrieving what’s yours gets us one step closer to that, then consider it done.”
“I can see why you would want it back. I’m in” Lucian says
D&D since 1984
Azaka crosses her arms, her expression thoughtful but firm. “Death curse, huh? If that foul magic’s stirring somewhere in the jungle, there’s one place to start—Saja N’baza. That old naga sees more than most, knows the land like no other. If anyone can point you the right way, it’s her.” She gives a sharp nod. “Getting there won’t be easy, but if you’re serious about this, I can get you through.”
“Well, we’d be glad to speak to Saha N’baza, ifn you’d guide us there. Do we have everyone? Taban, are you ready? Let’s head out, to Firefinger!” Cleggor crawls up on the ankylosaurus, making himself ready to go.
Standing nearby Rhys readies his pack and stands near Azaka. As a guide himself, he’s eager to see any tips or tricks she might have that he could learn as well.
Thyxius grins excitedly and climbs aboard the dinosaur as well.
Petor's brow furrows when he hears the word "naga", but pushes it out of his mind, sure there will be plenty of time to do more research. He too clambers on top of the beast, sitting as far away from both the head and the tail as possible.
By dawn, everyone gathers at the spot Azaka had set the day before. Taban arrives early, carrying little more than rations and the gear he needs to hold his own in a fight—or to hunt if the need arises.
Azaka, ever prepared, shoulders her own pack and moves with practiced efficiency, securing the last of the supplies onto the ankylosaurus. Once satisfied, she turns to the group, arms crossed.
"Alright, before we set off—anyone got an exploration charter from the Flaming Fist?"
She barely waits for an answer before catching their blank looks and scoffing.
"Didn’t think so. Listen, we don’t need one, but you should know the first stretch of jungle? The Flaming Fist claims it as theirs. If we run into one of their patrols, could mean trouble." She pauses, eyes scanning the group. "You could head to Fort Beluarian and buy a charter—takes about seven days north to get there. But if you ask me?" She shakes her head. "I don’t like their attitude. Bunch of coin-hungry brutes who think they own the wilds. I’d rather keep our heads down, move smart, and avoid them where we can."
She exhales sharply, rolling her shoulders. "But it’s your call. You hired me to get you through this, so whichever way we go, I’ll see it done."
"Baldurs Gate has taught me a few lessons, and two of them seem to here conflict. The first is that you always play by the gangs' rules. They give you breath and every day you wake up is thanks to their mercy. The second, however, is to, as our wise guide said, keep your head down. It seems like we've escaped the Flaming Fist's notice so far, and buying a charter may just bring us to their attention, as well as waste our valuable coin and even more precious time." Petor weighs two conflicting principles in his head before nodding. "I say we trust Azaka and skip the charter."
“Sounds like you’ve got the truth of it. I don’t like being shaken down, I think we will take your advice and deal with them if the time comes.”
With everything set, the group follows Azaka through the streets of Port Nyanzaru, leaving behind the towering villas of the Merchant Princes, the bustling markets, and the stone walls that mark the city's edge. The scent of salt and spice lingers in the air as they pass the last of the trade posts and warehouses, their colorful facades soon giving way to the dense, untamed jungle beyond.
The weather shifts unpredictably. At first, a light drizzle cools the humid air, but as they press on, the rain intensifies, turning the dirt path into slick mud. Thick foliage soon surrounds them, the towering trees blocking out most of the sky, and the distant sounds of the city fade into the chorus of the jungle—chirping insects, rustling leaves, and the occasional distant roar of some unseen beast.
Azaka stops once they are well beyond the last traces of civilization. She glances back at the group and nods.
"All right, this is it. The first ten days shouldn’t be much of an issue. Stick together, move smart, and use the foliage to our advantage. Jungle’s got eyes, but we’ll make sure none of them get the drop on us."
With that, she turns and presses forward, leading them deeper into the wild heart of Chult