Dariel starts to zone out again as a young gnome woman walks into the room, babbling about who knows what, but perks back up and takes an interest again when he hears her mention spices, herbs and exotic creatures, all things with which he is quite familiar. He gives her a second look, sizing her up, and wondering how much she's learned from her uncle and mother. Once she stops talking, he starts to lose interest once again until the girl starts talking about Shadows and Demons. This causes him to take a second look at the person she's inspecting, and he blinks as he realizes the young gnome is right, the shadows do seem to act strangely around the other woman.
Thom opened one eye and glanced at the newcomer whom just entered the room. Her characteristics, human and yet elvish, probably helps her blend into a crowd. However is she human trained or elf trained? Must be Elf trained by the looks of her attire. Humans wouldn't be very good at blending into their environment, well...most humans. Thom glanced for a quick moment at the Druid and Rogue.
With the arrival of the Half-Elf, Thom began puffing on his pipe as he watched their host once again, surely this had to be everyone.
Syndra nodded at Jadyn, delight shown brightly in her dark eyes. "You would be correct, Cleric. As a follower of "The Spinner of Fate" you should know much about death." Snapping her fingers, one of Syndra's Attendants moved to a corner of the room and removed a rolled up parchment from inside of a small chest sitting on top of a wooden desk. He returned to her and placed it in Syndra's hand before returning to his original position. "Less then a year ago strange things began to happen. The undead seemed to slowly fade from the area. Reports began to arrive stating the inability to raise an individual who had just met death. A month ago Individuals who were once raised from the dead had begun to weaken. Many of them have now succumbed to death. Their bodies decomposed as if gone long ago rather then just a few hours before." With her bony fingers she slowly loosened the cord around the parchment and glanced down at it. "Your Mistress would be pleased with the current state of things would she not? What she has always wanted is finally coming to fruition is it not? The dead finally staying dead? Or perhaps not since the souls seem unable to reach her are they?" Shooting a look at Damien her crackling voice continued. "You would be correct as well, Rogue. Even Rumors can be true if you know what to listen for." She said nodding to the Gnome.
Syndra listened impatiently as the girl babbled with her apologies and excuses. Time was of the essence and distractions like this seemed to only be slowing the matter. It was a shame her Uncle broke his leg. The medicinal plants and remedies he created would have been useful. Not to her, of course. No Cleric or medicinal plants could help her condition now. She had hopped he would have been able be utilized on this planned journey as a healer of sorts in case more magical means were not available. "Child, your Uncle To Bid is a very gifted... gatherer.. of materials which some might find beneficial. Though what he does may just seem like ordinary work to you for others it could mean life or death. Similar to how a cleric utilizes their faith in their Gods to create miracles so does your Uncle in his own less dramatic way. His talents would have been a greet boon to me. However, since he seems to have gone and broken his leg you will have to do." Syndra turned her attention away from the girl and returned to discussing matters to the group as a whole.
"I have dedicated the last month to tracking down the cause of this death curse." She handed the unraveled parchment to her Attendant who placed it on a table not far from the adventurers. He weighed down each corner with books in order for it lay flat on the table so everyone could see. As he went about his task Syndra continued. "My contacts in the Harpers have learned that the cause of the death curse is a necromantic artifact called Soulmonger." She spoke the last word with great distaste. "According to their sources, the Soulmonger is somewhere in Chult." She pointed for the adventurers to take a look at the scroll which revealed what appeared to be a large unknown land mass. Much of the map seemed blank. Perhaps a new territorial discovery explorers had yet to finish mapping. "Working from dozens of sea charts, log books, and explorers' journals, I assembled everything known about the current state of Chult into one map. It is a peninsula ringed with mountains and choked with rainforests. Enormous reptiles, savage goblins, and an army of undead prowl its jungles and ruins. Mapping the place has always been nigh impossible, and nothing is known about the region's current geography beyond a few miles from the coast. I want to send each of you to Chult to hunt for the Soulmonger. Find it. Secure it. Then return the artifact to me so I can properly dispose of it." Syndra grew quiet as she slowly spread her gaze around the room. She waited to see what their reactions would be.
OOC: I will post the map under player resources in Discord. You can also find a picture of this revealed player resource on this webpage.
Having already heard the rumors of undead disappearing and the inability to raise the recently dead, Dariel's mind wandered until she mentioned bodies decomposing in hours as if it had been years. Decomposition and decay were things he had much familiarity with, having studied it extensively since his illness, coming to understand that death and decay were integral parts of life.
As the map is laid out, he stands from his chair and walks over to get a closer look, having no familiarity with this 'Chult'. The large amount of blank space on the map doesn't fill him with confidence, though he's happy to hear there is plenty of rainforest, so hopefully it won't feel too far off from what he's used to. Almost anything would be better than one of these crowded cities.
Dariel pulls his herbalism kit out of his pack and shows it to Syndra when she's done talking, then nods at Quill. "I can help," he states. "Alternatively, poison, if I get a kit."
"So a soul sucker is taking people's souls....why? And more importantly, for who?"
Damien glances at the map, but knowing that he can look at it later, he focuses on the host in front of him. She wouldn't be joining them, so it was more sensible to get her talking while he still had the chance. He stared her down from the spot he had taken since entering the room. He had taken note of the various figures entering and chatting around him, a few even giving him a once over, but he really didn't care. They were hadn't caught his ire, and they barely caught his attention, so there was no need to talk to them in his mind. He kept his gaze on Syndra.
Thom thought back on everything he knew about Chult from the rumors, and tales he gathered over the years. There was only a small passage that came to his mind regarding the diviner Yaphyll.
"The white queen is troubled but can't say why. The black queen hates the white and gives the assassin a black coat. The assassin steals upon the white queen. She can't see him gliding through the shadows. The sword screams. The white queen falls. Her city falls. Stones fall in the cavern to crush the soothsayer. The tree burns and thrashes in agony. Branches break. Branches twist and grow together..."
Thom looked around the room to see if anyone understood the passage, though he didn't expect it.
"The prophecy was given by the diviner Yaphyll though its meaning is debated to this day by scholars around the world." Thom stopped for a moment. I told myself I was done with anything dealing with prophecies yet the first thing out of my mouth... "It spoke of a destruction after the death of a white queen. Historians have believed that the white queen, black queen, and assassin were representations of the gods Mystra, Shar, and Savras. This event when it came to pass took several names the most common three being Spellplague, Blue Breath of Change, and the Sundering." Thom took up a glass of ale and took a swig before continuing on. He hadn't planned on speaking but now that he had, he couldn't let himself leave the story half told.
"Many things took place during this event and when it was all said and done the Chultan Peninsula was torn from the rest of the land to become the island of Chult today. It's said to be inhabited by no more than savages these days. With many speaking of savage beasts, and hulking dinosaurs. Thom shook his head as if clearing his mind. An image of a creature with gray-green scales and three eyes in the shape of a frog yet the size of a large bear had come to his mind for just a moment. How he hated those things. "Stories parents tell their children when they are misbehaving."
Thom moved over to take a look at the map. My guess is most people, after the sundering, choose to ignore Chult and that is where these rumors come from. Though I do wonder what keeps those who adventure from entering the jungles?"
The young gnome stilled as the woman underneath her robes began to speak. The woman spoke of things that she only heard in snippets of worried whispers and bits of hushed conversation spoken in hurried tones with concerned looks out of range of her sensitive ears. As she spoke, Quill fingers sought the comfort of Book's fur, knowing that such things were way beyond her ken.
She nearly objected over the woman's declaration that she could take her Uncle's place, a thousand curious questions on her tongue admist the knowledge she was possessed the merest of her relative's skill. Only repeated lessons about listening and deeply held beliefs of respect to her elders stilled her tongue. Still she couldn't help but smile when the silent broding man who smelt deeply of pine offered his aid. By Wildwander's staff would she ever need it.
For all her bags, pens, books, potions, equipment, and self sufficiency, Quill was very much still a child. Granted it was their glens habit to send their children into the world early teaching them the skills of survival and independence almost as soon as they could speak, so she wasn't inexperienced. Just young. And very much out of her element at the non.
So she forced herself to be still and quiet as if the entire conversation was a beast she wished to study without the danger of losing a hand or worse her head. Perhaps if she listened and waited long enough all this talk of maps, curses, savage tribes, strange beasts and cryptic prophecies would begin to make sense.
In her lap, a soft muted rumble began to emerge from Book as her fingers began to softly caress his fur, the subtle motion the only thing of her anxiety as she listened solemnly to the conversation around her.
Gairlik grabs a mug and quickly has it fills before the attendants have a chance to finishing getting it set up. "Ah. Much thanks, fellas," he says downing half the ale in one gulp. He tops his mug off before turning his attention back to others in the room.
Catching the disgusted look from the lute player, "What's the matter there, bub? Do I have something in my teeth?" He pokes a fingernail between his teeth making sure the remnants of his dinner are no longer offending.
The dwarf remains quiet trying to take in everyone's ramblings. "Big lizards, goblins and zombies? Oh my! Sounds like this could get expensive for you...and profitable for us."Taking a look at all information presented, "So seems like you've been at this for some time. I suspect we ain't the first you've sent."
Syndra nods at Dariel. "For where I plan to send your group you will all need to be skilled in more then just herbology and poison. Your life will surely depend on it." Why and for who is yet to be discovered, Damien. The best we could discover was the island the artifact was put to work on. It will be up to your party to determine who and what to do with the time comes."
When Damien asked about wanting them alive Syndra sniffed deeply. "I don't care what is done with the one responsible for this. What I care about is ensuring this curse ends for the world's sake." "And my own", thought Syndra. As Thom finished his story and Dariel pipped up his question, Syndra watched Thom with Intrigue. This man seemed to be no mere Bard. Perhaps a historian well versed in ancient texts? Not many knew about the history of the Chultan Peninsula let alone the Sundering. If there was more time she would have enjoyed talking about the past with this man. History lesson or not what mattered most is the Soulmonger. She wondered if this man knew who Ras Nsi was? Or rather whom he had been?
"Savage would be putting it lightly, Bard. There is much worse then Dinosaurs and wild animals. The reason why no one has made it deep into the forest is due to the danger within. The few who are willing to risk it do so at a steep cost. What better place to hide an artifact then somewhere no one dares tread?"
Syndra shot the barbarian a dark look. "A keen mind for a Barbarian. I have sent others."
"Is that all you can tell us? If so, let's be done with it, standing on ceremony doesn't buy anyone more time." Damien, for the first time since entering the room, moves from his spot at the center of the room and turns a full 180 degrees, facing everyone that was previously behind him. He looks each person over with a slight killing intent, one that, while suppressed, is still very much present. Much like a direwolf that is caged, but still untamed.
"...….."
He lets his own silence hang as he memorizes all their faces, making note to not kill them right away if they become eligible to for his creed. With a finale look to everyone else, an a especially long look at the child, Damien locks eyes with the cleric, "You. Name's Damien, think you can locate who or what ever she wants dead?" He jerks a thumb back at Syndra, but keeps eye contact with Jadyn, the indifference in his eyes lessening by barely a fraction.
Jadyn regarded Damien coolly. He reminded her of an adventurer who had come to the Shadowfell, seeking the Raven Queen's help long ago. True desperation, that. A man running from himself. A man who had done terrible things, and was trying to outrun his past by doing even more terrible things, until his fate was so twisted only a goddess could make it right. It's a good thing I don't sleep, because I wouldn't be able to around this one. "My name is Jadyn, and yes, I believe I can find it. If we can make it to this place, and past whatever lives there."
Jadyn walked over to the map. She wasn't familiar with Faerun's geography, but she found Chult, and then Baldur's Gate. She did some rough mental math of the distance. "That's weeks away. No reason to rush out unprepared. Take a day to gather supplies, weapons. Maybe horses. We can't leave 'til we find a boat anyway." She turned to Syndra. "You're funding all of this, I assume? And hiring us? I gather not everyone here" she gestures to the other adventurers "is as motivated as I am to get this done."
Syndra smiled deeply under the thin cloth around her mouth. Finally down to business. "Yes, I am funding this expedition and shall be your employer during this trek. Forget the boat." As what has now become a familiar action the party Syndra snaps her fingers and suddenly an attendant was placing another scroll into her bony hand. "I can have all of us there in a matter of a few minutes. I assume your group accepts the job?"
Taken slightly aback by the idea of dinosaurs, something so long lost would be unimaginable wonder to be seen for the first time in ages was unbelievably exciting. To explore where no few others had set foot was to good to be true, it would be impossible to hide the smile growing on her face at the prospect of the whole adventure. Looking carefully of what little had been detailed in the map, though without much foreknowledge it was little of use for ideas. Looking back up to the dwarf picking his teeth caused her to have a moment of disgust on her face as it was unaccustomed to the other dwarves she had met. But he did have some sense about him, encouraging.
Suddenly shifting her attention to Damien as he steps forward into the center commanding the attention. Locking eyes for just a moment, his eyes remind her of that of a beast more than a man, as if he had no soul. Looking to listening to Jadyn as well in his reply to the more rushed attitude of Damien.
"Both of you can be right, While waiting her to longer than a few days will not do us much harm-"
Cut off by Syndra she stopped, regaining her composure to not insult the Lady, listening to the use of a spell in order to transport them immediately would help them go along way.
"This is an offer I could not refuse, the adventure is just too thrilling. But are you sure we have all the supplies we will need? Where on the island will we be at with this scroll. The middle of a camp of goblins would not be my first choice that much is for sure."
Gairlik shows his surprise that his assumption was correct. "Hmm... At least I learned something,"he muses aloud. Then, he stifles a chuckle with a snort at Damien's display. "Well, aren't we just full of piss and vinegar."
The strange shadow-elf type creature's statement on motivation causes him to pause, and he turns to Syndra and asks, "Yeah, what exactly am I gonna get out this little mission of yours?"
Syndra gestured to her nearest attendant. He reached out and pulled away a thick blanket which was revealed to be covering a thick iron bound chest. "Inside the chest are items of high quality for each of you. If you succeed on this mission I will gladly give each of you my most prized possessions found within." Syndra turned toward the sorcerer to respond to their question."Port Nyanzaru. It hugs the coastline at the south end of the Bay of Chult." Syndra crackled as an attendant pointed to the Port on the map. "No other city exists on Chult. Any others which may have existed are now in ruins. Taken over by vegetation and wild beasts of the land. There you will be able to find plenty to supply your travel."
The door to the room opened to reveal several attendants carrying in what appeared to be the weapons originally confiscated at the doors by the attendants. "I had your items brought up for you. Unless you have more questions for me I can prepare the proper rituals and send each of us to the Port together." Two attendants approached Syndra and offered their arms which she gladly took. They helped her rise to her feet as she gazed around the room taking in each member of the party. Perhaps this group would finally be the ones to survive long enough to end this cursed nightmare. She had already spent thousands on these expedition. Syndra just hoped she would live long enough to see it through to the end.
A feeling began to build at the bottom of her stomach whether or nausea, forboding, or excitement of was hard to tell. Peering closely at the map as the others asked their questions, she mentally measured the mass, her eyebrows raising clear into her hairline as calculations clicked on her mind. It could take months...no years to thoroughly explore such an unmapped island. Already her fingers itched with the need to fill in the unknown details of the land, eager as ever to record that which others had not. Still, without a hint of where to go....Its no wonder others have failed. It is an impossible tasks.
Lifting up her head from her silent study of the map she was met by the careful and deadly study of a beast of a man. Instinctively, she met his state unblinking, still nearly impossible further as Book's rumbling purr picked up in volume as he detected her distress, a single golden eye blinking open before dismissing the man with a click of an ear. As the man's attention shifted from her after an almost possible time, she released a breath she hadn't realize she hadn't realized she had been holding. Her head swam for a moment as she resumed her normal breathing, her fingers once again returning to the pattern she was trading in Book's fur as the conversation continued around her.
Relief spread through her frame as she heard the shadowy elf declare she had so means of tracking this...this souleater thing. At least we won't be going in completely blind.
Hwe mind turned out the discussion of payment, far more interested practical matters like supplies, weapons, sending the cart home, and oh dear Glittergold above what will I tell Uncle!
It seemed, however, the lady had little patience for delay, seeking to plow through all objections to send them on their way as soon as possible. Although how a week's of travel could be cut down to moments she had no clue. As the woman paused asking for final questions, Quill was her chance. Giving Book a subtle shove, she stood after he moved reluctantly folding himself into a sitting stance next to her as she once again bowed. "Forgive me, my lady..... Far be it for me to question my elders," like why you are so desperate as to accept me in place of Uncle, " But I would ask to know who would be employing me and with whom I be expected to work? Surely introductions would not be to much to ask before finding oneself trapped on an island without no known means of leaving until such a..... " impossible, dangerous, suicidal, "task is complete. I would also plead, by your leave my lady, for time. A half-an-hour, no more than an hour would be sufficient to conclude my business here.". Quill paused, considering the supplies she had left behind on the cart that could be of use , "Or if that is to much to ask, I would get your ladyship's indulgence to assure a message be given to my Uncle regarding my fate?"
Syndra grew silent as if in a deep thought considering what to share and what to hold back. With a deep sigh she decided to share why this mission was so important to her. Syndra Silvane is my name, child. Before becoming the merchant you see before you today I was an adventurer the same as many of you. I traveled from city to city fixing their problems as is customary of an adventurer. That is what you do girl. You help people. Weather it be for pay or for some other end goal like it or not its what your position requires. Transfixing her gaze on the Sorcerer she continued in her cracking cold voice. It was apparent she did not enjoy speaking of the past to just anyone. But.. if it was required to ensure they would go.. what choice did she really have? "There came a time during my journey where my spells seemed to fail me. I was... caught off guard... and found myself pierced by a poison tipped arrowhead I never saw coming." Her head swiveled to the Cleric. "I succumbed quickly to its effects and my spirit readied its journey to meet the Raven Queen first hand. Then.. I was back... Sucking in the sweet nectar of life. Saved from a fate I was not ready to commit myself too. I was raised from the dead by a Cleric I had grown to call a friend."
She raised her bony fingers to her face covering. Syndra removed it then continued to do the same with her hood as she spoke. "The death curse you have heard about has struck me. I don't know how much longer I have. It affects each individual differently. Some die within a few weeks. Others months. But in the end all who are affected by it will die. Their souls trapped in a permanent limbo." Rubbing fingers through her nearly hairless scalp she grimaced. It was apparent why she kept herself covered. Her sunken face, hollow check bones, and dry lips would convince anyone she was the walking death. In reality, they were not to far off. "Clerics have no help to offer. They're stymied by what is happening. I cannot go in my current state. The weakness has already overcome me. So.. I am forced to send others in my wake."
"Take the time you need to gather your things Child. This will not be an easy journey for any one of you no matter how talented you believe you might be."
For the first time today, Jadyn was genuinely taken aback. Teleportation magic? Didn't see that coming.This woman is serious.
"If the gnome has some business to finish, we may as well use that time productively and stock up here. Probably won't be teleporting horses, though." Jadyn was making a list in her head of what she'd need in the wilderness. More rations, more crossbow bolts, a tent, a shovel, maybe climbing gear...
"Also, one more question. How do we get back here when we're done?"
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Dariel starts to zone out again as a young gnome woman walks into the room, babbling about who knows what, but perks back up and takes an interest again when he hears her mention spices, herbs and exotic creatures, all things with which he is quite familiar. He gives her a second look, sizing her up, and wondering how much she's learned from her uncle and mother. Once she stops talking, he starts to lose interest once again until the girl starts talking about Shadows and Demons. This causes him to take a second look at the person she's inspecting, and he blinks as he realizes the young gnome is right, the shadows do seem to act strangely around the other woman.
Thom opened one eye and glanced at the newcomer whom just entered the room. Her characteristics, human and yet elvish, probably helps her blend into a crowd. However is she human trained or elf trained? Must be Elf trained by the looks of her attire. Humans wouldn't be very good at blending into their environment, well...most humans. Thom glanced for a quick moment at the Druid and Rogue.
With the arrival of the Half-Elf, Thom began puffing on his pipe as he watched their host once again, surely this had to be everyone.
Jadyn chuckled. "No, not a demon. I'm an elf." She realized she was now holding two mugs of ale. Well, she did say take all you want...
Having already heard the rumors of undead disappearing and the inability to raise the recently dead, Dariel's mind wandered until she mentioned bodies decomposing in hours as if it had been years. Decomposition and decay were things he had much familiarity with, having studied it extensively since his illness, coming to understand that death and decay were integral parts of life.
As the map is laid out, he stands from his chair and walks over to get a closer look, having no familiarity with this 'Chult'. The large amount of blank space on the map doesn't fill him with confidence, though he's happy to hear there is plenty of rainforest, so hopefully it won't feel too far off from what he's used to. Almost anything would be better than one of these crowded cities.
Dariel pulls his herbalism kit out of his pack and shows it to Syndra when she's done talking, then nods at Quill. "I can help," he states. "Alternatively, poison, if I get a kit."
"So a soul sucker is taking people's souls....why? And more importantly, for who?"
Damien glances at the map, but knowing that he can look at it later, he focuses on the host in front of him. She wouldn't be joining them, so it was more sensible to get her talking while he still had the chance. He stared her down from the spot he had taken since entering the room. He had taken note of the various figures entering and chatting around him, a few even giving him a once over, but he really didn't care. They were hadn't caught his ire, and they barely caught his attention, so there was no need to talk to them in his mind. He kept his gaze on Syndra.
"Do you want them alive?"
Thom thought back on everything he knew about Chult from the rumors, and tales he gathered over the years. There was only a small passage that came to his mind regarding the diviner Yaphyll.
"The white queen is troubled but can't say why. The black queen hates the white and gives the assassin a black coat. The assassin steals upon the white queen. She can't see him gliding through the shadows. The sword screams. The white queen falls. Her city falls. Stones fall in the cavern to crush the soothsayer. The tree burns and thrashes in agony. Branches break. Branches twist and grow together..."
Thom looked around the room to see if anyone understood the passage, though he didn't expect it.
"The prophecy was given by the diviner Yaphyll though its meaning is debated to this day by scholars around the world." Thom stopped for a moment. I told myself I was done with anything dealing with prophecies yet the first thing out of my mouth... "It spoke of a destruction after the death of a white queen. Historians have believed that the white queen, black queen, and assassin were representations of the gods Mystra, Shar, and Savras. This event when it came to pass took several names the most common three being Spellplague, Blue Breath of Change, and the Sundering." Thom took up a glass of ale and took a swig before continuing on. He hadn't planned on speaking but now that he had, he couldn't let himself leave the story half told.
"Many things took place during this event and when it was all said and done the Chultan Peninsula was torn from the rest of the land to become the island of Chult today. It's said to be inhabited by no more than savages these days. With many speaking of savage beasts, and hulking dinosaurs. Thom shook his head as if clearing his mind. An image of a creature with gray-green scales and three eyes in the shape of a frog yet the size of a large bear had come to his mind for just a moment. How he hated those things. "Stories parents tell their children when they are misbehaving."
Thom moved over to take a look at the map. My guess is most people, after the sundering, choose to ignore Chult and that is where these rumors come from. Though I do wonder what keeps those who adventure from entering the jungles?"
Dariel's eyebrows go up with interest. "Dinosaurs?" He gets a far-off look in his eyes as he ponders seeing actual, living dinosaurs.
The young gnome stilled as the woman underneath her robes began to speak. The woman spoke of things that she only heard in snippets of worried whispers and bits of hushed conversation spoken in hurried tones with concerned looks out of range of her sensitive ears. As she spoke, Quill fingers sought the comfort of Book's fur, knowing that such things were way beyond her ken.
She nearly objected over the woman's declaration that she could take her Uncle's place, a thousand curious questions on her tongue admist the knowledge she was possessed the merest of her relative's skill. Only repeated lessons about listening and deeply held beliefs of respect to her elders stilled her tongue. Still she couldn't help but smile when the silent broding man who smelt deeply of pine offered his aid. By Wildwander's staff would she ever need it.
For all her bags, pens, books, potions, equipment, and self sufficiency, Quill was very much still a child. Granted it was their glens habit to send their children into the world early teaching them the skills of survival and independence almost as soon as they could speak, so she wasn't inexperienced. Just young. And very much out of her element at the non.
So she forced herself to be still and quiet as if the entire conversation was a beast she wished to study without the danger of losing a hand or worse her head. Perhaps if she listened and waited long enough all this talk of maps, curses, savage tribes, strange beasts and cryptic prophecies would begin to make sense.
In her lap, a soft muted rumble began to emerge from Book as her fingers began to softly caress his fur, the subtle motion the only thing of her anxiety as she listened solemnly to the conversation around her.
Gairlik grabs a mug and quickly has it fills before the attendants have a chance to finishing getting it set up. "Ah. Much thanks, fellas," he says downing half the ale in one gulp. He tops his mug off before turning his attention back to others in the room.
Catching the disgusted look from the lute player, "What's the matter there, bub? Do I have something in my teeth?" He pokes a fingernail between his teeth making sure the remnants of his dinner are no longer offending.
The dwarf remains quiet trying to take in everyone's ramblings. "Big lizards, goblins and zombies? Oh my! Sounds like this could get expensive for you...and profitable for us." Taking a look at all information presented, "So seems like you've been at this for some time. I suspect we ain't the first you've sent."
"Is that all you can tell us? If so, let's be done with it, standing on ceremony doesn't buy anyone more time." Damien, for the first time since entering the room, moves from his spot at the center of the room and turns a full 180 degrees, facing everyone that was previously behind him. He looks each person over with a slight killing intent, one that, while suppressed, is still very much present. Much like a direwolf that is caged, but still untamed.
"...….."
He lets his own silence hang as he memorizes all their faces, making note to not kill them right away if they become eligible to for his creed. With a finale look to everyone else, an a especially long look at the child, Damien locks eyes with the cleric, "You. Name's Damien, think you can locate who or what ever she wants dead?" He jerks a thumb back at Syndra, but keeps eye contact with Jadyn, the indifference in his eyes lessening by barely a fraction.
Jadyn regarded Damien coolly. He reminded her of an adventurer who had come to the Shadowfell, seeking the Raven Queen's help long ago. True desperation, that. A man running from himself. A man who had done terrible things, and was trying to outrun his past by doing even more terrible things, until his fate was so twisted only a goddess could make it right. It's a good thing I don't sleep, because I wouldn't be able to around this one. "My name is Jadyn, and yes, I believe I can find it. If we can make it to this place, and past whatever lives there."
Jadyn walked over to the map. She wasn't familiar with Faerun's geography, but she found Chult, and then Baldur's Gate. She did some rough mental math of the distance. "That's weeks away. No reason to rush out unprepared. Take a day to gather supplies, weapons. Maybe horses. We can't leave 'til we find a boat anyway." She turned to Syndra. "You're funding all of this, I assume? And hiring us? I gather not everyone here" she gestures to the other adventurers "is as motivated as I am to get this done."
Syndra smiled deeply under the thin cloth around her mouth. Finally down to business. "Yes, I am funding this expedition and shall be your employer during this trek. Forget the boat." As what has now become a familiar action the party Syndra snaps her fingers and suddenly an attendant was placing another scroll into her bony hand. "I can have all of us there in a matter of a few minutes. I assume your group accepts the job?"
Taken slightly aback by the idea of dinosaurs, something so long lost would be unimaginable wonder to be seen for the first time in ages was unbelievably exciting. To explore where no few others had set foot was to good to be true, it would be impossible to hide the smile growing on her face at the prospect of the whole adventure. Looking carefully of what little had been detailed in the map, though without much foreknowledge it was little of use for ideas. Looking back up to the dwarf picking his teeth caused her to have a moment of disgust on her face as it was unaccustomed to the other dwarves she had met. But he did have some sense about him, encouraging.
Suddenly shifting her attention to Damien as he steps forward into the center commanding the attention. Locking eyes for just a moment, his eyes remind her of that of a beast more than a man, as if he had no soul. Looking to listening to Jadyn as well in his reply to the more rushed attitude of Damien.
"Both of you can be right, While waiting her to longer than a few days will not do us much harm-"
Cut off by Syndra she stopped, regaining her composure to not insult the Lady, listening to the use of a spell in order to transport them immediately would help them go along way.
"This is an offer I could not refuse, the adventure is just too thrilling. But are you sure we have all the supplies we will need? Where on the island will we be at with this scroll. The middle of a camp of goblins would not be my first choice that much is for sure."
Gairlik shows his surprise that his assumption was correct. "Hmm... At least I learned something," he muses aloud. Then, he stifles a chuckle with a snort at Damien's display. "Well, aren't we just full of piss and vinegar."
The strange shadow-elf type creature's statement on motivation causes him to pause, and he turns to Syndra and asks, "Yeah, what exactly am I gonna get out this little mission of yours?"
Syndra gestured to her nearest attendant. He reached out and pulled away a thick blanket which was revealed to be covering a thick iron bound chest. "Inside the chest are items of high quality for each of you. If you succeed on this mission I will gladly give each of you my most prized possessions found within." Syndra turned toward the sorcerer to respond to their question."Port Nyanzaru. It hugs the coastline at the south end of the Bay of Chult." Syndra crackled as an attendant pointed to the Port on the map. "No other city exists on Chult. Any others which may have existed are now in ruins. Taken over by vegetation and wild beasts of the land. There you will be able to find plenty to supply your travel."
The door to the room opened to reveal several attendants carrying in what appeared to be the weapons originally confiscated at the doors by the attendants. "I had your items brought up for you. Unless you have more questions for me I can prepare the proper rituals and send each of us to the Port together." Two attendants approached Syndra and offered their arms which she gladly took. They helped her rise to her feet as she gazed around the room taking in each member of the party. Perhaps this group would finally be the ones to survive long enough to end this cursed nightmare. She had already spent thousands on these expedition. Syndra just hoped she would live long enough to see it through to the end.
A feeling began to build at the bottom of her stomach whether or nausea, forboding, or excitement of was hard to tell. Peering closely at the map as the others asked their questions, she mentally measured the mass, her eyebrows raising clear into her hairline as calculations clicked on her mind. It could take months...no years to thoroughly explore such an unmapped island. Already her fingers itched with the need to fill in the unknown details of the land, eager as ever to record that which others had not. Still, without a hint of where to go....Its no wonder others have failed. It is an impossible tasks.
Lifting up her head from her silent study of the map she was met by the careful and deadly study of a beast of a man. Instinctively, she met his state unblinking, still nearly impossible further as Book's rumbling purr picked up in volume as he detected her distress, a single golden eye blinking open before dismissing the man with a click of an ear. As the man's attention shifted from her after an almost possible time, she released a breath she hadn't realize she hadn't realized she had been holding. Her head swam for a moment as she resumed her normal breathing, her fingers once again returning to the pattern she was trading in Book's fur as the conversation continued around her.
Relief spread through her frame as she heard the shadowy elf declare she had so means of tracking this...this souleater thing. At least we won't be going in completely blind.
Hwe mind turned out the discussion of payment, far more interested practical matters like supplies, weapons, sending the cart home, and oh dear Glittergold above what will I tell Uncle!
It seemed, however, the lady had little patience for delay, seeking to plow through all objections to send them on their way as soon as possible. Although how a week's of travel could be cut down to moments she had no clue. As the woman paused asking for final questions, Quill was her chance. Giving Book a subtle shove, she stood after he moved reluctantly folding himself into a sitting stance next to her as she once again bowed. "Forgive me, my lady..... Far be it for me to question my elders," like why you are so desperate as to accept me in place of Uncle, " But I would ask to know who would be employing me and with whom I be expected to work? Surely introductions would not be to much to ask before finding oneself trapped on an island without no known means of leaving until such a..... " impossible, dangerous, suicidal, "task is complete. I would also plead, by your leave my lady, for time. A half-an-hour, no more than an hour would be sufficient to conclude my business here.". Quill paused, considering the supplies she had left behind on the cart that could be of use , "Or if that is to much to ask, I would get your ladyship's indulgence to assure a message be given to my Uncle regarding my fate?"
Syndra grew silent as if in a deep thought considering what to share and what to hold back. With a deep sigh she decided to share why this mission was so important to her. Syndra Silvane is my name, child. Before becoming the merchant you see before you today I was an adventurer the same as many of you. I traveled from city to city fixing their problems as is customary of an adventurer. That is what you do girl. You help people. Weather it be for pay or for some other end goal like it or not its what your position requires. Transfixing her gaze on the Sorcerer she continued in her cracking cold voice. It was apparent she did not enjoy speaking of the past to just anyone. But.. if it was required to ensure they would go.. what choice did she really have? "There came a time during my journey where my spells seemed to fail me. I was... caught off guard... and found myself pierced by a poison tipped arrowhead I never saw coming." Her head swiveled to the Cleric. "I succumbed quickly to its effects and my spirit readied its journey to meet the Raven Queen first hand. Then.. I was back... Sucking in the sweet nectar of life. Saved from a fate I was not ready to commit myself too. I was raised from the dead by a Cleric I had grown to call a friend."
She raised her bony fingers to her face covering. Syndra removed it then continued to do the same with her hood as she spoke. "The death curse you have heard about has struck me. I don't know how much longer I have. It affects each individual differently. Some die within a few weeks. Others months. But in the end all who are affected by it will die. Their souls trapped in a permanent limbo." Rubbing fingers through her nearly hairless scalp she grimaced. It was apparent why she kept herself covered. Her sunken face, hollow check bones, and dry lips would convince anyone she was the walking death. In reality, they were not to far off. "Clerics have no help to offer. They're stymied by what is happening. I cannot go in my current state. The weakness has already overcome me. So.. I am forced to send others in my wake."
"Take the time you need to gather your things Child. This will not be an easy journey for any one of you no matter how talented you believe you might be."
For the first time today, Jadyn was genuinely taken aback. Teleportation magic? Didn't see that coming. This woman is serious.
"If the gnome has some business to finish, we may as well use that time productively and stock up here. Probably won't be teleporting horses, though." Jadyn was making a list in her head of what she'd need in the wilderness. More rations, more crossbow bolts, a tent, a shovel, maybe climbing gear...
"Also, one more question. How do we get back here when we're done?"