"Hm? Hn. Be my guest. Could use a pair of younger eyes on this. Used to be something of a proper fisherman myself back in the day, though some things might be a bit fuzzy now." Gustav admits along the way. He lets Burgee take the lead on things, and only really broke away during their examination to look for any scroll(/map) cases left around the room to bundle at least the map of the island. He keeps all but Alderlocks most recent papers involving sold slaves and profits tucked away in his pack... once Nin gets around to bring it up to him. For even he had become enraptured by the ideallic scenery with the others. And after there was his shift to cover until the slaves came up to work. 

In the end, after nearly sitting on Wonder one too many times from fatigue, a tired Gustav bids Burgee goodnight before curling up at the base of the captain's chair to sleep the remaining six or seven hours until the group properly reach the island. That was his intent. But just as sleep was about to snatch him away, Gustav digs out a small pocket book and began inscribing arcane symbols. Another set to join a multitude of others throughout the book. With a final muttered word of "remember" in draconic, he kisses it, and quickly secrets it away again before sleep claims him.

As he dreamt the morning away, his mind and spirit drifts into familiar, hollowed halls of a library he felt more than saw or knew for certain was beyond measure in size. He would not remember any details of it, or the others found there. But the mirthfilled laughter following a stern admonish by 'someone' there follows him back to the waking world.

Awakening hours later to Wonder shaking him, the sleepy-eyed tabaxi with his lazy passenger slung over his back seeks Viktor. "Looks as if its almost time." He says watching the crew nearby ready to stop the ship a ways. "... The remains below. If your men have not had a chance to see to them, I know a few rites to give." He smiles but it doesn't fully reach his eyes, and quickly fades. "Though it may not be appreciated given circumstances. They are owed as much like any." Gustav turns to eye Viktor full on. "There is also the manner of this ship and its crew, new and old. Mmm... Sort of. I do not suppose there is any way I can extract a non-magical contract with you to see those former "guests" are sailed back 'ome, is there? One like you, unlike your former captain, will honor to a tee this time? We both know no amount of coin on at least my person alone will recoup your loses from this trip. But I rather not mark you and your men for the Grey Network's involvement to ensure compliance in addition to coin... assuming, again, if your current guests wish to take journey. And if not, well, good for everyone... But the I still must ask what you intend to do now, and if you could be offered different line of work."

At that Wonder finally drops away to go find and wake Nin. 

Truk dutifully kept his eye on Viktor, never too far from the man, though he too began to admire the scene. Back where he came from, these vista's were never somehting he could even fathom, let alone dream of ever seeing. Viktor kept himself steady on the wheel, guiding the ship near the beach-bar, but pulling starboard of it about a mile out. The slaves, and others who were manning the ship, few, and weak as they were, were lucky the weather was temperate. As they slowly, but surely came to a stop as the anchor was weighed partially to act like a break, without fully stopping them. Two of the weakened, bloody slavers brought out several rafts from the center-decks cargo area, hefting them over the side, into the water, each raft floating listlessly against the gentle waves. Both of them, after a moment, sighing, realizing the slaves would be going with the group, shuffled back down, in no real hurry, to grab three more, doing much the same as they had before.

During Gustav's dreams as he rested, just before waking up, he had somewhat of a vision, granted him by his patron of knowledge. Eyes stared at him from an unimaginable distance. Malevolence born of a time even the gods have forgotten, before time itself, echoing the creation of everything. Hunger..... Hunger.... Endless hunger.....  In the time it took for Gustav  to blink in his minds eye , the eyes had traversed an unimaginable distance.. directly before him. An endless hiss eschewed  as virulent miasma creeped over him. The feeling of being swallowed for all eternity, as his soul was agonozingly devoured at a pace that would ensure anyone who suffered this fate would experience it for their own eternity, until their soul vanished, as if it had never existed... Wonder shook him awake.

 As Burgee scoured the maps with Gustav, he found that the majority of the beach was safe to land on, for smaller craft, but not this ship itself, it would risk beaching itself if it got too close, luckily enough, he made his way out just as the last of the rafts were being hefted over the side, and nodded, as that would be the most efficient way, and the slaver Viktor himself had said he wouldn't go too close to the island except in the port itself.

The other slaves that hadn't been taken under wing gathered near the edge, waiting for the rest of the group to be ready. It seemed in the between time, they had armed and armored themselves, if they had not been armed by the party already, much to the chagrin of the slavers. They still seemed dispondant, but small smiles creeped over their faces, informing any who noticed that they were, in their own small way, on the road to recovery. Their ears perking up at Gustav's words to Viktor.

As Gustav made his proposals, temporarily putting the horrifying vision behind him, Viktor shook his head, staring the cat down, though their was still anger, it was distant, accepting of this fate. Not that he'd ever admit it. I'm afraid I'll have to decline your offer. Slaving is our lifeblood. If they stay on the ship they will be sold, as is our tradition. There's no way you could ever hope to compensate for our losses today. Every head you've stolen from us, is two thousand gold lost. An' why change our profession, hmm? So we can break our backs for a gold pittance on the daily? Or, we can take a body from it's home, and make a small fortune for every body we sell? even whores don't make as much, and they sell their bodies nightly to any 'orny bloke what ****s 'er. I also 'ave no idea who the hell this 'grey network' is, so I'll 'ave to pass on that as well. 'Urry up an' be on your way. I want nuffin to do with you and your lot anymore. The sooner your gone, the sooner me an the rags of a crew ye left me with the better. But out of respect for how well you all fought.. I will finish what the captain was tyrin'a say, and reiteramate what I already told ye. Ye better learn to blend better, tryign to force a culture to change to you, at the cost of itself, will only cost you in the end. This whole island has it's own way o' life. And you won't get so lucky every time. Wear the red cloak in the city of red cloaks. Lest ye stand out. Y'know?

Gustav had already found a map of the island in his search, though it seemed his memory issues had struck him again as he remembered he'd tucked it away in his pack a while before (see campaign notes, and the last big post by me) 

The time was mid-morning, and the sun was rising, and with it, the temperature. Luckily no one in the party wore heavy armor, else there might be issues they would have to otherwise learn to deal with very soon.

Burgee began to study his staff intently, after the morning's beauty had faded into the midmornings neutrality. The markings seemed to call for him, though he felt as if he were just a step away from figuring out some secret left to him to discover that he had, up to this point, never even considered potentially existing.. Perhaps time would tell, perhaps not. Though he had noticed the carvings seemed to be reptilian.. though he couldn't quite place the species.. something about it was ominous, dangerous.. but whether that meant his staff itself, was the threat, or if it was the means to counter it... he did not know. For now, he'd put his staff in it's sheath, or carrier.. as it seemed everyone was getting ready to move out. The deck was gettign busy, and his magic would be needed soon to help propel the rafts.

Truk finally left Viktor's side as it seemed they would soon be leaving the boat behind when he was accosted by Era, and barraged by a rain of questions, forcing him to smile cheerfully.

Hahaha, no. Though slaying such a beast would be a worthy tale! It may be simple, but I want to see a bit more of the world, and Myself.. well, Much as I saved Gustav when we first met.. though he did save me first... I want to make the bad guys hurt. I want us all to get along, and be a pack, even if we are not of the same kin. I just want to do what's right.. And before we went to Kult... err.. Chult.. we had seen that there were calls for aid for missing people. While Gustav has his own reasons for coming, I wanted to see if I could help... though.. it seems as if that may be a fleeting dream. For The call for aid required us to go to Aran...doree anus? the elf city... so perhaps it is too late for that But there are always folk in need of aid, so I will find them, and I will help them. So that one day I can prove myself worthy... I hope that answers your question! He seemed a bit abashed by his proclamations, probably unsure if he was about to be hugged again.

Eventually, everyone made their way to the edge, leaving the slavers completely unarmed as they did so. Jumping over into the water, before climbing into the rafts, 3 to each, though 4 in Gustav's, due to how small and light Wonder was. Burgee, channeling his magic to propel the boats forward. As the group pulled away fro the ship, they pulled anchor, and began moving on the slight breeze themselves, back towards Andorianis. Eventually the group lands just a little north of the southernmost tip of the sandbar is. The jungle another mile or so away. To the far right, the topmost edges of Andorianis' outer walls loom just over the tops of the tree's. The spiring mountain seemed even more imposing from this angle.. the top no longer visible at all, as the ring of clouds obscured it from view. Miles of sand as far as the eye could see, a beautiful beige, though it did stick to the still slick shoes, and clothing of everyone. Far in the distance, though it was hard to tell exactly what it was, seemed to be a creature of immense length, it's head far above the canopy by at least twenty feet. Soaring the skies over the jungle, seemed to be odd looking birds. Echoing cries sounded from a great distance, sounding almost like a long, mournful trumpet. Off to the north-west, the other mountains loomed, tall, but not immense, likely traversable. The tree's shaking softly in the wind, the sun rising ever more, the heat becoming a bit more uncomfortable, but the blue sky was beautiful, untainted. Puffs of clouds floated here and there, casting shadows as they passed in an unseen wind.

Even as you all take in the sheer magnificence of the place you've stumbled upon, the slaves (not under your control) - now armed, begin to head off to the jungle. Just before they're out of sight, they all turn to you, and nod in thanks .. for freeing them from that fate.... that fate, now in their hands, to do with as they wished. The rafts beached on the sand behind you all

Welcome to the island of Ilianaris! This is where the true campaign begins, though not exactly in the spot I had intended! haha! Regardless, you are all here now, almost on the southernmost point of the map on discord, a little bit below Truk's red X. You now all need to decide where you're going to head next. Hopefully you've been keeping notes of the various items you've received.

Remember to keep note of anything you may think is important (As some will be quests !). I give plenty of clues to things but will never remind you of them ;3 

You all earn: 8,400 EXP for surviving the ship/slavers beaten. And an Additional 1000 EXP.

You all have gained a single point of Inspiration for amazing roleplay, and or staying true to character. I will not be handing out inspiration points very often, so choose wisely when you wish to spend it.

I'd suggest taking a look at the 'campaign public notes' as I have updated a few things there.

15 

Truk: The whole ride over on the raft I've been caught up in thought. The mountains poking up into the clouds are stirring feelings of home and realizing how far away from that is now. I"m excited to explore this new land and discover new mountains but I have an uneasy feeling of leaving Viktor floating around out there with a chip on his shoulder. Part of me feels I should have just killed him. That brings a smile to face thinking of beating the captain with his own arm. Looking around to the other rafts I see the slaves that were set free, some of them forming friendships with with us, some of them who have their own destiny and I feel content that I, at least, helped them gain their freedom.

Landing on the beach I take in a deep breath of tangy salt air mixed with fresh vegetation. Hearing the calls of the birds and seeing the creatures head poke up above the tree-tops I can't contain my excitement and grab the 2 closest people to me and pull them into a neck cracking hug. Laughing out...

"Ahhhaha... Looks like my kind of place. So, where are we off to?"

After releasing my companions I'll pull out the spyglass and try to get a better look at the creature above the canopy.

I forgot to mention. You will all notice soon there will be ... "tracking numbers" below every one of my posts soon.

On da boat...

Era most definitely gives Truk a hug (if he allows it of course)! And thanks him for sharing his reasoning behind coming to the island. "So far..." She starts with a big smile. "I think you're doing a great job of doing what's right. You stuck up for Gustav the first time I saw you, and you played a big part in taking down these bad guys..." She pauses a second, her eyes looking far off as if she was thinking about something... She blinks herself back into reality with a grin. "Just remember the name Oozstel for me, okay? Anyone on this island mentions his name you better tell me or I'll get super mad!" She gives him an exaggerated pout of the lips but its soon gone as a laugh makes it past her throat. "Let's get some rest, big guy."

On di island...

The whole raft ride over, Era was pointing out different little things she sees whether it be on the mountain top, on the beach, or in the water to no one in particular. She was like a child on their first ever vacation, astounded by all the different things that, no matter how mundane it may be to the others, it was the most magnificent thing on the world. Once her feet hit the sand, the air genasi was all smiles, giving all the slaves a hug (if they wanted) before they had parted ways, telling them all to be careful on their travels.

When the question rose of where they should go, Era perked up. "Let's go to the city! Plenty of stuff to do there, right?"

As Truk pulls out hte spyglass, his posture exaggerated as he used it like an old disney cartoon, and took a few moments to adjust the focus, he would see the long, leathery neck of a Brachiosaurus (though Truk wouldn't know that is what this is), it's fluted nostrils like a crest upon it's head, as it dipped lower to feast on the leaves, before it's head would rise again to chew it casually, like a giant cow. Another bleating cry echoed like a trumpets call, Truk realizing this was a noise they had heard earlier and that this was the beast that made it. Through the spyglass, Truk could also see the winged beasts... their bodies entirely made of leather as well.... featherless birds.... he also got a much closer look at the snowcapped mountains.

The slaves in fact had accepted the hugs but they were breif, and brusque, seemingly in a hurry.

"Plenty to do," Burgee echo's back to Era in a voice eerily like her own. Then he lets out a large laughing caw "You do recall the shape we were in the last time we were in a town together?" he said cheerfully recalling their night on the town the evening before they boarded the ship. "Now that was fun, even if it was a bit painful the next morning!" He laughed again and patted Kauil on the shoulder as he explained their rush out of the inn that morning trying to cheer the bird up a little more. He looked back at Era, "City sounds good. Should also explore beach."

Knowing Truk for as long as he did, Gustav made a point of quickly distancing himself from both the goliath and the others upon disembarking onto shore. For the entirety of the trip, and for some time after, the Tabaxi had been uncharacteristically quiet. Even wonder, try as she might to shake him from his own thoughts, elicited little more than a brief glance before he returned to staring off into the middle distance during the trip. And afterwards, he held he could not be bothered to stop staring after the retreating ship. The great beast seen in the distance having hardly warranted more from him than a brief pause in the process turning back to the sea.

Wonder stayed near him still, holding onto his hand while Gus and Ka worked on further beaching the rafts to avoid having the tide eventually sweep them back out. Well, beaching the two. The third they start to look over to see what parts could be dismantle into weapons or other gear. "Read my mind, Grey man." Nin states in a voice still a little raw and parched. At that, and feeling the bugbear's gaze on him, Gustav breaks away from internal thoughts to look over the group at large, then towards the city still far too close for comfort.

"... This isn't Chult. Not exactly." Gustav solemnly states, head bowed and face lacking the exuberance of youth he tended to put on display. "While I could be wrong, most of us may not be welcome in the city. Not without collars or disguises." His mind flashes back to a moment in his youth. Of his adventures in the underdark, brief though they were compared all his others. While he had jested about the run, the one part he kept from his tale had been of what preceded it. A red haze started to overtake his vision. Squeezing his eyes shut, the aged Tabaxi pushes back rage and bloodlust long kept buried. The same that hid just beneath the surface as he plunged his rapier into the sleeping bandits, but paid only just enough mind not to show. He had not lied to Wonder. Not entirely. Though by sparring the rest, only for them to so blatantly say they would continue kidnapping and possibly even killing their people... and the dream too! It started off okay, and then...  He silently shook his head, pushing back the growing tidal wave of questions. 

The others are met with the most Cheshire smile as he finally looked to others. "Which is just as well. I'm sure at least some of you have business there, and frankly we could use more information on the island before heading to deeply into it, now don't we?" He says, pointing to everyone each in turn. "Quite the dilemma, it is. Hmm~ Not to mention the questions that are bound to be asked over why we're here at that. Ah~ But that is fine. It is all fine~" He chuckles, and there's a faint look of senility or madness in his eyes. "What we need to do first is establish a base camp! Yes. Far enough from the city that it should take no more than half a day at most to get there. Far enough into the jungle that passing patrols are less likely to find us. But close -- this is important now -- we must be close enough that journey to at least should take no more than half a day at most. Agreed? Though if you insist, I will be more than happy to join in a nice little romp through the city now. Who knows how many unfortunate souls we can save, hm?" As he said that last part, his fingers danced atop the hilt of the Rapier at his side. 

Truk lowering the scope shakes his head "There's some kind of big bird things with no feathers out there. Keeping to the cover of trees sounds like a good idea to me. I wouldn't mind getting a camp set-up and learning the lay of the land. Might be a good idea to find out what kind of beasts we may come up against while traveling."

"The first thing we should do is get the boats off the beach and hidden somewhere though. We may have use of them again and it wouldn't be good to have them found."

Surrounding you is the many faceted grains of sand on the beach, the soft, lapping tides of the ocean behind you all. As Gus and Ka drag the boats to shore, Truk makes his way over to them, helping them hide them in the sand, and noting their location to memory. once that task was done, everyone began talking about what to do next.. some were for going into the city, others more .. averse.  

As far as you could all tell the city was likely a day or two's walk from your current location. The beach stretching on to infinity  until it became one with the mountains. For now, you were 8 alone on the beach, aside form eachother. The slaves now gone, and out of sight.

(Understood. I was kind of waiting on Era and Burgee to see if they were up for setting up a camp or really wanted to go to the city. Truk would feel more inclined to follow Gustov's plan just because, well. Ya know, the whole life saving thing but could also be easily swayed. I'm totally fine with someone taking the lead. I also know it shouldn't be Truk. Lol. I can mediate for now though :))

After helping to hide the boats Truk says "It looked like it was a pretty long walk through the spyglass to get to the city so we're going to have to camp along the way no matter what. I wouldn't mind sleeping on solid ground again, that's for sure!"

Putting his arm around Gustov he says "I can see you're having some bad memories, but you know what? You didn't have me at your side for those other times! If we get a look at the city and find it's going to be trouble, well, we'll figure it out... together! Not just me and you my friend, the pack is bigger now! We're stronger now!"

While he's talking Truk is slowly leading Gustov in the direction of the city :)

OOC - I kind of feel we need to explore the beach a bit. I'm getting ready to post such. I'm not real clear we know where things are. Seems we just know we're on a jungle island with some strange beasts and know a city is somewhere? Do we actually know where the city is?

Burgee and Kauil begin helping Truk and gus hid the boats. "Agree. Need camp." Burgee says in a quite normal sounding voice. "Safe from those," he adds pointing up to the sky and flying creatures. "Who has good eyes? Could lead scouting for camp," he adds.

(The walls of the city can be seen clearly in the distance. Whether we need an int/survival check or not to see how long it might take to get to it is up to DM. But probably no more than a day at most.)

When Gustav smiles, it's forced but not wholly so as Truk's words hit something. But it is a fleeting smile all the same. And there's no fooling the cat. If not for Wonder catching the tension in his shoulders, and sharply tugging at the hand still held, Gustav might have completed the motion of pulling Rosebud free from his scabbard. Even so, he uses the nearly tripping motion to slip out from under Truk's grasp and regards him coolly. Wonder shifts a little more out of direct sight of Truk afterwards using Gustav.

"While I do appreciate words, my friend. Words meant for comfort, I am certain. I have not taken leave of all my senses as to not note when I'm being led." His eyes narrows to dangerous slits. But after glancing at Wonder's look of worry, a click follows the rapier being slid back fully re-sheathed. Gus and Ka, who had been watching the whole scene also lower their clubs, but keep a closer eye on Truk. He sighs and bows his head. "... It comes and goes, but... my eyes are still sharp. With our blue friend's here assistance, or that of her friends, I--" Wonder tugs sharply on his arms, nearly off-balancing him. He growls behind closed lips. To his surprise, she does the same right back, if more cutely then threateningly. At that, Gustav had to snicker and say, ">We< can scout ahead to find at least a decent place to set up camp. Nin, Gus, Ka. Stick close to the others, and weapons ready." The lizardfolk just nod while Nin half-mumbles something along the lines 'No shit'. 

"We stick closer to the brush. Easier to duck into the foliage that way. And the trees are sparse enough we'll see most things coming in either direction. Don't eat anything you find strange, and try--" He glances over the giant munch a 'short-ish' ways a way. "Try not to disturb the local critters too much, eh?" If there are no other objections, Gustav and his Wonder Backpack follow through on the plan head at least loosely towards the city a little ways ahead along the underbrush. They keep a healthy distance from the long neck before so, and after don't fully commit to heading deeper if any passing path or advice from Era might hint at finding a decent clear within to rest. 

Era had been meandering about the beach while the others had pulled the boats safely off shore, the genasi managing to stay in general sight of the others while she poked around in the sand and looked into the jungle with utmost curiosity but kept herself from venturing deeper. 

(Not sure what you would have me roll to find anything on the beach/little bit of the jungle but I'll roll a flat 20 and you add whatever mod you want to it, probably gonna be a 1 anyways!)
9
Investigation: +2
Survival: +6
Nature: +2
(I'll use my passive perception of 16 if possible)

As soon as it looks like her main group of friends start to head off in a direction, she hops back to them with a beaming smile having caught the tail end of the conversation of Burgee saying something about camping and Gustav giving suggestions on how to go about making their way to the city. "I could most definitely try my hand at finding a suitable spot for us to lay low! But, no guarantees! I'm a little out of my element," WINK. "Kinda nervous, very excited, maybe wanna throw up? You know, the usual jitters! Okay, okay, Era, foooocus. Let's... See..." She will keep her eyes peeled for any spots that may seem like a good resting spot for the group, and keep an eye out for any intriguing little plants and flowers in the jungle (also will look for anything she could use for spells?).

Survival: 12 (if given some assistance I'll roll a second time) 21
Nature: 14 / 26
Will use my PP again.

 Era wanders around the beach in the area for a little longer as the sun continue's to rise, almost at it's zenith, and the temperature becoming softly  oppressive, causing slight trickles of sweat to form on everyone's bodies like they had just completed a short jog 'around the block' despite the cool ocean breeze, tangy and salty all at once, assaulting the nose with pleasant aroma's mixing in with the jungle's own spicy scent. As Era wanders the sandy shores, she manages to find a few average looking seashells, and one that is very opalescent, a few hermit crabs, and other such small aquatic life sitting in the pools of water trapped from high tide.

As Truk urges Gustav along, and Era follows shortly after - Burgee catching up as soon as he notices the group moving, shuffling about until he catches up, as that seems to be what everyone else was doing - Mino's and Kauil staying behind to guard the boats at the landing (unless otherwise specified by Burgee/Era) - it takes about two hours to get to the treeline from where you landed, giving you a rough idea of just how large the thinnest part of the beach itself was, trails of footprints behind you all as you go forward.

Once there though, Gustav, and the rest would realize that this jungle was far thicker than it looked. Though there were area's where the trees thinned immensely, a lot of the area's would just barely allow Truk to pass through easily if the group had decided to actually head into the foliage. 16.

The party continues down the treeline for another hour or so before 9 Era spots a small clearing in the tree's, this particular area much thinner in cover than most, but would allow just enough room for the party to be cramped but comfortable, if they decided to setup camp. The beach it'self was another possible candidate to set up, though it would provide little cover from eyes or weapons. 

Through the foliage however, deeper in, where the jungle opened even farther, a rustling of leaves could be heard, and a wild 'Wuah hau hau!!!!' could be heard.

Using mostly gestures and head shakes, Gus and Ka helped wherever they can, but stayed focused largely on keeping guard during the journey. Like Nin. 

Gustav's ears flattened against his scalp. "Interesting call. Rather not meet whatever made that, however. Least for one day." He scampers up one of the surrounding trees that looked pretty stable and takes up purchase there to passively survey the area with Wonder taking up her on spot on the tree if safe enough.  Meanwhile, Nin sets to work following Truk's example as far as setting up camp. But before he gets to into it, he asks, "So, where going back for those other guys or what?" 

That is, if Pauli and Minos don't wind up being asked to go with them. If it comes down to a sole person doing so, Nin immediately denies the request with crossed arms and some mean mugging. Otherwise, he keeps to helping Truk with any heavy lifting. As for Gus and Ka, Gus had taken to following and observing Era, and Ka did the same to Gustav. They keep from overstepping their bounds of closeness. But sometimes wind up getting a little to close (in Era's Case) whenever the druid began casting a spell or speaking with the wildlife about. Ka just watches, and from his own much lower to the ground tree tries to emulate Gustav. But if the only one means moving further then ten feet from the nearest party member(PCs), he gives up to watch from afar until someone calls him over to help.  

(Going by my Passive 16 as far as Gustav looking about from the trees to see if anything of interest catches his attention, be it beast or curious foliage. He won't get close to either if it can be helped)

"Say, Era. If your nerves have calmed again, I would ask if you know anything about obscuring our tracks a bit. Their not bound to last too long here, but the sand makes it quite visible where we went as far as direction goes, no?" Gustav asks without really breaking his passive scan of the environment. 

((In regards to Minos whereabouts, if Kauli had stayed behind, he would have as well as two is better than one, other than that, he would have helped in hiding the boats with foliage and came with us))

"That was probably a welcoming call!" Era bubbled as she looked around the clearing, pleased to have found a decent spot for the time being if everyone seemed to be okay with it. Jungle's really weren't her schick but they were similar enough to the forest she grew up in, in a way, just a bit more dense and the animals around probably would kill them. Maybe. She hoped that if it came down to it she would be able to dissuade any predators, but she had a small seed of doubt planted in her mind. While the others had been conversing or scouting about, Era had been busy helping some plants grow, not noticing Gus watching her at first as she casted her spells. It took the second time he wound up getting up close and personal to her for her to question him about his watchful eyes.

"It doesn't bother me or anything," She laughs. "Just curious why you're watching me so closely, you know?" Whether he speaks back to her or not, she pauses to listen to Gustav's request. A hum emits from the back of her throat as she thinks of what to do... When she snaps her fingers in an 'ah-ha' moment. "Wanna see somethin' reeeal cool, Gus? You're probably gonna think I'm crazy, but that's okay! Just watch!"

The druid kneels in the middle of the clearing, her hands gently pressing themselves on the ground, her tattoo's glowed dimly as a white haze emanated from her spreading about 30 feet within the area before it settled and dispersed. The genasi stayed there for a moment before glancing about, her eyes settling on the tree Gustav had climbed up on before moving towards it.

"Hello! My name is Era, it is very nice to meet you! I just have a few questions if you don't mind me asking-- Sorry about my friend being on top of your head by the way-- but I was wondering if you and your friends could help hide our tracks for us or make the area harder for any outsiders to traverse and get to us. We're not wanted or anything, just don't wanna get caught out with our tails between our legs, you know?" Wink, nudge.(Persuasion if needed 21) "Buuut, if not, then that's cool! Would you mind telling me about this jungle on the other hand? What lives here, what the noise was, what we need to look out for, how's the weather?" She put on her best smile for the tree in hope it would answer some of her questions in case she couldn't persuade it into helping them hide their tracks.

Burgee waved Kauil and Minos over to join the group once the boats were sufficiently hidden.  He had a feeling they may be here a while and the group should stay together when they could.

Gus answer is succinct. And by succinct, it comes in the form of a long hiss followed by a sharp intake of air. He goes back to staring afterwards, unconcered by any confusion resulting from his response. Tracing his gaze back to a point, anyone can see him particularly invested in her hands and throat whenever she casts her magic.

"'e said you reminded him of shaman back home... was confused too by all the--" Gustav says distractedly, then chuckles. "Extra clothing, and lack bones about you. Said he would know more." At that point, the aged Tabaxi looks around for Ka, only to see him mirror his movements, little though they were. Gustav starts to hum in thought until Wonder started to join in. Feeling embarrassed when he looks to her, Gustav lets out another chuckle and pets her head. "No need to stop, little one. It is not often one joins this one in song. And... I would hear more."

Smiling brightly, Wonder gets back into humming, if falteringly at times. While she did that, Gustav turns back to ask, "Don't forget to ask if its alright, my dear blue friend. I truly mean no offense. It's just.. hard to resist at times to climb. Its a tabaxi thing. Well, at least for those of my bloodline... That and fishing." 

Truk eagerly took in the vistas as the group pushed ahead, excited like a child in a theme park at this new view, these odd tree's what the hell were these? They only had leaves at the top! and then these plants.. that Era was helping grow even as they moved along... their leaves were massive... a single leaf on some of these shrubs and other flora were the size of a single bush! There was so much cover for small creatures... and plenty for the leather-birds in the sky but anything in between was likely visible through any copse of trees, even as thick as the tree's were, like a fence that was missing a board every so many feet. Pickign one up... Truk suggests Perhaps we can use this magic of yours to grow the plants and lay beneath them? they will hide our bodies from sight! Haha! standing proudly at his own observation.

Gustav, climbing a fairly sturdy tree, makes it to the top, but stops short of the top, as that would put him above the canopy. 10 relatively easily spotting another two-hundred yards in the distance.. more or less where the sound came from, a Gnome in the jaws of a Giant Spider. Another "Wuah hau huaaaaa!" echoes through the jungle, even as a breeze blows through, carrying the sound away. Another Giant Spider coming out of the forest nearby to join its friend, both of its front legs high in the air, descending on the Gnome just after he asks Era his question, the temperature rising ever more even as the sun reaches it's peak, a soft blur now pervading everyone's view, though only making what they see appear to wobble a bit, but nothing more. Aside from the sweat starting to form on everyone's brow.

Mino's and Kauil lagged a bit behind the group, as they had done some finishing touches, attempting to make the boats appear more 'natural' before joining up with the rest of the group, pulled along by Burgee's beckoning wing/hands? The group now fully together as Gustav begins to see what he see's.

In Era's wake was ever more vibrant plants, seemingly invigorated, almost glowing from the powers she was casting on them. They seemed to thank her in passing as she all but skipped towards Gustav, before interacting with the Lizardman who seemed to be all too fond of her.. perhaps he saw her spells and had an affinity for nature himself? Regardless, as Era begins her ritual, her powers flowing forth, out, and around her, reaching out to all the plants, but focusing primarily on the one Gustav had climbed, her words, as she spoke seemed to make the plant shiver with delight, though not enough to cause issue for Gustav above.. it seemed all too eager to answer her questions... though they seemed more like images and impressions more than actual words...

Oh.... the weather has been warm... it is pleasant.... this one feeds off the lights heat... the rain has quenched mine roots... this one does not know what tracks are, but we shall do our best to cover them.... Watch out for the round heads.... they will feast on your leaves, and trample your boughs.... but they provide sustainance in turn.. so we forgive them... this one does not know what a jungle is either... but we, the ibras are here to live, and to breed, and continue our existence..... though you get the feeling that though somewhat rare, there are various beings of varying sizes that pass through anywhere, at any given time. Likely the plant is warning you not to be eaten by an herbivorous creature, and it cares little for anything else We are everywhere here.. though to the north.. the land weeps.... it's life wrung dry by the shadowed light. We do not understand this...... Even the flesh beings do not cause us such duress.. the Elves.. they sing to us.. but the other flesh beings like your large, happy plant, but smaller... are not so kind.....

The noise? we do not know.. but if you refer to the disturbance nearby.. it is the sticky, many legged plants who use out trunks for their sticky homes.... Likely catching another tiny plant, and playing with it.....