Adrenaline was released the moment water began to churn around them. Shae’s heart pounded so hard she could feel it in her throat. She’d swallow. The moment the heat of the turtles breath washed over them, she could feel goosebumps pepper her skin as a shiver tingles down her spine.
Although Shae could not understand, she’d bite back any fear or discomfort. She’d move up to stand with Maxine, giving her a nod of support and an encouraging smile. I’m here. Her hand would reach out. We all are. Shae was ready to step forward to speak, or provide words for Maxine, and ready to offer her bracers.
The turtle, still swimming around the boat and forcing you all to turn to keep looking at its good eye, exhales again, gruffly, as if it snorted at the suggestion:
"Majak ve creolnali di xihuuli ekess wux vur dout kiabili, usv WUX geou qe sia achthend! mobi ui gargh ekess sone tenpiswo, si tuor creolnali batobot ui xihuuli creolnali ekess wux!"
Even to those of you that don't understand draconic, the menace in the voice is clear. Those of you who understand the dragon turtle surmise that it is saying that you'll be it's food, if you don't offer something worthy. The dragon turtle indicates further that it has plenty of food in the bay, that it instead wants something precious as a worthy tribute.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"No food," with doome notes in her voice translated Maxine. "Shae, what were you talking about presenting the braces? I'll translate. May be add the book too right away? Seems like it's getting angry."
The book was on top of the things in Maxine's bag together with the wand. But bargaining was not artificer's strong suit and she was not sure if the offers should be given all at once to prove they have nothing left, or increasing them would be a reasonable choice here. If Shae deemed the first one as the right tactic - she would give the items to her.
Shae would give Maxine’s arm a gentle squeeze and a soft smile before she’d take a step forward to address the dragon turtle herself. She’d continue to observe it as it’d circle their ship, watching them attentively. She’d swallow. Holding herself tall, Shae would begin to speak, loud and as clearly as she could, knowing Maxine would translate should it be needed. “Hi.” She’d bow her head wishing she knew it’s name so she could address it more formally, “My name is Shae.” Whether it actually cared to know or not, she was doing her best to present herself formally respectful and transparent. ”We have a book that contains knowledge on the building and creation of golems to offer.” She’d gesture to it before inhaling another breath. “Hope, our ship,” She’d motion to the deck of the ship and then around her, “and us, it’s crew, seek safe passage through your waters.” Shae would inhale another breath, “Continuously.” She’d add gently, but bravely. Shae would reach her arms out to present her wrists to the watchful eye to continue her offer for consideration. “These bracer’s are illusionist bracers that amplify their magic. I present these to you not only as a valued treasure, but as a gift of good faith.” She’d explain as she’d begin to remove them from her person and physically prepare to give them to the dragon turtle. “No tricks or misdirection.” She’d pause only briefly. “I stand here in full transparency desiring a fair mutual agreement.” Shae would hold out the bracers in her hands.
“And should our tribute still not be enough,” She didn’t know how much value there could be in this, but again, it was an effort to present good faith to develop a relationship of trust... Shae knew she was asking for a lot for an agreement of regular safe travel. “I offer my magic and skills in healing, should you find yourself in pain or discomfort.” Not that she thought she could cure it’s blindness, but thinking back to an old fairy tale, perhaps it may have a thorn in its side causing some disstress?
Maxine translated every word to best of her ability, trying to stay at the background as much as she could - the Turtle had to understand that Shae is the negotiator here.
The Professor attempts to aid the translation as well, couching it in very respectful forms of speech (Help action for Shae if she needs a Persuasion check).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Wer jiil regipreic ulnaus re aurthon, si tir ti tuor wer munthrek ekess xtirl ve."
Between the draconic speakers on board, you quickly translate the demand for the two items.
The dragon turle cocks its head slightly, indicating a small patch of water before its good eye for you to throw your items towards.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Agreed! At least for now. Go ahead, through both - the book and the bracers!" The gesture was obvious but Maxine pointed at the water patch too, just in case.
The dragon turtle careful watches you as you cast the items overboard. Once they start to submerge below the surface - which incidentally is pretty much guaranteed to ruin the manual, you all think to yourself- the dragon turtle turns its head to fix Maxine with its good eye, before speaking again.
"Wer ulk'igh ui xikina, si mi petranasgarh."
Maxine, you understand it to mean roughly that it considers the tribute paid and is satisfied, something you all see as the enormous creature slowly sinks back beneath the waves and presumably collects the treasures you handed over to it.
You all remain nervously on deck for a full five minutes longer, but Brax confirms that the turtle seems to have dived down and away, and your path is indeed clear.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Maxine finally breathed out (she did not even realized she was holding her breath) and sink on the deck. "Looks like we can go. It seems the ticked from the island can be quite costly. No wonder people prefer air travel." She recovered quickly enough, though - ahead was a new and very interesting city, Maxine wanted to see it all as they were getting closer.
Shae too had been waiting with baited breath and practically sunk to the deck in time with Maxine. She'd reach over to give her hand a gentle squeeze. Looking over to the Professor, she'd give him a nod of appreciation for his assistance as well. Shae had to have faith that their efforts were truly enough to secure Hope and its crew regular safe passage through these waters. Though, after that thought she'd pause for a moment to allow the reality of her offer to sink in. Did she just connect herself to another higher being? She'd blink.
A small chuckle would escape her lips when Maxine would quip about air travel being preferred. It pulled her back to the present. She'd take a breath. "Well, we just got Hope a VIP pass." Shae would allow a soft smile to appear on her lips. She'd pick herself up off the deck, and should Maxine still be sitting, Shae would offer her a hand up.
"But we're not out of the water yet." Shae would more or less mutter that to herself with a nod, not wanting to get complacent. There was still much work to do. With more confident footing, she'd step her way to Brax to review the horizon, their path and the weather before she'd make her way to the Captain to report and begin consultation on their next steps.
Maxine squeezed Shae's hand back in aprretiation and a touch apologetically: "Pity about the book. Not that I truly hoped to understand it, but it had potential. Imaging riding these jungles on the back of a golem!" She stood up searched the waters for the signs of the big turtle. Just waves... "Do you really think that ... Great being" (who knows how far the turtle really was and if it truly did not understand Common) "will remember Hope? Or us? Let's hope so!" The pan was not intended (nor was any good) but she laughed nevertheless a laugh of relieve. Another danger seemed to be over. For now.
"Well-done, ladies," compliments the Professor. "Let's hope we don't have to go through that again for a while." Moving to the prow, Snively looks up ahead for any sign of civilization, as he is quite weary of being out in the wilderness for so long.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Shae would pat her nose with her free hand in thought to Maxine. "I would have sworn we copied the information in the Professor's gazetteer." She'd provide an encouraging smile before looking over to the Professor for confirmation. "Besides, we still have the mirror. It could maybe even show you?" She'd wink before following Maxine's eyes out over the water. "Aren't turtles said to have powerful long-term memory?" Her head would tilt in thought. She kind of banked on it.
The remainder of the day passes without any noticeable incident, and as night falls, you're all excited for the final stretch of your journey back to Port Nyanzaru. Between the fish caught by Fang, and the choicest pieces of meat and the canned goods, you all enjoy a delicious meal, before two thirds of you head to sleep and you all leave the remainder to steer you ever closer to your goal.
The morning is fresh, and you shiver a little waking up, but the skies are clear, and after two hours, you hear Three Earrings exclaim from the crow's nest: "Land Ahead!".
All of you excitedly rush to the prow or the railings to look out in the direction pointed out by Three Earrirngs, only to realise that down on the deck, you're still unable to see anything. Another hour later though, you start to see the dark landmass as a small sliver of dark colour above the glinting surface of the sea. Excited and focused, all of you perform your tasks with ease, and around midday, you're close enough to make out the city from the surrounding hills and the looming jungle behind. Even miles away, you can make out the Ziggurats to the west, and large domed cuppolas rising from among the expanse of rooftops, the warm clay causing the air above the city to flicker, giving it an almost magical hue.
Another two hours later, and you can all tell that Captain Thessalandra is steering the Hope towards the towering beacon of a lighthouse, indicating the large harbour of Port Nyanzaru. You can already hear the thrumm and bustle of activity from the harbourward and the thousands of denizens beyond, and you can barely hold your excitement. Even Fang seems to be infected by the energy on board, as your group's goal is coming clearly into view.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Smiling to finally see his original destination, the Professor bustled around consolidating his possessions for carrying personally. He asks his erstwhile porters Cliff and Bertrand to attend him and says, "I know you were engaged to assist me with protection and portage during a trip into the jungle from Nyanzaru, but we have had many an adventure since our skyship crashed, and I count your obligation to me paid in full, if not several times over. I would be glad of your continued company if you wish it, but I hereby release you from your contracts, considering them fully discharged." With a bow of respect, he adds, "Thank you for keeping us all alive long enough to reach the port. If there is anything I can do for you now or in the future, you have but to ask."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Maxine was watching the docks with growing excitement. It was a city - a real big city, with walls, protecting from the wildlife (and no less wild death), people that generally not trying to kill you, speak understandable language and busy with understandable things, normal beds, for gods sake! And - it was hard to even imagine at this point - bathtubs! May be even with soap!
"Where do you stay when you are in this city?" She was asking the Captain, but the question was addressed to the archeologists too. It's always good to know someone in the new place, at least locals can make a useful tour, may be help with the jobs too, and she planned to learn all she could. Money for the ticked back home were not about to drop from the sky, and Maxine was going to use any potential opportunity to get some (cargo delivery on Hope was a priority, but something on the side would not hurt either).
Shae would watch over the approaching harbour with excitement and awe. Pulling out her journal, she’d lose herself in sketching and making notes. Should she find anything worth updating on the maps, she would do so. Absentmindedly, she’d muse out loud. “Wonder if there are other maps available in the city... And they did mention dinosaur races?” Shae would pat her nose.
The last day had gone by like a blur. The readjustment had been tasking, but very welcome.
After arriving in the Dockward, it took some convincing of Harbourmaster Zindar to let you into the city, since none of you were holding any papers or documents of proof of ownership for the Hope and in your ragged state looked rather more like pirates than a group of scholars and their armed guard.
Thanks to the Professor’s academic network however, a colleague of his in Port Nyanzaru could be contacted and she vouched for his identity. The Hope was allowed to dock, and you all got got back onto solid ground, with Fang surprising the harbourmaster by folding the boat and carrying it with you all after the remaining gear had been unloaded unto the Professor’s disc.
Val’meera, the Professor’s contact, was one of the Priestesses at the Temple of Gond, and therefore about equal parts religious acolyte and natural philosopher. After getting out of earshot of the harbour, she fussed over you all, with worry and amazement at the trials you must have overcome. The temple had expected the Professor’s arrival almost three months ago and they had assumed the worst, when the airship never made it to the city.
The temple is located in the richer area of the city known as the Merchant’s Ward just a few blocks behind the docks. Upon entering, you were amazed by the central fountain of the temple, with its continually shifting water jets casting shapes almost as fanciful as the Professor with his control water spell. But Val’meera didn’t offer you too much time to stay and wonder, ushering you into the stout, almost barracks-like annex towards the back, where the priests and engineers had their living quarters.
Within two hours of arriving at the docks, you were seated at a long and simple table, laden with the best that the city had to offer: a monk-fish curry made from some of the day’s catch and a plethora of exotic and aromatic spices, herbs and vegetables to start out with, then aa mouthwateringly fragrant dinosaur stew, cooked in a thick red sauce with hints of chilli, chocolate and honey. As a side, you’re served flat sourdough bread, flavoured with garlic and onions and fruit juices or tej to pair with the spicy notes of the food. After you’ve all eaten almost to the point of bursting, a sweet pastry, paper thin and crumbly and made from almonds is served. In consideration for Fang’s diverging appetites, hereceives his meat uncooked and bloody, but with the option of dipping into the other food if he so wished.
It is night by the time you finish, and Vel’meera shows you all to a room where you can rest. She apologises for the lacklustre accommodation, but in truth you’re all elated at the prospect of sleeping in an actual bed again. Even Fang seems pleased to be able to sleep for a whole night and in a sheltered place.
The next day’s breakfast is far lighter than the evening meal, and soon thereafter, Corrin thanks Vel’meera and you all, before making his way to the Market Ward, a more middle-class district, to inform their employers of the failure of the mission. He lets you know that he’s staying at Kaya’s House of Repose for the next month or so, until they can get the funding for another mission together. Noska also excuses himself, and makes for the Old City, to see his family and let them know he’s safe, thanks to you all, and promises to show you a good time if you want to visit. Three Earrings sticks with you meanwhile, not being too eager to return to Tiryiki Anchorage just yet, instead acting like something of a local guide to help you navigate the city.
Thessalandra and her crew wait for the others to leave, before gathering you all to thank you once again for helping them make it through the jungle alive. As discussed before, they are planning to reach out to the Flaming Fist and negotiate some sort of agreement for the destroyed ship and the lost cargo, while starting to build up a new transporting enterprise with the Hope, which Thessalandra sets about registering the same day. Cliff and Bertrand, after thanking the Professor for having them for so long, join the crew. For the meantime, they are lodging at the Thundering Lizard near the Red Bazaar.
With the goodbyes over, the Professor excuses himself to settle his affairs with the Temple and his Institute, who had presumed him dead as well. After inquiring with Three Earrings, Berrus finds a smithy to get to work on his project, while Maxine is going about to try and sell the remaining gear in the grand Bazaar and instead acquire some new ingredients for her own experimentation. Shae and Fang meanwhile start out to explore the city.
Come evening, you gather back at the Temple of Gond. The day has been rather successful for you all, and while Berrus presents Shae with a beautifully decorated and personalised quarterstaff, Maxine is proud to hand each of you a pouch containing over 200 jingling gold pieces, more than enough to find lodging in the city for a few weeks or to book passage on a ship back to the mainland. The Professor regrets to inform you all that he will have to stay in the city for a while to finalise his book of your journey and to publish his findings, but he extends an open invitation to come and find him for any future adventures, when the call of the wild becomes too irresistible again.
With this chapter of all your lives closing, each one of you is curious to see what awaits in the future and where your travels will carry you next.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
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Adrenaline was released the moment water began to churn around them. Shae’s heart pounded so hard she could feel it in her throat. She’d swallow. The moment the heat of the turtles breath washed over them, she could feel goosebumps pepper her skin as a shiver tingles down her spine.
Although Shae could not understand, she’d bite back any fear or discomfort. She’d move up to stand with Maxine, giving her a nod of support and an encouraging smile. I’m here. Her hand would reach out. We all are. Shae was ready to step forward to speak, or provide words for Maxine, and ready to offer her bracers.
just an unstable unicorn.
The turtle, still swimming around the boat and forcing you all to turn to keep looking at its good eye, exhales again, gruffly, as if it snorted at the suggestion:
"Majak ve creolnali di xihuuli ekess wux vur dout kiabili, usv WUX geou qe sia achthend! mobi ui gargh ekess sone tenpiswo, si tuor creolnali batobot ui xihuuli creolnali ekess wux!"
Even to those of you that don't understand draconic, the menace in the voice is clear. Those of you who understand the dragon turtle surmise that it is saying that you'll be it's food, if you don't offer something worthy. The dragon turtle indicates further that it has plenty of food in the bay, that it instead wants something precious as a worthy tribute.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"No food," with doome notes in her voice translated Maxine. "Shae, what were you talking about presenting the braces? I'll translate. May be add the book too right away? Seems like it's getting angry."
The book was on top of the things in Maxine's bag together with the wand. But bargaining was not artificer's strong suit and she was not sure if the offers should be given all at once to prove they have nothing left, or increasing them would be a reasonable choice here. If Shae deemed the first one as the right tactic - she would give the items to her.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Shae would give Maxine’s arm a gentle squeeze and a soft smile before she’d take a step forward to address the dragon turtle herself. She’d continue to observe it as it’d circle their ship, watching them attentively. She’d swallow. Holding herself tall, Shae would begin to speak, loud and as clearly as she could, knowing Maxine would translate should it be needed. “Hi.” She’d bow her head wishing she knew it’s name so she could address it more formally, “My name is Shae.” Whether it actually cared to know or not, she was doing her best to present herself formally respectful and transparent. ”We have a book that contains knowledge on the building and creation of golems to offer.” She’d gesture to it before inhaling another breath. “Hope, our ship,” She’d motion to the deck of the ship and then around her, “and us, it’s crew, seek safe passage through your waters.” Shae would inhale another breath, “Continuously.” She’d add gently, but bravely. Shae would reach her arms out to present her wrists to the watchful eye to continue her offer for consideration. “These bracer’s are illusionist bracers that amplify their magic. I present these to you not only as a valued treasure, but as a gift of good faith.” She’d explain as she’d begin to remove them from her person and physically prepare to give them to the dragon turtle. “No tricks or misdirection.” She’d pause only briefly. “I stand here in full transparency desiring a fair mutual agreement.” Shae would hold out the bracers in her hands.
“And should our tribute still not be enough,” She didn’t know how much value there could be in this, but again, it was an effort to present good faith to develop a relationship of trust... Shae knew she was asking for a lot for an agreement of regular safe travel. “I offer my magic and skills in healing, should you find yourself in pain or discomfort.” Not that she thought she could cure it’s blindness, but thinking back to an old fairy tale, perhaps it may have a thorn in its side causing some disstress?
just an unstable unicorn.
Maxine translated every word to best of her ability, trying to stay at the background as much as she could - the Turtle had to understand that Shae is the negotiator here.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Glasses:
The Professor attempts to aid the translation as well, couching it in very respectful forms of speech (Help action for Shae if she needs a Persuasion check).
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Wer jiil regipreic ulnaus re aurthon, si tir ti tuor wer munthrek ekess xtirl ve."
Between the draconic speakers on board, you quickly translate the demand for the two items.
The dragon turle cocks its head slightly, indicating a small patch of water before its good eye for you to throw your items towards.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"Agreed! At least for now. Go ahead, through both - the book and the bracers!" The gesture was obvious but Maxine pointed at the water patch too, just in case.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Shae would do as instructed. She'd lob the book as well as the illusionist's bracers into the pool.
just an unstable unicorn.
The dragon turtle careful watches you as you cast the items overboard. Once they start to submerge below the surface - which incidentally is pretty much guaranteed to ruin the manual, you all think to yourself- the dragon turtle turns its head to fix Maxine with its good eye, before speaking again.
"Wer ulk'igh ui xikina, si mi petranasgarh."
Maxine, you understand it to mean roughly that it considers the tribute paid and is satisfied, something you all see as the enormous creature slowly sinks back beneath the waves and presumably collects the treasures you handed over to it.
You all remain nervously on deck for a full five minutes longer, but Brax confirms that the turtle seems to have dived down and away, and your path is indeed clear.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Maxine finally breathed out (she did not even realized she was holding her breath) and sink on the deck. "Looks like we can go. It seems the ticked from the island can be quite costly. No wonder people prefer air travel." She recovered quickly enough, though - ahead was a new and very interesting city, Maxine wanted to see it all as they were getting closer.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Shae too had been waiting with baited breath and practically sunk to the deck in time with Maxine. She'd reach over to give her hand a gentle squeeze. Looking over to the Professor, she'd give him a nod of appreciation for his assistance as well. Shae had to have faith that their efforts were truly enough to secure Hope and its crew regular safe passage through these waters. Though, after that thought she'd pause for a moment to allow the reality of her offer to sink in. Did she just connect herself to another higher being? She'd blink.
A small chuckle would escape her lips when Maxine would quip about air travel being preferred. It pulled her back to the present. She'd take a breath. "Well, we just got Hope a VIP pass." Shae would allow a soft smile to appear on her lips. She'd pick herself up off the deck, and should Maxine still be sitting, Shae would offer her a hand up.
"But we're not out of the water yet." Shae would more or less mutter that to herself with a nod, not wanting to get complacent. There was still much work to do. With more confident footing, she'd step her way to Brax to review the horizon, their path and the weather before she'd make her way to the Captain to report and begin consultation on their next steps.
just an unstable unicorn.
Maxine squeezed Shae's hand back in aprretiation and a touch apologetically: "Pity about the book. Not that I truly hoped to understand it, but it had potential. Imaging riding these jungles on the back of a golem!" She stood up searched the waters for the signs of the big turtle. Just waves... "Do you really think that ... Great being" (who knows how far the turtle really was and if it truly did not understand Common) "will remember Hope? Or us? Let's hope so!" The pan was not intended (nor was any good) but she laughed nevertheless a laugh of relieve. Another danger seemed to be over. For now.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Glasses:
"Well-done, ladies," compliments the Professor. "Let's hope we don't have to go through that again for a while." Moving to the prow, Snively looks up ahead for any sign of civilization, as he is quite weary of being out in the wilderness for so long.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Shae would pat her nose with her free hand in thought to Maxine. "I would have sworn we copied the information in the Professor's gazetteer." She'd provide an encouraging smile before looking over to the Professor for confirmation. "Besides, we still have the mirror. It could maybe even show you?" She'd wink before following Maxine's eyes out over the water. "Aren't turtles said to have powerful long-term memory?" Her head would tilt in thought. She kind of banked on it.
just an unstable unicorn.
The remainder of the day passes without any noticeable incident, and as night falls, you're all excited for the final stretch of your journey back to Port Nyanzaru. Between the fish caught by Fang, and the choicest pieces of meat and the canned goods, you all enjoy a delicious meal, before two thirds of you head to sleep and you all leave the remainder to steer you ever closer to your goal.
The morning is fresh, and you shiver a little waking up, but the skies are clear, and after two hours, you hear Three Earrings exclaim from the crow's nest: "Land Ahead!".
All of you excitedly rush to the prow or the railings to look out in the direction pointed out by Three Earrirngs, only to realise that down on the deck, you're still unable to see anything. Another hour later though, you start to see the dark landmass as a small sliver of dark colour above the glinting surface of the sea. Excited and focused, all of you perform your tasks with ease, and around midday, you're close enough to make out the city from the surrounding hills and the looming jungle behind. Even miles away, you can make out the Ziggurats to the west, and large domed cuppolas rising from among the expanse of rooftops, the warm clay causing the air above the city to flicker, giving it an almost magical hue.
Another two hours later, and you can all tell that Captain Thessalandra is steering the Hope towards the towering beacon of a lighthouse, indicating the large harbour of Port Nyanzaru. You can already hear the thrumm and bustle of activity from the harbourward and the thousands of denizens beyond, and you can barely hold your excitement. Even Fang seems to be infected by the energy on board, as your group's goal is coming clearly into view.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Glasses:
Smiling to finally see his original destination, the Professor bustled around consolidating his possessions for carrying personally. He asks his erstwhile porters Cliff and Bertrand to attend him and says, "I know you were engaged to assist me with protection and portage during a trip into the jungle from Nyanzaru, but we have had many an adventure since our skyship crashed, and I count your obligation to me paid in full, if not several times over. I would be glad of your continued company if you wish it, but I hereby release you from your contracts, considering them fully discharged." With a bow of respect, he adds, "Thank you for keeping us all alive long enough to reach the port. If there is anything I can do for you now or in the future, you have but to ask."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Maxine was watching the docks with growing excitement. It was a city - a real big city, with walls, protecting from the wildlife (and no less wild death), people that generally not trying to kill you, speak understandable language and busy with understandable things, normal beds, for gods sake! And - it was hard to even imagine at this point - bathtubs! May be even with soap!
"Where do you stay when you are in this city?" She was asking the Captain, but the question was addressed to the archeologists too. It's always good to know someone in the new place, at least locals can make a useful tour, may be help with the jobs too, and she planned to learn all she could. Money for the ticked back home were not about to drop from the sky, and Maxine was going to use any potential opportunity to get some (cargo delivery on Hope was a priority, but something on the side would not hurt either).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Shae would watch over the approaching harbour with excitement and awe. Pulling out her journal, she’d lose herself in sketching and making notes. Should she find anything worth updating on the maps, she would do so. Absentmindedly, she’d muse out loud. “Wonder if there are other maps available in the city... And they did mention dinosaur races?” Shae would pat her nose.
just an unstable unicorn.
The last day had gone by like a blur. The readjustment had been tasking, but very welcome.
After arriving in the Dockward, it took some convincing of Harbourmaster Zindar to let you into the city, since none of you were holding any papers or documents of proof of ownership for the Hope and in your ragged state looked rather more like pirates than a group of scholars and their armed guard.
Thanks to the Professor’s academic network however, a colleague of his in Port Nyanzaru could be contacted and she vouched for his identity. The Hope was allowed to dock, and you all got got back onto solid ground, with Fang surprising the harbourmaster by folding the boat and carrying it with you all after the remaining gear had been unloaded unto the Professor’s disc.
Val’meera, the Professor’s contact, was one of the Priestesses at the Temple of Gond, and therefore about equal parts religious acolyte and natural philosopher. After getting out of earshot of the harbour, she fussed over you all, with worry and amazement at the trials you must have overcome. The temple had expected the Professor’s arrival almost three months ago and they had assumed the worst, when the airship never made it to the city.
The temple is located in the richer area of the city known as the Merchant’s Ward just a few blocks behind the docks. Upon entering, you were amazed by the central fountain of the temple, with its continually shifting water jets casting shapes almost as fanciful as the Professor with his control water spell. But Val’meera didn’t offer you too much time to stay and wonder, ushering you into the stout, almost barracks-like annex towards the back, where the priests and engineers had their living quarters.
Within two hours of arriving at the docks, you were seated at a long and simple table, laden with the best that the city had to offer: a monk-fish curry made from some of the day’s catch and a plethora of exotic and aromatic spices, herbs and vegetables to start out with, then a a mouthwateringly fragrant dinosaur stew, cooked in a thick red sauce with hints of chilli, chocolate and honey. As a side, you’re served flat sourdough bread, flavoured with garlic and onions and fruit juices or tej to pair with the spicy notes of the food. After you’ve all eaten almost to the point of bursting, a sweet pastry, paper thin and crumbly and made from almonds is served. In consideration for Fang’s diverging appetites, he receives his meat uncooked and bloody, but with the option of dipping into the other food if he so wished.
It is night by the time you finish, and Vel’meera shows you all to a room where you can rest. She apologises for the lacklustre accommodation, but in truth you’re all elated at the prospect of sleeping in an actual bed again. Even Fang seems pleased to be able to sleep for a whole night and in a sheltered place.
The next day’s breakfast is far lighter than the evening meal, and soon thereafter, Corrin thanks Vel’meera and you all, before making his way to the Market Ward, a more middle-class district, to inform their employers of the failure of the mission. He lets you know that he’s staying at Kaya’s House of Repose for the next month or so, until they can get the funding for another mission together. Noska also excuses himself, and makes for the Old City, to see his family and let them know he’s safe, thanks to you all, and promises to show you a good time if you want to visit. Three Earrings sticks with you meanwhile, not being too eager to return to Tiryiki Anchorage just yet, instead acting like something of a local guide to help you navigate the city.
Thessalandra and her crew wait for the others to leave, before gathering you all to thank you once again for helping them make it through the jungle alive. As discussed before, they are planning to reach out to the Flaming Fist and negotiate some sort of agreement for the destroyed ship and the lost cargo, while starting to build up a new transporting enterprise with the Hope, which Thessalandra sets about registering the same day. Cliff and Bertrand, after thanking the Professor for having them for so long, join the crew. For the meantime, they are lodging at the Thundering Lizard near the Red Bazaar.
With the goodbyes over, the Professor excuses himself to settle his affairs with the Temple and his Institute, who had presumed him dead as well. After inquiring with Three Earrings, Berrus finds a smithy to get to work on his project, while Maxine is going about to try and sell the remaining gear in the grand Bazaar and instead acquire some new ingredients for her own experimentation. Shae and Fang meanwhile start out to explore the city.
Come evening, you gather back at the Temple of Gond. The day has been rather successful for you all, and while Berrus presents Shae with a beautifully decorated and personalised quarterstaff, Maxine is proud to hand each of you a pouch containing over 200 jingling gold pieces, more than enough to find lodging in the city for a few weeks or to book passage on a ship back to the mainland. The Professor regrets to inform you all that he will have to stay in the city for a while to finalise his book of your journey and to publish his findings, but he extends an open invitation to come and find him for any future adventures, when the call of the wild becomes too irresistible again.
With this chapter of all your lives closing, each one of you is curious to see what awaits in the future and where your travels will carry you next.
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