"But of course!  Madwomen are the most entertaining by far," Mulligan assures Shae, meeting her eyes and smiling gently.  "I guess our new feathered friends have my mind on avian topics but I of course open the floor to whatever it is you wish to discuss..."

     "You all encountering undead before was mentioned, and I'd still love to hear more of it," Mulligan said gently, allowing Shae to keep hold of the narrative.  "A Night Hag?  Hmmmm..."

     Mulligan did hold up a hand to get Shae to pause when she mentioned the Professor and the mirror.  "I was still on the boat for that part.  What happened?"  Mulligan listened attentively, nodding and such where appropriate, extracting the whole story.

     "Bat-like diety," Mulligan mumbled to himself when it was mentioned, studying the drawings of the murals Shae shared with him.  Mulligan would absently reach into his bag and grab up his own leather bound journal - the one with the constellation Velessea on the cover that Shae had given him at the start of their journey.  Mulligan started flipping through the pages and, if one paid close attention, snippets of lyrics or poems could be seen, rough sketches of their companions and scenes from the boat and perhaps even several portraits of Shae herself that was obviously given a lot of work and effort.  But Mulligan would suddenly clear his throat and cough, closing the journal as he did and turning it in his hands.

     "This'll be easier," he explains and opens the book upside down and backwards - as if the back cover were the front.  Merely opening the journal now brought about a blank page for Mulligan to work with.  He didn't try to copy Shae's drawings of the murals but with a "May I?" he did study closely and make notes about what he saw.  A drawing of a drawing is a bad way to be sure to have details correct, better to just write down what the eyes see rather than multiply any possible mistakes.

     "Zotzilaha or Zotzllaha?" Mulligan asked, clarifying the pronunciation and probable spelling.  He noted the name in his journal as well and quickly make some notes underneath it.  Mulligan's notes were jotted down in a set of secret signs and symbols.  "Quicker," he explains with a smile if he sees Shae taking notice of it.  "A kind of fast reminders rather than actual words."  Proper names or possibly important phrases will be written out in Common but notes and thoughts about such that occur to Mulligan will all be written in Thieves' Cant.

     Mulligan will smile assuringly at Shae when she apologized for hopping.  "Snippets or knowledge are what I am best at!" Mulligan says with bravado.  "Ask me for a books worth or knowledge and we're in trouble, but snippets??  Pshaw!  No sweat!"

     Mulligan pauses for a bit, seemingly lost in thought.  Almost below hearing his sings "The worms crawl in... the worms crawl out...  the worms play pinochle on your snout..." but eventually he looks back up from his notes to Shae.  "Anything I know will be from poems or songs I have picked up along the way...  Thus very unreliable.  Some of them there minstrel types are quite loosey-goosey with the facts and they twist and bend everything to fit their needs, ya know?  A Bat Diety could become a giant raven, if the rhyme scheme requires.  Or even some rich guy who dons a mask and cloak, if they were feeling fanciful.  Let me think on it some and get back to you, huh?"

     Obviously the young, magical, purple haired woman was totally prepared to not have an immediate answer but Mulligan still mentally kicked himself for not having one.  It would have been nice to have her answers at his fingertips.  But still...  Better to be right and helpful than quick and disastrous.

---

Dice rolls:

Main objective: Trying to figure out who Zotzilaha is to confirm whether they're 'team bat' or 'team snake'.

     History check:  16

     Pluss d100:  18

     Success on History roll so another d100: 58

((Plus advantage original History Check since I forgot advantage... 5 ))

     So ANOTHER d100 for 5 above on History Check (thanks to remembered advantage): 64

     Shae's Guidance on the History Check of 20 wouldn't push it to another 5 above so this should be it for the Main Objective.

---

Side objective: Dig deeper into the reference of the 'Night Serpent and her children' to confirm where that fits.

     History Check w/Adv: 8

     Plus d100:  33

     Success on History Check so another d100:  34

Again, Shae's Guidance won't help Mulligan dredge up any info from the cobwebs of his mind....

Mulligan Rolls - Summary

Main objective: Trying to figure out who Zotzilaha is to confirm whether they're 'team bat' or 'team snake'.

History Check - 20

D100 plus extras for success and 5 above on History Check:  88,  43,  49

Side objective: Dig deeper into the reference of the 'Night Serpent and her children' to confirm where that fits.

History Check - 15

D100 plus extra for success:  37,  12

Mulligan, there's a lot you know about potential bat like beings, though you're not familiar with the name Zotzilaha. You rack your brain over different powerful bat-like entities and you do remember a weird Chultan fairytale, or rather a snippet thereof.

"...the Bat, first of the five. Hidden in the dark, it outlasted the sandworm, was wiser than the boar, stronger than the snake and less greedy than the vulture. The bat, the last of the five who were brought low by the nine." You can't immediately place it, but seeing as how many in Chult venerate animal deities or deities with animal aspects, the tale is likely a riddle of sorts.

As far as the night serpent and her children are concerned, you are drawing a blank: There are just too many possibilities -are the Yuan-ti in the Professor's mirror what the "children of the night serpent" could refer to, or does this make a hidden reference to some old cult, or does this reference an entire religion and if so could this tie into Shae's question about "Team bat and team snake"- because after all, a serpent is a snake, right? But the murals also showed symbols of a protective winged snake, so maybe that one was different? And as far as winged snakes go- what would a bard refer to these as... sure Quetzalcoatl springs to mind, but there are also the Jaculis of chult, though they don't have wings. Or maybe, this was a reference to large dinosaurs or even dragons?

Berrus looks up then sighs.   least you three listened.  When we split i wa approached by a group at the forge. Claimin to ha found Dwarven ruins they were.  Well within a week the guide had us lost. Then dinna listen when warned bout those creepers.  While fightin them the caster panicked n launched a fireball into us.  Thas why me beard be ruined.   Then arrows started fallen roun us. An. An.  he again looms at Shae. Eyes glistening face pink.  An i ran.    I just ran......   his head drops.  i was still lost.  Prayed ta yer Kam n to yer Lady to get me back.  Somehae ended up followin a raven..i really had been back less than a day for i found the capn.   he finished staring at the ground

14         < history check.     Phone acting stoopid

Roll 1  42

Roll 2. 19

And roll 3. 70

Berrus, you recall the conversation you all had before reaching the city of Port Nyanzaru, when you briefly considered exploring the ruins near Palebank. While your guide didn't get you close enough to confimr this, they spoke very clearly about the dwarven ruins of Tamoachan being separate from the city of Mezro. You don't remember them mentioning anything about the supposed twin city of Omu though... From what you gathered further, the city of Tamoachan was said to be cursed and sundered by a great calamity, which is why most of the locals shun the place.

You can also quickly let Shae know that Moradin is a northern god of the Forge, revered by many Clan Crafters and having established a broad network of smiths also functioning as priests, spreading the knowledge of dwarven smithing techniques. Many a Trueanvil ancestor was themselves steeped in the knowledge of Moradin's craft. While you haven't heard of a similar deity being revered on the continent, in your months in Chult, you've learned that the dwarven ancestors of the Chultans were every bit as cunning with stone as their northern brethren and just as distinguished with their jewellery. You haven't found a lot of blades or forged armour though.

(Sorry this is a bit late.)

Fang gives Shae a quizzical look, almost as though he doesn’t understand her meaning behind the phrase, “fill in the gaps.”

Berrus

Shae would give Berrus her attention when he'd speak. She'd want to jump in at points, but considering he didn't speak often, let alone open up to her, she kept silent. Though she wasn't without expression. Her brow would quirk in challenge when he'd first claim that they listened, but her brow would quickly knit in detest to him starting with a phrase like 'when we split'. It almost made her want to spit, but she'd just feel herself lift her nose up in stubborn disagreement.

Of course Shae continued to listen, all ears to Berrus share what happened. One event after another, her face would soften and sadden. Watching him lower his head without the will to look up, her eyes reflected the same heart breaking understanding of what he went through. To be the last one standing and the soul crushing guilt that came with it... That she knew all too well. There wasn't only that. Knowing the warrior, the one who'd give his life to defend, there was no doubt to her that there was that extra layer of shame. For a protector to flee...

"We listened during training." Shae would remind. The scars that literally decorated her from neck to toe were testaments to her perseverance through every risk. Even completely reckless at times. She was no model student, nor an easy woman to protect. Berrus should know all to well. She imagined it was the reason he started preemptively taking defensive positions around her, yet had to be more flexible with his protection at the same time.

Shae would take a breath. "Berrus," He'd feel her hand rest upon his shoulder. It was difficult for her to find the words that felt right, but she'd try. "At the depths of your core your instincts knew it wasn't your time. You did what you had to do to survive..." It sounded a little cliche, but she believed it. Her hand would give his should a squeeze. "Because you wanted too." She'd add, immediately choking up. Stopping herself, Shae would swallow and take a breath. She'd glance up as she did before looking back down to continue. "It takes a strong will to push through doubt, and a special kind of bravery to still have the desire to carry on despite the encroaching darkness..." Those words came from the heart in hopes to be assuring. The same will and bravery she did not have on that faithful day in her history. The day Kam saved her from herself. And to hear that he was a light to help guide Berrus when he was lost warmed her heart, moving her hand to place it over her chest. "I'm glad you're safe." Considering she had thought she'd never see him again, she had been relieved when he had returned (relatively) okay.

Mulligan

Shae would return Mulligan's smile with one of her own. It grew with warmth the longer he engaged her in conversation and her studies. With that time she relaxed a bit more, becoming more candid as they began exchanging information. She was very much willing to share stories and expand on details should he be curious, though he'd soon find out that there would be a need for a lot more time if he was intent on hearing all of them.

"Our encounter with the undead was brief, and believe it or not, in a sense, wasn't the most memorable of encounters," Considering everything else they had experienced up to that point, "but it was more than enough of a taste to prove to us that the threat is very real. It became evidence enough for me that there's at least some truth hidden in legend and folklore. There's so much correlation amongst our data at this point..." She'd emphasize her belief and reason for even picking through what's considered to be the most unreliable of sources. "And if I'm honest, I would not want to up that anti for them become more memorable." Shae would add before moving into the tale.

"On our return trip we stopped ashore and split the party. Some remained with Hope (the ship) and others went inland to investigate a camp. When those arrived at the camp, they were already under attack by undead. The group intervened. Unable to save everyone, they were still able to fight them off, rescue the survivors and take them back with them. All the while, those at the ship was attacked as well. They too were successful in fending off the attack." She'd recall the story the best she could, providing a very brief summary. "Needless to say, I was beyond relieved we didn't lose any one in the crew that day." The woman would fidget with her bracelet with those words.

As for the Night Hag, that was a small novel in itself with a few chapters in it. So when Mulligan mused on the mention Shae would section out the portion of pages dedicated to their studies and events around her. The thickness of the segment dedicated to her supported the length of her tale. For the sake of at least giving him an idea, she'd flip through a few pages as she'd worked her way to the next section of their discussion. This way he could see snippets of the passage. There were dedicated pages to a range of studies with detailed illustrations. There were entries that included a dagger, voodoo, various rituals, wisps, a large skull hut, a pearl, the hags diaries, a coven, frog warriors and even a unicorn.

And when Mulligan would remind her that he was still on the boat when the Professor investigated further with the mirror, she'd quickly correct herself and happily turn pages to move forward to begin recapping the story for him. Though, as she turned, there were other chapters that included additional sketches that he could attribute to being other parts of her story on the island. There were sketches of a magnificent airship, images of crew members, some in memory, some he'd recognize to still currently be around, flying bird creatures unlike the kenku, the airship in shambles amongst the jungle canopy, monkeys, a panther, a large section dedicated to plants and medical study, as well as sections dedicated to a troll, sharks, a raft, their boat, various sunset and sunrise horizons, a tortoise depicted to be so large, it was the size of an island and the great port of the city.

Finally arriving to the section of information the Professor obtained while he was on the boat, Shae would take the time to catch Mulligan up to speed. She'd first share his mention of a lecture about the theory of an ancient empire, maybe as old as the dwarven civilizations they had found traces of, but not of dwarves or humans, but coatls- snake like beings that built pyramids, made sacrifices to their gods and worked to become more like them in flesh. Then she'd flip through to share the Professor's tales as well show him her drawings and images from the mirror.

The tales were that of the city of Mezro, that supposedly was betrayed by one of its paladins for promises made by the Night Serpent to bring about the reign of her children. There were three short sequences of drawings that depicted: A city in flames, and a leader with a flaming sword leading hordes of undead through open gates. An old man with the regalia of an emperor or high priest laying in bed, surrounded by advisors and medics. The desiccated and bandaged body of the same person contorting and twisting into an abomination with human torso and head, but the writhing form of a snake where its legs should be and long fangs instead of normal human teeth.

And as Mulligan pulled out the leather bound journal that she gifted him, Shae's smile deepened more presenting her dimple. She was curious if he actually used it or was just doing it for show, so naturally her eyes would fall to the pages to study any contents. To her surprised he had filled a lot more pages then she gave him credit for, and there were some of her. He'd flip the book over and she'd tuck her hair behind her ear. "Yes." The purple haired woman would agree, trusting to share her prized possession with Mulligan to copy from. From his engagement, and own example of records, she was happy to share from her original research documents.

As the discussions continued and Mulligan worked through her questions, Shae listened. Getting lost in the exchange of knowledge and information, any time he'd look up, she was guilty of hovering. Any time there was a spark of inspiration, reference or connection, the scholar would reach over to pause everything to copy, expand on or adjust notes.

(Ran out of time for the day, but will provide note/research update details if still wanted, when possible.)

Berrus raises his head at Shaes words. A slight smile on his face. He then relays the information he knows about Tamoachan.  And a bit about the deities of the dwarves finishing with but mostly my faith be in ye.

Seeing. That bard approach he bows his head to Shae and goes to sit back to the treehouse raising his hood.  ( leaving the sword in Shaes possession)

     Mulligan listened with rapt attention as Shae detailed her adventures before meeting him.  He asked questions and prompted for more detail on occasion but only where it was necessary, her narrative was quite engrossing and detailed and little needed clarification.  Plenty of the small questions and side paths Mulligan though deserved to be asked he filed away to be addressed “next time.”  One always wanted an excuse to spend an evening exchanging stories with one an enticing as Shae so having a reason for a next time in your back pocket was golden...

     After Shae had explained the Professor’s thoughts and information on an ancient civilization that strived to become like their gods, Mulligan notes that many ancient civilizations worshipped and idolized specific animals or beasts.  “They were savage and mimicked the animals around them that had power, it seems.  Sure I’ve hear song and tale of snake inspired people and cults and such but nothing...  Nothing that really had that golden ring of truth, nothing that strikes as relevant...”  Still, Mulligan would mention various and sundry reciting a line or two of poetry from an epic or softly singing a few lines from a song to see if anything jumped out to Shae as relevant.

     “There is just such so many references and allusions...  Snakes symbolize everything from evil to sexuality to even medicine and healing what with the Staff of Aesculapius.  It is difficult to weed specifics out of such a vast sea without more to go on.  I’m sorry...” Mulligan explains. 

     “Bats are less symbolic perhaps but...” Mulligan drifts off, his thoughts stolen away for a moment.

     “The Bat, first of the five.  Hidden in the dark, outlasting the tunneling sandworm, wiser than sir boar, stronger than the slinking snake and far less greedy than the needy vulture...” He finally says softly, trying to recall the proper wording.  Trying to recall more of it.  

     Mulligan turns to Shae with questioning and confused eyes.  “I’m... I’m not quite sure where that is from...  Stories of animals, deities with animal aspects... They’re as common in Chult as air.  But that ring of truth?  I think perhaps....”

     “The Bat, the last of The Five who were brought low by The Nine...  Yes, yes.  I am sure that is part of it. Is it a riddle?  A cautionary tale...?” Mulligan sighs in exasperation as more eludes him.  “The Bat, first of the five... then laster the last of the five.  It’s definitely something, right?  And ‘Brought down by the nine.’ But who are the nine??  Does the nine ring any bells with you??”

     While he struggled to pull more out of his brain, Mulligan also made more notes in his journal writing down the snippets he remembered and the questions they brought to mind.

     “I would guess the five - the bat, vulture, sandworm, snake and boar - symbolize evil and perhaps different aspects of it?  Or different dark deities?  So the nine must be more ‘friendly’ and ‘good’ animals, yes?”

     “And you said... Team bat and team snake, yes?  Surely you're looking at two of these five aren’t a coincidence?”

     “But there are good and bad snakes, even symbolically... Winged protective snakes or... The mural seemed to show a protective winged serpent.  Maybe not dark and light deities, maybe from different regions or...  or...  Or maybe I’m just overreaching....”  Mulligan sighed again, feeling lost in the possibilities or the mystery that Shae was sharing with him.

     “If only I could remember where the bit about the five and the nine came from.  If it was a story or a song or a myth or...  Then again, it could just be that there snippet,” Mulligan explained.  “We...  entertainers and the like... We of course share stories and songs, news and gossip.  It’s like a cooperative rivalry of a sort.  We all want to outdo the others but we also depend on the others for more and new to share and to build upon, you see?  I want to write and share the funniest, most ribald verse of the latest scandal but I also want to put it out into the air to spread and grow.  The same with news or jokes or ballads...”

     “But it's not just the ready to share, fully polished and refined songs and stories we share.  There are also the Snippets.  Bits and pieces that one of us may have that we can’t do anything with, for whatever reason.  Maybe we’re just lacking the creative spark for that idea, or maybe we just don’t have enough background or something.  Rather than let the Snippets die, we share those two...  Perhaps I have what I think a bit of a rhyme that I am quite fancied with but I just cannot expand upon...”

Forgive my art,

On bended knee I must confess...

I aim to please.

     “It’s like... I know that should be something.  It belongs somewhere.  But I don’t know, can’t create the rest of it.  But I can’t just let it rattle around in my head til it dies.  So I pass that snippet along.  Perhaps the next person can turn that bit into something great....  But I have seemingly gotten off on a bit of a rant, haven’t I?  I do apologize but I do have a point.”

     “This bit about the Five and the Nine.  It could be a Snippet.  It could be that I learned that bit and nothing else.  That got lodged in some bards head and they could do nothing with it so the sent it out into the ether to see if it could grow...  Yet it also has that ring of truth to it, doesn’t it?  Like maybe not true True, but like it is something true.  It means something true.  I think if it IS a Snippet that it is a Snippet from a bigger whole, if that makes sense?”

     Mulligan had caught the virus of this mystery now and was finding himself fully engaged, enraptured by the possibilities. “I think this is a story that needs discovering...  Surely an epic that needs a proper telling, yes?  I think if we can find the truth to this that it will end up being a story that goes down through history...”

     Mulligan turns to look at Shae and gives her one of his best smiles.  “If properly written and sung, of course.”

Reng begins the walk with Shae a bit wary, but as she talks, the fighter's stance eases and her hands move from a ready stance to gently grasping each other behind her back, almost forgotten. When she finishes her story about the jaguar in the trap, Reng nods. "The great cats in this place are not always threats, I have found. They need to be respected, of course, but they are not enemies. One becoming an ally is not so farfetched. And certainly not with someone who wins hearts and minds as easily as you."

When they look at Shae's notes again, she freezes, especially when Shae says, "a deity that resembles a jaguar." She looks out at the trees and vines enshrouded in darkness, and rubs her fingers through her spiky hair. "A deity? No... can't be..."

She turns back and meets Shae's eyes. "I shouldn't have survived out here. I was running from shipmates, and a bosun, who wanted me dead, and I picked the only chance I had, running into the jungle. With nothing. I mean, honestly, I was a street rat, and then a bouncer. City girl. The first time I left town, on my way here, I get taken by pirates who thought I was more fun to keep alive. I learned. And survived. And joined the crew. Got pretty good at it. Still, I knew nothing of the jungle when I ran into the jungle, I should have died. But every time I had to fight to survive, I found strength I didn't have before. Or didn't know I had. And once, when I'd scared off some people who wanted to take advantage of me and some other wayward souls who couldn't fight well, they kept saying 'Shagambi.' Some jaguar spirit. Something in me they saw, I think it was the first time I fired off those beams of energy, the ones you saw me use in the pit. I don't think it's a god though. It's hard to remember."

Grabbing her head with both hands, she bends down and concentrates, diving back into her memory for any scrap of detail that would help. Anything from her time on the ship, anything from her days in Waterdeep listening to everyone in the world pass by. Anything from her dreams. 

History: 8

d100: 89

d100: 70

d100: 21

Reng's head pops up, eyes wide. She recites in a surprisingly light, singsong voice:

"Jaguar warriors who protect the pact
Eagle sages who know the secret
Crocodile tricksters who watch for infractions.
The Ant that grants strength and the Ape to render judgement, but the Elephant's persistence that carried the day.
The worldmaker turtle, the fatespinner spider
now only remains as the symbol of their sacrifice:
the lightning bug."

She blinks. "I'm not sure how I forgot that, and but this jogged my memory and it came back in a flash. One of the people who mentioned Shagambi said it. Sang it? It stuck in my head, and I remember repeating it back to myself over and over when I was alone here. I shoved it from my mind when I was taken and brought to the city. It's back."

She grins at Shae, and wraps her in a hug. Oddly showing deep relief and calm. Then she stops and pulls back. "What does it mean?"

Berrus
As Berrus recited what he could for her from memory, Shae diligently transcribed his words down in her notebook. Perhaps to him it didn't seem like much, but it was enough to clarify some things and point her in a direction. While she wrote with her head down, the dwarf's last few words would reach her ears. It'd cause a small smile to tug at her lips as she finished noting the last of what he said about Moradin before it slipped her mind. When Shae finished reviewing the last of what she jotted down, she'd lift her head in preparation to respond. Berrus was already walking away. She'd feel her heart sink. Things were different then... This is now. She'd remind herself on an exhale.

Having been left with the sword, Shae would shift awkwardly from baring the weight of it during their studies. She would try her best to carefully set it aside with it's sheath. Fumbling it, the sharp blade would nick her. Sucking air in through her teeth, mostly in surprise, the medic would then chastise herself beneath her breath. Inspecting the light damage, she'd quickly mend the shallow cut on her leg. Her lips would form a soft pout. It was more so over the slice in her dress, as that wasn't something she could fix. Something else she may have to bug the Professor with in the morning...

Mulligan
As Mulligan began pouring out his thoughts one after another, Shae settled and listened. She'd nod along when necessary as she followed along. The further down the rabbit hole he went, the more questions and confusion that came from him. It wasn't all a coincidence. At times the scholar would look thoughtful, occasionally she'd jot down notes, but other times, a wry smile would play on her lips and her head would tilt as if he were questioning some things she may know, or have more information to help fill in some pieces. She didn't want to interrupt the man. Finally as he was finishing what was on his mind, Shae's smile would genuinely fill with warmth as she'd nod in agreement. "It is a story that needs discovering."

"It's not a coincidence I ask these questions." Shae would confirm. She'd then begin turning pages in her notebook. "And as I'm learning from asking them, there is much more to this story than I originally thought." She'd admit. "I know I wouldn't be able to solve it on my own, but I definitely know now more than ever, it will not be solved over night." The scholar's expression never fell. She looked hopeful and excited to learn more as they journeyed. "Even now, the realizations I'm coming too have been helpful."

At the mention of good and bad snakes, Shae would speak up. "I believe there's truth in that." She would turn to a section within her book. "Obviously there are the Coatls that were identified, but yes, there are snakes with wings." She'd present an image of a pair of winged serpents soaring above the tree tops. "I spotted them in the early days in the jungle. They're Quetzalcoatlus." She'd explain. "In my fear and distrust from an earlier encounter, I steered us away from them." Her face would soften. "I understand now that they may not have been something to fear then... I think you are right that they may be protective." She'd then flip back to the section of cave murals. "Reflecting back... They may be, or at least have been, guardians of the grung." The woman would present a sketch of additional murals. The specific one she points out to you, you see a physically diminutive creature wielding the rod (the one she believed to be the same as the one she had on her person) against its enemies, with the figure of a winged snake above the hero, looking down on them and shielding them. Should he ask who or what the grung were, she'd flip back to the images of the frog warriors he caught a glimpse of.

Shae would eventually turn back to a previous section. "Here, maybe sharing this with you will help give you better insight to what set me on the path to my questions." She'd present a series of murals that were discovered on the side of a chamber that seem to depict some sort of mythological cycle.

There were three panels on both sides of the hall, plus a large panel that was incomplete behind an altar:

1. The first panel to the left depicts an eagle- headed deity fighting a snake creature, with the blood from the deity spilling into the ocean below and forming the continent of chult.
2. The second panel to the left shows the same eagle-headed deity in company of a deity resembling a jaguar, who mix their own with either clay or corn to form the denizens of this culture.
3. The third panel to the left is a depiction of a humanoid chief or priest, with an eagle-like headgear holding a ritual dagger and depicted as nourishing the gods with his own blood- a particular detail that stands out is the stocky and bearded nature of the humanoids, in comparison to the lithe anthropomorphic deities.
4. The first panel to the right depicts a scene of warfare, between the humanoids, and lizardlike creatures, topped with a depiction of the same battle immortalized as the struggle between the jaguar deity and a crocodile god.
5. The second panel depicts the foundation of a city under the watchful eye of the eagle, the jaguar, and a third deity that seems to resemble either a monkey or a bat (unfortunately the wall at that point is cracked, and parts of the mural destroyed).
6. The third panel depicts the same priest or chieftain as on the opposite ruling their empire, with a bladed club in one hand and a goblet of blood in the other. A large bat is depicted above the leader, either as a watchful presence or as a reminder of the inevitability of death.
7. The last panel behind the altar piece is unfinished, but it seems to have been planned as a collage-history of the empire that once ruled here, with the few finished scenes highlighting the city that once existed next to the lake, and a cataclysmic event, which you interpret as the eruption of a volcano bringing about an end to the empire. You're uncertain whether the cataclysmic event is a prediction or a record though.

Shae would go to explain that she's collecting insight from others to present to the Professor in the morning. It felt as though what they gathered was plenty to digest at this point. Eventually it would come time to rest.

Reng
As Reng stopped to look her in the eyes, Shae paused with her. She listened intently, practically hanging on to every word as she shared her story. While the woman went through the motions of reliving and sifting through those memories, Shae road along with her own share of emotions. And having been so enraptured in the details of Reng's personal tale, Shae had not been expecting what would come next.

First there was the song Reng sang so gently, then before she knew it, Shae was swept up into an embrace. A soft gasp of surprise would escape her lips and a lump would catch in her throat. It had been so long since she felt any affection... Frozen for a split second, she'd soon feel herself buckle and begin melt into the gentle stength of Reng's arms. Just as Shae would nestle into her neck and settle into returning the hug, Reng would pull back. "What does it mean?"

Shae would blink. Feeling heat rise to her cheeks, she'd shake herself out of it and tuck her hair behind her ears, fighting back her unexpected tears. "I-um." Shae would take a moment to clear her throat and correct her composure. "I'm not entirely sure yet." She'd admit. A small smile would grow on her lips. "But I do believe it could correlate with some of the ancient murals we discovered and more..." She'd say as she'd open her notebook and turn back over to the cave sketches to present the detailed notes of the mythological cycle. Reng was welcome to review them should she like. (Please see 1-7 above.) 

When Reng would look up from the murals, there was a little something else that danced behind the smile on Shae's lips as she'd go over Reng's song. Something felt familiar about the crocodile tricksters (Fang?) and the worldmaker turtle. She'd turn to the page of the sketch of the turtle as large as an island that roamed the oceans. Would it be the same one? "I feel these presences are more than just legend." She'd muse quietly.

Straightening her posture, Shae would then look back to Reng to meet her eyes. "Shagambi." She'd say, her voice soft and inquisitive. "Jaguar spirit." She'd repeat before adding a bit cryptically. "It doesn't have to be a god." Her mouth would pull into a sweeter smile once more, her dimple poking into her cheek. After a playful hum, Shae would hold out her hand and would call upon her magic, amassing a ball of crackling energy that was all too familiar to Reng. She'd wink before snuffing it out.

Softening her expression, Shae would reach out and take the fighters hands in hers. "I was saved by a unicorn." She'd share. Then, she'd begin to hum an uplifting melody and as she did, pink sparkling swirls of magic circle Shae's forearms, funneling through her fingers and into her palms. Reng would be able to feel the warmth of the magic blanket her hands, mending the cuts, splinters, callouses and sores from working the ship.

"Thank you for sharing Reng." She'd say sincerely as her eyes would meet Reng's.

     "Well I am here for you," Mulligan would say as his conversation with Shae wound up. "Whenever you want to put our heads together and try to puzzle more of this out."  

     "In the meantime I'll keep puzzling at my Snippets and dredging up whatever else I can remember...  Perhaps the Professor would be able to put all the pieces together in the morning, though," Mulligan says, knowing she is fond of him and wanting to show some respect to him.  "He'll have some insights and make some connections we haven't, at the very least."

     And after the two have said their goodnights and Mulligan has gotten as comfortable as he can, his mind will wander over and around the conversation again and again.  He'll search for meanings and hints and any loose ends that he could possibly tie up... And eventually he will nod off to sleep and let his subconscious do the work.

Reng marvels at Shae's healing, and she even compares Shae's balls of energy with some of her own, lighting up the night sky with coruscating illumination. Or at least their little corner of it. She dives into the pages trying to understand details. Eventually she falls asleep, forehead on one corded forearm.

Mulligan
Shae would look to Mulligan and bow her head slightly. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." She'd pause. "For puzzling more of this out." The researcher would gather her notebook and pen. "I appreciate the added effort and your insight." She'd add with a small smile. "I do look forward to sharing it and seeing what connections can be made, but more so for what else we'll discover as we continue along our journey."

Finally looking up for a brief moment. "Good night." Shae would bow slightly once more with her book hugged to her chest before taking her leave.

Reng
When Reng would take the moment to call upon her magic and the light of their magic danced in the night sky, it reflected in the whimsical awe in Shae's eyes. Her smile widened as she enjoyed the elements at play.

O'Malley's excitement to dive right into the pages of her book, Shae sat by and watched in comfortable silence. Unless Reng had any questions, she was happy to share what she could. Bit by bit, page by page, line by line, Reng eventually fell completely silent with her head down over the book. When the medic picked up the change in her breathing, her face would soften. Shae would reach into her bag to pull out her blanket and gently lay it over the warrior to wrap her in it. Resting gentle hands on her shoulder she'd give a soft squeeze. "Theck ith su fliaptlor." With light singsong words, Shae takes her leave.

Fang
Shae pads through the village, feet along the jungle floor and eyes in the sky. She reaches into her pocket and lifts a snoozing pseudodragon now cradled in her palms. With a breath she'd blow air over the familiar to dust off pocket sand and dress sparkles from his scales. "Muushuuuu." She'd coo only to get a soft snort whistle in return. She rolls her eyes playfully. Shae then dangles a treat and sways it side to side in front of his nose until it got the mini dragons attention. "Is Fang awake?" Her head would tilt.

After being 'exploited' for extra treats, Mushu would lead Shae to their companion. Finally spotting Fang, she'd gently knock on a surface nearby to announce herself. "Hi Fang." She'd offer a bit of a shy smile. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything." Shae would step forward into the space. "I've been inspired, and doing a lot of thinking lately on everything we discovered." She'd open the conversation with her simplified summary. "And I've realized I've never truly sat with you, at least in a very long time, to talk." The purple haired woman would look apologetic. "You and your clans history is closer to this ancient world than I could ever be, no matter how much I look in as an outsider." Her eyes would meet his. "I know the Professor spearheaded the research with your clan and the grung, it was amazing to watch that all come together." She'd add. "You were truly instrumental in assisting him, us, with that communication link. And if I never properly thanked you... Thank you Fang. And for all of the knowledge you've shared and contributed to my own research, and our research as a group. Our botanical guide is top notch." She'd wink and her smile would present warmth again.

"Today..." Shae would hold her notebook to herself as she does. "I hope to take the time to learn more about your clans history." She'd take a seat and open the book. "The murals which we discovered presented this." She'd show an image of a panel that he may or may not remember or recognize. It depicts a scene of warfare, between the humanoids, and lizardlike creatures, topped with a depiction of the same battle immortalized as the struggle between the jaguar deity and a crocodile god. "Fang, in your life experience and readings, do you have knowledge or tales of this struggle?" Shae's eyes were filled with wonder and curiosity. She wondered if he knew the gods. Was it Shagambi and another? But also, Shae was curious about the 'croc side' of the story. There was so much repetition of the Jaguar and it's warrior... Did they have knowledge of their 'enemy'? What happened to the crocodile?

(Shae/I will of course round things up with Fang. Though, assuming nothing else happens through the night... DM I'm comfortable/encourage you to move us to morning if you'd like! I like reading the Professor's morning routine posts. It's a nice set up for us to take a seat with him over a cup of tea ^.^ I can have Shae round up her convo with Fang and transition into the morning brief in response.)

The night is calm, with the birdfolk keeping careful watch on well-camouflaged platforms in the tall trees surrounding their village, far enough out of view to not disturb the peace of the settlement, and also far enough to allow for early warning, should it become necessary. Shae has spent the time researching and adding to your collective knowlege, clearly feeling as though there are more threads than appear simply on the surface and intent on uncovering more of the whole picture. The rest of the group rises to the smell of breakfast being prepared, and the quiet, hushed tones of intense and focussed discussion between Shae and the Professor, bent over Shae's notes.

The birdfolk give you space, but you can see particularly the young ones eyeing you curiously from a distance. What would you like to do?

Glasses:

”Shae, you look like you have been busy,” says the Professor. ”Have you used the mirror yet?  What would you like to discuss?” he adds.

Glasses:

Research rolls for the Professor:

Glasses:

Research percentages for the professor: