Badger turns to the small boy, and with a twinkle in his eye, and a slightly affected tone of nobility, says: I am a svirfneblin, the wisest of all gnome-peoples! Perhaps not as skilled artisans as our rock-gnome cousins, but no less inventive! I would be glad to see your flying toys!

"Thank you for your blessing, wise One.  We will gladly trade work for lodging and rest.  Any guidance on where we may begin the search for this orchid will be appreciated when the time is ready.  And Princess, may the people of Chult be blessed with a wise and gracious leader, and be restored to their place in the kingdoms of Faerun."  Sickle chooses his words carefully, a little unsure as to exactly what they are signing up for.  He listens carefully to the words of the One and the Princess, listening for mal-intent, arrogance, or hunger for power or revenge, as opposed to a people who had been abandoned by their god and pressed upon unfairly by the outside world.

(Basically, do I hear anything that makes me uncomfortable?)

Insight: 11

After they get a chance to sort out their accomodations, Sickle wants to go back down and check on the turtle shell we presumably left below, and look to secure it somewhere.  He will Wild Shape if necessary, but will ask the Aarakocra if there is a way for outsiders to go up and down without flying.  He will also look through the city (if indeed is such) for a place to buy and sell wares, or any craftsmen of note.

Later on, he will hope to meet with the others privately to discuss their next steps.

The audience appears over, but Aarakocra turn to mingling rather than dismissing the group outright. People begin to pull the party apart as they break into conversations. 

The boy smiles at Badger, "A Svirfneblin? Very neat!  Though, your race name sounds like the noise I make when I sneeze."  He face goes crestfallen, "Oh, I didn't offend you have i?  I'm not as good at talking and smiling as my sister." 

Sickle sense some mild undertones in the conversation. The girl is clearly very...proud?  She is a royal and is trying hard to act like it, even though she's likely had no real experience leading. The elder is another matter. She has pools within pools of motivations that, though Sickle can tell she has ulterior motives, can't say what they are. She seems protective of the girl, wary of them, but there is more that he couldn't quite make sense from in their limited interaction. 

The same male leader from before walks over to Sickle, "The black orchid's can be found in Nagalore, which is about fifty miles down the River Orlung from here. We are forbidden from going there, as there are Eblis there.  It is said that Eblis are reincarnations of people who were evil in their lives, and are being punished for their evil acts. They look like cranes, but eight feet tall. They are self serving, beware them. It will be best for you to head west to the river from here and follow the river south. That way you will avoid the Nsi wastes that open up beyond this valley. The lands there are tracts of waste for miles. The plants are dying or poisonous, the land is a bog, and in the center it is said is the ruins of Ras Nsi's temple.  Regarding your logistical question, your goods can be ferried up by our people. It is the least we can do."

A semi-familiar Aarakocra approaches Silas, "Silas I believe it was?  It is nice to see you again."  Silas recognizes Nephyr, the Aarakocra they rescued after a short awkward moment.  "I am so glad you made it, though I see a few of you are not here. I hope the simply went another way?  I am glad regardless you have come to the safety of this place." 

Princess Mwaxanare approaches Boris, "Hello there. My name is Princess Mwaxanare. It is so good to see another human face. The Aarakocra have saved me and my brother, and treated us so well, but they are not human and can not really understand us. Where are you from?"  She loops her arm into his arm comfortable and starts walking with him, "Tell me some brave stories about your trip here!  Did you help rescue Nephyr from Fyrefinger?"  

The elder approaches Azaka, "Welcome. You are a fellow Chultan.  I see it."  She looks long and hard at Azaka as if judging her, and then nods with satisfaction.  "I see you as well. I see you. They will need your help if they are to survive jungle child."  

 Here is the latest map, as updated by the Aarakocra for you: 

Badger is glad to talk to someone he doesn't have to crane his neck to face, even if it is a child. The boy's innocence is refreshing after the somber perils of the jungle, and Badger feels more light-hearted than he can remember. He stifles a grin of amusement at the boy's comment and subsequent embarrassment, and says in his most regal voice: Hmm, no I am not offended, although you should be careful, as I am a mighty mage, and I might turn you into a grung. Then grinning openly to show his comedic intent, Badger adds in his usual nasal tone: Some call us the deep gnomes, for our thoughts are as deep as our burrows. I am called Badger. Now, tell me your name, and show me your creations, and I would hear also of these snake-people. And did you make that wonderful costume yourself?

The boys face is an open window to his feelings as he reacts with humor, and then fear, and then humor again. He seems to hang on each word Badger speaks, "Sure, sure, come, I'll show you.  My name is Na. I didn't make this costume myself, some of the Aarakocra people made it for me.  They are very nice, letting us stay here, me and my sister."  As he talks he leads Badger up a floor and then out of the main temple onto the walk, on the next higher level. You leave the background chatter of the hall behind. He strolls with confidence along the wooden walkway, the wind occasionally blowing at him, but his footing and balance true.  Badger notices an Aarakocra follows them at a distance.  He doesn't appear to be armed, and doesn't try to hide, clearly making sure to follow.  Na says, "That's Truti. He makes sure I'm safe and don't do anything dumb." There are only two buildings higher than the main monastary.  He leads you to the first, which is perched between the top of the monastary and the last, highest building in the complex.  "The snake people I don't know much about.  They're bad though. They have a whole society, with religion, and wizard snake people, and warrior snake people, and stuff.  They're smart, but ya, bad." 

The building he's led you into appears to be a dwelling similar to others, but is furnished for humans and is appears much finer, as would befit a royal.  Badger spots many beautiful trinkets: silver brushes and mirrors, crystal perfume bottles, writing quills made from multicolored parrot feathers, jewels for braiding into hair, necklaces and rings set with fiery Chutan opals and amber.  Na appears ignorant of the value around him and clambers up a ladder to the next floor.  Here, half of the room is clearly the childs.  Books lay about in disarray, on everything from plant life to religion. Small wooden and paper trinkets are abound.  Na leads you over as the escort climbs the ladder.  "So, this is my latest, see how the paper comes down in a spiral, that makes it spin as it falls, which both slows the descend and stabilizes it..."  He begins describes his various devices to Badger as the escort settles in a corner, seemingly disinterested.

Mandra remains mostly mute, still wary of what will happen if the Aarakora realize her true nature. She listens with interest to this elder speak of returning power to Princess Mwaxanare who are clearly not her own kind. She also raises an eyebrow at the thought of a neighbouring power coming in to return power to this Royal Family of Omu, 200 years after it was vanquished. She thinks back to some papers that crossed her desk back in Cormyr, wondering if she has heard of any of these foreign powers and their eagerness to return a teenaged girl to a cursed throne: History:21

She will discreetly cast Disguise Self again when the time comes, either slipping away into a private lavatory or alcove if she can find one. If it seems like the others may linger too long with their social niceties, she'll try to locate someone of a lower servant class to direct her to her quarters, and hopefully not ask too many questions, before she fully expends her arcane abilities. 

Otherwise she tries to mingle and play the part of your standard intrepid adventurer, here to save the day from the Big Bad. She'll try to stick with the more gregarious members of her group, letting them do the talking. If directly addressed, she'll ask questions regarding the wildlife, dangers, and diseases that lurk in the jungle, and detailed specifics about this Black Orchid.  Persuasion:8

Mandra recalls with clarity in fact a dissertation on Chult written fifty years earlier. It spoke about the rise of the merchant princes in Port Nyanzaru and the growth of their wealth and power on the continent, with both Mezro and Omu wiped away. Based on the words written, she finds it hard to believe they would lift a finger to assist a royal take back Omu, unless it was incredibly self serving.  As for anywhere else in Faerun well...there are riches in Chult, but it's a question if any would come to fetch it, and what their price would be for assistance.  It certainly wouldn't be out of the goodness of their hearts. 

Aarakocra talk politely with her and Sedrik, with Sedrik doing most of the talking, but after some sniffing, many find a reason to be elsewhere.  

Sedrik sighs as yet another Aarakocra walks away from them both.  "You stink. Figuratively and literally."  He walks away leaving her on her own to listen to other conversations. She finds herself all but ignored, able to move about the room listening without much trouble, as long as she keeps her distance.

Sickle thanks the Aarakocra for his aid and information, and takes his leave, harboring suspicions at the motives of the bird-people.  They seemed kind enough, but passion and fervor sometimes drove people to behave in strange ways.

He will spend some time meditating in his quarters, then go out and perform his service as requested. He finds whatever they do in the way of food to try and understand their cultivation techniques, despite the fact that, in almost all cases, he ironically didn’t have much of a green thumb,

Later that evening, he will try to gather the others in Mandra’s quarters to discuss the status of things.  “Well, here we are, and with a solid next step.  Recover this orchid, receive the blessing, and go find Omu.  I’m not sure I understand the implications of installing a new leader there, but I think we cross that when we come to it.  In the meantime, it has been an arduous journey, frought with danger, and I know that many of us are worn thin.

“if anyone knows a way, I think we should send a message to Port Nyanzeru to let our benefactor know of our progress. It has been some time, and sending word back would probably be helpful.  

“The rest here will do us well, but what of you all?  Boris, Sedrik, your master and your colleague have fallen in combat.  Do you wish to return to your lives, or do you wish to join us in finishing this quest? Azaka, we must be drawing close to the amount of time we traded for...do you wish to join us of your own accord? Your guidance has been invaluable and would be most welcome going forward.  Mandra, I would hope you would continue so that we may find a way to free you from your bonds.  Ham, we have brought you this far, and I think you have more left to contribute, so we want you to know you are welcome either way.  Silas, Badger, we still have a ways to go, my friends.  What say you all?”

Badger's tinker skills are no more than the average gnome, but he offers Na his thoughts and suggestions on his creations, as well as encouraging praise. The child seems to be mentally gifted, and amongst the boy's incessant conversation, Badger manages to steal some glances at the books, impressed with both their content and difficulty. After some surprisingly enjoyable time with the young human, Badger decides to check on his companions, and excuses himself. The Aarokocra escort watches as Badger leaves, but the curious gnome is not long out of the room before noticing other bird-folk following at a prudent distance.

While heading back to the main hall, Badger wonders whether the Aarokocra might know more about the snake-people of Omu, and whether they possess arcane libraries, and stops one of them to ask...

... Later, when rejoining his companions, Badger listens closely to the newest members answers to Sickle's invitation to remain, and decided to spend his next available moment alone to perform another tarokka reading for them. He also noted that Sickle had shown a natural aptitude for leadership in the place of Sir Darak, and he nodded approvingly at his rallying words. Finally, Badger renewed his commitment to the cause, and then offered a possible solution to the message-sending problem...

Urgh, well-spoken Sickle, and I welcome those who choose to continue with us, but am obligated to point out that the auguries of the future still hang heavy with doom. If you choose to go forward into peril, rest-assured that you will not do so alone - I will see this quest through to its foreseen conclusion. As for sending word, I would be willing to send Yertle back to Port Nyanzeru with a message. He can assume a swifter form, although it may still take considerable time...

Sedrik speaks up, "The only honorable thing for me to do is take up Sir Darak's duties. I shall be happy to join you in this quest to destroy the Soul Monger."

Ham steps forward, placing a hand on Sickle's shoulder, wood smoke plays on the air.  His hand goes to his hilt as he steps back, and he nods to the group. 

Mandra nods in agreement with Sickle's statement, "I think any leader is better than the Soul Monger. Whatever happens after is between the Princess of Omu and her altruistic allies. I'm glad to continue on this path. After all, I've got nothing else to live for."

When her time for service comes, Mandra will direct her labours towards whatever task the Aarakocra see fit. Though the more attentive of them may notice an Unseen Servant is helping to complete some of her more strenuous chores.

If it seems that the group will be spending some days here, Mandra, out of boredom and curiosity, will occasionally cast Invisibility to eavesdrop on her hosts. Particularly the leaders and princess to see if she can glean any additional information about the local political situation, or any interesting tidbits of information that weren't openly shared. Stealth:7

Silas will trying to find any traders to sell what he grabbed as well as look to get a  jeweled horn for hearing or a glass eye worth 100g, then simply retiring to the room if possible while trying to settle his mind. 

When confronted by the Princess he blushes and feels swept away by his new companion.

"Hello Mwaxanare, I'm Boris... and I am from Faerûn. I have some stories, but I am not sure how many of them are brave. Most of my time is taking care of Sir..." He pauses for a moment and composes himself. "...the groups' belongings. Preparing food, maintaining weapons, and taking care of camp."

Boris is really interested in a relaxing chat... anything to take him mind off of the recent events.

"Wait... who is Fyrefinger?"

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When asked about 'What his plans are?' by Sickle

Boris replies "I don't know. My whole life was brought here to this place... and now that life is gone. I feel as though I have nowhere to go now. If you are asking me 'if I want to return to my old life?' I am not sure what that old life would look like now."

He stares off to the horizon, as tears well up in his eyes.

"All I do know is that I need to learn to be able to take care of myself, and how to protect the people I care about. You all have helped to protect me when I have been in danger. I only wish I can do the same now."

He turns back to Sickle and then to the rest of the group.

"So if you are willing for me to come along I am eager to assist you however I can."

Mwaxanare leans into Boris, putting her forehead against his shoulder as she grabs his arm, giggling, "Oh, you have a funny sense of humor. I like you!"  Her eyes twinkle, "I spend most of my time here in solitude. My brother likes his silly books and trinkets, but I must train in the way of a leader of a great people. Asharra, the great grandmother of the Aarakocra here has told me much of my future role."  She flips her hair, "The world needs me. They need a true kingdom in Chult again to tame the forest and spread the rich culture that our people once had, but lost. Are you going to go to Omu and destroy the evil there?  You should stay a while. We can probably teach you more.  Maybe you should stay so we can talk more about Omu, so you can be properly prepared, while your friends go get the orchid for the ceremony. I think this is wonderful plan. Do you agree?"  Her eyes staring at him make Boris feel a bit like a hunted animal. 

Azaka with a shrug states "I think I will continue on with the group, I don't know if you will able to survive the forest without me. However I will expect and equal share of whatever treasure we may find in exchange." Azaka turns her back to leave "if that's all you need of me I think i am going to go find somewhere to rest" and walks out the door.

After Azaka confirms she will be staying with the group she goes to find the village elder to talk with her. "You said the party would need me to survive the jungle, I feel as if you know something you are not sharing".

insight 20

The matron of the winged folk matches Azaka's steely gaze. Two strong used to getting their ways facing off. This Aarakocra is indeed hiding much, but there are layers and layers. She says to you, "I see your true nature, though your allies may not. Trust to your instincts creature. You are born of the jungle, and they will need your native ways."  She pauses, seeing that you can tell she knows more, and so she adds, "There is evil in Nagalore. I don't know it's true nature, but the Iblis there serve it. Be cautious."

Silas asks around the gathering for a jewelled horn or glass eye. "We are a jungle folk, we don't have much. But we can ask around. There are many generations of Aarakocra that have lived here, and we often find things in the jungle."   After some asking around, you are told, "A horn, such a specific ask, we do not have. Same with the glass eye.  However, one of our artisans have said that he can jewel a horn for you while you are seeking the orchids.  Another, a glass blower, said he could fashion a glass eye. They should be ready upon your return." 

They'll cost you 100g each when you return. 

No services are asked of the group this first night.  You are given a single dwelling for all of you to share. Coming and going is permitted, though no one may go into the temple without an escort. These rules are made clear. Be polite and ask to enter homes.  They also provide you with a very fine meal, delivered, as honored guests of the Aarakocra. It is a mixture of wild fruits, dried meats, and some root vegetables that are baked with salt. It's a delicious, fragrant meal after so long in the jungle eating magical berries and rations.  Everyone enjoys it but Mandra.

The discussion done, and everyone's commitment to the mission confirmed, people review the map together to see how long of a walk they have to Nagalore. Azaka estimates that it's 5 miles walking there, 5 more back. A boat would cut that nearly in half, but the Aarakocra have said they have no need of boats. 

After dinner, Badger writes a note and it's given to Yertle, his companion, giving an update. (do you keep any information to yourself?)   With that, he sends Yertle speeding off through the air to deliver the message. 

It's nice to spend a night together. The cramped quarters don't allow individuals to sneak off, like in the rod's save haven, and so you're forced to be a bit more social with each other, which is more pleasant than usual. Most nights people are grouchy, tired, and uncomfortable. Here on the cliff the wind keeps the air cooler.  Several people end up sleeping on the floor, but there is no need to keep watch with doors that lock.

That evening, Sickle, laying on the floor, opens his eyes.  "Sssssickleeee" whispers through the air.  He looks around, trying to discern where the noise comes from.  Everyone seems to be sleeping.  Mandra must be in the downstairs room meditating.  "Siiiickkleeee".  He clambers out of his sleeping bag.  "Siiiiickleeee, hear me.."  He looks over towards Ham. He sleeps in the corner soundly. A dim blue glow seems to come from his backpack.  "Siiiickleee...see me."  The light seems to get dimmer then brighten, then dim again, then bright.   "Siiickleeee....I caaaaan heeeellpppp youuuuu....coooommmmeee..." 

Sickle nods approvingly to the group, as one by one they affirm their commitment to the mission, even Azaka, though for her own motives.

In the night, he awakens, blinking to clear his eyes and hearing the whisper.  What could be talking to him out of Ham’s backpack? He sat up, wary, but intrigued.  Gods, any help in this place against the evil they needed to face would be helpful. He crept across the floor, trying not to wake the others, and opened the bag.