"What do you say, Fulcra? I'd love to get a look at more of these incredible beasts," Vil says, eyes glued to the giant three-horned lizard pulling the cart. "What do you mean, racers?" he adds, directing his voice (but not his eyes) back to the guard.
Fulcra's eyes sparkle with intense curiosity, and perhaps something else, joy? Either way he immediately starts removing his northern clothes and his leather armor. He looks at his boots, frowning, and leaves his thick rough pants on, stripping down to his light bright red undershirt. He packs everything else up into his backpack, ensuring he keeps the buckles tied tightly. He keeps a dagger accessible on his side, and pulls out his water skin, keeping it swinging under an arm.
"Right, now I'm not going to die from heat exhaustion. That's a real thing by the way. I'm originally from Delzimmer in the Shay and boy does it get hot down there. Hot then rain, hot then rain. The snakes love it. And I don't just mean the reptiles. Things like "dinosaur pens" and "red bazaar" strike my interest. Wow, look at this place. Sure, ya Taman, let's secure our lodgings, drop some of this junk off there and then have a bit of a walk about."
Fulcra keeps his eyes open, watching the locals, absorbing customs, checking out their clothing, and looks for any place selling local clothing. He'll try to find himself some footwear, probably sandals, and a full set of clothing to let him blend in a bit more.
Mechanics:
He casts Comprehend Languages and listens intently, overhearing as much as he can about what the people in the streets are talking about. Obvious anything about the death curse, or soul monger is a big fat red flag to stop and listen some more.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Cimeri was obediently following Taman - changing destination did not change her behaviour. But she did look around with raising curiosity and words "dinosaur racing" left her way more excited than she would admit.
"Can I go with you?" Cimeri could not hide her excitement. "We do stand out with our clothing, may be Fulcra is right and it's not a good thing." The excuse (considering exotic nature of both girls) was not the strongest but curiosity was taking it's tall and Cimeri wanted to see everything! After they find their lodging, of course.
[Please note that on this map, North is 'Right'. Find Location 6 - The Grand Souk. You start at the Location 5 just to the left of 6. You move 'down' the map, past 6 and 20 (Grand Coliseum) to Location 18 (Red Bazaar)]
Having decided on a course of action, you begin forcing your way through the throngs to the east; within minutes, dark, thundering clouds have gathered. No one seems particularly worried as the sky opens and a torrent of rain soaks you all through to the bones; it would seem this is a normal occurrence. Ten minutes later the sun is shining once again and after another ten, most of your lighter clothing is dry.
O'Tamu's villa sits on the side of a steep hill; the servants entrance you came from was at the bottom of the hill, with easy access to the main thoroughfare. To the north sits the Grand Souk, which appears to be one of the market areas of Port Nyanzaru. You glimpse colorful awnings and every possible native item for sale; people move in and out with bags of spices, cartloads of timber, dinosaur skulls and all other manner of goods. The number of guards, hangers-on, and minstrels tells you that this area is for wholesale, big deal making.
Moving east (down) two hills loom on your right beyond the city walls, which are overgrown with all manner of plants and flowers; where they aren't overgrown, colorful murals can be seen beneath. To your left is the Harbor, also beyond strong walls; the scent of the sea hits your nostrils and an occasional breeze brings relief from the humidity.
Walls seem to be a predominant feature of the city and you wonder what comes forth from the jungle that requires such fortification. You begin to sweat again and wonder how people can look so comfortable in this heat. Stopping to get your bearings, you notice another hill, to the northeast, dotted with structures. A massive colloseum (20) rests atop it, connected to its neighbor hill by a great causeway; you've seen these causeways periodically throughout the city. The arching structure connects to what appears to be a temple (21) atop the next hill; you're blinded by the sunlight shining from its roof of gold.
The causeway spans your destination, the Red Bazaar (18); it's unclear why it's called 'red' unless the name arises from the color of the market cobblestones, stained red from hefty slabs of dinosaur meat being cut and sold. Daily needs are found here: meat, vegetables, fruit, clothing, and other consumables; the customers, and sellers, seem to be largely locals.
It's easy to find the Thundering Lizard, amongst the center square of the Red Bazaar. With a nod, Taman, Vil, and Fulcra split from Cimeri and Scoria, with the understanding that Taman will secure lodging for them.
Taman et. al:
You walk into the Thundering Lizard, passing under the crude sign of some kind of many-toothed dragon like creature. The public room of the Inn seems quiet as it's the middle of the day, though a few groups lounge at tables and in booths. A rotund, dark skinned human stands behind the bar; long dreadlocks hang ropily from his scalp, and he wears no shirt in the heat. An unkempt beard sticks to his lower jaw, but his face splits into a wide grin as you approach.
"WELOME to the Thundering Lizard, friends! Beds? Drinks? Both?", he intones, holding up a ring of keys in one hand and a flagon in the other. "You're new here, I can see, yes indeed! Make yourself comfortable, try our Tej, best in the Port!"
"Best in the square at least," teases a loud, muscled woman from one of the booths. She rests with the comfortable ease of one who's a regular, one leg up on a chair. Ropes of hair lie across her forehead above a face that would be pretty but for scars marring her lower jaw. Her ever-pursed lips are full and red, and are a strange contrast next to the scars. Across from her sits a scowling dwarf with only one arm and horrid scars from the top of his bald scalp to the middle of his face. Blue eyes, blond mustache and beard, with a braid in the latter, he looks like he wasn't washed in a few days.
[You're all up]
Scoria/Cimeri:
You're absorbed into the crowds of the Red Bazaar quickly; so many people, so many things to look at! Between a crusty fisherman's stall and the spot of a scarved old woman selling carved wooden trinkets, you're approached by a minstrel.
"Ahhhh," purrs the tabaxi, spreading her paws wide. "Visitors to Chult, yes?" She pulls a lute from her back and plucks a note or three. "Please, for you, my friends," she begins to fingerpick (claw pick) a melody set with changes and basslines; she plays as if three lutists were playing at the same time. "Forgive me," she says, finishing. "For I am Somber Chord," she says with a bow; she has immaculate steel grey fur and big, enchanting green eyes. "My gift to you as newcomers to Chult," she says, plucking another few chords.
"I do wonder...so rude of me, but I am afraid I am in need. I have... overspent, yes? I was overly excited at the last race and, yes, bet on the wrong rider, if you will. I am in dire, dire need of 1 gold piece. Just one. If you would be so trusting as to loan me this, I will bring you 10 gold tomorrow, in this very place, at this very time. I wonder if you could be so kind?" She looks at you sheepishly, one paw half extended.
[If any of you have a pic you'd like me to use as a 'mini' in future, please PM me that pic... otherwise you'll get a boring first initial.]
OOC: I believe all our character sheets contain mini-pics of our characters :)
Cimeri could never say "no" to any kind of beggar - a genuine one, a *****, a "guy who just lost his purse and needs just 10 silver" - any of them. If not for her appearance (usually at least confusing enough if not scary for most of them) it could be a problem, but here it seems she was by far not the most colourful. She sighed and gave the bard 1 gold, expecting never to see it back, of course. Well, at least that one played some music.
"Could you please tell, which direction is the clothes part of the market?" Asked Cimeri stopping the inevitable flow of gratitude.
(Btw, Cimeri left her backpack, weapons and most of the gold with Taman, keepen only 25 gold with her - 24 now)
Fulcra, "The best Tej in the square for me please!" Assuming it's a drink he passes over payment then walks over the woman and the dwarf, sitting down next to them. "Wow." He scans them back and forth, "What chewed you two up and spit you out? Still, you've a face I'd crawl down a dinosaurs throat to rescue." He smiles a charming smile at the woman, then winks at the dwarf. Without waiting for an answer he continues, "The name is Fulcra, well met. New here, just arrived, obviously. Look at us, like lost kittens. What can you tell me about the city? And where's the best place to find some local garb...I think if I have to keep wearing these boots my feet are going to rot off. What do you two like to do for fun, besides maybe playing tag with your eyes closed at the sword factory?"
Fulcra points surreptitiously at Vil, a bit of copper wire wrapped around his finger, and sends a mental message, "I think she likes me."
The barkeep gestures to Fulcra. "You seem to have found a couple. There are others; they come by most nights, checking for anyone dumb enough to hire them and head into the jungle," he says loudly in the direction of the booth.
The woman in the booth snorts and jumps to her feet in front of Fulcra, looming above him. She's easily six and a half feet tall if not more; she grabs Fulcra's cloak and draws him near.
"Pretty, pretty thing, aren't you? So soft..." she slaps his cheek very lightly. "I don't think you'd make it through the night, Pretty One, but you're welcome to try again sometime." [Charisma check of the appropriate type if you do]
She lightly pushes Fulcra aside, taking in Taman, Vil, and Fulcra. "You seek a guide? What do you seek in the jungle? I am Azaka Stormfang,"
The dwarf, not to be outdone, huffs a bit and scrambles out of the booth, standing before you, "I am Hew Hackinstone!":
There's a pause as you soak in the performance. The barkeep speaks.
"Well, you'll no doubt need a drink while deciding between these two 'marvels'. Three Tej, our drink of fermented honey, akin to your mead, if you're from the mainland," he says, setting down three mugs. 12 copper. And you said you want 5 beds? 25 silver. Make it 26 silver for the whole bit," he says, putting a hand out. "Benin, they call me."
"The Red Bazaar will have local garb for you; as you can see, I'm not one for fancy clothes, but I like Gargel, at the west end of the Bazaar."
****At the Bazaar****
"So kind of the Stranger! May I ask your name, purple one? Your color is most enchanting. Somber Chord will write you a tune. Come here tomorrow after the races, I shall play for you!" she blurs out a quick riff on her lute. "Go west, young Purple Horns. Yes, west end of bazaar is for cloth. Sturdy cloth, and pretty, for young ladies," with a nod at Scoria, "is best from Annavelva. You will think her expensive than others, but fit, fashion," she says with a twirl, "and they breathe so well, you will like. Promises from Somber Chord. Come back, come back," she nods at the two of you before melting into the crowd; you can still hear her riff on her lute after, moving away.
****Annavelva****
Asking around you easily find the stall of Annavelva, a sturdy, handsome dwarf in very simple, elegant garb. Her skin is dark as wood, not pale, and she bustles about her stall with an air of easy authority, commanding a thin human male, also Chultan in appearance, around the stall.
"Wrong again," she smacks him up side the head as he fidgets with a seam. "Ah, what can we show you two ladies?" her eyebrows rise as she takes in Scoria's height. "Now this will be a challenge! I have just the thing!" she produces cloth of white, yellow, and red and presents them to Scoria. "Color? Choose and come back in an hour, we can put two of these together for you as one or my name's not Annavelva! Same price for one, of course," she says, moving on to Cimeri. "Oh such a dear child, I've some lovely things, come come, see," she shows Cimeri some lacy, feminine garb and some sturdier clothing, and some in-between. "I've yellow and I've green. What's your fancy, child?"
((Not to be nitpicking but if she is a dwarf and he is a human male, how did she manage to "smack him up side the head" :) Never mind me, j/k))
Cimeri would give her name to Somber Chord just to stop all the questions and awkwardness of the situation (the one when you have a feeling you just have been taken advantage of and the con artist is admiring his work). Though, she was still hoping to see those races - it's obviously was a big deal even for locals.
"Yellow,"immediately answered Cimeri, as that sun-bright garb looked irresistible, but then sighed, "may be green, as "jungle-green"? Something breathable but sturdy to, something that would not be thorn apart by the first spiky plant you get across in the jungle. Because we are going inland and need some travelling clothes." She looked at the sunny yellow dress again regretfully. "How much would it be?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fulcra makes a show of brushing off his shirt and flattening it. Then grins a big smile at Vil, "See? Told you so." Turning back to the two, "Nice to meet you both! You'll certainly keep us talking about you!" He back slowly away from the tall woman and leans against the bar trying to regather his 'cool', while sipping the Tej. He makes an involuntary face at the taste, and then tries to hide it, smiling and nodding at the bar keep.
He turns back to the two guides, "So. Let's see which one of you knows more about the jungle. This is a test of your know-how and skill. If were were going to head into the jungle tomorrow, looking for....ahhh....how do I say this....hmmm....I giant soul sucking magical occurrence? Ya, sure, that'll do. A giant soul sucking magical occurrence. Two questions here. First question, what sorta stuff should we get to survive in the jungle? Top 5 things. And then, where would you head, to look for a ...um...giant sucking..soul.....no soul sucking...magical ..... thing...occurrence. Ya. Go, let's see which one of you knows best. And hey, there's nothing saying I don't already know the answers. I don't...but...you...don't know that...until...I just said it."
He smiles broadly at them both to cover his terrible speech and takes another swig of the Tej, his face again screwing up at the taste. (Persuasion roll if necessary, hopefully it's not a horrible failure...but.. *crosses fingers* 4). *face palm*
The goal is to get a list of goods we would need to buy to make it in the jungle. With my paltry 5 gold pieces, I'll have to be choosy. (OOC: Were Vil and I offered any coin to go on this quest, we sorta glossed over that part....)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((do you sew standing up? ;) ))
Vil pads in behind Fulcra, "Impressive resumes, both. I have never been so far south before. Tell me, what do your jungles have in store for us that a northern forest does not?"
As they answer, Vil will try and determine which has a better understanding of the jungle and would be able to lead them best, Insight 18
((whoops, should have refreshed before posting...))
"I was hoping to get some clue of what we need to survive in the jungle." Taman says as he nods to the two. "As my friend here so badly put it..." Taman glares at the talkative Fulcra. "We are seeking some sort of magical device that is sucking souls into it from across the world. It is suppose to be ehre in Chult,a nd we need to figure out where, and get to that location safely."
The guides exchange a long glance, Azaka folding her arms, Hew trying to before remembering he has only one. They stare back at you.
"So you do not want to pay for a guide. You want a guide for free," Azaka grates. "Very well. Out of charity I can tell you to get food and water, or someone who can find them in the jungle. Perhaps you'll want a canoe. Maybe some Tej, if you need it."
Hew speaks up. "Cutting costs is understandable. But let me inform you if you don't already know; we are sanctioned guides, approved by Merchant Prince Jobal. You might find cheaper, but the crime of buying on the black market, cutting out the princes, is punishable. They do not appreciate competition." As an afterthought, "Insect repellent. Rain Catchers. Weapons. Light armor. You can find these things in the market, Merchant Prince Jobal's sellers."
The barkeep, Benin, speaks up. "More guides will stop in tonight, for sure. You can compare and see that none of them are a wise choice," he laughs as he throws a dishrag at Azaka, who catches it with one hand casually. Benin leans forward towards you. "Chult seems like a lawless place ripe for plunder; 1 in ten explorers return with riches. The others do not return."
[If you would like to check out another part of the city before dinner with Wakanga O'Tamu tell me now, otherwise say 'proceed']
****Annavelva's stall****
6 silver for the green, 7 silver for the yellow; 8 silver for Scoria's. She throws in belts and traveling sandals if you purchase.
[If you would like to check out another part of the city before dinner with Wakanga O'Tamu tell me now, otherwise say 'proceed']
Taman would stay at the tavern. he would want to talk to any more guides that come by before they need to go to dinner. He is starting to wonder if they will need an actual guide, rather than trying it on their own.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"What do you say, Fulcra? I'd love to get a look at more of these incredible beasts," Vil says, eyes glued to the giant three-horned lizard pulling the cart. "What do you mean, racers?" he adds, directing his voice (but not his eyes) back to the guard.
Fulcra's eyes sparkle with intense curiosity, and perhaps something else, joy? Either way he immediately starts removing his northern clothes and his leather armor. He looks at his boots, frowning, and leaves his thick rough pants on, stripping down to his light bright red undershirt. He packs everything else up into his backpack, ensuring he keeps the buckles tied tightly. He keeps a dagger accessible on his side, and pulls out his water skin, keeping it swinging under an arm.
"Right, now I'm not going to die from heat exhaustion. That's a real thing by the way. I'm originally from Delzimmer in the Shay and boy does it get hot down there. Hot then rain, hot then rain. The snakes love it. And I don't just mean the reptiles. Things like "dinosaur pens" and "red bazaar" strike my interest. Wow, look at this place. Sure, ya Taman, let's secure our lodgings, drop some of this junk off there and then have a bit of a walk about."
Fulcra keeps his eyes open, watching the locals, absorbing customs, checking out their clothing, and looks for any place selling local clothing. He'll try to find himself some footwear, probably sandals, and a full set of clothing to let him blend in a bit more.
Mechanics:
He casts Comprehend Languages and listens intently, overhearing as much as he can about what the people in the streets are talking about. Obvious anything about the death curse, or soul monger is a big fat red flag to stop and listen some more.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
The guard nods at Taman. "Thundering Lizard is where guides spin their tales of success and look to get hired. That's your best bet."
To Vil, "Racers. Dinosaur racers. Every week there's an afternoon of dinosaur racing through the city. Tomorrow afternoon is the next."
To Fulcra, "Smart move. I see many outlanders come here in full plate armor, only to sell it the moment they set foot in that jungle."
[I'll wait for any comments from Scoria/Cimeri before moving on to the Red Bazaar]
Cimeri was obediently following Taman - changing destination did not change her behaviour. But she did look around with raising curiosity and words "dinosaur racing" left her way more excited than she would admit.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"I'm gonna sweat so much in this heat that I'll erode - think this Red Bazaar will sell me some clothes for the climate?"
10 : Perception check for interesting/useful shops or people
"Can I go with you?" Cimeri could not hide her excitement. "We do stand out with our clothing, may be Fulcra is right and it's not a good thing." The excuse (considering exotic nature of both girls) was not the strongest but curiosity was taking it's tall and Cimeri wanted to see everything! After they find their lodging, of course.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Yes, first things first I guess. Lodging, lighter clothes." Vil nods, "Then I want to see more of these great beasts."
[Please note that on this map, North is 'Right'. Find Location 6 - The Grand Souk. You start at the Location 5 just to the left of 6. You move 'down' the map, past 6 and 20 (Grand Coliseum) to Location 18 (Red Bazaar)]
Having decided on a course of action, you begin forcing your way through the throngs to the east; within minutes, dark, thundering clouds have gathered. No one seems particularly worried as the sky opens and a torrent of rain soaks you all through to the bones; it would seem this is a normal occurrence. Ten minutes later the sun is shining once again and after another ten, most of your lighter clothing is dry.
O'Tamu's villa sits on the side of a steep hill; the servants entrance you came from was at the bottom of the hill, with easy access to the main thoroughfare. To the north sits the Grand Souk, which appears to be one of the market areas of Port Nyanzaru. You glimpse colorful awnings and every possible native item for sale; people move in and out with bags of spices, cartloads of timber, dinosaur skulls and all other manner of goods. The number of guards, hangers-on, and minstrels tells you that this area is for wholesale, big deal making.
Moving east (down) two hills loom on your right beyond the city walls, which are overgrown with all manner of plants and flowers; where they aren't overgrown, colorful murals can be seen beneath. To your left is the Harbor, also beyond strong walls; the scent of the sea hits your nostrils and an occasional breeze brings relief from the humidity.
Walls seem to be a predominant feature of the city and you wonder what comes forth from the jungle that requires such fortification. You begin to sweat again and wonder how people can look so comfortable in this heat. Stopping to get your bearings, you notice another hill, to the northeast, dotted with structures. A massive colloseum (20) rests atop it, connected to its neighbor hill by a great causeway; you've seen these causeways periodically throughout the city. The arching structure connects to what appears to be a temple (21) atop the next hill; you're blinded by the sunlight shining from its roof of gold.
The causeway spans your destination, the Red Bazaar (18); it's unclear why it's called 'red' unless the name arises from the color of the market cobblestones, stained red from hefty slabs of dinosaur meat being cut and sold. Daily needs are found here: meat, vegetables, fruit, clothing, and other consumables; the customers, and sellers, seem to be largely locals.
It's easy to find the Thundering Lizard, amongst the center square of the Red Bazaar. With a nod, Taman, Vil, and Fulcra split from Cimeri and Scoria, with the understanding that Taman will secure lodging for them.
Taman et. al:
You walk into the Thundering Lizard, passing under the crude sign of some kind of many-toothed dragon like creature. The public room of the Inn seems quiet as it's the middle of the day, though a few groups lounge at tables and in booths. A rotund, dark skinned human stands behind the bar; long dreadlocks hang ropily from his scalp, and he wears no shirt in the heat. An unkempt beard sticks to his lower jaw, but his face splits into a wide grin as you approach.
"WELOME to the Thundering Lizard, friends! Beds? Drinks? Both?", he intones, holding up a ring of keys in one hand and a flagon in the other. "You're new here, I can see, yes indeed! Make yourself comfortable, try our Tej, best in the Port!"
"Best in the square at least," teases a loud, muscled woman from one of the booths. She rests with the comfortable ease of one who's a regular, one leg up on a chair. Ropes of hair lie across her forehead above a face that would be pretty but for scars marring her lower jaw. Her ever-pursed lips are full and red, and are a strange contrast next to the scars. Across from her sits a scowling dwarf with only one arm and horrid scars from the top of his bald scalp to the middle of his face. Blue eyes, blond mustache and beard, with a braid in the latter, he looks like he wasn't washed in a few days.
[You're all up]
Scoria/Cimeri:
You're absorbed into the crowds of the Red Bazaar quickly; so many people, so many things to look at! Between a crusty fisherman's stall and the spot of a scarved old woman selling carved wooden trinkets, you're approached by a minstrel.
"Ahhhh," purrs the tabaxi, spreading her paws wide. "Visitors to Chult, yes?" She pulls a lute from her back and plucks a note or three. "Please, for you, my friends," she begins to fingerpick (claw pick) a melody set with changes and basslines; she plays as if three lutists were playing at the same time. "Forgive me," she says, finishing. "For I am Somber Chord," she says with a bow; she has immaculate steel grey fur and big, enchanting green eyes. "My gift to you as newcomers to Chult," she says, plucking another few chords.
"I do wonder...so rude of me, but I am afraid I am in need. I have... overspent, yes? I was overly excited at the last race and, yes, bet on the wrong rider, if you will. I am in dire, dire need of 1 gold piece. Just one. If you would be so trusting as to loan me this, I will bring you 10 gold tomorrow, in this very place, at this very time. I wonder if you could be so kind?" She looks at you sheepishly, one paw half extended.
[If any of you have a pic you'd like me to use as a 'mini' in future, please PM me that pic... otherwise you'll get a boring first initial.]
"Ow!" Vil says as Fulcra punches him playfully in the arm. To the bartender, "Tej? What is tej? And yes, I'll try one."
OOC: I believe all our character sheets contain mini-pics of our characters :)
Cimeri could never say "no" to any kind of beggar - a genuine one, a *****, a "guy who just lost his purse and needs just 10 silver" - any of them. If not for her appearance (usually at least confusing enough if not scary for most of them) it could be a problem, but here it seems she was by far not the most colourful. She sighed and gave the bard 1 gold, expecting never to see it back, of course. Well, at least that one played some music.
"Could you please tell, which direction is the clothes part of the market?" Asked Cimeri stopping the inevitable flow of gratitude.
(Btw, Cimeri left her backpack, weapons and most of the gold with Taman, keepen only 25 gold with her - 24 now)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Fulcra, "The best Tej in the square for me please!" Assuming it's a drink he passes over payment then walks over the woman and the dwarf, sitting down next to them. "Wow." He scans them back and forth, "What chewed you two up and spit you out? Still, you've a face I'd crawl down a dinosaurs throat to rescue." He smiles a charming smile at the woman, then winks at the dwarf. Without waiting for an answer he continues, "The name is Fulcra, well met. New here, just arrived, obviously. Look at us, like lost kittens. What can you tell me about the city? And where's the best place to find some local garb...I think if I have to keep wearing these boots my feet are going to rot off. What do you two like to do for fun, besides maybe playing tag with your eyes closed at the sword factory?"
Fulcra points surreptitiously at Vil, a bit of copper wire wrapped around his finger, and sends a mental message, "I think she likes me."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"You think everyone likes you." Vil thinks back to Fulcra. "But what do I know? You're usually right."
we do need rooms. Taman tells the man behind the bar. Also any suggestions for local guides so we could talk to?
The barkeep gestures to Fulcra. "You seem to have found a couple. There are others; they come by most nights, checking for anyone dumb enough to hire them and head into the jungle," he says loudly in the direction of the booth.
The woman in the booth snorts and jumps to her feet in front of Fulcra, looming above him. She's easily six and a half feet tall if not more; she grabs Fulcra's cloak and draws him near.
"Pretty, pretty thing, aren't you? So soft..." she slaps his cheek very lightly. "I don't think you'd make it through the night, Pretty One, but you're welcome to try again sometime." [Charisma check of the appropriate type if you do]
She lightly pushes Fulcra aside, taking in Taman, Vil, and Fulcra. "You seek a guide? What do you seek in the jungle? I am Azaka Stormfang,"
The dwarf, not to be outdone, huffs a bit and scrambles out of the booth, standing before you, "I am Hew Hackinstone!":
There's a pause as you soak in the performance. The barkeep speaks.
"Well, you'll no doubt need a drink while deciding between these two 'marvels'. Three Tej, our drink of fermented honey, akin to your mead, if you're from the mainland," he says, setting down three mugs. 12 copper. And you said you want 5 beds? 25 silver. Make it 26 silver for the whole bit," he says, putting a hand out. "Benin, they call me."
"The Red Bazaar will have local garb for you; as you can see, I'm not one for fancy clothes, but I like Gargel, at the west end of the Bazaar."
****At the Bazaar****
"So kind of the Stranger! May I ask your name, purple one? Your color is most enchanting. Somber Chord will write you a tune. Come here tomorrow after the races, I shall play for you!" she blurs out a quick riff on her lute. "Go west, young Purple Horns. Yes, west end of bazaar is for cloth. Sturdy cloth, and pretty, for young ladies," with a nod at Scoria, "is best from Annavelva. You will think her expensive than others, but fit, fashion," she says with a twirl, "and they breathe so well, you will like. Promises from Somber Chord. Come back, come back," she nods at the two of you before melting into the crowd; you can still hear her riff on her lute after, moving away.
****Annavelva****
Asking around you easily find the stall of Annavelva, a sturdy, handsome dwarf in very simple, elegant garb. Her skin is dark as wood, not pale, and she bustles about her stall with an air of easy authority, commanding a thin human male, also Chultan in appearance, around the stall.
"Wrong again," she smacks him up side the head as he fidgets with a seam. "Ah, what can we show you two ladies?" her eyebrows rise as she takes in Scoria's height. "Now this will be a challenge! I have just the thing!" she produces cloth of white, yellow, and red and presents them to Scoria. "Color? Choose and come back in an hour, we can put two of these together for you as one or my name's not Annavelva! Same price for one, of course," she says, moving on to Cimeri. "Oh such a dear child, I've some lovely things, come come, see," she shows Cimeri some lacy, feminine garb and some sturdier clothing, and some in-between. "I've yellow and I've green. What's your fancy, child?"
((Not to be nitpicking but if she is a dwarf and he is a human male, how did she manage to "smack him up side the head" :) Never mind me, j/k))
Cimeri would give her name to Somber Chord just to stop all the questions and awkwardness of the situation (the one when you have a feeling you just have been taken advantage of and the con artist is admiring his work). Though, she was still hoping to see those races - it's obviously was a big deal even for locals.
"Yellow," immediately answered Cimeri, as that sun-bright garb looked irresistible, but then sighed, "may be green, as "jungle-green"? Something breathable but sturdy to, something that would not be thorn apart by the first spiky plant you get across in the jungle. Because we are going inland and need some travelling clothes." She looked at the sunny yellow dress again regretfully. "How much would it be?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Fulcra makes a show of brushing off his shirt and flattening it. Then grins a big smile at Vil, "See? Told you so." Turning back to the two, "Nice to meet you both! You'll certainly keep us talking about you!" He back slowly away from the tall woman and leans against the bar trying to regather his 'cool', while sipping the Tej. He makes an involuntary face at the taste, and then tries to hide it, smiling and nodding at the bar keep.
He turns back to the two guides, "So. Let's see which one of you knows more about the jungle. This is a test of your know-how and skill. If were were going to head into the jungle tomorrow, looking for....ahhh....how do I say this....hmmm....I giant soul sucking magical occurrence? Ya, sure, that'll do. A giant soul sucking magical occurrence. Two questions here. First question, what sorta stuff should we get to survive in the jungle? Top 5 things. And then, where would you head, to look for a ...um...giant sucking..soul.....no soul sucking...magical ..... thing...occurrence. Ya. Go, let's see which one of you knows best. And hey, there's nothing saying I don't already know the answers. I don't...but...you...don't know that...until...I just said it."
He smiles broadly at them both to cover his terrible speech and takes another swig of the Tej, his face again screwing up at the taste. (Persuasion roll if necessary, hopefully it's not a horrible failure...but.. *crosses fingers* 4). *face palm*
The goal is to get a list of goods we would need to buy to make it in the jungle. With my paltry 5 gold pieces, I'll have to be choosy. (OOC: Were Vil and I offered any coin to go on this quest, we sorta glossed over that part....)
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
((do you sew standing up? ;) ))
Vil pads in behind Fulcra, "Impressive resumes, both. I have never been so far south before. Tell me, what do your jungles have in store for us that a northern forest does not?"
As they answer, Vil will try and determine which has a better understanding of the jungle and would be able to lead them best, Insight 18
((whoops, should have refreshed before posting...))
"I was hoping to get some clue of what we need to survive in the jungle." Taman says as he nods to the two. "As my friend here so badly put it..." Taman glares at the talkative Fulcra. "We are seeking some sort of magical device that is sucking souls into it from across the world. It is suppose to be ehre in Chult,a nd we need to figure out where, and get to that location safely."
At the Thundering Lizard:
The guides exchange a long glance, Azaka folding her arms, Hew trying to before remembering he has only one. They stare back at you.
"So you do not want to pay for a guide. You want a guide for free," Azaka grates. "Very well. Out of charity I can tell you to get food and water, or someone who can find them in the jungle. Perhaps you'll want a canoe. Maybe some Tej, if you need it."
Hew speaks up. "Cutting costs is understandable. But let me inform you if you don't already know; we are sanctioned guides, approved by Merchant Prince Jobal. You might find cheaper, but the crime of buying on the black market, cutting out the princes, is punishable. They do not appreciate competition." As an afterthought, "Insect repellent. Rain Catchers. Weapons. Light armor. You can find these things in the market, Merchant Prince Jobal's sellers."
The barkeep, Benin, speaks up. "More guides will stop in tonight, for sure. You can compare and see that none of them are a wise choice," he laughs as he throws a dishrag at Azaka, who catches it with one hand casually. Benin leans forward towards you. "Chult seems like a lawless place ripe for plunder; 1 in ten explorers return with riches. The others do not return."
[If you would like to check out another part of the city before dinner with Wakanga O'Tamu tell me now, otherwise say 'proceed']
****Annavelva's stall****
6 silver for the green, 7 silver for the yellow; 8 silver for Scoria's. She throws in belts and traveling sandals if you purchase.
[If you would like to check out another part of the city before dinner with Wakanga O'Tamu tell me now, otherwise say 'proceed']
Taman would stay at the tavern. he would want to talk to any more guides that come by before they need to go to dinner. He is starting to wonder if they will need an actual guide, rather than trying it on their own.