Vil would like to visit the dino racers at the Anchorage.
(If possible I'd appreciate if you just narrate what he sees. I'm in meetings all day today at work and won't be able to post much, if at all, the rest of the day)
(Do hope the green one is indeed a travelling garb.)
Cimeri gave up on the fight with temptation and took both garbs - yellow for the upcoming dinner, green for travel). May be it was a waste of money, but she was buying impractical clothes for the first time in her life.
When Scoria was done, she tried to convince genasi to look around a bit more - on the way back to the Thundering Lizard. But remembered about dinner and did not want to worry Taman too much with their absence. The girls eventually returned.
If asked, Cimeri would vote for getting a guide - bravery is a good thing, but navigating a completely foreign land without so much as a map (do maps of the forests even exist?) is more close to stupidity.
Back at the Inn, Fulcra looks to the guides, "Oh, no, we'll pay for a guide all right. I was just trying to suss who knew their stuff better. So far Hew is winning Azaka, sorry to say, cause i really think you've got what it takes to be a winner." He winks at Hew. "I'm pretty sure I knew I had to bring some food, but rain catchers and insect repellant. I mean. That's some helpful feedback. I'm imaginging a rain catcher looks like a cup. And you just sorta hold it up whenever it rains. And then...." He makes a sipping motion. "Ya?" He grabs Taman's shoulder roughly, giving it a playful shake, "I'm suddenly thinking we may need a guide beyond just our very capable Vil. But, I must check out this town a bit more before we get sent off on some glorious camping trip." He turns to Vil, "Wanna go with me? Let's go check out the dino racers at Anchorage right after we buy some new clothes."
Fulcra will leave a majority of his gear behind, including his shield, etc. He heads out with Vil, and looks to buy some local garb and footwear on their way to Anchorage, as well as bug repellant, and he is curious if a rain catcher is a real thing or just a dumb gimmick. Seeming how most people here seem to be speaking common, he'll pass on casting further comprehend language spells and just generally listen in. He will casually ask almost everyone he meets, "Hey, have you seen a soul monger around here anywhere?", as well as, "We're headed out the jungle, any advice?" and finally, "Death plague, totally sucks right, you heard anything about it?" Finally he does ask questions about the city, "So, who runs this place anyway? What can you tell me about them? Are they liked? Which one controls the city guard? Any rules about magic around this place?"
As Vil is used to, Fulcra tends to awkwardly stumble right past social norms and talks straight through typical social queues to stop. Though Vil has learned that it's on purpose, rather than through actual ignorance, in an attempt to form actual connections to people more quickly.
(OOC: Were Vil and I offered any coin to go on this quest, we sorta glossed over that part....)
[agh i forgot twice! EVERYONE was given 50 gp (each) by Syndra to start for supplies; the reward for the trip is a magic item from her collection... will narrate some more later tonight, but... gotta do some partying ;) ]
To the barkeep. "Is there a temple to Azuth near here?" taman suddenly changes the topic, a look of sudden inspiration coming onto his face. "I must find clerics of Azuth... Where would they be located?"
[Apologies for the massive post here; have to do it bullet style as I have a lot to do today:]
Taman learns from the barkeep that there is no temple to Azuth here, but a similar deity: Savras. He's told to look for the grand old building with a tiled roof that looks like a massive unblinking eye staring skyward.
He meets another guide (well, two guides who are a pair) who pops into the Thundering Lizard (TL):
Cimeri/Scoria take a loop around the eastern half of the city, finding Fort Nyanzaru, where the great chain across the harbor is raised and lowered, and the city guard makes its home. They also passed the public baths (so opulent! yet egalitarian) where noble and beggar alike cleanse themselves; hygiene appears to be important here. Finally they pass the Dye Works, where all the colorful cloth is made, and the sea water is multitudinous different colors from extra dye dumped in.
Vil/Fulcra see a rain catcher: a canvas stretched across four poles that can gather quite a bit of water; its set out at night while camping and has fresh water in abundance by morning. Insect repellent is sold in blocks and is best purchased when you have an estimate for how long you'll be in the jungle. They each spent 9 sp on clothes. They see all manner of amazing lizards at Tiryki Anchorage, which is the seediest part of the city you've seen thus far. Ankylosaurus and Triceratops are the main beasts sold as beasts of burden, though some hadrosaurs as well. Among the racing dinos are deinonychus, dimetrodon, and even an Allosaurus and T-Rex. It's terrifying and wonderful; you're glad to get away from the noise by the end.
Fulcra's questions get some responses:
Soul Monger - strange looks, nobody knows what you're talking about
Heading to jungle - don't die, you're crazy, good luck. Seems the common folk don't wander outside the city often, they say to talk to guides for that kind of info. You do hear one person say to get a Flaming Fist Charter if you're adventuring in the jungle in the Flaming Fist's lands... but that's all you get out of them.
Death Plague - answers vary, usually with a very bizarre take on some local custom being responsible, or that also Old Nan's hens had eggs with dinos in them and that kind of nonsense. Or is it?
Port Nyanzaru (PN) Government - City is run by the seven merchant princes, seems they are well liked; each has a 'domain' of goods that they have monopolies on. They meet to vote on matters of state in Goldenthrone, a palace overlooking the bay. People aren't certain who runs the guard.No rules about magic, city is driven by trade.
Dinner w Wakanga-
Wakanga is a polite, handsome Chultan man; he is the only practicing arcanist of all the merchant princes. He deals in magic and magic items. He's a friend of Syndra Sylvane's and has allowed her to stay at his villa while you all adventure. Over the course of the day, he and Syndra have gathered ship's logs, explorers maps, and delved into history books to assemble a map of Chult for you... it should NOT fall into the wrong hands, and is probably the only map of its nature in the world at this time.
Dinner is the best meal you've had in quite some time... you head back to the Thundering Lizard for a night's rest.
Taman will take the map as it is handed over. He will put it into a map case, then into his pack, where it can be kept out of view of anyone who might be interested in it.
After a night's rest he will seek out the temple he was told about.
Vil purchases light clothing in the style he sees favored around town, in the greens and browns he imagines are most common in the jungle. When viewing the giant lizards he'll spend as much time studying them as he can, fascinated by the different ways they look and move.
Once Vil is up in his room he'll test out a new form, transforming himself into a deinonychus like he saw at the Anchorage. He'll hop around his room, taking experimental swipes at the air, but being careful not to trash the room with his claws. While in this new form he'll attempt to give Fulcra the eye, pointing a hooked claw at him if that doesn't work, until Fulcra casts message at him. Once he does, Vil will think at him, "I could tear you to shreds in two seconds flat in this thing!"
((Do you have any specific rules for how to determine if I can wild-shape into something, or is any beast on DnDBeyond fair game, so long as I meet the requirements?))
Fulcra and Vil show up in to dinner dressed like locals. Vil in a drab green and brown that will probably blend in the well in the jungle, and Fulcra in a bright orange and red outfit that can probably be seen from Waterdeep. Before Taman can squirrel away the map too quickly, Fulcra takes a good long look at it. To the rest of the table at dinner he says, "The Soul Monger doesn't seem like something around here people have heard of, and they don't know anything about the death plague either. Seems a guide is recommended...most people think heading into the jungle is a dumb idea. I liked the one-armed dwarf we met. He gave some good practical advice...seems like he'd be able to give us a hand." He stops and waits for a reaction. Fulcra looks around at everyone, "One armed..give us a hand......oh forget it. Anyway, seems like getting a rain catcher for fresh water and insect repellant so we don't get eaten alive by bugs are both things we should do. Wakanga, if you have any other advice for our jungle trek, we're all ears."
Fulcra is unusually polite to Wakanga, speaking in a much more restrained manner, and shows a great deal of interest in the merchant lords and how they run the city, their interactions and personalities, and listens intently to him talking. He also tries to find out who runs the guard and enforces the laws.
"Oh, and one more thing. Apparently we may want a Flaming Fist Charter. Does anyone know about the Flaming Fist?"
Back in the Inn after dinner, Fulcra stays up a bit and mingles with the crowd, asking the same sorts of questions he did during the day. Back in the room later when his companion turns into a dinosaur, Fulcra looks suitably impressed. He pokes the thick hide, then pulls out a knife and jabs him...gently. "Hey, just curious how thick your hide is. Very impressive, very impressive indeed. Yes, you could probably tear me in two with those little chicken arms you have. Maybe those claws on your feet. Can you turn into one of those big allosaurus things we saw today? That thing was huge. It could eat us both with one bite. That would be truly impressive." Fulcra messages him liberally so they can continue to converse while he's in dinosaur form.
The next morning Fulcra tries to bring the group together for some breakfast, "So, I think our order of business today should be securing a guide. They can help us plan our route through the jungle, which will help us sort out what equipment we'll need. Someone mentioned canoe's, we should find out how much a canoe or two is. And maybe a bit more time for looking around town, it seems like there's a lot going on. Oh, and....we should probably all watch the dinosaur races together today...you know...for...research purposes."
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Taman is uncustomarily distracted as they eat breakfast. He is glad the elf seems to be keeping things going, since he bolts down his food and leaves quickly, heading off to find the temple he was told about the previous day. Nothing is as important to him as finding the temple at this point.
Taman's distraction was disturbing - Cimeri already used to rely on on him as a head of the expedition. Though, he took the map and probably was not going to abandon position. About guides Cimeri actually asked Prince Wakanga - is there some with a good reputation and what about showing the map to that person? Hiding such thing in the small company when you are supposed to completely trust each other would not be an easy task.
Sins it did not look like they were going to leave immediately, she enthusiastically agreed with Fulcra about visiting Dino-racing. Yesterday she saw an ankylosauruson the streets with the palanquin on his back and still was absolutely fascinated by the size of the creature. The race of many different dinosaurs had to be magnificent show!
While they're walking the streets for the day, Fulcra spends some time with Cimeri to get to know her better. His accent is strange but he speaks common very well. "So, you're purple. What would you say the best thing about being purple is?"
Fulcra tells her as they wander along about Thay, from its glaciers, to volcanoes, to beaches, it is a land of amazing beauty. The distant snow-covered peaks of the Thaymount seem to watch over it all like sleeping kings, a landmark visible from almost any spot in the country. The Plateau of Ruthammar is the highest plain of the steps and no outsiders are ever allowed there. It is where all the powerful and rich noble families have their seasonal homes, the land cut up into vast estates with a few small well organized towns to keep the labourers. The land is beautiful, and peaceful. The law there is very structured. People have identification, and the rules are clear and fair. But also there's always a job for someone who needs one, so that you can earn your way and not be left to a life of destitute as sometimes can happen in the western world. They simply do not have beggars, and anything like the crime found in places like this.
Beyond talking about Thay, he asks her many questions about herself, how she ended up with Scoria and Taman, and what she likes, what she doesn't like, and points out a few of the strange customs that he notices about the people in Port Nyanzaru.
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
It's hard to read eyes of solid colour with no visible sclera or pupil, but Cimeri's eyes showed unmistakable confusion. Well taught respect to age, naivete of youth and secluded life, and general good upbringing did not allow her to suspect an insult, but strangers are indeed strange: "I... I am not sure I understand" - the response was genuine, she truly did not.
Still, the story about another land (she remembered stories about Thay being different, but did not relay much on her admittedly very modest knowledge of Geo-politic) smoother and eventually erased first impression of strange questions. She did not commented but listened intently with wide open eyes, imagining (to her best ability - she have never seen mountains of any kind) the grandiose beauty of that country.
Subject of more recent events darkened the mood of the day again, though. But Fulcra was helping them and needed to know of course. Cimeri sighed and tried to explain from the beginning "My father died," she started from the main event but realized it sounded quite bizarre, taken out of context. "Well, he was not my real father, more like my teacher, but he took me from the streets when I was very young" (considering now she was 16, "very young" had to be something around baby age). If Fulrca was patient, he would eventually learn about Master Ziman, his (and her) quiet peaceful life, spent in simple work, training and meditation, in the village near Baldur's Gate, his untimely death, that - because of the death plague - left Cimeri an orphan again, funeral and appearance of Taman and Scoria - Master Ziman's acquaintances and Syndra Sylvane with her unbelievably grand story and sudden suggestion of an attack on Lich's Lair. The attack itself - bizarre, deadly, with a lot of deaths, which made Cimeri's "uncle" Flynn reconsider the expedition. "It all happened so fast," Cimeri sighed again, "and since that time we never stopped. And now we are here."
In short, it was a story of a big tragedy, losses, sudden great danger and "world saving grand" plans and events. The less sturdy person of her age would be expected to lay in deep PTSD in some Healing Temple for the next several years. ((If you ever played Jade Empire, think Dawn Star/Master Li at the beginning of the story))
Wakanga is not surprised no one knows of it; other than other liches, or faction agents who've interrogated a lich recently, you are the only people with this knowledge. Syndra suggests not drawing attention to the fact that you have that particular knowledge...but what does she know, really? ;)
Death Curse and Jungle travel:
Wakanga relates that since the death curse is a relatively new development, there are probably not a lot of thoughts about it. Perhaps widening your interrogatives in a broader spectrum would work better, he suggests. Syndra agrees; perhaps omens or talk of villainous activities in Chult would find better results.
A guide is essential and even with a guide, the jungle is so large and unexplored that there will be dangers that even the guide will not have seen before. Wakanga suggests, like any business venture, vetting the guides thoroughly. His fellow merchant prince Jobal runs the guides; ensure to get a sanctioned guide. Wakanga has no thoughts on a favorite guide; perhaps finding fellow adventurers who've had experiences with guides is a good way to go...if any have survived their adventures...
Syndra laughs at the one armed joke until she dissolves into hacking coughs. She toasts Fulcra's joke with an empty wine goblet. She hasn't eaten the whole time; the mask stays on her face.
Port Nyanzaru governance: Wakanga gets very sober upon this point. He simply says that all the Merchant Princes run the city, each with their own domain of goods. All matters are voted upon at Goldenthrone. When pressed further, he gives HIS opinion [not DM info] on each Prince, quickly:
Ekene-Afa: Weapons, shields, traveling gear, canoes etc. • She is a famous former gladiator who earned enough to become a merchant prince. • Her husband is Kura, a painter. • She sells some magic shields and weapons . Ifan Tal'roa: Beasts • A noble . • Sells animals . • has no family. Jessamine: Plants, poisons, assassinations. • Quiet, usually casts the deciding vote. • Has a monopoly on sanctions - legal murder. Jobal: Guides and mercenaries. • Former Scout. • In charge of the guides . Kwayothe: Fruit, wine, perfume, tej, insect repellent. • Priestess. Zhanthi: Gems, jewelry, cloth, armor. • Noble.
Guards are stationed out of Fort Nyanzaru in the harbor. All Princes are responsible for laws and governance; punishment of most heinous violent crimes is to be cast into Executioner's Run in the Old City. He explains that Executioner's Run is a long pit; criminals are put at one end and must run to the other and climb ropes to get out, before being torn apart by captured jungle animals. Wakanga says it's brutal but many people enjoy the entertainment.
Flaming Fist: Wakanga gets irritable at mention of this and it's clear there's some tension between he and Syndra on this matter. Baldur's Gate is quite interested in the natural resources and undiscovered treasure to be plundered in the abandoned cities of Chult; the Flaming Fist, the mercenary group that protects BG, arrived and started cutting up Chult into 'their' territories. They settled a Fort to the North, Fort Beluarian, from where they start expeditions. They claim to be here to cleanse Chult of the undead menace living in the jungle, but they also help themselves to any treasure they find. They also have claimed most of Northern Chult as their own, and issue 'Charters', which explorers are supposed to purchase from them in Fort Beluarian. Wakanga has heard that explorers without charters found by FF patrols in the wild have had their equipment confiscated, fined, or sometimes outright killed.
[you'll ask about the undead menace so...]: Wakanga says that over a century ago a paladin by the name of Ras Nsi was corrupted and became a warlord of an undead army; he attacked the city of Mezro with his legion and was repelled. He disappeared, but his undead army did not, and wanders much of the jungle. It is growing in power though Wakanga doesn't know how.
All but Taman hang about the tavern in the morning and find other guides to assess; you also hear that there are other guides at Fort Beluarian...
Canoes are 50gp each.
*** The temple of Savras ***
The morning sun glints off the grand temple of Savras; indeed, the roof appears to be a floating eye looking skyward. Taman approaches it from the east, passing the Grand Souk before getting directions up the hill to the temple. The hilltop is breathtaking and the entire city can be seen; a thunderous roar echoes from the jungle. Taman notices structures being erected throughout the city as he walks; he learns that these are fences to define the dinosaur raceway and to keep onlookers from getting too close to the rampaging beasts as they go past.
People file in and out of the temple, dressed in all manner of garb, being of all classes. Some seem to be asking about babies to be born, or approaching weather. Others ask about the futures of banana prices. Bowls of incense are everywhere and the scent is overwhelming.
"A brother of faith?" asks a Chultan woman in robes of Savras. "What brings you to our temple? I am Sister Picla."
*** Back at the Thundering Lizard ***
You recognize a man from Wakanga's estate as he rushes through the door to speak to Benin the Barkeep. They exchange words, then Benin points at you. The sweaty man rushes to you.
'Prince O'Tamu wishes to inform you that some of the dinosaur riders have become ill with Shivering Sickness; should you wish, there are spots open to ride dinosaurs in the race...'
"I am a follower of Azuth." Taman confirms with a nod. "I was given a divine message to seek you out. We are here to seek out a source of the death curse that afflicts all of the known world. It is thought the source of this curse is here in Chult. Do you have any information on this, or does one of your brother's or sisters here have such information? If not, then do you have any idea why Azuth would send me here?"
Sister Picla looks utterly shocked. "Chult? This curse? I... how awful an idea. But you must have some kind of evidence otherwise why be here?" She pauses a moment to think. "We should speak with Grandfather Zitembe. Can you wait a bit, Brother...?
Fulcra looks into Cimeri's dark eyes, pausing to turn and face her after hearing her story. His lips move subtly, but issue no sound. In her mind she hears his voice. "Cimeri. I will never abandon you. I will never betray you. And, as best I can do in this wild world, I will ensure harm is kept from you. And, if I may, a bit of advice. Follow your heart. Don't let events sweep you any place you don't want to be. Drive your own fate, these choices are all each of us truly have. Find your calling. Pursue it. Now, let's go watch some dinosaur races!"
"On the topic of guides, I think my top choice is still Hew, with Azaka a close 2nd. None of the other folk we've met seem...hmmm...reliable? Do we have 150 gold amongst us to pay for a guide? Plus we'll need probably 2 canoes? Do we have 100 gold for that as well? Plus a bit more for supplies. A couple of those rain catchers seem like a good idea."
As the man from Wakanga's estate relays the offer, Fulcra's mouth drops open. He seems, for once, speechless. Thankfully he recovers quickly, "That seems...fool hardy? Insane? What? That's crazy? We have important things to do! The fate of the world rests upon our shoulders! And you want us to ride some giant lizards?!?" He looks around the rest of the group for support. If any of the others seem even slightly inclined he changes his tune quickly, "Well, I mean, you do only live once, I guess why not live a little? I'll cheer for you from the sidelines!" Otherwise he sticks to his guns, "That's crazy. I'll bet on other people being crushed by lizards."
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Cimeri looked, though not truly believed - surely she was hallucinating on account of too many loses in the last several days, dozed off and missed something Fulcra was truly telling. Though voice in her head (her subconsciousness probably) was right about relying on herself more - she learned pretty well that in this world and this time one can not truly give any promise - gods, fate and cruel chances see to it and take away those around you.
She shook her head and gladly switched to discussion of future guides. Not really expecting her input to be taking into account, she still quietly but firmly stated: "We have to make sure they understand what we are searching. That we are not treasure hunters and where we are going - death awaits. Not the one they used to but something much worse. If they are still willing to go... then may be we need to seek among those who also knows how to fight things not of this world - undead things. The lich lair was full of them and the lich said the thing we are looking for is the same."
"We do have money. Lady Sylvane payed us well" (at least Cimeri have never seen so much money before) "175 each. I think we can afford a guide and equipment. If needed I can give my part for the guide now."
Since Cimeri never learned how to ride even a horse, the idea of participating in the race did not even cross her mind. Shamefully, the idea that such participation would endanger their mission was not on her thoughts either. And it had to be careless ever-laughing Fulcra who pointed out such an obvious thing! She is loosing focus - no questions about it. Meditations and strong discipline is the only answer! Well... after the racing.
Vil would like to visit the dino racers at the Anchorage.
(If possible I'd appreciate if you just narrate what he sees. I'm in meetings all day today at work and won't be able to post much, if at all, the rest of the day)
(Do hope the green one is indeed a travelling garb.)
Cimeri gave up on the fight with temptation and took both garbs - yellow for the upcoming dinner, green for travel). May be it was a waste of money, but she was buying impractical clothes for the first time in her life.
When Scoria was done, she tried to convince genasi to look around a bit more - on the way back to the Thundering Lizard. But remembered about dinner and did not want to worry Taman too much with their absence. The girls eventually returned.
If asked, Cimeri would vote for getting a guide - bravery is a good thing, but navigating a completely foreign land without so much as a map (do maps of the forests even exist?) is more close to stupidity.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Back at the Inn, Fulcra looks to the guides, "Oh, no, we'll pay for a guide all right. I was just trying to suss who knew their stuff better. So far Hew is winning Azaka, sorry to say, cause i really think you've got what it takes to be a winner." He winks at Hew. "I'm pretty sure I knew I had to bring some food, but rain catchers and insect repellant. I mean. That's some helpful feedback. I'm imaginging a rain catcher looks like a cup. And you just sorta hold it up whenever it rains. And then...." He makes a sipping motion. "Ya?" He grabs Taman's shoulder roughly, giving it a playful shake, "I'm suddenly thinking we may need a guide beyond just our very capable Vil. But, I must check out this town a bit more before we get sent off on some glorious camping trip." He turns to Vil, "Wanna go with me? Let's go check out the dino racers at Anchorage right after we buy some new clothes."
Fulcra will leave a majority of his gear behind, including his shield, etc. He heads out with Vil, and looks to buy some local garb and footwear on their way to Anchorage, as well as bug repellant, and he is curious if a rain catcher is a real thing or just a dumb gimmick. Seeming how most people here seem to be speaking common, he'll pass on casting further comprehend language spells and just generally listen in. He will casually ask almost everyone he meets, "Hey, have you seen a soul monger around here anywhere?", as well as, "We're headed out the jungle, any advice?" and finally, "Death plague, totally sucks right, you heard anything about it?" Finally he does ask questions about the city, "So, who runs this place anyway? What can you tell me about them? Are they liked? Which one controls the city guard? Any rules about magic around this place?"
As Vil is used to, Fulcra tends to awkwardly stumble right past social norms and talks straight through typical social queues to stop. Though Vil has learned that it's on purpose, rather than through actual ignorance, in an attempt to form actual connections to people more quickly.
(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.
[agh i forgot twice! EVERYONE was given 50 gp (each) by Syndra to start for supplies; the reward for the trip is a magic item from her collection... will narrate some more later tonight, but... gotta do some partying ;) ]
To the barkeep. "Is there a temple to Azuth near here?" taman suddenly changes the topic, a look of sudden inspiration coming onto his face. "I must find clerics of Azuth... Where would they be located?"
[Apologies for the massive post here; have to do it bullet style as I have a lot to do today:]
Taman learns from the barkeep that there is no temple to Azuth here, but a similar deity: Savras. He's told to look for the grand old building with a tiled roof that looks like a massive unblinking eye staring skyward.
He meets another guide (well, two guides who are a pair) who pops into the Thundering Lizard (TL):
Cimeri/Scoria take a loop around the eastern half of the city, finding Fort Nyanzaru, where the great chain across the harbor is raised and lowered, and the city guard makes its home. They also passed the public baths (so opulent! yet egalitarian) where noble and beggar alike cleanse themselves; hygiene appears to be important here. Finally they pass the Dye Works, where all the colorful cloth is made, and the sea water is multitudinous different colors from extra dye dumped in.
Vil/Fulcra see a rain catcher: a canvas stretched across four poles that can gather quite a bit of water; its set out at night while camping and has fresh water in abundance by morning. Insect repellent is sold in blocks and is best purchased when you have an estimate for how long you'll be in the jungle. They each spent 9 sp on clothes. They see all manner of amazing lizards at Tiryki Anchorage, which is the seediest part of the city you've seen thus far. Ankylosaurus and Triceratops are the main beasts sold as beasts of burden, though some hadrosaurs as well. Among the racing dinos are deinonychus, dimetrodon, and even an Allosaurus and T-Rex. It's terrifying and wonderful; you're glad to get away from the noise by the end.
Fulcra's questions get some responses:
Soul Monger - strange looks, nobody knows what you're talking about
Heading to jungle - don't die, you're crazy, good luck. Seems the common folk don't wander outside the city often, they say to talk to guides for that kind of info. You do hear one person say to get a Flaming Fist Charter if you're adventuring in the jungle in the Flaming Fist's lands... but that's all you get out of them.
Death Plague - answers vary, usually with a very bizarre take on some local custom being responsible, or that also Old Nan's hens had eggs with dinos in them and that kind of nonsense. Or is it?
Port Nyanzaru (PN) Government - City is run by the seven merchant princes, seems they are well liked; each has a 'domain' of goods that they have monopolies on. They meet to vote on matters of state in Goldenthrone, a palace overlooking the bay. People aren't certain who runs the guard.No rules about magic, city is driven by trade.
Dinner w Wakanga-
Wakanga is a polite, handsome Chultan man; he is the only practicing arcanist of all the merchant princes. He deals in magic and magic items. He's a friend of Syndra Sylvane's and has allowed her to stay at his villa while you all adventure. Over the course of the day, he and Syndra have gathered ship's logs, explorers maps, and delved into history books to assemble a map of Chult for you... it should NOT fall into the wrong hands, and is probably the only map of its nature in the world at this time.
Dinner is the best meal you've had in quite some time... you head back to the Thundering Lizard for a night's rest.
Taman will take the map as it is handed over. He will put it into a map case, then into his pack, where it can be kept out of view of anyone who might be interested in it.
After a night's rest he will seek out the temple he was told about.
Vil purchases light clothing in the style he sees favored around town, in the greens and browns he imagines are most common in the jungle. When viewing the giant lizards he'll spend as much time studying them as he can, fascinated by the different ways they look and move.
Once Vil is up in his room he'll test out a new form, transforming himself into a deinonychus like he saw at the Anchorage. He'll hop around his room, taking experimental swipes at the air, but being careful not to trash the room with his claws. While in this new form he'll attempt to give Fulcra the eye, pointing a hooked claw at him if that doesn't work, until Fulcra casts message at him. Once he does, Vil will think at him, "I could tear you to shreds in two seconds flat in this thing!"
((Do you have any specific rules for how to determine if I can wild-shape into something, or is any beast on DnDBeyond fair game, so long as I meet the requirements?))
LOL.
Fulcra and Vil show up in to dinner dressed like locals. Vil in a drab green and brown that will probably blend in the well in the jungle, and Fulcra in a bright orange and red outfit that can probably be seen from Waterdeep. Before Taman can squirrel away the map too quickly, Fulcra takes a good long look at it. To the rest of the table at dinner he says, "The Soul Monger doesn't seem like something around here people have heard of, and they don't know anything about the death plague either. Seems a guide is recommended...most people think heading into the jungle is a dumb idea. I liked the one-armed dwarf we met. He gave some good practical advice...seems like he'd be able to give us a hand." He stops and waits for a reaction. Fulcra looks around at everyone, "One armed..give us a hand......oh forget it. Anyway, seems like getting a rain catcher for fresh water and insect repellant so we don't get eaten alive by bugs are both things we should do. Wakanga, if you have any other advice for our jungle trek, we're all ears."
Fulcra is unusually polite to Wakanga, speaking in a much more restrained manner, and shows a great deal of interest in the merchant lords and how they run the city, their interactions and personalities, and listens intently to him talking. He also tries to find out who runs the guard and enforces the laws.
"Oh, and one more thing. Apparently we may want a Flaming Fist Charter. Does anyone know about the Flaming Fist?"
Back in the Inn after dinner, Fulcra stays up a bit and mingles with the crowd, asking the same sorts of questions he did during the day. Back in the room later when his companion turns into a dinosaur, Fulcra looks suitably impressed. He pokes the thick hide, then pulls out a knife and jabs him...gently. "Hey, just curious how thick your hide is. Very impressive, very impressive indeed. Yes, you could probably tear me in two with those little chicken arms you have. Maybe those claws on your feet. Can you turn into one of those big allosaurus things we saw today? That thing was huge. It could eat us both with one bite. That would be truly impressive." Fulcra messages him liberally so they can continue to converse while he's in dinosaur form.
The next morning Fulcra tries to bring the group together for some breakfast, "So, I think our order of business today should be securing a guide. They can help us plan our route through the jungle, which will help us sort out what equipment we'll need. Someone mentioned canoe's, we should find out how much a canoe or two is. And maybe a bit more time for looking around town, it seems like there's a lot going on. Oh, and....we should probably all watch the dinosaur races together today...you know...for...research purposes."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Taman is uncustomarily distracted as they eat breakfast. He is glad the elf seems to be keeping things going, since he bolts down his food and leaves quickly, heading off to find the temple he was told about the previous day. Nothing is as important to him as finding the temple at this point.
Taman's distraction was disturbing - Cimeri already used to rely on on him as a head of the expedition. Though, he took the map and probably was not going to abandon position. About guides Cimeri actually asked Prince Wakanga - is there some with a good reputation and what about showing the map to that person? Hiding such thing in the small company when you are supposed to completely trust each other would not be an easy task.
Sins it did not look like they were going to leave immediately, she enthusiastically agreed with Fulcra about visiting Dino-racing. Yesterday she saw an ankylosauruson the streets with the palanquin on his back and still was absolutely fascinated by the size of the creature. The race of many different dinosaurs had to be magnificent show!
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
While they're walking the streets for the day, Fulcra spends some time with Cimeri to get to know her better. His accent is strange but he speaks common very well. "So, you're purple. What would you say the best thing about being purple is?"
Fulcra tells her as they wander along about Thay, from its glaciers, to volcanoes, to beaches, it is a land of amazing beauty. The distant snow-covered peaks of the Thaymount seem to watch over it all like sleeping kings, a landmark visible from almost any spot in the country. The Plateau of Ruthammar is the highest plain of the steps and no outsiders are ever allowed there. It is where all the powerful and rich noble families have their seasonal homes, the land cut up into vast estates with a few small well organized towns to keep the labourers. The land is beautiful, and peaceful. The law there is very structured. People have identification, and the rules are clear and fair. But also there's always a job for someone who needs one, so that you can earn your way and not be left to a life of destitute as sometimes can happen in the western world. They simply do not have beggars, and anything like the crime found in places like this.
Beyond talking about Thay, he asks her many questions about herself, how she ended up with Scoria and Taman, and what she likes, what she doesn't like, and points out a few of the strange customs that he notices about the people in Port Nyanzaru.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
OOC: That must have been a long journey :)
It's hard to read eyes of solid colour with no visible sclera or pupil, but Cimeri's eyes showed unmistakable confusion. Well taught respect to age, naivete of youth and secluded life, and general good upbringing did not allow her to suspect an insult, but strangers are indeed strange: "I... I am not sure I understand" - the response was genuine, she truly did not.
Still, the story about another land (she remembered stories about Thay being different, but did not relay much on her admittedly very modest knowledge of Geo-politic) smoother and eventually erased first impression of strange questions. She did not commented but listened intently with wide open eyes, imagining (to her best ability - she have never seen mountains of any kind) the grandiose beauty of that country.
Subject of more recent events darkened the mood of the day again, though. But Fulcra was helping them and needed to know of course. Cimeri sighed and tried to explain from the beginning "My father died," she started from the main event but realized it sounded quite bizarre, taken out of context. "Well, he was not my real father, more like my teacher, but he took me from the streets when I was very young" (considering now she was 16, "very young" had to be something around baby age). If Fulrca was patient, he would eventually learn about Master Ziman, his (and her) quiet peaceful life, spent in simple work, training and meditation, in the village near Baldur's Gate, his untimely death, that - because of the death plague - left Cimeri an orphan again, funeral and appearance of Taman and Scoria - Master Ziman's acquaintances and Syndra Sylvane with her unbelievably grand story and sudden suggestion of an attack on Lich's Lair. The attack itself - bizarre, deadly, with a lot of deaths, which made Cimeri's "uncle" Flynn reconsider the expedition. "It all happened so fast," Cimeri sighed again, "and since that time we never stopped. And now we are here."
In short, it was a story of a big tragedy, losses, sudden great danger and "world saving grand" plans and events. The less sturdy person of her age would be expected to lay in deep PTSD in some Healing Temple for the next several years. ((If you ever played Jade Empire, think Dawn Star/Master Li at the beginning of the story))
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
*** The previous evening at the O'Tamu Villa ***
In response to 'Soul Monger' talk:
Wakanga is not surprised no one knows of it; other than other liches, or faction agents who've interrogated a lich recently, you are the only people with this knowledge. Syndra suggests not drawing attention to the fact that you have that particular knowledge...but what does she know, really? ;)
Death Curse and Jungle travel:
Wakanga relates that since the death curse is a relatively new development, there are probably not a lot of thoughts about it. Perhaps widening your interrogatives in a broader spectrum would work better, he suggests. Syndra agrees; perhaps omens or talk of villainous activities in Chult would find better results.
A guide is essential and even with a guide, the jungle is so large and unexplored that there will be dangers that even the guide will not have seen before. Wakanga suggests, like any business venture, vetting the guides thoroughly. His fellow merchant prince Jobal runs the guides; ensure to get a sanctioned guide. Wakanga has no thoughts on a favorite guide; perhaps finding fellow adventurers who've had experiences with guides is a good way to go...if any have survived their adventures...
Syndra laughs at the one armed joke until she dissolves into hacking coughs. She toasts Fulcra's joke with an empty wine goblet. She hasn't eaten the whole time; the mask stays on her face.
Port Nyanzaru governance: Wakanga gets very sober upon this point. He simply says that all the Merchant Princes run the city, each with their own domain of goods. All matters are voted upon at Goldenthrone. When pressed further, he gives HIS opinion [not DM info] on each Prince, quickly:
Ekene-Afa: Weapons, shields, traveling gear, canoes etc.
• She is a famous former gladiator who earned enough to become a merchant prince.
• Her husband is Kura, a painter.
• She sells some magic shields and weapons .
Ifan Tal'roa: Beasts
• A noble .
• Sells animals .
• has no family.
Jessamine: Plants, poisons, assassinations.
• Quiet, usually casts the deciding vote.
• Has a monopoly on sanctions - legal murder.
Jobal: Guides and mercenaries.
• Former Scout.
• In charge of the guides .
Kwayothe: Fruit, wine, perfume, tej, insect repellent.
• Priestess.
Zhanthi: Gems, jewelry, cloth, armor.
• Noble.
Guards are stationed out of Fort Nyanzaru in the harbor. All Princes are responsible for laws and governance; punishment of most heinous violent crimes is to be cast into Executioner's Run in the Old City. He explains that Executioner's Run is a long pit; criminals are put at one end and must run to the other and climb ropes to get out, before being torn apart by captured jungle animals. Wakanga says it's brutal but many people enjoy the entertainment.
Flaming Fist: Wakanga gets irritable at mention of this and it's clear there's some tension between he and Syndra on this matter. Baldur's Gate is quite interested in the natural resources and undiscovered treasure to be plundered in the abandoned cities of Chult; the Flaming Fist, the mercenary group that protects BG, arrived and started cutting up Chult into 'their' territories. They settled a Fort to the North, Fort Beluarian, from where they start expeditions. They claim to be here to cleanse Chult of the undead menace living in the jungle, but they also help themselves to any treasure they find. They also have claimed most of Northern Chult as their own, and issue 'Charters', which explorers are supposed to purchase from them in Fort Beluarian. Wakanga has heard that explorers without charters found by FF patrols in the wild have had their equipment confiscated, fined, or sometimes outright killed.
[you'll ask about the undead menace so...]: Wakanga says that over a century ago a paladin by the name of Ras Nsi was corrupted and became a warlord of an undead army; he attacked the city of Mezro with his legion and was repelled. He disappeared, but his undead army did not, and wanders much of the jungle. It is growing in power though Wakanga doesn't know how.
[Let's get back to the present - Day 2 in Chult]
All but Taman hang about the tavern in the morning and find other guides to assess; you also hear that there are other guides at Fort Beluarian...
Canoes are 50gp each.
*** The temple of Savras ***
The morning sun glints off the grand temple of Savras; indeed, the roof appears to be a floating eye looking skyward. Taman approaches it from the east, passing the Grand Souk before getting directions up the hill to the temple. The hilltop is breathtaking and the entire city can be seen; a thunderous roar echoes from the jungle. Taman notices structures being erected throughout the city as he walks; he learns that these are fences to define the dinosaur raceway and to keep onlookers from getting too close to the rampaging beasts as they go past.
People file in and out of the temple, dressed in all manner of garb, being of all classes. Some seem to be asking about babies to be born, or approaching weather. Others ask about the futures of banana prices. Bowls of incense are everywhere and the scent is overwhelming.
"A brother of faith?" asks a Chultan woman in robes of Savras. "What brings you to our temple? I am Sister Picla."
*** Back at the Thundering Lizard ***
You recognize a man from Wakanga's estate as he rushes through the door to speak to Benin the Barkeep. They exchange words, then Benin points at you. The sweaty man rushes to you.
'Prince O'Tamu wishes to inform you that some of the dinosaur riders have become ill with Shivering Sickness; should you wish, there are spots open to ride dinosaurs in the race...'
"I am a follower of Azuth." Taman confirms with a nod. "I was given a divine message to seek you out. We are here to seek out a source of the death curse that afflicts all of the known world. It is thought the source of this curse is here in Chult. Do you have any information on this, or does one of your brother's or sisters here have such information? If not, then do you have any idea why Azuth would send me here?"
Sister Picla looks utterly shocked. "Chult? This curse? I... how awful an idea. But you must have some kind of evidence otherwise why be here?" She pauses a moment to think. "We should speak with Grandfather Zitembe. Can you wait a bit, Brother...?
Fulcra looks into Cimeri's dark eyes, pausing to turn and face her after hearing her story. His lips move subtly, but issue no sound. In her mind she hears his voice. "Cimeri. I will never abandon you. I will never betray you. And, as best I can do in this wild world, I will ensure harm is kept from you. And, if I may, a bit of advice. Follow your heart. Don't let events sweep you any place you don't want to be. Drive your own fate, these choices are all each of us truly have. Find your calling. Pursue it. Now, let's go watch some dinosaur races!"
"On the topic of guides, I think my top choice is still Hew, with Azaka a close 2nd. None of the other folk we've met seem...hmmm...reliable? Do we have 150 gold amongst us to pay for a guide? Plus we'll need probably 2 canoes? Do we have 100 gold for that as well? Plus a bit more for supplies. A couple of those rain catchers seem like a good idea."
As the man from Wakanga's estate relays the offer, Fulcra's mouth drops open. He seems, for once, speechless. Thankfully he recovers quickly, "That seems...fool hardy? Insane? What? That's crazy? We have important things to do! The fate of the world rests upon our shoulders! And you want us to ride some giant lizards?!?" He looks around the rest of the group for support. If any of the others seem even slightly inclined he changes his tune quickly, "Well, I mean, you do only live once, I guess why not live a little? I'll cheer for you from the sidelines!" Otherwise he sticks to his guns, "That's crazy. I'll bet on other people being crushed by lizards."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
While waiting for the response from others, the fellow says, "well, you certainly may bet on the races... there are plenty of bookies at the races".
Cimeri looked, though not truly believed - surely she was hallucinating on account of too many loses in the last several days, dozed off and missed something Fulcra was truly telling. Though voice in her head (her subconsciousness probably) was right about relying on herself more - she learned pretty well that in this world and this time one can not truly give any promise - gods, fate and cruel chances see to it and take away those around you.
She shook her head and gladly switched to discussion of future guides. Not really expecting her input to be taking into account, she still quietly but firmly stated: "We have to make sure they understand what we are searching. That we are not treasure hunters and where we are going - death awaits. Not the one they used to but something much worse. If they are still willing to go... then may be we need to seek among those who also knows how to fight things not of this world - undead things. The lich lair was full of them and the lich said the thing we are looking for is the same."
"We do have money. Lady Sylvane payed us well" (at least Cimeri have never seen so much money before) "175 each. I think we can afford a guide and equipment. If needed I can give my part for the guide now."
Since Cimeri never learned how to ride even a horse, the idea of participating in the race did not even cross her mind. Shamefully, the idea that such participation would endanger their mission was not on her thoughts either. And it had to be careless ever-laughing Fulcra who pointed out such an obvious thing! She is loosing focus - no questions about it. Meditations and strong discipline is the only answer! Well... after the racing.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice