"We are nothing but the normal adventurers who come to your lands." taman speaks up as he steps forward, giving a bow of respect to the princes. "We seek to travel into the jungles and seek out our fame and fortunes."
Tao To Chung teaches that trusting one's instincts and gut is the path to finding one's true nature. Cimeri's guts were telling her that revialing the whole truth would be ... untimely. "Taman was a friend of my father, that died recently. After that Taman took me with him, esteemed Princess Zhanti," explained she, answering skeptical look. It was not a lie. In fact, it was a truth. Just not the whole truth.
Bryn still standing tall, would wait for silence to fall and for one of the princes to make eye contact with her before she considers speaking. The halfgoliath will bow her head in respect to Zhanthi, then each of the others. Returning her gaze back to the wise elder who wanted to hear more about them.
"I am Bryn. I come from a small village, but travel land to land. I seek to learn the ways of lands and customs of the people. I preserve knowledge for elder teachings and gain wisdom for the next generation. My task is to provide guidance." The druid tried her best at a simple summary in hopes that it answers their questions of her.
Celtra gave a slight bow to the court crude but still a bow. "I thank the court for their wise judgement. In return I can only offer my history. Its largely uninteresting. I come from a small fishing village where... uh... I fished. There my father had taught me the art of the blade." She says and taps her sword. "It was a precaution really. Incase bandits attacked or such. Anyways, when of age I was allowed to leave, and experience the world. From port to port I traveled, fishing here, and sailing there until I arrived here. But my coin purse was nicked and now I'm trying to find employment. That's where I met these fine folk who offered me a chance to gain some coin"
Ekene Afa stands. "And coin you shall have. Your heroism saved lives, all of you. The least we can do," she finishes, clasping each of your hands in a crushing, calloused grip; she nods to Varag who brings forth a small silk bag and hands it to Celtra. "Someone like yourselves could earn a lot in the Arena," Ekene says to Bryn and Celtra. "Would be happy to hear of the east sometime," she adds to Fulcra, "and we always have jobs for talkers." She looks to Taman. "And thinkers." She stops in front of Cimeri, towering over her. "My sincerest condolences, young one. You show great strength of heart."
She sits back in her throne, and it's clear your audience is at an end for the moment. You are ushered from the Throne room, where Celtra opens her pouch.
@Celtra:
10 Platinum pieces are inside.
[OOC: You have the evening. What do you wish to do?]
Fulcra smiles cheerfully as the group leaves the hall. "I think that went quite well. Good job everyone! Especially you rock pusher. You even got a purse for all your good rock pushing. A purse full of...something, hopefully not snakes, though, a purse of snakes could come in handy, now that I think about it, as a person good at dropping things on people, a bag of snakes could be very handy indeed. Think of all the snake dropping you could do." He clasps her on the shoulder and then turns to Taman, "Well, have you found our way? Or are we just going to start exploring down the river and go see some of these interesting camps?"
We still have shopping to do, though what we buy, with Azaka guiding us, seems strongly related to our destination, as so directed by Taman. If Taman has ANY clue about our destination, Fulcra would spend the night going to a few bars, telling amazing stories of Thay, and asking for any details people would know about the place we're headed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Cimeri just lowered her head in response, accepting sympathy from a stranger. She was truly relieved to leave the palace - not only they did not loose their lives, they did not loose their coins (meaning, no guide and no supplies).
When they were far enough from any prying eyes and ears, Cimeri caught up with Fulcra, (who was his eccentric self again) and asked the question, bothering her from yesterday: "Fulcra, why are you with us? You never said."
"When we are someplace safer." Taman informs Fulcra as they leave the audience house. Once they are he tells them what he knows. "The elder of the temple had a vision. The place we seek is to the South, a ways from the sound of it, in a jungle city enclosed by cliffs, and filled with some sort of either magical or evil snakes." He pauses a moment. "I also spoke to Eku, the guide who was not interested in helping us, and she seemed to know someone to ask about the city, but did not appear to know where it was either. I suggest we ask around, subtly though, and see if our own guide has any knowledge of the place."
Celtra smiles at Fulcra and feels the bag. "No snakes my new friend, no movement. It feels like..." she squeezes it and says, "coins." She opens it and says, "Yes definitely coins, ooh platinum even."
For a brief moment she thinks about taking the coin and using it to charter a ship off this port. She thinks it, then dismisses it. "There is plenty here, if ya all dont mind, I'd like to requip myself and then there should be plenty to help fund this expedition."
Fulcra smiles kindly at Celtra, "Most generous. I see that you are relating your new upswing in financial well being to being part of our group, and so are disinclined to leave right away. I can only tell you, you've made the right decision. Most wise."
Fulcra to Taman, "That's excellent news, though if it was just like under Port Nyanzaru and we didn't have to travel through miles and miles of undead infested jungle, that might be a bit better, but...you know, I'll take it. Yes, let's do some asking around. Subtly? I have never know subtle asking around to work. I find yelling what you want to know gets you answers the best, one way or the other. But if you INSIST on subtle, fine...I can be subtle." He pauses as the group looks at him. "What?"
Fulcra to Cimeri, "Oh, for fun. Plus maybe a part of my soul is missing and captured by the Soul Monger, but....that's just coincidental. I'm mostly in it for the fun, and of course, great company."
Fulcra to Azaka, he repeats the description of the city. "So, it's far to the south." They show her the map. He puts his finger in a big circle around the south. "So, guide...guide us, what's the best way to get to the south. How much to charter a ship to drop us off down here, around the Cauldron? And if not that, which river leads to furthest south?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
"You are making fun of me. I had to know better." Cimeri was not offended, just stated the fact. She smiled, nodded and informed others she will try to find Chord again in Kaya's House of Repose. Her gold (almost all of it - 190 coins) she left with Taman in case supply-shopping would happen right away (and not to tempt market's thieves) and returned to the House of Repose.
The goal was to thank Chord for help, may be ask what did they dodged (it certainly looked like the group got away unharmed by something bad, thanks to Chord's/Princes' interferece) , and carefully question about south part of Chult - the legends about lost cities, rumours, common dangers.
[OOC: I'm assuming the safe location was the Thundering Lizard, which is where we'll pick up.]
Cimeri quietly heaves her rucksack onto the table in front of Taman; the coins clink together quite nicely inside. She heads out the door with the brisk pace of the young.
Everyone but Cimeri:
Moments later, Azaka enters, and seeing you, she approaches, tearing apart an undercooked shank of dinosaur meat; juices run down her cheeks and chin and cover her fingers. She tosses the gristle and fat into a corner of the Thundering Lizard; Benin rolls his eyes and retrieves it.
"I know that sound anywhere," she says, reaching greasy hands for Cimeri's rucksack and seizing a strap. Taman grips the other strap and the rucksack rises in the air between them, threatening to open and spill gold everywhere. "My payment?" she insists. She counts out 150 gold and dumps it into her own backpack. "That's a heft I can live with," she says, hoisting her laden pack onto her back.
Fulcra steps in to ask his questions now that Azaka is paid; she ruffles his hair, leaving it matted and sopped with gravy and meat juice.
"Ahhhh, Silvertongue; it's a good thing you are pretty. Leave the thinking to Azaka and 'Robes'," she says pointing to Taman. "You are like a toucan; so beautiful but when you speak it sounds nice but makes no sense." Her grin at Fulcra is feral. She motions you all to come closer and speaks in a conspiratorial whisper. "I will take you to my friend; she will know where you should go. We will head west; I will take you up the river Soshenstar, past Camp Righteous, Camp Vengeance, to the plateu upon which Mbala sits… and from there, west to the lost city. That is where my friend lives. It will take between 18 to 20 days." She licks the juice off her fingers, tries to give Fulcra a wet willy [DEX save to avoid].
"You're going to ask me what you need to buy; I have a canoe to seat all six of us, we can use it. My gift to you."[OOC: Happy Holidays all]
She continues. "A river trip is different. No point in a pack beast; I have had expeditions where adventurers bring a beast, or at least some tribal bearers. Up to you if you want to hire any extra muscle. I will do my best to keep us away from enemies, but the jungle is rife with them."
She looks at Taman and Celtra.
"Leather armor only. Wear more than that and you will slow us down with your exhaustion. Your choice of course, but… you endanger us all if you wear that and cannot keep up. Do that before we meet tomorrow.
I will get supplies first thing; I will need coin for this. I can forage my own food and water, and some for you as well. I suggest you purchase three rain catchers, I have my own. I suggest each of you have 14 days of iron rations. That's 70 rations. The rest we forage. Bug repellent: two gourds each, that'll give each of you forty days of coverage. I have my own." She does some calculations on her fingers. "I will let you purchase your own Tej should you want it, I do not bring it on expeditions. I need… well, more than what left there, but 40 gold will cover most, I will cover the rest."
Azaka looks at each of you in turn; there's a fire in her eyes that wasn't present before. "Once we leave the Port… it is a different world in the jungle. We may run into enemies… or rivals. Tell no one of your plans. Get rest tonight. We meet at the Harbor tomorrow."
[OOC: Lots to convey here, I'll send an email w/ details. Azaka will leave at this point, feel free to either go to bed or ask her questions; Fulcra will continue carousing]
@Fulcra and anyuone staying up w/ him:
You cozy up to some of the other guides and start telling tales and listening sharply. Over the next three hours you hear lots of bull@#$!, but also hear:
"Deep in the heart of the jungle is a city built by minotaurs. It's now overrun by snake people, but even worse things dwell below. In visions, I have seen strange devils screaming in the dark."
"The Order of the Gauntlet came here to cleanse the jungle of undead. They lost one of their encampments not too long ago. They're just barely hanging on to another one. I see their emissaries all the time, heading up the River Soshenstar in canoes to get more supplies and templars from Port Nyanzaru."
"A ruined city lies up the River Teath, past Kahakla Gorge. Supposedly, no one's explored past the gorge, but that's not true. It's just that the few who made it out alive mostly keep quiet about what they found there. I have it on good authority that the ruins are guarded by a naga who is both wise and generous."
@Cimeri:
You find Somber Chord back at Kaya's; you introduce yourself to the Goliath bouncers this time, who grunt at you but you think you might be getting somewhere with them. Somber is in quite a mood, having obviously enjoyed a glass or two of Tej from a dandy aarakocra who still speaks to her as you approach…
"…honestly though," continues the aarakocra,"Ubtao? Really? Important?"
Somber Chord puts a paw on the feathered chest of the birdman drunkenly, purring loudly and, though you'd never thought it possible, possibly slurring her purr. "You question me?" she flirts. "Ubtao was the Chultan peoples' god. Labyrinths. I tell you, trace any labyrinth you find in Chult, you will be rewarded." She notices you, nearly dropping her lute. "Oh! My friend Cimeri! The purple one! See her horns," she says, pricking a finger on the end of your horn,"ouch! Such a delight this one, such brashness of youth."
The aaracockra, light blue being his dominant color, proudly stands to his full height, puffing out his chest and ruffling his feathers in a way he thinks majestic, notices you. "Aha. SQUAWK! What a fine creature you are, miss…?"
"Cimeri, I said," Somber replies before you can, "and she is generous as she is beautiful." Her paw rests heavily, drunkenly, on your shoulder. "Such a headache I have, my friend, would you excuse us?" The aaracocra nods, raising an eyebrow, and backs away, feigning interest in a piece of art on display in the foyeur.
"I owe you again," Somber says from the side of her mouth. "That one has… designs on Somber Chord. And he is quite fetching, no? Samathon Eagleshneth is his name, but I cannot pursue; being a cat, it is quite odd to have feelings for a bird, no?" She licks her paw and runs it over her head. "What can I do for you, friend?"
Somber graciously accepts your thanks, and you spend several hours with her. She gives you a tambourine, telling you to hit it once in a while and pretend to be part of her show, as she needs to work at the moment. Between numbers she explains that the Merchant Princes are all extremely dangerous; they have won their way to the top of Port Nyanzaru's government through force or guile, and all of them try to use any advantage they can get to move ahead. Also, Ifan Talro'a is one of the most dangerous, so she was worried for you.
You learn some very, very strange things that even as a 16 year old you know are garbage, but you do hear:
"The great god Ubtao once guided the people of Chult, but he tired of their constant warring and abandoned them. Since then, Chultans have turned to the worship of other gods, some of which were tricksters and deceivers."
"One must purchase a charter of exploration at Fort Beluarian before undertaking any jungle expedition. The Flaming Fist punishes explorers who don't have te required paperwork."
"The jungle is full of nature spirits - weird little elemental creatures with masks. They don't speak, and I've never known one to be harmful, b ut their magical powers should not be taken lightly."
You head back to the Thundering Lizard late.
[OOC: Cimeri, please take 190 gold off your character sheet]
OOC: Removed. I trust to everyone's judgment but can not shake the feeling we are making mistake not taking Eku with us. Just saying.
When returned, Cimeri shared what she learned: about Ubtao - his importance and existence of true believers, about nature spirits, and underlined necessity to purchase a charter of exploration at Fort Beluarian(!).
[OK, we have votes. I need someone to subtract 50 gold for the Charter, and now you have it.
Last bits before heading off:
Taman, if it's hot, you may be required to do hourly CON checks due to scale mail.
IMPORTANT: sleeping in the jungle is a short rest. Long rests are not possible except as 'secure' locations. 'Secure' locations are any marked locations on the players' map that you've cleared, or other obvious places (You clear out an unmarked ruin with one point of egress and it's dry and cool). This is the real challenge of Chult]
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"We are nothing but the normal adventurers who come to your lands." taman speaks up as he steps forward, giving a bow of respect to the princes. "We seek to travel into the jungles and seek out our fame and fortunes."
"All of you? Treasure hunters?," she says, eyeing Cimeri. "Interesting choice of partners; even you?" she asks Fulcra and Bryn.
"Some of our group are less worried about treasure than in keeping us safe in our travels." Taman says with a nod to his companions.
Tao To Chung teaches that trusting one's instincts and gut is the path to finding one's true nature. Cimeri's guts were telling her that revialing the whole truth would be ... untimely. "Taman was a friend of my father, that died recently. After that Taman took me with him, esteemed Princess Zhanti," explained she, answering skeptical look. It was not a lie. In fact, it was a truth. Just not the whole truth.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Bryn still standing tall, would wait for silence to fall and for one of the princes to make eye contact with her before she considers speaking. The halfgoliath will bow her head in respect to Zhanthi, then each of the others. Returning her gaze back to the wise elder who wanted to hear more about them.
"I am Bryn. I come from a small village, but travel land to land. I seek to learn the ways of lands and customs of the people. I preserve knowledge for elder teachings and gain wisdom for the next generation. My task is to provide guidance." The druid tried her best at a simple summary in hopes that it answers their questions of her.
just an unstable unicorn.
Celtra gave a slight bow to the court crude but still a bow. "I thank the court for their wise judgement. In return I can only offer my history. Its largely uninteresting. I come from a small fishing village where... uh... I fished. There my father had taught me the art of the blade." She says and taps her sword. "It was a precaution really. Incase bandits attacked or such. Anyways, when of age I was allowed to leave, and experience the world. From port to port I traveled, fishing here, and sailing there until I arrived here. But my coin purse was nicked and now I'm trying to find employment. That's where I met these fine folk who offered me a chance to gain some coin"
Ekene Afa stands. "And coin you shall have. Your heroism saved lives, all of you. The least we can do," she finishes, clasping each of your hands in a crushing, calloused grip; she nods to Varag who brings forth a small silk bag and hands it to Celtra. "Someone like yourselves could earn a lot in the Arena," Ekene says to Bryn and Celtra. "Would be happy to hear of the east sometime," she adds to Fulcra, "and we always have jobs for talkers." She looks to Taman. "And thinkers." She stops in front of Cimeri, towering over her. "My sincerest condolences, young one. You show great strength of heart."
She sits back in her throne, and it's clear your audience is at an end for the moment. You are ushered from the Throne room, where Celtra opens her pouch.
@Celtra:
10 Platinum pieces are inside.
[OOC: You have the evening. What do you wish to do?]
Fulcra smiles cheerfully as the group leaves the hall. "I think that went quite well. Good job everyone! Especially you rock pusher. You even got a purse for all your good rock pushing. A purse full of...something, hopefully not snakes, though, a purse of snakes could come in handy, now that I think about it, as a person good at dropping things on people, a bag of snakes could be very handy indeed. Think of all the snake dropping you could do." He clasps her on the shoulder and then turns to Taman, "Well, have you found our way? Or are we just going to start exploring down the river and go see some of these interesting camps?"
We still have shopping to do, though what we buy, with Azaka guiding us, seems strongly related to our destination, as so directed by Taman. If Taman has ANY clue about our destination, Fulcra would spend the night going to a few bars, telling amazing stories of Thay, and asking for any details people would know about the place we're headed.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Cimeri just lowered her head in response, accepting sympathy from a stranger. She was truly relieved to leave the palace - not only they did not loose their lives, they did not loose their coins (meaning, no guide and no supplies).
When they were far enough from any prying eyes and ears, Cimeri caught up with Fulcra, (who was his eccentric self again) and asked the question, bothering her from yesterday: "Fulcra, why are you with us? You never said."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"When we are someplace safer." Taman informs Fulcra as they leave the audience house. Once they are he tells them what he knows. "The elder of the temple had a vision. The place we seek is to the South, a ways from the sound of it, in a jungle city enclosed by cliffs, and filled with some sort of either magical or evil snakes." He pauses a moment. "I also spoke to Eku, the guide who was not interested in helping us, and she seemed to know someone to ask about the city, but did not appear to know where it was either. I suggest we ask around, subtly though, and see if our own guide has any knowledge of the place."
Celtra smiles at Fulcra and feels the bag. "No snakes my new friend, no movement. It feels like..." she squeezes it and says, "coins." She opens it and says, "Yes definitely coins, ooh platinum even."
For a brief moment she thinks about taking the coin and using it to charter a ship off this port. She thinks it, then dismisses it. "There is plenty here, if ya all dont mind, I'd like to requip myself and then there should be plenty to help fund this expedition."
Fulcra smiles kindly at Celtra, "Most generous. I see that you are relating your new upswing in financial well being to being part of our group, and so are disinclined to leave right away. I can only tell you, you've made the right decision. Most wise."
Fulcra to Taman, "That's excellent news, though if it was just like under Port Nyanzaru and we didn't have to travel through miles and miles of undead infested jungle, that might be a bit better, but...you know, I'll take it. Yes, let's do some asking around. Subtly? I have never know subtle asking around to work. I find yelling what you want to know gets you answers the best, one way or the other. But if you INSIST on subtle, fine...I can be subtle." He pauses as the group looks at him. "What?"
Fulcra to Cimeri, "Oh, for fun. Plus maybe a part of my soul is missing and captured by the Soul Monger, but....that's just coincidental. I'm mostly in it for the fun, and of course, great company."
Fulcra to Azaka, he repeats the description of the city. "So, it's far to the south." They show her the map. He puts his finger in a big circle around the south. "So, guide...guide us, what's the best way to get to the south. How much to charter a ship to drop us off down here, around the Cauldron? And if not that, which river leads to furthest south?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"You are making fun of me. I had to know better." Cimeri was not offended, just stated the fact. She smiled, nodded and informed others she will try to find Chord again in Kaya's House of Repose. Her gold (almost all of it - 190 coins) she left with Taman in case supply-shopping would happen right away (and not to tempt market's thieves) and returned to the House of Repose.
The goal was to thank Chord for help, may be ask what did they dodged (it certainly looked like the group got away unharmed by something bad, thanks to Chord's/Princes' interferece) , and carefully question about south part of Chult - the legends about lost cities, rumours, common dangers.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
[OOC: I'm assuming the safe location was the Thundering Lizard, which is where we'll pick up.]
Cimeri quietly heaves her rucksack onto the table in front of Taman; the coins clink together quite nicely inside. She heads out the door with the brisk pace of the young.
Everyone but Cimeri:
Moments later, Azaka enters, and seeing you, she approaches, tearing apart an undercooked shank of dinosaur meat; juices run down her cheeks and chin and cover her fingers. She tosses the gristle and fat into a corner of the Thundering Lizard; Benin rolls his eyes and retrieves it.
"I know that sound anywhere," she says, reaching greasy hands for Cimeri's rucksack and seizing a strap. Taman grips the other strap and the rucksack rises in the air between them, threatening to open and spill gold everywhere. "My payment?" she insists. She counts out 150 gold and dumps it into her own backpack. "That's a heft I can live with," she says, hoisting her laden pack onto her back.
Fulcra steps in to ask his questions now that Azaka is paid; she ruffles his hair, leaving it matted and sopped with gravy and meat juice.
"Ahhhh, Silvertongue; it's a good thing you are pretty. Leave the thinking to Azaka and 'Robes'," she says pointing to Taman. "You are like a toucan; so beautiful but when you speak it sounds nice but makes no sense." Her grin at Fulcra is feral. She motions you all to come closer and speaks in a conspiratorial whisper. "I will take you to my friend; she will know where you should go. We will head west; I will take you up the river Soshenstar, past Camp Righteous, Camp Vengeance, to the plateu upon which Mbala sits… and from there, west to the lost city. That is where my friend lives. It will take between 18 to 20 days." She licks the juice off her fingers, tries to give Fulcra a wet willy [DEX save to avoid].
"You're going to ask me what you need to buy; I have a canoe to seat all six of us, we can use it. My gift to you."[OOC: Happy Holidays all]
She continues. "A river trip is different. No point in a pack beast; I have had expeditions where adventurers bring a beast, or at least some tribal bearers. Up to you if you want to hire any extra muscle. I will do my best to keep us away from enemies, but the jungle is rife with them."
She looks at Taman and Celtra.
"Leather armor only. Wear more than that and you will slow us down with your exhaustion. Your choice of course, but… you endanger us all if you wear that and cannot keep up. Do that before we meet tomorrow.
I will get supplies first thing; I will need coin for this. I can forage my own food and water, and some for you as well. I suggest you purchase three rain catchers, I have my own. I suggest each of you have 14 days of iron rations. That's 70 rations. The rest we forage. Bug repellent: two gourds each, that'll give each of you forty days of coverage. I have my own." She does some calculations on her fingers. "I will let you purchase your own Tej should you want it, I do not bring it on expeditions. I need… well, more than what left there, but 40 gold will cover most, I will cover the rest."
Azaka looks at each of you in turn; there's a fire in her eyes that wasn't present before. "Once we leave the Port… it is a different world in the jungle. We may run into enemies… or rivals. Tell no one of your plans. Get rest tonight. We meet at the Harbor tomorrow."
[OOC: Lots to convey here, I'll send an email w/ details. Azaka will leave at this point, feel free to either go to bed or ask her questions; Fulcra will continue carousing]
@Fulcra and anyuone staying up w/ him:
You cozy up to some of the other guides and start telling tales and listening sharply. Over the next three hours you hear lots of bull@#$!, but also hear:
"Deep in the heart of the jungle is a city built by minotaurs. It's now overrun by snake people, but even worse things dwell below. In visions, I have seen strange devils screaming in the dark."
"The Order of the Gauntlet came here to cleanse the jungle of undead. They lost one of their encampments not too long ago. They're just barely hanging on to another one. I see their emissaries all the time, heading up the River Soshenstar in canoes to get more supplies and templars from Port Nyanzaru."
"A ruined city lies up the River Teath, past Kahakla Gorge. Supposedly, no one's explored past the gorge, but that's not true. It's just that the few who made it out alive mostly keep quiet about what they found there. I have it on good authority that the ruins are guarded by a naga who is both wise and generous."
@Cimeri:
You find Somber Chord back at Kaya's; you introduce yourself to the Goliath bouncers this time, who grunt at you but you think you might be getting somewhere with them. Somber is in quite a mood, having obviously enjoyed a glass or two of Tej from a dandy aarakocra who still speaks to her as you approach…
"…honestly though," continues the aarakocra,"Ubtao? Really? Important?"
Somber Chord puts a paw on the feathered chest of the birdman drunkenly, purring loudly and, though you'd never thought it possible, possibly slurring her purr. "You question me?" she flirts. "Ubtao was the Chultan peoples' god. Labyrinths. I tell you, trace any labyrinth you find in Chult, you will be rewarded." She notices you, nearly dropping her lute. "Oh! My friend Cimeri! The purple one! See her horns," she says, pricking a finger on the end of your horn,"ouch! Such a delight this one, such brashness of youth."
The aaracockra, light blue being his dominant color, proudly stands to his full height, puffing out his chest and ruffling his feathers in a way he thinks majestic, notices you. "Aha. SQUAWK! What a fine creature you are, miss…?"
"Cimeri, I said," Somber replies before you can, "and she is generous as she is beautiful." Her paw rests heavily, drunkenly, on your shoulder. "Such a headache I have, my friend, would you excuse us?" The aaracocra nods, raising an eyebrow, and backs away, feigning interest in a piece of art on display in the foyeur.
"I owe you again," Somber says from the side of her mouth. "That one has… designs on Somber Chord. And he is quite fetching, no? Samathon Eagleshneth is his name, but I cannot pursue; being a cat, it is quite odd to have feelings for a bird, no?" She licks her paw and runs it over her head. "What can I do for you, friend?"
Somber graciously accepts your thanks, and you spend several hours with her. She gives you a tambourine, telling you to hit it once in a while and pretend to be part of her show, as she needs to work at the moment. Between numbers she explains that the Merchant Princes are all extremely dangerous; they have won their way to the top of Port Nyanzaru's government through force or guile, and all of them try to use any advantage they can get to move ahead. Also, Ifan Talro'a is one of the most dangerous, so she was worried for you.
You learn some very, very strange things that even as a 16 year old you know are garbage, but you do hear:
"The great god Ubtao once guided the people of Chult, but he tired of their constant warring and abandoned them. Since then, Chultans have turned to the worship of other gods, some of which were tricksters and deceivers."
"One must purchase a charter of exploration at Fort Beluarian before undertaking any jungle expedition. The Flaming Fist punishes explorers who don't have te required paperwork."
"The jungle is full of nature spirits - weird little elemental creatures with masks. They don't speak, and I've never known one to be harmful, b ut their magical powers should not be taken lightly."
You head back to the Thundering Lizard late.
[OOC: Cimeri, please take 190 gold off your character sheet]
OOC: Removed. I trust to everyone's judgment but can not shake the feeling we are making mistake not taking Eku with us. Just saying.
When returned, Cimeri shared what she learned: about Ubtao - his importance and existence of true believers, about nature spirits, and underlined necessity to purchase a charter of exploration at Fort Beluarian(!).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Following their guide's suggestion, Taman buys studded leather and a couple extra water skins.
I am changing this. Taman would stay with his scale mail armor, but buy the rest.
also he buys one rain catcher.
I though we are buying everything according to shop-list (bulk discount?) and then distribute evenly among characters, no?
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
[please see the OOC email to vote]
[OK, we have votes. I need someone to subtract 50 gold for the Charter, and now you have it.
Last bits before heading off:
Taman, if it's hot, you may be required to do hourly CON checks due to scale mail.
IMPORTANT: sleeping in the jungle is a short rest. Long rests are not possible except as 'secure' locations. 'Secure' locations are any marked locations on the players' map that you've cleared, or other obvious places (You clear out an unmarked ruin with one point of egress and it's dry and cool). This is the real challenge of Chult]