Renee slumps onto the deck once the fighting has stopped. "I'm just gonna take a break right here, eh. Five minutes then I'll be back on me feet." 

Heilamin profers, "After we get all cleaned up, what do you say we have ourselves a proper sea jig?" He says, patting his lute.

If Brazzak would like to climb the mast to the crow's nest, it would be an athletics check. With all of Brazzak's armor, it would be at disadvantage. 

Everyone else looks to be resting after the tough fight. Heilamin pats his lute and the sailors around, rum in hand, begin a sea shanty. 

"Okay, jus' like climbin' inta tha hayloft back home. No big deal."

Brazzak begins climbing the mast.

Brazzak you scale the mast, and are encouraged and begged on by the sailors as they drink and cheers to Heilamins lute. You are able to manage yourself up into the crows nest. It was built for someone of smaller stature, so you have to squeeze in and are at least three times the size of the nest. You are roughly 60 feet above the deck. The Omerian ocean has blue waves rolling for miles beyond you can see. The sun is approaching the horizon as the sky begins to turn orange. The sailors are singing their best sea shanties while passing the rum bottles around. The environment is calm and soothing. 

Squeezing himself into the crow's nest, Brazzak stares out at the vast expanse of ocean. This is a sight he's never beheld in his sheltered life. He spends the evening speechless, his meager intellect trying to take in every detail and feeling. He wonders how he'll ever be able to describe it to his Ma back on the farm.

*Small tear goes does face* Take Inspiration Brazzak!

Sorry all. Busy weekend on my part. I will post tomorrow.

Everyone rests and the remaining few day boat trip is uneventful. Berry switches back and forth between promoting a sailor to barrelman and helping Captain Andy with first mate duties. The Omerian Ocean is a beautiful blue color and the weather is calm for your travel. 

The boat approaches the island of Mijueza. It is not like a typical island. It is more of a pillar of stone, a 700-foot tall spire rising out of the sea. Waves from the ocean crash against the rock, making it dangerous for any large ships to approach. Captain Andy has First Mate Berry and a few other sailors hoist down a rowboat. Two sailors company you by rowing the boat to a small platform at the "calmer" side of the island. From the platform, which is hard to stand on from the algae and waves that come in frequently, you see a steel ladder hammered into the side of the rock...going up the cliff 700 feet to the top. The sailors say they will remain with the rowboat.

Though it was a struggle at times, especially for those who aren't quite nimble on their feet or are weighed down by armor, you are able to scale the cliff side of Mijueza to the top. The monastery itself is built from the actual stone of the pillar, surrounded by rough, thorny-trees, the only plants brave enough to grow there. A short wall surrounds the monastery where the monks tend to a garden of potatoes, onions, and other tubers. A dozen hens cluck away while a rooster struts through the courtyard. Beyond the garden is a circular temple that is 40-feet in diameter. A long-haired, bearded man in salt-stained robes smiles at you as you approach the grounds. "Peace amidst chaos," he greets, then returns to tending the garden.

Heilamin approaches the man, "Peace amidst chaos. We come as friends. Perhaps you may be able to help us, we have a friend who has been burgled and had servants murdered regarding a 'Shunned City'. We have come from far away to learn more about this legend and to understand why its existence brings jaguar thugs upon our friend. Would you know anything that could help us?" 

Perception Check: 14

Persuasion Check: 18

OOC: Sorry for the absence - have had a busy few days.

Mackenzie steps up beside Heilamin, if for no other reason than to add his presence to the situation, and just smiles to reinforce the tone of Heilamin's greeting.

Renee follows them, but remains silent, as she looks around the place. It seemed very far out of the way and too small to hold anything important. 

"Hey! Chickies! I wunner if them's layin' chickies or eatin' chickies? 'Course, Ma always said that every layin' chickie 'comes an eatin' chickie someday."

Renee pats her stomach. "I would love some eatin'chickies about now"

The monk leans his garden hoe against the stone fence and speaks to you Heilamin. "Well welcome to the Monastery of the Glass Hand, travelers. It seems you have come a long way, away from chaos it seems. If you are looking for enlightenment, you may enter the temple. The Glass Hand speaks to those who are worthy. Please remove your footwear before entering. If you seek knowledge on your problem, you may speak with Jannell in the temple. She is meditating right now." 

The monk looks at you Brazzak and has a kind smile. "No lad, we do not eat these chickens..****y the eggs that are produced for us. They live their full life and are given a proper send off upon departing to the Glass Hand."

"Thank you." Heilamin removes his Bardic boots and enters the temple to seek out Jannell.

"Fair 'nough. Yer chickies is yer chickies."

The dragonborn inclines his head in a bow as he says this, as if he's reciting an ancient farming koan.

Assuming you follow the monk's instructions, the party approaches the temple and removes their footwear at the door. At the center of the temple quarantined by ashen stones a bonfire burns, its smoke ventilating through a covered-shaft above it. An altar lit with candles and dressed with flowers is at the far end of the room. On either side of the temple are six doors, most of which are open. A quick glance informs you that they are likely the rooms for the monks, each with two bunk beds and a desk. Some of the monks are resting, others are studying, and then there are a few who meditate before the altar. There is only one female monk you've noticed. She sits in front of the alter and looks to be mediating. 

Mackenzie attempts to move quietly so as to be as respectful as he can in the environment, but defers to Heilamin to do the talking, at least initially.

You do feel a calm aura as you've travelled the monastery grounds. It is a nice change of pace from a bustling town.