Welcome to the island of Chult. The vibrant colors found in Port Nyanzaru and the jungles beyond are a clear indication that this land is thriving despite the festering evil that lies somewhere inside the island's rocky shores. This land is home to many, both civilized and feral, but to truly survive in Chult one must embrace their own feral side occasionally. As inviting as the port seems, many lose their way or return whence they came in short order. Do you have what it takes to exist in this beautiful, wonderful, and oh-so-dangerous place?
The journey across The Shining Sea was not an easy one, no matter your reasons for being aboard this ship,The Playful Sprite. The trip was plagued with attacks from all manner of sorts. Various sea creatures brought danger to the ship over and over until one attack crippled the mainsail. The ship was barely limping along with its smaller sails when another ship dotted the horizon. Any feelings of relief were dashed when the ship was identified as a known pirate vessel. Due to some quick thinking, the crew was able to trick the approaching ship into thinking that perhaps The Playful Sprite was dead in the water. No one moved a muscle, even when a direct shot was fired upon the upper hull. Once the ships were tied off, battle ensued, the pirates were surprised and defeated, and a real means back to port was acquired. During the course of this truly difficult journey, the five adventurers on board learned that they could rely on each other, especially when things got tough. The voyage is soon to be over now with Port Nyanzaru looming into sight. Even from a distance, the port is riddled with color; reds, blues, and yellow streak the place with vibrant hues.
Allister Halving: Following the threads of stray rumors, you came to realize that a certain key figure from your past has taken up refuge somewhere near the massive jungle island of Chult. Port Nyanzaru seems the obvious choice to start since it is the only port still active on the island.
Boosey Sackbut: Little has been given to you in the way of direction, although you were told that a human woman that goes by the name of Liara Portyr might be of some assistance to your cause, should you find yourself in Fort Beluarian.
Clove: With no place to have ever really been called your home, wanderlust was inevitable. Be it by chance or some underlying desire for justice, you were drawn to Chult to seek out the cause of this "death curse." You are reassured in your course by Koda's ever watchful gaze looking ever forward.
Funderbunk: The "death curse" is by no means a secret and the rumors that revolve around it vary from ignorance to world ending terror. Your curiosity and desire for your own adventures has drawn you to this island full of jungles, ruins, and secrets. You can't be sure where this journey will go, but your excitement is almost palpable now that it is about to really begin.
Herman: Rumor has it that people are dying, and their souls are no where to be found afterwards. This total annihilation resonates with a piece of your history, but this time you aren't helpless to sit by and watch as the terror unfolds. Rumors speak of a darkness in Chult...mayhaps there are a few stones you can turn over there to root out what lurks in the dark.
Everyone:
If there is a indicator like this next to text that in a spoiler tag, it is only meant for the indicated player(s). That sort of information is not meant to be known by everyone. If there is no indication as to who it's for, it is usually me asking for things out of character (OOC). I try to keep non-story elements out of the main chat.
I'm not sure how familiar you all would like to get with your companions on the voyage over, or how much of your stories you want to share at this point with others, but feel free to express interactions or things you might have shared with other players thus far. Either way - hidden in mystery or exposed for all to see - the story continues:
As The Playful Sprite docks, one cannot help, but stare in wonder at this quite unusual sights of this dock. The familiar sounds of a harbor — creaking ropes, slapping waves, heavy barrels rolling across cobblestones — mingle with voices shouting and cursing in an unfamiliar language filled with clicks, inhalations, and singsongy words that make it sound almost musical. The aroma of unfamiliar spices and tropical fruit mixes with the wharfside smells of fish, tar, and canvas.
Beyond all that, Port Nyanzaru is an explosion of color. Buildings are painted in bright shades of blue, green, orange, and salmon pink, or their walls are adorned with murals portraying giant reptiles and mythical heroes. Every building sports baskets and clay urns of colorful flowers or is draped in leafy, flowering vines. Minstrels in bright clothing adorned with feathers and shells perform on street corners. Multicolored pennants and sun awnings flutter atop the city walls. A crowd of children dressed in feathered hats and capes races past you, squealing in delighted terror as a street performer costumed as a big-toothed lizard stomps and roars behind them. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing, and singing.
Boosey is standing on deck staring out at Port Nyanzaru. "Well. That was a bit more eventful than I expected", to the world in general. The gnome, his whole world in the backpack by his feet, is looking somewhat greener than his usual skin colour. Maritime travel, apparently isn't that great for his constitution.
He looks round to see his four companion passengers close by, busying themselves on deck in preparation for arrival in the port. How quickly adversity brought them all together on this voyage. Allister joins him briefly at the rail, looking out at the port and Boosey finds himself laughing wryly. "The things I do to find a new audience", it's a half joke, said more in relief than anything else, just glad to arrive in port in one piece. This journey was even more eventful than his mishap in Waterdeep!
Looking round at the rest of the party he realises that in the course of the journey they have become friends and shakes his head in wonder. Looking out at the city, like nothing he's seen before, he thinks "Where do I even start looking". He walks down the plank once the ship has docked, marvelling at the chaos of the bustling city, and waits for the others to join him on the quayside.
OOC: Hi all and thanks to Liquidmotion for running this game. Steep learning curve for me - should be fun!
Once the ship is properly secured and the crew is given their orders, the captain unofficially rounds up the five adventurous passengers. Throughout the sea voyage, most of his talking was done with grunts and one word phrases. Even as he stands here now, his body partially blocking the gangway, he looks uncomfortable and uneasy...maybe even a bit surly? He hooks his thumbs into suspenders, parting his overcoat on each side as he speaks, "Look, I'm knowin' what yer all thinkin' an' I'm sorry that this voyage didn't go so well. Shit, The Playful Sprite will be docked here for at least two tendays gettin' repaired!" He seems to be getting angry and, for a moment, each of you wonder what he could be mad at you for, but it was obviously misplaced as he softens his gaze and tone just as quick as it came. He continues, "I 'preciate all you did fer me 'an my crew 'long the way. I'm returning your 50 gold passage fees; it's not negotiable! Don't never say that Captain Arlen Fisk wasn't fair to ya."
His eyes wander the scene at the port for a bit before his eyes return to you. He sighs deep and points across the docks to a row of buildings, "That there is the Golden Lion - don't let the name fool ya - tis a rough place to be sure, but they have cheap drinks and the rooms aren't too bad. I guess there are better places..." He trails off, shrugs, and points west down a street that cuts between colorful buildings on both sides and continues, "The Grand Souk is through there; ye won' find a bigger market in all of Chult. Ye'd do well not to cross any merchants in this city. They live and breath by trade in this hot, colorful shit hole, but at least it's not raining today. Good luck in whatever brought ya this far." He tosses a hefty coin pouch to each of you just as a light rain begins. The rain does little to cool the air in this oppressive place though; the humidity is through the roof and the temperature is sweltering.
Allister looks at Arlen Fisk, offers his hands and says "Thanks for this eventful journey. Be sure that we don´t blame you for the mishaps, that was just Umberlee´s way of showing her disapproval for my continuous luck. Anyway, we´re on our way now. If we finish our business in time I would be proud to be part of your crew again." I turn to my companions. "I say we go to The Golden Lion. In my experience you get more information in the sleazier parts of a harbor. And I need to see if I can find an old "friend" of mine or any information about his whereabouts."
Herman is a young human in his early twenties. Quite tall, big shoulder, brown hair and eyes. His manners are brisk and he is very talkative but he is not intentionally rude, quite the opposite when it is time to party. He always goes around with his pike/glaive that he uses in some sort of walking staff and he wears a wolf pelt with the head of the wolf instead of th helmet. He also wears some cheap trinkets: they look nomadic and barbarian in origin. If asked, he says he was from the wolf-teeth tribe: udnerlying WAS like in "there is no wolf-teeth tribe anymore".
DURING THE TRAVEL
Even if at the beginning he was quite introverse, also to break boredom, Herman got acquainted with the others, in a way or another: he gets along welll with Allister, he likes to hear the gnome's tale, he likes the wilder side of the tabaxi and he thinks it might come handy if they go inside the jungle, he does not really trust the vedalken because Funderburk was the first of his race that he met, but he respects his knowledge nonetheless.
WHen he heard talking about this disease that cancel the souls, his thoughts go to his father, to the eldeers of his tribe: nothing remained apart from his and other few's memories. One day he will get his revenge and maybe then he will retire and settle down to pass the tradition to his children.
DISEMBRAKING AT THE PORT
The young man hails at the captain with a big smile and disembarks. Herman is overwhelmed by the mixture of sounds and smells, so different from the other city he ever knows (Luskan). Anyway he wants to hide these sensation because he does not want to look like a townie. Most of all he is surprised by dinosaurs rides: one thing are the tales of Boosey, another is to see it with your own eyes!
NEXT STEPS
He nods at Allister suggestion: So be it: golden Lion then, I long for a proper ale and a proper bed, even better if not sleeping alone
Not really clear to me our or my mission at this point. I know it is not your fault (all in all it is a published story, but which is the incipit? what do we know apart that there is some kind of disease?
Funderburk looks towards his companions, "That does sound like a rather enjoyable idea. However, I shall let you lead Mr. Halving. I must say, after spending 40 years cooped up in a library, I have no sense of... cultural aspects that one might have to expect within these bursting streets."
He looked amidst the streets to maybe find what Allister was talking about, but the only thing that kept coming into his mind was how he would describe such a scene in his stories. His mind raced at all the possibilities of what this adventure could bring him. Fame? He didn't care for that. Wealth? That would make his family proud. But a tale worthy for generations to come and have his books on shelves at every corner of the land? That was his true goal. "You know, he said as we was with the group, his now four companions, "I believe we should make the most of our stay here. I'd take a gander that what we seek, we may not be the first ones. Or the only ones."
He adjusted his tattered cloak that wrapped around his body, trying to get all the creases out that may appear when adjusting it. It was almost like it was such a big deal to do so. He lastly adjusted his hood, covering his face as best as he could. He hoped there would be more of his kind along the journey, being out in the world you never know where people could be.
Nothing. The adventure is intentionally that way at this point. Some of your party have ulterior motives for being here and may or may have not even realized that this place had anything to do with the death curse at the start of the voyage over. It is my assumption that some of you spoke about it and realized that the rumors frequently mention Chult, possibly making it a truth. That is where the trail ends though. Chult is massive and would take years to explore it all. Feel free to wander and/or ask locales, guards, or anyone else about what you do know. I've done this for quite a while, and even if things seem to be going way out of bounds, you will ever be on the right track. Don't worry so much about the adventure as much as making the story your own...That being said, your party may have already decided, or will decide, to actively hunt down the cause of the death curse, in which case, that is perfectly fine also. I just mean to let it come naturally.
Clove stepped off the boat and walked next to Funderburk. "I believe we should head towards the inn for now. In the morning I would like to find some more coin. That way we are set for our journey." He looked around to his companions, wanting to get to know each of them a bit more.
"The faster we get out of this blistering sun, the better we would be." He squinted his eyes hesitantly. He felt uncomfortable in the sun, preferring the night. A light almost hum came from within his gut. Almost like a dissatisfied purr. At least this was better than sitting around, he hated being bored.
His head motioned in a scan to better familiarize himself with the area. He looked at Herman, "You know barbarian, it seems to me that this place is a perfect place for me. Tomorrow I shall... survey the area. I have to know my surroundings before I can get comfortable," He said this with a chuckle. "Now, let's head towards this inn shall we?"
Catching the pouch of coins in one hand, Boosey weighed it up and down speculatively. “Once again, thank you Captain”, and he reaches out to shake his hand.
Shrugging his shoulders he looks Fisk in the eye. “I must say, it is down to you and the crew that we all made it here alive. The journey was... “he pauses looking for the right word, “unique, and not one I’d be in a hurry to repeat, but you’ve given me one hell of a story, one that'll will keep me in coin for some time, I think”. He gives the captain a wink. "You'll be a living legend".
He spent much of the voyage (the peaceful parts) telling and gathering stories, not only from the party, but the crew too. He learnt a huge number of songs, and more verses, most of them coarse enough to make even the most experienced bar maid blush. He spent time with the party too, especially Clove he was fascinated by, having never met a Tabaxi before and Funderburck who was a little bit of an enigma.
“Would you accept, say half back. I’m afraid I’ve stolen your crews songs from them, so for that and the story, it would seem fair payment?” He makes it a question. “Besides, the poor Sprite looks like she might need some of that gold too.”
Turning to the rest of the group he says “the inn sounds splendid, although” he runs his hands through a mop of brown hair, “the climate is a little on the warm side for these clothes. A trip to the market for something a little more suitable might be in order.”
Allister in a man in his mid 20s of medium height with taunt muscles, weathered skin and black hair. He´s missing two teeth and has a fresh garish scar on his chin. His attire (leather armor, short pants and shirt, high boots, and a bandana) is similar to that of the sailors on board the ship. On his hip he wears a rapier and a cutlass, which he wields in combat with ease. He also carries half-plate armor strapped to his backpack.
"My advice is not splitting up yet, let´s get settled in first. If you want to continue on your own, Flunderburk, I can´t stop you. But heed my advice. Don´t talk to anyone unless you talked to them first. Don´t buy any trinkets or baubles. Don´t stand in one place for too long. And don´t let anyone lead you to someone who can help you with whatever you want or need, or you´re as good as dead. These people prey on newcomers and will do anything to take advantage of you. This may be Chult, but ports are the same all over the known planes." With that I turn towards The Golden Lion and enter. Out of habit I scan the common room for known people of my former trait.
The side of the golden lion facing The Playful Sprite stands two stories tall with a flat roof. The building is worn with age and vines crawl in and out of its boards here and there. It seems that the jungle invades the city even inside the walls. Painted on the side of the building is a faded lion standing proud. The side with the lion proves to be one part of a mostly cube shaped building. Bolted to the far side of that is a ship hull that has been turned upside down and supported with what was probably once ship masts. This covered area appears to be an open-air tavern section to the Golden Lion. A hole is cut into the side of the more proper building, where there is a bar tended by a golden brown tabaxi. The fur around his face is grown out in so that it resembles a lion's mane. He is joined behind the bar by a dark, obviously Chultan man who busies himself interacting with two other humans tending the tavern tables.
The place is loud and boisterous; the four of the nine seats at the bar are taken and twelve of the fifteen tables are occupied by at least one patron - mostly sailors. One group of men are excitedly singing an embellished song about the origins of beer. The sounds of the rain are lost amidst this rowdy bunch and the wind passing through the open, shaded space provide some relief from the blazing heat. One of the waiters bounces over in tune with the loud song as you all approach. He's an elf, to be sure, but his skin is a deep grey. His orange eyes and smile greet you with excitement. "Fresh off one of the ships, or fresh out of the jungle? Haha. You've all got a wild look about you! Meals are served with mushroom wine. We've got better, but it's watered down. Meals are two silver rooms are a gold piece each night. They only sleep one unless you're sleeping on top of each other." That last statement he said with a wink. Suddenly, he turns for a moment and yells Ho! in tune with most of the patrons for a piece of the song. Turning back to the five of you, he asks, "So what'll it be?"
I know some of you are new to play by post or even d&d. Feel free to ask about other things not mentioned. Thinking outside the box will enrich the story.
A meandering walk with your own thoughts placed you in the docks just before the rain came. Standing in a dry space as it started to fall, you decide to give the weather its moment and listen to the boisterous crowd in the bar across the street. Their drunken song is quite well rehearsed and is not bad - for drunks. While they go on a group of five individuals push in out of the rain. Nothing in particular stands out about them, but you feel the sense of urgency like a spell coming unbidden to your fingertips. Alarmed, you move to deal with whatever is happening, but nothing ever really comes of it. Excited and confused, you tentatively settle back in to continue your thoughts when you notice the glowing symbol of Ubtoa on each of these new arrivals' travel packs before it quickly fades.
I turn to my companions. "We should take one of the tables, makes us less vunerable." Turning to the waiter I say "Well met. This is an unusual establishment, even for port standards. My friends and I are looking for lodging for at least a couple of nights. And bring some ale or this mushroom wine, whatever that is, to this table." I point to the table I´m planning to sit at and walk towards it.
To Allister "I'll join you in a moment,but some ale first. Mushroom wine....I get the feeling that might be quite the concoction".
He flashes the waiter a quick grin. "Fresh of the boat, my friend, and I have to say glad to be back on solid earth." Gesturing to the room he asks the elf. "How would these fella's feel about a Sword CoastShanty?" showing him his flute. " Might be if you like what you hear we could, negotiate a deal for my friends and I?"
ooc: I guess we add the gold that Arlen Fisk gave us to the character sheets?
Welcome to the island of Chult. The vibrant colors found in Port Nyanzaru and the jungles beyond are a clear indication that this land is thriving despite the festering evil that lies somewhere inside the island's rocky shores. This land is home to many, both civilized and feral, but to truly survive in Chult one must embrace their own feral side occasionally. As inviting as the port seems, many lose their way or return whence they came in short order. Do you have what it takes to exist in this beautiful, wonderful, and oh-so-dangerous place?
place holder for Herman
The journey across The Shining Sea was not an easy one, no matter your reasons for being aboard this ship,The Playful Sprite. The trip was plagued with attacks from all manner of sorts. Various sea creatures brought danger to the ship over and over until one attack crippled the mainsail. The ship was barely limping along with its smaller sails when another ship dotted the horizon. Any feelings of relief were dashed when the ship was identified as a known pirate vessel. Due to some quick thinking, the crew was able to trick the approaching ship into thinking that perhaps The Playful Sprite was dead in the water. No one moved a muscle, even when a direct shot was fired upon the upper hull. Once the ships were tied off, battle ensued, the pirates were surprised and defeated, and a real means back to port was acquired. During the course of this truly difficult journey, the five adventurers on board learned that they could rely on each other, especially when things got tough. The voyage is soon to be over now with Port Nyanzaru looming into sight. Even from a distance, the port is riddled with color; reds, blues, and yellow streak the place with vibrant hues.
Allister Halving: Following the threads of stray rumors, you came to realize that a certain key figure from your past has taken up refuge somewhere near the massive jungle island of Chult. Port Nyanzaru seems the obvious choice to start since it is the only port still active on the island.
Boosey Sackbut: Little has been given to you in the way of direction, although you were told that a human woman that goes by the name of Liara Portyr might be of some assistance to your cause, should you find yourself in Fort Beluarian.
Clove: With no place to have ever really been called your home, wanderlust was inevitable. Be it by chance or some underlying desire for justice, you were drawn to Chult to seek out the cause of this "death curse." You are reassured in your course by Koda's ever watchful gaze looking ever forward.
Funderbunk: The "death curse" is by no means a secret and the rumors that revolve around it vary from ignorance to world ending terror. Your curiosity and desire for your own adventures has drawn you to this island full of jungles, ruins, and secrets. You can't be sure where this journey will go, but your excitement is almost palpable now that it is about to really begin.
Herman: Rumor has it that people are dying, and their souls are no where to be found afterwards. This total annihilation resonates with a piece of your history, but this time you aren't helpless to sit by and watch as the terror unfolds. Rumors speak of a darkness in Chult...mayhaps there are a few stones you can turn over there to root out what lurks in the dark.
Everyone:
If there is a indicator like this next to text that in a spoiler tag, it is only meant for the indicated player(s). That sort of information is not meant to be known by everyone. If there is no indication as to who it's for, it is usually me asking for things out of character (OOC). I try to keep non-story elements out of the main chat.
I'm not sure how familiar you all would like to get with your companions on the voyage over, or how much of your stories you want to share at this point with others, but feel free to express interactions or things you might have shared with other players thus far. Either way - hidden in mystery or exposed for all to see - the story continues:
As The Playful Sprite docks, one cannot help, but stare in wonder at this quite unusual sights of this dock. The familiar sounds of a harbor — creaking ropes, slapping waves, heavy barrels rolling across cobblestones — mingle with voices shouting and cursing in an unfamiliar language filled with clicks, inhalations, and singsongy words that make it sound almost musical. The aroma of unfamiliar spices and tropical fruit mixes with the wharfside smells of fish, tar, and canvas.
Beyond all that, Port Nyanzaru is an explosion of color. Buildings are painted in bright shades of blue, green, orange, and salmon pink, or their walls are adorned with murals portraying giant reptiles and mythical heroes. Every building sports baskets and clay urns of colorful flowers or is draped in leafy, flowering vines. Minstrels in bright clothing adorned with feathers and shells perform on street corners. Multicolored pennants and sun awnings flutter atop the city walls. A crowd of children dressed in feathered hats and capes races past you, squealing in delighted terror as a street performer costumed as a big-toothed lizard stomps and roars behind them. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing, and singing.
Boosey is standing on deck staring out at Port Nyanzaru. "Well. That was a bit more eventful than I expected", to the world in general. The gnome, his whole world in the backpack by his feet, is looking somewhat greener than his usual skin colour. Maritime travel, apparently isn't that great for his constitution.
He looks round to see his four companion passengers close by, busying themselves on deck in preparation for arrival in the port. How quickly adversity brought them all together on this voyage. Allister joins him briefly at the rail, looking out at the port and Boosey finds himself laughing wryly. "The things I do to find a new audience", it's a half joke, said more in relief than anything else, just glad to arrive in port in one piece. This journey was even more eventful than his mishap in Waterdeep!
Looking round at the rest of the party he realises that in the course of the journey they have become friends and shakes his head in wonder. Looking out at the city, like nothing he's seen before, he thinks "Where do I even start looking". He walks down the plank once the ship has docked, marvelling at the chaos of the bustling city, and waits for the others to join him on the quayside.
OOC: Hi all and thanks to Liquidmotion for running this game. Steep learning curve for me - should be fun!
Once the ship is properly secured and the crew is given their orders, the captain unofficially rounds up the five adventurous passengers. Throughout the sea voyage, most of his talking was done with grunts and one word phrases. Even as he stands here now, his body partially blocking the gangway, he looks uncomfortable and uneasy...maybe even a bit surly? He hooks his thumbs into suspenders, parting his overcoat on each side as he speaks, "Look, I'm knowin' what yer all thinkin' an' I'm sorry that this voyage didn't go so well. Shit, The Playful Sprite will be docked here for at least two tendays gettin' repaired!" He seems to be getting angry and, for a moment, each of you wonder what he could be mad at you for, but it was obviously misplaced as he softens his gaze and tone just as quick as it came. He continues, "I 'preciate all you did fer me 'an my crew 'long the way. I'm returning your 50 gold passage fees; it's not negotiable! Don't never say that Captain Arlen Fisk wasn't fair to ya."
His eyes wander the scene at the port for a bit before his eyes return to you. He sighs deep and points across the docks to a row of buildings, "That there is the Golden Lion - don't let the name fool ya - tis a rough place to be sure, but they have cheap drinks and the rooms aren't too bad. I guess there are better places..." He trails off, shrugs, and points west down a street that cuts between colorful buildings on both sides and continues, "The Grand Souk is through there; ye won' find a bigger market in all of Chult. Ye'd do well not to cross any merchants in this city. They live and breath by trade in this hot, colorful shit hole, but at least it's not raining today. Good luck in whatever brought ya this far." He tosses a hefty coin pouch to each of you just as a light rain begins. The rain does little to cool the air in this oppressive place though; the humidity is through the roof and the temperature is sweltering.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nn1Vrc-gzTNSaO9hi0kkv1LvulKLd8IV/view?usp=sharing
Here is a link to the map of your immediate area and the specifics mentioned.
Allister looks at Arlen Fisk, offers his hands and says "Thanks for this eventful journey. Be sure that we don´t blame you for the mishaps, that was just Umberlee´s way of showing her disapproval for my continuous luck. Anyway, we´re on our way now. If we finish our business in time I would be proud to be part of your crew again." I turn to my companions. "I say we go to The Golden Lion. In my experience you get more information in the sleazier parts of a harbor. And I need to see if I can find an old "friend" of mine or any information about his whereabouts."
HERMAN
DESCRITION
Herman is a young human in his early twenties. Quite tall, big shoulder, brown hair and eyes. His manners are brisk and he is very talkative but he is not intentionally rude, quite the opposite when it is time to party. He always goes around with his pike/glaive that he uses in some sort of walking staff and he wears a wolf pelt with the head of the wolf instead of th helmet. He also wears some cheap trinkets: they look nomadic and barbarian in origin. If asked, he says he was from the wolf-teeth tribe: udnerlying WAS like in "there is no wolf-teeth tribe anymore".
DURING THE TRAVEL
Even if at the beginning he was quite introverse, also to break boredom, Herman got acquainted with the others, in a way or another: he gets along welll with Allister, he likes to hear the gnome's tale, he likes the wilder side of the tabaxi and he thinks it might come handy if they go inside the jungle, he does not really trust the vedalken because Funderburk was the first of his race that he met, but he respects his knowledge nonetheless.
WHen he heard talking about this disease that cancel the souls, his thoughts go to his father, to the eldeers of his tribe: nothing remained apart from his and other few's memories. One day he will get his revenge and maybe then he will retire and settle down to pass the tradition to his children.
DISEMBRAKING AT THE PORT
The young man hails at the captain with a big smile and disembarks. Herman is overwhelmed by the mixture of sounds and smells, so different from the other city he ever knows (Luskan). Anyway he wants to hide these sensation because he does not want to look like a townie. Most of all he is surprised by dinosaurs rides: one thing are the tales of Boosey, another is to see it with your own eyes!
NEXT STEPS
He nods at Allister suggestion: So be it: golden Lion then, I long for a proper ale and a proper bed, even better if not sleeping alone
Even if, counting his money, he doubts it
ooc @ everyone
Not really clear to me our or my mission at this point. I know it is not your fault (all in all it is a published story, but which is the incipit? what do we know apart that there is some kind of disease?
Funderburk looks towards his companions, "That does sound like a rather enjoyable idea. However, I shall let you lead Mr. Halving. I must say, after spending 40 years cooped up in a library, I have no sense of... cultural aspects that one might have to expect within these bursting streets."
He looked amidst the streets to maybe find what Allister was talking about, but the only thing that kept coming into his mind was how he would describe such a scene in his stories. His mind raced at all the possibilities of what this adventure could bring him. Fame? He didn't care for that. Wealth? That would make his family proud. But a tale worthy for generations to come and have his books on shelves at every corner of the land? That was his true goal. "You know, he said as we was with the group, his now four companions, "I believe we should make the most of our stay here. I'd take a gander that what we seek, we may not be the first ones. Or the only ones."
He adjusted his tattered cloak that wrapped around his body, trying to get all the creases out that may appear when adjusting it. It was almost like it was such a big deal to do so. He lastly adjusted his hood, covering his face as best as he could. He hoped there would be more of his kind along the journey, being out in the world you never know where people could be.
Made you look.
Nothing. The adventure is intentionally that way at this point. Some of your party have ulterior motives for being here and may or may have not even realized that this place had anything to do with the death curse at the start of the voyage over. It is my assumption that some of you spoke about it and realized that the rumors frequently mention Chult, possibly making it a truth. That is where the trail ends though. Chult is massive and would take years to explore it all. Feel free to wander and/or ask locales, guards, or anyone else about what you do know. I've done this for quite a while, and even if things seem to be going way out of bounds, you will ever be on the right track. Don't worry so much about the adventure as much as making the story your own...That being said, your party may have already decided, or will decide, to actively hunt down the cause of the death curse, in which case, that is perfectly fine also. I just mean to let it come naturally.
Clove stepped off the boat and walked next to Funderburk. "I believe we should head towards the inn for now. In the morning I would like to find some more coin. That way we are set for our journey." He looked around to his companions, wanting to get to know each of them a bit more.
"The faster we get out of this blistering sun, the better we would be." He squinted his eyes hesitantly. He felt uncomfortable in the sun, preferring the night. A light almost hum came from within his gut. Almost like a dissatisfied purr. At least this was better than sitting around, he hated being bored.
His head motioned in a scan to better familiarize himself with the area. He looked at Herman, "You know barbarian, it seems to me that this place is a perfect place for me. Tomorrow I shall... survey the area. I have to know my surroundings before I can get comfortable," He said this with a chuckle. "Now, let's head towards this inn shall we?"
Catching the pouch of coins in one hand, Boosey weighed it up and down speculatively. “Once again, thank you Captain”, and he reaches out to shake his hand.
Shrugging his shoulders he looks Fisk in the eye. “I must say, it is down to you and the crew that we all made it here alive. The journey was... “he pauses looking for the right word, “unique, and not one I’d be in a hurry to repeat, but you’ve given me one hell of a story, one that'll will keep me in coin for some time, I think”. He gives the captain a wink. "You'll be a living legend".
He spent much of the voyage (the peaceful parts) telling and gathering stories, not only from the party, but the crew too. He learnt a huge number of songs, and more verses, most of them coarse enough to make even the most experienced bar maid blush. He spent time with the party too, especially Clove he was fascinated by, having never met a Tabaxi before and Funderburck who was a little bit of an enigma.
“Would you accept, say half back. I’m afraid I’ve stolen your crews songs from them, so for that and the story, it would seem fair payment?” He makes it a question. “Besides, the poor Sprite looks like she might need some of that gold too.”
Turning to the rest of the group he says “the inn sounds splendid, although” he runs his hands through a mop of brown hair, “the climate is a little on the warm side for these clothes. A trip to the market for something a little more suitable might be in order.”
OOC: I forgot my introduction, was in a hurry.
Allister in a man in his mid 20s of medium height with taunt muscles, weathered skin and black hair. He´s missing two teeth and has a fresh garish scar on his chin. His attire (leather armor, short pants and shirt, high boots, and a bandana) is similar to that of the sailors on board the ship. On his hip he wears a rapier and a cutlass, which he wields in combat with ease. He also carries half-plate armor strapped to his backpack.
"My advice is not splitting up yet, let´s get settled in first. If you want to continue on your own, Flunderburk, I can´t stop you. But heed my advice. Don´t talk to anyone unless you talked to them first. Don´t buy any trinkets or baubles. Don´t stand in one place for too long. And don´t let anyone lead you to someone who can help you with whatever you want or need, or you´re as good as dead. These people prey on newcomers and will do anything to take advantage of you. This may be Chult, but ports are the same all over the known planes." With that I turn towards The Golden Lion and enter. Out of habit I scan the common room for known people of my former trait.
The side of the golden lion facing The Playful Sprite stands two stories tall with a flat roof. The building is worn with age and vines crawl in and out of its boards here and there. It seems that the jungle invades the city even inside the walls. Painted on the side of the building is a faded lion standing proud. The side with the lion proves to be one part of a mostly cube shaped building. Bolted to the far side of that is a ship hull that has been turned upside down and supported with what was probably once ship masts. This covered area appears to be an open-air tavern section to the Golden Lion. A hole is cut into the side of the more proper building, where there is a bar tended by a golden brown tabaxi. The fur around his face is grown out in so that it resembles a lion's mane. He is joined behind the bar by a dark, obviously Chultan man who busies himself interacting with two other humans tending the tavern tables.
The place is loud and boisterous; the four of the nine seats at the bar are taken and twelve of the fifteen tables are occupied by at least one patron - mostly sailors. One group of men are excitedly singing an embellished song about the origins of beer. The sounds of the rain are lost amidst this rowdy bunch and the wind passing through the open, shaded space provide some relief from the blazing heat. One of the waiters bounces over in tune with the loud song as you all approach. He's an elf, to be sure, but his skin is a deep grey. His orange eyes and smile greet you with excitement. "Fresh off one of the ships, or fresh out of the jungle? Haha. You've all got a wild look about you! Meals are served with mushroom wine. We've got better, but it's watered down. Meals are two silver rooms are a gold piece each night. They only sleep one unless you're sleeping on top of each other." That last statement he said with a wink. Suddenly, he turns for a moment and yells Ho! in tune with most of the patrons for a piece of the song. Turning back to the five of you, he asks, "So what'll it be?"
I know some of you are new to play by post or even d&d. Feel free to ask about other things not mentioned. Thinking outside the box will enrich the story.
Sthara Izhsoan:
A meandering walk with your own thoughts placed you in the docks just before the rain came. Standing in a dry space as it started to fall, you decide to give the weather its moment and listen to the boisterous crowd in the bar across the street. Their drunken song is quite well rehearsed and is not bad - for drunks. While they go on a group of five individuals push in out of the rain. Nothing in particular stands out about them, but you feel the sense of urgency like a spell coming unbidden to your fingertips. Alarmed, you move to deal with whatever is happening, but nothing ever really comes of it. Excited and confused, you tentatively settle back in to continue your thoughts when you notice the glowing symbol of Ubtoa on each of these new arrivals' travel packs before it quickly fades.
I turn to my companions. "We should take one of the tables, makes us less vunerable." Turning to the waiter I say "Well met. This is an unusual establishment, even for port standards. My friends and I are looking for lodging for at least a couple of nights. And bring some ale or this mushroom wine, whatever that is, to this table." I point to the table I´m planning to sit at and walk towards it.
Allister:
Could you make a perception check, please?
19
19
sry, first roll was with wrong ability modifier
To Allister "I'll join you in a moment, but some ale first. Mushroom wine....I get the feeling that might be quite the concoction".
He flashes the waiter a quick grin. "Fresh of the boat, my friend, and I have to say glad to be back on solid earth." Gesturing to the room he asks the elf. "How would these fella's feel about a Sword Coast Shanty?" showing him his flute. " Might be if you like what you hear we could, negotiate a deal for my friends and I?"
ooc: I guess we add the gold that Arlen Fisk gave us to the character sheets?