Jovial Jungle Jaunt (ToA)

The corners of her mouth curl up into a nasty, vile grin that promises only evil intent. She leans forward with a hand on each gorilla for support and says slowly and sincerily, "When - if - you find the Soulmonger, I will collect it from you one way or another."

The wizard looked at the gnome then towards the women. "She will not inform us of that I believe." Looking at the women, he went straight to the point. "Unless you do plan to inform ourselves of your plan, I say we just cut straight to the point and make this deal... whatever it may be." With that he waves his hand and holds onto his staff.

The gnome doesn't look surprised.  "Then we have an understanding of sorts, Valindra", and he opens his arms wide.  "I agree with the wizard, you have yourself a deal.  Tell us where this thing is, and we shall find it, wherever it is."

She brings the ink quill to one of the gorillas and pokes it hard. She beckons towards herself and says, "Bring me your map."

The wizard fumbles through his robes before he finally produces their map. As he hands the map over, he begins to question what she will do or what she will mark.

The smell of the zombies this close hits Funderburk like a wall. Their decaying aroma is going to take some time to get rid of. Being this close to the elf, the wizard can see flicks of red light dancing behind her eyes. She smiles at him as he approaches and says, "It is good to see you finally have time for me." Then suddenly she grabs the wizard's arm, pulling him close to her. She is far stronger than her thin frame implies, rebuking any attempts the vedalken has to get away. She whispers something into Funderburk's ear while watching the rest of the party and then lets go. She says, "I will mark the location of the ruin on your map." She scans over the map for some time, taking her time to make sure it is precise before making a mark with the zombie's fluids.

She shoos Funderburk away after marking the map and continues to talk, "The artifact lies in the ruins of Omu. A forgotten city south, southwest of here. You will have to locate the artifact once you find the city, but I know, without a doubt, that the artifact is there. I meant what I said - the artifact will be secured away and the Death Curse will end."

"Now that we know where to look, it would be nice of you to tell us how we get there as fast as possible. Or maybe at least give us some means to get off this rock without being smashed on the ground."

"Just hop off. It's quite safe unless you believe it's not."

"If we're quite done here," says the eladrin in a cool tone, arching a golden eyebrow, "I see no reason to stay. We have a mission to complete and friends we have left behind. Until our paths intersect, Valindra." She inclines her head stiffly and pronounces the elf's name as though she wishes she could say something else. To her friends, she adds, "Let's go."

"All right, I believe jumping off this rock is totally safe. Nothing bad will happen." Allister mutters to himself as he leaves the room, taking deep breaths to calm his nerves.

Funderburk, brushing off his arm after the grip of the women looks at her and just gives a blank stare. Saying nothing, he walks over to the edge of the cliff and looks down, the wind sweep up his robes.

"I have a spell to take us safely downwards. However, what is below us is unknown to me. So I will cast it right before we jump, and I guess I shall jumo first unless we all just want to go."

With that, Funderburk looked to the evening sky, took a deep breath, and began to chant. He slamed his staff five times, each one his finger pointing at his companions. Once finished, he looked to his friends, nodded his head, and proceeded to step off. Falling, yet looking as if he was standing on solid ground. (Trying to look perfect as always).

Nenne lobs a commiserating glance at Allister, who she's convinced is not having a good day, grabs her amulet, and follows the wizard. 

As the party descends, they all take note of a campfire with many figures near it to include three large reptiles. The campfire is about three hundred feet on the other side of a patch of dying trees that the party is landing near.

As we land, Boosey says to the party.  "Let me go and see if these guys are friendly.  If they aren't, I'll come back and we can set up the hut for the night, sound fair?"

As soon as he says this he sneaks off towards the campfire 19 (stealth), and if he gets close undetected he will wait and listen to the party for a while, to try and judge if they are friendly or not. 12 (perception or insight, whichever is more appropriate)

Nenne glances around and sighs as she realizes it may be a long while yet until the group is reunited with Eku. "Lady mage," she says to Sthara, "have you any notion where we are in relation to Mezro? I plan to send Eku a message telling her we are returned and to rendezvous with us, but I hardly know what to say."

The gnome spends a while watching the group round their campfire and trying to listen to their conversations.  Without making himself known he sneaks back to the group.

As soon as he's back to the group he smiles.  "Looks like good news.  There's 15 flaming fist round that campfire, and by the sounds of it they are out hunting undead, going by what I could pick up from them.  They don't know I was there, but they have three raptors with them.  They look quick, covered in feathers, about the size of a man.  Want to go and introduce ourselves?  I think they'll be friendly," he pauses and looks at everyone in turn, "but in this place, who knows."

"Perhaps not a poor idea. Thank you, friend storyteller, for your reconnaissance. If they are hunting undead, we certainly have similar philosophies, and we might even provide assistance to one another should any abominations happen upon us in our sleep. I would be glad to go introduce ourselves - or at least myself, as an emissary of Kelemvor."

„They will probably do what the Flaming Fist does best in Chult, search for old tombs and ruins to plunder. Anyway, they might have information on enemies in the vicinity or areas we should avoid. If nobody has any objections, I will introduce myself. You stay back a few yards and see how they react.“  Allister walks up to the group, making enough noise to be heard and holds his hands, palms towards the group, away from his body. Once he is near enough he says „Greeting fellows, how are you on this wonderful day? My name is Allister Halving, here on a mission given to me by Captain Horace of the Flaming Fist. Mind if I come near and join you for a moment?“

The sentries pick up on Allister's movement quickly rushing over to intercept him. When it's clear that there is no immediate ill intent they call back that 'It's just a man.'  They give a warm greeting and invite the warrior in. Soon enough they hear about the rest of the party and tell them not to be shy and come over. The soldiers are in good spirits despite their obvious signs of battle and hardship.

Allister starts to chat with the mercenaries. „It’s good to see friendly faces in this hellish place. What have you been doing so far away from the ports? Can you tell us about any dangers or places to avoid? We are traveling farther inland, to the south, any tips would be appreciated. By the way, has anyone some booze hidden away? I’m dying for a strong drink.“