"Hello there, friends," says Sthara, bringing the satchel down to her waist.
"I am well, Nenne, thank you. My...friend Izifo visited me through a vision. Ubtao gave him time to be with me and he brought me here to cleanse the insides of the temple. The shrine was of Ubtao, the nature of the temple belongs to Sseth. That is why, I imagine, these beasts were here."
She holds up the satchel. "And I have this. I am not sure yet what it is, but I can only imagine it will be of use. He also told me something–Izifo I mean. I asked him if he knew of the Death Curse, and he said that we should find more direction at the pirate cave, whatever that should mean. Ey, pirate, have you any knowledge of caves up this way?" She grins.
„I was told by the harbormaster that there are pirates roaming the bay near the fort, but nobody knows where they hide. So yes and no, I know about the cave but not where it is. That appears to be the next mystery we have to solve. Hopefully the commander at the fort knows more of that matter.“
The spectral, skeletal hand of Kelemvor fades into a shower of fine particles similar to dust in sunlight. Nenne walks over to Sthara and places her hand gently on her shoulder.
"I am relieved to see you safe and unharmed," she says as her complexion returns to its springtime magenta. "The nature of your departure was most vexing. As for these creatures, they seemed to be citizens of this plane and another - an inhospitable one, to be sure, judging by the wounds they sustained during transit. This Sseth...his demesne is in opposition to Ubtao's, yes? He is a progenitor of destruction? Do you think he might be responsible for, or a champion of, the curse we seek to destroy? And is there anything Ubtao would have us do with these ruins, while we are here?"
She glances over at Allister. "Pirate?" she repeats, mostly to herself.
"As far as I have been told, these ruins bear no threat now that the creatures have been slain. Izifo and I battled on one side of the Veil and you must've battled on this side. Sseth is a destroyer...perhaps...though we will know for certain when we find the source of the curse." Sthara turns to Allister, and adds, "Let us make our way forward then. Once we are settled, we can turn attention to these."
Eku steps forward and says, "It is fortuitous that you were not greatly harmed. It seems like there are secrets that will reveal themselves in time. Perhaps this Ubtao of yours watches over our journey."
"I am glad to see you back safe and well my Lady. I must admit, you gave us quite a turn, vanishing like that, we thought for a moment we had lost you." He looks to the others. "This journey gets stranger by the day. I believe I can no longer be surprised in this unusual land that is Chult." He laughs, "I wonder if we will reach the Fort without further incident. Wolves, giants, strange travellers, vanishing mage's and cats that live in multiple realities. What I wouldn't give for a nice familiar bugbear!"
Sthara’s gaze rests on Eku as she speaks and for a fair bit after she’s said her piece. She’s drawn away as the group’s conversation continues.
@DM:
I’d like to roll Insight on Eku. The fact that I caught her looking at me across planes and what she said seems suspect and I’d like to know if there’s ill will or disappointment in her face: 13
”Yes, it certainly is strange. Let us not linger here. There are more questions that need answers, Ubtao has said his piece and Sseth offers no true counsel.” She spits on the ground, any weeds caught in the spray wrinkling and blackening.
Eku nods and leads the way through the jungle presumably heading north. The rest of the eighth day goes by without incident, as does the ninth. When the rain comes it keeps to a light tempo, but the going is generally easy.
Day 10
The tenth day marks the arrival to Fort Beluarian around midday. The flag of Baldur’s Gate flies over this wooden stockade in full view under the not-so-frequent sun. The whole structure sits atop a 10-foot hillock, the sides of which are shaved vertically to make them steep and difficult to climb. The fort’s main gate faces west. On the east side of the stockade, a tall keep holds a commanding view of the surrounding wilderness. Eku guides the party to the west gate, saying that she's never seen the south gate open for travel. As the six of you approach the two rather large, closed doors you notice four flaming fist guards on the parapets above. One of the men calls down from his twenty foot high perch, "Hail and well met! What's your business here and where've you come from?"
“Well met, my friend. We were sent here by Harbormaster Zindar and Captain Horace to help in a matter regarding the pirates troubling the bay. If you could arrange a meeting with your commander and a mug or two of strong ale it would be much appreciated.“
ooc: I hope his name was Horace, I was too lazy too look it up.
"Ah yes. Very well then. There are six of you then. You'll have to tie that beast up over there. We've no room for him in here." He points to a sturdy wooden structure that has several points for hitching animals of various sizes. He signals to another guard and a short while later the gates open allowing passage. As you go in he calls out, "Temple of Helm is on the far left past the garden. It sounds like you're going to want to talk to someone in charge for that. Straight ahead through the bazaar and into the gates. Big building, can't miss it."
As you head into the fort, there is a small bazaar set up to catch incoming and outgoing traffic. Stands are set up on each side of the main fareway with small strings of flags cross-crossing from the tops of them to the opposing sides. The strings of flags remind you of the rope bridges crossing over Malar's Throat. Various vendors are trying to hock their wares of equipment required for survival and mining.
"She is a female, not a 'he'." Funderburk muttered to himself. He looked to his friends, "I shall go alone and put Dunk in a suitable spot to tie her to. I will catch up with you all when I am done doing so." He began to walk off, "Do not worry about me, go on ahead."
Funderburk stepped down from Dunk, leading her to a suitable spot not too far from the entrance of the fort.
Nenne surveys the vendors and their wares with mild interest a few moments before saying to the group, in a private tone, "It would be worthwhile to take stock of our provisions since we are here. Recall what our wanderer friend said - we can curry favor with the quartermaster for some of our needs. I also think it wise to find a quiet space to inspect the items we've acquired on our jungle expedition, as well as discuss how we wish to begin any inquiries into this Artus Cimber fellow."
"We should re-supply first. There may not be much time after we speak to the leader of the garrison, so it may be wise, just in case we have to leave in a hurry." Boosey inspects the wares on offer at the bazaar. "I may be able to find enough materials here to make a little clockwork Dunk," he says with a smile. "The quartermaster might be the place to start and I believe the Captain here, Liara Portyr, could have some valuable information regarding this curse." He looks back towards the gate. "I hope so, or that's been one heck of a leisure trek. It might give me a bit of time to clean that pipe I found up, as well, before we have a look at it. You''re right Nenne, we should look at these things somewhere we wont be disturbed."
Funderburk, on his way back from finding a suitable patch of ferns and a place for Dunk to stay, decides it would be wise to collect and restock on supplies before he met back up with his friends.
A bit more experienced now when dealing with vendors, he goes to the right ones and buys supplies. The Vedalken obtained two healers kits, one lantern that he thought was cool- being able to shield, or having a hood to shield its light in case it is needed. Along with the lantern, he bough three oil flasks, knowing they might need it if this temple is not well lit enough when they arrive, and lastly bought manacles. You never know he thought when buying them...
With all the supplies bought on his end, he decided to go to his companions and meet up once more, hoping to find what their next course of action would be.
"I bought supplies friends. I obtained, at a reasonable price too, a couple healing kits and a lantern with extra oil. So worry not about buying your own supplies regarding those fields. Might I ask however, have we decided our next course of action? Unless some of us need to get their own equipment, I do not mind either waiting or going ahead and discuss with the quartermaster. What shall we do." With that, he looks about his friends waiting to hear their own decisions.
Boosey wandered the bazaar, purchasing a few items. Finding enough materials (10gp) to be able to create a little clockwork Dunk, he also purchases some caltrops (the cat attack made a bit of an impression), and a component pouch to keep hold of his bits and bobs. "Shall we see if this quartermaster has any "cats"?"
"We spend a tendays in the jungle and all you think about is buying bits and pieces? If I remember correctly we got people to see and information to collect. Let´s get to the real business first. And..." with an exasperated sigh Allister lifts his empty purse "there´s really nothing I can buy, not even a mug or two of strong ale." That said he turns towards the temple of Helm.
"Sometimes, when the opportunity presents. Besides, it might stop Funderburk pining too much if we have to leave her. As for coin, purchase what you need, my purse will cover it, I'm sure."
Ever the pragmatist, Allister makes his way through the bazaar, shrugging off merchants as he goes. There is one said merchant that looks like he is about to get a little handsy, but thinks better of it when the fighter stops him with a glare. The gates to the inner bailey are open and no one tries to stop him as you make your way into an open courtyard with a statue in the middle. Flaming Fist soldiers mull about the area, some looking like they are doing some task and some just enjoying the day. While the fighter is wondering which one of these bucket heads is the best to ask for more information, a voice turns him around. The speaker is a tall, human woman whose brown hair has begun to fade to grey earnestly. She has a hard face and is dressed in a fashion that exceeds any of the other soldiers about. Tucking a stack of papers wrapped in twine under her shoulder she asks, "What are you about? Why are you standing here in my courtyard?"
The bazaar proves to be an element of chaos. Merchants stray far from their own stands to try and rope in new customers, people are shouting across distances since the place is relatively small. As crazy as it sounds, the Grand Souk was an easier thing to deal with - at least that was organized chaos. Boosey has to work hard to keep on task, as there are specific things he is looking for in the way of making a tiny Dunk. An obvious quartermaster is naught to be found among the bazaar, but there are a couple buildings on the south side beyond the stables that have an assortment of polearms resting against the low hanging roof edge. Whether that is a quartermaster or a barracks or armory of sorts remains to be seen.
Before answering Allister looks the woman straight in the eyes, trying to appear strong, or at least an equal to her. „Lyara Portyr? If not I would appreciate if you pointed me in her direction. My friends and I have urgent business with her. Even though you couldn’t tell from their fascination with the bazaar. But we were sent here by important people from the Sword Coast and Port Nyanzaru.“ During his speech he keeps his eyes on the woman, trying to see any reaction to his words
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"Hello there, friends," says Sthara, bringing the satchel down to her waist.
"I am well, Nenne, thank you. My...friend Izifo visited me through a vision. Ubtao gave him time to be with me and he brought me here to cleanse the insides of the temple. The shrine was of Ubtao, the nature of the temple belongs to Sseth. That is why, I imagine, these beasts were here."
She holds up the satchel. "And I have this. I am not sure yet what it is, but I can only imagine it will be of use. He also told me something–Izifo I mean. I asked him if he knew of the Death Curse, and he said that we should find more direction at the pirate cave, whatever that should mean. Ey, pirate, have you any knowledge of caves up this way?" She grins.
„I was told by the harbormaster that there are pirates roaming the bay near the fort, but nobody knows where they hide. So yes and no, I know about the cave but not where it is. That appears to be the next mystery we have to solve. Hopefully the commander at the fort knows more of that matter.“
The spectral, skeletal hand of Kelemvor fades into a shower of fine particles similar to dust in sunlight. Nenne walks over to Sthara and places her hand gently on her shoulder.
"I am relieved to see you safe and unharmed," she says as her complexion returns to its springtime magenta. "The nature of your departure was most vexing. As for these creatures, they seemed to be citizens of this plane and another - an inhospitable one, to be sure, judging by the wounds they sustained during transit. This Sseth...his demesne is in opposition to Ubtao's, yes? He is a progenitor of destruction? Do you think he might be responsible for, or a champion of, the curse we seek to destroy? And is there anything Ubtao would have us do with these ruins, while we are here?"
She glances over at Allister. "Pirate?" she repeats, mostly to herself.
"As far as I have been told, these ruins bear no threat now that the creatures have been slain. Izifo and I battled on one side of the Veil and you must've battled on this side. Sseth is a destroyer...perhaps...though we will know for certain when we find the source of the curse." Sthara turns to Allister, and adds, "Let us make our way forward then. Once we are settled, we can turn attention to these."
Eku steps forward and says, "It is fortuitous that you were not greatly harmed. It seems like there are secrets that will reveal themselves in time. Perhaps this Ubtao of yours watches over our journey."
"I am glad to see you back safe and well my Lady. I must admit, you gave us quite a turn, vanishing like that, we thought for a moment we had lost you." He looks to the others. "This journey gets stranger by the day. I believe I can no longer be surprised in this unusual land that is Chult." He laughs, "I wonder if we will reach the Fort without further incident. Wolves, giants, strange travellers, vanishing mage's and cats that live in multiple realities. What I wouldn't give for a nice familiar bugbear!"
Sthara’s gaze rests on Eku as she speaks and for a fair bit after she’s said her piece. She’s drawn away as the group’s conversation continues.
@DM:
I’d like to roll Insight on Eku. The fact that I caught her looking at me across planes and what she said seems suspect and I’d like to know if there’s ill will or disappointment in her face: 13
”Yes, it certainly is strange. Let us not linger here. There are more questions that need answers, Ubtao has said his piece and Sseth offers no true counsel.” She spits on the ground, any weeds caught in the spray wrinkling and blackening.
Eku nods and leads the way through the jungle presumably heading north. The rest of the eighth day goes by without incident, as does the ninth. When the rain comes it keeps to a light tempo, but the going is generally easy.
Day 10
The tenth day marks the arrival to Fort Beluarian around midday. The flag of Baldur’s Gate flies over this wooden stockade in full view under the not-so-frequent sun. The whole structure sits atop a 10-foot hillock, the sides of which are shaved vertically to make them steep and difficult to climb. The fort’s main gate faces west. On the east side of the stockade, a tall keep holds a commanding view of the surrounding wilderness. Eku guides the party to the west gate, saying that she's never seen the south gate open for travel. As the six of you approach the two rather large, closed doors you notice four flaming fist guards on the parapets above. One of the men calls down from his twenty foot high perch, "Hail and well met! What's your business here and where've you come from?"
“Well met, my friend. We were sent here by Harbormaster Zindar and Captain Horace to help in a matter regarding the pirates troubling the bay. If you could arrange a meeting with your commander and a mug or two of strong ale it would be much appreciated.“
ooc: I hope his name was Horace, I was too lazy too look it up.
"Ah yes. Very well then. There are six of you then. You'll have to tie that beast up over there. We've no room for him in here." He points to a sturdy wooden structure that has several points for hitching animals of various sizes. He signals to another guard and a short while later the gates open allowing passage. As you go in he calls out, "Temple of Helm is on the far left past the garden. It sounds like you're going to want to talk to someone in charge for that. Straight ahead through the bazaar and into the gates. Big building, can't miss it."
As you head into the fort, there is a small bazaar set up to catch incoming and outgoing traffic. Stands are set up on each side of the main fareway with small strings of flags cross-crossing from the tops of them to the opposing sides. The strings of flags remind you of the rope bridges crossing over Malar's Throat. Various vendors are trying to hock their wares of equipment required for survival and mining.
"She is a female, not a 'he'." Funderburk muttered to himself. He looked to his friends, "I shall go alone and put Dunk in a suitable spot to tie her to. I will catch up with you all when I am done doing so." He began to walk off, "Do not worry about me, go on ahead."
Funderburk stepped down from Dunk, leading her to a suitable spot not too far from the entrance of the fort.
Made you look.
Nenne surveys the vendors and their wares with mild interest a few moments before saying to the group, in a private tone, "It would be worthwhile to take stock of our provisions since we are here. Recall what our wanderer friend said - we can curry favor with the quartermaster for some of our needs. I also think it wise to find a quiet space to inspect the items we've acquired on our jungle expedition, as well as discuss how we wish to begin any inquiries into this Artus Cimber fellow."
"We should re-supply first. There may not be much time after we speak to the leader of the garrison, so it may be wise, just in case we have to leave in a hurry." Boosey inspects the wares on offer at the bazaar. "I may be able to find enough materials here to make a little clockwork Dunk," he says with a smile. "The quartermaster might be the place to start and I believe the Captain here, Liara Portyr, could have some valuable information regarding this curse." He looks back towards the gate. "I hope so, or that's been one heck of a leisure trek. It might give me a bit of time to clean that pipe I found up, as well, before we have a look at it. You''re right Nenne, we should look at these things somewhere we wont be disturbed."
I think you can find most of the things listed under adventuring gear here that orients around survival stuff or mining. If you have something in particular you want, just ask. https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/phb/equipment#AdventuringGear
Funderburk, on his way back from finding a suitable patch of ferns and a place for Dunk to stay, decides it would be wise to collect and restock on supplies before he met back up with his friends.
A bit more experienced now when dealing with vendors, he goes to the right ones and buys supplies. The Vedalken obtained two healers kits, one lantern that he thought was cool- being able to shield, or having a hood to shield its light in case it is needed. Along with the lantern, he bough three oil flasks, knowing they might need it if this temple is not well lit enough when they arrive, and lastly bought manacles. You never know he thought when buying them...
With all the supplies bought on his end, he decided to go to his companions and meet up once more, hoping to find what their next course of action would be.
"I bought supplies friends. I obtained, at a reasonable price too, a couple healing kits and a lantern with extra oil. So worry not about buying your own supplies regarding those fields. Might I ask however, have we decided our next course of action? Unless some of us need to get their own equipment, I do not mind either waiting or going ahead and discuss with the quartermaster. What shall we do." With that, he looks about his friends waiting to hear their own decisions.
Made you look.
Boosey wandered the bazaar, purchasing a few items. Finding enough materials (10gp) to be able to create a little clockwork Dunk, he also purchases some caltrops (the cat attack made a bit of an impression), and a component pouch to keep hold of his bits and bobs. "Shall we see if this quartermaster has any "cats"?"
"We spend a tendays in the jungle and all you think about is buying bits and pieces? If I remember correctly we got people to see and information to collect. Let´s get to the real business first. And..." with an exasperated sigh Allister lifts his empty purse "there´s really nothing I can buy, not even a mug or two of strong ale." That said he turns towards the temple of Helm.
"Sometimes, when the opportunity presents. Besides, it might stop Funderburk pining too much if we have to leave her. As for coin, purchase what you need, my purse will cover it, I'm sure."
Ever the pragmatist, Allister makes his way through the bazaar, shrugging off merchants as he goes. There is one said merchant that looks like he is about to get a little handsy, but thinks better of it when the fighter stops him with a glare. The gates to the inner bailey are open and no one tries to stop him as you make your way into an open courtyard with a statue in the middle. Flaming Fist soldiers mull about the area, some looking like they are doing some task and some just enjoying the day. While the fighter is wondering which one of these bucket heads is the best to ask for more information, a voice turns him around. The speaker is a tall, human woman whose brown hair has begun to fade to grey earnestly. She has a hard face and is dressed in a fashion that exceeds any of the other soldiers about. Tucking a stack of papers wrapped in twine under her shoulder she asks, "What are you about? Why are you standing here in my courtyard?"
The bazaar proves to be an element of chaos. Merchants stray far from their own stands to try and rope in new customers, people are shouting across distances since the place is relatively small. As crazy as it sounds, the Grand Souk was an easier thing to deal with - at least that was organized chaos. Boosey has to work hard to keep on task, as there are specific things he is looking for in the way of making a tiny Dunk. An obvious quartermaster is naught to be found among the bazaar, but there are a couple buildings on the south side beyond the stables that have an assortment of polearms resting against the low hanging roof edge. Whether that is a quartermaster or a barracks or armory of sorts remains to be seen.
Before answering Allister looks the woman straight in the eyes, trying to appear strong, or at least an equal to her. „Lyara Portyr? If not I would appreciate if you pointed me in her direction. My friends and I have urgent business with her. Even though you couldn’t tell from their fascination with the bazaar. But we were sent here by important people from the Sword Coast and Port Nyanzaru.“ During his speech he keeps his eyes on the woman, trying to see any reaction to his words