Now that Allister has had some time to adjust to the hot, stickiness of the weather here, he's not sure his half plate would do him much harm against the heat. He makes a mental note to ensure he drinks more than his share of water to accommodate for the heavy armor. The merchant takes some time to explain what goes where in the way of outfitting the animal with tack and saddlebags. The animal proves to be a lot faster than its form implies. It also turns in erratic ways, turning it's body before its head. This weird way of moving, probably due to its inbred defensive nature, takes some getting used to for the rider. The four adventurers return to the docks around mid-day to find that Zindar has kept his word and has a bulk of supplies gathered just inside the harbormaster's office. He greets you warmly as the four of you enter, "Hail and well met. I see the weather did not deter you from your ambitions. Your inquiries have been making waves throughout the port already." He smiles and nods at the new form of transportation.

5

Allistet tries to suppress his laughter but fails miserably when he sees how his companions handle the lizard. After some time he wipes tears from his eyes and clears his throat. „Sorry for that. The river clue was about this crocodile temple, so you all heard what Wakawaka had to say. My best guess would be to go to Fort Beluarian first and see if the Flaming Fist knows more than the princes. You go train the beast“ a big smile appears on his face „and Boosey and me will make the necessary preparations at the harbor. One more night in this city and tomorrow we head out. “

Funderburk, embarrassed but quickly getting over it says, "Sounds like a plan then! Sthara and I will get the beast to stretch its legs, while it getting used to us, and the two of you make preparations." He looked at Stara and said, "I will let you lead, since you are more accustomed to this place than I. While we are at it, we should all think if we want to further investigate what the Flaming Fists campsite has to do in common with anything. I believe it means a great deal with this curse; but maybe we should decide whether or not to further investigate once we actually meet the people. You never know." With that, he splits ways from Boosey and Allister, following Sthara and the beast to wherever she takes them.

"You know, I've been thinking." Funderburk said once they are alone, "We should figure out a name for this creature. I guess whoever will take care of it the most gets the majority rule. But something nice or fierce might fit it."

As we take the beast back to the docks I keep a wary eye on it unsure of its size and strength.   At one point I tentatively give it my hand to sniff (animal handling 15) in an attempt to make friends.

I say to Allister “We should get about securing this equipment.  How long will it take to get to Fort Beluarian?”  I turn and ask Zindar “Those rumours have moved quickly!  What have you heard and do you know where they might have come from?”

”I need to get some correspondence back to Waterdeep.  Things have been moving unexpectedly quickly here and it is important I relay what is happening, can I rely on you to find safe passage for it?  I can make sure any expenses are covered!”  

The harbormaster eyes Boosey and says, "Waterdeep is a long way off from here. How long is the message you intend to send? Would it be a private message? If you can do it in 25 words or less, I have a friend who can send it tomorrow for a sum of 30 gold. Otherwise, I can forward the message along with a vessel headed that way when one becomes available." He motions to a Chultan woman sitting nearby and another leaning against a crate under a covered area outside the warehouse. The woman outside appears to be a pale haired, pale skinned elf. He yells for her, "Nenne!" motions her over, and then explains briefly before she arrives, "These two ladies showed up while you five were about. I believe their intent is to aid you in your journey. I have only just met Nenne today, but I would vouch for Eku with my life."  As he says this last sentence he gestures to the Chultan woman who is sitting calmly watching the exchange from across the room.

"Peace to you. I am Nenne Amharat," the pale elf says, inclining her head gracefully. She is a tall woman, wearing vestments of deep indigo beneath well-used armor. A shield rests on her back, and you see a chain around her neck bearing an amulet. Both the amulet and the shield feature a skeletal hand holding a set of balanced scales. "May I be of assistance somehow?" 

Nenne's voice is low-pitched and quiet, and she has a bearing of gentleness about her that contrasts somewhat with her appearance. The more perceptive among you can see a spiderweb of scars on her arms and neck, and a mace tucked at her belt slightly hidden by her garments. She stands almost at attention as she awaits more information.

To Zindar Boosey says.  "I have made the message brief.  It is important this reaches my colleague in Waterdeep as soon as possible."  He winces as he hands over the thirty gold.  "This must reach Theren Tallmage at the "Crown and Ember" Inn, the sooner the better" and he hands over the letter.  The message is sealed, but seems to be just a series of dashes and lines. "A code we use," he explains.  "It makes things more secure.  May I leave future correspondence with you, here?"

Boosey gives Nenne a deep bow, as deep as a gnome can make anyway.  "Well met my lady.  What brings you to Chult?, as he busies himself stowing the supplies from Zindar in the saddlebags for the pack beast.  "Your appearance is fortuitous for us.  We have just lost one of our party this afternoon, a Tabaxi called away on urgent business."  He studies the amulet curiously for a moment.  "As you can see we are preparing to leave for Fort Beluarian tomorrow.  Your help will be more than welcome!"

"Forgive me, but might I ask the nature of the amulet you wear?  The image seems familiar, but I can't quite place it."

21 While the large animal might be kind of erratic and the riding tack is quite unusual, Funderburk and Sthara find that the beast is actually quite tame as the merchant claimed. It's only a matter of placing your feet just so, and oh, that's what that strap is for. Eureka! It also helped that a passerby stopped to tell the two would be animal handlers that the merchant prince, Jobal has these animals trained with a few choice phrases for stopping and going. It appears the merchant left that small detail out...

Nenne smiles a little sadly at the gnome and you see her silvery hair and smoky eyes deepen in color slightly. She touches the amulet with fondness. "This is the crest of Kelemvor. I have bound myself in service to him, and he is the reason I'm here. At least, he's given me purpose since my arrival in this land. My home is...far." 

Her gaze grows distant for a moment. Then she smiles - different this time. It's warmer. Lighter. Her complexion returns to its previous gradient of bluish-grey, and the change was so subtle, it's easily missed. 

"I came because I thought I could be useful," she continues. "I heard there were strange happenings with the dead - that souls were not finding rest, or were being robbed of their second chances. A mortal's passage to the hereafter is a sacred thing only Kelemvor and his divine companions have any right to determine. That anyone or anything might be tampering with the graces he bestows to those in his own domain is something I cannot let stand. So I am here to do what I can for these wronged souls." 

Nenne places a hand over her holy symbol and inclines her head once more toward Boosey and Allister. "I believe all paths cross for a purpose. I am honored to aid you, if you'll have me." Turning to Eku, she adds, "And you, madam? What are your thoughts?"

Funderburk stumbling for words, franticly tries to figure out the words of command that may be what is to control this creature. "Miss Sthara, if a may ask, do you happen to recall or know any common commands that are used to control and maneuver such beasts? I am... unfamiliar with all of this." He thinks for a second, reasoning any possible words that may have been used to teach this beast.

Whenever riding on the beast, or attempting to bond with it, Funderburk tries to bond more with the creature, thinking of names to call it and schedules for feeding time and how to even wash it. "You are going to be hard to manage are you not beast?" He says to the beast, "With my friends and I, I know through time the worth we bought you for will exceed its expectations." 

Allister, a young man of medium height and build, dressed like a sailor with two weapons on his hips, offers his hand to Nenne. His hands are calloused, his skin tanned and weathered. You see a fresh and badly healed scar on his chin, and two of this teeth are missing in his friendly smile. „Well met, my name is Allister. It’s good to have Kelemvor‘s blessing on this journey. As you’ve probably heard we’ll head out to Fort Beluarian tomorrow in hope of finding more information on the curse. And hopefully settle a private matter.“ 

@DM

Whatever commands Funderburk tries seems to fall on deaf ears. The beast does respond to movements in the saddle, but are not as effective as the sounds and phrases the passerby stopped to give. They are easy enough to remember though.

The harbormaster takes the coin from Boosey and says that he will see it done. Eku stands from her seated position, adjusting one of her colorful hair decorations out of her face as she does so. She is a woman of light build, middle age and she wears a light blue robe. She makes her way across the room with her walking stick, carved in the likeness of a snake bearing wings, tapping on the stone floor as she comes. When she speaks the use of her common tongue is remarkable as in she bears no Chultan accent. "I would say that I agree with paths crossing for a reason. Call it destiny or fate - whatever the reason - I heard of your interest in the Death Curse and I had to come see for myself. I have ventured into the jungle many times before and I know both flora and fauna of the region, both of which can be deadly. I am here to offer my services as a guide if you will have me."

6

Allister takes a long look at Eku, scratching his head several times. "Gotta admit I am surprised to meet our guide. I was more expecting someone like a ranger and not" he points at her cane "this. But who am I to judge you and your experience in these lands? Welcome aboard."

Eku glances at her walking stick and back to Allister before saying, "I do not need the cane to walk. I would not step blindly into a covered space in the jungle. As I said, it is a dangerous place."

"Like I said, who am I to judge?" Allister looks at the assembled group and says "If you have any more preparations to finish this is the time. Otherwise I propose we get to meet each other over some tej or ale, and Eku can give us some basics advice on how to move in the jungle, what to expect and which plants we better not eat or touch."