I thank Zindar and say, "Forgive me my caution when we first met.  I see now that you keep your word and am glad of it.  I was counselled to be cautious when setting out, and I intend to remain so.  There are evil things at work in the world, and I have no doubt they will be trying to thwart us at any opportunity."

I'll take a place directly behind the pack beast, if that is in the middle of the group.  Where I can keep a steady eye on it.

"Well met my lady Eku.  I must say the cane seems a very sensible precaution for the Jungle.  A simple system to help avoid walking unwittingly into a swamp!  I too would hear more about the jungle before venturing into it."  He motions at the pack beast.  "I have to say I'm not keen on meeting wild versions of these, without some prior knowledge."

Eku tosses a casual, "Or one that has risen from the grave to walk again," waving to the new arrivals. She introduces herself giving her name and her intentions to guide the party. She asks for just a short time to get her affairs in order before she meets the party back at their chosen place of rest for the evening. With that she departs, promising not to tarry too long. A room at the Sad Pony runs two gold a night and sleeps 3 to a room.

 Eku doesn't indulge in any tej, but she drinks water and warns against drinking too heavily. She says, "Each of you needs to drink a great deal of water each day and even more if you intend to wear all of that." She gestures to Nenne and Allister's armor and continues, "There are too many dangers in the jungle to tell them all here and now, but that does not mean you should fear it. Keep a level head and pay attention to your surroundings and you should be prepared for whatever comes our way. This fort you speak of, Fort Beluarian, is 11 to 12 days from here by land if we stick to the coast, but can be shortened to nine to ten if we just through the jungle. This is provided we do not get turned around."

Allister doesn´t drink too much alocohol, just enough to make him feel good and enjoy the comfort of civilization before the arduous journey. "I know that this" he slaps his hand on the breastplate "is not perfect for a jungle expedition. But with less protection I fear sticks and stones will break my bones too easily." He slaps Boosey lightly on the head and say "Reaching Fort Beluarian is your duty, if I remember correctly, so you should decide whether we take the long or the short route." With a wink and a smile he adds "Plus I can blame any misfortune that happens on the way on you."

ooc: Can I use my "By popular demand" background to try and get some free (or at least reduced cost)  accommodation for us all at the Sad Pony (I realise it's supposed to be just for Boosey, but there's no harm in trying to push his luck).  If the innkeeper allows Boosey to perform for a while he plays a mixed set on the flute for around an hour.

Performance check 18

After playing the flute for a while in the tap room, he suggests the name "Hawkes" for the pack beast and at Edu's suggestion remains on the water for the rest of the evening.

6 Boosey's performance is a good one that nets whichever room he sleeps in a cost of only 1 gold. The innkeeper agrees to let him continue the rate should he come back and play again.

Nenne politely declines alcohol and sticks to water or tea, if there's any to be had. She'll read quietly from her prayer book and, as the night progresses, will trance right at the table for as long as she can get away with. 

@DM

Nenne:

Still averse to tej after the last experience, Sthara sticks to water for the evening. 

"Eku is right about the jungle. It is full of dangers. Even the quiet is hungry there."

Day 2

The evening dwindles on and the common room events die out one by one and people disappear into their rooms. Having paid for her room already, the innkeeper is content to leave Nenne there for as long as she stays. The rain has increased steadily throughout the evening becoming loud and heavy, but by morning it is back to a calm, but steady downpour. It's obvious why there are so many deep rain gutters throughout the city now. Eku guides the party out of the city through the southwestern gate, not wanting to go through Malar's Throat after last night's downpour. Being closest to Allister and Sthara, Eku talks with them while they travel along the river southeast. She points out different species of plants and animals, some of which she claims is unsafe to eat. The first day comes and goes without much issue. The area is somewhat open - the bulk of the jungle lies on the horizon still. Throughout the day, the rain lessens more and more.

Day 3

By morning, the rain is still present, but remains a light drizzle in patches on and off throughout the day. A couple hours after mid-day the party comes across a path of sorts that Eku indicates is a common passage for crossing the river. The banks of both sides are overgrown thick with plant life, but the area where the path winds through is clear enough. Just as Allister is about to step into the water, several loud frog like sounds erupt from the area! The underbrush shakes as small, green humanoid creatures with large blotches of black covering their bodies, scurry about, weapons in hand. Allister catches sight of a single creature bearing the same blotches but is otherwise yellow in color rise out of the river, blocking the way, spear in hand.

//Roll initiative, please\\

7 for initiative. 

ooc.  At work at the moment so will log in when I can. 

 12 Initiative

17 Nenne's initiative

Sthara's Initiative: 21

Funderburk's Initiative: 9