Peering from the edge of the cliff, Nenne takes in the vast ruin below. Buildings are in all sorts of various stages of ruin, but the walled compound just below the party's current position looks easily defensible. There are crumbling bits of wall, but at least those positions would be easily tracked if an invasion of sorts were to happen.
Nenne draws the group's attention toward the compound. "Location on the city limits, relatively isolated, reasonable fortifications in decent condition, considering," she appraises. Her tone is slightly more military than it was. "I am not fond of the fact that it is directly under these cliffs, but I suppose there is no avoiding that. Shall we all descend for closer reconnaissance?"
„Maybe Boosey or I should take a look at the building? Sneak up and find out if others share your tactical evaluation of the compound. The rest can stay 100 yards behind, enough to not be immediately visible and near enough to intervene if things go starboard.“
"All of us descend, with a two-man scout team taking point at a slight distance," Nenne decides, nodding. "Our wizard can transmit messages over a short distance, if I recall, so we will be able to relay information quietly and quickly between our groups. I will remain alert for any undead. If we are agreed, then let us depart immediately."
Allister and Boosey lead the way down the first set of grand stairs that descend into the city. A guardhouse stands near the entrance to the city. Arrow slits are cut into its limestone walls, and a lopsided iron portcullis hangs over the gateway, beyond which you see an open plaza. Even from a distance, the scouts can see that much of the interior has collapsed into rubble. Closer inspection reveals creepers cling to the walls, and high grasses sprout between the flagstones amid evidence of long-dead campfires. One wall is covered with graffiti — some words painted, others etched.
“Fear the fangs of Ras Nsi!”
“Erik, I’ve gone in search of the nine shrines. V.”
Spotting the graffiti Boosey goes to have a closer look. The scribbles seem to give important information, but he can't really get a sense of how long they've been there - it could be months or decades. He does note down the words, though, and can't help but be disturbed by "frog monsters" and snakes that might not be snakes. He seems to remember the name of Ras Nsi from somewhere, but can't place it.
As Boosey is noting the writing down a single drop of blood hits the parchment. Alarmed, the gnome does what is natural and wipes at his nose after making sure nothing was above him. To his surprise, he can find no more blood anywhere or any sign that it was ever there. Boosey is unharmed, but there is a distict taste of iron lingering in his mouth.
Allister sees Boosey making notes and decides to take a look inside. He searches for a long (about 6 ft.) and sturdy branch and uses it inside the compound to tape the floor, walls and ceiling (if it hasn’t crumbled yet), trying to find anything unusual.
The gnome is alarmed by the illusion as he wrote down the words of the graffiti. More worrying still is the taste of iron that remains as he and Allister continue down the stairs. He seems a little distracted, before seemingly coming to a decision. Using message he turns to Nenne who is some distance behind him.
@Nenne
I would speak with you alone Nenne. I will join you for your watch tonight, if that's okay. Strange things happening.
As the party slowly descends into the city, Nenne traces a finger against her amulet and whispers, "Help me remain vigilant of danger, Fair Judge," and casts Detect Evil and Good as she reaches the stairs.
She frowns at the bard's message.
@Boosey
Of course. If there is even a slight danger for yourself or the group, do not delay.
As the compound nears, Allister and Boosey hear the tell tale growling and occasional barking of canines ahead inside the walls of the defensible place. One of the walls toppled near the gate appears to have been scorched and blown apart.
"Let me scout ahead, just in case. We wouldn't want to wander blindly into a compound that could be full of nasties. As long as you are close by, of course!" With that the gnome, stealths up to the opening and slips in through the opening, staying close to the wall. ///Stealth check 20\\\ He doesn't venture in, but stays close to the wall and peers into the compound, looking for any signs of life, and for what may be producing the gowls ///Perception check 11\\\
Smoke drifts lazily from some of the scorch marks before wafting away in the breeze. Boozey realizes that whatever happened here was recent. The gate lies in splinters, and scorch marks deface the buildings. Near the center of the compound is a plaza littered with charred human corpses. One of the corpses is being torn apart by a pack of wild dogs.
As Boosey approaches the building raises his right arm with his fist closed to mention to the rest of the group to stop and stay low. He loads his crossbow and gets. cover behind a nearby wall or tree trunk with a direct line of sight to Boosey
Boosey spend a moment studying the destroyed gates and the charred walls from his hidden position near the gate. He risks another look into the compound, mainly to see if any of the bodies are wearing recognisable uniforms. Turning he uses message to relay what he has seen firstly to Allister, then to Nenne so she can relay it to the others.
As the days in the jungle progressed and she had led the group toward their goal without grave misfortune, Nenne's dolorous coloration had lightened somewhat. On the cliffs, overlooking their destination, the last vestiges of silver in her wavy locks gave way to white, and a flush of something vaguely peachy stirred in her cheeks. After casting her spell, all of those hints of relief vanish.
"Nothing good came from here," she whispers to her companions. "And nothing good remains. Be cautious."
@Boosey
I remain your servant. But beware, and warn the warrior - the air itself here is stained with evil.
She informs the group of the corpses and dogs and bids them all to wait.
Being careful to avoid any noise, the gnome takes one last look at the compound and returns to Allister. "That looks like it's not an option to make camp, unless we want it to be our final resting place," he says to the fighter quietly. "The dogs we could deal with, but whatever killed those people must still be close by, did you see the smoke coming off the walls? This can't have happened very long ago."
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Peering from the edge of the cliff, Nenne takes in the vast ruin below. Buildings are in all sorts of various stages of ruin, but the walled compound just below the party's current position looks easily defensible. There are crumbling bits of wall, but at least those positions would be easily tracked if an invasion of sorts were to happen.
Nenne draws the group's attention toward the compound. "Location on the city limits, relatively isolated, reasonable fortifications in decent condition, considering," she appraises. Her tone is slightly more military than it was. "I am not fond of the fact that it is directly under these cliffs, but I suppose there is no avoiding that. Shall we all descend for closer reconnaissance?"
„Maybe Boosey or I should take a look at the building? Sneak up and find out if others share your tactical evaluation of the compound. The rest can stay 100 yards behind, enough to not be immediately visible and near enough to intervene if things go starboard.“
"Let us indeed. And let us go all together, that way we are able to ensure the highest safety for ourselves."
Made you look.
"All of us descend, with a two-man scout team taking point at a slight distance," Nenne decides, nodding. "Our wizard can transmit messages over a short distance, if I recall, so we will be able to relay information quietly and quickly between our groups. I will remain alert for any undead. If we are agreed, then let us depart immediately."
Allister and Boosey lead the way down the first set of grand stairs that descend into the city. A guardhouse stands near the entrance to the city. Arrow slits are cut into its limestone walls, and a lopsided iron portcullis hangs over the gateway, beyond which you see an open plaza. Even from a distance, the scouts can see that much of the interior has collapsed into rubble. Closer inspection reveals creepers cling to the walls, and high grasses sprout between the flagstones amid evidence of long-dead campfires. One wall is covered with graffiti — some words painted, others etched.
“Fear the fangs of Ras Nsi!”
“Erik, I’ve gone in search of the nine shrines. V.”
“The puzzle cubes are the key.”
“Beware the frog monster!”
“Who is Unkh?”
“All hail the King of Feathers!”
“The snakes are not what they seem.”
“Kubazan = bravery. Shagambi = wisdom. Moa = ?”
Spotting the graffiti Boosey goes to have a closer look. The scribbles seem to give important information, but he can't really get a sense of how long they've been there - it could be months or decades. He does note down the words, though, and can't help but be disturbed by "frog monsters" and snakes that might not be snakes. He seems to remember the name of Ras Nsi from somewhere, but can't place it.
As Boosey is noting the writing down a single drop of blood hits the parchment. Alarmed, the gnome does what is natural and wipes at his nose after making sure nothing was above him. To his surprise, he can find no more blood anywhere or any sign that it was ever there. Boosey is unharmed, but there is a distict taste of iron lingering in his mouth.
Allister sees Boosey making notes and decides to take a look inside. He searches for a long (about 6 ft.) and sturdy branch and uses it inside the compound to tape the floor, walls and ceiling (if it hasn’t crumbled yet), trying to find anything unusual.
The gnome is alarmed by the illusion as he wrote down the words of the graffiti. More worrying still is the taste of iron that remains as he and Allister continue down the stairs. He seems a little distracted, before seemingly coming to a decision. Using message he turns to Nenne who is some distance behind him.
@Nenne
I would speak with you alone Nenne. I will join you for your watch tonight, if that's okay. Strange things happening.
As the party slowly descends into the city, Nenne traces a finger against her amulet and whispers, "Help me remain vigilant of danger, Fair Judge," and casts Detect Evil and Good as she reaches the stairs.
She frowns at the bard's message.
@Boosey
Of course. If there is even a slight danger for yourself or the group, do not delay.
As he continue down in the city and receives his reply, he messages Nenne once again.
@Nenne
I do not believe there is an immediate danger, though I suspect that could change soon. I need your advice, and have suspicions, but nothing certain.
As the compound nears, Allister and Boosey hear the tell tale growling and occasional barking of canines ahead inside the walls of the defensible place. One of the walls toppled near the gate appears to have been scorched and blown apart.
"Let me scout ahead, just in case. We wouldn't want to wander blindly into a compound that could be full of nasties. As long as you are close by, of course!" With that the gnome, stealths up to the opening and slips in through the opening, staying close to the wall. ///Stealth check 20\\\ He doesn't venture in, but stays close to the wall and peers into the compound, looking for any signs of life, and for what may be producing the gowls ///Perception check 11\\\
Smoke drifts lazily from some of the scorch marks before wafting away in the breeze. Boozey realizes that whatever happened here was recent. The gate lies in splinters, and scorch marks deface the buildings. Near the center of the compound is a plaza littered with charred human corpses. One of the corpses is being torn apart by a pack of wild dogs.
As Boosey approaches the building raises his right arm with his fist closed to mention to the rest of the group to stop and stay low. He loads his crossbow and gets. cover behind a nearby wall or tree trunk with a direct line of sight to Boosey
Boosey spend a moment studying the destroyed gates and the charred walls from his hidden position near the gate. He risks another look into the compound, mainly to see if any of the bodies are wearing recognisable uniforms. Turning he uses message to relay what he has seen firstly to Allister, then to Nenne so she can relay it to the others.
Allister listens to Boosey´s report and replies. „You should come back. Make sure the wind doesn’t carry your scent to the dogs.“
As the days in the jungle progressed and she had led the group toward their goal without grave misfortune, Nenne's dolorous coloration had lightened somewhat. On the cliffs, overlooking their destination, the last vestiges of silver in her wavy locks gave way to white, and a flush of something vaguely peachy stirred in her cheeks. After casting her spell, all of those hints of relief vanish.
"Nothing good came from here," she whispers to her companions. "And nothing good remains. Be cautious."
@Boosey
I remain your servant. But beware, and warn the warrior - the air itself here is stained with evil.
She informs the group of the corpses and dogs and bids them all to wait.
Being careful to avoid any noise, the gnome takes one last look at the compound and returns to Allister. "That looks like it's not an option to make camp, unless we want it to be our final resting place," he says to the fighter quietly. "The dogs we could deal with, but whatever killed those people must still be close by, did you see the smoke coming off the walls? This can't have happened very long ago."