Kira nods. "Don't mess with her babies, and she'll leave you alone."

I bet that your granddad did some trainin' of his own with Syndra. Asha thinks while Zyn tells her story.

When the dinosaurs show up, Asha stares at them as well. "Aye, they are. Let's try an' keep 'em that way. I don't plan on this adventure endin' because someone decided to piss off a dinosaur an' get everyone stampeded over."

DAY: 4
DAYS LEFT: 76
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 76

Beautiful, majestic creatures, aren't they? Don't anger them, now. Some are quite gentle. Others will eat you whole.

Duly noted, Grandfather. Can I ask you about Syndra?

Ehp bep bep! Focus now - the jungle is dangerous.

4, 14, 11

The next day we pressed on. Turns out when Weed gets wet, it absorbs the water and gets fat, like, water logged. It rained due to the humidity, and we were offered a demonstration. It was so muggy everything was sticky, and Zyn could feel the sweat down her back, her white hair matted against her face. Luckily, nothing bothered us in the jungle this day.

DAY: 5
DAYS LEFT: 75
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 75

Another day of rain. This forest is alive, teeming with life, we can hear bugs and birds all day, even at night. Sometimes it makes sleeping difficult. One night Zyn startled awake, claiming to have a nightmare. Apparently, she dreams about trying to save her family during the earthquake but always fails. She stayed awake the rest of the night, using her chains to ascend a tall tree and keeping a lookout.

12, 15, 9

It was uneventful. Morning came and we pressed on.

DAY: 6
DAYS LEFT: 74
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 74

The sun was especially angry today. We have walked 10 miles each day for almost a week. If it wasn't for our raincatchers, food, and drink, we would surely be in a difficult situation. Some of us were covered in bug bites. They were itchy.

2, 9, 16

Again, we encountered nothing during our travels, much to the dismay of Weed and Qawasha, but to the general relief of the rest of us. We could see the Fort from here, and it lifted our spirits.

Kira bounces up and down cheerfully. "Almost there! This is gonna be great."

During the trip, the small bat in her hood frequently came out at night, fluttering around. He likely kept Zyn company during her night in the tree on Day 5, hanging upside down and watching her in between forays for insects.

"How did you end up having a bat? Last night, he..uh, or she, kept me company. So to speak." Zyn asked curiously. "It is a well tamed animal, I must admit. I have never had a pet before."

"Surely you must have had bats in the underworld, Zyn?" queried Kitsune.  "They're creatures of the night, like you and I, preferring to stay out of this blazing hit sun."  Wiping her sweaty brow, she continues, "This Fort better be worth it....WOW is it hot out here.  Black is definitely not the right wardrobe color for this environment!"

You notice that Kitsune is not bothered at all by the nasty mosquitoes.  Must be her sweet blood.

"Kia's a friend!" Kira explains cheerfully. "I found her with a broken wing a couple years ago and helped her out, so she decided to stick around. She helps keep watch during my evening activities sometimes, and she loves people, so I'm not surprised she hung out with you last night!"

Prior to leaving the port, Astra drops off a letter to be delivered to his parents, a ‘just in case’. He normally never sent letters to them directly, normally to his sisters (mainly to Svana), but he felt the need to send it to them in case things had gone south.

During their journey, Astra was absolutely enthralled with the world around them, constantly noting down the little tid bits of information fed to them by their guide or Kira (he would even write down things the others had shared about their home lands as well, hoping that one day he’ll be able to visit). Faust could normally be found either on Astra, or slithering around their general area. When they had times of rest, the wizard would often look through his familiars eyes to explore more than what was on their path.

Despite the sweating, Astra looked to be completely fine with the heat. “If you think this is hot, you all should visit my country!” He would jest. “And we’re at the home stretch now, I believe... Right, Qawasha?”

"Oi, are you always popping up in the middle of the night because of some nightmare?"

Kitsune: "Yes, I know what a bat is, we had them underground, sure. I've just never known anyone to have one as a pet. Also, i'm..not a "creature of the night". I spent much time above ground. You make me sound like i'm a vampire, or something."

Kira: "A very unique pet, I must say. That's pretty neat. She had quite her fill of bugs during the evening. Plenty to go around."

Asha: "No. Not always. Just at times. I guess i'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that my whole family was wiped out in the course of a few terrible moments because of a random natural disaster. It takes time adjusting too. Strangely, though, my Grandfather still keeps in touch..like a..spirit, of some sort."

Qawasha exclaims, "We are almost there, my friends. Only one day left." Weed clapped happily.

DAY: 7
DAYS LEFT: 73
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 73

You emerge from the sweltering jungle this morning of the seventh day - over 70 miles of walking traveled - and see the flag of Baldur’s Gate flying over a large wooden stockade. 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.

You approach AREA 1. 

AREA 1 - THE WEST GATE

"The main entrance is closed by two massive wooden doors with bars that take eight people to slide aside. Because the area is patrolled and the fort has excellent all-round lines of sight, the gates stand open during the day, like right now, except when heavy rain restricts visibility and allows the possibility of a sneak attack." Qawasha explains as you approach. The western gatehouse walls are 20 feet high, and the parapets are being patrolled by six guards at the moment. The walls ringing the rest of the camp are 12 feet high, but they look higher from outside because of the fort’s elevation.

NOTE: Fort Baluarian is run by the Flaming Fist. Given that Baldur’s Gate is a member of the Lords’ Alliance, it should surprise no one that a handful of alliance operatives are sprinkled through the garrison. The Emerald Enclave, which Qawasha is a member of, has a large presence stationed here.

"Come. Let us introduce ourselves. The Castellan approaches." Qawasha says as you are all allowed into the Fort. A large viking woman wearing full plate with long braided blonde hair thunders her way to you all with a smile. "Hello, Qawasha, Weed." she nods. "Have you brought visitors to see us this day?" she looks you all over. "Greetings, adventurers. I am Castellan Gruta Halsdottir, second in command after Major Liara Portyr of Fort Baluarian of Baldur's Gate. Have you come to rest? Perhaps look for work? There is plenty to do here. Let me explain."

She walks you all into the Merchant Bazaar as she speaks, into AREA 4. There is a very large map of Chult that she gestures to.

"Here in the Chultan jungles, Baldur’s Gate lays claim to everything east of the Mistcliff and north of Kitcher’s Inlet. We have just completed an expedition and have successfully scouted out the ruins of Mezro to the south, and are now trying to extend our claim south to Refuge Bay. No one, including the merchant princes of Port Nyanzaru has the force in Chult to dispute this claim." she says proudly, "So, within our territory, the Flaming Fist does as it pleases, including demanding that explorers buy charters. A charter grants permission to the holder to explore Chult and plunder its riches, but half of an expedition’s proceeds and discoveries must be turned over to the Flaming Fist. The charter costs 50 gp, which is treated as a down payment on the split of profits. However, should you wish to accept one of the side quests below, we will waive the fee, but still take half of the proceeds."

OPTIONAL SIDE QUESTS:

Ghoul Hunters. Rid the jungle of ghouls. If you all are up to the task, Halsdottir gives you all a free charter of exploration. For every severed ghoul head you bring her, she’ll pay you 20 gp.

Shilku Reconnaissance. Set sail for Shilku Bay, conduct a one-week reconnaissance of the destroyed village of Shilku, and return to Fort Beluarian to report what you've seen. If you accept the mission, Halsdottir pays for your food and passage and gives you all a free charter of exploration. If you complete the mission, you are given free meals and guest rooms (see area 10J) whenever you visit Fort Beluarian, and each of you receive one potion or scroll chosen from the ones available in the stores (see area 10G).

Strangers in a Strange Land. Flaming Fist scouts have spotted giant footprints south of Fort Beluarian. If you find out who or what is making the tracks, and discover where they’re coming from and what threat (if any) they pose to Fort Beluarian, Halsdottir will reward you with five magic arrows (see area 10G), or something comparable. If you accept the mission, Halsdottir gives you all a free charter of exploration.

(You don't have to purchase a charter or do any of the side quests, just so you know, and, you are free to leave at any time. The merchants do carry anything in the PHB for sale.)

"We'll kill yer ghouls for ya. We could use the gold."

“Fantastic. Here is your charter. Qawasha and Weed can lead you to plenty of them, i’m sure.”

DAY: 8
DAYS LEFT: 72
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 72

Weed and Qawasha were happy to lead us into the heart of where undead were known to exist. We passed what appeared to be a large mine to our left on that day. The mosquitoes were most ferocious this day, and since Zyn's skin was a pale gray, it was easy to see where she had been bitten, much to her surprise. She didn't wear much to begin with, soft shoes, a leather half top, her gloves, and shorts. Occasionally, she would use her sickle chains to latch onto a high tree to look around. It was difficult to see much.

3, 11, 19

ENCOUNTER. 93 We encountered a group of 4 very large boars, who didn't look very friendly. We had to stealth around them to not be noticed. 

Everyone make a DC12 group DEX (Stealth) check. (Everyone rolls stealth in Avrae, divided by the number of players for an average.) Failure means we were spotted/sniffed out, had to flee for our lives and we lost 5 food/water.

DAY: 9
DAYS LEFT: 71
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 71

Another day of travel. That night, Zyn spent most of her time up in a tree, keeping lookout. Sometimes she'd laugh, as if talking to someone in her mind. Other times, she'd balance on a tree and perform slow controlled martial movements. Weed would be seen imitating her, and this made Zyn remember fond memories of herself with her Grandfather, so thought it was cute.

15, 19, 12

DAY: 10
DAYS LEFT: 70
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 70

On day ten of our journey, we were approaching the border of where undead was found. We could hear noises again that we didn't immediately recognize, but then again, not many of us spent time in the depths of a jungle. Qawasha and Weed were most excited, but Zyn wasn't too sure of the others. They didn't say much, but they were pleasant company. The woman raised by dwarves didn't call Zyn names as much, which the half drow found humorous. Perhaps she was beginning to accept her?

1, 10, 14

ENCOUNTER. 25 That evening while we were sleeping, a snake larger than anything we had ever seen bit Kira in the thigh while she was sleeping. The scream awoke all of us, and we were able to kill it before it could bite any of us again. Kira's leg turned a wounded shade of green and purple we had never seen before, and we began to panic as the poison spread and Kira turned very pale. Qawasha cast a spell that repaired her leg, and we were grateful. Who knows what would have happened had the druid not been our guide.

DAY: 11
DAYS LEFT: 69
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 69 

On the eleventh day we neared undead territory - about 10 miles away. We walked at our normal pace, but we were on guard more than usual. 

8, 12, 13

DAY: 12
DAYS LEFT: 68
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 68

Deep in the Chultan jungles, we knew now that we were risking our lives searching for undead. This particular area of the jungle smelled like rot and death, not to mention the sun beat against our necks the entire day, with no rain. Some of us were beginning to sunburn, which looked strange on Zyn's skin. Every moment we watched our back, for we knew now somethings must be watching us.

4, 15, 4 

DAY: 13
DAYS LEFT: 67
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 67 

High up in the trees, Zyn was on guard more than usual. We were the hunters, or perhaps, the hunted. 

8, 3, 14

Yet the day was quiet. How odd.

DAY: 14 - 15
DAYS LEFT: 65
PACE: NORMAL
FOOD/WATER: 65

Qawasha and Weed were starting to look very dissapointed. We had yet to encounter any real threat in the jungle yet. However, we heard a horrible buzzing noise in the afternoon, and were beset by a swarm of huge insects! We were all bitten in an attempt to fend them off, which we did, but some of our bites didn't look very good.

Everyone please make a DC11 CON save or get..SHIVERING SICKNESS!

15, 12, 1
7, 13, 15
ENCOUNTER. 64
ENCOUNTER. 25

(Wow! I actually rolled ghouls on the random encounter table! HA!)

In the evening, as we were making camp and tending to our wounds, our prayers had been answered and through the foliage and Zyn high up in a tree, she cried out "Ghouls!" and finally, the opportunity to make some money was our to chance.

8 ghouls crashed out of the jungle on to our camp, and we readied ourselves for battle - and profit.

Everyone roll for initiative!

"Finally some action!" Zyn said, leaping down from a high branch, unlocking her chains.

Here, also is her:
DC12 Stealth check: 8
DC11 CON save: 12

Initiative: 9
Ghoul1: 13
Ghoul2: 8
Ghoul3: 8
Ghoul4: 7
Ghoul5: 16

Ghoul5(16)(AC12/HP22), Ghoul1(13)(AC12/HP22), Zyn9, Ghoul2(8)(AC12/HP22), Ghoul3(8)(AC12/HP22), Ghoul4(7)(AC12/HP22)

Kitsune's rolls:

DC12 Stealth: 23 (see Discord, per request)

DC11 CON ST: N/A (Periapt of Health)

Initiative: 9

Stealth (as rolled on Discord): 18

During their trip to fight some ghouls, Astra made sure to always cast a spell to further defend himself at the beginning of the day just in case of surprises. On the 9th day, during their down time, Astra prepares a ritual with Faust in the center. After the incantations are done, the once ball python was now a dark brown hawk with a bright yellow beak and lavender colored eyes, an easy indication that it was still her, just in a few form. From then on, the wizard directed the familiar to stay near Zyn whenever she had been up in the trees, and when the half-drow hadn't been, he would look through her eyes to scout ahead, all while holding onto either Asha or Zyn as they kept making their way through.

Astra's ears would perk up when the monk calls out ghouls to their attention. "Ah, well, I suppose rest will have to wait then?" 

Con save: 9
Asra: 22
Hawkst: 14

(Forgot we had insect repellent lol so ignore that roll)

Asha: 1