You make it back safely past the gates of the farm, noticing a faint prickling of your skin as you cross the boundary.

Kimo watches everyone cross onto the property, then waves for you to follow as he starts walking.

”Thanks for your help today.  I’d like to pay you each for your training time here with Bongo and the crew. Bongo tells me it’s been about 30 days so each of you gets a small purse.”  He leads you all towards the front of the barn. “You all have the rest of this day and all of tomorrow to do whatever you want.  I suggest becoming more familiar with the streets of Port Nyanzaru.  In two days, you will run your first delivery to one of the Merchant Princes in the Merchants Ward.  It will be a small chest of potions for Wakanda O’tamu, who is in charge of all magic potion sales in the Port.  Make sure you get his signature on the delivery certificate.”  He holds up his hand for you all to halt while he steps inside the door of the barn and immediately comes back out again with a handful of identical small coin purses.  He hands a coin purse to everyone, along with a small vial of reddish liquid that glimmers when shaken.

”As interns, you all are required to carry a potion of healing with you at all times.  The coin purse contains 30 gold pieces as payment for the 30 days you have spent in campground orientation with Bongo.  Spend it however you want.  If you do leave the farm, please make sure to take a buddy, and make sure you are ready to work at dawn in two days time.  You can regroup here for the time being.  There are plenty of bunks in the loft.  You can familiarize yourself with the wagons too, if you want, although Uncle Ningle will be driving the cart for this mission.”

“I know there are more of the smaller zombies out in the jungle, plus at least one potential huge zombie if that dead brontosaurus decides to rise, and it will rise eventually if I don’t put it to the torch. So I will have to go into the jungle and disrupt any undead before they mass together and move in this direction.“ he punctuates his statement by shooting a five foot jet of blue fire out of the end of his staff.  

“I hope to be back tomorrow, but don’t count on it.  Plan on running your mission without me.  Bongo and his crew can support you while I’m gone, and you now that Ningle is back, he can answer your questions while I’m in the jungle.”

He looks at Jiali, “Since the God Ubtao abandoned the people of Chult, evil has festered in some of the ancient ruins.  Something there in the jungle deep to the south has the power to raise almost anything that dies in Chult as a zombie unless proper precautions are made with the bodies.”  

He turns to Maynard “It is a great boon for us to have Brother Maynard with us, since wielders of divine power are a rare and potent force in the jungle.  With regard to your questions, I believe Bongo has been helping you get aquatinted with handling and riding the horse lizards, but we also often use them to carry supplies or heavy armor until it is needed.  All our expeditions are we supplied with plentifully potions of healing and healing salves, since we actually produce a respectable quantity here on the farm.

“The jungle is vast.  Travel south for five hundred miles and you will still be in jungle.  Travel east or west for 100 miles of jungle to reach the shoreline.  I use magic when I travel through the jungle, flying invisible and silent on my broom.  This allows me to patrol a wide area quickly and safely, and I will be flying a regular search pattern 15 miles away at the furthest, so I should be fine. I need you guys to stay here and make sure the delivery goes through though.  Uncle Ningle will ride with you on delivery day, even if I am back, but I don’t want you to wait for me.”

Brother Maynard will thank Kimo for the opportunity to serve and for the month’s pay. He will also relocate his possessions to the loft and pick out a bunk for himself, preferably a lower bunk.

To the others: “I think it would be a good idea for us to go back to town and locate the stall/business of this Wakanda O’tamu. And perhaps two or more paths of ingress and egress, in case things get sticky while going or coming. I have lived in Port Nyanzaru for some time but I am not overly familiar with the Merchant’s Ward. Uncle Ningle might know the way but each of us should be comfortable navigating the streets, in case we get separated from each other.”

Brother Maynard continues, “If we go yet today, perhaps we can enjoy the comforts of an inn overnight and enjoy a more cosmopolitan meal and an overstuffed bed and luxurious bath. I, personally, would like to take some time tomorrow to pray at the Lathanderian Temple and make an offering, but you all can do as you wish. We can then meet up at a designated time and location to return here before sunset tomorrow. How does that sound?”

Brother Maynard will also seek out either Kimo or Uncle Ningle to inquire if we should purchase insect repellent salve while we're in town. Or do we have all we need already here?

Marcel is happy to recieve is due rewards, he takes the gold and the health potion.

To Maynard:" Master Maynard, I'll go with you. Good time to get to discover the city, meet my friend and get some good food." He will spend 2 gp on dailly lifestyle while on the city, plus extra expenses. "Can we go to that merchant first? I need to buy some gear for our mission."

Marcel when in the city, will try also to setup a meeting with Rin. She is a young lady human sailor. She has cropped, braided, red hair and brown eyes. She has smooth fair skin. She stands 5'6" feet tall and has a muscular build, oval, slightly  beautiful face, missing her left eye. She should be working bodyguard duty for merchants on the city, if possible the meeting should be in the inn. Marcel buys her a present before hand, a book about adventure. She likes those...

Rain thanks Master Kimo for her payment. She also moves her belongings such as her chain mail to the barn, picking out a top bunk. Once settled, she asks Jiali and Otwin, "Shall we three travel together into the city? I like Brother Maynard's idea of finding an inn for one night, just as a change of pace." Rain would like to 1) Find a comfortable inn (2gp), 2) Explore the Merchant's Ward, looking for Wakanda O'tamu's place of business, possible routes to and from there, and places where an ambush could be laid by possible enemies, 3) Keep an eye out for shrines to any deities, and 4) Shop for some supplies (extra waterskin - 2sp, a couple of signal whistles - 5cp each, some traveler's cloths in the Chultan style - 2gp, a bag of caltrops - 1gp).

(Investigation check for exploring the Merchant's Ward: 8)

Assuming Jiali and Otwin do join Rain and come shopping with her, she says, "I thought maybe if a couple of us could have these whistles, in case we need to signal each other somehow. And what do you think about getting a flask of holy water? It's expensive (25gp), but with all these undead about, it could certainly be useful. Would either of you be willing to chip in for it?"

If she notices any shrines or temples, she goes on her own to talk to anyone who might be working or praying there. She respects Lathander, but is seeking to learn more about her options. She is especially interested in learning more about any deities that would help her understand the wild side of her nature. (Investigation check to find shrines or temples: 13)

If she sees any other Tabaxi, she is surprised and completely uncertain what to do. She has not seen many in her life, having been raised by the human Nandar family. She would be intensely curious, but afraid to initiate conversation. She would try to observe them and only speak to them if circumstances require it.

(To be fit in sometime while in Nyanzaru)

Maynard makes his way to the temple gates and greets the acolytes who were cleaning the entryway. A month ago, he was performing these duties. "Greetings Marcus", Maynard says to the one acolyte he recognized. "Who is the new Awakened?"

It took Marcus a moment to recognize Maynard. A month of outdoor living had weathered the features of the "old" man and he had definitely lost some weight and of course not being in the vestments certainly put Marcus at a disadvantage.

Marcus replied, "Jeline. She has been with us three weeks now."

"Well met, Jeline. May Lathander's light be upon you." Maynard turns to Marcus again. "Is my old friend Percival here today or is he on errands?"

Marcus says, "Oh he's here somewhere. It is good to see you but we must get back to devotions. Welcome home." There was a definite rise in the tone at the speaking of the word "home", not quite a question but almost.

Maynard smiled and turned without comment and entered the grounds with an appreciative eye on the well manicured lawns and beautiful edifaces. In almost no time he saw his friend.

"Master Kimo, I heard that you own quite a collection of books. Would you ...uhm.... would you maybe allow me to read some of them? There is so much I'd like to know about this island."

When Rain asks about the trip to the city, Jiali gives her a big smile, surprise that somebody invite her to join.

"I'd be happy to join you Rain, I have some business to take care of in town anyways" Jiali replies to Rains offer to go together. "Just give me a few minutes to prepare something before I go."

Jiali would then retreat to finally try the spell she was working on for some time now. She prepares all the necessary ingredients and starts a rhythmic chant accompanied with complicated motions as she casts find familiar as a Ritual. She is delighted when she ends the ritual with a last gesture and a Medium sized magpie appears in front of her. 

"Ha, I knew it would work. Hello there my pretty friend. I guess we will have a lot of fun together."

The bird however looks at her for a second and then escapes into the sky.

In the town, Jiali would deliver her 5gp members membership fee to the merchant guild but join Rain in the Inn instead of spending the night in one of the guild apartments. She will try to memorize the way to Wakanda Otamu's place and possible alternatives in case of an emergency. Otherwise, she will just dive into the burning markets of this town unknown to her so far. Browsing thru Shops and booths in the market district to see what goods are offered that might be worth will to ship and sell elsewhere. She will also try to find a shop for arcane supplies and will buy the ingredients for the spell she supposedly failed to get right. If she finds one that also offers books or other interesting items she will spend some time studying them, maybe she'll come back and buy some as soon as she has more coin.

Marcel when shopping in the city, in the Merchant's Ward, with Rain, will buy:

• 2 signal whistle's (5 cp each);
• a cylindrical case with a map of Chult (1gp);
• blank map sheets a half a dozen of them for remarks (12 sp );
• 10 flasks of oil (1 sp each);
• cartographer's tools (15 gp);
• Chultan traveler's clothes (2 gp);

He buys these for 24 gp and 2 sp. He try's too see if there's anybook about adventure story's in the store.

Perception: 5

He he finds one he will try to haggle the price of the book, because this shopping spree left his pocket a bit dry, but necessary for the job. When all deals are done, he will join Maynard on the inn. Good food, a nice bath, and some new world music is all he can think to try and relax for this day's. He awaits for Rin to come to the inn, after  sending a messenger to inform her (price for the Dm to say (2 cp per mile)). While at the inn, Marcel will try to get some knowledge about the city and it's people. Making connections outside the farm seems a good idea to him.

Charisma check: 5

You all remember Kimo saying that you will be treated well at the Thundering Lizard, which is the Inn directly across from the old warehouse and storefront in the market right on the border of the harbor ward.  It is known to be a lively drinking house as well as an inn, and a good place to hear rumors.  The place is always full of drunken sailors and tourists, mostly humans, halflings, and dwarves.  Lot’s of good food and decent drink.  Rumors fly about the Red Wizards of Thay being seen fleetingly around Chult, and also in the jungle.  Rumors also fly about the dark successes of the Zhentarim and their business of hired mercenaries.  There are obviously no Zhentarim at the Thundering Lizard.

You also remember Kimo saying the he is well known at the temple of Savras, God of Divination, which happens to be right around the corner from the Villa of Merchant Prince Wakanga O’tamu. You will be given a private room for study, contemplation or rest if you are willing to venerate the altar briefly with Grandfather Zitembe, an old friend and head priest of the temple.

(Rewind - although Maynard would still like to fit in a visit to his own temple to ask for holy water per post#206)

While approaching Nyanzaru, Brother Maynard will volunteer, “After we find our way to Wakanda’s place, if you all think it best, we can split up and I will visit the temple of Savras. Savras is a worthy god and I know the head of my order, the High Dawnlord, has known Grandfather Zitembe for years. I am willing to forego the drinks and softer bed if it means I can find out more to help us on our missions. If I finish early, I will join you at the Thundering Lizard yet this evening. But don’t wait up for me. Tomorrow I wish to revisit my own temple and then we can meet up well before dusk to travel back to Kimo’s. Shall we say, meet at the gate three hours before sunset tomorrow?”

"Brother Maynard, I would like to join you in visiting the temple of Savras. I may not spend the evening there, but I would like to learn about the various deities that are followed here in Chult," says Rain. When they meet with Grandfather Zitembe, she asks him questions about Savras, about his interests and powers, about the work of his followers.

Port Nyanzaru is undoubtedly a stimulating town, and it is common to see tourists wandering around the streets in a daze of wonder.  Smooth stucco walls are whitewashed or brightly colored, a pleasant sea breeze blows through the cobblestone streets, and vendors invite customers from every doorway along the main streets.  There is an amazing diversity to the visitors walking the streets of Port Nyanzaru, but the locals are almost all dark skinned humans, dressing with bright colors and wearing sandals.

You all grow familiar with your delivery route and spread a little goodwill throughout the neighborhood.  You notice that Port Nyanzaru is very overpriced along the main streets, but you can find reasonable priced stores if you hunt for them.  

Make a DC 10 Wisdom Check or spend all the coins in your purse during your visit, on you know, stuff...(Hopefully, you didn’t bring too many coins with you into town.)

Kimo doesn’t come back out of the jungle on time.  Uncle Ningle, the spry gnome with a bald head and long white beard, informs you on the morning of the delivery, and tells you not to worry, just go on with the delivery.  Ningle drives the wagon, and you can ride or walk as you please.  The delivery goes smoothly to Wakanga, who engages Ningle with some playful banter.  Ningle, introduces you all to Wakanga, for the purposes of making future deliveries, which are expected every 10 days.

Back on the farm, Ningle seems to be in charge, checking in on your comfort in the barn loft, and ordering Bongo around on various errands.  He tells you that until Kimo returns, he needs two people to patrol the perimeter of the farm on regular intervals with their hadrosaurus, until further notice.  Divide up your shifts.  Those not on guard duty are free to do whatever they want, except on the day before delivery day, when you should be getting ready for the trip into town.  He also assigns everyone their own hadrosaurs for the purposes of carrying supplies.  Everyone is expected to give their hadrosaurs a name...

Uncle Ningle offers Jiali a book on the local history and legends.  Bongo and his crew continue to offer riding training and also acrobatics training.  It starts to become apparent that Bongo and his crew are training some of the hadrosaurs for racing,  as they put a few of the creatures through a daily workout around the perimeter of the farm.

Ten days pass and still Kimo has not come back out of the jungle.  Ningle tells you not to worry, but asks you to make the delivery on your own.  It goes smoothly.  Time passes.  It’s not a bad life.  You are earning 2 gold pieces per day, provided your benefactor returns from the jungle to pay you.  You have some free time, and you can go where you want.  As long as you are careful with your money you can spend a lot of time cruising Port Nyanzaru.

You are welcome at the house of the Merchant Prince Wakanga, provided you have some business.  You are also made familiar with the clergy of two nearby temples, the temple of Savras and the temple of Gond.  Ningle is apparently good friends with everyone at the temple of Gond, a society of engineers and craftsmen.   Also nearby, the temple of Sune opens their gates to everyone, and gives lessons on how to wear your clothes in a stylish fashion.

Wisdom Check: 20

During patrols, Brother Maynard will cast Detect Poison and Disease frequently so that he can become familiar with the types of poisons and or diseases he might encounter in the jungle. If any are detected he will seek counsel from Ningle, Bongo, or research during his trips to the city to fashion or acquire cures.

Brother Maynard will name his hadrosaur, Dawn Ald (the duck-billed dinosaur).

Wisdow Check: 3

 Marcel spends all the remaining coin haggling a book to offer Rin. With no more money after that, he goes back to the farm to resume dutys.

He name's is hadrosaur, Billy. Billy seems docile. Smells funy to Marcel, but it get's better.

Marcel likes the idea of racing, and he wants in on the chase. Also he would like to continue the training that the dwarfs offer.

Uncle Ningle, the friendly old gnome with the bald head, tells you that he is in charge of the local business operations for Kimo while he is in the jungle.  Kimo will be in the jungle for the next few months fortifying the line of wards that protect the peninsula from undead.  Kimo will be needing a delivery of some specialized supplies delivered in bulk to Camp Righteous within 30 days.

Uncle Ningle tells you that he will be preparing the shipment, and for you to prepare yourself to make the journey by canoe.  Plan for the trip to take 10 days, canoe to camp Righteous, deliver the supplies, and return.

Ningle tells you that deliveries still need to be made to Wakanga every 10 days, but we can deliver a double shipment right before we leave, and that will satisfy Wakanga if we are late.

On your third delivery to Wakanga, anyone who is watching and succeeds on a DC 10 Perception check notices that you are being watched at several points along your delivery route. DC 15 Perception check to notice a snakelike quality to the watchers around the eyes, perhaps it is just makeup.

Uncle Ningle gives you each another purse of gold (60 gp)to signify the month of work you just completed, and tells you to make sure you get whatever supplies you need before you blow everything on entertainment.

Brother Maynard will ask Uncle Ningle,

"If you have time, can you please review my inventory and make any suggestions as to what I might need? How much will it cost to acquire some insect repellent and maybe more potions of healing?"

Jiali took all her money on the trip to town. She never liked to leave her coin behind and the incident with those pirates did not help with that either.

Wisdom check: 9

(I'm assuming that she'd buy the stuff she wanted first and then spends the rest of the money on random stuff, correct me if i'm wrong)

Back in the camp, Jiali takes joy in the training with the lizards and she endures the physical training. Acrobatics has never been her thing but she does want to impress their employer. She thanks Nigle for the book and spends her remaining time reading it. Knowledge about peoples history and culture  is always good for a merchant.

It was on a trip to town when she saw the magpie again. And it returned the day after that, watching her from a farm building, and then it was sitting beside her bunk when she woke up in the next morning and she realized that there was some kind of connects on between them, that she could communicate with it. She named him (she was sure the bird was a 'him') Jalak.

Spealing of names, Jiali names her Lizard creature Bradu, because the lizards skin reminded her of her Grandfather.

During the last trip to Wakanga, Jiali keeps her eyes open as always.

Perception 20

Wisdom check: 14

Perception check: 11

Rain visits the temples of Gond and Sune, just to see what they are about. She finds both the crafting and fashion interesting, but it isn't really what she is looking for. She has spent plenty of time around the workings of civilization. Dissatisfied but unsure where to find what she is looking for, she blows 10gp on an expensive bottle of wine (shared with any of the party who happens to be with her in town). At one point or another, she tries to find opportunities to ask the others what they know about any dieties of the wild.

She enjoys the delivery runs, feeling useful and active. Although she is becoming more comfortable with the route, she is alert enough to notice some people who seem to be paying a bit too much attention to their progress. She asks the others, "Do you all see those people? I don't like how they are watching us." She makes sure that her weapon is ready and obvious.

Back on the farm, Rain spends a good amount of time with her hadrosaur which she names Beko. (Animal Handling: 11)

It takes them a long time to see eye to eye, but eventually they come to an understanding and learn to work together.

Rain is excited to learn about the upcoming canoe trip. She buys some fishing tackle (1gp), a crowbar (2gp), a healer's kit (5gp), a hunting trap (5gp), some manacles (2gp), 2 flasks of oil (2sp), an extra 50 feet of hempen rope (1gp), a grappling hook (2gp), and a whetstone (1cp). She also buys a sack to carry some of her belongings in (1cp).

Rain asks Uncle Ningle, "Will we need to provide our own tents and food for this canoe trip? I don't mind."

If needed, she will buy a 2-person tent (2gp) and she will try to find some higher quality rations than normal, even if requires paying double. (10 days of rations at twice the regular price for 10gp) She will ask Jiali if she wants to share a tent on the trip.

Perception: 9

Marcel notices the shadows along the way but keeps calm and hand on the axe just in case.

He recieves the gold and prepares for the jorney ahead. 10 days of ration for 5 gold. Also a grapling hook for the rope (2gp), for climbling trees to not sleep on the ground in case of roaming zombies. Also 10 flasks of oil in case of need for the torches or burning zombies.

Jiali happily accepts Rain's offer to share the tent. 

She will buy a hooded lantern, three flasks of oil, another piece of incence for her spells (10gp), a small mirror and 5 candles.