((you notice them roar out when Azaka falls one of them, and they seem very irritated at the centipedes right now and don't look to be slowing or leaving at this moment))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Evo, you notice many different species of birds flap away as the tussle goes on, and you see some larger animals like some monkeys and some other interesting tree-dwellers skitter when the dino falls dead. Nothing seems to be coming to the encounter. Everything you see seems to be scared and escaping the scene.
Ok, so with the centipedes ordered to dash away, the dinos would follow them as they've already ascertained that they won't be able to reach any of you where you are. Then, the centipedes do in fact climb up into the canopy with the dash, and now they along with the entire party is unreachable.
Combat can be stopped now as the dinos would fuss around for a bit trying to get to some of the centipedes and some of the party members, but after maybe 15 minutes max they'd eventually leave. You'd notice that they'd show sadness when leaving as they all gently rub their head a few times over the fallen one. It has Azaka's arrow stuck in it along with some pretty gnarly gashes from the pincers of the fey centipedes.
If everyone is ok with combat being over and the dinos leaving (totally happy to continue the fight though. Azaka will definitely keep shooting should Gotur send the centipedes back down.) Eku would fly down to the dino, change to human form, take the arrow out of it and then say "Gotur, you've powerful magic. While this creatures death was not necessary, I understand the situation at hand seemed dire. I shall explain these creatures hunting habits more clearly should we encounter more. We were perfectly safe and they would've left us alone in mere moments once they realized we were a waste of their time." then she looks at Azaka and says "Nice shot. Are you good now, Azaka? Honestly....."and she sighs and remains in human form. Azaka does not respond. But she's satisfied and thinking about how nice of a shot that indeed was.
She would not speak of the magic she used to read the surface thoughts of Gotur and Alton.
Ok, that was day 30 - there were no other encounters on this day. Again, happy to continue that fight, just let me know.
You could also still make survival checks if you will be foraging on this day, and let me know specifically what you might be looking for. Otherwise it will be random.
DAY 31 - 8:30AM
The Chult map has been updated with previous day's travel (the one hex)
Direction: Southeast, staying in the lesser undead section on the map. Back to the 2 hexes a day with fast travel since we are past the canyon. We are getting close to Omu!
Speed: Fast
Navigator: P'Lip
Encounter Checks: 14 / 9318 / 774 / 59
Everyone please use 1 insect salve if required.
Please make any survival checks if you will be foraging on this day, and let me know specifically what you might be looking for. Otherwise it will be random.
**Ok, we've got one encounter in the morning again. Stay tuned and thanks for your patience!
Azaka would explain that this type of dinosaur meat could be eaten!
Ok, as the party starts to travel on the 31st day, in the morning P'lip notices numerous bones scattered about. As the party gets closer, upon further inspection you notice 11 full skeletons laying on the jungle floor, fully armed and starting to slowly animate as the party gets closer...
This encounter is a total wash as the party would make quick work of the skeletons. Feel free to RP any cool attacks if you'd like, and/or if you want to do something with the skeletons, and also each one has the standard skeleton gear if you want to loot them. Otherwise, time for the next day!
The encounter:
Skeletons. The characters come across 3d6 skeletons. If the encounter occurs while the party is traveling, the skeletons are either lying on the ground or buried under it, ready to spring up when wayward explorers pass by. If the party is camped, the skeletons wander into the camp and attack.
DAY 32 - 8:30AM
The Chult map has been updated with previous day's travel.
Direction: Southeast, staying in the lesser undead section on the map. 1 more day of fast travel plus 1 day of regular travel and the party will be arriving at Omu.
Speed: Fast
Navigator: P'Lip
Encounter Checks: 19 / 9819 / 321 / 36
Everyone please use 1 insect salve if required.
Please make any survival checks if you will be foraging on this day, and let me know specifically what you might be looking for. Otherwise it will be random.
* two encounters today. One in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Stay tuned.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Azaka would also join in the skeleton smashing, using their heads as targets with her longbow shooting alongside P'lip. Eku would hover over the party and then swoop down and brisk her wings over each member of the party with cure wounds if needed as they take out the skeletons. They would both help Evo gather up the remains as well.
Ok, in the morning of the 32'nd day, P'lip you spot them. 3 serpent-like humanoids. They are shown below. In this particular encounter, if the party were to get anywhere near them, you'd notice that they all transform into snakes and then vanish into the jungle. Eku would say "Hmmmm. We are getting close to Omu. I fear we will see more of them as we approach. Guards maybe. We should take care." Along with the wicked looking scimitar, each of the creatures also had longbows. They seemed to have no desire to engage the party and they basically morphed into snakes and took off a few seconds after P'Lip spotted them and was able to show the party. There was no chance to engage.
Azaka remembers the naga and the dragon faerie and sighs and just says "Snake people."
Nothing else happens in the morning, and the party is able to get a nice lunch as well as they continue into the afternoon travel.
In the afternoon, the party comes across a tribe of goblins. This is going to be another wash, so I won't get into the details.
The goblin party consists of a goblin boss leading 2d6 + 3 goblins, all wearing painted wooden masks. They try an ambush, and it fails because P'Lip, Evo and Gotur all notice. Alton initially doesn't, but it matters not. They are no match.
The party will make short work of these goblins!
Eku would say "These beings simply have been shown the wrong path." as she helps with the defense of the party helping when needed with the fight. Azaka would be having a field day again in the battle and is now getting her fix in for sure!
Ok, that is it for day 32.
I will move things along tomorrow! There is only 1 more day of travel before the party reaches Omu.
After I do the last day's travel encounter rolls and we finish that up, I will give a complete run down on Omu like what you can see from the outskirts and anything else that Azaka and Eku might say.
So, I will get to the last day of travel (day 33) and then kick off day 34 with Omu info and arrival all as soon as I can!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Evo, you grab one of the masks. Eku would've detected magic on it as you grabbed it (if you wanted her to), and she does not sense that it is magical. However, you notice that it is set with nine gemstones (transparent pale blue gemstones) which seem like they might be worth some coin.
None of the other masks have these gemstones, just the one that Evo got. Eku would also check all of the other masks and confirm that the rest are non-magical.
((Oops! I made an error. Thank you Spider - those snake people's equipment does not absorb. You would've noticed all of their gear on the ground. Scimitars and longbows. One thing about Azaka, while she doesn't absorb her gear, she can still use her weapons etc. when in that hybrid form, right? Seems so from the picture in the stat block. Just not when in tiger form and at that point is when her equipment would drop to the ground, yes? Thanks for this reminder about all of this. The snake people seem to not care that they dropped their weapons. They were more focused on escaping. I'll go with that as a cover up to my mistake. haha))
DAY 33 - 8:30AM
The Chult map has been updated with previous day's travel.
Direction: Southeast, staying in the lesser undead section on the map.
Speed: Normal. The party will arrive at Omu today around 6:00pm.
Navigator: P'Lip
Encounter Checks (only 2): 18 / 433 / 80
Everyone please use 1 insect salve if required.
**OK, no encounters on this last day of travel. I think I am going to pause here until I get back from vacation as it seems like the perfect time to take a break. I will recap everything along with the Omu kickoff post once I get back in a week. Thanks everyone!!**
Here's a recap of the main storyline from what your characters know and what the guides have told you to get us all back into the game.
Syndra Silvane is withering away. When she consulted priests, Syn learned that her affliction was widespread and that no spell could cure it. She spoke to her friends who determined the source of the affliction: an ungodly necromantic device called the Soulmonger. She doesn't know much about the Soulmonger other than its name and general whereabouts: the lost city of Omu.
Specifically, here's more about what you've found out about the curse:
Any humanoid on the planet that has been brought back from the dead begins to waste away. The timeframes it takes to happen varies by person. (you don't know how long Syn has left...)
If a humanoid dies anywhere on the planet, its soul becomes trapped inside the Soulmonger. Because of this, any spell that breathes life into the dead automatically fails if cast on a humanoid because their soul is essentially trapped in the Soulmonger.
I know we've done a lot of other things during the travels, but I just wanted to highlight the main jist of why the party is here. Let me know if I missed anything.
Alright, the sun is about to start its descent into the horizon. Eku says "Friends. We've arrived."Azaka remains quiet and just takes it all in. Neither of them have actually been here before, but they've heard stories, most of which really did it no justice once they see it for themselves. Let's assume the party basically walks around the entire perimeter of the city so they can get a better idea of how everything is situated.
Azaka is now in sheer awe of what she sees.
Omu lies in a basin hidden in the depths of the rainforest, surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs. The jungle parts to reveal a dead city enclosed by sheer cliffs. Ruined buildings and stone boulevards rise like ghosts from the floor of the misty basin. Colorful birds glide overhead. A waterfall pours into the basin, creating a swollen river that floods much of the city before draining into a deep rift filled with molten lava. A ruined palace lies a few hundred feet from the edge of the steaming abyss.
Please see the new 'Omu 1' tab on our google sheet to see the visual of the city.
The cliffs surrounding Omu are 100–150 feet high and composed of crumbling rock. Thick jungle hugs the clifftops, with ferns, orchids, and moss spilling over the edges. Every 100 feet or so, vine-draped winged creatures which Eku would confirm are gargoyles are perched.
One or more of you might get a look at some of their faces, and you notice that they are all the same.
They all have the face of a devil, with their mouths agape in a silent scream.
They just continue to watch you and do not seem hostile towards you.
There are two main routes which lead into Omu. To the northeast, a river snakes down from the foothills of a mountain and flushes into the city through a canyon. The second access point is a staircase to the southwest. Both of these locations can be seen on the new map.
Eku and Azaka would be up for going in via the main staircase to the southwest. Azaka would joke "kind of like knocking on the front door, right?!"Eku would grin but then quickly go back to her serious face, always looking around for potential ambushes. She thinks there will be more of the snake people especially as the party descends into the city. Eku says "there will likely be more of the yuan-ti to greet us should we go that way. We should proceed with caution either way."
Ras Nsi is here somewhere, after all, so it'd only make sense. Maybe he will also be the key to finding the soul monger as previously discussed.
From what the guardian naga that the party visited earlier in the adventure has told you along with what you've heard from the guides and faerie dragon, also lurking in the heart of Chult is Ras Nsi, a mythic, villainous figure among Chultans. Ras Nsi was a human paladin and a sworn protector of the city of Mezro. He betrayed his oaths and was banished. Rather than redeem himself, he raised an undead army to conquer Mezro. The would-be tyrant was defeated and banished once more. Mezro was later destroyed, during which Ras Nsi lost his power to create and command undead. He withdrew to the city of Omu, leaving the vestiges of his undead army to roam unchecked throughout the jungle.
Here are some more details specifically about Omu that Eku and Azaka would've told you probably a few days before you arrived. They don't know much but they are aware of some historical things about this place that are kind of common knowledge amongst chultuns. Perhaps the guardian naga also would've told you some of these details. Either way, you are aware of the following, specific to Omu:
(sorry if this is repeated previously in our game. I think also I only missed one bit of data. Anyway, check it out:)
Omu Chronological History ->
Forbidden City Omu was once a jewel in Chult’s crown. Built over rich mineral veins, the city garnered wealth in abundance. Omuan jewelry was coveted far and wide, and the city’s merchants grew fat on commerce. To enter Omu, it was said, was to enter the gates of paradise itself. Such wealth brought greed. Omu’s hunger for slaves made her rulers demand ever greater tribute from their neighbors. When their vassals couldn’t pay in flesh, they paid in blood. Omu’s feared legions marched across Chult.
The Omuans’ greed and hubris angered the god Ubtao, causing him to turn his back on Omu two hundred years ago — long before he abandoned the rest of Chult. Omu’s clerics lost their spells, and the city fell to sickness and disease. Slave uprisings wracked Omu, and its nobles fled in droves. Maps showing Omu’s location were destroyed, and its coins were melted down and reminted. Fallen from grace, Omu became known as the Forbidden City.
Nine Trickster Gods (this is one piece that I'm pretty sure I didn't tell you about. It would've for sure been told by Eku and Azaka and likely the naga, too.) With Ubtao gone, primal spirits arose from the rainforest to bewitch the few remaining Omuans. They disguised themselves as jungle creatures and promised great power in return for devotion. Desperate for redemption, the Omuans tore down their temple to Ubtao and raised shrines to these nine trickster gods.
The new deities were divisive and often cruel. Too weak to grant miracles to every follower, they concocted elaborate trials to winnow the clergy. On holy days, the mettle of aspirant priests was tested in their nine shrines, with deadly consequences for failure. The trials provided entertainment for the degenerate Omuans and fed their weakling gods with much-needed sacrifices.
For many years, the city folk lived by the mantras of their trickster gods. They built statues in their names and schemed against each other to assert their chosen god’s dominance. Omu’s glorious past was lost, but its people endured.
Alas, not for long.
Fall of Omu Omu’s bloody trials suddenly stopped. The trickster gods were somehow slewn, as the story goes. No one has any specific information about this piece, only speculation that it was Ras Nsi.
The jungle then reclaimed Omu, and it fell into ruin.
Rise of Ras Nsi (this bit was told to you by the guardian naga) A brood of yuan-ti slithered into Omu and made it their new home. They built an underground temple beneath the old palace and patiently waited for their god, Dendar the Night Serpent, to come forth and swallow the world. Earthquakes shook Omu and cracked it open like a fig, causing the river to burst its banks. Chance spared the yuan-ti temple from destruction, but scores of yuan-ti died, including their leader.
The evil warlord Ras Nsi, who had raised an army of undead to wage war on the holy city of Mezro, only to suffer a terrible defeat, arrived in Omu shortly after the yuan-ti. Ras Nsi wormed his way into the yuan-ti’s favor and underwent a ritual to transform into a malison. Before long, he became their ruler. Today, beneath the cracked and broken streets of Omu, Ras Nsi holds sway and plots to bring Dendar the Night Serpent into the world, sealing its doom.
SO - From what you've uncovered so far about Omu and its history and current happenings in Chult, it appears that the soulmonger and Ras Nsi are somehow connected. Although perhaps there is something more to all of this?
Wow. I just dumped a ton of info there. Please let me know if it all makes sense. Specifically, the main story line and what you've figured out so far and what has been presented so far. If not, let me know and I will clear it up without giving away things that I'm keeping secret on purpose.
((Yeah, as of right now, Ras Nsi is kind of the 'obvious' suspect given what the party knows and has learned from their specific travel path and who they've talked to etc. Ras Nsi is in Omu. The Soulmonger is in Omu. Ras Nsi has plans to end the world. The soulmonger seems like a good end of the world tool. It would all seem like a solid possibility anyway.))
Ok, the party heads down the stairs towards the lost city of Omu. I have updated the Omu tab with a red circle on the main map corresponding to the section that you're in and will keep updating as we proceed along with a zoomed in section to the right. Some parts of the map have things to do, others do not, so if you have an interest in checking a specific section as we move through, just RP it and if it's nothing I will RP it back. Also, I figured I may as well uncover this entire map as the party did circle the entire city perimeter before deciding to head down the stairs, so you all are aware of its general setup.
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.
Should one of you (Azaka would've eventually checked) enter the guardhouse, you'd see that much of the interior has collapsed into rubble. 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. Everything is written in common.
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 = ?
Eku would say "Hmmm... we should keep our wits about us as it seems there will be challenges of the mind that await us."
Azaka would say "Well... at least it mentions Ras Nsi?"and she shrugs her shoulders.
There is nothing else of interest in any of the other buildings in that red circle on the map.
So - it would seem on the map that there's 2 ways to proceed. 1 being through the main gate heading north, and 2. heading east more towards that lava and into the city to the east of the main gates. I've added the red lines to show the ways.
Which way is next??
Azaka and Eku would say to go through the main gates. "Seems the safest."Azaka would say.
Oh, Eku is in her flying couatl form, and Azaka is in her humanoid form.
((you notice them roar out when Azaka falls one of them, and they seem very irritated at the centipedes right now and don't look to be slowing or leaving at this moment))
Yes, Phillip keeps watch. Right now he’s only interested if any of the party look to be in danger.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Yep, same for Alton as well. Or in the case that things seem to be going downhill for the centipedes, he will also begin to shoot.
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
"Lead 'em on a chase!", Gotur calls down to his centipedes.
They skitter dash away, getting up and clambering through canopy if possible.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Evo looks around to see what kind of attention this encounter is bringing now that he has a raised vantage point.
Perception: 25
Evo, you notice many different species of birds flap away as the tussle goes on, and you see some larger animals like some monkeys and some other interesting tree-dwellers skitter when the dino falls dead. Nothing seems to be coming to the encounter. Everything you see seems to be scared and escaping the scene.
Ok, so with the centipedes ordered to dash away, the dinos would follow them as they've already ascertained that they won't be able to reach any of you where you are. Then, the centipedes do in fact climb up into the canopy with the dash, and now they along with the entire party is unreachable.
Combat can be stopped now as the dinos would fuss around for a bit trying to get to some of the centipedes and some of the party members, but after maybe 15 minutes max they'd eventually leave. You'd notice that they'd show sadness when leaving as they all gently rub their head a few times over the fallen one. It has Azaka's arrow stuck in it along with some pretty gnarly gashes from the pincers of the fey centipedes.
If everyone is ok with combat being over and the dinos leaving (totally happy to continue the fight though. Azaka will definitely keep shooting should Gotur send the centipedes back down.) Eku would fly down to the dino, change to human form, take the arrow out of it and then say "Gotur, you've powerful magic. While this creatures death was not necessary, I understand the situation at hand seemed dire. I shall explain these creatures hunting habits more clearly should we encounter more. We were perfectly safe and they would've left us alone in mere moments once they realized we were a waste of their time." then she looks at Azaka and says "Nice shot. Are you good now, Azaka? Honestly....." and she sighs and remains in human form. Azaka does not respond. But she's satisfied and thinking about how nice of a shot that indeed was.
She would not speak of the magic she used to read the surface thoughts of Gotur and Alton.
Ok, that was day 30 - there were no other encounters on this day. Again, happy to continue that fight, just let me know.
You could also still make survival checks if you will be foraging on this day, and let me know specifically what you might be looking for. Otherwise it will be random.
DAY 31 - 8:30AM
The Chult map has been updated with previous day's travel (the one hex)
Direction: Southeast, staying in the lesser undead section on the map. Back to the 2 hexes a day with fast travel since we are past the canyon. We are getting close to Omu!
Speed: Fast
Navigator: P'Lip
Encounter Checks: 14 / 93 18 / 77 4 / 59
Everyone please use 1 insect salve if required.
Please make any survival checks if you will be foraging on this day, and let me know specifically what you might be looking for. Otherwise it will be random.
**Ok, we've got one encounter in the morning again. Stay tuned and thanks for your patience!
((Evo is happy to move on.))
"Can we eat the dino? Seems a waste let'm lay."
Azaka would explain that this type of dinosaur meat could be eaten!
Ok, as the party starts to travel on the 31st day, in the morning P'lip notices numerous bones scattered about. As the party gets closer, upon further inspection you notice 11 full skeletons laying on the jungle floor, fully armed and starting to slowly animate as the party gets closer...
This encounter is a total wash as the party would make quick work of the skeletons. Feel free to RP any cool attacks if you'd like, and/or if you want to do something with the skeletons, and also each one has the standard skeleton gear if you want to loot them. Otherwise, time for the next day!
The encounter:
Skeletons. The characters come across 3d6 skeletons. If the encounter occurs while the party is traveling, the skeletons are either lying on the ground or buried under it, ready to spring up when wayward explorers pass by. If the party is camped, the skeletons wander into the camp and attack.
DAY 32 - 8:30AM
The Chult map has been updated with previous day's travel.
Direction: Southeast, staying in the lesser undead section on the map. 1 more day of fast travel plus 1 day of regular travel and the party will be arriving at Omu.
Speed: Fast
Navigator: P'Lip
Encounter Checks: 19 / 98 19 / 32 1 / 36
Everyone please use 1 insect salve if required.
Please make any survival checks if you will be foraging on this day, and let me know specifically what you might be looking for. Otherwise it will be random.
* two encounters today. One in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Stay tuned.
Phillip enjoys thrashing the skeletons, and fills up on arrows from their quivers. Aside from that, he’s happy to keep moving…
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Evo will join in the skeleton smashing grimly and moving to cast destroy undead when he can get the most of them.
He will try to gather up the bones that are left and say a few words over them before incinerating them with sacred flame.
Azaka would also join in the skeleton smashing, using their heads as targets with her longbow shooting alongside P'lip. Eku would hover over the party and then swoop down and brisk her wings over each member of the party with cure wounds if needed as they take out the skeletons. They would both help Evo gather up the remains as well.
Ok, in the morning of the 32'nd day, P'lip you spot them. 3 serpent-like humanoids. They are shown below. In this particular encounter, if the party were to get anywhere near them, you'd notice that they all transform into snakes and then vanish into the jungle. Eku would say "Hmmmm. We are getting close to Omu. I fear we will see more of them as we approach. Guards maybe. We should take care." Along with the wicked looking scimitar, each of the creatures also had longbows. They seemed to have no desire to engage the party and they basically morphed into snakes and took off a few seconds after P'Lip spotted them and was able to show the party. There was no chance to engage.
Azaka remembers the naga and the dragon faerie and sighs and just says "Snake people."
Nothing else happens in the morning, and the party is able to get a nice lunch as well as they continue into the afternoon travel.
In the afternoon, the party comes across a tribe of goblins. This is going to be another wash, so I won't get into the details.
The goblin party consists of a goblin boss leading 2d6 + 3 goblins, all wearing painted wooden masks. They try an ambush, and it fails because P'Lip, Evo and Gotur all notice. Alton initially doesn't, but it matters not. They are no match.
The party will make short work of these goblins!
Eku would say "These beings simply have been shown the wrong path." as she helps with the defense of the party helping when needed with the fight. Azaka would be having a field day again in the battle and is now getting her fix in for sure!
Ok, that is it for day 32.
I will move things along tomorrow! There is only 1 more day of travel before the party reaches Omu.
After I do the last day's travel encounter rolls and we finish that up, I will give a complete run down on Omu like what you can see from the outskirts and anything else that Azaka and Eku might say.
So, I will get to the last day of travel (day 33) and then kick off day 34 with Omu info and arrival all as soon as I can!
Thanks
Evo would grab one of those goblin masks!
"Huh, I guess their shape changing is more like what Eku and I do than what you do Azaka. Able to absorb their gear as they shift."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Evo, you grab one of the masks. Eku would've detected magic on it as you grabbed it (if you wanted her to), and she does not sense that it is magical. However, you notice that it is set with nine gemstones (transparent pale blue gemstones) which seem like they might be worth some coin.
None of the other masks have these gemstones, just the one that Evo got. Eku would also check all of the other masks and confirm that the rest are non-magical.
((Oops! I made an error. Thank you Spider - those snake people's equipment does not absorb. You would've noticed all of their gear on the ground. Scimitars and longbows. One thing about Azaka, while she doesn't absorb her gear, she can still use her weapons etc. when in that hybrid form, right? Seems so from the picture in the stat block. Just not when in tiger form and at that point is when her equipment would drop to the ground, yes? Thanks for this reminder about all of this. The snake people seem to not care that they dropped their weapons. They were more focused on escaping. I'll go with that as a cover up to my mistake. haha))
DAY 33 - 8:30AM
The Chult map has been updated with previous day's travel.
Direction: Southeast, staying in the lesser undead section on the map.
Speed: Normal. The party will arrive at Omu today around 6:00pm.
Navigator: P'Lip
Encounter Checks (only 2): 18 / 43 3 / 80
Everyone please use 1 insect salve if required.
**OK, no encounters on this last day of travel. I think I am going to pause here until I get back from vacation as it seems like the perfect time to take a break. I will recap everything along with the Omu kickoff post once I get back in a week. Thanks everyone!!**
Ok, here we go!!
Thanks for waiting all ~
DAY 33 - 6:00PM, Arrival at Omu.
Here's a recap of the main storyline from what your characters know and what the guides have told you to get us all back into the game.
Syndra Silvane is withering away. When she consulted priests, Syn learned that her affliction was widespread and that no spell could cure it. She spoke to her friends who determined the source of the affliction: an ungodly necromantic device called the Soulmonger. She doesn't know much about the Soulmonger other than its name and general whereabouts: the lost city of Omu.
Specifically, here's more about what you've found out about the curse:
Any humanoid on the planet that has been brought back from the dead begins to waste away. The timeframes it takes to happen varies by person. (you don't know how long Syn has left...)
If a humanoid dies anywhere on the planet, its soul becomes trapped inside the Soulmonger. Because of this, any spell that breathes life into the dead automatically fails if cast on a humanoid because their soul is essentially trapped in the Soulmonger.
I know we've done a lot of other things during the travels, but I just wanted to highlight the main jist of why the party is here. Let me know if I missed anything.
Alright, the sun is about to start its descent into the horizon. Eku says "Friends. We've arrived." Azaka remains quiet and just takes it all in. Neither of them have actually been here before, but they've heard stories, most of which really did it no justice once they see it for themselves. Let's assume the party basically walks around the entire perimeter of the city so they can get a better idea of how everything is situated.
Azaka is now in sheer awe of what she sees.
Omu lies in a basin hidden in the depths of the rainforest, surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs. The jungle parts to reveal a dead city enclosed by sheer cliffs. Ruined buildings and stone boulevards rise like ghosts from the floor of the misty basin. Colorful birds glide overhead. A waterfall pours into the basin, creating a swollen river that floods much of the city before draining into a deep rift filled with molten lava. A ruined palace lies a few hundred feet from the edge of the steaming abyss.
Please see the new 'Omu 1' tab on our google sheet to see the visual of the city.
The cliffs surrounding Omu are 100–150 feet high and composed of crumbling rock. Thick jungle hugs the clifftops, with ferns, orchids, and moss spilling over the edges. Every 100 feet or so, vine-draped winged creatures which Eku would confirm are gargoyles are perched.
One or more of you might get a look at some of their faces, and you notice that they are all the same.
They all have the face of a devil, with their mouths agape in a silent scream.
They just continue to watch you and do not seem hostile towards you.
There are two main routes which lead into Omu. To the northeast, a river snakes down from the foothills of a mountain and flushes into the city through a canyon. The second access point is a staircase to the southwest. Both of these locations can be seen on the new map.
Eku and Azaka would be up for going in via the main staircase to the southwest. Azaka would joke "kind of like knocking on the front door, right?!" Eku would grin but then quickly go back to her serious face, always looking around for potential ambushes. She thinks there will be more of the snake people especially as the party descends into the city. Eku says "there will likely be more of the yuan-ti to greet us should we go that way. We should proceed with caution either way."
Ras Nsi is here somewhere, after all, so it'd only make sense. Maybe he will also be the key to finding the soul monger as previously discussed.
From what the guardian naga that the party visited earlier in the adventure has told you along with what you've heard from the guides and faerie dragon, also lurking in the heart of Chult is Ras Nsi, a mythic, villainous figure among Chultans. Ras Nsi was a human paladin and a sworn protector of the city of Mezro. He betrayed his oaths and was banished. Rather than redeem himself, he raised an undead army to conquer Mezro. The would-be tyrant was defeated and banished once more. Mezro was later destroyed, during which Ras Nsi lost his power to create and command undead. He withdrew to the city of Omu, leaving the vestiges of his undead army to roam unchecked throughout the jungle.
Here are some more details specifically about Omu that Eku and Azaka would've told you probably a few days before you arrived. They don't know much but they are aware of some historical things about this place that are kind of common knowledge amongst chultuns. Perhaps the guardian naga also would've told you some of these details. Either way, you are aware of the following, specific to Omu:
(sorry if this is repeated previously in our game. I think also I only missed one bit of data. Anyway, check it out:)
Omu Chronological History ->
Forbidden City
Omu was once a jewel in Chult’s crown. Built over rich mineral veins, the city garnered wealth in abundance. Omuan jewelry was coveted far and wide, and the city’s merchants grew fat on commerce. To enter Omu, it was said, was to enter the gates of paradise itself. Such wealth brought greed. Omu’s hunger for slaves made her rulers demand ever greater tribute from their neighbors. When their vassals couldn’t pay in flesh, they paid in blood. Omu’s feared legions marched across Chult.
The Omuans’ greed and hubris angered the god Ubtao, causing him to turn his back on Omu two hundred years ago — long before he abandoned the rest of Chult. Omu’s clerics lost their spells, and the city fell to sickness and disease. Slave uprisings wracked Omu, and its nobles fled in droves. Maps showing Omu’s location were destroyed, and its coins were melted down and reminted. Fallen from grace, Omu became known as the Forbidden City.
Nine Trickster Gods (this is one piece that I'm pretty sure I didn't tell you about. It would've for sure been told by Eku and Azaka and likely the naga, too.)
With Ubtao gone, primal spirits arose from the rainforest to bewitch the few remaining Omuans. They disguised themselves as jungle creatures and promised great power in return for devotion. Desperate for redemption, the Omuans tore down their temple to Ubtao and raised shrines to these nine trickster gods.
The new deities were divisive and often cruel. Too weak to grant miracles to every follower, they concocted elaborate trials to winnow the clergy. On holy days, the mettle of aspirant priests was tested in their nine shrines, with deadly consequences for failure. The trials provided entertainment for the degenerate Omuans and fed their weakling gods with much-needed sacrifices.
For many years, the city folk lived by the mantras of their trickster gods. They built statues in their names and schemed against each other to assert their chosen god’s dominance. Omu’s glorious past was lost, but its people endured.
Alas, not for long.
Fall of Omu
Omu’s bloody trials suddenly stopped. The trickster gods were somehow slewn, as the story goes. No one has any specific information about this piece, only speculation that it was Ras Nsi.
The jungle then reclaimed Omu, and it fell into ruin.
Rise of Ras Nsi (this bit was told to you by the guardian naga)
A brood of yuan-ti slithered into Omu and made it their new home. They built an underground temple beneath the old palace and patiently waited for their god, Dendar the Night Serpent, to come forth and swallow the world. Earthquakes shook Omu and cracked it open like a fig, causing the river to burst its banks. Chance spared the yuan-ti temple from destruction, but scores of yuan-ti died, including their leader.
The evil warlord Ras Nsi, who had raised an army of undead to wage war on the holy city of Mezro, only to suffer a terrible defeat, arrived in Omu shortly after the yuan-ti. Ras Nsi wormed his way into the yuan-ti’s favor and underwent a ritual to transform into a malison. Before long, he became their ruler. Today, beneath the cracked and broken streets of Omu, Ras Nsi holds sway and plots to bring Dendar the Night Serpent into the world, sealing its doom.
SO - From what you've uncovered so far about Omu and its history and current happenings in Chult, it appears that the soulmonger and Ras Nsi are somehow connected. Although perhaps there is something more to all of this?
Wow. I just dumped a ton of info there. Please let me know if it all makes sense. Specifically, the main story line and what you've figured out so far and what has been presented so far. If not, let me know and I will clear it up without giving away things that I'm keeping secret on purpose.
Over to you all!
"Stairs. Aye'm for the stairs."
Evo comes down quickly on that point.
((Okay, so based on the information we have this Ras Nsi may be the source of the soulmonger?))
Alton agreed with the others in that they should take the stairs.
(OOC: Yep, all that makes sense! Thanks for it, I know that kind of stuff takes a long time to prepare.)
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Alton agreed with the others in that they should take the stairs.
(OOC: Yep, all that makes sense! Thanks for it, I know that kind of stuff takes a long time to prepare.)
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
((Yeah, as of right now, Ras Nsi is kind of the 'obvious' suspect given what the party knows and has learned from their specific travel path and who they've talked to etc. Ras Nsi is in Omu. The Soulmonger is in Omu. Ras Nsi has plans to end the world. The soulmonger seems like a good end of the world tool. It would all seem like a solid possibility anyway.))
Ok, the party heads down the stairs towards the lost city of Omu. I have updated the Omu tab with a red circle on the main map corresponding to the section that you're in and will keep updating as we proceed along with a zoomed in section to the right. Some parts of the map have things to do, others do not, so if you have an interest in checking a specific section as we move through, just RP it and if it's nothing I will RP it back. Also, I figured I may as well uncover this entire map as the party did circle the entire city perimeter before deciding to head down the stairs, so you all are aware of its general setup.
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.
Should one of you (Azaka would've eventually checked) enter the guardhouse, you'd see that much of the interior has collapsed into rubble. 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. Everything is written in common.
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 = ?
Eku would say "Hmmm... we should keep our wits about us as it seems there will be challenges of the mind that await us."
Azaka would say "Well... at least it mentions Ras Nsi?" and she shrugs her shoulders.
There is nothing else of interest in any of the other buildings in that red circle on the map.
So - it would seem on the map that there's 2 ways to proceed. 1 being through the main gate heading north, and 2. heading east more towards that lava and into the city to the east of the main gates. I've added the red lines to show the ways.
Which way is next??
Azaka and Eku would say to go through the main gates. "Seems the safest." Azaka would say.
Oh, Eku is in her flying couatl form, and Azaka is in her humanoid form.
((What does Evo know about Dendar and her desires to end the world: Religion:8. Does it line up with the Soulmonger?))