Evo would have been in the zone, having nothing to hide.
"We aren't here for the tomb, or aye don't think we are? We're here to stop the death curse, ye've heard of it? Our search for it's source has lead us here."
"As Evo said, we seek to stop the Death Curse. We've reason to think it comes from here. If we run into your former employers, would you stick with us, or run back to them? Curious, just how well were they paying you?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
not sure if this will lose any humor value if you haven't seen the office, but this is essentially what Orvex's reaction is when you mention a 'death curse'.
"Sorry... a what now? Death curse?! That doesn't sound good. Red Wizards never said anything about a 'Death Curse'!"
Orvex gets uncomfortable when Gotur asks him if he'd stick with you all or run back to his former employers. He'd hesitate a while, and then say "I've... I mean, some of them are my friends. If they lived, I.. I don't know. I'd want to see them at least. Maybe we could all work together? Maybe they can help with this 'Death Curse'? They are different than what you say." he looks at Eku "They have to be!"
Gotur, Orvex responds about the pay "I mean... is that really relevant to all of thi... bah, nevermind. They pay me 15 gold." he pauses for awhile. "a day. Can't make that type of coin translating anywhere in Chult let me tell you. They pay me after each expedition. Haven't screwed me over yet."
Orvex would also say to Phillip, in Grung: "I don't like broccoli either, friend."
Gotur and Evo, Eku is just shaking her head at the two of you and this entire situation. She telepathically says to both of you one after another this guy is bad news. we don't need him. let's heal him fully, cast some protective magic and send him on his way.
Azaka hasn't asked him anything... yet.
Any other questions for Orvex?
(Azaka has a few since she has been quiet so far, but I want to wait until there are no more from the PC's before she asks hers)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"From what I know of the Red Wizards, there's a chance they are involved in the curse, or at least aren't concerned about it for the same reasons we are. Those who have crossed into death and been brought back by magic are withering. Best case is they just die, which would destabilize entire nations, worst case is they become something else."
"Fifteen gold a day is certainly a generous wage. One we aren't in a position to match. But I think we are likely to be at odds with your former employers, and don't think we can just let you go to run right back to them. If we heal you, do you value your life enough to take that as compensation and depart this city?"
Insight: 22 (looking to make sure he's not being weasely and evasive within the constraints of the spell.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Phillip is watching all this with both his hands still clamped over his own mouth.
Then he blurts out his truth again: “Ifffff- we judge one red wizard on the deeds of the group… uh huh… … Then.. Well… … None of you judged me based on the rest of my kind! Nope nope nope nope….”.
Thrn he clamps his hands over his mouth again, wide eyed. A little surprised he’d said anything…
"You being grung has nothing to do with choice. Me being half-orc has nothing to do with choice. Being a Red Wizard of Thay IS by choice. They are a group because of their deeds."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Gotur, Orvex's eyes widen when you tell him some details about the death curse and the Red Wizards potential involvement. He says "What?? No. They CAN'T be involved in all of that. Do you think they are involved? I wonder why I haven't heard of this curse? I suppose I've been travelling with these Wizards for longer than I thought. Been out of the loop of things. 'Tis a big jungle out there! Anyhow, perhaps we could all discuss it should we find them in the city?"
He listens to Gotur more and responds again:
"At odds with them?" he sighs. "Yes, yes of course I value my life, I will never forget what you did for me. I would've been done for had you not rescued me, Gotur."
He ponders what Gotur and Evo offer him...
"I would join you. Rather than leave on my own. I could help you. Honestly, if you would be just so kind as to let me perhaps keep anything I find alongside you all as we venture into the lost city, that would more than cover my pay! I... I can also fight. Might not look like much but I can handle myself in a fight... quick on my feet. I do know quite a bit about this place too. I mean, I have studied this place for quite some time. Learned a lot about it. It is absolutely fascinating. I can tell you everything I know about the lost tomb and the cubes and the whole lot of it." he says under his breath "some people would pay big money for that information...." and then continues in his regular voice "...anyhow.....will you let me adventure with you? and IF... we meet up with the Wizards... perhaps you will reconsider and we can at least discuss things with them?"
Gotur, you get a sense that he's not trying to play the spell and avoid answering questions or anything like that.
Eku chimes in "This is preposterous. We shall not have an agent of the Red Wizards as a part of our band!"she calms down slightly and looks at you all. "We've travelled far together yes? Been through a lot. At first I was your guide, but now it's much more than that. I feel we have an higher purpose now to end this curse. In my eyes we've created a bond together. I can say I trust all of you fully and completely. I cannot say the same for this fellow." she looks at Evo"magic or no magic. It's clear what drives this man and I feel he could endanger our mission."
"I say we heal him and he can depart the city."
Lastly, she glares at Orvex and says "and yes, we will be at odds with them should we meet up with them. I don't see it any other way."
Azaka now starts to shake her head slightly at Eku in annoyance, but doesn't say anything yet.
"Aye'm not sure if we can totally trust him either but aye'm concerned that sending him away alone will be a death sentence. That's not something aye'm comfortable with. Aye would like to extend the man a chance to do something good."
Azaka nods at Evo and then says to Eku"If he knows what he says he knows, and well... he must... then I think he'd be a great asset to help us navigate through this place."
"Eku. Do you know what he's talking about with these 'cubes'? I certainly don't. Do any of you? And the tomb... isn't that where, well, you know, where we are ultimately supposed to look? I don't know where that is. Do you, Eku? If he knows about this place I vote we keep him."
"Don't worry Eku, we can, and will deal with these Wizards should we meet up with them."
"He's done us no wrong and I vote to keep him around."
She then looks directly at Orvex and addresses him for the first time "Don't make me regret that. I'm Azaka."
"Near as I can tell, you've been straightforward with us Orvex. I'd not feel right about healing you up and forcing you into the jungle alone. If you join us, you join US. I can't guarantee pay, but if you do right by us, I'll do my best to do right by you. At the very least, you'll be fed, bug-free and have a safe place to sleep while were out here. If we run into your former employers, I WILL attempt to talk to them first, as long as they aren't actively doing something we feel compelled to prevent."
He turns to Eku.
"I understand your misgivings, and agree that Orvex would be extended only what trust he has earned. A probationary period, if you will. As far as the Thaysians, I fear they are up to no good here, but they are wizards, and may know much that we do not. A conversation... a careful conversation might benefit our own goals."
He looks around at the others.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Phillip pipes up, “Uh huh. Yep yep yep… I agree. Uh huh… A probationary period. Hmmm…. …But only ifffff- Ms E’ku is happy with that. Yep yep…”.
Then he blurts out “I love Ms E’ku!!…”, and claps his hands over his mouth. He looks at her, and then around at everyone...
Then he explains, more quietly, “I love you all. .. umm… Uh huh. Yep!…”. His colours flush a little bit and he looks around a little sheepish, and recedes into the back of the group.
Gotur, Orvex responds "I mean that's all I can really ask for, right? Just at least talk to them should we meet up with them. I'm telling you the truth when I say I didn't know about this death curse or anything else bad that the Wizards might be involved in or have reasons for being here, and I believe we should give the same chance to my colleagues."
"Imagine... if we were to meet and join... quite an adventuring team we'd be. Imagine the relics we'd be able to find together!"
Eku says "ALRIGHT. ENOUGH. We will not be joining with the Red Wizards and I'm not even entirely comfortable with you, Orvex joining us for the time being... although my friends here all make valid points and so you shall join our band for the time being. Although like what Gotur says, you join US, and on a probationary basis. Should we meet with the Wizards, we shall..." and she stops talking for a bit, and then continues "...we shall first attempt to speak to them and see their reasons for being here."
Then Phillip says what he said, which really calms Eku down and kind of makes her realize how she might be going a TAD overboard here. (although being true to herself!). Eku smiles at Phillip and responds "I love you too, P'lip." and then she looks at Orvex and for the first time says to him, telepathically, revealing that she's perhaps more than just a woman i care for these people. all of them. I'll defend them with my life. remember this and she breaks the connection with him so he can't telepathically respond.
He says back, kind of wide eyed at her "Ok Ok! Not to worry, not to worry. I'm with you all now."
Azaka says to Eku"Ok Eku, Ok. He gets the point. Wizards bad." she kind of smiles at Orvex for the first time. She says "So, tell us what you know about this place, Orvex."
Alton, Orvex sees you flash your dagger and he says "Wow. That's nice. Any chance you have another one of those? I lost my blades during the attack. I'm skilled and able, not to worry."
Alton, please make an insight check.
DAY 34 - 10:00AM
Ok, after it is agreed that Orvex will join the party for the time being, he decides to tell you everything he knows about Omu. It's a lot of info but very interesting and really ties together the high level setup of this place. Some of the history bits might be repeated info, but it's nice to read it again as it brings everything together nicely.
Orvex has been translating Old Omuan scrolls for years, and his studies of those along with texts about the lost city of Omu in general has taught him all about the below.
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. Its 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.
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.
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.
Such mercy did not last long.
Some type of evil deity of whom Orvex knows not was entertained by the trials of blood that were taking place here. The entity, or whatever it was, came to Omu and slew all nine trickster gods. It then enslaved the Omuans and forced them to carve out a tomb for their defeated gods. When the tomb was complete, the Omuans were killed and sealed in the tomb with their false gods.
Orvex was researching who this evil entity might've been when he took the job with the Wizards. He thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to gain entrance into the tomb so he could learn more of the story of Omu and the lost Tomb.
Not to mention the potential riches and magical items that might be locked away deep in that tomb!
He knows that to unlock the tomb requires retrieving these small cubes which are apparently in each of the nine shrines around the city. That is what him and the Wizards were about to try and do when they got raided.
They are stone cubes 3 inches on a side and engraved with images of a specific trickster god. (please see the spoiler below this one for more on that!)
Specifically the legend of the nine trickster gods, if you're interested. Orvex knows the entire story and it's pretty cool ->
Long ago, the god Ubtao hardened his heart and vowed to weep for the people of Omu no longer. The rains stopped, the jungle withered and died, and death swept through Omu.
One morning, a wise zorbo emerged from her hollow tree and spoke to the dying Omuans. To convince Ubtao of their worth, she decided to cook him a stew made from all their good qualities. Catching such virtues wouldn’t be easy, so she asked a wily almiraj to help her. The almiraj snuck recklessness in the pot, which she saw as a virtue, and Ubtao spat out the stew when he tasted it. From that day on, Obo’laka the zorbo and I’jin the almiraj became terrible enemies.
At noon, a brave kamadan hopped down from her rock. She saw the evil in the Omuans’ hearts and decided to lance it like a troublesome boil. The kamadan fashioned a holy spear, but she left it by the riverbank and a crafty grung stole it. In her rage, Shagambi the kamadan forgot all about the Omuans and chased Nangnang the grung forever across the sky.
When evening came, a wily eblis stepped from his reed hut. He didn’t like the Omuans, but without them he’d have no one to play his tricks on. The eblis sent a marsh frog to reason with Ubtao, but the frog was angry and decided to wrestle the god instead. This amused Ubtao, so he gave the frog tentacles to make it stronger. When Kubazan the froghemoth returned to Papazotl the eblis, he chased Papazotl into the swamp with his new tentacles.
That night, a su-monster broke into Ubtao’s palace and stole a pail of water for the Omuans. When the god came running to find it, the su-monster hid the pail in a jaculi’s burrow. Ubtao asked the jungle animals where his water was hidden, and Moa the jaculi was too honest to lie. When Wongo the su-monster found out how Moa had betrayed him, he vowed to catch the jaculi and eat him up.
All the while, Unkh the flail snail lived deep under the earth. The noise of the other animals fighting made her slither up to the surface, and when day dawned over her shell, the light blinded Ubtao and made his eyes water. Life returned to Omu, and the people built shrines to honor the animals who’d saved them.
The party is currently where the blue marker is on the 'Omu Master' tab.
#2 is where Orvex was found where his previous Red Wizards camp was raided by Yuan-Ti.
#1 and #3 are shrines of which you now know more about.
#4 was the site of that grung sacrifice.
Orvex hasn't actually been here before, and so he won't know what the other red dots are on the map.
Orvex would say "I'm still quite exhausted from my injuries, but I could set out now if you all wanted to. Seems there are shrines to the west and east of us. Hopefully one or both of them still have their cubes inside."
Azaka would say to the party "Well... this seems obvious to me. If there was an evil device called the 'Soulmonger' that was causing the death curse somewhere in Omu, it seems the most likely place it would be is in the tomb that this evil god that you speak of has created... right??"
Evo would have been in the zone, having nothing to hide.
"We aren't here for the tomb, or aye don't think we are? We're here to stop the death curse, ye've heard of it? Our search for it's source has lead us here."
He looks to the others to chip in.
Phillip steps inside the zone of truth, doesn’t contest its effects and gives a slight shiver…
”The death curse! Yep yep yep… that’s all we’re here fffff-P’or! It must be stopped! Uh huh!…”
He then blurts out “I’m an exile from my tribe!… … and I don’t like eating broccoli!!!…”, but doesn’t quite know why!
He claps his hands over his mouth, looking sheepishly left and right.
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 snorts in response to the broccoli comment.
((Gotur will step in.))
"As Evo said, we seek to stop the Death Curse. We've reason to think it comes from here. If we run into your former employers, would you stick with us, or run back to them? Curious, just how well were they paying you?"
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
all within the zone of truth ->
not sure if this will lose any humor value if you haven't seen the office, but this is essentially what Orvex's reaction is when you mention a 'death curse'.
"Sorry... a what now? Death curse?! That doesn't sound good. Red Wizards never said anything about a 'Death Curse'!"
Orvex gets uncomfortable when Gotur asks him if he'd stick with you all or run back to his former employers. He'd hesitate a while, and then say "I've... I mean, some of them are my friends. If they lived, I.. I don't know. I'd want to see them at least. Maybe we could all work together? Maybe they can help with this 'Death Curse'? They are different than what you say." he looks at Eku "They have to be!"
Gotur, Orvex responds about the pay "I mean... is that really relevant to all of thi... bah, nevermind. They pay me 15 gold." he pauses for awhile. "a day. Can't make that type of coin translating anywhere in Chult let me tell you. They pay me after each expedition. Haven't screwed me over yet."
Orvex would also say to Phillip, in Grung: "I don't like broccoli either, friend."
Gotur and Evo, Eku is just shaking her head at the two of you and this entire situation. She telepathically says to both of you one after another this guy is bad news. we don't need him. let's heal him fully, cast some protective magic and send him on his way.
Azaka hasn't asked him anything... yet.
Any other questions for Orvex?
(Azaka has a few since she has been quiet so far, but I want to wait until there are no more from the PC's before she asks hers)
"From what I know of the Red Wizards, there's a chance they are involved in the curse, or at least aren't concerned about it for the same reasons we are. Those who have crossed into death and been brought back by magic are withering. Best case is they just die, which would destabilize entire nations, worst case is they become something else."
"Fifteen gold a day is certainly a generous wage. One we aren't in a position to match. But I think we are likely to be at odds with your former employers, and don't think we can just let you go to run right back to them. If we heal you, do you value your life enough to take that as compensation and depart this city?"
Insight: 22 (looking to make sure he's not being weasely and evasive within the constraints of the spell.
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 adds,
"Or stay with us and honestly help us in our mission?"
"Aye, or that."
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
Phillip is watching all this with both his hands still clamped over his own mouth.
Then he blurts out his truth again: “Ifffff- we judge one red wizard on the deeds of the group… uh huh… … Then.. Well… … None of you judged me based on the rest of my kind! Nope nope nope nope….”.
Thrn he clamps his hands over his mouth again, wide eyed. A little surprised he’d said anything…
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
Gotur frowns.
"You being grung has nothing to do with choice. Me being half-orc has nothing to do with choice. Being a Red Wizard of Thay IS by choice. They are a group because of their deeds."
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
Gotur, Orvex's eyes widen when you tell him some details about the death curse and the Red Wizards potential involvement. He says "What?? No. They CAN'T be involved in all of that. Do you think they are involved? I wonder why I haven't heard of this curse? I suppose I've been travelling with these Wizards for longer than I thought. Been out of the loop of things. 'Tis a big jungle out there! Anyhow, perhaps we could all discuss it should we find them in the city?"
He listens to Gotur more and responds again:
"At odds with them?" he sighs. "Yes, yes of course I value my life, I will never forget what you did for me. I would've been done for had you not rescued me, Gotur."
He ponders what Gotur and Evo offer him...
"I would join you. Rather than leave on my own. I could help you. Honestly, if you would be just so kind as to let me perhaps keep anything I find alongside you all as we venture into the lost city, that would more than cover my pay! I... I can also fight. Might not look like much but I can handle myself in a fight... quick on my feet. I do know quite a bit about this place too. I mean, I have studied this place for quite some time. Learned a lot about it. It is absolutely fascinating. I can tell you everything I know about the lost tomb and the cubes and the whole lot of it." he says under his breath "some people would pay big money for that information...." and then continues in his regular voice "...anyhow.....will you let me adventure with you? and IF... we meet up with the Wizards... perhaps you will reconsider and we can at least discuss things with them?"
Gotur, you get a sense that he's not trying to play the spell and avoid answering questions or anything like that.
Eku chimes in "This is preposterous. We shall not have an agent of the Red Wizards as a part of our band!" she calms down slightly and looks at you all. "We've travelled far together yes? Been through a lot. At first I was your guide, but now it's much more than that. I feel we have an higher purpose now to end this curse. In my eyes we've created a bond together. I can say I trust all of you fully and completely. I cannot say the same for this fellow." she looks at Evo "magic or no magic. It's clear what drives this man and I feel he could endanger our mission."
"I say we heal him and he can depart the city."
Lastly, she glares at Orvex and says "and yes, we will be at odds with them should we meet up with them. I don't see it any other way."
Azaka now starts to shake her head slightly at Eku in annoyance, but doesn't say anything yet.
Back over to you.
Evo looks conflicted and addresses Eku,
"Aye'm not sure if we can totally trust him either but aye'm concerned that sending him away alone will be a death sentence. That's not something aye'm comfortable with. Aye would like to extend the man a chance to do something good."
He looks to the others for support.
Evo, Eku sighs and thinks more about it.
Azaka nods at Evo and then says to Eku "If he knows what he says he knows, and well... he must... then I think he'd be a great asset to help us navigate through this place."
"Eku. Do you know what he's talking about with these 'cubes'? I certainly don't. Do any of you? And the tomb... isn't that where, well, you know, where we are ultimately supposed to look? I don't know where that is. Do you, Eku? If he knows about this place I vote we keep him."
"Don't worry Eku, we can, and will deal with these Wizards should we meet up with them."
"He's done us no wrong and I vote to keep him around."
She then looks directly at Orvex and addresses him for the first time "Don't make me regret that. I'm Azaka."
"Near as I can tell, you've been straightforward with us Orvex. I'd not feel right about healing you up and forcing you into the jungle alone. If you join us, you join US. I can't guarantee pay, but if you do right by us, I'll do my best to do right by you. At the very least, you'll be fed, bug-free and have a safe place to sleep while were out here. If we run into your former employers, I WILL attempt to talk to them first, as long as they aren't actively doing something we feel compelled to prevent."
He turns to Eku.
"I understand your misgivings, and agree that Orvex would be extended only what trust he has earned. A probationary period, if you will. As far as the Thaysians, I fear they are up to no good here, but they are wizards, and may know much that we do not. A conversation... a careful conversation might benefit our own goals."
He looks around at the others.
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
Phillip pipes up, “Uh huh. Yep yep yep… I agree. Uh huh… A probationary period. Hmmm…. …But only ifffff- Ms E’ku is happy with that. Yep yep…”.
Then he blurts out “I love Ms E’ku!!…”, and claps his hands over his mouth. He looks at her, and then around at everyone...
Then he explains, more quietly, “I love you all. .. umm… Uh huh. Yep!…”. His colours flush a little bit and he looks around a little sheepish, and recedes into the back of the group.
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
Gotur smiles at the little grung's need to overshare.
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 nods along to what Azaka and Gotur say then stops nodding when Phillip professes his love, but then says,
"Don't back away from yer feelings lad, ye said ye meant it! Stand by them!"
He pauses and looks at Orvex and shrugs,
"We don't live forever, make the best choices ye can!"
Alton gives a nod of approval at Gotur’s words as well, but does discreetly flash his dagger at Orvex to show he is still on guard.
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
Gotur, Orvex responds "I mean that's all I can really ask for, right? Just at least talk to them should we meet up with them. I'm telling you the truth when I say I didn't know about this death curse or anything else bad that the Wizards might be involved in or have reasons for being here, and I believe we should give the same chance to my colleagues."
"Imagine... if we were to meet and join... quite an adventuring team we'd be. Imagine the relics we'd be able to find together!"
Eku says "ALRIGHT. ENOUGH. We will not be joining with the Red Wizards and I'm not even entirely comfortable with you, Orvex joining us for the time being... although my friends here all make valid points and so you shall join our band for the time being. Although like what Gotur says, you join US, and on a probationary basis. Should we meet with the Wizards, we shall..." and she stops talking for a bit, and then continues "...we shall first attempt to speak to them and see their reasons for being here."
Then Phillip says what he said, which really calms Eku down and kind of makes her realize how she might be going a TAD overboard here. (although being true to herself!). Eku smiles at Phillip and responds "I love you too, P'lip." and then she looks at Orvex and for the first time says to him, telepathically, revealing that she's perhaps more than just a woman i care for these people. all of them. I'll defend them with my life. remember this and she breaks the connection with him so he can't telepathically respond.
He says back, kind of wide eyed at her "Ok Ok! Not to worry, not to worry. I'm with you all now."
Azaka says to Eku "Ok Eku, Ok. He gets the point. Wizards bad." she kind of smiles at Orvex for the first time. She says "So, tell us what you know about this place, Orvex."
Alton, Orvex sees you flash your dagger and he says "Wow. That's nice. Any chance you have another one of those? I lost my blades during the attack. I'm skilled and able, not to worry."
Alton, please make an insight check.
DAY 34 - 10:00AM
Ok, after it is agreed that Orvex will join the party for the time being, he decides to tell you everything he knows about Omu. It's a lot of info but very interesting and really ties together the high level setup of this place. Some of the history bits might be repeated info, but it's nice to read it again as it brings everything together nicely.
Orvex has been translating Old Omuan scrolls for years, and his studies of those along with texts about the lost city of Omu in general has taught him all about the below.
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. Its 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.
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.
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.
Such mercy did not last long.
Some type of evil deity of whom Orvex knows not was entertained by the trials of blood that were taking place here. The entity, or whatever it was, came to Omu and slew all nine trickster gods. It then enslaved the Omuans and forced them to carve out a tomb for their defeated gods. When the tomb was complete, the Omuans were killed and sealed in the tomb with their false gods.
Orvex was researching who this evil entity might've been when he took the job with the Wizards. He thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to gain entrance into the tomb so he could learn more of the story of Omu and the lost Tomb.
Not to mention the potential riches and magical items that might be locked away deep in that tomb!
He knows that to unlock the tomb requires retrieving these small cubes which are apparently in each of the nine shrines around the city. That is what him and the Wizards were about to try and do when they got raided.
They are stone cubes 3 inches on a side and engraved with images of a specific trickster god. (please see the spoiler below this one for more on that!)
Specifically the legend of the nine trickster gods, if you're interested. Orvex knows the entire story and it's pretty cool ->
Long ago, the god Ubtao hardened his heart and vowed to weep for the people of Omu no longer. The rains stopped, the jungle withered and died, and death swept through Omu.
One morning, a wise zorbo emerged from her hollow tree and spoke to the dying Omuans. To convince Ubtao of their worth, she decided to cook him a stew made from all their good qualities. Catching such virtues wouldn’t be easy, so she asked a wily almiraj to help her. The almiraj snuck recklessness in the pot, which she saw as a virtue, and Ubtao spat out the stew when he tasted it. From that day on, Obo’laka the zorbo and I’jin the almiraj became terrible enemies.
At noon, a brave kamadan hopped down from her rock. She saw the evil in the Omuans’ hearts and decided to lance it like a troublesome boil. The kamadan fashioned a holy spear, but she left it by the riverbank and a crafty grung stole it. In her rage, Shagambi the kamadan forgot all about the Omuans and chased Nangnang the grung forever across the sky.
When evening came, a wily eblis stepped from his reed hut. He didn’t like the Omuans, but without them he’d have no one to play his tricks on. The eblis sent a marsh frog to reason with Ubtao, but the frog was angry and decided to wrestle the god instead. This amused Ubtao, so he gave the frog tentacles to make it stronger. When Kubazan the froghemoth returned to Papazotl the eblis, he chased Papazotl into the swamp with his new tentacles.
That night, a su-monster broke into Ubtao’s palace and stole a pail of water for the Omuans. When the god came running to find it, the su-monster hid the pail in a jaculi’s burrow. Ubtao asked the jungle animals where his water was hidden, and Moa the jaculi was too honest to lie. When Wongo the su-monster found out how Moa had betrayed him, he vowed to catch the jaculi and eat him up.
All the while, Unkh the flail snail lived deep under the earth. The noise of the other animals fighting made her slither up to the surface, and when day dawned over her shell, the light blinded Ubtao and made his eyes water. Life returned to Omu, and the people built shrines to honor the animals who’d saved them.
The party is currently where the blue marker is on the 'Omu Master' tab.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BN23DQDrAKvzNLFcDh7dpnv_CiDfSJ_TloAK9-2VpfY/edit#gid=118368695
#2 is where Orvex was found where his previous Red Wizards camp was raided by Yuan-Ti.
#1 and #3 are shrines of which you now know more about.
#4 was the site of that grung sacrifice.
Orvex hasn't actually been here before, and so he won't know what the other red dots are on the map.
Orvex would say "I'm still quite exhausted from my injuries, but I could set out now if you all wanted to. Seems there are shrines to the west and east of us. Hopefully one or both of them still have their cubes inside."
Azaka would say to the party "Well... this seems obvious to me. If there was an evil device called the 'Soulmonger' that was causing the death curse somewhere in Omu, it seems the most likely place it would be is in the tomb that this evil god that you speak of has created... right??"
"Easy peasy, yeah?" and she smiles at Evo.
Eku sighs, but agrees with her.
Over to you!
"Them ambushing and murdering other explorers sounds 'bad'."
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