Phillip’s smile is wide as he answers, “The country here, and the jungle, is vast.. Uh huh, yup!..... And I’ve only scratched the surffff-P’ace... .. In the great scheme of things, I’ve kept pretty close to the city really. And I go.. ffffff-P’arther.. than most... Uh huh... But I think we have to go much... beyond that!...”.
”But even around here I’ve had chance to see creatures of every kind........ insects the size of-f.... f-ffff-P’arm... animals!.... Uh huh..... Reptiles like...”, he struggles for the appropriate word in common,... “..like ‘mountains’... uh huh! Yup yup yup...”.
Alton eyes the entire interaction with a suspicious disposition, but quickly gives way to a smile at the eccentric small frog. He awkwardly watches Philip as he walks around the group, examining them all.
Everything here was just so... different... and colorful here. It was new, something Alton had never experienced before. He might be a little dazed now, in the beginning, but would warm up soon Alton thought to himself.
“Why don’t we get headed towards a place to rest.” Alton suggests. “We can talk more there, and maybe sit down. I’d be lying if that teleportation spell didn’t take some energy out of me.” He says holding his stomach a little.
"Aye, aye'm a cleric of the Lady Selune. Ye one of the faithful?" He pulls out a crescent moon medallion and taps his shield which has the same design. "Also got a tattoo of the Lady's sign over meh heart! It's overcast with a bit a' hair so its a might hard to see but it's there!"
Then to Phil's continued comments,
"So yer saying we got no idea where we are going? No clues? Nothing at all? Well aye hope people aren't in a hurry."
Then to discussion about food,
"Oh, aye! Let's see what they have on offer here!"
"I've offered up a prayer to the Moonmaiden before, usually when traveling by night. Sometimes talk at others of the wild places, but wouldn't say I keep consistent faith with any god or goddess."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
((I am having a blast reading this, thank you all, and sorry it's taken so long! So the fact that you don't really know what to do or where to go is kind of by design. You know that the artifact which is causing the death curse is somewhere in Chult. After the teleportation to Chult, Syn is starting to experience the effects of the curse. She's tired as hell, and her brain likely isn't working properly. She is not thinking straight anymore. She didn't offer to pay for anything, and doesn't really have anything set up for you, (or has forgotten) other than the scout Phillip. She wasn't able to give you any details of where you might want to start looking for this artifact other than telling you it is likely deep in the jungle and that Phillip knows where the entrance is once you all were ready to head into the jungle. Whenever that happens, I will explain the 'Map of Chult' tab better and how we move through it. It's pretty cool. In the meantime though, this city is huge with tons to do and lots to see and lots of people to give you more information etc.))
So - it is around 1pm. Looking at the map, if the party were to travel to that inn that Syn mentioned (Kaya’s House of Repose) and that Phillip knows the location of, you'd walk by a number of different thingson the map. I have listed them below along with their location #'s.
- A large market (18, 19, 20)
- A temple (8)
- Docks (11,17)
- Warehouses (16)
Would any of you want to stop and investigate and/or look more into any of these landmarks before you get to the inn?
A large statue at the center of the harbor. A king in full regalia, resplendent in a loincloth of leopard skin and a headdress of feathers, shells, and tyrannosaurus teeth; draped in a cape of girallon fur and monkey tails; and wielding an oval shield.
Actually, any number on the city map that is around you guys that your character would look at, just let me know and I will explain what you see.
((You described paintings and a fellow in costume as one, but have we seen any live dinos yet? I didn't see where you had, so was holding off on Gotur's reaction to such, but he'd definitely be very interested.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
"I appreciate the offer of your Lady adopting me, but for now at least, I prefer things a bit more freeform. Good to know though.", he says with a grin.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Phillip will gladly send a puff of cool mist over to anyone who needs one!
In answer to some of the questions about clues and directions he does look a little solemn again, “Syn needs me... us!... to ffff-P’ind her the cure, to her condition... But I start at the same place as you... Her mind is not what it once was... I can help to keep us as safffffe as possible in the jungle... But know where to start looking, I do not!... Nuh huh... nope nope nope”. He looks down and kicks a pebble. “But we can ask around town! Maybe someone has seen something suspicious?! ...or knows something?!”, he brightens up again.
If people want to head towards the Inn, to settle in, he’ll gladly lead the way.
((OOC: as @Klein says, the party would pass the various landmarks that have been pointed out above. And may get interested in or distracted by any of the sights and scenes we see!))
If no one objects and everyone is ready, Phillip will lead people slowly (he’s only small!) towards the inn, with plenty of time to soak in the sights! :-)
((In that case I think Gotur'd be down to go secure rooms at the tavern, so he can drop off some of his traveling gear, and have a base of operations, then see about exploring the city more.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Phillip would sadly explain that he doesn't live in the city and the only person he really knows or talks to is Syn. He is feeling kind of sad because he isn't much help, but keeps going back to the fact that he can help in the jungle in hopes the party, namely Evo, doesn't get mad or upset at him. He's a sensitive little guy who has been abused by a few different types of races until Syn took him in. So he is timid.
Phillip would say that if Evo is frustrated that we could go and see Syn. To ask her more questions. She getting sicker by the minute probably, but she might be able to tell us more. She usually goes to see one of the princes of the city to discuss the curse. Maybe she went there. Phillip knows where, but has not met the prince with whom she is staying with.
Phillip would suggest that we could go see her later so she has time to rest first? Then would allow us time to get set up at the inn and also possibly see the sights of the city? Then get Evo's questions answered?
You all start walking towards #18 on the map, which is the Market Ward and where the inn is.
*The spoiler is an info dump for flavor of the city. I had to take a long look at the city map to make sense of all of this, but once I did that the landmarks make sense. North is right on the map instead of up, which I hate...*
Port Nyanzaru is a city of walls within walls. Burgeoning wealth has driven the city’s richest residents to raise defenses against the jungle’s dangers, and possibly against the dangers they perceive from the city’s less-well-off districts, which all lie outside the main wall. The walls are impressive barriers of massive, fitted stone. Like other structures in Port Nyanzaru, they’re decorated with colorful paintings of geometric designs, animals, and mythic figures.
The city is defined by four steep hills. The westernmost hill is completely walled off from lower ground. A wide stone bridge crosses on arched columns from hill to hill. A second bridge connects to the southern slopes, site of several merchant villas. East of the harbor, the Hall of Gold gleams atop the city’s tallest hill, which is connected by bridge to the neighboring hill, site of a Grand Coliseum. Steep, stepped streets and terraces surround each hill.
Outside the main walls are three slums: the Old City to the southwest, where many buildings are remnants of older, pyramidal construction; Malar’s Throat to the south, where buildings cling to the walls of a lush canyon spanned by rope bridges; and Tiryki Anchorage to the southeast, where explorers and river folk gather.
As the party walks, you notice many different things about this place. First and foremost, you see medium and large dinosaurs everywhere. They seem to be used as beasts of burden to haul two-wheeled carts, to hoist heavy loads on cranes, and to tow boats along the canals. You might've even heard townsfolk talking about dinosaur races in the streets. Flowers, green plants, and vines grow everywhere, seeming to spring out of the building stones themselves. The profusion of greenery needs constant tending to prevent roots and shoots from damaging buildings or tile roofs.
The city’s defensive walls and towers are topped with colorful awnings to shield guards from the sun and rain. The streets are paved with cobblestones or flagstones, and they have deep rain gutters as much as 2 feet wide. Tabaxi minstrels wander the streets. There are some open archways above the streets are painted with murals of dinosaurs, mountains, and mythic heroes. Crumbling ancient buildings covered with vines and lichens indicate the city’s great age.
The ground floors of most buildings are made of stucco-covered stone and have tiny windows to keep out the heat at street level. The upper floors have bamboo or thatch walls with enormous windows to let in the breeze, under broad thatched or tiled eaves. All buildings are richly decorated with paint, ivy, and vivid flowers. Some are painted in symmetrical, geometric patterns of straight lines and sharp angles, while others portray animals, monsters, landscapes, and heroes in a stylized manner unique to Chult. Where space permits, buildings traditionally include a walled yard or garden.
Every building has a cistern or wooden barrels to catch water running off the roof. There are fountains and rain basins all over the city. With so much water running downhill, Chultans also make excellent use of water-driven mechanical gadgets. Many buildings have water wheels built into their cisterns. Rainwater running through spouts or channels turns the wheel, which pumps water into pools, turns millstones, powers bellows or lathes or saws, or accomplishes any other labor-saving or amusing task Chultan engineers can dream up.
Evo, specifically at the market, you notice merchants selling everyday needs: locally produced meat, vegetables, tropical fruit, tej, light tropical clothing, insect repellent, rain catchers, and other household goods. You would find a hat for sure at one of the clothing merchants, and it would be 3 silver. You would also see a larger fish market off to the side as well as a large textile section in the market.
As far as the inn, let me know when everyone is ready to go inside. Even though it is early in the day, there are going to be a good number of folks in there. It looks busy from where you are standing.
I think you could also ask me about any number on the map, and I can tell you general information about what it is, depending on if Phillip knows about it and on if you would've walked by it on the way to the inn. There are some pretty impressive landmarks on the way.
As we play I think the characters will get more used to the city. There is a lot to do!
Evo would express a desire to see Syn, a city prince sounds like a good place to start asking questions.
"Aye'm not mad at ye Phil, but if there is something out there sucking in souls aye think we best get on stopping it an' aye don't think we can search every inch of Chult. Honestly would have thought Syn would have had something!"
Evo buys the hat if it looks to be of good quality!
At the inn he would like to go over all the marks on the map they got from Syn with Phillip, what they are and the like.
Alton looks around at the bustling city around him in awe. Seeing the dinosaurs he would have no idea what they were; possibly tapping Gotur on the shoulder to ask.
He would also take off his cloak due to the heat, and once in the inn would realize that maybe wasn’t a good idea. He sees the beginnings of a sunburn.
“Let’s get inside— quickly. This tropical sun is... hot.” Alton says as sweat pours down his face. “N-need... water.” The small halfling pants as he plods through the streets. Soon already, the wonder is beginning to wear off.
Phillip’s smile is wide as he answers, “The country here, and the jungle, is vast.. Uh huh, yup!..... And I’ve only scratched the surffff-P’ace... .. In the great scheme of things, I’ve kept pretty close to the city really. And I go.. ffffff-P’arther.. than most... Uh huh... But I think we have to go much... beyond that!...”.
”But even around here I’ve had chance to see creatures of every kind........ insects the size of-f.... f-ffff-P’arm... animals!.... Uh huh..... Reptiles like...”, he struggles for the appropriate word in common,... “..like ‘mountains’... uh huh! Yup yup yup...”.
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
Alton eyes the entire interaction with a suspicious disposition, but quickly gives way to a smile at the eccentric small frog. He awkwardly watches Philip as he walks around the group, examining them all.
Everything here was just so... different... and colorful here. It was new, something Alton had never experienced before. He might be a little dazed now, in the beginning, but would warm up soon Alton thought to himself.
“Why don’t we get headed towards a place to rest.” Alton suggests. “We can talk more there, and maybe sit down. I’d be lying if that teleportation spell didn’t take some energy out of me.” He says holding his stomach a little.
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
"You know, I am feeling pretty hungry, now that you mention it!", Gotur grins and turns to Philip. "Lead on, my fine fellow!"
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
To Phil after the misting,
"Oh, aye lad. More of that if ye please!"
To Gotur about his being a cleric,
"Aye, aye'm a cleric of the Lady Selune. Ye one of the faithful?" He pulls out a crescent moon medallion and taps his shield which has the same design. "Also got a tattoo of the Lady's sign over meh heart! It's overcast with a bit a' hair so its a might hard to see but it's there!"
Then to Phil's continued comments,
"So yer saying we got no idea where we are going? No clues? Nothing at all? Well aye hope people aren't in a hurry."
Then to discussion about food,
"Oh, aye! Let's see what they have on offer here!"
"I've offered up a prayer to the Moonmaiden before, usually when traveling by night. Sometimes talk at others of the wild places, but wouldn't say I keep consistent faith with any god or goddess."
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
"Well, if yer looking for somewhere to stay put the Lady has a place for ye!"
((I am having a blast reading this, thank you all, and sorry it's taken so long! So the fact that you don't really know what to do or where to go is kind of by design. You know that the artifact which is causing the death curse is somewhere in Chult. After the teleportation to Chult, Syn is starting to experience the effects of the curse. She's tired as hell, and her brain likely isn't working properly. She is not thinking straight anymore. She didn't offer to pay for anything, and doesn't really have anything set up for you, (or has forgotten) other than the scout Phillip. She wasn't able to give you any details of where you might want to start looking for this artifact other than telling you it is likely deep in the jungle and that Phillip knows where the entrance is once you all were ready to head into the jungle. Whenever that happens, I will explain the 'Map of Chult' tab better and how we move through it. It's pretty cool. In the meantime though, this city is huge with tons to do and lots to see and lots of people to give you more information etc.))
So - it is around 1pm. Looking at the map, if the party were to travel to that inn that Syn mentioned (Kaya’s House of Repose) and that Phillip knows the location of, you'd walk by a number of different thingson the map. I have listed them below along with their location #'s.
- A large market (18, 19, 20)
- A temple (8)
- Docks (11,17)
- Warehouses (16)
Would any of you want to stop and investigate and/or look more into any of these landmarks before you get to the inn?
(the Inn is in area 18, you are currently at 13)
Oh, you'd all see #12 as well.
A large statue at the center of the harbor. A king in full regalia, resplendent in a loincloth of leopard skin and a headdress of feathers, shells, and tyrannosaurus teeth; draped in a cape of girallon fur and monkey tails; and wielding an oval shield.
Actually, any number on the city map that is around you guys that your character would look at, just let me know and I will explain what you see.
((You described paintings and a fellow in costume as one, but have we seen any live dinos yet? I didn't see where you had, so was holding off on Gotur's reaction to such, but he'd definitely be very interested.))
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
((I will most definitely be describing more of the sights and sounds as you all walk for sure, and there will definitely be dinos in the city.))
Evo would cast an eye over the marketplace wears looking for a hat or anything else that catches his eye.
Perception: 22
But is mostly interested in getting inside and out of the sun.
"I appreciate the offer of your Lady adopting me, but for now at least, I prefer things a bit more freeform. Good to know though.", he says with a grin.
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 will gladly send a puff of cool mist over to anyone who needs one!
In answer to some of the questions about clues and directions he does look a little solemn again, “Syn needs me... us!... to ffff-P’ind her the cure, to her condition... But I start at the same place as you... Her mind is not what it once was... I can help to keep us as safffffe as possible in the jungle... But know where to start looking, I do not!... Nuh huh... nope nope nope”. He looks down and kicks a pebble. “But we can ask around town! Maybe someone has seen something suspicious?! ...or knows something?!”, he brightens up again.
If people want to head towards the Inn, to settle in, he’ll gladly lead the way.
((OOC: as @Klein says, the party would pass the various landmarks that have been pointed out above. And may get interested in or distracted by any of the sights and scenes we see!))
If no one objects and everyone is ready, Phillip will lead people slowly (he’s only small!) towards the inn, with plenty of time to soak in the sights! :-)
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
((In that case I think Gotur'd be down to go secure rooms at the tavern, so he can drop off some of his traveling gear, and have a base of operations, then see about exploring the city more.))
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
"Well, not the best start to saving all the souls in the world. Phil, who knows the most about stuff here? Or who would know who knows?"
Phillip would sadly explain that he doesn't live in the city and the only person he really knows or talks to is Syn. He is feeling kind of sad because he isn't much help, but keeps going back to the fact that he can help in the jungle in hopes the party, namely Evo, doesn't get mad or upset at him. He's a sensitive little guy who has been abused by a few different types of races until Syn took him in. So he is timid.
Phillip would say that if Evo is frustrated that we could go and see Syn. To ask her more questions. She getting sicker by the minute probably, but she might be able to tell us more. She usually goes to see one of the princes of the city to discuss the curse. Maybe she went there. Phillip knows where, but has not met the prince with whom she is staying with.
Phillip would suggest that we could go see her later so she has time to rest first? Then would allow us time to get set up at the inn and also possibly see the sights of the city? Then get Evo's questions answered?
You all start walking towards #18 on the map, which is the Market Ward and where the inn is.
*The spoiler is an info dump for flavor of the city. I had to take a long look at the city map to make sense of all of this, but once I did that the landmarks make sense. North is right on the map instead of up, which I hate...*
Port Nyanzaru is a city of walls within walls. Burgeoning wealth has driven the city’s richest residents to raise defenses against the jungle’s dangers, and possibly against the dangers they perceive from the city’s less-well-off districts, which all lie outside the main wall. The walls are impressive barriers of massive, fitted stone. Like other structures in Port Nyanzaru, they’re decorated with colorful paintings of geometric designs, animals, and mythic figures.
The city is defined by four steep hills. The westernmost hill is completely walled off from lower ground. A wide stone bridge crosses on arched columns from hill to hill. A second bridge connects to the southern slopes, site of several merchant villas. East of the harbor, the Hall of Gold gleams atop the city’s tallest hill, which is connected by bridge to the neighboring hill, site of a Grand Coliseum. Steep, stepped streets and terraces surround each hill.
Outside the main walls are three slums: the Old City to the southwest, where many buildings are remnants of older, pyramidal construction; Malar’s Throat to the south, where buildings cling to the walls of a lush canyon spanned by rope bridges; and Tiryki Anchorage to the southeast, where explorers and river folk gather.
As the party walks, you notice many different things about this place. First and foremost, you see medium and large dinosaurs everywhere. They seem to be used as beasts of burden to haul two-wheeled carts, to hoist heavy loads on cranes, and to tow boats along the canals. You might've even heard townsfolk talking about dinosaur races in the streets. Flowers, green plants, and vines grow everywhere, seeming to spring out of the building stones themselves. The profusion of greenery needs constant tending to prevent roots and shoots from damaging buildings or tile roofs.
The city’s defensive walls and towers are topped with colorful awnings to shield guards from the sun and rain. The streets are paved with cobblestones or flagstones, and they have deep rain gutters as much as 2 feet wide. Tabaxi minstrels wander the streets. There are some open archways above the streets are painted with murals of dinosaurs, mountains, and mythic heroes. Crumbling ancient buildings covered with vines and lichens indicate the city’s great age.
The ground floors of most buildings are made of stucco-covered stone and have tiny windows to keep out the heat at street level. The upper floors have bamboo or thatch walls with enormous windows to let in the breeze, under broad thatched or tiled eaves. All buildings are richly decorated with paint, ivy, and vivid flowers. Some are painted in symmetrical, geometric patterns of straight lines and sharp angles, while others portray animals, monsters, landscapes, and heroes in a stylized manner unique to Chult. Where space permits, buildings traditionally include a walled yard or garden.
Every building has a cistern or wooden barrels to catch water running off the roof. There are fountains and rain basins all over the city. With so much water running downhill, Chultans also make excellent use of water-driven mechanical gadgets. Many buildings have water wheels built into their cisterns. Rainwater running through spouts or channels turns the wheel, which pumps water into pools, turns millstones, powers bellows or lathes or saws, or accomplishes any other labor-saving or amusing task Chultan engineers can dream up.
Evo, specifically at the market, you notice merchants selling everyday needs: locally produced meat, vegetables, tropical fruit, tej, light tropical clothing, insect repellent, rain catchers, and other household goods. You would find a hat for sure at one of the clothing merchants, and it would be 3 silver. You would also see a larger fish market off to the side as well as a large textile section in the market.
As far as the inn, let me know when everyone is ready to go inside. Even though it is early in the day, there are going to be a good number of folks in there. It looks busy from where you are standing.
I think you could also ask me about any number on the map, and I can tell you general information about what it is, depending on if Phillip knows about it and on if you would've walked by it on the way to the inn. There are some pretty impressive landmarks on the way.
As we play I think the characters will get more used to the city. There is a lot to do!
Evo would express a desire to see Syn, a city prince sounds like a good place to start asking questions.
"Aye'm not mad at ye Phil, but if there is something out there sucking in souls aye think we best get on stopping it an' aye don't think we can search every inch of Chult. Honestly would have thought Syn would have had something!"
Evo buys the hat if it looks to be of good quality!
At the inn he would like to go over all the marks on the map they got from Syn with Phillip, what they are and the like.
Alton looks around at the bustling city around him in awe. Seeing the dinosaurs he would have no idea what they were; possibly tapping Gotur on the shoulder to ask.
He would also take off his cloak due to the heat, and once in the inn would realize that maybe wasn’t a good idea. He sees the beginnings of a sunburn.
“Let’s get inside— quickly. This tropical sun is... hot.” Alton says as sweat pours down his face. “N-need... water.” The small halfling pants as he plods through the streets. Soon already, the wonder is beginning to wear off.
(Alton is definitely ready to head into the inn)
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