Alton would thank the EE members for their time and information before rushing to join the party once again. He would tell them about the dangerous areas and possibility of EE forts out in the jungle where they might be able to find refuge if worse comes to worse.
(I have been operating under the assumption Alton already had a hood... that being said, I have not officially payed for one, so will do so if need be. Just let me know, Klein.)
Other than that, Alton is good to go. I am going to go ahead and subtract 3gp from Altons store. For room and board, but also and food or drink over the course of the two days and anything else he might do. Ready for the jungle!
((yeah for sure Gotur could pattern the shield. It is a very dense wood, so as long as you've the tools, there is room on the very vanilla-like wooden shield for you to carve.))
((Alton need not pay for a new cloak!))
Ok cool - if anyone else has anything else they want to do in the city let me know.
The merchant prince Ekene-Afa had the canoes delivered to the city limits where the entrance to the jungle is and where you can access either the River Soshenstar or the River Tiryki. The canoes are being guarded for you and will be there when you arrive at the jungle entrance.
Looking at the map, it looks like Firefinger down the River Tiryki (Azaka's quest) might be the best option to start given it's due south which is the general direction of Omu. Alternatively, you could take the longer way to start and take the River Soshenstar first to deal with the hag at Mbala (Eku's quest). Either way, at least right now, the guides are telling you that whichever way we start, we will have to swing back to the other location to ensure both quests are dealt with.
These are the suggestions put forth from the guides. Let me know what you all think is the best way to go first (River Soshenstar or the River Tiryki), and then I will get the kickoff jungle post completed. It will have all of the rules and steps we need to take for travel, and I will ask for various rolls from characters.
Also if there are any locations of interest on the map you might want info about, let me know.
((Cool, he'll work on that some evenings then, when he's not doing potion work. I've deducted the greater healing potion, added the +1 Shield. I also sold his old shield for 1/2 list value (5gp), and deducted 2 gold to buy a set of Traveler's Clothes, which I presume would cover his bases as far as cloak, etc. I don't think he'd learned how to make insect salve... if not one's sharing/selling that info, I'd like to purchase some more salve.))
((Petty cash = 301 gp - 300 gp for guides = 1 gp + 100 gp fromKwayothé + 300 gp from Zhanthi= 401 gp))
"If we take the canoes to Firefinger, is it possible to portage them across to Soshenstar? I might be able to help drag them in wild shape for part of the day. If we leave them at the head of the Soshenstar, it's closer to our destination, and means cutting through less of the wilds on our way back to Port."
((He'd be asking the party and the guides over a map at some point.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
((I think Firefinger is fine to start too. But I also really like Rod’s idea of boating back up and back down if it would be quicker/safer/easier. Might also be an option if we have injuries or anything needed in town between quests too. Interesting to see what the guides say about it))
((If there’s time, and just for flavour, Phillip might like to visit Syn one last time alone to say goodbye. And see her one last time before heading out. See how she is and how she looks (if he can tell how fast things are progressing). He might pluck up the courage to ask for a worthless token or favour to remember her by while on the trail. He would also jokingly ask if she had a super powerful artefact or device that she wasn’t using much any more, that he could take in case of emergency!! It is one of his jokes, but a tiny part of him hopes she has something devastating (necklace of fireballs, necklace of fireballs, necklace of fireballs......))
((Yep! Everything that everyone else has already brought up echo what my thoughts are. I’m happy starting at Firefinger; if ToA is as deadly as everyone says, we may need to go back to Port Nyanzaru like @Grwobert said.))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The guides would both say that while it might be more physically demanding to portage the canoes through the jungle, it would likely be faster than going back up the river to the city and then heading back down the other river. Perhaps the party ditches a canoe at Firefinger even. Or leave them somewhere like you mentioned.
However, it will likely be more dangerous walking through the jungle as you'd be crossing that undead section.
The guides would leave the decision up to you all. This decision can be made of course once the business at Firefinger is taken care of, so there is some time.
One thing I am going to use in this game with the guides from the DMG is the optional 'Loyalty Rules'. Each NPC now has a loyalty score which I keep track of behind the scenes as we go. The score will reflect the NPC's loyalty to the party in general and will be affected by how you treat these guides, how much of a help you are to them, etc. etc. However, if a character does something or interacts with the NPC individually, then the loyalty scores will be separate for each PC/NPC relationship vs. the NPC/party score.
Phillip - when you went back to see Syn, she looked very similar to the day before. Very lethargic, tired and just not herself. She thanks you again for agreeing to help out this endeavor and wishes you and the party the best of luck. Her life depends on it, after all.
She reaches into her desk drawer 53
"I wish I could provide you with all the entire city's resources. Seems some folk are not as 'inspired' to find the soul monger as myself. Alas, I cannot blame them. Although they will see. Everyone will see in due time should nothing be done."
"Here. It is the last bit of help I can provide. You never know. Might help you keep the faith when you are weeks into the jungle."she attempts a smile, and pulls out of the drawer an invitation to a wedding.
The date is one year from now, and it's her sister's wedding.
"I would love if you all could come. My sister would be honored with all of your presence. It shall be the grandest of celebrations. I hope I survive for it."
I will create a new post with the jungle kickoff! let me know if meantime if there's anything else or if I missed anything.
(( I also sold his old shield for 1/2 list value (5gp), and deducted 2 gold to buy a set of Traveler's Clothes, which I presume would cover his bases as far as cloak, etc. I don't think he'd learned how to make insect salve... if not one's sharing/selling that info, I'd like to purchase some more salve.))
((We have ~400 in party funds atm, if anyone thinks we need anything else?))
((Sorry. Let's use the same rules for creating insect salve that we are using for Gotur creating potions and antitoxins. Same costs, same timeframes. It would've been Kwayothé who explained how to make the salve, and she would've done this for free as an offer of assistance for what you are all doing. You can still buy some premade if you'd like, the prices are on the princes tab))
I also added this to her special warez:
A block of incense sells for 1 sp. When lit, it burns for 8 hours and repels normal insects within a 20-foot-radius centered on it.
A gourd or vial of salve, which sells for 1 gp, contains 20 applications of odorless grease. One application protects its wearer against normal insects for 24 hours. The salve is waterproof.
((Ya, lets see how bad things actually are out there before we decide to portage or not.))
To Eku and Azaka,
"Thank ye both for taking us and agreeing to work together. Aye truly think this is for the good of the entire world, and if we can help ye two along the way, well, mores the better!"
((If they're that cheap, he'll just buy enough salve for the party to be well stocked, but will take the time to learn. How long will he have to work to make salve or incense? Potion is 1 day (8 hrs) for something needing 25gp worth of materials. At that gold/time rate, he'd be able to make 50 salves or 500 blocks of incense with 8 hours work... Which seems busted. The standard crafting (healing potion is an exception) rate is 5gp of raw material per day, so that would be 10 salve or 100 incense with 8 hours work, provided he can find raw materials.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Evo, Eku and Azaka share the pleasantries of the arrangement being finalized and agreed upon with you and the others and they are both also eager to get started. Both for their own individual purposes and also to help the party as they also share a common goal of ridding the world of evil. (Eku especially.)
((hmmmm yeah Spider, that definitely seems broken. The salve and incense are much too cheap to use the same calcs. Would you be ok with following a homebrew rule for the timeframes and quantities of productions when it comes to the insect salve and incense? Let's say it will take 5gp worth of materials (the process to extract the ingredients from the raw materials to make the salve is intense and you don't get a lot from the raw materials.), along with 4 hours of your time. This is for the salve. To make the incense, it will take 3gp of materials, and 2 hours of your time. Does that work for you?))
The day is here. The party begins their adventure in the jungle and departs from the gates of Port Nyanzaru. The hot sun beats down on everyone through the slits of unshaded sections , and the heat and humidity is immense as the party enters the jungle. The 2 canoes are waiting for the party as planned, and as you approach them the 2 human guards who were watching the canoes give you all a nod, wish you luck and then start to walk back to the city. You might hear them whisper as they leave how much ya wanna bet we'll never see 'emagain? They do not interact with you anymore than that.
Azaka says "Wow. Real nice fellas there."
Eku says "Azaka. We do not know their situation. What consumes their mind. We should not judge." she says to the men who are walking away "Thank you."
So, the canoes are beside the Tiryki River, just at the base of the river there where it's a bit wider in the small bay part. You would all fit in them comfortably, however Eku says:
"I shall not travel in that. I have... other methods of travel."
Azaka says "I was wondering when you were going to show them."
Before your eyes, Eku begins to... change. Her body kind of flashes and moves and flows, and then suddenly morphs into a flying serpentine being and then takes off into the air, flying peacefully above the party.
Every one of you also now hear this in your minds:
See my true form. Hear my true voice. Feel my presence guide us through the jungle.
Azaka says one word to the party. "Couatl."
After a moment, she continues. "Oh, you can talk to her back the same way. Just try it. Think of what you want to say and she'll get it. Pretty good range, too. It's fun the first few times."she laughs.
She continues "Oh, not to put all of this on you at once, and I think Evo here already has a good idea of this..." she winks at Evo and then morphs into an extremely fierce looking weretiger.
I have updated both of the NPC images on the NPC tabs.
Azaka morphs back after awhile. "There. Now that that is out of the way, I'll enjoy the canoe ride in human form." and she smiles at you all.
Ok, I have added a marker on the Chult map showing the starting hex of the party. I will move this marker throughout the adventure to track the party's location at all times.
On the start of each in game day, we will have to make a few decisions:
1. Which direction will the party travel? I am purposely keeping it a secret how far you travel on each day depending on method of transportation, terrain, etc. One thing I will tell you is that the rate of travel up or down river is the same; the rivers are so sluggish that current is almost imperceptible.
2. How fast will the party travel? (Normal, Fast, or Slow. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages which you will become aware of as we play.)
3. Who will be the navigator? They will roll a survivalcheck. In this case, I think it makes sense to have the guides be the navigators. It will be Eku as she is flying, and Azaka will help her on the rolls. This can change if we get to areas that neither of them know about and one of you prefers to navigate.
4. Secret DM function happens.
5. Dehydration Check. I am changing this piece because the module presents it in a very redundant way and I'm just going to make it easier. I believe one of the merchant princes gave you a rain catcher. We will assume that you use it every time it rains, and that you are able to collect enough water for the entire party each time it rains and you all make sure that you drink the required 2 gallons of water per day. However, I still want to incorporate a dehydration possibility even with the required water intake due to the harsh environment and keeping some of the rules, so this is how it will work. Behind the scenes, I will be making some rolls. These rolls will determine if your character has to make a CON check to avoid dehydration for that day. This will happen at times of my choosing and I will explain the exact logic that I use and will show you the rolls when I do them so you can see that it is fair. There are a lot of things that go into the calc which I am keeping secret for now. You might be able to think of a few which might increase your chance of having to roll for the save (heavier armor, etc.).
And that is it! I will add all of this information to the google sheet, Map of Chult tab so we have it for reference.
So let's go through the start of day 1.
1 = Which direction? Pretty straight forward. Due south, down the river.
2 = How fast will the party travel? Please submit answers, either RP'd or not!
3 = Navigator will be Eku, with Azaka's help. I will roll once I get answers for #2.
4 = Later
5 = Later
Lastly, I am not going to add any visuals of what the jungle might look like. It won't do it justice, and you can all make your own image in your minds of what the surroundings might look like given the Chult map and where the party is. Vast beautiful gorgeous jungles with exotic vibrant flora and fauna, with creatures of all kind small and large making pleasant and strange noises all around you. Basically paradise if you ask me. But way too hot.
If there are specific details about the surroundings, of course I will explain them as well as if/when we get to locations.
((Is one is the shields non-metallic? I'd considered it for Gotur, but shields don't help in wild shape.))
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
((Removed the potion and added the shield. He isn't strong enough for the heavier armor so this is a nice boost.))
((If there's a non-metallic, Gotur will pick it up.))
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
Yup, the other one is a real nice solid wood shield.
((If it's unadorned, would he be able work a pattern into it?))
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
Alton would thank the EE members for their time and information before rushing to join the party once again. He would tell them about the dangerous areas and possibility of EE forts out in the jungle where they might be able to find refuge if worse comes to worse.
(I have been operating under the assumption Alton already had a hood... that being said, I have not officially payed for one, so will do so if need be. Just let me know, Klein.)
Other than that, Alton is good to go. I am going to go ahead and subtract 3gp from Altons store. For room and board, but also and food or drink over the course of the two days and anything else he might do. Ready for the jungle!
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 for sure Gotur could pattern the shield. It is a very dense wood, so as long as you've the tools, there is room on the very vanilla-like wooden shield for you to carve.))
((Alton need not pay for a new cloak!))
Ok cool - if anyone else has anything else they want to do in the city let me know.
The merchant prince Ekene-Afa had the canoes delivered to the city limits where the entrance to the jungle is and where you can access either the River Soshenstar or the River Tiryki. The canoes are being guarded for you and will be there when you arrive at the jungle entrance.
Looking at the map, it looks like Firefinger down the River Tiryki (Azaka's quest) might be the best option to start given it's due south which is the general direction of Omu. Alternatively, you could take the longer way to start and take the River Soshenstar first to deal with the hag at Mbala (Eku's quest). Either way, at least right now, the guides are telling you that whichever way we start, we will have to swing back to the other location to ensure both quests are dealt with.
These are the suggestions put forth from the guides. Let me know what you all think is the best way to go first (River Soshenstar or the River Tiryki), and then I will get the kickoff jungle post completed. It will have all of the rules and steps we need to take for travel, and I will ask for various rolls from characters.
Also if there are any locations of interest on the map you might want info about, let me know.
((Firefinger seems fine! Do the guides think cutting across with the canoes would be faster than heading up and then back down to Eku's place?))
((Cool, he'll work on that some evenings then, when he's not doing potion work. I've deducted the greater healing potion, added the +1 Shield. I also sold his old shield for 1/2 list value (5gp), and deducted 2 gold to buy a set of Traveler's Clothes, which I presume would cover his bases as far as cloak, etc. I don't think he'd learned how to make insect salve... if not one's sharing/selling that info, I'd like to purchase some more salve.))
((Petty cash = 301 gp - 300 gp for guides = 1 gp + 100 gp from Kwayothé + 300 gp from Zhanthi = 401 gp))
"If we take the canoes to Firefinger, is it possible to portage them across to Soshenstar? I might be able to help drag them in wild shape for part of the day. If we leave them at the head of the Soshenstar, it's closer to our destination, and means cutting through less of the wilds on our way back to Port."
((He'd be asking the party and the guides over a map at some point.))
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 think Firefinger is fine to start too. But I also really like Rod’s idea of boating back up and back down if it would be quicker/safer/easier. Might also be an option if we have injuries or anything needed in town between quests too. Interesting to see what the guides say about it))
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
((If there’s time, and just for flavour, Phillip might like to visit Syn one last time alone to say goodbye. And see her one last time before heading out. See how she is and how she looks (if he can tell how fast things are progressing). He might pluck up the courage to ask for a worthless token or favour to remember her by while on the trail. He would also jokingly ask if she had a super powerful artefact or device that she wasn’t using much any more, that he could take in case of emergency!! It is one of his jokes, but a tiny part of him hopes she has something devastating (necklace of fireballs, necklace of fireballs, necklace of fireballs......))
:-)
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
((HA! Rod and I had the same question in crossposts. :D ))
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
((Yep! Everything that everyone else has already brought up echo what my thoughts are. I’m happy starting at Firefinger; if ToA is as deadly as everyone says, we may need to go back to Port Nyanzaru like @Grwobert said.))
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
The guides would both say that while it might be more physically demanding to portage the canoes through the jungle, it would likely be faster than going back up the river to the city and then heading back down the other river. Perhaps the party ditches a canoe at Firefinger even. Or leave them somewhere like you mentioned.
However, it will likely be more dangerous walking through the jungle as you'd be crossing that undead section.
The guides would leave the decision up to you all. This decision can be made of course once the business at Firefinger is taken care of, so there is some time.
One thing I am going to use in this game with the guides from the DMG is the optional 'Loyalty Rules'. Each NPC now has a loyalty score which I keep track of behind the scenes as we go. The score will reflect the NPC's loyalty to the party in general and will be affected by how you treat these guides, how much of a help you are to them, etc. etc. However, if a character does something or interacts with the NPC individually, then the loyalty scores will be separate for each PC/NPC relationship vs. the NPC/party score.
Phillip - when you went back to see Syn, she looked very similar to the day before. Very lethargic, tired and just not herself. She thanks you again for agreeing to help out this endeavor and wishes you and the party the best of luck. Her life depends on it, after all.
She reaches into her desk drawer 53
"I wish I could provide you with all the entire city's resources. Seems some folk are not as 'inspired' to find the soul monger as myself. Alas, I cannot blame them. Although they will see. Everyone will see in due time should nothing be done."
"Here. It is the last bit of help I can provide. You never know. Might help you keep the faith when you are weeks into the jungle." she attempts a smile, and pulls out of the drawer an invitation to a wedding.
The date is one year from now, and it's her sister's wedding.
"I would love if you all could come. My sister would be honored with all of your presence. It shall be the grandest of celebrations. I hope I survive for it."
I will create a new post with the jungle kickoff! let me know if meantime if there's anything else or if I missed anything.
((We have ~400 in party funds atm, if anyone thinks we need anything else?))
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
((Sorry. Let's use the same rules for creating insect salve that we are using for Gotur creating potions and antitoxins. Same costs, same timeframes. It would've been Kwayothé who explained how to make the salve, and she would've done this for free as an offer of assistance for what you are all doing. You can still buy some premade if you'd like, the prices are on the princes tab))
I also added this to her special warez:
A block of incense sells for 1 sp. When lit, it burns for 8 hours and repels normal insects within a 20-foot-radius centered on it.
A gourd or vial of salve, which sells for 1 gp, contains 20 applications of odorless grease. One application protects its wearer against normal insects for 24 hours. The salve is waterproof.
((Ya, lets see how bad things actually are out there before we decide to portage or not.))
To Eku and Azaka,
"Thank ye both for taking us and agreeing to work together. Aye truly think this is for the good of the entire world, and if we can help ye two along the way, well, mores the better!"
((If they're that cheap, he'll just buy enough salve for the party to be well stocked, but will take the time to learn. How long will he have to work to make salve or incense? Potion is 1 day (8 hrs) for something needing 25gp worth of materials. At that gold/time rate, he'd be able to make 50 salves or 500 blocks of incense with 8 hours work... Which seems busted. The standard crafting (healing potion is an exception) rate is 5gp of raw material per day, so that would be 10 salve or 100 incense with 8 hours work, provided he can find raw materials.))
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, Eku and Azaka share the pleasantries of the arrangement being finalized and agreed upon with you and the others and they are both also eager to get started. Both for their own individual purposes and also to help the party as they also share a common goal of ridding the world of evil. (Eku especially.)
((hmmmm yeah Spider, that definitely seems broken. The salve and incense are much too cheap to use the same calcs. Would you be ok with following a homebrew rule for the timeframes and quantities of productions when it comes to the insect salve and incense? Let's say it will take 5gp worth of materials (the process to extract the ingredients from the raw materials to make the salve is intense and you don't get a lot from the raw materials.), along with 4 hours of your time. This is for the salve. To make the incense, it will take 3gp of materials, and 2 hours of your time. Does that work for you?))
The day is here. The party begins their adventure in the jungle and departs from the gates of Port Nyanzaru. The hot sun beats down on everyone through the slits of unshaded sections , and the heat and humidity is immense as the party enters the jungle. The 2 canoes are waiting for the party as planned, and as you approach them the 2 human guards who were watching the canoes give you all a nod, wish you luck and then start to walk back to the city. You might hear them whisper as they leave how much ya wanna bet we'll never see 'em again? They do not interact with you anymore than that.
Azaka says "Wow. Real nice fellas there."
Eku says "Azaka. We do not know their situation. What consumes their mind. We should not judge." she says to the men who are walking away "Thank you."
So, the canoes are beside the Tiryki River, just at the base of the river there where it's a bit wider in the small bay part. You would all fit in them comfortably, however Eku says:
"I shall not travel in that. I have... other methods of travel."
Azaka says "I was wondering when you were going to show them."
Before your eyes, Eku begins to... change. Her body kind of flashes and moves and flows, and then suddenly morphs into a flying serpentine being and then takes off into the air, flying peacefully above the party.
Every one of you also now hear this in your minds:
See my true form. Hear my true voice. Feel my presence guide us through the jungle.
Azaka says one word to the party. "Couatl."
After a moment, she continues. "Oh, you can talk to her back the same way. Just try it. Think of what you want to say and she'll get it. Pretty good range, too. It's fun the first few times." she laughs.
She continues "Oh, not to put all of this on you at once, and I think Evo here already has a good idea of this..." she winks at Evo and then morphs into an extremely fierce looking weretiger.
I have updated both of the NPC images on the NPC tabs.
Azaka morphs back after awhile. "There. Now that that is out of the way, I'll enjoy the canoe ride in human form." and she smiles at you all.
Ok, I have added a marker on the Chult map showing the starting hex of the party. I will move this marker throughout the adventure to track the party's location at all times.
On the start of each in game day, we will have to make a few decisions:
1. Which direction will the party travel? I am purposely keeping it a secret how far you travel on each day depending on method of transportation, terrain, etc. One thing I will tell you is that the rate of travel up or down river is the same; the rivers are so sluggish that current is almost imperceptible.
2. How fast will the party travel? (Normal, Fast, or Slow. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages which you will become aware of as we play.)
3. Who will be the navigator? They will roll a survivalcheck. In this case, I think it makes sense to have the guides be the navigators. It will be Eku as she is flying, and Azaka will help her on the rolls. This can change if we get to areas that neither of them know about and one of you prefers to navigate.
4. Secret DM function happens.
5. Dehydration Check. I am changing this piece because the module presents it in a very redundant way and I'm just going to make it easier. I believe one of the merchant princes gave you a rain catcher. We will assume that you use it every time it rains, and that you are able to collect enough water for the entire party each time it rains and you all make sure that you drink the required 2 gallons of water per day. However, I still want to incorporate a dehydration possibility even with the required water intake due to the harsh environment and keeping some of the rules, so this is how it will work. Behind the scenes, I will be making some rolls. These rolls will determine if your character has to make a CON check to avoid dehydration for that day. This will happen at times of my choosing and I will explain the exact logic that I use and will show you the rolls when I do them so you can see that it is fair. There are a lot of things that go into the calc which I am keeping secret for now. You might be able to think of a few which might increase your chance of having to roll for the save (heavier armor, etc.).
And that is it! I will add all of this information to the google sheet, Map of Chult tab so we have it for reference.
So let's go through the start of day 1.
1 = Which direction? Pretty straight forward. Due south, down the river.
2 = How fast will the party travel? Please submit answers, either RP'd or not!
3 = Navigator will be Eku, with Azaka's help. I will roll once I get answers for #2.
4 = Later
5 = Later
Lastly, I am not going to add any visuals of what the jungle might look like. It won't do it justice, and you can all make your own image in your minds of what the surroundings might look like given the Chult map and where the party is. Vast beautiful gorgeous jungles with exotic vibrant flora and fauna, with creatures of all kind small and large making pleasant and strange noises all around you. Basically paradise if you ask me. But way too hot.
If there are specific details about the surroundings, of course I will explain them as well as if/when we get to locations.
Over to you all!!
sorry. I forgot one thing. Who's going in each canoe. Eku is flying. Azaka wants to ride in a canoe, human form.