Phillip, the sounds are too 'generic' to pinpoint what might be making it. Loud walking, maybe? 2 legs, or maybe 4? You can't tell. It's not in a identifiable pattern.
Azaka responds to Gotur"Yes. Exactly. What if these noises decide to change direction? We should at least see what it is. Determine if it is a potential threat and go from there. On OUR terms."
Azaka then grins and is amused at Phillip's eagerness to potentially see dinosaurs. Secretly, she wants to see them too. She kind of pretends she doesn't hear Evo's concerns.
Eku nods in approval of Evo. "Aye. See? Not worth the risk." She then telepathically says to only Evo a wise leader you are
However, with Gotur's last words about it being a worthwhile detour, Azaka says "Yes. Agreed. Ok, Evo and Eku shall wait here so we don't lose our western trackpoint. Phillip, Gotur and myself will follow the noises, assess the situation and then report back."
Without seeking Evo and Eku's final approval of this plan, she goes towards the noise along with Phillip and Gotur.
((I love the different opinions of the characters in this situation. I am feeling that the personalities of Eku and Azaka are coming out, I am enjoying RP'ing them and it's getting easier.))
Azaka stealth: 8
Alton, I assume you'd come with the scouting party? Seems fitting, although on the other hand maybe he'd be spooked by the loud rumblings and just want to continue and agree with Evo and Eku? Let me know if you will stay with Eku/Evo or go with the others.
Gotur, will you try to stay quiet along with Azaka and Phillip as you approach the stomping rumblings?
(you'd think a stealth check might not be required to approach something causing so much noise, but it will make sense later.)
If so, please make that check.
Azaka stealth: 12
Evo, if you would decide to come with the scouts and not stay back after you see the others go, Eku would also do the same. The same question about stealth will apply if you go. Eku will roll the check if you do. If not, she won't either.
So I need:
Alton: stay or go with scouts. If go, stealth check or no?
Evo: stay and wait for the others to get back, or come? If come, stealth or no? Eku will do what you do.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alton will silently follow after Gotur, a dagger at the ready.
He wouldn’t really have an issue either way… on one hand he believes the quickest route possible to Omu is very important, but if checking out these sounds now (while it may take some time) would eliminate more time later having to deal with whatever issue these sounds may cause, it would be worth it in Alton’s eyes.
Alton, Got-thur, Phillip and Azaka move south towards the stomping. Eku and Evo remain back waiting.
A few hundred metres or so, you all easily see them.
3 giants of some sort. They are lumbering through the jungle. Also, out of the corner of your eyes, you notice 2 wolves. Big ones, about the size of dire wolves which some of you might be familiar with. These ones are not dire wolves though. They somehow don't really seem to belong out here in this jungle climate. But they are here nonetheless.
It is the wolves who almost see Phillip. At the last possible moment, the grung moves out of their line of sight.
So, the party has spotted these giants and wolves. They have not noticed any of you as they proceed south. You can tell that they will not be a threat to you should you ignore them as they seem determined to get to where they are going, wherever that is.
You have an opportunity to act now, or leave without being noticed and head back to the party. At that point, fresh stealth checks would need to be made if you wanted to get back to them with the entire party.
You can ask questions/make rolls about what you see as well if you want more details about these creatures.
What's next?
I will prepare a map if needed depending on what the next actions are.
**I have added these new creatures that Alton, Got-thur, Phillip and Azaka see on the 'Bestiary' tab at the bottom.
**the image sizes on that tab are NOT relative to each other!! hahaha
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Got-ther sniffs the wind, sorting through the jungle smells for those of the giants and wolves, seeing to confirm they are not numbered among the walking dead.
17
He will shake his head and point his tail back towards Evo and Eku.
16
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Phillip is disappointed that they aren’t enormous dinosaurs. He takes a few moments marvelling over the giants and wolves nonetheless, but it’s not the same. Eventually, once they’ve gone on their way, he slinks back to Evo and the main path.
Evo, Eku responds "hmmm... I had always assumed it was you with our first meeting back in Nyanzaru. No matter, we seem to make quite the formidable squad and I look forward to the good we can continue to do for this world."
"Agreed about them getting eating." and she chuckles and slithers around in the air as she waits with Evo. Evo, you don't hear anything out of the ordinary except the rumbling footsteps slowly fade away, and then a bit after that you see the others return.
Got-thur, you get a good whiff of the remnant air molecules that dance in the air which are left behind by the giants and wolves. From your time in the jungle, you're getting a good sense of the regular smells of the jungle versus undead versus something that might not belong in the jungle. The vibe you get from the smells indicate no signs of undead, although the air they leave behind is almost cool, at least much cooler than the hot and humid air.
Strange.
Azaka sees the giants and wolves and agrees with Got-thur's guidance to head back. She whispers "Not a chance. Look at the size of them. No sense risking getting them upset just to see what they're up to." and she follows Phillip and the others back to Evo and Eku.
No need for the stealth checks to get back.
Ok - I will make a new post for the next bit!
I believe there will be an evening encounter. I haven't even looked at it yet, but in the meantime in case I need it, could you please let me know/remind me the camping setup? Are you using that hut spell? Who's taking watches, when, etc? This stuff might not even be needed depending on the encounter but just in case.
((Evo would still be using the hut spell every night. It is nice and cool plus keeps the insects and dinosaurs away! He would take a watch in the deepest part of the night as he has the best night vision, Eku aside.))
((Phillip doesn’t have darkvision, so would always try to buddy up with someone who does. I think he used to buddy with one of the guides. He’s not fussy. Let’s say first watch with one of the guides?))
((He would spend an hour in his watery bubble to rehydrate after dinner before turning in for first watch))
((Once camp is set up, Gotur usually spends a bit of time working on potions, and takes whichever watch is needed. He has darkvision, so could take any, though he probably likes the last shift the most, to be up for the dawn and the world waking up once again.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cool - I've noted these camp proceedings on our 'Map of Chult' tab.
I've updated the Chult map as well with the day's progress. I added the giants 'Gi' to the map.
The encounter that has been rolled doesn't work at night, so we will skip it. All of the desired camping activities happen without any problems and everyone gets a great sleep. The watches are uninterrupted.
8:00AM - DAY 16
Direction: West
Speed: Fast. Azaka says "Time to hoof it!"
Navigator: Phillip. Party has no chance of getting lost in jungle terrain due to his Natural Explorer feature.
The encounter just doesn't fit, so we will skip! Not a fan of forcing stuff like that. Besides, without the encounter, the party arrives at Orolunga...
7:00PM - DAY 18
This is an awesome picture of Orolunga as it follows the landscapes on the Chult map (you can see the Mistcliff Mountains surrounding the ziggurat). I've added it to the 'Orolunga' tab as well on our google sheet.
You all would've seen the massive structure probably hours before you arrive.
A massive brick and stone ziggurat rises from the jungle. Two staircases angle up and across the front face, one from the right, the other from the left, to meet at a landing on the second level 30 feet above your heads. That layout repeats on the second level, and the third level, but with each successive layer adding less height than the one below it. The fourth level, 60 feet above the jungle floor, is an enclosed shrine or temple, its walls adorned with labyrinth symbols.
The jungle encroaches right up to and onto this ancient structure. The first flights of steps are choked with creepers, tree roots, and flowering vines. It might have been surrounded by a city long ago, but the jungle is so dense that it would take hours of searching to find buried foundations and tumbled stones.
Azaka looks up to the top and says "Ha! We've been up much higher at Mbala and Firefinger. This will be easy!" somehow the look on her face doesn't match what she is saying, but you get a sense she won't have any issues making the climb.
Eku says "Friends. We've made it."Eku is a bit in awe here as she knows how important this naga and the information she might possess could be to the party's quest and at the least to give us a better idea of what might be really going on in Chult with the Soulmonger and death curse.
Eku starts to fly higher a bit to check things out, and then all of a sudden she stops. She doesn't say anything, but you see her cast a spell she cast at Mbala (detect magic). She then slithers down to the ground and says "The ziggurat is encased in magic. This is not surprising. I cannot get a true sense of the makeup of the magic, but whatever it is, it is preventing me from flying higher than the treeline. And it is more powerful than I've ever felt in my life."
Eku moves around the ziggurat more with her spell active so she can get a better sense of the magic. "It seems to me that the only way to ascend the ziggurat is to use the stairs."
Azaka pipes up "Seems logical to me. I like Saja N’baza already."
(that is the name of the guardian naga. Saja N'baza. I cant' remember if I told you that earlier, but Azaka and Eku would've told you all its name. They've heard about it and most Chultans know its name.)
So - the ziggurat is encased in magic which prevents anyone from ascending by any means other than climbing the stairs.
Eku changes back to her humanoid form.
((The following is meta, but will help with the flavor and is very interesting))
Characters who try to fly up rise above the trees but never get any closer to the ziggurat, as if they’re flying into a powerful headwind they can’t detect. Those who try to climb a wall get halfway up, then inexplicably loses their grip and slide back down. A ladder built to scale a wall never reaches the top, no matter how long the ladder. A rope-and-hook thrown up to catch the edge always falls short. Casting teleport or misty step moves the caster sideways instead of up to the next level. Bypassing the stairs by any means is flat-out impossible. It might help to think of the whole situation as a fairy tale; it doesn’t need to make sense, because the magic of Orolunga is on a mythic scale that overpowers the ability of any mortal.
Cool!
FIRST STEPS
The steps from the ground to level 1 of the ziggurat are 50 feet long and rise 30 feet. A tangle of roots, vines, and creepers covers the steps. As you all climb the first 10 feet, you notice it is difficult terrain.
After 10 feet, you begin getting scratched by thorns. If you continue, you take 1 slashing damage (magical) per foot climbed. After 20 feet, that increases to 2 slashing damage per foot. The thorns regrow as quickly as they’re slashed, burned, or destroyed, and they can’t be parted by magic or by abilities. No damage is incurred for moving down the steps.
At the 10 ft mark, everyone would also notice a small creature which could possibly resemble a faerie. It's about a foot tall. I've added it to the 'Bestiary' tab, although this particular one looks a bit different than the ones in that image. This one's mask resembles a triceratops’ head. It’s also carrying a large orange and purple orchid. After a moment, it charges up the steps; the thorns part before it and close immediately behind it.
So - if you continue up to the second set of steps you will need to take the appropriate damage.
First stairs are 50 feet long total. First 10 ft is difficult terrain only. Next 20ft = 1 damage per ft. And the last 20 ft = 2 damage per ft. So, it would be -60HP total.
OR - perhaps the little faerie-like creature that took off was a clue? It took off the moment you all saw it, and it was only there long enough for you to see it and what it was holding which I've described.
Eku says "Hmmm... well, this figures. The Naga is likely sick of visitors."
Let me know what you might want to do here. The guides have the HP to climb to the second set of stairs, but they aren't super keen on taking the damage.
"Scouting out a possible unknown hazard seems a worthwhile detour."
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, the sounds are too 'generic' to pinpoint what might be making it. Loud walking, maybe? 2 legs, or maybe 4? You can't tell. It's not in a identifiable pattern.
Azaka responds to Gotur "Yes. Exactly. What if these noises decide to change direction? We should at least see what it is. Determine if it is a potential threat and go from there. On OUR terms."
Azaka then grins and is amused at Phillip's eagerness to potentially see dinosaurs. Secretly, she wants to see them too. She kind of pretends she doesn't hear Evo's concerns.
Eku nods in approval of Evo. "Aye. See? Not worth the risk." She then telepathically says to only Evo a wise leader you are
However, with Gotur's last words about it being a worthwhile detour, Azaka says "Yes. Agreed. Ok, Evo and Eku shall wait here so we don't lose our western trackpoint. Phillip, Gotur and myself will follow the noises, assess the situation and then report back."
Without seeking Evo and Eku's final approval of this plan, she goes towards the noise along with Phillip and Gotur.
((I love the different opinions of the characters in this situation. I am feeling that the personalities of Eku and Azaka are coming out, I am enjoying RP'ing them and it's getting easier.))
Azaka stealth: 8
Alton, I assume you'd come with the scouting party? Seems fitting, although on the other hand maybe he'd be spooked by the loud rumblings and just want to continue and agree with Evo and Eku? Let me know if you will stay with Eku/Evo or go with the others.
Gotur, will you try to stay quiet along with Azaka and Phillip as you approach the stomping rumblings?
(you'd think a stealth check might not be required to approach something causing so much noise, but it will make sense later.)
If so, please make that check.
Azaka stealth: 12
Evo, if you would decide to come with the scouts and not stay back after you see the others go, Eku would also do the same. The same question about stealth will apply if you go. Eku will roll the check if you do. If not, she won't either.
So I need:
Alton: stay or go with scouts. If go, stealth check or no?
Evo: stay and wait for the others to get back, or come? If come, stealth or no? Eku will do what you do.
Gotur: stealth or no?
I rolled twice for Azaka's stealth by mistake. I will use the 20 since it was the first roll.
Gotur's form ripples and shifts, and a burly panther licks a paw before padding after Azaka and Philip.
Got-ther Stealth: 19
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 will silently follow after Gotur, a dagger at the ready.
He wouldn’t really have an issue either way… on one hand he believes the quickest route possible to Omu is very important, but if checking out these sounds now (while it may take some time) would eliminate more time later having to deal with whatever issue these sounds may cause, it would be worth it in Alton’s eyes.
Stealth: 20
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
((Little Philip is so eager he's the least stealthy of the bunch.))
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, Got-thur, Phillip and Azaka move south towards the stomping. Eku and Evo remain back waiting.
A few hundred metres or so, you all easily see them.
3 giants of some sort. They are lumbering through the jungle. Also, out of the corner of your eyes, you notice 2 wolves. Big ones, about the size of dire wolves which some of you might be familiar with. These ones are not dire wolves though. They somehow don't really seem to belong out here in this jungle climate. But they are here nonetheless.
It is the wolves who almost see Phillip. At the last possible moment, the grung moves out of their line of sight.
So, the party has spotted these giants and wolves. They have not noticed any of you as they proceed south. You can tell that they will not be a threat to you should you ignore them as they seem determined to get to where they are going, wherever that is.
You have an opportunity to act now, or leave without being noticed and head back to the party. At that point, fresh stealth checks would need to be made if you wanted to get back to them with the entire party.
You can ask questions/make rolls about what you see as well if you want more details about these creatures.
What's next?
I will prepare a map if needed depending on what the next actions are.
**I have added these new creatures that Alton, Got-thur, Phillip and Azaka see on the 'Bestiary' tab at the bottom.
**the image sizes on that tab are NOT relative to each other!! hahaha
Evo shakes his head,
"Aye can't sneak, even with meh armor. Aye still don't think this is a good idea!"
To Eku after they've left,
"Aye don't think aye'm the leader? Aye though Gotur was? Hope they don't get eaten and we have to do this ourselves and bring them back."
He the sits and listens for cries for help as he waits.
Perception: 9
Got-ther sniffs the wind, sorting through the jungle smells for those of the giants and wolves, seeing to confirm they are not numbered among the walking dead.
17
He will shake his head and point his tail back towards Evo and Eku.
16
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 disappointed that they aren’t enormous dinosaurs. He takes a few moments marvelling over the giants and wolves nonetheless, but it’s not the same. Eventually, once they’ve gone on their way, he slinks back to Evo and the main path.
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, Eku responds "hmmm... I had always assumed it was you with our first meeting back in Nyanzaru. No matter, we seem to make quite the formidable squad and I look forward to the good we can continue to do for this world."
"Agreed about them getting eating." and she chuckles and slithers around in the air as she waits with Evo. Evo, you don't hear anything out of the ordinary except the rumbling footsteps slowly fade away, and then a bit after that you see the others return.
Got-thur, you get a good whiff of the remnant air molecules that dance in the air which are left behind by the giants and wolves. From your time in the jungle, you're getting a good sense of the regular smells of the jungle versus undead versus something that might not belong in the jungle. The vibe you get from the smells indicate no signs of undead, although the air they leave behind is almost cool, at least much cooler than the hot and humid air.
Strange.
Azaka sees the giants and wolves and agrees with Got-thur's guidance to head back. She whispers "Not a chance. Look at the size of them. No sense risking getting them upset just to see what they're up to." and she follows Phillip and the others back to Evo and Eku.
No need for the stealth checks to get back.
Ok - I will make a new post for the next bit!
I believe there will be an evening encounter. I haven't even looked at it yet, but in the meantime in case I need it, could you please let me know/remind me the camping setup? Are you using that hut spell? Who's taking watches, when, etc? This stuff might not even be needed depending on the encounter but just in case.
Thanks!!
Encounter rolls: 18 / 55 (DONE) | 5 / 65 | 17 / 31
12:00 NOON - DAY 15
((Evo would still be using the hut spell every night. It is nice and cool plus keeps the insects and dinosaurs away! He would take a watch in the deepest part of the night as he has the best night vision, Eku aside.))
((Phillip doesn’t have darkvision, so would always try to buddy up with someone who does. I think he used to buddy with one of the guides. He’s not fussy. Let’s say first watch with one of the guides?))
((He would spend an hour in his watery bubble to rehydrate after dinner before turning in for first watch))
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
((Once camp is set up, Gotur usually spends a bit of time working on potions, and takes whichever watch is needed. He has darkvision, so could take any, though he probably likes the last shift the most, to be up for the dawn and the world waking up once again.))
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
Cool - I've noted these camp proceedings on our 'Map of Chult' tab.
I've updated the Chult map as well with the day's progress. I added the giants 'Gi' to the map.
The encounter that has been rolled doesn't work at night, so we will skip it. All of the desired camping activities happen without any problems and everyone gets a great sleep. The watches are uninterrupted.
8:00AM - DAY 16
Direction: West
Speed: Fast. Azaka says "Time to hoof it!"
Navigator: Phillip. Party has no chance of getting lost in jungle terrain due to his Natural Explorer feature.
Encounters: 2 / 74 8 / 78 1 / 48
Peaceful day of travel! You all are getting quite used to the jungle by now. Today was an overcast rainy day, but still very humid.
I'll update the map with the 2 hexes for the day's fast travel, and then reload for day 17 as soon as I can.
I've updated the map with day 16's travel.
8:00AM - DAY 17
Direction: West
Speed: Fast. Eku says "Friends. We are making great progress. At this pace, we will arrive at Orolunga in 2 days."
Navigator: Phillip. Party has no chance of getting lost in jungle terrain due to his Natural Explorer feature.
Encounters: 3 / 79 1 / 28 4 / 61
Yet another peaceful day of travel! It was a hot one today, although all of you managed to stay hydrated.
I'll update the map with the 2 hexes for the day's fast travel, and then reload for day 18 as soon as I can.
Depending on how those encounter rolls go, the party might make it to Orolunga tomorrow evening around dinner time.
Stay tuned.
*chult map updated with day 17 travel
8:00AM - DAY 18
The party will arrive at Orolunga around 7:00PM on this day, so I will only roll for 2 potential encounters for that travel time.
Direction: West
Speed: Fast.
Navigator: Phillip.
Encounters: 6 / 52 17 / 81
The encounter just doesn't fit, so we will skip! Not a fan of forcing stuff like that. Besides, without the encounter, the party arrives at Orolunga...
7:00PM - DAY 18
This is an awesome picture of Orolunga as it follows the landscapes on the Chult map (you can see the Mistcliff Mountains surrounding the ziggurat). I've added it to the 'Orolunga' tab as well on our google sheet.
You all would've seen the massive structure probably hours before you arrive.
A massive brick and stone ziggurat rises from the jungle. Two staircases angle up and across the front face, one from the right, the other from the left, to meet at a landing on the second level 30 feet above your heads. That layout repeats on the second level, and the third level, but with each successive layer adding less height than the one below it. The fourth level, 60 feet above the jungle floor, is an enclosed shrine or temple, its walls adorned with labyrinth symbols.
The jungle encroaches right up to and onto this ancient structure. The first flights of steps are choked with creepers, tree roots, and flowering vines. It might have been surrounded by a city long ago, but the jungle is so dense that it would take hours of searching to find buried foundations and tumbled stones.
Azaka looks up to the top and says "Ha! We've been up much higher at Mbala and Firefinger. This will be easy!" somehow the look on her face doesn't match what she is saying, but you get a sense she won't have any issues making the climb.
Eku says "Friends. We've made it." Eku is a bit in awe here as she knows how important this naga and the information she might possess could be to the party's quest and at the least to give us a better idea of what might be really going on in Chult with the Soulmonger and death curse.
Eku starts to fly higher a bit to check things out, and then all of a sudden she stops. She doesn't say anything, but you see her cast a spell she cast at Mbala (detect magic). She then slithers down to the ground and says "The ziggurat is encased in magic. This is not surprising. I cannot get a true sense of the makeup of the magic, but whatever it is, it is preventing me from flying higher than the treeline. And it is more powerful than I've ever felt in my life."
Eku moves around the ziggurat more with her spell active so she can get a better sense of the magic. "It seems to me that the only way to ascend the ziggurat is to use the stairs."
Azaka pipes up "Seems logical to me. I like Saja N’baza already."
(that is the name of the guardian naga. Saja N'baza. I cant' remember if I told you that earlier, but Azaka and Eku would've told you all its name. They've heard about it and most Chultans know its name.)
So - the ziggurat is encased in magic which prevents anyone from ascending by any means other than climbing the stairs.
Eku changes back to her humanoid form.
((The following is meta, but will help with the flavor and is very interesting))
Characters who try to fly up rise above the trees but never get any closer to the ziggurat, as if they’re flying into a powerful headwind they can’t detect. Those who try to climb a wall get halfway up, then inexplicably loses their grip and slide back down. A ladder built to scale a wall never reaches the top, no matter how long the ladder. A rope-and-hook thrown up to catch the edge always falls short. Casting teleport or misty step moves the caster sideways instead of up to the next level. Bypassing the stairs by any means is flat-out impossible. It might help to think of the whole situation as a fairy tale; it doesn’t need to make sense, because the magic of Orolunga is on a mythic scale that overpowers the ability of any mortal.
Cool!
FIRST STEPS
The steps from the ground to level 1 of the ziggurat are 50 feet long and rise 30 feet. A tangle of roots, vines, and creepers covers the steps. As you all climb the first 10 feet, you notice it is difficult terrain.
After 10 feet, you begin getting scratched by thorns. If you continue, you take 1 slashing damage (magical) per foot climbed. After 20 feet, that increases to 2 slashing damage per foot. The thorns regrow as quickly as they’re slashed, burned, or destroyed, and they can’t be parted by magic or by abilities. No damage is incurred for moving down the steps.
At the 10 ft mark, everyone would also notice a small creature which could possibly resemble a faerie. It's about a foot tall. I've added it to the 'Bestiary' tab, although this particular one looks a bit different than the ones in that image. This one's mask resembles a triceratops’ head. It’s also carrying a large orange and purple orchid. After a moment, it charges up the steps; the thorns part before it and close immediately behind it.
So - if you continue up to the second set of steps you will need to take the appropriate damage.
First stairs are 50 feet long total. First 10 ft is difficult terrain only. Next 20ft = 1 damage per ft. And the last 20 ft = 2 damage per ft. So, it would be -60HP total.
OR - perhaps the little faerie-like creature that took off was a clue? It took off the moment you all saw it, and it was only there long enough for you to see it and what it was holding which I've described.
Eku says "Hmmm... well, this figures. The Naga is likely sick of visitors."
Let me know what you might want to do here. The guides have the HP to climb to the second set of stairs, but they aren't super keen on taking the damage.