Something evil is trapping the souls of the dead and draining life from all who have been raised from death by magic. This worldwide "death curse" not only prevents the raising of the dead but also causes creatures that were previously raised from the dead to wither and die. Where could be the source of this terrible death curse?
Tomb Of Annihilation is a Dungeons and Dragons adventure that takes place on the peninsula of Chult in the Forgotten Realms. This adventure will be for four to six 1st-level characters, who should advance to 11th level or higher by the adventure's conclusion.
Asha was found alone, as a baby by a group of Dwarves, who opted to take the child home and raise her as one of them rather than let her die. They raised her as one of their own and she took on the ways of the Dwarves well as she grew into a woman, she worshiped Moradin, she drank well, she was skilled at the forge, and she knew to regard Elves as being pointy-eared pricks. She was quite the skilled blacksmith and the Dwarves believed that she could make a name for herself as a blacksmith, possibly even becoming a master if she worked hard enough during her relatively brief life and proved that she was as good a crafter as the Dwarves of legend. But Moradin was behind her and he gave her more than just skill at the forge. He also gave her the ability to call upon his divine power as a Cleric. She had the power to heal, use light to destroy those who did evil deeds, and empower the weapons and armor that she was able to forge. And she figured that with the power she had, she'd be able to become famous among her people by doing something heroic.
My name is Zyntari Drazza. People just call me Zyn.
PAST
I am a young woman of two worlds: Drow, and human. My father was born a Drow in the city of Narbondellyn, my mother was born a human in a city called Mirabar, far to the north. This is where I spent most of my life. My father, when he was much younger, risked his life to run away from Underdark society and fled to the north where he met my mother shortly after. The two fell in love, and through family and trust, both became successful ore merchants in the city - which was mostly populated by Dwarves. Because of his Drow ancestry, we lived in an area underground called The Undercity, where my parents made a living with trade and through hard work and honesty, became respected in the community despite my father's..heritage.
So, when the day came and I was born - looking like my father - no one really paid heed. Because my parents were so busy, my grandfather on my mother's side raised me, mostly. He was amazing to watch and listen to, and could do amazing things with sharp weapons - like his very body was a weapon. It captured my interest and fascination immediately. When I asked my mother about him, she always looked at me like I was silly and never answered. Eventually, I grew up into a young woman, and when I was of age, my parents expected me to take over the family business and give up this martial arts business I enjoyed - I refused. I was much more interested in spending my time in learning the ways of the Kensei, like my grandfather.
So I did.
I trained my body and mind to become a weapon like him.
PRESENT
Then, something terrible happened. A massive earthquake rocked the foundation of the world and caused a long dormant volcano to split open and drown the Undercity and my people in waves of seething magma. It was only because, at the time, I was not in the main underground city practicing that I survived. When the rock cooled, there was nothing left and everything was covered in solid rock. The entire Undercity was sealed off. Everything I loved and everything I had was destroyed that day. It also changed who I was to become.
With no home, I spend many years travelling the world staying in monastic temples honing my martial abilities until the wind blew in a rumor of a "death curse" - those who that were once resurrected were now slowly dying. It was strange, it was unnatural, and most importantly, it required investigation - at least, that's what the spirit of my dead grandfather told me. But..that's another story.
FUTURE
Syndra. That's what he told me. Seek out Syndra, in Chult. So I did.
NOTE: Our adventure begins when you all receive a signal, message, or any other medium, from Syndra of Chult. She is requesting your assistance for an undisclosed reason. For role-playing purposes, you can either be summoned by her, or sent to seek her out. Its up to you. Either way, we shall consider a few things: you have agreed to go see her, the adventuring party are strangers, and you are not in Chult when the adventure begins - you are about to arrive there by boat.
I send this letter to you to cash in a favor. I know you to be a man who enjoys a good mystery and loves to have a thrilling story to tell his sisters when he returns from his trips, and I do believe this one will indeed be quite the story to tell. I cannot write much here as I prefer to do this in person. If you are interested, please come to Chult in which way you find more convenient for you.
I will be waiting.
-- Syndra
Amir gives the letter another read prior to folding it and placing it back into the envelope. A sigh passes his lips as purple hues look to his snake familiar, Faust, returning his gaze blankly, then sticking her tongue out at him. He chuckles lightly, reaching a hand out to give her a loving pat on the head. "I do suppose we have ourselves another story that needs to be written, ah?"
"You're gonna leave AGAIN?!" An exasperated voice shouts, drawing Amir's attention to his youngest sister, Svana, who had been stomping her way over with a pout on her face. "You just came back from one! Can't you say no to this one?!"
"I'm afraid not. I have a debt to repay with them so--"
"And?! Just give them some money to hire someone else!"
"Haha, that's not how this works, Svana,"He says with an endearing grin tugging at the corner of his lip. He brings the younger girl to his lap, she still pouting, very clearly upset. "I'll try to make this one quick, okay? I'll bring you back something nice too!"
"... You were supposed to teach my how to summon my familiar..." She mutters, not giving her brother any eye contact to hide the fact that there were tears stinging at the corner of her eyes.
Amir's smile falls into a frown. "I know, I know... I'm sure Satya would be willing to teach you instead...?" He suggests, but it only looks to make her more upset. "I'm very sorry, Svana. I promise that, when I come back, I will teach you how to summon your familiar." He says softly, extending his pinky out to her to swear on it.
Dark red eyes look up to him, then to his pinky. "Promise?" With a nod of affirmation, she links their pinkies together.
Word of Syndra’s pending death traveled to the ears of the Raven Queen with surprising speed. The famous Syndra was well known across the Planes, as an adventurous soul of great renown. The Raven Queen was itching for her soul to pass through the Shadowfell, to eek out of her the numerous stories she surely contained.
Kitsune was dispatched at once to Chult, to see if the rumors were in fact true. And to see what she could do, if anything, to ease Syndra’s transition into the Shadowfell.
To Kitsune, this was her rare chance to escape the drudgery of “life” in the Shadowfell, if you could call it that. More like boredom of immortality. Bleak sameness. Drab colorlessness.
Plus, Kitsune heard rumors of rare beasts in Chult that sound...thrilling! Dinosaurs!! Packing her pack for an indeterminate length trip, she stepped through the portal with a grin on her face which couldn’t be hidden by the hood of her dark cloak, ready to meet the famous Syndra.
Up, down, left, left, right, down, up, UP! Kira flopped over onto a rooftop with a grin, peeking over the edge as the angry tourist raced by underneath. "Got you," she muttered, lifting the satchel in her arms.
"And what exactly-"
"-do you have?" The pair of tabaxi crouched on the chimney asked cheerfully.
Kira grinned at them. "No idea, but let's find out." She opened the satchel and started going through it, pocketing various and sundry items and tossing others to Vine and Forest. She finished with a letter with an unfamiliar seal. "Huh, what're you?" A bit of work with her dagger, and the seal popped free. She started reading through the letter. "Hey ladies, you can do without me for a bit, right?"At a double nod from the tabaxi pair, she grinned. "Guess I've got a trip to plan. Some lady named Syndra, back in Nyanzaru, asking for help. Now, I'm sure I can be much more helpful than whoever this was for, and this little expedition to the Coast has been profitable, but it's time I head home. I'll be hopping a ship to Port Nyanzaru tonight. See you girls there!"
Something evil is trapping the souls of the dead and draining life from all who have been raised from death by magic. This worldwide “death curse” not only prevents the raising of the dead but also causes creatures that were previously raised from the dead to wither and die. The source of this death curse lies in a trap-riddled tomb hidden beneath a lost city in the depths of a vast jungle.
For the past several days, the talk of the streets and taverns has all been about the so-called death curse: a wasting disease afflicting everyone who’s ever been raised from the dead. Victims grow thinner and weaker each day, slowly but steadily sliding toward the death they once denied. When they finally succumb, they can’t be raised — and neither can anyone else, regardless of whether they’ve ever received that miracle in the past. Temples and scholars of divine magic are at a loss to explain a curse that has affected the entire region, and possibly the entire world.
Our adventure begins with an invite from, a summons to see, or perhaps you seeking out Syndra Silvane, a retired adventurer and merchant in Port Nyanzaru, in the jungle continent of Chult. The reasons are yours. Some of you might know her personally, some of you might not, but our story begins on a ship heading to the Port on a typical sunny day that you all are on.
However, in your gut, you have the feeling that today will be anything but typical.
ADVENTURE START (BEGIN WEDNESDAY NIGHT)
The day started like any typical sunny day. All ships eventually heading to the Port must pass through the Bay of Chult as they come and go from Port Nyanzaru or the beaches west of Fort Beluaria. Suddenly, as you approach the Bay, the sea ahead roils and churns, and waves crash over the bow of your ship, driven by saw-toothed hills rising from the heaving foam. Water streams off the rising crags like rivers crashing down a mountainside. At last the emerging island stops growing in size, although the sea around still tosses your ship like a drifting feather. Then a huge blast of steam erupts from the waves, and through the drifting, rainbow-crossed mist, you see an immense beak and a milky eye the size of a hogshead cask staring blindly in your direction. As the water calms, you also spot a dozen or more shark fins circling the ship and hands down the largest dragon turtle you've ever seen.
Anything but typical was right. You could already tell that today would be unlike any day of your life - assuming the Dragon Turtle didn't eat you all first. One of the crew of the boat you're on panics immediately. "It's Aremag!!"
Aremag begins to speak in Draconic. If anyone understands Draconic, let me know.
The Dragon Turtle slowly circles the ship. At first, you must continually circle the deck of the ship to maintain face-to-face contact with the creature, but eventually it creates an eddy that causes the sloop to revolve at a rate matching Aremag’s motion. It should be obvious to everyone that the dragon turtle could easily sink the vessel.
"Mother! Father! Grandfather!"Zyntari Drazza cried in her dream.
In her nightmare, Undercity shook and the oceans of magma engulfed everything - the cries of her family and friends deafening and all consuming. As the world shook, she crawled through the tunnels and ran through stone hallways hard and fast, scrambling, trying to find her parents and grandfather as the underground city crumbled beneath her under the forces of the earthquake.
Magma creatures emerged from the lava and she released her chain blades, giving a kensei scream of battle and brandishing the length of the chains around her. She twirled and spun in tandem with the chains, and the bladed ends struck the elementals from a short distance - lashing and slicing and launching towards them with their sharp edges. She would leap, jump, and back flip using her arms to twirl and spin the chains so that the sickled ends struck home - she emitted sharp kensei battle cries as the dodged, weaved, and attacked.
BURN, AND SMOTHER IN THE DARKNESS OF YOUR ANCESTORS!
More elementals emerged as everything shook around her, she had to focus to maintain her balance and avoid falling debris and earth. Zyn spun around to face them, retracting the chains rapidly and using her arms to launch the blade ends into the magma entities, then retracting them again, like stabbing from a distance. As they approached, she increased the length of the chain and spun them, creating a "shield" and with her other arm, spun a different way like a fast scythe. It was unbelievably hot, she panted and sweat heavily. Her shoulders and biceps burned, the muscles in her thighs, too, protesting loudly. The metal of her chain blades hitting and glancing upon liquid stone sent sparks into the air as she did her best to fight for her home, but the dream always ended in her defeat. As a massive magma elemental finally caught her and smothered her, the pain she felt through all of her nerve endings was enough to end the nightmare.
She startled awake from her nap as the ship jolted from the emergence of the Dragon Turtle, and she sat up in alarm - from the dream, and coming back to reality.
Zyntari is half drow, half human with pointed ears. She definitely looks more drow than human. Her skin is light gray, and her eyes are completely white, as if she was blind, but she was far from unseeing. Her hair, too, was white and long, messily kept out of her eyes with a headband. She wore form-fitting leathers that revealed her legs and midriff, revealing evidence of an unbulky athletic type who could fight fast and hard, a precision martial artist - lean and quick. Most prominently, around each of her gloved hands were holstered retractable dwarven sickles on long thin chains that were hidden in the gloves that had clearly seen plenty of use. Upon closer inspection of her skin, she had a few bruises and many small cuts and scars all over her tightly muscled body.
"Great Underdark.."she breathed, eyeing the massive creature. "It's enormous.."
She turned toward other travelers who were looking.
"I am Zyn. This is a most unusual circumstance, I must say." she was more amazed than afraid, watching Aremag circle the ship. "I don't remember this being on the brochure."she joked.
Asha is a human with red hair and armor that is clearly of Dwarven make. "It's a bit more than an unusual circumstance ya pointy-eared putz!" She says in what sounds like a Scottish accent. "There's some scaly shite attackin' our ship!"
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Zyn blinked and looked at the camera as if she was on The Office with a visage of mild surprise and amusement. She didnt even know what ‘putz’ meant. “I’m not sure it’s attacking, I think it wants something.“ she offered. “The crew seems to even know it’s name.”
"I don't see why you are so keen on going on a ship to meet this woman, Amir," His mother chides lightly. "We can just teleport you there."
"I am aware," Amir answers smoothly, putting his spellbook in his pouch prior to slipping it on. "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey~"
She snorts and rolls her eyes all while shaking her head at her sons words. "A travel bug you are, Amir." When he turns to her, her looks softens into one of adoration and endearment. The older wizard opens her arms for a hug, in which he indulges her in.
"I'll be back soon,"He whispers to her during the embrace, pulling away only to be stopped by her hands at his shoulders. Violet hues meet saddened white eyes.
"You better," She says, her grip loosening. "Or Svana will be extremely upset with you."
"I know, I know,"He chuckles lightly. "But I will. I already promised her."
His mother steps back with a solemn smile graced upon her lips. "You best go now before Svana wakes up. Safe travels to you, mere sitaara."
Faust coils herself around his arm, flicking her tongue at him to signify she was ready as well. He gives his mother a final nod and sets off on his journey to Chult.
Prior to the events unfolding now, a svelte golden skinned young man could be seen overlooking the ocean with a lavender colored ball python hanging around his neck. He seems to be communicating with the snake, talking to it animatedly about some topic or another as his fluffy white hair is tousled by the salty sea breeze. Upon being called to alarm at the Dragon Turtle, the wizard's violet colored eyes are blown wide with amazement, excited to see such a creature in the flesh.
Naturally, he is brought where the others have gathered, breathlessly saying, "Have you ever seen anything so magnificent before?"To no one in particular. While everyone's panic was most understandable, he found their circumstance rather lucky, a sight most do not get to see. "Svana will love to hear about this, won't she Faust?"He inquires to his familiar, she merely gripping him tighter in response, earning her a laugh.
His attention is then drawn to the half drow when she speaks. "Perhaps you didn't read between the lines, miss Zyn." He would say with a playful glint in his eye. "Astra, pleased to meet you."He extends his hand to her, not paying any mind to any screaming about them, though the redhead does catch his attention with her accent and choice of words. Again he laughs. "I do believe Zyn is right! Aremag doesn't look to be too interesting in attacking us, wonder what he wants though..."He begins to rub his chin in thought, his mind flitting off to his studies to see if perhaps he remembers learning of this Dragon Turtle.
History or Arcana(Mod is the same regardless): 7
Here's his beautiful face to distract from a terrible roll probably
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kira drops from the rigging. The small gnome grins up the dragon turtle. "Hellooooooo! I'm Kira, and I do not speak Draconic, but he seems friendly enough!" She waves up at Aremag, the gnome having an incredibly lighthearted demeanor for the current circumstances. She is also bristling with weapons, from two wavy shortswords across her back to a shortbow, not to mention the hidden daggers you're sure are somewhere on her person. A tiny bat peeks out from the folds of her hood, then immediately hides again.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kira, you know that Dragon Turtles speak multiple languages, and by it's sudden emergence and posturing, he appears to be "asking" for tribute. As you speak, you realize your knowledge is correct. You look into the water and see multiple sharks, so not appeasing Aremag would most likely mean death for everyone - a simple swat from Aremag's fins would easily cause the boat serious damage.
You all can either:
- Gather your gold together and toss it into the water. The amount of 6 x 50gp total will be enough to satisfy him.
- Not.
- Try something else.
(The dragon turtle slowly circles the ship. At first, you must continually circle the deck of the ship to maintain face-to-face contact with the creature, but eventually it creates an eddy that causes the sloop to revolve at a rate matching Aremag’s motion. It should be obvious to everyone that the dragon turtle could easily sink the vessel.)
"Hello Kira. Astra. Woman who speaks like a dwarf but clearly isn't one."Zyn smiles. "Very nice to meet you all. I see that some of you have pets - i'm afraid I don't have one of those. At least, not yet. How interesting!"
She takes out her gold pouch, spinning it around her finger. "Well, I don't know about you travelers, but I intend to pay the toll. Sure beats swimming with the sharks, don't you agree? I don't have much, but, yes, how much are we talking?"
Zyn made a comical face of shock and looked in her pouch. That was a lot to give.
Spare no expense, Zyntari. Syndra needs your help. Always remember to give everything you have - nature will balance and find a way.
Yes, Grandfather. But..I don't even know who Syndra is.
She is someone important to me, granddaughter, and I am in no shape to help her myself.
Well, you can talk to her like you talk to me!
Who says I have not, my child?
Oh. I uh..ah.
Zyn pulled out 50g and handed it to Kira. "Here you go. It's not much, it's all I have. Take it. I don't even know why i'm handing it to you, I just assumed you're the one managing this, uh, transaction. But, I trust you."she smiled.
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CRISPYDM PRESENTS
TOMB OF ANNIHILATION
Something evil is trapping the souls of the dead and draining life from all who have been raised from death by magic. This worldwide "death curse" not only prevents the raising of the dead but also causes creatures that were previously raised from the dead to wither and die. Where could be the source of this terrible death curse?
Tomb Of Annihilation is a Dungeons and Dragons adventure that takes place on the peninsula of Chult in the Forgotten Realms. This adventure will be for four to six 1st-level characters, who should advance to 11th level or higher by the adventure's conclusion.
COMING SOON
PROLOGUE ONE: ASHA
THE CLERIC
Asha was found alone, as a baby by a group of Dwarves, who opted to take the child home and raise her as one of them rather than let her die. They raised her as one of their own and she took on the ways of the Dwarves well as she grew into a woman, she worshiped Moradin, she drank well, she was skilled at the forge, and she knew to regard Elves as being pointy-eared pricks. She was quite the skilled blacksmith and the Dwarves believed that she could make a name for herself as a blacksmith, possibly even becoming a master if she worked hard enough during her relatively brief life and proved that she was as good a crafter as the Dwarves of legend. But Moradin was behind her and he gave her more than just skill at the forge. He also gave her the ability to call upon his divine power as a Cleric. She had the power to heal, use light to destroy those who did evil deeds, and empower the weapons and armor that she was able to forge. And she figured that with the power she had, she'd be able to become famous among her people by doing something heroic.
PROLOGUE TWO: ZYNTARI
THE MONK
My name is Zyntari Drazza. People just call me Zyn.
PAST
I am a young woman of two worlds: Drow, and human. My father was born a Drow in the city of Narbondellyn, my mother was born a human in a city called Mirabar, far to the north. This is where I spent most of my life. My father, when he was much younger, risked his life to run away from Underdark society and fled to the north where he met my mother shortly after. The two fell in love, and through family and trust, both became successful ore merchants in the city - which was mostly populated by Dwarves. Because of his Drow ancestry, we lived in an area underground called The Undercity, where my parents made a living with trade and through hard work and honesty, became respected in the community despite my father's..heritage.
So, when the day came and I was born - looking like my father - no one really paid heed. Because my parents were so busy, my grandfather on my mother's side raised me, mostly. He was amazing to watch and listen to, and could do amazing things with sharp weapons - like his very body was a weapon. It captured my interest and fascination immediately. When I asked my mother about him, she always looked at me like I was silly and never answered. Eventually, I grew up into a young woman, and when I was of age, my parents expected me to take over the family business and give up this martial arts business I enjoyed - I refused. I was much more interested in spending my time in learning the ways of the Kensei, like my grandfather.
So I did.
I trained my body and mind to become a weapon like him.
PRESENT
Then, something terrible happened. A massive earthquake rocked the foundation of the world and caused a long dormant volcano to split open and drown the Undercity and my people in waves of seething magma. It was only because, at the time, I was not in the main underground city practicing that I survived. When the rock cooled, there was nothing left and everything was covered in solid rock. The entire Undercity was sealed off. Everything I loved and everything I had was destroyed that day. It also changed who I was to become.
With no home, I spend many years travelling the world staying in monastic temples honing my martial abilities until the wind blew in a rumor of a "death curse" - those who that were once resurrected were now slowly dying. It was strange, it was unnatural, and most importantly, it required investigation - at least, that's what the spirit of my dead grandfather told me. But..that's another story.
FUTURE
Syndra. That's what he told me. Seek out Syndra, in Chult. So I did.
NOTE: Our adventure begins when you all receive a signal, message, or any other medium, from Syndra of Chult. She is requesting your assistance for an undisclosed reason. For role-playing purposes, you can either be summoned by her, or sent to seek her out. Its up to you. Either way, we shall consider a few things: you have agreed to go see her, the adventuring party are strangers, and you are not in Chult when the adventure begins - you are about to arrive there by boat.
The rest of the beginning details are up to you.
PROLOGUE THREE: AMIR
THE WIZARD
Dear Amir,
I send this letter to you to cash in a favor. I know you to be a man who enjoys a good mystery and loves to have a thrilling story to tell his sisters when he returns from his trips, and I do believe this one will indeed be quite the story to tell. I cannot write much here as I prefer to do this in person. If you are interested, please come to Chult in which way you find more convenient for you.
I will be waiting.
-- Syndra
Amir gives the letter another read prior to folding it and placing it back into the envelope. A sigh passes his lips as purple hues look to his snake familiar, Faust, returning his gaze blankly, then sticking her tongue out at him. He chuckles lightly, reaching a hand out to give her a loving pat on the head. "I do suppose we have ourselves another story that needs to be written, ah?"
"You're gonna leave AGAIN?!" An exasperated voice shouts, drawing Amir's attention to his youngest sister, Svana, who had been stomping her way over with a pout on her face. "You just came back from one! Can't you say no to this one?!"
"I'm afraid not. I have a debt to repay with them so--"
"And?! Just give them some money to hire someone else!"
"Haha, that's not how this works, Svana," He says with an endearing grin tugging at the corner of his lip. He brings the younger girl to his lap, she still pouting, very clearly upset. "I'll try to make this one quick, okay? I'll bring you back something nice too!"
"... You were supposed to teach my how to summon my familiar..." She mutters, not giving her brother any eye contact to hide the fact that there were tears stinging at the corner of her eyes.
Amir's smile falls into a frown. "I know, I know... I'm sure Satya would be willing to teach you instead...?" He suggests, but it only looks to make her more upset. "I'm very sorry, Svana. I promise that, when I come back, I will teach you how to summon your familiar." He says softly, extending his pinky out to her to swear on it.
Dark red eyes look up to him, then to his pinky. "Promise?" With a nod of affirmation, she links their pinkies together.
"Promise."
PROLOGUE FOUR: KITSUNE
THE RANGER
Word of Syndra’s pending death traveled to the ears of the Raven Queen with surprising speed. The famous Syndra was well known across the Planes, as an adventurous soul of great renown. The Raven Queen was itching for her soul to pass through the Shadowfell, to eek out of her the numerous stories she surely contained.
Kitsune was dispatched at once to Chult, to see if the rumors were in fact true. And to see what she could do, if anything, to ease Syndra’s transition into the Shadowfell.
To Kitsune, this was her rare chance to escape the drudgery of “life” in the Shadowfell, if you could call it that. More like boredom of immortality. Bleak sameness. Drab colorlessness.
Plus, Kitsune heard rumors of rare beasts in Chult that sound...thrilling! Dinosaurs!! Packing her pack for an indeterminate length trip, she stepped through the portal with a grin on her face which couldn’t be hidden by the hood of her dark cloak, ready to meet the famous Syndra.
PROLOGUE FIVE: KIRA
THE ROGUE
Up, down, left, left, right, down, up, UP! Kira flopped over onto a rooftop with a grin, peeking over the edge as the angry tourist raced by underneath. "Got you," she muttered, lifting the satchel in her arms.
"And what exactly-"
"-do you have?" The pair of tabaxi crouched on the chimney asked cheerfully.
Kira grinned at them. "No idea, but let's find out." She opened the satchel and started going through it, pocketing various and sundry items and tossing others to Vine and Forest. She finished with a letter with an unfamiliar seal. "Huh, what're you?" A bit of work with her dagger, and the seal popped free. She started reading through the letter. "Hey ladies, you can do without me for a bit, right?" At a double nod from the tabaxi pair, she grinned. "Guess I've got a trip to plan. Some lady named Syndra, back in Nyanzaru, asking for help. Now, I'm sure I can be much more helpful than whoever this was for, and this little expedition to the Coast has been profitable, but it's time I head home. I'll be hopping a ship to Port Nyanzaru tonight. See you girls there!"
CRISPY DM PRESENTS
TOMB OF ANNIHILATION
Something evil is trapping the souls of the dead and draining life from all who have been raised from death by magic. This worldwide “death curse” not only prevents the raising of the dead but also causes creatures that were previously raised from the dead to wither and die. The source of this death curse lies in a trap-riddled tomb hidden beneath a lost city in the depths of a vast jungle.
For the past several days, the talk of the streets and taverns has all been about the so-called death curse: a wasting disease afflicting everyone who’s ever been raised from the dead. Victims grow thinner and weaker each day, slowly but steadily sliding toward the death they once denied. When they finally succumb, they can’t be raised — and neither can anyone else, regardless of whether they’ve ever received that miracle in the past. Temples and scholars of divine magic are at a loss to explain a curse that has affected the entire region, and possibly the entire world.
Our adventure begins with an invite from, a summons to see, or perhaps you seeking out Syndra Silvane, a retired adventurer and merchant in Port Nyanzaru, in the jungle continent of Chult. The reasons are yours. Some of you might know her personally, some of you might not, but our story begins on a ship heading to the Port on a typical sunny day that you all are on.
However, in your gut, you have the feeling that today will be anything but typical.
ADVENTURE START (BEGIN WEDNESDAY NIGHT)
The day started like any typical sunny day. All ships eventually heading to the Port must pass through the Bay of Chult as they come and go from Port Nyanzaru or the beaches west of Fort Beluaria. Suddenly, as you approach the Bay, the sea ahead roils and churns, and waves crash over the bow of your ship, driven by saw-toothed hills rising from the heaving foam. Water streams off the rising crags like rivers crashing down a mountainside. At last the emerging island stops growing in size, although the sea around still tosses your ship like a drifting feather. Then a huge blast of steam erupts from the waves, and through the drifting, rainbow-crossed mist, you see an immense beak and a milky eye the size of a hogshead cask staring blindly in your direction. As the water calms, you also spot a dozen or more shark fins circling the ship and hands down the largest dragon turtle you've ever seen.
Anything but typical was right. You could already tell that today would be unlike any day of your life - assuming the Dragon Turtle didn't eat you all first. One of the crew of the boat you're on panics immediately. "It's Aremag!!"
Aremag begins to speak in Draconic. If anyone understands Draconic, let me know.
The Dragon Turtle slowly circles the ship. At first, you must continually circle the deck of the ship to maintain face-to-face contact with the creature, but eventually it creates an eddy that causes the sloop to revolve at a rate matching Aremag’s motion. It should be obvious to everyone that the dragon turtle could easily sink the vessel.
This is where we center the attention on you all.
"Mother! Father! Grandfather!" Zyntari Drazza cried in her dream.
In her nightmare, Undercity shook and the oceans of magma engulfed everything - the cries of her family and friends deafening and all consuming. As the world shook, she crawled through the tunnels and ran through stone hallways hard and fast, scrambling, trying to find her parents and grandfather as the underground city crumbled beneath her under the forces of the earthquake.
Magma creatures emerged from the lava and she released her chain blades, giving a kensei scream of battle and brandishing the length of the chains around her. She twirled and spun in tandem with the chains, and the bladed ends struck the elementals from a short distance - lashing and slicing and launching towards them with their sharp edges. She would leap, jump, and back flip using her arms to twirl and spin the chains so that the sickled ends struck home - she emitted sharp kensei battle cries as the dodged, weaved, and attacked.
BURN, AND SMOTHER IN THE DARKNESS OF YOUR ANCESTORS!
More elementals emerged as everything shook around her, she had to focus to maintain her balance and avoid falling debris and earth. Zyn spun around to face them, retracting the chains rapidly and using her arms to launch the blade ends into the magma entities, then retracting them again, like stabbing from a distance. As they approached, she increased the length of the chain and spun them, creating a "shield" and with her other arm, spun a different way like a fast scythe. It was unbelievably hot, she panted and sweat heavily. Her shoulders and biceps burned, the muscles in her thighs, too, protesting loudly. The metal of her chain blades hitting and glancing upon liquid stone sent sparks into the air as she did her best to fight for her home, but the dream always ended in her defeat. As a massive magma elemental finally caught her and smothered her, the pain she felt through all of her nerve endings was enough to end the nightmare.
She startled awake from her nap as the ship jolted from the emergence of the Dragon Turtle, and she sat up in alarm - from the dream, and coming back to reality.
Zyntari is half drow, half human with pointed ears. She definitely looks more drow than human. Her skin is light gray, and her eyes are completely white, as if she was blind, but she was far from unseeing. Her hair, too, was white and long, messily kept out of her eyes with a headband. She wore form-fitting leathers that revealed her legs and midriff, revealing evidence of an unbulky athletic type who could fight fast and hard, a precision martial artist - lean and quick. Most prominently, around each of her gloved hands were holstered retractable dwarven sickles on long thin chains that were hidden in the gloves that had clearly seen plenty of use. Upon closer inspection of her skin, she had a few bruises and many small cuts and scars all over her tightly muscled body.
"Great Underdark.." she breathed, eyeing the massive creature. "It's enormous.."
She turned toward other travelers who were looking.
"I am Zyn. This is a most unusual circumstance, I must say." she was more amazed than afraid, watching Aremag circle the ship. "I don't remember this being on the brochure." she joked.
Asha is a human with red hair and armor that is clearly of Dwarven make. "It's a bit more than an unusual circumstance ya pointy-eared putz!" She says in what sounds like a Scottish accent. "There's some scaly shite attackin' our ship!"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Zyn blinked and looked at the camera as if she was on The Office with a visage of mild surprise and amusement. She didnt even know what ‘putz’ meant. “I’m not sure it’s attacking, I think it wants something.“ she offered. “The crew seems to even know it’s name.”
"I don't see why you are so keen on going on a ship to meet this woman, Amir," His mother chides lightly. "We can just teleport you there."
"I am aware," Amir answers smoothly, putting his spellbook in his pouch prior to slipping it on. "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey~"
She snorts and rolls her eyes all while shaking her head at her sons words. "A travel bug you are, Amir." When he turns to her, her looks softens into one of adoration and endearment. The older wizard opens her arms for a hug, in which he indulges her in.
"I'll be back soon," He whispers to her during the embrace, pulling away only to be stopped by her hands at his shoulders. Violet hues meet saddened white eyes.
"You better," She says, her grip loosening. "Or Svana will be extremely upset with you."
"I know, I know," He chuckles lightly. "But I will. I already promised her."
His mother steps back with a solemn smile graced upon her lips. "You best go now before Svana wakes up. Safe travels to you, mere sitaara."
Faust coils herself around his arm, flicking her tongue at him to signify she was ready as well. He gives his mother a final nod and sets off on his journey to Chult.
Prior to the events unfolding now, a svelte golden skinned young man could be seen overlooking the ocean with a lavender colored ball python hanging around his neck. He seems to be communicating with the snake, talking to it animatedly about some topic or another as his fluffy white hair is tousled by the salty sea breeze. Upon being called to alarm at the Dragon Turtle, the wizard's violet colored eyes are blown wide with amazement, excited to see such a creature in the flesh.
Naturally, he is brought where the others have gathered, breathlessly saying, "Have you ever seen anything so magnificent before?" To no one in particular. While everyone's panic was most understandable, he found their circumstance rather lucky, a sight most do not get to see. "Svana will love to hear about this, won't she Faust?" He inquires to his familiar, she merely gripping him tighter in response, earning her a laugh.
His attention is then drawn to the half drow when she speaks. "Perhaps you didn't read between the lines, miss Zyn." He would say with a playful glint in his eye. "Astra, pleased to meet you." He extends his hand to her, not paying any mind to any screaming about them, though the redhead does catch his attention with her accent and choice of words. Again he laughs. "I do believe Zyn is right! Aremag doesn't look to be too interesting in attacking us, wonder what he wants though..." He begins to rub his chin in thought, his mind flitting off to his studies to see if perhaps he remembers learning of this Dragon Turtle.
History or Arcana(Mod is the same regardless): 7
Here's his beautiful face to distract from a terrible roll probably
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
Kira drops from the rigging. The small gnome grins up the dragon turtle. "Hellooooooo! I'm Kira, and I do not speak Draconic, but he seems friendly enough!" She waves up at Aremag, the gnome having an incredibly lighthearted demeanor for the current circumstances. She is also bristling with weapons, from two wavy shortswords across her back to a shortbow, not to mention the hidden daggers you're sure are somewhere on her person. A tiny bat peeks out from the folds of her hood, then immediately hides again.
History/Arcana: 19
Kira:
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Arcana:16
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Kira, you know that Dragon Turtles speak multiple languages, and by it's sudden emergence and posturing, he appears to be "asking" for tribute. As you speak, you realize your knowledge is correct. You look into the water and see multiple sharks, so not appeasing Aremag would most likely mean death for everyone - a simple swat from Aremag's fins would easily cause the boat serious damage.
You all can either:
- Gather your gold together and toss it into the water. The amount of 6 x 50gp total will be enough to satisfy him.
- Not.
- Try something else.
(The dragon turtle slowly circles the ship. At first, you must continually circle the deck of the ship to maintain face-to-face contact with the creature, but eventually it creates an eddy that causes the sloop to revolve at a rate matching Aremag’s motion. It should be obvious to everyone that the dragon turtle could easily sink the vessel.)
"He wants a toll," Kira informs the group cheerily. "Thoughts?"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"How much does it want? I don't have gold spilling out of me pockets."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Zyn walks towards the group.
"Hello Kira. Astra. Woman who speaks like a dwarf but clearly isn't one." Zyn smiles. "Very nice to meet you all. I see that some of you have pets - i'm afraid I don't have one of those. At least, not yet. How interesting!"
She takes out her gold pouch, spinning it around her finger. "Well, I don't know about you travelers, but I intend to pay the toll. Sure beats swimming with the sharks, don't you agree? I don't have much, but, yes, how much are we talking?"
"Two hundred and fifty gold."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Zyn made a comical face of shock and looked in her pouch. That was a lot to give.
Spare no expense, Zyntari. Syndra needs your help. Always remember to give everything you have - nature will balance and find a way.
Yes, Grandfather. But..I don't even know who Syndra is.
She is someone important to me, granddaughter, and I am in no shape to help her myself.
Well, you can talk to her like you talk to me!
Who says I have not, my child?
Oh. I uh..ah.
Zyn pulled out 50g and handed it to Kira. "Here you go. It's not much, it's all I have. Take it. I don't even know why i'm handing it to you, I just assumed you're the one managing this, uh, transaction. But, I trust you." she smiled.