agignac
Here's the IC thread for our game. I'll post some intro/background info soon.

Recruitment thread:   here 

OOC thread:  here 

Slide deck:  here 

2nd ic thread -  https://forums.giantitp.com/showthre...rawl-IC-part-2 
agignac
You disembark in a tropical city under the blazing sun. The familiar sounds of a harbor - creaking ropes, slapping waves, heavy barrels rolling across cobblestones - mingle with voices shouting and cursing in an unfamiliar language filled with clicks, inhalations, and singsongy words that make it sound almost musical. The aroma of unfamiliar spices and tropical fruit mixes with the wharf-side smells of fish, tar and canvas.

Beyond all that, Port Nyanzaru is an explosion of color. Buildings are painted in bright shades of blue, green, orange and salmon pink, or their walls are adorned with murals portraying giant reptiles and mythical heroes. Every building sports baskets and clay urns of colorful flowers or is draped in leafy, flowering vines.

Minstrels in bright clothing adorned with feathers and shells perform on street corners. Multicolored pennants and sun awnings flutter atop the city walls. A crowd of children dressed in feathered hats and capes races past you, squealing in delighted terror as a street performer costumed as a big-toothed lizards stomps and roars behind them. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing and singing.

 I'll be using this colour for any ooc comments in the ic thread. When you're ready, post a few paragraphs giving a brief overview of your month on the ship, and your first impression of the city. 
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

Ziri stepped off the boat, feeling the crunch of grit on the wood of the piers. Her body was swaddled in her clothing; chainmail and tabard, sturdy thigh-high boots under ornately decorated protective skirts, a foxskin draped around her shoulders like a scarf. No sweat dripped down her moon-pale skin.

Because, of course, it was not skin at all, but porcelain. Ziri had shed her flesh for iron and wood and a crystal that clenched and beat inside her chest, and left her former chyrssalis sleeping and still an ocean away.

The city was bright with life and colour, and for a moment, the exhuman simply stood and watched it, arms folded in her habitual pose. Her unsmiling face hid any traces of her thoughts on the matter. Compared to the liveliness of the city at large, she cut a stern figure. She surveyed the area; no obvious threats. As someone who relied on her fists, anyway, she never had to worry about being caught blade undrawn. The longsword at her waist with its gold wire-wrapped handle had found only ceramonial use.

She took a last look at the boat, nodded to the crew, and centred herself to move forward. There was no sense in delaying. She'd kept much to herself on the voyage; as a noble, she'd had the right to dine with the officers, and joined them occasionally, even if she could not taste the food and had to empty it from an internal sac later. For the ordinary crew, they'd been treated with polite dismissal for the most part. Only thrice had she come forth to spar with any willing
 You have a punch like iron, Lady,  they'd said.
 So I'm told,  she'd replied.

 
 
  
tonberrian
  "FINALLY! Oh I'm ready to go on an  adventure  I'm sick and tired of  boats !"   Nyx, the half-drow was tired of being seasick and was grateful for solid land under her feat. She was ready to go visit every shop and sample local delicacies, to partake of this new place, and to register as an official explorer of the jungle of Chult. But what to do on day two?   "Come on Squeak, let's get going!"   Nyx dashes off into the city.
Volthawk
Draelin had spent much of the voyage looking over what he knew about Chult. It wasn't much, really. Sure, plenty of sailors had stories about Port Nyanzaru - sailors have stories about  every  port they've stopped in, and if you're lucky half of them are true - but naturally they hadn't had any reason to delve deeper into the jungle. They'd heard of his prize, of course, the golden city whose name still eluded him, but besides a few of them having heard local twists on the story he was told all those years ago, they had nothing of use. That left the physical information, which was...also not great. He had two maps, and he wasn't sure if either was useful. The one in his map case was of a structure of some kind, and the man he got it off swore it was from Chult, but who knew really, and the other...was utterly incomphrensible, as if a madman with no understanding of how distances worked and a very loose grip on half a dozen languages had drawn it. He hadn't paid for that one, merely coming across it in his youth, but it still vexed him somewhat. He guessed that just meant that the original 'plan' was still the way to go - look for local information in the port, maybe some help if his coin extended that far, and then start exploring, following up leads and keeping eyes open for any opportunities. Not great, but it's what it was. At least he had a good idea whose ruins were out there in the jungle. He hoped his prior research would be useful in that regard, at least.

The city was pretty impressive, he had to say. A brighter place than some of the places he'd ended up in since leaving his home in the forests, that's for sure, but his gut said brighter didn't mean safer. Now then, where were the others - the people he'd talked to about his goal and who'd seemed interested in coming along? He certainly wasn't planning on heading out alone, that was for sure.
Swami Monsoon
Farid stands next to his small pile of possessions, lost in a surge of information... colors, scents, languages, accents. As always, the need to count, to catalog... Finally he focuses on one quiet eddy in the larger stream of sensation. He watches the children and entertainers, immersing himself in the happiness of others. This is soothing for a time, but the quiet thoughts remain. When the small parade finally passes, they grow a bit louder. He is here to solve a mystery, to reveal a bit more of the shape of the world. But what exactly do these others want? Once again he thinks through all of the potential selfish, shallow reasons, then sighs when he realizes that this speaks as poorly of himself as it does of his new companions. He walks back up the dock, where the others are finally gathering near the gangplank...
agignac
The children are shouted at by an old Chultan woman, walking along the street with a huge clay pot balanced on her head. Laughing, the "dinosaur" chases them back across the road. Then several things happen at once.

A strange trumpeting squawk is heard, a sound of pain unlike anything you've ever heard.
A man's deep voice cries out in alarm in the musical language of Chult.
The street trembles as something heavy charges towards you.

Alarmed, you all look up from your position near the end of the dock, to see a triceratops charging down the road, right towards you! It has a yoke around its shoulders, and had been pulling a cart laden with stones. One of the struts attached to the cart had snapped, and is dangling from the unbalanced toke. The cart has flipped onto its side, and stones are rolling into the street in the dinosaur's wake. People shout and dive into doorways, run down the docks, and two even jump into the harbour.

Two Chultan men chase the dinosaur, terror on their faces. The children scream, and some run, but six stand in the street, eyes wide in shock. The old woman drops her jug, which shatters on the cobbled street. She tried to run, slips, and falls into the shards, cutting her hands and legs. The dinosaur actor scoops up two of the smallest kids and runs for an alley. The triceratops trumpet-squawks again; it shows no signs of slowing as it thunders towards you.
Volthawk
The dinosaurs had been one of the things Draelin had been curious about when it came to the people of Chult - he'd heard that they had big creatures like this tamed, and had heard the general description of a triceratops (as described by a man who talked to someone who'd seen one, and who had been heavily drunk on both occasions) and he'd wanted to see one, but this wasn't the way he planned on it happening. He might not have had the most heroic life, and his motivations for coming here may be rooted in gold and glory, but he still wasn't going to sit by and watch kids get crushed. At least he was quick. As he dashed out into the street towards the nearest child, he hoped that was enough. Crushed minutes after leaving port was not how he intended his time on Chult to end.
tonberrian
  "Waaah!"   Nyx dodges out of the way of the rampaging dino into an alleyway.
Swami Monsoon
The charging beast snaps Farid out of his musings... He turns to face it, concentrates and conjures writhing tendrils of mist that reach through the planks of the dock. He's not sure it's going to stop an elephant-sized creature, but maybe it will be slowed down for a few crucial moments...

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Cast Entangle under the triceratops, placing the center of the zone just in front of it. Move out of its path (if there's space).
 
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

Ziri's eyes narrowed.

Four children and the old woman in the path. There wouldn't be time to move all of them out the way, so-

Vines began to sprout beneath the charging beast, slowing it down, and hopefully it would be enough for this to work. She didn't have any fancy magic to halt the thing; all she had was the strength this body had embued her with and the weight of duty.

She broke into a run, her chainmail clanking.

  "Get them out the way!"   she roared to no one in particular and put herself in the way of the beast. With a bellow, she grabbed the triceratops by the horns and strained to shove it back down into the vines. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Shove the triceratops prone when it reaches the edge of the vine patch
 
agignac
Fearlessly, Ziri threw herself into the path of the rampaging triceratops, hoping to wrestle it into the entangling vines that Farid had summoned. Draelin caught up a child in his arms, and Ziri's command for others to help spurred several terrified onlookers into action. Children were pulled aside as Ziri leant all her strength into the triceratops horns.

She might as well try to wrestle an avalanche. The creature was so massive that its momentum carried it through the enchanted vines as if they were string. However, the creature was domesticated, and Ziri's unafraid demands of the animal slowed it down some. As near-victims were whisked away, the dinosaur continued to move forward, pushing Ziri's feet backwards along the cobbles. Her weight wasn't enough to stop it, but it continued to slow.

It seemed to take forever, but a few moments later the animal's handlers caught up to it. One of them found a quick-release catch on the yoke, which tumbled to the ground behind them. The other joined Ziri at the animal's head, grabbing a hand-hold specifically pierced into the frill, and yanking hard to the left, while speaking soothingly to the animal. The dinosaur stumbled, then dropped to its front knees, skidded a few more feet, then finally was still.

There was a moment of breathless silence, then absolute bedlam as the people began to cheer, talk, shout, scream and laugh shakily. The little girl in Draelin's arm threw her arms around his neck and cried,  "Again! Again!"  Parents caught up their children and hugged them tight. The dinosaur handlers thanked Ziri profusely for helping prevent catastrophe. A tabaxi minstrel stared at Farid, then smiled appreciatively. The striped cat-person began quietly working out a beat on her drums, already working on a song to commemorate the near-disaster.
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

Ziri merely raised a hand to the dinosaur handlers. Her boots had left clear skidmarks from the edge of the vines to where she stood now.

  "It was nothing,"   she said. Now she wasn't shouting, there was a peculiarly musical ting to her voice, like striking a bell.   "I was here, so I acted. That is all. Keep better control of your beasts."  

Seeing none of the children were injured, she went to the old woman and offered a hand. It was nothing life threatening - but why leave the old woman to bleed if she could prevent it?
 "For the cuts, old one,"  she said.   "Give me your hand for a moment."

  When the old woman did, the paladin simply frowned for a brief moment before orange light passed from her to the old woman, knitting together the cuts and leaving unwounded skin. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Use however much Lay on Hands necessary to fix up the granny.
 
Volthawk
Draelin was a little surprised that worked, but he was thankful it did (albeit for reasons other than those he expected). The child's laugh and shout gets him smiling again, and he passes her off to her parents, complimenting her spirit of adventure. Right, that was an interesting diversion, now to the business at hand - getting some people together. The star of the moment seemed like a good starting point - he wasn't quite sure what her deal was, whatever it was was weird enough to be out of his speciality, but she'd seemed a least a little interested when he'd told her his goal (at least, he thought so, lady had one hell of a poker face, although how much was his own wishful thinking was hard to say in hindsight) and if nothing else recent events had shown that having her around was probably a good idea.

Walking over to where the old woman is being healed - she can do that too? - Draelin smiles and waves once Ziri is done.   "Hey, it's me. Draelin. We talked on the boat about why I'm here and what I'm looking for, and you seemed interested. Now we're here, I'm needing people to explore with - it doesn't seem like a good idea to go out there alone - and you've just made a good argument for wanting you around. Do you have other business here, or are you free and willing to come with me? The prize at the end is worth it."   He doesn't say the "if we succeed" part of that last statement out loud.
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

The Lady Foxglove thought for a brief second, placing the figure before her.

  "Ah, yes. Draelin Tailir,"   she said.   "You would be correct - it would not be wise to go out alone. I have little enough business in this town. I too seek something out there."  
She looked him down for a moment. Bow and blade; one hoped he knew how to use them.
  "There is something I must destroy I hope to find in this accursed land. If you agree to aid me in this task, I shall help thee in yours." 
 She looked around. 
 "There was another who cast a spell to slow the beast. Quickwitted, and willing to aid the innocent; he might do well as a third in this venture. Aside from that, we should hire a guide experienced already in this land." 
  
 
  
Swami Monsoon
Farid makes sure nobody is hurt and helps people gather possessions that were dropped or scattered. As he finishes, he notices some of his fellow passengers talking among themselves. He listens as he approaches...

 "So you all are going to go through with this... to find this thing, this place in the jungle?" 
Volthawk
Draelin turns in the direction of the newcomer, nodding as he does.  "Of course! I have a lost city to find, and she has a..."  He pauses, glancing over at Ziri.  "Evil...temple...relic...to destroy? Or something? We haven't establised the details there. Point is, yes, we're planning on exploring out there." 
tonberrian
  "Woo! Evil Temple! Let's go!"   Nyx has appeared behind the rest of the group.
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

The Lady Foxglove shook her head at Nyx's enthusiasm, but didn't seem startled.

 "Not a temple,"  she said.  "A hag, who laid a curse on me and mine, and I seek to eliminate it for its misdeeds. Last I knew, it was on this continent, and know little enough besides."  
 
  
agignac
The old woman thanked Ziri profusely in a language she didn't understand. Gradually the activity in the area went back to normal. The handlers brought the triceratops back they way it had come, dragging the broken harness and cart away with them.

As the four newfound companions discussed their plans, a tall black man approached them purposefully. He had a shaved head, wore bright saffron robes, and carried a thick ledger. A young girl pulled impatiently at his hand, then stopped and pointed at Ziri and the others. She spoke demandingly in a language full of clicks, and the bald man smiled at her indulgently.

Stepping forward, he said,  "I hear I have you to thank for preventing some deaths here."  His common was thickly accented with melodious vowels.  "I am Kwalu M'wenye, factor for the Merchant Prince, his highness Ifan Talro'a. Prince Ifan is responsible for beasts and beast training here in Port Nyanzaru. In his name, I thank you for your brave actions here today." 

He pulled a pouch from his pocket, made of brightly woven cloth with a pattern of dinosaur footprints. Holding it out to them, he said,  "A gesture of the prince's gratitude. We hope you can enjoy some of the many delights to be found here in Port Nyanzaru." 
 
You know there are seven merchant princes that rule Port Nyanzaru, and each have specific monopolies on merchandise sold in the city, and according responsibilities. The pouch contains 100 gp.  
Volthawk
Nyx's appearance gets Draelin looking, but he shrugs and nods. He was pretty sure they'd talked on the boat, and he didn't see the reason to turn down such willing help. Instead, he thinks over what Ziri said.   "A hag, huh...maybe we might find out something if we ask around. Someone goes around laying down curses at people, that's the kind of thing that gets attention, and they might have kept going here. If there are victims over here, that might give us a trail to work from."  

The factor was a surprise, but a welcome one. Bit of a higher-class sort than Draelin was expecting to meet within an hour of stepping off the boat, but he's not complaining, and more funds would always be useful.   "Thanks. It was mainly our woman here,"   He gestures at Ziri.   "Who did the heavy lifting there, but your thanks are appreciated. We're planning on preparing for a journey into the jungle soon. Do you have any recommendations on places to go and people to talk to for those preparations?"  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
 The factor was a surprise, but a welcome one. Bit of a higher-class sort than Draelin was expecting to meet within an hour of stepping off the boat, but he's not complaining, and more funds would always be useful.   "Thanks. It was mainly our woman here,"   He gestures at Ziri.   "Who did the heavy lifting there, but your thanks are appreciated. We're planning on preparing for a journey into the jungle soon. Do you have any recommendations on places to go and people to talk to for those preparations?"   
 

Kwalu nodded,  "Yes, I am not surprised that you seek to find adventure in the jungles. I will not try to dissuade you, though I fear once you leave the safety of our city, we may never see you again. It is very important to hire an experienced guide. Prince Jobal is in charge of the guides, and I strongly urge you to hire one that has been vetted by Jobal. There are many black-market guides, but they will likely abandon you, or even kill you for your treasures. The official guides have advertisements up in many inns, or at the harbour-master's office."

"It is also very important to bring a water-purifier - there are many parasites in Chult, and you do not want to be infested with throat-leeches. Or buy a rain-catcher - the rain is safe to drink. Bug-repellent is also very important or you will get the shaking sickness, or the sleeping sickness, or something worse. Depending on which way you want to travel, you may want a canoe. You can travel down the River Soshenstar, or Tiryki for many days.  You can find all that you will need at the Grand Souk. The merchants there an inspected regularly, and can be trusted." 
 You can see all the guide advertisements in the slide deck (link in my signature) 
Swami Monsoon
Farid nods after listening to the long list of warnings.  "I agree. The Circle taught me much about survival in harsh environments, but a place like this... is outside of my experience. One of the most important part of any learning is understanding your limits and where those limits lie." 
tonberrian
Nyx eagerly grabs the coin pouch and tries to count the coins in it.   "Nice! Let's find a find a nice place to strike out from! Or should we find a quest board and see who's hiring first? Ooh, or get something to eat, I'm famished!"  
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  
 
 "If this construction of a body has any good points,"   the Lady Foxglove rumbled,   "Diseases will find little purchase in iron and porcelain. Good fruit from an evil tree, I suppose."  
She clapped a heavy hand onto Nyx's shoulder as the orphan sprang out to grab the coinpurse. She hadn't helped with the dinosaur, 
 "As for you, miss Nyx, hold on. That gold may have a use yet without being spent on... fripperies. We should definitely hire a guide, at least. I do not need to fear starvation if we stray from the trail; the rest of you cannot say the same."  
  
 
  
Volthawk
Seeing the back and forth between Nyx and Ziri, Draelin nods and speaks up.   "Alright. As I see it, here's the plan. First, we get a guide. From what I heard talking to people on the boat, they often want a good amount of coin up front, so let's handle that first. Gets our biggest expense out the way, and lets us know how much we have for everything else and how much to hold back to keep them paid. Second, we check out the markets. The guide will probably have some advice on what we'll need that we don't have, so we can get that, pick up anything else we come across that is of use, and maybe get something to eat to keep Nyx here happy - maybe the guide will know a good place for a meal. Then, once we're equipped and ready, we can go looking for leads on our goals and see if there's any way we can get paid to do what we were going to do anyway. Sound good, everyone?"  
Swami Monsoon
 "I'm not familiar with this place, but I may know enough of the trade to figure out which of the potential guides actually know what they're doing..." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Would I be able to use the Survival and/or Insight skills to evaluate potential guides and their abilities?
 
tonberrian
  "Sounds good to me!"  
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Bliksem arrived too late at the dinosaur incident but he was able to witness the heroic of the Dame of Steel, he wispered amidst the crowd cheering  "The dinosaur tamer, might be interesting" . Bliksem shadowed this dinosaur tamer. As it appeared she was getting readied for going outside town, Bliksem stepped in front of the group.  Pleasure to meet you, friends. I'm searching for adventures and coming back from them so i can write the exploits of extrordinary adventurers. 
Bliksem bow, taking his ridiculously large hat off, letting his black and gold fur shining in all its beauty.  "I am, Bliksem Los, I've been on the road with my master, who disappeared, probably in Chult but no more clues. It seems he found who killed the one i considered my first master. I fell in love with his stories and i'm here to make my own, for that, i need a group and someone who'd get in front of a charging dinosaur does give a feel of a good story starting. Permit me to join you, the pleasure gonna be all yours my friend." 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had also been among the witnesses of the rampage. To himself he thought: There is a group, that might have a chance to survive the jungles.

Following them, he used the opportunity to step forward once the beautiful tabaxi had drawn their attention:
  "There is strength in numbers, though I admit you already have considerable strength among your number yourself.
I too would ask you to consider adding me to your expedition.
My name is..."  
There was just the slightest hesitation as if the red skinned Tiefling wasn't quite sure himself.
  "The Red Horns. I am an arcane scholar of artefacts and I've been looking for an enterprising crew for a while to share the cost of a guide."  
The Hellbug
Upon practically rocketing off the ship, which had started to feel like a prison for the past few days, Nolwenn's mood had been buoyed by the colorful sights and sounds of magnificent Port Nyanzaru.  Barely taking the time to make sure her belongings were in order, she immediately asked for directions to the place where guides could be hired and made her way there.  Now, though, after inspecting each of posted offers, her high spirits have drained almost completely.    Too much, too much, too much...   the wizard thinks as she anxiously fidgets with her too-light coinpurse.    I thought at least I'd have a chance of covering some sort of up-front payment.  I guess there's at least the ones who will waive the fee...  

The posters for the most reasonably-priced of the guides are in Nolwenn's hands when the other adventurers arrive.    Or falling in with another expedition, not the worst choice.     "Oh, I'm sorry, just looking,"   she apoloogizes, handing over the postings, but there's a flash of recognition in her eye when she sees the group,   "oh, you!  From the boat!  Are you all looking to hire a jungle guide?  I didn't know all of you were together."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns turned around:
  "Well, I don't know yet about these ladies and gentlemen, but I certainly am looking for a group to share the expenses of a guide.
I'm called The Red Horns."   This time the name rolled smoother from his lips.   "Pleased to meet you Miss...?"   
Volthawk
Draelin wasn't expecting the expedition's numbers to grow so rapidly, but he wasn't complaining. They were a strange lot, sure, but he recognised them from the boat, might've even talked to one or two of them, and they seemed...competent enough that it'd be worth having them. Clapping his hands, he steps forward to get everyone's attention.   "Alright, you're all in. I won't turn down more manpower and funds. We currently have three goals out there in the jungle: firstly, the big one, the Lost City of Omu. If we're the ones to find it, that's fame and fortune for all of us. Secondly, Ziri here has a nemesis out there she's hunting down, so if we hear anything about that we're following it up. Thirdly, everything else. This is a big city, and there's a big jungle out there. We can probably find people that want something out there, and I don't know about the rest of you but I won't turn down extra paydays."   He nods, looking over everyone. It was quite satisfying seeing everything come together like this after spending so long wanting and preparing.   "Once we're done with introductions, first step is figuring out who of these people are worth hiring. Farid here wants to suss out the guides a bit, so we'll go around to talk with them, but if any catch your eye we can prioritise."  
The Hellbug
  "...Nolwenn,"   the wizard completes for the tiefling with a short bow before turning her attention to Draelin with a grin,   "and fame and fortune are what drew me here as well so that's a wonderful place to start.  You'll all have my finest enchantments at your disposal."    Next, she offers forward the posters she had been examining, setting aside those she mentions for reference:   "a few of the guides are willing to waive their fees for personal assistance--I like the look of Musharib--but there are others, and with this many of us, an extra pair taking their split of the treasure might be more reasonable."  
Pyrophilios
  "Well then, let's go visit them. I'm interested in the quest for the mask, stolen by pterafolk."   Red Horn shrugged and let his wings partially unfold from beneath his leather coat.   "With a bit of disguise, I might be able to get the covetted mask with little effort."  
Swami Monsoon
Farid introduces himself to the others...

 "Maybe find some lodging first and a place to store our gear. Then we can start working our way down the list... I have no preference before I've met any of them. Speaking of guides, we first need to learn our way around this city." 
Pyrophilios
  "Ah right, a place to work and... sleep, I guess. Yes. I remember a sailor recommending the Thundering Lizard, though I'm not sure this speaks for a restful environment. Kaya's House of Repose sounded much more inviting. I think I'll take lodgings there."  

The Red Horns replied, indicating vaguely towards the south.

  "For our expedition, I can provide you with an Alchemy Jug to produce 8 gallons of freshwater each day. That should simplify our logistics somewhat. Alternatively, I can create an extradimensional storage container for survival equipment. So plan your purchases accordingly."   
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  
  "I am the Lady Ziri Foxglove,"   the clockwork lady introduced herself when the others did,   "Dame of Steel Fists, as some have called me."  
On the topic of guides, after looking at the posters, she pondered for a moment.
  "This druid - Qawasha - seems they could be trustworthy. The annihilation of the undead is always a worthy goal, and I would have pride in undertaking such as task. That he would then require no payment is some bonus, there."   
[/B] 
 
  
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Bliksem follow the lady mumbling though not really trying to conceal his excitement   Such magnificience, this is going to be such a story!  

Getting serious, a little, as they pondle over who to ask as a guide... but he laughed  No, wait, sorry, its just too funny, that Salida salepitch is to say we're going to die with anyone else but she's one of the few who didn't offer to waive away the fee. In the end, she also doesn't ask for a fee in advance, meaning she believe she can take us back alive. Devious and a survivor, survivor is good, but devious... not so much. Anyway, as you said, the druid... i've heard stories 

He thinks a moment before sharing his thoughts, waiting a little to make it a tiny bit more dramatic.

 "A druid would usually be the best choice if our interest ally with his. The lost city, if that druid doesn't want it found, he might simply lose us within the jungle. Not all druid are good i've heard though i certainly do wish i'm wrong. But, taking care of the undead with all of you, side by side, would certainly make for a good story. And even better if we can find that city, and the hag." 

Bliksem fondle his pouch a moment  "I've no wants for wealth beside the necessities so i'm never sure if i have enough, not sure i can help on the sharing expense, so i'd take the risk with the druid since he'd do it free if we hunt undead at the same time. Win win situation for everyone!" 
 "I'm curious about the emerald enclave and the chwinga, anyone knows?  
 
  
Pyrophilios
  "Well, then we have at least one pair of matching opinions."   Red Horns chuckled drily.
  "Let's question that druid first. If he makes a favorable impression, we can forgo the effort of asking the others. Acting decisesively is often just as good if not better than acting slowly."  
 
 Spoiler 


History check on Emerald Enclave

 (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
 

  "As for the Emerald Enclave: They are a group of rangers and druids, usually focused on preventing the wild threatening civilisation and vice versa. Here in Chult they are focused on protecting everything from the undead menace that has taken root on the isle.
They are usually trustworthy enough to keep travelers save that they accompany through the wilds.

Chwinga are little elementals - harmless for the most part. If you can manage to gain their favor they are known to bestow a blessing or boon on you."  
The Hellbug
As the group starts talking about the particulars of each of the guides, Nolwenn suddenly becomes very conscious of the fact that the group is quite the immobile crowd on the street corner.    "I have no objections about any of the guides yet, but we should continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable,"   she pipes in, nodding towards Farid and The Red Horns in deference to their initial suggestion,   "Kaya's House of Repose sounds lovely--it'll be nice to sit down somewhere we aren't packed in like pickled fish.  Lead on!"  
Pyrophilios
  "Excellent, let's move then."   The Red Horns was now very animated, almost manic as he moved with purpose along the street, trusting the others to follow.
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Listening to The Red Horn explaination  Thank you, that pretty much cover my doubts about the druid. 
Looking at the rest of the group, bowing slightly  Shall we pay Qawasha a visit? I wouldn't wait, we're on a roll anyway. 

Bliksem circle around Red Horn fidgetting with his fingers, whispering   those wings, i want to touch them... mmm... later, yup, later  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns retreated a bit.   "That... probably wouldn't be a good idea. Petting in public isn't something I'm comfortable with.
But yes, by all means talk to the guides and we meet up at the Inn."   
tonberrian
  "That sounds like an excellent plan! Onwards to the inn!"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded towards Nyx and set out towards the Inn, asking where necessary for directions from the people on the street. Though he made sure to ask at least three different people to avoid getting steered into an ambush or similarly into a tourist trap.
agignac
The newly formed company moves through the crowded streets towards Kaya's house of repose. The humidity is unrelenting, and soon most of the mammalian adventurers are damp, heading towards soaked. The day is so bright that they don't really notice the high clouds gathering, but the sudden deluge of rain catches their attention. The streets suddenly empty, as pedestrians hop into shops, and vendors hide under awnings. Water fills the street several inches, and faded flower blooms, drowning insects, and litter swirl around your feet. Five minutes later, the downpour ends as quickly as it started, and a few moments later the sun is out and the streets are steaming. A young stegosaurus, pulling a load of timber, stomps happily up the street, splashing everybody nearby.

Kaya's House of Repose is a yellow, two-story building, with pink and green pennants waving from the roof and balconies. Vines covered in fragrant blooms climb the walls. Inside it is blessedly cool, with a pleasant breeze cleverly encouraged by the architecture.

A tall black woman with is writing in a ledger at the front desk as you arrive. Her kinky hair is sculped high over her head, and wrapped with silk ribbons and colourful shells. She looks up and smiles widely. In accented common, she says,  "Welcome! I am Kaya. Enter, and be refreshed. How many rooms would you like? We have private rooms for 8sp, doubles for 6sp each, or 4-bed dorms for 4sp each. We serve breakfast only, until noon, for 5 sp." 

The Inn has a central courtyard, almost entirely shaded by several trees that are taller than the building. Hammocks and comfortable chairs are scattered throughout, and a fountain adds a cooling mist to the air. Seeing the party looking once more at the guide advertisements, a long-legged girl hops off a bench and offers to fetch any guide they want, for 5 copper pennies.

Late in the afternoon, a tall man with a shiny pate but long dreadlocks enters the courtyard. He wears long green robes with voluminous sleeves, though the fabric looks sturdy, it swirls around him as if very light. He is accompanies by a strange companion. The vegepygmy is easily half his height, and looks like a stiff wind could blow him away. He moves with a strange, boneless fluidity, and his eyes are round yellow globes, with no sign of pupil or iris.

 "Greetings, travelers,"  Qawasha's voice is deep and smooth, with little trace of an accent.  "I am Qawasha, a druid of the Emerald Enclave. This is my dear friend, Kupalué. I would be honoured to guide you on your upcoming expedition. I assume you have questions for me?" 
Pyrophilios
  "One private room for one night, please - no breakfast."   The Red Horns smiled apologetically at Katya.   "I have to get some work done and I require little sleep." 
 
Once his backpack was in his room, he came down to also meet the potential guides.

He bowed slightly before the druid and asked:   "I'm the Red Horns, pleased to meet you. You said you would waive your fee if we help destroying undead - does this mean we will be seeking them out specifically or is it enough if we meet them merely incidentally?"  
The Hellbug
When the downpour suddenly arrives, Nolwenn is frantic to get out of the the rain to something of the tune of  'my books!'  but, once under an awning, she laughs it off and watches the dark clouds until they pass.

Arriving at the inn, Nolwenn takes it all in, finding the décor and general environment well suited to her, and breathes a sigh of relief at the welcome breeze.  In fact, she's pondering where she'll be able to find a nice empty space to dry her things while the innkeeper is explaining the rates and so is caught on autopilot as she steps forward to pay for a room.    "Oh yes I'll have a..."   she begins before opening her coin purse to again be disappointed by its lightness.  And so, putting on her most diplomatic smile, the wizard turns to Lady Ziri and the elf she hadn't gotten the name of yet,   "are either of you willing to share a room?"  
agignac
 He bowed slightly before the druid and asked: "I'm the Red Horns, pleased to meet you. You said you would waive your fee if we help destroying undead - does this mean we will be seeking them out specifically or is it enough if we meet them merely incidentally?" 

The vegepygmy blinked its globe-like eyes and said something to Qawasha. Its language was like listening to the wind in the branches and the rain on stones. Qawasha smiled and nodded, then said,  "Weed would like to point out that our advertisement said the rate was negotiable if we killed undead together, not waived completely. We would be willing to charge 3 gp per day instead of 5. And you understand, Chult is full of undead. I can tell you the story as we travel, if you like. There are areas where this dangerous blight is...shall we say...thinner, and other areas where there are more of them. We will not shy away from those places if I guide you." 

He looked to see what the reaction would be, then asked a question of his own.  "Do you have any specific locations in mind? How long are you looking to travel for?" 
Volthawk
Draelin nods thoughtfully as the druid talks. So more fighting for more gold. That was a sensible deal, although he supposed it depended on what the difference was between the safer and more dangerous areas.   "How numerous are we talking about, in the areas you'd be wanting us to go into in exchange for the discount? I can see why you'd want us to do it, and I know some of us would be particularly happy to do their bit against the undead, but there is a point where the risk outweighs the reward."   He pauses, a thought coming to mind.   "On the note of evil things out there, one of our number"   He gestures to Ziri if she decided to be present for the meeting.   "Is here to find someone...something?...anyway, the point is there's a hag out there that she needs to kill. Would doing what you can to help us find it be an acceptable part of your job? Besides that, primarily we're here to try to find Omu."   He chuckles, watching Qawasha to see his reaction.   "Not a small goal, I know."  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
   "How numerous are we talking about, in the areas you'd be wanting us to go into in exchange for the discount?...  
  "...anyway, the point is there's a hag out there that she needs to kill. Would doing what you can to help us find it be an acceptable part of your job? Besides that, primarily we're here to try to find Omu."   He chuckles, watching Qawasha to see his reaction.   "Not a small goal, I know."   
 

Qawasha nodded thoughtfully.  "I am not interested in suicide by skeleton. I would not take us where I would expect to be overwhelmed. Other guides will try to guide you completely away from them. My preference is to fight my way through them. Ideally, we would destroy several per day." 
 "A hag?"  He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then answered Kalupe's wheezy question in its own language.  "I have heard of such creatures, but never encountered one. I would be interested in learning more about this foe, and fighting it if necessary." 

Kalupe blinked twice at the mention of Omu. Qawalish laughed, a deep, resonant chuckle.  "You and every other treasure-hunter! I am not convinced such a place even exists. But we can search for clues together, and who knows, we might get lucky." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shifted a bit uneasy, but replied:   "We all have differing reasons for this expedition. I myself am looking for a shaman with experience in exorcisms. Not that that precludes my participation in the reduction of undead or hagicide."   He tried to smile, but it came across as pretty forced.
  "Anyway, I'm also interested in collecting materials for my artificery. There are several projects I want to advance."  
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Bliksem hiss at the coming of the rain, wanting to flee to be safe from it, he stayed with his companions and he started singing as rain flooded him :
 
I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
But now its time
Let it go! Let it go!
Can't take it anymore  
As the rain stoped he looked at the others
 Have you ever heard someone say "Oh what a cute wet cat"? Nope, you know why? Because no wet cat are cute! Well, i'm still gorgeous under all the wetness  His last sentence said toward the "audience".

At the low ressources mention from the wizard, Bliksem get closer  I'd welcome the occasion to share a room, i also prefer to keep my coins whenever possible. 
He goes to the desk  Hi, this is a strikiningly beautiful woman if i've ever seen one! I'll take a room and breakfast, and thank you for your hard work my lady. 

While the druid is here, Bliksem keeps silent, observing, not by mefiance per se, but curiosity mainly. Whispering, taking mental note   Oh, so that city might not even exist, even better!   lowering his whisper    if he's saying the truth of course   
 
 
  
The Hellbug
  "Oh, no no no,"   Nolwenn interjects as Bliksem goes to pay for the room.  There's an awkward pause as a doubt passes through her mind, but she quickly decides she hasn't misgendered the Tabaxi and goes on, quieter.    "I was hoping to room with somebody less...decidedly...male."  
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 
 Oh, i understand, i was more interested in your knowledge and magic though. Well, it's alright,
 i'll have plenty of occasion to learn about those. Good rest your ladyship. 
Bliksem change his mind with the lady at the desk
 A private room if there're still some available 
 
 
  
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

The paladin had nodded to the druid and his vegetal companion when he entered.
 
 "The destruction of the abhorrent unliving is always a worthy goal. No small number have fallen before these fists. All the same, are there any unusual types to be wary of?"  

After the answer, she heard Nolwenn's request and took pity on the woman. The Lady Foxglove nodded towards her.
 
 "I do not sleep anymore. All the same, it is pleasant to rest in what is close to privacy; I will share a room with you, if you so wish."  
  
 
  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Awful 
  
 "The destruction of the abhorrent unliving is always a worthy goal. No small number have fallen before these fists. All the same, are there any unusual types to be wary of?"   
 

 "Unusual types?"  the druid repeated,  "I am not certain of the question. I do not know what type of undead you find "usual". Any creature that can die, can be raised again. But it is mostly men-type creatures we find." 

He added,  "I know of a wise oracle, deep in the jungle, who can answer many questions. The chinga dream of her, sometimes. Perhaps we should seek her out, and see if she can help you with your myriad quests." 
 Anything else to ask? Are you happy with Qawasha, or would you like to interview anybody else?  
The Hellbug
  Do not sleep  anymore , eh?    Almost as quickly as her curiosity produces this thought, Nolwenn quashes it for the moment.  The lady Ziri is quite the marvel already, but Nolwenn isn't about to let herself get carried away and squander her good fortune with rudeness, not today--not when, if this expedition gets underway, there will be plenty of time for that later.    "Excellent!"   she says, turning to the proprietor and reaching into her coin purse,   "a room for two, please."  

Nolwenn wastes no time in hefting her things once again and seeking out her room to make sure nothing is damaged and relax, only making a short detour to seek out Bliksem.    "Thank you for understanding.  I meant no offense,"   Nolwenn apologizes to the bard, bowing her head politely,   "if this guide is satisfactory to everyone, I have no objections.  I'll be in my room if anyone needs me."  
Pyrophilios
  "An Oracle? That sounds pretty much exactly like what I need. I'm satisfied then. If no one objects, I'd take you up on your offer. Can you meet us here tomorrow at first light? I assume we want as much daylight as we can get for our jungle forray."  

To Ziri he said:   "Ah yes, sleep. I've become somewhat less dependent on sleep as well, so we likely can share watches then."  
agignac
Qawalish bowed his head in agreement.  "I recommend we go by canoe for the first week or two. The River Tiryki runs slow and is easy paddling, and will save us many days of walking. Most canoes fit 6, so we will need two. Don't let the merchants charge you more than 50 pieces of gold for each one. We will accept payment on return, as a sign of our good faith. Be sure to purchase insect repellent, along with a rain-catcher. We do not want to drink water from the river."  He looked to Kupalue and asked a question in the vege-language, and received a short reply.  "We shall be ready at daybreak, and will meet you back here."  Standing, the tall druid took his leave.

 Anything you want to do before you leave town? Last chance.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC comments about buying supplies 
If you don't want to go by canoe, let me know. I assume you don't want to RP purchasing supplies? Let me know if you'd like to. Otherwise, be sure to sure to pay for, and put on your character sheet, anything you buy.

Canoe is 50 gp each, and comes with 6 oars, and 6 waterproof bags that attach to rings in the canoe, so you don't lose them if it flips over. Rain catcher is 1 gp and 5lbs. Bug repellent is an odorless grease that comes in a gourd, 20 applications for 1gp. It lasts 24 hours. Everything else is as per the PHB.

 Part of this adventure is the survival aspect, so please be precise about what you've purchased and where you'll be carrying everything. I would like to know what will be in the waterproof bag, what will be on your body, and what will be in your backpack (unless the whole thing is in the waterproof bag). It will be important later, so I'd like it spelled out now, so we don't get into an "I assumed that" / "well, obviously that would be..." kind of situation later.
 
tonberrian
  "Alright! Going on an  adventure ! Gonna fight  monsters !"  
Pyrophilios
  "Well spoken. It seems we should go on to buy two canoes then. At 100 gp for 7 people that comes out to roughly 14 gold and 3 silver - I can take care of the share of one of you if need be - with the understanding of getting paid back at some time.

I'll also buy a raincatcher and I'll try to find the recipe for the insect repellant. I own and know how to use an alchemy set, so I hope to be able to resupply us with that during the tour.

So, who wants to come shopping with me?"   
 
The Red Horn asked, looking at his newly acquired companions.
Volthawk
Draelin grins as the conversation turns to shopping, reaching into a deep pocket to take out a carefully folded and packed bag - he clearly wanted this hidden and not making much noise.   "I saved up for this journey. A hundred and fourteen gold pieces, minus a few pieces once I pay for bedding and food and such. The dinosaur incident also netted us another hundred that is also earmarked towards supplies for this trip - it should cover the canoes without needing to split the cost between us, for instance. So if there's anything you think we need but can't cover yourself, speak up - I'd rather buy something and not need it than not have it and need it later you know? We can work out repayment later, I suppose, but mainly the repayment I want is all of you pulling your weight up there and helping us get enough gold that we don't need to quibble about repayment by the time we're through in Chult."  
Pyrophilios
  "That is very generous - and I'm very much in favor of this solution. So I'll be off then to take care of the ointment."
  
The Red Horns took his leave, searching for a likely merchant.

He found an old woman, selling various poltices, tinctures and potions from a small market stand. He chose her stand as he noticed the distinctive absense of any flying insects around her - as well as the distinctive smell of the greasy ointment.

 
 Spoiler 

Investigation
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 

Persuation
 (1d20+0)[ 19 ] 

Insight
 (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
 

  "Hello there, I'm in search of insect repellant ointment. My group is enroute to a long term expedition into the jungles and we need as much of the stuff as we can get. To be honest, I'd be most interested in just buying the recipe in addition to a ration, so we might be able to produce the stuff ourselves while we are far away from resupply.
Would you be willing to teach me its preparation?"  
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 
 Thank you for taking care of the canoe. 

Acquisescing Red Horns  I'll dry myself properly then go buy stuff for the journey. Just so we're not stuck if we lose some of our provisions, i'll also have a raincatcher and some gourd both in the waterproof bag and my backback. Better be safe than sorry. Wouldn't want our story to meet it's end in disease instead of old age. 

Bliksem wave at the others as he takes his leave.
 
 Spoiler 
My sheet is in order with new inventory
 
 
 
  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 He found an old woman, selling various poltices, tinctures and potions from a small market stand. He chose her stand as he noticed the distinctive absense of any flying insects around her - as well as the distinctive smell of the greasy ointment. 
 

The old woman looked up at the red-horned tiefling and let out a shriek. A young boy, perhaps ten years old, was working the stall with her, and he let out a giggle. He spoke rapid-fire Chultan to the old woman, who covered her mouth, then took a few deep breaths. Still giggling, the boy said in rough common,  "My granny think you a devil. She very old. What you want?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
   "Hello there, I'm in search of insect repellant ointment. My group is enroute to a long term expedition into the jungles and we need as much of the stuff as we can get. To be honest, I'd be most interested in just buying the recipe in addition to a ration, so we might be able to produce the stuff ourselves while we are far away from resupply.
Would you be willing to teach me its preparation?"   
 

After the boy translated, the woman's eyes widened in fear again, and glanced around as if afraid of being overheard. Through her grandson, she said,  "The Merchant Prince Kwayothe in charge of the bug cream. She give paper, permission to sell it. Not allowed to share. Big trouble!" 

Disappointed, The Red Horns purchased a gourd of the repellent. However, a few moments after he left the stall, her heard the boy calling,  "Hey! Devil man!"  He looked around to see the boy skulking under a tree festooned with purple flowers. He beckoned him over.  "I copy from granny. She not know. I sell you, ten gold."  He was holding a ratty piece of paper with childish writing on it.
Pyrophilios
Red Horns hessitated. On the one hand it was utterly ridiculous to think that the boy had actually managed to copy the recipe correctly and completely. Far more likely that he was trying to scam him. And yet...
 
 "You know I'm a devil. Devil's always keep their part of the bargain - but if you try to betray them, they come back and take your soul. Are you sure this is the complete recipe to create the insect repellant?
I won't be angry if you tell me the truth now. And remember, I know where you and your granny work and live."  
 
 Spoiler 


Trying intimidation with zero ability :D

 (1d20)[ 20 ] 
 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 Red Horns hessitated. On the one hand it was utterly ridiculous to think that the boy had actually managed to copy the recipe correctly and completely. Far more likely that he was trying to scam him. And yet...
 
 "You know I'm a devil. Devil's always keep their part of the bargain - but if you try to betray them, they come back and take your soul. Are you sure this is the complete recipe to create the insect repellant?
I won't be angry if you tell me the truth now. And remember, I know where you and your granny work and live."  ] 
 

The boy quailed before the devil man, his black skin turning ashy with fear. Stammering, he said,  "I..I..I think so! Granny writing messy, I try best. I promise! No cheat!"  He holds up the paper as proof of his pure intentions.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded, counted out 10 gold coins and dropped them into the boy's hand, while he picked the piece of paper from the other.
  "Thanks. Have a pleasant day."  

He turned around and left the alley, while trying to make sens of the boy's drawing of a badly written recipe. He sighed invardly and murmured to himself:  "I just hope, this young mage has the comprehend languages ritual. I'll definitely need help with that." 

Consequently, when he reached the inn, he went for Nolwenn's door and knocked.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn opens the door to peek at the the knocker.    "Oh, Sir Red Horns,"   she says, recognizing the tiefling and opening the door further,   "I already heard that Qawalish will be our guide--good, he seemed like an honest man--and that we'll be leaving tomorrow.  I'm just making some preparations myself."   She motions behind her to a desk with books and paper spread across it.    "Is there something I can help you with?"  
Pyrophilios
 "I was wondering if you could help me with this bootleg recipe. I think I need comprehend language to iron out any inaccuracies the copyist made when he transcribed it.
Since you introduced yourself as an arcanist, I hoped you could help me out there." 

The Red Horns replied while showing her the newly acquired recipe.
The Hellbug
  "Oh, yes, of course!"   Nolwenn replies, taking the recipe and squinting at it,   "I have just the thing!"    Three lively paces to the desk later, she sits and makes a flicking motion with her hand, her spell sending one of the books flipping through its pages swiftly.    "Aaaand, there,"   she announces pressing her finger down a page and manually flipping it back to the one before it.    "You can come in, but it'll be a few minutes, and I can't be interrupted.  Make yourself comfortable,"   the wizard says back over her shoulder to The Red Horns at the door before going back to clearing part of the desk to make room for a small satchel and a wooden rack for vials.

Regardless of the tiefling's response, Nolwenn begins her ritual, pulling all sorts of this and that from the satchel between reference glances back to her spellbook before adding them pinch by pinch to one of the vials, incanting arcane gibberish with each added item.  Minutes later, she finally produces a small slip of paper, carefully writes a single word on it, applies three drops of her solution to it, and, with a snap of her fingers, sets it ablaze, placing it on a clear spot of the desk to burn.  When it's done, she smudges the ash with her pinky finger and smears it on her eyelids and the tips of her ears, saying the final words of her incantation.  She blinks a few times and holds up the recipe again.    "Perfect!"   Nolwenn exclaims, putting it back down and starting to copy it in her best handwriting,   "I'm going to have to trust that you know what these ingredients are, though.  Some of these are no less mysterious in common."  
agignac
The next day dawns overcast and the air is heavy with humidity. The inn provides cool showers with rainwater collected on the roof, and while they are refreshing, by the time you're done dressing, you already feel sticky with sweat.

Qawasha and Kupalue are waiting downstairs, and navigate you through the teeming city towards the edge of town. The oppressing humidity doesn't put a damper on Port Nyanzaru; the Chultan people are busy about their day, laughing and talking and buying and selling.

Qawasha leads the party through Tiryki gate and into Tiryki Anchorage. This district is full of animal trainers, dinosaur pens, and explorers heading off or returning from the jungle. Your canoes are ready for you at the docks, and Qawasha takes a moment to inspect them. Satisfied, he and Kupalue sit together in the middle of the lead canoe and he takes up a paddle.

Once you have yourself sorted into canoes, the journey begins. The river here is wide, slow, and water is brown with churned up sediment. It takes almost an hour to navigate past the various riverboats, along with ocean vessels that prefer Tiryki anchorage to the more regulated city docks. But soon enough, Port Nyanzaru slips behind a bend in the river, and your adventure has truly begun.

The morning passes easily. The river is sluggish, and paddling upriver is easy. The banks are teeming with colourful birds, raucous monkeys, and beautiful ferns and vines. A few hours in, the heavens open, and you find yourself paddling through torrential rain. The smaller members of the team find that they’re busy bailing rainwater out of the boat. The monsoon only lasts and hour or so, and when the sun comes out, the humidity is lessened for a while.

 
 Spoiler: passive perception 15+ 
You see some movement at the water’s edge, and turn to see several small humanoids fishing in the shade of an overhanging tree. They’re about three feet tall, and wearing elaborately carved masks, painted with terrifying visages. They completely ignore the canoe
 


You take turns eating your lunch in the canoe, and keep paddling throughout the day. This close to the equator, the days and nights are equal in length, so Qawasha advises not pulling over to land until you’re ready to set up camp. The paddlers have aching arms and blistered palms by the time your guide directs you to the western bank, where he knows of a good place to make camp.

There is no beach, but the exposed roots of a mangrove grove provide a good spot to tie up the canoes. A few meters away you find a clearing, with a fire-ring to show the site’s regular use as a campsite. In fact, as you begin setting up camp for the night, you hear the strains of music coming from not far away...
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took the invitation and watched silent but attentive how Nolwenn went about her business.
When she handed him the translated recipe, he frowned a bit:   "Some of these ingredients are easy enough to find, but I better head out again to buy some of the rarer ones as well - especially the skull and the feather.
Thank you for your help. I'm looking forward to see you in action."  

The Red Horns did just that, spending more money on implements, but not bothering with rations or tents.

 
 Spoiler 

Perception

 (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 


Once they were under way, he put his twig construct to work as an infatigueable rower. Working against the stream was tiring, but gave him time to think about improvements. He considered that a type of waterwheel construction, run in reverse should be able to propel them through the water much more efficiently - alas he wasn't sure if he could find the right spell for the animating force.

To pass the time he also asked Qawasha about the recipe ingredients and bade him to be on the lookout for them during their travels.
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Ready to get on the canoe, Bliksem took a deep breath
 This, friends, this is the first step of our story. 

As they went down the river, Bliksem whispered in a low tone, sometime a little too loud. Trying to find a good melody for a first song about going down the river especially as uneventful as it was. Until the rain. Bliksem shutted up at that moment.

As they finally got to the shore  Land! Thank you!  He kneeled to kiss the ground but quickly changed idea.

He made few noise while helping putting up the camp but...  Music?  He looked around trying to find the source, the instrument being used and the song itself, if he knew it.
 
 
  
Volthawk
When he'd arranged for the canoes Draelin had also made arrangements for plenty of other things to be delivered with them, so as Qawasha inspects the canoes he checks the bags to make sure his purchases were there (as well as packing away the things he'd brought with him) - several were filled by tent parts (if asked, Draelin explains that they have four two-person tents, two in each canoe, although he's leaving the arrangements of who sleeps where to the others to figure out amongst themselves), while others were filled with rations (more than they probably needed, particularly if they can supplement their diet from the jungle, but when it came to food Draelin wanted to be better safe than sorry) and oil flasks for lanterns and other potential uses, and various tools and odds and ends were scattered across both canoes. In the end, he seems satisfied that it was all there, and takes his position in the front of the lead canoe - at this point, his excitement at finally setting off is almost palpatable.

Draelin stays in high spirits through the canoe journey, constantly keeping a watch on the shorelines they pass, not wanting to miss any of it. Even the brief monsoon and the need to bail out the canoes not even seeming to make much of a dent in it. Once the storm passes and the canoes are sufficiently cleared of water, he returns to his previous lookout, soon noticing something that causes him to look back at Qawasha and check if he's seen it too and if he has anything to say about the topic.

Once they stop for the day, Draelin asks one of the stronger party members for help carrying the tents over and then set about putting them up. The music catches his atttention though, and he looks at Qawasha again.   "Any idea if they're more of those masked little people we saw from the boats, or if they're other travelers? If the former, any chance they're friendly? Those masks don't fill me with confidence that they will be, but maybe it means something different to them."  
Holy-hunter
And the morning had started off so promising...

Along a path well traveled, a single lantern  fought to illuminate a small clearing as night descended upon it. Despite the chill and encroaching darkness a joyous music resonated amongst the trees. They were the ringing sounds of a tight string being plucked. On its own, little to marvel about, but in the rapid succession and alternating pitch as it were, with intricate patterns, deliberate pauses and a flowing momentum, without words the song told a story.

A joyous story, a story of hope, of victory, of greatness and destiny. Only, only the truest of ear and most sympathetic would hear deep in the frivolous melody the hint of yearning and sorrow...

Sitting on a unnaturally lop-sided cart holding a very serious lean was a Satyr. He was holding an old turtle shell lyre of simple and natural design. Before him, looking him eye to eye as he spoke softly to it was a pack mule. Beside the deeply sunken wooden wheel of the cart a shovel floated magically on its own as it slowly dug out the wheels little bit of dirt at a time.

 
 Spoiler: Instrument 
 
 
Pyrophilios
Without anymore conversation to engage him, Red Horns had fallen again into a brooding stupor during the afternoon, paddling stoically and quite mechanically.
Once the campsite came in sight, he became animated again. Once the canoe had been secured and the necessities for a camp unloaded, he finally took a look around when Bliksem and Draelin made him aware of the faint music. Touching the amulet on his neck briefly with a small screwdriver, he turned it into a fairly small cold torch. With sure steps he moved towards the sound, calling out in common:

  "Hello?"   

Upon seeing the playing Satyr he slowed down and approached with his hand raised:   "Good evening sir, are you in trouble?"  
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

The paladin had taken the second position in the front canoe, if there was room, during the journey; if any trouble came from the front, she wanted to be ready to deal with it. Mostly she had been quiet, observing the jungle around them, and wondering what it would smell like. Beasts and birds screamed raccously from the canopy.

At the campsite, she hefted the tents without too much difficulty to their place and left the others to set them up. The sounds of instruments had roused her attention.

She followed alongside Red Horns - if that was his name for true, indeed - to encounter a satyr along the path.

 "..."
 
For now, she said nothing, seeing his response to Red Horns. All the same, she glanced about, looking out for any ambush.

Paranoia was one thing; caution was quite another. 
 
  
Holy-hunter
The Satyr’s horned head tilted from side to side as he gave the question far more contemplation than necessary, meanwhile his fingers never stopped dancing along the lyres strings.

The tone subtly shifts and the musics slows to a more repetitive rhythm.
Stern eyes eventually fall upon the unusual duo of Tiefling and Warforged.

“That still yet remains to be seen.” He answered softly. His voice soft and low, slowly shifting to song.

“ The...
  b lood of the  d evil  a pproaches , 
 c oming  w ith the  d ark.  ~ 
 B ringing  w ith it  g reetings , 
n’  f orger i es o’  w ar.  ~ 
     n’  f orger i es o’  w ar.  ~ 
 A re its  i ntentions  p ure.  - 
 B e it’s  i ntents  r ight.  ~ 
 I s ‘e  l ooking  f or a  f riend or  r ustling  f or a  f ight.  ~ 
 ~   ~   ~   ~ 

The...
  b lood of the  d evil  a pproaches , 
 c oming  w ith the  d ark.  ~ 
 B ringing  w ith it  q urstions , 
n’  e yes o’  r uby  r ed.  ~ 
     n’  e yes  o’   v eryyy   d eaddd d . ”

With a sudden but expected finish arriving at the end of a crescendo, the musics abrupt end is swallowed by a silence. The satyr hops off the half sunken cart and turns back to it to put away his instrument in an awaiting solid chest. He quickly fiddles with some gauges on the keg nearby and with a satisfied nod turns back to the newcomers.

“Greetings.” He says with a warm smile and welcoming gesture.
“In trouble?” He repeats, “Well, I am certainly not troubled.” He replies. “But I would say I am in exactly the right amount of trouble as I am supposed to be.” He looks back to the sunken and stuck wheel of his cart, an oddly content, almost appreciative glow in his eyes.

“You see I was about to go exploring when fate decided to halt my journey early. I see now I simply started too early. Would you be able to assist me back to the fire pit?”
Pyrophilios
The Red Horn nodded:   "I see. Well, I'm called The Red Horns... for obvious reasons. And those are my expedition companions.

Oh, and that is my automatic servant."   He indicated at the animated mass of twigs and wire.   "Let's see if we can't combine our efforts to get your cart out of it's predicament"  

The twigs creaked alarmingly as the figure went to work, heaving and pushing with no restraint or sense of selfpreservation. Red Horns joined in with the effort, albeit a bit more restrained

 
 Spoiler 


STR check of the Steeldefender, Help Action of Red Horns

 (1d20+2)[ 9 ] / (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 


But to no avail, the cart refused to move - at all.
tonberrian
  "Uwah, I didn't think paddling would be so hard. Are you a new friend? What's your name?"  
Holy-hunter
With a slight frown the satyr watched the duo fail to free his cart.
“Oh never mind, good effort though. I appreciate you trying but perhaps this is a job more suited to your other companion.”

Inquisitive eyes flick across to the broad shouldered, porcelain faced  Ziri Foxglove. 

“Why yes, maybe this problem needs a bit more of a womanly touch.” He says warmly with a playful smile. He offers Ziri compliments of encouragement in an almost poetic form, giving a bit of guidance and words for thought before placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder for just a second.
There was a sort of encouraging, uplifting magic carrying on his voice.

(Bardic inspiration 1d6 + Guidance 1d4)


Meanwhile, the floating shovel gently fell to the floor to rest as a mug filled itself up from the keg in the cart and presented itself to  Red Horns . Filled with a frothing ale.

 (Unseen servant.)
Pyrophilios
Red Horns took the mug but refrained from drinking. Indeed, he didn't even look particularly winded or sweaty, despite the tired look on his face.

  "Thanks, but I don't think I deserve that one just yet."   He said, handing the mug over to Nix.

  "But say, what are you doing all alone out here? Have you lost your expedition?"  
Holy-hunter
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 Red Horns took the mug but refrained from drinking. Indeed, he didn't even look particularly winded or sweaty, despite the tired look on his face.

  "Thanks, but I don't think I deserve that one just yet."   He said, handing the mug over to Nix.

  "But say, what are you doing all alone out here? Have you lost your expedition?"   
 

“Something like that.”
The Satyr said in reply. He then took a step forward and tilted his head slightly, raising a hand he enthusiastically asked. “What brings you out here? This does not seem like your kind of place.”
 He gestured to the strange machine and then their surroundings.
“Do you have some business out here? Are you on some sort of mission or quest? Is it for gold or glory? Are there more of you? Can you use an extra hand?”
He shot off question after question, growing more eager and stepping closer with everyone.
Pyrophilios
  "One step after the other. First of all, who are you? And what are you after?
Our group has banded together for various reasons - be it hunting hags and undead, finding a lost city or an oracle - and of course whatever treasure can be found inbetween."   

The Red Horns had become cautious again. With fey creatures you met on your way it payed to be courtious, helpful but also very careful with what you said and what you promised - or what you took from them.
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Bliksem followed close behind Red Horn and Ziri. But stayed a little furthur, out of sight. Enjoying the music and the song, too enthrance to join in the song. He finally took steps out of the shadows, smiling while the others had its conversation.
 Its rare to see someone gifted in the art of music. 
Bliksem followed the satyr hands as it put away his instrument. Looking at the others  This is the first encounter of our expedition! Such a marvel, worthy of song and stories. 
 
 
  
Holy-hunter
With every answer, every compliment, every greeting, the Satyr seemed to grow more confident, more self assured.

He looked to the Khajiit, it was growing into an interestingly diverse group.

“First encounter you say.” He said with an odd smile. “So I haven’t missed much then.” He added a bit more softly to himself.

He turned back to the Tiefling.
“Oh, please pardon me. I got a bit carried away, you see I’ve only been talking to this stubborn mule for the last couple of days and we’ll, he isn’t much one for manners.”
With a theatrical bow the Satyr introduces himself.
“I am Xarmus, Xarmus...” It looked as though he was going to say more but then just finished with. “Just Xarmus.”

“It is your lucky day my friends, or night, but Lady Luck smiles upon you either way, for had my cart not got stuck I would be deep into my adventure by now. But since I am still here, and you are here, it is decided. I will accompany you in your travels sharing with you my music, knowledge of nature and, if Lady Luck truly shines upon you, then some of my speciality brew too!”

Xarmus is joyous and has a constant smile that often breaks out into small laughter, he eagerly greets everyone before loading his belongings neatly into his cart getting ready to move on, as he decided.
tonberrian
  "Alright! New friend acquired! Onward, faithful steed!"   Nyx hops into the cart. She's tired of rowing and this seems much easier.
Holy-hunter
Xarmus takes a small walk around their clearing using his knowledge of Survival, Medicine and Nature to pick up any useful herbs, roots or berries. Looking for tracks or signs of danger.

In the camp he casts Unseen servant - getting it to do any of the following for him. Cleaning, mending, folding clothes, lighting fires, serving food, pouring drink and seeing to the donkey.

Lastly he plays a little tune.
 
 Spoiler: Song of Rest+1d6 HP 

(If you or any friendly creatures who can hear your performance regain hit points at the end of the short rest by spending one or more Hit Dice, each of those creatures regains an extra 1d6 hit points.)
 


He doesn’t offer to take watch but will if required.

 (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  Survival
 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  Nature
 (1d4)[ 1 ]  Guidance

He gets comfy in his cart, off the ground under a thick blanket and squeezed between the sturdy chest and wide barrel.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged. Apparently a satyr had joined the group. He couldn't really say anything against it, since half of their number had joined just the same way, him included.

At camp, he didn't bother with a tent, instead setting up a small space to work on his magic items.

He volunteered for half the watch - supported by his construct. For that, he sat down - and just stopped. His eyes being the only thing that moved, while the construct stood behind him watching his back.
After precisely 4 hours of this rest, he began working, taking care not to be too loud.

 
 Spoiler 

Passive perception 14, switch advantage 19, steel defender can not be surprised
 
tonberrian
Nyx will spend part of the evening sharing her rations with her pet mouse, then talking to him and nodding as if its talking back. She doesn't mind sharing a tent with anyone, and will take the watch before dawn.

 
 Spoiler 
Passive perception 11. She's not  good  at it. But she's helping!
 
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

As the group got the camp ready, Bliksem took both his rain catcher, went to place them in trees.  Anyone would like me to take care of their raincatcher? Or need anything up there? 

Stopping on a branch, looking at the distance if he could see anything appetizing.  
 Spoiler: Looking for fruits 
Perception or survival, not sure, both are +3 anyway [roll0]
 


After he was finished, he hopped back down.

Bliksem went to the fire and started whispering, half-listening to Xarmus music.
  There we were, on the water
Paddling down the river
We got to the shore
And met... one more?  

He looked blankly in the distance.  I'll need something better than that 

His gaze wandered around, then met Red horns eyes  I can take guard duty after you then. 

Bliksem walked toward the druid, observing his friend Kupalué  May I inquire about your friend here? Would he take offense if I stare too long? What is he? 
 
 
  
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

At the stuck wagon, Ziri gave assent to help, watching Red Horns struggle with magical assistance to no avail.

 "Very well. Stand back; I will attempt."
 
She stepped a couple of times back and forth, seeing the best place to stand before she planted her feet, locked both arms around the stuck wheel, and heaved.

Slowly, inexorably, with a hideous sucking noise, the mud let go of the cart, until the former human could ram it with her shoulder, rocking it backwards out the rut and into the best equivalent of dry land one could find in a rainforest.

"There," She said, brushing off her hands and giving a tight nod of satisfaction before she turned to the satyr. "Well met, Xarmus. I am the Lady Ziri Foxglove, sometimes known as the Dame of Steel Fists, for reasons you can no doubt surmise. I seek a hag that cursed me and mine and fled to this land, somewhere in this morass. If you know of anything that may be helpful, consider that fair repayment."

---

When it came to watches, Ziri was willing to take one - she no longer slept, after all, sitting quiescent and still. Indeed, one could mistake her during this for an oversized doll, without the spark of animation to her porcelain face and an unmoving glass stare.

She most likely tented with Nolwenn - the stout paladin saw little need to change something that worked - and spent some time ensuring her armour was clean, her joints lubricated, and then small notes she wrote in a diary, her handwriting small and blocky. 
 
  
The Hellbug
Earlier that day, Nolwenn enthusiastically sat herself down at the front of the rear canoe.  At first, she was awed at the sheer volume green pressed in around the river from its banks and more than once regretted having stored her sketchbook in the waterproof bags.  However, as the day wore on, the wizard's lack of experience with long-term physical labor became more and more apparent and, by the time they got to camp, she could only practically slide from the canoe onto the shore, already dreading how sore she'd be the next day.  So it was that Nolwenn was uncharacteristically  not interested in going to check on the source of the music if so many others had it handled.

With the rest of them gone, she finally started helping set up camp: finding deadfall for the fire and pitching tents before she had an idea of how she could be uniquely helpful.  This thought put a spring in her step and she quickly gathered up her spellbook and materials, beginning a warding ritual that would warn her if anything unsavory started snooping around in the canoes at night.

She is moments from finishing when the music investigators and Xarmus return and, on learning that the satyr will be accompanying the expedition, sighs and begins her spell again.  Once she's finished, she takes her time introducing herself to the newcomer, makes sure her bedroll and blanket are spread in the tent, and prepares to stay up with the fire for the first third of the night since she's a bit of a night owl anyway, even if her tired muscles are longing for sleep.

At the end of her watch (assuming she gets there uneventfully) Nolwenn crawls back into the tent and stifles a shriek, startled by Lady Ziri's inert form, but as soon as the adrenaline passes, she quickly drifts off to sleep.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn will cast Alarm on the pair of canoes, excluding all of the expedition members/guides and setting it to be a personal mental alert.  She'll keep watch for the first third of the night and then share a tent with Lady Ziri, who she's too tired to bother tonight.  (Passive perception...11)
 
agignac
*

 
 Spoiler: The Red Horns goes shopping 
 I was a bit torn about how to play this out - it's the kind of thing that would be a lot of fun in person, but could take weeks to do properly in pbp. In the end, I rolled a bunch of dice irl, and will write up the results 

The Red Horns stalked through the markets of Port Nyanzaru, creating a stir wherever he went. As "cosmopolitan" as the Port city was, they clearly didn't see many tielfings.

The vendors were either reluctant, or overly eager to serve him. There were certainly skulls and feathers galore for sale. The problem was knowing animal a Kaapori was, or a conure. After some asking around, The Red Horns felt fairly certain that a kaapori was a type of monkey; in fact, several caged kaapori were available for sale (2 gp). As for kaapori skulls - many vendors claimed to have them, but some seemed not to fit the animals that The Red Horns had seen. Eventually, he found one that looked like it would fit in the head of the living monkey, for 3gp.  Let me know what you prefer, a guaranteed kaapori skull you have to extract yourself, or the one you're 75% sure of. 

For feathers, they were plentiful, but few people seemed to know much about the birds they came from. Eventually he found a bird vendor selling golden conure parrots, and he persuaded the Chultan children tending to the birds to sell him a fallen tail feather for 2 cp. He hoped he had what he needed for the recipe, but it was impossible to know for sure without an expert he could trust.
 


As they travelled in the canoe, The Red Horns asked their guide about the recipe ingredients. Qawasha's eyes widened.  "Where did you get this?! Kwayothe guards these recipes jealously - if her people find out you have it, there could be big trouble for you!" 

Examining the list, he nodded and clucked his tongue against his teeth.  "The ylang-ylang will be easy, the trees are common. There is one over there,"  he pointed to a middling sized tree, with glossy leaves and yellow flowers.  "The citronus is a thick grass, more like a sedge, common in the Aldani basin. If I see some before then, I'll point it out. Moonflowers grow on the trunks of large trees, high up, as a parasite. They are all through Chult, but not common. The topi frogs are very common, but very small and quick. They are usually nocturnal. Sometimes you can find them napping in the water collected in large bromeliads. You should be able to find everything at some point on our journey." 

  Draelin ... soon noticing something that causes him to look back at Qawasha and check if he's seen it too and if he has anything to say about the topic. 

The wood elf sees that their guide glances at the masked people, but the druid ignores them.


 Once they stop for the day, Draelin asks one of the stronger party members for help carrying the tents over and then set about putting them up. The music catches his atttention though, and he looks at Qawasha again. "Any idea if they're more of those masked little people we saw from the boats, or if they're other travelers? If the former, any chance they're friendly? Those masks don't fill me with confidence that they will be, but maybe it means something different to them." 

Qawasha smiled, his white teeth bright compared to his black skin. [b]"You speak of the Batiri. Small people, related to the goblins of your land. Not usually friendly, no. Sometimes they will trade, sometimes they will try to eat you. There are many many tribes in the jungle, and the masks can tell you which tribe they are. These ones were the Fanged Ape tribe. This campsite is beyond their territory." He tipped his head, listening to the melody, then added,  "Likely another traveller, like yourself. That is not a local song.  

They discover Xarmus and his predicament, and with the satyr's song, Ziri is able to unstick the cart. Soon the donkey is unhitched and grazing on some vegetation that Qawasha has deemed safe, and the newly enlarged party is setting up their tents.

As Xarmus realizes that the others are travelling by canoe, he realizes that if he is going to join their group, he'll have to leave the cart and donkey behind.  Unless somebody has a clever solution?? 

Bliksem Los sets up his two raincatchers. Qawasha warns,  "You'd best boil some river water for drinking as well, in case it doesn't rain tonight. It is vital to drink plenty in this hot climate. Not drinking enough will wear you out quickly. " 
 
 Spoiler: dehydration rules 
You must drink 2 gallons per day (except Ziri) or it's a CON save DC 15 vs gaining 1 level of exhaustion. This check is at disadvantage if you're wearing medium or heavy armour, or heavy clothes. The rain catcher can catch 2 gallons per inch of rain, and hold 8 gallons. Otherwise it's boiled water for you.
 


The sun sets fast - there is little twilight this close to the equator; the sun is either up, or down. They light a fire, and eat their rations. Bliksem Los offers to share a tent with The Red Horns - eyeing his fabulous wings, he wonders if he can touch them while the tiefling sleeps. Alas - it turns out he doesn't sleep!


 Bliksem walked toward the druid, observing his friend Kupalué  May I inquire about your friend here? Would he take offense if I stare too long? What is he?  

Kupalué made a strange combination of sounds, including huffing air out of his mouth, tapping on his body, and rubbing certain twig-like appendages together. Qawasha listened, then answered,  "He doesn't mind. Kupalué is a vegepygmy. His name is a Chultan word, it means "Walking Weed". That's not quite accurate, but close enough. Perhaps more closely related to mold than to plants. His people can draw nutrients from carcasses, but Weed here is a vegetarian, and mostly draws what he needs from the soil. He's happy to answer questions." 

Nix and Draelin (and the mouse) set up a tent together, and Qawasha and Weed are naturally roomies. The druid offers for Xarmus to share as well, as Weed takes up very little space, but the satyr is content in his cart for tonight. He takes a look around the campsite, but doesn't find anything useful.

The Red Horns watches for the first 4 hours, though if anybody were watching, they'd think he'd fallen asleep at his post. He awakens Bliksem after he is "rested", and then turns to his crafting. The tabaxi watches for an hour, then rouses Nolwenn. Ziri takes the 4th watch, and Nyx the last one.

The night is loud, very loud. Insects buzz and chirp, frogs croak, and in the distance something howls. Large splashes come from the river in irregular intervals. Nocturnal birds hoot, squawk and whistle. While Nolwenn is on guard, she hears the sounds of something very large crashing around in the brush, but it doesn't seem to come too close to the campsite. At one point Nyx is sure she hears a loud moaning sound coming from behind some vines, but she can't find the source, and the sound isn't repeated. There is no rain in the night, so Bliksem takes down his empty raincatchers from the trees.

In the morning, everybody is careful to apply more insect repellent to their exposed skin, rubbing it under edges of clothes and hair/fur lines. It leaves an unpleasant, greasy feel to the skin, but it seems to work, and the rain doesn't wash it away.

 Anything this morning? What to do with donkey and cart? Or if you'll continue on foot, what to do with canoes? 
Volthawk
Draelin didn't have any complaints about the satyr joining them - he had noticed the concern in the face of one of the others, but really at this point he didn't have any reason to trust the newcomer more or less than the others. He was planning on heading out alone, and they didn't seem particularly stupid (just a little odd) so he must have some amount of useful skills, anyway.

Once that business was handled, Draelin lets Bliksem know about the extra raincatchers he'd bought and asked for them to be set up as well, and takes a short while to just watch the others get ready for the night and go about their business. Getting a good read on people had served him well back home when he was working to build up the funds he'd put towards all this, and given the places they'd be going he was still curious about his new companions. Given that a few of them seemed to be planning on staying up, Draelin takes his rest early, going into his tent and trancing for four hours before getting up and joining whoever's on watch or otherwise awake for the rest of the time.

 
 Spoiler 

Passive Perception 18
 


Once everyone was awake, he goes to find Qawasha to see if he has input on the cart issue - the canoes were his idea in the first place, and as their guide Draelin valued his opinion on the best way to proceed the most. Given the way he had talked about the canoes saving several days, he expected Qawasha to advocate for sticking with the canoes and leaving the cart, and Draelin agreed, but the donkey had him thinking. A pack animal would be handy going forward, and since the canoes could hold more people than they currently were, Draelin puts forward a perhaps outlandish idea to the group - was there a way of getting a donkey to go onto a canoe and stay there for a whole day of paddling without it causing problems?
The Hellbug
Nolwenn wakes up to the exact soreness she had been dreading.    You traded a feather bed for this, Nolwenn my dear.
 Maybe not the best bargain, hmm?    She quashes the doubtful voice in her head that sounds suspiciously like her mother and tosses and turns on her sleeping pad for a couple minutes, hoping to catch even one more moment of sleep.  However, the sounds of the others moving around soon motivate her, and she groans in disappointment, crawls outside, and stiffly gets to her feet.

In the bustle of the morning preparations, the empty raincatchers are the first thing to get Nolwenn's attention.  As she's lurking near them, disappointed and wishing for a drink, she is struck by an idea.  She stokes last night's fire back to life and inquires around for any pots for boiling water.  Filling the two she is able acquire with water from the river, she calls on her magic to warm the water in each before putting them over the fire in sequence, thinking that starting with warm water will bring it to a boil faster.  Once it reaches a boil, she uses the same spell to try to cool it faster, making a call for anyone with empty waterskins to fill up, repeating the process until everyone is quenched and full on water.

During the wait on the water, Nolwenn cleans up before getting Xarmus's attention.    "So,"   she begins,   "I don't think we were properly introduced last night--my fault, very tired, apologies--I'm Nolwenn."    The wizard bows before she continues, her tone more curious.    "How'd you end up out here?  I didn't see any paths or anything and with a donkey at that.  I mean, and forgive me if I'm wrong, but you don't look like anyone else I've seen from Chult."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
That's just prestidigitation to warm and cool objects.  If it doesn't work she's just got to do it the slow way.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had made certain to buy the correct tools and bought the living monkey - only to end its life immediately by breaking its neck. A flicker of remorse had crossed his face, but he was certain this wouldn't be the last animal he'd have to kill during their journey. Better to do this quickly and with certainty. Cleaning the skull was a matter pealing away skin and muscles, extracting the brain carefully and cooking the skull until all the squishy bits had come out and dissolved. After that it was only a matter of applying Prestidigitation repeatedly until the skull was clean enough to cook the ointment with it.

To Qawasha he said:   "I do not intend to infringe upon the trade in the city. Out in the jungle I hope this precaution will pay off - lessening our dependence on supply runs. Maybe I can even optimize the recipe.
I'll make sure to fly up the trees now and then to look for the flowers and to collect the frogs."  

He had done just that as day broke and the people in the camp began to stir.
When the question about the donkey and cart were raised he answered:

  "I can transport the cargo in my extra dimensional space. Though I'm not sure we should bother with the cart. Were we are going there is likely very little road to be had. Reworking it into raft seems to be more work than it's worth - especially considering that we would have to row extra hard to make up for its drag and weight.
For that matter, I'm not sure the donkey is worth the effort. If it is well trained and can be made to lay still in a canoe for the duration of our travels - maybe. But even then it adds mostly weight and no benefit until we make landfall. It requires feed to be carried with us, increasing dead weight - all for the high chance that at the first hostile encounter it will be killed or injured. Leaving it here to fend for itself likely gives it the best chance to survive and make it back to the city - it has come this far after all and might find the way back."  
agignac
In the end, they decide to abandon Xarmus's cart and donkey - the danger of the donkey upsetting the canoe at an inopportune moment was just too high. Qawasha whispers in the beast's ear before they left, but it stands at the shore, looking bewildered, as the canoes head back into the morning glare on the river.

As the day progresses, the river begins to narrow. Tributaries join the Tiryki regularly, some of them nearly the width of the main river. The jungle becomes denser; from the boat, there are long stretches where the shoreline that look completely impenetrable. Qawasha points out interesting trees and vines from his seat at the front of the lead canoe.

Around midafternoon, the river widenes again, the western bank clearing of vegetation. A dozen stegosaurus stood at the watering "hole", drinking the silty water. Easily as tall as an elephant, but twice as long, the huge dinosaurs flicked their tails lazily as the stood belly-deep in the river. A few looked up curiously as you paddled by.

A shadow crosses the rear canoe, there and gone again, too quickly to be a cloud.

 
 Spoiler: rear canoe, perception check 13+ 
 You look up to see a large bird wheel about over the river. Two more join it, flying together in a line. Their wingspan is enormous, fully 40 feet from wingtip to wingtip. The lead bird begins a steep dive towards the river, as if diving for an enormous fish. No, wait, not towards the river - towards the canoe! And there aren't feathers on those wings - these are quetzalccoatlus!
 
Pyrophilios
  "COUATLS, DEFEND YOURSELF"   The Red Horns managed to cry out before jumping up and spreading his own wings, ready to take flight and distract the flying predator.
with a court gesture, he commanded the twig construct to defend the canoe

 
 Spoiler 

Readying my shield with an action, getting up with half my movement and pulling out my Yklwa and rising up 15 ft above the canoes. Bonus action to command the steel defender to protect the canoe
 
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

In the morning, Bliksem, goes to give back the empty raincatchers.  I'll just go fetch some water so we can boil it before we go, didn't catch in rain last night. 
He then goes to the river, fills both his rain catcher, prepare the fire and his pot over it and fills it, waiting for it to be ready.

Once ready, he goes to Kupalué with a small cup of water  For your kindness last night.  Bliksem bow slightly to the druid and goes back to help the others.


 


Back to the shore as everyone was getting ready  Canoe again, i'll end up swiming at least once before this adventure is over... yes! you, canoe, i'm speaking to you! I detest you, but keep me dry and i may like you. 

Few moments later, on the water  Ah this good moment when nothing happen followed by more of nothing happening. It's only day two, but as it stands, none would listen to a story of doing nothing but paddling.  he raised his voice slightly  I'm bored! Where're the epic battle against hoard of undead! Are we there yet? 

 


Bliksem eyes widened  I know i said i'm bored but what is this?  He points towards the quetzalccoatlus coming down on them. He looks at his weapon, then at the canoe and the creature in the sky  I can be deadly on land but water and sky arent my forte. 

Bliksem tuck his paddle inside the canoe, put a dagger between his teeth and get ready.

 
 Spoiler: Ready action 

Ok, here's my thought even though its  slightly  a lot crazy. He want to time a jump to ride the damn thing and kill it in the sky (hopefully falling in the water)
So, its a  standing high jump , from a canoe, with the hope of grabbing the flying dinosaur.
Bliksem could try to help by  casting dancing lights  above the creature head in the hope of making it move closer to the water and slightly on the side of the canoe.
 

 
 
  
Holy-hunter
Xarmus succumb to a deep melancholy shortly after abandoning his faithful friend. They had been together for weeks now and spent many hours in frivolous conversation to pass the time.
Sometimes through his magic the donkey could talk back, other times he was just a silent ear. None the less a strong bond had undeniably formed.

Xarmus used his magic one more time to say his proper farewells and impart as much knowledge and wisdom onto the donkey as he could. Hoping in all hopes it would aid in its survival. He didn’t look back as the canoe drifted out into the water, rocking gently as they departed.

His fingers found no rhythm, his breath no tune, not even one to express his sad somber mood. Instead for possibly the first time since meeting these people he was silent. Deep contemplation ticked over behind eyes that gaze lazily over the side of the boat.

He found himself partially catching the guides words and pointing hand. Not being able to deny his interest although already knowing much of what was said.

Then there was the sweeping shadow and all chaos erupted. Xarmus ignored his shield and reached into his pulling out three smooth stones. With a quick little spell he took aim and got ready to hurl one.

 
 Spoiler 
COMBAT
 

AC14 HP21
 Init   (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
 Bonus action  = cast magic stone.
 Action  = Ready attack when creature comes within 60ft
 Attack  =  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  throw magic stone
 Damage  =  (1d6+5)[ 9 ] 
agignac
The quetzalcoatuls dive towards the canoes at a fearsome speed, their long wings tucked back against their bodies. As they get within a few meters of the water, they snap their wings out and angle towards the canoes, all three of them in a line. Xarmus and Bliksem react almost unnaturally fast. The satyr lets fly a magic stone, which hits the incoming creature with greater-than-usual force. Even over the rush of wings, you can hear the cracking of a hollow rib within the lead pterasaur's chest.

The bird-like creature wobbles in the air, but opens its enormous beak-like maw and tries to bite Bliksem as it sails past him. The tabaxi is too fast, and dodges aside from the massive beak. Not only that, he takes the opportunity to leap up and grab at the quetzalcoatul's wing! His claws dig deep into the leathery skin, and a moment later he's being carried past the canoes and up higher, over the river!

The two other predators, unaware of their leader's predicament, try for a meal. The next one bites at The Red Horns, who is already halfway out of his seat and flying upwards.

The last one aims for the tallest person in the canoes, not realizing that Ziri won't be a very tasty meal.

Q2 vs TRH  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] ,
Q3 vs Ziri  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
damage [roll]6d6+2[/roll] = 21

The Red Horns dips his wings and drops below the beak of his attacker, but the warforged isn't so lucky. The quetzalcoatlus snaps hard on the paladin, her metal and wood creaking under its grip. They zoom past the canoes, too quickly for anybody to take the opportunity to hit them.

 Weird - they don't have any sort of swallow or grapple mechanism - how the heck are they supposed to get the prey off to their nest? I guess they need to kill you first, then come back and pick up the body. They have flyby, so no OA on them. They'll be turning around for another pass, so ready those actions! Everybody up.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had badly underestimated the speed of the attack and when the big flying lizard came for him, he had to suddenly dodge quite a bit more than he had intended, bringing him badly out of position before he could strike. That left him only one option: Pursuit. Heaving mightily with his wings, he managed to gain some more altitude, following the flying creature in it's tail wind. THe let the Yklwa turn warm in his hand until he was sure the infusion had reached working temperature. Then he let lose his weapon, making it spin end over end toward his target

 
 Spoiler 

The Yklwa has max 30ft range - combined with my 30ft flight speed, I hope I can catch up to the Quetzacoatlus.

Attack, albeit at disadvantage

 (1d20)[ 12 ] / (1d20)[ 20 ] +8, damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +6, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 

Bonus action: cast magic stone
 


He had noticed Xarmus' tactic and used the brief absense of his weapon to infuse three ball bearings in his pocket with aditional force. At the same time, he kept an eye open for that mad tabaxi, ready to dive for him, should he fall from the sky.
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

With a tremendous clang, the quetz' maw slammed into the paladin like an arrow. The machine-woman swayed in the canoe, trying to avoid being knocked off. She placed a hand over the damaged parts, ignoring the hitching in her arm mechanisms. Her eyes flared, and the damage abruptly reversed, leaving a heavy scuff but the majority repaired.

  "Damnable things,"   she growled, rolling her arm to see if had full motion back.   "Take them down!"
   
 
  
 
 Spoiler: actions 

Just gonna spend all my Lay on Hands as an action to heal 15 points of damage.
 
tonberrian
  "Pew pew!"   Nyx motions with her hands and speaks words of arcane power, and a shadowy blast of eldritch energy shoots out at the most damaged dino!

 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  to hit,  (1d10+4)[ 10 ]  damage.
 
Volthawk
Hearing the shouts, Draelin stands and picks up his bow, turning to see the creatures fly off after their first pass. Alright then. Fast moving targets in the air. Not unmanageable. At least, that was what he hoped as he steadied himself on the boat and lined up a shot at one of them.

 
 Spoiler 

Activating Steady Aim as a bonus action, giving me advantage on my next attack (and triggering sneak attack, if I haven't misunderstood anything), and then firing my longbow at the closest one.

I'm assuming that despite their flyby, they're still within 150ft of the lead canoe (the longbow's short range). If they're further out, ignore the second attack dice and the sneak attack damage (as the disadvantage from range would cancel out the advantage from Steady Aim).

Attack:  (2d20+6)[ 2 ][ 15 ](17) 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  weapon +  (2d6)[ 2 ]  sneak attack

15 to hit, 8 damage. Huh, that was very close to minimum damage.
 
The Hellbug
Yup, today was worse.  The soreness from yesterday's paddling already added with another exhausting morning on the water, and by noon Nolwenn was already feeling as fatigued as the end of the day's paddling the day before.  Perhaps, this is why she didn't register the sheer size of what she thought were birds drifting on a thermal.  When her companions warned her, though, the wizard's eyes went wide as she realized that they weren't small, but far away, and coming in fast.

Having followed her first instinct and ducked with a scream as the dinosaurs swooped in for their first pass, Nolwenn, now gaining her composure, grips the small mirror at the end of her necklace and casts a spell, holding the last act of willing her magic into existence until the flying predators come back in for a second pass.    "Hold on tight, Bliksem, I've got you!"   she shouts, and, as soon as the dinosaurs swoop back into range, she releases the spell, unleashing a stream of gale-force wind directly at them.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So, don't know if this works (the spell description doesn't say it impacts flying creatures any different from grounded ones, which seems weird to me), but it seems appropriate.  Nolwenn casts Gust of Wind at the quetzalcoatls when they're about 60 feet away.  I'd like to catch all of them, but if they're not coming in one behind the other then c'est la vie.
 
agignac
Which Q does TRH hit?  (1d3)[ 3 ] 
Which Q does Draelin hit?  (1d3)[ 1 ] 

The Red Horns managed to gain on the pterosaurs as they began to turn for their second pass. His Chultan spear flew unerringly at one of them, embedding itself deeply in its abdomen.

Nix targeted the same creature, her spell hitting it unerringly and blasting into its leathery, scaly skin.

Draelin managed to keep his body steady in the canoe, and targeted the animal that Bliksem was riding. His arrow flew true, tearing through the animal's wing.

 Start of round 2, Xarmus and Bliksem are up. Nolwenn is holding her action until its their turn and they complete their maneuver and line up again for the next pass.  
 
 Spoiler: ykwla is a spear 
 
 
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Bliksem got surprised at the speed of the creature and at how successful his attempt was.  I got on!! What now?? 

He climbed as best he could toward the creature neck and placed himself as his rider, placing his hands on the side of his head, caressing it slowly, trying to calm it while whispering to it.  Don't worry buddy, you took more than you can handle, bring me back and no harm will be done to you and your friends. 

 


Rolls!
Animal handling :  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 
 
  
Holy-hunter
Xarmus repeats his pattern of waiting to attack, focussing on the one most injured, but this time as he stands there with eyes glued to the flying predators he offers Nyx some of his encouraging bardic advice, proclaiming his confidence in her power and ability.


 COMBAT 
AC14 HP21
 Init 
 Bonus action  =Bardic inspiration Nyx
 Action  = Ready attack when creature comes within 60ft
 Attack  =  (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  throw magic stone
 Damage  =  (1d6+5)[ 10 ] 
 
 Spoiler: bardic inspiration 

Bardic Inspiration
As a bonus action, a creature (other than yourself) within 60 ft. that can hear you gains an inspiration die (1d6). For 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.
Magical Inspiration (Special)
If a creature has a Bardic Inspiration die from you and casts a spell that restores hit points or deals damage, the creature can roll that die and choose a target affected by the spell. Add the number rolled as a bonus to the hit points regained or the damage dealt. The Bardic Inspiration die is then lost.
 
agignac
The quetzalcoatuls finish wheeling around over the River Tiryki, and swoop down for another dive at the canoes. Well, two of them do. The lead animal, desperate to dislodge the tabaxi clinging to its head, instead dives straight for the water. Tucking its wings in, it hits the water like an arrow, barely making a splash. It curves through the water, using its momentum, and emerges on the other side of the canoes, still moving fast.   (Bliksem, make a strength saving throw, DC 16, to stay attached to the coatul. Otherwise you're swimming.) 

Nolwenn casts her spell, and an enormous gust of wind rushes from her hands straight into the fliers.

The coatuls keep coming, but it's harder now, their wings are doing more work and they're flying slower.

Xarmus lets loose his stone at the third beast, hitting it square between the eyes. Badly injured, the quetzalcoatlus pulls up and turns, abandoning the hunt. These creatures don't look tasty enough to die for.

The final beast, uninjured, finds itself face-to-face with a meal. It bites at The Red Horns, hoping to be able to fly away with its lunch. The tiefling got a good look down the creature's maw, then felt a terrible pain as it bit deeply into him. For a moment he was afraid the creature would simply swallow him whole, but the pterosaur wasn't built to eat like that. It released the tiefling and kept trying to fly past the canoes. Unfortunately, due to Nolwenn's spell, it wasn't going as fast.

 
 Spoiler: rolls and notes 

Q2 Str saving throw  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Q3 Str saving throw  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]  Wow, not where I would have chosen to use two crit 20s! 
Q2 bite at TRH [roll]1d20+4[/roll]  Well, I got a few rolls in before it stopped working. *rolls dice on desk*. A hit, and 12 HP damage.  

Q3 has left the fight. Q1 is injured and will come up from the water 10 feet behind the back canoe, with or without Bliksem still on it. Q2 is in the air, also ten feet behind the canoes. Nolwenn, I'll need to know what you do with your spell.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns flinched, anticipating the pain that was about to follow, but kept his wits about him. A shield of pure force manifested just in time to deflect the fearsome teeth.

Then the beast was past and he could focus on returning the favor with is own assault, slinging the Yklwa at the Quetzacouatl in quick pursuit

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 20 ] +8, damage  (1d8)[ 2 ] +6, if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 


With a very satisfying crunch, the short spearlike weapon hit true, ripping a deep gash into the strong back muscles of the flying dinosaur.
The Hellbug
Though she's disappointed the dinosaurs are stronger fliers than she had hoped, Nolwenn grins as one of the attackers flies off.    "And stay gone!"   she shouts as, with a flourish, she stands and redirects the wind towards the two remaining foes behind the canoe, hoping it will help send them on their way.  As additional encouragement, she calls up a blast of flame aimed at the lead quetzalcoatl.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bonus action to redirect the Gust of Wind at the two remaining dinos.  Action to cast firebolt at Q2.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
damage:  (1d10)[ 10 ] 
crit?:  (1d10)[ 8 ] 
 
tonberrian
Nyx fires another blast at the most damaged dino.   "And don't come back!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  to hit with eldritch blast, nat 1 misses, no damage.
 
Volthawk
Starting to feel a little unsteady on the canoe, Draelin nonetheless tries to line up his next shot as accurately as possible as he fires at the beast that looks most injured.

 
 Spoiler 

Attempting to Steady Aim as a bonus action:  (1d100)[ 66 ]  (on a 1-50, ignore the second attack dice and SA damage)

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] / (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ]  weapon +  (2d6)[ 10 ]  sneak attack

Guessing neither of those attack rolls hit. Dice aren't liking me so far.
 
Awful
      
   Lady Ziri Foxglove, Dame of Steel Fists  
 Warforged Devotion Paladin 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/37 
 PP: 14 
 Slots: Lvl1 3/3 
 Conditions: None 
 Concentrating: --  

Ziri drew out a javelin from the sheath of them on her back and hurled it towards the quetzal that injured her. 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: actions 

Jav:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
Dam: [/roll]1d6+4[/roll].
 
Holy-hunter
After throwing his last rock, Xarmus prepares 3 more.

 COMBAT 
AC14 HP21
 Attack  =  (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  throw magic stone
 Damage  =  (1d6+5)[ 10 ] 
agignac
Spears and stones may break my bones...

Probably quetzalcoatuls didn't know the old nursery rhyme, but they were living it. Bolts of fire and eldritch energy, gusts of wind, arrow, javelin, stones and spear - almost every one of them found their mark. The creature that had chomped on Ziri fell into the river with a large splash, and the final one limp-flew away over the trees, bleeding heavily. For a moment there was silence, then they heard a bubbling sound coming up from one side of the canoe, and even more behind the canoes.

A very soggy tabaxi struggled to the surface of the murky river.  I still need that con save please. For reasons.  Behind them, a swarm of quipper began to surface, tearing large pieces of coatul and quickly turning the river red with blood.

The danger over, Qawasha straightened up, helping Weed to sit back on the bench.  "Well fought!"  he said, marveling at the speed with which the downed creature was being devoured. The vegepygmy tapped out a message on his body, emphasizing it with his reedy whistle.  "Weed says thank you, he is terribly afraid of being carried away, he lost most of his tribe that way." 
Pyrophilios
Seeing the creatures flee, Red Horns sheathed his weapon and flew over to the brave, but more than a little bit foolhardy tabaxi.
Grabbing him at the scruff he tried to heave the soaking wet cat back into the boat.

 
 Spoiler 

Athletics
 (1d20+1)[ 7 ] 
 


Yet the water logged gear made Blicksem so heavy, that he only managed to drag him towards the canoe without lifting him out completely.

 "Better get out of the water before the fish wonder what you taste like." 
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

After the unexpected manoeuvre from the creature, Bliksem got knocked off of it and then quickly resurfaced.
 Those damn bird can go underwater! 

The fighting was done, and still unaware of the danger the water posed, Red Horn quickly came to his help, making Bliksem reach the canoe that much faster.
 Thanks for the help Red 
 
 
  
tonberrian
  "Well that was fun. What next?"  
Pyrophilios
 "Think nothing of it. I'm sure you'd do the same for each of us. Oh and you better get cleaned up - the water isn't the most trustworthy."  
Red Horns replied while weaving a complex pattern in the air, rapidly removing the filthy water from the tabaxi's fur. In truth, seeing a soaking wet tabaxi was both hilarious and heartbreaking to behold.

 
 Spoiler 

TRH casts Prestidigitation to clean up Blixem
 


To Nix he said:  "Hopefully, an uneventful journey from now on, though I wouldn't count on it, better if everyone keeps their weapons at hand." 
agignac
They managed to get Bliksem back into the boat before the quippers found him, and the tiefling's magic turned him from soggy to fluffy in no time.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, thought the jungle constantly had new things to show them.  A troop of fluffy flying monkeys chattered at them from the branches of a tree, swooping down low over the canoe to investigate. Qawasha was worried they'd fling fruit, or something worse, but they were simply curious.

In fact, the next several days were quiet as they paddled up the Tiryki. Sore muscles hardened, and they got used to the upper-body workout. It rained almost every day, and they were able to capture or boil enough water to stay hydrated, and carry extra in the canoes. And even without hungry fauna trying to eat them, it didn't get boring.

Pink river dolphins surfaced near the canoes, the mammals rolling onto their sides to stare at the strange land-creatures. The breath they blew from the holes on the top of their head stank badly.

One night, ten thousand fireflies hatched near their campsite, brightening the camp with a dizzying display of insect ballet.

The paddled past a clearing full of a strange, low-lying blue mist. Qawasha warned them to stay out of such areas, as the mist could have bad effects on the mind of those who spend time near it.

On the third day after the coatul attack, as they were getting ready to find a campsite, Draelin pointed out something he could just see over the treetops. To the east of the river, a tall, stone structure could be seen towering over the jungle canopy. Dark figures could be seen flying to and from the structure, though they were too far to make out any details.

When asked, Qawasha said,  "That is known as Firefinger. It is home to many pterafolk - flying people who are very cruel. I have never ventured closer to it, as they are dangerous." 

The druid continued,  "We must soon leave the boats behind. The Tiryki will enter a canyon tomorrow. We can travel another day or two before it becomes too narrow for the canoes, but that will mean climbing out of the canyon. Or we can strike out across land sooner. It will mean a little longer in the jungle, but without a dangerous climb.

"The oracle I spoke of us is to the southwest, through some jungle heavily infested with the undead. We will have nearly a week of dangerous terrain before we reach the Aldani Basin. Here the threat of undead is lessened some, and the jungle is thinner. The basin is a web of lakes and rivers, and the canoes would be useful there. But portaging them across the jungle will slow us down." 

He looked up at Firefinger, and frowned.  "If you had chosen Azaka Stormfang, she would have wanted to go there. The pterafolk stole something belonging to her people. But it is very dangerous." 
 "Tonight you must decide which way you want to go tomorrow." 
 
 Spoiler: options 

1) pause your journey to explore Firefinger.
2) canoe another day or two south, then climb a cliff and head through jungle
3) head through jungle here.
2and3 corollary) bring canoes and portage them, or leave them here for the trip home.
 
Pyrophilios
Before the group returned to rowing, the Red Horns made an effort to fish out the by now skelettal head of the dead Quetzacoatlus and securing it in his extradimensional pouch. After that he returned to his seat in the boat and resumed the dull task of rowing against the sluggish stream.

In the next three days the Red Horns established a pattern: At day break he would go for a little fly about, gathering ingredients for the recipe and be back in time when the others were done with breaking their fast. After a day of rowing and making camp with the others, he would set up his little workplace just far enough away from the tents that his work wouldn't disturb the other's sleep. The he would sit immobile for about four hours, staring into the darkness and listening, looking for all the world as if he had died sitting upright. About four hours later, he stood up, woke whoever was on watch next and then go to his workplace, relentlessly working on a blade made of bone with his tools and subtle chanting, aided only by the creature made from animated twigs.

When their guide spoke, he frowned:

  "If I understand you correctly, we'd save some miles by going into the canyon, but would have a difficult time to get up the walls and even more so to transport the canoes. If we manage that feat, we'd not only have less jungle to traverse with the canoes, we'd also save time at the other end when we need them again.

I can likely transport or at least assist with the climb of everyone by flying up the canyon wall and using a rope to get everyone up, likewise for the gear with my pouch. The canoes we would have to haul up on ropes, but again, I could likely assist in that task by stabilizing them in the air.

Lady Ziri is likely strong enough to carry a canoe all by her own with my construct companion along stabilize. That should be enough for the rest of us to clear a path and carry the remaining one.

Always under the assumption, that we'd actually save a significant amount of time by going into the canyons."  
 
 Spoiler 

Worktime on my +1 weapon so far: 16 work hours
Using the skull of a CR2 creature as necessary magic component
 
Holy-hunter
Xarmus watched the injured flying predators leave, and he continued to watch them until they disappeared into the distance, hoping with all hopes that they wouldn’t pass over the site he had farewelled his friend.
You could give a donkey all the tips of survival but in the end it was still just a donkey.



The following day he finally favoured his companions with some of his music. The marvellous sites of nature lifting his mood.
He listened to the guide, sharing and swapping knowledge. He spoke with the dolphins (through magic) asking what they knew of the rivers. He gave them a shiny silver piece as a gift and played music for them.



When it came to matters of giving up the canoe’s Xarmus made it clear he had already given up too much just to use the bloody things and would not be happy to abandon them now. Although he didn’t seem to eager to be carrying them uphill.
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Safely back into the canoe, and dry!
 That's an amazing trick Red Horn! You'll have to show me! 

 


Looking at everyone, Bliksem clearly missed a part of the show while he was in the air and under the water, he looked around
 What happened? I'm away 20 seconds then i'm in the water and no enemy in sight, almost as if it was a mirage. 
He screamed as soon as his last word was over  Mirage!  then started murmuring   The mirage bird! That's how we'll call them, sounds better in my ears, and way more melodic!  
Bliksem looked at the Satyr  Xarmus! Mirage bird! What do you think as a name? 

 


As they started getting ready for camp, Bliksem did his usual. Placing rain cather in trees, making rounds around the camp up in trees.
Then he stayed with eveyrone, listening to the druid.
And after Red Horn giving an option through the canyon, Bliksem added  I'm a good enough climber, i'll be able to help there too. 
 Qawasha, how high a cliff are we talking about? Even with a sure way to get us up there, do you think it'd be feasable to get the canoe up? 
 
 
  
Volthawk
Once the trouble with the local wildlife was over, Draelin returned to his position looking out from the front of the lead canoe - but now, he kept his bow in his hands rather than by his side. The experience didn't seem to dampen his spirits much though, nor his curiosity.

When they break for camp and he notices Firefinger, Draelin seems interested by their guide's explanation. He follows it up with a few questions about how the pterafolk usually behave and what they like to keep, apparently weighing up the idea of investigating, but he focuses on the matters being discussed for the time being.

  "If we can practically bring the canoes along, I'm all for it. As for the canyon, one of the bags has a bunch of pitons and some extra rope, which may come in handy. Some extra kit which can help secure any less secure climbers, too.   
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Sirithhyando 
  Qawasha, how high a cliff are we talking about? Even with a sure way to get us up there, do you think it'd be feasable to get the canoe up?  
 

The druid thought a moment, then said,  "It has been some years since I've been there, but I would guess about 150 feet. I have never climbed it, though other guides claim to have brought their clients and their gear up. I do not have the expertise to help manage the canoes, I simply have heard that it's been done by guides whose word I trust. If we are successful, it should save us four or five days of walking." 

To Draelin's questions, he said,  "The pterafolk are dangerous and aggressive. They hunt and eat whatever they can catch, including other peoples. I have heard they like shiny things, and take whatever treasure they can find. Some claim they can sense magical auras, but I am not sure I believe it." 
tonberrian
  "I guess I'm down for climbing the cliffs. I'm a little scared of falling, though."  
Pyrophilios
 "Four days are nothing to sneeze at, especially if it's time we don't have to spend carrying the canoes. Though 150 ft are a little higher than I expected. Still, we should be capable enough to get this done." 

The Red Horns nodded once as if to himself.  "Alright. Anyone against the option?"  He looked quizically into the round of companions.
The Hellbug
After the dinosaurs retreat, the adrenaline wears off and Nolwenn realizes she's standing in an unsteadied canoe.  She quickly dismisses her spell and takes a seat, sheepishly waiting for everyone else to be ready to get moving again.

___________


As the days of paddling pass, the heat still bothers her and the work is still hard, but Nolwenn minds a little less each day.  She quickly settles into an evening routine: help pitch tents, boil water if necessary, and then use the remaining light and her watch at night to draw whatever wonder the jungle had most recently provided in her sketchbook, a sort of visual journal of the journey so far.  Then, get up just before sunrise and do it all over again.

_________

When Qawasha stops the group to explain their options, Nolwenn considers his words carefully before adding her opinion to the mix.    "Well, I won't be much help in the climb, none of my spells are suitable for aiding such an endeavor,"   she says, mentally kicking herself for not having learned anything so practical (and, from her own head or not, the voice is always her mother's, annoyingly),   "actually, that's not entirely true.  We won't have to worry about stumbling and crashing to the river below, my magic can arrest all but the most disastrous of falls."  
  "I will say, if there's more use for the canoes later, we should bring them with us by any means necessary,"   she continues then turns to Qawasha,   "wait, I know you said they're very cruel and dangerous, but maybe the pterafolk can be bargained with?  Perhaps we could trade for their aid in getting the canoes up the cliffs."  
Awful
  "I'm not against it,"   said the good Lady Ziri  , "But the task depends very much on the cliffs. If there pterafolk are known for wickedness and cruelty, I would not be so eager to seek them out to bargain with them."  
agignac
Qawasha counsels you not to seek out the pterafolk, for they simply cannot be trusted. Eager to be on your way, you continue upriver.

The next day the river becomes decidedly narrower. You encounter fewer and fewer tributaries, and the water starts to look a clearer, rather than muddy. The jungle retreats up high cliffs, the grow higher as you travel. You spend the night on a flat island in the river, with the stars twinkling overhead instead of being blocked out by the canopy.

Finally, late in the afternoon on the 9th day of your adventure, the river becomes too shallow for the heavily laden canoes. It continues around a corner and out of sight. The cliffs here vary in height between 120 and 150 feet. They are rough and in many places covered with vines and tree roots. Some areas certainly look more climbable than others. It's too late in the day to start the portage, but you can look around and make some plans before dark.

 
 Spoiler: notes 
See slide deck for a photo approximation of the area. I want some "figuring it out" from you. Chose a skill (or two) and describe how you'd like to use it. This is going to be a group effort. Rather than one bad roll dooming the endeavor, I will take the average of all the successes/failures, and use that to calculate how effectively you can pull this off. Bonus points for creativity and ingenuity. Ask any questions you have.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns worked as usual through half of the night and was ready at first light to take a closer look at the canyon side to find the most opportune route to pull up the canoes, looking for vegetation that would be able to cushion them should they be pulled against the walls.

 
 Spoiler 


Investigation  (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  if necessary using my knowledge from the past feature  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Nature  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  knowledge from the past feature  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 


After that, he went about collecting what rope the party had available. He was able to add 50 ft and 10 pitons to the effort.
The Hellbug
Standing on the bank of the river, Nolwenn leans her head back, shading her eyes from the sun with her hand, to get a good look at the cliffs.    "Yeah,"   she starts, turning her eyes back to the others,   "I was hoping they'd be less...sheer."    She emphasizes her words by gesturing with her forearm, moving it back and forth between a slope and vertical to the ground.

  "Red, you've got that fancy special bag, right?"   she asks, leading into a suggestion,   "if we can get to the top we could attach that to a rope and have some of us load everything that fits in at the bottom and others up top unload it then pass it back."  
Volthawk
When The Red Horns comes by to collect rope, Draelin first hands him the spool of silk rope he had attached to his backpack, before indicating the canoe sacks that held another set of rope, some pitons and climbing equipment, before listening to Nolwenn and nodding.   "That'd definitely speed us up - emptying out those sacks before we pull the canoes up will make life a lot easier."  
 
 Spoiler 

50ft of silk rope, 50ft of hempen rope, 12 pitons and a climbing kit, to be precise.
 
Pyrophilios
 "I might have found a suitable place up on the cliff from where we can begin hauling up our gear. I'll fill my bag and empty it's contents up there, but it's probably a good idea to have one of us stand guard up there first. Blixem, I know you can climb as easily as you can walk - can you keep watch up there? Also, we need more rope. So far that's 150 ft. - barely enough to haul something up from down here." 

The Red Horns replied and began to load his bag until he felt it at capacity, taking care to have the ropes accessible.
Holy-hunter
 Helping company 
Anyone who shares their plans or talks out their ideas with Xarmus will find he has endless anecdotes, quotes or lyrical worldly advice that proves enlightening.
(Offering guidance and or bardic inspiration.)

 Looking at the mountains and formulating an opinion. 
Xarmus is considering the terrain and type of shrubbery the canoe will need to be pulled through. What foliage the canoe could be pulled over and what would hinder its passing. What footing would best suit them.
Nature  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  +  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
Survival  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  +  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 Finding an animal friend 
Nature  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  +  (1d4)[ 1 ]  to know of the animals that frequent this area.
Survival to track one down  (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  +  (1d4)[ 3 ] 
He will then cast speak with animals, animal friendship (dc15 or charmed) and even beast bond, all just to build a connection with a creature so he can ask about their path.
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Arriving safely at the foot of the cliff, Bliksem looked in awe
 This place is beautiful!  he looked at Nolwen  Don't worry, you're still my number one!  Bliksem winks at the wizard.


 


Bliksem looks around the face of the cliff on both side, trying to spot any danger
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Nature to determine where danger could usually be found in this type of environment :  (1d20+1)[ 11 ] 
Perception to spot those possible danger :  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 


 


When Red Horn comes back, Bliksem agrees to his plan.
 Of course, here's my rope, i'll go there and act as a lookout while you bring everything. 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
50' hempen rope
If you need a roll for the climbing, i'll roll in Discord, but Bliksem got a climbing speed, so might not be necessary, except maybe if theres too much loose rock?
 

 
 
  
agignac
As everybody explored the cliff, looking for the best site to haul up the canoes, they found the remnants of a previous adventuring party who had had the same idea. Three dwarven corpses and a shattered canoe lay at the base of the cliff, near one of the more climbable-looking sections. They had clearly been there for some time, as the bodies had been somewhat gnawed on. However, they weren't reduced to bones yet, and the frequent rains hadn't rotted any cloth away.

**

Xarmus looked around, trying to figure out what animals might be found in the area. He discovered a troop of flying monkeys on the far side of the river, a wild boar snoozing in her den, a harpy eagle sitting on a jagged rock overlooking the river, and various small, colourful birds in the lower canopy.  You can use your original rolls, but I'd like to know who you're talking to and what specifically you're asking. 

***

Bliksem scrambled up the cliff face as easily as walking across the ground. The rock wasn't too crumbly, and there were plenty of roots and vines to hold on to. When he got to the top, The Red Horns was already emptying his first load out of his magical bag and onto the ground.
Holy-hunter
Xarmus decided to talk to the harpy eagle, he imagined it to be a more sensible creature of his available choices and it’s observant diligent vision was what he was after.

Surely it was aware of the corpses as they were undoubtedly a food source for many of its own food sources, if not for him directly.

“What killed them, how did they die?”

“What dangerous or large creatures are on those mountains?”

He was also sure to see if there was anything he could offer the eagle. He would ransack the parties rations to find a food it might like. It was no mule but he would like to make a friend of it nonetheless.
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Holy-hunter 
 Xarmus decided to talk to the harpy eagle, he imagined it to be a more sensible creature of his available choices and it’s observant diligent vision was what he was after.
“What killed them, how did they die?”
“What dangerous or large creatures are on those mountains?”
He was also sure to see if there was anything he could offer the eagle. He would ransack the parties rations to find a food it might like. It was no mule but he would like to make a friend of it nonetheless. 
 

The eagle had landed on a fallen tree, several feet from the satyr. Cocking its head, it looked from the dwarves to Xarmus.  "Gravity." 

To the second question, it said,  "Many large creatures. Feathered no-fly big-teeth. Spike-tail plate-backs. Four-arm tree-climbers. No-limb squeezers. Noisy needle-butts. Many many not-alives." 
 Do you have any raw meat? That's all it would be interested in for food.  
Volthawk
When the group finds the corpses, Draelin warns the others to keep an eye out for trouble and heads over to the corpses, kneeling down to riflle through their pockets and any packs for anything of interest. Out here, there wasn't much reason to turn down anything of use they might have, and hopefully they might have some notes or maps to suggest what they were doing out here. People don't just come out here for the fun of it, and if they had picked up the trail of something interesting before they died Draelin wanted to know.
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
 When the group finds the corpses, Draelin warns the others to keep an eye out for trouble and heads over to the corpses, kneeling down to riflle through their pockets and any packs for anything of interest. Out here, there wasn't much reason to turn down anything of use they might have, and hopefully they might have some notes or maps to suggest what they were doing out here. People don't just come out here for the fun of it, and if they had picked up the trail of something interesting before they died Draelin wanted to know. 
 

Draelin finds: map labelling a route to Hrakhammar Mine, 6 pots insect repellent, pouch with 15 diamonds, a stoppered iron flask labelled SG, 6 waterskins, spoiled rations, and each dwarf has a large pouch on their belts. One is made of rough sackcloth, one of green velvet, and one looks very similar to The Red Horns's bag of holding. All feel light and empty.
Pyrophilios
Seeing the state of decay on the dwarves, The Red Horns joined Draelin shortly after delivering the first collection.

 "Careful, between undead and diseases it's not wise to just walk up to corpses you find lying around.
My studies haven't progressed far enough yet for me to cure diseases, but I think the Lady Ziri should be able to cleanse you of any potential contagion. But before we progress further with our investigation, please let me cleanse the corpses' gear." 

With that The Red Horns once again began to chant the little cantrip to clean the belongings of the dead dwarves.

After that, he took the time for a little ritual, studying the objects before returning to the task of delivering all the gear up the cliff.

Only when that was done, did he start to tie the ropes into one long exemplar. After delivering one end up to Bliksem, he returned to the waiting members below:
 "Alright, we'll use the rope to secure each climber. I'll accompany you up to aid you, while Bliksem secures you also. Once you all are up there, I'll tie one of the boats to the rope and you can begin to haul it up.

Any questions or improvements on that plan?" 
 
 Spoiler 


Casting Prestidigitation repeatedly, as well as ritual of detect magic and identify on the found objects (wouldn't want to get stuck with a bag of devouring 😏
 
Holy-hunter
Xarmus had only one problem with that plan. He found an empty clearing and with shovel in hand he marked the earth and started digging. A grave, although shallow, big enough for three dwarves.

To the bird he gave some dry salted meat, and he played a song.
“If you hear this song, it means I have fresh raw meat for you. I will keep a look out.”
agignac
The Red Horns spent some time cleaning and meditating on the dwarves' gear. He discovered that all three bags were enchanted. When he put his hand in the green one, he discovered a soft, fuzzy ball inside of it, and recognized it as a bag of tricks. However, it was different from other ones he'd heard about, and wondered what animals it would produce.

The sackcloth bag contained 8 dry beans, all large and mottled in colour. His spell revealed that planting and watering a bean would create a magical result, but could not predict which bean would produce which result.

The final bag certainly seems identical to his own at first. Aware that such bags can be cursed, The Red Horns studies it carefully, trying to determine if it is safe to reach into or not. There is definitely something slightly...off...about the bag, but it doesn't seem dangerous, not exactly. But he can't put his finger on what might be wrong with it.

 If anybody takes one of these bags, I'll pm you the stats on it.  

The harpy eagle turned its beak up at the salted meat, but regally assented to listening for the song.

 
 Spoiler: the climb 

Whoever is tying people into the rope, make a survival check DC 12 for tying a knot that will hold.

Everybody make a climb check, DC 13 - acrobatics or athletics, your choice.

If you fail, AND your rope has a bad knot, make a DEX save DC 15 to avoid falling.
If TRH wants to catch the faller, make a DEX save DC 12.

For the canoes - Survival check DC 15 for securing the canoes to the rope. If most of you are helping, there will  be enough strength to get them up the cliff. The only concern is them hitting the cliff on the way up and getting battered. Thoughts about how to deal with that?
 
Pyrophilios
 "We have something useful here."  The Red Horns announced to his companions.
 "A bag of tricks - you can pull up to three animals per day from them that are friendly and helpful to you. The other one is filled with magic beans - their effects once planted are unpredictable. The third one is a bag of holding, but something feels off about it. I'd refrain from using it for now, until I can get a better feel for it.

Anyone of you who'd be particularly interested in those items?" 

---

When the time came to climb, The Red Horns mainly assisted their guide with binding and testing the knots, realizing that the druid had much more experience with the intricacies of surviving in the wild.

Still, he made sure to test the knot everytime and then fly up just below the climber, ready to catch them, should it become necessary.

 
 Spoiler 


The druid npc likely has the best combination of wisdom and survival, so it makes sense to have him take care of this task. TRH uses the help action to give him advantage

But just in case a bunch of Dex Saves:

Draelin  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Nix  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Nolwenn  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Xarmus  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Ziri  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Qaswaha  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 


For the boat, TRH is by himself to tie the knot, but can receive the help action from his steel defender

 (1d20)[ 12 ] / (1d20)[ 16 ] +2
 


---

For the boat, The Red Horns took his time to tie the knot particularly secure. And while the crew up on the cliff pulled it up, he held on to the other side, flying with it and keeping it from bashing against the walls.
Holy-hunter
“I’ll take the animal bag.” Xarmus quickly replies. All to happy to take the magic item out of the fiend bloods hands, less he decide to waste more life useing creatures bones for pointless endeavours.

He will later further cast his own identity on the item followed by an investigation check
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ]   (1d4)[ 1 ] 

Before Xarmus undergoes any pursuit he seeks guidance from nature, from destiny. He communes with the cosmos and reads the signs. A flutter of a breeze, the shape of a leaf.
Then he gets ready to take on the climb.

Acrobatics  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]   (1d4)[ 4 ] 
Survival  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]   (1d4)[ 1 ] 
Reflex  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Volthawk
Letting the others split the bags between whoever wants them, Draelin handles the rest of the looting, adding the waterskins and repellent to the waterproof bags and pocketing the the mundane (but diamond-filled - at least they'll have the coin for more supplies when they eventually needed to head back) pouch and the map (he'd give it a closer look when they stopped for camp). With that done, he returns his attention back to the cliff, and as his gaze turns to the canoes, an idea strikes him.  "So...how many bedrolls and the like do we have? Maybe they could be used to cushion the canoes, help mitigate any damage from it hitting the rocks on the way up."  He pauses, looking over at the sacks he just packed the extra waterskins away in.  "I wonder if filled waterskins could fill a similar role..." 
Pyrophilios
  "The bedrolls are a good idea, but I think, we should not endanger our water supply - especially since afixing them to the boat will be considerably more difficult."  

The Red Horns mused.
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by Sirithhyando 
  This place is beautiful!  he looked at Nolwen  Don't worry, you're still my number one!  Bliksem winks at the wizard. 
 

Nolwenn rolls her eyes at Bliksem's comment.    "I could turn you into a frog, you know,"   she reminds the bard teasingly,   "wouldn't be the first I had to teach some manners."    She can't, of course, but maybe the tabaxi doesn't know that.  Regardless, she goes back to packing the supplies for transportation up the cliff.

She doesn't have much to add while the others discuss how they're all going to get the canoes up the cliff so she idly watches Xarmus as he converses with the eagle, almost stepping in to help with the grave for the dwarves but stopping when she realizes she doesn't know if there's another shovel.  When it's finally time for the climb, the wizard waves away the rope.    "I'll stay down here for now.  I need a hand free to cast my spell in case anyone falls,"   she explains,   "if I were up there with you all, I'd likely just end up falling myself in that case.  I'll come up after."  
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Having successffully teased Nolwen :
 A frog! No worries then! I'll be your prince since you want it that much!  Bliksem smile and winks at the wizard again.  On a more serious note though, lets get on getting everyone safely up there. 

 


Bliksem waits for Red Horn up the cliff while the others take care of preparing the rest of the plan or loot the remains of the dwarves.
He looks around for anything suspicious that might need a change of plan.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Looking aroung for any old camp; sign of messing around (i mean if there was a rope tied up to help climb and it was cut/gnawed on/etc); anything out of the ordinary (an owlbear saying he's not the droid we're looking for would still be funny though)
Perception :  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 
Investigation :  (1d20+1)[ 11 ] 
 


 

 
 
  
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by Sirithhyando 
  A frog! No worries then! I'll be your prince since you want it that much!  Bliksem smile and winks at the wizard again. 
 

  "You'll be a frog for a long time, then, if that's what you're waiting on,"   Nolwenn grumbles as she gets back to unpacking the waterproof bags.
Pyrophilios
  "Let's get this done then - no time like the present."   The Red Horns was already wrapping the blankets around the first boat and tying the harness.
agignac
Bliksem looks around the top of the cliff. He can see a snapped-off tree with a bit of frayed rope tied to it. This was likely where the dwarves had tried to raise their canoe. It's hard to say for sure, but it looks like they just picked a bad spot to do it.

The party entreats upon the druid to help with tying the harnesses. With a skeptical expression, he does so.

Draelin starts the climb. Despite the elf's nimbleness, he puts his hand wrong and a root pulls loose. He starts to fall, and knot holding him fails! The Red Horns swoops in and catches the elf by the armpits. Straining with the weight, he manages to fly the fallen elf up to the top, where he delivers him to Bliksem.

Nix scrambles up the cliff, followed by the nimble satyr. Lady Ziri follows, using brawn over nimbleness, but makes it up without problem. Qawasha comes second last, lashing Kupalue to him, and fortunately they make it up with no problems, for at the top they discover the knot had come completely loose during the climb!

Finally Nolwenn works her way up. She also slips, and her knot fails - clearly Qawasha wasn't the man for this job. Before she could cast her life-saving spell, she is safe in Red's arms, and being flown to the top.

The first boat goes up with no problem. The Red Horn's knot is good, and the bedrolls and padding around the canoe prevent it from getting banged up. They untie it at the top, then the tiefling flies the rope down for the second canoe.

The second canoe...doesn't go so well. The canoe is nearly three-quarters of the way up the cliff when the knot begins to fail. The tiefling can see it sliding loose. At that moment, the harpy eagle flies low over Xarmus, calling out a warning.  "Not alives nearby, coming to you." 
 One round of action before the canoe falls and enemies are in sight.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns didn't think, but reacted - flying directly to the knot and covering it with his fist from slipping loose he called:   "Lower the boat, quickly but evenly, I'll keep the knot steady!"  
Sirithhyando
        
     Bliksem Los, the fabulous    
 Level 3 Sword bard; HP 24/24; AC 15; Passive perception 13; Save DC 13 

Bliksem continue to stand guard up the cliff, enjoying a light wind, helping with the first canoe as it got to the top.
Many things could've gone wrong but Red Horn wings got them safely.
 Nice save Red Horn!  Bliksem smile completly oblivious to what was occuring at the top of the cliff.

It's only when the bird make everyone focus on the threat that he takes action. He screams
 I'll buy you time! 

 

Bliksem get his rapier at the ready, trying to reflect sunlight for an added touch of flair.
 En guarde! 
And he takes his stance.


 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Ready action
Bliksem intentions :
1- Move toward the group with his feline agility (double speed if wasn't moveing the turn before)
2- Attack action (gives +10ft movement)
3- If the attack succeed, defensive flourish (roll bardic dice, counts as a + on dmg and a + on AC until start of next turn
4- Move back toward the group (using all his movement). Though if they are too close already, Bliksem would move as to make them follow him away from the group.

Attack :  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Bardic inspiration (+DMG and +AC if attack touch) :  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
DMG :  (1d8+6)[ 9 ] 
 

 
 
  
Holy-hunter
 Xarmus 
The Satyr had once been considered brave, but that was long ago and due more to convenience and luck than any action. Since he had sung many songs of brave souls, of brave deeds and brave actions. Well, of the successful ones anyway. Rare was the song of the knight who walked into the dragons den only to get eaten. Names of the stupid were oft forgotten.
As Xarmus picked up the long tail of rope and ran around the nearest tree, he wondered if his name would be remembered... and then he jumped off the edge of the cliff.

He had left his good friend to die over this canoe, he’d be damned if he was letting it fall.
“Slow me!” His fleeting voice called out, somewhere between an order and a plea as he disappeared over the edge.


It was not a complicated plan, maybe a little short if anything.
The canoe was most the way up and by his reckoning it would take just as long to get it up as let it down safely, main concern was the rope holding. So he was going to add another length of rope to spread the load and then fix up the knots.
At the least it would hold the canoe from having to go all the way down.
The Hellbug
Aside from the embarrassing loss of her grip on the way up the cliff and subsequent rescuing (not that it was strictly necessary, she had reminded herself while silently cursing the bad knot) Nolwenn has been very happy with the cliff ascent.  And with the last canoe on its way up, it looks like everything is going to be wrapped up in a satisfactory manner, though the wizard again reminds herself that hauling on a rope to bring a canoe up a cliff wasn't exactly what she had in mind when she set out on this adventure.  Then, of course, is when a lot of things happen at once.  Shouts from below, over-friendly birds, satyrs taking off at surprising speed, strong hands abandoning the rope...and it had been looking like it was going to end so uneventfully.

Nolwenn, for her part, grunts with the strain of the extra weight she has to take on the rope.  She reaches for her mirror pendant with one hand and barely has time to cast her spell as Xarmus disappears over the edge.  She gets her hand back on the rope as soon as she can, but she can feel that its closer to slipping through her fingers than it was before.    "Can anyone tell us what's going on?"   she shouts in exasperation.
Volthawk
Draelin was a little annoyed at how the climb had gone, but thankful it had worked out alright. That tinge of annoyance got a little worse when the knot entirely comes loose after their guide came up, and then Nolwenn has her own problems. He made a mental note to not just let their guide handle these things going forward - it appeared the Red Horns' judgement on who was best to do the job was a little inaccurate. He knew he could handle it himself, best to just do it himself if they need to tie more knots in the future. The canoe problems appear to get him to the point where there's no point being annoyed - it's happened, he's not in a position to do much about it, so that was that. Naturally, between the spectacle at the cliffs and the person aware of the nearby undead having leapt off the cliff, he doesn't prepare for the incoming undead.

Nolwenn's question gets a small shrug from Draelin.   "My guess is the knot's no good. Like the others. Hasn't gone yet, but will do soon. Red wanted it down to redo it, but Xarmus is doing...something to help up here, I suppose? Saves putting it down again."  
tonberrian
Nyx prepares to shoot at any approaching "not-alives" with her INFINITE COSMIC POWER! She's just glad she made it up so easily.

 
 Spoiler 
Ready an action to Eldritch blast an undead. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 5 ]  Damage.
 
agignac
The satyr floated gently down, landing on the vertical canoe. The Red Horns was struggling to hold the knot tight, to keep it from slipping further. Xarmus quickly looped the long end of the rope through the canoe and tried to tie it off. The knot didn't look very good, but Ziri called down from the top of the cliff,  "Fly the loose end up to me!" 

The Red Horns reluctantly let go of the original knot, grabbed the loose end, and flew it back up to the warforged. The canoe lurched alarmingly downwards, but Ziri was able to prevent it from crashing to the ground.

Meanwhile, at the top, the others reacted to Xarmus's hastily shouted warning. A moment later, figures pushed through the bushes and vines near the top of the cliff. 5 humanoid figures, in various states of decay, bearing weapons, looked up upon seeing the party, and moved forward to attack. Nyx blasted at one of the zombies, and a chunk of rotten flesh blew out of its chest. Bliksem readied himself for melee combat.

 Draelin can retroactively ready something, as Xarmus assumed he'd passed on the warning. Nolwenn cast featherfall, so that's her action. I've rolled initiative in the ooc. Draelin and Xarmus can go before the enemies' turn. 
Pyrophilios
Now that the boat no longer was in danger of falling and shattering on the ground, The Red Horns was finally able to get an understanding of the situation. Albeit not before the undead started their attack...
Volthawk
Having picked up his bow upon hearing Xarmus' warning, Draelin fires a quick shot at the lead zombie as it appears, before taking his time with a second shot. First undead of the journey, huh? Time to earn their discount, he supposed.

 
 Spoiler 

Ah, okay. In that case, his readied attack (presumably at the same one Nyx's blast hit?). I'm assuming that the foilage in front of us on the map is the top of a tree, so only the bit in the middle representing the trunk blocks line of sight, but if not he'll spend his prep turn's movement to get into a position with better coverage.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 10 ] 

For Draelin's actual turn, he'll use a bonus action Steady Aim into an attack on one of the zombies (lead if it survived the first shot) with advantage and thus SA (I am right in thinking that undead aren't inherently SA-immune in this edition, right?).

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] / (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  +  (2d6)[ 4 ]  SA
 
Holy-hunter
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Climbing back up.

“ Oh, company. I think I have gifts for them somewhere in here.”  He says calmly digging out some smooth stones and chanting over them.

Xarmus will prepare his magic stones and asses the situation.
agignac
Draelin's two arrows added to the damage from Nyx's arcane attack, and the lead zombie stumbled, then fell. Unmoved by the loss of their comrade, the others continued forward.

Lurching through the underbrush and hanging vines came a sixth figure. Not unlike a gorilla, but taller and with four arms, this would have been a fierce creature in life. In death, with flesh hanging in strips, it was a horror.

 "Girallon!"  Qawasha cried, staring at the creature in fascination. The beast beat its chest and ran forward towards the druid, shockingly fast on its feet. Qawasha barely got his staff up in defense before the beast was on him. All four clawed hands slashed at the tall Chultan, and its dirt-encrusted fangs bit at him. The druid's skin was tough, almost like bark, but the girallon zombie still scored two hits on the druid. He staggered, bleeding freely. Behind him, cowering in the underbrush, Weed made a strange, terrified whistling cry.

The skeletons lurched forward, rusty swords in bony hands, closing in with Qawasha and Ziri, but not yet engaging with them.

The last two undead, both zombies, moved to attack Draelin and Nyx. Weaponless, the zombies swung their fists like meaty clubs. The elf took a solid hit on the jaw, but Nyx evaded the clumsy blow.

Ziri rushed forward to the druid's aid, swinging her own iron fist at the zombie. Its four-armed defense confused her, however, and her fist landed in blood-encrusted fur without actually damaging the creature.

Qawasha spoke a few words in a musical language, and his staff sparkled with magical power.

 Everybody up.  
 
 Spoiler: combat stuff 

All the rolls are in the ooc thread, if you were hit, check for your damage there please.

Xarmus is climbing, which is half-speed, so with a double move is able to get to the top (well, 35 of 38 feet, but we'll call it even).

See slide deck for terrible map and pic of the girallon zombie.
 
Holy-hunter
Xarmus looked back over the cliff and wondered how well these dead monsters could climb, if things came to that he would take his chances. But for now he finished readying his stones and hurled one of the now magic stones at the nearest enemy.

 (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  attack
 (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  damage
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns decided to engage the northern most undead pressing in on their guide. Letting fly the Yklwa at the creature.
At the same time he uttered a word in that terrible speech that the writings on his skin had forcefully taught him. At once the twig creature arose and moved next to their guide, attacking the zombiefied girallon.

 
 Spoiler 

Get within 10ft of skeleton
Ranged attack with Yklwa against northen most skeleton

 (1d20+8)[ 15 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 7 ] , if crit   (1d8)[ 4 ] 

Afterwards gain height again

Bonus action:
Command Steel Defender to protect Quawasha, with Deflect Attack (disadvantage for Girallon)
attacking the same skeleton as TRH
Force-Empowered Rend.  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] , damage  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 
The Hellbug
After Qawasha's warning, Nolwenn can only gawk for a moment as the girallon zombie charges at the druid.  Once its meaty hands start slamming into him, though, everything finally clicks and she catches up with reality.    Whatever's going on with the canoe right now's not important.  We don't put this thing down, we die.    
 "Hold on!"    She drops the rope and casts a second spell, adding an extra incantation to increase its potency, and launches a barrage of magic missiles at the girallon.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not much to say here.  Casting Magic Missile with a second level spell slot--wouldn't do well for our guide to die here.

Damage:  (4d4+4)[ 15 ] 
 
tonberrian
Nyx summons her trusty blade to hand, ready to defend herself against these zombies.

 
 Spoiler 
Action to summon longsword via pact of the blade.
 
Volthawk
The Girallon was a problem, but the others were focusing on it and they had problems here with the normal undead, given the blow one just gave him. Darting back from the one attacking him, Draelin moves out of the way so he can get a good shot at the other one - with it focusing on Nyx, he might be able to get a good shot off.

 
 Spoiler 

Using Cunning Action to disengage as a bonus action, moving behind and around Nyx so I have a clear shot at the zombie who attacked her and then attacking it (getting SA from it being within 5ft of her).

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ]  +  (2d6)[ 8 ]  SA
 
agignac
Nyx summons her blade, ready now for melee. Draelin retreats a few steps, using Nyx as cover, but his bow snags in the undergrowth and his arrow goes wide of the zombie. Nolwenn's magical attack strikes the girallon zombie unerringly, blasting off bits of putrid flesh.

Red throws his Chultan spear at a skeleton, where it breaks off some ribs, before coming to a rest sticking out of its back like a strange third arm. His twiggy companion tried to attack the same skeleton, but fails to connect.

Finally climbing over the edge of the cliff, the satyr looses a magic stone at the girallon, and it disappears into his body with a wet plop.

With the courage (or recklesness) the tabaxi are famous for, Bliksem throws himself forward at the zombies. His sharp blade pierces one, but the bard is unprepared for the savagery of the retaliation. Both zombies turn their attention on the handsome catfolk, and began fiercely slamming him with their bodies, wielding their own arms like clubs. Bliksem finds himself forced backwards one step, then another.

One of the skeletons attacks Ziri, who turns her body against it, trying to shield the rope. She trusts to her metal body to protect her, but the skeleton's sword slashes through delicate joint connectors. Rather than attack her attacker, however, she steps forward towards the girallon zombie, knowing that if their guide dies here, they're in trouble. She punches at the undead ape-creature, and is rewarded as blood and tissue fly. However, the girllon howls in fury, and turns its attention to her. Four arms swing like hammers, and sharp teeth tear at a porcelain face. Ziri falls, landing heavily on the rope, saving the canoe even as the spark of life within her fades.

 Okay, everybody up. 
Pyrophilios
A twich of his finger let the Yklwa find its way back into The Red Horn's hand, ready to be sent out anew. Which was exactly what he did. The twig creature continued with its - so far - ineffective attacks while keeping the undead Girallon from hurting anything but the construct through it's presence.

 
 Spoiler 


Same routine as before.

Get within 10ft of skeleton
Ranged attack with Yklwa against northen most skeleton

 (1d20+8)[ 19 ] , damage  (1d8+5)[ 6 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] ,

Afterwards gain height again

Bonus action:
Command Steel Defender to protect Quawasha, with Deflect Attack (disadvantage for Girallon)
attacking the same skeleton as TRH
Force-Empowered Rend.  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] , damage  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 
Holy-hunter
Well this was going bad, very bad. Xarmus continued to throw magic stones at the nearest enemy to him. Couldn’t well help anyone if he ended up dead.

 (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  attack
 (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  damage
The Hellbug
To say that things are going badly feels like something of an understatement.  Beginning to understand the plight of the dwarves at the bottom of the cliff a little more intimately, Nolwenn suppresses a shriek of shock as Lady Ziri is struck down.  She had been so quiet but so strong.  Surely she couldn't be...

Nolwenn conjures the most potent magic she can muster and again hurls it at the girallon.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
2nd level magic missile again!  (The upside to this spell list is that I don't need to worry about accidentally overspending my higher level slots at the moment.)

Damage:  (4d4+4)[ 13 ] 
 
Volthawk
Draelin swears under his breath, but steadies himself as he lines up a shot at the girallon - it needed to go down fast.

 
 Spoiler 

Steady Aim as a bonus action, then shoot the Girallon with advantage/SA.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  /  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  weapon +  (2d6)[ 5 ]  SA
 
tonberrian
Nyx swings her enchanted blade at the most wounded zombie in reach!

 
 Spoiler 
To hit in OOC,  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  damage.
 
agignac
Nyx steps forward, avoiding Bliksem on the ground, and delivers a devastating blow to the zombie. Cut nearly clean through, it tumbles to the ground in a pile of gore.

Trusting to the others to keep the zombies from her, Nolwenn turns her magic against the girallon zombie, which was ravaging Lady Ziri. Her missile fly unerringly to the beast, again knocking chunks of flesh and bone into the surrounding foliage. Draelin's arrow followed in short order, finding a home in its right eye. Unfortunately, pain didn't bother it, however, and even these attacks wasn't enough to send it to the jungle floor.

The Red Horns, flying above the battle, and Xarmus, standing near the cliff face, each attacked different skeletons. Red Horn's target went down in a cascade of bones, torn apart by the ykwla and the steel defender. Xarmus knocked the jaw straight off the other zombie, but it continued its attack.

The girallon, seeing his target down, keeps moving forward, mindless rage fuelling it. The satyr was the next object of its fury, and it attacked with all four arms, pounding relentlessly. Qwasha steps forward, swinging his staff at the four-armed undead, but the beast's shaggy fur absorbed the blow.

The final zombie shambles towards Nyx, slamming her with a fist trailing ribbons of meat. She could feel her shoulder creak, and her arm felt heavier as pain radiated down into her ribs.

The last standing skeleton picked its bony feet up over the unmoving form of Ziri, to stab its sword at the druid. Qwasha's spell repelled the blow, saving him from a possible killing strike.

 Everybody up. 
 
 Spoiler: battle details 

Girallon hits Xarmus 3 times, for 19 points of damage. (rolled in discord)
Zombie hits Nyx for 3 HP
Skelly misses your guide.
 
Pyrophilios
Having cleared the northern flank, The Red Horns concentrated on the Girallon next. His construct was already in place, so he commanded it to attack and continue to hinder the large undead creature.

He himself flew in closer again, threw his weapon and received it back the instant it struck

 
 Spoiler 


Steel defender attack (bonus action TRH)
 (1d20)[ 13 ] +8, damage  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 8 ] 

Using deflect attack on Girallon to keep his bite from hitting

Close in to 10 ft for Yklwa attack
 (1d20)[ 14 ] +8, damage  (1d8+6)[ 13 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 5 ] 

Move out of range again

Edit: Total damage 16
 
The Hellbug
Though she's personally unharmed, Nolwenn knows she can't keep this up too much longer--her allies are wounded, and each spell she casts is harder than the last.  The girallon falling with a resounding crash spurs her on though.  With a glance at her fallen allies, she lets loose her spell again, sending bolts of energy at the zombie and .    Hold on, just a little longer.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Another Magic Missile, this one a level 1 slot!  (Sensing a theme here)
Sending two missiles at the zombie by Qawasha and one at the skeleton by Xarmus.

Two missiles zombie: [roll] 2d4+2[/roll] rerolled in the discord-- 8 damage 
One missile skeleton:  (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 
Holy-hunter
Xarmus, in his self preservation, takes the dodge action. Focusing on avoiding anymore attacks.
Volthawk
Draelin feels a little relief at the sight of the Red Horns dropping the girallon, but doesn't let it distract too much from lining up his next shot, aiming at the zombie - they weren't done and safe yet.

 
 Spoiler 

The usual Steady Aim into attack thing.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  /  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  weapon +  (2d6)[ 5 ]  SA
 
tonberrian
Nyx runs up and slashes the last of the enemies!
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  to hit,  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Damage
 
agignac
Arrows, blades, and arcane energy are enough to finish the last few undead. Less than a minute after the undead stumbled upon them, they had been vanquished. But at what price?

Bliksem and Lady Ziri lay dead on the blood-and-gore soaked ground. The tabaxi had been pummeled, but it was having his head stepped on by the zombie that had finished him off. The iron lady had likewise succumbed to the ferocious pummeling the girallon had given her, her porcelain face as expressionless in death as it had been in life. Somewhere in Chult, a hag was laughing. The silver lining, small as it was, was that she hadn't let the canoe fall, even in death.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns landed - unharmed in body, but wounded nonetheless.

He turned to the trampled corpses of their fallen comrades:
 "Bliksem. I'm very sorry that we couldn't keep you with us. I hope Xarmus can sing you a dirge that would have satified your refined taste."  He kneeled for a moment, taking a small tuft of the tabaxi's hair.
He turned to the inert construct body of Ziri:  "And I am sorry that you didn't make it through, though I'm not sorry that you died while keeping the rest of us alive. I hope your spark lives on."  He kneeled again and took a large shard of her porcellaine mask. Both items went into his bag
 "Should we one day get the opportunity for a true resurrection, I'll be ready." 

He turned his attention to the slain undead girallon. With little ceremonie, he hacked off it's claws and head, put both into a separate leather bag, before stowing them.
 "It's better not to let this particular specimen come back with it's natural weapons." 

He composed himself for a moment before he said:  "Right, time to dig a resting place for our friends and dispose of the remaining undead bodies. But first, we have to get the remaining canoe up." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, by merit of never having moved far from the cliff's edge, is already standing over her dead companions by the time The Red Horns lands, tears in her eyes.  And there they are, the tabaxi who never lacked for a joke and the steel maiden whose strength had seemed unending, just...there.  She nods along with Red's eulogizing.    Bliksem, I wish I had something more for you than a joke, but maybe that's what you'd have wanted...  

When the tiefling bends over to take pieces from the corpses, though, Nolwenn is shocked.    "What are you doing?"   she askes indignantly,   "you don't even know if she's dead!  And are you just going to keep carrying that around for...whatever you do with all those things you take?  If I died right here, would you be chopping my finger off for later?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked puzzled:
 "Alive? But... can't you feel it? The spark, it's gone. And yes, of course if you were beyond help I'd make sure to get a strand of your hair to bring you back if I had the chance.
Do you want your companions to be dead?" 
Holy-hunter
Xarmus remained both speechless and horrified by the scene before him as his companions bickering continued on like a white noise in the background.
The last few moments were replaying over and over again in his mind. The sights, the sounds, the smell.
He had seen death before but not like this. Never undeath. Never had he been so close to joining them himself. That monster had really done a number on him. He could still feel it’s powerful hands clawing through his body, taste it’s stagnant rotten breath as it roared in his face, see the putrid decaying flesh hanging off its muscles, he could still feel it’s horrifyingly cold and unnatural want for meaningless destruction.

Xarmus collapsed onto the ground heavily and began to sob silently. His chest heaving and jerking. He cried in sorrow, in remorse and in relief.
 “Still alive”  he whispered to himself.  ”Still alive.” 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns gave his construct a short command and the creature began to dig.

Meanwhile he walked over to Xarmus and sat a hand on the Satyr's shoulder:  "Would you mind playing a dirge for the dear departed? We need to grief now so we can move on later." 
Volthawk
Looking over the scene in front of him, Draelin sighs. He'd known coming in that something like this might happen - to him, let alone someone else - but to be reminded of it so quickly was...unpleasant. But that was the risk you took for the prizes they were after. They had to keep going. Nodding to himself, he walks over to the group.   "Red's right, we need to get the canoe up sooner rather than later - that might not have been the last of the undead in the area. And don't forget to check their pockets and take their packs before burying them. We can't afford to leave good supplies behind."  
agignac
Qawasha helps Kupalue up to his feet - the vegepygmy had tumbled into the bracken in his haste to get away from the zombies. The druid looks sorrowfully upon the fallen members of the party.  "I am deeply sorry for your loss. This only furthers my resolve to rid this jungle of the undead threat. The circle of life ends in death, but this undeath...."  He sighs deeply, clearly rattled.

The remaining party members are able to get the 2nd canoe the rest of the way up the cliff without further difficulties. Now came the unpleasant task of carrying them through the jungle. It took everybody helping to either carry the canoes, or carry everything else.

The jungle is close here, the tree trunks tall and covered in bromeliads and vines. Giant flowers, thorny bushes, and foot-catching roots abound, and travel is slow going. There are no game trails, here, not many signs of life on the ground. Above, monkeys chatter and birds sing, but on the ground, it's silent. Except for the constant drone and whine of insects; they seem particularly veracious here; perhaps the undead do not provide enough blood for them to feast on. You do see occasional sign that the undead have passed through, leaving behind bits of flesh and bone as they tear away from their bodies.

Qawasha, leading confidently at first, starts to hesitate more and more often. He knows they need to go west, but under the canopy, it's not always possible to determine direction. When the jungle starts to dim, he finally calls you all to rest for the night. You need to cut away some of the vines to make a clearing big enough for everybody.

 Any reactions to the big day? I'd like perception checks for anybody who takes a watch tonight. Also, great battle everybody, inspiration for all.  
Pyrophilios
Despite the exhausting day, The Red Horns continued with his by now established routine: 4 hours of stillness while he kept watch with his construct, followed by 4 hours of work.

 
 Spoiler 


Perception:  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Steel Defender Perception  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  (can't be surprised)
 
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "Alive? But... can't you feel it? The spark, it's gone. And yes, of course if you were beyond help I'd make sure to get a strand of your hair to bring you back if I had the chance.
Do you want your companions to be dead?"  
 

Nolwenn shakes her head at the callousness of her companions.  Red is right about Ziri, though.  As still as she had been, the paladin had always reacted when addressed.  Nevertheless...    "Of course not!"   she replies,   "but they are, and you're just treating it like, like, like it's an everyday thing!  Do you have any respect for the dead?"  

However, Draelin and Red's appeals to pragmatism do spur the wizard on, but she's uncharacteristically silent aside from what's necessary for coordinating carrying the canoes for the rest of the day.

______

That night, though, she does suddenly have a question for their guide.    "Qawasha,"   she begins as they work by the fire,   "where do all these undead come from?  They don't exactly just get up out of the ground where I'm from; something has to animate them.  What's going on in this part of the jungle?"  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 Nolwenn shakes her head at the callousness of her companions.  Red is right about Ziri, though.  As still as she had been, the paladin had always reacted when addressed.  Nevertheless...    "Of course not!"   she replies,   "but they are, and you're just treating it like, like, like it's an everyday thing!  Do you have any respect for the dead?"   
 

  "I have the highest respect for our departed companions. But no, I do not venerate death. Not as long as there are ways to conquer death. Think about it: We have proof of the afterlife, we can bring people back and we know of ways to become immortal. Oh death, where is thy sting...

We suffered a setback - but there is no reason to have it be a permanent one."   The Red Horns replied.
agignac
Qawasha looked up at Nolwenn's question, as if surprised she had to ask it. Then he shook his head a little,  "Ah, yes, of course, you are from foreign shores. I suppose most people assume the world knows their history, but I am as ignorant of your lands as you are of mine.

"It began a little more than one hundred years ago. There was a great port city called Mezro. A holy city, ruled by seven  barae  - the chosen of Ubtao. Ah, but I see you don't know that name. He was our god, the god of Chult, for many millenia. He chose the barae, and they were undying, and had great power. One of the seven was a Ras - I believe a Duke would be your equivalent term, or perhaps Earl? - named Nsi. Ras Nsi was a great human paladin, sworn to protect Mezro.

"But something evil happened in his heart, and Ras Nsi  broke his vow. He was exiled from Mezro, and sought his revenge by attacking it with a great army of undead. The battle was long and fierce and took many lives. Lives which fueled Ras Nsi's unholy army.

"It was the Spellplague that ended the war. Much of the Wailing Years has been lost, but we know that Mezro was destroyed, and Ras Nsi killed. His undead army, however, survived the Spellplague, and freed from control, spread through Chult like a plague. We prayed to Ubtao to save us, but he turned his face from Chult. Abandoned by our god, we Chultans have been driven out of our jungle by the waves of undead. So I fight them where I can, as should all moral folk, that one day we can reclaim the fullness of our homeland." 

Turning to the Red Horns, the druid said,  "If I may ask - you do not seem to be entirely alive. And yet you are no mindless undead. Would you tell us your tale?" 
Holy-hunter
Performance  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Survival  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 

It took the satyr a while but eventually he put on a tune. It was an awkward one, definitely not his best, as he struggled with his emotions and what emotions he ought to portray. Fear creeping into his thoughts and causing his aching fingers to tremble ever so slightly.

Later he aided in scavenging supplies from the fallen. If the others didn’t like what the Tiefling was doing then they sure wouldn’t of liked what he was about to do. But Xarmus has the decency to hide his actions. While removing supplies or examining wounds he subtly took a few slithers of flesh to later feed the bird.

Their bodies would later go to the animals anyway, no point being sentimental about it when they could use a bit of meat to get a scout in the sky.

As they traveled Xarmus helped discern their direction, noticing their guide struggle.
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Turning to the Red Horns, the druid said,  "If I may ask - you do not seem to be entirely alive. And yet you are no mindless undead. Would you tell us your tale?"  
 

The Red Horns was silent for a long moment before he answered:   "There are some things in this world, worse than death. I ran afoul of one of them. It is said that our memories are who we are and that forgetting is the same as dying. So in that sense I died about a year ago. I do not really remember anything about my previous life. I have gathered some knowledge about who I was before, but my current existence and my current memories began about a year ago when I awoke next to a burned book, a bloody knife and thousands of words neatly carved into my skin - by my own hand no less. Something partook of my mind and maybe my soul, leaving me... diminished. Not quite dead but not exactly alive either. Since then both brothers, Sleep and Death are no longer interested in me.

Since then I am searching for answers - and maybe a way to regain my memories if not my mortality. Which is why I've been drawn to these jungles. The powers of undeath are strong around here. And if there is a place where the demonic scourge that seems to haunt me is likely to meet its equal, I presume to find it here too.
Ironically, I likely could regain all by just reading the scar script on my body - though I believe it would cost me my sanity and my life to do so without shoring up my will, my body and what remains of my soul."
  
agignac
Qawasha looked thoughtful after The Red Horns told his tale.  "There are more mysteries upon this earth than we can ever begin to understand,"  he said.  "Thank you for sharing your tale. You have given me much to ponder." 

The next day dawned cloudy, and rather than the brief monsoons they'd grown used to, instead they endured a steady rain all day. The warm downpour made the jungle even more unpleasant; at least the most of the bugs were hiding for the day. Qawasha struggled with his bearings, the canoes were heavy, and nobody was having a good time. Twice you stumble across undead, but only singly or in pairs, and they are put down with no injuries to the living.

At least there is no trouble collecting clean drinking water as you rest that night, and the rain lets up in the wee hours. Nobody notices the eye-shine of the creature that watches you for a few minutes in the middle of the night.

The next morning dawns bright and muggy, and with a low-lying mist hanging over the steaming vegetation. Shouldering the canoes, the party trudges on. By midday, the trees seem to thin out a bit ahead, and you soon discover why.

You come up to a  large clearing, at least 500 feet across. The ground here is slightly swampy. About ten feet in front of you stands a wall of briars and thorns, 20 feet high and running in either direction. It appears to have a slight curve to it, as if you're standing outside a big circle, perhaps one big enough to enclose most of the clearing.

Skeleton bones litter the ground between the jungle and the thorny wall. You can hear a vague moaning sound, and walk a few feet along the wall to find a pair of zombies skewered on the long thorns. They are twisting weakly, trying to get free, but they are too completely impaled.
tonberrian
Nyx is the first to blast the impaled zombies.   "Ugh, it's so  hot , and I'm  bored . When do we get to the adventure?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at the thorn wall then at their guide:

  "What is this place? Why did you lead us here?"  

After getting the answer, The Red Horns took to the air to take a look over the wall.
The Hellbug
Quite frankly, Nolwenn is miserable.  Between the awful weather and hauling the heavy canoes, she hardly has time for her thoughts to drift to her lost companions, but whenever she does, it's almost like a fresh wound.  In addition, Qawasha's story about the origins of the rambling undead army and Rad's revelation about himself leave a bitter taste in her mouth, but she doesn't ring it up.

Confronted with the enclosure of thorny vines, she takes a deep breath while setting her packs down while thinking on its significance.    "Looks like its meant to keep the undead out, but that's no guarantee whoever made it is friendly,"   Nolwenn offers,   "but it it's instead meant to keep something  in ..."    The wizard shrugs as she dangles that possibility.

When The Red Horns begins to take to the air, though, she tries to stop him.    "Probably not you!"   she calls out as he takes off, gesturing at the impaled zombies,   "even if whoever in there is friendly, they won't trust if you if they recognize you."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns returned after only a few seconds:
  "It seems like a colony of frog men - with a large idol in the shape of a frog head. Talk to them at your own risk, but I don't think they are particularly friendly."  
agignac
The Red Horns takes to the air, flying up to peer over the wall of briars. As he gains altitude, the first thing he sees is a giant building, shaped like a frog. It is surrounded by a swampy body of water. The drier bits are covered with primitive huts and reed buildings. As he clears the top of the hedge, he realizes that it's in fact a labyrinth. Twisty, thorn-filled passages prevent anybody from directly approaching the village. Here and there within the labyrinth, he catches flashes of golden light, as if there are statues or other golden objects hidden within.

Several small, frog-people are wandering around the village. Suddenly somebody shouts an alarm, and seconds later one of the frog-folk starts banging a large gong. Several of them scan the skies, then spot The Red Horns. He drops out of sight before they can raise their bows and shoot him.

Upon describing the scene to the others, Draelin searches his memory and comes up with something. He knows the frog-folk worship a primitive deity called Nangnang, and this is likely a shrine to her, and a village built around it.

Qawasha is able to expound further.  "This must be the village of Dungrunglung. I have heard of it, but never been here. My apologies, I have led us further south than I meant to. The grung are excellent hunters, but rarely attack a superior foe. I have my bearings now, and we can continue if you like." 
The Hellbug
  "Wait wait wait wait,"   Nolwenn interjects, images of dozens of bipedal frogs sneaking into their camp in the night running through her head,   "Excellent hunters?  Not particularly friendly?  Would they be opportunistic enough to attack someone moving through the jungle as slow and water-logged and lost as we are right now?  It might be best if we confront them now and talk to them; it could be safer in the long run if we show them we're reasonable and capable--not to be bothered with--now than risk them getting any ideas.  But I'm not exactly an expert on frog-people.  Grung, you said they were?  Can you speak to them?"    She pauses for a moment after her question before one more addition.    "It'd be a chance to get directions, too.  Feels like we've been going nowhere the past day."  
Pyrophilios
 "Ehm... You want to make those, probably hostile, jungle adapted hunters aware of us? Visit them in their camp where they have the advantage in numbers against us - instead of a hunting party that only theoretically might catch up with us. Which language do they even speak? And what is the correct etiquette for frog men interaction?" 
The Red Horns asked somewhat incredulous, but smoothly continued:
 
"Well, I guess we could always ask nicely first."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn lets the gong being rung in alarm speak for itself and raises a finger to indicate 'one'.    "They already are,"   she corrects and gestures to the soaked party and the heavy canoes on the ground, raising a second finger,   "and we're not moving anywhere fast.  Jungle hunters that I've been assured they are, I'm sure they'd have no problem tracking us.  What I'm saying is that it might be wiser to deal with them here, where we know where they are, rather than risking knives in the dark tonight or the next night or whenever."  
agignac
At this point you  hear sounds coming from either side. You turn to find yourselves being surrounded by small frog-men (see slide deck for pics). Nine green-skinned grungs, standing from 2.5-3.5 feet high, and they all have arrows nocked in their short bows. The arrows are currently pointed down, however, and not at you. One of the warriors steps forward and speaks in a croaking language. Kupalue and Qawasha confer with each other in the vege pygmy language, and then Qawasha says,  "You are being invited to speak with King Groak. Though I'm not sure "invited" is quite the correct translation." 
Volthawk
Draelin chuckles at Qawasha's last statment.   "I get it. The kind of invitation you don't decline."   He thinks for a moment.   "I suppose that means we're not getting killed for trespassing, at least not immediately. Unless their king just wants to pass sentence, but hey, that still presents an opporturnity. Maybe we're lucky and he needs something done the frogs can't do themselves."  
tonberrian
  "Yup! An epic quest that only we, the chosen ones, can do! Let's go!"  
Pyrophilios
 
"Yes, too late now to try anything else.
 
The Red Horns sounded a bit defeated, but kept a straight posture while moving himself and his construct according to their escort's wishes.
agignac
Qawasha signals to the green grung that you will cooperate, and they lead you to your left and through an entrance into the thorn maze. It is strangely quiet inside, with no insect buzz. Every minute or so, you hear swishing/scraping sounds, as if the thorny walls are moving. The grung guide you confidently through a few twists and turns, and finally out of the maze and into the village of Dungrunglung.

Through an opening in the maze wall, you see a small lake surrounded by reed huts, ferns, and lily pads. Rising up from a flat island in the middle of the lake is a 60-foot tall shrine made of painted mud bricks, shaped in the likeness of a giant frog. Stairs climb from the lake shore to an open doorway carved into the frog’s fat belly. Patrolling the shrine’s perimeter are several small, grung with bright orange skin and shortbows.

Dotted about the shore are dozens of squat huts made from swamp moss and reeds, plastered together with mud. All have a single low opening, though a few have windows or a chimney. You can see curious grung, including small grunglets, peeking curiously out at you. They have various colours of shiny damp skin, including orange, green, purple and blue.

You guards lead you into the lake, which turns out to be more of a pond, covered in duckweed and lily pads. Only a few feet deep, the lake houses many fat catfish, which gulp air and insects at the surface. The ground is muddy and slick, and bones of past grung feasts turn under your feet.

Mucky and dripping, you climb the stairs into the shrine. The interior is one large, hollow room. Just inside the entrance is a clear pool of water.. Phosphorescent fungi illuminate the pool with soft, dreamy hues. Six blue grung are fussing with the fungi and tossing flower petals into the pool- they are supvervised by a vivid red grung. At the back of the shrine is an elevated semicircular basin of water 10 feet high. Wallowing in the basin is a grung with gold skin. On its brow rests a golden circlet. An orange-skinned grung perches nearby, shortbow at the ready.

Your escort stops you near the entrance, and bow deeply to the gold-skinned grung.

 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is just as surprised as the others when the Grung hunters pop out of the bushes.  With all those weapons already drawn, all she can do is put her hands out to show she's unarmed while she anxiously waits for their guide to handle the initial confrontation.  Damn them for jumping the group before she had a chance to cast her spell of understanding.  At Qawasha's beckoning, though, the wizard relaxes somewhat and steps in with the others.    "Not exactly what I had in mind,"   she admits as the party is led through the maze of brambles, Red's condemnation of getting surrounded in the Grung's camp sitting squarely in her mind.    "But it looks like we never had a choice,"   she adds, partially to save her own dignity,   "they already knew exactly where we were and were ready to spring.  Draelin's right, though, if they wanted us dead, they'd have attacked already."  

As they get into the village proper, Nolwenn gets the guide's attention.    "Qawasha, you seem to understand a bit of what they're saying.  Can you impress on them that when I cast a spell, it won't be a harmful one?"   she asks, continuing with an explanation,   "it's a potent spell, and the ritual by which I cast it might be...anxiety-inducing for those uneducated in the arcane arts, but it's harmless, merely an incantation that will allow me to understand any language with perfect precision.  Any misunderstandings with them could be"  --she gestures to all the bow-wielding frog-men--  "disastrous."  
agignac
[ backtracking a bit]  As they walked through the village, Qawasha croaked inexpertly at their escort, who immediately called a halt. As the colourful grungs watched curiously, they waited for Nolwenn to cast her spell of understanding. Apparently they didn't want her casting spells in the shrine. As her ritual went on and on, they began to get nervous, and shortbows kept being raised, then going down again. The druid repeatedly reassured them, and they allowed her to finish the ten-minute ritual.

As the wizard put her hands down and nodded to the others, one of the guards croaked at Nolwenn.

 
 Spoiler: Nolwenn only 
 "It's done? Does she understand us now?"  He turned to Nolwenn and said,  "Prove it. My name is Kek. Tell the others my  name." 
 
The Hellbug
Red has seen it before, but Nolwenn's elaborate preparations for casting her spell are new to the rest of the group.  This time, however, the armed grungs around the group have her especially careful to follow every step in her spellbook as carefully as she ever has.  One treated and burned scrap of paper later, though, her spell is successful and what sounded like gibberish before is as plain as common to the wizard.  Nolwenn nods to the guard and turns to her allies.    "This is Kek,"   she says, holding her hand out towards the grung in an introductory gesture and being careful to speak their name loudly and clearly,   "they wish for me to introduce them to you as a way to show my spell is no bluff."    She turns back toward the humanoid frog.    "Of course, my spell is only one of understanding.  Unless they can speak our tongue, they have no way to tell what I'm saying saying."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns followed along silently - the last thing he wanted was to make the grungs scrutinize him and his deathless nature.
The construct was bad enough to explain, but at least there was no necromancy involved.
agignac
They stood before the grung king, the silence stretching out. Finally the guard who'd introduced himself as Kek hissed,  "Bow before the king!" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at Nolween for confirmation, but the gesture seemed to be pretty self explanatory - especially since all the other Grungs bowed before the frog monarch.

He bowed stiffly, still a bit unsure.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn follows suit as soon as she's instructed by Kek.    "Oh, they said to bow!"   she tells the others, still in the midst of her own.
Volthawk
Draelin smirks a little at the communication problems, still fairly confident they wouldn't be executed over a small misunderstanding in light of whatever circumstances forced the grungs to need them, and bows as well, putting a little flair into it.
Holy-hunter
Xarmus just follows along politely like he was a casual guest, meanwhile looking around with both interest and awe.
agignac
The warriors seem satisfied with the adventurers obeisance, and the king waves grandly. Speaking (well, croaking), slowly and loudly, he speaks. Nolwenn hurriedly translates as he goes.  "Welcome to Dungrunglung, new friends! Your timing is perfection! I entreat you to stay with us, as honoured guests, so that you may witness a marvelous occurrence tomorrow night! For tomorrow night, I will woo and wed my bride, the goddess Nangnang!" 

An orange-skinned grung, bristling with weapons, stepped forward and spoke to the king,  "My liege, surely such a holy ritual should remain...private? Perhaps Nangnang will not want such creature to...witness her return?" 

The king rounded suddenly on the warrior, and kicked out a strongly muscled leg. The warrior took the blow to the stomach and staggered back. The croaking turned harsh.  "Silence, Roark! Do not doubt my true love's desire to wed me! In fact, this diverse group will only appeal to her charming vanity! For they will go forth into the jungle after, telling all of my nuptials, and spreading teh tale of our love."  His voice returning to a "charming" croak again, he said,  "What say you, travellers? Will you stay here as honoured guests?"  There was a sudden increase in the tension in the shrine, as everybody waited to hear the answer to the king's question/demand.
Pyrophilios
 "Why do I have the feeling that marrying a goddess will involve some trouble for us."  The Red Horns murmured to himself. Still, he gave the king a deep bow, that hopefully indicated assent to his request.
Volthawk
Draelin chuckled as he heard a little of what the Red Horns was mumbling. Probably accurate, but here they are. This was quite interesting though, potential risk of being put up as an offering to a frog goddess aside.   "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm up for it. I've never seen a goddess before."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn can barely contain her relief as she translates for the rest of the party.  She hadn't thought it would be the case, but up until the king's explanation there was still a lingering doubt in her head that she and her companions were here for dinner...as the main course.    "I think it sounds like an excellent diversion,"   Nolwenn agrees,   "and it's not like it'll be an actual goddess, right?  Surely just some sort of symbolic marriage guaranteeing...whatever good things their gods guarantee.  And being wined and dined here sounds like a good break from the rain and the hauling.  Qawasha, give him a 'yes'."    She accompanies Qawasha's answer with a well-practiced curtsy.
agignac
The druid gave a halting affirmation of your willingness to participate. The king waves you off, and the guard who introduced himself earlier guides you to an empty reed hut. There is no furniture, but there are bug-screens on the windows, and it's big enough for you all to lay your bedrolls out.

Kek tells you not to go back into the shrine without permission, but that you're free to look around the village.

  If you have anything you'd like to do/see, let me know. Otherwise I'll move things along on Monday.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was content to set up his workspace and continue to work on his project - havin a full day to devote to this was quite refreshing and he continued to work and tweek for hours.
The Hellbug
Now safely in the hut, Nolwenn takes a seat to discuss their situation with her companions.    "Not exactly what I'd hope for as an honored guest, but it's better than a tent in the jungle,"   she comments on their lodging first before launching into the question she had meant to ask,   "does anyone know anything about jungle gods and goddesses?  Even the ones of my home never held my interest, and my education on them was slight."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Anyone got Religion as a skill?
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns answered a bit absentmindedly:

  "Well, not exactly learned, just picked up some information here and there. Most of those gods are just powerful monsters, elementals, angels or fiends. Though thinking about it with the given description..."  
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  Religion
 
agignac
The Red Horns remembers reading something about Trickster Gods here in Chult. Perhaps Nangnang is one of them, the goddess of the grungs?

Qawasha nods his head slowly, adding,  "Yes, I have heard of the trickster gods, though I do not know much about them. When you asked about the undead, and I told you of Ras Nsi, I mentioned Ubtao. Ubtao was our god, he looked over the land of Chult. But he turned his back on us, and left us some hundreds of years ago. The people of the holy city of Omu - now the lost city of Omu - turned to trickster gods, and worshipped them instead. But I don't believe they are worshipped any more. At least, not by humans."  He sighed, then added,  "the gods, like people, are fickle. It is better to put your faith in nature, than a powerful being who can behave like a child." 

The afternoon is hot and muggy, but the reed hut keeps the air somewhat cooler than outside. A young grung brings drinks, a strange, tangy, murky concoction. After you've been there several hours, a red grung enters furtively through the door. She looks quickly at each of you, then croaks,  "You can understand me, yes?"  Nolwenn nods, and the grung continues.  "I am Krr'ook, high priest to the king."  She lowers her voice, then continues,  "I've come to you for help. Our king is quite mad, and truly believes we will summon Nangnang tomorrow, and that she will consent to marry him. When she doesn't arrive...I fear for our people. King Groak is very violent when thwarted, and he has his heart set on this. I am afraid...." 

She pulls out a small wooden chest, and opens it up to reveal several pots of paint.  "I have these magical pigments. If you use them to paint an object, it will become real. I have tested it, and painted a door where there wasn't one. It is my hope...perhaps one of you have the skill to paint Nangnang? I know you have magics beyond my own. Could you paint her, and make her move, or speak? Perhaps we can fool the king, enough to keep him happy. If you help me in this, you can keep the rest of the paints.

"The ceremony is tomorrow night. I will be busy with preparations all day. Please, will you help us?" 
Pyrophilios
When The Red Horns heard the translation, he perked up:   "Marvelous Pigments... Hm, yes, what a marvelous idea. Though to my knowledge these colors produce nothing worth more than 25 gold.
Can you get a good description of how Nangnang is supposed to look like?
In the meantime I can create my set of painting tools. With those I'm reasonably proficient and should be able to produce a good likeness."  
 
 Spoiler 

I can use my "The Right Tool" feature to gain proficiency with painting tools if no-one else has it.
 
Volthawk
As he listens to what they know of Nangnang, Draelin nods thoughtfully. Qawasha's assessment of the gods doesn't get much of a reaction from him - he was never one for dedication to one god, the way he saw it they all had their uses and places in the world - but the implications about Nangnang were concerning. Krr'ook's arrival and offer is more concerning, although Draelin's happy to let the others handle the painting and other additions - they're the ones with the magical knowledge to make it happen, after all. He instead focuses on the more practical problems.  "And you want the king alive at the end of this, right? I mean - completely hypothetically, of course - if his madness is this dangerous it might be better to drop the dead weight now, and a group of outsiders that'll make a quick escape afterwards - after 'stealing' our reward for the job, of course - doing the deed is the perfect scapegoat that won't track back to you." 
The Hellbug
Ideas are already spinning in Nolwenn's head as she translates Krr'ook's words for the rest of the group.    "Oh yes, I have a number of spells that..."   she begins to build off of The Red Horns until Draelin's suggestion registers with her, bringing her entirely to a halt.    "Don't you think it's a little quick to be suggesting regicide?"   she asks, leveling a doubtful look at the elf,   "even disregarding the fact that it's by his hospitality that we're guests here, that's ludicrous.  I certainly sensed the temper Krr'ook is talking about, but it's hardly our place to render a judgement so...severe."    That said, Draelins suggestion does pull her back to reality in one way: trusting strangers with such a deception is extremely desperate, and she scrutinizes Krr'ook's words and bearing once more.

 
 Spoiler: Insight 
Insight:  (1d20+1)[ 9 ] 
 
agignac
Krr'ook looks desperate, she clearly is afraid of the king's temper, and doesn't believe the ritual tomorrow will work. Qawasha looks alarmed at the talk of regicide, and refuses to translate that part. WHen asked about what Nangnang looks like, Krr'ook shrugged.  "We have some primitive carvings, but that's all. She's a beautiful grung. Probably gold, or maybe silver? Just make her beautiful." 
Pyrophilios
 "Oh great, what is a beautiful grung... Hm, well, assuming that symetric features are an indication of healthy blood and successful procreation is what life is all about, we can assume strong muscle tonus and enough reserves to create spawn..." 

The Red Horns drifted off in speculation while he pulled out a notepad and began writing, while looking at the grung outside, going about their business. He mumbled words like  "Sexual dimorphism"  and  "Tadpole phase"  while jotting down notes.

 
 Spoiler 


Investigation check to get a good image of what a beautiful grung should look like

 (1d20+7)[ 8 ] 

That... doesn't bode well.
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, too, is not particularly well-versed in standards of grung beauty, but The Red Horns certainly seems enthusiastic to tackle it even if his methodology seems a little strange in its focus.  A different problem stands out to her.    "The trick, though is this,"   the wizard begins,   "magics and tricks though we might have--like I said, I have a number of spells that could be useful in setting up such a charade--but none of us can stay here to continue the performance forever.  We need a solution that allows us to take our hands off, or we're just dooming the tribe to the king's wrath once he realizes he's been fooled.  A refusal by the goddess comes to mind--"   she raises her hands up above her head and lowers her voice, miming a being of great power--  " 'you may be king, but you're still a small-minded mortal, not worthy of my divine attention and magnificent being', but I could see him taking that badly--perhaps blaming it on the priests failing in their rituals or deciding that we outsiders being present displeased her and drove her off.  Does anyone have any ideas on that front?"  
Volthawk
Nolwenn and Qawasha's reactions to his suggestion just gets a shrug back from Draelin.   "What? It's the time-honoured way of dealing with a mad king, particularly since our other solutions are...dubious. But sure, let's put that to one side for now."   He thinks over Nolwenn's suggestions, before an idea comes to mind.   "What about a quest? Some challenge or trial the king must overcome before he can marry the goddess. I'm sure our friend here can help us come up with something that fits the narrative around this goddess, and then we'll have created an obstacle he must overcome before he can continue along this idea. Might buy enough time for the people here to come up with a better solution, or might stop him in his tracks entirely. Hell, if the quest takes him out of the city - make sure it specifies that he personally must go to the destination - that gives them even more breathing room, particularly if..."   Draelin shrugs. He wanted to continue with "we're lucky and he dies out in the jungle", but the previous reaction to his idea told him to keep that part unsaid.
Pyrophilios
  "A good idea in general. No idea if the animated statue can do that, but I'm sure we can ask her. Alright, I think I know what unearthly beauty means for grungs... I need absolute seclution for this. And no peaking at the unfinished work. I need a large enough section of ground to do this. A separate tent should suffice. Yes. My construct will help me with that."  

The Red Horns appeared to be on fire for this new creative work. A bit of a mad gleam shines from his eyes as he bustles around to collect everything he needs for his work.


 
 Spoiler 


Advantage from help

 (1d20+5)[ 17 ] / (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  Knowledge from a past life
 

  
"Yes, this should do nicely for a royal consort..."   The Red Horns murmured to himself when he stepped back from the ground where his creation began to manifest in the 3rd dimension...

 
 Spoiler: Image 
 
 
agignac
The Red Horns spent many hours perfecting his painting, which slowly came to being as a three dimensonal...being? Statue? Nangnang was certainly solid, and fleshy, and somewhat moist, just as she looked in the painting. She looked real enough to walk and talk. She didn't, of course. But with enough magic, hopefully it would look like she was.

The morning of the ritual dawned bright and clear. The grungs were busy all day. Some were cooking and setting up long tables full of food and drink. Others were weaving flags and kites out of reeds and setting them to flap in the breeze. Children ran around, laughing and splashing each other. A steady stream of attendants came and went from the shrine, helping the king prepare for the ceremony. Krr'ook had little enough time to check in with you once or twice, concern in her lidless eyes.

The sun goes down quickly, as it always does, and fires are lit around the village. The villagers enter the water, watching the shrine while half-submerged. King Groak, wearing a ceremonial robe of orchids and reeds, strides out of the shrine to stand on the top steps. Krr'ook steps forward and speaks prayers and words of supplication to their long-absent deity. Groak's eyes shine in anticipation of meeting his beloved, and he wrings his rubbery hands in anticipation. Sacred herbs are flung into fires, and the commoners break into a worshipful song that fills the village with the sound of loud croaking. Finally, the cacophony fades away, and the village is quiet. It's time to reveal Nangnang.

 
 Spoiler 
So, here's what I need from you. A description of what you're doing. Be specific. Animating her successfully requires a Deception check (DC 12), advantage possible based on your descriptions. Convincing Groak her words are genuine requires Deception or Performance, (DC 15), at disadvantage if he can't understand her language (he only speaks grung). Selling her blessed departure as being temporary requires Deception, Persuasion or Intimidation (DC 15), at disadvantage if not in grung, possible advantage to any roll based on what exactly you're doing. So...take it away! Let the performance of a lifetime, begin!!
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns created five little rings from wood and bestowed upon them the ability to utter sound when touched.

 "So we need someone speaking Grung to utter the five most likely necessary phrases into these.

1. I am yours, my beloved
2. No, this is not possible
3. Yes, at once
4. Unhand me or suffer for all eternity
5. I must go, await my return faithfully, or suffer for all eternity

Any ideas how we can get someone to those words in Grung?" 
agignac
It is time.

Nolwenn has spent the day preparing, and hopes she has her "routine" down pat. Invisible with the statue, she and Draelin maneuver it into position. Qawasha sets the scene by calling forth vines and creepers, which all burst into colourful bloom. The waiting grungs gasp in astonishment. The vines continue to creep around, creating a serviceable screen for Nolwenn to stand behind. She drops the invisibility spell, and Nangnang appears! There is a collective gasp, then some concerned muttering. It seems their goddess doesn't look quite how they expected her to. However, Nolwenn animates her with an illusion, and the crowd ooohs in appreciation of her feminine charm.

King Groak croaks with enthusiasm, clearly not put off by her less-than-heavenly beauty.  " Nangnang! My beloved! I knew you would come! Tell me, have you come to be mine? " 

The Red Horns activates one of his speaking rings, and the goddess inclines her head nobly and says,  " I am yours, my beloved! " 

The King clutches his chest with ecstasy, and the grungs sitting in the pond begin to cheer loudly. Groak leaps up and says,  " My darling! Let us be married at once! " 

Nangnang holds up her hand and steps back, saying,  " No! This is not possible. " 

Startled, the king halts in his tracks, and plaintively asks,  " Why not, oh beautiful goddess of my heart? " 

Nolwenn, with a flash of intuition, has Nangnang point at their little party, then frown. Krr'ook steps forward, bows low to the floor of the shrine, and says,  "The goddess will not permit outsiders to witness the ceremony." 

King Groak puffs out his chest.  " Archers! Dispatch the infidels immediately! "   Shocked, the warrior grung step forward, but Nangnang holds up a single hand. Krr'ook interprets,  "Oh King! Do not spill blood at such a blessed time! Let the outsiders bear witness to your betrothal, and spread the word of your virility! Perhaps the goddess will return for the ceremony? Soon?" 

Nangnang nods, and points at the moon overhead. She spins in a graceful circle, then blows the king a kiss. Groak nearly swoons, catches the kiss, and devours it.  " Yes, in one month! Oh, what a ceremony we shall have! But please, just one kiss before you leave me? " 

He leaps forward, ready to grab her hand, and The Red Horns activates the ring that says,  " No! This is not possible. " 

Crestfallen, the king restrains himself, then says,  " Very well, oh beatific one. I shall await your return with longing! " 

Nangnang says,  " I must go, await my return faithfully, or suffer for all eternity. " 

The king nods vigorously and bows low, head scraping the ground.  " Yes! Yes my darling! I shall await most faithfully! " 

Nolwenn frowns in concentration behind her screen of vines, focusing on the illusion. She makes the goddess shine brightly, then spin on the spot, creating a beautiful whirlwind of colour. The colours fade away, leaving the inert statue of Nangnang behind. With prestidigitation, she creates colourful sparks that swirl off into the distance.

There is some confused muttering among the grung, then Krr'ook exclaims,  "She has left you a statue of herself, oh king, as a betrothal gift!" 

Groak hesitantly steps forward and strokes the statue. A grin lights his face, and he picks up the statue and embraces it, then carries it off into the shrine. The villagers, realizing the ceremony is over, break into loud croaks and cheers, and then the party starts in earnest.

 
 Spoiler 
 You can party with the grung or go to bed. The king will see you in the morning if you like, and is feeling pretty happy, so if you have anything to ask for, now's the time. Otherwise the grung will lead you out of the maze tomorrow and you'll be on your way.
 
Pyrophilios
 "It's moments like this that I regret forming the statue so lively... including orifices."  The Red Horns shuddered, turning to Nolwenn:

 "Is that it, can we leave now? I don't think this will end well." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn grimaces and frowns at Red Horns' comment about the statue but doesn't engage with it further.  His question, though, she answers.    "We have time to relax and enjoy the party, at least,"   she replies,   "it'd be impolite to leave before tomorrow anyway.  As for not ending well, I wouldn't say so.  At worst the king's anger has been delayed; by the time he's after Nangnang again our interference will be impossible to verify next to the whims of a fickle goddess.  And that Krr'ook is clever enough.  I wouldn't put it past her to weather this particular storm."  

As for the party, Nolwenn excuses herself quickly.  She has trouble shaking the jitters from the stressful performance and being surrounded by all the grung does her no favors.  Once she manages to break away, she spends the evening investigating the strange bags they found with the dead dwarves to try to calm herself.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged and went back to their tent as well. He had interrupted his work for the creation of the statue and he wanted to make the best of his time with a roof over his head to advance his work. In any case, he was very ready to move on...
agignac
Well feasted, and with marvelous pigments in their pockets, the party was escorted through the maze and out of Dungrunglung. The day was predictably hot, and you realize that you hadn't noticed the lack of bugs in the village until you were back amongst them. "Fresh" undead were caught up in the thorns surrounding the maze, and the grung warriors began systematically dispatching them as they waved you off.

The canoes were where you left them, and Qawasha (having spoken with some of the grung about directions), led the adventurers off with newfound confidence. The undead were indeed thick in the area, but you stumbled across them in ones and twos, and dispatch them without difficulty. That is, until just before sunset.

Qawasha called a halt, and you begin setting up camp. Then, you catch something in the air. The sweltering musk of the jungle gives way to the sickly sweet aroma of decay—that seems to be moving toward you. The ground trembles, sending ripples through the muddy puddles nearby, and a hideous creature erupts from the lush vegetation. The beast is similar to the other huge reptiles that roam this strange land—but this one died a while ago. Gobbets of desiccated flesh hang from the creature’s exposed ribcage, the cavernous hollow within filled with putrefying organs and muscle. The stench of rot is overwhelming now, and you watch aghast as the abomination swivels its broad scaled head toward you, fixing you with its hollow gaze—and roars in fury.

Draelin  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Nolwenn  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Nyx  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
TRH  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Qawasha  (1d20+1)[ 9 ] 
Xarmus  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Zombie allosaurus  (1d20-2)[ 18 ] 
 If you increased your dex at level 4, then add to your init as needed. If Xarmus doesn't show up soon, he'll be getting stepped on. Don't wait for him to go TRH goes before zombie.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns immediately took to the air and threw his Yklwa as hard as he could at the creature

 
 Spoiler 


Using my new sharpshooter feat, -5 to hit +10 to damage

 (1d20+3)[ 14 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 4 ] +15, if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 

Fly up 30ft.
 
agignac
The creature was long beyond feeling pain, and though the sharp point of the yklwa pierces it deeply, the dead dinosaur seems not to notice. It stomps into the clearing, and finds Draelin in its path. Ponderously pouncing at the elf, it swipes gore-encrusted claws at Draelin, but the elf dodges nimbly aside.

Qawasha crushes a piece of bark in his fist as he completes a druidic utterance, and for a moment nothing happens. Then, a great groan emanates from him, almost like the creaking of a baobab in a monsoon. Bark emerges from the flesh of his hand, snakes up his arm, and overtakes his torso. You see the bark encase him completely, offering its protection. Weed scrambled away behind him, vanishing in the thick undergrowth.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn leaves the grung village behind satisfied, her magic and cleverness having alleviated their problems (and won some valuable tools in the process) and the time alone last night having given her a chance to perfect a new addition to her spellbook.  Sure, it's a slight disappointment that they couldn't give Krr'ook a more permanent solution, but the were working with what they had.  She's also pleased to see that Qawasha is confident in the party's course again.

The only real problem is the undead.  Nolwenn always feels a little on edge with them scattered around the jungle--fangs behind every leaf are much less exciting when they're attached to shambling corpses.  At least the dinosaurs on the river had been something that she could understand, predators looking for prey; Qawasha's right: the undead here are a blight on the land.

_______

Nolwenn had been tending to the fire when she felt the first tremor, and she's on her feet when the undead dinosaur lumbers into their camp, but the spell she chooses is a new one and she's too slow to react before the allosaurus lurches at Draelin.    "I'll try to hold it!"   she shouts to her allies and concentrates at the earth at the dinosaur's feet.  There's a subtle shift in the fallen leaves as the wizard completes her spell, and she makes a grasping motion up towards the allosaurus that's mimicked by an earthen hand reaching up from the jungle floor to grab at its leg.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn's casting Maximillian's Earthen Grasp.  The dinosaur needs to make a Strength save against DC 15 or be restrained and take  (2d6)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage.  If it fails, it can use its action to repeat the save to attempt to end the restrained condition.
 
Pyrophilios
Even while The Red Horns had taken to the air, his twig creature moved, compelled by a single word from its creator, attacking the undead monstrosity with no regard for its own safety.

 
 Spoiler 


forgot to post my bonus action attack with my steel defender

 (1d20+7)[ 21 ]  damage  (1d8)[ 3 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 

Reaction to inflict disadvantage on the zombie saurus if it attacks anyone else but the steeldefender.
 
Volthawk
Dodging out of the way of the first attack, Draelin rolls backwards and runs back somewhat, wanting some range in order to start shooting. He watches the creature's movements as he aims - it may be a mindless undead monster, but it still has patterns to how it moves and attacks that he can exploit.

 
 Spoiler 

Moving away from the allosaurus with my move action, then firing at it. If Nolwenn's spell succeeds, he'll use Cunning Action to take a Disengage action as a bonus action first, getting SA due to the effects of Restrained, but if it passes the save or Draelin's acting before it was cast, he'll take the risk of getting hit (although at least it's at a disadvantage from the steel defender) in order to use Insightful Fighting.

If Insightful Fighting is needed, a Wisdom (Insight) check opposed by their Charisma (Deception) check:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
On a success, he gets SA regardless of the advantage situation for the next minute.

Attack (if it's not restrained, take the first result):  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] / (1d20+7)[ 12 ] ; Reroll:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ]  weapon +  (3d6)[ 11 ]  SA if applicable
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns continued his pattern - throwing the Yklwa as hard as he could only to have it teleported back into his hand a second later.

His construct meanwhile kept up the tireless attacks, meant to distract the undead beast

  "Keep at it, this thing is large, but rotten."  
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 11 ] +3, damage  (1d8)[ 5 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 

Steel defender
 (1d20)[ 4 ] +7, damage  (1d8)[ 4 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 

Edit: 21 damage
 
agignac
The long-dead dinosaur trails ribbons of decaying meat, many of which splatter to the ground as it thrashes in the earthen fist's grip. Harried by missiles and magic, the dinosaur focuses on the one creature within its reach - the small twig-creature that stabbed annoyingly at its knees. It lunges down to bite the small creature, but it is too hampered by Nolwenn's magic and it is unable to chomp the annoying defender.

As the group focuses on the undead dinosaur, they don't notice the satyr slips silently away into the jungle.
Volthawk
Draelin nods in response to the Red Horns' encouragement, carefully watching the beast as he readies and fires another arrow into it.

 
 Spoiler 

Since he doesn't need to Steady Aim here, Draelin is instead going to spend his bonus action on Insightful Fighting. So he makes a Wisdom (Insight) check opposed by their Charisma (Deception) check:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
On a success, he gets SA regardless of the advantage situation for the next minute - not relevant now, but might be later.

Attack (advantage, plus an extra reroll from Elven Accuracy):  (1d20+7)[ 8 ] / (1d20+7)[ 19 ] ; Reroll:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 10 ]  weapon + (3d6)[ 15 ]  SA
 
The Hellbug
  "Ha!"   Nolwenn exclaims triumphantly as the horrid dinosaur fails to slip free of the earthen hand's grasp.  She keeps her hand reached out in a closed fist (  not strictly necessary,   a voice in her head that sounds suspiciously to her like her old tutor reminds her, but the visceral act helps her to concentrate and visualize the spell so she ignores it) and tightens the spell's grasp.    "Quickly!  I don't now how much longer I can hold it!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action to crush with the gripping hand.  Dino takes  (2d6)[ 3 ]  bludgeoning damage (half with a DC 15 Str save).  It stays restrained regardless.
 
Pyrophilios
With their opponent pinned, The Red Horns continued his methodical attacks, keeping up the pressure, while the construct also continued to be a distraction

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 4 ] / (1d20)[ 16 ] +3, damage  (1d8)[ 7 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 

Steel defender
 (1d20)[ 8 ] / (1d20)[ 19 ] +7, damage  (1d8)[ 3 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 

Edit: 28 damage
 
agignac
The dinosaur had lost both the advantage of surprise, and freedom of movement. Barraged by arrows, yklwa, the druid's magical stones, and the earth itself, it had little option to do anything other than try to catch the steel defender, and roar its frustration. Even that didn't last long. The necromantic magic holding the undead beast together unraveled under the assault, and it collapsed to the jungle floor in an enormous, stinking heap.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns landed and looked around:  "Is everyone alright? That could have gone really wrong..."  He trailed off.

 "Wait, where is Nyx?"  He took off again to get a better overview, but returned five minutes later, clearly frustrated.

 "No sign off Nyx. The jungle is too dense. But at least there is also no sign of there having been a fight - beside this one I mean.

Damn this jungle!"  

After this outburst, his mood changed to melancholy.

 "Nothing we can change now, we have to move on, so we can make camp at an at least somewhat saver location." 
Volthawk
Draelin just nods when he hears the Red Horns' report on Nyx.   "No Xarmus either. And then there were three, huh - well, three and our excellent guide here."   Draelin's only a little sarcastic there.   "In any case there's no point turning back so we better keep moving."  
The Hellbug
After the zombie collapses, Nolwenn allows her earthen hand to disintegrate into dirt once more and swiftly joins the others, relieved at their good luck that no one was hurt.  Well, no one present.  With the adrenaline still pumping from the zombie's sudden arrival, she doesn't notice Nyx or Xarmus's absence until The Red Horns points it out.

  "Nyx!  Xarmus!"   Nolwenn calls out into the jungle when their disappearance is brought to her attention, but there's no response.    "We have to look for them!"   she suggests to her remaining companions,   "they can't have gotten far!"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns sadly shook his head:   "I looked - believe me. The jungle is so dense here, you could walk by someone who is only three feet away and you'd still miss them. And with that foliage, I doubt even a reliable tracker would be able to find a trail.
I'm sorry. The best we can do is keep to our route and hope they can catch up with us if they want to. Staying here and searching will burn precious daylight that we need to get to a savish camp location."  
agignac
Qawasha helps Weed out of the underbrush, and the two of them look for tracks.  "Look here! Hoof marks, and Nyx's boot prints."  The tracks are easy to see in the soft earth. They follow for a minute, then Nyx's tracks stop. Xarmus's go a little further, then enter a creek and disappear.

The stinking carcass of the allosaur is attracting scavengers, some of them dangerous. Qawasha urges you to move on, while there is still a little light in the sky. Picking up one canoe ( I assume you'll leave the other one behind now? ), the small party moves away until it is too dark to safely travel.

Camp is finally made, the rain catchers set up to catch the near-nightly rainfall, and food is made. As usual, Red takes the first watch, sitting stone-still and listening to the jungle noises. A few hours into his watch, he catches the sound of movement at the edge of the camp. He stirs and looks over. In the darkness, he can just make out a short figure, pale in the moonlight, camouflaged with leaves and vines. It appears to be assessing the camp.

 
 Spoiler: what Red sees 

 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns didn't move but observed very carefully, trying to identify the creature before calling out - and maybe inadvertently provoking an unfortunate response.
Nevertheless, he gave his construct a mental command to get ready to pounce.

 
 Spoiler 


Knowledge Check Nature/Religion
Whatever is applicable

 (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
 
agignac
It looks humanoid, but something about the way it movs is just wrong. Red remembers Qawasha mentioning a certain plant, the yellow musk frond, the spores of which could turn creatures into something not unlike a zombie. The yellow musk zombies act like minions, brining more creatures to the plant as food. It seemed possible that was what he was looking at.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns called out to his companions:   "Plantzombie. Get up."  

At the same time he threw his Yklwa and gave his construct the order to attack.

 
 Spoiler 


Ini
 (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 

Attack w/sharpshooter

 (1d20+3)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 7 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 


Steeldefender

 (1d20+7)[ 10 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 4 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 

Woohoo, crit!
 
The Hellbug
  "Ah!"   There's a moment of rustling from Nolwenn's tent before the wizard gracelessly stumbles out from the flap, hands at the ready to cast a spell but hair unkempt and blinking back the light from the fire.    "Who?  Where?"   she asks anxiously before recognizing the solitary shape in the darkness and turning to face it,   "what  is  that thing?"  
Pyrophilios
 "Some kind of plant undead - careful, there might be more around." 
The Red Horns replied, looking around, searching for said potential opponents.
agignac
Qawasha also roused at Red's warning, and threw something at the undead. The triple assault was too much, and the dwarf-turned-undead fell silently to the ground, unmoving.

The silence remained unbroken, and eventually the sleepers returned to their bedrolls. The rest of the night passed without incident.

The next two days were relatively quiet. They had a few scuffled with undead as they carried the canoe through the thick jungle, but nothing as dangerous as the dinosaur.

Midafternoon on the third day (15 days since leaving Port Nyanzaru), the thick jungle begins to thin a bit. The ground begins to slope downwards, and soon you find yourself standing at the edge of the treeline.

Ahead of you is the Aldani basin. Thirty miles wide, and stretching almost 100 miles north to south, this lowland basin is a collection of lakes, rivers, and swampland. From here, you can see the River Tath tumbling down as a waterfall into the basin. Directly across from you, and to the south, are tall plateaus, devoid of jungle growth. About 20 miles west of you are the headwaters of the Soshenstar river, which then winds its way north, back into the jungle and eventually back to Port Nyanzaru.

Far to the west, above the jungle tops, the Mistcliff Mountains are just visible.

The scope is a bit dizzying. After two weeks of not being able to see more than about fifty feet in any direction, the openness of the vista is disconcerting. Also, the sun is hot and bright here - out of the shade of the canopy, it feels ten degrees hotter.

Eventually your eyes adjust, and you see creatures moving in the basin. Large dinoaurs, their necks impossibly tall, move slowly through the swamp. Flocks of strange, colourful, long-legged birds rise into the air, circle, then settle again. A troop of flying monkeys takes off from the foliage above you, startling Weed so badly he fell backwards into a puddle. Other creatures, mostly unseen, disturb the water from beneath.

While it is not one big lake, there are enough swamps, rivers, and waterways, that you'll be able canoe most, if not all of the way across it. Of course, once you descend down into the basin, you won't have a view all the way across it, but it is clear the going will be easier here, at least for a while.

Qawasha points out one plateau on the other side and to the south.  "The village of Mbala is up there. A friendly village of Chultan locals. It is on the way to the oracle of Orolunga. We should be able to get there the day after tomorrow." 
 New map and internet art of flying monkeys and the basin on the slide deck.  
Pyrophilios
 "Excellent. A visit to the village will allow us to take a bit of rest and maybe replennish some of our provisions. Let's make use of the daylight while we can." 

The Red Horns was clearly agitated at the though of getting closer to the oracle - despite the recent loses to the team.
Volthawk
From their current vantage point, Draelin surveys the terrain in front of them, and the life within.   "Qawasha, how much of the animal life down there is going to be a problem? I'm seeing movement in the water, but not what's causing it - anything in there large enough to threaten us or the canoes?""  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, leaning on the edge of one of the canoes to rest, finishes taking a gulp from her waterskin and cranes her neck, looking for whatever Draelin has spotted.    "Movement in the water?"   she asks, squinting against the sun's brightness,   "where?  I don't see anything."    She also has a question for their guide, remembering their perilous climb up from the river:   "is there a safe way down?"  
agignac
Qawasha grinned sardonically at Draelin's questions.  "Most certainly, there is danger in the water. This is Chult! There is danger everywhere. But if we are careful, we can probably avoid most of it." 

At Nolwenn's concern, he said,  "Yes, this side is much less treacherous. This lookout looks steep, but not far there is a relatively safe path down to the basin." 

Relatively safe, of course, was relative. There was a path, but it was a steep switchback. And of course, the daily monsoon hit while they were halfway down, turning the path into an ephemeral river. But they made it to the bottom safely, if somewhat muddy and tired. But they were able to plop the canoe into the river again, and take a load off their weary feet.

From the water level, the basin wasn't quite the big open swampland that it looked from up high. The river made its lazy way towards the Soshenstar, and for a few hours they were able to just drift with the flow, observing the very different tree varieties, compared to the rest of the jungle they'd seen so far. The vista started to open up as the sun sank lower into the sky. The view was incredible - long-necked dinosaurs wading slowly through the swamp, as the sky turned red behind them. The buzz and whine of insects intensified as the sun began to set - clearly the Aldani Basin was perfect habitat for biting bugs.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns aplied the unguent against insects liberally and gave the other also a fresh gourd countainer. At least buying the recipe and losing so many members had left them with quite a large supply of the stuff.

  "Let's get on with it. I'd relish the opportunity to spend the night inside - even if it's only a jungle hut."  
The Hellbug
Getting back in the canoes is an extremely welcome change of pace for Nolwenn, especially after the slog through the rain down into the basin.  In fact, once they're floating with the current, she stows her paddle and retrieves her sketchbook from one of the packs.  She spends most of the rest of the day drawing some of the more eye-catching patterns of foliage as they drift past.  As evening nears during this idle time, she gets the jungle guide's attention.    "Qawasha, what can we expect in Mbala?"   she asks,   "like, who lives there?  What's it doing in the middle of the jungle?  Are they used to foreigners?  Anything we should be aware of?"  
Pyrophilios
  "A very good question. It's not frogs again, is it?"  

The Red Horns added.
The Hellbug
  "I seriously doubt it,"   Nolwenn cuts in, totally seriously,   "I would need more time studying it to be sure, but 'Mbala' doesn't sound like anything I heard of the grung language."  
agignac
As they paddled through the basin, Qawasha laughed - a deep, rumbling chuckle.  "No, not frogs. People, like myself. A tribe of hunters and who make a good living in Mbala. They hunt the dinosaurs, and sell the fangs and skulls to the city. The women are also well known for making pigments, which fetch a high price at the market. My cousin married such a woman, though I have not visited them for many years. It will be good to see them again. I bet they have many children by now." 

The evening's paddle was almost restful. The undead were sparse here, though you did notice a few skeletons struggling weakly in the thick bog. Clearly this was not habitat conducive to mindless creatures. It made the long days portaging the canoe an excellent use of time and sweat.

The dinosaurs, while plentiful, were mainly herbivorous. As long as the canoe was not paddled to near, or underfoot, they were unlikely to be a danger.

The bugs, however, were bad. Very bad.

Qawasha found a relatively dry islet for the night, and you spend the night without being disturbed. In fact, the night is much quieter than any you've spent in the jungle so far. You hear the occasional splash or grunt, but nothing like the nocturnal birds, monkey, and howling cats that had interrupted your nights so far.

The next day, you make good progress through the swampy basin, and spend a few hours paddling across an open lake. As you get near the middle of the lake, the view opens up again, and you can see for miles in all directions. Many miles to the south east, you notice a strange object floating above the ground, about 200 feet up.

 
Pyrophilios
 "What's that?"  The Red Horns tried to discern the strange floating thing and carefully got up into a standing position - not really an easy or safe task in a canoe, but doable if he carefully spread his wings to keep balance.

 "I'll take a closer look if you don't mind."  With a few flaps of his wings he started to gain hight, closing in very carefully on the object.

 
 Spoiler 

Perception
 (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "What is that?"   Nolwenn says as she squints at the floating island on the horizon,   "looks a little like a wasp nest."    She lays her paddle across her lap as her companion takes off.    "Careful up there, Red,"   she shouts after him.
Volthawk
Draelin frowns, standing up and readying his bow, trying to keep steady on the slightly rocking canoe.   "Whatever it is, I doubt it's friendly."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns returned down to the boat:   "It's really strange - and strange seldom means friendly around here. Better we get to that village soon."  
agignac
Qawasha watched as Red flew up to gain height, then when he returned, he said,  "It is the Heart of Ubtao. Many of my people believe it is the petrified heart of our god. Holy people sometimes visit there in search of visions. How it remains aloft is a mystery I have never heard solved. I have never been closer than this to it." 

You continue to paddle across the lake, keeping clear of anything big enough to step on you. A few pterodactyls fly overhead occasionally. Aside from the heat and the bugs, this is as idyllic a day as you've had in the jungle. As sunset approaches, you're almost across the Aldani Basin, and can start the climb up the path to Mbala tomorrow.

 
 Spoiler: Draelin 
You spot a churning in the water about a hundred feet south of you, a few hundred meters from the edge of the lake. It looks like a few fallen trees or other debris have piled up near the shore, and the underwater disturbance is happening nearby.
 
The Hellbug
  "Never been closer than this?"    Nolwenn asks,   "it's right on the way to Mbala, though.  Does it move?"  

Once her question is answered, she spends a minute picking the right words for another.    "Would it be...taboo...for us to hop on up and investigate it?"  
agignac
Qawasha shook his head.  "I have never heard of it moving."  He hesitated after Nolwenn's second question.  "Taboo....an interesting word. I do not believe it would be taboo. I am sure that other foreigners have explored it before, or at least tried."  Kupalue spoke, thumping his limbs against his body and emitting windy, whistlely breaths. Qawasha nodded, then added,  "Weed agrees. The vegepygmies avoid the area, but have seen people enter and leave, though it is rare. I would not want to enter it myself, but if you wish to investigate, I will bring you closer." 
The Hellbug
  "Oh, not right now,"   Nolwenn assures their guide with a shake of her head,   "I don't think any of us but Red could make the ascent safely--well, relatively safely.  But I know of spells that could aid us if we were to seek them out or I be given time to perfect them, and there are people who have tamed the dinosaurs of these jungles; surely someone has thought to try with something like the--what were they called--quetzalcoatuls we encountered on the river."  
  "And thank you,"   she continues,   "I don't want to cause offense--to people  or  gods, if possible.  I can think of any number of reasons that island of earth might float through the sky, and divine intervention is only one of them.  Not the most likely, in my opinion, but its uncanny shape--yes, it does look like a heart--could stir the imagination in that direction.  But it might merely be coincidence.  Like I said, it looked like a wasp nest to me..."  

For the next few hours before they stop, Nolwenn talks to anyone who will listen or to herself if none are available, speculating on hypotheses ranging from arcane devices to powerful magi to locations coterminous with the elemental plane of air.  Whenever she doesn't have to paddle, her hands are busy with her sketchbook, doing her best to capture the image of the floating island in the distance.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was only too happy to add to the conversation and speculation. Though he was talking more about propulsion devices and levitation matrices

  "...actually, once I'm through with my current project, I intend to create a flying broom. I requires certain essences found in strong magical flyers - like drakes and the like. Ah but I see, this isn't a topic for polite conversation..."  
Volthawk
Draelin's happy to let the others talk about magic, while he focuses on what's caught his attention in the water. He nudges Qawasha and points the churning out to their guide.   "What do you think? Just some of that debris messing with the water flow, or is there some kind of animal causing it - and if so, do you think it's dangerous?"  
agignac
Qawasha stared at the disturbance, then shrugged.  "I cannot tell from here. If it is an animal, it is likely dangerous. Most animals are." 
Pyrophilios
  "Can we avoid going there? Alternatively I could send my construct to scout ahead and potentially draw the attention of whatever lurks there away from us."  

The Red Horns suggested.
agignac
The disturbance in the water is near the edge of the lake - you could easily make shore without going near it.
The Hellbug
It takes Nolwenn a moment to spot the disturbance, but once she does, she immediately springs into action, setting down her paddle and casting a spell to conjure a protective barrier.    "Hold on for a minute, then,"   she suggests confidently, starting to pull her robe over her head,   "I'll swim over and have a look, see if it's safe."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
That's a Mage Armor
 
Pyrophilios
 "Are you sure about that? The water is supposed to be infested with disease carriers and hungry fish."
 
The Red Horn asked with undisguised concern.
The Hellbug
The wizard pauses in her disrobing to respond to the artificer.    "Well, I wasn't planning on drinking it,"   she replies through her robe's neck-line,   "and I'm not a bad swimmer.  My grandfather insisted that his great-great grandmother was a naiad, said it came down through the family."  

Once she gets the robe off, she stands, grips her mirror amulet, and incants another spell.  As she finishes, webbing sprouts between her digits and gills grow on her neck.    "Of course,"   she explains with a grin, wiggling her fingers and toes at the new sensation,   "a little magic goes a long way to help, too.  Stay close by in case there's trouble."    And with that said, she dives into the murky water and cautiously makes her way towards the disturbance.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Second spell is Alter Self for aquatic adaptation, giving Nolwenn the ability to breathe underwater and a swim speed of 30
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horn shrugged, but nonetheless sent his construct to follow the mage. Losing concentration on that transformation was after all a real possibility.
agignac
The aquaticized mage and the little construct swam out towards the disturbance. As they got closer, they could see that the debris consisted of both natural limbs and spiky looking shrubby things, along with some various-sized poles that looked too smooth to be natural. Whatever was causing the disturbance was deep, so Nolwenn dived down to take a look.

The thrashing and bubbles were churning up the water, but Nolwenn swam slowly closer until she could see what was happening. It looked like a mess of ropes and cables were hanging from the debris up top, and something (or somethings) was caught in it. She inched nearer. Yes, somethings. A body, or maybe two, or maybe a zombie, or two. Or three? She couldn't tell if the corprses were thrashing around under their own power, or were being tossed around by whatever else was caught up in the tangle. Trying to get a better angle, she moved around the disturbance. Whatever it was appeared to be dark red, almost black in colour, and covered in armoured plates. It was bigger than her, but not as big as the girallon zombie they'd fought several days ago. And were those giant claws? Whatever it was, it was tangled up good, and in its attempts to get free, hadn't yet noticed her.
Volthawk
  "Swimming? What?"   Draelin's a little taken aback by the fact that Nolwenn's reaction to him spotting a potential threat in the water is swimming over to say hello, enough that by the time he musters a proper protest she's already in the water and his response dies in his throat. Sighing, he instead just keeps watch with his bow, ready to start shooting when Nolwenn inevitably gets bitten. He just hoped that this wouldn't make the expedition even smaller.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn looks at the corpses with no small amount of disgust, but she has a hard time piecing together exactly what the creature caught in the trap? wreckage? is.  She swims swiftly back to the canoes as soon as she has a mental picture worth sharing, staying underwater until the last minute and popping out right at the canoe's side, hanging onto the gunwale with one hand and failing to run her hand through her hair with the other.    "Hmm."    She wrinkles her brow at her now-webbed fingers before just brushing the stray strands out of her eyes and making her report.    "It's a big tangled mess,"   she announces,   "there's some sort of wreckage with beams and ropes and cables and several bodies, dead or undead--couldn't be sure--but human-looking, caught in it.  There's also something big and definitely alive tangled up deeper in it.  It looked dark red and armored and might have had a big claw?"    The wizard shrugs as she makes an excuse for her uncertainty.    "I didn't want to get close enough to be grabbed.  If I had to guess, a small boat ran into a big crab, but it doesn't look like it'll get out on its own."    She directs her last words at their guide.    "Does that sound like something that lives around here?"  
Pyrophilios
 "We probably shouldn't borrow any more trouble... though such a monster could be a very valuable crafting ressource... No, forget it. Let's head straight for the village. We can ask there if they know anything about this thing." 

The Red Horns admonished himself.
Volthawk
Draelin frowns as he hears what is down there, and Qawasha having no idea what it is.   "So it sounds to me like we have no reason to mess with it any more, and risk it getting free while we're here. Unless I'm mistaken? I suppose if we could kill it and get an impressive-looking trophy, someone in the village may be interested, but...no, not worth the risk I think, let alone the fact that if we start killing it and getting blood in the water something else might get interested."  
The Hellbug
  "Mmhm,"   Nolwenn agrees from the water,   "we'll ask about it in Mbala.  Someone will definitely know there in case we run into others in the basin.  Let's just give it a wide berth for now"  
  "Could someone help me here?"   the wizard asks sheepishly after she tries to clamber up into the boat by her own power, her struggling getting the canoe a bit too unstable for comfort before she slides back into the water.  With her allies' help, she flops back into the canoe and is ready to resume the journey.
agignac
Qawasha stares at the water for a moment, a slight frown on his face, then he gives his head a small shake and returns his attention to the journey.

Another few minutes of paddling gets you to the edge of the lake. This is as far as the canoe will take you. You take the canoe out, and hide it as best you can in a spot you'll hopefully be able to find again. Qawasha says,  "We will climb to Mbala, then visit the oracle in her ziggaraut to the west. Depending on what she tells us, we may come this way again. If not, perhaps we can sell the canoe to the villagers, or leave it here, just in case." 

You push through the last vestiges of the Aldani basin vegetation. A 1,800-foot-high plateau with sheer cliffs rises above heaps of boulders as large as ships. A narrow path is cut into the cliff face and seems to climb all the way to the top.

It looks steep and treacherous. Qawasha frowns and says,  "The trail looks to be in bad condition. I see roots and rocks."  He looks around the area suspiciously.  "I wonder if there has been some trouble - if the villagers have topped coming down here." 

The sun is less than an hour from setting. Will you make camp at the base, or start on the trail and make part of the climb in the dark? There is no place to camp on the trail.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn has nodded along with Qawasha's plan--a few nights in somewhere safer than tent in the jungle sounds almost divine at the moment--but makes a moue when he finds the path.    "Well, we'll find out tomorrow, then, right?"   she says, gazing up at the sheerness of the cliff and narrowness of the path,   always just one more step.  
  "No way we're making it all the way up there before dusk."  
Pyrophilios
  "If you don't mind, I'll fly ahead a bit and see if there is a place to camp on the trail that we can reach safely."  

The Red Horns took off, scouting ahead for ten minutes before returning again in the same time to report

 
 Spoiler 


Survival

 (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 
agignac
The Red Horns returns, having found no safe place for a camp on the trail. He can confirm that the trail is in poor condition, and will require some work to clear rubble and overgrown vines and roots as you ascend.

You make camp near the base of the trail, and settle into your evening routine. Nolwenn and Qawasha take first watch, followed by The Red Horns, and finally Draelin.

A few hours before dawn, a strange phenomenon occurs. A faint light, seemingly sourceless, begins to approach the camp. Pastel colours swirl and undulate around each others, creating a kaleidoscope of beautiful, shifting patterns. It's almost impossible to look away.

 
 Spoiler 
I assume that TRH is working and D is on watch. So both of you make Will save DC 12 please. And the construct if that applies to him.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked up from his work but managed to avoid gazing directly at the apparition. The hypnotic pattern spell was theoretically also available to him, but he had certainly never tried to cast it.

Though he knew that the caster had to be around, so he took a closer look around before flinging his weapon at the attacker and also setting his constuct on them.

 
 Spoiler 


Rolled my save in the discord channel - 17
Arcana Check to identify creature - 23
Perception Check to find the caster - 25 (nat 20)

Attack roll:  (1d20)[ 15 ] +3, damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 5 ] 

Steeldefender:  (1d20)[ 17 ] +7, damage  (1d8)[ 6 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 
Volthawk
Draelin's not sure what's going on, lacking any arcane training, but he knows it has to be trouble (and he can't exactly shoot at lights) so he readies his bow and peers through the darkness for any sign of a source, whatever that source may be.   "Red, what's going on?"   
agignac
Alert, Red jumped to his feet, looking for the spellcaster. The campfire didn't shine bright enough to illuminate the caster, but the unborn tiefling's keen ears caught the sounds of movement coming from the darkness off to his right. The construct darted off in that direction. Draelin, alerted to the danger, followed the construct with his eyes, and saw...a bird? A looming shape, easily 8 feet tall. White and black to his darkvision, though he suspected those might be its true colours. But it was hard to tell, as the elf's normally sharp eyes struggled to focus. The bird's form blurred and shifted, there and yet not.

Another shadow moved ahead of them, away from the cliff. Another bird?
Volthawk
  "What  is  that?"   Draelin decides to just focus on shooting for now and leave the pondering for after he's seen how effective it is.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus action Steady Aim, then attack. That does give advantage, but I suppose a mixture of the enemy's own stuff and the situation will likely impose some amount of disadvantage. Just gonna roll all the dice, and can take the ones that fit the situation (best of the three attacks and SA damage if advantage, just the first attack and base damage if neutral, worst of the first two and base damage if net disadvantage)

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] / (1d20+7)[ 26 ] / (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  base +  (3d6)[ 8 ]  SA
 
agignac
Draelin's arrow pierced the tall bird straight in the throat. With a look of astonishment, it collapsed, twitching.

The other bird, sparing a glance for its fallen companion, looked back at the camp. Its wings moved, and a strange noise came from its beak. The hypnotic pattern of lights flared up between the camp and itself, as it tried what its companion had failed to do.


 Another Will save from those outside their tents. DC 12 
The Hellbug
  "What is  what ?"   Nolwenn, having just awakened, interjects somewhere between apprehensively and groggily,   "I don't see any..."    The wizard's sentence trails off as the dazzling lightshow catches her attention, and she slowly gets to her feet, staring at the swirling colors as though entranced.  Suddenly, though, she closes her eyes and twists away, only opening her eyes when she facing the other direction.  Still, even though she keeps her senses, the darkness is too thorough outside of the scant light cast by the fire for her to identify the attackers.  Hearing one, she raises her hand and casts a bolt of flame in its general direction.    "This is magic!  What's out there?  How many?  I can't see a thing!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn gets out of the tent, stands up and casts Firebolt at the bird.
Firebolt attack against the bird that's still up(w/ disadvantage):  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]   (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
damage:  (1d10)[ 2 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns ignored the renewed swirling colors and instead looked for the second attacker. Without additional light source, he was forced to rely mostly on his hearing when he threw his weapon. At least the construct wasn't hindered like that and jumped at the bird at its masters call.


 
 Spoiler 
Assuming dissadvantage - otherwise ignore the second throw

 (1d20)[ 13 ] / (1d20)[ 3 ] +8, damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +6, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 

Construct:
 (1d20)[ 6 ] +7, damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 
Volthawk
Nodding to himself with satisfaction after dropping the first bird, Draelin focuses on withstanding the mental attack of the second bird and lining up a shot at it and firing.

 
 Spoiler 

Another bonus action Steady Aim, into an attack. Given the last attack hit and would've been a 9 to hit if I didn't have advantage overall (Darkvision countering any environmental disadvantage so Steady Aim gives advantage, I suppose), assuming the same for this one so it's best of all three attack rolls (if I misread the situation or it's different here, then as before the attack rolls can be used as needed for the actual advantage situation).

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] / (1d20+7)[ 15 ] / (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  base +  (3d6)[ 11 ]  SA
 
Volthawk
Nodding to himself with satisfaction after dropping the first bird, Draelin focuses on withstanding the mental attack of the second bird and lining up a shot at it and firing.

 
 Spoiler 

Another bonus action Steady Aim, into an attack. Given the last attack hit and would've been a 9 to hit if I didn't have advantage overall (Darkvision countering any environmental disadvantage so Steady Aim gives advantage, I suppose), assuming the same for this one so it's best of all three attack rolls (if I misread the situation or it's different here, then as before the attack rolls can be used as needed for the actual advantage situation).

In the screenshot in the discord there's my original rolls, from the version of this post you can't see. Lemme know if those should stand or if these new ones count instead.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] / (1d20+7)[ 12 ] / (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 13 ]  base +  (3d6)[ 9 ]  SA
 
agignac
Qawasha finally came stumbling out of his tent, then stopped, staring, entranced.

Unborn tiefling, human and construct all lash out in the darkness, striking nothing. Draelin, however, is successful with his arrows, peppering the bird and drawing blood. Screaming a terrible sound, the bird staggers away, leaving a trail of blood that glitters blackly in the moonlight to the elf's enhanced vision. The swirling colour stop, and the night is darker for it.

From behind the campsite, Nolwenn hears a voice weakly call out,  "Help! Please, it stabbed me, I'm bleeding. Please help." 

The tall bird is still visible, as there isn't a lot of cover here. It is moving away, however.
Pyrophilios
 "This is not working, we need light, damnit."  Hastily, The Red Horns moved his weapon around and suddenly his shield glowed with a dull light, that barely managed to illuminate himself and a bit of his surroundings.
He ignored the voice in the darkness. These were tricky foes, someone calling out just now when they had cornered a foe, was more than likely just another illusion. With haste, he pursued the fleeing creature, trying to get it into the shine of his shield, meanwhile his construct continued to pursue.

 
 Spoiler 


I assume the creature used disengage as its action, otherwise the steel defender would have used an opportunity attack

Action: Use magical tinkering on shield for 5 ft bright and 10 ft dim light

Bonus action: Command Steel defender to attack again

 (1d20)[ 8 ] +7, damage  (1d8)[ 3 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, still entirely unaware of what kind of creatures are attacking the camp, is nonetheless relieved to hear them retreating and see The Red Horns light up his shield.  As she's reflecting on how nice it'll be to have a night in a village where no one will wake her without warning in the middle of the night, she hears the pleading voice.  With Red rocketing off after the unseen attacker, Nolwenn is left with no choice other than to light a torch and find whoever needs help herself.

  "Quick!  I hear someone!  It sounds like they're hurt!"   she anxiously warns the others as she fumbles for a moment with flint and steel (quieting an invasive thought about how useful a spell to produce light like Red's would be) before just sticking the torch in the fire to light it.  As she steps into the brush behind the tents, she calls out to the injured person,   "speak up!  We can help, but I need to know where you are."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm calling it an action to grab and light a torch, but if it's more than that, Nolwenn's just a little slower than this post implies and will need to continue doing it next turn.  If my assumption's okay, she's going to cautiously move towards where she heard the voice as soon as the torch is lit.
 
Volthawk
  "Nolwenn? Don't go off alone! Red, go with her, I've got this!"   Hoping that he can live up to what he just said, Draelin aims at the bird as it makes its escape and fires. He didn't know enough about how smart these things were or their behaviour to know if it was fine to let it escape or if it would harass them later - if it knew magic, maybe it was smart enough to know the concept of revenge - so he wanted it dead here and now.

 
 Spoiler 

The usual steady aim into an attack.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] / (1d20+7)[ 17 ] / (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ]  base +  (3d6)[ 10 ]  SA
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn reluctantly pauses at the edge of the firelight with Draelin's warning.  He's right, of course, and she knows it, even if she sends a frustrated glare back his way.  Beyond the light cast by her torch, the darkness is as black as pitch, and any illusionist that could weave lights like those that descended on the camp could certainly imitate an injured person's cry.  Still, the village apparently isn't far off, and overcaution could condemn whoever's out there if they're genuinely in trouble.

And so, Nolwenn waits anxiously at the edge of the camp for the artificer.    "Hurry up!  We may not have much time!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nothing new, just confirming in-character that Nolwenn's going along with Draelin's very reasonable suggestion.
 
agignac
Draelin's arrow downs the fleeing bird. It splashes down in the swampy ground a the edge of the lake. Qawasha shakes his head as he comes out of the spell-induced trance. His eyes clear quickly, and he says,  "Eblis! They are the only creatures I know of who use this spell. Very dangerous." 

At the sound of Qawasha's warning, there is the sound of movement where Nolwenn had heard the voice. The sounds retreat, and quickly there is silence once again.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns landed next to Nolwen, his shield still glowing, illuminating a small portion of ground in front of them.

  "Alright, let's stay together. I'm 99% positive this is just a trap."  

Still commanding his construct to continue its assault, the Red Horns looked and listened for a third attacker

 
 Spoiler 


Perception

 (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 


Steel Defender attacks

 (1d20+7)[ 12 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 8 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "Don't think we need to,"   Nolwenn replies,   "I think I just heard whatever it was run off"  --she pauses and strains to listen--  "so much for being injured."    She keeps her torch held high and continues to scan the underbrush but is no longer in any hurry to go running off after whatever the creature was.

  "Eblis?  What are they?  Are we safe to stay here?"   she asks their guide.
agignac
As they look around, Qawasha explains.  "They look like big birds, like a crane. But they can speak, and work magic. Very evil. You've killed two of them, so I doubt they'll be back." 

Sure enough, you only find bird tracks in the muck, and no further sign of the Eblis.

You salvage what sleep you can from the night, and wake up to another hot and humid day. An eerie and strangely haunting song fills the air; a series of long, harmonic flute-like sounds. A family of bipedal dinosaurs is wading through the lake's edge nearby, singing to each other through the strange crests on their heads.

 
 Spoiler 
 
 


After breakfast and water collection, it's time to hit the trail. The switchback trail up the cliff face is in poor condition. Though it is barely more than five feet wide, the trail itself is sturdy enough. But many roots and vines threaten to trip you up, and small rockfalls have deposited stones and other debris in your path. The only way through is to clear it as you go, significantly slowing your progress.

As you climb, the view becomes spectacular. The entire Aldani basin spreads out below you, and you can see mountains far to the south belching smoke. The Heart of Ubtao floats serenely to the east.

 
 Spoiler: Perception DC 20 
Beyond the plateaus to the south, you can see some sort of shipwreck, caught up among the trees.
 


About a hundred feet below the lip of the plateau, the trail veers into a natural crevice of stone. Steep stairs are carved into the crevice, and scenes of dinosaurs, flying lizards, and erupting volcanoes are carved into the walls, creatively making use of the natural shape of the rock.

Finally, the stone steps emerge onto the top of the plateau beneath a once grand, but now decrepit wooden gateway. The gates that sealed this entrance have rotted away. In their place are heaps of human skulls. Picked clean of all flesh and bleached white by the sun, they grin up at you from the roadway, and down from atop towering mounds.

Stricken, Qawahsa falls to his knees, staring at the scene of so much death. Kupalue awkwardly pats his back
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns sighed:  "It seems that our whole expedition is cursed. The plateau likely was taken by air. Could the bird people have done this?" 

What he didn't say was, that this kind of thing had been a constant in his life since he had burned the book. But at least this time the curse was unlikely the culprit - the people here must have dead for much longer than that.
The Hellbug
Everything about Nolwenn is sluggish in the morning between the night's interruption and the day's steep uphill hike.  As the morning moves on, though, her pace quickens and becomes steadier.  Despite the difficult nature of the climb, the group's progress is more obvious than the normal days of paddling or slogging through the jungle with the promise of safety and rest at the top.  As for the obstructions, they're a worry, but she's not certain how much people would want to be climbing up and down the plateau anyway.

And the view  is  incredible.  Nolwenn feels like she could spend a whole lifetime trying to capture the beauty of the jungle panorama before her, but given the group's current destination, she assures herself that it'll be even better from the top and refrains from slowing the group down (though she does point out the Heart of Ubtao again when she first sees it above the trees).

_______

Nolwenn grins as the group reaches the final set of stairs, but that changes when she sees Qawasha collapse in front of her.    "Qawasha, what's wrong?  What's going on up..."  

The wizard stops in her tracks and covers her mouth, shocked, when she finally sees the grisly scene at the top of the ascent.  She struggles to find words as she stares at the piles of skulls, only managing to string some words together after Red speaks.    "Gods, I, I, I don't think so,"   she stammers unsteadily,   "they couldn't even take us in our sleep.  This is...so much...more?"  
Volthawk
Draelin was in good spirits in the morning - sure the Eblis were a problem, but they'd handled that and now they were on the way to a friendly village. He wondered what they were like. The dinosaurs and their singing was fascinating - he was no expert on animals, beyond their value in survival, but there was something strangely beautiful about their songs. Even the struggle through the trail didn't dampen his spirits much either. After all, this was why he'd gotten out here to Chult in the first place. This was  adventure .

That feeling dies once they reach their destination. Damn. Walking forward, he gives Qawasha a pat on the shoulder as he passes before drawing his bow. This was...   "Whatever happened, it's been a while. The state of that gate, these skulls...Qawasha said he hadn't been here for years, so it could've been any time between now and then. I doubt whoever did this is still around - this wasn't conquest..."   He pauses, his eyes on one of the heaps of skulls - he'd never seen anything like this before. Death, yes, and terrible things, but never anything of this scale... He sighs, and then gets his mind focused again. No profit to standing around mourning people they never knew. Well, the three of them didn't know them but...   "Let's give Qawasha some time. In the meantime, let's have a look around. Keep your eyes open - even if I'm right about the attackers being gone, who knows what could have moved in since then. The attackers may have been raiders who took everything of value, or perhaps just killing was enough. Let's find out which it is, as whoever did this may still have a presence somewhere in the region, so knowing as much about them as we can might come in handy."   With that, he starts walking again, starting to look in the houses immediately to their left.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn remains quiet for what Draelin has to say.  Every observation the elf has made is a reasonable one, and she finds herself nodding along with him by the end.  She's still seriously rattled by the scene in front of them (and by whatever her imagination can conjure for what's beyond those rotted gates), but Draelin's calm evaluation of the situation is a good thing to hang on to.

  "You're right,"   she agrees after conjuring her protective enchantment,   "and if nobody's heard about this, we need to find out who did this and what happened.  Hopefully whatever did this is long gone, but we can't leave anyone alone, just in case."    She bends down next to Qawasha, ready to help him to his feet.    "Qawasha, can you stand?"   she gently asks,   "I can stay with you if you can't, but we need to stick together.  If anyone got away, maybe we can find a clue about where they went."    On further thought though, Nolwenn's stomach turns as she arrives at a too-logical conclusion from Draelin's observation about when this happened and the fact that it took Qawasha from Port Nyanzaru by surprise: that there were no survivors.  She solemnly keeps this to herself.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Mage Armor going up.
 
Pyrophilios
 "Let's see what we can find inside the village. Maybe there is something left, like an apocalyptic log or grafity. But keep your weapons out - who knows who the new tenants are." 
The Red Horns seemed unconcerned about their guide's distress. After all, they had lost also people during their voyage - and as a direct consequence of Qawasha taking the harder and more dangerous route through the jungle.

So all he had to offer to the druid was:  "There will be time to grieve later. Right now there is work." 

With that, he reignetd his shield, so he would have some light within the dark huts and proceeded to search the first one

 
 Spoiler 


Investigation to search the village

 (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
 
agignac
Nolwenn urges Qawasha to his feet, but he is weeping openly as you have to push your way through the mounds of skulls. Most of them show signs of having been gnawed on.

The plateau shows signs of having been more than a simple village, though it is mostly in ruins. Most of the structures had been made of wood and thatch, and are now just crumbling compost heaps, demolished by rain, wind and time. However, you can see a few stone foundations and overgrown ramps poking up through the debris.

Qawasha moves slowly but determinedly towards a particular ruin; probably the house where his cousin's family had lived.

Draelin used his training to determine the most likely spots to search. He reasoned out where the local shrine was, and began clearing away debris. Having been a slightly better-built building, it was fairly intact once the rotted thatch roof was cleared away.

Within, the elf found several a semi-circular alter, with alcoves around the outside of it. Each one held a clay statue, about two feet high and beautifully glazed.
 
 One represented a muscle-bound Chultan warrior, his hand on the flank of a golden mastodon. 
 The second showed a bird-person, with stunning crimson plumage, and hawk-like head, and strong arms. He carried a human child, who looked at him with adoration. 
 The third was a regal Chultan woman, one hand holding a mirror, the other holding a bouquet that trailed after her. 
  And the final alcove held a statue of four small, masked creatures, standing on top of each other to create a fearsome looking pillar.  
 
 
 Spoiler 
I'll need to know how long you intend to search the village. The excavation of the shrine will take Draelin alone 2 hours, or one hour if everybody helps. If the others are searching homes instead, I'll let you know what you find. Same with general "looting", it's on a per-hour of searching basis, modified by rolls.
 


The only structure still intact is a long hut about a thousand yards southwest of the gate, at the edge of a boulder field. The hut is made from thatch and animal hides stretched over the rib cages of an immense reptile. Smoke drifts from the nearby, the gentle smoke of a cooking fire.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns directed his construct to help Draelin while he himself began to search through the nearest heap that used to be a hut. He didn't see the need to hurry right now. Everything was too late now anyway.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, true to her word, stays with Qawasha, helping him with whatever he needs at the ruin he's drawn to and just being, well, present.  The town's complete devastation continues to be a shock, but the rotten wood and eroded architecture pique her curiosity.  Draelin was right; this surely happened years ago (or at least months if she accounts for her unfamiliarity with the jungle climate and its effects on such deterioration).  If it was that long ago, why was it a surprise?  In hindsight, the first clue was the state of the path up the cliff--how had word of something, anything, being wrong not made it to Qawasha, a jungle guide of all people?  She ponders this silently as she sifts through the wreckage.

After a time, though, the wizard notices the smoke lazily drifting skyward in the distance and seeks out Draelin and The Red Horns to confer.    "You all noticed that smoke, right?"   she asks, pointing it out in case the others hadn't noticed it,   "we're not alone up here.  What do you all make of it?"  
Volthawk
The shrine looked like hard work to clear, but at least the group's bags of holding meant that his shovel and other tools weren't left behind with the canoes. While he worked, he pondered the statues, wondering if any of the scraps of Chultan lore he'd picked up over the years preparing for this journey had anything to do with it. Statues themselves probably weren't worth much - unless they brought them all the way back home where the sheer distance and mystique would add value, perhaps...

 
 Spoiler 

History:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
Religion:  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
 


During one of his breaks, he joins The Red Horns and Nolwenn, listening to what she has to say. Bringing up the hut gets him looking in that direction thoughtfully.   "Two possibilities seem most likely. Either a local made it out, or wasn't here when it happened, and decided to stay here instead of moving on, or whoever did this left someone behind. Hm...I suppose we need to find out one way or another."  
Pyrophilios
 "Smoke?"  The Red Horns had been a bit too focused on his work to look at something so obvious.
 
"Oh, I see. Well, let's check it out while we have light. We can resume the digging afterwards." 
The Hellbug
  "Good, we're in agreement, then; we need to pay them a visit,"   Nolwenn agrees with a nod,   "for safety's sake at least.  I'll need a few minutes to prepare a spell, but I so no reason not to go directly after."  

________

Once they're hiking through the ruins, she speaks up again.    "There  is  actually one more possibility,"   she adds to Draelin's suppositions,   "it could be someone unrelated who just moved in afterward.  Although,"  --she makes a face and gestures at the ruins--  "if that's the case they may not be any better than whoever did this."  
 
 Spoiler: Spell 
That's Comprehend Languages as a ritual, just in case.
 
Pyrophilios
 "It's a good general asumption that everything out here wants to eat, kill and/or rob us on general principles." 

The Red Horns had once again his construct at his side and looked into the distance.

 "Maybe a little flyby would be best to get the lay of the land beforehand." 
Volthawk
  "Yeah, but if you see them up there there's a good chance they'll see you too. Let me have a look from the ground first - I can use the rocks to hide my approach, maybe get a look inside, and keep it quiet."  

If there are no objections, Draelin starts sneaking towards the hut.

 
 Spoiler 

Stealth:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "Wait wait wait, my magic can help,"   Nolwenn suggests, taking his wrist to stop him,   "it will render you entirely invisible to mundane eyes; very useful."  

She steps back to cast her spell, and the elf instantly vanishes from sight when she touches him again.    "It has limitations though,"   the young wizard warns him before he can sneak away,   "it's better to imagine that you are less 'invisible' and more 'in a position of me having convinced reality that you are invisible.'  Best not to take any action that will make it reconsider.  To wit, any magic of your own will draw attention to your anomalous state and attempting to harm anyone will interfere with the harmonious nature of the spell.  Safer, really, to not even think very fierce thoughts.  Subtlety and parsimony are your friends.  Be careful."  
agignac
Invisible Draelin sneaks silently forward until he can get a better view. There are plenty of boulders around, and a small copse of trees near the intact hut. The hut is made from thatch and animal hides, stretched over the rib cage of an immense reptile. Animal skulls, wind chimes and totems of feathers and shells rattle in the breeze, and smoke drifts from the hut.

A creature shuffles slowly around the hut, hunched over in an animal-like posture. You realize it's a human woman: impossibly old, crippled by arthritis, half-blinded by cataracts. Her dark face and bald head are outlined with streaks of yellow clay suggesting the shape of a skull - or perhaps it's her shriveled flesh creating that illusion.

 
 Spoiler: image 
 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "Magic is a fickle ally at the best of times - but illusions are especially problematic. Don't take any chances. Here, take this. Tap it ones and throw it away from you into a bush. It will call out as a distraction for five seconds - should give you a moment to steal yourself away." 
He gave Draelin a flat stone and demonstrated. At a sharp tap with his fingernail there was a delay of one second before the stone began to croak like the large dinosaurs they had seen and hear yesterday.

 "It's not particularly loud - can only be heard about 10ft away, but in the right cirumstances that might be just what you need. Just don't tap it accidentally" 
 
 Spoiler 


Simple application of magical tinkering
 
The Hellbug
  "Oh, very clever!"   Nolwenn remarks about Red's device, feeling very pleased about herself as well, as Draelin sneaks off before her face turns to a frown,   "wait, did you just call my magic  problematic ?"  
Volthawk
Draelin takes advantage of his invisible state to survey the scene a little longer. Human, then. Some kind of magician or shaman? Hard to tell how she'd receive strangers, anyway. He considered how effective a quick decisive blow while she's unaware of him might be - probably quite so, given her aged state. But her knowledge may be useful, if she's willing to tell it.

Alright. Draelin made a decision and started to head back. Once he makes it to the others, he gets up and starts talking - he doesn't know enough about invisibility to know if and when it'll fade, but he doesn't let that stop him.   "One person in there, an old woman. Very old. Looks like she might have some kind of magic - you know, one of those looks and homes that makes you think that way - so it's probably best you two come with me. I can't tell if she'll be friendly or not, but it's worth a try talking. She might know more about what happened, where we're going, and if we need to be concerned about what caused this."  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
   "Oh, very clever!"   Nolwenn remarks about Red's device, feeling very pleased about herself as well, as Draelin sneaks off before her face turns to a frown,   "wait, did you just call my magic  problematic ?"   
 

 "Not your magic specifically, no. But you have to admit, that illusion magic is rather... unreliable. Though never mind. Let's discuss this some other time." 

As Draelin returned, The Red Horns nodded:
  "Let's approach openly and hope for a friendly greeting, but be ready for anything."  
The Hellbug
  "Hmph!"   The wizard replies with dismissive petulance, but she doesn't push the issue any further.

___________

The first sounds of Draelin's return put Nolwenn on guard, but as soon as he announces himself her mood is restored in short order.    "Oh no!  I'm sorry!"   she apologizes, dismissing the spell with a flourish of her hand,   "I never told you how long the spell would last.  Fortunately, it could have been a whole hour if you had wished."  

After digesting the elf's report, the next step is obvious to her.    "We should tell Qawasha first.  He's been here before, and if she's that old, maybe he'll know her."  
agignac
Qawasha was roused from his grief by their questions. Looking over to the intact hut, he shrugged.  "I remember my cousin mentioning a witch doctor living on the edge of town - apparently she helped with births, sometimes. But I never met her." 

He pulled himself to his feet, and said,  "If you wish to speak with her, go ahead. I will remain here, and begin to put these people to rest. Please don't disturb me; my ceremony will take up a great amount of concentration, and will take the rest of the day and into the night. Tomorrow, if you wish, we will continue to the oracle at Orolunga." 
The Hellbug
  "Take whatever time you need,"   Nolwenn tells their guide with a nod.  In truth, she's not particularly interested in leaving until she has a better idea about what disaster happened here, but she doesn't bother Qawasha with that at the moment.

  "Let's go introduce ourselves then; good first impressions, right?"  
Volthawk
Draelin nods in response to Qawasha.   "Reasonable. We'll leave you to it."  

With that, he indicates for Red and Nolwenn to follow him so they can talk without getting in Qawasha's way.   "Way I see it is this - she doesn't seem immediately hostile, but the fact is that she's here when the rest of the town isn't. That means three things - either she's tough enough to survive whatever happened but she couldn't - or decided not to - save the village, she wasn't here when it happened, or she helped make it happen. Sure, we can't assume she's a bad sort, but we should be careful. I'll go first - if it goes bad, I'm fast enough to get away if need be and good up-close if we can't get away. You two need to worry about her magic - I don't know what she may be capable of, but you two have the knowledge and maybe the ability to do something about it? We take a friendly approach though."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods in agreement.    "I'll do my best,"   she assures the others,   "but I can't necessarily speak to its efficacy."  

She continues on, rotely paraphrasing one of her tutor's lessons.    "To protect against magic, one must be on guard for anything and everything, but to defeat another with it, one must only find the weakness their opponent neglected...what I'm trying to say is that, if magic is brought to bear against us, my expertise may only be the difference between obliviousness towards or certainty of the same inevitable conclusion."  
  "So yes, we should be careful."  

__________

Nolwenn makes no effort to hide herself, though she's nervously silent, as the group approaches the old woman and her home.    "Hello!"   she stops and hails loudly with a wave as soon as she's in easy view of the town's final resident.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You said there was rubble nearby, so Nolwenn's going to stop and announce herself (and the group) as soon as she clears it.  She'll wait for a greeting or invitation from here.  I had assumed that could be like 80 feet away but beggars can't be choosers.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns frowned, trying to follow that logic:   "One of the few things I remember clearly from my past was: If you want to win massacre the other bastard first. I think that applies to magic as well.
Though I think we should just run if we are attacked and slap each other if one of us doesn't look like they want to run."   

He fell silent as they reached the old woman.
agignac
The old woman, ghastly though her face-paint was, seemed to be puttering happily around her garden. She pulled a few weeds from the dark soil, and took a few clippings. She didn't notice you three approach, and jumped when Nolwenn called a careful hello.

Turning to you, she squinted her eyes, peering in your direction.  "Eh? Who's there? If you're thieves, don't bother. I'm a poor old woman, with nothing worth stealing."  She turned her head a little, back and forth, as if trying to make you out clearly. Even from 80 feet away, you can see the white cataracts that cloud her vision.
Pyrophilios
  "We are no thieves, merely travelers who had hoped to find shelter in the village for a day or two. Though obviously, we were disapointed and horrified. Can you tell us, what happened there?"  

The Red Horns asked
Volthawk
Draelin relaxes a little at the woman's reaction, but not fully - he'd had enough experience with people who weren't what they appeared back in the cities he learned his trade in to be cautious.   "Yeah, most people don't stick around when their village is turned into a graveyard."  
agignac
The old woman peered myopically up at them.  "Ah, explorers, are you? Come to trade with the wealth of Mbala? Well, you're a few years too late?"  She cackled, then broke out into a cough.  "It was the pterafolk that did this. Bloody big nest of them, not far off. Though the flock thinned out a bit after the buffet here was finished. Didn't all get eaten, some moved off when it came clear the bastards weren't going to be beaten or driven off." 

She gestered to herself, her bent back and skinny legs.  "No way I'm getting down that trail - it's been three decades since I last walked that. And nobody volunteered to carry poor Nanny Pu'pu down the trail. Even though I delivered more than half of them. So here I am, tending my garden, too stringy to eat." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns pulled his wings closer in, to make them look more like a cloak:

 "Well, that is really unfortunate. Do you need help to come down and move somewhere safer?" 
agignac
The old woman batted a hand in negation.  "Bah, I'm too old to make a new life somewhere else now. If you want to help an old woman, you could root out the nearest nest of those ugly bastards. There's an entrance just down the trail. It would make my heart rest easy if I didn't have to see them flying over every other day." 

Peering up at them again, she added,  "Either way, why don't you come and stay with me tonight. It's not much, but it'll keep you dry when the rains come. If one of you strong lads can bring down some game, I can expand my stew for four." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "That sounds lovely. It's been pretty miserable the last few days in the swamp. I'm not sure I know what dryness is anymore. Anyway, I'll see what I can come up with." 

He turned to go, but gave the others time to object or give a counter suggestion.

 
 Spoiler 

Survival: Advantage from Steel Defender help (1d20+3)[ 15 ] / (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn breathes a sigh of relief when the old woman turns down The Red Horns' offer--she wasn't relishing needing to choose between helping her and continuing on their journey.    "Five,"   she corrects,   "there's our guide as well.  He had family among the villagers here.  He's seeing to their rites as we speak."    What she doesn't say is that she's still suspicious of the whole situation here.  If people escaped, how did the port not know?  How many people could be just living out here in the jungle?

   "Nolwenn, by the way,"   she adds in introduction,   "we'd be most grateful."  
Volthawk
Draelin nods. He still wasn't entirely sure about the situation, but it seemed like a safe enough offer to accept.   "I don't see a reason to say no. Red, can you handle getting that food? I'd like to keep working on what I was doing earlier while we have daylight."   He thinks a little more, then looks back at the old woman.   "So these pterafolk, do they raid everyone around here? Do they take valuables or are they more interested in just killing off the competition?"   He pauses.
agignac
Their now-host glanced at the elf and said,  "Oh, they're terrible thieves. If it glitters, they'll take it. If it's made of meat, they'll eat it. If it looks weak, they'll kill it for fun."  She shuddered dramatically, making the bones in her hair rattle and clack. She tilted her head, squinting, then added,  "If it's loot you want, you might want to try the chief's house, or what was left of it. He had twelve daughters." 

She raised an arm and made an unnatural clucking/screeching noise. There was a flurry of movement from the crown of a nearby tree, and a golden creature swooped down to land on her arm. It looked like a cross between a monkey and a bird. You have seen glimpses of these animals from the treetops, but haven't seen one up close yet.

 
 Spoiler 
 
 


The witch doctor spoke to it in a strange language, and it chattered back.  "My friend here will guide you to the chief's house, or what's left of it,"  she added with a cackle.

 Are we splitting up? Red to hunt, Draelin to loot, and Nolwenn to....? 
The Hellbug
  "I'll go with you,"   Nolwenn says with a nod at Draelin,   "I've never been a good hunter anyway."  
Volthawk
Draelin nods, and then looks at the strange little creature. Interesting.   "Chief's house sounds good to me."  
Pyrophilios
Meanwhile The Red Horns had taken to the air, circling around the hill, looking for something suitably tasty to hunt.
agignac
The flying monkey swoops upwards, heading back towards the village. It flies erratically, often circling back to make sure you're following, but leads you into the center of the ruined village. Qawasha is nowhere to be seen, though you hear a few noises coming from the gate.

Your guide takes you to yet another ruined home, though this one was clearly bigger than average. From outside, it appears to have had a main living area, and at least four other rooms (perhaps bedrooms) coming off the back, like petals on a flower. Some colourful remnants of cloths fluttered in the breeze, all that was left of flags or wall hangings marking this home as special.
Volthawk
Draelin surveys the ruins from where he's standing, nods to himself, then turns to look at Nolwenn.   "Alright, here's the plan. I've got my tools in our bags of holding, so I can get to work shifting this rubble. You can help wit the labour if you think it'd help, but mainly I want you for your magical skills here. If you have anything that'll help us pick out valuables from what's here - anything magical, for instance - that'll be handy, for instance. I don't know the ins and outs of what you can do, so I'll leave the details to you. In terms of the excavation, step one is this main room, then we'll see if there's any way of telling which one was the big boss' room, in which case we'll focus there. If not, I susppose we just pick one and see what to expect there. Not much clue on how long this'll take, but if we've got time afterwards we can go back to the shrine and work there - even if I stay here, at some point I'd like you to check it out. There were statues there that seemed important and a mage's eye may pick out details I missed."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn follows Draelin and the monkey, deep in thought except for the moments she spends struck by how adorable the flying monkey is.  As she steps into the chief's hut, though, her practical side takes over, and she shakes her head.    "I don't know the proper spell, unfortunately, although I think Red does.  Or something similar.  He was able to identify those bags we found,"   she replies,   "but if you think you find something magical, bring it to me anyway; there's a chance my knowledge will be enough on its own.  Oh, and anything you can't read, too--I do have a spell for that."    The wizard steps up beside Draelin and offers a hand at shifting the rubble.    "Four hands are better than two; I'll have a look at that shrine once we're done here."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just helping Draelin here, I guess.
Investigate!  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
 
agignac
Red headed out hunting, and had luck almost immediately. A group of small dinosaurs, about the size of chickens and just as stupid, were digging for grubs under some shrubs. Within 10 minutes, the once-tiefling had a handful of the chubby lizards, and was heading back to the witch doctor's hut.

The other two had plenty of luck also, though it took them a lot longer. Moving the rubble was time consuming but not as difficult as it might have been - thatch and mud weren't terribly heavy, just very messy. While Draelin focussed on finding the chief's room, Nolwenn was drawn to a partially collapsed room that still had vestiges of bright orange and pink fabrics. Drawing on her innate knowledge of the female mind, she began to poke around, and quickly found a secret compartment in the floor, under where a bed once stood. Inside, she discovered three intact jewelry boxes, each locked. A fourth box had been smashed, and a dozen necklaces, bracelets and rings lay tangled in the dirt.

Meanwhile, Draelin had managed to find a long, low chest, ornately carved with images of Chultan warriors defeating various jungle beasts. It too was locked.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns delivered the fresh kills to the old woman, before joining the others in their treasure hunt. Using his expertise, he enacted the magic detecting ritual to examine their finds, having his construct hold the objects and amplify the effects.

 "Very interesting..."  he mumbled  "Some of those might be worthwile for my experiments." 
 
 Spoiler 


Detect magic ritual

Arcana check w/advantage through construct help action

 (1d20+7)[ 26 ] / (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
 
Volthawk
Draelin grins as his shovel hits the chest under some rubble. He recognised that sound, and a little more clearing soon revealed the whole thing.   "Aha. Jackpot."   The chief's personal chest had to be worth a look, particulary with it being so elaborate. This kind of thing was why he'd come out to Chult in the first place - admittedly, the dead people whose stuff he was imagining looting were rather longer dead than this, but beggars couldn't be choosers. Now then...Draelin gots his tools out, and knelt down to investigate the chest. Always had to be careful for surprises left behind for those who don't know the proper method, and then the lock itself...

 
 Spoiler 

So as I understand it, with theives' tools I'm proficient with, actually opening the thing is a Dex check with prof bonus, while checking for traps is an Investigation check with advantage?

Trap check:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] / (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Open Lock:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
 
agignac
Back together, digging the ruins, the company of three work to open their discoveries. Draelin finds no sign of traps on the chest, and his thieves tools make short work of the lock (which is in surprisingly good condition given the state of the home).

Inside you find a variety of unusual items.

1) Yklwa of the dragon: The shaft of this spear is carved from the foreleg of a dragon. This is a +1 weapon, and on a critical hit, deals an extra 2d4 fire damage. Requires attunement.

2) Chief's headdress: This ornate headdress is woven from reeds and decorated with large, colourful, fluffy feathers. When worn, it grants the user a Wisdom of 18. Requires attunement.

3) Chief's cape: This knee-length cape is also covered with fluffy feathers, and grants the wearer +2AC. It's also waterproof. Requires attunement.

4) Chief's sandals: The woven reed sandals allow the wearer to walk on water, and prevents creatures (bugs, snakes etc) from biting the wearer's feet and ankles. Requires attunement

The chest itself is beautifully carved, and likely worth a lot on its own.


Nolwenn, unfortunately, had no luck opening the first jewelry box.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took the Yklwa:   "A beautiful piece. All of this stuff is magic. After dinner I'll take a closer look and see what I can learn about all their functions. Ah yes, I got lucky and procured some meat. Better hurry back - don't let Nanny Pu'pu wait."
  

As usual, The Red Horns forwent eating and instead scrutinized all the items intently so he could inform his comrades about their function.
The Hellbug
  Ah yes!  Patience long rewarded!  , the thoughts of a muddy and tired Nolwenn when she pulls the jewelry cases out of the secret compartment.  The sudden windfall even distracts her momentarily from the fact that the chiefs twelve daughters or wife or whoever these belonged to are certainly dead.  She catches a glance at Draelin and his chest while she's walking outside to get her picks from her bag but doesn't bother him, instead settling into the task at hand: getting the jewelry boxes open.

Naturally, they seem to be beyond the skill of an amateur burglar.  Try as she might, and she goes down the whole line of picks in her pouch trying to get one to work, Nolwenn can't make progress on any of the boxes.  She sits down with a huff and takes a break from glaring at her inconceivably-still-locked nemesis to admire the rings and necklaces and bangles from the broken box.    Maybe I should just break it open, these ones seem fine...   she muses but then shakes her head and stands up, maybe Draelin is having better luck back in the main room.

  I found where they kept the valuables, but they're locked up tight,"   the wizard announces as she enters, jewelry boxes stacked in her hands and with necklaces draped over her arms, "  "a little sparse compared to some of the things I've seen my mother wear, but taken as a whole they should be worth a lot...  

And she almost drops all of it when she sees what Draelin's found.  Her eyes go wide are immediately drawn to the headdress and cape.  Setting down the boxes with almost trancelike slowness, she passes Draelin and Red on the way to the cape while casting a spell to scrub the grime from her hands and touches its fluffy feathers.    "Oh!  They're so fluffy and colorful!"   she exclaims,   "where did you find these?"  
Volthawk
Draelin grins as Nolwenn rushes over to look at the loot, proudly tapping the chief's chest when she asks about where it came from.   "They were all locked up in there. Guess you're holding the old chief's robes of office, as it were. Good stuff, too - Red's been checking them out magically."   His gaze moves over to the hand on the chest, and nods in that direction too.   "I figure the box itself should be worth something too, if we can take it with us. Just look at those carvings - plenty of people out there who'd pay a decent sum for a chest from the locals of Chult with that kind of artwork. As for those jewelery boxes...I can have a look at them after we've had something to eat, I suppose. Clearing all this mud works up an appetite, so that's first priority."  
The Hellbug
In her frustration with the locks, Nolwenn actually hadn't realized how hungry she was getting.    "Mhmm,"   she agrees with a vigorous nod, setting the cloak down delicately.  She helps pack up what they've found and follows Red and Draelin back to Nanny Pu'pu's.
agignac
The smell coming from Nanny Pu'pu's hut was absolutely mouth-watering. Red's catch had been turned into a thick stew, full of unusual root vegetables, herbs, and even flowers. She served it with a spongy flat bread, which she used to grab chunks of meat out of the stew.

Part way through the meal, just after the sun sets, the skies open and the rain pounds down. The skin-covered hut is a bit breezy, but not a drop of rain gets through.

 "It looks like you found the chief's house,"  she cackled, taking in their haul.  "Good for you, no use leaving treasures like that to rot. Don't let the flying bastards see them, they'll be on you before you even see them."  She glanced nervously to the ceiling, as if scanning the skies for the pterafolk.

 "What will you do tomorrow? Stay and search another day? Continue on your way? Help an old lady out and hunt down the beasts that harry her so?"  She grins gap-toothedly at you, her eyes nearly lost in the creases of her face.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at his companions:  "I'm not averse to avenge your tribe - considering that the Pterafolk might have stolen some useful artifacts." He threw a side eye at their guide: "Especially since we didn't take the fastest route to get here, I would enjoy staying under a roof for a little bit longer." 
Volthawk
Draelin nods between mouthfuls of stew. It was nice, having something that was a little more flavourful than rations.   "I'm in favour of giving those pterafolk a look, do our host a service and also see what they've got, but I'd like to stick around here another day first. I can give those boxes of yours a look, Nolwenn, and then we can get that shrine cleared out, see what's going on there. Given that our time here has been the most profitable of the entire journey, I don't see the harm in sticking around a little longer."  
The Hellbug
  Hope Qawasha's okay out there,   Nolwenn thinks with concern for their guide as the downpour begins.    "Oh, yes,"   she agrees with the others,   "I doubt Qawasha will gainsay us there; justice for the people of Mbala.  And he'll be tired from his ritual I'm sure--no need to set out right away."  
agignac
 "Good, good,"  Nanny Pu'pu nods vigorously,  "Respect your elders, that's good. And maybe have a few more dry nights and good meals, true!"  She cleans up quickly, and shows them a pile of rather ratty blankets in a basket.  "Help yourself. Keep the fire going if you want to, you can help me replace the wood tomorrow. No need to keep a watch, my home is as safe as can be, and the old flying skin-sacks can't see well enough in the dark to bother me at night." 

The small old woman tucked herself up into a nook in the wall that looked barely deep enough to hold her, rolled over, and soon was snoring gently.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded towards the others and took his customary position with his back to the wall and looking unblinkingly towards the door - for the next four hours, before once again setting up his workplace to craft another four hours.
agignac
The night passes quietly. The rains last half the night - longer than usual, and you're extra grateful for the dry roof. Nanny Pu'pu is up several times, hobbling outside to use the privy, groaning her way back in, then immediately snoring again. She's up early, before the sunrise, heads out for a while, and returns with a basket of eggs. By the time the sun is up (turning the cloud-specked sky a stunning shade of orange), she has breakfast sizzling over the fire.

This is the first proper sunrise you've seen since you sailed here, as the jungle is too thick to get a good view of the horizon. The view from the clifftop is spectacular, and it becomes easier to understand why the old woman stays here.

When you look towards the village, you see an incredible change. The heaps of skulls that had been piled up around the broken gates have been transformed. The gates have turned into two twisting trees, bent towards each other and meeting in a soaring arch, 20 feet high. They are covered with twisting vines and flowers, completely covering (or perhaps replacing), the villager's skulls. It is a breath-taking transformation.

Overhead, an ugly form circles in the orange sky. The pterafolk examines the druid's handiwork from a distance, then swoops away.

 
 Spoiler 
No sign of Qawasha or Weed yet. If you want to open boxes, I'll need some rolls. Are you hunting pterafolk today, or looting?

 
 
Pyrophilios
When everyone was up and satieted, the Red Horns spoke:
 "I could take the guise of one of these Ptera and scout their lair. I imagine it's located somewhere very steep and hard to reach. At the same time, those creatures don't look like they can see by night, so sneaking up on them should be possible. Killing them in their sleep should be a lot easier than shooting them from the sky. Nets would be pretty effective, as it would arrest their ability to fly, making them crash.
The question is, how are we getting you up there?" 
Volthawk
Once he gets enough light outside - he doubted Nolwenn or their host would appreciate the sound of clacking tools and pins in the night - Draelin takes the jewelry boxes outside and gets to work on them.

 
 Spoiler 

Box 1:
Trap check:  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] / (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Open Lock:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 

Box 2:
Trap check:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] / (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
Open Lock:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 

Box 3:
Trap check:  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] / (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 
Open Lock:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 


When Red brings up the topic of the pterafolk, Draelin thinks it over.   "Got a few things I'd want to finish up here, but now the pterafolk know people have been here - that one that saw Qawasha's handiwork will probably tell the others - we can't exactly work freely around here without risking getting caught out by them, so I'm all for taking them out."  
Pyrophilios
 "That's why we should do this sooner than later. Speaking of which - why are you all playing around with these boxes instead of opening them?" 

The Red Horns commanded his construct to assist him, while he took out his own picks and went to work

 
 Spoiler 


Lockpicking with advantage

Box 1:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] / (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Box 2:  (1d20+5)[ 7 ] / (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
Box 3:  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] / (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
 

 "Damn, the second one seems to have a broken lock, I'm afraid we have to use force to open it." 
The Hellbug
  "Absolutely,"   Nolwenn agrees with the elf,   "but we should find Qawasha first.  He has no idea what our plans are or the specific danger of pterafolk, and he's probably very tired if he was out all night in that rain.  I last saw him near his kin's home, but he may have returned to the top of the stairs up from the basin."    She rolls her eyes but manages to hold her tongue for once at Red's jibe.

________

Once the three are out away from Nanny Pu'pu's home--out of earshot at least--Nolwenn, now clad in the chief's raiment, looks around to make sure no one's in earshot and turns to the others with a serious look on her face.    "Listen, something doesn't add up here,"   she says in a hushed voice,   "I don't think Nanny Pu'pu's been telling us the whole truth.  These ruins, this wasn't a small town and it wasn't a poor one either"  --she emphasizes her point by holding out the chief's cloak--  "and didn't Qawasha say that the people here  hunted dinosaurs ?  It would have had to be a  really big  pterafolk nest to drive them out.  And what about Nanny Pu'pu still being here?  Why are they leaving her alone?  She herself said they'd were cruel enough to kill the weak for pleasure.  If that's the case, by all rights she should be long gone-- I don't know if I've ever seen someone that old before .  I couldn't fathom at her reasons, but I don't think she's being straight with us.  Not totally, at least."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horn nodded:  "I've been wondering about that. I assumed their cruelty was to make her live with all the dead skulls of her lost loved ones. But that seems a bit too sophisticated for those creatures. At the same time I don't see how she could have benefited from being in league with the flying folk. This place is a prison for her, even if its one she doesn't want to leave.

We should talk to our guide about that." 
agignac
The jewelry boxes prove to be worth the wait. A veritable trove of jewelry is found inside. Most of it is silver, though of varying quality. Lapis lazuli, amber, malachite, opal, river pearls, even a few with sapphire and emerald. Bracelets shaped like snakes with jeweled eyes, necklaces with heavy pendants that cover the entire chest, headdresses dripping with silver beads, earrings, anklets...there is a small fortune in jewelry here.

You head out into the beautiful morning, have a quick chat, then look for Qawasha. However, the druid isn't to be found. He's not near the homes he was mourning yesterday, nor near the results of his druidic handiwork at the gates. Colourful birds sing, and down in the Aldani Basin something trumpets a morning challenge. Insects whine, and small reptiles scurry around the ruins. But Qawasha is nowhere to be seen.
Pyrophilios
 "I hessitate to ask, but... Do you think Qawasha might have let himself get abducted?" 
The Red Horns sounded despondent and annoyed at the same time

 "Well, it was only a matter of time before he got us or himself into trouble again. I'd say let's capture a pterafolk and ask some pointed questions." 
The Hellbug
  "What if it wasn't the pterafolk?"   Nolwenn suggests,   "I know if I'm not going to trust Nanny Pu'pu it's difficult to say when she might have been telling the truth, but she said the pterafolk don't see well at night, and Qawasha clearly disappeared in the night--it looks like he finished his ritual, after all.  She also said they were greedy and interested in treasure, but there are still valuables throughout the village.  They've clearly had months to scour it, and they haven't--Draelin searched in the most obvious places in the settlement for valuables and just found them there.  Sure, they were hidden, but the pterafolk had  time .  I'm beginning to think someone else we don't know about might have done this and that Nanny Pu'pu is their ally, willing or otherwise."    She ponders this for a moment before agreeing with Red.    "But the pterafolk are definitely here, and if they have Qawasha, all that's bunk.  Let's go pay them a visit."  
Volthawk
Looking up at the sky, Draelin shrugs.   "Do we  need  to go after him? He wasn't exactly the most helpful guide..."   After a moment, he looks back at the others and grins.   "Joking."   Well, not entirely, but they didn't need to know that.   "As for our host..."   He was surprised that Nolwenn was the one to bring up concerns, and well-founded, if a little paranoid, ones at that. She was learning, huh?   "It does make me wonder how much of value the pterafolk actually have - for all we know, if your suspicions are correct that's just a story she made up as bait for us to get ourselves killed. Still, we do need to have a look. She's not going anywhere, so we can figure out what to do with her after the pterafolk. Who knows, maybe one of them will know more than we thought about what's going on."  
Pyrophilios
  "We do know for a fact, that the Pterafolk have stolen and threatened people before from the other guides. I'd consider that reason enough to take care of them. Having the initiative for once would be welcome on my part."  

The Red Horns remarked,
agignac
When they return to the hut and find Nanny Pu'pu digging a new garden plot. You explain about Qawasha's disappearance, the old woman cackles, then turns it into a cough.  "Staying out at night, very noble, very stupid. With luck they haven't eaten him yet. You will mount the rescue, yes? And free an old woman of her tormenters at the same time. Yes yes. Come, I will show you." 

She takes you towards the southern cliff face and points down.  "Forty feet down or so, there's the entrance. Don't fall!!" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at the others:  "Same procedure as we had with the canoes? You climb with rope, while I secure you?" 
agignac
You find a sturdy rock to tie the rope off to, and head down the cliff face.

TRH survival  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 

The knots hold, and you manage to rappel down about fifty feet to the entrance of the nest. Soon you're all standing in a low, rocky tunnel. You can hear low voices and smell smoke within.

The elf motions the other two to stay quiet, and inches forward. The tunnel isn't long, only ten feet or so, before it turns a corner and opens up into a cave. The cave is roughly triangular - about 30 feet at the front (tunnel in the middle), opening up to about 60 feet in the back. The ceiling is 20 feet overhead.

The smell is the first thing that hits the elf. Smoke and acrid guano combine to make his eyes water and he has to suppress a cough. The pterafolk have a fire in the middle of the cavern, and smoke fills the area. There appears to be a chimney of sorts near the back, as the smoke is being drawn up there, and fresh air is coming in from the cliff face.

The elf takes a moment for his eyes and lungs to adjust. There are several pterafolk in here. Some are cooking over the fire, and some are sitting together, apparently creating something out of small sticks or bones. Draelin counts 7 of the creatures. Three are working on the sticks/bones, two are roasting meat at the fire, and two are sitting near the side of the cave, talking to each other.

The cave has several huge piles of sticks and filth that must be the nests they sleep in. Otherwise, there is no furniture, just piles of belongings and refuse.

None of the pterafolk notice him.
Volthawk
Looking around the cave, at the chimney and then at the piles of sticks that they apparently thought was good enough to sleep in, a few ideas immediately come to Draelin's mind, but he puts them to one side. This was ostensibly a rescue mission, after all.

That said, if there was anything of value here - Qawasha, perhaps, or hopefully some treasure they'd grabbed - it was going to be in one of the nests, so Draelin moves towards the closest one, to his immediate left, trying to get a look into it.
agignac
Draelin tiptoes towards the nearest nest. It was a seemingly ramshackle pile of sticks, bits of vines, bones, hair, and other gruesome bits and pieces. Nearly five feet high, the nest reeks so intensely that Draelin has to hold his breath or risk coughing.

Peering carefully over the edge, he sees a glimmer of metal at the bottom. His eyes watering from the smoke, he squints down, and sees that the bottom is lined with random clothes, pelts and feathers (and more bones), and several metallic items glimmer in the dim light. Everything is spotted with guano, however, and it will be no quick or easy task to pull out whatever is still valuable after its time in the nest.
Volthawk
Hm. Interesting, but not what they were looking for. Plenty of space for a person - or a corpse - to be hidden inside...that meant that if they going to be sure about whether or not Qawasha was here, they'd have to check them all. Plus there was still the question of whether they were going to wipe the pterafolk out or not...for now, he backs away to the others. If he was going to try to get to the other nests, or they were going to take the place by force, the three of them had to be on the same page.
Pyrophilios
When Draelin returned with his findings, The Red Horns nodded and whispered back:

 "I do not see an option for peaceful co-existence. They murdered the tribe living here, so they can't very well begrudge anyone for doing the same to them. Live by the sword, die by the sword. If we open up on them from the dark and use the narrow pass to block the exit, we should be able to handle them."  
Volthawk
Once he's reunited with the others, Draelin quietly describe what he'd seen, nodding when Red brings up the violent approach.   "Way I see it, while I can sneak about in there pretty well - they can't see in the dark as well as me, it seems - Qawasha likely won't be so lucky."   Draelin clearly still didn't have any faith in their guide's abilities.   "Better we get the drop on them rather than them catching me and him in their midst, and worry about him when it's all done."   He glances down at Red's construct.   "Will that be able to hold the line alone, or would it need me up there with it?"  
Pyrophilios
 "Not alone, but I will be there as well."  The Red Horns answered confidently.
The Hellbug
  "We've  been told  they murdered out the tribe living here,"   Nolwenn corrects,   "and by someone who I think we shouldn't necessarily trust.  How many are they?  The element of surprise, I agree, is something that we shouldn't give away lightly, especially if there's a whole throng of them.  If we think it's not overly dangerous, though, it also opens up other options."    She turns to Red, looking him up and down thoughtfully.    "You, and I don't mean to offend, have a particularly frightening countenance, Red.  You could, with some help, easily make quite a terrifying avenger for the dead of Mbala.  Think flames and shadows, the kind of thing you'd associate with a conjured demon--easily accomplishable with a spell.  A foul beast dragged into the mortal world by the torment and pain of the dead of Mbala, now incarnate and stalking the land for their killers--think about it.  They are either perpetrators or witnesses to their fate, after all.  Fear could be the necessary ingredient in opening a dialogue with them while maintaining the upper hand."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:
 "No offense taken, but:
1) we have found no evidence to contradict what we have been told. The tribe was killed, their remains desecrated and the only way the steep hill could be assailed successfully is from the air.
2) even if it hab been a different tribe from this one, I see no reason to assume they won't be hostile. They scouted our position, but did not come close to initiate friendly relations, despite being in a position to do do with little risk to themselves.
3) Evidence in the city points to the Pterafolk being dangerous and covetous in general.

All that lets me conclude, that merely intimidating them to leave won't alleviate the danger they pose to us and our allies. Our guide vanished after they appeared - for all we know they dropped him from on high in the jungle. They won't confess to that to a vengeful spirit. It only gives them a chance to consolidate their courage defending their offspring.

The only option I see is to return to the city to find another guide and leave those people be or to subdue them all and interrogate them afterwards." 
The Hellbug
  "Not unreasonable, but I still disagree,"   Nolwenn replies quietly,   "I think it's possible that they only spied on us from afar because they're  avoiding  the city's ruins. They weren't looted"  --she again spreads the cape she now wears for emphasis--  "not thoroughly, at least, which doesn't line up with what we've been told about the pterafolk.  I think someone else destroyed Mbala, some group that Nanny Pu'pu knows of and lied to us about, that the final survivors fled into the jungle from, that the pterafolk are avoiding, and that took Qawasha.  If that's the case, the pterafolks' account could be critical to our safety and the recovery of our guide."    The wizard lets her words rest for a moment before continuing to explain her thought process.    "The pterafolk's reaction to something like what I have in mind could help us determine their part in all this.  Like you said, Red, if they are the killers, it will only steel their resolve, but if they aren't, there's a good chance they'll react differently."  

Finally, she turns to her elven companion.    "Draelin, you're the only one who's been in there and seen them.  What do you think?"  
Volthawk
When Nolwenn asks for Draelin's opinion, based on what's in the cave, he shrugs.   "Plenty of gore, many bones - both being carved and just strewn about - but I can't be sure whether that's from animals or people. We know from Qawasha that they're generally raiders, but this particular tribe..."   He shrugs again.   "I do see what Nolwenn is saying, though. While I'm fairly sure they're a danger in general, can't say they're specifically who we're after."  
  "Can't say I think this intimidation plan is going to work, though - you might be right about the overall situation, Nolwenn,"   He grins despite the situation, still quite pleased that Nolwenn was the one to suspect the situation and look for the angles   "But I don't think you have the right read on how these guys will react - regardless of what they've been up to exactly, they strike me as the type to go on the aggressive if threatened. So if you're going in there all flashy and scary, give me the chance to go in first quietly again. That way, if they aren't so easily cowed at least  one  of us can get the drop of them, and if Qawasha is in there I can try to stop them going for him before we can. And if all goes to plan, then there's little difference either way. Either way, if things come to blows we should try to take one alive if possible."  
Pyrophilios
 "There is another problem with your plan: We don't speak their language. It will be very hard to communicate to them what we want." 

The Red Horns nodded to Draelin
 "But getting in position is still a good idea. If you can, throw some kind of light in there, so they are illuminated for me." 
agignac
As the three adventurers stand at the entrance, discussing the best way to go forward, Draelin and Red notice a pterafolk soaring over the Aldani Basin, heading straight towards you!! It doesn't appear to have noticed you, yet.

 Keep in mind the pterafolk have a fire, it's dimly lit in the cavern.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns drew his Yklwa, reaying it to attack the Pterafolk as soon as it came into reach, while it couldn't see them in the shadowy mouth of the cave entrance.
Also, he enchanted three pebbles and handed them to his companions and his construct.  "Just aim and throw" 
 
 Spoiler 


Assuming advantage: Attack once the Pterafolk is 30ft away.

 (1d20+3)[ 15 ] / (1d20+3)[ 19 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 6 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 

Construct
 (1d20+7)[ 17 ] / (1d20+7)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d6)[ 4 ] +6, if crit  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn gives The Red Horns a confused look as he presses the rock into her hands.    "Why..."   she begins, but cuts herself off when she sees the incoming pterafolk.  She presses herself against the cave wall in the shadows, following Red's lead.  It's a long shot, but a thrown rock is surely less lethal than a burst of flame, and this lone pterafolk could be an excellent opportunity if they ambush them successfully.  She takes aim and lets the rock soar as soon as anyone else does.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Same rolls as Red's--just throwing that rock at the incoming pterfolk once they get in range, nonlethally hopefully.

attack:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
advantage (or disadvantage if we have it):  (1d20+7)[ 8 ] 
damage:  (1d6+5)[ 8 ] 
 
Volthawk
Draelin, meanwhile, pockets the stone and pulls out his bow instead, steadying himself and lining up a shot and loosing when the others throw their stones. He's more concerned about quickly and efficiently stopping the risk of the pterafolk inside getting alerted than anything else.

 
 Spoiler 

Advantage w/ Steady Aim, if not otherwise
Attack w/ Elven Accuracy:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] / (1d20+7)[ 16 ] / (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 12 ]  +  (2d6)[ 7 ]  SA
 
agignac
The solo pterafolk never knows what hit her. Three stones and an arrow strike her gut, wings and neck, and before she knows she was under attack, she begins to fall from the sky.
The Hellbug
As soon as the pterafolk begins to falter, Nolwenn casts a spell arresting her fall.    "Quickly!  Catch them!"   she urges The Red Horns,   "if they live, we may be able to get some answers from them without assaulting their home directly."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked as if he wanted to argue, but instead dove from the ledge after the falling Pterafolk. Since it still fell faster than he could safely fly, The Red Horns had no way to do anything beyond waiting for it to hit the ground and keeping up with its descent. Once at the bottom, he tried to stabilize the creature - without much enthusiasm

 
 Spoiler 
Medicine
 (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
 
agignac
If Nolwenn hadn't cast her spell of slow falling, the pterafolk would have been splattered on impact. However, her spell made all the difference, and the pterafolk met the ground nearly dead, instead of meat porridge. The Red Horns, despite not caring greatly if the creature lived or died, was able to stabilize it. It had a great many wounds, and would certainly fall prey to some carnivore or another if left here without healing.
Pyrophilios
With no option to carry the wounded creature back up and no inclination to waste precious ressources on it, the Red Horns decided to hide the Pterafolk as best as he could.

That done, he flew back up to report the situation:  "It's still alive, though barely. So we have someone to interrogate - provided, we finish this lot first." 
Volthawk
Draelin nods thoughtfully.   " If  we finish off this lot. If Nolwenn's right, then we won't need to go in, and..."   He thinks it over.   "They do have valuables,I think  - at the least, things they find shiny, should be something good in there - but nothing's in good condition in there. The place stinks, and they don't distinguish between a toilet and a stash. Main reason we'd want to go in is for Qawasha, and maybe if we talk to that one first it can confirm whether or not he's in there. Might be worth trying to get it to talk first."  
Pyrophilios
 "Counter point: If we go down to fetch and interrogate it, we risk getting attacked by a random monster in the jungle - or from the rest of these flyers. While we are here, they can't use their wings and attack only one at a time. We likely won't get an opportunity like this again to get rid of such a threat. You saw how effective our barage was. We can do this." 

For some reason, The Red Horns seemed to have developed genuine hatred for the pterafolk - and he wasn't sure himself where that hate came from...
The Hellbug
  "Yes, it's a risk,"   Nolwenn argues,   "but not as great of one as going in to fight them in their home.  Plus, that's still an option for us if this doesn't work out.  The inverse is not true.  You can get one of us down there, right?  The other can stay watch here.  With my invisibility or Draelin's skill, we should be able to hide ourselves nearby and keep an eye on their comings and goings.  I have some training in the medical arts, though, if not magical healing."  

She pauses for a moment.    "But I wouldn't be opposed to staying behind.  Useful as my skills are, I'm willing to believe that I've deceived myself with my own suspicions."  
Volthawk
This wasn't going anywhere fast. Time to do the old strategy of 'say something decisive and hope everyone just goes with it'.   "Alright, here's what we're doing. You two head down there - see if you can get any information out of it, deal with it one way or another depending on said information, then come back. I'll hide out up here, and if they take aggressive action then I'll start killing them up here do my best to not die until you guys get back up. Sound good? Good. Off you go."  
The Hellbug
  "Perfect!  Let's get at it, then,"   Nolwenn says, clapping her hands together in satisfaction,   "no time to lose."    She turns around and raises her arms to shoulder-level so that Red can pick her up.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns sighed:   "Alright, be sure to call out when you need us."  

Carrying his burden, he descended to where he had hidden the downed Pterafolk.

 "I'll tie him up, you revive him." 
The Hellbug
Down at the injured pterafolk, Nolwenn nods in agreement with The Red Horns before eagerly setting upon her unconscious patient.  After a few minutes investigating injuries, checking bandages, and applying salves, she steps back and wipes the sweat from her forehead.    "That's all I can do,"   she announces,   "unless you have some magical healing up your sleeve, we just need to wait until they wake--doubt it will be long.  In the meantime: preparations.  I have a spell that can magically compel friendship out of people, but I'd prefer to avoid using it.  It will be just as effective after we've exhausted other methods anyway.  If they don't speak common, I will understand through my spell and can act as interpreter for you, and we can try to communicate back with pantomime and my illusions.  Difficult but definitely possible."  

She settles down to cast her spell and waits for the pterafolk to awake.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Medicine check with a doctor's kit in case that helps:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
Ritually casting Comprehend Languages and then waiting for consciousness to get this show on the road.
 
agignac
The pterafolk had been on death's doorstep, but Nolwenn's ministrations helped stabilize the creature, and prevented it from bleeding out. They only had to wait a minute or so before the creature's eyelids opened, and then an inner eyelid peeled back, revealing a groggy, brown eye with a vertacle pupil. It squawked in alarm, and scrabbled backwards a few feet. It opened its beak-like mouth, and said,  "Don't kill me!" 

Its voice was high, it had thick accent, and it wasn't clear how it spoke without having lips, but the pterafolk's words were clearly in common.
The Hellbug
One of Nolwenn's eyes pops open, her concentration on her ritual interrupted, when the pterafolk awakes.    "Oh, you're up, good,"   she observes getting to her feet,   "no need to worry, that wasn't the plan.  You'd already be quite dead without our intervention--quite the fall you had, practically miraculous you survived, don't you agree?  Water?  Oh, and please try to keep still, it'll be much better for your wounds."    She takes a step toward the downed and bound creature and offers her water skin.

Whether or not their captive accepts, the wizard continues, sliding into a hastily-constructed persona and pacing as she explains the situation.    "We're travelers from Port Nyanzaru--fortune-hunters, explorers, it probably doesn't matter much to you.  We've been tramping through this jungle, through swamp and over mountain, for weeks now.  You'll have to excuse us for the brusque introduction; we were hoping to rest for the next leg of our journey in Mbala but, as you are, I'm sure, intimately aware, that's not a possibility."    She stops and sends an accusatory glare towards the pterfolk.    "I'm going to be very clear with you, try to paint a mental picture so that you can understand our situation.  The lack of rest would be disappointing enough, but imagine our surprise when we found that the reason for it was that they had been massacred and their bodies desecrated.  And then imagine that our guide had kin among them.  Are you following this?  Do you perhaps understand why we're having this conversation?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns watched with interest and some confusion as Nolwen spelled out for the Pterafolk how to best lie to her.
agignac
The pterafolk stared at the rapid-talking human, though her eyes kept moving to the striking figure of The Red Horns. When it became clear that the human expected an answer, she said,  "You....want a place to rest? With...us?" 
The Hellbug
  "No,"   Nolwenn answers with an exaggerated disappointed sigh,   "we want to know where you took our guide."    She conjures up an illusionary depiction of Qawasha.    "This man.  Was putting the dead to rest in Mbala all yesterday.  We know one of yours was keeping an eye on him."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
For a still image,  minor illusion  should be sufficient.
 
agignac
 "Oh!"  the pterafolk says, the word coming out like a squawk.  "You want our breakfast! It is in the cave, in a nest, waiting for the hatchlings to awake. It is very fresh, we will share with you if you don't kill me!" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horn whispered to Nolwenn:  "Alright, any more questions, or can we get back to plan A before they eat our guide?" 
The Hellbug
  "Yes, and quickly,"   Nolwenn whispers, not bothering to hide that she is doing so from the pterafolk,   "just one moment longer."  
  "Not a particularly compelling invitation,"   she continues with the pterafolk, managing not to grimace in disgust,   "and I don't see how you would think it would be so unless you were also accustomed to eating your own kind--quite dreadful.  It's not wonder your people have such a reputation.  How about this person?  She's been living here since Mbala was abandoned and yet she hasn't become breakfast yet.  Why?"    She replaces her illusionary image with one of Mama Pu'pu with a flick of her wrist.
agignac
The pterafolk recoiled in fear for several moments, before realizing the image was an illusion.  "No! Not her! She bad luck, bad juju, very dangerous! She kill many many many! Don't give me to her!!" 

Back near the top of the cliff, Draelin heard a new sound coming from within. Small, high pitched voices, squawking hungrily. The hatchlings woke up.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn raises an eyebrow at the pterafolk's reaction.    "No need to worry...about that, at least, wasn't even on the menu; she had similar things to say about you, by the way,"   she replies,   "and I'd love to chat with you more about that particular subject, but, speaking of menus, it looks like we need to stop your people from killing and eating our guide.  If we don't need to drive them out entirely, we'll let them know where you can be rescued."  

She nods at Red and prepares to fly back up to the nest.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded back and stabbed the captured creatures in the neck in a swift motion, to make the death as quick and painless as possible.  
 Spoiler: Pending reactions from Nolwenn 
Then he grabbed Nolwenn to fly her back up - a task that was much more difficult and strenous than the reverse before.

 "Has anything changed?"  He whispered to Draelin
 
The Hellbug
Everything's going fine as The Red Horns nods back until he tightens his grip on his weapon.  Nolwenn's stomach twists and she reaches out to grab his arm.    "No!  What are you do--"  

--and in a shimmer of silvery mist, she finds herself standing between Red and the bound pterafolk, facing their prisoner.  She blinks once in confusion, disoriented, before finding her mental balance and spinning around toward the undead tiefling.    "We need to go,"   she starts unsteadily but gaining in momentum as she speaks,   "this creature isn't a threat to us and, once we free Qawasha, I suspect none of them will be.  No need to spill more blood than necessary.  That's not why we're here."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bonus action to Misty Step (as per the feat) and then just talking.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns is once more confused.
 "You are sending mixed messages here. You do know that there are only three outcomes: The knots hold and he is killed gruesomely by some critters in the jungle - unable to defend himself. The knots don't hold and he comes after us to warn his people. Or I kill him now and remove both options.

But since you are wasting magic energy to save this wretched creature, I'll give you your wish. And if this bites us in our behinds, I'll make sure to tell you "I told you so" before we die due to your misplaced morals." 

The Red Horns looked grim as he gripped Nolwenn and flew them upwards with a lot of effort.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn sighs with relief when Red lowers his weapon and, perhaps wisely, doesn't push back against his condemnation of her wishes.    "Understood,"   is all she says before allowing the artificer to pick her up and lug her back up to the nest's entrance where Draelin hopefully waits.
Volthawk
Draelin doesn't wait for a full explanation from the others, just a confirmation that they're not leaving before gesturing with a hand towards the nest and drawing his rapier.   "Feeding time in there. If we're doing this, we need to go  now ."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded and sent his construct next to him into position and prepared again three stones to be thrown, while he readied his Yklwa.
 "Ready when you are. Concentrate on one after the other until they collapse. No mercy" 

At that last whispered command he threw a dark look at Nolwenn. Then he touched his construct, giving it a bit of added durability

 
 Spoiler 


Precasting and concentrating on Heroism for the construct as the main tank for the team (gains 5 temp hp every round)

Provided we start with a surprise round, I'm rolling two rounds of attacks as well as initiative

Ini
 (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 

Yklwa attack:
Surprise Round  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 7 ] +5, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 

Round 1  (1d20+8)[ 27 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +5, if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 

Construct: Magic Stone
Surprise Round  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] , damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] +5, if crit  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Round 1  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] , damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] +5, if crit  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn huffs at Red's look as soon as his back is turned, but, if Draelin's report is accurate, he's not necessarily wrong.  The three will be badly outnumbered and will need every advantage they can get if they are to save Qawasha.

The wizard rushes into the larger cave area as the tiefling and his construct let loose their opening barrage, and an idea pops into her head.  Certainly, a good way to even the odds would be to give the pterafolk some other potential crisis to worry about.  With that thought, she hurls a bolt of fire at one of the pterafolk near the inhabited nest and, as she settles into a corner between cave wall and nest and casts another spell, sending a terrible gust of wind across the center of the cave and towards the fire and the pair of pterafolk next to it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Surprise round:Nolwenn moves into the room and fires off a flame bolt at pterafolk C.
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d10)[ 3 ] 

Round 1:  Nolwenn moves to the little cranny between wall and nest and casts Gust of Wind, targeting it across the center of the cave to hit the two pterafolk and the firepit in the middle there.  Strength save is DC15 or get knocked back 15 feet.
 
Volthawk
Draelin couldn't help but notice the animosity in the tunnel, but now wasn't really the time or place to address it. Instead, once the others are ready to attack he gets moving - he was quick on his feet, after all, and he hoped that meant he was capable of running in past the thrown spears and slung spells, get in close and drop one before darting back to rejoin the group. That was the hope, at least.

 
 Spoiler 

Looks like surprise doesn't give any advantage or the like. Got a few things that will go differently depending on past results, let me know if it doesn't make sense.

Surprise Round:
Move: Move to pterafolk G - if it's within 35ft, Draelin can get there with his normal move, if not he'll need to use Cunning Action as a bonus action to Dash, so in that case ignore Insightful Fighting below.
Bonus action: Dash as above or Insightful Fighting - Draelin makes an Insight check ( (1d20+9)[ 11 ] ) opposed by its Deception check, and on a success he can sneak attack it regardless of the advantage/disadvantage situation for a minute or until I use this on someone else.
Action: Attack Pterafolk G
 - Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
 - Damage:  (1d8+7)[ 12 ]  +  (2d6)[ 4 ]  SA if Insightful Fighting succeeds

Round 1:
Bonus Action: If Pterafolk G is alive and I couldn't Insightful Fighting last round, doing that now before attacking (see roll above). If after my attack I still have my bonus action, and either Pterafolk A is alive at the end of my attack or I had to attack F and it survived, then take a Disengage action through Cunning Action. If I kill G with this turn's attack, or move to F and kill him (ie if I have no need to Disengage), then Dash through Cunning Action.
Action: Attack Pterafolk G if it's still alive - if not use some move to get to F
 - Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
 - Damage:  (1d8+7)[ 14 ]  +  (2d6)[ 12 ]  SA if Insightful Fighting succeeds
Move: Move back to the others (potentially benefitting from Disengage or Dash, depending on what I needed to use my bonus action on) - this might not get me exactly back to the others if I had to dash in the surprise round or move to attack F without killing it this round, but it'll get me close.
 
agignac
The pterafolk are not prepared for the death that sweeps into their cave. Nolwenn wounds one near the nest with her firebolt, as Red and his construct concentrate on one near the fire, killing it. The construct turned and threw a magic stone at one near the east wall. Draelin runs inside, attacking that same beast. His first blow wasn't enough to finish it, but the second one was.

The pterafolk fell with a high-pitched scream, and turned towards the elf. It's bigger up close than Draelin had realized, towering over him at nearly 10 feet high. The elf scurried backwards, out of the way.

It was then that Nolwenn cast her spell, summoning up a gust of wind that ransacked the cave. One of the pterafolk was pushed backwards, tumbling end over end until it nearly hit the back wall. The fire blew out, throwing the cave into darkness. Embers, smoke, dust and debris filled the air, making sight impossible, even for those who could see in the dark. And by god the STENCH! It was nearly overwhelming.

In the darkness, pandemonium. Screeches and caws intermingled with common words. "Hatchlings", "Intruders", and "Kill" were a few you managed to pick out of the cacophony.

You all brace for the retaliation, but only one of the pterafolk swoop in to attack. Draelin finds himself with a wall of angry pterfolk in front of him. The nimble elf manages to avoid the two sharp claws, but the pointed beak of the creature jabs down and bites the archaeologist hard in the shoulder.

On top of everything, your eyes, lungs and stomach, which began to falter under the acrid atmosphere in the cavern.

 
 Spoiler 
Everybody up. Nobody can see more than a few feet into the cave. There's a little bit of light coming in from the tunnel from outside.

Everybody needs to make a Con save, DC 11. If you fail, you are blinded (eyes watering) and nauseated (which isn't a condition in 5e so we'll go with poisoned). You will need to roll this save every time you start your round within the cave. With every fail, the DC will increase by one.

Draelin took 10 points of damage from that bite. Two pterafolk are dead.

Questions??
 
Pyrophilios
At moments like this, The Red Horns was really glad he didn't breath. At once he commanded the construct to strike and send his yklwa flying at Draelin's assailant.
Volthawk
That  hurt , but they didn't exactly have a choice but to keep fighting at this point. Seeing that the pterafolk on top of him was still going even after taking injuries, Draelin stands his ground and keeps fighting.

 
 Spoiler 

Con save rolled and passed in discord.

Bonus action: Insightful Fighting, Insight check ( (1d20+9)[ 16 ] ) opposed by the pterafolk's Deception, success allows for SA to apply.
Action: Attack pterafolk F
 - Attack (no disadvantage/advantage as far as I can see):  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
 - Damage:  (1d8+7)[ 11 ]  +  (2d6)[ 4 ]  SA
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn has enough time for exactly one moment of triumph before the horrible cloud of dust and smoke engulfs her and her companions.  It must be more than just that, though, because the smell is terrible beyond description and something in it makes her eyes feel like they're on fire.  Normally, she'd be sure to sneak in some derisive remark about the obvious filthiness of the pterafolk's abode, but she's too busy doing her best not to vomit to do so.    "I swear, this isn't what I meant to do,"   she confesses between gags and coughs,   "Qawasha!  Are you in there?"  

Suddenly, an idea pops into her head; if she can't see, the pterafolk are likely in the same situation.  She concentrates mightily through her nausea, focusing on the most basic of her illusion spells.  When she finishes the incantation, there's a mighty roar, and the sound of a raging fire erupts from the back of the cave.  The wizard then directs her howling winds upward so as not to harm her allies and, eyes clenched shut, feels her way along the cave wall back to the entrance.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action: Minor Illusion to conjure the sound of a big ole bonfire in the back of the cave in the general direction of the nest back there.
Move: Blindly grope along the wall out into the clear air.
Bonus action: redirect Gust of Wind upward.
 
agignac
The pterfolk fell before the combined onslaught of Red, Draelin, and the Steel Defender. The large creature collapsed in a heap, nearly landing on Red's partner.

The air was still full of embers, dust, excrement, and smoke, burning the eyes and throat. Nolwenn directed her wind upwards, at the roof only 20 feet overhead. The colony of bats roosting there were helpless before the strong winds, and were torn from their roosts. The air was suddenly full of little brown bats, tumbling through the air, shrieking in surprise, trying to get their bearings. Several were thrown into walls or roof and killed, but many were now added to the chaos of the cavern.

Nolwenn turned and groped her way back down the tunnel. As soon as she turned the bend, the air became clearer and she was able to wipe her eyes and see again. A few bats swooped past her, heading to freedom.

The sounds of fire filled the back of the cavern. The shrieking of the pterafolk increased in panic. Within seconds, two pterafolk came into view of the entrance. Each had several hatchlings clinging to the thick folds of their necks, and the adults had their wings raised to shield them from harm. The balked when the saw the entrance blocked by the tiny but terrifying Red Horns, Draelin, and Steel Defender. Their shouts a mix of their own language and common, the screeched,  "Fire, the hatchlings!" 

From the sounds of it, all the remaining pterafolk have converged on the entrance. You can only see two carrying hatchlings clearly, but it sounds like there are at least two more right behind them.

From deep in the cave you can hear Qawasha coughing.
Pyrophilios
 "Well, he is alive at least."  The Red Horns managed to utter before they panicked Pterafolk came into view.

Aiming at the left male defending the females, he let fly his Yklwa and commanded his construct to hit that one as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Sharp shooter (disadvantage because of throwing in close combat
 (1d20+3)[ 12 ] / (1d20+3)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 4 ] +15, if crit  (1d8)[ 5 ] 

Steel defender attacking the same male
 (1d20+7)[ 10 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 3 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn finally dispenses with the wind spell when she gets an unexpected face full of panicked bat, but at least, out of the smoke and fumes, she can finally breathe again.  Blinking the tears out of her eyes, she can finally see, too, and it looks like Red and Draelin have the situation under control at the entrance.    "Maybe not for long,"   she replies to the tiefling,   "I'll try find him, keep them distracted for a moment.  If they flee, all the better."    With that said, she takes a deep breath and plunges into the smoke again, carefully weaving her way past the hatchling carriers.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ending concentration on Gust of Wind.  Action to withdraw to avoid opportunity attacks then charging in towards Qawasha's voice with my full movement.
 
Volthawk
The bats were distracted enough for Draelin to get careless and inhale a particularly punguent mix of foulness. He'd been able to keep his mind off the situation and his stomach steady until now, but not any more. Luckily, he didn't have to do much in the way of fancy maneuvering now the pterafolk were fleeing, just figure out where the one closest to him was, and how it was moving, and stab.

 
 Spoiler 

Draelin's just going to attack the pterafolk closest to him. Same routine as usual, just more difficult from blinded+poisoned.

Bonus action: Insightful Fighthing, Insight check (worst of  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] / (1d20+9)[ 21 ] ) against Deception, winning the rolloff means SA applies.
Attack (disadvantage):  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] / (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+7)[ 11 ]  +  (2d6)[ 6 ]  if SA applies
 
agignac
The Steel Defender and the Red Horns attacked the pterafolk coming up behind the two holding hatchlings. The yklwa struck true, gouging the large, angry reptile before returning to Red's hands. The construct, however, was unlucky and missed.

The elf, tears clouding his vision, struck blindly at the same opponent, but this time was unable to connect.

Nolwenn, dismissing her spell, dodged nimbly into the cavern, avoiding all the pterafolk, in her mission to find Qawasha.

The two pterafolk with hatchlings continued to hurry from the cavern, carrying their precious cargo, and flew away over the Aldani Basin.

With the wind gone, the ashes and debris began to settle, and the remaining smoke began to rise. It was still dark in the cavern, and the smell was noxious, but at least it was slightly easier on the eyes.

The pterafolk that Red had injured stepped forward, fury in its expression, and attacked the tiefling. His defender tried to foul its attempt to bite, but the pterafolk will not be turned aside. It slashes at Red with the sharp claws on both hand/wings, and manages one bad scratch across Red's shoulder and neck.

The last remaining pterafolk attacked the defender, also with two claw attacks and a bite attempt. Again, the pterafolk bit and clawed at the creature, scoring deep scratches in the construct.

From within the cave, Qawasha continues to cough and struggle within one of the nests.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns cursed, using the Abbysal language that adorned his body. At least for that this language was really, really good.

With a mental command, he tasked his twig construct to attack his opponent, leaving the less injured standing and focusing on bringing the one he hit down.

Depending on if that ploy worked he would be able to throw at the remaining one - or he would have to finish the job in close combat himself.

 
 Spoiler 


Bonus Action: Steeldefender attack A

 (1d20+7)[ 8 ] , damage  (1d8)[ 3 ] +2, if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 

Attack action TRH:
If my opponent goes down, I throw with sharp shooter at D, otherwise I attack regularly A

 (1d20)[ 10 ] + 3  (8), damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] + 16  (6), if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Holding her breath does nothing for Nolwenn against the foul stench of the pterafolk's cave, and, although she can open her eyes again once the wind has ended, she still can't see more than a foot in front of her face in the dim, smoky cave.  Quietly following the sounds of Qawasha's coughing, though, she stumbles straight into one of the nests with relatively little difficulty.  Getting into it is another story.  It takes her a moment to find purchase among the loose debris in the darkness and, when she reaches the top, the best she can manage is an undignified flop over the edge and a tumble down the other side.

She mentally curses the uselessness of her spells in moments like this as she finds her feet and begins groping in the darkness for the group's guide.  It only takes a moment before her hand lands on something that's clearly flesh-and-blood.    "Qawasha?"   she probes quietly,   "it's me, Nolwenn.  We're here to get you out of this mess.  Red and Draelin have their attention at the entrance.  Are you bound?  I've got a knife."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to get to Qawasha, action to start getting him out of the nest.
 
Volthawk
With Nolwenn providing a little respite by ending her spell, Draelin's able to get his eyes clear and his stomach together enough to properly take stock of the situation - one left, huh? With its focus on Red's construct, Draelin doesn't think it'll be that hard to slip past it and get a good precise strike in.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus action: Cunning Action for a Disengage action, just in case my movement would provoke
Move: Move to a flanking position around Pterafolk D - seems like there might be space? Not entirely sure, nor am I sure about how precisely opposite you need to be to trigger it.
Attack (w/ Advantage if flanking achieved):  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] / (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+7)[ 11 ]  +  (2d6)[ 6 ]  SA
 
agignac
With the Twig Defender harrying the nearest pterafolk, Draelin is able to slip in around and come up behind the second one. The twiggy fellow, tiefling and elf strike together, and are able to bring down the two large, angry pterafolk. Soon the cave is quiet, except for Qawasha's coughing and Nolwenn fumbling around in the dark.

She finds that their guide is woozy and unable to help himself much. The wizard cuts through his bonds, but it takes all three of them to heave the druid out of the nest. He is coughing badly, and unable to stand without support.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns leaned against a wall, holding his injury when Nolwenn came staggering out with their guide.

 "Old man, I have to ask: How have you managed to stay alive this long? You might want to think about retiring in the city, preferably on a different continent.
You are supposed to be the one warning us about dangers and stearing us clear from them.

Let's get you back to Mama and patch you up. Though first I have to tend to my ribbs." 

As he said that, golden light flowed from his hands and closed the gash.

 "Alright. I'll bring up Draelin first, then Qasha, then Nolwenn. Keep an eye open for returning Pterafolk." 
The Hellbug
Even though she's entirely unharmed, Nolwenn practically stumbles out of the horrid cave.  Still helping support Qawasha, she almost panics at one final wave of nausea from its foul stench, but it passes, and she avoids dropping the injured druid.  As she catches her breath, she looks back on the scene--the smoky cave, the dead pterafolk on the ground--and she feels her stomach twist.  Yes, the pterafolk were foul predators trying to eat the group's guide, but they didn't deserve this.  If things had just been a little different, perhaps...and perhaps not.  She stares back on the carnage with a sad frown.

It's Red's announcement that shakes the wizard from her reflection.    "Oh, yes, here,"   she replies, making sure Red is supporting the druid fully before handing him off,   "not right back to Mama Pu'pu.  We should find somewhere else to take stock of our situation.  After what that pterafolk said, I don't think we should trust her to see us weak."  
  "Speaking of which,"   she continues, offering her dagger, handle first,   "you were right.  No one else is coming for them, and it'd be cruel to leave them to the beasts.  I don't think they're going to be a threat to us anymore; you should free them..."    Her expression hardens as she pauses.    "Or kill them,"   she adds cynically,   "just don't let me know either way.  Too many have died over this already.  And I'm unhurt; it's no problem for me to climb."    As she finishes, Nolwenn tests the rope they came down on and begins to climb back up to the top of the mesa.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked on with incredulity, shook his head and plunged out of sight. About a minute later he came back and helped Draeling and Qasha up.

Only once everyone was on solid ground did he turn to Nolwenn:  "Why exactly do you distrust Mama Pu'Pu now? Did you find evidence in there or are you just still holding it against her that she hasn't died to the Pterafolk?" 
The Hellbug
  "Same reasons as before,"   Nolwenn answers as she looks over Qawasha's wounds,   "I'm almost certain she's not being totally honest with us.  I wouldn't stake my life on it, but I  definitely  wouldn't risk my life on the inverse, which is what I fear stumbling into her home obviously wounded might be. Oh!  "  Distracted by suddenly remembering by the fact that Draelin hasn't been caught up on the full situation, she turns to her elven ally.    "I'm sorry, Draelin, things were so quick we didn't get a chance to tell you.  The pterafolk we interrogated: terrified of Mama Pu'pu, and I don't think they were capable of that kind of false sincerity.  Said that she was a bringer of death and bad luck.  I would've liked to ask more, but we learned that Qawasha's danger was imminent."  
Volthawk
Listening to what the others have to say, Draelin frowns, thinks it over, then nods.   "Hedging our bets seems like a pretty safe move. If we make sure we're in as good a state as we can be before going in and she's fine, then there's no problem, and if there is a problem, then we're as ready as we can be. Not saying I think there will be a problem, jury's still out there, but...no harm taking a bit of time to be ready first."   He gestures in Qawasha's direction.   "Looks like he'll need some time to get his breath back, in any case.  
agignac
Nolwenn scrambled back up the cliff, while The Red Horns did the heavy lifting. Once out of the poisonous atmosphere of the pterafolk's cave, Qawasha's cough eased up some. However, he had a concerning rattle in his lungs, and his eyes were very bloodshot. When he was lowered to the ground, he promptly vomited and passed out.

Otherwise, the area was quiet. A few flying monkeys flew from tree to tree, occasionally stopping to watch you. A dinosaur trumpeted from the valley below, the call echoing up the cliffside. In the distance, the heart of Ubtao continued to float, and behind you, the city of Mbala continued to fall into ruin.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns made his shield glow in a faint light again:  "The smoke is lessening. I'll take a closer look at what was left behind in the Pterrafolk's denn. Might shed some light on what they were up to with the village."
 


Once he could move inside without his eyes burning too much, he began inspecting the nests - aided by his twig construct. That turned out to be still bad enough that he needed a break sooner than he wanted.

 
 Spoiler 

Investigation w/help action through construct
 (1d20+7)[ 9 ] / (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is diving into her pack for a waterskin and some food for Qawasha when the injured druid falls into unconsciousness.  She jumps straight into action, quickly inspecting him for any previously unseen wound.  The wizard begins to panic when she checks his temperature, makes sure he's not choking on something, pulls back his eyelid...

And it's Draelin who finally points out that it's probably just his wounds and the horrible conditions in the cave.  Calming down and gathering the food and water for when the druid awakes, Nolwenn settles back into a diagnosis of his wounds while the two wait for Red to get back up from the cave.  What she sees, though, begins to concern her.

  "Draelin, what do you make of this?"   she asks her elven companion.  She leads his attention to two of Qawasha's injuries in particular: bruises that take the shape of large, but humanoid, grasping hands and a place where it looks like his head was clobbered.    "You got a better look than me, but I don't think those are from a pterafolk, and in the cave they looked like they prefered to fight with beak and claw, not club  ."  She waits for Draelin to state any clonclusions he has first, but to emphasize this last point, she gestures towards the elf's own cuts from the recent fight.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns reappeared looking soothy and exhausted:
 "It's no good. I didn't find anything with the smoke still hanging in there. Just some crap javelines and selfmade bone jewelry." 

He perked up when he heard about the prints on Qawaha's neck:  "You see? That's what I'd call evidence! Looks like another person is around here. We should rest and confront Mama Pu'Pu tomorrow about it." 
Volthawk
Draelin frowns and nods as Nolwenn points out the details they've both seen.   "Yeah, that's not the work of the pterafolk...if there were a group like this - large, hostile to the average person, and armed - and she wasn't involved, surely she'd have mentioned them like she did the pterafolk..."   He mulls it over some more until Red returns and is briefed on the situation, responding to the note about the javelins and jewelery with a quick   "We may as well bring the bone craftwork along, someone back in calmer lands may find the brutality of it strangely appealing. People often do."   as he prepares to put forward a conclusion about the situation.

  "Alright, here's how I see things went down. Maybe the pterafolk were involved in what happened to the village and she let it happen, only scared them off when they got to what she thought was hers, or maybe - more likely, at this point - it was all Pu'pu and whoever or whatever she has an agreement with and she'd already asserted dominance over the pterafolk. In any case, the status quo is clear. Pu'pu in the town, pterafolk out here, and the two stay apart - and most importantly, neither can just deal with the other side outright. The pterafolk fear her and stay away, and she doesn't send whatever did this to Qawasha to them - maybe she doesn't want to, maybe it couldn't handle the climb, maybe she's not confident it could win. The status quo changes when we turn up. Qawasha cares about the village, starts trying to take care of the place. Maybe he stumbles into something he should've had - after all, we were easily led to where the valuables were, but he could've gone anywhere nearby as a part of doing what he felt he needed to in order to put thngs to rest. Maybe she was always planning on getting rid of him, and directing us to the pterafolk was intended to get us killed instead of elimating a local threat - or a bit of both, I suppose. In any case, he's attacked and knocked out, and left where the pterafolk can find him. They're not going to turn down a free meal, so we end up in the situation we're in, with the pterafolk not eating him quickly enough to dispose of the evidence, and not succeeding in killing us to tie up loose ends."  

Draelin nods, happy with that line of reasoning even if the answer it gave wasn't ideal.   "We should be prepared for trouble when we return - if we return. We could always just leave, try to take care of Qawasha on the road. His best bet is probably back there though, a woman like Pu'pu probably has all kinds of concoctions that may help getting him on his feet. And, of course, she'll probably have some valuables of her own tucked away - she did leave chests full of wealth and magic items just there for the taking by anyone, after all, so she must already have something good of her own."   He pauses.   "And there's justice and such to be done, I suppose. Don't know if either of you particularly care about that angle. Either way, it's a classic risk/reward problem - we go back, spring the trap, fight and hopefully win and come out with a probably-healthy Qawasha, as useful as that is, and whatever else she owns, or we keep going, avoid the risk but have to deal with Qawasha in this state and settle for what we found in the chief's home. Personally, I'm feeling like we should go for it."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods along with Draelin's hypothesis on how the events in Mbala have played out.    "I have some different opinions about the details, but they are hardly verifiable and lead to practically the same conclusions,"   the wizard agrees and lowers her voice--she can't tell if any of the flying monkeys is the one the crone sent to guide them--as she continues,   "I think we should return to Mama Pu'pu, but not as attackers--she may still be our best bet at getting Qawasha back on his feet.  Here's what I think we should do: rest for a moment now to catch our breath and see if Qawasha wakes up--he's hurt but not in imminent danger.  Then, we return to Mama Pu'pu and feign ignorance, like we didn't notice anything.  We attacked the pterafolk, drove them off and rescued Qawasha but failed to kill them all, and are returning for her healing skills for our wounded guide before we'll be on our way like we originally planned."    

She pauses for dramatic effect.    "But we watch and make sure she doesn't get up to anything with him.  Maybe he saw his attacker and maybe he didn't but my guess is that she doesn't know that either.  We'll catch her in her lies without this hypothetical guardian or minion or whatever it is and then be able to press her on exactly how deep they go.  Or maybe she'll think the best way to deal with us is to get him back on his feet and send us on our way.  If that's the case, we can figure out what to do then."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
In case it's not clear, I'm proposing a short rest first.
 
Pyrophilios
 "Alright. Just don't jump the gun. There is still the possibility, that a third party is around and Mama Pu'Pu is innocent of this crime." 

The Red Horns nodded and prepared a small fire under some shelter for a short rest
agignac
You hunker down away from the edge, staying out of the sight of the sky. Qawasha wakes up twice, asking for water, and remained semi-unconscious for the hour. His raspy breathing seemed to ease a bit in the fresh air.

Red's twiggy companion kept an eye on the sky, and reported a pterafolk returning to the cave opening. Less than a minute later it shot out again, heading east over the Aldani basin.
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 You hunker down away from the edge, staying out of the sight of the sky. Qawasha wakes up twice, asking for water, and remained semi-unconscious for the hour. His raspy breathing seemed to ease a bit in the fresh air.

Red's twiggy companion kept an eye on the sky, and reported a pterafolk returning to the cave opening. Less than a minute later it shot out again, heading east over the Aldani basin. 
 

Seeing their guide not get better, The Red Horns pulled out another of his very limited healing spells, to strengthen the old man enough so that he maybe would be able to help himself.

Seeing the Pterafolk, he asked:  "I'm pretty sure I know your answers by now, but: Shouldn't we take out that one, before it can bring reinforcements looking for us?" 
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "Alright. Just don't jump the gun. There is still the possibility, that a third party is around and Mama Pu'Pu is innocent of this crime."  
 

  "Exactly!"   Nolwenn agrees,   "and if that's the case, nothing changes.  We just ask for help and then are on our way."  

As the group rests, Nolwenn snacks on the food she had previously gotten out for Qawasha and tends to the druid, making sure he eats and drinks something in his moments of consciousness.  When she's not, she distracts herself with her spellbook--clearly her repertoire was not totally sufficient for the showdown in the pterafolk's nest, and she needs to improve it.  Firstly, there's the question of her spontaneous transposition down at the foot of the cliff.  She wishes she had a library at her disposal.  If it were so, she's certain she could get to the bottom of exactly what happened.  As it is: it certainly was certainly a magical effect, and a magical effect caused by her, herself, but definitely not one that she had studied.  In fact, when Nolwenn reaches she can feel herself brushing up against...something, but the feeling is like that of an exhausted athlete--she just doesn't have...something, again.   For now, she contents herself on pondering a method for replicating it.

When Red mentions the pterafolk, she nods.    "I bet you do.  We've got what we wanted from them.  With any luck we'll be on our way and away from where they can find us before too long."  
agignac
Red plies Qawasha with his healing magic, and the druid regains consciousness. He groans, putting a hand to his head, then coughs. Nolwenn hands him the water, and he drinks heavily, stopping to cough several times. Finally he gets his breath and is able to answer questions.

 "I didn't see what hit me. I was attacked in the night, just as I was finishing my ritual. Something grabbed me, tried to choke me. Weed was shouting something about a naked monster, all stitched together. Then I got hit in the head. I don't remember anything really, until waking up here." 

He sat up suddenly, flinching.  "Weed, where's Weed?" 
Volthawk
Given the other two seemed to have Qawasha handled, Draelin takes the time around the fire as an opportunity to check on his own injuries, tending to the pecks and scratches as best he can and letting the pain fade with time. The news of the pterafolk fleeing the cave gets a shrug from him.   "I doubt we can catch it, anyway - it's flying and has a head start, and we'd have to travel through the jungle to follow it with no idea of where we're going. It's hardly like it could've learned our identities in there - worst case scenario, the pterafolk elsewhere are a little angrier in general for a while, but it shouldn't come back on us in particular."   He thinks it over for a moment longer.   "It  does  mean we shouldn't stick around too long, though. Don't want to get caught close to the scene if that one's coming back with a group."  

The other two getting Qawasha conscious enough to talk so quickly is pretty impressive to Draelin, and he is very interested to hear what the man has to say. The story he told tracked with what they knew, but...hm.   "All stitched together...I don't think we found many other body parts in the village other than skulls, did we? I wonder..."   He then shrugs.   "You were alone in the cave. Pterafolk aren't vegetarians, I guess. Maybe he's hiding out where you got attacked, maybe he got taken away by your attacker, maybe he's...you know. Can't know for sure at the moment."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's gladness that their guide is revived is quickly replaced by embarrassment that she had forgotten about his plant companion.  Additionally, a stitched-together naked monster?
 She doesn't know what kind of creature that could be, and she wonders if Weed had just been panicking.  Qawasha's memory could be suspect with that bump on the head, as well.    "We definitely didn't see them with the pterafolk,"   she echoes Draelin,   "and the one we interrogated didn't mention anyone besides you so I don't think they were taken.  You're hurt, though, we'll search once we get you to Mama Pu'pu and make sure you're going to be alright."    She nods at her other two companions, very conspicuously not mentioning their suspicions about the crone
agignac
Though Qawasha is far from hale, he is able to make his way back to the old woman's hut. A few of the flying monkeys followed along, gliding from tree to rubble to tree.

The Nanny Pu'pu is inside the hut, skinning something that was either a large lizard or a small dinosaur. She looks up as you enter, a wide grin breaking out on her skull-painted face.  "Oh, you found the poor lad! Good for you, good for you. Kill all the nasty pterafolk, did you? Find their treasures?" 

She ushers Qawasha over to her bed and urges him to lie down. The Chultan druid allows her to check his injuries, and she mumbles to herself in her native tongue, and sucks her cheeks in.  "Horrible! You have the smell of those monsters all about you. In your lungs and eyes, no doubt, no doubt. I'll take care of that, just the thing, though it won't smell good,"  she cackles to herself.

Turning to you, she says,  "I need to make a smudge stick, to burn, to clean his lungs. Run off and fetch me some fiddleheads from a dwarf fern tree. Four or five ought to do, yes, that will do the trick. The rest I have here."  She turns back to her table, sweeps the half-skinned reptile into a basket, and begins pulling down bunches of dried herbs from the wall.

She turns back to you,  "Do you want him healed or not? Off you go!" 
Pyrophilios
A solid grounding in the arcano-mechanical arts let The Red Horns recognize immediately the description. His construct wasn't far from such a creature.

 "It sounds like a golem made of body parts. A flesh golem. Very susceptible to fire but gets healed by lightning.
Such a creature would explain how the old lady can survive alone up here." 

Back at Mama Pu'Pu's house he nodded at his companions - " I'll take care of the collection. I should be faster alone anyway if I fly." 
He watched intently for her reaction. If she wanted to get them all out of the house she would say something about dangers about now...
agignac
Nanny Pu'pu nods her head in agreement.  "Yes, yes, faster is better. Don't fly too high, now! Wouldn't want to get caught by those wicked creatures! Revenge, they'll be looking for that, oh yes,"  she cackled.

 
 Spoiler: Red only 
She seems quite interested in you going out alone. Almost the opposite reaction you were watching for.
 
Pyrophilios
Somewhat surprised, The Red Horns nevertheless ran out the door and took to the air, too look for the described plants


 
 Spoiler 

Survival
 (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is caught with an argument already in her throat when Mama Pu'pu agrees with Red's suggestion.  Suspecting that the old woman might be sending them on an errand to make sure she was alone with Qawasha, the wizard had been preparing an extremely reasonable counterpoint that someone should stay in case the pterafolk they hadn't exterminated came back.  Surprised, she merely nods at the new development and prepares to keep an eye on their host's ministrations to the druid.
agignac
The old herbalist works quickly, often muttering to herself in Chultan. She puts Nolwenn to work with a mortar and pestle, grinding some hard, fragrant seeds into a powder. She enlists Draelin into spreading a thick grease under Qawasha's eyes, to help ease the redness. Tea is brewed, and a soothing aroma fills the small hut. Draelin sits down for a moment, feeling himself relax, but then shakes himself and focuses on what Nanny Pu'pu is doing.

Qawasha falls asleep on the table, his breathing raspy. Done with the seeds, Nolwenn gives the mortar to the shriveled up old woman, who sprinkles the powder on a large, thin leaf.  "When you're ugly friend comes back, we'll wrap this up like a big cigar, oh yes, and the smoke will help him breathe."  She shuffles over to the doorway and looks outside, as if checking on Red.

Meanwhile, Red flies over the ruins of Mbala and towards the edge of the jungle. It takes him close to an hour to find the correct plant, but only a few moments to harvest the fiddleheads. They are longer than his arm, and leak a pungent green sap when cut. However, they're not heavy, and he is soon returning to the hut.

Landing a few dozen yards from the hut, Red can't help but notice a large hole in the earth, not far from the herb garden. Clumps of dry earth are scattered all around, almost as if something exploded here. Or exploded out of the ground...

Red catches movement from the corner of his eye, but it's too late. Thick, muscular hands wrap around his throat, attempting to squeeze the life from him.

 
 Spoiler 

  grapple  - (1d20+7)[ 21 ]  with advantage  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 

Red - roll athletics or acrobatics to avoid being grappled. If you roll better than its highest roll, you twist out of it. If not, you're grappled. Either way, roll for init. Draelin and Nolwenn, perception to hear what's happening. DC15 if he is grappled, DC 8 if he is not.
  golem init  - (1d20-1)[ 11 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns hated to be ambushed - especially when he expected an ambush and still couldn't do anything to stop it.

One small mercy was, that he didn't need to breath, so the choking maneuver didn't incapacitate him like it had done to dear Quawasha. Still, the thing was immensly strong and he couldn't call for help.

He drew his Yklwa and threw it as hard as he could at the house's door, hoping to rouse his allies.

 
 Spoiler 


Ini

 (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 

Attack static object DC 10 w/disadvantage

 (1d20+8)[ 10 ] / (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
 
agignac
The calm and relaxing atmosphere within the tent was abruptly interrupted by a yklwa tearing through the hide flap of the hut, skittering onto the floor, and then disappearing. That could only mean one thing.

Outside, they could see Red, struggling with a much larger opponent. The monster was a thing of madness - mismatched body parts patchworked together. Surely no one sane would make this puppet of muscle and magic, this inhuman-human thing? Yet someone arranged the flesh of many people in a grotesque mockery of life.

Whatever it was, whoever made it, it was now trying to crush the life from Red. Fortunately, the reborn tiefling didn't need air the way the others did, and clearly the golem didn't know that. Still, a snapped neck would not be healthy for him.
agignac
The flesh golem didn't react to the others coming out of the hut. It seemed determined to finish off the tiefling. It punched twice at his head, hoping to knock him out, if not outright kill him.

 
 Spoiler 

2 attacks
 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
damage
 (2d8+4)[ 11 ] 
 (2d8+4)[ 14 ] 
 
Volthawk
With his bow in his hand, Draelin assesses the situation. That thing had Red on the ropes, it wouldn't be long before it finished the job one way or another. They could all attack it, hope they could bring it down in time, or...they could give it a new target. A new priority. Monsters defended their masters, didn't they?

Turning around on the spot, Draelin raises his bow and fires an arrow in Pu'pu's direction.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus action Steady Aim into an attack on Pu'pu.

Attack (Advantage from Steady Aim, extra die from Elven Accuracy - if advantage is cancelled out somehow, it's just the first die):  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] / (1d20+7)[ 20 ] / (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 10 ]  +  (2d6)[ 3 ]  SA if attack was with advantage
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's eyes dart from the the weapon on the floor to the crone at the back of the room.  There's not enough time for analysis, though, and she's out the door only a moment later, just in time to see the flesh-cobbled monstrosity lift Red up and slam him into the ground with a terrible thud.  The worst that she had feared is coming to pass, and there's no longer any doubt that Pu'Pu had always planned for their deaths.  She must have been clever about it, though, since none of them saw any evidence of such a creature (exactly as Qawasha had claimed Weed described) existing at a glance.  But for now, The Red Horns is in need of help and, thanks to his knowledge, Nolwenn knows exactly which of her spells is her choice for this occasion.  She firmly chants a magical phrase while tracing a harsh pattern in the air.  As she finishes, her hand is engulfed in violet fire.    "Hey!"   the wizard shouts as she aims her burning hand at the tiefling's attacker,   "put. him. down!"    With that, a gout of flame speeds forward in a line and engulfs the golem.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to get out as far away from the hut as I can.  Action to cast Aganazzar's Scorcher at the golem.  That's  (3d8)[ 18 ]  fire damage, DC 15 Dex save for half.
 
agignac
The wizened old woman lets out a shriek of pain as Draelin's arrow pierces her withered flesh. She whips her head around to the elf, and for a moment she seems to flicker, her skull-painted brown skin suddenly replaced by damp green skin and long white hair. Then she disappears from sight.

Outside the hut, the golem looks up at Nolwenn's words, flinching back and ducking as it senses hateful fire coming its way. The spell still catches his shoulder and arm, and the air fills with the smells of barbeque.

However, the construct does what it's told and drops the limp tiefling. It lumbers at the fragile wizard, and swings both its meaty, club-like arms at her. Reacting on instinct, her magical shield flickers into being, surrounding her, but is it enough to deflect the golems attacks...?
Pyrophilios
The twig construct used that moment, to pick up basket with assorted healing materials and hurry out towards the fallen form of its master.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn reflexively casts her spell when the Flesh Golem's meaty fists come down on her, conjuring an invisible shield of force to block the blow.  The first swing sends her reeling, and she manages to duck out of of the way of the second one with her spell's help, but it's a close thing.  She's at a loss, knowing that she can't keep this up all day alone, but inspiration strikes when Red's construct comes running out of Pu'pu's hut, carrying its cargo of potions.

  Here goes nothing...    Nolwenn casts her cobbled-together spell and winces, but her ideas from while the party was resting have borne fruit, and she disappears in a puff of mist, instantly transported to next to Red's construct.    "Ha!  Hold on!"   she instructs, grabbing it by the shoulder.  The wizard puts a hand on the basket and looks over the vials, selects the one that she thinks is the most potent healing potion, and shoves it into the construct's hands.

  "You've got the right idea, but this is the one, go!"    After she sends the construct on its way with an urgent push, she turns to face the flesh golem, ready to try to parry its blows once again.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bonus action to Misty Step over to the twig construct, action to identify the potions and set it up with the most potent of them for Red.  Hopefully Shield+disadvantage on one of the attacks from the construct is enough to keep us going.
 
Volthawk
Hm. So she was gone. That worked too. Draelin puts the matter of figuring out what he just saw to one side, given there was still trouble here and now. Turning to look outside from the doorway, it's...not a good situation out there, and his plan of distracting the thing by attacking Pu'pu didn't seem to work. Alright. Draelin settles for just putting more arrows into it instead, trying to bring it down and present a greater threat than Nolwenn.

 
 Spoiler 

Steady aim into attacking, as per usual.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] / (1d20+7)[ 17 ] / (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  +  (2d6)[ 7 ]  SA
 
Pyrophilios
While The Red Horns lay there dying, the construct tried feeding him the potion, positioning itself protectively between him and the flesh golem.

 
 Spoiler 

Sadly, my death save comes before the construct's action
 (1d20)[ 9 ] / (1d20)[ 3 ] 

Large healing potion  (4d4+4)[ 12 ] 
Steel defender will use reaction ability to give disadvantage to attacker
 
agignac
The flesh golem looked blankly at the spot where Nolwenn had stood moments ago, then turned around to find her again. Draelin's arrow took it between the ribs, causing congealed blood to trickle slowly over its stitched skin.

The golem swung clumsily at Nolwenn, hampered by the twig construct, and grunted in frustration when it couldn't connect.

The construct turned its attention to its master, and uncorked the bottle that Nolwenn had told it to. Overly sweet liquid splashed on the tielfings face, but most of it went down his throat. Coughing and sputtering, he regained consciousness, opening his eyes to discover a bad headache and that he was surrounded by legs.

Draelin felt a form push past him out the door, but when he reached out with one hand, there was nothing there.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns got to his feat, noticed that he wasn't in immediate reach of the monstrosity, spread his wings and took to the air, creating distance between himself and the monstrosity.

That done, he called the Yklwa to his hand and threw it at the monster. Without hesitation for the caring service of his construct, he sent it against the golem
 "Attack!"
 
 
 Spoiler 


Attack w/ Sharphshooter
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ] , damage  (1d8+16)[ 21 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 8 ] 

Bonus action: Command Steel Defender

Move Action: 15 ft to stand up, 15 ft up in the air and to the west

Steeldefender attack
 (1d20+7)[ 10 ] , damage  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 8 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Dodging the corpse-cobbled monster's fists is easier, Nolwenn decides now that she's concentrating on it, than dodging apples while perched on a garden wall, though then she didn't have a mystical barrier, a magically protective cloak, and a stalwart guardian to protect her from her tutor's projectiles.  On the other hand, the most damage one of those apples was going to do was upset her balance and send her tumbling into a fountain, and Nolwenn is fairly certain that she'll be lucky to have all her bones intact if that golem manages to clobber her with its meaty fists.

The wizard is relieved, then, when she feels the gust from The Red Horns taking to the air behind her.  An invasive thought occurs to her that she wouldn't know if he was alive--animated, more accurately-- or not even if she had reached him--another in the growing pile of reasons to be thankful for his construct.  Regardless, Nolwenn reminds herself she'll have time to think on that later.    "Fire you said, right?"   she calls back to Red before conservatively launching a smaller bolt of flame at the golem.  She's already sweating, and she knows that one wrong step could be disastrous.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Easy turn: just launching a firebolt at the flesh golem.

Attack with disadvantage:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ]   (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d10)[ 2 ] 
 
Volthawk
Draelin frowns as he feels the rush beside him, but he can't let that distract him - sure, she gets away. That's fine. They survive this, they get her stuff, come away with a profit. and then later they can deal with her - or just get clear and never see her again. Either would work, but somehow he doubted that the latter would happen. For now, he just focuses on bringing down that thing in front of him.

 
 Spoiler 

Steady aim into attacking, as per usual.

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] / (1d20+7)[ 21 ] / (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 10 ]  +  (2d6)[ 5 ]  SA
 
agignac
As the three - no, four - companions surround the golem, the fight quickly turns in their favour. The golem is hammered with arrows, twiggy limbs, and fire. The creature ***** its head, stiffens suddenly, and falls forward onto its face, narrowly missing Nolwenn on its way down. It lays there, unmoving, like a fallen tree.

In the trees, the winged monkeys watch and chatter. One of them drops (or throws) a piece of fruit, and it bounces off the golem's leg and lands harmlessly at Nolwenn's feet.
Pyrophilios
Still spitting the ocassional bit of blood and cartilage, The Red Horns cried out:  "Be sure to burn it. Would be a shame if we had to fight it again some time soon."
 
He himself took care to cut its head off and put it into his back of disgusting things/holding.
The Hellbug
And the expected blow never comes.  Nolwenn is leaning towards the disabled construct when Red alights next to it with his blade.    "Do you think that's necessary?"   she replies,   "that looks like it would take a lot of wood and it really doesn't look like it's going anywh--AAAAAHHHH!"    The wizard shrieks and jumps back when the clearly-only-playing-dead golem reaches and struggles for a moment, unsuccessfully, against The Red Horns' attempt to decapitate it.  "  Nope, whatever you say, absolutely yes,"   she quickly stammers between shocked gasping breaths.

Nolwenn then sits down, wipes the sweat from her brow on her sleeve, and turns her attention to Draelin.    "Is Qawasha okay?"   she asks her elven ally,   "I feel like I've needed to ask that too much in the past day.  Wait.  What about our hostess?  Is she..."    The wizard trails off.  She had heard the scream during the fight, but it doesn't quite feel right to be asking if Draelin killed her.
Pyrophilios
 "First things first"  The Red Horns said while he stufffed the head into his bag. "Where did Mama go? unless she can fly, she still has to be on this plateau. So let's look for her tracks."

The Red Horns actually wanted to take a long nap, but having a magic user on the run probably wasn't a good idea.

 
 Spoiler 

Survival to find tracks
 (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
Volthawk
After making the decision to let the other two handle finishing off and burning the flesh golem, Draelin shrugs at the mention of Pu'pu.   "Not sure where she went, but I can tell you two things. One, she isn't human. Nolwenn, you need to focus on illusions, right? Because when I shot her, for a second I saw something else than what she's been showing us. Green skin, and weird skin at that. Froggy, maybe? Different hair too, long and white. Anyway, the second is that she does have real magic. Not sure if she just went invisible and was fast on her feet, or if she turned into...I don't know, smoke or something, but she vanished and when I felt her move past me I couldn't get my hands on her. Point is, don't assume she can't fly, and although I put an arrow into her she might still be perfectly able to fight. Be careful."   Draelin shrugs.   "Anyway, while he does that I'm going to check on Qawasha then see what she left behind. Want to help, Nolwenn?"  
agignac
Red and his construct search the area thoroughly, but despite the ground being damp from the early - morning rain, the only tracks he can find are their own. He realizes that the golem was buried in the yard, near to the hut; probably hidden there until Nanny Pu'pu had need of it. It is in the churned-up earth here that Red finds the limp and lifeless body of Weed.

Inside, Draelin finds Qawasha still asleep. However, he is easily woken and brought outside. The elf explores the cabin, and finds a sack hidden between the hide walls. It has a strange texture, and after a moment he realizes it's made from human skin. Inside, he finds six onyx gemstones and ten adamantine ingot stamped with unfamiliar dwarven runes.

In a pile of papers, he finds various recipes for stews and jerkies, all made from human flesh. He also finds two spell scrolls jumbled up with the papers; one called flesh-to-stone, and the reverse, stone-to-flesh. There is also a paper torn from a journal, with a nicely-sketched image of an beautiful wooden mask, shaped like a tiger,s face. Scrawled writing on the margins includes some curses about the pterafolk.

Nolwenn, after making sure the golem was burning, checked the other potions. Two were indeed standard healing potions, and the other two were a potion of invulnerability, and a potion of speed.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "I think I know now what we are dealing with: Mama Pu'Pu is a hag. Fey spellcasters with a taste for human flesh. Why she didn't go for the magic stuff, I have no idea. In any case, we now have a somewhat deadly foe against us.

And that mask... I remember one of the guides asking for help retreiving one from the Pterafolk. Seems to be quite valuable.

Quawasha, how far are we still from the oracle? Have we reached the halfway point yet?" 
agignac
Qawasha weeps silently over the body of his friend, coughing sporadically. At Red's question, he looks up with a quickly-masked expression on his face.  "Orolunga is less than two days from here. If you walk to the western edge of this plateau, you will see it." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:   "Then we should leave here as soon as possible and find a place in the jungle to heal up and go there - before the hag returns with her coven..."  
Volthawk
Draelin walks out of the tent with one of the ingots in hand, looking at it thoughtfully, nodding when Red explains his thought.   "Fey, huh? Are they typically in the business of taking out whole villages? Stories always had them just outside of where people lived, picking away at those off the beaten track, not killing this many at once."   He shrugs.   "But then this isn't back home, and the stories never had them running around with golems. Anyway, look at this ingot. Dwarven runes. I wonder if that dead expedition we found out by the cliffs wasn't an accident, and there was something going on with Pu'pu and Hrakhammar Mine. Might just be a coincidence, though."   He shrugs again.

The mention of the oracle and where to go next gets Draelin's focus away from his musings.   "At the risk of being too blunt, are we sure the oracle will be there and alive, given..."   He gestures vaguely around.   "You know. And he's right, we need to go. Do you..."   Draelin pauses.   "Is there...something we should do for him? Some death rites of his people or something? Just a burial?"  
agignac
Qawasha shook his head at Draelin's fears.  "The oracle of Orolunga would have nothing to fear from the likes of this hag, or even a coven. She will be there." 
 "I will plant Weed. Perhaps his spirit will return and we will meet again." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is, of course, disgusted by Pu'pu's whole array of human-body part foods and tools.  Staying out of the hut while they search it, she gathers enough lumber to burn the golem and sets it alight with her magic.

Next, faced with what Red and Draelin have said, Nolwenn ponders on what the group knows about Mama Pu'pu.    "Well, she definitely did use magic--likely far different from mine or Red's--both to conceal her appearance and whatever she used to escape,"   the wizard adds,   "though perhaps not so different from--"  she shakes her head  "--not important, never mind.  To answer your question, Draelin: yes, most spells of veiling one's appearance require uninterrupted concentration, and your arrows could definitely have broken the spell.  I would be hard pressed to maintain a such a spell in that position.  Secondly, I'd be willing to guess that her method of escape was mere invisibility.  Spells of invisibility are notoriously poor at hiding things that might be detected by other senses: scents, sounds, a breeze from swiftly slipping by someone."  

As she mentions this last method of detection she nods to corroborate Draelin's experience and continues.   "If she were to use a spell to teleport away, you wouldn't have felt such a thing, and if she turned herself into mist, you'd still see the mist flowing by you.  So it's safe to assume she's still nearby, but she's been dealt a grievous blow in the loss of her protector.  As for what she was up to, I'd guess she was doing just what you mentioned, Draelin: living in near M'bala and posing as a healer while taking advantage of the people here--either having been the healer the whole time or by killing and replacing the real Mama Pu'pu.  The real question is what made her stop doing that and move on to this.  I think there's still another party in this tragedy that we're unaware of."  

Once Qawasha is awake and Weed is found, Nolwenn finds that she can't find the words to help console the druid.  She offers whatever help he needs in planting his vegepygmy friend but is silent for whatever ceremony accompanies it.  Yet another soul lost on this expedition, but, with the Oracle so close, Nolwenn is resolved to continue.
The Hellbug
With Weed buried, Nolwenn turns her attention to the present predicament.    "Can we be back on the trail to the Oracle tomorrow, then?"  
Volthawk
Draelin thinks it over, before looking over at Qawasha.   "Are you feeling up to getting back on the trail today, Qawasha, or do you need more time? If you're good to go, we should do what Red says and get some distance from here sooner rather than later - just in case. I'm willing to risk a little discomfort in order to ensure we don't get blindsided. After all, for we know there are more surprises like that thing buried around here. It might be a small chance that retaliation is that swift, but if we can afford to avoid that small risk, we should."  
agignac
The ceremony to plant Weed seemed to bolster Qawasha somewhat, and he straightened his shoulders.  "I can continue. And I must thank you for rescuing me. You put yourselves in harms way, and I thank you for it." 

He looked over his shoulder at the cliff face.  "Did you find the mask in the cave? The one from the hag's notes? It looks like she suspects this local nest of pterafolk had it." 

***

Once you're on your way, Qawasha leads you with confidence to the west. The mesa is dry and mostly barren of plant life. The sun is hot, but a lovely breeze cools your sweat. Odd boulders lie about, as if some giant hand scattered them eons past. The dry ground is also dotted with holes and burrows, thought it takes over an hour before you see the creatures that live in them. Qawasha points them out to you, small, fuzzy creatures standing on hind legs, with long soft ears and a single pearlescent horn  in the middle of their foreheads. They stand on hind legs and watch you pass, but if you come too close they vanish into their burrows in a flash.

As you come to the end of the mesa, the jungle trees begin to close in again. The shade is welcome, but the plants block the breeze.

The day is drawing to a close when you approach the end of the mesa. The slope back down to the jungle proper is much gentler this time, a hill rather than a cliff. Less than a day away, you see a ziggaraut looming above the canopy.  "Orolunga,"  Qawasha says, his voice still hoarse.

As you begin to set up camp, Red notices movement at the edge of his vision. Its persistent but hard to focus on. Every time he turns his head, it seems to be just out of reach. Finally, though, he is able to catch sight of a strange little creature.

A small person, more than 5 inches in height. Its body and limbs are too thin, and moves with a jerky, unnatural movement. Its skin is inky black, and instead of a face, it has an oval white mask. Instead of regular facial features, the mask shows a spiral pattern and a black circle on the right side. A puff of black hair or feathers swirls around the mask.

The creature seems to be trying to get your attention, but then hiding whenever it thinks you see it.

 
 Spoiler: images 

 
 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "Alright, get ready to move, I'll take another look at the cave. By now the smoke should be gone and I can take a bit more time to search. And I'm taking the construct with me to help me out." 

That said, The Red Horns flew back to take a second, more in dept look.

 
 Spoiler 


Investigation w/advantage from help action construct

 (1d20+8)[ 12 ] / (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  + Guidance  (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
agignac
The smoke and ash had settled, leaving only the stink. Red and his construct did a more thorough job examining the cave, taking care to examine each nest, nook and cranny. He finally discovered a hiding space beneath one of the nests, and pulled out a jumbled pile of treasures. He brought them back to the others to examine in the light.

1) the carved wooden tiger mask
2) a knobbly wooden wand, made smooth by much handling
3) a set of three bowstrings, a bit tangled together. One is red, one green, one black.
4) A triangular mirror, 6" on each side, with beautiful snail shells inset along the edges.
5) A pair of clogs made from black leather
6) A pair of boots made from brown leather
Pyrophilios
When the party made camp, The Red Horns took time to analyze the found treasure.

When the funny creatures appeared, he made Qawasha aware of them and asked: "What's up with those. I only can make them out from the corner of my eyes."

For a test he tossed a bit of their rations toward the masked creature.

 
 Spoiler 

Detect magic ritual casted and arcana check w/ help and guidance to identify magic items

 (1d20+8)[ 25 ] / (1d20+8)[ 14 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Even though she had advocated staying in Mbala for another night, Nolwenn is relieved to put it behind her, even if Red's haul from his detour back to the pterafolk cavern has her wishing to settle down to investigate this new crop of treasures immediately--the wand and the mask in particular beg for attention as potentially-magical-instruments.

So much has happened in the past day that it's hard to imagine that the party of explorers was climbing up the plateau, assured of rest in Mbala at the top, only yesterday.  The wonders of the Chultan penninsula continue to amaze, right alongside its dangers.  Nolwenn gasps when Draelin points out the unicorn rabbits and practically dives for her sketchbook--they're exactly the sort of creature she can imagine herself begging her mother for in her younger years.  And, as the sun sets, there's the sight of Orolunga, itself, exactly the sort of sight she had been promised by the stories of Chult she had heard in taverns back home.

It does beg a question, though: who is this oracle, anyway?  With how quickly the expedition was on the road, Nolwenn realizes she doesn't have much to go off of besides what Qawasha has provided.  And why was he so certain that someone like Mama Pu'pu was no threat to them.  The wizard, who had been sketching and leaving the identification of the treasures to The admittedly more-appropriate-for-the-task Red Horns (she even refrains from looking over his shoulder), is just getting ready to ask when he points out the strange little creature on the edge of the camp.  She reaches for her mirror pendant--there's something she wants to try, having thought about her own experiences in the last day--but she waits for the group's guide to speak first.
agignac
Qawasha looked at the mask with interest.  "I believe this is the Mask of Beasts. Another guide, Azaka Stormfang, has been looking for this. She will demand you give it to her, as it was stolen from her tribe long ago." 

The bowstrings he also examined.  "Nsizi's strings, I believe. They were a great Chultan hunter, beloved of Ubtao before the god turned his back on us. There used to be eight, a sacred number for Ubtao, but the others have been lost or broken. Very lucky, these are." 

When Red pointed out the small masked figure, Qawasha's face lit up.  "A Chwinga! Spirit guardians of the jungle. Very lucky it is to see one, especially up here."  He watched a moment, and then frowned.  "I've never seen one act like this before. It seems...upset? The ones I've seen in the past were calm, quiet and watchful."  Approaching slowly, he knelt down and spoke in soft Chultan. The little creature jumped off its branch and vanished, only to reappear a little ways away. It waved its arms again.
Volthawk
Draelin listens to Qawasha's input on the context of these items with interest.   "Alright, so when we get back to civlisation make sure to either hide the mask or find her first to work out a deal, got it. And the strings..."   He chuckles, having put the green string on his longbow.   "Hopefully you're right about them being lucky. We could do with all the luck we can get, eh?"  

Red and Qawasha's talk about a strange creature has him a little on edge - they'd had enough visits at their camp by magical creatures looking for a snack for his liking - but the apparent context soon becomes clear and he relaxes again. Seeing Qawasha talk to the thing and it heading off gets a shrug from him.   "Looks like it wants us to follow. Qawasha, you're sure this little guy is okay, and he won't be leading us into a trap?"  
agignac
Qawasha shook his head vehemently.  "I've never seen a chwinga act like this, but I'm certain it's not acting with malicious intent. They are curious and peaceful, innocent of any wickedness." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn leans back and rocks herself forward to her feet with a huff.    "Good enough for me,"    she says, curiosity piqued,   "we should see what it wants; maybe it's trying to warn us about something."  

The wizard takes one last bite of a hard biscuit she had been eating, wipes her mouth, and straightens her elaborate headdress.    "No time to waste,"   she adds, nodding towards the sun's position in the sky.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "Agreed, let's see what the little fellow has to show us."  He got, up putting away for now the loot.
 "After that, you have to take a look at that mirror, Nolwenn. I can't examine it properly without... side effects." 

The twig construct got up as well, looking earily animated and somehow more dangerous than before.
agignac
You follow the chwinga through the jungle. It moves uncannily through the vegetation, disturbing no leaf or petal. At times it seems to move into a stone or trunk, and come out again the other side. It continually makes sure you're following, and it keeps a quick pace.

After ten minutes or so, you begin to hear music. A cheerful voice, singing. The chwinga becomes even more distraught, hurries towards the singing, then seems to run inside of a large tree, and doesn't reappear out the other side.

Cautiously, you approach. Ahead is a small clearing, containing a colourful hot-air balloon. The balloon is mostly inflated, and beneath it hangs a wicker basket, tied to the ground with a ropes and stakes. Beside the balloon is a large table, covered with a colourful tablecloth, and a variety of beakers, jars, vials, and instruments. Including, you notice, a large bell jar containing a second chwinga. The little masked figure is curled up in a ball, radiating sadness.

The singing continues, and a moment later a small humanoid appears from behind the table. She's wearing blue robes covered with mystical symbols in silver thread, and has goggles with various eyepieces pushed up on her forehead. Her pink hair cascades over her shoulders in ringlets, and her very long, very pointed ears point almost straight back. Singing away, she begins gathering some nearby flowers.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns unconsciously drew his free hand through his hair and straightened up at the sight of a colleague in the art of science and artifice.
 
"You are a Doctor, I presume?" 

The Red Horns knew there had to be better ways to address someone you met in the jungle, though for some reason none had come to mind.

 "Would you mind releasing this Chwinga? It's a very friendly creature and it wouldn't do to deprive this place of one of the few creatures that actually make it nicer." 

He paused and added:  "If I may introduce ourselves: These are my esteemed colleagues Magistra Umbra et Imago Nolwenn and Mr. Draelin. I myself am known as The Red Horns." 
agignac
The pink-haired woman looks up as Red speaks, and breaks into a wide grin.   "Welcome! A pleasure to meet you! Come in, come in,"   she beckons you towards the table, as if inviting you into her house or shop.   "I am Bellabublley Fagglegaggel, but you can call me Miss Bubbles."   The goggles threaten to fall over her eyes, and she pushes them up, tangling them in her pink curls.

  "Doctor? No, not traditionally, no. But I am something of a scientist. And an artist."   She glances at the creature in the jar, and says,   "A chwinga, you say? Very interesting creature! Did you know they can take shelter inside rocks and plants? Pass right through them. Not glass, though."   She tapped on the jar with her fingernail, making it ping.   "Amazing ability, could come in very handy. If only there was a way to extract it..."   She got a far-away look in her eyes, then shook her head and returned her attention to The Red Horns.

  "Fond of the little fellas, are you? Very well, I didn't come all this way to offend my customers!"   She lifted the jar, and the chwinga immediately leapt from the table and disappeared into the undergrowth.

She gestures you closer to the table, and says,   "As you can see, you have stumbled upon Fagglegaggel Family's Excellent..."   she looks at the table, frowns, and thumps a fist upon it. A banner unfurls from seemingly nowhere, covered in curling looping letters that appear as she repeats,   "Fagglegaggel Family's Excellent Elixirs and Tantalizing Tattoos."   She spreads her arm wide, inviting you closer.
Volthawk
Well now, this was interesting. Strange, too. Perhaps too strange. Draelin walks a little closer, giving the things on the table a cursory look - he didn't expect to know what a lot of it was, given his experience with the stuff Red and Nolwenn worked on and talked about, but it helped him look the part while he figured this situation, and this woman, out.   "Odd place to set up business, out here, with the planned introduction and everything. Expecting many customers? What is it exactly you sell, anyway? Elixirs, yes, but what kind?"  
agignac
Miss Bubbles looked behind her at the balloon.   "I'm mobile! Instead of customers coming to me, I come to them! It's quite clever, if you think about it. I provide a valuable service, and get to explore this wonderous peninsula at the same time."  
  "As for "what kind", Mr. Draelin, well, that depends on you! All my elixirs are bespoke. Made to order. One of a kind. Tailored to your adventuring needs! Tell me a little about what you're after, and I'll see what I can do for you."  

A bell began to chime softly, and you see a small clockwork timer on the table.   "Aha! Ready!"   She pulls a small cauldron out from under the table and removes the lid. A pink mist, similar in colour to her hair, rises lazily upwards, spreading the smell of berries. Grinning, Miss Bubbles pulls out a small cup, dips it into the cauldron, and produces a heaped pile of pink crystals.   "Fagglegaggel Fairy Ice! Try it! On the house! A must-have on these hot muggy days."   She offers it generally to the three of you.
The Hellbug
  "Our pleasure,"   the wizard politely adds to Red's introduction with a nod.

Nolwenn surveys the whole scene with a healthy skepticism.  Wouldn't a floating balloon put this...Miss Bubbles...at perfect snacking level for the flying dinosaurs and pterafolk?  Then again, she seems oblivious to the dangers of the jungle or, as Nolwenn reminds herself given that neither she nor the rest of her party have had a chance to clean up after the frankly disastrous day, the potentially unsavory folk that travel it.  Maybe she wards?  Or maybe she has nothing to fear because she  is  that kind of unsavory folk.  The wizard reminds herself to stay cautious, although the craftsgnome's carefree release of the chwinga does inspire some degree of confidence.

  "Bespoke?  So you make them right here?"    Nolwenn asks, reaching out for the proffered 'fairy ice'.  She squints at the pink crystals and sniffs.    "What am I supposed to do with these?  Hold them?  Eat them?"  
Pyrophilios
Setting the Chwinga free without discussion put The Red Horns significantly at ease.

Graciously, he accepted the offered refreshment and took a gulp from the cup.

Only a moment later did he remember warnings about food offered by fairies...

Oh well, it wasn't like he could be sure his soul was still his own...
agignac
  "Oh yes,"   the rune-garbed scientist/artist assured her.   "I have my whole workshop with me. I'm very good at creating elixirs on the fly."   She giggled at her own pun.   "I've also started dabbling in tattoos - I can make permanent spells, right on your skin! And they're pretty, too!"  

When Red took her offering, she grabbed another cup to scoop more out.   "It's an icy treat! You eat it!"   She offered cups to Nolwenn, Draelin and Qawasha.

The druid took one happily, and crunched on the ice with a smile.  "Truly, your magic is wonderful!"  he complimented her.
Pyrophilios
 "So you are an alchemist? What made you come to this particular part of the jungle?
I happen to dabble in the art now and then - mostly to produce insect repellant - but traveling leaves only little time each day to actually get anything done." 

The Red Horns inquired while continuing to enjoy the icy treat.
Volthawk
Draelin reckoned the woman was being honest with them - odd and probably unwise reasons could still be honest reasons, after all - and he couldn't see any reason why he shouldn't accept a gift once he's decided she's honest, so he takes the cup and gives it a try. It was pretty good. Nice to have something cold in the middle of the jungle, that was for sure.   "Permanent spells? What kinds of spells are we talking about here? What are you capable of?"  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn 'hmm's and tentatively tries the alchemist's concoction after her question is answered.  And Miss Bubbles is right!  It  is  good--cool and refreshing, exactly as promised--but not something to be eaten quickly.    "You're not offering to do this for free, though, right?"   she adds to her companions for clarification, gesturing towards the attention-grabbing banner,   "I can only speak for myself, but I'm rather short on funds at the moment."  
agignac
  "So you are an alchemist? What made you come to this particular part of the jungle?  

She nodded her head in their direction.   "You did. My ship finds customers. It knew you were coming this way, so I touched down. It's a very clever ship."   She blew it a kiss.


  "I happen to dabble in the art now and then - mostly to produce insect repellant - but traveling leaves only little time each day to actually get anything done."  



Miss Bubbles nods her head sagely.   "Yes, those mundane items are very important, if you don't want to catch your death of bug bite fevers. Good for you for not getting bored of doing the same old creme all the time!"  

  "Permanent spells? What kinds of spells are we talking about here? What are you capable of?"  

Miss Bubbles began ticking items off on her fingers.   "I'm still learning, so I can't freestyle them the way I can my elixirs. So far I know tattoos for protection from harm, from various types of energy, one for changing the way you look, one for making your arms super long when you fight (only a small chance your arms stay long all the time), one for making your finger into a pen, and...ummm....right, my newest one! Time Bandit tattoo!"  

   "I can only speak for myself, but I'm rather short on funds at the moment."  

The tiny person grinned, showing her pearly white teeth.   "Oh, I don't ask for coins. Maybe I'll charge you...the colour of your hair. Or all your memories before you were three. You can give me the smell of grass in the rain, or your favorite song. I'm sure we can find an arrangement we both would benefit from."   She rubs her hands together and says,   "Well? What shall it be? Elixir? Tattoo? More fairy ice?"  
Pyrophilios
 "Oh. You are one of those."  The Red Horns shook his head sadly.  "No deal. Where I am not as out of coin as my companion, I have precious little memories left. I'm afraid your contraption steered you wrong.

Though I'm curious: What does the Time Bandit Tattoo do? Though I'm warning you that asking for this information in no way constitutes an agreement to any form of contract, business or otherwise enforceable transaction. Your parting with this information freely is expected as part of your entrepreneural occupation. Terms and conditions apply." 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "Oh. You are one of those."  The Red Horns shook his head sadly.  "No deal. Where I am not as out of coin as my companion, I have precious little memories left. I'm afraid your contraption steered you wrong.

Though I'm curious: What does the Time Bandit Tattoo do? Though I'm warning you that asking for this information in no way constitutes an agreement to any form of contract, business or otherwise enforceable transaction. Your parting with this information freely is expected as part of your entrepreneural occupation. Terms and conditions apply."  
 

Miss Bubbles visibly bristled.   "What do you mean, "one of those"? You know, as somebody who is red, has wings and horns, and doesn't breathe, you might be a little more accepting of other peoples. And besides, I'm only one quarter fey."   She sat on her stool, crossing her arms.   "Uncle Flimblewimble told me this was a fool's errand, that nobody would treat with me. That the world only deals with cold hard coin, and that I was silly for even thinking this would work."  

She stood up again, cheeks as pink as her hair.   "Well, I'm going to prove him wrong! And if you don't want any of my great stuff, then fine, I'll find somebody else who does!"  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Miss Bubbles visibly bristled.   "What do you mean, "one of those"? You know, as somebody who is red, has wings and horns, and doesn't breathe, you might be a little more accepting of other peoples. And besides, I'm only one quarter fey."   She sat on her stool, crossing her arms.   "Uncle Flimblewimble told me this was a fool's errand, that nobody would treat with me. That the world only deals with cold hard coin, and that I was silly for even thinking this would work."  

She stood up again, cheeks as pink as her hair.   "Well, I'm going to prove him wrong! And if you don't want any of my great stuff, then fine, I'll find somebody else who does!"   
 

  "One of those fey that take essential parts of people's souls as payment. And I am accepting - I'm just not buying because the price is to steep for me."  

The Red Horn replied unfazed.
Volthawk
During the explanation and Red voicing his concerns, Draelin has been listening and thinking, and there are points he's still not sure on.   "Why would you want stuff like that, memories and feelings and so? Does it have some greater value where you come from?"  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods once and taps a finger on her lips as she thinks about Miss Bubbles's answer.  She hasn't quite sorted her thoughts by the time Red turns her down.  Granted, while he's probably not wrong and the little woman does appear to be 'one of those', the wizard frowns at his response.    "Allow me to apologize for my companion,"   Nolwenn politely adds to Red's explanation when she sees the trader getting upset,   "he didn't mean any offense by his comments, and he doesn't speak for the rest of us.  You've shown us nothing but good will"  --she raises the cup of fairy ice slightly--  "and I'm sorry he sounded so dismissive."  
  "Now then, the elixirs,"   the wizard continues.  The tattoos sound potentially effective, but their effects (besides the time theft one) all sound perfectly ordinary for a scholar of magic, and the doubling of esoteric payment alongside permanent mark, and therefore connection, to Miss Bubbles is unappealing by just too much for Nolwenn to consider them.    "What exactly  could  they do?  Like, what have they done for other people?  Our journey's had its share of disasters and after meeting with the oracle, there's no telling where it'll take us."  
agignac
  "One of those fey that take essential parts of people's souls as payment. And I am accepting - I'm just not buying because the price is to steep for me."  

Miss Bubbles rolled her eyes.   "I'm not asking for part of your  soul ! Who would want that? Are all not-dead tieflings so dramatic?"  

  "Why would you want stuff like that, memories and feelings and so? Does it have some greater value where you come from?"  

She perked up, looking interested again.   "Because they're so interesting! Millions of peoples, and all their experiences, and I'll only ever experience a tiny fraction of what's available. But if I can trade for somebody else's memories, or sensations, or whatever - it's like I got to do that too! Way more fun than heaps of gold."  

  "What exactly could they do? Like, what have they done for other people? Our journey's had its share of disasters and after meeting with the oracle, there's no telling where it'll take us."  

 " Hmmmm.. ."  she tapped her teeth and thought.   "I can't give you specifics - scientist/artist - client privilege. But generally...well, there was that group of dwarves that were off to liberate their homes from an ice wyrm. I helped them make an elixir that would let them breathe fire for a few minutes. I got some great dwaraven drinking songs from that one. And the little halfling girl looking for her mum. I made her an elixir that would let her always know what direction she needed to travel to find her. That elf dad who was trying to rescue his daughter from the evil necromancer - I made him an elixir to turn into a zombie so he could infiltrate. I hope he made it out, he was so nice. He promised to name his next child after me. Um, let's see....Oh, the weather-sniffing elixir for the gnome who wanted to be a famous meteorologist. I'm pretty creative - whatever it is you're after, I bet I can make something to help."  
The Hellbug
  "Hmm, okay then,"   Nolwenn replies, curiosity piqued,   "we're looking for fame and fortune--the city of Omu hidden among the jungles of this peninsula"  --she pauses--  "I wish to test my magic against it, find its secrets, and prove myself in my own right.  I want to deliver my companions safely through it and return to civilization triumphant."  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Miss Bubbles rolled her eyes.   "I'm not asking for part of your  soul ! Who would want that? Are all not-dead tieflings so dramatic?"   
 

The Red Horns raised his eyebrows:  "If you put it like that: Who else do you think is entitled to being dramatic?

But that doesn't answer the question: If you want to business, you need to be profitable. Otherwise you'll soon run out of raw materials. So you need to have a supplier that takes a cut of your "earnings" to give you your supplies. Or are you scavenging those yourself - that would cut down significantly on your crafting time." 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns raised his eyebrows:  "If you put it like that: Who else do you think is entitled to being dramatic?

But that doesn't answer the question: If you want to business, you need to be profitable. Otherwise you'll soon run out of raw materials. So you need to have a supplier that takes a cut of your "earnings" to give you your supplies. Or are you scavenging those yourself - that would cut down significantly on your crafting time."  
 

Miss Bubbles raises a finger and opens her mouth, then pauses. Closing her mouth with a snap, she grinned and said,   "Okay, fair point. And I see where you're coming from. Maybe you'd like an elixir to retrieve some of your memories? I'm sure we could come up with a trade that you don't feel imperils your immortal soul.

"As for my supplies, it's a family effort. We all pitch in with our own unique talents. I do gather some of them, and some are provided for me at home."  

 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
   "Hmm, okay then,"   Nolwenn replies, curiosity piqued,   "we're looking for fame and fortune--the city of Omu hidden among the jungles of this peninsula"  --she pauses--  "I wish to test my magic against it, find its secrets, and prove myself in my own right.  I want to deliver my companions safely through it and return to civilization triumphant."   
 

Her pink eyebrows shoot up into her pink bangs.   "Omu?! I thought that place was just a legend. Wow, you guys dream big!"   She began sorting through her components and supplies, muttering to herself.  "Let's see. Find a lost city, conquer it, and return triumphant. Grand, but a bit vague.  What does that look like to you? Finding a big treasure? Defeating a bad enemy? Rescuing a beleaguered people? I need a little more to go on."  

Turning to the elf, she asks,   "And what of yourself, Mr Draelin? Surely there's something I can help you with?"  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn furrows her brow, having to confront her own slightly-self-deluding rhetoric.  Why here in particular, indeed?  Draelin's tales of a lost city filled with fabulous riches are appealing, of course, but Nolwenn logically knows that it's just an excuse for her.  No, what she really wants is an achievement that's  hers , that didn't come from money or title or anyone else.  Up until now, the only thing she can claim in that way is her magic, and even that is something that plenty of people can do--she only ever even began studying it under a purchased tutor!  Omu would be that: an achievement that people would speak about in awe.

  "Miss Bubbles,"   the wizard replies,   "if I can set eyes on Omu and bring my allies and proof that we were there safely out of this jungle, I'll be satisfied."  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Miss Bubbles raises a finger and opens her mouth, then pauses. Closing her mouth with a snap, she grinned and said,   "Okay, fair point. And I see where you're coming from. Maybe you'd like an elixir to retrieve some of your memories? I'm sure we could come up with a trade that you don't feel imperils your immortal soul.

"As for my supplies, it's a family effort. We all pitch in with our own unique talents. I do gather some of them, and some are provided for me at home."   
 

 "Actually, I'm in this jungle to consult the oracle about the thing in the mirror that always inches closer whenever I see my reflection. I can't be certain what will happen when it reaches me, but... I'm sure it won't be good... for this world." 

The Red Horns grinned.

 "Ok, yes, that was a bit too dramatic." 
Volthawk
When she ask him directly what he wants, Draelin pauses and thinks for a moment. After listening to what's been said, he wasn't sure he was going to want to pay any of these esoteric prices she asked for - he preferred dealing in cash and gems - but there was no harm giving her an answer, he supposed, so he starts talking with a grin.   "Well, you said it yourself. Omu is a legend. Some people don't think it exist, and those who do don't think it'll be found.  That  is the value to this. Doing what hasn't been done before, finding something lost to history and bringing it to light, showing the world that you've done the impossible, that is what matters. Being... something , someone. It's what brought me here, out of the village and into the city and then finally here, after all this preparing. It's a risk, but hey, the payoff...it's worth it. Better to try and fail than rot in obscurity, not truly living, but I'm not going to do either. I'm going to  win ."   He shrugs.   "All the gold doesn't hurt either. An elf cannot live on glory alone, and I like money."  
agignac
The little scientists eyes went wide.   "The thing in the mirror? Spooky and mysterious!"   She took out a tattered book and flipped through the pages.   "What about this? An elixir that would prevent the mirror spirit from seeing you? You could observe it without it knowing of your presence. Maybe that would help?"  

To Nolwenn, she said,   "I think you'll be wanting an elixir of escape. Perfect for getting you and your friends out of a sticky situation. It's very adaptable. When you drink it, you can see a way out of whatever scrape you're in, and the elixir gives you the means to do it. Might be just enough to survive something that Omu will throw at you. Assuming it's real and you can find it, that is."  

Looking at Draelin, she said,   "Fame and fortune, is it? Not exactly unique, but I understand the appeal. Hmmm...."   she flipped through her book, checking ingredients as she did so. " Normally an item, yes, but if we mix it with the mosswort, and distill the lichomeon instead of crushing it, maybe.... Yes! How about this? An elixir that will allow to hide something inside your body. Wait, hear me out! You drink the elixir, then swallow whatever it is you want to hide. It can even be bigger than something you could normally swallow, like a...a...a sword! As long as you can fit your mouth around it, you can swallow it, and it will stay inside you, undetected, until you take the 2nd vial. Then you'll cough it up again, safe and sound, in perfect condition. So maybe you find an old scroll, or a magical dagger, or just a bag of coins - you can make sure you get at least that one thing back to civilization safely. What do you think? I'm a genius, yes?   " 
Pyrophilios
 "I wish it was that easy - though I certainly won't miss the chance to try." 
The Red Horns shrugged:  "Though to be honest, a ride on your baloon would likely be the best investment for us all. What would you charge for that?"  
The Hellbug
And that explains Red's request about the mirror.  She nods vigorously at the tiefling's request, though.  Being able to see the whole jungle from above absolutely seems like the best advantage Bubbles could give the explorers.  In fact, she wonders if it's ever been the cause for more unscrupulous individuals to assault the gnome.    "A very intriguing magical boon,"   Nolwenn answers, setting her empty cup down and keeping her voice level,   "I am definitely interested, depending on the price.  Oh, and one other thing: I would like to request a favor: may I cast a spell to inspect your nature?  We recently were tricked by a hag posing as an old witch doctor.  Don't accept hospitality from her if you stop in Mbala, by the way.  I don't know what her purpose there is, but she tried to kill us when we sheltered with her as guests.  Regardless, we can't afford another situation like that if we can avoid the risk."  
  "No offense meant,"   she says after a short pause.
agignac
  "Oh, no offense taken! It's important to be careful."   She spreads her arms wide and says,   "Fire away!"  

To Red she shook her head,   "We wouldn't all fit in the balloon. And besides, my uncle would kill me if I took passengers. It's full of proprietary stuff, and only family members are allowed. Sorry."  
Pyrophilios
 "I could fly them myself, if I could shrink them or - give them air enough to survive in a bag of holding..." 
The Red Horns stopped when he saw the less than enthusiastic faces of his companions.

 "Alright, alright. It was just an idea. Though that reminds me, I still need to find out what this bag of holding from the dwarven expedition does.

At least one group of your customers came to a fatal end here, by the way." 
The Hellbug
The not being able to catch a ride is disappointing, but it can't be helped.  Looking at the size of the basket on the balloon, it's pretty obvious that Miss Bubbles is sincere in her reason for declining.    "Thanks for understanding.  Very kind of you,"   Nolwenn responds with a gracious curtsy before turning her attention to her bag of spell supplies.

In short order, out come a small vial and some bags of crushed herbs and minerals, which are joined by the dagger from Nolwenn's belt.    "You know, those dwarves we found probably weren't customers of hers,"   Nolwenn says to Red as she sprinkles ingredients into the vial,   "I don't think there was anything with them that would let them breathe fire.  Aaaand there."  

She swirls the vial's contents and inspects it.    "Just one...more...step,"   she announces, seemingly pleased with whatever qualities she was looking for, and picks up the dagger.  After an almost-imperceptible moment of hesitation, the wizard pricks her thumb with the blade's sharp tip, wincing as it draws blood, and squeezes a couple of drops into the vial.  She then swirls it once more, passes a hand over it along with the quiet incantation of a spell, and quaffs it in a single gulp.

Nothing seems to change about the wizard, but she looks at each of her companions in turn, a thoughtful frown crossing her face as her gaze lands upon The Red Horns, before staring at Miss Bubbles whom she inspects more closely.  After a few moments, Nolwenn relaxes, clearly satisfied with what she has seen (and relieved the spell worked at all).    "Thank you again,"   she repeats, pausing to suck the blood from her new tiny pinprick of a wound and wipe it with a rag,   "we may continue.  Interested, pending price"  
agignac
  "Dwarves?"   she asked.   "I don't think I met them. But a lot of adventurers die out here. Many of the batiri make a good profit from searching out foreigners bodies and selling their stuff back to town."  

When Nolwenn admitted that she was interested in her elixir suggestion, the fey-gnome's face lit up.   "Wonderful, wonderful! Let's see,"   she began pulling ingredients and apparatus out from under the tablecloth,   "for payment...hmmm, tell me a little about yourself. Where you're from, your family, so I can decide what I'd like to ask for."  

To the two men, she asked,   "And yourselves, gentlemen? Will you avail yourself of my marvelous service?"  
Volthawk
Draelin mulls it over for a few more moments before shaking his head.   "It's an interesting offer, and I appreciate your suggestion, but I'll have to pass."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns thought for a moment, but then shook his head:   "No, but thank you. I appreciate the offer, but I'd prefer to talk first to the oracle. Should it point me in your direction for a solution, I'll gladly avail myself of your services."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn draws herself up to her full, entirely-unimposing height before she responds to Miss Bubbles.  The end of a march through the jungle isn't the most flattering place to be introducing herself formally (and without a chance for a spell to add any regality to boot), but she goes with what she knows anyway.    "Well, in that case..."   she begins, clearing her throat.

  "I am Lady Nolwenn de Menez of Baldur's Gate,"   the wizard declares haughtily,   "daughter of Lord Stefan and Maria de Menez and sole heir to their name and fortune.  Practitioner of the magics of Sergei Magos.  If I willed it, the South Sword Sea Trading Company and all associated holdings would report to me."    This last bit is embellished at best, a lie at worst--even if Nolwenn did have an interest and inclination to managing the family's holdings at the moment, they very much belong to her mother in the wake of her father's death a decade ago--but it suits her to exaggerate at the moment, especially since she's not sure her name does enough to carry this far.    "So I do know something about prices."  
  "And I would also appreciate it if you don't go spreading that around,"   she adds more meekly.
agignac
The pink-haired alchemist widened her eyes.   "Wow! I can see why you wanted to come out here to prove yourself."   It didn't sound like she was being sarcastic.   "Hmmmm....how about...an etiquette lesson? I bet you learned all kinds of things about what cutlery to use, and how to curtsey properly, and how to address people politely."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn waits for the other shoe to drop.  When it doesn't she can't help but ask for clarification.    "Just a lesson?"   she asks, a little incredulously,   "that's it?"  
  "I'm capable, of course, but based on some of those other things you mentioned, I thought you'd be asking for something more, well, in the direction Red was thinking.  'The color of your hair, your smile on Wednesdays, your sense of direction'.  That sort of thing.  Things not naturally given.  You just want me to  teach  you?"  
agignac
Bubbles burst into laughter.  “Not a lesson, no. I want the memory of the lesson. I want to experience it, as you experienced it. What were you wearing? Was your tutor kind or mean? Did you enjoy the lesson? What was the room like? Were you good at it? Did you trip on your dress, or accidentally fling a snail across the room? That’s what I’m asking for.” 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods.  This is more like what she had been expecting.  The wizard taps her finger on her lips as she ponders the worst possible outcome of all this.  Her teacher, in this case, had been a Lady Desdemona, a retired courtesan (once one of the most renowned in the city) and acquaintance of her mother.  She had been demanding but ultimately (though Nolwenn is sure she at the time would disagree) fair.  Nolwenn herself had not been the most receptive student in this particular art, not uncommon for any bit of learning that had been forced upon her.  While the games of politeness and veiled speech had been appealing and fun to her as a young noble, the stuffy particulars of which fork goes where and what constitutes a properly elegant course of meal and how a  lady  is supposed to act had grated on her.  Plus, the dances she learned there were much less fun than those she learned later.  In fact, Nolwenn is still fairly certain that when her tutor had declared her education a success, it was from more impatience to keep going on than the course of study having been brought to its rightful conclusion.  She never did keep up with what happened with the old lady after.

Nolwenn wonders what exactly she'll lose from the bargain.  Will it just be a blank spot in her mind?  Will the skills she learned just vanish?  Could they be remembered with time and practice?  Surely, if any of these are true, it will be extremely inconvenient whenever she returns triumphantly home, though Miss Bubbles's assistance  will  help make sure that happens at all.  A not small part of her is terrified by part of her belonging to someone else, even if she trusts the gnome's intentions.

But, moments later, she's weighed it all out in her mind and made decision.    "I accept,"   the wizard announces,   "never snails, by the way.  It was oysters, and they ended up back on the plate, which is better than they deserved.  Finding ways to politely turn those vile things down is one of the good things that came of the lessons.  Now how do we do this?"  
agignac
Clapping her hands, delighted, Miss Bubbles pulled a crystal out of one of the many pockets on her star-spangled robes. The clear crystal hung from a silk ribbon.   "Just slip this on, and wear it to be tonight. You'll dream about your lessons, and the crystal will absorb the memories. I'll have your elixir ready in the morning, and we can make the trade then."  

Looking to the others, she said,   "Unless you've changed your mind? Then I've got work to do. Have a restful sleep, and I'll see you in the morning."   Humming merrily to herself, she began to sort her ingredients, clearly getting started on Nolwenn's elixir.
Volthawk
Draelin gives Bubbles the respect of genuinely thinking over her offer again, considering the utility of her proposal and what'd be worth the cost, and comes to the same conclusion.   "The offer is genuinely appreciated, but no thanks."   He wasn't sure what his memories were worth, and he wasn't in the business of making a trade where the other person was making all the terms, and knew more about how useful certain things were. No insult intended against Bubbles, of course, she seemed fine, but he just didn't like the kind of deal they were talking about.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns raised an eyebrow:  "Interesting method - though how will Nolwenn know you took only the agreed upon memory? After all, she wouldn't remember what else you took. Can you show her what's on the crystal in the morning?" 
agignac
Miss Bubbles frowned.   "It's not a good idea to show people their own memories like that, it can cause a paradoxical confusion reaction in their minds. If you like, one of you can check in the morning. Just hold the crystal in your hand and concentrate on it. If you feel I tried to steal other memories, break the crystal to release them. Otherwise, bring it to me, and I'll swap for the elixir."  

Qawasha led them back to their chosen campsite. When they arrived, the two chwingas were waiting there for them. They had created an artistic array of pretty flowers and feathers, and stood shyly near it, holding hands and looking ready to bolt.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded and said:  "I'll check upon it." 

Once they had reached the camp site, he smiled at the little elementals. With a gesture, he conjured a little flower of his own and tossed them to the spirits.
 "You are welcome." 
 
 Spoiler 


Prestidigitation
 


Before they made camp for the night, he used the Identify ritual on the bag of holding.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn takes the crystal and holds it up to inspect it.  Nothing immediately stands out to her as concerning so she puts it around her neck where it clacks against her arcane focus when she shakes her hair out.  She glances sidelong at Red when he asks his question, not immediately sure whether to find his concern patronizing or endearing.  The latter eventually wins out, in no small part because his question is quite relevant and not necessarily something she had considered in detail.  The gnome's response is equally intriguing.    If the memory's been entirely taken, why would it original owner viewing it have any more reaction than anyone else doing so?   Nolwenn muses,   it doesn't sound like Red or Draelin would be harmed at all by viewing it; perhaps her methods aren't as permanent as she's making them out to be...  
  "Yes, thank you, that seems for the best,"   she replies to Red's offer,   "you too, if you please, Draelin.  Another set of eyes won't hurt.  Oh, and be careful tonight.  No telling how this will affect my sleep."    Even now, though, she begins to ponder a way she can satisfy her own curiosity.

__________

Back the camp, Nolwenn giggles at the chwingas' display.    "Oh thank you; it's beautiful!"    she remarks,   "you are very welcome."    She creeps slowly towards her tent, hoping not to spook the little elementals while she fetches her sketchbook.

The rest of the evening, the wizard is quite anxious, and when she lies down she's keenly aware of the weight of the crystal around her neck.  However, exhaustion from, despite its ending, an extremely difficult day overwhelms her, and she's asleep within moments.
agignac
The night passes uneventfully. Nolwenn wakes feeling certain she dreamed all night, but can't remember any of the dreams.

There is a stack of fruit waiting for you in the middle of the flower and feather design, all perfectly ripe. The chwingas, however, are nowhere to be seen.

After packing up, you return to the hot air balloon. The table and apparatus are packed away, and the pink-haired part-fey is puttering around in her basket. She looks up when she sees you coming, and grins.

  "Good morning! I trust you slept well! I was up most of the night working on your elixir, and I think I truly outdid myself. You're getting excellent value, this will truly help you out of a really sticky situation."   Taking the crystal, she focused on a minute, then grinned.   "Tasty! I'll save that for a glass of wine and a quiet moment."   She slipped it into her pocket, and handed over a copper vial to Nolwenn.   "It'll only open for you, and only work for you."  

Hopping into her balloon, she made a complicated gesture and the ropes untied themselves.   "Good luck with the oracle, and finding Omu! Maybe I'll see you around. Goodbye!"   And her balloon floated up over the trees and out of sight.

It takes most of the morning to descend down to the jungle floor, though the slope was much gentler on this side. Another few hours of trecking through the thick undergrowth, though Qawasha was clearly more familiar with this area, and led you confidently through narrow trails.

Finally, around mid-afternoon, you come to Orolunga. 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 layers adding less height than the one before. 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 or days of searching to find buried foundations and tumbled stones.

Qawasha found a mossy log to sit on and said,  "You can leave your packs here. I can't take you further, as everybody must come to the oracle for the first time on their own. But you will be safe here, and I'll wait for you here." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded.  "Thank you, we'll meet you back here again."  
His mood wasn't as great as reaching the goal of his travels should have made it. Finding out that the suspicious bag of holding was in fact a bag of devouring made him realize just how close he had come to disaster. Now he'd have to find an other use for the cursed object. Maybe he could take it appart and use the parts for other magic inventions. The work on his goggles had progressed nicely - only a few days and he would be able to see in the dark like his companions.

With another nod to hi companions he turned to the path that would lead them to the oracle.
Volthawk
Orolunga was...this was the kind of thing he'd come here to see. Sure, it wasn't the unknown, but still, pretty good compared to caves and ruined villages. Draelin was in good spirits this morning, particularly once Bubbles left - he didn't really have anything bad to say about her personally, but fae stuff...it put him on edge. Stories from back home lurking in the back of his mind, he supposed. Even the news about the bag being cursed doesn't put much of a dampner on his mood - something that'll completely get rid of anything they put in, that'll probably be useful eventually, right?

Still, all that with Bubbles and the chwingas was yesterday and today was today. Munching on one of the fruits taken from the gifted pile, he surveys the scene in front of them, the lead up to the pyramid, before looking back at Qawasha.   "We'll be safe, huh? Are we just talking in the sense of there being no undead or similar monsters around the pyramid, or are we also going to be safe from the usual wildlife problems out here?"  
agignac
Qawasha looked more relaxed than you'd yet seen him. Lines around his eyes had softened, and his shoulders were relaxed.  "It's always quiet around Orolunga. Predators may wander past, but they never hunt. Alas, if only the bugs would stop biting too." 
The Hellbug
The sensation of having dreamed but having no recollection of their contents is not unfamiliar to Nolwenn, awakening well-rested but in the most ever-so-slightly unsatisfying way.  The difference this time is that, logically, she knows  what  she must have dreamed about, if Miss Bubbles isn't mistaken, but she was at least right about one thing: Nolwenn can't for the life of her remember having done what she knows she described to her companions and the half-fey peddler the day before.  It's almost maddening and, in fact, is more so in how dreamlike it feels: the more she wracks her mind for any hint of what she feels like she knows must be there, the more she is certain that it can't be recalled.  It's gone.

Before she leaves her tent, the wizard ponders, dangling the slightly-glowing crystal from her hand as dawn's half light gives way to the daily jungle brightness, if whatever has happened here makes her less herself, Nolwenn less Nolwenn.  But that's just it, she  feels  fine.  All it would take is one look to make sure...

But her companions' impatience at her dozing interrupts her.  With a   "one moment, one moment, I'm moving,"   she puts the crystal away and begins to pack her things.  She surrenders it readily for Red and Draelin to look into it, but a close observer would see a hint of jealous hunger on her face as they stare into its foggy depths, even as she enjoys the delicious breakfast offering by the chwinga.

_______________

Her feelings on the matter are improved somewhat at the actual tradeoff.    "Thank you,"   she replies graciously to the gnome, stoppered copper vial now in hand.  Her bearing only falters a small bit when she continues, the thought of her own memories being 'tasty' giving her some pause.    "My best wish is that you enjoy them.  Safe travels!"  

_______________

At Orolunga, the wizard conjures her magical armor while she waits for Qawasha to answer her companions' questions.  Only then does she speak up.    "What about inside?"   she adds with a sidelong glance, thoughts of the lethal traps and trials of her mentor's adventures on her mind,   "will there be danger there?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Mage armor
 
agignac
Qawasha shook his head.  "No danger, no. You will either find her, or you won't. But you will not be in any physical or spiritual danger while you are in Orolunga." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods.   "Oh, excellent,"   she replies, relieved, and turns to address The Red Horns and Draelin.    "No time to waste, then, my gentle sirs.  We have an oracle to meet."    She sheds her pack and all her gear but the essentials and makes her way toward the pyramid's steps to begin the climb.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns unfolded his wings and began flying up to scout the area before his companions got too close.
Qawasha had been careless or wrong one too many times to take his words without question.
agignac
The Red Horns flies up. His initial scan shows that the area seems to have no immediate dangers. However, as he approaches the ziggurat, things get weird. No matter how hard he tries or flies, he cannot approach it closer than about 30 feet. He can go up as high as he wants, but any attempt to approach the ziggurat of Orolunga just feels as though he's trying to fly into a headwind, though it's a calm day.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns landed outside the invisible barrier and called to  his companions:  "Some kind of barrier against flyers - maybe you can only approach by foot." 

And that was precisely what he tried next.
agignac
The three of you start to climb the stairs. The first staircase is 50 feet long, and gains 30 feet elevation. A tangle of roots, vines and creepers cover the stairs. For the first 10 feet of the steps, it is slow going. It's as if the vegetation is trying to stop you from ascending. After 10 feet, it gets worse. Sharp thorns cut through your footwear and pant legs, drawing blood.

 
 Spoiler 
Everybody take 1 slashing damage, and you gained one more foot of distance (11 feet total).
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns stopped and took a closer look at the plants, concentrating on his abilities.

 
 Spoiler 

Survival with Guidance bonus to identify if this is natural vegetation or a spell effect

 (1d20+3)[ 6 ] + (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 
Volthawk
After a few steps in, Draelin holds up a hand to get the others' attention.  "Hold up. Looks like we found the first...test, I guess? This stuff isn't natural. Guessing it's been made to obstruct us with magic, either fully or just..."  He pauses.  "Can you mind control plants? They don't..."  He shrugs, getting the tangent out of his mind.  "Look, I'm not a magician here. Do either of you have a way of stopping other people's stuff? If not...I guess brute force is always an option, and we can see how easy this stuff is to cut." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded: "It seems like we shouldn't move on unless we want serious lacerations.
Construct, clear a path for us."

Immediately the twig construct began to use its force-empowered rend on the plants in front of the team, trying to clear a path.
agignac
The construct began to pull up the plants in front of it. Then it made a strange whistling noise, seemed to sag a bit, and then stopped moving altogether.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn yelps in pain when she's stuck by the thorny plants.  She immediately freezes, carefully finding her balance before reaching down to check her scratched ankle.  The wizard frowns when her finger comes back up smeared with blood.    "You don't say,"   she replies to the tiefling, unfairly taking out her annoyance at the situation on him.  After the construct fails to penetrate the foliage, she swivels at her hips towards Draelin as if her feet are rooted in place.    "I agree, definitely magical,"   she says,   "I know no spell that can undo such an enchantment, unfortunately.  Correction: I know  of  such a spell but not the details necessary to cast it.  I believe that our best bet is to determine what whoever did this, likely the Oracle themself, wants from supplicants.  Cleverness?  Piety?  Respect?  It may provide a clue for how to progress.  Red, did the other stairway look so overgrown?  Did you see more on the other side from up there?"    After a short pause for consideration, she continues.    "I  can  try to step through the aether up to the next tier, but given the manner of resistance we've faced so far"  --she gestures toward the inert construct--  "I'm not optimistic about it.  Worth trying, though, I think."  

Nolwenn grabs her pendant and prepares to cast her spell.    "You may want to stand back.  If it doesn't work, there's no telling how it will fail."    She then attempts to magically transport herself to the top of the staircase, disappearing in a puff of mist.

The wizard doesn't reappear for almost a whole second, and when she does, it's at the foot of the lowest staircase accompanied by an intense but brief feeling of vertigo.  Disoriented, Nolwenn anxiously pats herself down, making sure she's all there.  With a sigh of relief, she calls up to her companions.    "As I suspected.  I'm going to have a look around the base of this thing if you don't have any better ideas."  

She repeats the divination she had cast upon Miss Bubbles the previous day and begins her circuit of the ziggurat’s base.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Misty Step for thoroughness's sake.  Then Detect Good and Evil for the investigation
 
agignac
Nolwenn walked the perimeter of the ziggurat. While the structure itself was overgrown, the land around it was wild-looking, but easily passable. It didn't take the wizard as long as she thought it would.

The other staircase did indeed look exactly the same as this one, choked with vines and creepers.

She got no sense of good nor evil from the ziggurat, but when she looked up towards the peak, she felt an intense aura of goodness wash over her. It was unlike anything she'd felt, or even heard about before.

As she returned back to the base of the stairs, the wizard heard a soft, high pitched giggle. Peering into the foliage, she saw a familiar face. Or rather, familiar mask. The chwinga who'd asked for help as perched on a vine, watching the proceedings. Apparently your confusion was hilarious.

When it noticed Nolwenn watching it, it vanished into the tree for a moment. Then it shyly returned, and pointed to the first tier of the ziggurat. The wizard followed its finger, and saw two more chwingas standing near the top of the stairs. Each one was holding a lovely purple and yellow orchid, and waving to her chwinga friend.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's journey around the perimeter yields no answers to the expedition's current predicament.  Every approach seems equally choked with the grasping vines, and it's clear that the ziggurat will reject any attempt to magically bypass its hazards.  However, whatever the being her spell allows her to sense at the top of the pyramid is intensely intriguing.  The young scholar supposes she hasn't given any thought not to  who  this oracle is, but  what  they may be.  Naturally, this only strengthens her resolve to solve these stairs' mystery.

And that's when her thoughts are interrupted by the giggle from the trees.  Nolwenn spins around in alarm, but when she sees it is just the chwinga from yesterday (and presumably this morning), she relaxes.    "Yes,  very  entertaining,"   she says with feigned melodramatic annoyance,   "'brave explorers thoroughly stumped by foliage.'  'More continentals foolishly stumble through the jungle.'  I can practically see it on the stage already."  

She frowns when the little elemental disappears, hoping she hasn't offended it, but is quickly vindicated by its reappearance.    "Wait! Wait!"   she calls excitedly to her companions,   "Red, Draelin, look!  They know how to get up the stairs.  I think they might be trying to help us!"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had immediately started to investigate his malfunctioning construct, trying to get it to use its selfrepair ability.
When Nolwenn called, he looked up and sighed, folding the twig construct in on itself and stashing it in his bag.

 "Well, good thing, because I can't get Twig to wake up. Let's see if that way won't cut our legs to shreds." 

He smiled at the Chwinga and began following the indicated path.
agignac
Red did his best to step where he thought the chwinga had pointed, but three feet in and another thorn sliced through his boot. The masked creatures at the top started to laugh, and waved their flowers over their heads.

 Another point of slashing damage to Red 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn winces sympathetically when Red is again foiled by the vines and brambles.    "Or not?"   she admits.  The forest spirits' laughter at their misfortune certainly isn't painting them in a helpful light, but, to Nolwenn, it doesn't seem entirely mean-spirited, more child-like    "What about the flowers?  Maybe that's a clue?  I've definitely seen that variety in the jungle, but I don't know if they have any special significance...to the chwinga?  To the oracle?  To some sort of riddle?"  
Pyrophilios
 "My first guess would be that they grow among the vines and there is safe passage from one to the next." 
The Red Horns looked around if he could spot just such a pattern.
The Hellbug
Each of the adventurers' ideas to breach the vines is foiled in turn (Nolwenn herself had thought that trying to walk up the stairs backwards was  brilliant ), and the party is no closer to making it up even the first flight of stairs.  Nolwenn, herself, is mostly beginning to be frustrated about this whole flower business; she knows she's seen it before but neither she nor any of her companions can place it.  And so, she decides to take her question to Qawasha, whose expertise on such matters has been made obvious by the way he has filled idle time with descriptions and details of various plants and animals the party has encountered on the way so far.  Even if he knows nothing, she decides, it'll be good to take a short break.  And if he refuses...maybe he doesn't need to know it has to do with the pyramid at all?

  "Qawasha, I need your help with something,"   the wizard announces when she gets back to where they left their gear and guide.  Once she has his attention, she magically creates an exact illusionary copy of one of the chwinga's orchids in her hand.    "What can you tell me about this flower?"  
agignac
Qawasha looks up from his meditations with a slight frown on his face. He looks towards the ziggurat, then smiles slightly.  "That is an excellent replica, my compliments. That is an orchid, called by the local tribes, "Star of the Evening". Not a very accurate name, as it blooms in the day. But as you can see, the dusky purple looks similar to the mist on the mountains at twilight, and the star part is obvious. It's one of the rare orchids with a lovely scent - often they smell like rotting meat. The leaves can be used to bind wounds, and the roots can be dried and steeped for a painkilling tea. Many of the batiri tribes painstakingly transplant them so they're handy to their villages. It's said they like to see the evening sky, and its true that they seem to grow best in places without a complete canopy overhead." 

Looking up at the wizard, he smiled and asked,  "Is there anything else you'd like to know about it?" 
The Hellbug
  "Where I could find it?"   Nolwenn asks hopefully,   "is it native to this part of the jungle?"  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
   "Where I could find it?"   Nolwenn asks hopefully,   "is it native to this part of the jungle?"   
 

 "I've seen it growing in this area before. Like I said, clearings, where it can see the sky."  The druid smiled again, then closed his eyes and returned to his meditations.
The Hellbug
  "Excellent, thank you!"    Nolwenn turns to go but then pauses awkwardly, curtsies, and continues on her way.

__________

  "Hey! Draelin! Red!"    Back at the foot of the ziggurat, Nolwenn calls to get her companions' attention.    "It's called 'The Star of the Evening,"   she explains, again conjuring her illusion,   "Qawasha said it can be used for all kinds of things: wound bindings, tea and so on.  Apparently, it's quite prized by some.  It grows in clearings in the jungle--apparently even around here!  Would anyone care to come search with me?  I won't go far."  
  "Oh, and apparently it smells like rotting meat, if that helps."    With or without her companions she takes off to search nearby for the flower.
Pyrophilios
 "Well, we certainly can use a bit more wound treatment around this place."  The Red Horns replied and went to fly around, searching for the flowers but also for trees he could cut down to use as bridges over the thorns.

 
 Spoiler 

Survival +guidance
 (1d20+3)[ 6 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 
agignac
The three of you head into the surrounding jungle, looking for the purple and yellow flowers. It only takes about half an hour before Nolwenn spots them. A fallen tree has opened a hole in the canopy, and several branches of the beautiful flowers are growing from the slowly-decomposing tree.
Pyrophilios
While Nolwenn had her flowers, The Red Horns began to remove large chunks of bark as well as smaller branches.
The Hellbug
  "Haha!  Gotcha!"   Nolwenn exclaims enthusiastically upon spotting the colorful orchid.  With trained agility, she scampers up onto the downed tree, lifts her dagger from her belt, and, after verifying that it is indeed Star of the Evening, cuts off one of the blooms.  The young noblewoman hops down from the huge tree trunk with equal finesse but once she's on the ground her pace slows with each step.

The wizard holds up the flower and inspects it, turning her hand to look at it from every angle.  Puzzlement replaces exuberance on her face, and her free hand creeps up to cover her mouth, where her finger falls into tapping rhythmically on her lips.  Once, twice she opens her mouth as if to speak but each time suddenly returns to quiet thought before uttering a single word.

Finally, Nolwenn shakes her head and turns to the others.    "What do you make of this?   she asks,   "because I for my life don't have any idea what to do with it."    If her companions were expecting some sort of brilliant revelation from her, this admission firmly redresses the situation.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked up from packing bark into his back:  "Oh. I thought you had a clever idea and just wanted to enjoy the reveal. You could try walking up the steps with the flowers the Chwinga held and hope the vines will let you pass?"  He shrugged:  "Yeah it sounds stupid to me as well." 
Volthawk
Draelin shrugs.   "If you want to try the flowers, maybe wait until evening. Qawasha said the folklore is that they're tied to the evening, right?"   He looks over the rest of the pyramid, thinking.   "I wonder if we could just go around the plants, go up the bare stone ramp. It's pretty steep, but we have the kit for it...might run into similar problems Red did trying to fly."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn tips her head agreeably at her companions' suggestions.    "I think I'll just see where the flower takes me now, and we can go from there,"   she says,   "we won't lose anything by trying; I can live with some cuts and scratches."  

Once she's back at the ziggurat, Nolwenn cranes her neck looking for the chwinga from before.  Regardless of their presence, though, she steps up to the foot of the stairs, cups the orchid in her hands, and begins her attempted ascent.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "Good - always test one hypothesis at a time. Just to not waste time, we all should bring all the flowers the Chwingas had, so we can test them all one by one." 

The Red Horns did just that and began to harvest two more orchids for himself and Draelin. Then he began looking around for other colored flowers.

 
 Spoiler 

I just reread the post and there was also a purple flower mentioned
 
agignac
Flower in hand, Nolwenn tentatively begins to climb the stairs again. Every where she places her foot, the vines seem to pull back slightly. She is able to climb to the first tier without a scratch.

 
 Spoiler 
Achievement unlocked!
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn manages to contain her excitement until she gets to the top of the stairs but no longer.    "Haha!  Yes!"    she cheers triumphantly and beckons to her companions,   "it's just the flower!  Good thinking grabbing more than one, Red!"  

She waits for Draelin and The Red Horns to join her before attempting the next set of stairs, aware that they, even though clear of foliage, may present yet another unseen obstacle to the group's ascent.  Before they catch up, the wizard suddenly remembers that the flower wasn't really her idea.  Not seeing any of the chwinga loitering in the clearing around Orolunga, she merely waves energetically towards the treeline and follows with a deep bow.    "Thank you again, little friends!"  
Pyrophilios
 "Keep your eyes open - maybe there is another of those little fellows around to tell us about the next part - because I'm sure it can't be as easy as just moving up the next set of steps."
 
To demonstrate, The Red Horns did just that.
agignac
The second set of stairs is free of vines and creepers, but the stone is crumbling from age and decay. Red starts up, and finds that after a few steps, the stone steps crumble to gravel beneath his feet. Every step he takes seems to demolish the steps more, and yet the steps never seem to get worse, and the gravel never seems to pile any deeper.
Pyrophilios
"Well, it's better than getting cut to pieces, I guess." The Red Horns noted, after dusting himself off.
"So, what kind of flowers do we need to get through here? He looked around for Chwingas"

 
 Spoiler 
Perception
 (1d20+6)[ 11 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "I doubt that's going to be how it works this time,"   Nolwenn guesses,   "it wouldn't make sense for a series of tests  or  for a layered magical defense.  Assuming that's what we're dealing with, I'd bet each layer will require a different solution.  That said--"   she rubs her hands together and approaches the stairs   "--we don't really know what we're dealing with, do we?  All I can say is that I'm leaning towards the former.  My spell detected  something  at the top of the pyramid, something that  strongly  aligns with the upper planes."  

She faces off against the stairs.  Clinging vines are one thing, but mere crumbled masonry?  Unless there's more going on than that, it should be no worse than a steep hill.  She attempts to scramble up them on all fours.
Volthawk
Draelin nods.   "Tests, sure. That makes sense, given we're trying to meet an oracle. But tests of what?"   He shrugs, letting Nolwenn try to scramble up the stairs - he doubted that'd work, but he might as well let her have a go - as he tried to think it through.   "What's being proven by taking a particular flower to the first set of stairs? The story of the flower doesn't mention any particular virtue or quality associated with them that'd correspond to people - medicinal properties, sure, but otherwise, how could you tell that was the answer...maybe the chwinga were the test? Perhaps it was designed to be impossible to guess without help, and someone who was able to get on the good side of the chwinga for them to give the solution is worthy of passing through?"   He shrugs.   "Not sure, but that doesn't really help here. Red, yell for me if Nolwenn succeeds, I'm going to check out the rest of the tier. Got a theory - if they're already damaged, maybe fixing them is the key? Might be something around we're supposed to use."   With that, he turns and starts walking along the tier, keeping an eye out for any loose bits of stone or the like that might be related to the stairs.
agignac
Nolwenn tried scrambling up to the top and all fours. The stairs crumbled to gravel beneath her, and she ended up slipping and sliding down to the bottom. Again, the bell-like sounds of chwinga's giggling  fills the air. You look up to see more of the forest spirits, their masks all unique, sitting on the next tier, their legs dangling off, laughing.

Draelin walks along the tier, examining the loose bits of debris and stones, looking for clues. A flock of long-tailed parrots flies overhead, making a raucous noise that sounds a lot like laughter.

Movement catches his eye, and Draelin looks down to see a chwinga looking at him from behind a larger stone. It's mask looks like a triceratops, so big that the chwinga looks in danger of falling over, topheavy. It hides when it realizes it has been noticed, then shyly steps out, holding a purple and yellow flower.

Looking up at the parrots, the chwinga grabs a red feather that has floated down. Moving with shocking speed, it runs towards the stairs, and straight up and over the crumbling steps, as light as a feather.
Pyrophilios
Being made aware of the Chwinga, The Red Horns immediately looked around for parrots or failing that their feathers
Volthawk
So it was just a case of understanding the chwinga, huh? Or maybe there was still some logic they were missing but they'd had the good fortune of getting the chwinga on-side enough to cheat for them. Either way, Draelin wasn't complaining. He picks up a handful of feathers left by the parrots and returns to the others, smoothly giving one to Red as he sets off to find some and coming to a stop in front of Nolwenn as her attempts to climb up come to an end, leaning down to offer her one too with a small smile on his face.

  "Looks like it's the same kind of solution this time, just not flowers. Flowers to deal with the plants, and feathers to deal with...ruins?   He shrugs.   "I'll be honest, not seeing the connection this time, but if it works it works."   He pauses.   "If it works."  

There was no real way to know other than trying, so with a few of the remaining feathers in hand Draelin has a go at the steps, trying to retrace the chwinga's steps as best he can - he might be fast and light on his feet, a gift of his heritage, but he was still no chwinga.
agignac
Flower in one hand, feather in the other, the elf stepped carefully on the first few steps. He could feel the steps crumbling under his weight, but he stepped quickly onto the next step. Going fast was easier than going slowly, and Draelin dashed up the stairs, light enough not cause a cascade of gravel from under his feet. Seconds later, and he is on the next tier, successful.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns followed suite and used the parot feathers as prescribed.
 "Alright, do what the Chwingas do. Got it." 
He looked at the next tier, searching for the obstacle and it's solution.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's final attempt at the disintegrating stairs sees her sliding through the gravel back down to the first terrace, unharmed but out of breath.  She stands up and brushes off the dust from her clothes.  After shooting an irritated glare up at the laughing chwinga, again exaggerated for their benefit, the wizard sits at the foot of the stairs to catch her breath, organize her thoughts, and wait to see if the others have found anything.  When Draelin returns, she accepts his hand to get to her feet and looks over the feather.    "Better than anything I've thought of,"   she replies,   "let's give it a try."  

_______________

The wizard is less exuberant when the party reaches the top of the second set of stairs than when they had reached the first, but only because she's anxious to reach the top.  The adventurers are making great time, and her thoughts are racing in circles, given they don't know the nature of the final (?) challenge yet.    "Ah!  That might be it!"   Nolwenn suddenly realizes and launche into her theory like a dam has burst,   "Draelin it's not 'feather for ruins', I think it's 'light as a feather'.  As in, a light foot to not make the steps crumble.  And the first layer covered in vines, right?  The key was a flower that only blooms  in clearings .  Picture those thorny vines as allegory for the jungle canopy and voila!"  
  "Now,"   she concedes,   "that doesn't provide too much clue for the last set of stairs, but my guess is it will be yet another thing relatively easily obtainable from the surrounding jungle.  I have a feeling this is actually more locked door than test, but the key is knowledge.  And it's reinforced by the...uh...hmm...pneumonic!  That's the one!  Pneumonic of how the stairs reject anyone without the passkey.  It's like alliteration or rhyme in a tale to make it easier to memorize, quite clever"  
  "Thank the gods for the chwinga, we never would have gotten anywhere without them...well, if I'm right, that is."  
agignac
As you approach the final staircase, it seems to have a strange, dark motion to it. As you get closer, you see that it is covered in snakes. Big snakes, thin snakes, ones with stripes, and diamond patterns, and some as black as ink. They writhe lazily upon the staircase, slithering over one another, tongues flicking occasionally.
Pyrophilios
Before taking even one more step, The Red Horns searched for the Chwinga, demonstrating the solution.
agignac
It took a moment to see them, but you quickly realize that more than a dozen chwingas are nearby, watching. Some are on the tier with you, hiding behind stones or vines. Others are higher up, on the sides of the ziggurat, peering at you with their expressionless masks. All carried both flower and feather.

When they realized that you are waiting for them, a brave chwinga with a surprised-looking mask steps forward. It approaches the snakes, and stands in front of a glossy red/yellow/black striped specimen. It then abruptly smacks it in the head with the flower. The snake rears up, ready to strike. Then the chwinga takes the feather and runs it down the snake's body, which seems to calm it down.

Finally, the chwinga lays down, the open "O" of its mask in front of the snake. The snake slithers into its mouth, and seeminly, down its throat. The chwinga then begins to slither up the stairs, over and under the other snakes, moving as if it were one of them. At the top, it stands up and waves down at you.
Pyrophilios
Being somewhat inured against poisons, The Red Horns sighed, took his parot feather to stroke one of the snakes, went down on his belly and opened up his mouth wide.
 "I really, really hate this." 
agignac
The snake slithers towards Red, rears back, and lunges at him, striking at his face.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 (2d4)[ 5 ]  poison damage +1 piercing damage
 
Pyrophilios
The snake managed to bite his hat and The Red Horn realized that agitating the snake with the flower was a necessary step. So he brushed the snake quickly with the flower, followed by the feather and only then opened his mouth.
agignac
The snake rears back, then allows itself to be soothed by the feather. Its tongue flickers out, as if tasting the tiefling's breath, then it slithers towards his open mouth.

The sensation is...unpleasant. The snake tastes exactly the way you'd expect a snake to taste. It fills his throat, and you can feel the scales moving rhythmically as it pushes itself further down inside of you. The urge to gag, to retch, is intense, but The Red Horns manages not to. The snake seems impossibly long, but finally the tail slips inside his mouth, and a moment later, his throat is clear again.

And Red finds he can slither. His hands clamp tightly on flower and feather, and his arms stick to his sides. His weight should crush the snakes, but he slithers upwards as if he is the same weight as they are. Their scales are smooth against any exposed skin, and they are surprisingly warm, having soaked up sunlight most of the day. His progress isn't fast, but a few minutes later he finds himself at the top, and he is able to gain his feet again.
Pyrophilios
 "I don't have many memories of my previous life, but I can assure you that this ranks at the top of the most unpleasant experiences I've ever had the missfortune to endure."  
The Red Horns croaked after he had gotten back up and dusted himself off.
" Come on have a go too. "
The Hellbug
Watching the chwinga slither up the stairway, Nolwenn is stumped.  Obviously, this a path that she and her friends can't follow, and, try as she might, she can't think of some clever way to relate this one to the last two tasks either and were these snakes even here when she had been down at the bottom of the temple?  Before she can come up with anything, Red's already trying to imitate the chwinga, and she winces as the snake strikes the tiefling.    "Are you okay?"   Nolwenn asks,   "we're going to have to find another way, I don't think we can physically..."  

And then the snake is sliding down Red's throat.  Nolwenn suppresses a gag and then just looks on in disgust and awe.  She has no problems with snakes (they're cthonic!), though she would certainly admit that she understands people that do looking at the writhing throng on the stairs, but this is just so  unnatural .  It doesn't get better when the tiefling slithers his way to the top and calls back down to the others.  The fact that he seems (for someone who's not necessarily alive in the first place) totally fine does little to comfort the wizard.

  "...you can go first,"   she says to Draelin.
Volthawk
  "...huh."  

Draelin didn't really have much else to say to describe the bizzare nature of what he'd just seen. What could you say, really, when it came to a test that required swallowing live snakes? Strange. He didn't really have a problem with snakes - he wouldn't have come out here if he did, given how often they came up in the accounts of past explorers he'd acquired in his preparations to come to Chult - but still...strange. Nolwenn talking to him breaks him out of his thoughts.

  "Right, yeah. No problem, seems straightforward enough. Just give it the slap and tickle, swallow it and off we go."  

With that said, he couldn't back down now so he gets on with it, finding a snake that doesn't seem too big (he wasn't quite sure how the swallowing worked anatomically speaking, so better safe than sorry) and carrying out the process he'd been shown twice now, hitting it with the flower, soothing with the feather and then waiting for...it to go inside. Very strange.
The Hellbug
  "Mhm, that easy.  Do you even hear yourself?"   Nolwenn mutters sardonically to Draelin as he follows Red's lead.  When he's successful, though, all Nolwenn can do is anxiously pace at the base of the final flight of stairs.  However, she didn't come this far just to back off now, and her competitive nature tugs at her as well.  And so, scrunching her face in revulsion one last time, she copies the chwinga and her allies, tapping one of the snakes with the flower, calming it with a stroke of the feather, and laying down to swallow it.

__________

When she catches up with her allies, Nolwenn gets to her feet slowly.  The wizard is gasping, pale and covered with sweat.  She crouches and looks like she's going to vomit, but the moment passes.  She brushes herself off and stands to her full height.    "I'm okay, I'm okay,"   she assures her allies,   "but there had better be a different way back down."  
agignac
You all take a few minutes at the top, recovering from the experience. The snake does not "come out", leading to some potentially worrying questions about tomorrow's digestion.

While you recover, you look around. The top tier of the ziggurat contains a simple, rectangular shrine, made of brick. The outside walls are decorated with labyrinth symbols of Ubtao. An open doorway shows a barren, dusty room. Nolwenn and Draelin, however, notice a faint aroma of incense.

The chwinga, you notice, are nowhere to be seen.
Pyrophilios
 "Well, I guess we have to go in if we want to see if the oracle is there. 
The Red Horns shuddered at the thought of having swallowed a magic snake hole for naught.
So he turned and went in.
The Hellbug
  "Maybe,"   Nolwenn replies, bewildered, as she follows The Red Horns into the empty shrine,   "but there should be something here.  I definitely saw  something .  And I'm not saying my magic can't be tricked, obviously there are things powerful enough to hide their own nature from it, but it doesn't make sense that someone would make it appear to lead us to nothing.  Maybe another test?  Wait."    The wizard's nostril's flare as she sniffs.    "Do you smell that?  It smells like something burning."  
Volthawk
Draelin nods. The scent was...quite nice compared to many of the varied and interesting smells of the jungle, and brought back memories of some of the places he'd gone to in preparation for his journey to Chult - he generally found that people who burnt incense all the time wanted to get across a certain atmosphere of mystique to those who came visiting, although the people he visited in the past were much more likely to be bluffing than this oracle.   "Incense. About what you'd expecct for an oracle, I suppose."   He shrugs, looking around the empty room and thinking.   "Any chance the whole setup is right here and just invisible, Nolwenn? Or if not...maybe a hidden passage that the smell's escaping through..."  
agignac
You stand near the doorway to the empty room, catching your breath, and wondering about the incense. Finally ready, you step through the doorway, feather and flower still in hand, and everything changes.

Hanging lamps illuminate the room, while incense burners fill it with exotic scents and curling smoke. Cushions and reed mats cover the floor, pots of blooming flowers line the walls, and singing birds flit from plant to plant.

An immense snake with iridescent scales rests on a heap of cushions opposite the doorway. It rises slowly to a height of five feet, staring directly into your eyes as it moves. Its face is remarkably humanlike, and its tongue flicks before it speaks.

   "I am Saja N'baza. What do you seek in this ancient place? Speak truly, for I hear your hearts."   
 
Pyrophilios
It took The Red Horns a moment to overcome his surprise, but then he stepped forward and bowed his head for a moment before he spoke:
 
"I am called The Red Horns. I come here because I am haunted by a creature. I see it in the background of mirrors, behind my own reflection. And it comes just a little bit closer whenever I look.
I want to get rid of it or at least learn what it is and what I can do about it." 
agignac
The snake nodded her head, as if not surprised by the question.    "Yes, you have the aura of one who is haunted. Tell me more of this mirror demon? What does it look like? When did it start to trouble you?"   
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took a breath and began to explain:

 "I awoke six months ago next to the remains of a burned book, it's pages giving off acrid green smoke. Next to me a small knive red with my blood. My skin was scarred with abyssal skript. I can only assume that it was myself who used the knive to transcribe the content of the book onto my own skin. All my memories to my previous life were gone. Only now and then I receive glimpses of what I did before. I think I used to be a gladiator. Though now, my head is filled with arcane knowledge. How to build devices and machines, how to enchant weapons and more. I've dared to read five passages on my body so far. But now I'd need a mirror to read more.

The first time I looked after I came to myself again, it was just a speck, like a bit of fly dirt and I didn't give it any thought. The next time, it was like a thin outline as if made with a pencil. But the outline was wrong. The arms were much too long. The next time, it already was a full fledged figure. Long limbs, even longer arms, a grey face with no eyes and mouth with too many teeth. No hair, but wearing something like a black suit.
by now it is close enough in the mirror that I can't see its feet anymore. Four or five more times and the apparition will be standing directly behind my mirror image..." 
agignac
Saja N'baza stares unblinkingly at The Red Horns as he tells his tale. Her body undulates beneath her, coils sliding over and under each other on the embroidered cushions.    "Yes, I see, you have made a deal you don't remember. You have acquired knowledge and power, and do not know what you have lost. A dangerous dilemma. But why do you assume this mirror man means you harm? After all, your own form is one that strikes fear in many peoples in this land."   
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Saja N'baza stares unblinkingly at The Red Horns as he tells his tale. Her body undulates beneath her, coils sliding over and under each other on the embroidered cushions.    "Yes, I see, you have made a deal you don't remember. You have acquired knowledge and power, and do not know what you have lost. A dangerous dilemma. But why do you assume this mirror man means you harm? After all, your own form is one that strikes fear in many peoples in this land."    
 

 "I mean... when in the world has such a thing occured and the story ended with "... and it turned out the monster in the mirror was completely harmless."?" 
The Red Horn composed himself and said:  "Sorry - it's a valid question, but that's why I came here: I want to know what it is and if necessary how to get rid of it." 
agignac
For a long moment, the guardian naga didn't answer. The incense swirled lazily through the room, somehow managing not to  be overwhelming or cloying. Finally she said,    "I would see this creature myself. Would you allow this?"   
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns froze for a moment but then nodded. Very carefully he pulled a package from his bag. It had been wrapped in thick cloth and secured with strong leather cords. One by one, TRH removed them and finally revealed a large, silver framed hand mirror with the polished glas facing downward.

TRH turned away from the Naga and held up the mirror so he could see his face and that of the oracle.
Immediately he saw the third face over his other shoulder and shuddered. It appeared now barely 20ft away...
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
   "Incense. About what you'd expect for an oracle, I suppose."   He shrugs, looking around the empty room and thinking.   "Any chance the whole setup is right here and just invisible, Nolwenn? Or if not...maybe a hidden passage that the smell's escaping through..."   
 

Nolwenn sniffs again.    "Yes, exactly that,"   she agrees,   "and it could be.  Invisible that is.  I wouldn't be able to see it.  Only way to know for sure is to bump into it.  I've heard some adventurers keep some kind of sticky powder around for just such situations."  

______

Once inside, the wizard does her best to not gawk at Saja N'baza.  She's never seen a creature like them before.  She does, however, look back at the way she came in to see if that has changed as well, not certain if she and her companions have stepped into some kind of illusion or been transported to a place very much but not quite like the temple they just climbed.

Patiently, she waits for the other two to ask their questions.  Only then does Nolwenn speak up.    "I'm along with them,"   she says with a nod towards her companions,   "but I'm here for me.  I want to do something great--a feat, a discovery that will be remembered.  I want to leave my mark...no that's not quite it.  Just something that's mine on my own merits, not what's been laid out before me.  Draelin thinks we can find the lost city of Omu.  I think that's it."  
Volthawk
Draelin lets Red handle this whole...demon? Something weirder? Whatever it was, he was happy to let Red get that sorted out and get the help he can before speaking up. His needs were less personally threatening, after all - if anything, his question was more about getting  into  danger rather than saving himself from it.

When Red's done and the snake's attention turns to Draelin, he finds himself unsure what to say. Speak truly, huh. And she can see if he's lying. No point trying to dress it up then.   "Omu. I want to be the one to find it, to find its secrets and bring them back to the wider world so they can see it, and whenever people in the future learn about Omu, they may well also learn my name."   He shrugs, the naga's gaze making him feel like he should elaborate.   "Probably not the easiest way to make a name for yourself, but, well...elves are often tied to the past, and I guess a little of that rubbed off on me - even if Omu isn't exactly  my  history, it's still history. That matters. As for why Omu in particular..."   Another shrug.   "I like a challenge? Finding something many others have tried and failed to locate has a certain appeal, doesn't it?"  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns froze for a moment but then nodded. Very carefully he pulled a package from his bag. It had been wrapped in thick cloth and secured with strong leather cords. One by one, TRH removed them and finally revealed a large, silver framed hand mirror with the polished glas facing downward.

TRH turned away from the Naga and held up the mirror so he could see his face and that of the oracle.
Immediately he saw the third face over his other shoulder and shuddered. It appeared now barely 20ft away... 
 

For a long moment nobody moved. The creature stayed put, facing Red, eyeless, eerie. Then, the naga's reflection moved, slithered over to the creature. Red checked behind him, and saw that Saja N'baza had not moved - her unblinking eyes were on the mirror. Her reflection, however, was unbound to her, and pulled itself up to an equal height with the creature. Her lips moved soundlessly. She waited, then spoke again. Slowly, almost mechanically, the creature turned its head almost 90 degrees to face her. Then it lashed out, lightning fast, with a claw-filled hand.

The naga's reflection reared back in shock or pain, and behind him, Red heard heard her cry,   " Cover it up! "  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
 Draelin lets Red handle this whole...demon? Something weirder? Whatever it was, he was happy to let Red get that sorted out and get the help he can before speaking up. His needs were less personally threatening, after all - if anything, his question was more about getting  into  danger rather than saving himself from it.

When Red's done and the snake's attention turns to Draelin, he finds himself unsure what to say. Speak truly, huh. And she can see if he's lying. No point trying to dress it up then.   "Omu. I want to be the one to find it, to find its secrets and bring them back to the wider world so they can see it, and whenever people in the future learn about Omu, they may well also learn my name."   He shrugs, the naga's gaze making him feel like he should elaborate.   "Probably not the easiest way to make a name for yourself, but, well...elves are often tied to the past, and I guess a little of that rubbed off on me - even if Omu isn't exactly  my  history, it's still history. That matters. As for why Omu in particular..."   Another shrug.   "I like a challenge? Finding something many others have tried and failed to locate has a certain appeal, doesn't it?"   
 

Was that an ironic smile on the oracles thin-lipped mouth?    "Foreigners always dream of lost cities. Of course, the cities aren't lost to those who live there. I know where Omu lies. I may tell you where it is. First I would hear from the human."   

 
 Originally Posted by Nolwenn 
 Patiently, she waits for the other two to ask their questions. Only then does Nolwenn speak up.   "I'm along with them,"   she says with a nod towards her companions,  " but I'm here for me. I want to do something great--a feat, a discovery that will be remembered. I want to leave my mark...no that's not quite it. Just something that's mine on my own merits, not what's been laid out before me. Draelin thinks we can find the lost city of Omu. I think that's it. "  
 

Saja N'baza began to laugh. The scales around her eyes crinkled up, and her breath left her in a strange half-wheeze, half-hiss. As if embarrassed by her reaction, she curled up into a ball, wheeze-hiss-laughing into her body. Several moments later she unfurled herself, and, still smiling, apologized.    "Oh, child, I am sorry. I do not laugh at you. It is just, I forget what it is like to be young. When it feels like family ties are shackles to flee from. When you don't have enough life experience to know what you want, but to have the confidence that you'll know it when you see it. You have come all this way, across half a continent, to consult with an oracle, and you barely know what to ask for."   

She wheezed again, then continued,    "I do not chide you. That is the point of youth, to make the old feel ancient. Has Qawasha told you much of Ras Nsi?"    she asked, abruptly changing the subject.    "A terrible blight he has been to Chult. I remember his first uprising. He has found new followers, and has made Omu his home. I will tell you where Omu lies, on the condition that you do your best to kill Ras Nsi, both as punishment for his past atrocities, and to prevent whatever it is he schemes to do now. What do you say? "  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 For a long moment nobody moved. The creature stayed put, facing Red, eyeless, eerie. Then, the naga's reflection moved, slithered over to the creature. Red checked behind him, and saw that Saja N'baza had not moved - her unblinking eyes were on the mirror. Her reflection, however, was unbound to her, and pulled itself up to an equal height with the creature. Her lips moved soundlessly. She waited, then spoke again. Slowly, almost mechanically, the creature turned its head almost 90 degrees to face her. Then it lashed out, lightning fast, with a claw-filled hand.

The naga's reflection reared back in shock or pain, and behind him, Red heard heard her cry,   " Cover it up! "   
 

The Red Horns reacted immediately and wrapped the mirror hastily.
 "So, what do you think? Should I be worried?" 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, piqued at the oracle's dismissiveness, prepares to take offense.  She doesn't need an oracle after all, the expedition already has Qawasha, who may need to get an earful about leading them to someone so immediately impolite.  She loses steam, though, when the snake immediately apologizes.  In fact, the words bring out a little bit of self-consciousness in the wizard.  She's never really thought about how much younger she is than the rest of her companions.  Qawasha certainly isn't young, Red's lived a whole life already, even if he can't remember it, and Draelin's an elf so he could be centuries old and Nolwenn would never know.

This train of thought is just coming to a pang of homesickness (it's been almost a year since she saw her mother, after all) when the oracle mentions Ras Nsi.    "Ras Nsi?"   Nolwenn answers, businesslike,   "yes, once or twice.  He's the one responsible for all the undead roaming about the jungle, right?  We were told he was dead...wait, you know Qawasha's here?"  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns reacted immediately and wrapped the mirror hastily.
 "So, what do you think? Should I be worried?"  
 

Was that blood dripping down the scales below her face? No, nothing there, must be a trick of the light. Her face was serious.   "Yes. You are correct to worry."   There is a long silence, in which the oracle appears to be deep in thought. Then she asks,    "Will you remove your garments? I would see the entirety of the script you carved into your flesh."   
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 This train of thought is just coming to a pang of homesickness (it's been almost a year since she saw her mother, after all) when the oracle mentions Ras Nsi.    "Ras Nsi?"   Nolwenn answers, businesslike,   "yes, once or twice.  He's the one responsible for all the undead roaming about the jungle, right?  We were told he was dead...wait, you know Qawasha's here?"   
 

   "Yes child, after all, are not my chwingas all around? He is speaking with some of them now. As for Ras Nsi, he did not die. For many decades I believed he had, for he was gone from my eyes. Even now, he is clouded and I cannot see his truth. I believe he has undergone some sort of transformation, something to obfuscate my vision. But I have come to know that he now resides in Omu."   
The Hellbug
So the chwinga are servants of the oracle.  That explains the test of the pyramid.  Draelin was entirely right after all.

  "A transformation?  Hmm..."   Nolwenn muses, tapping her lips,   "maybe he did die, and he's in the same sort of situation Red is.  Undead aren't my specialty, but if he could be responsible for the throngs of them that are still wandering around the jungle, maybe he could find a way to die and not slip his mortal coil, so to speak.  Wait a second."    Fame and fortune and, yes, danger she might seek, but Nolwenn has never not planned to live to a ripe old age.    "Why do you think we could be the ones to finish him off?  It was hard enough to get here, and there are only three of us--"  less than half, she is aware, of the people who set out from Port Nyanzaru--  "I know you're an oracle and your confidence is flattering, but just yesterday we were almost killed by a single bloodthirsty hag.  What are we going to do against someone who can summon whole armies of undead?  Why not do it yourself?  What do you know that we don't?"  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Was that blood dripping down the scales below her face? No, nothing there, must be a trick of the light. Her face was serious.   "Yes. You are correct to worry."   There is a long silence, in which the oracle appears to be deep in thought. Then she asks,    "Will you remove your garments? I would see the entirety of the script you carved into your flesh."    
 

The Red Horns though for a moment before he started to take of his trenchcoat, the armor beneath, the thin shirt, his boots and finally his trousers, keeping only his socks and loincloth. Once again he turned his posterior to the oracle so she could read the script carved into his back, turning once more when she was done with that side.
Volthawk
Draelin matches the naga's smile as she hears his request. He knew full well what she was thinking. It was what most people, here and back home, thought when they heard of fools chasing the lure of treasure. It didn't bother him any. After all, he was going to  succeed . He couldn't afford to believe otherwise.

When the naga moves on to Nolwenn, he listens to the back and forth with interest, trying to figure it out.   "Him being alive makes sense to me. A man makes all these undead, stands to reason he might know a way to do it to himself. Hide out while people's attention fades and they figure your minions are just running rampant without your control, then you have an edge over everyone else - it's hard to raise a big army to take down a man who's supposed to be dead in a city that everyone thinks is lost, so he can just chip away where he can, quietly gain power and followers, and take more and more of the jungle under the guise of mindless remnants wandering around, fighting a war the other side doesn't even know is one, until the lay of the land is one that works for him."   Nolwenn's last question to the oracle gets a shrug from him.   "I'm guessing she can't just go down to Omu herself - am I right, N'baza? You don't normally hear stories of oracles travelling around doing things themselves, but staying where they are. If you're concerned about someone like Ras Nsi, but need  us  to go do it, I'm guessing that means you're stuck here, one way or another. But yes, knowing you're not just throwing whoever comes along into a bloodbath would be appreciated."  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns though for a moment before he started to take of his trenchcoat, the armor beneath, the thin shirt, his boots and finally his trousers, keeping only his socks and loincloth. Once again he turned his posterior to the oracle so she could read the script carved into his back, turning once more when she was done with that side. 
 


The guardian naga slid down from her cushions and approached The Red Horns. She examined him from every angle, her snake-like body rising to head-height, then dropping down to the floor. Her looping coils wrapped around him, cool against his skin. For several minutes she looked at the script upon his body, though it was unclear if she could properly read it or not.

Finally, she unwound and returned to her cushions. Her face somber, she said,   " I have gleaned much of your past, and will tell you what I can. The creature who hunts you is a glabrezu, a demon. It is bound in the mirror realm, but searching for a way out. When it frees itself, it will attempt to destroy you, and then turn its attention to the one you are protecting."   

Faced with expressions of surprise, she continued,    "The ritual performed on you was powerful, and I cannot entirely pierce it. But I know that you consented to it, and aided in it. The purpose of it seems to be one of protection. Somebody was being hunted by this demon, and in order to protect them, you transferred their curse to yourself, or perhaps made the demon believe it was you that it wanted, or some such effect. The loss of your memory is another layer of protection for the original victim - as long as you do not remember yourself, you will not remember them, and the glabrezu cannot remember them.

"The ritual that ate your memory nearly killed you, or perhaps did kill you...this half-life you live is unknown to me. But you managed to bind and blind the demon, and take it far from its intended victim. I believe your journeys have been two-fold - to gain distance from the intended victim of the glabrezu, and to learn enough to defeat it."   

She opened her mouth, then closed it again, sighing deeply.
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 The guardian naga slid down from her cushions and approached The Red Horns. She examined him from every angle, her snake-like body rising to head-height, then dropping down to the floor. Her looping coils wrapped around him, cool against his skin. For several minutes she looked at the script upon his body, though it was unclear if she could properly read it or not.

Finally, she unwound and returned to her cushions. Her face somber, she said,   " I have gleaned much of your past, and will tell you what I can. The creature who hunts you is a glabrezu, a demon. It is bound in the mirror realm, but searching for a way out. When it frees itself, it will attempt to destroy you, and then turn its attention to the one you are protecting."   

Faced with expressions of surprise, she continued,    "The ritual performed on you was powerful, and I cannot entirely pierce it. But I know that you consented to it, and aided in it. The purpose of it seems to be one of protection. Somebody was being hunted by this demon, and in order to protect them, you transferred their curse to yourself, or perhaps made the demon believe it was you that it wanted, or some such effect. The loss of your memory is another layer of protection for the original victim - as long as you do not remember yourself, you will not remember them, and the glabrezu cannot remember them.

"The ritual that ate your memory nearly killed you, or perhaps did kill you...this half-life you live is unknown to me. But you managed to bind and blind the demon, and take it far from its intended victim. I believe your journeys have been two-fold - to gain distance from the intended victim of the glabrezu, and to learn enough to defeat it."   

She opened her mouth, then closed it again, sighing deeply. 
 

For the first time, The Red Horns smiled.  "Thank you. That is very helpful. I just have to become strong enough to defeat a Glabrezu. That sounds a lot more doable than I feared. I'll just have to make sure to avoid any mirrors until then..." 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
  Nolwenn's last question to the oracle gets a shrug from him.   "I'm guessing she can't just go down to Omu herself - am I right, N'baza? You don't normally hear stories of oracles travelling around doing things themselves, but staying where they are. If you're concerned about someone like Ras Nsi, but need  us  to go do it, I'm guessing that means you're stuck here, one way or another. But yes, knowing you're not just throwing whoever comes along into a bloodbath would be appreciated."   
 

Saja N'baza shook her head and corrected Nolwenn.    "The hag known as Nanny Pu'pu did not nearly kill you; it was her construct that did that, and you have destroyed it. But your point still stands. I do not know if you can kill Ras Nsi, but you have a greater chance than any I have met in many decades. You have survived a trip that would kill many, just to visit me. Chult is tempering your skill and stamina, making you stronger. You have the desire to be great, to be remembered, to be heroes. I see greatness in your destiny, and selfishly I would guide that greatness to where it can do the greatest good.

"You are correct, Draelin. I cannot leave my shrine. Even if I could, I do no possess the skills for such a battle. I can, however, offer you some small help, in the form of a magical charm."   
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 For the first time, The Red Horns smiled.  "Thank you. That is very helpful. I just have to become strong enough to defeat a Glabrezu. That sounds a lot more doable than I feared. I'll just have to make sure to avoid any mirrors until then..."  
 

   "It is not so easy. The glabrezu is making its way towards you, whether you can see it or not. Even if you never look in another reflective surface, eventually it will break free of its prison. You have time, but not infinite."   
The Hellbug
  "In that case: you know where Omu is; we're searching for Omu,"   Nolwenn offers experimentally, looking to her companions for any sign of dispute,   "we accept."  
  "Can't say if we'll be able to slay an undead-army-controlling megalomaniac, but we have to get there first,"   she continues with a nonchalant shrug,   "and we won't have a problem convincing Qawasha, he hates the undead."  
agignac
The oracle inclined her head gravely, then looked at the other two, clearly wanting their verbal acceptance as well.
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
    "It is not so easy. The glabrezu is making its way towards you, whether you can see it or not. Even if you never look in another reflective surface, eventually it will break free of its prison. You have time, but not infinite."    
 

 "I feared as much. Every slight reflection could move it forward. Then it seems, there is only one solution for me: Getting stronger faster and get my allies stronger faster." 

The Red Horns nodded to his companions to show them that he was finished.
Volthawk
Draelin nods as he hears the oracle's answer. Made sense to him. It was a reasonable enough explanation given the circumstances, and he was not immune to flattery - whether or not she was being genuine with all this 'great destiny' talk, it was working on him. That, and the confidence that he'd succeed that had guided him through everything they'd gone through, was enough to get him to nod when Nolwenn looks his way.   "I came here to find that city and get everything I can out of it, that hasn't changed now that it has someone living - well, unliving - in it. Of course I'm in."  
agignac
The oracle allowed herself a smile.    "Omu lies between the Peaks of Flame, and the Valley of Lost Honor. The city is sunken below the level of the jungle, so it is very hard to see without the vantage of high ground. However, it is also guarded against flying creatures, so it is best to be very careful."    She looks at Red as she says this.    "Ras Nsi may not control his undead army any more, but my visions show that he has new followers, so be careful."   

She slides over to Nolwenn, her upper body staying still as her lower body slithered effortlessly.    "Nolwenn de Menez, for taking on this task, I gift you my charm. The charm of two minds."    She bends down, and her forked tongue flickers over Nolwenn's palm. A brown mark, vaguely in the shape of the ziggurat, appears on her skin.    "Three times you can use it, and it will expand your mind, allow you better control of the magic you wield. Two spells you will be able to hold at once, for as long as you desire."   

The naga moved to Draelin, and drew up level to him.    "Draelin Tailir, for taking on this task, I gift you my charm. The charm of shadowmelding."    Again, she flickers her tongue over this palm, and a similar mark appears upon it.    "Three times you can use it, and it will allow you to merge with the shadow of another creature. For one hour you can travel with it, by shadow, before taking your true form again, wherever their shadow is."   

Finally, moving to Red, she says,    "The Red Horns, once called Malxikas by one who loved you, for taking on this task, I gift you my charm. The charm of hunt."    She flickers her tongue over this palm, and a similar mark appears upon it.    "Three times you can use it, and it will focus your fighting abilities. When you attack one enemy of your choice, your attacks will be more potent."   
The Hellbug
  "Thank you.  Your generosity far beyond our expectation,"   Nolwenn says sincerely after looking at the mark on her palm.  And she definitely means it.  She had been led to believe that oracles could be a contrary and difficult lot, but Saja N'baza has seemed nothing but forthright with her and her companions.  There's a quiet in the air like someone should have an additional question or thing to say but no one knows what it is.  Nolwenn, herself, can't wait to get planning with the rest of the team now that they have a destination (and pester Red about his situation).

But a thought suddenly strikes her, and she fills the silence.    "The symbols on the outside of the shrine, those were Ubtao's if I'm not mistaken,  " she states,   "are you  his  oracle?  Qawasha seemed to think he had abandoned Chult."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns inclined his head as well and thanked the Oracle:  "Indeed, your boon is most welcome. Maybe we should head back to port, charter a ship to go around the continent and close in on the lost city that way. Now that we know where to look, we don't need to cross the whole continent." 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 But a thought suddenly strikes her, and she fills the silence.    "The symbols on the outside of the shrine, those were Ubtao's if I'm not mistaken,  " she states,   "are you  his  oracle?  Qawasha seemed to think he had abandoned Chult."   
 

Saja N'baza's face became sad.    "Once, long ago, this shrine was dedicated to Lord Ubtao. Three oracles, and many holy people worshipped our god. But Lord Ubtao turned his face away from Chult. Now, I alone remain here. Perhaps if I am very lucky, I shall live to see my lord turn his face back to our land."    The tone of her voice spoke volumes about how likely she believed that to be.
Volthawk
  "Shadowmelding, huh..."   Draelin looks at his palm thoughtfully. First time he'd had access to anything like that. Interesting. He breaks off his trail of thought as he listens to the others talk, nodding at Red's suggestion.   "Last time I checked the maps, Hrakhammer Mine looked to be fairly easy to get to by coast too, and it'd be on the way. Backtracking to port would also let us collect the canoes and...hm. I think I want to spend some more time at Mbala. Left something unfinished there."   He doesn't directly address the oracle's melancholy over Ubtao. His opinion on the matter wouldn't be appreciated.
The Hellbug
  "Not all the way,"   Nolwenn points out, somewhere between encouragingly and entirely unhelpfully but, regardless, earnestly,   "you're still here, and you're still his Oracle, right?  With the tests and the visions of the future and the boons?  Unless that kind of thing happens on its own."  
  "But sorry, I'm sure you've thought about that,"   she adds, self-consciousness having caught up with her,   "Ras Nsi in Omu.  We're very grateful for your help, Oracle."  
agignac
The oracle smiled a little at Nolwenn's words, but said nothing. Glancing out the doorway, she said,    "The sun is rising. It is time for you to be on your way. Good luck to you, and my thanks for your promise. Your visit has given a lonely old naga some hope for the future. "   

You exit the shrine, to find that the sun is indeed rising. It didn't feel like you were there all night.

The way down the stairs is clear - no sign of snakes, crumbling steps, or entangling vines. The ground surrounding the ziggurat is covered with delicate blue flowers, which definitely weren't there the day before.

You find Qawasha where you left him, still asleep, near a dying fire. A cookpot containing a fruit-filled grainy porridge is hot and ready, and smells delicious.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns smelled the porridge wistfully, but then set up his usual work area, concentrating on his project.

 "So we are heading back, taking another look at Mbala and then use the canoe to go back to port? A sound plan as far as I'm concerned. I am afraid the revelations will make it necessary for me to accelerate my training and my artifice. I understand if you no longer want to associate with me - one too many mirrors could bring down a massive demon on all of us."  
The Hellbug
  "No, absolutely not,"   Nolwenn replies seriously, pausing from helping herself to the porridge.    "Wishing to no longer associate with you, that is,"   she clarifies,   "we've come this far; we're all in it together.  And yes, that seems like a good plan, though I'd like to hear Qawasha's opinion on it and consult his map."  

The wizard resumes scooping her portion of breakfast into a wooden bowl and brushes off part of a downed log on which to sit down.    "In the meantime, though,"   she continues, her obvious eagerness to get involved almost sinister,   "you did this to yourself, Red?  You must have  really  cared for someone if you were willing to do--"  she points up and down his body with her spoon  "--all that.  And you can't even remember her...him...them?  Nothing?  It's like something out of a fairy tale.  We're going to find a way to banish this demon and find this someone, same as we're going to find Omu.  Don't know how yet, but I also don't know how we're going to get to Omu so--"  she shrugs optimistically  "--nothing's new."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns smiled at the assurance but shook his head at the last question:   "It seems like I took a large gulp from the Styx before coming back. Though it is fitting, I guess. You are your memories after all. Take them away and you aren't you anymore.
That's also why I was so reluctant with that little gnome/fey merchant. My memories are a tattered shroud that once was a rich tapestry. Sometimes, when I'm dealing with a difficult task or ordeal I receive flashes of insight. But they are fleeting and fragments without context. But who knows, maybe I'll regain them when I beat that mirror demon. A man can hope afterall."
  
The Hellbug
  "Mhm,"   Nolwenn agrees with a nod.  Well, doesn't totally agree.  Even though there had been a niggling doubt about trading away her memories to Miss Bubbles, she still feels like she's totally Nolwenn.  Probably.    "But what about your name?"   she continues,   "Is Red still okay?  Or would you rather the old one.  I could have read those tatoos any time you wanted, by the way--didn't need an oracle for that.  Plus, Mal--"  

The wizard cuts herself off quickly.    "Or do you think using your old name would help the demon find us?  Like some sort of call it could hone in on like when you look into a mirror."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns thought about it:  "Yes, I think I prefer to keep my current name for now. As the oracle said, there is a reason I chose to forget and my old name resonating across the mirror surfaces might be the same as me looking into them." 
 "And about reading the carvings: You can if you like, but I don't think the text will make much sense to you. Just don't say the words out loud..." 
Volthawk
Draelin looks up from the map he was reading - Qawasha wasn't using it right now, after all - and nods. He'd been listening to the other two talk, but truth be told the ins and outs of Red's situation were a little beyond him.  "Alright, so you're still Red and we've got a demon to kill at some point. " He pauses.   "Before or after we kill the evil threatening an entire continent."   Draelin chuckles, leaning back on the log he was on.   "Let nobody ever say that we're not ambitious in our goals."   After a few more moments of silence, he looks over at the others again, his tone a little more serious than normal.   "Red, what you said about not wanting to associate applies to you too. Nolwenn wants Omu badly too, like I do, but you...this has gone from exploring the jungle to taking on Ras Nsi. I'd understand if you wanted to back away and focus on your own issues."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shook his head:  "No way. I need to get stronger. And should my demon break free, I'd prefer it to happen in the jungle or preferably with undead as a distraction for it. Also, you know, defeating evil is quite profitable if done right. Maybe the solution is just to buy the help of a powerful wizard to get rid of the demon." 

He prodded Qwasha:

 "Good morning, time to wake up. We are returning to Mbala." 
The Hellbug
  "And what wizard do you think you would hire?"   Nolwenn queries,   "famously powerful wizards aren't exactly a silver a dozen, and that's not to mention that the ones you might easily find are the sorts that are subjugating nations, raising armies of undead monstrosities, or attempting the bend control of reality away from all that is natural.  Our poor reputation as practitioners as a whole in some communities is not necessarily unfairly earned."  
  "And, of course, I needn't remind you that you're weeks-deep in practically the most remote jungle in the world with a powerful, reasonable, and attractive wizard right in front of you who's already eager to help.  It might be a little rude to her to imply it would be so easy to find aid more suitable,"   she adds chidingly, counting off qualities on her fingers.

As for actual business, Nolwenn joins Draelin by the map.  She hasn't paid especially close attention to it so far--what was having a guide for after all--but finds that, though she couldn't pick it up and tell where she was on it in the middle of the jungle, the party's current position is well marked.    "Not necessarily,"   she adds to Red,   "we were going to ask for your advice first.  The oracle told us of the location of Omu, between the Peaks of Flame and the Valley of Lost Honor.  She also said that Ras Nsi lives and has made it his home.  We were considering heading back to Port Nyanzaru to resupply, learn of our new enemy, and plan the next leg of this journey.  It looks like the best route back is down this River Soshenstar by canoe."    She conjures an illusory piece string that follows the river's curves on the map to illustrate her point.

  "But we wanted to know your opinion on it.  How long will that take and is there anything of interest that you know of in the jungle near here before we retreat to civilization?  I believe that, in your case, it goes without saying that we'll need every advantage possible if we're going to face him."  
agignac
Qawasha stretched and awoke. Looking around, he noticed the blue flowers, and grinned.  "It must have went well! These flowers don't grow for just anybody."  However, when he hears the news about Ras Nsi, he frowns.  "But, he is dead! He died decades ago, he must have!" 

Finally, Qawasha bends over the map, circling the area the oracle had named with his finger.  "A long way south, this is. And many undead in between. The jungle between the Aldani Basin and the Valley of Lost Honour has a very high number of the undead. Also, the jungles east of the Heart of Ubtao. I have travelled through some of those jungles, but not extensively." 
 "If you want to return to Port Nyanzaru, the Soshenstar is the best and quickest way, and we could do it in a week if we are very lucky. The east bank is dangerous. If you want to travel by sea to the south of the continent, I will bid you goodbye in the port - I do not fare well at sea. But there are other guides who are more familiar with the south of Chult."  He looked up at them, and said,  "I say this not to dissuade you. It may be wisest to approach Omu from the south." 
 "However, the Valley of Lost Honour was destroyed by a volcano long ago, and strange, fire-dwelling creatures are said to reside there now. Creatures that are in league with, or perhaps not, with the dragon who lives in Wyrmheart mine."  He points to the mine in the south west of the map.  "Same with the land of ash and smoke - very dangerous to travel there. But the mountain range between Shilku and the land of ash and smoke are said to be impassible. If there is a way through them, I do not know of it." 

Qawasha shakes his head.  "I am sorry I am not of more help. The south of Chult is not my speciality." 
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
   "And what wizard do you think you would hire?"   Nolwenn queries,   "famously powerful wizards aren't exactly a silver a dozen, and that's not to mention that the ones you might easily find are the sorts that are subjugating nations, raising armies of undead monstrosities, or attempting the bend control of reality away from all that is natural.  Our poor reputation as practitioners as a whole in some communities is not necessarily unfairly earned."  
  "And, of course, I needn't remind you that you're weeks-deep in practically the most remote jungle in the world with a powerful, reasonable, and attractive wizard right in front of you who's already eager to help.  It might be a little rude to her to imply it would be so easy to find aid more suitable,"   she adds chidingly, counting off qualities on her fingers.

As for actual business, Nolwenn joins Draelin by the map.  She hasn't paid especially close attention to it so far--what was having a guide for after all--but finds that, though she couldn't pick it up and tell where she was on it in the middle of the jungle, the party's current position is well marked.    "Not necessarily,"   she adds to Red,   "we were going to ask for your advice first.  The oracle told us of the location of Omu, between the Peaks of Flame and the Valley of Lost Honor.  She also said that Ras Nsi lives and has made it his home.  We were considering heading back to Port Nyanzaru to resupply, learn of our new enemy, and plan the next leg of this journey.  It looks like the best route back is down this River Soshenstar by canoe."    She conjures an illusory piece string that follows the river's curves on the map to illustrate her point.

  "But we wanted to know your opinion on it.  How long will that take and is there anything of interest that you know of in the jungle near here before we retreat to civilization?  I believe that, in your case, it goes without saying that we'll need every advantage possible if we're going to face him."   
 

The Red Horns laughed:  "Don't worry, it's not like I'm abandoning you for a higher tier wizard. And I'm not talking about silver - I'm talking about serious money to be thrown around for help. I deem you a very competent illusionist, but to fight such a demon, I'd like also the help of a conjurer or evoker.

It's all academic anyway: First we have to fight this Ras Nsi and win whatever treasures he has. If by the end we are strong enough to beat the demon together - all the better."
 

He nodded at Qwasha's explanation
 
"Well, I guess it's only fair to spend our coin equally among the guides of Chult.

Onward then, there is a whole day worth of daylight there." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn gives a wry look to Red.  There's nothing wrong with their schools of magic--Nolwenn herself knows a number of their spells--but, in her opinion, evokers tend towards unrefined brutes and conjurers towards lazy bullies.  However, she holds her tongue.  Though, admittedly, an expert exorcist would be extremely useful in banishing a demon.

  "The oracle is convinced otherwise--and that he has recruited new followers as well,"   Nolwenn confirms to Qawasha,   "I don't know what else to say."    She follows along with Qawasha as he traces the features on the map as he mentions them.    "It sounds like it's back to Mbala and the canoes regardless,"   she agrees with Red,   "with the treasures we've found, time is something we have plenty of so even if it turns out we're heading back to port just to return down the river, it's not much loss, given the necessity of preparations.  I  do  want to make an expedition to the Heart at some point, though."  

Since Qawasha had mentioned their rarity, Nolwenn plucks one of the blue flowers to be saved with her Star of the Evening.    "Do they have a name?"   she asks their guide.  Otherwise, she packs and is ready to go shortly.
agignac
 "If Saja N'baza says it is so, then it is so."  Qawasha accepted the words as truth, but looked shaken and disturbed. He began to pack up camp.  "Very well, let us return to Mbala, and then to the canoes. We have a few days for you to decide if you want to go straight back to Port Nyanzaru, or to the Heart of Ubtao. If I may ask, what is it you hope to acquire in the port before continuing on to Omu?" 

When Nolwenn picked a flower, he smiled.  "I have never heard them named, nor have I seen them bloom anywhere else. If you bring some back to Grand Souk market, you will find many eager buyers." 
The Hellbug
Seeing that the druid is by no means in a hurry to start harvesting the flowers, Nolwenn declines to do so as well, merely keeping the one she had already plucked.    "Food, information about where we're going, magic, maybe a boat, depending on what we decide,"   Nolwenn lists,   "plus there are other things to be done: warning the people of the city about Nanny Pu'pu and Mbala, figuring out who those dead dwarves are, selling valuables, probably something I'm not remembering.  Come to think of it, your contract was only for thirty days.  It's been..."    Nolwenn pauses, realizing she doesn't know exactly how many days the expedition has been going.  Her only written record is her illustrations which she hasn't dated.    "Probably pretty close to that.  Aren't you worried about needing to renew our contract?"  
agignac
Qawasha shook his head.  "It is rare that expeditions last the exact term of the contract. There will be no trouble." 

You pack up camp and head back the way you came. The weather is unusually nice - no rain for two days, and even the bugs seem to have found other victims. It's not until you approach the ruins of Mbala that your good luck runs out. The afternoon of your second day of travel brings you hours of torrential rains, and by the time you see the ruins, you are soaked through and through. The clouds are low, and even the birds and flying monkeys are nowhere to be seen. Everybody seems to have the good sense to stay out of the downpour.

 It's late afternoon, 2 hours of daylight left. Will you head into the ruins, or make camp before you get there?  
Pyrophilios
 "The ruins offer more protection - let's head in - but make sure that Pu'Pu hasn't returned."
 
The Red Horns said.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn almost has to shout to be heard over the torrential rain.    "I think the chief's house still had some roof left,"   she suggests,   "we'll still have to dry everything out after, but it'll be better than nothing."    What the drenched wizard doesn't add is that her suggestion is primarily a means to avoid staying in Nany Pu'Pu's hut again.  She looks back and forth among her companions, hoping that Red's reminder of the danger of the hag is enough.
agignac
You pick your way through the ruins, skidding a bit in the mud. Finally you reach the chief's house, and are relieved to find that most of the roof is intact and keeping out the rain. One corner is pretty muddy, but it's easy enough to avoid.

Qawasha pulls some thick ivy from the walls, and does something druidy to make them dry out. He soon has a fire crackling merrily.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn changes into a dry set of clothes and, with a simple spell, banishes the dirt and mud from the ones she had been traveling in.  After offering to do the same for her companions (  "A mere cantrip.  It's no problem at all!"  ), she dries her hair by the fire, sitting as close to it as she dares.

  "Draelin,"   she says in a gap in conversation,   "you mentioned at some point that you left some valuables at the city's shrine?  And do you think we should give Nanny Pu'pu's house a visit?  Maybe she's returned."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had used much the same trick for a while, though without getting out of his cloths first.

 "I think we should scout it out. But maybe with invisibility added into the mix?" 
Volthawk
Draelin's grateful for the magical help with his clothes, and shrugs when asked about the shrine.   "More like the potential for treasure. I started clearing it out, found those statues, but then, well...everything with Pu'pu happened and it fell by the wayside. While we're on the way back, we might as well finish the job - given what we found here already, it may well be worth our while. As for Pu'pu...it's worth being careful when we check it out, sure, but I doubt she's there. She'd know that we'd return this way, and with her minion gone she'd be at a disadvantage compared to the last fight, which she lost. If we run into her again, it won't be in her house, but her trying something underhanded to get the drop on us when we're  not  expecting her."  
Pyrophilios
 "All the more reason to be very careful. I hope to finish my dark vision mask soon. That will make me a much more efficient sentry. Until then let's be very careful.
Maybe we can buy a scroll of Tiny Hut when we are back in the city. That would make future camping much more safe if Nolwenn had that in her repertoire." 
The Red Horns replied
Pyrophilios
 "Don't worry, we'll follow along in a safe distance to help you, should there be a nasty surprise."  The Red Horns added, smiling reassuringly - or at least he hoped that he did.

One invisibility spell for Draelin and one darkvision spell for The Red Horns later, they made their way silently towards Mama Pu'pu's domicile. About 120ft away, Nolwenn and The Red Horns stopped and hid behind vegetation.

 "Let me give you just a little edge."  The Red Horns whispered and held out his hand to the invisible Draelin. A tiny spark of competence magic transfered.

 
 Spoiler 


Guidance on Draelin
 
Volthawk
Draelin nods (not that can they see it, but it's the principle of the thing), dropping into a low crouch and slowly approaching the hut, watching his step, until he can look inside. He didn't expect to find anything, but no harm in being careful.

 
 Spoiler 

Stealth:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
agignac
Draelin carefully lifted the hide that served as a door (still with arrow puncture from their last encounter), and peered inside. The inside of the hut was dark and quiet. No sign of Nanny Pu'pu.

Outside, a few soggy monkeys stared balefully at Red and Nolwenn. The rain was starting to ease up.

Seeing nothing, Draelin eased through the hide door and into the hut. It was warm and dry inside, and looked much the same as it had last time he'd been there.
Pyrophilios
 "Do you think Mama Pu'pu can control monkeys or turn into one? Because that one looks really irriated with us." 

The Red Horns whispered, readying his Yklwa to throw.
Volthawk
Seeing the empty hut, Draelin shrugs, thinks for a moment and then puts another arrow into the apparently-empty chair. If she wasn't there (what he expected), no big deal, but if she was then he'd find out soon. Assuming that nothing happens, he then heads out to rejoin the others, now visible again.
agignac
Draelin hears a gasp as he lets fly, and a loud, squishy "thunk" as it lands. A creature suddenly appeared in the chair, one that Draelin had caught a glimpse of a few days ago. An old woman, with green skin, long white hair, and long, strong arms. Her fingers ended in straight, sharpened claws. One hand was currently clutched around the arrow planted in her belly. She screamed, a loud, shrill cry of pain and fury. She prepared to leap from her chair at Draelin.
Volthawk
Draelin was...a little surprised that she was actually there, to be honest. Shooting her in her chair was starting to become a regular thing, and a tradition he considered keeping going before another idea comes to mind. Calling on his mask's power, he gets the hell out of there while whatever the mask called keeps Pu'pu busy. While he was more focused on running than watching the show, he sees enough to know what it made - pulled from old memories of the forests he grew up in, he supposed. Wolves. And lots of them - he had to squeeze past two coming into existence just to get out, and on a glance back...there wasn't much space in there that wasn't filled with either wolf or hag. Even the table had a precariously-standing wolf on top of it. Well then. That'd do nicely. A quick shout of   "Get her!"   and he's out of the tent, getting some distance while the wolves hopefully get to work...or slow her down, at least.

 
 Spoiler 

Spending my action and 3 charges from the Mask of the Beast to summon an animal in there.  I may be being a bit dense, but it seems like SNA II isn't a thing in 5e,,so not sure what exactly I get, but so long as it's alive and hostile and in the way that's fine by me.  Sorted out in discord, it's casting Conjure Animals to summon eight wolves.

Bonus action on Cunning Action to Dash, letting Draelin move 70 feet away from her and back towards the others.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns started running and took to the air to get to the hut, commanding his construct to do the same

 
 Spoiler 


Moving 60 ft forward and 30ft up with dash,
bonus action command Steel Defender
moves 50 ft and ends movement next to Draelin to extend its protection to him.
 
agignac
The inside of the hut is immediately filled with growls, howls, barks, and very unlady-like cursing in a variety of languages.

The three friends (plus twiggy defender) ran towards each other. Red and Draelin met in the middle, with Nolwenn following behind, after casting her arcane armour.

Before they could ask what had happened, a bolt of lightning shot through the hide walls of the tent, nearly blowing apart the nearest tree. Six flying monkeys flapped up into the drizzle, shrieking in alarm. Wolves howled and barked, and some went silent. Red's construct noticed the hide door flap open and close again, though it didn't notice anything exiting the hut.
Pyrophilios
 "Damnit, she went invisible again." 
The Red Horns focused on the environment, trying to identify signs where the hag could be

 
 Spoiler 

Investigation, trying to beat the hag's spell DC

 (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
if successful, I'll send the construct to chase after her
 
The Hellbug
  "Draelin said she seemed to change her form..."   Nolwenn had been saying, but then there was the shout from the hut and the sudden unraveling of the spell she still held in mind.

______

Moments later, she's falling behind her companion, unable to keep up with the sprinting tiefling as she casts her protective spell.  The lightning catches her completely by surprise, and she slips and momentarily goes down onto a knee as she raises her hands to shield her face from the splinters blown from the unfortunate tree.  Unharmed, though, the wizard is back on her feet quickly, in time to see the hag's second attempt at an invisible escape.

Considering the lightning's danger to be self-evident and frantic to locate the hag,   "she won't get away this time!"   is all Nolwenn manages to shout ahead to her companions, dagger and vial for her next spell already in hand.  This time, she is far less hesitant with the knife, slashing it across her palm to send a trickle of blood into the mixture and intoning her newly-minted incantation before she finishes the spell by quaffing the vial's contents.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Well, this'll eventually work if she's a hag.  Nolwenn moves 30 feet forward and casts Detect Goodness and Evil using her Fey Touched daily cast.  That's going to give her the ability to know if fey creatures (or undead or fiend or celestial or aberration or elemental) are within 30 feet of her and the location of said creatures.  Bonus points in detecting desecrated or consecrated things in the same radius.  It lasts for 10 minutes as long as she concentrates.
 
Volthawk
Draelin runs out to the left of Pu'pu's hut, again drawing on the mask's powers - this time, to sharpen his vision as he looks for any signs of her running in the mud (while the rain was easing up, it was still there and he didn't trust the jungle to be quiet enough to hear her running).

 
 Spoiler 

Moving and then using his main action to activate the Mask of Beasts for Vision of the Cheeta for +10 to vision-based Perception checks, and then his bonus action on Eye for Detail to make a perception check to try to find her. It doesn't seem like by RAW invisibility penalises the check in any way, which seems odd so lemme know if that's working differently.

Perception:  (1d20+21)[ 32 ] 
 
agignac
The noise from the hut continued to sound chaotic and terrible. Wolves growled and howled, whined and barked. The canine noise, however, was steadily diminishing.

Red and Draelin scoured the area for signs of an invisible creature. With the steadily diminishing drizzle and the mud, it shouldn't be impossible to see some sign of passage. However, despite their best efforts, they could see nothing to indicate the presence of such a being.

Nolwenn, on the other hand, was trying out a new spell. And the results were - not ideal. She could strongly sense Red overhead, though the aura she got from him was odd. She thought if there were regular undead nearby, a zombie or something, it would feel different. However, she also got a very strong sense of a fey creature, standing near the doorway to the hut. And another one, inside the hut. Now wait - TWO inside the hut. Definitely three.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, offensive spell already in mind, continues to advance towards the hut, relying on her enhanced perception to detect the explorers' invisible foe.  As she gets the closer, she has a moment to wonder if the tent flap was just a feint--Draelin's summoned wolves are fighting  something  inside, and there's no sign of Pu'pu trying to flee.

However, as her spell's range closes in on the hut itself, everything is made more clear.    "There are two of something inside,"   she alerts her allies, pointing at where she feels each of the fey is,   "and one more right there!  No more hiding!"  

The wizard then slashes at the air with her previously pointing finger, holding her arm outstretched away from her side as she clutches her talisman with her other hand.  She utters an incantation thus unheard by her allies and traces a jagged, complex pattern in the air in front of her.  There's stillness when she finishes, but the air itself feels filled with potential and static dances across her like a breeze.  Nolwenn raises her hand once again, and the tension is broken with a crash as a lightning bolt of her own leaps from her fingertips towards her invisible foe.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to advance 30 feet closer to the hut.  Action to cast  Magic Missile  Lightning Bolt at the one outside for  28  damage, DC 16 dex save for half

 damage from 3 missiles :  (3d4+3)[ 6 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns called down:  "It's a coven - careful, together they can cast powerful spells!" 

Seeing where the magic missiles impacted, the flew closer and threw the Yklwa, despite the bad odds.

 
 Spoiler 

Closing in another 30ft
Throwing Yklwa with disadvantage

 (1d20+9)[ 20 ] / (1d20+9)[ 18 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 15 ] / (1d20+9)[ 20 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 7 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 8 ] 

Bonus action: Command Steel Defender to attack as well. Double move
 
Volthawk
Nolween revealing what was actually going on...well, it was definitely a good thing from a tactical perspective, but part of Draelin was happier when he didn't know there were three of them now, and when he also didn't know from Red that this made them more dangerous. Okay. Time to cut down their numbers, he supposed. Taking aim, he shoots at the now-visible hag in the hope of finishing what Nolwenn started.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus action Steady Aim into an attack. Since Nolwenn broke the invisibility (and has higher initiative), that means Draelin's attacking with advantage (so Elven Accuracy and SA apply).

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 28 ] / (1d20+8)[ 14 ] / (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 9 ]  +  (3d6)[ 12 ]  SA
Crit damage rolled in discord, adding  12  7 bow damage and 10 SA damage
Total of 38 damage.
 
agignac
Your three-pronged attack nearly overwhelms the hag. First the lightning bolt jolts her, making her white snarl of hair stand on end. Then the yklwa pierces her thigh, drawing blood, only to disappear and miss with Red's second throw. Finally, an elven arrow shoots through her ribs, piercing her lung and lodging in the back of her shoulder blade. Blood foams at her lips.

Spitting red froth, the hag cries out,   "Nanny! Get out here and help me with your foreigners! I didn't answer your summons to die for you!"   She then vanishes from sight.

  "Coming, Auntie!"   a familiar voice cackles. A wolf is thrown through the hide door flap, tearing down. It lands in a heap in the mud, bloody and broken, and does not rise again. A hag follows it through the door, a bloody wound in her belly (though the arrow is gone).

She quickly takes in the situation, focuses on Nolwenn, and cries out a few words in Sylvan. An ugly green ray of energy leaves the hag's clawed finger and flies through the air to the wizard. Nolwenn throws her hand up and creats a shield of magical energy, which catches the spell and disperses it before it can harm her.

 " Aargh! You vile child! " 

From inside the hut came the sound of bone cracking, and a cut-off whine of pain. Then the hut was silent.

 
 Spoiler 
 
Ray of sickness cast at Nolwenn, 20 to hit, 33 HP damage. If that doesn't drop her, make a con saving throw DC 13. 

Nanny Pu'pu is injured. Aunty Pu'pu is very badly injured, but invisible. You haven't seen the other one yet. Let me know if I missed anything.
 
The Hellbug
In reality, it's a close thing.  There's a look of shock on Nolwenn's face as she looks over to see where the green ray has been deflected into the ground, but she can't help but grin when she hears the frustrated hag's insult.  Confident now that one of them is apparently on the run and having just foiled Nanny's magical attack, the wizard moves to her left to more easily cut off any avenues of escape.

  "Clearly,"   she follows up on Red's warning assuredly,   "but also clearly no greater than our own magic.  And with her trickery and guile disarmed, I daresay Nanny Pu'pu has met more than her match."    As if to demonstrate, Nolwenn conjures a quartet of magic missiles and sends them hurtling towards the hag, a simple but effective spell.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Moved Nolwenn in the OOC.  Also rolled Magic Missile damage:  13 
 
Pyrophilios
The Redhorns didn't waste any breath: he commanded his construct to advance on the visible hag and to distract her, so he could make his shot.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus action: steel defender takes help action

Sharpshooter attack

 (1d20+4)[ 10 ] / (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 24 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 5 ] 

One crit for 31 damage
 
Volthawk
Draelin doesn't seem particularly concerned that one of the hags is sneaking away invisible - if one of them wanted to cut and run, that was fine by him. Particularly when he had the opportunity to finally drop Pu'pu in front of him. Time to make it three for three for arrows in her gut...

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus action Steady Aim into an attack.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] / (1d20+8)[ 12 ] / (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ]  +  (3d6)[ 11 ]  SA
If crit:  (1d8)[ 4 ] + (3d6)[ 13 ] 
 
agignac
Nanny Pu'pu watches Nolwenn as she speask the ancient, complex words of her spell like a bird might watch an ant. She waits for the penultimate syllable—toying with her —before making her move. A familiar numbness creeps into her hand as she  perform the cutting gesture to sever their connection to the energies Nolwenn has summoned, rendering her spell inert. The four magical missiles fizzle into nothingness, a faint whisp of magical energy floating half-heartedly through the air.

The hag doesn't have time to revel in her victory, however. Yklwa and arrow thump into her flesh, one to stay there, quivering, the other to vanish, leaving a bloody hole. Screaming in anguish, the hag falls over backwards, landing in the mud with a splash. Her voice weak, she cries out,   "Auntie, Sister, help me!"  

Two other hags suddenly appear, hands already moving in intricate motions. One steps out of the hut, eyes on Nolwenn. She has a few bite marks on her skinny arms, but looks otherwise healthy. She speaks the words that her sister had spoken seconds before, and casts a ray of sickening energy at Nolwenn.

The scorched hag, unsteady on her feet (though looking a bit better than she had when she went invisible), turns to Draelin and repeats the words, casting her wicked spell at the elf.

At their feet, Nanny pulls a gourd from her dress/robe/rag's pocket, unstoppers it with her teeth, and drains the contents. She then pulls herself to her feet to stand with her coven.

 
 Spoiler 

Ray of sickness at Nolwenn. Con save DC 13 or be poisoned until the end of the hag's next turn.
 (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
 (5d8)[ 27 ] 

Ray of sickness at Draelin. Con save DC 13 or be poisoned until the end of the hag's next turn.
 (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 (5d8)[ 12 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
Red used the opportunity of not getting attacked to attack some more.

 
 Spoiler 


Attacking the most damaged one.
 (1d20)[ 13 ] +4, damage  (1d8)[ 8 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20)[ 6 ] +4, damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 

Bonus action to attack w/ steel defender
 (1d20)[ 7 ] +8, damage  (1d8)[ 8 ] +3, if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 
The Hellbug
And it's Nolwenn's turn to be frustrated when Nanny Pu'pu pulls apart her spell.  While she would never match the hag's undignified snarl (or so she would say, at least), the wizard purses her lips when her arcane missiles disperse.  Luckily, she doesn't need to raise another magical barrier to deflect the second ray aimed at her, her previous enchantment and the magical cape she wears being up to the task of turning this one away, because she's starting to tire.  It's not the physical strain--Nolwenn has gotten used to hiking all day, even in today's bad weather, from the last three weeks of it--but maintaining her detection spell while bringing her magic to bear against the witches is definitely wearing on her.  Without a break soon, she won't have the mental energy to concentrate on more than cantrips.

Red and Draelin, though, are looking like they could keep this up, and the hags don't seem to have any particular defenses against their more mundane assault.  Nolwenn's hope then, not being familiar with their magic, is that they have a limited capacity for channeling it as well.  They may be able to counter any spell she can cast, but she decides she'll make sure they have to.  They're just old crones, after all, without their magic Red and Draelin can strike them down.

With that thought, Nolwenn hustles to a spot where she can line up the whole trio of hags, takes a deep breath, and unleashes another bolt of lightning on them.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Moving to basically right under Red (can't edit map from work) and casting lightning bolt at the three hags.  Dexterity Save DC 16 for half.

Damage:  (8d6)[ 30 ] 
 
Volthawk
That ray  hurt , felt weird as hell too, but Draelin was able to keep his focus on the fight. At this point...their best bet was to push the attack. If they took out Nanny Pu'pu for good...maybe the others would get out, their obligation no longer keeping them here, or maybe they'd take it personally. Either way, it was worth it to get one of them out of the picture.

 
 Spoiler 

Steady aim + attack on Nanny. Unless the others kill her before Draelin's turn of course, at which point he'd target whichever of the others look most hurt.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ] / (1d20+8)[ 12 ] / (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 10 ]  +  (3d6)[ 12 ]  SA
If crit:  (1d8)[ 1 ]  +  (3d6)[ 9 ] 
 
agignac
The new hag cackled as she recognized the lightning bolt that Nolwenn was casting. She unwove the spell before it could be completed, and it fizzled in Nolwenn's hands with a pop and the smell of ozone.

Red and Draelin both targeted Nanny Pu'pu, who was taking cover behind her sisters. The yklwa and the steel defender were unable to make contact with their target. The elf, however, aimed carefully between the shoulders of the other two, and caught Nanny almost in the throat. She burbled blood, and slowly sank to the ground.

The other two screeched, and as one, ran forward to attack Draelin. Their claws were as hard as sharpened steel, and they clearly intended to flay the skin from the elf's body.

 
 Spoiler 
 hag one
 (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
 (2d8+4)[ 15 ] 

hag two
 (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
 (2d8+4)[ 15 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Hag storming forward and ignoring the construct paid for it with a force attack to the face.
Red kept up with his attacks, counting on taking the witches down any time now.

 
 Spoiler 

Opportunity attack steel defender
 (1d20)[ 7 ] +8, damage  (1d8)[ 4 ] +3, if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 

Attacking the most damaged one.
 (1d20)[ 9 ] +4, damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20)[ 10 ] +4, damage  (1d8)[ 1 ] +16, if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 

Bonus action to attack w/ steel defender
 (1d20)[ 6 ] +8, damage  (1d8)[ 2 ] +3, if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 
The Hellbug
This time, Nolwenn is less surprised when her spell is negated, and she prepares to cast another, still hoping to go spell-to-spell with the trio of hags if it takes every ounce of magic she has.  But Nanny Pu'pu falling and her two coven-mates madly rushing at Draelin (with greater efficacy than Nolwenn had predicted) changes her mind.

Having seen how the elf fights, she knows he favors patience, which he'll never have with the two hags slashing at him, but that a distraction will do for him as well.  With this in mind, she joins Red's construct in entering the melee.  Staying on her toes, ready at any moment to deflect any attack with a defensive spell, she this time chooses a less taxing magical attack.

With one hand held palm-up at face level, she traces a spiral upward above it with the other as she speaks her magical words.  Nothing seems to happen, but Nolwenn herself can feel, though she couldn't say exactly with what sense, that there has been a change indeed.  Though unseen and odorless, the wizard knows how vile the conjured gaseous species truly is--she has seen them wilt shrubs in seconds.  She takes a deep breath and blows towards her hand, finishing the spell and sending the noxious fumes toward Auntie Pu'pu.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn moves to melee and casts Poison Spray on Auntie Pu'pu (who should be the more damaged one).  She gets the opportunity to succeed a DC 16 Con save or take  (2d12)[ 18 ]  poison damage.
 
Volthawk
The second option, huh. Less good, but at least they're just trying to maul him rather than casting spells. Although, as he twists out of the way of one claw so that it 'only' catches him on the arm, that still didn't mean much for him. Time to get out of there. He rolls back out of the fray, dashing forward a little more before turning and quickly firing an arrow at one of the hags.

 
 Spoiler 

Using Cunning Action to Disengage, moving 35ft away from them (who knows, maybe the extra 5ft over human baseline will matter) then shooting the one everyone else has been piling on.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ] 
 
agignac
The hag chokes and gasps for air as Nolwenn's spell fills her lungs. Her face a different shade of green, she suddenly looks afraid. A second later, she turns invisible and vanishes from sight.

  "Bugger this,"   the other hag mutters, and she also disappears.

Nolwenn and Draelin hear the hags turn and run in different directions. It sounds like one is heading back towards the hut, and the other is moving directly west. Despite the drizzle and the mud, there is absolutely no visual sign of them moving. However, you can hear a few splashes, and the occasional grunt or gasp.
The Hellbug
Relying on her detection spell once more, Nolwenn hurls a bolt of fire at Auntie as she flees.  There's no telling what this murerous coven could get up to if they aren't broken completely.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just attacking with disadvantage after Auntie Pu'pu.  Nolwenn will chase after her as well if she doesn't fall from the attack.

Firebolt attack (disadvantage):  (1d20+8)[ 9 ]   (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
damage:  (2d10)[ 15 ] 
 
Volthawk
If one was running back to the tent, they must have left something in there worth the run back. No way they were getting away with something valuable, after the pain he'd just gone through for the sake of winning this fight. Hitting someone just going off hearing was difficult, but if he focused, then maybe...

 
 Spoiler 

Using Steady Aim as a bonus action to cancel out the disadvantage from invisibility, then attacking.

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had expected them to cut and run, but not so soon. Still, the other's attacks gave him a rough indication where the hag had run too. And having his construct follow and impede her, it was easy to make an educated guess where to sent his Yklwa flying while he followed in the air.
 
 Spoiler 

Disadvantage:

Bonus action to attack w/ steel defender
 (1d20)[ 8 ] / (1d20)[ 8 ] +8, damage  (1d8)[ 6 ] +3, if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
Attacking the most damaged one.
 (1d20)[ 19 ] / (1d20)[ 19 ] +9, damage  (1d8)[ 5 ] +6, if crit  (1d8)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20)[ 13 ] / (1d20)[ 20 ] +9, damage  (1d8)[ 7 ] +6, if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 
agignac
Yklway, arrow and firebolt his the hag heading into the hut. She falls to the ground, visible before she hits the ground. Oddly, Nolwenn still has a sense of "feyness" coming from the body, though she is clearly dead. The other hag passes past the range of Nolwenn's spell.

The rain ends, and the clouds begin to break up, revealing a beautiful sunset.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns descended, still keeping his ears open for a returning hag, although he doubted that she would.

Instead he took a look at the remains.

 
 Spoiler 


Perception test
Guidance
 (1d20+6)[ 7 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 

Steel Defender

 (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 

Investigation check on remains

 (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn has another spell at her fingertips, but with two of the hags dead and the third fleeing, she lets it harmlessly disperse.  Suddenly, even as she's still on her toes in case the third hag returns, the adrenaline fades and her fatigue catches up with her all at once.  She looks around for a good place to sit down but, lacking that, she plops down directly on the ground.  When Red alights next to the dead hag and begins to search her, though, Nolwenn's attention is drawn to the corpse by her magic.    "Careful Red,"   she warns, squinting at the body with interest  but making no move to help yet,   "she's dead, but there's still...something there.  It's a presence, fey like hers, but smaller.  I don't quite know what it could be."  
agignac
Red approached the hag, but at Nolwenn's words, became suspicious. He began to poke ineffectually at the corpses with the blunt end of his yklwa. After watching this for a few moments, Nolwenn sighed and got up. With less hesitation, she began to search through the hag's strange garments, looking for the source of the fey aura, which she could still see.

The wizard spread the dress/robe/rags out, and went through her pockets. She found all kinds of odd (and somewhat disgusting) items - a ball of the hag's own hair, some dried geckos, something slimy that moved a bit when touched, a brass key, and various dried herbs and mushrooms. None of that accounted for what her spell was telling her. Focusing hard, to the point that she gave herself a headache, Nolwenn finally pinpointed the aura to a featureless spot in the hag's long sleeve. Groping around, Nolwenn was surprised to feel something that she couldn't see. Prodding gently, she determined in to be a good-sized pouch, maybe the size of a cantaloupe. It was completely invisible.

Nolwenn tugged it free, and as she pulled it towards her, she heard a soft mewling sound. Her fingers found the drawstring at the opening, and carefully worked it more open. The mewling grew louder, and a moment later, a soft, damp,  something  touched Nolwenn's fingers, from inside the invisible bag.
The Hellbug
  "AAAEEKK!"    Nolwenn cries out and fumbles the invisible bag, but she stoops low and deftly catches it before it hits the ground, even if she loses track of its drawstrings.  With a quick pre-glare at her companions, lest they take the opportunity to make fun of her surprise, she finds the bag's opening again.  One deep breath later, she places the fingertips of one hand just within the bag, holding it up and slightly open with them alone; with her other she prepares the motions for her toxic cantrip in case it should be needed.

   "What are you?  Identify yourself!"   the wizard commands, drawing her fingers apart to open the bag more fully.
agignac
An invisible, furry, something bumps up against Nolwenn's hand. Surely that's a head? Furry and hard, but a soft ear tickling the inside of her palm? Everybody can hear a plaintive "meow" coming from under Nolwenn's hand.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's seriousness is almost immediately deflated, and she sets her free hand on her hip.  She looks quizzically at the space where the fuzzy invisible creature is.    "I, uh, think it's a cat?  Kitten?"   she announces uncertainly, failing to keep a smile from sneaking onto her face,   "a fey, invisible cat?  Hiding in a hag's invisible satchel?"    She tries to lift it out of the bag, grasping it with both hands under where its front legs should be, and holds it up as though she could possibly inspect it by sight, letting the bag fall to the ground on her foot so it will be easier to find later.
agignac
The furry bundle in Nolwenn's hand certainly seems to be a cat. It has the correct proportions, it feels right. Also, its starts to purr. A rough tongue licks Nolwenn's hand, and whiskers tickle her arm.

 
 Spoiler: Nolwenn only 

Nolwenn's hand that went into the bag to help pull the cat out is now invisible. I was thinking her off (non-spell) hand, all four fingers and half her palm. Thumb was probably up, helping scoop up the cat under the armpit, and is still visible. I'll let you write that discovery up.
 
The Hellbug
  "Definitely a cat,"   Nolwenn says and giggles when it licks her,   "and a friendly one, too!  Wait, get a look at this!"  

The wizard maneuvers the purring feline so that she can hold it in the crook of one arm and free up the hand with which she had reached into the bag.  When she holds it up, she wiggles her fingers at Red and Draelin to demonstrate what she has just noticed: her hand has absolutely vanished from just past her thumb all the way to the tips of her fingers.    "Don't worry, I'm still all there.  It must be the bag,"   she hypothesizes,   "well, maybe not totally.  This guy...girl? is as faerie as one of those hags.  But the  invisibility  might be the bag.  Here, Red, it's sitting right on my foot."    She glances down and taps her bag-covered foot on the ground to indicate which to the tiefling, her free hand going back to cat-related business.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns decided it was time to use a bit of magic directly. He opened his senses to the flow of magic and looked at the invisible cat.

 
 Spoiler 


Cast Detect Magic

Arcana check  (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
 


The Red Horns didn't see the invisible cat, but noticed a magic item around one of the flying monkey's necks. Without thinking, he threw his Yklwa, hit true and walked over to check on the bloody bundle that had been just a moment ago a cute little furry critter.

 "A hag eye. That's how they knew we were coming." 

The Red Horns exclaimed while he examined the magic bauble
Volthawk
Draelin considers running after the escaping hag, but the thought doesn't last long - once she was out of the immediate area, there'd be way too many ways to go to easily track her. That, and the effects of that spell and that claw wound were starting to make themselves felt, disincentivising running off alone while already hurting. Instead, he just takes a few moments to breathe and recenter himself, before Nolwenn starts talking about invisible cats and gets his attention. Walking over, he listens to what she has to say before shrugging.  "Not really sure what to say to all this. Why would a hag have an invisible kitten, anyway? Hags don't strike me as really needing mousers." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns crushed the eye in his hand and turned to Draelin:  "I'd suspect it's some kind of familiar. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to keep it." 
agignac
The sunset quickly turned to darkness, as it always did in the jungle. The clouds cleared, and the stars twinkled brightly. Gathering up the invisible kitty and the invisible bag, they made their way (some more painfully than others) back to the ruined chief's hut, where Qawasha was waiting. Seeing the state they were in, and Draelin's painful looking wounds, he jumped to his feet and rushed over.

 "Oh! It looks like Nanny Pu'pu was home after all!"  He laid has strong, brown hands on Draelin's injuries, and spoke a few soft words in a strange, choppy-sounding language. His wounds began to knit closed, and soon he was feeling almost as good as new.

Nolwenn presented the druid with the riddle of the invisible cat. Delighted, Qawasha stroked it and laughed when it purred. When asked, he agreed to attempt to speak to the creature. Rubbing his mouth in a circular motion, he spoke the choppy language again, then said,  "What would you have me ask it?" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shook his head - he hadn't been hurt at all this time around.

On Qwasha's question he answered:   "You could ask it since when it has been in that bag, if it can turn visible and if it knows what it is"  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn considers offering the Red the cat to hold to convince him of its harmlessness, but his callous killing of the flying monkey, spy for the Nanny Pu'pu or not, dissuades her.  While the three are heading back to Qawasha, she hands the cat off to Draelin momentarily so she can dig in her bag.  She comes up with a length of ribbon, which she carefully fastens around the invisible feline's neck, and a bandage for her own hand, where her palm is still damp with blood though no longer bleeding.
_______

  "Her and a whole coven,"   Nolwenn editorializes about Pu'pu back at the tent,   "but not anymore, this time she didn't get away."  

But more immediately relevant are the cat questions.    "Wherever it seems right to start,"   Nolwenn instructs the druid, absentmindedly stroking the cat in her arms and deciding to delay changing back into her other set of hopefully-dry clothes,   "who are you?  Or maybe 'what are you?'  Where are you from?  What were you doing in that hag's bag?"  
agignac
Qawasha laughed as Red and Nolwenn began to speak at once. The ribbon around the cat's neck seemed to float in the air above Qawasha's lap, a perfect circle, vibrating with each purr. The druid spoke, the can answered, and Qawasha translated.

" I am cat! Sharp-claw, rat-bane, far-leaper! Wicked two-leg put me in bag, and now I cannot see my perfect, beautiful self! Very wicked! Many moons, in bag, out of bag, catch rats, catch lizards, catch almiraj, bring to two-legs, always catching, never eating. Very wicked! But wicked two-leg dead! Smells blood, make happy rumble. And kind two-legs release from bag! Friends friends friends! " The purr intensifies.
Pyrophilios
 "Why is it invisible?"  The Red Horns suggested another question.  "How did the hags turn the cat permanently invisble?"
 

He knew how unlikely it was, that the cat knew the answers, but then: Only if you asked, you could get an answer
The Hellbug
  "I certainly hope it's not permanent,"   Nolwenn comments, showing off her half-invisible hand again but clearly believing that not to be the case,   "or I'll have to get really used to wearing gloves."  
  "Umm..."    The wizard taps her lip while she wonders what else to ask the cat.  It's answers have been pretty standard cat--obviously the hag was using it to gather materials for spells or potions or gods-know what else--but then there's the invisibility.  Why?  Making a prisoner invisible just seems to make it easier for them to escape so there must be some sort of reason, and she can't ignore the feline's fey aura.    "First of all, what are almiraj?"   Nolwenn asks Qawasha before going into other questions aimed at the cat,   "if you didn't eat what you caught, how are you still alive?  And how did the hag catch you?  Oh wait!  I'm sorry!  Do you have a name?  I'm Nolwenn."  
agignac
To Red's question, the cat said,  "In bag! Outside, no-see bag. Inside, make me no-see. Very wicked! Other things in bag, all no-see. Some sharp, some hard, none nice to lie on." 

To Nolwenn's question, there was a hesitation, and Qawasha chuckled.  "Almiraj are the little horned rabbit-like creatures we saw a few days ago. Also, I think the cat is a bit embarrassed,"  he explained.

 "Not, never eating,"  the cat said,  "but not eating fresh kills! Bring hunt to wicked two-legs, take best parts, leave poor me poor me, only bones and skin, nothing nice."  The cat then repeated,  "I say name, Sharp-claw, rat-bane, far-leaper." 
The Hellbug
  "Why would it be embarrassed?"   Nolwenn, bewilderment clear on her face, asks Qawasha,   "I mean, the name's a little silly and not quite a name, but I wouldn't think a cat would be too self-conscious about that.  Maybe that's because it couldn't find a way to escape?  Ask it that.  Why didn't it escape when let loose to hunt?  Oh, and another thing: just talking to it, does this cat seem weird for a normal cat?  Besides being invisible.  I can tell from a bit of my own magic that it's a fey cat, but I don't know what that necessarily means."  
  "Honestly,"   she continues to Draelin and Red,   "I don't think a cat will do us any harm.  I say we offer to keep them.  If they were useful to a hag, maybe they can be useful to us but in more a give-and-take way than a prisoner-in-an-invisible-bag sort of way.  And I at least want to see what it looks like when the invisibility wears off."  
  "If the invisibility wears off..."  
Pyrophilios
  "Why would we want to take an invisible fey cat with us? That sounds like buying trouble that we could avoid for free. Set it free. It's a fey cat - there's a good chance it's deceiving us.
If it wants our company it can follow us on its own."

  Red replied, looking automatically to Draelin to cast the deciding vote
The Hellbug
Nolwenn glances at Draelin as well but continues to make her argument to both her companions.    "Maybe, but it's clearly used to people--this isn't just some wild tom we found out here in the jungle--I don't think cats like this even live here,"   the wizard argues back,   "and you said it yourself: it could follow us anyway.  If it means to do us harm, it'll just do that!  We don't even know what it could do, at least wait to make a decision until we know what we're dealing with."  
  "Plus,"   Nolwenn admits slyly after a pause,   "I've been thinking of taking a familiar--I'm certain I can copy the binding spell and purchase the reagents back in port with a small portion of the treasure we've found."    She gestures towards the empty cat-space in Qawasha's lap.    "This could be a coincidence agreeable for all parties."  
Pyrophilios
  "Binding it as a familiar is fine. But no need to wait for the city. I can give you a temporary tattoo tomorrow morning that will allow you to perform the ritual instantly."  

The Red Horns replied.
Volthawk
Draelin shrugs, his attention on something else the cat said.   "Sure, if making it a familiar means it'll help us out, go ahead. More importantly, the cat said there was other stuff in there. Let's get it all out now, in a sack or something, so that if this invisibility goes away after a while we don't have to wait as long for it to wear off."   He looks thoughtful.   "Probably worth checking what Nanny had too..."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn sternly shakes her head at Red's offer.    "No thank you,"   she answers,   "the connection between wizard and familiar is a--"   she snaps her fingers, looking for an appropriate word   "--ah, an intimate thing to the individual wizard and the creature to be bound.  The ritual itself is tailored to the individual pair.  I could never have it replicated by artifice."    Regardless of the actual truth of her statement, it's clear that the young wizard's opinion is firm on the issue, and she has no intention of budging.

  "Oh, and Draelin,"   she adds,   "careful with getting things from the bag.  I wouldn't be surprised if it's deeper than it looks, like Red's.  If you're reaching in there, you'll end up somewhere between the cat and me."    She taps her invisible fingers for emphasis.    "Like I said, I'm pretty certain it will fade, but you should know the risks."  
Pyrophilios
 "Maybe I should take the time to actually identify the bag."  The Red Horns replied, clearly a bit hurt at having his offer so bruskly rebuked.

 
 Spoiler 

Identify as a ritual
Arcana check
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "Oh no!  I'm sorry!  I didn't mean it like that,"    Nolwenn apologizes to the offended tiefling,   "it's just that it's something I have to do for myself.  My familiar, my magic.  It's like, it's like...ah!  It's like courtship.  You can have letters delivered and meetings arranged as much as you want, but it can't really work unless you're there doing it yourself.  Same sort of thing."  
Pyrophilios
Now The Red Horns looked more confused than hurt:  "What, now I'm utterly confused? Using a ritual yourself compared to using the tattoo which is basically a scroll, gets you the same result - i.e. the desired meeting. The only thing you miss out on is buying the scroll, transfering it to your spellbook by paying even more gold for ink, and then performing the ritual, paying even more gold for incense, as well as waiting a few weeks, because you only can do that when we are back in the city, giving the unbound fey loads of opportunities to mess with or betray us.

You could even, if you so desire, bind the creature now and repeat the process "properly" once we reach the city.

If you are afraid of needles, just say so. I can bind the cat to myself in the meantime and give it to you when we reach port.

All I want is to prevent some hag using the cat to spy on us." 

He calmed down:  "By the way, the bag is a cursed bag of holding that turns everything permanently invisible that gets put inside. A restoration spell can revert the effect. For Draelin it might be worthwhile to put a dagger in and have an invisible weapon on your person." 
Volthawk
Draelin...pretty much lets the debate about the ins and outs of familiars and the social expectations around them go on without him. He had neither the knowledge nor the willingness to meaningfully weigh in on the topic. The bag, however, gets his interest.   "Oh, I was talking more about pouring all the loot out into a sack or something, but I guess if it's a bag of holding...things can't just spill out of those, right? We are going to need to pull it all out if we want it to be visible eventually. Although..."   Draelin looks thoughtful.   "Permanently invisible, you say? That makes that tangent irrelevant. I was assuming that it had a time limit. Hm...can any of you three cast the right kind of magic, or is anything we put in stuck invisible until we get back to port and can find ourself someone with the right stuff?"  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's frustration, as much with herself as with the situation, is compounded by Red's revelation that the bag is cursed and that the invisibility is permanent--yet another problem to be solved for the already-tired wizard.    "Okay, it was a bad metaphor!"   she replies sharply,   "and no, Draelin, I can't fix it."  

After taking a deep breath and running her hands through her hair, Nolwenn looks up more calmly at her two companions, and it's obvious just how exhausted she really is.    "Okay, let's start over,"   she begins to explain to Red,   "the ritual of familiar binding, for a wizard, is more than just a spell.  Yes, the spell is important, and the particulars are unknown to me, as you pointed out, but I'm going to focus on the effects.  It's an agreement between a magical being and a mortal wizard for mutual benefit.  The wizard gains a companion and a number of magical conveniences, and the familiar gains an anchor to the mortal plane.  It is also hypothesized that the familiar siphons off a small portion of every spell the wizard casts, returning stronger to its home when the occultist inevitably dies, but, unsurprisingly, the non-wizard side of the arrangement is not as well understood."  

Continuing, it's clear that Nolwenn is delivering a lecture similar to what something she heard during her instruction, and as she begins to list effects, she counts them off on her fingers.    "The contract is bound by a trio of, well, it's best to think of them as cords, each responsible for observable effects of the binding.  The first binds the pair in flesh and body.  It's the reason that a familiar whose mortal form is destroyed can be easily resummoned by their master.  The second binds the mind, allowing the two to telepathically communicate and the wizard to view the world through their familiar's eyes.  The final and most foundational cord binds soul and the occultist's magic.  This is what allows the familiar to deliver spells for their master."  
  "So, why is this important?  Though metaphysical, these cords are very real, and potentially risky.  The connection is a vulnerability to both through the other.  It can only exist that way, intrinsically.  A binding made without trust chafes the mind, and a contract in poor faith harms the practitioner's very soul.  So you see, then, why I can't accept your offer?  I can handle the mischief of a fey cat, even an invisible one.  I will make sure that no harm comes of it while I ascertain if it can be a potentially beneficial match."  

Nolwenn lets out a deep sigh when she finishes her explanation, patiently waiting for questions or replies from her companions.
Pyrophilios
 "Soooo... you want to forge a soul bond with a creature that you literally only met an hour ago?
Maybe I should give the tattoo to Draelin. He could use a little buddy to distract enemies while he stabbs them in the neck." 

The Red Horns asked with a sceptical tone.
The Hellbug
  "No.  As you yourself observed, it will be weeks before I could even possibly attempt the ritual,"   Nolwenn answers, purposely ignoring the artificer's tone,   "suitable familiars are as rare as the wizards that bind them.  It would be foolish to turn any down out of hand."  
  "Speaking of which,"   she turns to Qawasha to get another question to the cat,   "what are your plans?  Are you amenable to traveling with us?"  
Pyrophilios
 "Sure, but you seem to be pretty determined to use exactly this cat that you haven't even seen yet - one might even say: You are buying the cat in the bag." 

The Red Horn smiled now, clearly enjoying this now.

At the question he looked expectant at Qwasha as well.
agignac
Nolwenn felt the cat rub its head against her leg, purring loudly.  "Yes, yes, yes! Kind two legs! Not a safe jungle for no-see cats! Big ones not-see sharp fangs, not-see warning claws, might step on. Can be familiar. Wicked two-legs all gone and dead, am good familiar. Yes yes yes!" 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn just rolls her eyes at Red's comment, pretty certain that he's just teasing her now.  The invisible cat, though, she scoops up, even if its eagerness (and lack of answer for her question of where it came from) is a little concerning.    "Well, let's not just jump right to that,"   she says,   "but we're definitely not going to just abandon you in the jungle.  Draelin, did you want to visit that shrine before dark?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged:   "Alright. Let's talk tomorrow. For the night I assume, we won't be bothered. My construct and I will keep watch. You all should get some sleep."  
agignac
As Red predicted, the night passed quietly. In the morning, the cat slipped off to hunt. The "floating ribbon" didn't seem to hinder it much, and it soon returned with a large lizard, which it ate with gusto (and a fair amount of mess).

After their own, less messy breakfast, Draelin led the way back to the shrine.
Volthawk
Once the group reaches the shrine, Draelin looks around from the spot and nods to himself. About how he left it, best as he could see at first glance. "How he left it" was still a bit of mess, of course, but what could you do.

 "Alright, shouldn't take long to clear this, particularly if you guys pitch in. I've got the statues that were here with me, but I'm not sure if we'll need them - depends on if there's something hidden here that relies on them somehow, or if there's either something simply buried or nothing. Either way, can't tell without doing the work, so..." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "I'll have the construct assist you, while I keep watch over you
 I prepared Faerie Fire this morning - just in case we face another invisible invader." 
agignac
You all pitch in to move debris out of the remains of the holy building. The un-collapsed end held a stone alter, and the four alcoves where the statues had been.

The other end of the building was badly damaged, and there was a lot of debris to shift outside. Much of it was rotten wood - it seemed as though there had been benches or pews for people to sit on, but they were mostly completely ruined. The back of the building was completely missing, as was most of the roof, and half of the walls near the rear of the building.

The be-ribboned cat had fun chasing insects that were disrupted during the work.

Finally, very hot and sweaty, you look at the fruits of your labour. The rectangular building had a prettily patterned stone floor, made of irregular flat stones that had been cunningly fit together. Some were disturbed where the damage was the worst, but most were in good shape.

No sign of a door - it must have been in the now-missing rear wall. Many small, circular windows dotted the sides of the building. Now that the ivy and flowers have been pulled off, you realize the small windows catch and amplify the coolness of the breeze.

The alter is a solid stone block, worn smooth on top. On the front (facing the congregation) is carved the labyrinthine symbol of Ubtao. Other than that, the single-roomed building is empty.

 
Pyrophilios
"Well, that looks like wasted effort. Maybe the hag already took out everything of value. Hm... Maybe there is something hidden beneath or in the altar..."

The Red Horns looked closer at the altar, letting his construct assist him.

 
 Spoiler 

Investigation w/advantage and guidance
 (1d20)[ 10 ] / (1d20)[ 7 ] +8+ (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 "Well, that looks like wasted effort. Maybe the hag already took out everything of value. Hm... Maybe there is something hidden beneath or in the altar..."

The Red Horns looked closer at the altar, letting his construct assist him.

 
 Spoiler 

Investigation w/advantage and guidance
[roll0]/[roll1]+8+[roll2]
 
 
 

The construct's thin, twiggy hands are able to detect a hairline crack in the back of the alter. It take a few minutes, but Red is able to find a depression in the stone that he presses. The stone clicks, and a cleverly concealed piece of the stone pops out onto the floor, revealing a storage space in the stone alter.

Inside, there is a carefully folded piece of cloth, a stone mortar and pestle, a clay bowl, and a sack woven out of reeds. The bowl is shallow, about 15 inches in diameter, and has a labyrinthine pattern in the glaze. The sack contains 23 polished pebbles, each with the likeness of a different dinosaur cunningly carved onto them. The cloth is made of bright orange silk, and seems very out of place here. The mortar and pestle have the remains of some sort of seed or nut in it, and seems to be of very average and utilitarian quality.
Pyrophilios
Red smiled, but went directly to examining the treasures, looking for magic and if so, used the identify ritual on them.
The Hellbug
Before the three go to investigate M'bala's shrine, Nolwenn, be-ribboned cat on her heel, catches Qawasha while he's tending the fire.    "Um, quick question, by the way,"   she begins stiffly awkwardly,   "I was trying to come up for a name for the cat--did you catch if it was tom or a, what's-it-called, girl-cat?"  

_______________

At the shrine, Nolwenn isn't shy about complaining about the difficulty of the work--she's a wizard, after all, not a manual laborer; we should have brought laborers for this--and is disappointed when their excavation doesn't uncover anything.  In fact, she's sticking close to the wall to try to catch any bit of shade and voicing her opinion that Red's search probably isn't worth much when the tiefling discovers the secret chamber.  After that, the wizard eagerly awaits his diagnosis on the magic of the items, doing her own inspection of each while he casts his spell.

  "Probably just the temple's treasures,"   she muses when he tells the rest of the party that there's not a shred of magic on any of them.

  "Wonder what this was used for, though."    She finishes her investigation by taking a bit of the residue from the mortar and pestle to sniff and dabs it on her tongue to taste.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was a bit disappointed to find out that this was just a mundane culturally significant artifact.

 "Well, whatever god they prayed to didn't do a very good job to keep them save. So whatever they used it for, it didn't work." 
agignac
Qawasha chuckled.  "She's a queen,"  he said,  "a girl-cat." 

The remnants of the mortar and pestle tasted slightly spicy to Nolwenn's tongue, but gave up no clues about their past purpose.
Volthawk
Draelin shrugs at Red's judgement of the shrine, gesturing in the direction of Ubtao's symbol.  "Just means that this village wasn't an exception, when their god turned his back on this place."  He looks over the cleared shrine and the things Red found, looking at one of the carved pebbles.  "Might not be magical, but they're pretty. We should ask Qawasha about them, maybe there's some other significance to them. Worst case scenario, someone might be interested in buying them." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged:  "Sure, no harm in taking them with us - doesn't look like there is anyone left who would value them. Although technically, Qwasha is the sole heir to this village. But we'll let him decide." 
The Hellbug
  "I don't think that's true,"   Nolwenn says with a skeptical look,   "even if that's the way it works around here, it was just a cousin Qawasha had here if I remember correctly, and one who married in, at that.  There's almost certainly someone with a better claim, or one at least close enough to make a legitimate-seeming fuss about it.  Take it from me."  
  "Or, actually, perhaps don't,"   she adds, suddenly seeming both sentimental and exasperated.
Pyrophilios
 "His claim is certainly stronger than ours."  He looked around.
 "Unless the hag has buried treasure somewhere, I think we are done here. Let's head back to the canoe and find our way back to port. We can Qawasha about the stuff while we move." 
agignac
You collect Qawasha and start the long climb back down the cliff. The going is easier, now that the path has been cleared. As you descend, the heat gets stickier and the bugs get thicker.

The canoes are where you left them. You load your belongings back in,   keeping your eyes open for pterafolk. But there are still none to be seen.

Qawasha is only mildly interested in what you found in the village alter. While aware of Ubtao and his abandonment of Chult, the druid worships the nature spirits and minor gods of the jungle. He doesn't seem to mind you bringing the items back to sell.

 "Where are we going? Back to Port? Or do you want to see the Heart of Ubtao first?" 
Pyrophilios
 "Was that the floating island in the sky?"  The Red Horns asked.  "And more important how much time would this detour cost us?" 
The Hellbug
  "Mmhmm,"   Nolwenn answers, more tired but less in her own head than when they were finishing up at the shrine after hiking down from the plateau.  She sets down the cat, which she has been intermittently carrying on the way down, to reach into her bag for her sketchbook.  A few flipped pages later, the wizard is tapping her drawing of the Heart from the basin crossing a week before.    "The clouds were in the way this time, but you could see it from the path up to Mbala.  It's across the whole Aldani Basin from here,"   she explains, pausing for confirmation from Qawasha.

When she continues, it's more about the practicalities of exploring it.    "I would love to visit it, and if we plan on approaching the peninsula from the south after returning to port, this is our best chance,"   Nolwenn says,   "and I  think  we can stretch our supplies to do so.  The problem is getting up to it.  Like I said, I know  of  a spell that could do the trick, and it's not beyond my ability, but I couldn't cast it without having its details in my spellbook.  And, well, Red's wings have gotten us up places before, but it could be dangerous up there--we'd be split up while he ferried us."  
Pyrophilios
 "Hm, if you turned me invisible, I could go and scout for a save place to ferry you two." 

The Red Horns mused
The Hellbug
  "Ah, we're agreed!"   Nolwenn, pleasantly surprised,  says with a grin,   "and easily done.  The Heart of Ubtao it is!  Qawasha, you know the way?"  
agignac
Qawasha grinned and pointed to the Heart, visible on the far side of the basin, hovering above the jungle canopy.

You paddle through the Aldani Basin, the insects so thick at times they obscure the view. The water is sluggish, barely flowing north towards the river that will eventually be your destination. The sun beats down relentlessly from overhead; there is no shade to be seen. Even the dinosaurs seem to be hiding from the sun; only the longest necked beasts are visible, rising from the depths like serpents.

Late in the day, you notice a sulfurous smell, and the occasional drifts of steam coming up from the water. Qawasha explains that due to the volcanic nature of the peninsula, there are often hot vents that come and go as the grounds shift.  "Be careful, unwary travellers have been boiled alive." 

Not long after, some of the drifts of steam seem to thicken, to swirl around despite the lack of breeze. Looking at this animate mist makes you think of lazy days spent picking shapes out of the sky, but this is no childhood fancy. You clearly see a humanoid body of vapor swimming through the air, just as you clearly see the malicious cast of its face—and claws of white cloud sweeping the space around it. No, not it. Them. There seem to be four, maybe five creatures in, or of, the steam.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn tests the temperature of the water, first by holding her palm above its surface then by dipping her finger when it doesn't seem like it'll harm her: warm, maybe even hot, but not harmfully so--no more than a hot bath.  That said, it's impossible to tell exactly where that changes, so she doesn't doubt her guide.    "Come on over, Desdemona, here is better,"   she coaxes the now-named invisible cat, which had previously had free reign of the front of the front of the canoe, towards her lap.    "Only for a little while,"   wizard adds, conciliatorily stroking the cat's back,   "just until we're out of hot water."  

When she looks up again, Nolwenn notices the angular shapes in the mist and grips her paddle tighter, not casting a spell at the moment for fear of provoking the creatures, whatever they are.    "What are those?  Qawasha, should we be worried?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns frowned:   "Something tells me, it would be a really bad idea to go flying with clouds like this."  
agignac
Qawasha stares at the creatures in fascination.  "I have heard of these. I think they are small elemental creature, made entirely of steam. Other guides have encountered them, they can be quite malevolent. We should avoid them." 
Volthawk
Looking up at the creatures, Draelin nods.   "I concur. I don't think our weapons will that useful again things made out of steam, and most of our magic is not oriented around blasting things out of the air, right?"   He looks back at Qawasha.   "Any ideas about how they usually act? Are they the type to easily gain and lose interest, or are they going to be after us for a while if they turn their attention our way?"  
agignac
Qawasha shook his head.  "I know little about them. In the stories I have heard, they attacked in large numbers. Perhaps as long as we don't come across a bigger group, they'll leave us alone." 
The Hellbug
  "Hmm,"   Nolwenn muses aloud,   "they're small, they fly, they're made of steam?  I disagree, Draelin; I may have just the spell.  I could conjure wind to disperse them--I suspect it'd be even more effective than against the pterafolk.  It might be just the thing to dissuade any potential aggression...although if they're willing to, it's probably best to live and let live."  
Pyrophilios
 "So, are we waiting until they go away, or do you want to try and move them actively?"  
The Red Horns asked, while he stretched his wings.
 "I have a feeling that those things won't be fooled by invisibility." 
The Hellbug
  "Neither, we go around,"   the wizard explains,   "at a safe distance, of course.  Plenty of the Basin for all of us.  I couldn't make us and all our gear invisible at once anyway.  Lead on, Qawasha."  
agignac
Qawasha points out another route, and you back-paddle, then leave the swirling cloud of steam behind you.

Another hour takes you out of the steam pockets all together, and back to the normal, warm water of the basin.

That night passes damply, as there isn't much truly solid land to camp on. Your hillock becomes saturated in the nighttime rain, and you all wake up wet through. But the day is hot, as usual, and your things dry out as you paddle on.

Day two in the basin passes quietly. The heat is slightly less intense, and there is no shortage of dinosaurs to look at. The lack of undead is noticeable. Perhaps because of the lack of solid ground. Perhaps they're all on the bottom of the swampy river, harassing the fish.

The third day dawned overcast and muggy. The cloud cover was just thin enough to make the whole sky glaringly bright. Around noon, you paddle through a grove of mangroves, which provides some of the most solid land you've found in days. You get out of the boats and stretch your legs.

 
 Spoiler: Draelin only 
 You catch movement out of the corner of your eye, but every time you look, it's gone. Finally, you catch sight of a chwinga. It appears to be following you, darting through the trees.
 
Volthawk
Draelin's relieved to see that the elementals do indeed leave them alone when they take a wide berth - simply put, he wasn't sure what he could've even done if they did attack. Never having to find out suited him just fine. After that...well. It was about what he knew was coming some days, really. Wasn't even the first day of this expedition that they just went on and on all day. Couldn't complain, really, this was also part of what he'd set his heart on doing all those years ago.

When they disembark onto the mangroves, Draelin smiles. Sure, they didn't have anything quite like these trees where he came from, but it was still strangely reassuring being among the roots. He pauses though when he spots something, before nodding to himself. So  that's  what it was. He'd been vaguely aware that there was something constantly popping up, but he hadn't been sure what it was, or even if there was anything.
  "Hm. Another chingwa. It's been following us...at least since we entered the mangroves."   He looks away from the chingwa to see the others' reaction.   "It's been trying to keep itself hidden. Any idea on why, Qawasha? And in general, all of you, opinions on whether to leave it be or see if we can find out why it's here?"  
Pyrophilios
 "So far they have been friendly to us - and we helped them out too. So unless they are leading us somewhere or asking for our attention, I'd leave them alone." 

The Red Horns had used the relative dryness to continue working on his goggles.
agignac
Qawasha shrugged, though he seemed happy to spot the chwinga.  "They are curious by nature, and can be mischievous, but they are never malicious. They can have sticky fingers, however." 

Sure enough, ten minutes later, Draelin sees the chwinga squeeze out of Nolwenn's pack, something shiny in its hands.
The Hellbug
  "If it wants something from us, I'm sure it'll make itself known,"   Nolwenn adds, poring over her spellbooknow that they have a modicum of dry ground. She strokes Desdemona absentmindedly as she studies.    "the others we've seen were shy right up until they wanted something."  

A moment later, the wizard taps one of the pages with her finger with a 'hmm' before closing it, setting the cat aside, and concentrating on her invisible hand.  She waves her other hand over it, saying a short incantation, and, as it passes over each, her missing fingers reappear.    "Ha!"   she exclaims, holding out her now-visible hand towards her companions, first palm-out then turning it around to show it off,   "good as new!  For most purposes, anyway."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn casts Disguise Self.
 
Volthawk
Draelin chuckles at Nolwenn's first statement.   "Oh, it's already made itself known. All the way into your backpack."   That didn't quite make exact sense now he's thought about it again, but the spirit of the comment was right.   "Might want to see what's missing."  
agignac
Qawasha marvels over Nolwenn's new fingers.  "Wonderful! Truly, the arcane magic you learn has many fascinating applications." 

Nolwenn discovers that the mirror they had found with the pterafolk was gone, and in its place was a beautiful pink snail shell.
The Hellbug
  "Oh, it was nothing.  I already had an appropriate spell; I just needed to adapt its...What!?"  

Desdemona makes an annoyed noise as the wizard swiftly puts her aside and checks her bag.    "Hmm, that's not ideal.  The mirror's gone, the pterafolk one,"   she explains, showing the pink shell that was left in its place,   "never did find out if that's just a normal mirror, right?"  

The little elemental couldn't have gone far, though, and Nolwenn soon spots it admiring itself up on a tree branch.  One determined incantation later, the wizard disappears in a puff of mist and is suddenly seated on the branch, legs hanging off of it, beside the chwinga.    "What do you have there?"   she asks innocently.  If the spirit is alarmed she tries to mollify it, quickly revealing the snail shell and adding,   "oh no no no, I won't hurt you.  Just curious."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Misty Step
 
agignac
The startled chwinga sank immediately into the sturdy branch, pulling the mirror into the tree with it. At Nolwenn's quick reassurances, it cautiously reappeared a few feet further down the branch, holding the mirror protectively against its chest with its thin arms. It looked ready to vanish again, but for the moment, curiosity was stronger than caution.
The Hellbug
  "It was considerate of you to leave something in return--very pretty, I might add, would look very becoming on a necklace,"   Nolwenn goes on, holding the shell up to her chest to demonstrate, but she raises an eyebrow in reproach as she continues,   "but even children know that it's unkind to take something without asking."  
  "Plus, you don't even know what you're doing with it.  It's fun to look at, but it's not just for admiring.  Well, discounting my previous situation.  Draelin, Red, the left pouch of my pack.  There's a wooden comb in it...yes, that one.  Right here."    Once the comb's in hand, she turns back to the chwinga and beckons for it to hand her the mirror,   "don't worry, I'll give it right back."  
Pyrophilios
Fascinated, The Red Horns looked on the unfolding drama, but tossed the comb when asked.
agignac
The chwinga hesitates, either nervous, or uncertain what to do. After Nolwenn gestures again, the chwinga slowly puts the mirror down at its feet, then scurries several feet back along the limb, to where it starts to thin out.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn sighs and scooches out the branch, doing her best to not send the mirror tumbling to the ground.  Until she picks it up, the wizard makes no sudden movements and keeps her eyes firmly on the chwinga.    "There we are,"   she says, mirror in hand.  She takes a moment to inspect it, hoping for any sign of whether or not it is an enchanted object--some stray arcane inscription or obvious magical functionality.  Not for long, though, the performance must go on.

  "So, reflective, you already noticed that.  Like the crystal clearest pool you could imagine,"   Nolwenn explains,   "and despite many tales being cautionary of overly indulging, it  is  something to be able to gaze upon your own visage.  But, like I said, I bet you haven't thought of the practical side.  Grooming!"   She waves the comb as she continues.    "All this humidity?  Terrible for tangles.  But if you can see what you're doing--"   she holds up the mirror and runs the comb through her hair   "--it's easy to fix!"    She nods at her companions and mimes rubbing a mustache.    "Very useful for the whisker-growers among us as well, I imagine."  

Satisfied that it isn't obviously magical, she gathers both mirror and comb in one hand and extends it towards the chwinga.    "Here, you try."  
agignac
The chwinga hesitates a long while, until Nolwenn thinks it won't take the offering. Finally, though, it inches forward, then grabs both the proffered mirror and comb. It immediately sinks into the branch.

A moment later, it pops out, this time with just the comb. It scurries over to where the floating ribbon is, and yanks the ribbon away from the invisible cat. A moment later, it begins to move the comb through seemingly empty space. Empty space, now filled with purring.
The Hellbug
There's a moment of worry when the chwinga yanks away Desdemona's ribbon, but it's soon obvious that its intentions are innocent, and Nolwenn breathes a sigh of relief.    "Not the whiskers I was talking about, but at least someone's enjoying themselves,"   Nolwenn comments as she hops down from the branch,   "I don't think the mirror's magical--it's not a great loss."  

As she watches the chwinga, though, a thought forms in the wizard's head.    "Hey,"   she asks her companions,   "do you think the chwinga can see her?"  
Pyrophilios
 "Most elementals have some kind of blind sight. By the way, why was the mirror in your bag? I could have sworn I put it away back in my bag of holding after the oracle." 

The Red Horn's tone wasn't accusing, merely puzzled.
agignac
Qawasha watched the chwinga groom the invisible cat with interest.  "If it's true that they can see invisible things, that would be new knowledge to me." 
The Hellbug
  "You did,"   Nolwenn replies to Red,   "I took it when we were reorganizing back in Mbala.  Never got around to taking a look at it like I promised, though...until now, that is."    Her thoughts turn back to the chwinga and the the invisible cat.    "Well, I assume it's grooming Mona because of her whiskers, which none of us can see.  You don't suppose it could draw..."   she muses, eyes going to the bag with her sketchbook,   "no, probably not.  Foolish idea."  
agignac
The chwinga soon tires of the invisible cat, and vanishes into the mangroves. After the noon break, you head back out into the marshy basin.

Finally, on the fourth day after descending the cliffs, you find yourself approaching the Heart of Ubtao. For a few hours the view of it is obscured by a heavy mist, which finally clears late in the afternoon. Qawasha stares in fascination.  "I wish Weed were here to see this,"  he says wistfully.

A massive chunk of dirt and rock, torn from the earth, it drifts over the swampy forest. A petrified tree towers above the stone, with its stone roots protruding from the bottom. Between the shape of the rock and the branching of the tree's limbs, it creates the impression of a gigantic stone heart hanging in the sky. The impression is only made more gruesome by the red liquid dripping from the roots.

You see a cave mouth in the side of the slowly rotating "heart", and a staircase winding from the cave up to the flattened top where the petrified tree stands. The staircase definitely isn't natural, it was carved with tools into the rock.

 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns frowned:  "It doesn't look like the most hospitable place. Let's get under it, you make me invisible and I fly up to get the lay of the floating land." 
 
 Spoiler 

Stealth check w/guidance
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "Mmm,"   Nolwenn agrees quietly with the group's guide, not knowing what else to say.  Then, she obliges her tiefling ally, concealing him from sight with a spell.

  "Careful."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casting invisibility and mage armor.
 
agignac
Red flies invisibly upwards, above the treetops. The Heart of Ubtao rotates slowly, and seems to drift with the prevailing breeze. The tiefling first flies upwards, to check out the top. It is flat, with the remains of a petrified tree. It looks to be hollow, and as Red circles it, he sees a bat fly out of it and head off towards the Aldani Basin. There seems to be no other life up top.

The stairs are steep and lack a railing, but seem to be in very good condition. There is no debris to trip on, for any who would choose to climb them.

The staircase ends at a cavemouth. It appears to be natural, unlike the steps. Water trickles out of the cave, falling into the wind and mostly dispersing before it hits the ground. From where he hovers, Red can see that the cavern inside slopes slightly upwards. However, the day is too bright to make out any further details of the dark cavern without going inside.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns flew back down when he saw no danger up on the plateau.

Still invisible, he gave the others a rundown of what he had seen up there:
 "... so, I'll fly Draelin up first so he can hide while I go back and fetch Nolween. Once we are all up, I'll take a look at the cavern." 
agignac
Hesitantly, Qawasha asked,  "Would you be able to bring me up too? I may never have another opportunity like this." 

Red delivered Draelin to the little plateau on the top without incident. There was no cover except for the ancient tree trunk. A minute or two later, Nolwenn had been likewise deposited. The cat, however, remained in the canoe, and Red sported a scratched arm for his troubles.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged and said:  "Sure, though the place does not look friendly." 

When Nolwenn insisted to cast an alarm ritual he nodded (invisibly) and added belatedly:  "Sure, go ahead, I'll ferry Qwasha up first then." 
agignac
Red carries each of them up to the top of the Heart. The long flight straight upwards, carrying three different people, is strenuous. Qawasha is heavier than he looks, and a nervous passenger. It is with relief that the druid finally touches down near the base of the petrified tree.

Your guide turns away from the view to examine the tree. It has the pattern of bark and wood, but is hard as stone, shiny from the elements. The trunk stands about thirty feet high, and other than a few broken, stony branches, has no other limbs or leaves. A secondary, small stump, also petrified, stands nearby.

Other than a few patches of scrubby grass, there is nothing else up here.

Just after Red lands with Nolwenn, you hear a polite cough. A female elf stands near the top of the stairs. Her long blond hair hangs in tangled waves around her shoulders, and she wears a black cloak wrapped around herself, despite the heat and humidity. Her skin is pale, and deep dark circles around her eyes.

She stands calmly, and says,  "Greetings, travelers. What brings you to my home?"  She speaks common with the lilt of a native elven speaker.

 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn spins around at the cough.    "Um, hello,"   she says, surprised,   "Your...home?  We had no idea anyone lived here."    She looks sidelong to Draelin, letting him take the lead in case there's any elf-specific-etiquette she's not aware of.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns, still invisible, frowned:  "Greetings. Who are you?
We are a part of a larger expedition to the forbidding regions of Chult. These are my companions Nolwenn, Draelin and Qwasha. I myself am called The Red Horns.

I was given to understand that the Heart of Ubtao is a place of reverence to the people of Chult. Are you a scholar?" 
agignac
The elf pushed her hair behind her ears. " Valindra ,"she said, by way of introduction.  "I am a scholar, of sorts. Would you like to come in? It's cooler inside."  She gestured to the stairway and began walking down it.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged again (still invisible) and said:  "Sure, lead the way." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn waves when Red introduces her but adds nothing else, letting the tiefling's lie sit for security's sake even if she doesn't like it.  He's right to be cautious.  This Valindra feels too confident inviting strange adventurers (from her perspective) into her home with only the barest of explanations for why they're there.  And scholar she may be, but she had to have gotten up to this floating island somehow.  To Nolwenn, whose first instinct was similar, the explantion that makes most sense is magic, though whether Valindra's or some other unknown person's remains to be seen.

  "Wait,"   Nolwenn says when the elf beckons for them to follow.  She releases the spell that is concealing The Red Horns and makes a conciliatory gesture as the tiefling becomes visible once again.    "As I don't expect it to be the case, I apologize in advance, Valindra,"   the wizard explains,   "but we were recently the victims of the false hospitality of a murderous hag disguised as a healer.  I don't mean to offend, but I know a divination that can detect such a disguise.  Did then, too, and I don't wish to repeat my mistake.  Given the circumstances, I hope you don't object to me casting it. It may be less comfortable, but we can speak out here if you do."    She digs in her belt pouch for dagger and vial as she speaks and both are in hand, but by no means brandished, by the time she finishes.
Volthawk
Draelin nods as he appears, thoughtfully looking at Valindra.   "We were told that people before us came here for visions. If this is your home...are you the one they'd come to see, or another in the line of visitors who have stayed here awhile?"  
agignac
Valindra tilted her head sideways, regarding Nolwenn. " I do object. Any magic directed at me will be taken as an act of hostility. I mean you no harm. If you do not wish to come in, then don't. " She turned to Draelin and added, " I dislike the heat. I will answer your questions inside. If you choose to come. "

She then turned her back on them and went back down the stairs.
The Hellbug
   "Well, it's directed at me, not you..."    Nolwenn mumbles as Valindra turns away, but she respects her wishes regardless.

Once the elf is safely out of earshot, Nolwenn turns to her allies.    "Well, what do you think?"   she asks,   "we'll be entering into her domain, which could be dangerous, but I'm not actually against it--we came all this way after all.  I  think  she's just a wizard.  It would explain how she got up here and her aversion to scrying--not all wizards are yours truly, and, take it from me, our reputation for aloofness and secrecy is well-earned if ultimately, in my opinion, silly.  I mean, look around, no soul for miles and miles and miles.  But I don't need to tell you all that.  I will say that if she flew herself up here, the magic at her command is at least equal to my own."  

She doesn't offer a decision, but it's clear from her excitement that Nolwenn's curiosity will get the better of her if no one objects.
Pyrophilios
 "It is suspicious that she doesn't want a divination here when she as a scholar would have to use them daily."  The Red Horns agreed.
 "But I'm confident that we won't learn anything without a bit of risk. We just have to keep our eyes open for any skeletons in the closet." 
The Hellbug
  "A divination performed  on her ,"   Nolwenn corrects,   "there's a logic to it, but it's the same logic that has someone run off into the wilderness, build themselves a tower, and study in isolation until the end of their days, constantly thinking that any visitor might be an assassin sent by their definitely-real rival who definitely cares so much about the relative value of their magical research that they'd send a killer to end them.  Probably kidnaps some poor, bright child as an apprentice.  Very antisocial.  It was more like that in the past, actually.  A divination, mind, could just be the prelude to an actual magical attack, or it could be a magical attack disguised as a divination.  But it still makes no sense.  Among magi, we wizards are the ones that stand to benefit the most from cooperation, what with spells and knowledge being easier to proactively spread than, say, divine favor..."  

As she follows the tiefling, Nolwenn continues to ramble, but she does keep an eye out for anything potentially dangerous
Volthawk
Draelin grins and gestures for her to go ahead when she again requests that they come inside.   "Lead the way."  

Listening to the other two talk, Draelin shrugs.   "Wanting privacy isn't entirely suspicious. After all, she only has your word that you'd be doing a harmless divination, Nolwenn, and not something..."   He pauses, then shrugs, not having the magical knowledge to have an example.   "Something more sinister, you know what I mean. Don't forget that she hasn't had the benefit of time with you to see your good nature, Nolwenn."  
The Hellbug
  "Oh, of course, of course,"   Nolwenn agrees with an assured nod,   "didn't I ask?  It's important to be reasonable and accommodating.  And I didn't mean to be criticizing Valindra in particular--we know just as little about her as she does of us--but she just could be one of my peers who acts in that sort of backwards way.  She's an elf--I could never guess how old she is.  She might be ancient and clinging to some outdated tradition."  

The wizard suddenly pauses as if on the edge of some sort of breakthrough of thought or self-awareness.  That is notion dispelled, however, when her gaze turns to Draelin, at whom she tilts her head curiously.    "Come to think of it, how rude is it to ask how old you are, Draelin?"  
agignac
You follow Valindra down the stairs, though she's now out of sight. Qawasha follows last, hugging tight to the side of the stairs away from the long drop. You enter through the cave entrance, finding it difficult to keep your feet dry due to the small stream running from the cavern to the cave mouth.

This cave is about 55 feet in diameter. It is musty and dimly lit: it appears that daylight filters down though the hollow, petrified tree trunk 20 feet above. A pool of dirty rainwater occupies the central 20 feet of the floor, between natural pillars formed by the roots of the petrified tree. Three tall bookcases stand against the wall to the right of the cave entrance. A desk and several wooden crates stand against the left-hand wall. Opposite the entrance are two open doorways into smaller chambers, and between them, a large iron cage.

Valindra is sitting on a wooden chair at her desk, facing the doorway. As you come in, she says,  "This is not my home, but I have made it my temporary residence. I have been here several months. No supplicants have come during that time. Nor did there appear to be anybody living here before me." 
 
 Spoiler 
image in the slide deck.  https://docs.google.com/presentation...2924b7ba75_0_0 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked around with interest:  "What's the cage for? And what are you researching here?" 
agignac
Valindra turned her eyes to The Red Horns.  "It's to study the local wildlife. And to punish rude visitors." 
Pyrophilios
Unperturbed by the barb, The Red Horns continued:  "In general, or do you have your eye set on a particular element of the local wildlife? So far we have mainly found nuisances and undead as well as a few hags." 
agignac
Her eyes flicker at the mention of undead.  "Yes, the pterafolk have been troublesome indeed. You have faced hags? In plural? There is more to you than meets the eye." 

She hesitates a moment, then says,  "Have you heard of the soulmonger? A powerful artifact, one that I believe is partly responsible for the undead...problem. I am here to learn what I can of its location." 
Volthawk
Nolwenn asking Draelin's age just gets a knowing smile from the elf as he follows Valindra inside. It wasn't actually an offensive or even particularly interesting question, not something he'd normally have a problem answering, but Draelin saw no reason to not leave a  little  mystery there, for his own entertainment if nothing else.

As Red starts asking about Valindra's purpose here, Draelin slowly wanders around the room, having a look at what is there and trying to get a peek into the other rooms without leaving this one or making it obvious. The mention of the soulmonger piques his curiosity, though.   "The soulmonger? No, I can't say I have heard of it - every time someone's talked about the undead and why they're here, they've talked about gods and villains but not artefacts. This is the first I've heard of something like that being behind it all, although I suppose it does make sense."   He doesn't talk about exactly what they've been told about the source of the undead before - about Ras Nsi's return and the oracle's requests of them - seeing no reason to not keep it general while they figure out the situation.   "What brings you here looking for it? Saw a mention of it in your studies and found your curiosity about it pulling you out here, like other stories of Chult did for us?"  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn pauses and frowns at Draelin's silence but follows the rest in with no more than a   'hmph!'  

Inside, the wizard looks around for a seat of her own, but, finding none offered (to her mild annoyance), instead finds a flat bit of petrified root and sits there.  She can't help but raise an eyebrow when Valindra mentions the soulmonger--an artifact of great power would be exactly the kind of thing that would get someone like Ras Nsi (from what she's heard, at least) moving again if he had gone to ground.  She nods along with Draelin and adds her own editorializing once he's finished.    "What's it do?"   she asks,   "any artifact dealing in the barter of souls sounds like, to put it mildly, bad news."  
Pyrophilios
 "Yeah, what have you found out so far about that "Soulmonger"? Let me guess - all information points to Omu..."
 
The Red Horns baited.
agignac
Valindria shook her head at Draelin's words.  "It's too new to be 'in my studies', as you so cleverly call them. My...coworkers have theorized its existence based on...ripples...side effects that we have observed. And it is not...curiosity...that drives me. It is necessity. If the Soulmonger does...will do...what we think it will, then it is imperative that we find it." 

To Nolwenn's question, she said,  "We are not certain. But the ripples suggest it is learning how to trap souls. We are not sure  why , to what purpose. Or who is building/wielding it. But as you say, it is likely to be "bad news". Particularly in a land in which the unliving outnumber the living." 

Red's words spark the first sign of real interest from Valindra.  "Indeed! Omu is one of three likely locations. What do you know of Omu?" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged:  "Not much - we were just considering looking for the city. And I expect fate to be cruel." 
The Hellbug
  "Well, that's not entirely true,"   Nolwenn immediately concedes, not wanting to lose Valindra's interest with vagueness.  She herself wants to know more about this artifact and suspects that their host knows more than she's initially putting forth.  Something that can trap souls couldn't possibly be used for anything good, but then all the better that someone responsible like herself is the one to find it.    "We have a guess at its location,"   the wizard goes on,   "probably as good a guess as anyone does.  And ripples?  Could you use them to track it?  Is that why you're way out here in the middle of nowhere?  Excuse me if I'm wrong, but you don't look like you're from Chult."  
agignac
Valindra's eyebrows rose up past her pale hair at The Red Horn's words. She began to protest, then waited for Nolwenn to finish. Her assertation that they had a good guess as to Omu's location clearly interested the elf a lot. Leaning forward on her rather shabby chair, she said,  "Where did you get that information? What area of Chult do you believe Omu to lie in? Nobody has any sort of "good guess", so your confidence is...unexpected." 

As for Nolwenn's other questions, she said,  "I am not from Chult. Nobody who has the leisure or resources to explore Chult is from Chult. Chultans are too busy trying to survive this hellish peninsula. As for tracking the ripples...some of my....coworkers are working on that. I do not believe that will work. So I have chosen to continue my research here, where I am relatively safe from the worst dangers, and I have a decent view." 
Pyrophilios
 "Well, we have talked with the locals. One of them gave us a pointer. How reliable the tip is, we'll know once we get back to port and can do some research. We'll send you a message if we manage to find Omu.
Just like you, we like to keep our secrests and  don't want anyone to be able to scry the place and potentially beat us to the punch." 
The Red Horns shrugged innocently.
The Hellbug
  "Exactly as he said,"   Nolwenn agrees with a nod,   "you have your...coworkers...and we have our sources.  If it's findable, it's going to be us who find it."    Remembering Saja N'baza's words, she adds:   "the thoughts of a foreigner, we've been assured, like you.  It seems likely that it's inhabited still, though by whom we were never told."  
  "That said,"   the wizard continues magnanimously,   "we may find Omu, and this artifact may be there.  Our interests align.  My father was fond of saying that that's the best first step in a successful partnership.  And I  have  been working on a spell that allows communication over great distances."  
agignac
Valindra's look turns sour.  "I am not interested in beating anybody 'to the punch'. We are searching for a profoundly powerful device, the ramifications of which could affect all life on the planet. Or, more accurately, all death. I am not interested in tomb raiding or treasure hunting. You may keep the shiny baubles, and the accompanying fame. My only interest is the Soulmonger, and the devastation it could wreck." 
Pyrophilios
 "So, you are saying we should destroy this artifact or get rid of it permanently if we get the chance?" 
The Red Horns asked innocently.
Volthawk
Draelin nods thoughfully as the others ask questions, letting them take the heat from the wizard and trying to put what she's saying into something coherent.   "Okay. Let me see if I have this right. You're part of some...organisation, one with an interest in finding and...either securing or destroying, not sure on that note yet...dangerous artefacts, likely other dangerous magical things too, for the sake of keeping the world safe from them."   They may or may not profit from the work, or keep at least a little of the power they come across for themselves, but that's a thought that Draelin has no evidence for and saying it wouldn't help them any regardless, so he omits that part.   "This organisation believes that the Soulmonger is here, so here you are trying to find it and secure it. These coworkers of yours, tracing the ripples, are they on Chult too, or are you the only agent of your group present? Just wondering how much of a presence you have here and if that'd help with getting the prize, or if any arrangement we make here would just amount to coming back here if we find it out there. Similarly, has your research uncovered any practical information yet, or is this just a "you'll know it when you see it" kind of situation?"   He refrains from asking the last question on his mind for the moment - did this organisation have enough motivation and resources to pay for the artefact's recovery?
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "So, you are saying we should destroy this artifact or get rid of it permanently if we get the chance?" 
The Red Horns asked innocently. 
 

Valindra paused a moment in thought.  "I suppose that would be the safest option. Though an artifact that powerful could be difficult, or dangerous, to destroy. Generally, it is safer to gain knowledge before jumping to violence or finality. But that takes patience and subtlety, which not all are proficient in." 

 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
 Draelin nods thoughfully as the others ask questions, letting them take the heat from the wizard and trying to put what she's saying into something coherent.   "Okay. Let me see if I have this right. You're part of some...organisation, one with an interest in finding and...either securing or destroying, not sure on that note yet...dangerous artefacts, likely other dangerous magical things too, for the sake of keeping the world safe from them."   They may or may not profit from the work, or keep at least a little of the power they come across for themselves, but that's a thought that Draelin has no evidence for and saying it wouldn't help them any regardless, so he omits that part.   "This organisation believes that the Soulmonger is here, so here you are trying to find it and secure it. These coworkers of yours, tracing the ripples, are they on Chult too, or are you the only agent of your group present? Just wondering how much of a presence you have here and if that'd help with getting the prize, or if any arrangement we make here would just amount to coming back here if we find it out there. Similarly, has your research uncovered any practical information yet, or is this just a "you'll know it when you see it" kind of situation?"   He refrains from asking the last question on his mind for the moment - did this organisation have enough motivation and resources to pay for the artefact's recovery? 
 

Valindra ignores Draelin's musings about the motivations of whatever group she's part of.  "I am currently alone on Chult, though others could, and shall, arrive in a timely fashion. When necessary. We have very little practical information. We cannot be sure it even exists. However, it is the most...likely...theory, based on what we have observed. Some sort of device that is capturing, or perhaps destroying souls. It is likely a fair size. It is likely not very portable. Even that much is speculation."  She pauses, then adds,  "I do expect that you will know it if you see it." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns didn't mention the bag of devouring the which seemed tailormade to get rid of such dangerous artifacts.
Instead he said:  "Noted. By the way, does your organization have a name?" 
The Hellbug
It's lucky that Nolwenn's companions carry on with Valindra so quickly because the wizard is shocked at the elf's dismissive (and extremely rude) response.  Something about the way she casts judgement on her company's motives (when it's  obvious  that her attitude towards the peninsula and its people are just as fraught) while entirely concealing her own particularly irritates Nolwenn, and she's just opening her mouth to tell her that in no uncertain terms when Draelin finally speaks up.

The wizard fumes silently while leveler heads continue to talk in circles around each other--it's obvious to Nolwenn that nothing they say will convince Valindra to reveal her sources--but she does speak up when the particulars of the artifact and its destruction enter the conversation.    "Dangerous to leave around, dangerous to destroy,"   she recounts, consciously limiting herself to only a hint of acid in her voice,   "like I said, we're already going to Omu, or where we think it is.  That's doing what you want, for you, and we're already doing it!  You seem certain of this soulmonger's danger to  everyone  so the least you could do is let us know the kind of dangers we could face from it.  If that's true, we're natural allies!  If it's going to be a danger to us if nothing is done, then we can't not look into it and if it's just going to tear our souls from us on the way, it's pointless for us to even try, right?"  
  "Red here, perhaps, excepted,"   she additionally concedes more coolly, remembering his soul's unique peril,   "but that's besides the point!"  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns didn't mention the bag of devouring the which seemed tailormade to get rid of such dangerous artifacts.
Instead he said:  "Noted. By the way, does your organization have a name?"  
 

Valindra narrowed her eyes.  "It does. I will not share that with you. It is not permitted, and you wouldn't have heard of it, and I won't betray a trust to satisfy your curiosity."  Turning to Draelin, she says,  "Please stop snooping. You are being rude."  She doesn't move, but her eyes flashed dangerously.


 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 The wizard fumes silently while leveler heads continue to talk in circles around each other--it's obvious to Nolwenn that nothing they say will convince Valindra to reveal her sources--but she does speak up when the particulars of the artifact and its destruction enter the conversation.    "Dangerous to leave around, dangerous to destroy,"   she recounts, consciously limiting herself to only a hint of acid in her voice,   "like I said, we're already going to Omu, or where we think it is.  That's doing what you want, for you, and we're already doing it!  You seem certain of this soulmonger's danger to  everyone  so the least you could do is let us know the kind of dangers we could face from it.  If that's true, we're natural allies!  If it's going to be a danger to us if nothing is done, then we can't not look into it and if it's just going to tear our souls from us on the way, it's pointless for us to even try, right?"   
 

Valindra was silent a long moment, as if weighing Nolwenn's words.  "I believe..."  she said slowly,  "that there is no immediate danger to the living. I don't think the Soulmonger kills. I believe it is a danger to souls who have already parted ways with the flesh. It may prevent, or be able to prevent, souls being reunited with the flesh, in cases where magic is powerful enough to do so. It may prevent souls from moving on to whatever afterlife awaits them. And it may be able to use souls to animate undead, or golems, or other, more nefarious engines." 

She paused and took a breath, then said,  "I understand that you wish to...help. Understand that I do not say this is an insult. I do not know a gentle way to say it. But we cannot be allies. Your skills and spells, while I'm certain are very impressive, do not and cannot compete with, or add to, the knowledge we have at our disposal. We are, to be blunt, beyond you. Your belief in the possible knowledge of Omu's location is the only thing you could offer, and even there, our guess may be better. If you want to do the right thing, tell me what you know. Otherwise, good luck to you, and I hope not to stumble across your corpse one day, or have to destroy your undead remains." 
Volthawk
Draelin waves away Valindra's implied threat.   "Hey, I was just putting what you've already told us together to try to get an idea of what's going on here, and then trying to figure out how we could help each other. If that's rude snooping, it's an odd definition of the word, but fine."   It's pretty clear from his expression that he's still thinking it over, though, along with trying to figure the woman out herself. Someone acted this cagey, you started wondering if there were skeletons (probably not literal) that they were trying to hide. Thus far, it was looking to him like this whole conversation was a bust, though, and she was welcome to sit here and revel in her own superiority while they got the prize themselves.

 
 Spoiler 

Finally doing that Insight check:  (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged again:  "I suppose we are done here then. Thanks for the hospitality...  Or what passes for it around here...  Good luck with your studies and your obscure group."
 
He made for the exit.
agignac
Valindra watches silently as you leave her gloomy home, and turns back to her desk before the last of you leave. Qawasha is silent as Red flies him down to the canoe, and he seems grateful to be back at ground level. The canoes and cat are undisturbed by your absence.

Once you're all settled, your guide asks,  "Where to now? Are you ready to go back to Port Nyanzaru?" 
Pyrophilios
 "Yes, we need to resuply and do a bit of research. And I need to write some spells for Nolween to learn." 

The Red Horns looked meaningful to his wizard companion.  "We also might want to look into ways to foil scrying. Because I'm sure our reluctant host up there will now try to spy on us." 
agignac
It takes five days to make your way through the winding waterways of the Aldani Basin, back north to the mouth of the River Soshenstar. The time passes slowly - you are by now used to the views of the surrounding landscape, and the bugs and the heat are relentless in the mostly shadeless basin. You see no undead - either they are stuck under the water, or the ubiquitous dinosaurs have destroyed them. The dangerous wildlife is easily avoided. You see a few pterafolk in the distance, perhaps fixing up their blasted nest, but they don't bother you.

Finally, on the sixth day, you make it to the river mouth. The canopy closes overhead - the Soshenstar is narrower than the Tiryiki, at least at this end.

As you enter the river mouth, Qawasha says,  "On the left we will see Camp Vengeance. The people of the Order of the Gauntlet are fighting against the undead, but their original encampment - Camp Righteous - was overrun. They are rebuilding here." 

Sure enough, through the foliage, you see a crude timber fortification - a walled compound with watchtowers and tents inside it, encircled by a ditch bristling with sharpened stakes. A large gatehouse faces the river, on the shore of which are four rowboats tied to a wooden post.

Scattered around the fort are piles of charred human corpses and flayed animal carcasses swarming with flies.
Pyrophilios
 "We could stop by there and ask what they know about the lost city. Though I'm not sure how they'd react to me..."

 

The Red Horns mused.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn leaves the Heart of Ubtao a little confused and very frustrated, but if that's the way Valindra wants to be, there's nothing that can be done about it.  She does, however, nod along with Red's suggestion about trying to foil scrying.  If Nolwenn were in her position and had access to the spell, either herself or through powerful friends, it's exactly the first thing she'd try.  Well, that's not true.  She assures herself that she'd be much more reasonable and cooperative.

______________

Nolwenn looks at the fort for any sign of life.    "They're definitely in trouble here.  We should stop and see if they need help,"   Nolwenn decides, dipping her paddle into the water to slow her canoe,   "the undead are our problem, too, and we need to spread the word about Mbala, make that common knowledge.  
  "I don't think you need to worry, Red.  The Order of the Gauntlet are righteous folk,"   she explains,   "we're doing good here, and once they see that they won't mind who we are.  At least, that's what I heard, and from a tiefling, too!"    The wizard pauses, weighing exactly how forthcoming she wants to be with her own skepticism.    "Fair warning, though: knowledgeable and well-traveled as he was, I don't he had actually ever met any of them in person.  And he was a bit smitten, I think.  With them--the idea of them.  Definitely that type of person."  

She smiles as she reminisces.    "I don't doubt he would have gotten along with them.  Very charming."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns grinned sardonic:
  "Well, I'm not remembering much about my past live, but I know that righteous and selfrighteous surprisingly often go hand in hand. But I'm willing to risk it. Just don't be surprised if I make a hasty exit."  
The Hellbug
  "Maybe, maybe not.  They sounded like they had a good reputation.  There was even a song about them!"   the wizard says reassuringly,   "a good one!  Although, again, that might have been an original piece."  

Once the boats are firmly moored, she casts a pair of spells, one her habitual protective invocation and the other a divination against the supernatural, takes Desdemona in her arms, and steps onto the shore.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Lots of dead bodies.  Let's get Mage Armor and Detect Goodness and Evil going.
 
agignac
Qawasha follows curiously - he has never spoken to these people, and was curious to find out more about the foreigners who took the infestation of undead so seriously.

As you get closer, you can see that the corpses around the camp appear to be undead and large carnivores - likely creatures that attacked the camp. They are crawling with flies and maggots, and it seems unwise to have so many corpses so close to the camp.

The camp is ringed by a moat-like ditch, lined with sharp stakes, and backed by a stout, 12-foot-high log palisade. The stakes look too big to be effective against the undead, but probably are meant to protect against large dinosaurs or other carnivores. The gatehouse looks heavy enough to withstand a charging triceratops. The ditch is full of muddy water, so it's impossible to tell how deep it is.

Four watchtowers rise over the palisade, giving any lookouts a good view of the surrounding jungle.

The gatehouse consists of a ground-level entryway, and upper floor, and a roofless platform surrounded by palisade. A somewhat tattered banner -  depicting a gauntleted fist holding a sword blade - hangs from the gatehouse. Two guards on the gatehouse hold their spears at the ready, and call out.  "Hold! Give us your names and your business!" 
 
 Spoiler: images 

 
 
 
Pyrophilios
 "Greetings! We are explorers on our way back to port. I am called The Red Horns, this is Magister Nolwenn and Master Draelin. And this here is our guide Qwasha.
We would like to talk to the commander of this fortress." 

The Red Horns summarized, keeping his wings tightly folded to give the impression wearing a leather coat.
The Hellbug
  "'Lady Nolwenn' will do,"   the wizard whispers, quiet enough that the sentries won't hear,   "'magister' is a little presumptuous."  
agignac
The guards converse briefly, then disappear from sight. A moment later, the entryway creaks open, and one of the guards comes out. Up close, you can see that his armor is dented and dirty, and he has deep circles under his eyes. He is accompanied by a young woman in blood-spattered robes, the blue gauntlet emblazoned on her chest. She has one hand on a pendant around her neck, and in her other hand is a holy book.

Looking at you, she says,  "To enter, you must each state your name, and swear that you mean no harm to any person within this encampment." 

Qawasha steps forward, and says,  "I am Qawasha, and I swear I mean you no harm. I share a hatred for the undead that plague us, and wish only to help." 

The guard suddenly leaps back in shock, then recovers and points his spear at Desdemona - or rather, the ribbon floating down by Nolwenn's ankle.  "What in the seven hells is that?!" 
Pyrophilios
 "Well, what does it look like? It's obviously an invisible kitten." 

The Red Horns tried to defuse with a bit of humor.

 "I am The Red Horns and I swear, I mean you no harm and my intentions are honerable." 
Volthawk
Draelin nods when Red starts explaining.   "You know how the jungle is around here, all kinds going on. The cat's a harmless little oddity we found out there, who's now her pet. Nothing to worry about."   He pauses.   "Oh, sorry. The oath. I'm Draelin, and yes I'm not here to hurt anyone or cause trouble."  
The Hellbug
  "Mhmm, this is Desdemona,"   Nolwenn follows up, scooping the cat into her arms,   "she won't be any harm to any of you unless you're secretly small critters in disguise.  And I, Nolwenn"  --she raises a pledging hand sincerely--  "promise I won't be so either...as long as you extend the same courtesy to us.  We're no friends of the undead, present company excluded."  
agignac
There is a brief, whispered conversation between the robed woman and the guard, then he motions you to follow him inside.

As soon as you step inside, you can tell that something is wrong. A camp of this size should be bustling with activity. Instead, you see a large command tent, flanked by two round tents. Judging from the moaning and the cries coming from the round tents, they are full of the sick or injured. In behind these tents, you can see another dozen smaller tents, likely the barracks. Off to one side is an animal pen, but the only creatures in it are a handful of sickly looking goats.

There is very little activity.  Even the watchtowers don't seem to be manned to full capacity. The ground is thick with mud and puddles, and the insects seem even worse than they did in the Aldani basin.
Pyrophilios
 "What happened here? This looks like the aftermath of a major battle." 

The Red Horns asked surprised.
agignac
The guard looked up in surprise.  "We have had several major battles. We fight the undead every day, sometimes here, sometimes we search them out and destroy them. The local fauna is also quite dangerous. Commander Breakbone comes highly decorated, and is doing his best. But conditions are....difficult." 
Pyrophilios
 "It seems you have sustained heavy losses despite your fortifications. Having battles against undead instead of skirmishes implicates someone controlling and organizing undead hordes.

What are you protecting here that makes it necessary to stay at this exposed place?" 

The Red Horns asked.
The Hellbug
Entering the fort, Nolwenn looks around in shock at its sorry state.  From the sound of it, a huge number of the soldiers here are sick or injured and in no condition to still be out here.  She's stuck somewhere between pity for them and disgust at whoever's responsible.

  "They weren't always right here,"   Nolwenn whispers to Red,   "this is their second fort; a rebuilding."  
  "We've been in the jungle for weeks,"   she follows up to the guard,   "there are more undead than an army could fight and spread across the whole jungle.  This--  "she gestures around at the fort and its general condition--  "looks like a tragedy, not a fighting force.  Who is this Breakbones?  Your commander?  Have they always been so?"  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "It seems you have sustained heavy losses despite your fortifications. Having battles against undead instead of skirmishes implicates someone controlling and organizing undead hordes.   What are you protecting here that makes it necessary to stay at this exposed place?"  The Red Horns asked. 
 

 "Protecting? Only the rights of the people to live in a land un-plagued by the walking dead!"  the soldier replied, passion in his voice.  "Being here is morally necessary."  Qawasha nodded earnestly in agreement.


 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 Entering the fort, Nolwenn looks around in shock at its sorry state.  From the sound of it, a huge number of the soldiers here are sick or injured and in no condition to still be out here.  She's stuck somewhere between pity for them and disgust at whoever's responsible.

  "They weren't always right here,"   Nolwenn whispers to Red,   "this is their second fort; a rebuilding."  
  "We've been in the jungle for weeks,"   she follows up to the guard,   "there are more undead than an army could fight and spread across the whole jungle.  This--  "she gestures around at the fort and its general condition--  "looks like a tragedy, not a fighting force.  Who is this Breakbones?  Your commander?  Have they always been so?"   
 

 "Just because the battle is hard doesn't mean it's not worth fighting. Are we to give up, to cede Chult to the undead? Do we stand by and watch as the last few villages and peoples in this jungle are lost to this evil horde?"  The questions seemed rhetorical, but he was looking at Nolwenn as if expecting an answer.

 "Commander Breakbones took over after Camp Righteous was overrun. He is highly decorated." 
 
 Spoiler 
 Insight checks, please
 
Pyrophilios
 
 Spoiler 

Insight Check 6, rolled in discord
 

 "I see. But you do realize that the undead will just keep coming. If you kill a 100 undead personally and die, it's a net gain for the undead side. There is no reason the undead can't rise again - unless you bury and consecrate every body you come across.

Trapping and containing the undead would be much more practical in the long run." 

The Red Horns argued.
Volthawk
Draelin nods thoughtfully as the conversation unfolds, considering the guard's expression.   "Yes, apologies if this comes across as rude - we are explorers, not soldiers, and my curiosity is piqued about how the other side lives, so to speak - but what is the strategy here? As Red says, from a layman's perspective engaging in a battle of attrition with a continent's worth of undead seems...wasteful, so I'm curious to know what it is we're not seeing. Not to speak ill of Breakbones, of course, you clearly respect him a lot, but..."   Draelin gives a small shrug and leaves the sentence open, inviting the guard to finish it. The guard clearly had his own reservations about how things were going, it was just a matter of teasing that out, so they could walk in with the best picture of the situation.
agignac
The soldier slowed and stopped a moment, leaning on his spear. He wiped sweat from his brow, and you can see dark circles under his eyes.  "Our gods have called us here. We have answered. With their help, we do consecrate every body. None of the undead we fight will rise again." 

He turned to Draelin, his expression assessing the elf's motives for questioning.  "Commander Breakbones...he has had great success in the wars up north. But here in Chult, this is different. There are no battlefronts, supply trains, trumpets or waving banners. Here it is ambush, and creeping through the jungle, and dinosaurs and disease. I'm not sure..." 

He stopped talking, as a healer hurried out of one of the infirmary tents and entered the command tent.  "Come,"  he said,  "I will introduce you." 

He leads you into the tent. A large, mustachioed man in full plate mail stood over a map-table, sweating as he stared at a map. The healer was asking for medical supplied, only to be told that there were none to be had. Dejected, her shoulders slumped, and she made her way past you and out again.

 "Commander, these explorers have arrived by boat, and wished to speak to you."   The commander looked up, and the soldier introduces you.

Breakbone looks you up and down, then dismisses the soldier. Without giving you a chance to speak, he says,  "Excellent! We prayed, and Hoar has provided. I need you to return to Port Nyanzaru immediately. We have seven soldiers who are seriously ill - if they remain here, they will die. I also have messages and requests for supplies that need delivering. We cannot spare any more soldiers to take them, so you will have to do." 
The Hellbug
Following the soldier, Nolwenn concernedly tries to peek into the medical tent as they follow him but doesn't quite find enough time and still has to scamper to catch up with her companions.  In the tent, though, the commander's impudence takes her by surprise.  In truth, she's already been moved to pity by the state of the fort and its soldiers and had been ready to give any aid she could, especially given what she's been told about the company, but being ordered around by a complete stranger without even an introduction, not to mention the poor opinion she's already begun to form about said fort's commander, immediately touches a nerve.

  "Lady Nolwenn de Menez,"   the wizard flatly introduces herself, stroking the invisible cat in her arms,   "and Draelin, The Red Horns, and our guide Qawasha.  And divine intervention or merely coincidence--I couldn't speak precisely about the nature of such things though I favor the latter--we are not your soldiers to command but potential allies to be courted.  You are...?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was surprised by the reluctance of Nolwenn to help, but then it was somehow calming to know that the two of them were likely never going to approach a problem from the same direction.
 "If you give us a day, I can try to heal two of your soldiers of disease. And of course, we would be honored to assist the defenders of Cult." 
agignac
 "Allies to be courted?"  Breakbones practically sputters with indignation.  "You came here! Are you confused about where you are? Did you think this some sort of...of...tourist attraction? This is a military camp and we are at war! I have soldiers risking their lives every day, fighting a plague of undead, all in the service of our gods, and for the savages who call this forsaken jungle their home! Fine men and women lay dying in the medical tents, wasting away of injury and disease. And now I have explorers, treasure hunters, waltzing in here, demanding to be courted! I should have you tried for insubordination during a military emergency!"  His face had turned red and flecks of spittle flew from beneath his mustache.


 The Red Horns was surprised by the reluctance of Nolwenn to help, but then it was somehow calming to know that the two of them were likely never going to approach a problem from the same direction.
"If you give us a day, I can try to heal two of your soldiers of disease. And of course, we would be honored to assist the defenders of Cult." 

The Red Horns words seemed to mollify the commander somewhat. He looked skeptical, however.  "What manner of healing can a creature like you provide? No offense, for truly the gods work in mysterious ways. But you do not have the bearing of a cleric." 
Volthawk
Draelin, seeing where this is going, decides that it's about time to speak up. It was entertaining watching Nolwenn and Breakbones rip into each other, but if they were going to get anything of worth out of this a little more tact was needed.   "Now, now, I'm sure there's no need for that. Egos have been bruised, yes, but let's not let that stop anything getting done - by the sounds of it, Commander, you don't exactly have the time or resources to waste on a trial, and naturally that'd mean the work you need doing will not done until whenever the next group happens to find this place, so let's not go further down that line of thinking, shall we? Now, these messages and request...who will they be sent to, exactly? I like to know details before agreeing to anything, you understand. "  It didn't sound like they were going to get paid for this, but it wasn't like they was risking their life going to the place they were going already, and this sort of thing might net them a few friends back at the port if they played their cards, right. But first, he needed information.
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 The Red Horns words seemed to mollify the commander somewhat. He looked skeptical, however.  "What manner of healing can a creature like you provide? No offense, for truly the gods work in mysterious ways. But you do not have the bearing of a cleric."  
 

 "Gods are not the only ones able to help. I am a mecharcano engineer, or battle smith as people like to call it. I have, albeit limited, abilities to heal and cur. Though I need time to prepare my spells, hence why I can't help you immediately.

But yes, Draelin has a good point: Who do we report to, once we get to port?" 
agignac
 "We have a headquarters in the Port, not far from the Red Market. It will not be difficult to find. The injured and the messages need all be brought there."  The commander had calmed somewhat, but still glared at Nolwenn, as if daring her to speak more of her rubbish.

To the undead tielfling, he said,  "You may not believe your powers come from the gods, but that they believe in you. I will accept your help on the morrow, and gratefully. Sister Cyas can determine who needs the most help, and who will then travel with you.  
 
 Spoiler: Nolwenn's religion roll 
 Hoar is the god of retribution and revenge.
 
The Hellbug
The commander's rebuttal does nothing except irritate Nolwenn further, his fighting 'in service of the gods' ringing hollow in the face of the destruction of Mbala and the dilapidated camp.  The wizard narrows her eyes and digs in against him.    "Don't worry, Draelin,"   she remarks,   "there can't  be  a trial.  Not a real one.  We're not his soldiers nor his responsibility; under whose authority could we be tried?  We heard it from the oracle's mouth herself: the gods have abandoned these lands!"  
  "And insubordination, pff,"   she scoffs, turning back to Breakbones and jabbing a finger at him,   "you were right about one thing.  We  are  explorers and treasure hunters.   Not  your soldiers to be ordered around or bullied.  But tourists?  No more than you are.  I don't think we're so far from each other, self-righteousness aside: every one of us in an outsider here, Qawasha excepted.  Who's to even say who's doing the most good for these lands and their people?  We stopped here because we knew of your honorable organization and saw your plight and thought we might be able to render some assistance.  Which I still plan to do, by the way, for the poor soldiers in your command.  But definitely not, sir, for your sake!"  

Well and truly worked up now, Nolwenn spins on her heel as she finishes and makes to storm out of the command tent, planning to head towards the infirmary to see the condition of the injured soldiers for herself.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns put a hand on Nolwenn's shoulder and whispered in her ear: 
"Do you really think good arguments and logic will win the day for you here? With a guy called Breakbones?" 
 
To the commander he said: "I don't think we should let differing philosophies stand in the way of the common good.
We'll help. If you give me your signed and sealed message I'll keep it save in my bag of holding." 
agignac
Commander Breakbones opened his mouth to snap at Nolwenn, then snapped it shut again. Forcing a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a moment. In a quiet voice, he said to himself,  "Why Hoar is choosing to test me right now...." 

He waits for Nolwenn to leave, then says to The Red Horns,  "Do you need anything particular to help you prepare for your healings?" 
Pyrophilios
 "No, just time to prepare my spells. I'm quite skilled at repairs though. I think I'll pass the time by helping your men to restore the defenses, if you don't mind." 

The Red Horns answered evenly.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn sends a 'quiet, you' glance at Red on the way out in response to his question but doesn't have time for more, committed as she already is to a contemptuous departure.  Once she's outside, Desdemona wriggles in the wizard's arms.    "Oh, I'm sorry, Des,"   Nolwenn says to the invisible cat as she lets her hop down,   "stay close, though."  

Nolwenn looks around the camp again, now having cooled down somewhat.  It really is a mess.  Suddenly the wizard is struck by surprise--no one's coming out after her, ally or otherwise.    "Hmm, maybe he got over himself,"   she muses, bending down to make sure the cat's ribbon is secured,   "well, if he wants me he can find me."    That said, she does wonder how the conversation back in the command tent is going without her, but she can't exactly return after that exit.  And so, she stands, stretches, and starts to slink over towards one of the infirmary tents to find whoever's in charge there, hoping to potentially put her knowledge of medicine to good use there.
agignac
Qawasha joins Nolwenn outside, and you make your way to the medial tent on the left of the command tent. Inside is hot, humid, and smells of death. Seven soldiers lay in cots that keep them up off the muddy, puddley ground. Flies buzzed thickly in the air, some feasting on crusted bandages. The young woman who'd sworn you in was changing a dressing on a moaning soldier's shoulder. An older woman, dressed in preist's robes, knelt beside a dwarf woman who looked near to death. The priest was murmuring prayers over the dwarf. Her hair was matted and blood splattered, and she had deep black circles under her eyes.

Outside, Red is introduced to a grizzled dwarf -  Captain Ord Firebeard. He is one of two captains under Breakbone's command, and is in charge of fortifications. He takes a startled second look at The Red Horns, then sighs.  "If you can help, laddie, I'll take it." 
 
 Spoiler 
If you want to help in any way, make an appropriate roll and write up your attempts. The book doesn't provide much more detail about the defenses than what I already wrote, so feel free to make it up. Likewise in the hospital tent.
 
Pyrophilios
 "Let's start by straightening out the metal braces and then reinforcing and sharpening the spikes. The undead can do a lot of work for you if you let them run headfirst into your fortifications." 

The Red Horns unfurled his wings, so he didn't have to waste time climbing up and around the various defenses. Then he began to work, pulling his twig construct out of his bag of holding, so it could assist him in the difficile work

 
 Spoiler 


Smith tools/tinker tools w/advantage + Blessing

 (1d20)[ 3 ] / (1d20)[ 4 ] +8 + (1d4)[ 4 ] 

poor roll, but still a 16
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn winces and covers her nose at the reek when she enters the tent.  Covered so, it's impossible to see her expression, but it's twisted in pity and disgust.  It takes the wizard a moment to acclimate to smell, but when she does, she steps in and cranes her neck to try to see the wounded soldiers from where she stands, not hiding from the tents physicians but hoping to have something to offer them before she introduces herself.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm going to go ahead and roll medicine here, just to see what I get.  Mostly looking for things like the state of the dressings on wounds, wounds themselves, what the flies are up to (do they have insect repellant) that sort of thing.

Medicine:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
 
agignac
Nolwenn has never seen a medical center in as shockingly poor condition as this one. It's clear that the healers are ill and exhausted as well, and probably not capable of their best work. Some of the soldiers are clearly suffering from injuries, but a few seem to be unharmed. One is raving, his voice harsh and nearly silent from overuse, his limbs tied down to the corners of the cot. Another is lying still as death, his chest only rising occasionally. Nolwenn's keen eyes detect a think blue mist being exhaled by both, which then drifts to the floor and dissipates. She recalls Qawasha's warnings about the odorless blue mist that sometimes creeps through the jungle, causing madness, and wonders if this could be an example of that.

Outside, Red gets to work on the defenses, shoring up weak points, and sharpening spikes. His fresh knowledge and energy seem to inspire the few soldiers set to work with him, and they assist with newfound gusto. By the end of the day, there is a noticeable difference both in the state of the western wall, and in morale.

 Is Draelin going to do anything? 
The Hellbug
What with the state of the medical tent, Nolwenn has a few ideas about where to start, but she doesn't want to so quickly step on the toes of the current caregivers.  She's not certain who exactly is in charge here, but she has a good feeling about the tired-looking older woman.  Stepping up to her, the wizard waits and steels herself against the smells and sights as she finishes with her current patient.

  "Hello, Nolwenn, adventurer,"   the wizard earnestly introduces herself when the medic is momentarily finished,   "arrived a few moments ago, you might have heard.  Was wondering if there's anything we could help with while we're here.  Qawasha here is knowledgeable about the jungle and I may not be a physician, but I did study medicine for some time when I was younger.  I don't know what your needs are, well, I could guess some of them maybe--I have an idea about supplies, at least in a limited amount--but let me know, and I'll do my best to help."  
Pyrophilios
After the long day of work, The Red Horns didn't look much worse for wear, but he definitely moved slower and was in need of a rest phase.

So he sat motion less on the palisade, staring into the jungle while the soldiers went to get some food.
Come morning, he had two vials prepared to alleviate the sickness of two soldiers.
 "Who should I see to first? " He asked Breakbones
Volthawk
Draelin's skills aren't in medicine or construction, so instead he tries to blend in a little and spend some time among the soldiers of the camp, trying to gauge the general mood and sentiment towards their mission and commander, and trying to find out what else (beyond what the explorers were either currently helping with or already planning on doing) they needed, or just wanted, out here. You need to go looking to find opportunities, after all, and even in a place like this, there might be something he could use.
agignac
The medic looked as if she couldn't believe her eyes. A new, fresh, healthy person, offering to help? It was clear that she was exhausted, and probably not in peak health herself.  "Oh my, thank you so much! I am Sister Cyas. Mostly we need clean bandages, and to change dressings, and to get food and water into those suffering from madness." 

She swayed on her feet, and Nolwenn could tell that she needed rest. Qawasha and Nolwenn bully Cyas and the novice into chairs, and find them a cold drink. For the next several hours, Nolwenn boils water to clean bandages and tends the ill, while Qawasha uses his druidic magic to shore up the tents against biting flies and dry the ground at their feet. By the end of the day, Nolwenn is exhausted, but the two sick tents are in far better condition, and one of the soldiers suffering from blue mist fever has woken up, weak but improving.

Draelin spoke with the soldiers on duty, and found that most of them were tired, but proud of the work they were doing. The members of the Order of the Gauntlet believed in the work they were doing, though it was harder than they had expected, when they arrived in Chult.

Sister Cyas - looking a bit better for having had some rest yesterday - leads The Red Horns into the tent, and leads him to the soldier in the worst shape.

 Red can make up the details on the two soldiers he helps, there isn't anything specific in the book.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded and went to the two indicated soldiers. The fever had ravaged their bodies and he wasn't sure if just healing the disease would be enough to save their lives. Nonetheless, he didn't hessitate to pump all the accumulated magic he had into the two. It didn't take much more than a few seconds each - he followed up by also adding some health restoring energy - for the effect setting in.

Their eyes cleared and the sweating stopped. Instead the two fell into an exhausted sleep.

The Red Horns felt drained, but turned around to the healer:   "Those two should be fine once they had a day's rest. Keep them separated from the others so they don't catch the fever again.
My magic reserves are spend for now - in 24 hours I can try again. Do what you can to keep the rest alive until then."  
The Hellbug
Nolewenn sighs as she washes her hands.  The sun is low in the sky--it'll be sunset in minutes--and there's nothing she'd like better than to lie down in the shade with a light breeze and drift off to some relaxing music.  But even if circumstances were to admit that (she can hardly think of a less likely fantasy at the current moment), she's still only partially satisfied with her efforts.  She can do more.  And so, the wizard requests from Sister Cyas a place where she'll have light, safety, and solitude (it's important that she not be interrupted!), promising that she'll do something about the supply problem.

Once she's thus situated, Nolwenn uncaps one of the pots of marvelous pigment and gets to work.  She paints every sort of medical supply she can think of: bug nets, fresh bandages, splints and stitches, clean water, ointments and medicines, copied from her own medical supplies, and more.  Her work is focused and well-planned, guided by her own illusions, but once her brush is moving, she works with a frantic, tireless energy.  Well, almost tireless.  At the first hint of the sun's light peeking up above the horizon Nolwenn, now thoroughly exhausted, finally leaves her makeshift studio and, with tired eyes, surveys her handiwork.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn's going to use a whole pot of the paint to make medical supplies for the soldiers.  She'll use minor illusion to give herself something to work off of each time to help not make mistakes, and I'll be spending an inspiration for advantage.

painting skill check (using dexterity for accuracy):  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
advantage:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 
agignac
Sister Cyas can't believe her eyes. The tables are heaped with supplies, and two of her most grievously injured soldiers are clearly on the mend. Her eyes fill with tears, and she clasps Nolwenn and Red's hands in turn, shaking them with passion.  "Oh, thank you, thank you! What a difference you have made! Thank Helm for bringing you to us!"  She still had dark bags under her eyes, and a nasty cough, but the cleric's eyes sparkled with gratitude and optimism.

The other two acolytes are similarly overwhelmed, and immediately begin distributing supplies amongst those who need it most. A few moments later, a horn blares from the gatehouse. Cyas stops and listens intently. The horn blares again, longer this time, followed by two short blasts.  "Soldiers returning on the run, followed by enemies!"  she cried.  "Girls! Grab the stretcher, run!"  The cleric grabs a few handfuls of her new supplies, then runs from the tent.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns didn't hessitate: He followed the departing healers and took to the air to get a better view of what was going on. Something told him, that returning wounded could mean much more trouble than just a new batch of occupied camp beds in the healers' tent.

 
 Spoiler 
Perception
 (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
 
agignac
Everybody leaves the tent to discover that it's raining heavily. The Red Horns flies upwards, and sees people running towards the fort. Behind them run a handful of large, bipedal dinosaurs. The rain is too heavy to tell much more than that without flying closer.

Nolwenn follows the cleric and her helpers out of the sick tent and they splash through the swampy ground towards the front gate. The Order of the Gauntlet is rallying - all those fit to fight run to the gate, buckling on helmets and drawing weapons. The front guards open the small gate you entered through yesterday, and a moment later you see the first of the soldiers limp-running towards the fort. Bloodied and weaponless, they race as best they can through the gate and into the safety of the compound.

A moment later, another pair come through, one helping the other run.  "There's three more,"  one of them gasps,  "but Sali is out cold." 

Everybody is shouting, urging the injured soldiers to hurry. One more rounds the corner, wiping blood from a jagged cut on her brow as it runs into her eyes.  "Throw me a spear!"  she cries, reaching desperately out to the others.  "They're not going to make it!" 

Somebody throws her a weapon, and two other soldiers follow her out into the downpour to help rescue the others.

 If you'd like to join, roll for initiative. 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns didn't hesitate: climbing higher, he brought out his yklwa and went to attack and distract the dinosaur

 
 Spoiler 

Ini
 (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn rushes to the aid of the Order when the call goes out, but she lags behind the healthiest of them--having just spent an entire night awake, as fast as she can go isn't quite what it normally is.    "No, no, no,"   she says to herself when she gets to the gate and sees what's going on,   "not if I can help it."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Initiative w/ disadvantage:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ]   (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 
Volthawk
Dinosaurs, huh. Draelin supposed they'd been lucky so far to avoid major problems with them after that undead one devastated their party near the start of the expedition. Well, there was no point to agreeing to be their couriers, and the others helping out more immediately, if they were wiped out too quickly, and it was hardly like Draelin was going to just watch some people get eaten, so he's soon among those responding to the call.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative:  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
 
agignac
The rain is truly torrential. The ground is quickly turning into a thick mucky soup, and it's hard to see further than 40 feet in front of you. Flying over the height of the fortifications, Red can see the dinosaurs approaching, but knows that at this distance, the rain is going to make a yklwa attack difficult.

The monsoon doesn't seem to be troubling the dinosaurs overmuch. One is straggling, and runs to catch up with the others. The two leading dinosaurs, running easily on two legs (not unlike an axebeak, but larger and bulkier) leap at the fleeing soldiers, their legs kicking forward, ready to slash with large middle claws.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
 


The soldiers are lucky, and both dinosaurs come up short, splashing down in the mud just inches behind them.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns flew towards the dinosaurs. The rain was unfortunate, but he tried to hit the creature nonetheless with all the force he could muster - and also sent his construct to intercept the dinosaurs

 
 Spoiler 


Attacking w/ disadvantage and Sharpshooter (-5 to hit +10 damage)

 (1d20+4)[ 22 ] / (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 24 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 8 ] / (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 24 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 5 ] 

Steel Defender

 (1d20+8)[ 12 ]  damage  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 

Using its reaction to give the dinosaur disadvantage to attack the fleeing soldier
 
Volthawk
The rain was bad. Not sure how effective he'd be with the bow here, Draelin instead chooses to run forward with rapier in hand. Rain can't stop you killing something up close, after all. Along the way, as he starts to realise he won't be able to fully close the distance in the time, he draws on the power of the mask to summon more animal helpers. They were an excellent distraction before, after all, and that was what they needed now.

 
 Spoiler 

Okay, assuming Draelin is with that group of soldiers on the topright, he's going to use Cunning Action to Dash and move close to the melee fight (counting it out, it looks like regardless of where exactly he is next to the troops up there, he's just shy even before taking any terrain issues into consideration) and then use three charges from the Mask of the Beast to use Conjure Animals, intending to place them between the front two dinos and the rear ones (looks like there's no space between the runners and the dinos), with orders to attack the dinos. IIRC you said you pick what gets made, unlike how we did it last time, so what exactly happens next is up to you.
 
agignac
Draelin, looking through the slitted eyes of the mask, had a hard time seeing through the rain. But he could see the dinosaurs well enough to call upon a fey creature for help. It arrived with a crash, smashing through the trees and straight into the group of dinosaurs. A large skeleton, upright, but with the horned skull of a bull. The bones were thick and shiny in the rain. The skeleton carried a heavy axe, which it carried towards the fight.

The two fleeing soldiers, one carrying a third slung over his back, continued to run, trying to get away from those disemboweling claws. The dinosaurs lashed out as they ran away, but the first one was hampered by the steel defender. The second dinosaur managed to slice into a soldier's calf. A torrent of blood ran down his leg, which buckled underneath him, spilling him into the mud.

His companion, carrying the unconscious one, huffed past Draelin, barely noticing the elf.

The other three soldiers, running towards the dinosaurs, pelted through the rain, skidding in the mud, and arrived at the scene of the battle.

The skeleton, swinging its axe, waded into the middle of the dinosaurs. The heavy blade bit deeply into one of the dinos flanks, sending blood flying. The dinosaur immediately turned to face this new threat.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, fatigue gnawing at her, is slow climbing up the ramparts, and when she finally steps up to the edge, the sparks beginning to leap between her fingers cease as she realizes she doesn't have a clear view of the dinosaurs or the soldiers confronting them.  Even through the pounding sound of the rain, though, the cry of the newly-injured soldier spurs the clever wizard towards a new strategy.  She focuses her attention on the area around the bend of the fort's walls, just out of sight from where the soldiers will meet the dinosaurs: her new canvas.  She touches her casting focus only briefly, and after that her hands a flurry of activity--a stroke here, a flourish there--as she speaks the words of her spell.  In moments she has conjured a dinosaur of her own, or at least a phantasmal image of one, a living version of the zombie she and her companions had dispatched weeks before.  In a last second save that has her perhaps a little overproud of her own cleverness, the illusionist scales it down slightly, enough to comfortably add a saddle and rider, a knight clad in mail that would gleam in the sun if it could, wielding a wickedly-pointed lance.

  "Keep running!"   the illusionist shouts as loudly as she can at the soldiers below,   "we'll hold them off!"     Then, she sends her phantasm around the corner, where it arrives on the scene with a terrible bellow as the rider beckons for the soldiers to continue in its direction.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Major Image, calling up a phantasmal allosaurus and rider.  I want it to bellow and posture as it comes around the corner.  I'm trying to get the attacking dinosaurs to stop and reconsider, not actually go at them and risk spoiling the illusion too quickly.
 
agignac
The newly arrived soldiers visibly quail as the theropod (and rider!) lumbers into view. They can't hear Nolwenn over the sound of the monsoon, and don't realize that it's an illusion.

Two of the smaller dinosaurs turn immediately to assess this new threat. They visibly pause, barking strange, high-pitched cries to each other, moving back and forth, just out of reach, with bird-like motions. They don't seem to have decided whether to attack it or not.

The third dinosaur, having been assaulted by the undead minotaur, fights back. It lashes out with a clawed foot, then reaches in for a bite. The claws and teeth rake across the bones, damaging the skeleton, but not enough to put it back into the ground.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns saw no reason to change his tactic, now that the dinosaurs were engaged by several defenders. Again, he dived throwing his Yklwa twice, while his construct kept harrasing them.

 
 Spoiler 


Attacking w/ disadvantage and Sharpshooter (-5 to hit +10 damage)

 (1d20+4)[ 11 ] / (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 24 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 8 ] / (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 

Steel Defender

 (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  damage  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 

Using its reaction to give the dinosaur disadvantage to attack the fleeing soldier
 
Volthawk
Draelin closes the distance to the dinosaurs, attacking the one attacking his...undead...minotaur...he didn't even know the mask could do that...while it's distracted.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  +  (3d6)[ 8 ]  SA
 
agignac
Red's yklwa missed again, due to the downpour, but his construct was luckier. It and Draelin both managed solid hits against the closest dinosaur. Badly injured, it hooted a distress call.

The soldiers threw their spears, then grabbed up their downed companion and began to retreat. They moved carefully, aware that falling in the slippery mud could be a fatal mistake. Two of them made it through the doors, and it looked like the rest would make it safely into the fort in the next few seconds.
The Hellbug
Seeing the fearful reaction of the soldiers below, Nolwenn can tell they don't hear her.    "He's on..!"   she begins to shout louder, but as they and the wounded all make their way towards the fort's entrance, it doesn't look like it'll make a difference anyway.  Red and Draelin are accustomed to her magic and the dinosaurs look fooled as well so that's enough for now.  After all, the three of them only need to buy a few more seconds before their own escape.  With that in mind, Nolwenn focuses again on her illusion.  Though it only requires a mental command, she purses her lips in concentration, twists her wrist--almost looking like she's beckoning to the illusion through the rain--allows her vision to guide the spell.  The allosaurus suddenly stops pacing and digs in, and the rider lowers their lance.  Then, with a roar, the pair begin charging at the attacking dinosaurs.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action: control the Major Image.  The allosaurus and rider are going to charge at the dinosaurs, timed so that they'll 'make contact' with them next round.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns set his construct to continue its attack.
The major image was doing a great job of getting attention away from the fleeing troups, but the dinosaurs were still too fixated on their fleeing prey. He decided to close in and rely on his shield to get out again if necessary.

 
 Spoiler 

Going for a dive attack, accepting opportunity attacks

 (1d20+9)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 5 ] 

Steel defender

  (1d20+98)[ 108 ]   (1d20+8)[ 18 ], damage  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
 
 Spoiler 

Forgot my extra attack

 (1d20+9)[ 19 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 14 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 
Volthawk
Close combat wasn't exactly Draelin's preference, but given the circumstances he didn't have much of a choice here. Luckily there were plenty of other targets around here, real and otherwise, for the beasts to focus on instead of him. Hopefully that held up...helping to save some people for free in order to give a good impression, that was fine, but he drew the line at getting eaten for free.

 
 Spoiler 

Realised that in the rush to post last time (had very limited time), I forgot about flanking, which I suppose minotaur friend gives.

If Red's attack doesn't drop our dino, Draelin will keep attacking that one. If he does drop it, Draelin will move down to below the steel defender to get the flank with that dino.

Attack: Best of  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] / (1d20+8)[ 14 ] / (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 13 ]  +  (3d6)[ 15 ]  SA
 
agignac
Nolwenn's illusion, combined with the very real attacks coming from front, behind, and above, are enough to finally convince the dinosaurs that easier lunch can be had elsewhere. The three turn and run into the jungles, just as Draelin and Red draw blood. Mortally wounded, two of the dinosaurs stumble and fall, one still twitching. The remaining one quickly vanishes into the thick vegetation.

The skeletal minotaur stands facing Draelin, hideous in the mask, waiting for instructions. All around, the rain batters you.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns beat his wings extra hard to regain some height, but refrained from hunting after the fleeing dinosaur.

Instead he returned to the compound, hoping that the reveal of his wings wasn't going to earn him some special attention. For some reason, people were really sensitive about other people being able to invade their space from above.

Instead of worrying, he focused on helping the remaining soldiers get medical attention, spending some of his precious magic on healing the more life threatening wounds.
The Hellbug
The illusory predator continues its charge after the fleeing dinosaurs for only a moment as, once the fatally-wounded dinosaurs fall, Nolwenn allows her spell to expire and the phantasm quickly fades, dissolving into mist and then nothing at all.  She lets out a deep breath and prepares to descend from the battlements to help with the wounded soldiers.  However, her first step onto the ladder down is unsteady.  With her adrenaline fading, the wizard's fatigue catches up to her all at once.  Though the height isn't particularly great, when she looks down it seems clear that this isn't going to work out.  And so, Nolwenn dismounts from the ladder and, with a sigh, plops herself down, muddy and soaked, on the edge of the platform.  Only not threatened by falling asleep sitting because of her own discomfort, she waits for one of her companions to pass.

  "Hey!"   Nolwenn hails when one of them does waving for them to come closer, continuing more discreetly when they do.    "Could I get a hand?"   she asks, pointing at the ladder timidly.
Volthawk
As the skeleton stares at Draelin, he stares back, not entirely sure what to do here.   "Hm."   A glance backwards, and he sees Red heading back to the compound. No help there. So what is he supposed to do with this thing? He shrugs, gestures in the direction the remaining dinosaur fled, and says   "Go after it."  , figuring that would about do it. He was  pretty  sure it wouldn't hang around forever, from what he'd gathered from Nolwenn and Red's various chats, and that'd keep it out of trouble for a while - and perhaps more importantly, get it out of the vision of the soldiers and knights and whatnot. With that handled, he makes the walk back to the fort to see how the soldiers react to that hectic minute or so.
agignac
The soldiers wait impatiently for Draelin to causally saunter back into the compound. He is accompanied by the twiggy form of Red's construct, which the soldiers give a wide berth to.

Qawasha immediately joins the team of medical personnel, helping to tend the injured soldiers. Between him, Red, Sister Cyas and her helpers, the injured members of the Gauntlet are soon patched up and resting comfortably.


As the others are busy in the tent, a young-looking dwarven woman notices Nolwenn sitting alone in the rain, and shyly approaches her.  "Can I help, miss?"  As she assists Nolwenn down the ladder, she says,  "That was really amazing, miss, how you made that bigger dinosaur appear, then disappear again! And Sister says you painted supplies into existence! Commander Breakbones will want you and your friends to join the Order, miss! And you should! It's a wonderful opportunity to help. Will you stay, miss?"  She looks up into Nolwenn's eyes with an enthusiasm and hopefulness that only the young have.
The Hellbug
  "Oh yes, thank you so much,"   Nolwenn replies, getting to her feet again with a huff,   "I think I just need you to keep things steady--it didn't seem so wobbly on the way up."  

Once she's situated back on the ground, the wizard looks this way and that for any sign of Desdemona but can't immediately spot her.  If the cat wants to disappear, she reminds herself, it won't be a problem if she shows back up by the time the group leaves.  Furthermore, regardless of what Red and Draelin are up to, Nolwenn trusts that they'll be fine without her since she only has one goal on her mind, and she's pretty sure that this young woman can help point her in the right way.    "I'm glad you thought so, and you're absolutely welcome,"   she replies, needing to consciously try to remain chipper through her weariness,   "not exactly a foolproof scheme but appropriate for mere hungry beasts.  And you heard correctly, though there's more to it than that.  Let's just say I had just the thing to help...and that still life may still be boring, but at least it has its uses"  --she grins--  "Nolwenn, in case you hadn't heard around the camp.  And even if you have, better it be from me."  

Her smile fades when she moves on to the dwarf's suggestion.    "As for your commander, we've already spoken, and I'm afraid that's an impossibility.  I--"   she pauses to think of a generous way to put her thoughts on the matter   "--a holy order isn't the place for me or my companions, noble though your goals may be.  I'm sure both we and Commander Breakbones agree on that.  Trust me."  
  "What's your name, by the way?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns sought his companions after having spend the remaining magical energy on a few wounds to cure.

Catching the last few sentences of Nolwenn, he nodded:  "We don't agree on much, but here we are clearly aligned: We have to find the source of the undead and stop it. This fort is going to be destroyed in a war of attrition if you can't find strong casters to bolster your defenses. We can try to find someone in the city to help you out, but we aren't the solution you need." 
agignac
The young dwarf woman looks a bit overwhelmed by Nolwenn's speech, and even more startled when Red joins in. However, she politely dips her head at the introduction, and says,  "Marres, Marres Bloodstorm, if it please you, Miss Nolwenn."  Her eyes keep darting to The Red Horns, but she doesn't respond to his comment.
The Hellbug
  "The pleasure is mine,"   Nolwenn responds,   "and this is The Red Horns, if he needs an introduction."    The wizard is torn.  On the one hand, she's exhausted and needs a place to rest.  On the other, maybe it's because she's tired but she's having trouble reading this young dwarf woman and the way her eyes keep darting at Red feel makes Nolwenn feel like it's something that needs to be addressed.    " If  the undead have a source which is destroyable,"   she corrects,   "if not, then it brings me no pleasure to say that your efforts here, little though I've seen of them, are a better hope than anything we could provide.  But there are some small ways we can help, and we've already undertaken some of them.  Speaking of which, I'm in no condition to do that at the moment.  As you yourself heard, I spent all of last night on the supply problem.  You can help return the favor if you can find me a quiet place to rest.  Is that possible?"  
Volthawk
There's a small smile on Draelin's face when he sees the soldiers' reaction to Red's construct. Once he's back in the fort, he figures he should probably rejoin the others and, while he could have probably guessed where they were fairly easily, it was much more convenient to just follow the construct back to its master.

Sure enough, they were pretty much where he thought, and he catches enough of the conversation to contribute a little.   "As far as Breakbones is concerned, we've talked and we've got some work to do for him - away from the fort. After that...well, we'll see. I have a few ideas, but it's too soon to say much in that regard. For now, we'll help while we're here, so if there's something in particular on your mind...now's the time to say it, Miss Bloodstorm."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns frowned at being ignored, but shrugged it off. He had no interest in getting into a debate when he could get into a dry place and continue to work on his gear.

 "We should probably get going - you look like you could really use some sleep." 

He turned an left open, to whom exactly he had spoken.
agignac
The dwarf started leading Nolwenn towards the tents at the rear of the fortress.  "I don't know about quiet, miss, but nobody will bother you here. Any soldier not on duty just wants to sleep."  She led them into a barracks tent, with 6 bunks. One soldier was snoring softly, and two other beds were mussed up. Three looked tidy and unused.

 "Do you really think you could do something about the source of the undead?!"  Her face lit up with hope.  "Oh, if that were possible, I...I can scarcely imagine!" 

From outside, an irritated-sounding voice called Marres' name, and she winced.  "Oh, I better get back on duty."  She bobbed her head at all of them, and said,  "Thanks for everything! If I don't have time to see you again before you go, I want you to know that I'll pray for you every day!" 
agignac
The day passed relatively uneventfully. A few human zombies wandered towards the fort, but were easily taken down with arrows from the watch towers. Qawasha remained working with Sister Cyra, helping tend the injured and ill.

Near the end of the day, the druid approached you and said,  "I would like to speak to you about ending our contract. The way back to the fort is relatively easy - just follow the river downstream. If you will permit this, I'll stay on at the fort for a while longer. I believe we can treat even the worst injured here, which will save you having to transport them downriver." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged:  "Sounds reasonable. Good luck with that. We'll head out at first light." 
agignac
With that agreed upon, you spend the night and are up at first light. The rain has stopped over night, and the jungle is steaming in the early morning sun. The skies are noisy - the birds and monkeys seem to be making up for the rainy day yesterday by screaming/singing cacophonously into the morning. The mud is thick. Desdemona meows pitifully for Nolwenn to pick her up - her paws are caked with thick mud. Qawasha spends some time drying the ground in and around the tents. You must spend some time bailing rainwater out of your canoes.

With the healing you have provided, and the promise of Qawasha's ongoing service, Breakbones decides not to send anybody with you. Instead, he hands you a pouch with messages in it, and asks you to bring them to the Order Headquarters in Port Nyanzaru. Everybody who isn't on duty comes to see you off - in a short time you have made a big impression.

 Any last words/actions before heading down the river? Also, I finally updated the day-tracker in the slide deck. You've been in the jungle for 35 days, and promised Qawasha 3 gp/day, payable upon termination of contract. That's 105 gp. Who's going to pay?  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took a look at their collected treasures and decided to hand Qwasha two of the smaller diamonds they found:

 "Here, that should cover what we owe you. Good luck. Maybe we see each other in town again." 

Not one for emotional goodbyes, The Red Horns went about to ready the canoe.
The Hellbug
  "It's still only speculation,"   Nolwenn admits to the dwarf,   "but if it leads to anything, we'll make sure your people know somehow.  And yes, this looks wonderful, thank you so much."    In truth, the shared barracks is less than she had hoped for, but the wizard is exhausted enough that anything would do.  She wastes no time lying down and getting comfortable once Marres is gone, and she's done so for scarcely minutes before she drifts off to sleep.

Only to awaken...not long enough later with a mewing cat on her chest.  However, even the few hours of napping have done her a world of good, and Nolwenn lazily sees to finding food for herself and Desdemona.  In fact, she spends the rest of the day relaxing and drawing, not having the energy to even go out of her way to engage with her allies or the soldiers, let alone render more aid to them.

_______

The next morning, though, Nolwenn feels as good as new, and her spirits are high as the explorers prepare to leave from Fort Vengeance, even with having to carry around a fussy feline.  Qawasha's news, though, takes her by surprise.  Even though she had said so when they spoke about it previously, the wizard hadn't really considered that they'd be leaving their guide behind and it coming sooner than she had expected shocks her.  After all, after the disastrous start to the group's adventure, it had been just them (and Weed) for weeks among the jungle, and she's come to rely on the druid's knowledge and quiet confidence, not to mention his trust in taking the three of them to the oracle at Orolunga.  Her mind races, reaching for reasons that the he should stay with her and Draelin and Red, but each argument she thinks up seems more useless than the last: his rationale for leaving is sound and his motive just and good.  This river does go all the way back to port, he was always going to leave them there anyway, and he's only their guide, after all--it's not his expedition, ultimately.  Plus, Red is already paying him and giving his typical-for-him matter-of-fact goodbye.

That's not Nolwenn's way, though.  Handing off Des to Draelin, she rummages in one of the pouches on her belt before steping forward to warmly embrace Qawasha.  There aren't quite tears in her eyes, but it's a near thing.  As she lets him go, the young noble unobtrusively presses something into the druid's hand: the bloom from the Star of the Evening she had kept.    "May your steps never falter, Qawasha,"   she bids farewell as she steps back,   "stay safe, or as well as you're able.  I can't promise we will where we're going, but we'll stay in touch if we can."  
Pyrophilios
As before, The Red Horns made his construct sit in the back, ready to row.

If he read the map correctly, it would take at least two weeks to get back to port.

 "Come on, we are wasting daylight." 
agignac
Qawasha hugs Nolwenn back, and accepts the flower gratefully.  "It has been an honour to travel with you. I wish you all possible success in your quests. If you are able to succeed, you will truly be a hero of Chult." 

Pulling a small vial from his robes, he offers it Nolwenn.  "Here is a perfume that is beloved of the chwinga. If you need their help or guidance, spill a little onto the ground, and wait quietly. If they are in the area, they will be drawn to it." 

The three of you get into a boat/the boats. Desdemona mews sadly - she liked chasing rodents and lizards at the fort, and doesn't like travelling by boat.

The day passes uneventfully. The weather is hot and dry - it seems to have rained itself out yesterday. Quipper splash in the river, and more than once you see scaled eyes peering silently at you as you paddle by, reminding you not to go swimming.

Evening comes, and for the first time, you must choose your own spot to make camp, without the help of your guide.

 Somebody roll for survival 
Volthawk
Draelin is...okay with Qawasha staying behind, all things considered. It wasn't that he  disliked  the man, far from it. He'd quite liked having the man around, hearing his stories of Chult and explanations of the odd little things they came across, but...well. From a pragmatic point of view, he'd been responsible for quite a few of the problems they'd come across so far, deliberately or otherwise, and now they were close to home he was pretty sure they could manage without him. He let Nolwenn handle the hugging and not-quite-tears and the like, but he still hung around longer than Red, enough to get his own thanks and goodbyes in, along with mentioning that they'd leave a canoe behind for him for when he wants to leave the fort, before he needs to head off to help Red.

That said, he still finds himself reflecting on their time with Qawasha during the day's journey. It helped keep his mind busy among the boring paddling, and he found himself settling on a way to sum it up. Good guy, terrible guide, but he still hoped they'd meet again sometime. That sounded about right.

Once it becomes time to set up camp, Draelin takes charge. He'd prepared for his journey to Chult with the assumption he'd have to do everything himself, after all, so he'd made sure he knew how to make camp. Now was just the time to actually put it all to practice, with Red reliably providing aid as always. Should be fine, right?

 
 Spoiler 

Rolling with Red providing physical help for advantage and Guidance for +1d4.

Survival:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] / (1d20+8)[ 19 ]  +  (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 
agignac
Draelin chooses a campsite as if he's been doing it his whole life. He chooses a dry and secure spot, and is able to get a campfire going with no trouble. The night passes peacefully, if you discount the occasional howls and screams coming from deep in the jungle.

In the morning, as you're all packing up the tents, Draelin notices that you're being shadowed. A pair of creatures are hiding (poorly) in the foliage near the river. They are almost 6 feet high, and are a uniformly reddish-brown colour. It takes a moment to get a good look at them.

They don't seem to notice that they've been noticed.

 
 Spoiler 
 
 
Pyrophilios
Assuming, Draelin informs us about the threat:

The Red Horns took to the air to get a closer look at the creatures, trying to identify them and possibly learn about their weaknesses

 
 Spoiler 

Applicable Knowledge + Guidance

 (1d20+5)[ 13 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
agignac
The Red Horns flaps upwards, moving closer to the creatures, but staying out of reach. As he makes no attempt to hide from him, they notice him immediately. They raise their giant claws in a defensive posture, rotating their body so that the airborne tiefling can't get behind them.

They don't appear to have any weapons (other than their big claws), and one is carrying a small, water-logged canvas sack in one claw.

Their plated armour looks thick and hard. However, their faces are almost humanoid, with a nostril-less nose, and a mouth with lips. Their small eyes, however, are on stalks.
Pyrophilios
 "Hey, you two! What are you up to trying to hide and following us?"  The Red Horns called after getting close enough. He hadn't drawn his weapon yet, but was ready to do so at a moment's notice.
agignac
The two creatures glance at each other, claws still raised. One tries to keep an eye on Nolwenn and Draelin, while the other looks up at The Red Horns.  "Go away! This is our place!" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns paused in midflight.
 "Well of course we are going away. This is a camp not a permanent place to live - and we are in the process of leaving. So stop being a shrimp about it." 
The Hellbug
  "Oh come now, we  are  the intruders here--no need to be rude about it,"   Nolwenn adds, keeping a comfortable distance,   "but he's right, we're about to be heading downriver.  If that's all you want of us, we will absolutely comply.  And if that's your territory, we humbly ask your permission to merely pass through it."    The crustacean-people look like they could be dangerous with those big claws, but they don't look like they want a fight.  Even if they did, they don't look like they could pose a threat to Red if he merely stayed in the air.

They do remind Nolwenn of something, though.  She hadn't gotten a good look at it back then, but they certainly could be the same kind of creature the wizard had seen trapped in the boat wreckage.    "Are you from the basin?  " she asks,   "it's a long shot, and we didn't know at the time, but I think we might have seen one of your kind trapped in the wreckage of a fishing boat.  That was more than a week ago, though."  
agignac
The larger of the creatures snapped its claws, but otherwise didn't move. If they were alarmed or interested in Nolwenn's news, it didn't show on their face. At least not in ways the land-based folk could read. Their eye stalks waved around for another moment, then the bigger one said,  "You go." 

Then they lumbered towards the water, sliding in with very little splash and vanishing from view.

As you paddle downriver that day, Nolwenn takes time to open the messages you're carrying for Breakbones. They turn out not to be very interesting - requests for supplies and more recruits, accounts of battles fought in the months past. A few personal letters from soldiers, asked to be forwarded on to family. A list of those killed in battle, and family owed death-dues. If anything, it highlights how hopeless the Order of the Gauntlet's war against the undead is.

The next two days and nights pass quietly. Few undead are seen, and the normal river creatures leave you alone. On your fourth night since leaving Camp Vengeance, as you're setting up camp, you notice  (1d4+1)[ 3 ]  strange, monkey/bear-like creatures cautiously approaching the camp. They walk on all fours, but occasionally stand up on their hind legs, to a height of nearly 5 feet. They have long, prehensile tails, soft-looking light-grey or light-brown fur, and sharp claws.

 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at the creatures with curiosity, trying to remember if he knew anything about them.
To be save he positioned his construct between the camp and the creatures.

 
 Spoiler 

Knowledge check w/guidance
 (1d20+5)[ 15 ] +  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
 "Hm, either those are curious, adorable flying squirrels, or murderous pack hunters. Let's see how they react to my construct." 

With that, The Red Horns commanded the twig construct forward to meet the creatures.
agignac
The twig construct marched forward towards the three seemingly-curious creatures. One ignored the construct, continuing to move slowly towards the camp. Two of the others, however, stopped and watched the strange twiggy creature move forward. One inched slowly closer, reaching out a human-like hand towards The Red Horn's construct.

 Will you let it be touched? 

Nolwenn suddenly became aware of Desdemona leaning hard against her leg, growling low in her throat.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns let the creatures touch the construct, but gave it the instruction to evade at any sign of aggression.
 
 Spoiler 

Command to ready action dodge.
 
The Hellbug
The Order of the Gauntlet letters had been extremely disappointing, and, while she considers for a moment that there had been some sort of code hiding more interesting secret information--Breakbones  had  been  so  particular in telling the adventurers not to open them--Nolwenn merely asks Draelin very politely if he'll reseal them, only resorting to doing it herself if he refuses.  On a more positive note, Nolwenn makes a discovery on the easy and relatively eventless cruise down the river.  Desdemona's restlessness in the canoe can be mitigated somewhat with simple illusions.  Having observed how the invisible cat happily chases after anything smaller than a lizard, be it a mouse or bug or even an errant string, the wizard finds that she can keep her attention for practically as long as she, herself, cares to pay attention with a mere cantrip.  Even a mere conjured spot of light fascinates her endlessly!

________

At present, though, Nolwenn finds herself scooping up the anxious Des and casting her habitual warding spell while letting Red take the lead on the jungle critters.    "Careful,"   she warns somewhat uselessly.

  Qawasha would have known what these things are,   she finds herself thinking,   and then we wouldn't be guessing between curious observers or deadly predators.  At least Red seems to have things under control.  
agignac
The bravest (or perhaps leader) of the monkey-creatures reaches out a delicate finger and pokes at the construct. When nothing happens, he wraps his fingers around the arm and gives it a pull, but the construct pulls back, freeing itself. The creature bares its teeth in what could have been a sign of aggression, dominance, or perhaps even a smile. It then ignores the construct, and begins moving closer to the three of you again.

The one who had been moving closer is now about 25 feet away. It watches Nolwenn pick up the invisible cat. Looking confused, it puts its nose in the air, sniffing, turning its head back and forth. Moving a little more quickly, it comes towards Nolwenn, travelling on all four feet, tail high in the air and curling this way and that.



One is about 25 feet from Nolwenn, the others are 40 feet away, with the construct, but about to move closer.
Volthawk
Draelin isn't surprised that Nolwenn doesn't find anything of interest in the orders - if she'd asked him first, he would've told her not to bother based off the read he'd made of Breakbones and his lot. Saying that they were too dumb to scheme was...uncharitable, maybe, but not too far off how he felt. Still, having people that straightfoward and good-intentioned on their side might come in handy later on, so he didn't have  much  of a problem playing messenger - there were more forms of payment than gold, after all, so he didn't quite feel like they were doing work for free (it was enough to convince himself to go for it, anyway). That involved making sure that the recipients had no idea that Nolwenn went snooping, so hopefully his job resealing the messages would do the job.

---

When it comes to the local wildlife, Draelin's happy to let Red take the lead, but he's not exactly reassured by what he sees. Sure, the behaviour so far could have benign intentions, but it was hardly conclusive one way or another and in circumstances like these...he preferred to be safe rather than sorry.

  "Red, unless you're sure they're safe now...I'm going to start putting arrows into them. What's the word?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged:  "Wild animals - if they weren't combat capable, their behavior would be way too stupid to survive here.
In conclusion, they are dangerous - at the very least for the cat.
I'll try to frighten them away. If they don't retreat, start firing." 

As promised, The Red Horns spread his wings and screamed an in articulate curse at the creatures.

 
 Spoiler 

Intimidation with guidance

 (1d20)[ 16 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
agignac
The three creatures reacted immediately. One of the two closest to the twig construct leapt back, startled by Red's aggressive display. The other two reared up on their hind legs, snarling and hissing. It was clear that a fight was now inevitable.
Volthawk
  "Well, so much for that."  

With that said, Draelin looses an arrow at one of the animals reacting aggressively to Red's display. Maybe if they take one down fast, the others will run off.

 
 Spoiler 

Guess I'll Steady Aim and attack with my bow.

Attack (Advantage and Elven Accuracy): Best of  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] / (1d20+8)[ 14 ] / (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  +  (3d6)[ 9 ]  SA
 
agignac
Draelin's arrow flies unerringly to one of the creatures  and buried itself deeply in its flank. The creature screams, its face transforming from "so-ugly-its-cute" to "horrifying-tooth-filled-monster". It leaps at Draelin, teeth wide and claws extended. It bounds upwards at a treetrunk, rebounds off of it, and launches itself towards the elf's face. As it runs at hime, Draelin feels a sudden and excruciating pain in his head - somehow this thing was attacking his mind!

The creature that Red had intimidated seemed shaken. However, with its pack mates attacking, it moves towards Red, staring the tiefling with murder in its eyes. As it got 30 feet from Red, the tiefling also feelsthe crushing pain in his mind, and tries to fight it off.

The final su-beast, which had been moving towards Nolwenn (and the invisible cat). Drool leaked from its lips as its pack-mate screamed, and it jumped up and on the wizard. It bit and clawed at her, though it wasn't clear if it was trying to kill her, or find Desdemona and tear her from Nolwenn's grasp.

 
 Spoiler 

Psychic crush against Draelin if he fails a DC 11 WIS save. Su#1 is 10 feet away from PCs
 (5d6)[ 15 ] 
Psychic crush against Red if he fails a DC 11 WIS save. Su#2 is 30 feet away from PCs
 (5d6)[ 18 ] 
Teeth and claw on Nolwenn/Desdemona
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Damage if the above hits
 (1d4+2)[ 5 ] 
 (2d4+2)[ 8 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns doubled over in pain, incapacitated with the mother of all headaches.
Without guidance from its master, the construct went berserk and began tearing into the creature closest to it.

 
 Spoiler 

Failed save in discord

Stunned condition comes with the incapacitated condition, so the steel defender can act without needing a bonus action from Red.

 (1d20+8)[ 16 ] , damage  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 8 ] 


Wis save at the end of the round  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
 
The Hellbug
She would never say it, but Nolwenn definitely starts to feel unease as one of the monkey-creatures starts to curiously approach her and Desdemona so she nods agreeably when Red announces that he's going to drive them off.  She's doubly relieved that he decides to just scare them rather than killing them--who knows what they would do if they felt cornered--and she's in the middle of fumbling with Desdemona, who's picked a very inconvenient time to be clingy and anxious, to free one of her hands to add a helpful spell when the beasts spook and charge.

And yes, those razor sharp teeth do exactly what you'd expect.  Nolwenn, having stuck out her forearm to shield herself and Desdemona, gasps as the creatures jaws clamp down on her arm.  Luckily, her arcane armor, which had deflected its claws when it pounced, allows her to painfully slip free, but the wizard's arm is slick with blood from the jagged wounds left by those teeth, and she can't keep the image of the creature, jaws closed around her neck, out of her mind, a grim possibility if she had been but a bit less swift.

Each of her companions has drawn the attention of one of the other beasts, and though Draelin looks unharmed, Red is clearly suffering from some sort of attack--maybe they can direct those horrid shrieks of theirs to be harmful?  At the moment, though, that makes Nolwenn's decision easy.  She steps back from her attacker using her body to shield the cat in her arm and already beginning the gesture for a spell.    "Look out!"   she shouts to her companions as she scrambles into a position to trace a line between her own assailant and the one coming for Red and unleashes a bolt of lightning at the both of them with a resounding boom.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn moves back from the duder attacking her (taking an attack in the process, presumably) and casts lighting bolt, targeting it and the one going for poor Red.  She'll cast Shield as a reaction later this next round if any attacks would connect with AC 17.

Lighting Bolt damage, DC 16 Dex save for half:  (8d6)[ 6 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 5 ](33) 
 
Volthawk
Shrugging off the mental assault, Draelin makes a split-second decision as he sees the one he shot charging his way - whether to stay where he is and make sure he puts another arrow into the thing, hopefully dropping it, or to just focus on getting clear. He goes for the first one, deciding to rely on his accuracy as he aims another shot.

 
 Spoiler 

Another Steady Aim -&gt; Attack.

Attack (Advantage and Elven Accuracy): Best of  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] / (1d20+8)[ 17 ] / (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 12 ]  +  (3d6)[ 13 ]  SA
 
agignac
Draelin's arrow takes the already-injured su-beast in the heart, and it drops, dead before it hits the forest floor.

Nolwenn twists away from the creature trying to eat her arm, and manages to avoid being scratched again as she fets away from it. Lining up the remaining two su-beasts, she unleashes a devastating bolt of magic lightning. The nimble creatures both leap up into the trees, avoiding the full blast of electricity. But both a badly hurt, and without a look back at their fallen companion, they race higher into the canopy, screeching in pain, and soon are gone.


 
 Spoiler 
Construct can take an OA against the one it's fighting as it leaves. Otherwise, they've been scared off. Also, this is the picture that comes with the book. Officially they're called su-monsters, but that makes it a bit too obvious.
 
 
The Hellbug
  "And stay gone!"   Nolwenn shouts after the fleeing monkey-creatures as Desdemona, not used to Nolwenn's conjured electricity, hops out of her grasp again with an annoyed noise.  The wizard quickly turns her attention to her tiefling companion, who looks to be recovering somewhat from the su-beast's mental attack.    "Are you okay?"   she asks, then glances over at the precisely-arrowed corpse,   "guess it was the 'murderous pack hunters' then.  What did they do to you?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns got back up, wiping bloody tears from his eyes:
 "A very strong mental attack - took me completely by surprise. I'll need a little rest to compose myself again. It felt as if someone crammed a hedgehog into my brain.

At least I wasn't flying at the time. That would have been even more painful. But yes, no more trying to scare them away. Shoot first, disect the bodies later.
Speaking of which, I want to take a look at that corpse. Maybe there are some valuable components to be harvested." 

The fleeing beast got one good smack from the construct, before it got out of reach and The Red Horns asserted control again.

 
 Spoiler 


Rolled in Discord

Attack 15
Damage 10
 
The Hellbug
  "I don't think any of us could have expected that,"   Nolwenn says, worry for her ally (or maybe just anxiety at the blood leaking from eyes) clear on her face.  She leans down to inspect the creature's corpse and frowns.    "Absolutely horrid.  You look around and think the giant scaly reptiles are the nastiest beasts in the jungle, well living ones at least, and then something like this.  I wonder if there's a reason all the wildlife in Chult is so mind-bogglingly dangerous."  
agignac
The construct manages to knock one of the fleeing beasts unconscious. On the verge of death, it lies on the forest floor near the corpse of the other one.

Even after his attacker lies knocked out, it takes The Red Horns nearly half a minute to shake off the effect of the mental attack, and be able to control his mind and body again.

 Investigate or medicine roll to check the corpse, please.  
Pyrophilios
Slowly and still with a pounding headache, The Red Horns begann to study the half dead monster, finishing it of with a quick stab, before cutting it open.

 
 Spoiler 

Investigate+guidance
 (1d20+8)[ 22 ] + (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 
agignac
The second su-beast dies silently at Red's hands. The artificer dissects the corpse. He discovers an odd fluid in the brain and spinal column of the creature -  more viscid and dark than normal. He collects two vials of it - possibly with some further examination he could learn more about it, or make use of it.

Desdemona scrambled out of Nolwenn's arms. Her ribbon showed that she was moving slowly towards the dead beast. She seemed to sniff it, then the ribbon turned and changed direction. A few seconds later and a stream of urine appeared from thin air, splashing on the corpse's face.

The cat then returned to Nolwenn and rubbed against her again. When the wizard leaned over to pat her, she felt a rough tongue licking her arms, cleaning off the blood from her scratches.
agignac
The rest of the voyage passes uneventfully. A few undead creep up in the night, but never in numbers, and you're able to dispatch them easily.

The river widens as you paddle down it, many tributaries joining in. You start seeing more boat traffic - people fishing, other adventurers on their way south, people trading on the river.

On the ninth day after leaving Fort Vengeance, the River Soshenstar empties out into a wide, muddy delta in the Bay of Chult. You paddle around the high cliffs of the city - past the horrific odour of the refuse pit just outside the city walls, under the elevated causeway that leads to the rocky islet that's home to the Temple of Sune, and soon you're looking at the lighthouse and fort that mark the entrance to the harbour.

 Do you want to enter the city here and dock at the warehouse district, or keep going around the east side to Tiryki anchorage (that's where you left from, as it's closest to River Tiryiki). 
 Port map 
Pyrophilios
 "I'd suggest, we stop at the warehouse district. I long for a dry and quiet room. Plus, I'd prefer to get out of this canoe sooner than later." 

The Red Horns said, turning to his companions.  "On the way there, we can deliver our post." 
Volthawk
It was nice to be back in civilisation. Draelin was fine with the jungle - he worked quite well in there, and it was necessary for his dream - but, well...he didn't leave the forest home of his youth to spend his entire life in a different, hotter and more miserable forest. So yes, it was nice to see the port again. He nods when Red makes his suggestion.  "Sounds good to me. Sooner we're back on dry land the better." 
agignac
You paddle past the lighthouse and fort, and into the heavy marine traffic that is constant in the Port. Staying clear of the sailing ships and even larger vessels, you bring your canoe finally to a dock in the warehouse district. The dock-master charges you 1 gp per day that it docked there, or you can sell it for 50 gp.

After over a month in the jungle, the business of Port Nyanzaru is overwhelming. People hurrying about, speaking a variety of languages. Dinosaurs pulling carts, vendors hawking their wares, children running around, heedless of danger.

As you walk through the business, you begin to notice that you're receiving many stares. More than you did last time you were here. And that was when you were walking around with a porcelain-faced war-forged.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns wasn't particularly keen on paying so much for a days worth of parking, but since they intended to have one day of relaxation and down time, he spent the coin.

 "We can come back tomorrow and drag it on land and store it somewhere cheaper." 
The Hellbug
Returning to port, there is nothing more on Nolwenn's mind than finding a nice, soft, as-far-as-you-can-get-from-sleeping-on-the-ground bed.  And somewhere to wash up.  And a place to purchase clothes she hasn't been wearing for the last near-month in the jungle.  And so, even only half-listening, she's quick to agree with Red's plan.   "Mhmm, absolutely,"   she agrees,   "the place we were at last time we were here was very pleasant.  And not far from here...I think."  

Despite only having been in the city once and a month ago, she only makes one or two wrong turns, quickly corrected, on the way to Kaya's House of Repose.  Such is the wizard's mood that, if her route had been quicker and more direct, she might not have even noticed the stares.  As it is, though, she's feeling a little uncomfortable before she even reaches the inn.    "Do people not come back out of the jungle often?  I mean, plenty go in, right?"   she whispers to her companions.
Pyrophilios
 "Well, if I had to hazard a guess, it is because of your ceremonial headdress and the other garb you collected from the village.
Catches the eye, you know." 

The Red Horns replied, having been used to stares for a long time.
The Hellbug
  "Hmm, I had imagined that they weren't super close with the village, what with us not hearing about lack of word from there beforehand,"   Nolwenn replies, but the tiefling's answer does get her thinking.  It shouldn't be thoughts about disrespect for the dead, unless news came downriver since the party set out into the jungle a month ago.  Possible, but even still, the hags are dealt with and the magic of the chief's belongings were helpful in doing so.  There is though, of course, the fact that in no world would the wizard be mistaken for a local, and she's wearing the regalia of one.

  "I'll find something else to wear as soon as we get settled,"   she accepts sheepishly.
Pyrophilios
 "Not the village per se, but just that obvious Chultan indigenous headdress." 

The Red Horns clarified
Volthawk
Draelin's in agreement when it comes to keeping the canoe docked for now - he wasn't sure if they'd need it going forward, but it was a small enough cost to keep their options open while they came up with a plan.

When it comes to the stares...Draelin's glad that he decided to put the mask away a few days ago, that's for sure. Other than that, he pays them little attention for now. If it was trouble, they'd find out soon enough, and if it was just surprise at them returning...well, he could work with that. Either way, he had more important things on his mind for now.

Speaking of important business...   "Perhaps we should deliver those messages before we find a comfortable place to collapse into. There's a fair chance the recipients may have heard we're around, and while they probably don't know we're the messengers they will eventually, and...well, "we have important messages from your men in the field but we left it for a while because we wanted to relax" might not go over well with them. That, and the impression we make will probably be stronger if we can sell the 'adventurers returning from a long stretch in the jungle' look properly."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn opens her mouth to protest.  She had been planning to spend some time cleaning up and fully formulating an argument to bring before the Order of the Gauntlet about pulling their forces, which were clearly suffering for no one's sake, out of Fort Vengeance.  But Draelin's point is a good one.  If the three of them show up fresh out of the jungle, it'll show how urgent the situation is.  Weighed against bringing the full extent of her patrician etiquette and charm to bear, that's actually probably better, especially given her current company.

  "You're right,"   she instead agrees, stowing away her headdress and cape,   "lead on."  
agignac
Feeling much less conspicuous, Nolwenn and the others head off in search of the Order of the Gauntlet's Headquarters. It takes about a half an hour to find the building, which is marked with a now-familiar flag. An armored soldier stands at attention by the front gate, and challenges you as you approach.  "What is your business here?" 
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
 "We are carrying correspondence from Niles Breakbones of Camp Vengeance. Are you allowed to sign for receiving mail?
If not please direct us to someone with the appropriate authority." 

The Red Horns replied without missing a beat.
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "We are carrying correspondence from Niles Breakbones of Camp Vengeance. Are you allowed to sign for receiving mail?
If not please direct us to someone with the appropriate authority." 

The Red Horns replied without missing a beat. 
 

The soldier took a clipboard that had been hanging near the door.  "I am. Please give me your names, and where you're staying, in case you're wanted for questions."  He took down your information, then held out his hand for the packet of mail.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged:  "The Red Horns, Nolwenn and Draelin staying at Kaya's most likely, but we have just arrived, so no rooms yet." 
The Hellbug
  Perfect!   is Nolwenn's thought on the matter.  This way they get to convey a sense of urgency from coming right away while also giving time to prepare to meet with whoever commands the Order here more formally.  The wizard doesn't even spare a thought for if they won't be contacted.  Actually, she has to contend with a different thought.
  
"Wait,"   she says suddenly with a sidelong glance at Red,   "me and Draelin?  Are you not staying at Kaya's?  
Pyrophilios
 "Well sure, I'll hang around for a few hours to and then find a workshop. Lot's to do while I have a dry place to work at."
 
The Red Horns shrugged, not intending to go into his lack of needing sleep, food or air.
agignac
As you head back to Kaya's House of Repose, you all notice a young Chultan man following you. He has short, tight curls, a clean-shaven face, and is wearing a colourful orange and yellow kaftan and wide pants. He clearly is trying to be stealthy, but failing miserably.
Pyrophilios
 "Let's wait around a corner and ask that idiot what he's playing at." 
The Red Horns whispered to his two companions, while taking out his construct from the bag of holding while he was reasonably sure that line of sight had been broken for a moment and having it stay behind next to a stall, so it could flank and cut of lines of retreat for their stalker.
agignac
The problem with breaking line of sight, is also loosing sight of your pursuer. He doesn't come past the stalls where you're waiting, and when you finally look out to see if you can find him, there's no sign of the man.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn had been about to call out to the pursuer when Red whispered his plan to her and Draelin.  Now, moments later, with no sign of the man, she shrugs.  It had seemed like a fair bet but no luck this time.    "Not a friend of either of yours, then?   she asks somewhat rhetorically before continuing,   "if he was following us, I'd bet we'll see his face--or that of someone like him--sooner rather than later.  At least he didn't look armed so probably not an immediate danger.  We're out of the jungle, after all!"  

Despite the joking, though, the wizard isn't tremendously comfortable with someone trailing her.    "We'll just need to keep a careful eye out, that's all,"   she adds more seriously.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns frowned.  "I am wondering who would want to follow us. Maybe that mage in the Heart of Ubtao has sent spies to learn where we are going. We have to be very careful if we aren't going to lose out in this race." 

He recalled his construct and had it assist him with looking out for any more surveillance.

 
 Spoiler 


I'm using the help action of the construct to improve my passive perception by 5

If you want an active perception roll (w/ advantage)  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] / (1d20+6)[ 25 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
Volthawk
Draelin shrugs.   "That mage didn't seem the type to just give a local some gold to do some spying. She'd probably do..."   He trails off and shrugs again.   "Some magical method. And besides, a guy that bad at tailing someone...probably not the kind of person who does this for a living. Either he had some personal reason, some problem he thinks we either caused or can fix, or someone wanted us followed but didn't know anyone more professional to do the job. Either way, Nolwenn's probably right, we'll see him coming sooner or later."  
The Hellbug
  "It could be anyone around the city,"   Nolwenn agrees,   "if they had a tail so fast, though, it's likely someone with a good amount of influence.  Assuming it's not personal and just him, that is."  
  "The most likely culprit, actually, may be the Order of Gauntlet themselves,  " she continues as they walk into Kaya's and approach the front desk,   "they're the ones who knew where we were and where we're going, after all. Oh yes, let's see.  We'll need..."    The wizard shoots a quizzical look at Red.    "Do you need a spot or not?  I think you'll push us over into two rooms."  
Pyrophilios
 "I'll just hang out in your room for a few hours - no need for a second room. I'll set up shop in a quiet corner and keep working on my stuff." 
The Red Horns replied.  "Maybe I'll find a bath house - some nice hot water would be very welcome - actually we probably all should go and get clean before you sully Kaya's sheets." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods.    "Absolutely!"   she agrees amiably,   "in fact, clean clothes, a bath, and food, in that order, ideally.  And the food needn't be fine, but it must be prepared.  I think I'll scream if I've come back out of the jungle and end up eating dried meats and breads and nuts.  But we'll need a place to come back to after so, with that in mind..."   

The wizard turns back to the person behind the desk and raises a single finger.    "We'll have one room, and if you can help guide us towards those other things we mentioned, I'd be exceedingly grateful."  
agignac
The young woman at reception nods vigorously at The Red Horn's suggestions.  "Oh yes, a bath would be just the thing after your long trek!"  She manages not to wrinkle her nose.  "You can leave your things in your rooms if you like, they will be very safe. If you have any clothes that need laundering, there's a cloth bag in your room. You can put the....soiled...clothes in there and leave them on the hook outside the door. Our laundry services are one silver piece per bag, and they'll be ready tomorrow."

"If you don't have anything clean to wear, there are plenty of options at the market. The public bathhouse is only a fifteen minute walk from here, and is by donation. If you want something closer, there's a private bathhouse just down the lane. It's seven silver pieces each." 

At the mention of food, she perks up.  "Our kitchen will be serving a variety of dishes for supper. If you're hungry now, my second cousin has a curry stall at the end of the lane, near the bathhouse. I recommend the compy curry and injera bread, it's so delicious!" 

A bedroom with two hammocks is one gold piece. They have a large open workshop outside, and you can rent a table for 3 silver pieces per day.  She stares openly at the construct.  "Will your...um...friend?...be needing lodging as well?" 
Pyrophilios
 "Excellent. We'll make use of the service then. Prestidigitation to clean your gear is all nice and well, but having actual scented soap being used has a whole different feeling.

Oh and no, the construct goes back into the bag." 

The Red Horns motioned and the twig construct folded itself up and into the opening of the bag of holding.
The Hellbug
  "Perfect!  Clothes, bath, food!"   the wizard repeats for emphasis as she leaves the inn, having dropped off her non-valuables at the room.

______

At the market, Nolwenn is almost overwhelmed by the sheer selection of styles and colors of garments on display in the stalls, from traditional Chultan clothing to overseas wares, a reminder of Port Nyanzaru's status as Chult's main exposure to foreigners.  She looks at this and that, and is more than once feels the lack of a lady companion to bounce her opinions off of--a twinge of homesickness perhaps?  The wizard shakes herself out of her sentimentality, though, and finally settles on her purchases: a short-sleeved white blouse, reminiscent of the style of her home but with what looks like local flair, a colorful sarong patterned with palm trees and pea fowl for wrapping around her waist, and a wide-brimmed straw hat, accented with a blue ribbon.  Satisfied, but realizing that how they look on her will have to wait until after the trip to the bath house, Nolwenn hunts down her companions and lets them know she's ready to go.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns followed quite willingly. Though he stayed true to his usual style: A simple undergarment made from cotton, over that a rough spun tunica out of hemp. A new pair of leather leggins, his half plate and over that he put back his heavy leather overcoat. He definitely looked more for durability than for style in his choice.
Volthawk
While he comes along, Draelin doesn't buy anything at first. He doesn't even particularly look at the clothes much, instead just watching the people they pass with a thoughtful expression, nodding every so often - looking out for pickpockets, perhaps. After some time, he nods to himself one last time and excuses himself from the others, explaining that he wants to double back and check some places they passed before.

When Nolwenn finds him again, he has some clothes - several outfits in fact, with a fair amount of variety to them. If they look more closely at his choices, and were paying attention to what he was doing earlier, the others may or may not realise what he's done - these outfits match those worn by various people they passed while exploring the market (or at least as closely as he could manage), and Draelin's little nods about lined up with when those people were in his sight. Evidently, rather than pick out an outfit himself he'd simply copied people whose outfit he liked the look of (or perhaps it was just going off whoever fit his body type and seemed to be dressed in a way others approved of), leading to an array that was...varied, yes, but not exactly coherent or indicating a particular preference for style or colour. Still, he seems satisfied enough with the haul.
Pyrophilios
 "Alright, we are clad anew, time to scrub clean."  The Red Horns wasn't one to spend much time thinking about fashion.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn eagerly appraises her two companions' purchases.  Draelin almost looks like he could be preparing to be a member of a theater company with all those outfits, but she supposes he just wants a lot of choices.  At Red's selection, though, she frowns.    "That jungle where practically everything could kill you--you know that's behind us, right?"   she asks, a bit judgmentally,   "I know you don't eat or sleep or breathe (do you breathe?) or anything, but I know you feel things, and I know there's no way that stuff's comfortable.  Plus, you'll stand out like a sore thumb."  

The wizard pauses, glances back and forth, and adds in a conspiratorial whisper:   "can't forget we're being followed."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns frowned:
 "You are right - it's behind us - but it's certainly before us also.
As for being inconspicuous..."  
He gestured to his prominent Horns and wings,  "That waggon has left the station some time ago. I probably should start working on a hat of disguise.

My outfit is actually pretty comfortable - it's just the outer layer that looks like a hair shirt." 
The Hellbug
  "Yes yes, less so, then.  You know what I mean,"   Nolwenn concedes with an impatient wave but her tone is more thoughtful as she continues,   "the horns, by the way, might be easier than that.  A headwrap or hat, cleverly applied, might be able to hide them.  The wings, I'll admit, are more difficult.  Even my magic wouldn't do it easily, short of turning you invisible entirely--which has numerous other shortcomings.  Claws, fangs, gills, any appearance you want, easy.  Spell for that.  But an extra set of arms or wings?  Nope.  If you were an amputee I don't even think it'd compensate for it.  Something to test if I meet one.  Regardless, a shortcoming in spell theory if you ask me."  
Pyrophilios
 "Let's not talk about amputation. I rather like all my appendages as they are. The lack of inclusion in spells is just the humanoid bias showing. Let's get moving I want my bath now." 
With renewed purpose, The Red Horns strode on.
agignac
You find the bathhouse as promised, and enter to a cloud of fragrant steam. The Chultan people, not being prudish, do not separate for bathing; instead, there are several types of tubs in a large communal, tiled room. One is large enough for a dozen people, and built into the floor, with steps on one side. Three more sunken tubs would comfortably hold 4 people. One wall has several decorated nooks, separated by partial walls, and each contain a raised tub, clearly meant for solo bathing.

After taking your money, the attendant (a black-skinned dwarf with golden curls) offers you a variety of scented and unscented soaps and shampoos, thick cloths, pumice stones, and towels. She then waves you in, explaining that you can take your pick of tub. The place is nearly empty, with only one single tub occupied (it contained so many bubbles that the occupant is invisible), and two elderly Chultan humans chatting quietly in one of the smaller sunken tubs.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took the offered soap - one with a nice citrus aroma - and headed for the tub furthest away from the other visitors. While disrobing, he put each piece away into the bag of holding, revealing bit by bit his Abyssal script covered body. Before anybody could start trying to read the carvings in his flesh, he hastily went into the tub and began to scrub his scarred body.
The Hellbug
Now, if one were to ask Nolwenn if she were prudish, her answer would confidently be  'no, definitely not.  Whatever gave you that idea?'   However, when the woman at the inn had said that these baths would be private, the wizard, whose idea of a private bath would be her, alone, with only a servant to draw the water and supply soaps and chat if Nolwenn herself so desired, had held different expectations.  Private.  Not a situation like this.  She's still hesitating when one of her companions bids her to pay the dwarf.    "Oh, yes, right here,"   she mutters as she fishes the coins from her still-light coinpurse.

Soon, Nolwenn finds herself in front of one of the tubs, still fully clothed but with soaps, stones, and cloths in hand.  It would be one thing, she awkwardly deliberates, if it were divided by sexes--the vagrant noblewoman has been to many such places since she began her journeying--or even just her and Red and Draelin, that division be damned!  There is, after all, little room for modesty after spending a month in the jungle with them.  But this...

It's a glance over at Red that finally spurs her on.  Of course he wouldn't mind something like this, even with all those horrible question-and-attention-begging tattoos, nothing seems to bother him.  And so, struck by a sudden idea, Nolwenn cautiously glances around, reaches for her mirror pendant, and speaks the words her invisibility spell.  Suddenly vanishing from sight, the wizard swiftly undresses and slides into the tub, slowly lowering herself into the blessedly clean and warm water.  As soon as she's situated, she releases the magic from her mind and reappears.

It's...as wonderful as she had imagined and then some.  Nolwenn had known that she was filthy, but she suddenly realizes that she had perhaps forgotten what it feels like to be truly clean.  After not a brief time of fierce scrubbing and lathering and rinsing and doing so again, she's relaxing in the now-clean water, already having requested it to be changed once, when another idea strikes her.  She leans out of the tub, stretching towards the end of her reach, and gropes about her clothes until her hands find her magical focus once more.  This time, a different spell, one that reshapes her, webbing her digits and adding gills to her neck.  This time, Nolwenn lowers herself fully into the water and just stays there for one minute, two, more, allowing herself to just forget the passing time and enjoy existence itself and nothing more for the first time since she's come to Chult.
agignac
The baths are lovely and relaxing. The two elderly men get dressed and go out, leaving the only sounds in the room the ones that you make. The dirt of the jungle is scrubbed away, leaving you clean and beginning to wrinkle. Desdemona, perched invisibly on the edge of Nolwenn's tub, dips a paw in the water when the wizardess doesn't come up for air. It looks like the water is alive, swirling around the invisible paw, and it seems that the cat doesn't mind being wet. In fact, a moment later, she splashes fully into the bath, mewoing plaintively while trying to reach Nolwenn with her paws.
Pyrophilios
Not needing to breath makes it easy for The Red Horns to submerge and clean out his hair completely.
When he finally felt clean, he leaned back and relaxed in the hot water.
He looked over to Draelin, to see how he got on.
Volthawk
Draelin takes his time in the tub, finally letting himself relax and enjoying not feeling like he needs to keep an eye on everything and everyone for a little while. He doesn't seem particularly bothered about the communal setting, and just focuses on cleaning himself, moving with a little more calm serenity than usual. The cleaning was necessary, of course, but right now he was mostly just enjoying the time - it was a little hard to initially get his mind off their next journey into the jungle, but now he'd managed it...it was a nice break.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is just about dozing off when Desdemona starts disturbing the water's surface.  It's fascinating to watch, but, knowing that the cat is not particularly large, the wizard realizes exactly how precarious her position must be just moments before the hapless feline slips into the bath with a splash.  Coughing the water out of her lungs as she comes to the surface, she swiftly grabs Desdemona and deposits her just out of the tub, sheepishly apologizing to a staring attendant:   "sorry, I slipped."  

Well, it probably wasn't a good idea to fall asleep anyway.  Lot's to do, but it was good while it lasted.

Nolwenn dismisses her spell, gets out of the tub, and dries and dresses herself, less self-consciously this time (and taking a towel to Desdemona as well).  No time (or help) to deal with her hair, but a quick inspection in the mirror and she's very satisfied with her picks at the market.

  "So, food?"   she urges when she meets back up with her companions.
Pyrophilios
 "Sure."  The Red Horns replied - not quite enthusiastic, after all he neither ate nor drank, but ready enough to leave again, no matter how nice the hot water felt.
agignac
Clean, fresh-smelling, and newly attired, the three of you head back into the market. As Nolwenn decides what to eat, Draelin notices a familiar face. Your tail is back. This time, however, he advances towards you, pointing.  "There they are! These three! Arrest them!" 

A quick glance shows you four women approaching you. All are armed with thick, heavy blades on the end of a long pole. One of the women says,  "Please, come wit' us. Do not make dis difficult." 

Around you, other market patrons are backing away from you.

 
Pyrophilios
 "Are we allowed to know, why you are arresting us? And more to the point, who are you that you presume the right to arrest us."  The Red Horns asked.
Volthawk
Draelin lets the other two handle the obligatory protests and demands for answers and whatnot, focusing on trying to figure out what's going on ahead of time. So far...he wasn't having much luck.

Insignias on their chest that look somewhat like diamonds...they still had the diamonds they found on them, and hadn't tried to sell them, so it can't be about ownership of the stones...unless Qawasha's diamonds? No, if they only just got back there's no way any of Qawasha's money would have - that was the whole reason they were carrying messages, after all. So not that...what else? They hadn't done anything wrong before leaving the port the first time, and hadn't spent enough time here to cause trouble already, so...something out in the field? But they didn't really run into many people that weren't in the fort, and again they didn't do anything particularly wrong out there, nothing that guards - well, the private soldiers of someone powerful here, so effectively guards - would care about. So what...
The Hellbug
And today had been going so well, too.  The wizard is only caught by surprise for a moment.  In Nolwenn's experience, there are few ways to respond to sudden baseless accusations of misconduct, and sheepish submission never got anyone anywhere.  And so, she responds by mustering up well-trained indignation.    "Indeed,"   she practically scoffs,   "we've been in this city for hardly a morning.  What could we have possibly done that warrants this sort of treatment?"  
  "And you,"   she continues caustically, pointing an accusing finger at their tail,   "why have you been following us?  Who do you serve, scoundrel?"  
agignac
The other three guards continue to approach, moving to surround you. Their weapons are lowered, but could be brought up in an instant. The lead guard says,  "You are not being arrested. Yet. Dee Merchant Prince Zhanthi, she wish to speak wit you." 

The man who'd been tailing you burst forward, his dark face flushing.  "You are thieves! Thieves, and perhaps murderers! She was wearing regalia! Royal regalia! Check her bag, you'll see!" 

The stares are becoming more curious, and some of them are very intense. The guard says again,  "Please, come wit us, dat we can speak in private." 
Volthawk
Ah. So that's what it was. All things considered, not the worst problem. Stepping forward, Draelin speaks up, keeping his tone calm and relaxed - after all, as he saw it, they'd done nothing wrong.

  "Ah, is that what this is about? Well that's fine then, lead on. We can clear up this misunderstanding easily enough, particularly as I assume your Prince is a rather more level-headed man than this one here."  
The Hellbug
Understanding where this is probably going, Nolwenn drops her antagonistic attitude.    "Oh, yes, absolutely,"   she agrees with Draelin,   "it's not a happy tale, but there is no doubt that we are neither murderers nor thieves.  We'll be happy to accompany you.  However..."  

She glances cautiously at the armed women moving to encircle them before she continues, making no move to stop them.    "If we're not under arrest, I must insist that we come at our own pace.  We only just arrived back in port and haven't had a chance to eat.  There's a curry stand we're currently looking for.  I thought it would be at this intersection, but apparently I'm mistaken.  It came recommended by the receptionist at Kaya's.  It's run by kin of hers, I heard.  Don't worry, it won't be long and we won't mind an escort."    The wizard makes her demand more in the manner of asking for a favor and looks to the leader of the guards inquiringly as she waits for a response.
agignac
The man who'd been tailing them began to bluster his opposition to Nolwenn's request, but the lead guard said,  "Of course. Nsizi, go back to de villa, let High Lady Zhanthi know we are on our way."  Her tone left no room for arguement. Nsizi cast a final glare at the three of you, then leaves.

One of the other guards, spear now upright, steps forward. In less-accented Common, she says,  "I know the curry stand you mean. Come, I will show you." 

Half an hour later, your stomachs are pleasantly full and you begin to follow the guards through the city. You leave the Red Market, and pass the coliseum. You can hear cheers and boos from within - clearly some sort of entertainment is being had. You pass more shops, and come out onto a main thoroughfair - some of you recognize it as the place you had a close encounter with an escaped dinosaur. That seems long ago.

You skirt the warehouse district, and approach the Grand Souk. You visited this enormous market last time you were here as well, getting provisions for the trip. Moving west past the Souk, you soon need to climb a set of steep stairs to a grand villa atop a hill.

You approach what appears to be a cross between a palatial tropical home and a fortress. The outer walls are at least 12 feet high, and are topped with what appeared to be broken glass, slivered shells, and carnivore teeth. The effect is lovely, as the sharp barricade glitters in the sunshine.

You are taken to a well-guarded front gate, which appears to be built into both wall and house. More matching guards nod expressionlessly to the woman leading you, and allow you to enter.

You are led past a small, plain foyer and into the large entryway. This pleasant, breezy tiled courtyard includes a splashing fountain and green plants. A teenaged Chultan girl sits on the edge of the fountain, listlessly dragging a hand through the cool waters. She glances up at you, and watches curiously.

Straight ahead you can see what must be a grand hall of some sort, with stairs curving upwards. Instead, you are brought to the right, past some gold-plated suits of armour, into a sitting room. Rugs and comfortable pillows are arranged on the floor. Narrow windows look into the garden outside. A servant brings in some cool water and pastries.  "Please, make yourself comfortable. Her High-Ladyship will be with you shortly." 

Two guards stand at the doorway, relaxed but watchful, and the rest of them leave you to the comforts of the waiting room.

This is when Nolwenn realizes that Desdemona is no longer with you. The cat had been following more-or-less at Nolwenn's heels during the trip, but her floating ribbon was no nowhere to be seen.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn makes a subtle 'hmph' in triumph toward Nsizi as a he leaves and allows herself to be led to the curry stand.  Unfortunately, with the guards accompanying them, there isn't much room for her to talk so she eats in satisfied silence.

The walk to the villa is pleasant after the meal, or it would be if Nolwenn and her companions weren't being chaperoned by armed guards.  There's not nearly enough time to gawk at each of the sights along the way as they head up to the heights of the city.  The palatial home is both familiar and foreign to the noble.  The décor is different and it's clearly designed for much hotter weather (Nolwenn imagines the great hall has no titanic fireplace to ward off the cold of the winter months), but the arcades and gardens and fountains are exactly the wort of thing she'd expect in the home of a merchant prince.  The girl by the fountain does catch the wizard's eye for a moment, and she wonders whether she's guest, resident, or servant, but the party's escort's pace gives her no room to gawk.

  "Thank you,"   Nolwenn replies to the servant in the waiting room,   "we will eagerly await her attention."    She takes one of the pastries and sits down, nibbling on it.  With the guards still present, she doesn't broach the subject of what she and Red and Draelin are doing here right away, and, before she can, she realizes something: Desdemona's tell-tale ribbon is nowhere to be seen.

The wizard looks this way and that.    "Hey, Draelin, Red,"   she frantically whispers to her pair of companions,   "any chance either of you two have seen Des?  I don't know where she's gotten off to."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had not bought anything from the curry stand and was now studying fascinated the architecture of this palace.

Nolwenn's question made him rise an eyebrow:  "No, I haven't noticed the cat for a while. Maybe it lost its ribbon? Have you tried calling it with food?" 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn looks from the pastry in her hand to the guards at the entryway.    "No, this isn't the place for that, Red!"   she replies,   "and she had the ribbon when I saw her on the way up.  And she hasn't tried to slip out of it for a week!  Draelin?"  
Volthawk
Draelin thinks for a moment, before nodding.   "Last I saw of her was just before we got in, so she's almost certainly somewhere in the villa."   He shrugs.   "Maybe she smelt something nice and went to investigate. Maybe there's another cat here. Or maybe she's actually some other creature pretending to be a cat and there's something of interest to her here. Who knows. Whatever the answer, I don't think "I need to find my invisible cat" will get the guards to let us roam around. Maybe once we've smoothed things over with the Lady."  
agignac
Red continues to look around at the architecture in the room. He notices a niche in one of the bookcases, in which rests a human skull. It has beautifully cut onyx gems in the eye sockets, and gold leaf highlighting the cranium and cheekbones.

A few minutes later, an elderly Chultan woman enters the room. She wears clothes that look too warm for the weather, and has a head full of greying dreadlocks pulled back in a plain leather thong. Two more guards accompany her, but they stand at the entryway with the others, watching you closely.

 "Welcome. Thank you for coming without fuss. I am Zhanthi, and I carry the honour of being one of the seven Merchant Princes that help govern Port Nyanzaru. Let's get straight to the point. You have been accused of wearing the regalia of our cousin, the chief of Mbala. Is this so? Please explain." 
 
 Spoiler: Zhanthi 

 
 
Volthawk
Ah. Family. That's a bit of a problem, but potentially not a huge one. Something they should be able to work around anyway.

  "One quick question to ensure we're all on the same page here. When was the last time one of your people went to Mbala and reported back to you?"   
agignac
The Merchant Prince raised an eyebrow.  "An interesting question. I will hold the answer in my mind, but I would hear your explanation first." 
Volthawk
Draelin nods. That was a little inconvenient, but the right move in her position.   "I see. In that case, I suppose we need to tell you everything, assuming that you know nothing. First, and I'm sorry to tell you this if you didn't already know, but Mbala has been destroyed and many of its inhabitants killed. It happened a few years ago, as best as we can tell - that was my judgement looking at the scene, and we did get one... potentially inaccurate account that said about the same. I don't know if anyone did survive, the same dubious account - I'll get to why I'm describing it like that in a moment - said that some headed off, but...well, it's as I say, we arrived far too late to know for sure."  
  "As for our part in all this...I suppose I should tell the whole story, rather than summarising. We went there hoping to trade and replenish supplies - our guide, Qawasha, had old friends and family there - but when we arrived...it wasn't pretty. We searched the ruins, and came across the only building left intact - the local witch doctor's hut. Pu'pu, she..."   Draelin frowns a little. It may have worked out, but it still stung his pride to admit that he'd been tricked.   "Spun us a tale about how the pterafolk had attacked and did it all, and offered us somewhere to rest and to cook for us. We accepted, and decided to spend the rest of the day seeing if there was anything of interest left behind."   

Draelin pauses, examining the woman for a few moments.   "I won't insult you by pretending I didn't have ulterior motives there. Perhaps it was in ill-taste, but at the time I was under the impression that there had been survivors - Pu'pu was who I was talking about earlier, the unreliable source, but that was what she'd told us - and, well, with years having passed with nobody returning, I figured that anything we found would be fine to take. I know now that the situation was a little more complicated than that."  
  "Pu'pu asked us to attack the pterafolk, in order to get rid of those that had attacked the village, some kind of justice, and also rid her of a personal annoyance, and we agreed. Overnight, our guide went missing - again, something laid at the feet of the pterafolk, as some were watching when we left the hut. We went to rescue him and avenge the village, and they did have him, but once the pterafolk were dead and Qawasha was awake, it turned out that..."   

Another frown. Admitting it was proving even more annoying.   "She tricked us. Pu'pu, I mean. She was...some kind of hag, as I understand it, and had some kind of monster, made from Mbala's dead, under her control. I'm sorry I can't be precise there, I'm not an expert on these things. She'd attacked Qawasha at night and left him for the pterafolk to take home and eat, worried that he'd found proof that she was the one responsible. We had a fight with her at Mbala, she fled, and then we left for other business. Some time later, we returned and she was back in her but, along with the rest of her coven. We fought again, and this time we made sure she was dead - one of her..siblings?...did get away though. Two out of three. So...it may have taken a few attempts, but we avenged Mbala in the end, Qawasha finished giving the dead proper burials, and, yes, what Pu'pu owned and what we found in Mbala all ended up in our possession going forward."  

He shrugs.   "Unfortunately, Qawasha isn't with us any more. On the way back to port, we stopped at a fort trying to push back the undead, helped there a little and he felt like he needed to stay there. We paid him what he was owed and came back the rest of the way ourselves. As for the regalia...well, I can only really claim ignorance. We had no idea - well, Qawasha didn't mention it - that you were related to him, or that still using it would draw attention like this -  after all, if we were the thieves and murderers your man out there claimed we were, we'd have hidden the spoils, wouldn't we? If the item itself has significance enough that owning it would be illegal or...well, unwise, I'm sure we can sort something out."   He goes quiet, waiting to see what she says or giving the others the opportunity to interject. He wasn't used to being quite this forthright about things, but he normally wasn't talking to one of the biggest players in the city. He might have his pride, but needlessly tricking someone whose shrewdness is proved by their position is going from pride to foolishness. Not until he knows what the stakes are.
Pyrophilios
  "Fact is - we did not steal. We found the stash in the destroyed village. Of the hag we slew weclaimed her gear in compensation for the injustice she had done to us. It would be news to me, that those who dare to brave the jungle, fighting the undead and explore the continent are subsequently punished for that. That little squealing rat should go out to Mbala and find evidence to disprove us or hold his tongue."
  
The Red Horn's eyes blazed with anger, remembering what they had to endure to secure those finds.
The Hellbug
  "Hold on, Red,"   Nolwenn warns, sitting again during Draelin's tale after respectfully standing for the merchant prince's entrance, and lays a calming hand on the tiefling's shoulder,   "they weren't there, and they didn't know."    Once she's satisfied that his outburst, warranted though it may be, is over, she fetches the chieftain's robe and headdress from her bag and lays them on the cushion beside her.

  "Lady Zhanthi, forgive us.  Your man is correct, we did enter Port Nyanzaru wearing the regalia of the chief of Mbala.  Nevertheless we never meant to cause any offence.  They were found while we were searching through the ruined village for signs of what may have happened to the survivors, and the enchantments on them proved indispensable for our own survival in the jungle and the battle against the village's murderers.  Since not even our guide, who had kin in Mbala and travels the jungle regularly, was informed of what was obviously old news given the state of the ruins atop the plateau, we did not think there were strong enough ties between here and there that anyone would mind."  

Her tone, which had been been repentant up to now, becomes stern as she continues.    "However, what we found at Mbala was bought with our own blood, skill, and courage, not to mention luck.  Many of our expedition are dead and will never return from that jungle, and the murderer of the people of Mbala, or at least one of them, was brought to justice by our own hands--"  she nods at Draelin to acknowledge his story  "--it was rash and disrespectful for anyone to immediately accuse us as killers."  
agignac
Zhanthi nods slowly as Nolwenn stops talking. She turns to the foyer and calls out,  "Salla, did you hear all that? Is what they said true?" 

The teenaged girl enters, her bare feet padding silently on the tiled floor. Her skin is very dark black, and her hair stands up in soft little poofs that seem to reflect amethyst when caught in direct light.  "It is as they say, aunty. Mbala is deserted, ruined. The buildings have fallen, and the gates hang askew. Skulls and bones are everywhere, though they are covered with flowers."  Her voice is soft and has an unusual lilt to her accent, very unlike the typical long vowels and clipped consonants of the Chultan accent.

The merchant prince nods again, her expression hard to read. She nods to the girl, who leaves the room again.  "We had a falling out with our cousin some years ago, and Chief Mbala and us. The tale is not for you, but in the end he asked that we leave Mbala alone, and stop scrying or monitoring the village. We have respected that for six long years. When trade stopped between the port and Mbala, we assumed they had decided to...trade...out of Jahaka Bay. Had we known of their danger, we would have sent help." 

She swallows hard and sits up a little straighter.  "You are correct that what adventurers find in the jungle is usually considered fair salvage. However, in this case, the formal regalia of Chief Mbala should rightly be passed to his next of kin. Likewise any other items belonging to his family. Did you find anything else in the chief's home?" 
Volthawk
Draelin looks at the girl with a curious expression, wondering how she fits in. The prince's niece...with magical talents. Something to be aware of going forward. He idly wonders how closely related she is to the dead chief, before focusing on the prince's response.

  "I see. For what it's worth, it seemed like their end was quick. Even if you were keeping an eye on them, it would've taken a lot of luck to successfully intervene. Maybe you couldn't have managed it even then. Who knows. As for the matter of inheritance..."  

Draelin considers it for a few moments.   "Who is the next of kin? Did one of his direct descendants move out of Mbala, or are we into the weeds of siblings and cousins and such?"   Best to know all they can before committing one way or another, but as a sign of good faith...   "There were other magical items, yes. As with the regalia, we're open to working something out when it comes to them."  
Pyrophilios
 "I do have the dragon yklwa. And I'd be willing to trade it like for like for some other magic gear." 
The Red Horns replied
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's eyes linger on the doorway as Salla leaves the room.  Kin, then, and peculiar kin at that.  The ability to see such a far-off place so quickly is powerful magic--Nolwenn herself hasn't even thought of mastering the spell yet--and the girl is considerably younger-looking than Nolwenn herself, who was only herself an apprentice half a decade ago.  And the accent...perhaps she was schooled abroad?  A prodegy, perhaps, or not what she seems?

Having been more interested in finding a place to insert a question about this other magician than the current conversation, Nolwenn is brought back to the present by Red's brusque demand.    "Red, no need to be so crass!"   she scolds and looks to Zhanthi to observe her response.  A noble herself, this sort of situation is not entirely unfamiliar to her.  Nolwenn, in fact, has a cousin who stands to inherit her mother's fortune if she herself has no heir.  Though connected by blood, family is sometimes...tense family when this sort of thing is involved.  She's been warned to be wary of his ambition before.  But Draelin is right, when no heir is obvious, things can get messy quickly.  The wizard doesn't remember how many merchant princes this city has, but there are a number of them to be sure, all powerful, and probably with enough claim to potentially challenge a cousin, especially one who was not close.

Regardless, she says no more for now and concedes the floor back to the merchant prince with a courteous nod.
agignac
Zhanthi's lined face underwent a series of emotions - she seemed to be battling anger.  "Have you heard of Omu?"  She looked at you, and the looks on your faces told her that you' heave.  "It was a shining jewel of a city, deep in the jungle. The royal family who ruled it were wise, and kind, and the city prospered. When the people turned away from Ubtao, the city sank into the jungle, the royal family killed or scattered, the people of Omu swallowed up by the jungle or fled here. It was a tragedy of historic proportions, and shaped the future for our continent. And ever since, "brave explorers" have been looking for the city to find its treasures and take them home.

"And Mezro - have you heard of this one? Not far from here, on the mouth of River Olung. One of the city's most honoured paladins betrayed Mezro, and some say he's responsible for the undead that plague our land. Mezro was destroyed in the resulting spellplague, every citizen lost. Every jewel long plundered.

"We are losing our land to monsters. Even the batari and the grungs struggle to survive; even the monster city of yuan-ti has been destroyed. Our people go into the jungle, hoping to find vestiges of our heritage, hoping to find hope. Most never return. Each one is mourned; each loss makes Chult poorer. Our city survives by catering to rich foreigners, who come here on a whim, hoping to get richer. Most of them never return, but forgive us if we do not mourn.

"Today you return to our city, triumphant and pleased with yourselves. You casually inform us that one of the last human places in the jungle has been destroyed, its people slaughtered. But we shouldn't trouble ourselves about it, as they didn't suffer. Eaten by hags and pterafolk, but that's fine, that's what happens here. After all, Chult is a savage place, its people uncivilized. Horrors are to be expected.

"And now you want to insert yourself into the succession? You believe that because you found a magic stick and a magic hat, that you are worthy to decide who should next wield them? It may surprise you, but your assistance is not required, nor welcome.

"Return to the jungle if you must, kill yourselves looking for Omu, or Mezro, or Hisari. But do not take the ancestral regalia of the last chief of Mbala with you." 

High-Lady Zhanthi's dark eyes glitter with unshed tears.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns face flashed in anger at this:

  "NOW YOU LISTEN! We went into this jungle with 10 people and came out with three. What have you done to help your brothers and sisters? We have slain undead left and right, done what we could to help save the lives of those in Camp Vengeance despite its incompetent leadership. We avenged Mbala and now we are on our way to end the undead menace.

What have you done to help? In all that time, you didn't once ask your mage to look upon how they fared? Your tears are not for those who died. Your tears are selfish - as everything in your power. Even now after this news, your first reaction is to grab for material things, as if you having left your people to die made you all the more eligible to be their heirs.

And since our assistance is not welcome, I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I threw the yklwa into the sea. There - no more problems with someone claiming the line of the chieftain.
But that's not what you want - you just want all the beautiful toys. You'd put this weapon in a beautiful cage to be looked at like its just another bauble. Instead of what it was made for - slaying the enemies of your people, destroying the undead. Remorse is worthless if it doesn't change your behavior.

Say what you want about that idiot Breakbone, but at least he is out there on the front line against the undead. When was the last time, you supported an expedition with your own treasure to solve the problems that plague your lands?"
  
 
 Spoiler 


Intimidation
 (1d20)[ 3 ] 
 
agignac
 
 Spoiler: Perception DC 13 
 When Red starts to shout, the two guards at the entry way begin to react - lifting their spears and about to step forward. Zhanthi stops them with a subtle hand motion, but they are very alert.
 
Volthawk
Draelin...doesn't appear moved to help by her response. In fact, it seems to have just annoyed him a little. He's about to speak up when Red starts his own rant and cuts him off, leading the elf to quietly listen and consider his own feelings, getting them back under control, noting the guards' response. By the time there's a moment to speak, he's back to being calm but it's a little different to how he was talking earlier - that air of deliberate caution and the attempts at diplomatic phrasing and subtlety is gone.

  "Okay, now we've both had a bit of time to grandstand and have an angry rant - I'm going to decline to give an off-the-cuff opinions on the wider historical and political situation and leave Red's opinions as his own, if everyone's okay with that - and tiptoeing around things has well and truly gone out the window, I'll be  very  clear. I have no problem with not keeping the regalia - I said that from the start, and I've repeated myself several times. However, at the same time...I'll be as honest with you now as I've been this whole time. I dislike the idea of walking away empty handed, particularly when dealing with nobility - as much as you complain about anyone not from Chult being here, you've done quite well out of them coming, and where I come from people get rewarded for returning lost treasures and killing monsters that destroy villages. Perhaps that's a little conceited of me, but that doesn't mean it doesn't rankle me to be immediately approached with raised weapons, threats, insults and accusations. Even when I was asking about the matter of heirs, that was just because right now all we have is your word that you're the proper person to give it all away to, not because of this "inserting ourselves into the succession" nonsense you're talking about. That's why I've never said no, only that we can make a deal and I'd like more information. Although...hm..."  

Draelin considers things for a moment, before deciding to go for it, leaning forward a little. Time to see if she can put her money where her mouth is.   "During that little speech of yours, you talked about Omu and Ras Nsi, about the tragedy of losing the latter and the evils caused by the latter. What if I told you that we were on a mission to kill Ras Nsi? When I said that we left Mbala to attend to personal matters, and the returned and killed the hag...that "personal matter" was going to Orolunga and meeting Saja N'baza. We talked to the oracle, about Omu and other things, and came to an agreement. She told us where Omu is, and gave us gifts to help make it there, and in exchange we pledged to find Ras Nsi, who never died but has made Omu his own, and kill him. Judgement for past crimes and preventing him from carrying out further ones - according to Saja, the way things have been getting worse in Chult and the undead have been growing stronger is no accident or unguided phenomenon. That was actually why we were here, back in the port - we know where to go, and we have a route in mind, but that requires some preparation."  

He nods, pretty sure that she'd be able to see where he's going with this.   "How about this? We return the full regalia - the headdress, the cloak, those sandals and even that ykwla if needed - and we make sure that any insults or transgressions we may have been responsible for are properly addressed and resolved, and head out to do something that will, if it works, actually help bring Chult out of the darkness and you...well, you prove Red wrong and give us some support. Worst case scenario, you're down...what, a ship - or just the coin to charter one for a short while - some equipment and supplies, maybe a little extra coin...and in the best case scenario you get to be the Merchant Prince who helped defeat Ras Nsi and who knows, maybe things will get better. Or perhaps you wish to stick by that thing you just said, that we're not wanted or needed and it'd be best if we just left and died, in which case we'll go out there and try alone, and you can stay here and watch Chult slowly die, and rot away in your anger at us.  "

He goes quiet again, happy with his pitch, before that lingering annoyance compels him to add one last comment.   "Oh, and when it comes to Mbala? Don't you  dare  accuse me of taking it lightly. I was there, I saw the death, I saw Qawasha - a man that, despite having some misgivings about his abilities, I've grown to care about - mourning...of course that affected me too. Yes, I'm a pragmatist, yes I'm not from Chult and yes I've had other angles on my mind, but...if it sounded like I didn't care, that was just because I was trying to soften the blow while also not misleading you or missing a crucial detail. Perhaps that was a mistake, and if it was I am sorry."  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is shocked by Red's outburst.  Yes, Zhanthi's accusation stings, but it's nothing that the three of them haven't heard before.  This is one of the most powerful people in the city!  And she's right.  They're outsiders, and they never won't be.  However, since the oracle and her assurance that there's evil in the heart of Chult, Nolwenn has been certain that she will do what she can to help right it, outsider or not.  Before she can begin to mediate, though, Draelin speaks up, and by the time he's done, she's convinced that she wouldn't have put it better herself.  In fact, she's not certain she's yet heard the elf speak of his convictions so.

As he finishes, Nolwenn nods in agreement and pulls off her left glove.    "Here,"   she says, extending her hand palm-up for inspection.    "A gift from the hag,"   she explains about the missing fingers and then nods towards the ziggurat-mark,   "and the mark of Saja N'Baza."  

Once Zhanthi has had a chance to see it, the wizard soberly puts her glove back on.    "If you need time to consider, to mourn, have it.  We can speak later,"   she offers graciously,   "we've had weeks for that, but I realize it's new for you.  We have no plans on leaving the city immediately--we hadn't planned on informing anyone until we were more certain about what's happening here...about the oracle, that is."  
agignac
Zhanthi lets Red's words hang in the air a moment, and seems about to speak, but Draelin, and then Nowlenn add their more reasonable words after. She takes a deep breath, turns to Red, and says,  "You speak with anger and ignorance. Not one thing you assumed about me, my actions, or my priorities, was correct. Perhaps compassion and empathy were lost with the requirement to draw breath." 

She turned her body away from the tiefling, clearly indicating that she was done with him. To Draelin and Nolwenn, she said,  "I cannot speak to your choice of companions, but as they say, adversity makes strange bedfellows. Your words are measured, despite provocation. And the fact that you have spoken to the oracle at Orolunga, is impressive. I know that one cannot pass without the blessing of the chwinga, so there must be goodness within you." 

She chewed her lip a moment, her eyebrows narrowed in thought.  "The news that Ras Nsi is still alive is distressing, though not completely a surprise. There have been whispers for years. And there is no denying that the undead continue to grow and thrive, when it seems there are not enough living left to feed their numbers. If it is true that you intend to find him and destroy him, then indeed I am honour-bound to assist you. Though if history is true, he was a mighty warrior when he fought under the Mezro flag. If he still lives, and if he truly controls the undead, you may be outmatched." 

She thought for another moment, then said,  "If you intend to return the regalia, please do so now. If you leave with it, it will put actions into motion that I will not be able to stop. Nor will I comment further upon it. Our customs are our own. I do not intend to keep it, but to pass it on to Chief Mbala's successor; you can choose to trust me on that or not. I also ask you to return anything else belonging his family. I will not, however, have you searched.

"As for what help I can give... Coin, certainly. I do not have a ship, nor do any of the merchant princes. We style ourselves such, for that is both our humour and our vanity. But our power and riches are not great compared to many northern cities. However, we do each have our spheres of influence. My family deals in gems, jewelry, cloth and armour. Prince Wakanga O'tamu deals in magic and lore, while Prince Ekene-Afa deals in weapons, shields, and most travelling gear. Between the three of us, we can supply you with what you need. What is your destination? You speak of a ship and not a canoe, so you are not travelling by river." 
Volthawk
Draelin nods, relieved that the suggestion worked and having the thought that local input on their route may be useful.   "Omu is located in the south of Chult. Looking at the maps, we saw two broad plans for getting there. The first was that we could either go into the jungle again and travel south, which would probably work but...well, it's a long trek through the jungle, so it's not ideal. The other was to secure transportation along the coast to..."  

He pauses, before finding their map and unrolling it, in order to show where he's talking about and to help get his thoughts together.   "Here we are. Shilku Bay. There appears to be a pass in the mountains to the north, see, and then we're close to our destination. This way also puts us close to somewhere else we wanted to check out - some dead dwarves we found out in the jungle were headed to a mine near there, and we wanted to investigate the mine. Maybe there are more people we need to give bad news to, maybe something else. I suppose there's also..."   His finger moves to the right along the coast.   "This gap in the mountains in the Land of Ash and Smoke, but that seems like an ill-advised location. If you have any information that might inform our choices, it'd be appreciated - although it sounds like that may be a question for Wakanga O'tamu's people? It depends on what lore in particular they have access to, I suppose, but either way they'll be worth consulting..."  

He trails off a little, before realising that he got a little ahead of himself.   "Right, yes, before all that, the regalia. I have no problems with returning all the magic items we found."   He looks over to Red and Nolwenn.   "Agreed?"  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods.    "The chief's raiment has been extremely useful,"   she says,   "but we have no desire to interfere in your hereditary traditions.  If it's your thought that we would be better off parting with them, l will not disagree.  That said, I again wish that you forgive The Red Horns.  He may be insensitive, but he was chosen by the chwinga as well.  He is a brave and honorable man, and he deserves some lenience.  He has personal issues that are dire and urgent beyond the dangers of the Chultan penninsula."  
  "Red,"   she continues to the tiefling,   "we can play nice, right?  We're all on the same side here.  Speaking of which--"  the wizard turns back to the merchant prince--  "it sounds like our best aid may potentially come from other merchant princes in this city.  Lady Zhanthi, are you sure they will be as certain in the oracle's judgement as you are?  In my experience, nobles in close proximity are as likely to be rivals as allies."  
  "And,"   she adds cautiously,   "the oracle mentioned that Ras Nsi has allies beyond the undead.  There's no telling if some of them could be in Port Nyanzaru itself."  
agignac
At Nolwenn's request for forgiveness for Red, Zhanthi glanced over to the tiefling to see if he was looking for forgiveness.  It seemed not, so she ignored the wizard's request.

 "I think you are wise to travel by ship. It is rare for those who travel overland to the south to ever return. Avoid Jahaka Bay, as pirates make anchor there. But any good captain will tell you that. I will ask the others if there are ships they can recommend.

"As for my fellow Merchant Princes, we may be rivals at times, but we work well together to govern this city, and by extension, the country. The undead threaten all equally, and benefit nobody. If there is an honest chance that you can do something about that, I believe the others will be willing to help. Let me speak to them. You will be staying at Kaya's, yes? It is likely that Wakanga will wish to speak to you, I will tell him he can send for you there." 

She looked up from the map and said,  "Is there any specific equipment you want as payment for rescuing the regalia? I will see what I can do, and you have my word to treat honestly with you. " 

She finally allowed herself to go and examine the regalia. She lifted the headdress with extreme reverence, and turned it carefully in her hands. Despite the foul weather it had seen, and the battles, it looked pristine, every feather in place. She placed it carefully back down, and repeated the process with the cape. It had some dust on the feathers near the ground, and she tutted quietly and wiped them clean on her skirts. She then folded it carefully, and replaced it beside the headdress.

 "May I have the yklwa and the sandals too, please?" 
Pyrophilios
 "At least? So far you haven't done anything worth of compromise. But I guess someone has to be the bigger person around here, so we can move on." 

The Red Horns took the Dragon Yklwa from his bag and put it next to he headdress.
agignac
Anger flashed briefly in Zhanthi's eyes.  "I have not had you arrested, and have treated you as guests. Surely that is not nothing."  Then she took a deep breath, and added,  "My condolences on the loss of your companions. I need to remember that just because foreigners choose to enter the jungle does not mean they deserve the horrors they find within." 

She called one of the guards forward, and handed her the cushion holding the regalia. The woman's eyes widened at being given the responsibility, and handled the cushion as if it contained a sleeping viper. A second guard was summoned for the yklwa. She was less nervous of her charge, and examined it curiously. She tested the balance and the workmanship, and nodded her approval.

Zhanthi looked expectantly at Draelin, assuming he had the final piece of the Chief's possessions.
Volthawk
Once it's clear that the others are going along with handing the regalia over and there doesn't appear to be any problems there, Draelin follows suit and adds the sandals to the set.

He broadly lets Nolwenn handle Red (although it seemed like it wouldn't need much more handling at this point) and keeps his focus on planning, preparation, and...well, just trying to contain his excitement about what they're about to do. His gaze only briefly leaves the map when others speak up or move around much.

  "Jahaka Bay, I see...our route will take us by the bay, but perhaps we can avoid getting too close - that's one of those things we'll ultimately have to deal with at the time, but it's still useful to know...I assume any captain we can work with will have some preparations for dealing with pirates, and perhaps we could arrange for more suitable weaponry if need be...we'll see..."

"As far as the matter of reward goes...I don't think there's much within your specialty that we need for the journey, but your support when it comes to establishing a relationship with the other princes will be vital, and perhaps financial aid - I assume the other princes will still want payment for their help and equipment, and we found little in the way of actual gold out there. Although...on that note, we did find a fair few gems out there - those dwarves I mentioned had diamonds and the hag had onyx stones among its stash - and I assume you'd know the best place to sell them, so any guidance there would be appreciated. We also found some adamantine, but I assume that's more within Ekene-Afa's area of expertise, yes?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was about to say something about all her guests getting accosted on the street and accused of thievery by her minion, but decided that there was nothing to win here - only more to lose.

Taking a deep breath he said instead:  "Before we move forward here, can we have this deal in writing? It would be a shame if there were any more missunderstandings..." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn gives a cautious look at Red, but it looks like the worst of his antagonism is over so she speaks up after Draelin.    "It won't just be dangers as sea,"   she adds, pointing towards the mountains in the south of Chult on the map,   "Qawasha said that The Valley of Lost Honor and the Land of Ash and Smoke are volcanic and filled creatures of fire.  Oh, and also that a dragon makes its lair in Wyrmheart Mine.  We'd love to hear about anything that can give us protection from flames and heat.  The dragon, I think, will have to be avoided outright unless they can be bargained with.  Given what we're looking for and dragons' reputation for greed, anything that can help us do the former would probably be for the best."  
  "Furthermore,"   Nolwenn continues,   "as a learned woman and as a magician--but mostly the latter--I would love to request access to any collection of magical knowledge your city has to offer.  There are a number of spells whose theory I am familiar with but do have have the practical knowledge to bring them to bear"  --the wizard pats the pack she keeps her spellbook in for emphasis--  "some time with the notes and formulae of a master thereof could change that.  If I can find them, they will be extremely useful on the path ahead, perhaps even the difference between life and death.  It sounds like that would be in Prince O'tamu's domain but with Salla here, I thought it best to ask."  
agignac
Zhanthi accepts the sandals with similar reverence, pleased that they had not been worn. She motions and they are taken away, along with the other relics. She looks relieved to have them all.

To Draelin, she says,  "I cannot make promises on the other Merchant Princes' behalf, but I will ensure they deal fairly with you. My factor in the Grand Souk will buy your gems at a fair price. As for adamantium - we do not make armour from it here, as the jungle is too hot. Ekene-Afa is the person to ask, as I'm sure he uses it for weapons. Otherwise, you can try to sell it in the Grand Souk - certainly there are foreign merchants who would like to buy it. You may also find dwarves in the Red Bazaar who have knowledge of the lost expedition you found, and would be greateful of the news. " 

Zhanthi's eyes widened at Nolwenn's mention of the dragon.  "Of course there are rumours, but I have always discounted them. Ifan Talro'a specializes in beasts and beast training, if any of us know anything about dragons, it would be him. Though even that is unlikely. Wakanga can answer your questions about magic, I have no patience for untangling the riddles of wizards."  She said this with a smile, so as not to give offense.

 "For my part, I will sponsor your voyage south. I will find a ship willing to take you, and pay for the voyage to Shilku Bay and back.  If you return, I would like your map with the location of Omu and Orolunga marked, along with any other locations of interest. Also, 25% of any treasure you find on the sponsored expedition. If you would like hired help, I will pay their wages, along with a guide of your choosing. Will this serve as reward?" 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods along agreeably, having expected just such a response to her questions.    "What of your niece, then?"   she asks, nosily but harmlessly.  It's mostly out of curiosity, but there is an outstanding detail that she could address.   "Magical perception at the range it would take to see Mbala is no mean feat.  And I'm certain she actually saw it.  No one would make up the detail about the flowers--that was an addition from Qawasha's ritual.  Where did she learn?  
agignac
 "My niece? Oh, Salla. Her history is her own to tell. You may ask her on your way out, if you like." 

After a brief huddle (and some more complaining from Red), a deal is struck. Zhanthi promises to contact you at Kaya's in a day or two, after she's managed to negotiate transportation. She also says to expect messengers from the other Merchant Princes that you talked about.

As you leave, you see Salla by the fountain again. She looks up as you walk past and says,  "We did try, you know. We tried all the time to see them. But there was a cloud over my vision, and I could not see Mbala. Now it is clear, but it is too late."  She runs her fingers through the fountain again, and a few tears splash into it.  "My cousins are dead. They were so kind, so funny. The eldest, Tsayanna, was to be married by now. I was angry that she hadn't invited me to her wedding, even though the adults were arguing. But she was dead. All this time I was angry, and she was dead."  She wipes her eyes on the hem of her skirt.

She looks up suddenly and says,  "Invisible creatures cannot enter this villa. Your familiar is outside, waiting for you." 
The Hellbug
Oh, she had said 'our cousin,' a poor assumption, then.    "Ah, my mistake.  We will eagerly await news.  Thank you for your hospitality."  

________________

Nolwenn had been ready to check the fountain for Salla so she's already looking for the merchant prince's kinswoman when she addresses the party.  And the wizard has no easy response to her words. She's saved, though from immediately needing to come up with something appropriate and comforting to say by the news about Desdemona.    "Oh, thank goodness!"   she says relievedly,   "thank you so much.  I lost track of her coming up the stairs.  Not my familiar, by the way, but hopefully soon to be.  She can wait a moment longer."  

The wizard's thoughts move in two directions.  On the one hand, there's this barrier against invisibility: a strange magic, and one she can't think she's heard of before.  And clearly complex in a way that many static magical effects aren't.  After all, if she were to design a barrier against invisible creatures, it would need to detect the spell making them invisible, and, if that were the case, Nolwenn herself would not have been able to pass through it.  The curse on her might not be as total as for Desdemona, but a detection spell wouldn't differentiate that on its own--it would take normal physical inspection to do that.  Secondly, there's the thought about her own situation.  With a pang of homesickness, it becomes starkly apparent to Nolwenn that she hasn't even sent a letter to her mother in almost a year.  What if she had died in the jungle--a more possible outcome than she'd like to admit.  Would it leave her mother like this?  No, worse.  She'd likely never know what happened, and, though not to put a price on pain, a cousin isn't a daughter.  And hadn't the oracle said something about this too?

In the end, the latter thought wins out.  Although, the death of one man to disease and the massacre of a village are in no way comparable, Nolwenn's father's death had rocked her world to its core when she was younger.  And so, even if the spark is one of guilt, Nolwenn's words are sincere when she tries to comfort the girl.    "Salla, was it?  I'm Nolwenn,"   the wizard introduces herself gently, taking a seat on the edge of the fountain next to her,   "I won't pretend that the situation's the same, but I lost someone very dear to me at, well, probably a little younger than you.  It's not right that it happens, but it does, and sometimes there's nothing we can do to stop it."    She pauses.     "There's the temptation to blame yourself, doubly so, perhaps, for someone with whatever powers you clearly possess?  The point is: you can't.  What ifs are a potent tonic but they're no cure.  All the same, though, do not be afraid to grieve.  We've done all we can already, the only thing moving forward is to pray that their souls rest and to live a life worthy of living.  I'm deeply sorry for your loss."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was in a foul mood, but not so foul as to lash out at the girl. So instead he waited patiently for Nolwenn to wrap it up, while he longingly thought of the project in his workshop.
agignac
Salla sniffed again and smiled weakly at Nolwenn.  "Thank you. That's kind to say. But I don't think her soul is at rest. I've been having terrible nightmares, about spirits trapped in torment, caught in a trap. If she is dead, I fear she's caught too."  She shook her head a little, as if banishing the bad thought.  "Aunty says they're just dreams. She's probably right." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn stiffens at Salla's mention of her nightmares.    "Wait!"   she interjects urgently, her other speculation immediately forgotten,   "these nightmares, your sight.  Where do your powers come from?  Where did you learn them?"  
  "I don't mean to alarm you but, well, that may be impossible if this is no coincidence,"   she continues, settling into her tale,   "while exploring the Heart of Ubtao, we met an elf, a magician of some kind.  She had come to Chult following magical ripples; she pointedly refused to name her organization but said she had colleagues that had detected them.  Regardless, she was looking for an artifact that she thought could trap souls.  She asked what we knew of Omu--she thought it might be located there--but we didn't trust her and told her so.  She thought this device--the Soulmonger! that's what she called it--was extremely dangerous to the souls of the dead and could potentially snatch souls away before they could reach the afterlife.  So I'm sorry for the urgency and not mentioning it earlier, but, quite honestly, we couldn't trust her.  Your dreams though."    Nolwenn trails off, waiting with bated breath for Salla's response.
agignac
Salla looked extremely startled at Nolwenn's sudden urgency.  "My dreams? I don't know. Sometimes?" 

She looked into the fountain again, and said,  "My 'powers', as you call them, aren't anything that can be learned. They're part of my heritage."  She lifts some of the soft poofs of hair from off her neck, revealing some strange marks behind her ear.  "My great-grandmother was nayadae. There was a lake once, near Nangalore, where the nayadae lived. The waters were sacred to Ubtao, and the nayadae who lived there had the sight. But then Ubtao turned his back on our people, and earth cried out, and the mountains heaved, and the waters turned to acid. The nayadae fled, or died." 
 "My sight isn't as strong as my ancestors. But I can see places I've been, here, in the waters. Can you see? Sometimes others can share my sight."  She held up her hand for Nolwenn to take, and she stared in the fountain.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods along with Salla's explanation.  Not a wizard, then, but from a sort of magical bloodline.    "Hmm, only one way to find out,"   she says, reaching for the girl's hand.  She suddenly pauses, though, before taking it.

  "One moment,"   she requests and turns to call to her companions,   "Red! Draelin!  I may have something here!  About that wizard at the Heart!"  

As she turns back, Nolwenn pulls at each of the fingers of her glove before stripping the whole thing off.    "There, now I'm ready."    She gently lays her hand in Salla's and joins her in staring into the waters.
agignac
Salla takes Nolwenn's hand without turning to look at it. She runs a hand through the water again, creating ripples in the reflection of the opulent foyer. Nolwenn feels a gentle heat blossom in her hand, and has a moment of dizziness. When it clears, the fountain no longer reflects the room. Instead, it's as if she's looking through a window onto the streets of Port Nyanzaru.

The view is dominated by a round, domed temple, surrounded by colourful flags and flowers. The tiled roof of the great dome resembles an unblinking eye, staring upwards. Beyond it, the sun glints on the sea.

The streets around the dome are filled with people, going about their business. The scene is silent, but crystal clear. Nolwenn spots a series of red flags suddenly drop from nearby rooftops. The people in the street suddenly scatter, emptying the street, pressing themselves against the wall of the dome and other buildings.

A moment later, a triceratops comes careening around the corner! Its blunted horns are painted pink, which matches the garb of the jockey riding it. Close behind is a similar dinosaur, but with no horns and a fancier frill. Its painted with blue flowers. Two ankylosaurs follow close behind, shouldering each other in an attempt for the better position. The crowd appears to be cheering, but the scene remains silent. Then the dinosaurs are gone, out of view, and the street traffic returns to normal.

The hand in Nolwenn's grows cool, and the image wavers and vanishes into ripples. The fountain is just a fountain again. Salla is smiling, though it doesn't reach her eyes.  "That was the view from my cousin's window. I like to look at the Temple of Savras. He sees everything. I didn't know the dinosarus were racing today." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns came over, looking puzzled:
 "What did you learn about the wizard?" 
The Hellbug
  "Fascinating..."   Nolwenn mutters, inspecting the detail of the image in the water.  Scrying, of course, is nothing new to her conceptually, but being able to share the vision with someone else is impossible, not in this way, at least.  A second spell, an illusion, could paint a picture of what is seen, but that's an extra step; this is something altogether different.

  "That was...I've never seen anything like it,"   the wizard admits once the scene on the water has faded away.  She looks the girl up and down, and has to consciously resist the urge to fit her own life and experiences onto her.  Her situation is superficially similar to one well known to Nolwenn, but she really has no idea about the girl's past, her reality, her ambitions, her dreams.  This is a foreign land, and the wizard and her friends have already been frustrated by their lack of knowledge about its people and customs.  Only one way to change that, but Red is already asking about why she had called.

  "Salla, I'd like to ask you more about you, your power, your country.  I too grew up in a place like this, surrounded by luxury,"  she explains, gesturing to the opulence of the garden and foyer,   "and I'm also aware that it can be a cage.  A cage of means, a cage of expectations, a cage of tradition, hah, one with literal walls"  --the wizard motions towards the mighty gate with its gleaming crown--  "but forgive me if I'm assuming too much: Chult feels like a whole different world from what I know."
  
  "I'm sure I could ask and learn from your cousin, the Merchant Prince, but it feels like there's more distance there.  Plus, I won't lie, your sight is intriguing.  Have you considered pushing its limits or studying other magics?  I've recently had a small success in merging natural magic with traditional magic theory--only on a personal basis for now, my hypothesis is that there's a drop of fey blood in these veins as well--and, if you're willing and interested, would be excited to see another case.  Regardless of that, I would like to speak more.  Like I said, urgent news now, but would I be able to call on you tomorrow or the next day?"  

Leaving that invitation hanging, the wizard turns to Red.    "Not about the wizard, but about the wizard's mission,"   she confesses,   "I have further evidence of Valindra's Soulmonger, or, rather, Salla does."    She explains the seer's nightmare to Red and Draelin, of the souls of the dead of Mbala trapped and unable to move on.    "I think it would be foolish to treat this as coincidence."  
agignac
Salla nodded,  "Yes, if you want to. I'm usually here." 

As Nolwenn got up to talk to Draelin and the Red Horns, Salla said,  "You should keep the ribbon off your familiar, while you're in town. Invisible things are treated as if they're dangerous, and somebody might hurt it." 
Volthawk
Draelin nods as the nightmare is explained.   "Makes sense - that wizard might have been a lot of things, but I don't think she's a liar. Just means there's something else to find and deal with once we're in Omu, right?"  

When the cat is mentioned again, he brings up a thought he had before but had put aside for a while.   "Hey Nolwenn, now we're back in the port, where there are people with magic we don't have, should we see if we can find a way of making the little guy visible again? If we're lucky, someone might be able to fix everything associated with that bag."  
The Hellbug
  " If  that's where it is,"   Nolwenn corrects,   "she said it was one of the places she thought it might be.  And she could be wrong, too.  It'd be helpful if we could find a way to track those magical ripples she was talking about."  
  "As for Desdemona, if that's the case, thank you for the warning,"   she continues, speaking to both Salla and her companions.  It's a little confusing.  The wizard would have thought that clearly identifying the invisible cat would be enough to alleviate the suspicion of malice, but she's happy to trust the native's advice over her own instinct.

  "And we won't need to get lucky; I'll do it myself,"   she, now standing, answers the elf smugly,   "even if we can't find a copy of the spell, I've been doing some of my own theorizing--not much else to do when the river's doing as much work as the paddling.  I'll need to experiment a little (theory only goes so far, after all), but now that we have a safe place for it, that's much easier.  I could have the spell ready in as little as days if that goes well."  
  "Speaking of safe places, I haven't slept in a bed in more than a month; we need to be going.  Salla, it was a pleasure to meet you.  I'll see you soon."  
Pyrophilios
 "I wouldn't go so far and absolve the wizard of being a liar, but at least in this point it seems to make sense."  The Red Horns said to Draelin.
 
He turned to Nolwenn: "But yes, we should get some rest, before the next arrest." 
agignac
You wander back through town, taking in the sights. As always this close to the equator, there is very little twilight. The sun hits the horizon, and suddenly it's dark. Well, the jungle is dark. The town is full of torches and lanterns and lights, with people still shopping, and eating and drinking at market stalls. A tabaxi minstrel thrills a group of locals with her tale of "Tzindelor" - the dragon of Wyrmheart Mine. She even breathes fire (with the help of a flask and a candle), eliciting screams of excitement from her audience. A group of children chase a flying monkey through the streets. A feathered bird-man standing in a jury-rigged fighting ring, challenging people to wrestle him. The noise and bustle of the evening streets are a stark contrast to your last month of evenings.

Kaya's House of Repose is quieter, with many of the patrons eating their evening meal in the central courtyard.

 Short description of your evening please, and if you're up for it, what does your character dream about tonight? 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns went to the shared room and just sat down on the stool in the corner. That's where he stayed, unmoving, unblinking and quite unsettling for the next four hours. That done, he quietly made his exit to go to his rented workshop to work on his latest project until the sun came up again.
The Hellbug
Normally, Nolwenn would be delighted to meander through the city and see all the new and foreign sights, ideally with someone else she could chat about them with, but this evening is different.  It's still the first day back in civilization, and, as she made abundantly clear earlier, today is a day about priorities.  Clean clothes, check.  Bath and food, check check.  And then there was the distraction.  The wizard and her friends' apprehension by and discussion with the Merchant Prince Zhanthi was not something she had even remotely desired or predicted.  Even if its outlook ultimately seems to be tilting rosily, it's eaten up any time that Nolwenn had to spare before her final task for the day: sleep.  In a bed.  A real one.  It's perhaps even the most important thing on the list.

Luckily, Desdemona is easy to find outside the merchant prince's estate which is good Nolwenn doesn't even have energy to spare to ponder whatever magical barrier kept her out.  As she was informed, the wizard releases the invisible cat from the ribbon that has marked her for weeks, explaining to her the city's apparent hostility towards invisible creatures.  She doesn't know if the cat understands, but, cradling the purring creature in her arms, it makes her feel better anyway.

Soon, everyone arrives back at the inn.  Nolwenn, not yet hungry after the curry from earlier, heads straight to the room, hastily and incompletely straightens her things and slips into her sleeping clothes, and is practically asleep before she hits the mattress.  Tonight, exhaustion and relief prove to be far greater forces than guilt and anxiety at the road forward, and, if she were capable of any sort of coherent thought while sleeping, the young noble would judge that she hasn't slept this soundly in years.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

The door to Kaya's opens, and a pair of massive tusks, an elephant trunk, and large sweeping ears come through as a towering loxodon lowers his head to step into the place. There are not many of the large elephant people left on Chult, and this one has to be one of the largest of their kind, standing at 8ft tall. Heavily muscled and clad in patchwork plate armor cobbled together to fit his frame, the warrior glances around the common room as he walks in, taking stock of who is there. His gaze settles for a moment on a tiefling, human, and elf sitting together. He closes the door behind him, a massive maul in one hand resting against his shoulder, and steps up to the bar. In a deep baritone, he says to the barkeep,   Well met. I am in search of a dino rider, and one with the stomach to race unchained. My friend is injured and can no longer ride. An amateur jockey is better than no jockey, but preferably the rider will have experience in the saddle and some grit and mettle. They will need it, for the payment is to split the winnings. I would do it myself but the dinosaur can't hold me. Anyone you know fit that description that might be interested? I've heard this is the right place to look for such a person.   
 
  
Pyrophilios
Almost automatically, The Red Horns answered:

  "What is the reward for something so reckless?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros turns at the bar to regard the man that spoke up.   The winner of the race is set to earn 1000 gold pieces. This will be split between the rider and the jockey. You may stand to earn more from patrons that are entertained by your performance, but this cannot be guaranteed.   
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "That's quite a lot of money. Draelin, how well versed are you in dino riding? I could probably give you a bit of a boost." 

The Red Horns looked quizzically at his friends
Volthawk
Draelin nods thoughtfully as he hears the loxodon explain the offer. So take on the risk, trust that it'd all work out, and maybe he'd get through it all and get paid. With Red and Nolwenn watching his back off the course...probably manageable.

  "So five hundred, huh...that would be quite useful."   They couldn't sell off a lot of their loot at the moment, after all - those boxes would have to wait until they were done in Chult, one way or another - and five hundred on top of the coin from selling those gems...that'd cover anything they can't get the Princes to pay for quite nicely.

  "Alright, let's say I'm interested. Got any more information about what I'd actually need to do? Don't want to get into something completely blind."  
The Hellbug
Normally, Nolwenn would have been happy to just sleep in, relax, and enjoy the fact that she has nothing pressing (especially paddling) to do.  However, that is not the case today.  The wizard woke with inspiration about the spell she had been inventing, and, not wanting it to slip away the way dreams do, immediately started working her way through it.  Down in the common room, she's currently taking up a whole half of the table her and her companions are sitting at with a sprawl of books and papers, among them reference papers copied during her travels, a well-bookmarked spellmaking primer from her apprenticeship, pages of notes, the ink still fresh on some, and in the center of it all, her spellbook itself.  She works in stops and starts, sometimes scrawling frantically, sometimes muttering to herself, and sometimes thoughtfully stroking Desdemona when she hops into her lap, occasionally taking a bite from a plate that must be her breakfast: corn porridge and fried plantains.

When the loxodon walks in, Nolwenn is in the middle of paging through the primer.  She does spare a glace at the elephant-folk; he's terribly large, and she mentally agrees that he would be far too heavy for any but the mightiest dinosaur steeds.  However, his offer is clearly not for her, and she has important work to do.  She doesn't immediately register what her companions are saying, but a moment after Draelin answers, she looks up over her book again incredulously.    "Wait,"   the wizard interrupts,   "you two are entirely serious, aren't you?"  
Pyrophilios
 "It's cultural - and educative - and lucrative. Those magic inks aren't paying for themselves."  The Red Horns nodded at Nolwenn's spell work.

 "Besides, with us two helping Draelin prepare, I'm sure this will be totally fine." 
The Hellbug
  "I assure you that these particular inks are within our budget.  Isn't that what the diamonds are for, anyway?"   the wizard counters, still gazing over the top of her book,   "and it's only lucrative  if  you win.  There's another way this ends, too: head cracked on the hard-packed dirt streets of Port Nyanzaru.  And I fail to see what we could do to prepare, given neither of us are experienced riders ourselves.  I can only assume there are proscriptions against magical intervention in the race, or it would be more a contest of wizards than that of riders."    Seeming entirely ignorant of the potential condescension in her last comment, she continues unimpeded.    "Unless you've been hiding a horse this whole time, no mean feat keeping that secret for a month in the jungle."  

But then, despite her apparent hostility towards the idea, the book comes down and, closing it after carefully marking her page with a ribbon, Nolwenn turns her attention to the loxodon.    "But none of us have been introduced.  If we're going to take this seriously, we should at least have each other's names,"   she says, much more politely,   "I'm Nolwenn, and these are The Red Horns and Draelin.  All foreigners but recently veterans of the perils of the jungles of Chult.  Have a, uh, seat"  --her head swivels for a chair or cushion large enough for the huge warrior--  "what can we call you?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
Ondros' ears perk up,   You have been in the jungles? Interesting... perhaps we pick up on that after the race, we do not have a lot of time. My name is Ondros, and the race begins at the first bell after sext at Goldenthrone. We should probably be there early so you can acquaint yourself with your mount,   he says, looking at Draelin.

  You may not have a lot of experience in the saddle but, Kaya's has a reputation for its patrons and you lot have the look of people familiar with... aggression, let's say. The race is unchained, as I mentioned before, which means the mounts are free to attack each other. Speed is still paramount but... it may give us the edge we need to salvage this situation. From Goldenthrone you go through the city and end at the coliseum.   He looks at The Red Horns,   Magic is allowed.  
  So... do we have a deal?   
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "My work takes quite a lot of rare materials - if you don't want the money, I certainly will find a use." 
He turned to the Loxondon

 "Great. A bit of Longstrider magic should go a long way to make this efficient. If Draelin doesn't want, I'll take the saddle. That kind of money is worth a bit of danger." 
The Hellbug
  "Pleasure to meet you, Ondros,"   Nolwenn replies gracefully to Ondros's introduction, and she masks her frustration as she continues,   "I wish it weren't such late notice, then.  I don't think I have a single spell that would be helpful for riding a dinosaur--I had planned on research, introductions, and, dare I hope, a little relaxation, not a race."  
  " And by the way, it would never be my money anyway,"   the wizard points out smugly, turning to Red,   "because there's no force above or below that's getting me into that race."    She does, however, start cleaning up her papers and materials.  Red  is  right; a dinosaur race is the kind of thing one can only see here in Chult, and Draelin's going to need all the support he can get, material or otherwise.
agignac
The atmosphere around Goldenthrone was thrumming with excitement. The Unchained Race only happens once a month, unlike the other races which happen twice a week. The dinosaurs roared and hooted and stomped as they got fitted with their saddles and harnesses.

Ondros takes you to meet Canker Keel, his albino dwarffriend, and owner/rider of Banana Candy. The dwarf is a greyish colour and sweating badly, and looks like he should be in bed.

Canker shakes Ondros's giant hand and then Draelin's.  "Thank you, thank you! We have so much riding on this race, and would hate to forfeit. Even if you don't win the race, there are favours to be had if you race well. Just try and stay on, and let Banana Candy do the work. She loves to race, don't you girl, eh?"  He looks up fondly to the hadrosaur and scratches her chin.  "We'll need to lower the stirrups won't we? Look at those long legs of yours." 

A fit of coughing takes him, and he quickly sits down on a nearby stool. A tall, handsome Chultan youth swaggers by and smirks at Canker.  "Looks like it'll be an easy race today, with you out of it, old timer!"  He goes up to his allosaurus, a juvenile called Nasty Boy, with blood painted around its mouth and claws.

Canker says,  "Watch out for him, he'll knock you off if he can. That's Tyrik, and he's Ekene-Afa's son. That boy nees to be knocked down a peg or two, if you ask me."  He starts coughing again.

A young man, accompanied by an old halfling, come up to you. The halfling is trying to wrangle a recalcitrant looking Triceratops. The young man has brown skin, but doesn't look like a local. He is wearing fancy velvet clothes which look
entirely too hot for the weather, and he looks rather wilted. Still, he has a charming smile, and he hurries over when he sees Canker coughing.   "Hey there, old chap! Can't have that, we need you in your fighting form!"  

The halfling brings the triceratops abreast to you, and the giant creature immediately lets out an enormous fart. The sound is horrific, and the smell is worse. Canker coughs harder, scolding,  "Faroul! I've told you, take that beast to see Ifan! There's something wrong with it!" 

Faroul hangs his head sheepishly.   "Yes yes, I will, I just need to win the money to pay first! But are you not racing? I must say, you look dreadful."  

Canker explains the situation, and introduces you to Faroul, and his halfling friend Gondolo. The two of them will be racing on Zongo, who lets out another horrid fart when introduced to you. Faroul greets you with a smile, and says,   "You have the look of adventurers to you! Gondolo and I are scouts - if you're looking for one, talk to us after the race! Good luck!"  

You manage to get the stirrups fitted for Draelin, and soon it's time to line up before the start line.


 
 Spoiler: Banana Candy 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Faroul and Gondolo 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Tyrik and Nasty Boy 
 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns watched the line up with interest, while he went about to give Draelin and his mount a bit of an edge.

One particular rider worried him: A large ankylosaurus named grung stomper and his equally massive rider - a black furred tabaxi with a ferrocious scowl. The announcer called his name out as Borgos "Bad Luck". The name seemed fitting as anything within range of that dino tail would have very bad luck indeed.

 "Alright Draelin, I'll give both you and your mount a little speed boost - holds for an hour, so plenty of time to finish the race. I'll also enhance your ability to use your animal empathy. That requires my concentration, so I can't ad guidance on top. Hopefully that will be enough. I'll fly overhead and keep an eye out for you. If anything happens I'll come down and get you out of there." 
 
 Spoiler 


Casting 2x Longstrider on Draelin and his mount respectively

Enhance Ability on Draelin for advantage on wisdom rolls.
 
agignac
Draelin saw the water trough ahead, and urged Banana Candy to leap over it. The nimble hadrosaur jumped the obstacle with no problem, and entered the stadium at a run. The crowd leapt to the their feet, cheering wildly. It was Sordon on Jungle Princess came in nearly 10 seconds later, and Tyrik on Nasty Boy coming in a disappointing third place.

A few minutes later, as Banana Candy was taking a third victory lap around the stadium, Canker Keel finally pushed his way through the crowd. The hadrosaur spotted its master and ran over to the dwarf, who was beaming despite his fever.  "Well done, my lad, well done! And they said she couldn't compete with those juvenile carnivores! Well, that shows them, doesn't it! Brains and speed over teeth and claws any day. I heard Big Honker is still thrashing about in the merchants ward! Ha! They won't get a license to race that one again."  He devolved into coughing again, and had to sit down.

As the owner, the money was handed over to him. He promised to come by Kaya's later to deliver your half of the winnings.  "Better not give thugs a reason to jump you on the way back to the inn." 

The dwarf was true to his word, and Ondros returned to Kaya's with  the 500gp to you that evening. The loxodon also handed over a leather-wrapped item, which you open to reveal a slim adamantine dagger. An accompanying note says,  "A botched attempt by my son, but he wants you to have it." 
 
 Spoiler: dagger 

 
Yes I stole the image from BG3. No it's not the same dagger
 

 Ondros - this is my OOC colour.
I just wanted to get something up, and to alleviate any concerns about getting the money. Also thought I'd railroad the re-meeting between the group and Ondros.
Can you let me know what's in the bags of holding, and where the bags of holding are kept when travelling, and when in lodging? No reason.... 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns descended from his flying viewpoint and congratulated Draelin: " Damn good showing. You really know how to handle your dino." 

He nodded to Ondros:  "Thanks for providing us with that opportunity. Will you come with us to celebrate?" 
The Hellbug
  "Excuse me."  
  "Ouch!"  
  "Oh, no; you go on."  
  "Well, you should have watched where you were going...""  
  "I'm with Draelin...the elf that rode Banana Candy?  Yes the winner.  Oh, I'm his friend. Ask him if you don't believe me, or let me through and I'll let you know myself."  

Having not been at the finish line at the end (she had positioned herself to be able to run to different parts of the course to optimize her time being able to see the leaders), Nolwenn has to unceremoniously push her way through the crowd at the coliseum to reunite herself with Red and Draelin.  She spots them after a particularly frustrating argument with one of the officials watching over the area with the riders and the dinosaurs, and, seeing him holding the medal, rushes forward to hug the elf.    "You did it!"   she congratulates him excitedly, stepping back after the embrace,   "you were so fast, never doubted you for a moment.  And did you see how all those riders handled those dinosaurs?  I've never seen anything like--ah!"  

Nolwenn hops back with a startled yelp when Banana Candy, who was drinking water from a trough nearby, suddenly exhales sharply with a snort.  The wizard, her eyes now cautiously on the dinosaur, slips around the group to put everyone else between her and it.  With one more careful look at the hadrosaurus, she turns her attention back to the conversation.    "Yes, definitely,"   she agrees enthusiastically,   "you know where we're straying, and with this windfall I'm sure that no expense will be spared!"  

_______________

When Ondros arrives at Kaya's later, Nolwenn is back at the books, in the middle of explaining her current dream-inspired hypothesis to another patron who politely asked.  They are both freed, he from needing to needing to find a way to courteously disentangle himself and her from relating a jargon-laden topic to less-than-a-novice, by the loxodon's arrival.  She greets him again and fetches her companions.    "Where shall we go?  Here?  Somewhere else nearby?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros waited around at the starting line long enough to see Banana Candy and Draelin take off with a good head start. Knowing now there were no hiccups at the start, he said a brief prayer to Ubtao and then escorted Canker to the coliseum to await the riders.

After long, Canker clutches Ondros arm and the loxodon looks over to see Draelin racing toward them on Banana Candy, no one in sight behind them. Ondros' eyes go wide and Canker gasps; there is a chasm before the finish line, and Draelin is not a trained dino-rider. Ondros holds his breath and time stands still as Banana Candy leaps and seems suspended in mid-air. Draelin takes her into a graceful jump and she lands perfectly on the other side, crossing the finish line.

The crowd cheers, and Canker and Ondros rush over to meet with Draelin.

After congratulating Draelin on a job very well done, Ondros tells the others he will meet them back at Kaya's with their share of the winnings.

----------------------------------

  Well, I knew you lot had a certain look about you, that's for sure. I've never seen Banana Candy ride that way, not even with Canker in the saddle. Mighty impressive Mister Draelin, mighty impressive indeed!

What brings you all to Chult?   
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns replied:
 "Fame"  - he pointed at Nolwenn
 "Fortune"  - he pointed at Draelin
 "And salvation"  - he pointed at himself.

 "Right now we are looking into that undead problem with a lead we got from the oracle. With any luck and a bit of support, we'll have it fixed within the next two months." 
Volthawk
Riding a dinosaur ended up being...easier than Draelin expected, really. Sure, it wasn't exactly  easy , even with Red's magic helping him out, but it was still a pleasant surprise to win the race, particularly after that shaky bit with the triceratops. Not that he lets his demeanour betray any surprise - hopefully everyone concerned ends up thinking that he's just plain good, and nobody good at reading people gets too close. It made a better story that way, after all, and the story was what really mattered here - the money was good, but the story was what brought fame. It wasn't exactly the kind of fame he'd wanted when he came to Chult, but he wasn't complaining. It might make life a little easier here, after all, and sooner or later he'd be able to return with the prize he really wanted.

---

When the loxodon returns with the reward, Draelin's happy to see that the dwarf didn't try to screw them out of the deal, and pleasantly surprised to see that there was a little more on top. He smiles and nods in response to the compliments, picks up the dagger, gives it an appraising look, judges that it seems perfectly fine as a weapon, then passes it over to Red in case the artificer wants to give it a more in-depth look. While he looks at the dagger, he hears Red give his take on their...what would you call it? Their work sounded too pedestrian, quest was a little dramatic, so...mission? Yeah, that worked. Anyway, Red's account of it led to Draelin needing to stifle a small chuckle, before giving his version of it all once he was done with the dagger.

  "I can elaborate a little more, since there's probably no point being secretive, now we've involved the merchant princes. We're after Omu - and before you laugh, we have a solid location for it...more or less. The catch is that the city's also where the undead are coming from, and part of the deal we made to get the location was that we're going to have to go put a stop to it."   Despite what he just said about secrecy, there was no point to needlessly throwing around Ras Nsi's name, given the history around him.   "High risk for sure, but if we pull it off then we'll be the ones who found Omu, and in the process we'll make the continent a safer place."  
agignac
 I don't want to skip important character interactions, but I wanted to put the next bit out there. You can either have the "join us" conversation, or just assume it happened.  

The next morning, when you finally arise, the boy who serves you breakfast gives you a message.  "A runner came this morning, from the Merchant Prince Wakanga O'tamu! He said you could attend him at his home this afternoon, at your convenience!"  He looked star-struck as he walked off.

 What else would you like to do today? 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros' eyes go wide at The Red Horns casual claim that they will clean up the undead problem.   The undead have crept through our jungles since the living memory of our people. You have piqued my interest with such a bold claim.  

Draelin speaks up,   I can elaborate a little more, since there's probably no point being secretive, now we've involved the merchant princes. We're after Omu - and before you laugh, we have a solid location for it...more or less. The catch is that the city's also where the undead are coming from, and part of the deal we made to get the location was that we're going to have to go put a stop to it. High risk for sure, but if we pull it off then we'll be the ones who found Omu, and in the process we'll make the continent a safer place.
  
Ondros's eyes now narrow as he contemplates Draelin's words.   Ubtao be praised, I have navigated the maze even better than I knew. I've an interest in going into the jungle myself, if you have need for a strong hand.   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "Not that that isn't a reason enough to seek it out,"   Nolwenn adds, concerning Omu being the source of the the undead.  In fact, her initial reasons for coming to Chult seem naïve in hindsight.    "And speaking of which, there may be even more at stake.  There may be a perilous magical artifact there: a device that can take hold of the souls of the newly dead, though to what nefarious purpose we haven't managed a guess.  Now, that information is less credible--visions and speculation--but when weighing the potential risks against said credibility, it's something that no good person could ignore.  And of course,"  --a nod towards Red--  "there are potential personal dangers involved in that one."  
  "So, Ondros, I don't think we could afford to turn down any help we can get, and I don't doubt your strength and capabilities.  However, it won't just be interest you'll need, but resolution."    Nolwenn, remembering that this expedition had set out with more than twice the current company, delivers these last words with uncharacteristic grimness.
Pyrophilios
 "We have grown quite a bit in skill and knowledge compared to when we first entered the jungle. Speaking of which, Ondros, what is your profession and your marketable skills?"
 
The Red Horns asked, looking the massive Loxodon up and down.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  "So, Ondros, I don't think we could afford to turn down any help we can get, and I don't doubt your strength and capabilities. However, it won't just be interest you'll need, but resolution."   Nolwenn says.

The loxodon chuckles,   I am sure you have read many things in those books. But I think I have an idea of how dangerous the jungles of my homeland are, foreigner.  
 "We have grown quite a bit in skill and knowledge compared to when we first entered the jungle. Speaking of which, Ondros, what is your profession and your marketable skills?"  The Red Horns asks, looking the massive Loxodon up and down.

  Profession... marketable skills? Hmm... my size and strength have made me useful to various guildsmen throughout my youth. As such, I am a trained mason, and have built or repaired many of the stone structures you have seen in the city. I am also a carpenter, and have built or repaired many of the wooden structures you have seen in the city. I am also a trained smith, able to craft and repair weapons and armors.   He looks down at his own patchwork plate armor,   Not my handiwork, but it takes a lot of coin to purchase armor that fits my size, and there always seems to be something else to spend that coin on. Though one day, I would like to make myself a suit of armor that fits and looks proper.  
  It has been the better part of two decades since I have used these skills professionally, but the fundamentals remain the same. More recently, I was trained in combat by the city guard, and have honed my skills fighting incursions of undead, and the occasional pack of poachers.

What of the three of you? Apart from dino-riding,   he says with a smile. 
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "Oh interesting, a fellow tradesman - I happen to dabble in a lot of crafts too. Though I'm more focused on the creation of magic gear and items. So a lot of alchemy, some smithing, mechanical work and general tinkering. I might be able to help you with your armor - I usually spend half the night working on my projects. In my free time, I love to read - though I've grown a lot more selective in which books I peruse. Not all knowledge brings joy.
And of course I am trained in combat - though I focus on getting the most out of magic weapons and I prefer ranged combat." 

The Red Horns replied enthusiastic.
The Hellbug
  "Just making sure,"   Nolwenn replies,   "I have no doubt we're going to places no one, Chultan or otherwise, has been in a very long time.  Well, no one living, at least.  And there likely won't be a good way to retreat if your nerve breaks."    Not wishing to offend the newcomer, she glances at each of her companions and adds,   "that goes for any of us."  
  "As for my skills,"   the wizard goes on and pauses for effect.  Her words as she continues have the feeling of something rehearsed but not said aloud before.  At the beginning of their journey, the wizard had been preoccupied enough with just trying to insinuate herself into the expedition that there hadn't been a place for boasting, but she feels confident in her words after more than a month in the jungle and the perils she has overcome therein.,   "I am a wizard and magical adept.  I don't have credentials--I've never belonged to any of the organizations some of my peers prefer--but I assure you that I'm formally trained, and Red and Draelin here can speak to my expertise.  I specialize in illusions, but by no means am I limited to them.  In my opinion, flexibility and creativity are what make a great mage, and there may be many who could match me in knowledge and theory, but, not to sound conceited, I doubt there are more than a handful in all of Port Nyanzaru who have a greater practical mastery of magic."  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  It seems our skills complement each other Red Horns, as I much prefer to fight face to face, in the thick of it. And I've quite a knack for it,   he chuckles, hefting his maul.

  "Just making sure,"   Nolwenn replies,   "I have no doubt we're going to places no one, Chultan or otherwise, has been in a very long time. Well, no one living, at least. And there likely won't be a good way to retreat if your nerve breaks."   Not wishing to offend the newcomer, she glances at each of her companions and adds,   "that goes for any of us."  

Ondros nods,   I understand Nolwenn. And to be sure, if we are to find Omu, it will be the deepest and longest I have been in the jungle. But I must do this, and we all seem formidable. Do you have a guide? Faroul and Gondolo offered their services as scouts, though in the commotion of the race this may have been missed.   
 
  
Volthawk
After letting the conversation run on a little and seeing what Ondros has to say, Draelin speaks up again.   "One last thing about you, if you don't mind. You said you had business in the jungle. Is is the sort of thing you're willing to elaborate on?"   
  "As far as guides are concerned, I did have one idea. Azaka Stormfang. It won't be hard to convince her to help us, and it probably won't cost much coin, given what we can give her in return. Beyond that, though - and we'll want more than just her - we need to find out  where  potential guides know well, given that we have a fairly good idea of the general area we'll need to search."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "I saw the board with the guides on it. Azaka would be my choice as well - considering we will have to go into the mountains, I don't see the dinosaur accompanying us longterm and I can't imagine the two guides to leave it behind." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros seems thoughtful at Draelin's question,   It is mostly a personal matter, Draelin. But our interests are aligned. I have been defending the city from undead for many years now. If you say you know where the source is, and can put a stop to it, I will be there to make it so.   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "If that's the case, welcome to our fine company!"   Nolwenn announces enthusiastically, raising her clay cup of wine as an amiable toast.  Concerning the guides, though, she wasn't much of a factor in choosing the last one, and she hasn't had a look at the offerings since they got back to port.    "I think Draelin's right,"   the wizard nevertheless agrees,   "this time, we have a better idea about where we're going.  None of their advertisements were very forthcoming about specifics, if I remember correctly, so I suggest we each choose one we have a good feeling about and interview them to see if they'll be a good fit for our expedition--subtly ideally, no telling who's listening or who they'll talk to, and some of them seemed pretty shady.  Then we can choose with better information.  Speaking of which, Red, do you have the map?  Now's a good time to get Ondros more caught up on the specifics."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns pulled the map from inside his coat, where he kept his bag of holding, rolled it out on the table and put the remaining dishes on the corners to keep it from rolling up again.

 "As you can see, we ventured along this river, took an unnecessary detour to Mbala and found the Oracle here. According to the Oracle, we should be finding the lost city in the South, somewhere around here. Which means we best hire a ship to move around the continent and land down here to get there. Though I wouldn't mind if we check out a few points of interest in between." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros moves to the table beside Red Horns to look down at the map he's laid out.   Hmm, mmhmm... so through the jungle pass in the mountain, and then east through the Valley of Lost Honor, and the oracle said we should find Omu before the Peaks of Flame...

What points of interest are you thinking, and when do you think we will leave?   
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "I wouldn't mind a quick stop at the Wyrmheart mines. We are heading out within the next three days - hopefully." 

The Red Horns answered, nodding at their new companion:  "I'm looking forward to seeing you in action. Maybe we can do something about the armor you wear, before we head out." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

He looks down at his armor and chuckles,   It was the best the city guard could manage. It works as well as any suit of plate armor.  
  Three days should be enough time for me to gather some supplies. I've never ventured that deep into parts unknown. How are the three of you on supplies?   
 
  
The Hellbug
Three days?!  Nolwenn had been thinking they would be spending more time in Port Nyanzaru.  While the doubtful urgency of whatever is going on with the soul-claiming device would tend to favor haste, the wizard had planned on taking at least a  little  time before setting out into the dangers of the jungle again, and just how fast does Red think they'll be able to charter a ship to head to the middle of nowhere, anyway?

  "I think we should leave both of those questions,"   she adds,   "until after speaking to the merchant princes.  They have a better understanding of the resources available for finding a ship and outfitting an expedition than we do.  Last time, we merely found canoes, a guide, and food and supplies on our own and set off into the jungle, but we can't exactly do that this time."    She leans over the map and traces two paths, one from Shilku Bay and one following the path planned by the unfortunate dwarven expedition.    "Unless the overland route comes better recommended; we still haven't set our plans in stone yet.  But that's just it; tomorrow will hopefully elucidate the best path.  And with that said, it's been a long day.  I have an errand to run tomorrow so it must be 'goodnight' for me."  
agignac
The morning dawns with a heavy downpour that lasts the usual hour or so. The sun clears the clouds, leaving the streets steaming and city hot and muggy. Nolwenn and the newly colourful Desdemona head to visit Salla, leaving the men to their own devices.

After the wizard returns, you gather together to head to Wakanga O'tamu's villa. The locals are able to point you to it, and you make your way across Port Nyanzaru. It's in the north-east end of town, near to the walkway that crosses to the island Temple of Sune. There are no guards at the entry, an empty suit of armour stands mounted on either side of the gate. As you decide whether or not to knock on the gate, it opens.

The merchant prince of magic doesn't seem interested in gardens. There is only a small, rocky courtyard, and then the open doors to his villa. A lit candle floats out of a sconce at the doorway and floats a little way into the villa. It pauses, flickering, clearly waiting for you to follow it.

The villa is smaller and more modest, though there are lush carpets on the floor, and several swords and spears mounted on the walls. Bookshelves abound, and small candles with cheery flames flicker everywhere.

You follow the floating candle to a large library, where a man with a loose turban sits in an oversized chair, reading what can only be described as a tome. He looks up at you with a roguish smile and says,   "Welcome, my friends! You have made quite a sensation here in our port city. Please, sit. Would you like tea? Fruit juice?"   He flicks his fingers, and various refreshments appear on side table near the chairs and couches.

 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked admiringly around, suspecting unseen servants and animated weapons to be around a merchant of magic's home.
 "Too kind."  He accepted a cup of tea, despite not drinking.
" Your house is very impressive - especially the library.
Are you aware of our purpose and what we intend to do?" 
agignac
If Wakanga was surprised by Red's lack of introductions or small talk, it didn't show on his face.   "Indeed! My cousin Zhanthi has told me of your very interesting conversation."  
The Hellbug
  "Tea, thank you,"   Nolwenn replies to the offer of refreshment and takes a seat on one of the couches.  She sets it down quickly, though, when she lifts the cup to her lips and finds it's still too hot to drink comfortably.    "Mmm, then can we assume you're well abreast of our, well, mission?"   Nolwenn asks,   "oh, and reputations obviously proceed us both ways, but we've never been introduced."  

She motions to each of her companions in turn, finishing with herself.    "We are Draelin, The Red Horns, recently Ondros, and Nolwenn.  What may we call you, sir?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros nods when Nolwenn introduces the group and says,   Juice, please.   He remains standing, as often the furniture people have is not suited for beings of his size and weight. 
 
  
agignac
Noticing Ondros's hesitation, the Merchant Prince gestures to a purple cushioned stool and says,   "Fear not, my large friend, this one will support you."  

Turning to you all he says,   "You may call me Wakanga. Zhanthi says she is outfitting you to sail for Shilku, that you can search for Omu. Quite the quest! And not the first one. I assume you want to speak to me about purchasing magical equipment for your journey?"  
Pyrophilios
 "There are a few trinkets, that we could use. Given enough time, I could produce most of it myself, but the nature of this undead menace makes me think we should hurry.

An All-Purpose-Tool would help me greatly in my endeavors.
Gauntlets of Ogre Power would have helped us out a bunch of times with heavy lifting - though I guess we have that covered now.
A magic longbow and a pair of Bracers of Archery would give us much needed long range force projection.
Brooms of Flying would enable my companions to accompany me on flying scout missions.

Though my companions certainly have some more ideas." 

The Red Horns answered
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Wakanga,   Ondros repeats, as if testing the name,   Pleased to meet you Wakanga, thank you.   He takes the stool and gets comfortable. Listening in on the conversation, Ondros asks,   Forgive me, as I have only just joined this expedition. We are here to procure magical items? What is your interest in this journey, Wakanga?   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "That's not all,"   Nolwenn adds, sending a sidelong surprised glance at Red and his extremely precise request for magical aid,   "we also heard that you are the foremost keeper of lore in the city, magical and otherwise.  As you may have heard from Zhanthi, we spoke to the oracle at Orolunga and received from her both the location of Omu and her blessing in seeking it out, but in return for a favor: that we seek out and slay Ras Nsi there.  We are foreigners here in Chult, Ondros excluded.  What can you tell us of him?"  
  "Also,"   she adds, purposely making it sound like an afterthought,   "I, in particular, am interested in your arcane knowledge as well.  I had been interested in adding a few basic spells to my repertoire"  --the wizard pats her spellbook--  "when I returned to Port Nyazaru.  If you have copies of them, I'd be willing to pay for the privilege."  
agignac
  "Yes, the oracle. A rare feat indeed. Saja N'baza knows many things, but her sight is not infallible. She has been claiming that Ras Nsi still walks Chult for some time now, but I have yet to see or scry any hint that she's correct. I didn't know she believed him to be holed up in Omu. That would explain why I am unable to find proof of his existance. But I find it hard to believe. Omu was overrun with yuan-ti just after it vanished. Ras Nsi was a powerful paladin, but I cannot imagine he was able to fight off a civilization of snake people by himself.

"As for lore about him, there isn't much."   He gestures to a bookshelf behind him, and a scroll floats towards you, unrolling as it does so.   "A history of Mezro, written just before the Spellplague. The author speaks of the paladin as mighty and capable of calling upon Ubtao for many blessings and spells. However, in his zeal to protect his holy city, he began a campaign of slaughter against its enemies that eventually became too cruel for the other rasha to tolerate. He was exiled."  

The scroll floated back to the shelf, then a large, blue-covered book floated out instead.   "A rare book, the only one penned by Forever Everly. She speaks of Ras Nsi building an army of the undead with the corpses of Mezros enemies. He lived in a great moving mansion that rolled through the jungle. He began to slaughter all he came across, man and animal, to add to his army. When he deemed it was large enough, he returned to Mezro, expecting to be hailed a hero. After all, what enemy could possibly defeat such an army? But the rasha and the people rejected him."  

The book floated back, and he said,   "As you know, very little is known about what happened during the years of the Spellplague. But Mezro was destroyed, and by all accounts, Ras Nsi with it. His undead army dispersed through Chult, spreading like a true plague. If he was still alive, he would be hundreds of years old."  

Finally answering Ondros, he said,   "I am interested in every expedition that seeks Omu. Just because none have succeeded doesn't mean that you won't. I would like to send one of my men with you. He is a scholar, and speaks Old Omuan, which may come in handy. He will take notes for me, and report back when you return. He's not a fighter, but he is well studied. In return, I ask for first choice of any treasure you choose to sell upon your return."  

To Nolwenn, he smiled indulgently.   "Of course! I have an expansive collection of spellbooks. But I prefer barter to selling for gold. Perhaps you have something of interest you'd be willing to part with in exchange?"  

Turning his gaze to the scarred tiefling, he said,   "Likewise with your list. I can procure most of those items, but they are very valuable. What would you be willing to trade for them?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros stands up from the stool,   Ras Nsi? Alive?   He looks to the others,   This is what you seek in Omu?   The loxodon sits back down,   This oracle has told you he is alive and in Omu.   Almost to himself, he says,   The Maze is ever winding, but we find our way.  

He looks back to regard Wakanga,   I have little coin, and not much to barter with, but thank you for your offer nonetheless.   
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "It seems pretty plausible that an undead creator would eventually turn himself undead as well.

As for what we have to trade: As I mentioned, I am a creator of magic devices myself. I can offer you my services for a year and a day. Obviously after we return from our mission.
There is the potential for us to stop by the Wyrmheart mines. We could cut you in for half the profits from there. If we don't return, the ship will come back with your share at least." 
The Red Horns replied.
The Hellbug
  "We also found a few magical trinkets during our last excursion into the jungle,"   Nolwenn adds, reaching into her bag to pull out two small bags and a pair of boots.  She gestures to each like a market hawker as she showcases them.    "A bag that will conjure animals, magical beans of unknown effect--we could test them if you're interested--, and boots that can hide a weapon each in hidden extradimensional sheaths."  

Catching the merchant prince's attention on the gaudy creature on her lap--when Nolwenn managed to lift the curse on Desdemona the night before, revealing her long fur to be bright pink with turquoise boots, ears, and tip-of-tail, she was quick to show the fey feline off to her companions--she introduces the cat as well.    "Oh, and this is Desdemona, my familiar,"   the wizard explains,   "she's part of the reason I'd like to see your collection of spells."  
agignac
Wakanga inclined his head respectfully to Desdemona, saying,   "A beautiful speciman. I assume you mean the term "familiar" loosely, as she has no aura of familial binding. Ah, but perhaps this is one of the spells you're looking for."  

The two bags he looked at with minimal interest.   "Clever trinkets, powerful in their own way, but only for those with the courage to harness wild magics, the imagination to bring order to the conjured chaos. I have heard of items like these being put to very effective use, but more often than not, they stay tucked away."  
 
 Spoiler: insight DC 12 

He's definitely implying you guys are too boring to make use of these.
 


The boots he looks at with more interest.   "Interesting...these are new to me."   He turns them over, examining them carefully.   "Well crafted, clever construction."   Nodding to himself, he put them down on the table.   "I will happily exchange these three items for three of similar value. And your offer for a year of employment, well that is worth rather a lot. Yes, rather a lot."  

He fiddles with his beard, clinking the beads against themselves.   "The brooms I can supply easily, and I can find both bracers of archery and gauntlets of ogre power. I have access to the Corpse Slayer Bow, which may come very handy to you. It is more powerful in general, and especially deadly to the undead. And for my future employee, I will find an All Purpose Tool. I'll want you to come back in one piece, after all."  
 
 Spoiler: technical details 

He will trade items by rarity. Uncommon for uncommon, etc. The bag of tricks is uncommon, the beans and the boots are rare. The corpse slayer bow is rare. He will trade the All purpose tool +2 rare for a year of Red's service.
 
Volthawk
Draelin raises an eyebrow at Ondros' reaction to Ras Nsi's name. That there was a reaction at all wasn't surprise, there was a reason Draelin had been coy about mentioning it before, but with such a strong reaction, talking to himself like that, and his secret mission in the jungle...perhaps dealing with their new friend's personal business wouldn't require going out of their way much at all.

But anyway, to business. Draelin lets the man's little insults slide - after their experience with Zhanthi, he supposed that this was just how Chult locals dealt with their dislike of the current status quo - and focuses instead on what they can get out of this.   "I'll let my friends with more expertise on the topic decide when it comes to the magic items, but besides that...this man of yours, this scholar. His knowledge does sound useful, but I'd like to hear a little more about him. We'd be taking him on a journey sailing around much of Chult's coastline, then heading back inland and journeying through potentially rough terrain to get to Omu. While naturally we'll protect him to the best of our abilities, and I intend to hire other help so he won't be alone, there is a certain level of physical demand in the work. Will your man be able to handle it?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros raises a brow at Wakanga's implications,   I think anyone that saw Draelin's race would say his style of riding is bold and courageous. And wouldn't you agree that venturing into the unknown jungles to find Omu and face Ras Nsi could also be considered as such, Your Grace?   
 
  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Dr.Samurai 
 Ondros raises a brow at Wakanga's implications,   I think anyone that saw Draelin's race would say his style of riding is bold and courageous. And wouldn't you agree that venturing into the unknown jungles to find Omu and face Ras Nsi could also be considered as such, Your Grace?   
 

The Merhcant Prince raises one eyebrow at Ondros, then nods his head slightly, conceding the point.

  "Don't worry about Orvex,"   Wakanga assures Draelin.   "He's a survivor, and likely to outlive us all. Smuggled himself aboard a ship when he was a lad, wanting to make his fortune in Chult, and fell in love with the place. Not much use with a sword, but he'll come in handy."  

As Desdemona slips out of Nolwenn's lap, sniffing around the room, Wakanga offers,   "You want access to my library? I'll trade you - while you're looking at spells and what not, I'll take the time to get to know this charming creature of yours."  

He snaps his fingers, and a piece of fish appears on the floor by his chair. Desdemona raises her head, smelling it, and hurries over.

 Tell me if you want to prevent her from taking the snack. 
The Hellbug
  "Exactly, that's one of the spells I need to procure,"   Nolwenn answers concerning the binding spell,   "but it's a practically only a technicality in this case.  Des here already feels that we are familiar and wizard--we rescued her from a hag, you know--and I see no reason to gainsay her."  
  "As to your offer..."   she continues and watches Desdemona approach the merchant prince.  To be able to acquire those spells free of charge would be immensely useful but, even if she wants to trust Wakanga, Salla's warning of thieves from that morning rings in her ears.  Wakanga, unlike Zhanthi Nolwenn notices, has not offered any of his services for free.  Even if he  is  entirely genuine, she can't shake a slight misgiving about his offer--and this close to binding Des, too!

  "...I'm afraid that won't work; I'd rather find a way to pay more conventionally.  Des, you see,  is  my familiar, technicalities aside, and I'll need her aid while I'm mastering any spells.  Des, here!"    Though she has waited until the cat has had a chance to get to Wakanga's conjured fish, her summons, motivated by caution, is somewhat more stern than she had intended.    "Name your price."  
agignac
Wakanga frowns slightly when Nolwenn calls the cat away, but the expression is quickly erased.   "My price? I just named it. But if you want a different price, very well. Show me something else you brought back from the jungle. Something you consider valuable."  

He got up from the chair and walked to the bookcase, murmuring to himself, as he browsed through what looked to be a collection of unmatched spellbooks.
The Hellbug
  "Hmmm."    Nolwenn does have the scrolls the party liberated from the dead hag, but her knee-jerk reaction is to avoid trading spell-for-spell, especially when Wakanga doesn't actually stand to give up anything for the transaction.  And so she tries a different tack.    "What about information?"   she offers,   "you've surely heard some of the things we found in the jungle, but there are things we saw and learned that we didn't share with Zhanthi.   Some might be valuable, especially to someone well-informed enough to know more context about them than a bunch of foreigners."  
agignac
Wakanga shoved the book back into its spot and turned around.   "How about you show me that metal flask, and tell me about what you saw at the Heart of Ubtao, and we'll call it even."  
The Hellbug
  "I see no problem with those terms,"   Nolwenn answers but then frowns.  She realizes that, in truth, even she hasn't thought about the iron flask they had found with the dwarves for weeks, practically since Draelin had put it in that bag of his.    "Wait, how do you know about the flask?"  
Volthawk
The mention of the Heart of Ubtao piques Draelin's interest.   "Oh? The Heart of Ubtao, huh...I don't think we mentioned that part of our adventures to you...or to Zhanthi, now I think about it...hm."   He thinks it over some more, in the process letting what he just said sink in a little for the others.   "I wonder. Either you've been watching us for a long time, or you're doing more than just talk to us...alright, my interest is piqued. Why the Heart in particular?"  
Pyrophilios
 "So, you have been spying on us? Why? Do you keep an eye on all expeditions?" 
The Red Horns asked calmly but not unfriendly.
agignac
  "Spying? Goodness no. I never heard of you before Zhanthi spoke to me. But you of all people,"   he nodded to Nolwenn with a sly grin,   "should know that a wizard has ways to know things like that. Especially when the subject is already thinking about them.

"As for the Heart, it's the wizard living there I'm interested in. Tell me all you remember of the encounter."  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros continues sipping his juice, veritably confused at all the references and the back and forth. 
 
  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn had been preparing to remind Draelin that she had spoken to Salla of the Heart, but now she narrows her eyes at the Merchant Prince. Detecting another's thoughts?  Ah, when he had stepped away to the book shelf, it hadn't merely been a negotiating tactic.  The sly old man must have used the opportunity to cast a spell.  But revealing his trick so quickly?  It may be only a test of her and her companions' reactions.    "Good Wakanga,"   she replies diplomatically but sternly,   "as I've mentioned before, I'm not familiar with your customs here, which goes double for mages in Chult--I believe you're the first I've met, cannibalistic hags excluded--so I can't be certain.  However where I come from, scrying on another wizard without their express consent is considered a dire offense, even a  capital  one among some circles."    She pauses, tips her head at the older wizard, and continues.    "I personally think that's extreme in most cases, but it does come from a rational, if overly cynical, place."  

Nolwenn keeps her attention on Wakanga, but the explanation that follows is practically more for her companions, doubling as a reason for Valindra's coldness those weeks ago.    "Magic is far more effective used proactively than reactively--no mage can protect themselves from every sort of arcane attack simultaneously, after all.  In a situation where magicians are hostile to each other, whoever strikes first is far more likely to triumph, no matter the relative skill of the two.  Thinking cynically again, every wizard who doesn't isolate themselves from all others has a metaphorical dagger to each others' neck.  Now add in malicious divinations, very difficult to detect, and you have a recipe for a situation where  trust  is of utmost necessity if they are to cooperate."  
  "So,"   she concludes,   "let us trust each other and put such rude things aside, even if the are expedient.  Draelin, you have the flask, right?"    The wizard turns back to her companions.    "If there are no objections..."  
agignac
Wakanga inclined his head respectfully,   "Indeed, you are correct, Miss Nolwenn. It is rare that I have a wizard of any skill to converse with, and I have forgotten my manners. I apologize."  

Still, he looked on with eagerness as Draelin pulled out the flask. Almost immediately his expression fell as he laid eyes upon it. He took it in his hands and muttered a few words in a language that sounded like chultan, but harsher. His eyes narrowed as he turned it over in his hands.   "These letters, SG, do they mean anything to you?"  

He took several minutes to study the flask, then finally sighed.   "That is a puzzle. There is a magical aura, as I'm sure you also detected, but I can't get anything further from it. It seems powerful, but not in a way that's familiar to me. Have you unstoppered it, or tried to?"  

Turning to Nolwenn, he said,   "I also picked up the thought of your invisibility problem. I would be happy to uncurse whatever is left in your bag, free of charge, in recompense for my rudenss."  
Volthawk
Draelin chuckles when Wakanga mentions the letters on the flask, simply responding with a dry   "I'm surprised you bothered to ask this time, but no. I had some ideas about how to proceed, but I haven't followed up on any of them yet. We haven't unstopped it yet, for obvious reasons."  , trying to make sure that if the wizard is still reading minds Draelin's disapproval for his tactics, and a general loss of respect for the man as a negotiatior, are very much front and center instead of anything of use. Not that he  did  have any idea about what the letter could mean or what was inside this time - and if Wakanga picked up on his main plan when it came to "SG" being to look into the history and the people involved with Wyrmheart Mine to find a connection, probably of some adventure one had before coming to Chult (particularly those that were in the expedition they found), he wasn't particularly concerned about that, it wasn't a difficult plan to concieve of - but he wasn't going to make anything easy for the merchant prince after that stunt.

  "As for the wizard at the Heart...well that will depend on what  exactly  is being offered in recompense. That's a rather important matter, after all, and you've made it  quite  clear that giving you leeway and acting in good faith is not rewarded."   If Wakanga wanted to make these negotiations hostile rather than discussions between friends, Draelin was willing to play ball, even if he was at a handicap.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked on with a very dark expression.

 "I recind my offer. I don't think I can work with someone like... you" 
agignac
Wakanga doesn't move, other than his eyes slowly sliding over to take in The Red Horns. He deliberately looks the tiefling up and down, taking in the scars visible on his exposed skin.   "You. DARE. To judge me? After what you've done? After the bargain you made? I may probe a little, but I don't dance with demons. At least I can look at myself in the mirror."  

He gestures again, and a mirror suddenly blinks into existence in front of Red, six feet high and three feet wide.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns immediately closed his eyes. Calmly he answered:  "You are a petty fool. Do you value your home and the life of your servants so little as to invite a Glabrezu?" 

He opened his eyes:   "So be it, you want this, you shall get it."  
Volthawk
Draelin sighs and stands up, taking a few steps back (preferably either towards the door or the closest window, if the fall seems manageable) and gesturing for the others to do the same.   "Well then, However this plays out, at this point you two have made it personal so I'll wait here with a bit of safe distance to see how it resolves."   He sighs again, a little theatrically.   "All this trouble because you had to be smug about reading our minds, huh..."  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns immediately closed his eyes. Calmly he answered:  "You are a petty fool. Do you value your home and the life of your servants so little as to invite a Glabrezu?" 

He opened his eyes:   "So be it, you want this, you shall get it."   
 

 
 Spoiler: the demon 
 
 


The demon was twice Red's height, and had thick, strong pincers instead of hands. It was finally close enough for Red to see a second set of arms coming from its torso, almost as if a humanoid creature had been partially absorbed into the demon's flesh. The Glabrezu turned to the tiefling, and almost lovingly ran the back of one enormous pincer down his cheek. Red felt an intense, hot pain, and a long burn appeared on his cheek. The demon then stepped closer, raised a pincer, and brought it down on the mirror.

Just before it could make contact, the mirror vanished. Wakanga was standing up, sweat beading on his brow.   "You are both cursed and insane. You will never make it to Omu alive. Leave now. I will have no further dealings with any of you."   He picks up the two bags, the boots, and the flask, and thrusts them into Ondros's hands.   "Go!"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shrugged, even though the brand did hurt enough that tears had started to run from his eyes:
 "And there I thought you wanted to take a look at the mirror I've secured in my bag. Just to return the favor of me looking into yours...

I hope the rest of your days are as pleasant as yourself."
 
The Red Horns turned to go.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros stands abruptly and quickly sets his drink down on the nearest surface. He accepts the items from the Prince, looking at the others, and follows the Red Horns out. 
 
  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's journey from smug to shocked to furious is a swift one.  There she is, moments away from putting the finishing touches on a negotiation that will get her and her companions what they need; the cost seems reasonable (she especially appreciates Red's offer: not one that she can make for obvious reasons and in need of terms and conditions for the year of labor but the results are good), and Wakanga's even throwing in something extra which will free Nolwenn's magic up for other tasks.  Everyone seems on board, if not particularly happy about the mind reading...and then Red speaks up.

His sentiment isn't even an unsympathetic one; what Wakanga's done is a breach of privacy that's extremely rude at the very least.  The undead tiefling's delivery is direct and a bit too self-righteous for the situation in Nolwenn's opinion, but that's expected, she's dealt with it before.  She opens her mouth to try to smooth things over, maybe suggest that Red leave and remove his service from the negotiation, but, apparently, what Red's said has struck a nerve.  Wakanga's suddenly only accusations and offense.  Not unexpected, but, when he conjures the mirror, Nolwenn jumps up from her seat.    "Sir, that's not a wise..."  

And Red  doesn't back down !  Nolwenn scoops up Des and retreats a step or three with Draelin.  She hesitates for a moment before casting a defensive spell, wondering if Wakanga might mistake it for something else, but damn it all, if Red's demon materializes here every second will count.  By the time she's conjured her magic armor, though, the Merchant Prince has banished his mirror leaving, in Nolwenn's opinion, just two very foolish men, one sweating and shouting and the other teary-eyed but continuing to trade prideful barbs.  The wizard can't think of any words that will solve this--accusations will only enflame things further, appeals to character mean nothing in the face of righteous rage, and begging won't find generosity at the moment--so she merely glares icily at Wakanga and The Red Horns and then Draelin, too, to be magnanimous with her frustration, and waits for everyone else to start moving towards the door.    "Thank you for your time and hospitality.  I'm sorry we couldn't come to an agreement at the moment,"   Nolwenn then says with rote sincerity and bows and follows her companions out the door.    "Hopefully, next time will be more agreeable to all."  

When she gets outside, though, the wizard drops the facade.    "What in all the hells was that!?  I could tear my hair out!  We were  this  close to walking out of there with everyone happy,"   she complains, squinting between held up fingers to emphasize just how close it had been.    "And then you...you...you!"   she stammers, turning to Red but, in her anger, having difficulty coming up with the right words,   "you cut off the arm to spite the face!  Are you going to try to pick a fight with every potential sponsor in the city?  And the demon!  We all could have died!"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros sputters at Nolwenn's words,   But the demon was only an illusion correct?   He is still holding the magic items, but slightly away from his torso as if he is worried he'll be confused for trying to take them. 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns shook his head:  "No. He crossed a line. And then he crossed it again. We all have secrets. Someone who casually reads your mind... And not just the surface. I didn't think for a moment about mirrors in there.

Nothing he offered was worth anything if that meant him stealing what's in our mind. I don't know about you, but I do have secrets and detailed knowledge that I hold dearly.

You were not ready to give up Desdemona and he wanted her. What do you think would have been his next demand after I back down?

Bullies only stop if you stand up to them, even if it hurts you." 
Volthawk
Well, that ended...about as well as Draelin expected it to go once things had escalated, really. He nods when Nolwenn says their goodbyes, adding a little.   "Very well. It's a pity things had to end this way. I do still wonder what you expected, really, but I suppose when you can just read minds and rely on that too much, your ability to read people and understand how they'll react suffers...in any case, if you change your mind you know where to find us."  

Once they're outside, he more or less just lets Nolwenn let it all out. He couldn't exactly refute anything she was saying, after all. Draelin looks thoughtful after Red's response raises a potentially important question, though.   "You know, once you started challenging him, he really started looking over those scars of yours. Maybe he just knew enough to figure out how your...situation worked from those. Is that possible?"   Glancing over to Ondros, he gives a small, slightly sheepish shrug.   "We might have said that there a few personal angles to going to Omu - we did mention that, didn't we? Hm. In any case, yes, Red's situation is...well, that wasn't the  best  way to tell you about it - to be honest, that's the first time we  saw  it rather than just being told about it - but...no, that wasn't an illusion. Red's looks...aren't for show, let's say."  
The Hellbug
  "Next demand?  Those weren't demands, they were negotiations!"   Nolwenn replies to the tiefling,   "everyone in there was free to walk away at any time.  I would have respected the decision, even, after Wakanga's clear breach of conduct.  I wasn't making it up that among some circles what he did is a capital crime."  
  "But after that,"   she continues, still fuming,   "you insult him and put  every one of us in danger ."    For a moment, the wizard's anger seems to subside as she changes course.    "To answer your question, Ondros,"   she explains after a deep breath,   "I believe that the mirror was likely an illusion, although I didn't get a chance to scrutinize it enough to be sure.  Nevertheless, the demon within it was very real.  Observation of Red's pain while the incident was happening is proof enough of that.  And before you ask 'how could a fake image be inhabited by a real demon?', how can an image, in and of itself, be fake at all?  Are images in mirrors not already merely sensory phenomena, not unlike an illusion?"  

When Nolwenn turns back to Red, she shifts to cradling Des in one arm so she can jab an accusatory finger into the tiefling's chest.    "Do you have any idea how selfish that was?"   she continues as though she never stopped,   "forget Wakanga.  You're right, he was acting like a bully, and none of us could have predicted that he'd do something so dire, but you can't control other people's actions.  You  can  control your own, though.  Either of you could have ended that insane contest of pride.  But you chose to burn the bridge down: an option open to you because of the privilege of power.  Don't tell me it's not selfish if someone else still needs to use that bridge!"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took a mighty breath to rebuke the accusations, but instead held it and let it out unused.
Much calmer he answered:
 "Yes, I admit, I didn't think of your needs. I am sorry. I have lost so much of my memory that a threat to what remains touches me at my core. Truly, I thought that he conjured merely an illusion to scare me. My next step would have been to call up an illusion of my own to get back at him.

My pride is my weakness and I admire that you are able to tolerate so much humiliation from a peer without lashing out.
I'll make it up to you. Any first and second tier spell I'm capable of and you want, I'll create a scroll for you to learn. I'll also make it so Desdemona becomes your familiar. Something I offered you weeks ago, by the way. Finally, I'll craft whatever uncommon magic item Draelin and Ondros need. Out of my own share, of course. I'll have the time while we are at sea." 
The Hellbug
  "Thank you,"   Nolwenn says after a similar deep breath,   "I know it's hard--there are people I can't stand, too--just, eyes on the end next time.  For what it's worth, I'm almost certain he didn't mean offense.  The floating candles and conjured refreshments in that big, empty villa?  He was showing off.  And I know I wasn't the only one it was working on, I saw all the rest of you on the way in.  It was supposed to be impressive, not malicious."    She sighs.    "I would have chosen a different way to finish the act, though, obviously.  I'll contact him later.  Even if he won't work or trade with us, it'll be worth attempting to mollify him; I get the impression that some of these Merchant Princes are close enough that he could sway others against us if he wanted.  I've been working on a spell that should do the trick."  
  "As for now, there's plenty of afternoon left, we could try to find a guide,"   the wizard suggests, seeing it as an easy way to regain momentum,   "any objections to my plan from last night?  Each choose a guide we fancy and learn a bit more about them then choose as a group?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "I'll talk to Azaka. Her board entry looked like she is no-nonsense - that would be a welcome change right now." 
agignac
 
 Spoiler: Red and Azaka 

After asking around, The Red Horns finds Azaka at the Harbormaster's office. She is sitting with another guide, Salida, and the two are playing a game of cards.

She stands when the tiefling asks after her, inclining her head respectfully. She is at least 6 feet tall and heavily muscled. She wears plain but sturdy leather garb, and has a heavy machete at her side.  "I am Azaka Stormfang. What would you like to know?" 
 

 
 Spoiler: Nolwenn and Eku 

Nolwenn tracks Eku down at the Temple of Tymora. Outside the walls of Port Nyanzaru, this temple is in the slum district known as Malar's Throat. It is flanked by two sheer, jungle-draped ridges, and ramshackle buildings cling to the sides, often piled atop one another. Foot bridges of rope and bamboo hang above the ravine, connecting cliff-side dwellings and dangerous narrow paths. From the washouts along the ravines, it's clear that in heavy rains, this district can be victim to flash flooding, and if the undead come in any force, they're outside the protective walls.

The temple is the most sturdy building, a blocky house of heavy stone. Outside is a garden, and Nolwenn finds Eku tending plants there. She stands up on hearing her name, puts her hands in the small of her back, and stretches. She stands a few inches taller than Nolwenn and doesn't look much heavier. She has a kindly face, and my colourful feathers in her hair. She wears light blue robes, and has a carved walking stick propped on a bench nearby.  "Yes? How can I help?" 
 

 
 Spoiler: Draelin and Musharib 

The elf finds the albino dwarf over at the Thundering Lizard, trying to convince a group of four foreign dwarves to go with him to Hrakhamar. The dwarves are refusing,  "Too far, old timer! We want to find Yellyark, we heard them gobbos have a great treasure there, and they ain't so far away." 

When Musharib notices Draelin, he eyes the elf suspiciously. The albino dwarf is only 4'5", though sturdy. He's wearing a strange set of armour that looks to be cobbled together from the spatulate bones of various dinosaurs, and it's heavily clawed and gashed. At his side is a serious looking wooden maul.  "What do you want, pointy?"  The dwarves behind him laugh in approval.
 

 
 Spoiler: Ondros and Faroul and Gondolo 

The spoiled-looking noble and his halfling companion are found in the dinosaur pens, tending to Zongo. They're arguing over the best diet to help with his heinous flatulence.  "Nobody will hire us with this stench!"  Faroul complained, holding a limp silk hanky over his nose.
They look up when Ondros approaches.  "Hello, friend! We remember you! You lucked out with that race, that's for sure. I hope old Canker gave you a fair share of the profits for finding that jockey! Remind me your name? I'm Faroul, and this is my hale companion, Gondolo. I don't suppose you know the cure for dinosaur farts?" 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns invites her to a beer:  "We are looking for a guide to the southern part of the continent.
Would you be interested and do you know the area around the fire mountains?"
 
 
 Spoiler 


Insight check

 (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns invites her to a beer:  "We are looking for a guide to the southern part of the continent. Would you be interested and do you know the area around the fire mountains?"
  
 

Her thick eyebrows rose in surprise.  "The Peaks of Flame?! I have roamed the jungles to the west, but never ventured into those mountains. It is very dangerous there, even the air can be poisoned. It is also a long journey, probably two months at least to get there. It will involve travelling through some of the most heavily infested jungles. Why do you want to visit such an unholy place?" 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros' ears flap as he approaches, trying to blow the stench away. His trunk sways here and there and finally flops over his shoulder to avoid the smell.

  We meet again. Ondros is my name, and I say it was more than luck that won the day. Draelin is quite capable, as he nimbly demonstrated. No other racer was close.  
 
 Spoiler: Dinosaur Farts 
  Animal Handling  - (1d20+2)[ 10 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Her thick eyebrows rose in surprise.  "The Peaks of Flame?! I have roamed the jungles to the west, but never ventured into those mountains. It is very dangerous there, even the air can be poisoned. It is also a long journey, probably two months at least to get there. It will involve travelling through some of the most heavily infested jungles. Why do you want to visit such an unholy place?"  
 

Seeing the interest of the other guide he added:  "Let's go somewhere more private." 

If she agrees, he continues:

 "We intend to hire a ship to cut around the coast and approach from the south. We are on a mission to end the menace of the curse that has taken hold of Chult.
Do you consider yourself able to lead us there, or would you recommend someone else?" 
The Red Horns inquired.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn does her best to not look uncomfortable as she delves into Malar's Throat.  It's the kind of place that, having seen the rest of the city, she intellectually knew must exist--it can't all be the comfort of Kaya's or the obvious wealth of the merchant princes--but it still lowers her spirits to see it in person, and, with her upbringing, she's still never gotten used to it.  The question, then, is why any guide, who must make brisk business with their rates, could be found here.

When Eku identifies herself at Nolwenn's call, her appearance puts the wizard at ease, though she does look fairly unimpressive as a jungle guide.  That said, Qawasha was no spring chicken, and he served the party well enough.    "We're looking for a guide,"   Nolwenn answers, showing the poster she had torn from the wall at Kaya's,   "I'm Nolwenn.  My companions and I just returned from an expedition into the jungle, all the way to the Aldani Basin and back, and need to return.  Not to there, to further south, near the Valley of Lost Honor."  

A thought occurs to Nolwenn, and she mentally kicks herself at having not prepared for a question that's obviously coming.    "Oh, and it's not how it looks,"   she suddenly tries to reassure the gardening guide, realizing the potential implications of her need for a new one and doing her best to be earnest,   "we  did  have a guide, Qawasha, but we parted on good terms, and he was as safe as he could be given the situation, last we saw.  He wanted to stay to aid the warriors of the Order of the Gauntlet at Fort Vengeance; we wanted to strike out into a place he assured us we'd have better luck with a different guide so we split up.  Do you know him well?  If so, I can prove it."  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "We intend to hire a ship to cut around the coast and approach from the south. We are on a mission to end the menace of the curse that has taken hold of Chult.
Do you consider yourself able to lead us there, or would you recommend someone else?" 
The Red Horns inquired. 
 

Azaka nods and they step outside and out of earshot. The tall Chultan woman asks,  "I could do it, but I have no interest in leading an expedition to the south. I have a personal quest to complete. Salida, the woman inside, is also familiar with the south of Chult. But I think you will have a hard time finding a guide to bring you to the Peaks of Flame. There is nothing there but death."

 
 
 Originally Posted by Dr.Samurai 
 Ondros' ears flap as he approaches, trying to blow the stench away. His trunk sways here and there and finally flops over his shoulder to avoid the smell.

  We meet again. Ondros is my name, and I say it was more than luck that won the day. Draelin is quite capable, as he nimbly demonstrated. No other racer was close.   
 

Faroul flaps his hand, conceding the point.  "I'm afraid our racing days are coming to an end. We can't even afford to lodge poor old Zongo here."  He looks to Gondolo and sighs.  "If we can't find a job soon, I don't know what we'll do." 

 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 When Eku identifies herself at Nolwenn's call, her appearance puts the wizard at ease, though she does look fairly unimpressive as a jungle guide.  That said, Qawasha was no spring chicken, and he served the party well enough.    "We're looking for a guide,"   Nolwenn answers, showing the poster she had torn from the wall at Kaya's,   "I'm Nolwenn.  My companions and I just returned from an expedition into the jungle, all the way to the Aldani Basin and back, and need to return.  Not to there, to further south, near the Valley of Lost Honor."  

A thought occurs to Nolwenn, and she mentally kicks herself at having not prepared for a question that's obviously coming.    "Oh, and it's not how it looks,"   she suddenly tries to reassure the gardening guide, realizing the potential implications of her need for a new one and doing her best to be earnest,   "we  did  have a guide, Qawasha, but we parted on good terms, and he was as safe as he could be given the situation, last we saw.  He wanted to stay to aid the warriors of the Order of the Gauntlet at Fort Vengeance; we wanted to strike out into a place he assured us we'd have better luck with a different guide so we split up.  Do you know him well?  If so, I can prove it."   
 

Eku smiles, showing white teeth.  "I don't know him well, but he can take care of himself, I'm sure. And he has that little vegepygmy to look out for him. Why return before heading south again? That is a long trip, at least two months. Why go so far?" 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros raises an eyebrow,   I am sorry to hear you are on hard times. What has happened? Surely the work has not dried up, there are always those looking to venture into the wilds.  
 
 Spoiler 
Ondros has a 20 passive insight, but let me know if I should roll for any insight checks.
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Eku smiles, showing white teeth.  "I don't know him well, but he can take care of himself, I'm sure. And he has that little vegepygmy to look out for him. Why return before heading south again? That is a long trip, at least two months. Why go so far?"  
 

She shakes her head sadly.    "Weed didn't make it,"   she says,   "we were tricked by a hag--her act was to be a wise old woman in the ruins of Mbala--but by the time we discovered her true form, and that she had been responsible for the destruction of the village, she had already murdered them and nearly done the same to Qawasha."  

The wizard pauses.  Not knowing a way to make it sound better without outright lying, Nolwenn opts for the truth, painful though it is.    "We also lost a large portion of our company itself,"   she admits,   "we left Port Nyazaru with seven, but a girallon zombie ambushed us on a cliffside and two others disappeared in the middle of the night early in our journey.  Things turned around, though.  Even just the most exciting parts of our journey would be a long story, but we're now stronger, better prepared, and have a destination.  That's why we came back to port: supplies, a new guide, and a ship."  

Nolwenn conjures an illusory copy of Draelin's map and uses it to demonstrate as she continues.    "We're going to Omu,"   she states matter-of-fact-ly, pointing to the southern part of Chult the oracle had indicated weeks ago,   "we have a strong lead on its general location and how to get there.  So: what do you know about the south of Chult?  Could you serve as our guide there?"  
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Azaka nods and they step outside and out of earshot. The tall Chultan woman asks, [b]"I could do it, but I have no interest in leading an expedition to the south. I have a personal quest to complete. Salida, the woman inside, is also familiar with the south of Chult. But I think you will have a hard time finding a guide to bring you to the Peaks of Flame. There is nothing there but death." 
 

The Red Horns looked around and made sure there were no listeners, than he whispered:

 "I know, you are looking for a mask stolen by the Pterafolk. Our group so happens to have liberated such a mask from the aforementioned.
Also we aren't climbing onto the volcano. Our aim is for an area a bit West of the peaks.
You'll receive the mask up front if you accompany us." 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Dr.Samurai 
 Ondros raises an eyebrow,   I am sorry to hear you are on hard times. What has happened? Surely the work has not dried up, there are always those looking to venture into the wilds.   
 

Faroul looks sideways at Gondolo, who frowns sternly at him. Faroul sighs.  "Word may have gotten out that we owe Jobal some money. He's telling people not to hire us. But how can we pay him if we can't get a job? It's not fair. We bought a map with the way marked to the bones of a dragon! I just know its hoard is out there, and if we find that and split it with our employers, we'll be set! We just need the right job!" 

 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns looked around and made sure there were no listeners, than he whispered:  "I know, you are looking for a mask stolen by the Pterafolk. Our group so happens to have liberated such a mask from the aforementioned.
Also we aren't climbing onto the volcano. Our aim is for an area a bit West of the peaks.
You'll receive the mask up front if you accompany us."  
 

Azaka's face undergoes a rapid series of expressions. Her mouth gapes a moment, and then she says,  "You have the mask?! Where did you find it? Describe it to me!" 

 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 She shakes her head sadly.    "Weed didn't make it,"   she says,   "we were tricked by a hag--her act was to be a wise old woman in the ruins of Mbala--but by the time we discovered her true form, and that she had been responsible for the destruction of the village, she had already murdered them and nearly done the same to Qawasha."  

The wizard pauses.  Not knowing a way to make it sound better without outright lying, Nolwenn opts for the truth, painful though it is.    "We also lost a large portion of our company itself,"   she admits,   "we left Port Nyazaru with seven, but a girallon zombie ambushed us on a cliffside and two others disappeared in the middle of the night early in our journey.  Things turned around, though.  Even just the most exciting parts of our journey would be a long story, but we're now stronger, better prepared, and have a destination.  That's why we came back to port: supplies, a new guide, and a ship."  

Nolwenn conjures an illusory copy of Draelin's map and uses it to demonstrate as she continues.    "We're going to Omu,"   she states matter-of-fact-ly, pointing to the southern part of Chult the oracle had indicated weeks ago,   "we have a strong lead on its general location and how to get there.  So: what do you know about the south of Chult?  Could you serve as our guide there?"   
 

Eku looks saddened at the mention of Weed's passing, but her expression changes sharply at the mention of the hag.  "A hag! They are terribly evil. You were lucky to escape. Would you be willing to return there on the way, to destroy this evil?"  Nolwenn explains that the coven is broken and Nanny Pu'pu is dead, and Eku grins.  "This is wonderful! You truly are working for the good of the jungle." 

Eku looks at the map and nods.  "Travelling by sea - that may be clever. I have not sailed before, but I would be willing to. I have travelled extensively in the area you are going, and would be glad to accompany you. There are many dangers unique to that area, and I believe I could help you. I am tougher than I look." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns described the mask but motioned for her to be quiet:  "We ran afoul of two merchant princes' that showed an unhealthy interest in our found treasures. We already lost some. Meet us tonight at Kala's. I have another guide on my list since we will likely stop by the Wyrm Heart mines and that dwarf wants to go there." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros flaps his ears in slight irritation,   Why would anyone sell a map to a dragon's hoard? May be someone took advantage of your desperation...   
 
  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns described the mask but motioned for her to be quiet:  "We ran afoul of two merchant princes' that showed an unhealthy interest in our found treasures. We already lost some. Meet us tonight at Kala's. I have another guide on my list since we will likely stop by the Wyrm Heart mines and that dwarf wants to go there."  
 

Azaka bristles.  "That is not  treasure!  That is a sacred relic of my tribe, one that many of us have died trying to retrieve. It is not a bargaining chip nor a bauble to be hoarded. You must return it to me. I will pay you fairly for retrieving it, but I will not accept you keeping it."  She looks fierce and angry, and is clearly trying to show restraint.


 
 Originally Posted by Ondros 
 Ondros flaps his ears in slight irritation, Why would anyone sell a map to a dragon's hoard? May be someone took advantage of your desperation... 
 

Faroul shrugs.  "It was a group of dwarves, and they looked pretty beat up. I think they're done adventuring. Better to sell it and make something, I guess. C'mon, it's a sure thing. Are your new friends looking for guides? Tell them to hire us!" 
The Hellbug
The wizard nods amicably.  She's finds Eku's attitude agreeable (though she's not sure her companions will), but there's also the matter of her skills.  Luckily, she has something prepared for that.    "Excellent, that's great to hear!  The boat should be no problem; even those who get the worst of it find their sea legs after a couple of days,"   Nolwenn reassures her, though she's no expert and working with hearsay,   "however, my companions are interviewing other guides as we speak so I have some questions for comparison.  Firstly, some guides' advertisements mention different or variable rates.  Am I correct in assuming your 5 gp per day is non-negotiable?  Second, even if you don't know him well, I've noticed that you and Qawasha seem to have a similar outlook.  In my eyes, this is good: he was an honorable and good guide who set a destination for us and took us there despite the dangers along the way.  And ultimately...well, we don't know where ultimately is yet.  However, united though we may be in our goal, our party's motives are disparate.  Will you be able to work with foreigners who seek power and fortune in the jungle?"    The wizard pauses to reach into her bag, pulls out her sketchbook, and flips through the pages until she finds what she was looking for.    " Lastly, what can you tell me about this flower?"   she asks, turning the book around to reveal her picture of the blue flower from Orolunga.
Pyrophilios
 "And you shall have it. I'm warning you that if you make a ruckus, someone might come after it before we can give it to you.
Meet us tonight at Kayla's and you can get your relic." 

He turned to go, muttering under his breath:  "Chultans... Complain and accuse the people bringing back their stuff. How about not losing your drek in the first place." 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 The wizard nods amicably.  She's finds Eku's attitude agreeable (though she's not sure her companions will), but there's also the matter of her skills.  Luckily, she has something prepared for that.    "Excellent, that's great to hear!  The boat should be no problem; even those who get the worst of it find their sea legs after a couple of days,"   Nolwenn reassures her, though she's no expert and working with hearsay,   "however, my companions are interviewing other guides as we speak so I have some questions for comparison.  Firstly, some guides' advertisements mention different or variable rates.  Am I correct in assuming your 5 gp per day is non-negotiable?  Second, even if you don't know him well, I've noticed that you and Qawasha seem to have a similar outlook.  In my eyes, this is good: he was an honorable and good guide who set a destination for us and took us there despite the dangers along the way.  And ultimately...well, we don't know where ultimately is yet.  However, united though we may be in our goal, our party's motives are disparate.  Will you be able to work with foreigners who seek power and fortune in the jungle?"    The wizard pauses to reach into her bag, pulls out her sketchbook, and flips through the pages until she finds what she was looking for.    " Lastly, what can you tell me about this flower?"   she asks, turning the book around to reveal her picture of the blue flower from Orolunga. 
 

Eku's eyes crinkle into a smile.  "All my clients are foreigners who seek power and fortune in the jungle. If I disagreed with this, I would find different work. I seek neither power nor fortune, but my goals often align with those who do. As for my rate, I will drop it to 3gp per day, with 30 days advance. I will not waive it completely, because I support many charities in Malar's Throat, which would not survive without my donation." 

When Nolwenn shows her the flower, she smiles again.  "You have been blessed by the chwinga at some point in your journey. These only grow where many chwinga live, and only when they're happy. I've only seen them a handful of times. If you brought some back, they'll fetch a high price in the market." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros considers the proposal, somewhat indifferent,   I only just came to join this group, so the decision will not be up to me. I don't even know if we would be headed in the right direction. Where does this map lead? We are headed to Shilku Bay.   
 
  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
  "And you shall have it. I'm warning you that if you make a ruckus, someone might come after it before we can give it to you.
Meet us tonight at Kayla's and you can get your relic." 

He turned to go, muttering under his breath:  "Chultans... Complain and accuse the people bringing back their stuff. How about not losing your drek in the first place."  
 

Azaka permits the tiefling to leave, and he doesn't see her stalk back into the harbourmaster's office, nor who came out soon after.
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Dr.Samurai 
 Ondros considers the proposal, somewhat indifferent,   I only just came to join this group, so the decision will not be up to me. I don't even know if we would be headed in the right direction. Where does this map lead? We are headed to Shilku Bay.   
 

Faroul deflated.  "Oh. No, our map leads down the River Olung, past Kir Sabal. I don't think Zongo would like a long voyage by sea." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Yes, that is out of the way,   Ondros says, considering.   I don't see why Zongo has to come, not much use on a ship, and the trek through the jungles and mountains may be too much for the beast. But if you're not interested to travel to the Bay, then so be it. May good fortune find you.   Ondros turns to leave barring any other comments from the pair. 
 
  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Dr.Samurai 
   Yes, that is out of the way,   Ondros says, considering.   I don't see why Zongo has to come, not much use on a ship, and the trek through the jungles and mountains may be too much for the beast. But if you're not interested to travel to the Bay, then so be it. May good fortune find you.   Ondros turns to leave barring any other comments from the pair. 
 

Faroul waves glumly.  "We can't afford to board him while we travel. Good luck! And if your new friends decide they want some easy treasure, let us know! 

Meanwhile, The Red Horns finally tracked Hew down at a blacksmith, where he was eating lunch with the dwarven smith. He hopped up when Red explained himself, a gleam in his eyes.  "Heading south, are ye? You've come to the right guide! I know the south of Chult like the back of me own hand! This one, that is,"  he holds up his right hand, which is the only one he has.  "5 gold per day, a month up front, as usual. But better spent on me than anybody else!" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at the man's one remaining arm:

 "I gather this was the result of you meeting a dragon? I could create a new arm for you - a prosthetic one, but with full functionality. Takes about one week of work and some refined materials, but nothing too expensive." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros lets out a small trumpet in irritation,   I am afraid you've wasted my time. I thought you were looking for work. Seems you are looking for your own guides to take you into the jungle.   We waves a curt farewell and returns to the group. 
 
  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns looked at the man's one remaining arm:

 "I gather this was the result of you meeting a dragon? I could create a new arm for you - a prosthetic one, but with full functionality. Takes about one week of work and some refined materials, but nothing too expensive."  
 

Hew looks at the Red Horns with skepticism.  "Oh aye? Ye' can just make me a new arm, jes like that? And what do you call, "not too expensive"? Or do ye propose to take me inna the jungle wi' the promise of a new arm instead of me fee?" 

***

Faroul watched the loxodon leave with a puzzled expression. He turned to Gondolo and said,  "But...he came and talked to us!" 
Pyrophilios
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Hew looks at the Red Horns with skepticism.  "Oh aye? Ye' can just make me a new arm, jes like that? And what do you call, "not too expensive"? Or do ye propose to take me inna the jungle wi' the promise of a new arm instead of me fee?"  
 

The Red Horns shook his head:  "No, this would be between you and me. I have to see what the materials cost on the markets here. Meet us tonight at Kayla's and we can discuss further." 
agignac
Hew's bushy eyebrows crawled so far up his forehead that they threatened to disappear into his hairline.  "Meet ye at Kaya's tonight? Is tha' when ye'll tell me the details of yer expedition as well? Or is this jes a consultation about me arm?" 
Pyrophilios
 "Depends on if you are interested in either offer."  The Red Horns replied.

 "Some things are best handled with discretion." 

He said, spreading his wings and flying away towards the markets.
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Eku's eyes crinkle into a smile.  "All my clients are foreigners who seek power and fortune in the jungle. If I disagreed with this, I would find different work. I seek neither power nor fortune, but my goals often align with those who do. As for my rate, I will drop it to 3gp per day, with 30 days advance. I will not waive it completely, because I support many charities in Malar's Throat, which would not survive without my donation." 

When Nolwenn shows her the flower, she smiles again.  "You have been blessed by the chwinga at some point in your journey. These only grow where many chwinga live, and only when they're happy. I've only seen them a handful of times. If you brought some back, they'll fetch a high price in the market."  
 

  "Qawasha said the exact same thing.  Unfortunately for our company's coffers, I didn't,"   Nolwenn replies, and, though her light coin purse does sting, she can't say she regrets her decision.  It still feels right.    "Hearing it a second time, though...well, I suppose there may be something to a particular companion of mine's complaint of over-sentimentality,"   she admits.

Oversharing done, though, Nolwenn thinks she has what she needs.    "But that's behind us.  If it were up to me, you'd be hired,"   the wizard goes on, dissolving the illusory map,   "but there's the matter of my companions and your competition.  We'll be making our decision tonight.  Is this the best place look for you?  Oh, and before I go, your poster implied that you have some...less than kindly opinions towards some of the other guides in the city.  Do you care to elaborate?"  
Volthawk
Draelin laughs in good humour at the dwarf's jab - about what he expected from a dwarf whose reputation painted him as such a...strong advocate for the concept of dwarvenkind, that would perhaps be a nice way of putting it. Less charitably, someone who put too much stock in ideas of kin, clan, and dwarven tradition instead of focusing on the opportunities presented to him. Still, that was fine - after all, Draelin was prepared to offer Musharib everything he wanted on a silver platter.   "Well that depends. How about I find somewhere to sit so we can talk at eye level, and then we get to discussing the topic of Hrakhamar?"  
agignac
Hew and the blacksmith stared at the tiefling as he flew away. Hew rubbed his eyes and said,  "Ye saw that too, right?" 

The blacksmith laughed.  "Aye. Will ye go?" 

Hew shrugged.  "We'll see wha' else comes me way." 

 
 Originally Posted by Volthawk 
 Draelin laughs in good humour at the dwarf's jab - about what he expected from a dwarf whose reputation painted him as such a...strong advocate for the concept of dwarvenkind, that would perhaps be a nice way of putting it. Less charitably, someone who put too much stock in ideas of kin, clan, and dwarven tradition instead of focusing on the opportunities presented to him. Still, that was fine - after all, Draelin was prepared to offer Musharib everything he wanted on a silver platter.   "Well that depends. How about I find somewhere to sit so we can talk at eye level, and then we get to discussing the topic of Hrakhamar?"   
 

Musharib looked at Draelin more carefully, then nodded once. He accompanied the elf to a quiet table, ordered a strong ale, and asked,  "All right, you have my attention. Are you looking for a guide to Hrakhamar?" 

 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
 Oversharing done, though, Nolwenn thinks she has what she needs.    "But that's behind us.  If it were up to me, you'd be hired,"   the wizard goes on, dissolving the illusory map,   "but there's the matter of my companions and your competition.  We'll be making our decision tonight.  Is this the best place look for you?  Oh, and before I go, your poster implied that you have some...less than savory opinions of some of the other guides in the city.  Do you care to elaborate?"   
 

Eku gave an embarrassed shrug.  "Ah, that part was mostly to catch attention. I don't think the other guides are downright murderous. Well, Antanu was, but he didn't come back from his last expedition. But many of the guides have their own objectives, and may not lead you true." 
The Hellbug
  "And yours are?"   the wizard responds, not missing a beat,   "not that I'm implying you would lead us astray, but certainly you must want  something  if you're willing to go out into the jungle.  It's not an ordinary person that does that.  If it's personal, there's no need to say.  Just curious."  
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
   "And yours are?"   the wizard responds, not missing a beat,   "not that I'm implying you would lead us astray, but certainly you must want  something  if you're willing to go out into the jungle.  It's not an ordinary person that does that.  If it's personal, there's no need to say.  Just curious."   
 

Eku shrugs.  "I love my country. I love the jungle. I hate what has become of it. I like to travel, and travelling with people who will fight the evil is good. Getting paid to do it is better. That's all." 
The Hellbug
 
 Originally Posted by agignac 
 Eku shrugs.  "I love my country. I love the jungle. I hate what has become of it. I like to travel, and travelling with people who will fight the evil is good. Getting paid to do it is better. That's all."  
 

  "Very well, I will contact you if we need additional details. Farewell."    Nolwenn bows and departs.

Nolwenn makes her way back to Kaya's and, in the meantime workshopping what to say to the bruised merchant prince, waits for word from Orndros, Red, and Draelin.
agignac
You all meet back at Kaya's in time for a late supper. Red was able to find items that he could use for the prosethic limb, but didn't have much success haggling for them. He's sure he shouldn't have to spend more than 50 gold pieces to acquire them all, but the merchants were stubborn and wanted 80 gold combined.

 
 Spoiler: Red 
Up to you if you spent the money or not, or want to have the others try haggling for you tomorrow.
 


Just after your order is taken, and you're about to swap information about the guides, an attractive Chultan woman slides into the seat next to Nolwenn. You all recognize her from her guide advertisement, and Red saw her earlier that day. Giving you a friendly smile, she says,  "Hello, friends! Salida is my name. I couldn't help but notice that you've been interviewing guides all day, but failed to give me a shot. An oversite, I'm sure. Would you mind if I gave you my pitch? You won't regret it." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  And they claim to have a map to some dead dragon's hoard but... it seems they are not good decision makers and---   Ondros is interrupted by a guide he is not familiar with. She introduces herself and asks to make a pitch. He looks at the others to see if they know her already. 
 
  
Volthawk
 
 Spoiler: Musharib 

Draelin smiles and leads the dwarf to a table that looked good, and decides to match Musharib's order - dwarves were an odd lot sometimes, and he didn't want to look like he was backing down from anything. Looking at Musharib for a moment before talking, he nods to himself.   "Alright, I figure you're the type I can speak plainly to, so that's what I'll do. My team and I, we've headed out into Chult already, and while there we came across a failed dwarven expedition - friends of yours, I presume?"   He reaches into his pockets and pulls out the map they found on the dwarves - the information had been copied to his own map, so he felt comfortable enough taking it out - and places it on the table.   "They'd fallen and died trying to scale a nasty cliff face, and when we investigated we found this map, as well as one other thing I'd like to ask you about later, and so you can see it made their intent pretty clear. That made us aware of Hrakhammar's existence, although I'm sure you know more about the situation there then we do, and while our next expedition isn't primarily going to Hrakhammar the mine  is  close enough to our planned route - sailing around to Shilku Bay and then heading into the Valley of Lost Honour, to where we've been told Omu is - that we've been considering investigating it. My team and I have been talking to various guides to see who the best fit is for this, and given your personal connection to Hrakhammar it seemed only fair to talk to you about it."   With all that said, Draelin pauses to let Musharib think it over, watching to see how he reacts.
 


Looking up from the conversation at Kaya's, Draelin nods and decides to again take the direct approach in his answer - no point beating around the bush if she doesn't have a good argument planned, and if she does then he sees no problem in setting her up for it.  "Yes. Well, the problem we had is that your advertisement said a lot about what the other guides were bad at, but nothing that you yourself were good at, or had an interest in. With that in mind, our scouting around has focused on the ones where we have an idea what to expect, or those whose personal interests line up with what we can do, you see. If you have a better pitch in person, then by all means, I'm listening." 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns' face grew a darker red, but he kept his tongue. He had made clear his disdain for that particular guide earlier, but wanted to give Ondros and Nolwenn a chance to have their say, before he burned another bridge.
The Hellbug
  "Exactly what he said,"   Nolwenn agrees with the elf,   "no harm in hearing what you have to say.  Go on; we're in no rush."  
agignac
Salida grins ruefully and shrugs.  "Yeah, I should make a new poster. I was mad when I made that one, but it just makes me look bad instead of them. Anyhow, my pitch! I was born in South Chult, in a village near Ataaz Yklwazi."  Seeing their blank looks, she explains,  "It's a gorge of obsidian spikes, just north of the Valley of Lost Honor. Our village was attacked by fire newts when I was a teen. A small group of us survived, and travelled north over the course of a few years. It was dangerous, but also thrilling. My family finally settled here in Port Nyanzaru, but I have a hard time staying still. So, I travel, and I lead people to where they want to go. I probably know the south better than anybody. Especially those two nitwits and their disgusting flatulent dinosaur."  She wrinkles her nose.  "Seriously, I'm not trying to be mean, but those two are a danger to themselves." 

She spreads her hands on the table, palm up.  "Well, what do you think? Am I in the running?" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at Salida:  "I never told Asaka where to meet us within earshot of you. Did you eavesdrop?

You are showing a lot of interest in this job - why? We aren't rich and you aren't the altruistic type. Your poster showed that clearly.

So, why are you going to that effort? Are you a spy?" 

At these words, the Red Horns cast a bit of magic on himself to help him see her reactions.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+3)[ 5 ] + guidance  (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 
agignac
Salida looks at Red with a somewhat incredulous expression.  "I didn't need to eavesdrop. She told me about your conversation. She's a friend." 

As Red casts guidance on himself, Salida pushes her chair back so fast it falls over. Holding her arm in front of her face as if to shield, she stumbles back until she comes up against the wall. After a few seconds pass and nothing terrible happens to her, she lowers her arm, her fear turning to anger.  "What the hells?! You can't go casting magic on people like that! I could report you!"  She picks up her chair and rights it with more force than necessary.  "Am I a spy? Wow, you really think highly of yourself, don't you? I want the job because you're going close to where I'm from, and it would be good money. Ubtao wept. No wonder nobody wants to guide you." 
Volthawk
Draelin sighs and puts up a hand in an attempt to reassure her, once the chair gets picked up.   "That won't be necessary. Red just often uses magic on himself and forgets what that looks like to people who aren't used to it. Much like his way of talking to people. You have my apologies for that."   He sighs, thinking of how to salvage this - if he was being honest, despite the mess that it was turning into she was kind of impressing him here. She'd done the prep work to approach them, seemed to be honest in her story and had a bit of fight in her - that might be useful given where they were going.   "Look, what we're going out there to do is a little...sensitive, hence his caution. If you still want to be in the running, and can deal with the fact it might be on the more dangerous side, then sure we'll consider you along with the rest - no promises, but you'll get a fair shot despite this whole thing between you and Red. But if you're not interested any more because of what just happened, then that's fine too. We'll apologise again and that's that. It's up to you."  
The Hellbug
  "Wait, other guides don't want to work with us?"   Nolwenn asks, genuinely surprised.  Her encounter with Eku had been nothing but pleasant, as far as she could tell.    "We've only been back in the city for three days.  What's going on?"  
agignac
Somewhat mollified, Salida sat back down again.  "Apology accepted. I've worked with uume mbayas before as well. As for danger - every trip into the jungle is dangerous. If it wasn't, rich foreigners like you wouldn't need guides." 

She caught a passing server and ordered a drink. To Nolwenn's question, she said,  "What's going on? He is."  She hooked a thumb at Red.  "He's pissing everybody off. Shago told me about what happened at Wakanga O'tamu's today. Even Shago doesn't want to work for you now, and he's Zhanthi's nephew."  Her drink arrived, and she took a long drink, wiping her mouth after.  "He wound Azaka up pretty good, I expect she'll be along shortly. And if you don't hand that mask over, you'd better be ready to fight." 
Pyrophilios
 "You are doing it again."  
The Red Horns looked at her with a piercing gaze.
 
"Presenting yourself as the only viable alternative.
I hate being pressured and manipulated.
As a poet once said: The lady doeth protest too much" 
agignac
Salida laughed, raising her hands in surrender.  "You figured me out. I want the job. Apologies for being eager."  She glanced to the door and said,  "Here comes Hew. I'll be at the bar if you have any questions for me." 

She slid off the chair, took her drink, and departed across the room. Sure enough, the one-armed dwarf was making his way across the room. He stood in front of the table, his bushy beard down to his waist, and his bald head showing the scars of his fight with the dragon.  "So, this one has promised me a new arm, but wouldna give me a price. Have ye figured out what ye want from me yet?" 
 
 Spoiler: oops forgot about Musharib 

The albino dwarf's eyes filled with tears as he hears of the ill-fated explorers.  "I told them to take a guide! They were young and stupid, which I suppose are the same thing. They didn't want help from a one-armed old timer."  As Draelin explains the purpose of their trip, Hew's eyes begin to gleam.  "You don't have small ambitions! Hrakhamar AND Omu? That would be a trip worth taking! If you help me free Hrakhamar from the fire newts that have laid siege to it, then I'll do the trip for free! Expecting, of course, that the treasures of my home are kept for my people. I won't ask for anything from Omu, should we find it." 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "I inquired at the market. Materials run for 80 gp, though I'm not the world's most adept haggler. I suspect someone else could bring that price down.

I'm not going to lie: I'd be happy to pay you with a new arm to gain your guidance. But I certainly won't make that a condition to create it for you. I can give you the list of materials needed. Bring them to me and I'll build that arm for you - should take about a week.
But of course at that time I'll be at sea and then on adventure. So you'll get it once I've come back.

If you join us, you'll get it as soon as I'm done crafting." 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 The Red Horns nodded:  "I inquired at the market. Materials run for 80 gp, though I'm not the world's most adept haggler. I suspect someone else could bring that price down.

I'm not going to lie: I'd be happy to pay you with a new arm to gain your guidance. But I certainly won't make that a condition to create it for you. I can give you the list of materials needed. Bring them to me and I'll build that arm for you - should take about a week.
But of course at that time I'll be at sea and then on adventure. So you'll get it once I've come back.

If you join us, you'll get it as soon as I'm done crafting."  
 

Hew looks at the list of materials, nodding his head.  "I'm sure I can find these fer less than 80. How's this - I'll waive me fee for every day ye work on me new arm. If it be as good as ye claim, that's another week on the house. Sound fair? When do we leave?" 
The Hellbug
  Word travels fast.    Nolwenn internally sighs.  She had hoped that there would be more time before the morning's disaster got around.  Nothing to do but ride it out and control the damage she can.

Back in the present, though: choosing a guide.    "Within a few days,"   the wizard cuts in,   "we'll let you know by the end of tomorrow if you're hired."  

Once the dwarf steps away, the she turns to Red.    "Did you just line them up outside?"   Nolwenn asks incredulously,   "what was the point of all splitting up?"    She shakes her head and continues, keeping her voice low enough that it won't be heard over the sounds of the inn.    "We can't cause a scene here or we'll be looking for a new place to stay.  At night.  In a city we hardly know anyone.  And after today I've seen where that path goes: it's not pleasant.  And yes, Salida's a bit suspicious--who leaves up an advertisement dragging their friend like that!--but have some sympathy.  For all she knows, the spell you were casting was the same one that set  you  off this morning!"  
agignac
 "You'll let me know?"  the dwarf asks, incredulously?  "You implied that the job was mine for the taking."  Moving away from the table, he said,  "I'll let you know if I don't find another client before then." 

The tall, commanding figure of Azaka Stormfang strides into the room. She drops a bag on the table which lands with a weighty thud.  "This is the clan's reward money for the mask. I will take it now."  She looks at all of you with a challenging stare.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns quietly answered Nolwenn
 "I intend to take more than one guide with us. If anything, our last outing showed that we need a variety of skills - and our friendly druid lacked some of them greatly. I invited the two guides that I had something they wanted.
That said, I did not invite Salida." 


As Asaka made her entrance, he produced the mask from the bag of holding and laid it on the table.

 "As promised. Would you like to earn some of that money back directly?" 
Volthawk
 
 Spoiler: Musharib 

Draelin gives an understanding sigh as Musharib laments over the failed expedition.   "Understandable. It's a mistake people often make, as I've been led to understand, and one we've been careful to not repeat. As far as your terms are concerned, it sounds reasonable - I'll have to discuss them with my people and get a verdict, of course, but that'll be dealt with this evening so I won't leave you waiting for long." He pauses. "I should say that our information about Omu - we visited an oracle in the jungle, if you're familiar with her - did let us know that the place would be particularly dangerous and infested with the undead - I'll explain more later on if we get to that point - so I want to make sure you're aware that there are serious risks involved. I know that there's going to be danger either way, those fire newts aren't a pushover either, but still. It's only fair to be clear on that topic, right?"  

With that done, he remembers to address the other topic he had on his mind.   "Oh, and there's one other thing, about that failed expedition."   He reaches into his clothes into a hidden pocket and pulls out the iron flask.   "They had this flask on them. I've been told it's a magical item used to trap powerful entities, but we don't know if there's something in there now, and if so what it is, and we've been...reluctant to open it without being as prepared as possible. Now, I can't ask the guys who owned it, naturally, so I was wondering if you had any insights, if it was related to clan history or something related to Hrakhammar or the like. The only clue we've had is those letters there, you see - SG - but we haven't had the chance to do some serious research to try to find a link that might tie them to anything of use. Any ideas?"  
 


Draelin lets Red handle the business with Hew - it seemed more in his area of expertise than the usual guide negotiations - but Azaka's appearance gets his attention. A pile of gold wasn't...exactly the deal he was expecting - maybe letting Red handle things with her had led to issues - but honestly he didn't see a reason to complain. The mask had definitely been useful - although he decides not to mention that, lest he spark another tirade about how using it himself was an insult or profane or whatever - but with a new guide, a ship, working with at least one of the merchant princes (for now), and perhaps hiring other help...keeping it a secret from Azaka was never going to happen, and they didn't need another enemy here.   "There you are. Here's the mask, no problem. I don't know if Red told you, but the pterafolk who stole it have been dealt with too - it's a long story, involving Mbala's fate and some hags, and if you'd like to hear it I'd be happy to. But..I gather talks with Red...didn't go well, hence the bag of gold up front, so if you want to just take the mask and leave, that's understandable."  
The Hellbug
  "Wait."  
  "Not until we've had a chance to talk.  We have no prior agreement concerning the retrieval of your artifact, and, frankly, we don't know you,"   Nolwenn explains as stoically as she can manage.  One part of her would really like to just hand over the mask and be done with it, but that's not all that's at stake here.  Like it or not, the band's reputation is already growing in Port Nyanzarou, and adding 'easily intimidated' to 'belligerent' is pretty much the worst case scenario in her mind.

  "So you must understand that just giving it over right now would be the same as handing it over to any bully that can walk in, look tough, and throw a bag of gold--it is gold, right?--on the table,"   Nolwenn continues, trying to slow the situation down,   "not to accuse you, of course.  But look at it from our perspective.  We've only been in port here for days.  You wouldn't want that, would you?"  

She peeks in the bag, finding that it does indeed contain a multitude of gold coins.    "Now, your offer is definitely generous, but wouldn't you like to at least make sure that this  is  the mask you're looking for before you start making demands?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros sits back and watches the drama unfolding before him. Several guides have appeared perturbed at the group, and he wonders if this journey into the jungle will not be doomed before it even begins. He waits patiently to see how it will unfold. 
 
  
agignac
 
 Spoiler: Musharib 
 The albino dwarf looks at the flask. He squints at it, then hands it back, shaking his head.  "Never seen it before."  He laughs of Draelin's warning of danger.  "It's never a stroll along the beach. The jungle is deadly, and every guide worth his salt is ready to fight."  He lays his hand on the weapon at his side.  "You talk it over with your group and let me know. I can be ready in a day or two." 
 


Azaka's hostile attitude begins to soften as the mask is produced. She reaches out for it, then freezes when Nolwenn tells her to wait. Her expression becomes incredulous and furious at Nolwenn words. She grits her teeth, forces a deep breath, and then says,  "No prior agreement? This one promised to give it to me, not three hours ago. That is a prior agreement. Unless he is not allowed to speak for the group?"  Looking at the mask, she said,  "I am Azaka Stormfang. If you do not believe me, ask the server, ask Kaya. I am known. This is the mask of my people. I could recognize it with my eyes closed. Treasure to you, yes. But sacred to my clan. We offer reward, unasked. Now, I ask you. Do we have a problem?"  She picks up the mask from the table, staring Nowlenn in the eyes.
The Hellbug
  "No,"   the wizard replies, meeting Azaka's gaze,   "I merely wanted to make sure the details wouldn't get in the way of everyone getting what they want.  We didn't, after all, find it at Firefinger as your poster stated.  It was with the pterafolk of Mbala.  All we had was our guide's judgement that it was what you were looking for, and he could have been mistaken.  I figured it would be best if everyone was sure. More improbable coincidences have occurred after all."    Nolwenn's eyes linger on the guide for a couple of seconds after she finishes speaking, but then she breaks her gaze.    "If you're satisfied, though, then thank you for your generosity."  
agignac
Azaka inclines her head, and carefully wraps the mask in a colourfully woven cloth she brought.  "I must return this. If you are still looking for a guide in two days, I will take you."  With that she leaves.
Pyrophilios
When the guides are out of earshot again, The Red Horns murmured to the group:
 "Can we agree to not take Salida? She is a creep. Though I think we'll do well to bring more than one guide this time around. We have the space and the coin to do so." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  
Who did you travel with previously?   Ondros asks. 
 
  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn only lets out a deep breath once Azaka is out of sight.  It could have gone better, but it could have gone much worse.

  "Qawasha was our previous guide,"   Nolwenn answers Ondros,   "he served as a good and knowledgeable guide and took us where he promised, although our route there was definitely not the most direct one.  I still don't know why he didn't just take us up the River Soshenstar to begin with.  He himself admitted he wouldn't be a good guide for the next part of our journey so we parted ways at Fort Vengeance.  I hope he's still well."  
  "As for Salida,"   the wizard continues, turning to Red,   "if you feel that strongly about her, we won't take her.  It  does   sound like she knows southern Chult, though, and she's motivated.  I don't personally think it's the right choice to dismiss her so quickly just for being interested.  However, I know who I favor.  Eku seems like an excellent pick.  She says she knows the area, is willing to work at a reduced rate, and seems like an honorable and righteous person.  She apparently gives much of her profits to charity work in Malar's Throat--if you'd seen that place you'd know they need it--and was able to recognize the blue flowers from Orolunga.  I think we can trust her with what the oracle told us--she seems like the kind of person that cares what goes on out there in the jungle.  She doesn't look tough, but we need knowledge and experience more than we need sword arms."  
Volthawk
Draelin grins.   "I'm not sure about discounting Salida. She's got a lot of fight in her, and I can respect her for coming here and fighting for her place instead of accepting being overlooked. I can see the concerns, though. I talked to Musharib, and for him it's a simple question of how we want to handle the Hrakhammar business - if we take him, we'll be going there and clearing it out a lot more effectively than we would without his depth of knowledge on the topic, and then we'll have his help for the rest of it for free, but well...it's his clan's land, so we can't exactly loot the place, see? Of course, if we don't take him and take everything we can from Hrakhammar, we'll need to be very careful about our next steps when we return - he's no merchant prince, but the problem is that it might rapidly turn from problems with one dwarf into problems with every dwarf in the city. You know how they are. Meanwhile, if we do it with Musharib we might get less loot out of the detail but it will definitely add a lot to whatever reputation we can leverage out of the whole "found Omu and killed Ras Nsi once and for all" business instead of tarnishing it. So...not exactly a simple question, but still. Worth figuring out our plan with the mine."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded:  "Eku seems a good bet. Hew is a strong contender as well and with the discount through making him a new arm, he would be a good option to visit the mines.
Despite Azaka's behavior, I'd like to include her as well.

As for Salida... you all aren't bothered about her manipulative ways? Fighting for your position is well and good, but the methods used should also be a consideration. Maybe I am prejudiced, but she reminds me too much of the merchant prince. I wouldn't trust her with 20 gold, much less with my life." 
The Hellbug
  "She doesn't seem particularly manipulative to me.  Not so much she can't be worked with,"   Nolwenn answers,   "actually, it's a little funny you dislike her so much because she reminds me a bit of you, Red--and not in a bad way.  She sounds tough, driven, independent, and stubborn."  

As she continues, the wizard's tone becomes more playful.    "I'll admit, not  exactly  holding up a mirror, but I think there's some resemblance.  People say opposites attract, maybe that's why you don't like her."  
Pyrophilios
 "Excuse me? Hopefully, I never stooped so low as to disparage my peers to get ahead.
I object to anyone who needs to badmouth others just to elevate themselves." 

The Red Horns shook his head.

 "And another difference: If I'm not wanted I don't push - no means no." 
The Hellbug
  "Easy.  No Salida,"   Nolwenn reiterates, dropping her joking since Red clearly isn't having it,   "about the dwarves, though.  Let's not worry about the filthy lucre for the moment; looting culturally relevant artefacts isn't why we're here anyway, although it might behoove us to make agreements about compensation for such  before  they're in our possession, frame it as assistance up front so we don't look like we're holding things that are important to them hostage.  Hopefully, we won't repeat all this conflict we've run into."    She shakes her head and mentally scolds herself for the tangent.    "Anyway.  We're considering them for the Hrakhamar business, right?  Have either of them actually been there?  Are they only getting us there--we have a map, after all--or are they guiding us once we're there?"  
agignac
The next day, a barefoot kobold in ragged pants and rough tunic approaches you.  "Ho there, landlubbers! Kreiger is my name, and I been sent to fetch you by the good captain. Cap'n Ortimay Swift and Dark, that is. She tells us that you're our next cargo. And round the south we're heading! Been a year or two since I been down that way. Good times. Anyhow, off we go." 

The kobold leads you through the streets of Port Nyanzaru, chatting happily. A stiff, salty breeze is blowing in from the harbour today, making the walk pleasant and keeping the insects away. Kreiger will answer questions on your way to the harbour.

You arrive at the Harbour Ward and Kreiger salutes the harbourmaster and brings you down onto the docks. At the furthest slip you see a handsome, single-masted ship, its sails furled.  Brazen Pegasus  is embossed in gold lettering along the prow of the ship. A dragonborn with gleaming, teal scales is standing on watch, and waves to Kreiger as you approach.  "This them? I'll get the cap'n."  She walks over to an open hatch and calls down,  "Cap'n! Kreiger's back with the passengers." 

A moment later a gnome woman climbs out of the hatch. She looks every bit the swashbuckler, with a leather vest, a pistol and a scimitar, and a large, jaunty hat. She waves you aboard, and gestures towards a bench.  "Welcome aboard! Captain Ortimay Swift and Dark, at your service. Well, technically at Lady Zhanthi's service. She told me a bit about you lot, but I'd hear it from donkey's mouth."  She looks expectantly at the four of you.
Pyrophilios
 "Good morning,"  the Red Horns greeted.
 "Thanks for taking us on. Our guides should arrive shortly as well." 
He looked down at the gun with interest:
 "Nice piece you have there. Smooth bore, flint lock, 24 gauge?" 
agignac
The captain raised her eyebrows appreciatively.  "You know your firearms. That bodes well. Now, how about you tell me about this trip of yours." 
Pyrophilios
 "Certainly, let's go to your map table and I'll show you where we want to go." 

Once in front of a map, he pointed out the two points of interest they wanted to visit.

 "We want to sail along the cost here, to visit the Wyrmheart Mines. After that we want to move here to that rocky shore. From there we'll move land inward. It would be great if you could wait for us there." 
agignac
The captain leads you to the open hatchway and down a ladder. In the belly of Brazen Pegasus you see a single door, a few hammocks, and lots of cargo space. Some of it is filled with various sacs and crates.

She opens the door and brings you into her cabin. The modestly appointed room is barely big enough to fit you all, and Ondros has to stand at the door and just look inside. She spreads a chart of the Chult across the table, which has great detail about the coastline and islands, and almost nothing about the interior.

Frowning, she says,  "Where is this mine?" 
 Where are you asking to disembark for the mine? In Shilku Bay or somewhere else? Neither the mine nor Hrakhamar are on her chart. Only the coast, and the biggest mountain ranges.  
Volthawk
Draelin nods, pleased to see that the captain is taking this seriously.   "Our current plans would have you take us down here, to Shilku Bay. See, just north of the bay there's a gap in the mountain ranges, between the Kobold and Shilku Mountains, according to our map, and the Wymheart Mines are right in that gap - and beyond that, our other prizes. We don't know much about the waters down there, though, so if you have advice we're all ears."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns pointed to the northernmost part of Shilku Bay:

 "Here, I think. We'll have to ask our guides for more precise coordinates when they arrive." 
The Hellbug
Once dinner and the discussion about which guides to contact again are done, Nolwenn excuses herself before it's quite dark.  In the room, she goes through about 3 sheets of parchment agonizing over the exact content of 25-word messages.  It takes more than an hour, but by the end, she's satisfied with the final result.  After reading it once, twice, thrice for good measure, the wizard takes a deep breath and visualizes Merchant Prince Wakanga O'tamu.  Next, the spell itself.  After wrapping a length of copper wire around the index and middle fingers of each hand, Nolwenn begins the complex gestures of casting the spell, which ends with her resting two fingers on her throat and two fingers on her brow.  Finally, she softly mutters the message she had decided upon:

  Apologies for disrespectful behavior.  What would allow meeting again, alone?  Just to trade.  Journey may fail but still interested in your knowledge, resources.  Respectfully, Nolwenn  

The wizard waits anxiously for a response.

_________

At the boat, Nolwenn introduces herself alongside the others.

  "Another thing, though,"   she asks after the maps have come out and route planning is under way,   "do you normally work for Lady Zhanthi or is this a different sort of situation?"  
agignac
The Captain eyes the route and does some quick calculations.  "A day and half out of the bay. Cut back in to avoid the Ssan, say another day. Three to four days along the Mistcliff Mountains, and a day to skirt Jahaka. Another two or three past Kobold Mountains. A lot will depend on the weather, and this time of year can be round along the Mistcliff. I would say two weeks unless we're very lucky with the weather." 

Looking up at you, she asks,  "As far as waiting around, how long do you expect to be? I have business in Snapping Turtle Bay, which is another week or so west after Shilku. Do you expect to be at least three weeks? If not, we'll wait for you, but then you'll need to come with us after. If you're going to be more than 3 weeks, we'll do our business then come back. We won't wait in Shilku, it's a pretty nasty place, but we'll anchor within a day's sail. I can give you a message stone, so you can call for us when you're ready." 

To Nolwenn's questions, the gnome barked a laugh.  "Work for her? Not like that. We're free contractors. But in this case, her money is as good as any other client's, maybe even better.

"Speaking of money, she's paying for your passage, but not the tribute. You'll need to bring enough to pay Aremag yourself." 
 
 Spoiler: Ondros only 
Aremag is the dragon turtle living in the Bay of Chult. He demands tribute of gold and gems for every vessel leaving the bay.
 

 "You'll also need to bring water. Shilku and the Valley of Lost Honour are full of volcanic ash, and most of the water isn't fit to drink." 

That settled, she puts a booted foot up on her chair and asks,  "When do you want to leave?" 
agignac
 
 Originally Posted by The Hellbug 
   Apologies for disrespectful behavior.  What would allow meeting again, alone?  Just to trade.  Journey may fail but still interested in your knowledge, resources.  Respectfully, Nolwenn  

The wizard waits anxiously for a response. 
 

Several minutes later, she receives this response.   Will meet with you and pet fey. Will converse with fey. Will not harm her. You have my word. Come tomorrow evening.  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, using her drawing journal as scratch paper, follows along with the captain's explanations and advice, nodding and jotting down notes when necessary.  After some quick calculations of her own, she's even ready to recommend that the Brazen Pegasus plan to do its business immediately and come back for them.  The mention of tribute, though, takes the wizard by surprise.    "Tribute?"   she asks, genuinely confused,   "I thought the Merchant Princes were in charge here.  And that southern Chult is all wilderness.  Who is Aremag and why would we need to pay them tribute?  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros chimes in from the door,   Aremag is a dragon turtle that makes its home in Chult Bay. Anyone that passes must pay tribute to them.   He turns to the captain,   What would the tribute be for the three of us and our guides?   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "What?"   the wizard asks, further baffled.  She points out across the harbor.    "Isn't that the Bay of Chult right there?  Why wouldn't I have heard about this on the way into port?"  
agignac
The captain grinned at Nolwenn's confusion.  "It only harasses ships on the way out of the bay, not coming in. Don't ask me why, it's a dragon turtle, not a person. It's hundreds of years old, and does whatever the hells it wants to. As for tribute, hard to guess. I've seen it happy with treasure valuing around 100gp, sometimes it's not happy until it's closer to 500gp. I'd be surprised if it demanded more than that for a ship our size." 
Pyrophilios
 "What an abhorent practice. Hopefully, it accepts a check."  The Red Horns replied.
 "We'll have to see about that then. In the meantime, yes, you probably should deal with your business after setting us down at our destination and fetch us later again - unless Nolwenn learns to teleport before that time." 
agignac
The captain eyes The Red Horns, trying to determine if he's serious about the "check" comment. Shrugging a bit, she then said,  "When do you want to leave? The tides will be a factor, so let me know the day, and I'll tell you the time." 
Pyrophilios
 "Tomorrow at the latest."  The Red Horn replied, looking at this fellow party members  "At least as far as I'm concerned. I'll also need a workspace - doesn't matter if it's below decks. I can cope with bad air." 
agignac
The next day, you all gather on the Brazen Pegasus. Eku and Azaka greet each other cordially. Eku was happy to learn that Azaka had been hired as well, though the younger Chultan woman seemed somewhat insulted that you thought you needed two guides.

Captain Ortimay Swift and Dark introduces you to the rest of the crew. Grig Ruddell, a middle-aged human is her 1st mate. You already met Krieger, and the remaining crew are Cyril (female dragonborn), Archer (male half-elf), and the identical twin halflings, Barb and Starr. The twins take an immediate liking to the colourful Desdemona, and try to entice her to chase a fish-tail tied to the end of a string.

 "As long as the weather holds, you'll sleep and stay on the deck. There are some tarps folded in the corner; you can string them up on the port side of the bow for shade if you need it. If you need a workspace, you'll have to made do out here. The hold is pretty full, and you can go down there in bad weather only." 

The sky is cloudy and there is little breeze to fill Brazen Pegasus's sail, but she's such a sleek ship that she glides out into the bay with little trouble. For a few hours you sail north, out of the narrow inlet that Port Nyanzaru calls home, and soon the city is out of sight. The Bay of Chult opens up, the seas wide and smooth. To the west, the Northern Arm of the Mistcliff Mountains rise high, clouds swirling near their peaks. Across the bay, to the east, a finger of green jungle stretches even further north.

Just past midday, the sea conditions start to change, and the deck begins to rock. 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 still tosses your ship like a drifting feather. Then a huge blast of steams erupts from the waves, and through the drifting, rainbow-crossed mist, you see an immense beak and a blue eye the size of a hogshead cask staring in your direction. As the water calms, you also spot a dozen or more shark fins circling the ship.

 
 Spoiler: Aremag pic 
 
 


The maw opens, and a sound like drowning demons gargles out of it.

 
 Spoiler: If you speak Draconic 
  "Who crosses my territory! Give me your names and your tribute!"  
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had been working under a tarp when the interruption came. As quickly as he could, he stuffed his project back into his bag. As he went in search of the captain he cast a simple spell on himself that would speed him up a bit.

 "Captain, what did it say?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Casting Longstrider on himself
 
The Hellbug
When the morning comes and it's time to depart, Nolwenn is certain that deciding to leave this early was a mistake. Yesterday, she had been entirely in agreement with Red.  The party had secured supplies, a boat, and guides, and she was even about to be meeting with Wakanga again.  Perfect!  Sure, the dragon turtle was an unexpected hurdle, but there was coin in the coffers.  But the wizard meeting had gone late into the night, with it taking hours for Nolwenn to copy the promised spells into her repertoire, and she couldn't leave port without binding Desdemona.  And so it was that the wizard spent the rest of the night gathering materials, preparing the ritual, and finally casting it.  By the time all was said and done, her hands were ink-stained, her eyes red, her clothes smelled like herbal smoke, and the sun was just threatening to come over the horizon.  But, she had also had succeeded in her pact and had bound Desdemona to her flesh, mind, and soul so it was worth it in her mind.

That was hours ago, though.  At the time of boarding, it didn't look so good.  Though she was happy to see the pair of guides (well, one of them at least, she's not sure how Azaka's opinion of her has landed), she could barely manage a forced smile for them, and it was all Nolwenn could do to politely tolerate introductions to the other members of the crew.  And worse yet, as much as that shaded place for resting the captain had promised sounded, there was no way the wizard was going to sleep with the threat of a dragon turtle looming.

And so it is that we find Nolwenn sitting on the deck, doing her best not to fall asleep.  The one thing in her favor in this endeavor, though, is the newly found sense of her bond with Desdemona.  She hadn't before considered all the implications of such, but, as the halfling twins bait the colorful cat, Nolwenn can't help but find their lure's movement strangely compelling.

And suddenly: Aeremag impressively bursts forth from the waves.    "I don't, but I think the idea's clear,"   Nolwenn shouts in reply over the tumultuous waves, scampering to snatch up Desdemona,   "Ondros!  The offering!"  
agignac
Captain Ortimay shrugs and looks towards Cyril. The dragonborn sailor leaps to the deck and snarls down a response. As she speaks, the dragon turtle circles the ship, forcing Cyril to keep moving so she could keep its giant head in sight.

Cyril then looks to the group and says,  "It's asking who we are, and where the tribute is. I told it we're the Brazen Pegasus, and that the tribute was coming."  She looks to Ondros, as Nolwenn had signaled him as the keeper of the purse, and gestured to the side of the ship.  "Show it your offering, then toss it in. It'll let you know if it's adequate." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros steps forward with the chest of treasure in hand, his ears fanning the sea spray from the churning waters below away from his face. At the edge of the ship, he looks down at the circling shark fins, where his great size and hefty maul would do little to fend off the attackers. He whispers a prayer to Ubtao,   This is but one turn in the maze.   He opens the chest and proffers it to Aremag so the dragon turtle can see its contents, then lets the chest and the treasure within fall into the waters below. 
 
  
agignac
The dragon turtle peers at Ondros's offering with a piercing blue eye. It continues to circle the boat, which has started to create a vortex that is spinning the ship within it. Clearly, this beast could sink the ship easily, should it want to.

Again, that voice of drowning demons, and then Cyril nods.  "It says the offering is acceptable."  She motions Ondros to close up the chest, and toss it in. Aremag ignores the offering, letting it sink beneath the choppy sea. Then, without further conversation, it sinks beneath the waves. The vortex grows still, Brazen Pegasus stops spinning, and a few minutes later, it's as if the creature had never been there.

The crew turn the ship facing north again, and off you sail. A gentle rain begins to fall, pattering lightly on the tarp you've rigged up. It doesn't last long, and soon the ship is steaming in the late-afternoon sun.

Desdemona makes herself at home, climbing the mast a few times, exploring the ship from stem to stern, and hunting for rodents in the hold. When she comes out with a large rat, the crew stops complaining about her antics.

You sail north for most of the day, the opening of the bay coming closer, and the wide ocean with it. The Captain keeps the mountains to your west a safe distance off the port bow; though the bay is deep, there are dangerous islets and reefs all along the coast. Krieger and Archer take fishing gear and fish off the stern as you make your way through the bay.

As the sun begins to set, the crew prepares to drop anchor. The first mate steers towards a small islet, barely ten meters across, with some scrubby vegetation on it. The ship is made secure, and Barb and Starr hop into the dingy and row to the island. They soon have a cheery fire going, and the smell of roasting fish drifts over to the ship.

 Anybody want to do anything during the day or evening? Will you go to the island, or stay aboard? They're just cooking there tonight, they'll come back and sleep on deck, but you're welcome to bunk down on the islet if you want to.  
Pyrophilios
After the dragonturtle had vanished, the Red Horns mused:

 "Well, that is one way to reduce inflation. I wonder why no-one has of yet taken care of the beast. Quite the annoyance." 


When the ship took anchor, The Red Horns took the opportunity to take his work to solid ground, so his hammering and tinkering wouldn't disturb the other's sleep.
The Hellbug
Even though this is apparently a routine event for sea travelers in and out of Port Nyanzaru, Nolwenn breathes a welcome sigh of relief when the enormous creature sinks back beneath the waves.    "Maybe that's because it's a turtle the size of a small island and also a dragon,"   she replies to Red, perhaps with a bit more of a sarcastic edge than she had intended in her tired state,   "you've seen plenty of the rest of Chult.  If what happened to Mbala is  still  happening here, there can't possibly be resources to deal with an annoyance that  isn't  indiscriminately murdering people."    With that excitement done, though, the wizard spends the rest of the day relaxing, even if she still hasn't quite gotten sea legs enough to restfully sleep.

That evening, Nolwenn at first stays behind, explaining that she's too tired for the little voyage, but the smell of the roasting fish lures her to the islet not long after the halflings start cooking.    "Mmm, very good!"   she complements the roast fish, sharing a smaller portion with her familiar,   "you know, I'm curious.  I know we're just a stop for you all--thanks for that, by the way.  What's the business in the west that you'll be taking care of while we're in the jungle?"  
Pyrophilios
 "All I'm seeing is people who aren't quite dissatisfied enough with the status quo to actually invest the effort to change things. Maybe with the exception of the people at Camp Vengeance. I might have been too harsh with my judgement of them. Their heart is in the right place, even if their leadership leaves things to be desired." 
The Red Horns looked pensive as he answered Nolwenn.

He listened closely to what the seamen had to answer about the question of the further destination of the ship.
agignac
Barb and Starr look at each other, then Starr answers,  "Well, we can't really tell you. It's a delivery, for a different client. You understand. Discretion is assured with Captain Ortimay. Just like we won't tell any folk about your business." 

Her twin pipes up with,  "What is your business, anyhow? Why go all the way south? If you've been in the jungle up here, you know how dangerous it is. The south is worse. Way worse, I hear. Fewer brave adventurous folk like you to kill the baddies." 

She clearly eyes Draelin as she says this, batting her eyelashes a little.
The Hellbug
  "Reasonable enough,"   Nolwenn answers, but in truth her curiosity is piqued.  And she's sure that it won't take much convincing to have Desdemona do some snooping for her--she knew there were rats down there the second she was on the boat.  What could be the harm in just a little peek, after all?

  "Oh, you don't know where we're going?"   the wizard goes on, a little surprised after the run-in with Wakanga that either Zhanthi or the captain.    "We're going to find Omu,"   she says simply.
Pyrophilios
 "But keep it to yourself. That information is need to know..." 
The Red Horns nodded at Nolwenn, muttering so that the others couldn't hear:  "Careful, you never know about spies. Also if they aren't parting with information, why should we?" 
agignac
The twins look at each other and roll their eyes.  "Ah, of course. Omu. Well, that will be fun for you." 

The night passes quietly, with the gentle rocking of the ship lulling you to a restful sleep. Red works on the island, making good progress on his project. Azaka also sleeps on the island, not seeming to mind the noises of Red's alchemy.

The next few days pass without fuss. The weather holds clear and windy, and you seem to be making good time. The crew fishes during the day, and even pull up a few crabs in a pot during the second evening. You make anchor each night, either near a small island, or just a shallow reef. Desdemona kills a few more rats, and then claims there are no more on board. Below decks she sees various crates and barrels and sacks, none labelled.

You go around the north point of the Kobold Mountains and then start heading south, along the west coast of Chult. The mountains are tall, steep, and a few are capped with snow. They seem to rise out of the ocean and straight up to the sky. Captain Ortimay keeps land in sight, but is careful not to get too close. You can imagine that rocky, wild coast has claimed more than a ship or two.

On the third day, Archer, who is up in the crow's nest, calls down,  "Land ahead! Or, something ahead!"  You see what appears to be a pillar of stone, very smooth and straight, rising straight up out of the water. As you get closer, it becomes clear that this isn't a natural pillar, but a constructed tower. Complete with glass windows, a wooden walkway around the top, and a tiled roof.

 "Well, that's new to me,"  Captain Ortimay says.  "We've been sailing this route a decade or more, and have never seen this before." 
 the tower 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  What a strange sight,   Ondros says, joining the captain,   Have you heard stories of towers appearing in the waters?  
 
 
  
agignac
The gnome shakes her head, looking mystified.  "I've heard no shortage of strange tales out on the water, but never anything like this." 
Pyrophilios
 "If you don't mind, I'll fly over and take a look through the windows."
 
The Red Horns announced, stuffing the steel defender in the bag of holding.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Don't you think it better to give the structure a wide berth and continue on our way?  
 
 
  
The Hellbug
  "And let the mysterious tower in the middle of the sea just keep standing there, still unexplained?  Aren't you curious at all?"  

Nolwenn, of course, is.  Since she can't make out anything about the captain's secret cargo, her imagination has since filled in that it must be something very impressive, valuable, and interesting or at least for a very important and interesting client, which is a bit frustrating.  And Desdemona has run out of rats, which combined with the confinement on the boat has led to her being more needy than usual.  For the wizard, then, this tower will be a good chance for a break from the monotony.

  "No, I'm with Red.  We should investigate,"   she says.  Still making sure all of her things are in order, she turns to the tiefling.    "We'll be right behind you."  
agignac
Red flies over, being careful not to get too close. The wooden balcony is in rough shape, with a few planks weathered and snapped. It still looks like it would bear weight, if the walker were careful. A wooden door leading from the balcony to the top floor is closed, and does not have a keyhole.

There are two stories of windows beneath the balcony. The highest windows show a luxurious bedroom, with an enormous bed, mahogany furniture, and art on the walls. The bedroom occupies the entire floor.

The next floor down seems to be split into two rooms. The main room is a library/sitting room, with hundreds of books, comfortable chairs, and a fireplace. There is a small area partitioned off with a door, and no window showing what's behind it.

There doesn't seem to be a staircase; instead, a single shiny pole connects the rooms through a hole in each floor.

Any further windows are underwater.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns returned to the ship to report:
 "It looks like a mage's tower - books and cosy living quarters. I'm not sure if we should intrude, but perhaps this is the result of an experiment gone wrong and the owner needs help." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Nolwenn is incredulous at Ondros' suggestion,   And let the mysterious tower in the middle of the sea just keep standing there, still unexplained? Aren't you curious at all? No, I'm with Red. We should investigate,   she says. Still making sure all of her things are in order, she turns to the tiefling.   We'll be right behind you.  

Ondros sighs,   We can be curious, and discuss all manner of reason for the tower being here, while we continue on our way and it sits in our tailwinds.  

The Red Horns returns after a moment and says  It looks like a mage's tower - books and cosy living quarters. I'm not sure if we should intrude, but perhaps this is the result of an experiment gone wrong and the owner needs help. 
  Well, if someone needs help,   Ondros says,   then fortune has placed us here. How do we get in?  
 
 
  
The Hellbug
  "In the past we've had Red carry us.  I'm sure it looked silly, but the results spoke for themselves,"   Nolwenn answers,   "clearly that's not going to be an answer with you here now, Ondros."    She looks down over the side of the boat into the water below.    "I suppose I'll have to check if there's another entrance."   

It's not more than a moment before a spell is cast and her robe is off, joining her hat and sandals in a neat pile.  Now sporting gills and webbed digits, the wizard climbs up on the gunwale.    "Alright, throw a rope or something over the side in case I need to make a quick escape,"   she instructs,   "wish me luck."    And with that said, she leaps over the side and into the waves below to investigate the tower's lower levels.
agignac
The water was cold! The jungle waters had been warm and murky. This far away from land, the deep ocean water felt only a few degrees warmer than freezing.

Moving easily through the water, Nolwenn dove down. The first window she came to looked in on what appeared to be a laboratory. She recognized much of the equipment, though it looked disguised. A large cage stood against one wall, big enough for a few people, but appeared empty.

Nolwenn swam down, her muscles getting stiff in the cold. It was also getting dark. The next window shows an elaborate kitchen, and it might just be the flickering shadows in the ocean, but Nolwenn thinks she sees movement in the kitchen.

Beneath her it's too dark to see the bottom. At least one more window beckons her, but the cold is too risky. The wizard heads back to the surface.
The Hellbug
Despite her ability to breathe underwater, Nolwenn gurgles then gasps once she reaches the surface.    "Ugh, it's c-cold down there!"   she announces, shivering as she climbs back up into the boat,   "and dark, too.  Couldn't see the bottom"    The hot Chultan sun is quick to warm her, though and, robe still thrown over her shoulders like a blanket, the wizard reports what she saw.

  "I could see down to two more levels, a lab and a kitchen.  It looked like there was someone inside, but I couldn't go further, not safely.  It's almost cold as ice down there, dangerous for my concentration.  And without my spell..."    She lets her words sit for her allies to consider but leaves the 'I could easily die' to be assumed.    "Too risky.  We're going to need to enter up at the top.  Hopefully whoever's in there will come if we knock."  
Pyrophilios
 "I'll fly up and lower a rope for you - just be careful, the walkway up there isn't in good repair."
 
The Red Horns offered
Volthawk
Draelin nods as he hears Nolwenn's report.   "If it's occupied, and it's probably some kind of mage living there...we should just knock. A ship isn't exactly subtle, so if they've been paying any attention to the world outside the tower they'll know we're here, and wizardly types...tend to leave nasty surprises for unexpected guests. And if there's no answer..."   He shrugs a little, a little grin on his face.   "There's no harm in a peek to make sure everything's fine with them, right?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Nolwenn almost drowned just taking a peek and we are still intent on investigating this tower hmm?   Ondros shakes his head but says,   Well I can't stand around and be useless at my first opportunity to lend a hand on this mission so,   he looks to the captain,   is there a plank we can lay against the roof of the tower to get across?
   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "First of all, I  didn't  almost drown.  I was mostly totally safe the entire time,"   Nolwenn announces,   "I  wisely retreated  before that would be a problem.  If I need to test the depths again, there are some precautions I'd like to take is all.  Secondly..."  

The wizard turns to Draelin and continues with no less pique than she had shared with the Ondros.    "That's an unfair generalization,"   she says,   "wizards are no more or less protective of their things than anyone else, they merely have different means to protect them than walls and soldiers and what have you.  As the only wizard that I know you know, am I either miserly, cruel, vindictive, or otherwise the 'leave lethal magic protecting my home' type?"  

Nolwenn only lets her plea sit for a moment before though, as she remembers something else.    "I suppose we met Wakanga together, too,"   she adds with a wince, quickly realizing that she's going to appear the apologist,   "who I admit probably checked off one of those qualities, but he was much kinder when I met him alone.  Oh and Valindra, she definitely felt like that kind of a person...but we don't know  for sure  that she's a wizard!  Okay, and there was also a suspiciously humanoid-sized cage in this tower's lab now that I think of it..."  

There's a moment of silence.

  "Red, here, this might be helpful,"   Nolwenn finally says, not-so-subtly trying to change the subject.  She reaches into her bag and tosses the tiefling the recently-made-visible immovable rod.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros waits around awkwardly after Nolwenn's outburst.   Well, looks like we're close enough,   he says abruptly as the captain maneuvers the ship to the tower. He climbs across onto the roof of the tower and waits for the others to join him before finally knocking on the door.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had taken the Immovable Rod and placed it in such a way that fixing the rope on it would allow easy climbing onto the walkway.

When Ondros was in position, he kept behind him, flying in place to lessen the weight on the dilapidated walkway.

 "If no one reacts, I'll let my construct try to open the door." 
agignac
The door is a heavy wooden door, unadorned. The hinges aren't visible, suggesting the door opens inwards. There is a door handle, but no visible lock. Nobody answers your polite knock.

After waiting a reasonable amount of time, Red gets his construct to try the door. It opens easily, the door was not locked.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros calls into the room,   Hello? We are here to help!   He waits a moment for a response. If there is no response, he enters into the room.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns and his construct followed directly behind Ondros, stepping lightly and keeping an eye open for traps.

 
 Spoiler 


Investigation check

 (1d20+8)[ 15 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ]  (Guidance)
 
agignac
You enter a dark room, the only light spilling in from the open door. The room is dominated by a telescope, pointed up at the peaked roof. A table holds a strange, complicated contraption made up of various metallic spheres connected by gears and wires.

A gleaming pole runs from the ceiling to the floor. Red's investigations show that there is a trap door surrounding the pole, which slides open when a spot on the floor is tapped with ones foot. Once open, the trap door reveals that the pole  seems to connect the top of the tower with the bottom - there are holes in the floor all the way down.

Peering down through the hole, you can see the bedroom below, which looks deserted.
The Hellbug
There's a lot to investigate, but when Nolwenn follows her allies into what turns out to be an observatory, there's something she has to do first.    "Maybe they didn't hear us knock,"   she pre-explains as she peers down the hole into the bedroom below.  She cups her hands around her mouth like a bullhorn and announces loudly:   "hello, is anyone here?"  
  "Sounds like no one's home,"   the wizard announces when there's no response,   "very, very strange."    Her attention then passes to the unfamiliar orrery, which she taps with her finger to test if it moves, and thence to the telescope and, perhaps more importantly, where it's pointing.  She doubts it'll be possible to see anything during the day, but if the lower levels turn up nothing about this tower's purpose or owner, it may provide a clue if they're willing to wait for nightfall.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros tests the pole's stability, then looks down into the room below,   Pretty harrowing if we get down there and this place starts to flood,   he says, to no one in particular. He shrugs, this was not exactly the adventure he had in mind, and slides down the pole into the bedroom.
 
 
  
agignac
Ondros slides easily down the pole. He slows down automagically as he approaches the bedroom floor, and his feet find their way to the edge of the floor without him needing to guide them.

The bedroom is beautiful - richly appointed with fine fabrics, exquisitely carved furniture, and tasteful art on the walls. The art is mostly landscapes showing flower-filled meadows with snowy mountains in the background. There are a few portraits of smiling families and children, all with green-tinged skin, violently curly hair, and tiny, flat ears.

The furniture includes a bed, a wardrobe, a trunk at the end of the bed, a nightstand, and a writing desk and chair. The bed is neatly made and nothing seems disturbed.

Upstairs, Nolwenn can't guess where the telescope would be pointed, as it seems to be pointed straight at the ceiling. The orrery does move; her light tap sets delicate gears in motion, and a few of the orbs move a few degrees before it stills again.
Pyrophilios
 "I'd suggest not touching anything until we made sure this place is empty."  The last word hadn't escaped his mouth when he heard the clicking of the planetarium.

The Red Horns shook his head and followed Ondros down.  "If it floods, we'll have to be quick about not freezing. I usually use Prestidigitation to warm up my clothes in cold weather. I think I can do the same for your armor. Then you'd only need to snorkle your way up fast enough." 

He took a look around long enough to make sure, that no-one was hiding there, carefully not searching the belongings, before moving onward and downward.

 
 Spoiler 


Investigation + Guidance

 (1d20+8)[ 15 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
agignac
Red went to pole, grabbed on, and slid up! He wooshed back up to the attic, where Nolwenn had stopped the strange orrery from moving. Befuddled, he tried again, and this time slid down, and automagically stopped again. With a little experimenting, Red was able to discover that one side of the pole went up and down between two floors, and the other side of the pole went to the floor beneath. It would make it difficult to slide down more than one floor at a time without twisting around the pole as you slid.

The next floor down was much the same as what Red saw through the window. The comfortable library, the fireplace laid and ready for a cozy fire. A small wall partitioned the round room, and the door was unlocked. Inside was a privy.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked around, but as before, didn't touch anything unnecessarily.

 "Well, let's see what's below this level. There has to be some kind of clue as to the owner or builder." 

With that, he stepped around the pole to move down one more level.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  HellO!   Ondros tries again before following The Red Horns down another level.
 
 
  
agignac
Ondros's greeting elicits no response - the lower levels of the tower seem completely silent.

You go down another level, into the laboratory. A curved countertop runs most of the perimeter of the room, full of equipment and oddities. A circular cage takes up one "corner" of the room, pushed up against the wall where the countertop isn't. The cage has a raised pedestal-style base, with close-set metal bars running up to the roof of the cage. It's about 7 feet tall, and 10 feet in diameter. Magical-looking runes are inscribed on the sides of the pedestal and on the floor around the cage.

Inside the cage is an unmoving, emaciated humanoid, curled up on the floor. It's naked, and long dark hair covers the face.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros stops abruptly when he notices the cage and the creature inside it. Without looking away, he calls up to Nolwenn,   Nolwenn, you were saying something about how lovely wizards are..?  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked curiously at the creature in the cage and then took a closer look at the cage itself.

 "We shouldn't jump to conclusions. Maybe it's a dangerous monster - though I agree, it does look pretty bad."
 
 
 Spoiler 


Knowledge arcane for the cage
 (1d20+8)[ 23 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ] 
Knowledge religion/naturefor the occupant whichever fits
 (1d20+5)[ 20 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 
agignac
Red examines the runes that cover the cage's pedestal. Three of them he recognizes as symbols that have been carved onto his own skin. He can't make out all of them, but enough to deduce that the symbols are meant to make the cage completely impenetrable to any creature, or any magic, entering or exiting the cage. He also noticed that the cage had no door, nor apparent way of getting in or out.

It was hard to see much of the occupant, other than it looked like they had starved to death. Surely no creature could be naturally that skinny. Bones showed through almost translucent skin, the spine painfully knobby. However, before Red turned away from his examination, he noticed the ribcage move. Just a little, but he was sure. The creature had taken a shallow breath.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Pretty bad?   Ondros scoffs,   The thing is dead!   He looks around further and suddenly seems to remember they are in a strange tower bobbing in the middle of the sea,   I think we should return to the ship.  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "Not so fast - I just saw it take a breath. Though the runes make this cage impenetrable. There might be a good reason to imprison the creature. I'd have to examine the cage further - someone going to the effort to keep someone so well secured usually has a reason - and won't shy away from eliminating the prisoner should they be at risk of getting free.

Though we should let the others see and give their opinion as well." 

The Red Horns looked around the lab, looking for any kind of documentation on what was going on here.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros gasps,   Alive?   He peers into the cage,   Hello there? Are you awake?   He looks to the Red Horns,   Maybe the wizard passed away, and there was no way for this creature to free itself.  
 
 
  
Volthawk
Once he's let the others clear the way, Draelin makes his way down the tower and sees the cage. He frowns a little as he takes in the situation, more out of concern for the risks for them than for the state of the...person? creature?

  "Well unless you or Nolwenn know how to remove that magic, we're not getting it out any time soon - and until we have an idea what's going on here, we probably shouldn't risk it. I'm no expert in this field, but even I've heard enough stories about beings that pretend to be weak and pitiful to lure in their prey..."  

Thinking over it for a few moments, he glances over at Red starting to look around the lab and nods.   "Red's got the right idea. Until we do anything, we need  information . Who this wizard was, what they were doing here - and if they might come back soon."   That said, he joins the search for any useful information.

 
 Spoiler 

Investigation, I suppose?  (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 
 
agignac
Nolwenn concentrated on the creature in the cage, but her spell wouldn't penetrate. It was as if there was nothing in the cage at all, not even empty space. The cage itself, however, felt somehow both consecrated and desecrated at the same time. But even those descriptions weren't good enough; they felt off somehow, as if her magic was malfunctioning, or somehow misinterpreting what it was detecting.

Desdemona, having climbed on Nolwenn's shoulders for the ride down the pole, jumped down and approached the cage. She reached a pink paw out, then hissed and pulled it back.

The creature didn't respond to Ondros's hail, though the loxodon thought maybe a foot twitched.

The others began to examine the lab. Most of the apparatus were clean, if a bit dusty, and stored carefully. However Red found some cracked glassware and the crusty remains of a spill, evidence of at least one experiment that didn't go well.

Draelin finally came across a hidden drawer, which contained a hand written book. However, the script made no sense to him. The written language didn't look familiar, and made his head hurt to stare at it too long.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros wonders if he sees movement as well in the cage, then thinks he may be catching a whiff of something...

 
 Spoiler 

Perception (Sight) -  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Perception (Smell) - Advantage  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] ,  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "Nolwenn, do you have Comprehend Languages in your spell arsenal? Unless this is Abyssal script - the handwriting is atrocious." 


The Red Horns took a good look at the hidden book, trying to decipher its contents.
agignac
Ondros watches the creature in the cage, trying to determine if he saw it move. The head, obscured by the dark hair, suddenly jerks sideways on the floor, and Ondros can just see a pale green eye open behind the mess of hair.

Three things happen at once.

1) Desdemona suddenly arches her back and hisses loudly. Her pink fur stands on end, and she looks ready to attack. Her head is swiveling between the pole and the cage, as if she's not sure where the threat is coming from.

2) Nolwenn, who was still absently concentrating on her detection spell, gets a nasty-feeling ping. A strange combination of angelic and demonic, but also neither, coming from the hole in the floor and up the pole. She could see nothing at all, but the spell insisted something was there. It moved away from the pole, and then a second ping appeared in the hole from below!

3) A sound. For a moment it fills the room, a sound beautiful, musical, and full of pain. It is over in a moment, and the room suddenly feels dull and ugly. Ondros is pretty sure the caged creature made the sound.

 Roll for initiative.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns whisked around, drawing his Yklwa and calling the construct to his side. Looking around wildly, he searched for an attacker

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  Initiative
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros steps back, startled,   It's alive! It's alive... it just looked this way and I think it made that melody...  
 
 Spoiler: Roll For Initiative 
  Initiative  - (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 
  
agignac
Realizing there was an invisible threat, Nolwenn quickly puts her new spell to use. She immediately sees two creatures, with another climbing up the pole from beneath. They are about 4 feet tall, with mottled grey and black skin that seems to be dripping with mucous. Their small heads have three eyes in a row, no noses, and a wide mouth that nearly splits their head in half. Tiny teeth line the mouth, with a few larger fangs in the front. They walk like apes, using all feet/hands equally, sometimes on two legs and sometimes on four. They have long, bony tails with spikes jutting from the end.

One has jumped on the counter and is circling around the room. Another has climbed to the top of the pole, and a third is just appearing from beneath.

The wizard does her best to point to the creatures, and Desdemona reluctantly backs away under the counter and behind a box.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns couldn't see the attackers, but Nolwenns description and the noises gave him a rough indication where to expect the two intruders. With a flick of his wrist, he made a heavy bottle from one of the shelfs fly in a direct line that should in theory hit one or both of them.

With a command, he send the construct forward to attack the unseen opponent

 
 Spoiler 


Catapult using one of the lab contents - hopefully acid or something - to hit the unseen foes. If the first one makes his save, the second one potentially gets hit

 (3d8)[ 10 ]  + whatever damage the contents of the flask

 (1d20)[ 9 ] +x Dex save vs. DC 16, if the creature makes it,  (1d20)[ 9 ] +x for the second one

Steel defender attacks the first one blindly w/disadvantage

 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] / (1d20+8)[ 14 ] ,  (1d8+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Volthawk
As Nolwenn points out the invisible attackers, Draelin takes a moment to assess the situation as best he can before firing off an arrow.

 
 Spoiler 
I was gonna use Steady Aim to counter the disadvantage but let's actually use my subclass for once and try Insightful Fighting to attempt to qualify for SA despite the disadvantage.

Insight (opposed by Deception):  (1d20+11)[ 13 ] 

Attack: Worst of  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] / (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 11 ]  +  (3d6)[ 12 ]  SA if Insight check succeeded
 
agignac
The team has been working together long enough that even against invisible foes, the attack is near seamless.

Red grabs something with an unreadable label and throws it at the pole, where Nolwenn is saying there are two attackers. They must have seen it coming, however, as the bottle crashes against the far wall, scattering glass and a clear liquid.

The steel defender, going for the one on the counter, has better luck, punching blindly and connecting with something yielding and slimy. A spatter of dark blood stains the wall behind it, giving Draelin a target. The elf shoots with confidence, having hit invisible enemies before, and indeed his arrow sticks into something mid-flight.


The creatures go on the attack, becoming visible as they do so. The two that were climbing the pole leap towards Ondros, biting and lashing with their spiny tails.

One misses the loxodon, but the other scores a vicious bite, finding a vulnerable spot in Ondros's neck. It then coughs up a mass of sticky mucus at Ondros's face, trying to blind him with it.

Both creatures then lash with their spiny tails; the one who missed with the bite succeeds with the tail, gashing Ondros low in his leg.

 Dex save DC 14 or be blinded until you spend an action wiping it off your face. Ondros takes 13 damage from the bite and 10 from the tail.  

The third creature lunges at Red's steel defender, biting at its twiggy matrix. However, it can't get its teeth around the construct, and is frustrated in its attempt. Likewise it lashes its tail, and snaps off a small branch, doing no damage.

Nolwenn sees a fourth creature climbing up the pole, invisible to the others.

 Everybody up. Check out the slide deck for the map. The icons are NOT what they look like, but they're what came up when I googled mucus monster. 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns threw his Yklwa at the creature attacking Ondros so viciously, aiming for high effect.

 
 Spoiler 


Attack on 3 w/Sharpshooter
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ] , damage  (1d8+16)[ 22 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 13 ] , damage  (1d8+16)[ 22 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 

Bonus action to incite Steel Defender for another force rend on 1

 (1d20+8)[ 19 ] , damage  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 41/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros manages to kepe most of the goo off his face by intervening with his ear flaps,   Get off me!   he shouts at the creatures swarming him. He grabs one with his trunk and takes aim with his maul.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Bonus Action   - Frost Rune: For 10 minutes, you gain a +2 bonus to all ability checks and saving throws that use Strength or Constitution. Once you invoke this rune, you can't do so again until you finish a short or long rest.
  Action   - Attack Monster 3
 Attack  - Grapple w/ Trunk  (1d20+10)[ 18 ] 
 Attack  -  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  (Grappler Advantage, GWM Penalty)
 Damage  -  (2d6+15)[ 25 ] 
 

 
 
  
Volthawk
Now they've made themselves visible, Draelin feels a lot better about keeping up the barrage of arrows - now that he can actually aim instead of having to rely on his gut.

 
 Spoiler 

Alright, now they're visible it's back to Steady Aim into attack, keeping targeting at 1.

Attack: Best of  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] / (1d20+8)[ 25 ] / (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 13 ]  +  (3d6)[ 6 ]  SA
 
agignac
The Steel Defender and Draelin make quick work finishing off the first visible creature. It falls to the ground with a shockingly heavy-sounding thump, and then explodes in a burst of mucous and spikes. The ground around the explosion becomes slippery and treacherous.

 (Dex save DC 14 for steel defender or its blinded until it spends a turn wiping it out of its eyes. Does it have eyes? If it fails by 5, then it also gets spiked. That area is now affected as per the grease spell.)  

Ondros grapples one in his trunk, but isn't able to damage the wiggling, slippery thing. Red's yklwa stabs cleanly into the loxodon's other foe, before vanishing and returning to the tiefling's hand.

Then Nolwenn jumps into action. Technically, she jumps onto the counter behind Ondros, trying to get a clear line at two of the creatures for a lethal dose of lightning. Frustrated, she realizes the danger to their new, big friend is too great, and switches tactics. Instead, a stream of wind gusts from her fingers. The invisible creature that had been on the pole gets slammed backwards into the wall behind it. The one not being grappled digs its claws into the stone floor and manages to stay put. The wind, much too strong for the enclosed room, crashes into the counter behind the pole and rebounds in all directions, sending alchemical apparati, jars, bottles, and papers crashing into the wall and then onto the floor. The area becomes a confused jumble of broken glass and chemicals.

The invisible creature leaps perpendicularly out of the stream of wind, over the steel defender, and at Draelin. It attempts to bite and tear at the elf. It lands a vicious bite on the side of Draelin's head, tearing the tip of his left ear. It then coughs mucous up on the elf, attempting to blind him.

 (9HP damage, Dex save as below. Steel Def gets AoO) 

The two on Ondros continue their attacks, wriggling, biting and spiking. The one in his trunk was held too tightly to fight effectively, but the other one bit him again, this time on the hand, and spiked him hard in the small of the back. It then vanishes from sight (except for Nolwenn).

 (9HP total, and this time a Con Save, DC 13)

Everybody up.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns switched targets and went for the one attacking Draelin, while the construct tried in vain to avoid a snot knot over its head. The Red Horns commanded it to clean itself up and move to its attacker to provide Draelin with support.

 
 Spoiler 


Steel defender Opportunity attack w/ disadvantage

 (1d20+8)[ 24 ] / (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  damage  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 

Yklwa throw at 4

 (1d20+9)[ 29 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 11 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 13 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 7 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 

bonus action to command it to clean itself up - moves adjacent to 4, so Draelin can Sneak Attack
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 41/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros keeps the slimy creature in the grip of his trunk and brings his maul to bear.

 
 Spoiler: Saving Throws 
Strength vs Gust of Wind -  (1d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Constitution vs ??? -  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Action   - Attack Monster 3 w/ Advantage (Grappler)
 Attack  -  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+15)[ 22 ] 
 Extra Attack  -  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+15)[ 27 ] 
  Move   - Move directly beneath Monster 2 (remaining adjacent but no longer in Nolwenn's way)
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
In hindsight, the papers and reagents now scattered across the opposite wall of the lab were a probable result of Nolwenn's magic, but there's no time to worry about that now.  She is, though, happy to see that Ondros can hold his own.  Nevertheless, she to be more intentional from now on.  With this in mind, she repositions only slightly, directing the wind to continue to buffet the creature that has vanished from conventional sight now that the loxodon has moved his mortal struggle out of her path.  However, seeing the horrible mess of reagents on the ground and guessing they may be caustic, she tries to push the creature past the hole and into them instead.  In addition to this, she conjures up a deadly toxin and sends it drifting, invisible and scentless, towards her foes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn's moving down just a titch and using a bonus action to try to get the wind moving 3 towards the nasty stuff on the ground on the top side of the hole.  She also casts Poison Spray at 2 if it's still alive after Ondros's beating or at 3 if not.  DC 16 Con save or  (2d12)[ 3 ]  poison damage.
 
Volthawk
There being another invisible one lurking around takes Draelin by surprise, but the pain of getting getting bitten like that does do wonders for getting one to focus on the monster in your face, and it's easy enough to not get spat on. Still, he's grateful for Red's construct getting involved again, and uses the distraction to get the thing off him and slip away. If nothing else, it gives him enough time and freedom of movement to line up another shot...

 
 Spoiler 

Using my bonus action on Cunning Action to disengage (probably ending up near Red), and then attacking 4. It wasn't mentioned outright in the post, but going off how the others behave I assume it's visible now (if it is still invisible, then there's no SA, along with the disadvantage on the attack).

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ]  +  (3d6)[ 9 ]  SA
 
agignac
As the fourth creature leaps over the steel defender, it swipes overhead, scoring a lucky hit. Red's friend then spends a few seconds wiping the greasy mucus from its eyes.

 Steel Defender should have made a Dex save last round or fall prone due to the greasy floor. Please do that for him now. And then a second one this round unless he moves out of it.  

Red's yklwa then plunges deeply into creature, and dark blood pours from the wound that the vanishing weapon leaves behind. Draelin follows up immediately with an arrow, making a matching wound. The creature makes an unpleasant, moist moaning sound, then turns and flees for the pole. It grabs on and slides down and out of sight.

Ondros continues to struggle with the one grappled in his trunk, missing at first with his mace. But he finally finds his rhythm, and whacks it soundly with his second attack.

Nolwenn shuffles down the counter, trying not to knock more things over ( the counter is difficult terrain ), altering the blast of her spell accordingly. The invisible monster loses its grip and tumbles back against the wall, through the mess of glass and chemicals on the floor.   (1d8)[ 6 ]  damage  The one in Ondros's grapple would have flown away too if not for the loxodon's grip. Nolwenn then looses a poison spray, but it doesn't seem to bother them at all.

The invisible creature turns its back on Nolwenn, digs its claws into the stone wall, and scurries sideways along the wall towards the wizard. When its close enough, it leaps at her, mouth open wide. However, it catches the edge of the wind spell and crashes to the counter beside her instead, becoming visible and doing no harm.

The one in Ondros's grip continues to thrash and attack, but the loxodon's armour frustrates it yet again.

 everybody up! 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 41/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros extends his trunk to make space between him and the creature, and slams into it with his maul.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Action   - Attack Monster 3 w/ Advantage (Grappler)
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 26 ] ,  (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
 Extra Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 28 ] ,  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 13 ] 
  Move   - If M3 dies, move adjacent to M2.
  Bonus Action   - If M3 dies, make a bonus action attack vs M2 (Great Weapon Master)
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 15 ] 
 
 
 
  
Volthawk
Finally given some breathing room and a nice visible target to shoot at, Draelin lines up a shot at the creature that just failed to attack Nolwenn.

 
 Spoiler 

Steady Aim as a bonus action, and then shoot 3 with advantage (triggering Elven Accuracy and Sneak Attack).

Attack: Best of  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] / (1d20+8)[ 27 ] / (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]  +  (3d6)[ 9 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, thinking that she among her allies is the least presently engaged, prepares to follow the fleeing creature to the edge of the hole to see where it goes, but its invisible ally's charge interrupts her.  The wizard stumbles back away from its pounce, and it's not a small amount of luck that keeps her away from its jaws.  She doesn't see a good way away from the slimy beast, but, with her allies prevailing elsewhere, it looks like this is practically a foregone conclusion.

Unimpressed, though, by her cantrip's effects, Nolwenn tries a different tactic.  She grabs a handful of papers off the the desk next to her and flings them in her attackers face while turning her gale directly upon it again, angling it upward for effect (and to hopefully not cause as much collateral damage).    "Red!"   she calls,   "while it's distracted!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action to Help, giving The Red Horns advantage on his next attack within a round against baddie 2.  Bonus action to redirect wind at the same creature.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns didn't think twice and threw his weapon at the distracted for, while the fallen construct picked itself up and attacked as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] /  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  damage   (1d8+16)[ 22 ]  if crit   (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 17 ]  damage   (1d8+6)[ 9 ]  if crit   (1d8)[ 4 ] 

Steel Defender
  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
damage   (1d8+3)[ 8 ]  if crit   (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 
agignac
Ondros's maul does too much damage to his grappled foe, and it dies, exploding in a shower of mucous and spikes. The loxodon dodges the worst of the fallout, and moves to Nolwenn's rescue. The combined attacks from the rest of the party quickly overwhelm the creature, and it too falls apart in a shower of goo and spines.

 Ondros and Nolwenn, you know what to do. Dex saves please.  

For a moment there is silence as you all catch your breath.
Pyrophilios
 "Everyone alright?"  The Red Horns asked, while he looked around the devastation of the lab - still aided by Nolwenn's spell.

 "There are likely more of those things down there. We could retreat and come back tomorrow - I can prepare a lantern of revealing by then. That should help us all preventing any more ambushes." 
The Hellbug
  "Yes,  gulp  I'm fine,"   Nolwenn stammers out between gags.  When the creature next to her had exploded, she had the presence of mind to raise her arms to shield her eyes, but the slime is still oppressively rancid and everywhere but her eyes.  It smells like a particularly foul fishmonger's stall at the end of the day, an odor she didn't know she had the good fortune of avoiding before she became an adventurer, mixed with something else that she can't put her finger on but is surely equally disgusting.  Regardless, the wizard holds no ill will towards Desdemona when the cat creeps back into the open but refuses to approach the mess that is Nolwenn.

Once she's wiped as much of the foul substance off as she can manage in the moment and allowed her wind spell to subside, the magician answers Red.    "A day feels too long,"   she opines,   "my spell will remain for an hour, and if I lead the way they won't be able to sneak up on us with invisibility alone.  Additionally, we have this:"    From her mostly slime-free pack, Nolwenn produces the spyglass that she has recently made visible.    "This can pierce through any sort of illusion or enchantment.  It's more powerful than my own spell, but only for a few minutes each day."    She offers the item to anyone who will take it.

  "But that's getting ahead of ourselves."   Nolwenn approaches the magical cell with the mysterious humanoid and inspects both more closely.  The prisoner's pitiable condition tugs at her heart, regardless of what they are.  Her focus being what it is, the young dilettante doesn't even consider for a moment the sound that it had made earlier.    "Draelin, could you give me a hand here?"   she asks, remembering his expertise with locks in the chief's hut,   "I know it's magical, but often the logic of the mundane applies to such spells--their inventors are generally mortal, after all."  

The wizard squats down as close to the prisoner as she is able.    "Hello, can you hear us?"   she asks,   "I'm Nolwenn; we're here to help."  
Pyrophilios
 "Before we do anything, we should gather more information. I'm still not convinced that this isn't an undead or a demon possessed victim - or a plague victim.

If they surived so long, I'm sure they can spare a few minutes more - provided you aren't agitating them into spending their last reserves trying to answer you.

And finally, we can't concentrate on saving them while there are still hostiles around - just imagine we get them out and that's the moment one of those creatures explodes..." 

The Red Horns replied.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 41/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros hisses as the creature explodes and he is splashed in the face,   Gah!   He sets the maul down with a heavy thud and wipes the remains off as quickly as he can, unaware of the greater conversation occurring about the creature in the cage.

 
 Spoiler 
Not sure how much damage was dealt..?
 
 
 
  
agignac
When Nolwenn turned her attention to the prisoner, the first thing she noticed was that the prisoner had moved. No longer face-down in the middle, the prisoner was now leaned against the far bars, knees up and arms wrapped around them. Again, the long hair spilled over the face and legs, reaching the floor from their sitting position.

When the wizard starts to talk, the prisoner slowly looks up; gaps in the long hair revealing wide eyes with silver irises. They look at Nolwenn with no comprehension, no expression.

Then The Red Horns approaches, speaking words of caution. The prisoner reacts immediately, scrambling to their feet with a gasp, pressing against the bars as if the get further away from the reborn tiefling. She reveals herself to be female, though she's too thin to have any curves. She holds one arm out, palm up, in a gesture of negation at the sight of Red. She opens her mouth, and again a beautiful cry comes out of it; brief, musical, and full of terror.

 (EDIT: One point of damage to Ondros as a spine lodges in the thick muscle between his neck and shoulder. Now it's time for a Con Save DC 13) 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 41/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros feels the spine in his neck and quickly plucks it out,   Such a nuisance, these creatures.   He hears the lyrical cry and looks up at the others near the cage,   That's the sound it made before.  
 
 Spoiler: Saving Throw 

  Constitution Save  - (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
  "Shh shh, it's fine we're fine we're not going to hurt you.  It's gonna be okay.  We're going to get you out of here,"   Nolwenn says soothingly, hoping that even though the prisoner clearly doesn't understand her, her intention is clear.  Even if it's just malnutrition, the creature's skinniness gives Nolwenn the impression of a child, which only reaffirms her resolve.  She then looks back at Red.    "No, I don't think she's a danger to us,"   she states,   "unless..."  

Ondros is right, there's something about that sound.  It's absolutely eerie...and beautiful.  The wizard can't put her finger on exactly what it is, but there was that feeling of loss as it faded alongside the creature attack.  She hadn't considered it at the moment because the adrenaline had jumped in and focused her thoughts elsewhere.    "You may be on to something,"   she tells the loxodon,   "I wouldn't bet on it, but this prisoner may have a magical voice.  Thus the magic-dampening runes.  Even still, I don't think she's a threat to us, and we do have a clue about the tower's master."    She points up and down the undead tiefling.    "Someone who looks like him."  

Nolwenn then turns her attention back to the prisoner, both to try to calm her down and convince her of the party's benevolence and to try to get a clue about how to open the cage.  First, she optimistically tries her greeting again in both dwarvish and elvish.  Then, she turns to nonverbal communication, casting a spell to conjure an illusory copy of the prisoner.  She mimes a friendly handshake with the illusion first.  Next, tries to communicate that they wish to set her free.  The wizard shrinks the image of the prisoner to fit it within a second illusion, that of a cage.  Nolwenn mimes striking the cage-illusion, simultaneously allowing it to fade.  Then, she points up the pole and directs the phantasm to head up and out.  Finally, she morphs the silent image into that of a boat and conjures a second still image, a miniature copy of the tower from which the boat sails away.  She points at the prisoner and then at herself and the rest of the party.    "We're friends, and we want to help,"   she says slowly.

The last thing Nolwenn wants to communicate she's much less sure about.  She rearranges her pair of illusions to be the prisoner in the cell again.  She mimes grabbing the cage and lifting it off the illusory prisoner, looks to the genuine article and shrugs perplexedly.  She repeats this part of the performance and hopes for a response.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
That's one Silent Image, using Malleable Illusions to turn it into whatever part of the display that needs to be in motion, and a number of Minor Illusions for the still images.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns stepped back - less for the comfort of the prisoner, but because he did not trust the creature. A prison that well made had a dangerous prisoner inside. Weather the prisoner would be grateful, ravenous or remorseful for eating her rescuers was not something he wanted to learn directly. There was also the matter of the creatures. He tipped his temple to bring some guidance to his own thoughts to remember what those could have been.
After that, he sent the construct to scout out the next lower level. while he stepped to the pole hole, ready to throw at anything that revealed itself to attack the construct.

 
 Spoiler 


Arcana or History check to identify those creatures (or religion, but then with -3)

 (1d20+8)[ 27 ] + (1d4)[ 1 ] 

Sending the steel defender down the pole and readying an attack for any creature trying to hit it - the steel defender is readying a help action to give me advantage

 (1d20+4)[ 17 ] / (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 22 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 
 
agignac
As Red stepped back and Nolwenn began her illusion-charades, the prisoner relaxed a little. After a few moments, she became transfixed by light show, and hesitantly approached the middle of the cage, to see it better. When the illusion-group exited the tower to the boat, a look of great puzzlement came over her face.

When Nolwenn mimed removing the cage, the prisoner looked alarmed and shook her head. She pointed to the three piles of goop on the floor, then pointed down the hole. She held her hand about 5 feet up, then held up six fingers. Then she stood on her tiptoes and held her hand as high as she could in the cage and held up one finger. Then she stroked the inside of the cage like it was her friend.

Meanwhile, the construct wrapped its twiggy limbs around the pole and headed down a level. It was a well-appointed kitchen, and it was a complete mess. It was clear that the creatures had been ransacking, if not living in this level.
The Hellbug
The prisoner's confusion at leaving and apparent fondness, or at least gratitude--the wizard has a hard time decoding exactly what she means--for the cage causes Nolwenn to look her up and down again, but her condition still leaves no room for doubt in the arcane dilettante's mind that she must be freed.  It is, however, clear that the cage is all that's been keeping those slime monsters from getting to her.    "Don't you worry,"   she reassures the prisoner pointlessly,   "we'll deal with whatever they are first."  
  "Do you all have any idea how we can communicate that it's in our power to take her away from here?"   she asks, and then,   "and do you think it's six  more  of these slimy beasts or six total?  Plus one bigger...something, it looks like."  

The second question is rhetorical, though, as Nolwenn immediately tries to ask the caged humanoid for clarification.  She makes sure she has her attention, the raises one finger while pointing at the remains of one of the monsters, then raises a second when she points to the second and the same for the third.  To finish her for thought, she points down the pole and raises fingers four, five and six.    "Or..."    She repeats the pantomime but this time counts fingers all the way up to nine.

  "Which one?"    Nolwenn flashes six fingers, then nine again, trying to make an inquisitive expression.    "And is there anything you"  --she points to the prisoner--  "need?"    The magician utilizes her illusion once again, shifting it between a delicious (to her) bowl of soup, a waterskin, a blanket, and a simple dress.  She repeats the sequence twice, going slower to give the prisoner a chance to react.

  "Could we even pass something through the bars?  Food has to get in somehow, right?"  
Pyrophilios
"Be careful, starving people tend to die if they suddenly eat too much or the wrong food. Besides, if anything could pass between the bars, I'm sure the runes would be vulnerable to manipulation.
We should exterminate the little creatures first - your see invisibility spell would be handy for that."

The Red Horns indicated towards the kitchen below, not yet risking moving down, but listening intently to discern the location of their hidden foes.

 
 Spoiler 


Perception test vs. the creatures hide check to pinpoint their location.

 (1d20+6)[ 22 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] + (1d6)[ 6 ]  - using my Reborn, Knowledge of the Past ability.
 
agignac
Red hears nothing from the floor below, and the construct sees nothing, beyond the mess of the once-kitchen.

The prisoner indicates that there were six, but now three are gone. She then watches Nolwenn's offer for food and supplies with puzzlement. She simply shakes her head in negation.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns indicated down: "No sounds from that room, they must have retreated further."

With a decisive step, he followed the construct down into the kitchen to look around.
The Hellbug
  "So three more and one of something else,"   Nolwenn confirms,   "if you're fine, we'll be back once they're dealt with.  Des, I think you should stay here for now and keep an eye open on our way out.  There's probably something interesting among...all this."  

She nods confidently towards the prisoner and follows Red down the hole into the kitchen-space.    "So,"   she begins to conjecture to her allies, looking over the mess,   "we've got monsters that may belong to the tower's master or maybe not, and something else that woman's afraid of.  Do you think it's the tower's master or some sort of invader?  They certainly don't look concerned about housekeeping.  And, of course, a tower that probably shouldn't be out in the ocean.  A magical mishap, maybe?"  

Nolwenn glances over the room then settles her gaze on the way down to the next one, taking advantage of her spell to make sure they don't get surprised by any invisible enemies.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 40/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros slides down the pole with the others,   We can talk about it later Nolwenn, after we've dealt with the remaining invisible slime spikers.   He looks around the room, his ears twitching in each direction to listen for any sign of the attackers.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
  "Hmm, fine,"   the wizard answers, keeping her eyes on the hole down to the next level,   "but I bet we'll have to think about it sooner than later."  
agignac
It's grim work, searching the kitchen. There are plenty of cupboards and cubbies where the creatures could be hiding, and everything is covered with decayed food and foul-smelling mucous. It take several minutes for the men to determine there are no nasty surprises hidden here, waiting to ambush them.

Nolwenn keeps her eye on the pole, but the room below is dark. It takes her a moment to realize that it's not naturally dark, but dark-dark. Magically dark.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns stepped next to Nolwenn:
 "Magical darkness, eh? Cantrips won't work against that.
Luckily, artifacts aren't as easily suppressed. Give me a minute, I'll provide us all with illumination." 

Picking up some string, the Red Horns began to cut five times to create five wide loops that he knotted into complicated circles - or rather circlets. At his touch each began to glow in a warm, white light.

 "Put them on your head - not much distance to their shine, but better than going in blind." 

He put one of them on the construct and one on his head, handing out the rest to the others, except one that he knotted around his Yklwa.

 "I'll send the construct ahead again." 
agignac
The construct wraps its twiggy hands around the pole and begins its descent. Red, standing at the pole looking down, is able to see dimly 5 feet down into the darkness. The room is wide enough that he can't quite see the nearest wall, and there are no other clues as to what the room might contain.

As the construct slides down, for a moment, you can see almost fifteen feet down, which should be far enough to see the floor, but isn't. Then, the construct's controlled slide down the pole becomes quicker, and its light is swallowed up in the inky darkness.

No sounds comes up from below.
The Hellbug
  "Are you sure that will..."   the wizard begins, but her doubts are silenced as the Red's construct slides down the pole.  And then disappears again.  After staring at the darkness for a second, Nolwenn reaches into her bag for the magic spyglass, explaining,   "better safe than sorry."    She extends it, brings it to her eye, and, squinting at first, aims it down the into the inky blackness of of the next room.
agignac
 
 Spoiler: Nolwenn only 

Nolwenn uses her new spyglass, and discovers that the floor below isn't there. It looks as if the entire floor has collapsed/been destroyed. The jagged edges of the floor can be seen in a few places, jutting from the stone walls of the tower. The pole, however, continues downwards.

Lowering her gaze, Nolwenn sees a nightmare. A giant worm-like monster, with rows of spike-like legs, and an wide, cone-like mouth filled with a dozen rows of teeth. Even worse, its vertically belly is split into another giant mouth, which is currently consuming Red's companion. The construct is struggling feebly, but as Nolwenn watches, it vanishes into the enormous belly-mouth.

The worm-demon has two long tentacles, looking to be at least forty feet long. One is curled up next to it, still. The tentacles is resting on what appears to be the bottom half of a humanoid corpse. The other tentacle twists around the room and reaches up to a broken window. The tentacle is jammed in, or even through, the window, preventing water from entering the room.

Three of the slime-creatures are down in the dark, two of them sitting in what appears to be a foul nest. The third is on the worm-demon's back, wriggling around in a depression that seems to be filled with slime.

Whatever else used to be in this room, or the room above it, has been thoroughly destroyed. Bits of wood and stone and rotten fabric lay in sharp-looking heaps around the edges of the room, and it's impossible to guess what they used to be.

 Worm demon in the slide deck 
 

 
 Spoiler: Red only 
 You catch something from the corner of your eye and glance up, to see the prisoner looking down the hole at you. As soon as you look up, she pulls her head back out of sight.
 
The Hellbug
It takes a couple of seconds for Nolwenn to focus the spyglass, but when she does she shudders with dread and almost fumbles the magical implement.    "It's some kind of huge worm,"   the wizard says, her gasp turning into a dry-mouthed whisper,   "well, almost like a worm.  But it definitely isn't a worm.  I bet it'd look the same as the smaller ones to my detection spell, which means I don't have any idea what it is.  Two levels down; whatever was between us is totally gone.  And it's got big long tentacles.  I bet it could reach us if it wanted.  I can't even...here, look for yourself."  

She carefully hands the true-seeing tool to anyone else who wants to take a look.    "And three more of the slimy things, just like the prisoner said.  They've already got Red's construct, but they don't look like they were paying attention to us.  There's more, too.  The tower's damaged, it's only one of the thing's tentacles plugging a hole and keeping the water from flooding in."    As she finishes, the wizard already looks like she's getting ready to cast her lightning spell with shaking hands.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was about to take the magical device to look for himself, but halted, he turned his head and looked up.

 "We have to get out of here. If the building floods, it will likely collapse. Also, it seems the prisoner is loose anyway. I just saw her peeking down on us. Be ready for a fight when we get back up." 

The Red Horns presented the yklwa while he went for the side of the pole that made him move back up.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 40/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros takes the spyglass and looks down. His eyes go wide,   Nolwenn is right, that... monster is keeping the sea from flooding in. But why? Maybe it would drown too?  

When Red mentions the creature, Ondros looks up, spyglass still to his eye, to see if he can spot the formerly caged creature,   I agree with Red, we need to leave.   
 
  
The Hellbug
The lightning she had planned to conjure is hardly more than rapidly-dissipating sparks when Red delivers his news.    "She's what?  How?"  

And an answer is already in her mind, courtesy of a distractible familiar, not a moment later.    "Probably not necessary,"   Nolwenn tells Red as she makes to follow him up the pole.  She only hesitates for a moment, thinking of the horrible creature she cannot see but knows is there in the darkness down below, before sliding on up.    "As you can see, she's back in the cage, walked right in,"   the wizard explains,   "hostile or not, she clearly doesn't want to fight, unlike the neighbors on the lower level."  
  "That said, I do want to get to the bottom of this,"   Nolwenn says resolutely and, knowing there's at least one simple thing no one has tested yet, approaches the cage and tries to grab hold of one of its bars.
agignac
The prisoner steps forward, looking alarmed, as Nolwenn reaches for the bars.

Nolwenn grabs the cage bar, and a sudden lassitude sweeps over her. If not for her mage-trained mind, she might be tempted to just stand there, staring into space, but instead she shakes it off and lets go of the very-real metal bars.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn shakes her head and blinks against the remnants of the stupor that had threatened to cloud her mind.    "It's...enchanted,"   she announces, sounding somewhat absentminded.  She steadies herself against the nearby desk before she continues, this time more surely.    "Not especially dangerously so, I don't believe, at least to anyone who's not alone.  I believe it's a spell that compels its target to placidity, like in that story with the vain jeweler and the magic mirror.  I possess one with a similar effect, but it relies on a visual trick instead of affecting the mind directly.  Not as direct but more elegant in my opinion."    She pauses.

  "I assure you that mine isn't so lethal as the one in the tale, and I suspect this one isn't either.  It would be convenient for the effect to end as soon as the victim is no longer touching the bars.  That way, a prisoner would be unharmed or a thief could be easily removed and questioned or what have you.  Speaking of which, you"  --the wizard turns and points to the woman in the cage--  "may be neither.  For you, that cage isn't a prison, but a shield, isn't it?"    She raises her eyebrow querily and brings back her pair of illusions, which create an image of the caged woman stepping in and out of her solid-looking prison unimpeded.
Pyrophilios
 "That was incredibly dangerous.
One thing I noticed: So far the prisoner hasn't actually shown any interest in leaving the cell - or given us any indication how to open it.

If you don't mind I'll now use magic to identify the mechanism and hopefully be able to device a way to unlock it - instead of you frying your brain. So please watch my back while I do the ritual."
 
 
 Spoiler 


Casting Identify as a ritual to learn what's actually going on with the cage
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 40/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros nods at Red and stands by the pole, relying on his keen senses to detect when an invisible creature may try to ambush them.

 
 Spoiler 
Standing by the pole and letting Blindsight do the rest.
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
  " She  walked through it without harm,"   Nolwenn explains,   "it could have just been a powerful illusion.  And who would build a cage that could potentially kill your prisoner?  That's against the whole point."    For all her arguments, though, she knows Red is right, and, even if her gamble was one she was confident in, it was selfish to do so without consulting the others.

  "Okay, sorry, I thought we were more rushed than we were,"   the wizard apologizes.  She taps her finger on her lip.    "Why try to get it open at all, though?  All we wanted was to get her out, and she can do that on her own.  If she  wants  to stay, that's just a case of her knowing something we don't or not trusting us or just being wrong."    She focuses her attention on trying to communicate with the caged woman once again.
agignac
Red worked on his ritual while Ondros kept "watch". Nolwenn used her images to try to communicate. The prisoner nodded her head, gesturing to the cage and to the hole where the enemies came from. She tried to mime the worm with its stomach-maw opening, and her going inside.

Red's spell shows that the cage is meant to be impenetrable, especially to spirts, ghosts, and other ethereal creatures. The cage bars are magically reinforced to be nigh-unbreakable, and there are a few spells meant to incapacitate any physical creature who touches it. He also discovers a summoning circle on the floor of the cage, unnoticed because of the dirt inside. Nothing should be able to get in or out of it.

And then Ondros's blindsense triggers. Something invisible is coming up the pole.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 40/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros shifts his footing and grip on his maul, ready to attack,   Something's coming up the pole,   he warns the others.

 
 Spoiler 
Back up 5ft from the pole, so it is still within Ondros' Blindsight. If possible, ready an action to attack once something is within 5ft.
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns was commenting on what he found out when Ondros' warning came.

 "...it seems impossible that she could move about. It's more likely that she has a twin around or can teleport" .

As the loxodon got ready, TRH called out:  "Quick, drop something on them." 
The Hellbug
With Nolwenn's silent image having faded recently, she's putting together a strategy on how to continue her conversation with the caged woman--if she can only convince her that she and her companions can safely remove her from the tower, there's no need to worry about the worm, concerning which Nowlenn shares the prisoner's apprehension--when Ondros warns of more visitors from below.  It's a little bit of unfortunate timing, since Red seems to be on to something that she can help with, but the wizard immediately jumps into action, preparing to warn her allies the moment any invisible creature emerges from the hole and readying a spell in case it's hostile.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
  Taking up a position between the hole and the cage and readying an action to cast Firebolt on anything that attacks Ondros.

Attack  (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
damage:  (2d10)[ 16 ] 
 
agignac
Ondros's blindsight informed him that something was coming up the pole very quickly, something the same shape and size as the creatures they'd already fought. He struck with his maul just as the creature came through the hole. Everybody heard a satisfying "thunk", and Nolwenn saw a mucous creature get knocked off the pole. She released a bolt of fire at it, and the sickening smell of sizzling snot filled her nostrils.

Two more of the same snotty guys came up the pole in rapid succession - one jumping towards Nolwenn, and one staying holding the pole and lashing out at her as well. The two seemed to coordinate attacks, and Nolwenn suddenly found herself futilely fending off teeth and claws. Too many found purchase, and suddenly she was bleeding from her arms and thigh.

The one damaged by maul and spell leapt at Ondros, and took another bite out of the loxodon. At least now all three were visible. Ondros, distracted as he was, knew at least one more something was coming up the pole.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns threw his weapon at the ones holding Nolwenn, trying to free the mage.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 22 ]  if one dies, target ing the next.
 (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "Ahh!"  

The two slimy monsters are far too much for Nolwenn to adequately defend herself against.  Everything's still working after their bites and slashes, but it hurts, it hurts a lot, and that's a lot of blood.  The wizard mind strays momentarily towards the question of how much blood will be a problem, it was certainly something she learned when she fancied herself a chirurgeon for a a year or so, but, no, she needs to focus.  Her first instinct is to flee, but there's the cage behind her, and touching that could quite easily be fatal.  And so Nolwenn musters her focus into the spell she had prepared to cast at these creatures'...leader?  sire? just minutes ago.  With a cry, she hurls a bolt of lightning at her pair of attackers.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casting lightning bolt for  (8d6)[ 1 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 5 ](27)  lightning damage.  DC 16 Dex save for half.  This round, Nolwenn will be using Shield as a reaction if anything's going to hit her.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 40/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 

Ondros grunts as the creatures leaps onto him, and his eyes go wide as the two others materialize alongside it. He pushes it off him and clasps his maul in both hands, trying to brain it.   Nolwenn,   he cries out,   get back, something else is coming up the hole!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Action   - Attack Injured Spiker
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 9 ] 
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 8 ] 
  Bonus Action   - If Ondros kills the creature, GWM attack triggers, targeting the next injured creature or the one next to Nolwenn if neither are injured.
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
 
 
 
  
agignac
The yklwa strikes one of Nolwenn's opponents in the midriff, leaving a gory wound when it vanished. Unfortunately, Red's second throw goes wide.

Nolwenn follows up with a blast of lightning that leaves everybody's eyes watering for a moment. Her opponent dodged sideways at the last minute, and was only winged by the electricity. The blast knocked some stone chips out of the tower wall, but did little structural damage.

Ondros finishes the one that had attacked him, and as usual, it explodes into a mess of slime and spikes.  Dex save DC 14 for Ondros or be blinded. It is now slippery underfoot, and you'll need another dex save at the start of your turn, DC 14, or fall prone.  

Draelin looses two arrows at the lightning-damaged creature, one of which strikes true. The creature wobbles and explodes, sending a shower of mucous and spikes over the wizard.  I rolled Nolwenn's save because I needed to know the outcome. She failed, and is blinded until she takes an action to clear her eyes.  

Nolwenn, covered in goo and preparing to shield herself from another attack, suddenly feels a cool hand on her upper arm. On the exposed flesh of her upper arm. Before she can really register the implications of that, she is pulled suddenly backwards. Unprepared for the movement, and with slippery mucous underfoot, she is unable to resist as she is pulled several steps straight back. There is a momentary feeling of coldness through the center of her body, and then lands on her rear. She can feel the coolness of the metal floor on her naked rear.

The others see a naked Nolwenn inside the cage with the prisoner. Her clothes and belongings are on the floor just outside the cage bars. Desdemona yowls in fury and runs at the bars, only to cry again in pain as she rebounds off of them.

The remaining creature turns its attacks on Ondros. It bites him in the ear, tearing off a chunk, but the tail clunks against armour.

Another invisible creatures comes up the pole. Ondros barely has time to shout a warning, and then Draelin feels powerful hands with sharp claws grabbing and rending at his arms and side. His attacker suddenly appears before him, revealing a familiar sight. It's Red's construct! But changed - it's bigger, the twigs covered in thorns and spikes, and dripping with foul-smelling mucous. The construct-demon attacks the elf with fury, grappling, biting and tearing at him.
 
Everybody up. 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had barely enough time to register what was going on.
In the split second he had, he decided Nolwenn was currently least likely to die.

He threw his yklwa again - this time to help Ondros.

Hoping against hope his transformed construct would still obey a direct command, he ordered it to shut down, using the original Abbysal command code:   "TZ'Cthu NGrt cathu"  
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 21 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 20 ] 

Bonus action command construct to "end your existence".
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 26/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Frost Rune (+2 to Str/Con checks/saves) 
   Gah,    Ondros complains as his eyes are covered in sticky goo when the creature explodes under his maul. Still, with his superior hearing and sense of smell, he can continue the fight against the remaining two enemies.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Action   - Attack Remaining Spiker
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 10 ] 
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 16 ] 
  Bonus Action   - If Ondros kills the creature, GWM attack triggers, targeting Red's construct.
 Attack  -  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
 Damage  -  (2d6+5)[ 10 ] 
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
This time blinded by the monster's death explosion, Nolwenn shrieks in shock and, no longer able to predict where the next set of claws will come from, flails wildly, her defensive spell momentarily forgotten as she scrambles to clear her vision.  It's something she should have seen coming, and now she realizes that her only hope is in the intervention of one of her allies, but her flustered mind refuses to consider that a likelihood.  Pain is what she expects, and dread at the image of powerful jaws chomping down on her neck or cruelly sharp claws slicing straight through her invisible shield fill the wizard's mind.  What she gets is far stranger.

A chilly hand, being pulled off balance and dragged backwards, the cold of metal on bare skin.  Nolwenn hurries to wipe the disgusting slime from her eyes, and, as soon as she can see, finds herself on the inside of the very same cage she had been attempting to breach just minutes before.  But it's just her--no pack, no spellbook, no arcane focus, not even any clothes--her and the caged woman, that is.  The wizard has, from the outside, seen her as a prisoner, a curiosity, and a potential ally, but now, wounded and separated from her allies and most of her magic, she begins to see the erstwhile-supposed prisoner as something else: a danger in her own right.

Desdemona's yowl spurs Nolwenn into action, and she calls on her fey blood, attempting to teleport herself back outside the cage, a spell that has served her well in dangerous situations in the past.  She disappears in a cloud of mist, but something goes wrong, and a split second later the wizard reappears, disoriented, exactly where she had vanished from.  When she realizes nothing has changed, Nolwenn finally feels totally helpless, naked as she factually is, and she panics.

  "H-help!  Help!"  

Her call for aid from her allies isn't even a scream but more of an anxious gasp as she scoots as far away from her cellmate as the bars allow.    "P-please,"   she pleads, tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes as she holds out her hands to fend away the caged woman,   "don't hurt me.  I don't know what you want, but I don't want to die!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action to clear the goop.  Bonus action to fail at escaping the cage.  Move to cower.
 
agignac
What had once been Red's construct is no longer tied to the artificer, and his command does nothing. The construct continues to attack Draelin, tearing elven flesh and spilling elven blood. Draelin fights best as best he can, but he struggles to draw his melee weapon, and his hands are slippery with blood.

Red and Ondro destroy the final mucous monster, and Ondros finds himself covered in more goop. The floor around him is thick with slippery slime, and he struggles to keep his footing.  No need for another save-vs-blindness as you're already blind. Dex save at start of round to stay on your feet, and again if you move. Both at disadvantage .

The prisoner, having pulled Nolwenn through the bars of the cage somehow, looked utterly baffled as Nolwenn pleads for her life. The emaciated woman, as naked as Nolwenn, back up against the other end of the cage, her hands raised placatingly. She speaks beautiful words in a low voice, as if trying to calm a spooked animal.

Outside the cage, Desdemona spits and hisses at the prisoner's general direction.
The Hellbug
Heart still pounding, Nolwenn vigilantly watches her captor retreat and...attempt to calm her?  A realization dawns upon the wizard that was impossible in the immediate shock of her abduction.  If the woman wanted to harm her, and Nolwenn suspects she could if she can do something like pulling her through those bars, she absolutely has her at her mercy already.    "You don't want to hurt me,"   she whispers, lowering her arms and relaxing the barest bit,   "you were trying to protect me, weren't you?  Wait! The others!"  

Nolwenn, with one nervous glance back at the prisoner, turns around and takes in the battle that's still going on outside.  With only one foe left, it looks like things are in hand, although Draelin looks outmatched and...is that Red's construct under all that?

  "I'm okay!"   the wizard reassures the combatants,   "or, at least, I'm safe.  I don't think they can get in here.  Help Draelin!"  

Finally, there's her familiar.  Nolwenn sniffs and wipes her nose on her arm.    "Shhh, shhh, Des,"   she coos to the fey cat,   "it's fine.  It was scary, but I think she's a friend.  Keep yourself safe."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn has no relevant actions to take.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 26/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Blinded 

Ondros struggles to keep his footing, slipping repeatedly on the greasy viscera of the exploded spiky creatures they've killed. He stands back up to his feet, let's the maul fall from his grasp, and draws the longbow. He can sense exactly where the creature is, and it's moving fast, attacking someone, but Ondros is not sure who. He nocks an arrow and lets loose.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Action   - Longbow Attack vs Construct
 Attack  -  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
 Attack  -  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Second Wind -  (1d10+6)[ 11 ] 
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns cursed. Someone had suborned his creation. This called for swift retribution. But first he had to destroy what had been stolen from him.
He threw his weapon in quick succession, trying to take it out for good.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  damage if all hit  (1d8+16)[ 23 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  damage if all hit  (1d8+16)[ 20 ] 
 
agignac
The Red Horns had created the construct with magic, but somehow the worm-demon below had perverted his creation. What had once defended them was now attacking, and Draelin was foundering under its ferocious onslaught. He fought back as best he could, though a rapier was not a great weapon versus the twiggy creature. But finally, arrows and yklwa were able to bring the construct down.

Nobody was prepared for the strength of the explosion. The snot monsters had blown apart, but the radius of damage had been minor. Perhaps due to the alchemy which had created it, or perhaps due to the magic which had subverted it, the construct's death caused an explosion that filled the room. The sticks that had made it became sharp shrapnel, blasting outwards. Only Nolwenn and the prisoner were safe, as the magic that created the cell prevented physical objects from entering.

  (8 damage, or Dex save DC 12 for half. That includes Des) 

Then it was over, and Draelin was lying motionless in a pool of blood and spikes.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns picked himself up from the ground, pulling small pieces of twig from his armor.

 "Oh no. Draelin!"  He rushed to the unmoving form his fellow explorer, searching for signs of life.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn winces and throws her hands up to shield herself from the explosion, but the shrapnel is entirely repelled by the magical cage, leaving her entirely unharmed.  Desdemona isn't so lucky.  The cat yowls in pain as she's caught by the blast and tossed under the counter.

  "Des!"   Nolwenn shouts, feeling her familiar's injury as merely a vague discomfort, but it's a strange feeling all the same.  Luckily, the wizard is able to breathe a sigh of relief when the cat raises her head and gets to her feet, limping but looking to be in no immediate danger.  The same cannot be said for Nolwenn's elven companion.

  "No, Draelin, no no no,"   the wizard babbles when sees Red approach his prone form, again avoiding grabbing the magically-protected bars at the last minute.    "Red, Red, tell me he's okay.  Wait, there's a..."     She suddenly tries to reach as far as she dares between the bars towards her bag, but can't get far without risking touching the bars.  With a huff, Nolwenn gives up on trying to reach it herself and continues, her volume increasing with her anxiety.

  "There's a healing potion in my bag, right there,"   she sputters, and the tears are returning,   "Red, Ondros, anyone, it's right there!"  
agignac
The prisoner crawled cautiously to Nolwenn. Catching the wizard's attention, she gestures to the other side of the bars, then mimes pushing Nolwenn through. Her offer is clear.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros can hear all the commotion but can only perceive what is happening out to a short range. The explosion takes him completely by surprise. He shouts in alarm and pain as tiny sharp objects pierce him. He hears the others shouting, something is wrong with Draelin. The loxodon clears the gunk from his eyes and the lab is a wreck. Nolwenn is in the cage with the prisoner, nude, and Red is huddled over Draelin, who is lying in a pool of blood. Ondros' eyes go wide, and then he rushes to Nolwenn's bag under her direction to retrieve the potion. He moves to Red's side as quickly as he can muster with the slick goo all over the floor, and hands the potion to Red,   Here Red, the healing potion!   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "Third pocket on the back.  Yes, that's the one!  Go!  Go!"  

Nolwenn's attention being occupied with guiding Ondros to the potentially life-saving potion in her pack and it's administration, it would take her cell-mate nothing short of grabbing her by the shoulder to turn her focus elsewhere.  The wizard stands up to get a better view, and hope flutters in her chest as the tiefling pours the potion into Draelin's mouth.

   Come on, come on.  If he's using the potion then he must still be alive...  
Pyrophilios
Without question or hesitation, The Red Horns funneled the potion into Draelin's mouth, careful not to fill his lungs.
 "Come on, you've survived worse. We have to get out of here. The thing below corrupts existing creatures and it has access to the whole ocean..." 
agignac
Draelin coughs and sputters as the magical healing begins to take affect. It's enough to keep him alive, but he's still seriously wounded. He staggers to his feet, wiping blood from his eyes.  "I liked your construct better this morning." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Nolwenn, can you get out of there or do you need me to smash that open? Draelin, I can carry you out back to the ship.   He looks to them all,   We're getting out of here right?   
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "I certainly am - I have to prepare to face this thing."  The Red Horns replied.
The Hellbug
Draelin slowly gets to his feet, and relief washes over Nolwenn like a wave, his gallows humor doing wonders for the situation.  Not knowing which god to thank, she silently thanks them all.  Everyone knew that the expedition into Chult would be dangerous, and the jungle has claimed a handful of her fellow explorers already, but Draelin is different.  Even though their time together has been relatively brief, it has been rife with risk and triumph, and already considers both he and Red among her closest confidantes.  Especially after she herself had insisted on investigating this strange tower, Nolwenn doesn't know what she would do if he perished.

Ondros's question shakes her from her thoughts.  Firstly, she finally notices the cell's inhabitant at her side.  Secondly, with the adrenaline fading, the wizard's mind also turns to her own nakedness.  She flushes slightly with embarrassment, but resists the urge to do anything else, judging that confidence and blind dignity will have to be her allies.    "I think so, or she can, at least.  And a good thing, too.  I don't even think you'd be able to budge it.  The enchantments protecting it are quite potent,"    she answers, then turns to the cell-woman,   "except to you.  I think we should go, too, but give me just a moment."  

Nolwenn nods to the prisoner but holds a single finger up and makes a stern expression to signify her wish for just a little more time.  Then she points at herself.    "Nolwenn,"   she says and bows,   "thank you for helping me."    Next, the wizard very slowly and deliberately, so as not to appear aggressive, raises her hands and casts a spell, the same one she has used to detect magical beings in the past.  Next, remembering the woman's cold hands when abducted her, Nolwenn squats down beside her cellmate and slowly puts her hand on her shoulder.

Edit addition:

Nodding with a 'hmm' at her discoveries, the wizard finally returns the the woman's gestures of pushing through the bars, but again she holds up a finger for a pause.  Her words are slow, clear, and soothing.    "We are leaving to rest,"   she points around her whole group and then up and out the tower,   "but will return to kill that thing."    She accompanies this with a copy of the woman's sign from earlier, pointing down and then holding her hands way out, followed by drawing her finger across her throat.

  "You,"   she points emphatically at the prisoner and then up and out again,   "can come with us."    A repeat of the pointing towards her group.    "It will be safe; come with us."    She waves a beckoning hand, then holds it out, offering to take the emaciated woman's in her own.
agignac
The prisoner submitted to Nolwenn's inquiries, looking exhausted. She clearly wasn't used to this much excitement. When it was time to leave the cage, she nodded her ascent. Scooting forward on her bum, she held her hand out to Nolwenn. The wizard took it, and this time, was able to see and feel what was happening.

To everybody else, the prisoner and Nolwenn suddenly looked less real, less there. To Nolwenn, it looked like the world around her suddenly became thin, permeable. The prisoner looked solid, as did Draelin and Ondros. Their clothes and possessions, however, had that thin, not-quite-there property. The Red Horns was downright uncomfortable to look at - he became a blurred, shifting being that seemed neither here, nor not-here. It was unsettling, almost nauseating to look at.

The prisoner scooted forward, moving through the bars as if they weren't there. Nolwenn followed. The sensation was...curious. She could feel a coolness where the bars were, but it was faint. Other than that, it looked like moving through an illusion. As if the whole tower were an illusion, and she and the others were the only solid things in it.

Then she was through. The prisoner let go of her hand, and the world regained its solidity. The prisoner, still in a sitting position, folded over onto the floor, clearly exhausted.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns moved towards the pole:  "Let's move upwards. Ondros, can you carry the ex-prisoner? I'll make sure upstairs is still safe." 

With that, he used to pole to glide upwards.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, upon exiting the cage, wastes no time in dressing herself (reaching for her mirror pendant first) except to greet a limping but suddenly very needy Desdemona and make sure the collapsed prisoner is okay.  Red and Ondros, though on separate occasions, are both absolutely correct: there will be time for discussing the situation and planning once they're all safely back on the  Brazen Pegasus. 

 Once she's done, the wizard tosses her own cloak over the emaciated woman's shoulders and steps aside for Ondros, hoping he has no issue with carrying her out.    "Yes, out we go,"    she agrees with Red, though she ends up calling him back down when pain shoots through her leg as she beings to try to help Draelin.  Sure enough, one of the slime monster's spines is lodged in her wound.

  "Red, can you come back down and help Draelin!"   she shouts up the tower,   "he's a little much for me at the moment!"  

On the way out, Nolwenn lags behind twice: once to find an unbroken vial in the lab to fill with a slime sample from one of the monsters, and another time to check the wardrobe in the bedroom for anything the prisoner might be able to use.  The wizard's own clothing should suffice, but, this being an expedition into lands unknown, she's only brought the bare minimum and hopes to keep what she has.  She does spend a moment staring at one of the portraits but soon follows her companions out into the blinding equatorial sun and safety.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Go, go!   Ondros says to Nolwenn,   I will take them both.   The loxodon throws Draelin over one shoulder, and the former prisoner, now draped in Nolwenn's cloak, over the other. He moves to the pole and grasps it with his trunk, moving up through the tower.

 
 Spoiler 
Loxodons count as a size larger for carrying capacity, so Ondros can carry 600lbs before being encumbered.
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took a quick look around in the upper floors.

A lot less hesitant, he now confiscated anything that looked like it could help uncover what was going on here, before moving up to the top floor once more.
agignac
The Red Horns, unaware of Nolwenn calling him from below, looked through the library. The books were all written in an unfamiliar language, and he didn't find anything that looked helpful.

Ondros arrived first, with two passengers. Draelin struggled down, insisting he could make it out on his own. The prisoner wrapped her arms around Ondros's neck, trying to make it easier for him to carry her.

Nolwenn and Des came up last, then everybody slid upwards to the bedroom.

Nolwenn raided the wardrobe first. The clothes were all of excellent quality, though she couldn't immediately identify the fabric. Most of the clothes were wide-legged pants and long kaftans, all in geometric designs. They were too big for the prisoner, but Nolwenn is able to cinch them up enough that they won't fall off. The woman runs her fingers over the fabric, a look of wonderment on her face.

In the trunk, Red finds a small chest with a supply of gold coins in an unfamiliar design. They are triangular with a hole punched through the middle. (There are 237 coins, but they are a bit larger than the ones you're used to). He also finds a wand, a few hand-written journals, and dagger. The weapon is heavily encrusted with gold and blue gems, and has a narrow, but sharp looking blade. There is also a small brazier also encrusted with blue gems, and a thumb-sized black crystal.

 
 Spoiler: dagger 
 
You may recognize the image, but I just stole it, it's not the same weapon.
 


Finally, you slide up the pole to the top room. Bright sunlight spills in through the open door. Krieger jumps when you slide up - he was looking at the telescope, fiddling with the knobs.  "Oh! I didn't hear you coming up! Anything interesting down there? We were getting worried. You should come out and see the weird jellyfish out here. Who is she?"  he asks, finally noticing Ondros's passenger.

Out on the railing, Barb and Starr were sitting on the edge, dangling their legs, throwing crumbled off bits of tower wall at the jellyfish. There are two of them, enormous white jellies, with thick tentacles  dangling down out of sight. The bits of masonry bounce right off their thick bodies.

Suddenly, in Ondros's arms, the prisoner begins to panic. She is staring out at the ocean, eyes wide with terror, and crying out words that you don't understand in her melodious language.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is relieved to be getting out the tower...and surprised to see that some of the  Brazen Pegasus's  crew has disembarked into it.    "We found her in a cell down below,"   Nolwenn answers the kobold, for now not feeling the need to go into her strange abilities or nature,   "but we all need to get back to the ship.  We can say more later, but there's something very dangerous down..."  

The wizard is interrupted, though, by the formerly-caged woman's screams of terror.  Nolwenn is at her and Ondros's side in an instant.    "It's okay, it's okay,"   she coos, almost songlike. She does her best to replicate the woman's gesture and tone from when she, herself, was the one panicking,   "it's the ocean.  We'll be totally safe on the boat.  No way for that thing in the depths to get to us..."  

While trying to see exactly what the former prisoner is looking at, Nolwenn's eyes are drawn to the jellyfish, and the wizard's attempts at consoling the shrieking woman trail off.  There's something odd about the creatures.  It's not their size, not their color, no...and it shouldn't be unheard of for them to be just drifting like this...and that's it.

  "Hey, shouldn't those things be drifting  with  the waves?"   she suggests dubiously,   "they don't exactly swim, do they?"  
Pyrophilios
Not knowing the significance of the materials and without time for deeper study, The Red Horns shoved all that gear into his bag of holding - including the money and the dagger. A comprehend languages and identification ritual on board of the ship would be in order later.

When they reached the top he gave the waiting crew a tearse warning:  "We have to get away from here right now. A very large, very tentacly monster sits in the base of the tower with the power to corrupt creatures into its servants. There is no reason to assume, that those weird jelly fish aren't its servants as well.

I'll fly the woman down to the ship, while you climb down. Cry if anyone needs help. I'll come back to assist." 
agignac
The halfling twins stared at the tiefling in surprise.  "Really? A tentacly monster is inside with jellyfish servants?"  Barb throws another bit of stone at one of the jellies.  "Well, it's not like they can hurt us if we don't go in the water. As evil minions go, they're not very good." 

The prisoner had stopped crying out in fear, responding to Nolwenn's soothing, but she was still clearly badly upset by the sight of the ocean. However, her fear intensified when Red came to fly her over to the boat. She absolutely refused to allow the tiefling to touch her. She clung to Ondros tightly, shrinking away from The Red Horns' outstretched arms. She repeated the same sound she'd made when saw the ocean, which seemed to be her word for "No."

Draelin, on the other hand, happily accepts a ride with Red. Starr looks at the elf and says,  "Wow, you guys really had a big fight, eh? Also, you all really stink." 
The Hellbug
  "Okay, if you don't want Red, it won't be him,"   Nolwenn reassures the deeply agitated woman,   "Ondros, you going to be okay on the plank with her?"    The wizard turns to her tiefling ally and reassures him as well.    "It's nothing personal, I don't think.  I may have perceived you the way she does while she was pulling me through the bars.  It's...messy."  

Hurt and tired as she is, though, Nolwenn is anxious to get everyone off of the tower and back to the ship and (hopefully) safety.    "It had more than that inside the tower.  I think they may have been formerly related to our new friend, here,"   Nolwenn replies crisply to the pair of halflings,   "but we don't know exactly what it's capable of so, please, back to the ship and we'll explain there.  And careful.  I'm with Red.  Those jellyfish could be trouble."  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  There, there,   Ondros says, in as gentle a manner as he can. It's not a soft voice in which he speaks, but more of a caring confidence,   We'll be on the boat in a moment. Just cover your eyes.   He lifts the woman a little more and holds her closer to his body, then his large ear flaps fold to cover her face from seeing the outside. He moves swiftly across the plank and moves toward the stairs that go below deck,   Where can I take her to stay? She doesn't want to see the water,   he says to the Captain.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns immediately went about identifying the loot for any signs of magic and what that magic did.

He appreciated the captain taking the ship away from the tower - it certainly was much more dangerous than it appeared.

 
 Spoiler 

Detect Magic and Identify as rituals on the looted objects.
 
agignac
The ship sails rapidly away from the tower and its resident jellyfish, heading south again. Captain Ortimay Swift and Dark asks for a full account of what happened within the tower.

The prisoner refuses to be left below, and clings to Ondros. She is happier on the deck, finally releasing him, and basks in the warm sunshine, although she stays low and refuses to look over the sides of the ship.

Desdemona climbs the mast to the crows nest, curls up, and begins to thoroughly clean herself.

Draelin collapses into a hammock, only to have his rest interrupted by a bucket of ocean water being dumped on him.  "You all stink. Really bad. What is that slime on you?"  The halfling twins haul up bucket after bucket, insisting that you wash the slime from yourselves.

Red spends forty minutes detecting the magical items and identifying them. The knife and brazier are meant to be used together to enhance summoning spells. The crystal is protection against eavesdropping and scrying.

Nolwenn poked at the spot in her arm where she knew a spine had gone in. There was no sign of it now, and it hurt like hell. After asking around, she found that Cyril, the dragonborn, was considered the sawbones of the crew, and was willing to go in after the spine.

She sat Nolwenn at a table, and sterilized her arm with a copious amount of rum. She carefully cleaned her sharpest filleting knife, and then sliced carefully to widen the wound. With a pair of tweezers, she dug around for the spine, but couldn't get a hold of it. Cursing, she found a pair of pliers, cleaned them, and asked Nolwenn,  "Want me to try again?" 

Nolwenn gritted her teeth and nodded. Cyril, black tongue poking out between sharp teeth, narrowed her eyes and attacked the spine. This time she was able to pull it out, though a fair amount of flesh and a fresh flow of blood accompanied it. Examining the spine, she exclaimed,  "Look at the secondary spines on this! Are they...are they growing? Deity! It's a good thing we got this out when we did...who knows what would have happened if it had stayed inside you."  She puts the spine in a bowl, where it quivers and wiggles of its own accord.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had heard Nolwenn's suppressed cries and came to investigate. Seeing the wriggling spike, it didn't take him long to put 2 and 2 together.

 "Ondros, didn't you get hit too with those things? Let me get my herbalism kit, before we dig through your hide. This doesn't have to be a butcher's job." 

Rummaging through his bag of holding, The Red Horns produced a kit with various pots, sharp knives and powders.

 "Let's see what we can find." 
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+3)[ 21 ] + (1d4)[ 1 ]  Guidance for the exploratory part of the medicine check

 (1d4)[ 1 ]  Guidance for the removal +  (1d6)[ 6 ]  Knowledge from a past life. Herbalism toolkit proficiency to gain advantage on the medicine check

 (1d20)[ 7 ] / (1d20)[ 9 ] +3= Total 19
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  Hmm?   Ondros replies to Red,   Did I?   He looks around,   Oh, it seems I did. Those are nasty buggers.   He waits as Red inspects the area and then pulls the thing out. He lingers around the strange woman, seemingly confused if he should leave her or watch over her. To the captain he says,   I'd as soon leave a sign there warning others to stay away and never return to that tower.   
 
  
The Hellbug
 "Wow, you guys really had a big fight, eh? Also, you all really stink." 

Nolwenn lets the halfling's observation sit in the air for a whole couple seconds before she turns to her and delivers straight-faced:   "You know what?  We didn't notice."  

_____

Nolwenn had sought out Cyril as soon as she had cleaned herself up, leaving the previously goop-covered garments hanging on the rail, unsure if she can afford to throw them out or not.  The dragonborn finds the source of the wizard's pain easily enough, but extracting the foreign object proves to be more difficult than predicted.  She grits her teeth to avoid screaming the second time the ship's surgeon goes in for the spine, and her vision is starting to go dark when she hears a laugh of triumph, followed by the sweet relief of the spike being removed.

Still breathing heavily, she lays her head back and closes her eyes, thinking about how she's going to need to clean up again, but the revelation of what exactly has been removed can't wait.  Nolwenn looks on in horror at the wriggling spine.    "The others!  We need to..."   but Red is already on it as the wizard rouses herself.

_____

Nolwenn catches up with Red as he's removing the spine from Ondros.    "You didn't notice?"   she remarks, stunned by the loxodon's endurance.  Hers had hurt like a new hell was growing in her arm!    "Alright, we're going to need to check everyone who was injured,"   she announces,   "just"  --a moment of dizziness reminds her of the severity of her own injuries--  "give me a moment."    
  And that means you too, Des!  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had used a simple prestidigitation to clean himself and Ondros, before he went to work. Now he looked to Draelin:

 "Oh, right, Draelin, you caught a few as well, didn't you?" 

On the way over to him he made a detour to Nolwenn and touched her lightly, letting flow healing energies to keep the wizard going.

 "Right, let's see what we have here. Don't move, this could hurt a little." 
 
 Spoiler 


Cure Wounds on Nolwenn  (1d8+5)[ 9 ] 

Medicine - Exploration on Draelin  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] / (1d20+3)[ 17 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 

Medicine extraction  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] / (1d20+3)[ 17 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] + (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 21/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros nods in thanks to Red as he cleans off the slime and stench from Ondros. He looms over Red as the man works to get the spines out of Draelin. He winces,   How are you feeling Draelin?    
 
  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is stuck between not wanting to tear her eyes away from Red's work for a second and pacing anxiously.  A few times, she editorializes on the undead tiefling's work to varying degrees of helpfulness, from a   "Wait!  A little to the left!"   here to a   "Oooh, stop pulling, it needs a deeper cut"   there.  When he finishes, she waits for Draelin's answer to the loxodon's question before allowing herself to breathe a sigh of relief.
agignac
Draelin looked up at the loxodon and said,   "I feel like I almost died. And like I'm not far from it again."  

Eku, who had been trying to communicate in vain to the ex-prisoner, came over to Draelin. She laid her hands on his chest, closed her eyes, and began to chant softly. The many wounds caused by the fight and the surgeries began to close, until the elf's skin was smooth and undamaged. He still looked very pale.

Grabbing Eku's hand, he squeezed it and thanked her. He then lay in his hammock to rest.

Azaka wrinkled her nose in revulsion of the twitching spines. Slapping her closed fist on her chest, she declared,  "I will go with you to fight this monster. Will we fight today, or tomorrow?" 
The Hellbug
After Red's healing magic, Nolwenn would firmly consider herself sore and tired but able to continue on, a condition she discovers after tenderly peeking under her bandages and testing her movement with a few stretches.  Azaka's insistence on joining in the slaying of the demon worm takes the wizard by surprise but, given the fact that she at least has the look of a warrior, is appreciated, especially given Draelin's condition.

  "Ideally today if you ask me,"   she opines,   "I don't want to give it a chance to create more minions.  The only time I need is enough to skim through the journals we found and a quick rest to catch my breath and refocus my magic.  Speaking of which, those are my highest priority right now, so if you all will excuse me..."  

Nolwenn finds a quiet place to cast her spell of language understanding and takes a quick skim through the recovered journals.  Desdemona joins her and they both snack as she reads, paying extra attention to who the journals and tower belonged to, who and what the caged woman could be, and how there came to be a horrible demon worm at the tower's base.  While doing so, she half bends an ear towards Eku's attempts to communicate with the woman from the tower and resolves to use the same spell to do so when she gets a chance.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ritual Comprehend Languages.
 
Pyrophilios
 "Not so fast. I need to prepare and create a lantern to reveal the invisible creatures. It's magic light should also help to pierce the unnatural darkness. And finally, I need to rebuild my construct after it's total destruction. Tomorrow morning when the sun is up, we should be ready for another try." 
The Red Horns once again disagreed with Nolwenn.
agignac
Nolwenn studied the journals. Even with her spell, comprehending the language was a difficult and headache inducing task. The letters seemed to swim on the paper, reluctant to be read. It took many hours, and repeated castings of her ritual, to even skim them.

The journals told a story of a powerful magic user (though they didn't reveal his name). He was married and had several children, and outlived them all. He speaks at length of the lives of his family, of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and their accomplishments. He also speaks of the nearby villages, the mountains, and the beautiful view.

The journals also speak of his growing obsession with summoning, mastering, and controlling other entities. The prisoner he refers to as a "Hellym", though he never refers to her by a name. She was one of the many creatures that he captured with his summoning magics. Apparently he captured two of them, the prisoner, and a second, younger Hellym - he conjectured it was a sibling or an offspring. He used the younger one as a hostage to keep the older one cooperative.

He didn't know where he summoned her from, and didn't seem to care, only how she could help him. With experimentation, he determined she could phase through any non-living material except water and fire, both of which she was afraid of and could be used to control her. She could take a living creature/plant with her when she phased, but any non-living matter (clothes, weapons, money etc) would be left behind. This made her rather useless as a burglar, other than as a method of getting into locked places and unlocking them.

Many of the creatures he summoned were very dangerous. There were some big fights and near deaths. Finally he figured out making the impenetrable cage to summon them within. Then the Hellym could get him out once the new prisoner arrived, and he could study it more safely. The Hellym could also move them in and out of the cage as required. Many died soon after arrival. Those that survived, he used if he could. If not, he studied, vivisected them, and killed them.

The worm was the most recent summons. It had turned out to be too large for the cage, and something went wrong with the spell. It ended up appearing on an old summoning circle downstairs. Banishing it didn't work. The last few pages outline how the wizard was going to try to banish it using the summoning circle that it was already on, in conjunction with a larger magic circle he had constructed around the tower (with some mourning for the necessary destruction of his garden). The combination was meant to banish the worm either to another plane, or perhaps even a parallel dimension.

The final entry said that the wizard was prepared to attempt his ritual, and was going down to the bathing room (the floor above the worm) to cast it.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns went to work. Taking apart a ship lantern, he etched runes into the glass and assembled it again. Now it shone with a bright, greenish tinged light. That done, he began to reassemble his construct, using silver wire and whatever small sticks of wood he could find on board. Once his helper was completed, he went to find Nolwenn, to get an update on the journal contents.

 
 Spoiler 

Removing the infusion from my armor to create the lantern.
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn sends the halfling twins to fetch her allies when she's finishing off her skim of the notebooks.  They find the wizard in the shade of strung-up canvas using an assortment of crates and barrels to make a workplace of sorts, where she's spent the whole afternoon.  The wizard slides a sheet of parchment across one of these crates to her two companions.  Though it contains every interesting fact she pulled from the notebooks, she presents her conclusions herself.

  "Here's what I learned so far,"   Nolwenn begins,   "this tower belonged to a somewhat vile old wizard.  I don't know what his exact aim was, but he was in the business of summoning extraplanar entities so that he could experiment on them, usually lethally.  He apparently, though, made exception to those that could be useful to him.  That's where our prisoner comes in.  He calls her a hellym--"   she taps the word on her microtranslation for emphasis   "--I don't know what that is, but he used her ability to travel through solid objects to make his experiments safer, and he assured her cooperation by holding another of her kind, kin, he assumed, hostage.  Truly horrid."    The runaway arcane dilettante has already begun mulling over some ideas about that whole situation, but she wants to get to the most pressing matter first, not to mention needing a chance to speak to the hellym now that she's more prepared.

  "The worm is the result of his final summoning,"   she continues,   "I believe that in an attempt to banish the creature, he transported his whole tower here, lethally for him.  Unfortunately, his method for summoning was quite haphazard; he doesn't seem to have cared  whence  he pulled his subjects, only that he summoned them, so I can't begin to guess where that creature is from or any weakness it may have.  I plan on speaking to the prisoner next."  

____________

Once she gets a chance, Nolwenn seeks out the prisoner.    "Hello!"   she greets her amiably, knowing the tone is more important than the words,   "I was wondering if you needed anything to eat or drink."    To demonstrate, the wizard produces a piece of hard bread and a slice of dried meat along with a waterskin.  She takes a bite of each and drinks from the waterskin before offering each to the hellym, though she is very delicate with the water, not knowing exactly what the woman's relationship with it is.
agignac
The prisoner sits up slowly. She shades her eyes with a thin, long-figured hand. It might just be the sunlight, but she seems to look a bit better than she did in the tower.

She accepts the bread, and takes a few small bites. She also accepts the waterskin, and uses it to soften the bread a bit. She wrinkles her nose a bit, but eats it anyway. In her lyrical language, she says  "Thank you."  The meat she sniffs, then makes a horrified face and hands back to you.
The Hellbug
  "Ha! Yes!"   Nolwenn exclaims, dropping the jerky,   "you're welcome, you're welcome."    To explain her excitement, she puts her hand to her mouth and mimes speaking, points at the outsider, and then taps her own ear.    "I'm Nolwenn, Nol-wenn,"   she reintroduces herself, tapping her own chest then holding her hand palm up towards the woman,   "you are?"  

When she looks confused, the wizard repeats her first set of gestures, trying to indicate that she can understand her, then beckons encouragingly with both hands.
agignac
 "Nol-wenn."  The hellym repeats Nolwenn's name, managing to make it sound like a bird call. She points to her chest and makes a sound that is untranslatable by Nolwenn's spell. If it's her name, it sounds like a flute trill. Then she asks,  "You understand me now? You have the magic, like the Master?" 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns watched with fascination as Nolwenn tried to communicate with the celestial.

 "Are you getting anything useful from her about the tower? Maybe she knows of some weakness of the tentacle creature that we could exploit. Using an unreliable summoning ritual to get the job done probably isn't the best solution." 
The Hellbug
  "Yes!"   Nolwenn replies, nodding vigorously but holds up a finger when Red interrupts,   "one moment though."  

The wizard turns to the tiefling.    "I plan to,"   she explains,   "but she's a double-refugee right now so I'm not planning on opening with an interrogation.  Give me some time.  I'm going to try to convince her that we're interested in her situation, maybe helping her if we can, and that she should help us with the tower in general in any way she can."    The wizard doesn't however, mention that she'd be interested in trying to help the stranded woman anyway, but this is a message for Red, not for her.    "But you can help.  I can understand her, but she can't understand us.  If I get stuck trying to convey something, someone else might have a better idea how."  

And with that said, Nolwenn's back to the hellym.  She points to herself and the woman.    "Nolwenn..."   she begins say as an accompaniment to the pointing, but when the wizard tries to reproduce the sound that the woman across from her made, it's more of screech than trill.  Her next attempt isn't any better.  A little embaressed, Nolwenn composes herself with a breath and casts a spell, using an illusion to create the sound the hellym had made.    "There.  Nolwenn."    She points to herself.    "And--"    Using her spell to conjure the woman's apparent name again, she points across to the other woman.    "Welcome to our world,"   she greets with a bow.

Since the communication is much easier one way than the other, Nolwenn waits for a moment to see if the former prisoner will say anything from which to start the conversation.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 21/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 

Ondros listens beside Red as Nolwenn conveys what she is gleaning from the conversation. To Eku, he says,   There is a window at the bottom of the tower that is broken. The creature is keeping it plugged with a tentacle. I think if we can swim down to the bottom of the tower, we attack the tentacle that is plugging the window and either sever it, or force the creature to pull it back. The tower will flood, and the creature will hopefully drown. That way, we do not risk... whatever it is that happened to Red's construct.  
 
 Spoiler: Second Wind 
 (1d10+6)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "Hm, diving to a large tentacle with those jelly fish around doesn't sound appealing either, to be honest. I'd rather throw things from above at the monster. Acid would be my go to elemental damage, but there is a good chance it's immune or at least resistant to that approach.

But let's wait with the planning until Nolwenn has finished the interview.

Note to myself, I should really research how to make potions of comprehending - or better even create a helmet of comprehend languages." 

The Red Horns muttered to himself.
agignac
The hellym waited a moment to see if Nolwenn would try any further communication. When it was clear the other woman was waiting, she said, " Thank you for taking me from that place. " She looks around the boat, then frowns. " I don't understand were this sea came from. Did you bring the water? "
The Hellbug
Nolwenn shakes her head 'no' but is quietly satisfied that this appears to back up her 'failed-banishment-into-teleportation' hypothesis.  She's still unsure, however, if this tower is from her own plane or another, and she supposes she doesn't know enough about far-off geography to ever know for sure if she will.  How to explain, though...

  Aha!  

The wizard fetches a pail and casts it over the side to reel in a bucketful of seawater, which she sets at her feet.  Next, she casts a pair of illusions, confident that all the work after exploring the tower has all but guaranteed that she and her companions won't enter it again until she has had a chance to rest.  The first is an idyllic panorama on the far side of the boat, the second is a tiny copy of the boat, the size of one a child might have as a toy, the floats in the bucket.

  "We--"   she points all around to all those gathered and the rest of the boat   "--are here."  

She dismisses the boat and conjures up a tiny tower over in her illusory landscape.    "You--"   she points just at the hellym and then the tower   "--were captive here.  Where that is and where you're from before that I don't know."    She scratches her head and shrugs to try indicate her lack of knowledge.

Next, Nolwenn walks over to her little panorama and, with her finger, traces a ring of arcane symbols around the tower, which appear on the ground around the tower as she does so.  Then, she mimes some arcane gestures and, with a flash provided by a simple cantrip, transports the tower image into the bucket.    "Not Nolwenn,"   she says, shaking her head and pointing to herself then tapping on the journal and nodding,   "that was your master."    Lastly, she dissolves the diorama and brings the boat back to the bucket where it sails up next to the tower.

Thinking that that explanation was pretty clever and probably as clear as she's going to get, Nolwenn moves on to satisfying Red's curiosity.    "We--"   the same gesturing towards the group   "--wish to slay the monster in the tower."    One illusion becomes a picture of the tower's worm, at which Nolwenn makes a disgusted but serious face and shakes her head.    "It's clearly evil and ought to be destroyed,"   she says and adds a tiny loxodon that rushes towards it with a maul.  Just as it's about to strike, though, both images disappear and the wizard shrugs.    "How?"  
agignac
The hellym watches intently as Nolwenn tells her tale through illusions. She mutters an explanation to herself as the story unfolds.  "She's got a bucket. Okay, full of the sea. She's thirsty. No, the bucket is the sea. And that's this boat! She's pretty good at this. Oh, that's the tower! Where it used to be. And a magic circle, and now...tower is in the sea? The tower came to the sea. No wonder it seemed dark all the time. Why would the Master do that? I wonder how far away we are. Oh, there's the barbsnare. I wonder how she got such a good look at it. Oh! The radiant one wants to fight it! He's much too small. Oh, it's gone. She's shrugging. How? Are you asking how to fight it?" 

When Nolwenn nodded, the thin woman looked alarmed.  "I don't know. The Master tried to kill it many times. I don't know how. He didn't talk to me. Not unless he wanted me to do something for him. He tried to kill it with the magic, and with summonlings. Everything he sent down there got eaten, then sent back up. You saw that, yes? That it can absorb a creature, and make it bad? And then make more copies. The master went down, and didn't come back up, but then the copies with three eyes came up, and there were very many of them. They wanted to eat me, or bring me down to their master, so I had to stay in the cage always. They could be invisible, everything can be invisible." 

She shakes her head, distressed.  "You should not go back. The Master had the big magics, and he did not come back. I don't want to go back." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn nods along with the hellym's explanation, deliberately continuing to show her understanding.  After her description of her experience with the worm, the wizard relays the information to her companions.    "The thing in the tower's basement is called a barbsnare,"   she reports,   "and, like we saw, it deals in eating creatures, absorbing them, and twisting them into its own minions.  What we didn't know is that it can apparently make copies of things it has changed so if we go back, I wouldn't expect that tower to be empty. Considering its effectiveness, we'll probably see more of whatever it made out of Red's construct.  The tower's master tried to kill it multiple times, probably with his own magic and summoned beings, but he ignored our friend here--who needs a pronounceable name by the way, at least for us--when she wasn't directly useful to him so she doesn't know anything about it except from her time evading its corrupted minions."  
  "Finally,"   Nolwenn finishes,   "she says we shouldn't go back.  If her summoner wasn't able to kill it with all his magicks, she doesn't think we'll be able to."    She pauses to gauge Red and Ondros's reactions before delivering her opinion.    "On this last point, I disagree."  
Dr.Samurai
[QUOTE=Dr.Samurai;26009682]      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 29/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: -- 
  I was afraid you'd say that,   Ondros sighs. He looks somewhat resigned to himself before saying,   Ask her if the thing can drown.   He looks to Red,   You are right about the jellyfish. But we can re-enter the tower, and smash the windows in. The only problem will be in dealing with those creatures. And escaping a torrent of water. But if it works, the tower fills up, the creature and its minions drown, and no one re-enters. No one that can't breathe water anyways.   He looks back to Nolwenn,   Otherwise, I agree with the lady, it's too great a risk to go down there and fight that thing. Draelin nearly died, and we weren't even fighting the barbsnare.
   
 
  
Pyrophilios
 "Hm... my construct is immune to poison. The jellyfish likely use that as their primary means of attack. We could use it as bait to bring them close and then attack from outside the water with thunder based attacks. Those should be effective in water. That would clear the way for us to attack the tentacle outside. We could drive a harpoon through it so, the creature can't retract the appendage, then we cut it off and make sure it bleeds out.

By the way, I'm not sure we can even destroy the windows. They are withstanding immense water pressure. That indicates that the tower is magically reinforced. The tentacle likely extends out of a door or something meant to be opened.

It all depends on how safe we can make the sea environment for ourselves. I can operate under water without trouble and I can produce a cloak of the manta ray for one of you. Alter Self would take care of a third person." 

The Red Horns replied
The Hellbug
Nolwenn shakes her head at Ondros's reluctance to return to the tower.    "No, we need to at least try,"    she says resolutely,   "it's too risky to leave alone.  Even as remote as we are, if this thing can extend its influence into the water, there's no way we can tell how far it could send its minions.  I will not stand quietly by while another Mbala potentially happens."    It's clear, though, from a slight crack in her voice that what she saw in the mesa village is still quite a wound on the young wizard.    "I  can  ask about drowning, though.  However, I'm not optimistic about the answer, she didn't even know she was underwater until we brought her to the surface."  
  "And yes,"   Nolwenn turns to Red,   "I like that.  If it works, it will at least wound it badly.  How about the cold, though?  I was barely able to get two levels down before it was dangerous to go further, and I don't doubt that you and Ondros are more capable--"  she lets their difference in size and strength speak for itself  "--but that wasn't even halfway down to where the worm is."  

Leaving that question for her fellow adventurers, Nolwenn turns her attention back to the hellym.    "Okay, a couple more questions,"   she announces, then holds up a single finger for her first one, which she feels will be the easier to convey of the two.  The wizard utilizes her illusions and the bucket again, making an image of the barbsnare, putting it into the bucket where it's visible beneath the water, then miming holding it there before moving it out and having it lie, unmoving.  She presents this to the hellym and gives her a hopeful shrug.    "Could this work?"  

The second question is a little more difficult to convey.  First, she approaches the woman and points to her then sets her other hand at about where her head would be if she were standing.    "You are one hellym,"   she says, holding up a single finger  Next, she points to the sitting woman again, lowers her hand to about 8 inches lower.    "But there was a second; you had a younger companion,"   she continues,   "back at the tower, before the disaster."    She makes an illusion of the tower to help convey this.

But then she realizes this could be easier.  Nolwenn waves her hands in a 'start over' gesture.  This time, she conjures an illusory copy of the hellym and raises a single finger.    "You, one."    Then, she adds a second copy, only shorter.  For this one, though, she cycles through about a half dozen different looks, though she tries to keep them close enough to be kin.  She points at this one and raises two fingers.  "  The wizard's books,"  --she points to one of the journals--  "mentioned another of your kind.  What happened to them?"    She waits and listens, hoping that the woman's talking through her thoughts will give her something to pounce on.
agignac
A small crowd had gathered as they worked on communicating with the hellym. The halfling twins were watching intently, and Krieger and Cyril were also nearby, keeping an eye on the conversation. The hellym had been watching the others with tired curiosity - she was clearly exhausted, but willing to keep talking.

As Nolwenn turned her attention to her again, the hellym concentrated on her illusions.  "Oh, we're back to the barbsnare. I wish you wouldn't. She's putting it underwater. She's drowning it? Oh, asking if that would work? I don't know, I haven't had a good look at it. Does it breathe like we do? But I don't think you'll get water in the tower. The Master was working pretty hard on some keep-out magics. Now I think they were keep-water-out magics. Also, what if you do get water in, and it can swim, and it comes up and breaks free? It already pulled one floor down. I guess unless it fell in."  She looks frustrated with her lack of knowledge.

As Nolwenn switches to her second question, the hellym starts with her usual murmuring commentary. But she catches on to what Nolwenn is asking quickly, and suddenly reaches out and stops Nolwenn's hand, stopping her from continuing the illusion. Her beautiful voice turns achingly sad.  "You're asking about my kin. She died."  She opened her mouth as if to say more, then shut it again. Her silver eyes swam with unshed tears, and she lay down on the deck, curled onto her side.

The halflings look up at Nolwenn, their eyes also round and sad.  "What did she say? It wasn't good, was it?" 
agignac
Meanwhile, Draelin dreamt....

 
 Spoiler: the dream 
The construct was came at him in the dream/memory, clinging to him with terrifying tenacity. The thorns that covered its twig-body tore through armour, through clothes, deep into his flesh. Hot blood poured from his wounds, into his eyes. His world was pain and fear, until suddenly it wasn't. He felt himself fall, but he didn't feel himself hit the ground.

The world became silent and dim. Draelin felt a deep peace - it was over. The pain was over, the struggle was over. He felt a brief concern for his friends, but he wasn't able to hold onto it. They would succeed, or they would join him here.

His spirit untethered, he floated in what felt like a generalized "up" direction. The light there was brighter, warm and welcoming. He found himself thinking of his Nan, who had died long ago. And then a cold band of steel wrapped itself around his ankle.

Gasping without breath, Draelin looked down and saw a thick, black tendril grasping his leg. As he looked, a second one appeared and lashed itself around his waist. A terrible coldness began to spread through his spirit, one that he knew he couldn't fight. The tendrils, tentacles, vines....they began to pull. Beyond them, perhaps below, Draelin saw a black hole, a portal, or perhaps a maw. It was terribly hungry, and he was being pulled into it. Draelin struggled, but to no avail. Every movement he made just allowed the tendrils to tighten around him. As he got closer, he began to hear the cries. Moans, cries, whimpers, sounds of agony and terror. Hundreds, thousands of voices. Millions even. All drawn into the maw, all devoured. Draelin began to thrash with all his might, the need to escape primal. The tendrils just pulled him in faster, and he felt the unending agony of his doom began to descend upon him. Draelin screamed.
 


In his hammock, Draelin screamed. He screamed and thrashed and fell out of the hammock with a thud. The fall woke him up, and he sat bolt upright, face pale and slick with sweat.  " I'm not going back, "  he gasped.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's heart begins to sink the moment the hellym stops her.  As soon as she had read about there being another one, she had been wanting this question answered.  The prisoner hadn't seemed like a person in grief, and she had supposed there was something else going on.  But no, it appears that shock and terror had merely won out, and the worst case has already always been the only case.  The wizard's curiosity still isn't satisfied since the hellym clearly knows the why of it--was she already a victim of the wizard before the worm?  Did she perish in the disaster that brought the tower here? Could the barbsnare have eaten her?--but, even if she weren't understanding of the other woman's reticence, this isn't the time for more questions.

Instead, Nolwenn sits down next to the erstwhile prisoner and lays a comforting hand on her shoulder, hopefully a universal message of empathy.    "No, it's not,"   she answers the halflings, needing to hold back tears herself with the words,   "she says she died."  

It's about half a minute before the wizard reports the answer to her other question to her allies.    "The tower is well warded,"   she explains, not moving from her spot,   "that's probably why the water pressure's done as little damage as it's done so far.  And I think Red's right about another thing, too: the tentacle-hole in the wall?  That's probably just the door."    She shakes her head in disappointment.    "I should have thought about that earlier.  And if that's the case, I bet water doesn't even..."  

And that's when Draelin wakes with a scream.  Instantly alert, Nolwenn looks towards its source anxiously, but her head swiftly pivots back to the grieving hellym, and she decides to let her already-upright companions tend to their elven companion.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns stepped to Draelin's side an frowned with worry:  "You don't have to. Relax, everything is under control." 

He moved over to Nolwenn and Ondros to speak quietly with them:  "I have a solution to combat the hypothermia as well. My prestidigitation spell can warm three objects to comfortable temperatures - if I target our armor, that should be enough to keep us going for a few minutes.

What we need now is a large and durable harpoon that Ondros can wield. The larger, the better." 
agignac
Krieger perked up at that.  "We have a harpoon! A big one!" 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn merely looks on with worry as Red comforts the injured elf, but only leaves the hellym's side once the artificer begins to gather the other adventurers.  She gently squeezes the woman's shoulder before she gets up and tells her, unhelpfully, that if the former prisoner needs anything, she can translate for her.  On the way over to Ondros and Red, she stops to ask a favor of Krieger.    "She'll probably need more food than she's eaten.  Whoever's on duty should help her with that when she's ready,"   she informs the kobold,   "I don't think she eats meat."  

Quickly trying to get her mind into a more analytical mood, Nolwenn listens as Red continues to explain his plan.    "Armor?  When you're swimming?!"   she comments comments, looking skeptical.  The wizard herself certainly wouldn't consider it, but she concedes that Ondros, at least, looks like he could practically carry a whole oxcart so who is she to judge.    "As the only one who's been  in  the water, I suspect that a mere cantrip won't be a foolproof solution--don't underestimate the ocean's depths--but it couldn't hurt."    She nods, though, agreeing that Red's plan is sound but for one thing: it would require an exceptionally sturdy harpoon, as the tiefling said, to pin even one of the barbsnare's enormous tentacles.

  "Let's see it,"   she tells the kobold.
Pyrophilios
 "Armor is only a problem in the water, if you can't control your buoyancy. Magic and some strategically placed air bladders should alleviate the weight. The cloak will take care of it for Ondros entirely.
I'll take a look at the harpoon and see if I can reinforce it." 

The Red Horns got up and indicated to Krieger to show him the implement.
agignac
There's a brief, quiet argument ensues between a few members of the crew. Finally Archer shrugs, then brings up a crate from below. Inside are three harpoons, each with a coil of rope attached.  "These are part of a delivery for another client. If you destroy them, we'll need to charge you so we can give them their money back. And hope that's enough to satisfy them." 

The harpoons are about four feet long, with a strong wooden shaft and a thick, barbed hook at the end. Each one weighs ten pounds.
The Hellbug
Frankly, Nolwenn is disappointed by the size of the harpoons after Krieger's description, but she tries not to let it show.  She probably shouldn't have expected the boat to conveniently have a monster-slaying-sized harpoon on the ship, and, to the kobold, it  is  quite large.  In actuality, it's extremely doubtful if the wizard herself could throw one of them any great distance.  And as she inspects them, the finds that they are well made and imagines that if multiple of them could be pierced through the  creature's tentacle, it would have a hard time retracting it.  Of course, still best to give Red every opportunity to work his magic with them.

  "These look like they should be sufficient,"   she answers,   "and, regardless of if we lose some of them, let your captain know that we need to talk about additional payment when this is done.  I imagine there's one or two other favors we may need before this voyage is over."  

Nolwenn produces the immovable rod from her bag and holds it out to Red.    "Do you think this could be attached to one of these in some way?  It may be to our benefit."  
agignac
The night passes quietly. There is no moon, and the stars fill the sky from horizon to the mountains. Early in the morning, a shower of stars falls overhead, perhaps to splash down beyond the horizon.

Clouds roll in just before dawn, and a light rain begins to fall. The wind picks up, making the journey back to the tower a bit rougher than you're used to. The hellym retreats below and refuses to come up while the rain is falling. The halfling twins convince the captain stops to allow her to stay down there, and they join her, finding her huddled among the containers.

Declaring her too dirty for their ship, Barb and Starr make it their task to clean her up. They bring in fresh water, cloths and towels, brushes and combs. They tend to her, chattering to her in a friendly, completely unintelligible patter. When they're done with her, she looks surprisingly better. She's clean, her hair washed and brushed. She even looks less emaciated. She's still thin, but her bones don't jut out in such a painful way.   "We really need a name to call her,"  they say to Nolwenn.  "What should we use?" 

The  Brazen Pegasus  finally returns to the tower, which appears as you left it. The water is choppy and slate grey, reflecting the clouds above. Draelin shudders, and huddles in a blanket under the shelter you've rigged on deck. Eku has been tending to him, and says that when he nearly died, his soul had a close encounter with the Soulmonger.

Azaka stands on the deck, her expression fierce.  "Where do you want me? In the water with you? Or in the tower?"  She shows no fear at all.
The Hellbug
  "Hmmm,"   Nolwenn considers the halflings' request,   "she has a name, but it's practically unpronounceable, at least to me.  Sounds a bit like a flute."    It's not as easy as she'd think.  On the one hand, the hellym already has a name, and the wizard doesn't want to give her a new one without her assent, but on the other, she clearly has no experience with the common language and 'the hellym' isn't going to cut it.  And so, Nolwenn decides to pick something with a fair bit of artificiality to it, something descriptive that could be a personal name but could just as easily be discarded.  Of all her qualities, the hellym's beautiful voice and almost-birdsong-like language seem the most appropriate choice of inspiration.

  "How about 'Meadowlark' or just 'Lark'?"   Nolwenn answers after a minute or two of thought.  She turns to the hellym to try to ask if that will work for her.  Repeating her routine from earlier, she points to herself and names herself, then points to the hellym and uses a spell to make the sound that appears to be her name.  The wizard then gets as close as she can to saying the other woman's name normally before pointing to her own throat and shaking her head.  She repeats this and saying the hellym's name by spell for emphasis.  Finally, she points to the former prisoner and offers her the new moniker.    "Lark,"   she says, pointing back and forth once more,   "Nol-wenn, Lark.  Will that work?"  

___________

  "That depends on if this works,"   Nolwenn replies to the fierce guide later, just before the team is getting ready to dive,   "just give me one moment."    The wizard adjusts her magical headwear and attempts a modified spell.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Going with Alter Help.  Let's see if this works.  Spells reset for the day.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked at the rod:  "Hm, indeed, fixing it to the harpoon will be a challenge, but with enough wire, this would make a very nice combination to pin the tentacle in place. I'll get to it - just after activating the manta ray cloak and the lantern."
 

Taking the harpoon with him as well as the rod, The Red Horns retreated to his workplace. Having to sacrifice his bag of holding, he had to store his belongings in a bunch of barrels.
After a bit of work, he returned with the harpoon, that now was tightly bonded with the rod through coils upon coils of tightly wound wire.

 
 Spoiler 


Smithing tool use (Expertise)DEX w/ advantage through help action from construct + Guidance + Knowledge from another life

 (1d20+9)[ 11 ] / (1d20+9)[ 17 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ] + (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft, Water Breathing 

Ondros puts on the magic cloak that Red put together for him, and takes the harpoon. He asks the shipmates to lower him down with the crane used for cargo, so as not to make a large splash entering the water and alerting anything else nearby. The group waits until the construct is in the water leading the jellyfish in before they begin their attack. 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns commanded the construct to move and draw attention from the jellyfish and if possible kill some of them, while he flew overhead, ready to throw his yklwa.
The Hellbug
Nolwenn admires her handiwork in modifying her spell to affect Azaka, a process that is sudden, clinical, and perhaps a bit too familiar.  Satisfied, the wizard steps back.    "Perfect.  Be careful when you leap in, though,"   she warns the guide,   "it will feel like you're drowning--you still have lungs, after all--but you'll be perfectly suited to surviving underwater as long as the spell lasts--up to an hour, by the way.  Just breathe the water in, even if that feels like the last thing you should do.  For most it becomes tolerable in a few seconds.  Hopefully you won't need to get too used to it."  

The wizard stands at the rail as the construct is ordered overboard, ready to unleash her magic on any corrupted minion that comes to investigate.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
See invisible and Arcane Armor already cast as well as the Alter Help.

Perception to try to see down into the water (probably worse than others' but can see invisible stuff):  (1d20+1)[ 6 ] 
 
agignac
The construct begins bobbing in the water not far from the ship, being tethered to it by Cyril. The dragonborn has looped the rope around a cleat, then held onto it so she could play it out and give the construct more room to maneuver.

It took several minutes in the choppy seas to see the jellyfish. First one came bobbing along, definitely moving with a will towards the construct. When it was about 7 feet away, many tentacles darted out with un-jellyfish-like speed, attacking the construct.

At the same time, Barb cried out, "There's the second one! I see it, off the stern, hanging back!" The other jellyfish is about twenty-five feet back, bobbing a few feet below the surface, keeping its distance.

 No need to roll for initiative, everybody can go before the jellys get another turn. Barb, Starr and Krieger will happily throw magic stones, so TRH can roll for them.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns gave the signal, and had his group attack the second jellyfish that tried to hang back.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  damage  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 20 ]  damage  (1d8+6)[ 12 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 

Magic stone

 (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  damage  (1d6+5)[ 8 ] , if crit  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  damage  (1d6+5)[ 6 ] , if crit  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  damage  (1d6+5)[ 7 ] , if crit  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn is beginning to doubt that the jellyfish are with the barbsnare--they hadn't bothered her when she initially dove in the water, after all.  Maybe they were just a coincidence, a jellyfish-like creature that no one on the boat could identify.  But the one attacking Red's new construct immediately puts any doubts to rest.  Seeing how effective Red's directed fusillade of stones is at tearing up one of the jellies (alongside his own spear) but not wanting to accidentally harm his grappled construct, Nolwenn's only choice is to conjure her basic magical projectiles which she directs to slam into the remaining foe.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn casts Magic Missile.

 (3d4+3)[ 13 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 1/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft, Water Breathing 

Ondros has two javelins in hand, and throws both at the jellyfish attacking the construct.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Action   - Attack Jellyfish grappling Construct
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d6+5)[ 11 ] 
   Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d6+5)[ 8 ] 
  Object Interaction   - Draw another javelin
 
 
 
  
agignac
The jellyfish never stood a chance. They yklwa and three magic stones tear through it, shredding its delicate body. It immediately stops its undulating movement, and breaking into pieces, begins to drift away.

Two javelins and some magic missiles are enough to finish the other jellyfish. Its lifeless body begins to sink, though the tentacles stay stuck to the construct. It hangs from the construct, tentacles drifting about like seaweed, barely visible below the choppy surface of the water.

From the deck, Azaka has tied back her long matted locks, ensuring her hair won't get in her face. She has a dagger strapped to each forearm, and is holding her spear. " Good! Let us go and fight your monster. "

Eku holds up a hand.  "Wait a moment! I would bless you before you enter this fight. Will you accept my blessing?"  She closes her eyes for a moment, and a ripple of rainbow colour seems to run up her body, from toes to nose. You feel a warmth wrap around you, a feeling of love and grace.

 Bless: Whenever you makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, you can roll a d4 and add it to the original roll. 

Azaka inclines her head respectfully to Eku, then dives cleanly into the water. She doesn't resurface to acclimate to the gills. She seems to have mastered it through sheer force of will.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune), Bless 

Ondros nods in thanks to Eku for the blessing, then says his own brief prayer to Ubtao to protect him from the cold depths of this part of The Maze, before diving in after Azaka.

 
 Spoiler: Frost Giant Rune 
Activate Frost Giant Rune - For 10 minutes, you gain a +2 bonus to all ability checks and saving throws that use Strength or Constitution.
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took another critical look at the water below, trying to make out if there were any more creatures lurking there.

When he was reasonably sure, that this was as good as it was going to be, he cast his spells and followed Ondros into the depts.

 
 Spoiler 


Perception

 (1d20+6)[ 10 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 

after that concentration on Alter Self (Aquatic Adaption)

And Longstrider
 
The Hellbug
While Nolwenn is watching the others unhesitatingly dive into the depths, a thought strikes her.  Even if the jellyfish weren't invisible, more of the barbsnare's minions could be, and Red's magic lantern won't work underwater: she herself is the only one who could be able to see invisible foes coming.  And so, her plan of staying on the surface to Azaka's safety is immediately discarded.
   "Quick!  A rope!  A long one!"   the wizard orders the rest of the crew as her robe comes off,   "tie me in.  If there's a problem and I need to be hauled back up, Desdemona will let you know.  You can do that, right Des?"  

While the crew is scrambling to take care of that, Nolwenn makes sure she has a couple waterproof necessities firmly fastened, a knife, the potion of invulnerability, and her escaping elixir, and prepares to cast her swimming spell.  She puzzles at the ziggurat-shaped mark on her palm but after only a moment finds that merely willing for the charm's magic activates it.  Her consciousness splits uncannily; it's almost like a waking dream, except that Dream-Nolwenn is entirely in her, fully and simultaneously.  She can will the spell she had previously cast to fall away to this other her, and the burden of concentrating on the magic slips away from her, freeing the wizard to cast the spell again as though it weren't there at all.

With her habitual changes complete, Nolwenn steps up on the rail and tests the rope with her hand.    "Wish me luck,"   she requests, and jumps into the water after her companions.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casting Alter Self and putting the Azaka-affecting one on the split mind.  Also adding the Prestidigitation-warming that Red suggested but I didn't fit it in the narrative.
 
agignac
You dive into a cold, frothing ocean. At first the waves bounce you around a bit as you kick down towards the tower, sinking below the surface. However, by the time you get to the laboratory window, you don't feel the action of the waves as much. As you descend, the water gets appreciably colder. With every few feet you descend, it seems that that water gets another degree colder. The warmed armour helps keep your core warm, but you feel the cold in your extremities already.

You swim down, looking into the kitchen level as you go. It seems to be deserted. Its dark now, and getting darker. Below, the water is inky black, impenetrable to the naked eye. Unless, of course, your eyes are magically enhanced.

Movement below, and for a moment, you see the top of a tentacle waving around in the darkness. Then it vanishes again to all except Ondros, whose darkvision penetrated deeper.

 
 Spoiler: Ondros only 
You can see an opening below, either a window or door, with the tentacle coming out of it. The opening is about 80 feet below your current position (near the kitchen window). The tentacle's girth is completely blocking the opening, and the tentacle is at least 30 feet long, though with its undulations, its hard to tell. You can roll perception to get a better idea of its length.
 

 
 Spoiler: Nolwenn only 
 With your see invisibility, you see two of these approaching the party. One is coming up from straight underneath, and the other is swimming towards you from straight ahead. They're almost ten feet long, they're sixty feet away and closing fast.  
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn catches up with the rest of the swimmers when they stop to look into the tower.    "Couldn't let you go without me; nobody else can see invisible monsters,"   she gurgles in explanation, and she also has a warning specifically for Azaka.    "Be mindful, though.  I'm keeping both of us down here,"   she cautions, pointing to her gills.  At least, that's what she tries to say.  What actually emerges from her mouth isn't much more than a pitched gurgle, the specifics of her words entirely lost to the water.

But there's not much time to be frustrated.  Just then there's motion on the edge of the wizard's vision.  She looks down into the inky depths but can't quite see what it was.  She  thinks  it may have been the tentacle, but even with her magically enhanced eyesight, the darkness is like a wall, and her heart is clutched by a sudden anxiety.  Down here isn't like on land, they can be attacked from any direction at any time.

As this worrying realization is sinking in, Nolwenn sees another flurry of movement, though this one isn't so hidden by the dark: a pair of massive, unnaturally-fearsome sharks.  It's only a moment before the wizard realizes that none of her allies can see the beasts, which confirms that they must be more corrupted minions of the barbsnare.    "Dmmmmon mmks!"    she shouts in warning, pointing frantically at the invisible creatures,   "mmhmm mhm mmd mhm mmmm.."    In this moment, Nolwenn realizes that not a single one of her spells is especially suited to underwater fighting, especially with the barbsnare waiting for them as well.  And so she merely casts a bolt of flame at it, despite the deadening effect of the water.

  "Ehmmm!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Firebolt!
[roll]1d20+1d4+8[/roll] (got a crit in the discord after failing to roll here)
damage:  (2d10)[ 7 ]  halved (crit damaged rolled: total is 18 halved to  9 )
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 3/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune), Bless 

Ondros points to his eye, then down to the dark water below and makes an undulating motion with his arm, indicating he can see the tentacle down below. He hears a muffled sound and turns to see Nolwenn in the water with them, a giant stream of bubbles escaping her mouth as she tries to speak. Suddenly she looks alarmed and releases a bolt of fire. Ondros turns in the direction, ready for an attack.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
  Initiative  - (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
Hearing Nolwenn talk under water sounded funny and The Red Horns had to smile for a moment - before the warning came.

At once he pulled out a shining pebble - one of eight trinkets he had on him, and fired it with a flick of his hand at the position, Nolwenn pointed at.

 
 Spoiler 


Catapult on a stone I changed with Magical Tinkering - not that it's 10ft light radius matters

Dex DC 16
[roll0]+mods for demon shark #1


[roll1]

Edit: rolled in discord

Result: 3d8 (2, 5, 4)
Total: 11

Result: 1d20 (5)
Total: 5


looks like a hit
 
agignac
The sharks close in, even as Nolwenn points out her bubbly warning. Seeming to be aware that they were noticed, they approach at slightly less than top speed, circling around their prey. Nolwenn notices that their tales were covered with familiar-looking spines and thorns.

Nolwenn and Red react fast, fire flashing in the dark, and a small catapault stone finding its target.

Azaka, swimming as if she were born to it, sees the blood coming from the injured shark and swim to it. Thrusting with her spear, she aims for the blood trailing into the water, but fails to pierce the shark's invisible hide.

Her second thrust, however, hits true, and more blood spills into the water.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 2/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Large 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune), Bless 

Ondros is suddenly aware of the invisible creature Nolwenn was warning them about, at the periphery of his senses. He calls on the power of Ubtao and suddenly grows in size. Compelled by the cloak that Red crafted for him, he moves adjacent to the creature and attempts to grab it with his trunk, bringing his maul to bear against it.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Bonus Action   - Giant's Might to turn Large
  Movement   - Move adjacent to Shark
  Action   - Attack Shark
 Attack 1    Grapple  - (1d20+10)[ 19 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  (includes Frost Giant Rune bonus)
 Attack 2    Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 22 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 2 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+5)[ 13 ]  +   Giant Might  - (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns saw that Ondros had his foe well in hand and swam towards Azaka to assist her against her quarry.

With as much force as he could, he threw his Yklwa twice at the invisible creature.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 19 ] / (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 17 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 24 ] / (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 22 ] 
 
agignac
The shark wrapped in Ondros's large trunk thrashes wildly, but despite its un-shark-like slippery skin, the loxodon holds tight. The corrupted fish opens its mouth wide for a bite, hoping for a taste of elephant-fish. It took a large chunk of flesh from Ondros's chest and shoulder, and blood swirled through the water.

The injured shark swam at Azaka, pushing her backwards even as it tried to eat her. It managed a good bite as it overswam her, then continued away until it was about 40 feet past her.

 
 Spoiler: rolls 

Shark 1 vs Ondros
 (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
damage
 (3d010+6)[ 26 ] 

Shark 2 vs Azaka
 (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
damage
 (3d010+6)[ 22 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 38/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 2/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Large 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune), Bless 

Ondros' garbled grunt can be felt through the water as the shark takes a bite out of him. He tries to keep the shark positioned to make it harder to bite him, while keeping it from slipping away.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Movement   - Drag shark closer to teammates (swimming at half speed, so 30ft).
  Action   - Attack Shark
 Attack 1    Shove  - (1d20+10)[ 16 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 15 ]  (includes Frost Giant Rune bonus)
 Attack 2    Power Attack  - (1d20+3)[ 11 ] , [roll=Advantage]1d20+3 +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+16)[ 26 ]  +   Giant's Might  - (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 

 
 
  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, seeing the way the sharks are attacking, positions herself as close to the center of the group of adventurers as possible for safety and unleashes a second burst of flame (more a blast of boiling water, really), this one at the one Ondros is grappling.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Firebolt again!
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d10)[ 16 ] 
 
agignac
Red swims to Azaka's aid, and the yklwa pierces the shark twice, putting another red swirl into the water.

Ondros uses his strong trunk to flip his grappled foe upside down, temporarily disorienting it. He then whacks it with his maul, breaking cartilaginous bones and infuriating the toothy predator. From its prone position, it thrashes wildly, attempting to break the loxodon's grip. Ondros tries his best to hold on, but the shark is just too slippery, and it manages to break free. It swims down, away from the loxodon; Ondros takes advantage of his distraction to swing again, striking the shark just behind the gills.

The second shark, injured by Red's yklwa, turns its attention to the tiefling. It swims up a little, opens its maw wide, and rushes straight at The Red Horns. The artificer reacts with a quick shield spell, saving him from a nasty bite. The shark swims past, deeper into the darkness.

Azaka stays close to Red, spear ready to stab at the shark if it returns to attack either her or Red.

  Everybody up.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns waited until the last second before he deployed his personal shield, deflecting the hungry maw.

 "Payback"  he thought, before following the creature up with another pair of throws.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 21 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 23 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 38/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 2/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Large 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune), Bless 

The shark manages to wriggle free of Ondros' grasp and swims away. Ondros hits it with the maul, then swims after and keeps the pressure on.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Movement   - Swim after same shark (60ft swim speed)
  Action   - Attack Shark
 Attack 1    Power Attack  - (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
[roll=Bludgeoning[/roll]2d6+15[/roll]
 Attack 2    Power Attack  - (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 3 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+15)[ 26 ] 
  Giant Might  - (1d6)[ 2 ]  If either attack hits.
 

 
 
  
The Hellbug
Frustrated by the relative ineffectiveness of her fire underwater, Nolwenn conjures a barrage of magical darts to crash into Ondros's foe.  Then, she swims down to Azaka and taps her on the shoulder.  Once she has her attention, the wizard mimes holding up the harpoon as if to throw it then straining at the rope against the skewered victim's pulling.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Magic Missile and a move (hopefully that little communication is free.  If not, lose the magic missile.

Damage:  (3d4+3)[ 12 ] 
 
agignac
Ondros swims deeper into the darkness, easily keeping up with his opponent, but unable to connect with his maul as he chased it. Nolwenn's magical darts found their target, hurting it yet further.

Azaka, understanding Nolwenn's entreaty, swims deeper and throws her harpoon at the nearest shark. The heavy weapon slices deep into the shark's flesh, but fails to snag and hold. Azaka begins to reel the harpoon back to her as the shark, infuriated and bleeding badly, turns around and chomps hard into her leg. He drags her down another ten feet before releasing her and continuing deeper into the cold, dark water.

The other shark, finding Ondros right there, bites and drags him down as well, before releasing him and swimming by with a flick of its mighty tail.

 
 Spoiler: rolls 

Azaka harpoon - rolled in forum as apparently I can't add dice together properly here. She hit.
[roll]1d20+5+1d4[/roll]
 (1d12+5)[ 11 ] 
Shark con save vs being harpooned DC13
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Contested STR check if necessary, shark first, then azaka
 (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
[roll]1d20+5+1d4[/roll]

Sharks Attack with adv because of blood frenzy. This one vs Ondros
 (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
damage
 (3d10+6)[ 21 ] 

vs Azaka
 (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
damage
 (3d10+6)[ 31 ] 
 

 Ondros and Azaka are 40 feet below Red and Nolwenn. Sharks are 30 feet below them.  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns swam to Azaka and waited next to her, his Yklwa at the ready.

 
 Spoiler 

Ready action

 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 24 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Well, the harpooning had  seemed  like a good idea.  However, it's clear that the sharks are only becoming more dangerous as they work themselves up into a frenzy, despite their injuries, and it's only a matter of time before either Ondros or Azaka's wounds catch up to them.  Observing this, Nolwenn swims down to their level, steadies herself, and begins to cast a spell.  Unlike normal, there no palpable build-up of static, merely a huge flash as she conjures a bolt of lightning at the shark that had been fighting Ondros.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move and cast lightning bolt!  (She doesn't quite make it down to Ondros and Azaka).

Damage:  (8d6)[ 26 ]  Dex Save 16 for half damage
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 25/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 1/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 2/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Large 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune), Bless 

Ondros nods at Nolwenn in approval as she takes out the shark that had bitten him. He swims up to the others, taking a moment to recover from the vicious bites, and prepares for second shark to attack.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Movement   - Group up with the others (60ft swim speed)
  Action   - Ready a Shove to Knock Prone when the Shark is within melee range of Ondros
  Athletics  - (1d20+10)[ 17 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
  Bonus Action   -   Second Wind  - (1d10+6)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 
  
agignac
The sharks are beginning to swim back up to attack when Nolwenn's lightning bolt tears through one of them. It explodes into an underwater ball of blood, scales and teeth. The other shark, already driven crazy by the smell of blood, continues its charge, maw agape, towards the others. The Red Horns, however, is poised and ready. As soon as the shark is in range, he throws his yklwa, which pierces the shark and returns to his hand, then is thrown again. The second shark succumbs to its injuries, also exploding just far enough away not to pose a danger to any of them.

You have a moment of stillness. The water, churned up and full of blood and bits of shark, is murky and hard to see through. Even the tower, not far away, is hard to see through the bloody sea.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Tentacle stealth
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ] ]
 
The Hellbug
  Thank the gods,   Nolwenn silently prays as her lightning slays the first of the horror sharks.  She barely even gets time to muse on the fact that these corrupted creatures explode as well (  but not the jellyfish, strange  ) before the second one comes rushing in.  She mentally braces for its impact but Red's skillful aim sends it to wherever the first one went.  Her wincing isn't entirely in vain, though, as the disgusting shark blood cloud envelopes the party.

With the horror sharks dispatched, though, regrouping is in order.  The wizard quickly sets aside the mental yuck of the situation--it's just as nasty as the slime, and this sort of situation is becoming more and more common these days, apparently, but, of all their criticisms, none of Nolwenn's tutors would ever have said that she's slow to adapt--and taps on the shoulder of each of her gathered allies, pointing up and hopefully out of the cloud before, with a confident stroke, leading the way.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded and followed up and out of the cloud. Ondros looked badly wounded and probably needed dressings.
agignac
You all make it to the surface without trouble. The rain is still falling, and the waves are breaking into whitecaps. The crew lower a rope ladder over the side and help you aboard.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 25/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 2/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune) 

Ondros groans as he climbs the ladder and makes his way aboard the ship,   Now I wonder... is that tentacle plugging up the tower, or letting that creature make more minions to protect it's domain?   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "The latter for sure.  That doesn't exclude the former as well, but I have my doubts about it,"   Nolwenn answers, pulling herself up over the railing.  Her voice is still gurgly, though, and she coughs up a lungful of seawater before she continues.    "Lark said that the tower's owner warded it against water,"   she goes on more naturally-sounding,   "I wouldn't be surprised if we found that what the tentacle is coming out from is a portal--I think door over window--that contains a barrier impenetrable to the seawater.  None of you could see the bottom down there, correct?"  

The wizard is definitely in a hurry, though, and she lacks the patience to undo at the knot around her waist.  After picking at it unsuccessfully twice, she lets on of the ship's crew set her loose.    "Someone, fetch the healing wand from Draelin,"   she orders but points to Ondros and Azaka to stop it from being either of them,   "Not you two.  I need to check you two for spikes or spines or living teeth.  After the slime monsters on the inside, there's no telling what else the thing's offspring are capable of.  Not a moment to spare!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Assuming she's allowed, Nolwenn's checking Azaka and Ondros for hangers-on from the bites.  Or any other concerning things about the wounds.

Medicine Ondros: [roll]1d20+4[roll]
Medicine Azaka: [roll]1d20+4[roll]
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked back at the water:  "We have to hurry. I'm mostly out of magical energy and the transformation only keeps an hour. I suggest you heal up quickly and we go back in, keeping directly to the tower and move down on the other side from the tentacle. Stealth is out, so we need to use speed.
I volunteer as a distraction, so Ondros can go for the harpoon attack." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 25/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 2/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune) 

Ondros receives healing from Draelin's wand,   Then we best hurry Red. Let's give it another go!  
 
 Spoiler: Wand of Healing 

 (2d4+4)[ 11 ] 
 (2d4+4)[ 12 ] 
 (2d4+4)[ 8 ] 
 (2d4+4)[ 10 ] 
 (2d4+4)[ 9 ] 
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns spent a few seconds creating more magical trinkets - at three of them he screamed as loud as he could. With an apologetic shrug he said:  "Sorry, preparing my distraction." 

When it was time to go back in, he was the first to do so, diving for the tower and using the bulk of the building to on one side as cover.

 
 Spoiler 


Perception
 (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 

Stealth
 (1d20+6)[ 9 ] / (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 

Initiative
 (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 
The Hellbug
  "Perfect!"   Nolwenn says agreeing with Red's plan...except on one particular point.  She makes sure the tiefling ends up with the third harpoon, explaining:   "even if you're planning on being just a distraction, I've never thrown one of these before.  Better you than me."  

She puts the healing wand in her diving bag and waits for the other three to disembark and jumps back into the water after them.
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 2/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune) 

Ondros dives in, prepared for a second round against the monster and its minions.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

  Stealth  - (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  or   Disadvantage  - (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
  Perception  - (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
  Initiative  - (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
 
 
 
  
agignac
Azaka accepts the healing without thanks, clearly reluctantly. Ready to go against the tentacle this time, you return to the water.

You descend again into the icy depths. Keeping to the backside of the tower, your swim further down than you had before. No more marine minions appear to block your way.

You skin begins to go numb where its not being kept warm through magic. You know it won't take more than a minute or so before your hands are cold and numb enough to start affecting your abilities.

As you approach the tentacle's depth, you see it moving in the darkness. It's lashing back and forth, as if searching for you. As you notice it, it seems to notice you, though you have no idea how it is sensing you. It stills for a moment.

 Ondros has initiative, then Azaka and the tentacle, then everybody else.  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Large, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune) 

Ondros sees the tentacle moving around and notices that it seems to... see them as well. Ondros flags the others, points to the tentacles, then his eyes, and then points to himself and the others, communicating to the team that the tentacle seems to "see" them. He tightens his grip on the harpoon, gives a grim nod, and increases in size, swimming down to the tentacle and attempting to impale it.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Bonus Action   - Use Giant's Might to turn Large
  Action   - Attack Tentacle
  Grapple   -   Athletics  - (1d20+10)[ 29 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 20 ] 
  Attack   - [roll=Attack]1d20+8[roll],   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 27 ] 
 Action Surge  - If attack is successful, use Action Surge to activate Immovable Rod

If Grapple fails, the attack DOES NOT have Advantage. If Attack fails, DO NOT use Action Surge.
 
 
 
  
agignac
The now-plus-sized loxodon launches himself at the tentacle, wrapping arms, legs and trunk around it. With one hand he stabs his harpoon at the tentacles, and gouges at the rubbery flesh. Black blood spills out, staining the water like ink. The tentacle thrashes, and the harpoon fails to stick inside it. Ondros clings on for now.

Azaka swims forward with her own, non-immovable-rod-improved harpoon, and throws it when she gets within ten feet of the flailing appendage. However, the tentacles is thrashing too much, and her harpoon sails past it. She begins to reel in the rope for a second try.

 (1d20+5)[ 7 ] 

The tentacle, with Ondros clinging tightly to the tip, wraps quickly around the large loxodon. Ondros finds himself grappled in turn. The tentacle then begins to retreat back towards the tower, taking Ondros with it.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns got to work - tossing out noise making trinkets as well as glow stones, trying to divide the creatures attention as much as possible, so Ondros coul do his job.

 
 Spoiler 

Help action for Ondros
 
The Hellbug
  "Mmmmm mmm!"   Nolwenn gurgles when the tentacle wraps around Ondros.  She lets loose a burst of flame at the tentacle's base and swims over to the loxodon, waving to get his attention, even for just a moment.  When she does, she points to his harpoon and mimes holding onto it like she's pulling herself up onto a tree's branch.    "Tmmmmm bmmmm mmmm,"   she says unintelligibly, pretending to press the immovable rod's button on her imaginary brace.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Firebolt (rolled in discord) and moving close enough to Ondros to mime activating the immovable rod and holding on.  Disregard the attack if the pantomime costs an action.

Attack: 17
Damage: 11 (before resistance)
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Large, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune) 

Ondros activates the rod prematurely, trying to stop the tentacle from dragging him into the tower.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

   Action   - Attack Tentacle
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
  Damage  - (1d12+5)[ 11 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
  Damage  - (1d12+5)[ 13 ] 
  Giant Might  - (1d8)[ 5 ] 
  Action Surge   - If Harpooning is successful, use Action Surge to activate Immovable Rod 
  Action   - Activate the Immovable Rod and hold on tight!
 
 
 
  
agignac
Ondros pressed the button on the immovable rod, and suddenly, it stopped moving. Defying the laws of physics, of gravity, of everything that made sense, it became rock-solid in the middle of the ocean. Ondros held on with his considerable might. The tentacle held on to him, tugging him inexorably back towards the tower, until suddenly it was came up against an unexpected resistance. The tentacle tugged, and Ondros held on tight. For a moment he felt like he might be torn in half, then the tentacle abruptly let go. In pulled back, then lashed out at him, trying to knock him off the rod.

Azaka threw her harpoon at the tentacle after it lashed out at Ondros. You hear her roar in frustration, even through the water, as she misses yet again.


 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

tentacle whap
 (1d20+13)[ 18 ] 
damage
 (2d8+8)[ 14 ] 
If it hits, STR saving throw DC 14 to hang onto the bar or be knocked away 10 feet.[/roll]
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns saw the predicament - and the slow reaction of the rod.
So, he spend his last bit of energy and encased himself into a protective field and hurried over, to press the button, so Ondros could use the harpoon once more.

 
 Spoiler 


Last spell slot for Sanctuary

DC 16 Wisdom save to attack TRH
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 50/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Large, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune) 

Ondros grimaces as the tentacle squeezes him. He nods at The Red Horns as Red deactivates the rod, allowing Ondros to attack freely with it. He attempts to impale the tentacle again, hoping to immobilize it.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Action   - Attack Tentacle (Advantage from Grapple)
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 27 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
  Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 21 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 
  Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 

On a hit, tentacle must make a save vs DC 16 (forget which kind). If tentacle is harpooned on first attack, use Action Surge to activate Immovable Rod. Then let go of harpoon, draw Maul and make second attack with maul (numbers the same, bludgeoning instead of piercing damage).

If second attack harpoons instead, same as above but no additional attack made with Maul.
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
While Ondros and Red struggle with getting the contraptioned  weapon into the the tentacle that is trying to crush the loxodon, Nolwenn relieves Red of his harpoon.  She may have never thrown one of these before, but how hard can it be?  None of her spells seem like they would be particularly effective at the moment, and the wizard doesn't need to slay the creature with a single shot, just get it stuck in its appendage.  With that thought, she reaches back before hurling the harpoon at the tentacle.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nolwenn moves to Red, arms herself, and attacks!
Attack:  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
damage:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 
 
agignac
Ondros stabs at the tentacle repeatedly with the harpoon. He scores two long gashes, and the ocean fills with clouds of black blood. The water grows a few degrees colder, and you all start to lose feeling in your hands and feet.

The tentacle lashes back and forth, trying to slip free of the loxodon's grip. But Ondros was attached more firmly than a barnacle, and the tentacle simply could not shake him off. It started to retreat again, back intonthe door, until Ondros was nearly flush with the opening.

Azaka, reeling in her harpoon as she swims, throws it yet again, hoping to spear the harpoon and help prevent it from retreating into the door.

 (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 (1d12+5)[ 7 ] 

Finally, she manages a hit, and more black blood fills the water. However, the harpoon doesn't stick, and comes away back into her hands.
The Hellbug
  "Mmmm hmmm mmmm!"   Nolwenn swears as she reels in Red's harpoon from where it harmlessly drifted down past the tentacle.  It absolutely was not as easy to throw as she had imagined.  However, with the appendage trying to slip away, there's only time for one more throw, and every chance matters.  Even though the wizard can feel the sensation in her fingertips deadening, she hurls the weapon once again.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Harpoon!
Attack:  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Damage: [roll] 1d12[/roll]
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 50/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft 
 Conditions: Large, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray), +2 to Str/Con Saves/Checks (Frost Rune) 

Ondros attempts to harpoon the tentacle one final time before letting go of it before it pulls him into the tower.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Action   - Attack Tentacle (Advantage from Grapple)
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 25 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
  Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 21 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
  Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
  Giant Might  - (1d6)[ 4 ] 

On a hit, tentacle must make a save vs DC 16 (forget which kind). If tentacle is harpooned on first attack, use Action Surge to activate Immovable Rod. Then let go of harpoon, draw Maul and make second attack with maul (numbers the same, bludgeoning instead of piercing damage).

If second attack harpoons instead, same as above but no additional attack made with Maul.

Either way, Ondros lets go of the tentacle after the attacks.
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
Seeing the harpoon stick, The Red Horns moved I quickly to press the button on the rod and immobilizing the tentacle.
agignac
Finally, something goes right, and just before Ondros is hauled into the tower, the harpoon catches in the tentacle's rubbery flesh. The Red Horns swims in and presses the button, making the immovable rod stay suddenly in place.

The tentacle begins to thrash and pull, trying to retract the final few feet of its length into the safety of the tower. You're close enough to see that even though this end of the tentacle doesn't fill the entire door, it looks like no water is rushing into the tower around it.

A loop of tentacle comes back out of the door, lashing out at somebody, anybody, to pay for this assault.

Who? Attack. Damage
 (1d3)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20+13)[ 21 ] 
 (2d8+8)[ 16 ] 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn keeps her cheer to herself when Ondros's harpoon finally sticks, now consciously avoiding shouting underwater gibberish.  She considers the advantages of landing additional spears, but the growing numbness in her extremities convinces her otherwise so she reels her weapon back in, conjures an illusory arrow, as yellow as the most eye-striking daffodil as she can imagine, that points up at the boat, and begins to swim towards the surface.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Minor Illusion for the arrow.  Let's leg it!
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns nodded and followed Nolwenn up and out of the water. It wasn't so much that the cold bothered him, but that they had done what they came to do. Once he broke the surface and saw his companions there as well, he said:  "Alright, let's clean up and get back into the tower. Time to deal with that creature, permanently." 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn clambers up out of the water and helps her the crew get her companions into the boat as well.    "Exactly,"   she agrees with Red,   "the sooner the better.  If anyone needs healing, we still have the wand."  

After the wizard has gotten herself fully dressed and rearmed with her various magical sundries, she's ready to reenter the tower.    "Hold on, Azaka,"   she requests,   "those gills won't be very useful anymore, but  these  might."    With that, Nolwenn focuses on the pair of spells she's concentrating on and alters them, almost like twisting an object so that it appears as a different shape. She and the guide's aquatic adaptations disappear, but in their place the Azaka's fingernails thicken and harden into razor-sharp claws and Nolwenn's canines lengthen into wickedly pointed fangs.

The wizard pricks her finger on her fangs and draws a drop of blood with the lightest touch to show new modifications' efficacy.    "In case we get grabbed like Ondros did,"   she explains, sounding a little off talking past her modified teeth,   "they should be more than a match for most weapons."    With that said, she turns and offers the potion of invulnerability to the loxodon and prepares to disembark.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Changing the Alter Selves to natural weapons and handing off the potion (he doesn't need to drink it yet, just in case).  Anyone who wants healing can roll some and let me know how much was used.
 
agignac
Azaka examines her new nails with a strange smile on her face.  "Your magic can do some very useful things,"  she says, with a rather predatory grin.

She accepts another zolt of healing from the wand. She then leaves her harpoon on the deck, takes her spears, and is ready to go.

The top several floors of the tower are the same as you left them. Bedroom, library, laboratory, kitchen - all quiet.

 Okay, lay out the plan for me.  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn furrows her brow and narrowly avoids biting her cheek at the guide's reaction to the claws.  She can think of dozens of things she's done on the boat that are far more impressive than what's, realistically, a very sharp knife, but a warrior would appreciate magic most as a weapon--disappointing but apt.

  "Just be careful,"   the wizard warns as she follows the others into the tower,   "they'll cut easier than you think they will so just be conscious about them.  And absolutely no hugs or handshakes.  Or touching books.  Or fancy furniture."  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns had dried his clothes with the same spell that he had used to warm his gear, once they were back in the tower, he had pulled out the lantern and hung it in front of his shield. The green light now let everything appear in a sickly hue.

 "Alright. We'll try to attack the thing at range first. We can't see it, but unless it can throw things, it will have a hard time hitting us. I'll hand you magic pebbles that are almost guaranteed to hurt it. Thanks to the impaled arm, it hopefully can't stretch up.

I have a thousand ball bearings to expend, so let's make it count." 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros receives a couple of bolts of healing from the wand. He takes the offered potion from Nolwenn,   Thank you, what does it do?   Before heading back into the tower, he asks for a one-handed weapon.

In the tower, Ondros says to the others,   I'll keep alert for invisible minions, and will do my best to keep them off us as you attack the creature from a distance.  
 
 Spoiler 
Ondros is best in melee and can detect invisible creatures within 10ft so he may be best suited to fight the invisible guys.
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
  "I've heard it called a potion of invulnerability,"   Nolwenn answers,   "which is an exaggeration.  If you drink it, you'll be resilient--or even more so in your case--but you won't be invincible.  And only for a short time, no more than a minute!  But it could be just the advantage we need.  I'll leave that up to you."  

Once the party has assembled at the hole in the kitchen floor, Nolwenn extends the spyglass and aims it down into the darkness of the tower's ruined lower floors.
agignac
Standing at the edge of the kitchen, looking down, again you see only darkness. Nolwenn raises the spyglass. The scene below has changed since last Nolwenn looked. The barbsnare is still there, but it's agitated, the harpooned tentacle pulling and tugging clearly trying to get the whole thing back inside the tower. The second tentacle is moving around, up and down the walls, sometimes seeming to crawl along, other times lashing vigorously.

The wizard can see two other creatures below - two corrupted copies of Red's construct. They're invisible, but she can see them with the spyglass. One is about halfway up the wall, walking towards the ceiling (your floor) without apparent haste. The other one is clearly trying to help with the stuck tentacle, tugging on the writhing loops of rubbery flesh.

The creature's head with its circular maw is moving back and forth, and looks like it is making noise, but you hear nothing. The second mouth, the one in its abdomen, is pulsating.

The first construct copy, its head swiveling around as it climbs the wall, suddenly looks directly at you.

 Roll for initiative, and go ahead if you beat the construct copy. 
cc init
 (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros peers down and says to Nolwenn,   I do not see the creature. We should wait and see if it sends the minions up.   Ondros takes a defensive stance, ready for the minion to come up and attack.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Action   - Dodge
 
 
 
  
The Hellbug
While looking through the spyglass, Nolwenn describes the scene below.    "It's down there, still stuck, with two of its copies of Red's construct,"   she whispers,   "it looks like the barbsnare should be making some sort of noise--it's snarling or something--but nothing at all."  

She lowers the instrument.    "Oh, you know what?  That's it!  I think there's something in the tower that blocks sound from traveling between floors!  It explains why we had some trouble communicating on the way out, and why that beast hasn't immediately noticed us when we're standing up here!  Maybe that'll be helpful."  

Nolwenn raises the spyglass again frowns in confusion as she looks through it again.    "Wait, I  know  I saw two before.  It must be behind the barbsnare,"   she narrates, scanning the room.  Suddenly, the wizard practically jumps out of her shoes and nearly drops the magic spyglass.    "Aaaeeek!"   she shrieks,   "it's coming right up the wall toward us!"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took a step back, so his construct could stand in front of him:  "Same tactics as before: One draws their attention and dodges, while the rest piles on them to take them down as fast as possible. Don't let them sting you. I'll have my construct tank as much damage as possible." 

He wanted to say more, but events overtook him.
agignac
Nolwenn watches the corrupted construct scuttle up the wall, until it gets too close to the ceiling beneath her feet. She wouldn't be able to see it without sticking her head through the hole. She can see the barbsnare, however, continuing to tug on its tentacle.

Staring through the spyglass, Nolwenn almost misses the invisible tail of the construct as it reaches up through the hole, but she manages to catch a glimpse of it. Ondros senses the appendage and dodges aside.

The construct isn't so lucky. The tail wraps around one of its legs and tries to pull it through the hole. ( STR save DC 24 or be pulled in )

Azaka tries to stab at the suddenly-visible tail before it can pull the construct into the hole. ( I'll roll for her if the construct fails the save )
The Hellbug
Nolwenn, deciding that this situation is one that requires no less than the absolute best the she can muster, reaches into her satchel for the scroll she had found in the hag's cursed bag.  It contains a potent spell, far more powerful than any Nolwenn can reliably cast, and she deems that it will absolutely turn this battle in the party's favor.  She begins the incantation, and a pure magic begins to coalesce into a magnificent floating blade, but the spell is even more demanding on the wizard's mind than she had anticipated.  Simultaneously, she notices that her handwritten marginalia on the scroll contains an incorrect translation.  Overwhelmed by this pair of distractions, not to mention the spells she already holds in her mind, Nolwenn falters, and the threads of magic unravel more and more swiftly as she fails to keep up.

  "Stupid stupid stupid, damn it all!"   she curses as she steps back from the hole in the floor,   "give me another moment."   But it's too late, the beginnings of the blade have fizzled into nothing and the scroll in her hand is as empty as a blank canvas.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action: Nolwenn attempts to cast a spell from a scroll and fails (rolls in the discord).  She moves back 5 feet from the edge to give herself room to breathe.
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns cursed. Tentacles where new on the corrupted constructs.

Not able to do anything else, he readied himself for another attack, while he commanded his construct to defend itself

 
 Spoiler 


Ready attack for the next corrupted construct
 (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 


Bonus action, have my construct attack the grappler

 (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  damage  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros backs away and prepares to attack whatever comes at him from the hole,   Move away so it has to reveal itself and come toward us to attack. Then we will destroy it.  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Move   - Step away from the hole so no longer adjacent.
  Action   - Ready an attack against any enemy that gets within his Reach.
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
  Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 
 
 
 
  
agignac
Red's construct is pulled through the hole and vanishes into the silence. Red can sense that it isn't destroyed, and begins to fight against the barbsnare down on the floor below.

Nolwenn struggles with her spell, and Ondros and Red step back from the hole, readying attacks. You see the tip of the tail "peek" out from below, staying below the level of the hole, as if checking to see if there was prey near. It seems to be cautious as well, displaying a sense of self-preservation that the previous generation of minions did not.

Azaka Stormfang is not cautious. With a feral cry, she leaps onto the pole and begins to slide down into the darkness. You see her stab at the construct with her spear as she slides down, but she loses her grip on the spear and slides down without it.

 Everybody up 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horn threw his Yklwa at the tendril, hitting it.

Immediately afterwards he dove through the opening, spread his wings and flew a tight turn. The light of his lantern pierced the supernatural darkness, so he used the opportunity and attacked the two constructs, trying to dislodge them while also staying out of their reach.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 21 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 3 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 

Bonus action to direct the construct to keep attacking

 (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  damage  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros calls out,    Azaka wait!!    but it's too late; the scout is down the pole into the darkness below. Ondros curses. It is now a choice between letting Azaka fight alone, and potentially lose their advantage from numbers, or go down and fight together against the barbsnare.   I'm going down,   Ondros says to the others, and moves to the pole and wills himself downward.

The shadows below are too opaque, too dark, for Ondro's vision to penetrate. He closes his eyes and relies on his greater senses to keep his bearings as he finally reaches the bottom.   Azaka?!   he calls out.  He utters a quiet prayer to Ubtao and feels divine power course through. His size doubles, and he moves to engage the barbsanre.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Move   - Descend the pole to the bottom.
  Bonus Action   - Giant's Might to grow to Large (last use 😦 )
  Action   - Attack the Barbsnare
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+5)[ 16 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 
  Giant Might  - (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 

 
 
  
The Hellbug
Since she's now alone on the kitchen level, there's no one to see the abrupt look of confusion on Nolwenn's face, but the pearlescent blade that pops into existence next to the visible construct-copy is extremely obvious to anyone still in Red's light.

  "Ha ha!  Yes!"   the wizard shouts and practically dives to the edge of the hole in the floor to get a sight line on the ceiling-clinging foe.  She can't see Azaka and Ondros anymore, but they have each other for support and she assumes she and Red will join the once this threat is dealt with.  At her direction, the arcane blade slashes at the corrupted construct, and she follows it up with a spell of her own.  The wizard conjures a bolt of lightning but uses the magic of her hat to modify it.  Instead of ripping through the air like normal, the flash electricity pauses and twists into the shape of a bull, which lowers its head and charges the minion on the ceiling.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to go prone next to the hole (let me know if I need more than this to see the baddy).  Bonus action to attack with the arcane sword, and action to cast Lightning Bull on it.  If the construct is killed or falls, she'll also move the arcane sword 20 feet down.  I'm just going to roll lightening bolt damage for the bull, but that's obviously going to need GM judgement on what it actually does.

Sword attack:  (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Sword damage:  (3d10)[ 23 ] 
bull damage:  (8d6)[ 28 ]   save DC is 16 for whatever you decide the save is going to be for whatever effect it is
 
agignac
The Red Horns swoops down through the opening, with Ondros sliding down right after. Immediately, they are aware of the sound of a giant heartbeat. It surrounds them, fills them, seems to rattle their very bones with each ponderous beat. The heart is beating slowly, once every few seconds, but it is so loud, so present, they can feel it in their eardrums, in their chests. It's as if each beat is changing the pressure in the tower, so drastically that it threatens to puncture the more delicate membranes in their bodies.

(You have a number of free rounds equal to your CON modifier, then you'll need to start making Con saving throws).

The Red Horns swoops in circles, the magic lantern illuminating the world around him in a 30 foot circle. He sees the construct above, and as he dips lower, the barbsnare below. Ondros, eschewing sight altogether, finds his blindsight almost overwhelmed. The creature, the barbsnare is so big that its underfoot when he lands, and he stumbles on the lumpy, rubbery surface. ( Dex save DC 12 or fall prone. ) The barbsnare towers over him, fills his dark world in almost every dimension. It's almost unknown for the loxodon to feel dwarfed by another creature, especially when in this enlarged state, but that's how he feels now. At least the monster is easy to target, and he attacks it. A smaller shape is nearby, a few feet to his left - Azaka, and she's fighting too.

Meanwhile, overhead, the newly-conjured arcane sword chops deeply into the corrupted construct, causing a cascade of branches to break free and fall into the darkness. A moment later, a painfully bright electric bull rushes across the ceiling. The construct tries to dodge aside, but the bull takes it straight in the side. The bright bull lifts the construct up with its horns, then shakes it free to fall to the ground below.

 Red and Ondros - 10% chance pieces of construct fall on you. 1-10 on a d100. If they do, 6d6 damage, or Dex save DC 12 for half.  

The barbsnare, attacked in its lair, defends itself. A high-pitched scraping noise, short but repeated a hundred times, fills the air over the deep bass of the heartbeat. The teeth in the circular maw rub against each other, creating a painful cacophony. The free tentacle lashes at Ondros, seeking to knock the heavy aggressor off itself.

 (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
damage:  (2d8+6)[ 9 ] 
 If it hits, make a STR save, DC 13, or be knocked back into the wall and take 2d6 damage. Then, Dex save DC 10 or land prone. 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 64/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 1/1 
 Giant's Might: 1/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 
 
 Spoiler: Saves 
  Dexterity Save  - (1d20+2)[ 16 ]  vs Prone
  Percentile  - (1d100)[ 19 ]  vs Shrapnel
  Dexterity Save  - (1d20+2)[ 17 ]  vs Damage
  Damage  - (6d6)[ 26 ]  If percentile hits
  Strength Save  - (1d20+8)[ 10 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  vs Wall/Damage
  Damage  - (2d6)[ 8 ] 
  Dexterity Save  - (1d20+2)[ 21 ]  vs Prone
 

 
 
  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn lets out a sharp breath of relief when the construct falls.  She frantically gets to her feet and looks down at the battle below through her magic spyglass.  The construct is indeed destroyed, but the barbsnare itself looks practically unharmed and it looks like the dying construct still managed to rain shrapnel down on Red.  The wizard cautiously continues to lower the arcane blade and, even though it hasn't reached the monsters below quite yet, its progress is as sure as an executioner's axe.

Knowing she won't get a better chance, Nolwenn prepares to unleash another bolt of lightning into the darkness.  So far, the itinerant noble has seemed steady in battle(considering the situation) and precise in her spells, but anyone watching can surely see that, as she performs her customary ritual motions, her breaths are deep and heavy and her hands perceivably tremble.  The wizard clearly can't continue to cast magic like this.  She doesn't falter yet, though, and moments later lightning streaks down towards the base of the tower, aimed at both the barbsnare and its surviving minion, the last of Nolwenn's most powerful magic.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bonus action, sword lowers 20 feet.  Action, lightning bolt on both of the baddies!  (I figured since its trying to help with the stuck tentacle I can hit both but if I can't just the barbsnare is fine.)

Damage:  (8d6)[ 27 ]   Dex save for half.
 
Pyrophilios
Agonizing pain filled The Red Horns world as burning debris cascaded across his body, charring little holes into his wings and skin.

With much effort, he kept himself in the air, albeit much closer to the ground then he intended - barely 40 feet.

Though that was close enough to see the Barbs are in all it's vileness.

And so, he began to fire at the creature. He wasn't sure why everyone had abandoned the plan, but now he was committed to see it through.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack at range

 (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] 

Bonus action command the construct to continue fighting
 (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  damage  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 56/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 1/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Giant's Might 2/10, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros plants his feet squarely on the ground to keep from toppling over on the barbsnare's rubbery bulk. He hears a commotion above and manages to steer clear of something falling around him. The barbsnare smacks him with it's single free tentacle, but Ondros stays rooted to his position and is not knocked back into the wall. Suddenly, he invokes the Maze of Life upon the barbsnare, for it to lose its mind navigating the mental labyrinth.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 Reaction Triggered by End of Barbsnare's Turn 
  Reaction   - Invoke Stone Rune: When a creature you can see ends its turn within 30 feet of you, you can use your reaction to invoke the rune and force the creature to make a Wisdom saving throw. Unless the save succeeds, the creature is charmed by you for 1 minute. While charmed in this way, the creature has a speed of 0 and is incapacitated, descending into a dreamy stupor. The creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. Once you invoke this rune, you can't do so again until you finish a short or long rest.

Barbsnare must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be Charmed by Ondros and Incapacitated.
 


Seeing his chance, Ondros keeps up the offensive.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Attack Barbsnare
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 14 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 
  Giant Might Damage  - (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
 
 
  
agignac
Ondros activates a mystical rune, and the barbsnare suddenly stops moving. The thunderous heartbeat slows a little, down to once every three seconds, but it's still strong enough to threaten your very cells. But the enormous beast

Lightning flashes through the darkness striking the remaining construct that was working on freeing the tentacle, and also striking the tentacle beneath it. The corrupted construct takes the brunt of the damage, and scuttles off the barbsnare and out of sight. Red throws his yklwa and misses, but his construct finally manages to land a blow. Even not moving, the barbsnare is tough to hurt, its rubbery skin deflecting Ondros's maul twice.

The corrupted construct climbs up its adopted parent, standing up on its "shoulder" and lashes its new tail at its original parent. A handful of barbs fly at The Red Horns, piercing his skin and wings.  (10 damage) .

Azaka, her spear in a two-handed grip, stabs twice at the barbsnare, trying to pierce that rubbery flesh. Her first attack bounces off, but the second stabs through the outer layer and draws forth more of the black, oozing blood.

The barbsnare, unable to fight back physically, manages at least to break the charm compelling it not to act. The heartbeat speeds up again.

 Everybody up! 

dex save cc
 (1d20+1)[ 9 ] 
dex save bs  - actually nvm, it can't move
 (1d20+1)[ 18 ] 
wis save bs
 (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns cried out - he couldn't take much more of this, so he switched targets again and attacked the remaining construct, tasking his construct as well to that task.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 19 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 21 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 7 ] 

Steel Defender

 (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn's mind races with unwanted thoughts, almost part of her is dreaming even though she's awake--a side effect of casting so so many of her most potent spells so quickly--and she suspects that the charm of twinned mind is doing her no favors.  She rests her hands on her knees as she refocuses, further reflecting that her fatigue is all in her head, that magic isn't actually physically demanding.  The ache in her muscles ( imaginary  ache in her muscles) begs to differ, though.

Ondros's magic gives her a chance for that much, but the barbsnare is moving again in mere moments, and Red looks grim, or grim-er.  Well, Nolwenn has a solution for that.  She straightens up and wills the steadily descending magic sword to rotate so that its tip is pointing towards the ground, then launches it like a spear at the construct that has just now put itself in range.  For good measure, she also casts her fiery cantrip into the fray before, with a deep breath, putting away the spyglass, grabbing the pole, and descending into the darkness.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bonus action: attack with Arcane Sword.  Action: firebolt.  Both targeting the construct unless it's dead--they can both hit the barbsnare if that's the case.  If the construct is dead, move to go down the pole.
Arcane Sword attack:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
sword damage:  (3d10)[ 17 ] 
Firebolt attack:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
firebolt damage:  (2d10)[ 9 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 56/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Giant's Might 2/10, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros can see the barbsnare regaining its senses,   It has navigated the maze already!   he gasps. He unleashes a flurry of maul attacks against the monster.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 
  Action   - Attack Barbsnare
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
  Action Surge   - Attack Barbsnare
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
  Bludgeoning  - (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 
 

 
 
  
agignac
The corrupted construct takes a bad hit from the arcane sword, and tries to scuttle away. It comes up against its twin (which had been unable to navigate the rubbery terrain), and attacks. The hit proves too much for Red's construct, and it tumbles to the ground, inert.

The barbsnare pulls mightily against the immovable rod, trying to free its tentacle. Over the horrible heartbeat, you can hear the sound of flesh tearing. The tentacle, minus its tip, gushing with black blood, pulls entirely back into the tower. Whatever magic prevents the tower from flooding holds, preventing the combatants from drowning.

Taking a terrible beating from Ondros, the barbsnare's tentacle wraps around him, trying to squeeze and lift and throw him. The fighter is too big and heavy, however, and the tentacle fails to get a good grip.

Azaka continues to attack with her spear, stabbing twice and connecting once.

The barbsnare's lair shakes a moment, then the floor heaves. All the stones and debris on the floor fly into the air for 30 feet, then come crashing to the ground again.  7 damage or Dex save DC12 for half damage. 
 This is the beginning of the 3rd round since Red, Azaka and Ondros have been exposed to the heartbeat sound. First round for Nolwenn. Remember, you get free rounds down here equal to your CON modifier. After that, you need a CON save, DC 14, or Bad Things Will Happen. I think that means CON saves for Red and Nolwenn next round, and Ondros the round after.   
 
 Spoiler: rolls 

Good construct Dex roll to walk on the barbsnare to get to the bad construct, DC 12. if it fails, it'll attack BS instead
 (1d20+1)[ 3 ] 
bad construct vs good construct
 (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
damage
 (2d8+3)[ 6 ] 
BS Str roll to tear free from immovable rod. DC 16
 (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
BS tentacle grapple/throw attack on Ondros
 (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
if it hits, squeeze damage and lift, then drop from 30 feet.
[roll]2d8+6+3d6[/roll]

Azaka 2 attacks on BS
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
 (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
 (1d10+3)[ 7 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 49/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Giant's Might 2/10, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

The barbsnare rips its tentacle free and suddenly everything that isn't bolted down in the tower lurches into the air and comes crashing down. Ondros is unable to dodge the debris, but recovers quickly and keeps up the offensive.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 6 
  Action   - Attack Barbsnare
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 10 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 
  Giant Might Damage  - (1d6)[ 3 ] 

If Ondros crits, Bonus Action attack from Great Weapon Master:
  GWM Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns managed to avoid the worst of the attack, but only hit once himself.

That done, he flew higher again, trying to gain distance to the heartbeat.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  con save
 (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  dex save

 (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 19 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ]  if crit  (1d8)[ 2 ] 
Move 30 ft upwards
 
The Hellbug
Nolwenn keeps her footing as the floor shakes and bends over to shield the fragile items in her satchel from the raining debris.  Her arms, raised to protect her head, catch most of the small bits of stone and rubble, but it's still taxing enough that she loses her concentration on Azaka's enhancements.  With the arcane sword remaining, though, she doesn't have time to kick herself.

Wary of another construct explosion, the wizard scampers to the far side of the barbsnare, putting its bulk between her and its minion, before adding another slash of the sword and scorching blast to her allies' salvo of attacks.  Even as she does, though, that horrible heartbeat...it threatens to overwhelm her.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to reposition so that the barbsnare's between Nolwenn and the volatile minion, action to firebolt, bonus to sword.  Nolwenn  does  have Shield at the ready.
Sword attack:  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
damage:  (3d10)[ 14 ] 

Firebolt:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
damage:  (2d10)[ 11 ] 

Con save for heartbeat:  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
 
agignac
Nolwenn could feel the deep, vibrating thrum of the heartbeat resonating through her body. The very fluids inside her seemed to catch the resonance and create waves within, slamming mercilessly against her very cells. She felt a growing, throbbing pain in her eyes, as the vitreous humor therein sought to escape its confines. The pressure on her retina, on her optic nerve, caused the world around to become blurry, wavery, and then....dark.   (Nolwenn is blind for one round. You can attempt another CON save at the end of your next turn) 

The evil construct, barely hanging onto life, sees the blind wizard and flings its tail barbs at her. She feels a hail of sharp spikes against her arm and side. The construct, however, falls apart, with not enough material left to keep it animated.

The bloody-ended tentacle whips around, finds Azaka, and lifts her in its crushing embrace. Quicker than should be possible, it stuffs her into the body-mouth, the double rows of teeth there closing around her with a snap.

The second tentacle repeats the maneuver with Ondros, though its mouth is already full. Instead, it hurls the loxodon into the air; he falls 30 feet to the floor, landing on the barbsnare's rubbery body and rolling to the ground. ( Dex save DC 15 or be prone )

 
 Spoiler: rolls 

  lair action  - (1d6)[ 6 ]   nothing this round
  which orifice  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
  construct vs Nolwenn  - (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 
  damage  - (2d6)[ 8 ] 
  tentacle 1 vs Azaka  - (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
  damage  - (2d6+3)[ 15 ]  plus EAT!!
  tentacle 2 vs Ondros  - (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
  damage  - (2d6+3)[ 9 ]  plus  (3d6)[ 7 ] 

If she's not eaten...oops nvm
  Azaka hit bs  - (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
  damage  - (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 
  Azaka hit bs  - (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
  damage  - (1d10+3)[ 13 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns dived once more, sending his short spear twice again at the monster, before rising again - hopefully out of reach of the monster

 
 Spoiler 

Descend to 30ft height

 (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 19 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d8+16)[ 17 ] , if crit  (1d8)[ 8 ] 

Rise back to 50ft height.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 33/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Giant's Might 5/10, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros can't see beyond 10ft, and calls out to the others,   How is everyone doing?   He braces as he senses an incoming tentacle attack, and is flung up into the air. He lands back onto the barbsnare, and with an angry groan gets to his feet and attacks the creature anew.

 
 Spoiler: Dextery Saving Throw 
  Dextery Save  - (1d20+2)[ 5 ]  vs DC 15 or be knocked PRONE
 

 
 Spoiler: Turn 7 
  Action   - Attack Barbsnare
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 11 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 16 ] 

If Ondros crits, Bonus Action attack from Great Weapon Master:
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 
 

 
 
  
The Hellbug
Nolwenn puts her hands to her head and blinks as her vision fades.  Before she can be absolutely certain this isn't part of the rhythm of Red's dives, she's bombarded by spines, and her floating blade winks out of existence as she yelps in pain.    "Ahhhh, I, I can't see!"   she replies to Ondros, anxiousness clear in her voice,   "I don't know, where's the pole?  Is everyone  else  okay?"  

Since she's unable to retreat in her current state, the wizard flings another gout of flame at the barbsnare.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just attacking with a firebolt.  Assuming she gets an answer, she'll also stumble back towards the pole.
Attack with disadvantage:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ]  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
damage:  (2d10)[ 11 ] 
 
agignac
The only way Nolwenn knows that she's blinded (hopefully temporarily) is the pain in her eyes and the fact that she can't see Red circling any more. After all, it was already dark as the abyss in here. Still, at least the barbsnare was nearby (that was almost funny, it was nearly everywhere), and she didn't need to see to cast firebolt at it.

Everybody keeps hitting the abomination, hoping that the combined might of magic, hammer, spear and yklwa would be enough to end it. It was impossible to tell how injured the barbsnare was. The barbsnare is so big and alien in shape that it's hard to make sense of it, especially when you're this close to it. The skin is thick and rubbery and moves in a strange fashion under your feet/below you. When the light shines briefly around you, you see slippery black blood/ichor all around. The thing doesn't make any vocal noise or seem to react to damage, there's just the heartbeat that's threatening to tear you apart from the inside out, and the high-piched gnashing of teeth. Red and Ondros tense what feels like every muscle in their body, and fight off the pervasive thrumming of the heartbeat.

Then you hear another noise, a muffled sort of roar. It seems to be coming from within the creature's belly-mouth, where Azaka vanished moments before. It's nowhere near as loud as the alien heartbeat of the monster you fight, but it there. An animalistic roar of pain and defiance, recognizable, even while muffled.

The broken tentacle lashes at the barbsnare's own body, but the other one reaches for Ondros yet again. However, it flailed about in vain, unable to grab the opponent who was relentlessly pounding its flesh. Was the barbsnare finally slowing down? Or was it just bad luck?

( Everybody up. Nolwenn can try to save again at the end of her turn ).

 
 Spoiler: rolls 

  lair action  - (1d6)[ 6 ] 
  tentacle 1 ondros  - (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
  damage  - (2d8+6)[ 19 ]  plus  (3d6)[ 11 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 33/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Giant's Might 5/10, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 
  I'm here!   Ondros calls back to Nolwenn. He hears the defiant roar and thinks it is their guide,   Azaka! Where are you?   He dodges another tentacle attack and keeps up the offensive against the barbsnare but can't tell how much progress they're making against the creature,   What would possess someone to bring this thing into the world?  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 8 
  Action   - Attack Barbsnare
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 15 ] 
  Giant Might  - (1d6)[ 3 ] 

If Ondros crits, Bonus Action attack from Great Weapon Master:
  Maul Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
  Bludgeoning Damage  - (2d6+5)[ 13 ] 
 


With a massive overhead strike, Ondros slams his maul down into the rubbery and undulating mass beneath him. The creature bursts open, it's innards erupting forth into the tower. A massive tiger, injured but still alive, climbs out of the creature groggily.   I think we go it!   he calls to the others. He eyes the tiger warily and calls out to Azaka,   Azaka? Are you there?  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns swooped down again, bathing the scene on the ground in green light.

He looked at the wounded tentacle, and tried to hurt it there at an already weakened point

But he was too late - Ondros had already killed it. Not wasting a second, he moved towards the mouth that had gobbled up their guide. Using his weapon as an improvised prybar, he tried to open the closed, rubbery mouth

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 11 ] , damage  (1d8+16)[ 18 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d8+16)[ 24 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 33/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Giant's Might 5/10, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

As the deep darkness begins to clear, giving way to normal darkness, Ondros can see Red reaching underneath the creature; it was where he could last sense Azaka before she vanished from his sight. Nolwenn could not be seen, but judging by her voice she was on the other side of the barbsnare. Ondros moves around the tiger, and helps Red to try and recover Azaka from the creature's stomach.
 
 
  
The Hellbug
Hearing the muted and pained roar, Nolwenn pauses in her blind groping.  Ondros's cry for their guide brings clarity to the situation.  When the wizard had stated her goals for this journey to the oracle, she meant it, and there's no way she's going to allow the barbsnare to twist Azaka into something horrible (or finish doing so, she has no idea how swiftly it works its horrible magic) let alone abandon her.

And so, with one hand searching for the creature's enormous lower mouth, Nolwenn reaches into her bag for a vial, the elixir she had traded for form the gnome alchemist.    This has to work,   she reassures herself and, finding what must be edge of the razor-teeth-lined maw, she takes a deep breath and prepares to reach in for the guide, thumb on the stopper of the elixir.

But something's different.  After a thunk and a mighty splortching sound, the edge of the mouth feels slack.  Nolwenn doesn't have to ponder what's happened for long, though, because even as the pain in sinuses begins to alleviate, Ondros announces the creature's defeat.

  "Ha..."   at first unsurely but quickly confidence,   "ha ha!  It's dead!"    Nolwenn rubs her eyes as her vision slowly returns to her.  It's blurry at first, and she blinks and squints as the world begins to come into focus once more...only to find herself face to face with a tiger.

  "Aaaeek!"   she shrieks and falls backwards, blood running cold.  But then pieces begin to come together: Azaka being eaten, the tribal mask, the roar...

  "I think that  is  Azaka,"   she concludes to her allies about the tiger, although she makes no move to get any closer to the distinctly-predatory feline
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 33/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Giant's Might 5/10, Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros eyes the tiger, then moves to help Nolwenn up,   You think that creature turned her into a tiger? Why a tiger if the others were turned into strange constructs?  
 
 
  
agignac
The barbsnare's lair is still dark, but at least now it's just regular dark. Red's light seems to shine brighter, and it's easier to see once he lands and uses the light in a more focused fashion.

The barbsnare, as its minions before it, more or less exploded on impact. At least it was less spikey, and the explosion was disgusting, rather than dangerous.

The tiger, covered in bleeding wounds, shook its head and stepped away from everybody.

Red and Ondros, searching for the belly-mouth of the barbsnare, found only heaps of blubbery flesh and black goop. However, Nolwenn solved the mystery before anybody could get too worked up about Azaka's death. The tiger shook itself again, then began to change. Its shape shimmered and blurred, and a moment later, Azaka was standing there. Badly injured, wobbly, but alive. Notably, not wearing the mask.

You can see now that there's another hole in the floor, and the pole continues down.

The door/window that the tentacle had been blocking is now open to the ocean. It's dark out there too, but when Red's light shines on the water, you can see fish swimming by.
The Hellbug
  "It did not,"   Nolwenn explains, letting the loxodon help her to her feet,   "I'd guess it would have made a sort of spiny, slimy not-Azaka.  No, I believe she's changed herself.  It's one of the powers of the mask we returned to her.  If I'm right, she can explain.  Right Azaka?"    These last words are delivered towards the tiger as a gamble, and sure enough, Nolwenn, tired though she is, smugly looks on as Azaka changes back to her original shape...without the mask.  And as wounded as before, not as the wizard had expected.

The noble's self-satisfaction is quickly replaced with puzzlement, then worry.  The guide's wounds are as severe as anyone else's, and that her rival for the title has managed to stay airborne the for the whole fight means Nolwenn's attention is set on her.  Questions about the transformation will have to wait.    "I'm so sorry Azaka, are you okay?"   she asks, hoping her apology is helped by the fact that she herself is battered as well,   "can you walk or, more importantly, climb?  And your mind is intact?  We don't know how that monstrosity's corruption works.  Do you feel like, well, you?  Did someone bring another torch?"  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns, wasn't very surprised that Azaka could turn into a tiger. He was more surprised that she was still alive.

Leaving the sozializing to the wizard, he took a closer look at the room below the barbsnare. A typical wizard tower would have store rooms or a visitor room there - maybe filled with trophies and treasure to impress visiting colleagues.

 
 Spoiler 


Investigation check

 (1d20+8)[ 19 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
agignac
Leaving the befouled room for the others to search, Red goes further down into the tower, alone. The floor of the ground level is thick with filth - clearly the barbsnare's waste has been falling down here for who-knows-how-long. The pole brings Red down into a lobby that takes up about half the floor. There are large, carved double doors, clearly the main entrance. A few remnants of side tables, paintings, and other decorations are ruined on the ground, covered in mold and filth.

A fancy wooden door, surprisingly in good shape, opens into a sitting room. This room has been spared the degradations of the lobby, and is unspoiled. Several comfortable chairs are scattered on plush rugs. A bar at one side holds some dusty bottles. A fireplace is set with unburned logs. One the mantle there is a crystal vase with some flowers, an animal skull, and a pair of bracers. On the wall, two javelins are displayed together, along with a blood-encrusted flail. A side table holds a cloisonné bowl full of teeth and claws of various shapes and sizes.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Nolwenn is checking in with Azaka, and looking around with the small light sources Red left with them. Azaka is badly injured, but will clearly survive her sojourn inside the barbsnare.  "I did not think I was going to survive. How did you manage to kill the creature?"  At Nolwenn's questions, she thinks a moment, then shrugs.  "I feel like myself. Would I know it otherwise? I was only inside a moment or two, I don't think it had time to corrupt me."  She coughs, then holds her side in obvious pain.  "My ribs, however, are not whole." 

Nolwenn finds the remains she'd spotted earlier. Almost certainly the corpse of the wizard who'd lived here. Mostly bones and some gooey flesh remain, along with the tattered remnants of his clothes. Nolwenn sees thee rings on his boney fingers.
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns took 10 minutes to fuel a divination to detect magic from the ambient energies.
He looked with particular interest at the brazers and the weapons. And of course if there were traps.

 
 Spoiler 

Arcana/Investigate (whichever is appropriate)
Adding my new flash of insight and memories from a past live as well as guidance
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ] + (1d6)[ 3 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ] +5
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 33/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 
  I cannot believe it is you, Azaka, and you are alive!   He looks around for anything that might be soft and somewhat comfortable for her to rest as they search the tower,   Here, sit and be at ease.  
 "I did not think I was going to survive. How did you manage to kill the creature?"  she asks. Ondros chuckles,   The creature cocooned itself in a deep gloom, as you know. I am a mazewalker, so I can still navigate such things to a degree. Red had his lantern, and Nolwenn her spyglass. In the dark, the creature was the only thing we could perceive. We kept attacking until it was over.   Ondros takes a look at the barbsnare as the deeper darkness lifts around them,   A thing out of nightmares...   He seems to shake the thought away and says,   We should see if there is anything here we can make use of on our journey.   He moves toward the pole and calls down to Red,   Are you alright down there Red? I'm going to search up here.   With that, he lights a torch and begins to look around.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns called up:  "Yes, there is potentially some interesting gear here. I'll need a few minutes to confirm." 
The Hellbug
With the adrenaline fading, everything starts hurting, and Nolwenn really wants to be anywhere but here, but it does seem safe.  She takes a quick peek down the hole to make sure Red's lantern isn't moving in a 'there are dangerous things down here' kind of way before she walks over to the skeleton she had spied earlier.  As she bends down to get a better look at the rings on its fingers, she too answers Azaka.

  "Well-gathered information, a good plan, and well-apportioned violence,"   the wizard explains as she starts pulling the rings from the skeletal fingers,   "and luck and good help.  We couldn't have done it without you, and we're lucky that thing was stuck down here.  If it had been free...I don't think we would have stood a chance."    She pauses and considers not yet sharing another thought that's on her mind until she's alone with Red and Ondros but decides that Azaka can be trusted with it.    "And Eku, too.  When I was trying to conjure that sword, my incantation was incorrect--it shouldn't have worked--but, at the last minute, there was another presence there, and it guided me through it.  It sounded like Eku.  Whatever she did, it was much more potent than her blessing from earlier, there's more to her than meets the eye."  
  "As for the barbsnare's effect on your mind, your word is plenty for now.  I have a couple of ideas about how to help confirm it, but you won't like one of them and it will be more appropriate later."  
 
 Spoiler: Investigation 
Just having a look at the skeleton.  Anything weird about it?  Nolwenn also has the Medicine skill so that could maybe help?
Investigation:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 33/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros moves some clutter around and wipes away some of the barbsnare's black ichor blood to reveal part of a large summoning embedded into the stone floor, made of gold.   We should remove this, if not for its great value, then to at least prevent anyone else from using to to summon... one of these things or worse.
   
 
  
The Hellbug
  "Oh, absolutely,"   Nolwenn agrees, pocketing the rings; Red can have a look at them later.    "I bet we could borrow manpower from the  Pegasus  for a price.  With something this valuable, they'll know we'll be able to pay whatever they ask for.  Wonder what Red's up to, oh, and someone should go get the rod."  

Having conspicuously not volunteered herself for going back in the water (she's tapped all of her prepared magic for the day anyway), the wizard pokes her head down through the hole in the floor.    "Red, found anything?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
      Ondros    
 Loxodon Rune Knight Fighter 
 AC: 18 HP: 33/64  
 PPer: 12 PInv: 10 PIns: 20  
 Second Wind: 0/1  |  Action Surge: 0/1 
 Frost Rune: 0/1  |  Stone Rune: 0/1 
 Giant's Might: 0/3 
 Traits: Darkvision 120ft, Blindsight 10ft 
 Conditions: Swim Speed 60ft/Water Breathing (Cloak of Manta Ray) 

Ondros follows Nolwenn down to the lower level to see what Red has found.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
The Red Horns looked up and smiled, but continued to concentrate on the ritual he was performing to find magic artifacts.
agignac
The doors into this room, both javelins, the bracers, the vase, one of the rugs, one of the liquor bottles, and one of the chairs are magical.
Pyrophilios
Without hesitation, The Red Horns pointed the magical items out - ignoring the doors:  "These are artifacts, we should take them to the ship to examine them." 

He rolled up the rug around the javelins and the bracers. The vase and bottle he put into his backpack. With those items, he made his way up to the top.
The Hellbug
  "What about these?"   Nolwenn asks, showing Red the rings she had found on the skeleton.

  "Oh, and wait, with the rug, grab the skeleton as well.  And the immovable rod!"    She lets Ondros handle the chair and offers to, with the help of the cloak, retrieve the harpoon and rod and then help Azaka and her broken ribs to the top of the tower and back to the boat.
Pyrophilios
 "Magical as well, take them with you too." 
The Red Horns confirmed.
Provided there were no more problems, The Red Horns relocated to the ship and began to identify the magical gear.