istainion

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 05

Day 81: Insect repellent 60 -> 59, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day, still)
NOTE: Handed the mask to Azaka

After having defeated the terrorfolk at the summit, we went down to meet back up with Azaka again. She sat there in her weretiger form, looking anxious, but when I announced my arrival and our success, she demanded to see the mask—only the darn mask. Rathyn stood close to me and held it out to her, but only in exchange for letting her touch his fur. She was likely rolling her eyes when making herself go through the torture of being treated like an animal for just a moment. Then she finally took a good look at the mask. And me? I finally got my kiss! ... Or uh... lick? I'm sure I got some scratches on my face from her tongue, but it was worth it!

Then the majority of us went for a free fall! Smuck, Arden (on my back), and Rathyn all went down and landed on the surface. Safely, as we waited for the rest to climb down. We took a rest afterwards to recover from the strain.

Day 82: Insect repellent 59 -> 58, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day, still)
NOTE: -

We got back up and set the course toward the Bridge of Ataaz Muhahaha. It'd take about 5 days of travel.
Well, if that doesn't make your average person laugh or question whether you're making fun of the name, then I don't know what would. On our way, we witnessed a bird of paradise landing from the sky in front of Arden. He performed a dance to impress a mating partner, but clearly Arden had no interest. Disappointed as I was with the ABSENCE of appreciation, Arden convinced the bird to take a glance at me. And when it was my moment to shine and join the bird in his dance, his attention was taken by another flying creature closely behind us and he flew away. Ouch, the pain of rejection once again ...

Day 83: Insect repellent 58 -> 57, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day, still)
NOTE: -

Nothing of interests today

Day 84: Insect repellent 57 -> 56, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day, still)
NOTE: Poison obtained (Jasper - ingredients harvested & created)

As we traveled through the DELIGHTFUL climate that we treasure so, we came across a huge flower. Poisonous, and 6 ft tall. While it didn't pose an immediate threat, it sure was an excellent source of poison that Jasper made use of. Together with Arden's assistance, the ingredients for creating poison were harvested and brewed the same evening.

Day 85: Insect repellent 56 -> 55, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day, still)
NOTE: -

Nothing of interests today

Day 86: Insect repellent 55 -> 54, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day, still)
NOTE: Red Wizards of Thay crossed our path and took an interests in Vorn, wanted to offer her Sword of Life Stealing, after having minions defeated, she fled.

We arrived at the Bridge of Ataaz Muhaha that would lead us to the land connected to Kir Sabal. The very end of the bridge, however, was collapsed due to some impact. Poorly maintained—what else do we expect on this epic journey, anyway? If we shouldn't fear for our lives for any reason, then what else are we doing it for? Am I right?!

When we approached it, the guides Shago and Azaka warned us about the Shrine of Ubtao that was placed upon the bridge. We all noticed the texture of the bridge—it was like a maze. Shago and Azaka explained that we needed to use our finger to trace the path within the maze to cross past the shrine. Or else we'd face the wrath of Ubtao, and I don't know, we'd die or something. The loud laughter of the monkeys present there didn't exactly help, but the loathing laughter of the surrounding sure silenced them each time it wanted to join their joy. Well, if I already didn't feel like a fool who needed to crawl across the surface simply to reach for the pattern, then this sure did help. Suddenly the "muhahaha" makes a lot more sense. We did as instructed and made it past the shrine.

Each of us jumped past the 15 ft gap in the bridge soon after. And you think you had enough life-threatening moments? Then one of those Red Wizards of Thay crossed our path with a small, likely undead army by her side. She had an interest in Vorn and was willing to make a trade. Curious to learn how Vorn operates as well, but we offered no information of use.

She offered her Sword of Life Stealing for Vorn, but we weren't interested in the offer. She wasn't quite pleased with it, and by the way she spoke, she was planning on taking it by force upon refusal. Beginning with a gentle brainwashing spell which was interrupted by a warning shot from Smuck. Her eyes lit a brighter red than they already were when she cast it.

The lady explained that she needs Vorn for some "pest control" at the city of Omu. It's swarming with yuan-ti, and if our mission aligns with hers to head there, she would take us along. However, we'll run out of supplies soon enough, and even IF we'd want to LOVE to join the BAD GUYS who will definitely NOT sacrifice us, brainwash us in the attempt at pest control, perhaps even hold us captive, we still need to head to Kir Sabal. It seems like the truth wasn't convincing enough for her, or perhaps she cared very little, but it was either we joined her with Vorn by our side, handed him over, or... I don't know, died or something.

At least we learned that both of our enemies are each other's enemy as well! What a twist! And now we also know that somehow ... The Red Wizards of Thay are ... also interested in Omu.

Without us seeming to agree or convince her, Smuck decided not to hand Vorn over, and before I knew it, the wizard was shot in the face with a fire bolt and the battle began. Rathyn already announced that he wasn't going to give his life for a golem, and sought safety by taking his distance and abandoning us in battle to save himself. The rest of us? Well, I guess we'll fight.

The four knights by the red wizard's side were powerful, well-equipped, quick to strike, and extremely sturdy. When it felt like we already outnumbered her by pure numbers, it soon became clear that these weren't the only enemies. Multiple undead emerged from out of nowhere. Archers and close-range melee fighters came rushing our way. They all seemed to behave like a hive mind, and they were likely all undead servants. Each of them.

What felt like an impossible battle gradually seemed to turn in our advantage. While she became invisible during combat, as soon as her minions were defeated, she seemed to have escaped us. Were we too overpowering? We've witnessed her cast the spell "Suggestion," a cone of ice that dealt massive damage, invisibility, and undead-controlling spells.

And what did we learn today? We have the hottest, most popular item on us, and it is Vorn. It attracts frost giants, desperate humans in camps, some nature spirits, and even Red Wizards. What a delight! We definitely need some darn rest—the majority of us are badly hurt.

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Day 80: Insect repellent 60 -> 59, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day, still)
NOTE: 100 gold, 4 gemstones (-1 for Rathyn), 1 Unidentified Spellscroll and the Mask of the Beast for Azaka

So, everyone got in position, and the arrow with the boomdust satchel flew up into the sky to the summit of Firefinger, where the Terrorfolk were just minding their own business. Until the fire bolt struck the satchel with precision—these reptile-birds rather wished it didn't—when it resulted in a large explosion that took out at least 3 of them. Some rubble came falling from the vertical tunnel. We could hear the pained sounds of those caught in the impact. We decided to hold our ground and wait for what they'd do. This passageway was secured with boomdust in case they decided to check on us.

The first command sounded, and it was to get as far away from the hole—which connects to our location—as soon as possible. A long silence followed. It seemed like they were planning what to do next. I caught some of their conversation: "The basement is crawling with worms." "We need to check the elders!" "They are LIKELY dead! They are useless, dead weight!"

It seemed, indeed, we got rid of their elders. I wonder if I'll sleep soundly with that knowledge. They seemed sick and fragile, so hopefully we, uh, helped in a way?! I guess the crafting with dead humanoids didn't really help with the sweet, elderly display! There was more chatter going on, more quiet this time, but Arden picked up the noise. Their plan was to trap us here and call reinforcements. We cannot let that happen!

We prepared ourselves and agreed we'd head up to fight them before their plan was set in motion. With Taban and Shago leading the climb, the rest followed. The new plan? As soon as we get overwhelmed, we pull back. We rushed our way up and took our position. Rathyn and I headed toward the structure to get cover and complicate the Terrorfolk's ability to catch us while taking flight. After all, this is when they are the strongest. Taban rushed southwest from the summit to take one of the Terrorfolk down, as the rest focused on the alpha—a darker, larger Terrorfolk that was likely in charge of this group. There were five Terrorfolk remaining, and with one of them defeated, four remained. Smuck deployed his ballista and ran inside the structure as well.

Rathyn searched through the treasure chests they keep to find the mask, as the rest continued to fight the alpha. With a high-precision shot, I managed to shoot the alpha from the sky, which he flew up into to save himself from our physical strikes. But the harmful whispers, the javelins stuck in his body, and that final arrow through his skull just weren't enough to keep that guy floating.

Our strikes continued on to the rest, until they suddenly realized they were fighting a hopeless battle. With their leader defeated, they decided to flee instead, and while the rest decided to follow suit, two Terrorfolk tried to get their claws onto a free snack on their way: our rabbitfolk Arden. However, they FAILED miserably! Likely the involvement of magic, who knows, unless Arden is just tough to catch~ With a loud grunt, both remaining Terrorfolk gave in and left our sight. Battle over!

And we got all that treasure! 100 gold, 3 gemstones, and 1 spell scroll, along with the mask we were looking for. We survived! Woo!

LEVEL UP!

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Day 80: Insect repellent 60 -> 59, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day)
NOTE: Obtained feather (Rathyn)

And so, I moved closer and sneaked a little peek inside the cave. I witnessed four Terrorfolk of fragile health. They were working on totems built from humanoid skulls and bones. Ah, what a joyful task to kill time at this lovely hour. They seemed not only of fragile health; these appeared to be old as well. I could hear the coughing echoing through the air.

We cannot risk getting caught, not even by these guys, so we gathered near the entrance at the sign of a signal. We ambushed these Terrorfolk. I'm sure they had a story to tell, but we didn't have a life we could afford to lose here! Quick work was made; the four fell to the ground next to their totems. Their attempt to yell for help was silenced by the fast, combined strikes of Jasper, Taban, and Shago.

There was another route to take, and we could hear muffled noises. Both Rathyn and I took a look and found a tied-up Aarakocra scout. His name was Neshyr, who revealed himself as an ally from Sir Kabal. Sir Kabal is one of our destinations; this is going to be helpful.

He told us that he was taken captive in an attempt to scout the surroundings. We released him from his bindings, and he promised to leave a good word for us with the Priestess Asharra in Sir Kabal, a location to which he will return. He also gave us some intel about the top of FireFinger. He witnessed eight Terrorfolk in top condition; there could be more, however. The moment they take flight, they will instill a primal fear in their enemies. Inside the structure, he said, they keep their treasures. They are arrogant and expect no one to come, which is an optimal time for an unexpected attack.

Neshyr left us, and we gathered to come up with a strategy.

At the location where we found Neshyr, there is yet another vertical tunnel of 50 ft up; this is one way to get to the top. The cave we are in is 10 ft tall. This would restrict the Terrorfolk from flying and could be used as a strategic position to take them on, one after another. Jasper scouted the surroundings and confirmed the position of each of them. Near the tunnel, there is a small group of Terrorfolk, minding their own business. As for the rest, they are all distracted. A few are near the chests, and the chests appear secured. Jasper also confirmed that the air current is much more controlled at the top, likely a magical effect of the flame, so perhaps climbing our way up the mountain will keep us secure from the wind, not our failures.

Our current plan is to have Jasper shoot an arrow up from the tunnel with a satchel of "boomdust." This satchel will be shot by Smuck's fire bolt and cause an explosion and hopefully catch the group near the tunnel in the impact. The plan is to observe their reaction: if there is none, we will head up; if they enter the tunnel, the explosive traps we set up will activate, one after another. If we head up and get overwhelmed by their forces, we will disengage into the tunnel and activate the traps when they follow.

Man, I'm so nervous, and Azaka won't even be watching how cool I look!

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Day 80: Insect repellent 60 -> 59, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day)
NOTE: Obtained 15 GP, A ring of gold and Carnelian, and two onyx figurines of Chwingas, connected rope returned to Jasper and Smuck, Azaka left the party (temporarily)

The ground was shaking, and countless of sounds came from four locations in the wall of the pit. Hitting through the wall to create a passage. Smuck jumped off my shoulders and hurried to one of them, placing some ... Explosive device there? I don't even know what it is, but it sure did explode in my face! Even Taban, who suddenly jumped down into the pit to accompany us, was caught in the blast. When the explosion struck, the hole that was being created caved in. At the other three, spiders came crawling out. Giant Wolf Spiders ... Each of us reached for our weapon and took care of them, only to be confirmed that more would keep coming if we don't block the passages!

I jammed another passage shut with a large rock, as Shago, Smuck and the others helped to close the remaining two. The battle came to an end and now we could finally move to the vertical tunnel which Smuck and I previously explored. It's a 90 ft tall, vertical tunnel. We considered using pitons to climb our way up, but I realized that it might just be a waste of tools to make our way up this ... Tower?

I decided to climb up, check if the surroundings are clear for the other to follow, and borrowed the rope of Jasper and Smuck to help them up the tunnel from the surface once I'd get there. The climb was easy, and I made it to the other side. No enemies in sight, and neither any traps, so the rope dropped as a sign that it was clear. One after the other, they made their way up again.

Once they were all there, I decided to scout the surroundings once more. The path split in half, one leading to the left, a dead end, and the right led to the outside. When I peeked a bit farther, I saw a year-old corpse that wasn't in the best shape, but enough to recognize. Within the old blood, I spotted a glint of something valuable, like a gem. I reported to the group, and both Arden and Smuck seemed interested in the potential treasure. They followed closely to the path when I scouted that surrounding. All seemed clear, until there was motion at the ceiling. There I stood on my own, under attack of countless of Stirges! That nearly took me out, but the group helped me out. So many of them got attached to my FACE! I bet it looks really ugly right now! How will Azaka notice me like this! ... Good thing I am loud enough.

We obtained 15 GP, A ring of gold and Carnelian, and two onyx figurines of Chwingas. Perhaps these can be used when we get in trouble with the terrorfolk? I'm also surprised they haven't been inside of here to retrieve it, themselves. Perhaps it is a good sign that we take this route?

On our way to the outside, we were halted in our steps. Azaka suddenly announced that she cannot move on. Most of us were confused, she did seem frightened all this time, but she never explained why. But she is afraid of heights, afraid of falling to her death. Man, I can't even BLAME Her, we will climb quite far and the ladders don't look great. The wind is likely to pick up as well at a higher height and it just makes it worse. I was worried that she'd be in danger on her own, but she assured me that nothing would touch her. Not even the undead could land a scratch on her, like some magical barrier protected her.

I took this opportunity to ask if I will be rewarded for my heroic deeds, but all I was given is a promise of a kiss. Hey, we gotta start somewhere, right~? However, the rest thought differently for a while. A debate took place in which they attempted to convince her, but her primal fear is simply too solid. Rathyn also hesitated, even with the promise of fun, he said that there was nothing to gain for him, and that I just did it to please Azaka. He isn't wrong though? I joked that I could also give him a kiss if that'd be the issue, but I simply wasn't fit for the position.

Ah well, I suppose a kiss shared among brothers in arms isn't the SAME! Hahah! His gaze wandered however, and landed on Shago. With a lot of hesitation, and encouragement of others, Shago moved closer to Rathyn, took a deep breath with a few, final words spoken in his mind. "It can't be much different from women ..." He muttered, before he reached to Rathyn to give a BIG, FAT, WET kiss on the mouth. It sent shivers down my spine to watch that. But Rathyn leaned in, even lifting his foot. The weirdo. But it worked? He joined us. Azaka stayed behind.

She told us that the stolen heirloom is a magical mask of a beast.

After that display of masculinity, we resumed our journey past the slim passage that the outdoors provided us to the next ladder. The wind picked up a second time and threatened Jasper's life, but he had it all under control. Even when we stayed low, it wasn't optimal, still. We remained away from the edge as much as we could, before the more solid ladder brought me and Arden up, closely followed by Smuck. At the higher height, however, there was a light, hidden away in a corner. Likely from a campfire, the light source was unstable. Near it, there were three corpses. I sneaked a little closer, and picked up a noise of scratching against a smoother surface.

I tried to get a better look on the target ...

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Day 80: Insect repellent 60 -> 59, incense 10/10 (Streth 0) (same day)

Taban and Shago created 2 javelins from the wood they found nearby as we waited for nightfall to come. I also tied a rope around my chainmail to dampen the sound, I might not be so agile this way, but at least I am not as loud.

Later, when the sun disappeared into the horizon, it was our moment to move. Brief discussions and preparations took place beforehand, such as the Goggles of Night for Jasper to wear created by Smuck (enables dark vision). That's just one more person who can see. We scouted the surroundings.

60 ft away from the structure, we found a dead elf who took a very deadly looking fall. Well, that's quite a clear mark for this to be the territory of the Terrorfolk that Azaka warned us about. He's been there for a couple of days, so there's not a need to be concerned about their alertness.

The first ladder looks ancient and in a poor condition, we were forced to leave the construct behind because he was clearly too heavy. SORRY, SHINY ROCK! Arden checked the ladder beforehand to ensure we wouldn't step incorrectly. One after another, we hurried our way up. I went first, then came Smuck, and soon the rest followed. I checked the space before entering, but I couldn't find a single trap nor mechanic. We entered and began to explore the surroundings. The area inside was split in two sections, divided by what looks like a pit. The first area that connected to the entrance had nothing of interests. No secret doors, no traps, nothing. And I had Arden on my back that entire time, it sure was an experience.

We observed the pit from above, and checked the distance to the other platform. It was approximately 10 ft distance. The entrance on the other side was blocked by a lot of spiderwebs, but no spider in sight.

So I took Smuck along on my back, and jumped over the pit to the other side, where he burned the web all away. Still, nothing. No traps, no movement. We entered the area while the rest waited on the other side, and noticed a vertical tunnel up the ceiling. We do have the tools to hammer our way up there, but who knows how long the tunnel extends? The distance from the ceiling and the ground is approximately 7 ft. We can only hope that it leads SOMEWHERE. No hidden passage anywhere. Perhaps there's another one at the pit?

I reported my findings to the rest, they lit a torch to see. Afterwards, I jumped my way down with Smuck still on my back, down in the pit, when suddenly the ground began to shake. WELL, HERE WE GO. WOO!

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Day 67: Insect repellent 73 -> 72, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

In the afternoon, we came across 3 giant spiders, and we wiped them off the surface real gently! (75 EXP). We set up camp in the evening, and that's it for the day.

Day 68: Insect repellent 72 -> 71, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

Ah, would you look at that! More giant spiders (4) ready to ambush us during the night watch! What an awful time to get up, good thing we sleep only lightly. One of the four managed to get away, the coward. (100 EXP) Of course, we did lose track of our position on the map once again. We should make a game out of it and have fun, rather than to be frustrated with it!

Day 69: Insect repellent 71 -> 70, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

In the morning, we managed to find our location on the map again. We encountered some Girallons, yeah, we were definitely the cooler monkeys. (275 EXP) And not only that! They were next to a treasure chest with! ... Nothing inside! WOOO!

Day 70: Insect repellent 70 -> 69, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Obtained Dog Tag from dead Flaming Fist explorer "Nheimen Dessi"

So the morning scared our navigators with a little fog again, and guess what happened?! Yeah, you guessed correctly! Definitely don't travel in some tropical hell while it's foggy! Hahah! We lost track of our map position once again! And we encountered 8 unhealthy looking zombies, they were even less healthy afterwards. (50 EXP)

We also found a dead explorer on the ground with a Flaming Fist helmet, the poor guy broke his legs and is scarily close to a cliff. Do we blame the fog once more or the loss of sanity around these regions? I'll go with both! There was a dog tag attached to this person with the name "Nheimen Dessi", perhaps the Flaming Fist would like to hear about it.

In the evening, we found our location on the map. (76 exploration EXP)

Day 71: Insect repellent 69 -> 68, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

Not much of interests today while traveling, however we found a safe space for the night (sanctuary = Long rest) (76 exploration EXP)

Day 72: Insect repellent 68 -> 67, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

No encounters and again, nothing of interests today! (76 exploration EXP)

Day 73: Insect repellent 67 -> 66, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Exhaustion +1 lvl -> Graelor/Blight, Smuck, Jasper, Shago, Azaka

No rain at all, we're dancing a thin line with our water supplies! Perhaps we're luckier tomorrow? And somehow I feel ... Exhausted.

Day 74: Insect repellent 66 -> 65, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Exhaustion recovered (long rest)

During the day, we somehow found yet another safe location to rest at, and that while it's foggy. We decided to stick around just to rid ourselves of the exhaustion. Can't hurt, right? (sanctuary = Long rest)

Day 75: Insect repellent 65 -> 64, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

And then you wake up from the restful sleep that you didn't have in what felt like a month, and there's this tropical storm saying GOOD MORNING! I do like storms though, but these ones are quite evil, must be the climate! We remained in place, hoping that it'll pass ... Yeah, that DIDN'T HAPPEN. The sanctuary is a LIE!

Day 76: Insect repellent 64 -> 63, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Rations -1 (9 left)

Guys, guys, is my hair still looking good~? Yeah that tropical storm did not pass today! Good thing we have some rations to consume as we wait. This is like watching a puppet show at the markets, except we're IN this story, and any slip up will murder us!

Day 77: Insect repellent 63 -> 62, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Rations -1 (8 left)

Okay, alright, yeah, I get it, the weather sucks, the climate does also. Is it normal for these tropical storms to last THIS long? Please tell me it'll end soon, even these bookworms tell us it's non-magical. No, that storm remained.

Day 78: Insect repellent 62 -> 61, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

Wow, I can barely believe it, the storm came to an end! ... Who would have thought! I can finally stretch my limbs and walk! Woo! We resumed our journey and reached River Tiryki, and got ourselves some water. (76 exploration EXP)

Day 79: Insect repellent 61 -> 60, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

No encounters this day.

Day 80: Insect repellent 60 -> 59, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

We approached a rock structure in the distance which resembles the description of Fire Finger. It's approximately 300 ft tall and it looks like a watch tower that nature built. At the top of the structure there is a flame visible, likely of magical nature. Azaka needed us to head here, and we discussed what could be expected of the location.

She warned us about the so-called Terrorfolk that live here, large flying creatures that tend to travel in packs, smart like an average humanoid, capable of speech, but nastier than the average drunk you'd find at the taverns. These guys only seem to care about looting innocent travelers before casually dropping them of high heights or to otherwise kill them, purposelessly. They seem to like things of value, like gems and artifacts, rather than plain currency gold. And we're also warned that they tend to inflict a sense of fear onto those that get too close. Well, yeah, packs of large monsters, merciless nature. HMM, I wonder how well we'll do there.

We set up camp to prepare ourselves and wait for the sun to set, so we can enter at night. They have no superiority in the dark, which is of benefit to us, they are like blind, little humans. I noticed at the camp that Azaka is terrified, and I wonder why, perhaps she has been here before. After all, how would she know they kept something that belongs to her family in there. Is it a treasure?

In the evening, we'll enter this tower and pray for the best outcome. If it'll turn into a disaster, it better be funny before I die!

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Before we knew it, we were surrounded by the 3 Frost Giants and their two wolves. Forcefully we regrouped and were finally given the promised conversation. First came the introductions, Alem, the strong bearded frost giant wielding a greatsword, the second male is named Syntas, a slender man with keen eyes. The third! ... My favorite! Drufi. (I love the way she yells at me.)

Surprisingly, they speak common just fine, and they are definitely convinced that it makes them "the good" frost giants! I believe that entirely!

We learned from them that they are on an important mission and came to Chult to defeat a man, a so-called powerful wizard who can cast a single spell to cause the death of another. This individual is named Artus Cimber and was also the one who stole that powerful ring, like Silkbite told us. It appears like the team came across this guy, and had two of their team members taken to find him.

Well, it probably went similarly! Because the sound of recognition made them aggressive. It seems like their travel to Chult was involuntarily, and it became clear when it seems like this man might be the cause for the destruction of the world. Yet he seems unrelated to our main objective. So many things keep wanting to destroy the world, don't they? Hahaha ... Have you people tried a hobby? Knitting? Something ... Else?

We arranged that IF we find this man, that we'll bring him to Shilku Bay where a ship with white, giant dragon wings await us. We are also urged to take along every item he has, not a single one may be left behind. With that, we separated ways, they head South, while we head East to Firefinger. We only came to this arrangement thanks to Arden's clever words. After they left, Smuck reunited with us and it became emotional, at least on Taban's side. (I'm quite sure that I heard his bones crack in that tight embrace)

In the afternoon we came across a group of undead that weren't dead enough to leave us alone. We made quick work of the fools and sent them back to the earth for another nap. (+306 EXP)

Day 65: Insect repellent 75 -> 74, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

Well with the fog threatening our location on the map once again, we weren't too successful until the evening when we rediscovered our location on the map.

Day 66: Insect repellent 74 -> 73, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

So we had an interesting encounter. We saw undead in the distance making countless attempts at getting beyond a hedge, and the interesting thing about it is that the hedge somehow keeps restoring itself. It didn't stop the impaled undead from trying either. They didn't pay us any mind, so we did them the pleasure to release them from their suffering at a good distance and well aimed offense.

Then we moved closer to inspect the hedge. Curious to find what is beyond it and the reason why the undead were so invested to get in. Vorn and I combined our epic giant forces to peek past the hedge only to confirm Arden's suspicion that there is indeed a maze. It's a wheel-like hedge maze in which the third layer contains an interesting mace, but it seemed to be within Grung territory. Beyond the maze there is a Grung settlement. Not the friendliest people to deal with, even if they are just frog people! ... We decided not to enter their territory.

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Day 60: Insect repellent 80 -> 79, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Found location at map again

The ground was shaking, until eight skeletons came crawling from the ground beneath, punching their way through the dirt! What a slow surprise, so slow! That it wasn't a surprise for long. And how nice, they have two ogre zombies as companions! We took them down quickly with barely anything of a scratch! They can't get past our combined forces!

And we even found our location on the map! No more encounters for the day. We resume our path toward Firefinger.

Day 61: Insect repellent 79 -> 78, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

And so the fog returned, and the rain continued ... And ...! Rustling brushes and footsteps drew our attention toward a group of humanoids that ran from us like cowards! How pathetic! We decided not to care and press on, with that pace? We'd just get ourselves off course again. No other encounters.

Day 62: Insect repellent 78 -> 77, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

The fog lifted, but there was a heavy wind and rain, later on the fog returned. No encounters.

Day 63: Insect repellent 77 -> 76, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)

When we cleaned up camp to leave, we disturbed a stone and were facing the wrath of bats that came in a swarm toward us. We made quick work of them, no other encounters.

Day 64: Insect repellent 76 -> 75, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Caught by Frost Giants, Smuck is hiding

This was the first morning without any rain in weeks, it's worth to gasp over. Not even any wind either. Luckily, I have my own wind to keep it all nice and breezy~

In the distance, we could see the environment interact with the motion of a large entity, multiple even. Yeah, we knew better than to stand still! We all sought for a place to hide and stayed low for the threat to pass. Unfortunately, the three Frost Giants and two Winter Wolves caught our scent. Commands were handed to the wolves to find our location, and we knew better than to let that happen.

We each ran from the threat. And they seemed to be too interested in tracking us down, else they wouldn't be on our tail! Run faster! Yeah, well, it's quite difficult to outrun a group of GIANTS and some wolves! We tried to communicate with them on our way to escape. I suggested us to be friends, and they seemed quite eager to accept that! Except that it didn't exactly sound genuine! They're probably out to kill us! They wanted to talk to us! And maybe that's actually true.

Rathyn was the first to get caught, or rather, he let himself be caught. I noticed that when occasionally glancing over my shoulder to see his location. One of the frost giants took a hold of him and held him like a torch as she gave chase for the rest of us. Rathyn was continuously instructed to let us know to stop running. And with most of our energy running out, we had little choice than let that happen. We got caught as well, one after the other. We lost track of Smuck along the way, who somehow had the speed of four horses combined when he disappeared into the horizon! ...

Now what will happen to us?! (Smuck is hiding)

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 04
LVL PROGRESS: Unknown

Day 52: Insect repellent 68 -> 67, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: We decided to do more Ghoul hunting, No payment to Guides

Encounters:

Morning: Bat swarm +25 EXP
Afternoon: retreating Yuan-ti scouts (Did not engage)
Evening: 1 single flying snake (Spared its life)
We returned to camp afterwards for the night.

Day 53: Insect repellent 67 -> 66, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: No payment to Guides

Encounters:

Morning: 8 Ghouls + Ghast leader (9 heads) +256 EXP
Afternoon: Mounted vegepygmy scouts (Did not engage)
Evening: Group of zombies (8) +50 EXP
We returned to camp afterwards for the night.

Day 54: Insect repellent 66 -> 65, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Con save made, no side effects from centipede, Triceratops meat delivered to camp, No payment to Guides

Encounters:

Morning: None
Afternoon: Triceratops (Meat) +225 EXP
Evening: Swarm of centipedes +50 EXP
We returned to camp afterwards for the night. Meat was delivered to the camp for consumption.

Day 55: Insect repellent 65 -> 64, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: LEVEL UP! (LEVEL 3 -> 4), Ankylosaurus meat delivered to camp, 46 Gold + 9 Silver each, No payment to Guides

Encounters:

Morning: Ankylosaurus (Meat) +??? EXP
Afternoon: 8 Ghouls + Ghast leader (9 heads) +256 EXP
Evening: 6 Ghouls + Ghast leader (7 heads) +206 EXP
We returned to camp afterwards for the night. Meat was delivered to the camp for consumption. We sold all ghoul heads and earned 46 Gold and 9 Silver each.

Day 56: Insect repellent 84 -> 83, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Obtained 1 insect repellent salves (-1 G/each) each (63+20 = 83), Bought Poison (Jasper)

Jasper bought the remaining components for his poison crafts (at a sweet discount thanks to Arden 25 - 5 = 20 gold). We've prepared ourselves in the morning to leave Camp Vengeance of the Order of the Gauntlet set course toward Firefinger. There were no encounters this day, but there was a heavy wind, some fog, and enough rain for our rain catchers to drink from.

Day 57: Insect repellent 83 -> 82, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: -

In the morning we encountered a group of 7 velociraptors, they ran from us. Eager to earn the experience of battle, we caught 6 of them to battle. +33 EXP. We could not move much more than the storm let us, it gradually became a tropical storm. No way I'm risking this great body of mine to that!

Day 58: Insect repellent 82 -> 81, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: -

Day 59: Insect repellent 81 -> 80, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: -

Due to the fog and unfinished map, we lost our position on the map. How surprising, right?! Man ... There was some creepy blue, magical mist floating in our direction as well. We know better than to risk blue mist fever! We avoided it. No other encounters, but our position could still not be found.

Day 60: Insect repellent 80 -> 79, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: -

Still no way of finding our position on the map in the morning! There's this stupid fog around still! ... We moved in a certain direction until everything around us got real quiet all of a sudden. Wait, is this an AMBUSH?!

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 725 EXP left till LVL 04

Day 48: Insect repellent 12 -> 11, incense 10/10 (Streth 1)
NOTE: Obtained 3 insect repellent salves (3 G) each (11+60 = 71)

We were offered 500 gold for Vorn. Commander Breakbone said that if we disagree, we will not receive the supplies we rely on. That after the team has aided the wounded previously, they said, and now we deliver food for the entire camp. We tried to reason with him, assisted by his dwarven commander who tried his best as well.

But with Arden's help, we managed to convince him. We have refused the offer, and will have access to the camp and supplies at a normal rate. Instead of being forced to pay double the original value of the salve we need.

We've obtained 3 salve each for 3 Gold per person which have 20 uses each. Making a total of 71 applications with the previous amount we still had.

Due to the gold shortage, we've made contact to the people of the camp, and are offered 15 gold per Ghoul head. Our plan is to stay within a single day range of distance from the camp when we go hunting. Our hunt begins tomorrow in the morning.

Day 49: Insect repellent 71 -> 70, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: No payment to Guides

Encounter: 9 Zombies
We returned to camp afterwards for the night.

Day 50: Insect repellent 70 -> 69, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: No payment to Guides

Encounter: 9 Zombies
We returned to camp afterwards for the night.

Day 51: Insect repellent 69 -> 68, incense 10/10 (Streth 0)
NOTE: Exchanged ghoul heads for 103 Gold and 2 Silver, No payment to Guides
CALCULATIONS: 20G, 6S each x3 = 61G, 8S (Guides 2x + Taban)
Azaka appears entirely unaffected by the ghoul and ghast attacks (non-magical attacks)

Encounters: 10 Ghouls + 1 Ghast
We returned to camp afterwards for the night.

We earned 165 gold - 61 gold and 8 silver for the guides(2) and Taban,
leaving us with 103 Gold and 2 Silver in total.

We're deciding to plan for the journey.
(Whether to continue farming for lvl up and gold, or move on)

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: ???%

Day 37: Insect repellant 23 -> 22, incense 10/10 (Streth 12)
NOTE: Obtained Blue Tulips, heading to Camp Vengeance

When we walked down the stairs, we were welcomed by a large field of blue tulips. An ... Excellent idea came up in the mind of the one who claims himself to be something of a master merchant and the goblin, when they watched the flowers. Observing them swing along with the gentle wind that passed it every so often. Their plan? Plucking them, then selling them to anyone interested.

How do we transport this amount? Oh, no biggie, simply toss it in the Bag of Holding! We spent some time collecting these by request. A thought like that would never cross MY mind, but I guess they know how to get their income, I guess?!

Later on, we returned to where Azaka is, who, again rejected me! Man! I keep trying, how can she say no to a blue tulip as well?!

Our destination? Camp Vengeance to restock.

Day 38: Insect repellant 22 -> 21, incense 10/10 (Streth 11)

We passed by some Ubtao Deity priest that merely watched us. He doesn't appear interested in interacting with us. Uptou is the Deity that Chult used to worship before this Deity abandoned Chult, only to be replaced by the 9 Trickster Gods. Worshippers of Ubtao are considered enemies to the others.

Well, may the heavy wind guide our path!

Day 39: Insect repellant 21 -> 20, incense 10/10 (Streth 10)

A foggy day with heavy rain, but no encounters

Day 40: Insect repellant 20 -> 19, incense 10/10 (Streth 9)

Light rain, mixed with some fog and hot weather. A delightful combination to each and every traveler of a darn jungle. A group of spiders tried to ambush us in the fog, but failed miserably!

Ha-ha! Yeah, no other funny surprises.

Day 41: Insect repellant 19 -> 18, incense 10/10 (Streth 8)

It's been raining for a WEEK! But no encounters, I bet they went hiding to recover from the weather. Uwwgh ...

Day 42: Insect repellant 18 -> 17, incense 10/10 (Streth 7)

So the FOG put us off course and ... We're lost? But at least we found some ... Clothing made of wool? (4x common value) When we resumed the path, we encountered some wild baboons in the distance. Though, while we make no move, neither do they. Their number is over 10, and we're advised against fighting them. So protective!

Day 43: Insect repellant 17 -> 16, incense 10/10 (Streth 6)

AH! We're back on track! We discovered our location on the map. A lovely discovery in this HEAVY RAIN. At least we found a safe place for rest at a tree top. We decided to spent the night on there to recover. Finally I can shut my eyes and drift off!

We also encountered a group of 5 Apes, but we decided not to fight them once again.

Our journey resumed and we could feel the ground shake by some heavy steps in the evening. With haste, we hid ourselves and watched how 3 Frost Giants passed us, along with their Wolf companion that began to growl in the distance. Knowing our luck, we decided not to interfere with THOSE either. I did have to suppress a gentle "Hello", let me tell you that!

They do not appear to be the ones that this group is familiar with either. Not that it's easy to see in this weather.

Day 44: Insect repellant 16 -> 15, incense 10/10 (Streth 5)

Haaa ... Isn't Chult a WONDERFUL place to be while you're STRUGGLING TO HOLD YOUR POSITION IN A TROPICAL STORM SUCH AS THIS ONE?! It lasted the ENTIRE DAY! ACT CALM, ACT CALM. ACT ... Irresistible~

Day 45: Insect repellant 15 -> 14, incense 10/10 (Streth 4)

What is Chult without a lovely amount of rain and a storm! Well, I do enjoy the storm. Our navigators? A lot less so! We lost track of our position once again! We set up camp in the evening.

Day 46: Insect repellant 14 -> 13, incense 10/10 (Streth 3)

Ah, the rain, the fog! ... And no change to our status of being ... Entirely lost. We came across a single, large Hadrosaurus but decided to avoid combat to resume heading to Camp Vengeance.

We also came across a half built Sanctuary. We've completed it and got the full benefit of a restful night. How I missed this.

Day 47: Insect repellant 13 -> 12, incense 10/10 (Streth 2)

We're approaching Camp Vengeance! And we came across an Ankylosaurus, a HUGE creature! So I had the idea that perhaps we could deliver a nice surprise to the camp! They are starving, aren't they?

We set up an ambush and caught it entirely off-guard! What a success! We have enough meat for an ENTIRE VILLAGE! Hahah!

Luckily we could skip the encounter of some Deadly Flower as the group spoke of having met in some ... Warehouse? I don't know what kind of situations they run into, but it sounds WILD. It's HAUNTED? Hahaha! I love that!

Day 48: Insect repellant 12 -> 11, incense 10/10 (Streth 1)

We finally reached Camp Vengeance by the late afternoon. They opened the gate to us after having confirmed the identity of a few, and allowed us passage. We surprised them with the meat, and they all seemed joyful about it. There will be a feast!

A shy looking lady approached us, her name is Inete. She told us about her strange finds some place in ... Basin? She and the leaders of some group of soldiers, named Mr. Wulf and Lorsa.

They noticed something on the other side of Basin. A group of red robed individuals killing a swarm of undead effortlessly? These are spellcasters that resemble the Red Robed Mages, enemy of Savras and generally a dangerous group. They appear to head toward the Heart of Ubtao, a heart-shaped, floating island. According to her, we need to learn of their objective. They even appear to be capable of having ways to dodge death! I guess the Death Curse is no issue to them ...

They might be looking for specific artifacts. Their activity is considered an ill omen and highly suspicious. If we come across this group, we need to notify the Order of Savras. She believes that this is what her Deity wanted her to discover, and will make haste to Port Nyanzaru with the soldiers to pass her finds.

This looks like some bad luck ... But! Real bad luck looked us in the eye when Captain Breakbone turned toward us after the previous conversation ended.

"This golem", he said. "Would you be willing to part with it for the right price?" By the way he said price, it appears to suggests there's more to it. Another life of death thing or what? Hey! While we're at it, why not, am I right?!

WHAT DOES HE WANT? I like our shiny rock ...

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: ???%

Day 36: Insect repellant 24 -> 23, incense 10/10 (Streth 13)
NOTE: Met Saja N'Baza, received exact details of mission

So, we stood in front of the shrine and eyed it with curiosity. Looking into the passageway only revealed a pitch black darkness. Green Bossman Smuck reached for a stone and imbued it with a light spell only to toss it inside and watch the light disappear as soon as it made it past the frame of the entrance.

It also looked quite small on the outside. Though I've seen places like it before! They appear tiny on the outside, but inside, powerful magics expand the place beyond imagination! Sure, I had some interesting mail deliveries in my life ...

When the Bunnymeal Arden sent his magical hand in, he told us that he broke contact. Perhaps it's a magic barrier, who knows?! Well, Rathyn and I sure are curious to enter, regardless of what the afroman suggests. Sending Vorn in? No way! Let us do it! With a quick agreement met, I shoved my head inside the entrance. Darkness, and only more darkness to find, but oh! There's something glowing in the distance!

I slipped farther in and had a brief single sided conversation with bossman Smuck. It seems like only I can hear them, and as soon as they considered me dead, I pulled my head out. The great Blight?! Dead?! No such thing! Hahah!

Eventually we all entered the shrine and reached for the glowing stone to make it through the area, until a distant chamber suddenly came close, as if our path suddenly shrunk in place. I had to blink a few times, but the scent of incense made it seem less like a wild hallucination.

The chamber in front of us had many lamps hanging from the ceiling and countless pillows scattered all over the floor. Flower pots hung from the walls and ceiling as well.

When we entered, an individual in the midst of the room moved and faced us. A large snake in unusual pale color, covered by seals like bandages and a feminine voice. She introduced herself as Saja N'Baza. Later claimed to be Chult's protector, the one who is tied to Chult and cannot leave, but is immortal in nature. Our meeting today was considered fate and becomes our destiny with a quest she held for us to take. All smoothly wrapped with a pact on top. Delightful.

Saja, one more permanent than any God, confirmed to us that the undead are not a part of the death Curse. Instead, they are tied to a piece of history of someone deeply involved with the Death Curse. A necromancer who was once a chosen one by a God to swear an oath to protect a holy city, named Omu.

Until he broke his pact to attack this city with an army of undead. Unfortunately the holy city was spirited away from his attempt to control it and he was doomed to wait out the future years. It was when the Spell plague happened in which the Goddess of Darkness, Shar and the Prince of Lies, Cyric, cooperated against the Goddess of Mystra, the mystress of Magic. This offense caused the calamity of magic corruption for 10 years, also named the Spell Plague.

This resulted the loss of control over the undead army that now roam freely in the jungle of Chult. Purposelessly without a master to take orders from. Once the protective spell ended that protected the holy city, it was taken control of by this individual named Duke Ras Nsi. It is said that he became the leader of a yuan-ti cult dedicated to the God Dendar. Their mission, according to Saja, is to summon forth the God Dendar to end the world as we know it.

Has this man tried to ... You know, have hobbies? This seems quite extreme, what benefit is there to ending it all?

Ras Nsi is a servant of a much more powerful dark master that we mustn't fight, for he might be far too powerful. He is said to have crafted the Soulmonger artifact that keeps the Death curse in place. In its involvement and related history, 9 trickster Gods were taken captive within the city of Omu that we must free. And this is where our pact business was mentioned.

Our mission is to locate Omu, which is a place that can only be found from the sky through flight or by visiting high locations, like the mountains. It was sunken beneath the Jungle. Located between both Valley Lost Honor and Peaks of Flame. It is recommended we make contact to the Aarakocra tribe in the monastery of Kir Sabal. Then Locate Omu to murder Duke Ras Nsi, release the nine Gods of trickery. She promised that they will become our allies who will guide us to the Soulmonger artifact to end the curse. Without them, She says, we will not find it.

Well! ... I guess we're stuck to a pact now to the guardian of Chult, fantastic. I hope holidays are included in this pact. At least she didn't say how long it should take? Hey, that Silkbite was actually right, it is in Omu!

Upon accepting this pact we were all given some temporary power, which sounded better when she said it than what was delivered. What do you MEAN I can only use this once, it sounds cool, but?! (Potion of heroism feature) Well, at least we can toss bossman from high heights, and know he'll be fine, nothing new to me!

We left the place, and it was like everything looked unusual or odd even when we saw the light again. Instead of dusk, it was dawn? What? Man, the days sure move differently within that shri— Wait, the shrine is gone?! And the stairs became a single path without an obstacle in sight?!

Well, she did say something about revealing the true appearance of it. She got us good!

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 60%

Day 30: Insect repellant 30 -> 29, incense 10/10 (Streth 19)
NOTE: Met Silkbite, the fairydragon

After the foreign voice interrupted our chatter and considered us a "heartwarming display of bonding over a campfire" we collectively demanded it to reveal the appearance. The voice sounded strained, but it sounded funny and cooperative, hesitant with a "It's not so easy, hang on."

The thrill washed all over me as a small creature that looked like a butterfly crossbreed with a dragon and some canine creature appeared in front of us. She looked so cute! She had the size of a cat.

Mr. green bossman demanded to know who she is, and she didn't hesitate to make it a show on her own. I could feel myself urged to applause when I saw the display of a small creature with the common tongue respond. "The great fairydragon Silkbite!" She's so incredibly adorable! Rathyn, you seeing this?!!

And the fun didn't stop there when the mention of playing a game was made. Slamming down onto the surface beneath I became curious about the game. But the game was quite disappointing! I could feel the muscles of my face pull my mouth much lower than its original position when she mentioned a mere exchange of questions. Why not call it an interrogation instead?! Man, I'm sure I've been through some of those in MY life! ... They must be answered with sincerity. Eventually they accepted.

The first question was directed at Jasper. I guess lizards like lizards in the end! ... But the question was nowhere near the ones you'd hear during an interrogation. Instead, it was asked if he would do something in a certain situation. If he would steal from a noble, but this treasure of his holds emotional value that is tied to the last memory of his daughter. The large lizardman took a long, long time to intensify more of his thinking, I swear I could see the fairydragon's eyes enlarge with anticipation. Then she got disappointed when he said no, he would not steal it with that knowledge.

The next question went to the bunnymeal Arden as bossman sometimes refer to him as. And this time it was again about theft, a purse was involved with the embroidery of its owner that he'd find. And a similar question followed. Would he take it? Well, yes, he said, he will takes what belongs to him, Arden answered. Joy filled the fairydragon that giggled in various of circles up in the sky. But, Arden said, he'd leave the purse where it was. Considering the gold his, as a finder, but the purse belongs to the owner.

Still drunk on the joy she had, her attention for the next question went straight to Rathyn that waved to earn it. Let's ignore that I waved more enthusiastically than he did! And again! Something similar to the other two questions followed. Man, this fairydragon has a lot in common with the dragons. It's all about hoarding those goods, huh? Theft once again! But, this time Rathyn is the one who catches a thief. The hood will fall down when he does, and it reveals a terrified child. The question is ... Will he let go and let it make its escape?

All our eyes were resting on the elf when he suddenly said that he'd let the kid go. Silkbite withdrew and pouted a little. "Interesting, all of you have the mind of the thief, except for the thief." Her gaze resting on Arden that immediately defended himself. It will last for half a week of entertainment. It forced a chuckle out of me, that must be such a boring lifestyle! When will we play a real game?!

The tables turned and it was our turn to ask questions. The first question was pointless, regardless of Silkbite claiming to know all the answers and it being a bluff. How to solve the Death Curse? Well, it's simple, find the source of the cause. I could feel us collectively slapping our palm against our face.

But when they asked about the frost giants, something much more interesting was dropped. Silkbite overheard more of the roots of the cause. They are hunting a man down that stole a powerful ring, most of Chult is looking for him, and it seems this group even made contact to him. I can't believe it, guys! They were so close to the source and let it go away! Hahah!

The next question was closer to what we wanted to know ... We all need to find what keeps the lich alive, a phylactery. She doesn't know, but she said "If I need to hide the source to bend nature, I'd put it in Omu." She chuckled, wishing us luck to figure that out before she disappeared into nothingness.

Man, I hope she'll return one day. I just met her and I already want her to be my companion. We all went to sleep after that.

Day 31: Insect repellant 29 -> 28, incense 10/10 (Streth 18)
NOTE: -

The mild rain and the absence of joy in the morning reminded me that we are in fact still in the jungle of Chult. Of course, the heavy rain that followed didn't help! And neither did the nasty slime trail of some Flail Snail. We resume to pointlessly chase after the group's friends. Man, would Rathyn go this far for me as well?

We faced no other encounters by nightfall.

Day 32: Insect repellant 28 -> 27, incense 10/10 (Streth 17)
NOTE: -

During our travel we discovered an interesting target for fire practice, because when the target was hit, we received 2 explorer packs and a 2 person tent. Yeah, that was all the enthusiasm for today.

Day 33: Insect repellant 27 -> 26, incense 10/10 (Streth 16)
NOTE: -

Nothing is happening! Nothing! Just some fog and rain and experiencing rejection. Ouch, man, I thought I had a chance. At least we decided to head to this Protector instead now, rather than chasing a fever dream shaped like frost giants and old companions?

Day 34: Insect repellant 26 -> 25, incense 10/10 (Streth 15)
NOTE: -

Oh man, the navigation man got us lost! ... Yeah, we looked around like lost children trying to find home, except the jungle is no such place for comfort. No other encounters met today. Even when the fog lifted! Oh wait, we're back here? Oh, you're kidding me!

Day 35: Insect repellant 25 -> 24, incense 10/10 (Streth 14)
NOTE: -

AH! The fog is back! But the weather and tracker man got us back on track! Yes, he gets more and more nicknames as we go! Listen, I need to keep it somewhat interesting for myself. Come ON, Shaggy! No other joy was to be had, but I started picking up a hobby for idle singing.

Day 36: Insect repellant 24 -> 23, incense 10/10 (Streth 13)
NOTE: -

And the fog is making another round! But! Still on track. We will arrive soon. Oh FINALLY, is there fun to be had?!

Pretty lady Azaka told us to halt all of a sudden. And said that she cannot get closer than her current position. She has some 6th sense or what is it? Well, I suppose she's too much of an angry kitten not to have at least a 7th.

She pointed in the direction we must take without her. Bossman Smuck asked if she is disallowed to enter, but Azaka answered that she is quite particular about who may approach. There will be an audience awaiting us, but only if we are worthy. OH! OH! A TRIAL OF WILL? That sounds fun!

She set up camp and parted ways. I feel quite bad about leaving her out there on her own, but ... Hey, maybe she'll miss me if I'm gone for long? Or perhaps she, too, will consider me worthy after surviving! Wait, will I die?!

Upon approach we encountered something akin to the ruins of an ancient civilization, much like a pyramid with many stairs to climb. There was something off about it, it gave off a mysterious atmosphere.

Curiosity brought us closer to the first stairs.

Challenge 1

On the stairs there were many thorns attached to branches that seemed like they would hurt on the way to the top, so to bypass this, we tried to make way to the next level. Yeah, that didn't quite work out ... A field of protective magic made sure that we wouldn't cheat. Meaning, these stairs are the test to see if we are indeed worthy.

With the suggestion to use Vorn accepted, we made our way past the thorns. It was shown by the massive amount of damage he took along the way, made it clear that this trial was not to be played with.

That's also when we discovered that he can actually repair himself, like wow! Can I heal myself as well by just existing? I mean ... I suppose time does heal?! But that fast? It's like the regrowing of a vampire as the rumors claim!

Heading the way down ... Didn't cause harm for some reason? Then after a while Jasper claimed to have seen a small creature with a mask and an orchid in its hands. And the thorns shrink while its in its possession. I wasn't sure if he was going crazy, but Jasper did carry an orange orchid in his palm and had no issue walking around the thorns that would shrink in his presence, but only around him. Vorn came to pick up the rest of us.

Challenge 2

The next stairs we needed to cross was awaiting our attempt, but the stairs turn into gravel and we would fall and teleported back to the start. No matter how fast we run to pass them. The orchid was neither enough. Jasper made an attempt to find yet another one of these nature spirits, and noticed one with a chameleon mask. It carried a parrot feather and an orchid.

We collected the parrot feathers on the same floor we stood, and when we tried to cross it with a feather alone, it wasn't enough. So I hurried to the previous floor and obtained the orchids for everyone to hold. We solved the mystery and we could finally cross!

Challenge 3

The next floor had ... A more interesting approach to cross. Poisonous snakes were scattered everywhere around the stairs, and now having figured out that the nature spirits give us the clues, but the display wasn't to everyone's liking.

We were tasked to use the orchid to wack one of the snakes, and use the feather to calm it. Then we are supposed to place ourselves onto the ground for the snake to crawl inside our mouth and become one with us, so we slither, like a snake, up the stairs.

I had to chuckle loudly to see the nature spirit move like that!

I let Rathyn do it first, after all, he's the craziest between the two of us, and to see him follow those instructions was quite the show! Man, watching him consume that snake ...! I did feel that shiver running down my spine, but the result was too funny to look away from. That didn't exactly look natural at all! Hahaha! I need to praise the protector for this one! Oh! My turn!

It didn't quite work out for Arden or Jasper to let the snake crawl inside, but apparently Vorn was able to do it and helped them past the obstacle. I think I cried more often by just watching Vorn and the others than I did in a year. Those who nearly died were rescued by bossman and vorn who just carried them up as a snake. Hahaha! I can't believe we all made it to the top where the shrine is! Wooo! Good work! Good work!

CHARACTER: Graelor "Blight" Swiftbreeze
CLASS: Fighter FLVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 60%

Day 30: Insect repellant 30 -> 29, incense 10/10 (Streth 19)
NOTE: Graelor and Rathyn met the group

Yet another day in the delightful heat of this ... Exotic environment! ... But nothing can take down the breeze of The Blight! No matter the exotic storms, nor the loud buzzi— RATHYN! MAYBE WE SHOULDN'T DO THAT TO THE WASPS! AH, THEY ARE COMING! —OH! Pretty rock!

When we were chased by a large swarm, our fast feet took us to a far distance ahead of them! They stood not a chance! Until I found a pretty, large rock to stand on, and we felt cornered, our blades were aimed at the target! From the sidelines an audience appeared from the bushes, and the large rock started moving. Is it a golem?! That's such a cool rock!

Unfortunately, the wasps were quite overwhelming once they got in reach, regardless of our skills, I stood not a chance to move in time. My vision blacked out multiple times in a row. It seemed like a light flickering through my eyes, a very disorientating experience, but when I woke up! The flying pests were defeated! And I met this really beautiful woman, Azaka! She hates me, but guess I like that about her! Hehehe.

After the battle, Rathyn and I decided to move with these new people to a safe place and set up a camp for the night. Rathyn had offered our most treasured secret in return for a service. He spoke about the Death Curse and our mission for which we were both sent to Chult, and surprisingly it aligned with the other guys. Has fate brought us together? How weird, after weeks of running and seeking safety until we'd reach Port Nyanzaru again from following the mountains only, we find people with the same mission.

We told them how we arrived at this island, how we traveled by ship to the corner of the land with that albino dwarf guide ... Yeah, I uh, I barely recall what happened. How many days has it been?

We've convinced these guys to take us along on their travel, after all, we're all just surviving in this mess. All these OVERSIZED BUGS everywhere! Rathyn, where'd you put that insect repellent?!

RATHYN & GRAELOR "BLIGHT" SWIFTBREEZE JOINED THE PARTY

CHARACTER: Streth Evira
CLASS: Paladin LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 50%

At the afternoon we decided to follow Azaka toward the Guardian of Orolunga. With Vorn by our side and our travel leading toward the Vegepygme, we planned not to anger them with the presence of their assigned deity, and instead walk an arch around their territory. In the evening, we set up camp and rested for the night.

Day 27: Insect repellant 33 -> 32, incense 10/10 (Streth 22)

The day was uneventful during our travel. We met numbers of weather conditions, but at this point, none is of surprise to us any longer.

Day 28: Insect repellant 32 -> 31, incense 10/10 (Streth 21)

The morning surprised us with fog, much like the previous few days ago, and a light rain. It was enough to catch to drink from, too. And ... Unfortunately, we lost track of our location on the map ... In the distance, we heard heavy footsteps heading in our direction. Due to the fog it was difficult to see what it was exactly, and the distance enabled us to plan our approach better.

We took a path to the left to keep a distance from the unknown creature until we'd reach it, then we hid from it. The creature appeared to be a brontosaurus, a herbivore. It passed us, and paused to sniff Vorn, but lost interests quite early, and resumed its path away from us. We resumed our travel, and walked through the heat of the jungle, until Gat noticed something odd about a tree we passed. He pointed up to a platform that is tightly constructed onto the treehouse and mentioned the tracks of humanoid kind that frequented this platform. It would be enough to hold all of us, excluding Vorn.

Azaka climbed up the tree to explore the platform and see if there are any people using it as of now. She quickly returned with an answer: there is no person here and no evidence of any specific species of travelers. We decided to stay at this treehouse, and climbed our way up to investigate it more. The longer we remained, the clearer of an idea we had of how to replicate this design. It would take us approximately 1 day to make, even with Vorn's help, but the night we remained on this tree house was far more comfortable than closest to the ground. We won't be able to travel that same day either, but after this night I feel much more rested. (Spell slots recovered + Arden made progress on the map copy.)

Day 29: Insect repellant 31 -> 30, incense 10/10 (Streth 20)
NOTE: -Spyglass, -money (Streth)

The fog lifted, and we could finally recognize our position on the map with the use of the clearer view and the more fortunate change in weather condition. We left the treehouse and resumed to where Azaka lead us.

In the afternoon, the persistent fog returned, accompanied by an uncomfortable, heavy rain. And again, we could hear the heavy footsteps not too far from us (100 meters). It became clear from the inconsistent steps that there are at least three creatures in the distance. Not to bring too much attention, we hid away, while Smuck and I hid ourselves behind Vorn who sat down on the ground not to pull attention.

Unfortunately, this didn't exactly went as planned when the sudden speed in pace was heard, and even vibrated with its every step toward us. It was Vorn that drew there attention, and when he was slammed to the side with very little effort, Smuck and I stood eye in eye with the three frost giants and their two wind wolf companions. To stand so very close to such a threat, I had not often had the pleasure to, but I could feel the fear shake deeply within me. In my thoughts, I made a prayer for our safety, may Torm hear our whispers for hope.

They paused at our sight with axes in their hands, and it was clear that every wrong move could mean our end. They spoke to us in a foreign language, their tone vibrating through my entire being as they did. We made sure to make an obvious attempt to surrender to them, as we wish not to fight, and we said to them that we cannot understand them.

The frost giants gazed each other in the eye, before one of them began to use very simple words in the language we collectively share. By the use of pointing and simple words, it became clear that they are looking for an individual of my height with a beard. Though the lack of description was not too clear, as there are many travelers and people we had met, I did have an odd suspicion, however. They reached for a piece of paper and made a drawing before holding it down for us to see. I could feel myself frowning when I recognized the features of that individual. I said to them that he names himself David, and pointed toward east, to where he said he and his companion would be heading into.

A large hand reached toward me and took a hold of me. I decided not to fight it nor interfere with their plans. They lifted me close to them, it was a horrifying sight to be removed so far from the ground, but with my amulet in hand, I tried to remain strong. They held up a map, one much less detailed than ours and writings I could not recognize, however, I recognized some locations, among the one where I had met David. I used the same words they did to describe this man, placed my hand on the map to show where we had met him, used my hand to express that he's traveling, and slid my hand toward the eastern location.

The frost giant frowned and yelled "Lies!". I know this man was quite deceptive, but it is all the information I had on him. I have tried to let them know that it is all that I was told, and as soon as I did, their lips suddenly curved, and they decided a different plan of approach. A sharp turn was made away from the group, and they began to walk. "You. Come with!"

They are taking me away?! But the Death Curse! I tried to reason with them, but they refused to listen. Any wrong move, and their attacks will be aimed at us. To make sure that I wouldn't have the items wasted on me, I quickly dropped my valuables for the team to pick up as the distance increased. It was difficult to see what was happening from here with all the branches slamming against me as we walked through the environment, but their attention was drawn when a familiar voice called out to them. They turned over, which enabled me to see Gat. He used the same primitive language to express that he can be like their wolves. The giants were confused, until Gat showed them what he meant by wildshaping into their kind, however smaller. They laughed and agreed to take him along to find the tracks of David and his companion, but no other may follow them, or else ... I told Gat not to, they need him! They need all they can get their hands on! ...

I hope that these giants will let me go, I mustn't stay away for long! Please Torm, allow me to enable to reason with them! But while I am here, I thought ... I could sing a little song. It seems like the frost giants appreciated it, and hummed along, mixing up with an occasional howl from Gat. Please, everyone! ... Take care.

The Party split up,
Streth and Gat left the party

CHARACTER: Streth Evira
CLASS: Paladin LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 50%

Smuck left the leader's hut and walked out like a folks hero, moving past the guards like it is a parade. He stops near the gate when the guards ask him what to do with us, they name followers. He told them "Leave them to me." And yelled in common to us to scram, tossing a fire bolt at my feet as a warning shot for us to run. Much like instructed, I stumbled backwards and ran along with the others. Soon followed by Jasper who was behaving feral on command, slowly afterwards, Smuck followed as well. It was hot, incredibly hot as we rushed away with the Batiri cheering in the back.

We made it to safety, and resumed our path back to Vorn as we discussed what had happened. In the evening before bed, Smuck identified the new amulet, and explained to us how it worked. (The distance for each telepathic command is 60 ft.)

Day 23: Insect repellant 37 -> 36, incense 10/10 (Streth 26)

In the morning it rained lightly, which resumed throughout the day, but our path toward Vorn remained. No encounters this day were met.

Day 24: Insect repellant 36 -> 35, incense 10/10 (Streth 25)

Today was a very hot an dry day, during the evening during our second night watch, Gat noticed some creatures in the distance approaching us. When we woke from our slumber and made ourselves ready to defend ourselves, we noticed a few giant spiders ran off. No more threats are left. No other encounters for the day.

Day 25: Insect repellant 35 -> 34, incense 10/10 (Streth 24)

Blessed by the rain as we were, we did struggle with the heavy wind. It obscured much of our sight, and the interruption of sleep did also. We lost sight of our path and managed to get lost. The remaining time of the day, we spent finding our way through. No encounters were met once again.

Day 26: Insect repellant 34 -> 33, incense 10/10 (Streth 23)

We found our path in the morning and resumed our navigation until we reached Vorn in the afternoon. We made ourselves ready to activate him by command. We kept a safe distance, excluding Gat, who was too curious to. We witnessed the construct slowly raise from the ground, reaching for his large spear, and approach Gat. Some of the guides were alert, but I kept a close eye on him.

He stood still in front of the druid, lifted his palm and carefully pat Gat on the head. A blessing! He is blessed by the divine! I doubt not the tribesmen's judgement! Perhaps Vorn indeed is something divine. I still cannot believe that we have managed to obtain the amulet. Well, in truth, Smuck did an excellent job at it.

Then Vorn approached Taban, made a sudden stop in front of him and flexed its arms. Taban who recognized this, narrowed his eyes, tossed his weapon down and flexed in return. Perhaps it is a message for us to continue fighting! How lovely! I smiled over to the others, but Azaka was rolling her eyes, and Shago's attention was with the golem. As for Smuck, there was some expression on his face I could not quite recognize. My attention returned to the two, whose contest resumed until Taban was covered in sweat. Then he said "You're good." Both were about to give each other a handshake, before Vorn lifted his hand away from Taban.

After this display of true friendship, we followed Azaka toward the south-west of this clearing to find the Guardian of Orolunga. (1 week of travel distance) We planned to head to Camp Vengeance afterwards to stock up on insect repellent.

NOTES

1 week in Chult = 10 days

Night Watch (Rounds)

1. Streth + Smuck
2. Gat + Arden
3. Jasper + Azaka

CHARACTER: Streth Evira
CLASS: Paladin LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 50%

We had decided to follow path that would lead us to the vegepyme. It was a long journey, and lead us into the night. We set up camp, and decided to resume following the path in the morning.

Day 17: Insect repellant 43 -> 42, incense 10/10 (Streth 32)
NOTE: Obtained a well polished stone from the vegepygme tribe to offer to Vorn.

With a foggy outlook in the jungle, we followed the footsteps of our guides that helped coordinated us through this challenging weather condition. In the afternoon, we neared what looked like a settlement. We paused here and discussed our plan of approach.

I suggested we find ourselves some berries to offer to them and reveal that we come in peace. Shago seemed to have the same idea, and agreed to it. Together, we made an effort to collect berries and placed these upon a large, decorated leaf done by Gat. The satyr took it in his hands, and moved first in line as we resumed our path toward what looked like the settlement.

We were forced to halt in our steps when a tree near us was hit by a rock. A warning shot. Gat placed the offerings down on the ground and stepped backwards, with both palms lifted. Each of us took our distance when movement took place in the foliage. A figure much larger seeming than a regular vegepygme, but as soon as it revealed itself near the berries, it became clear that the vegepygme was mounted.

Its spear pointed at us with a threatening look in the plant creature's eyes. The mount tried to eat one berry, until it was punished by the owner with a small bonk on the head of the backside of the spear. Gradually it moved closer to the berries and tried it.

Having confirmed that it it not poisonous, the creature straightens the spear and placed it on the ground. Then it gestures at Gat to approach him, who obeyed, until a signal came to stop again. Only he may come closer, but keep his distance. A type of sign language is used by the vegepygme that is difficult to understand, but it seems to be enough for now.

More vegepygme began to show themselves behind the one with the mount, and observed Gat as he tried to ask if they know where the amulet of Vorn might be by the use of a stick in the dirt to draw. According to Gat, they believe Vorn is a divine being, one who is mighty. After multiple attempts of drawing, the vegepygme seem to understand, and tell him they do not have it and neither know where it is.

To thank them, Gat made them a gift by the use of nature, which the vegepygme traded for a well polished stone. Obtained from the mount's satchel. A practiced act it seems, of which they are capable. It makes them precious among their kind, however a human being might not consider it to have any value at all.

We gave our thanks, and journeyed back toward Vorn.

Day 18: Insect repellant 42 -> 41, incense 10/10 (Streth 31)
NOTE: Begin journey toward Batiri settlement

In the foggy morning, we arrived at Vorn and noticed that more offerings of fish are given to it. They must have been the Batiri. We decided to head to their settlement now in order to locate the amulet. With a light rain falling from the skies, we follow the fresh footsteps of goblin kind.

Day 19: Insect repellant 41 -> 40, incense 10/10 (Streth 30)

No encounters were met this day, we resumed following the tracks of the Batiri.

Day 20: Insect repellant 40 -> 39, incense 10/10 (Streth 29)

Yet another foggy morning lead us closer toward what might be another settlement in the distance, but we are yet too far to see. This day it was unusually hot again, and we relied on a lot of our resources. We were forced to remain in place more often to catch enough rain to drink from. No encounters.

Day 21: Insect repellant 39 -> 38, incense 10/10 (Streth 28)

No encounters this day, we resume following the tracks.

Day 22: Insect repellant 38 -> 37, incense 10/10 (Streth 27)

We arrived at a settlement of the Batiri, two sources of smoke are shown in the distance. Many skulls were arranged in a row to reveal especially human kind is not welcome in their territory.

We discussed our plan, Smuck turned toward us offering to use the same approach as what worked with Jokka, and the other Batiri at the temple. His curious eyes looked at each of us. Originally, he wanted to take Arden along, who loudly refused, then his gaze went to Jasper. There was a glint in his eye when he did.

With a sigh, he did agree to the suggestion. Together, Smuck and Jasper headed toward the gates of the Batiri, while we kept our distance. We made good use of the spy glass. Once arrived at the gates, Smuck called out to the goblins that he is the great spellcaster of all time and he seeks audience with their kind. His loud approach alerted the guards, who came rushing toward the gate with weapons all aimed toward him, but Smuck was smart. He told them to keep their distance, for he is the mightiest of all time, one so mighty, he could master the mind of a creature like Jasper, who was ordered to act feral. Recognizing the threat, they collective backed away.

Smuck was told that he has reached the "Biting-end tribe", who is under the control of Queen Grabstab, the first in her name. Smuck managed to impress them with his doings, and requested an audience with their leader, Queen Grabstab. He was told to wait, while some goblins went to inform her of their visitor.

When they returned, it was said that she wishes to hear her future in a reading from him, one of his self-claimed abilities. In return, he will be given a small favor. Smuck accepted, and so the group parted to let him in. During this, we tried to get closer until a sharp signal sounded.

Smuck halted in his steps, when the guardsmen demanded answers from him. They ask him if he has followers. Smuck lied that he hadn't. If he has followers, one said, they are not a part of the deal, and must be told not to interfere. "Can you speak their language?" One of the guardsmen asked. "Yes, I do." Smuck had answered, and yelled to us in vulgar tongue not to come follow him.

We quickly stopped in our tracks and held our position. There was movement not far from us, and it seems like their got their eyes on us. Not to interfere with the mission, we did as we are told.

After recognizing this, Smuck resumed his path onwards, convincing the Batiri yet again why Jasper must remain on his side. By his words, it was to keep his powerful influence over him, so he'd remain in control. To convince them, he made a quick display of what could otherwise happen. The feral behavior of Jasper's act had the guards convinced, and they begged him to stand closer again.

The two walked into the hut of their leader, where he encountered more Batiri. The goblin had a brief chat with them once again and expressed his respect for their leader which they quickly approved of. Once he had them convinced with more of his smooth talk, he was invited into the room with their Queen.

. . .

The skeptical Queen observed her visitor, she appears not easily impress, but once Smuck brought up Jokka again, she seemed impressed. She named him an exile.

Smuck bluffed that their ex-tribe member questioned Smuck's powers, and faced him and his group until the bitter end. Excited as the Queen was, Smuck had no evidence of his death. Not his head, nor an accessory. She did recognize the act of justice in her eyes. The traitor, as she named him, his death was indeed desired. A disgrace to their tribe.

With proof, she would be ready for an exchange, but without it, she still desired to know her future. Smuck did not let her wait, with a show he pulled off to form what looked like a big ritual was in truth a ritual cast for the spell "alarm". He uttered some words, made many motions to make it more spectacular. Mumbling words of incantations and arcane words, until he stepped into the door and a sound occurred.

The Queen was impressed and shocked to hear it, when Smuck called out loudly that he has received his answers. The Queen orders the guards not to interfere with it, and had her eyes wide open with anticipation. The artificer returned and answered her that the Gods, who she was curious about, when they would return to the Batiri, are imprisoned by the so-called "Death curse", a curse that threatens the lands. It was in Smuck's favor when the Queen admitted that previous generations of goblins had assumed and predicted the same.

She informed Smuck that the Batiri is unaffected by this curse, it affects mostly human kind, but in order to free her Gods, she urged him to tell her what to do. The goblin had an answer to the Queen. He is currently on a journey to collect many magical artifacts to assist him in this journey to fight off the death curse, and her necklace, which represents the amulet of Vorn, would assist him with just that.

She reached for her amulet with hesitation, but swallowed her regret and took it off. Because for her people's sake, she is willing to make this sacrifice. She wishes to lead her kind to safety and keep them protected from harm. Smuck was handed the necklace, and he was given her trust. She wishes him the best of luck. He was dismissed.

With the amulet in his hands, Smuck left the leader's hut.

DM NOTE: Earned 175 XP per character for obtaining the control amulet without fighting the Batiri

CHARACTER: Streth Evira
CLASS: Paladin LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 50%

Day 12: Insect repellant 48, incense 10/10 (Streth 38)
NOTE: Azaka is a were tiger and is familiar with the Guardian of Orolunga

Our attention was directed at Azaka who revealed unusual features during combat.

Some of us began to clean our weapons, while others checked if the surroundings were clear of enemies, when Azaka explained that she wasn't fully human. Shago muttered something of a story he had heard, and said that he didn't think it would be true. The guide confirmed and confirmed that she is, indeed, a were tiger. Though she told us not to worry, for she isn't like the people in the stories that worship Malar, a deity of the hunt. They who hunt humans. Also known as the Beast Lord.

It sent a chill down my spine, but I experience not fear toward Azaka. Nothing has happened so far, she has revealed herself to be a reliable guide and fighter in combat. In return to keep it a secret, she offers to lower her price by quite the amount. Arden stepped in to arrange a deal that affects both guides. For daily payment, we now pay 4 gold for both Shago and Azaka, 1 gold for Azaka, 3 gold for Shago. Though in return, she urges us to head to Fire Finger as soon as possible.

I took this opportunity to tell the others about my dream and memory of the acolyte, to which Azaka took a defensive position and demanded to know what we want of the Guardian. She is familiar with this individual, and has personally came in contact. She can lead us there, she promised, but only if we behave. I was concerned that I might have shown something that caused her to doubt us, but she assured me that it wasn't me who she is concerned with.

It is a sacred place where she'd take us, any harm done to it will result harm on us by her weapon. We promised to behave, and not to challenge her in the slightest. I sure hope that Smuck was merely jesting about setting it aflame with an explosion. After we obtain Vorn, we have decided to head in this direction of the Guardian of Orolunga.

In the afternoon, we came across some Flailsnails, but we'd be severely outnumbered, and cannot afford a detour. We decided to press on until nightfall came and surprised us with a thick fog. It was then when we realized that ... We lost track of our position on the map ...

Day 13: Insect repellant 48 -> 47, incense 10/10 (Streth 37)
NOTE: We got lost until the evening

This morning the fog remained, we decided to explore the surroundings to find anything that looks familiar, but the fog was simply too thick for us to succeed. Our efforts have been lost, until we uncovered our location on the map by the setting of the sun. Unfortunately, we ended up heading in the wrong direction, we must head back toward Vorn.

Day 14: Insect repellant 47 -> 46, incense 10/10 (Streth 36)
NOTE: Our path resumed in the right direction

We resumed our path, heading south-west on the map at a steady pace with no encounters, but a group of Hadrosaurs that were calmly grazing. We decided not to disturb their peace, and resumed until we set camp in the late evening.

Day 15: Insect repellant 46 -> 45, incense 10/10 (Streth 35)
NOTE: We got lost, again

The morning surprised us once again with foggy weather, from our experience, we decided not to move, and instead wait for it to pass. By the afternoon the fog lifted, and rain fell from the skies. Unfortunately, that didn't help us from getting lost regardless. We hadn't managed to find out position back on the map by the evening, and set camp.

Day 16: Insect repellant 45 -> 44, incense 10/10 (Streth 34)
NOTE: No rainfall, resuming journey to Vorn, overwhelming battle against Velociraptors.

We didn't manage to find our way back on the map until the afternoon, and adjusted our course to journey back to Vorn. It was paining me to see the frustration on the faces of our guides who fought hard for our cause. We heard distant rustling on our path, and were suddenly overwhelmed by a large number of Velociraptors (10).

I hadn't managed to get my holy shield in time, and fell unconscious until the warm touch of Gat and Arden helped me back up my feet to protect those I care for. I called out to Torm for his power to merge with that of my own.

Together, we stood strong against our opponent, and held our formation. Our weapons guided by the cause to survive and mission we mustn't fail. No matter their merciless strikes, we pushed on toward victory and rested up when the battle came to an end.

Day 17: Insect repellant 44 -> 43, incense 10/10 (Streth 33)
NOTE: A spell was needed to replenish our water supplies, Vorn's location found, following the tracks leading left from Vorn

In the morning, we resumed our journey until we approached the new surroundings that were covered in a strange blue mist. One that is magical in nature, the guides warned us not to approach it. It is unique to Chult, and it's known as "Mad Monkey (fever)".

This mist has limited range (20 ft), we decided to journey around it, and to keep our distance after no source of this mist could be discovered by the unseen servant of Arden. What is causing these is yet unknown, but it is not limited to these regions of Chult. We must be wary. Taban expressed his concerns about the traveling mist, we must keep an eye on it during the night watch.

By the afternoon, we reached a clearing in the jungle that was finely tended. In the distance, we witnessed the construct we are tasked to find. Finely decorated, like a statue of bronze, iron and wood. Around its feet there were flowers growing and offerings placed on a plate in front of it. Vorn, the construct appears to be a figure of worship. When I sought for signs of life, I recognized foot prints heading in two separate direction. One leading to the left, the other to the right. Both these tracks appear to be of a different species.

The ones heading to the left are assumed to be Vegepygme, and the ones leading to the right, which are fresh, are those of goblin kind.

Smuck used magic on Vorn to learn of his operation, and confirmed that Vorn only responds to the owner of the amulet. While it isn't given commands, it will stand in the position it is currently in, a resting position. We sought the nearby grounds for anything that resembles an amulet, but failed to find any. It could be buried, it could be taken by either of the groups, it can be held elsewhere. We didn't know, and this was also what bothered me.

We could have helped Inete this entire time! But these people do not appear to understand the valuable teachings and needs to Gods need. I let my shoulders sink gave it a sigh.

We decided to head left to the Vegepygme, and see if they have what we seek for. On our way there, we sought for offerings we could offer, as we cannot communicate with their kind. Perhaps Gat can wildshape into something harmless they appreciate? ... I do hope for the best outcome.

CHARACTER: Streth Evira
CLASS: Paladin LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 50%

Day 8: Insect repellant 53 -> 52, incense 10/10 (Streth 42)
NOTE: Journal to Camp Vengeance begins

After an eventful day, we rose from our bed rolls early in the morning. Embracing a light rain, and relieving wind located closely to the temple. The entrance of the temple was still barricaded and no enemies surprised us overnight. We obtained our belongings and left the temple grounds to return our journey and head toward Camp vengeance.

During our journey away from the temple, we were surprised by a swarm of flying monkeys that came flying toward us with curious looking hands to reach for all our valuables. An overwhelming sound of flapping wings and screeching of our opponent was severely disorientating experience. I could feel them close to my bag, and after some rough pushing and pulling, they passed us. I felt movement, but I could not immediately find what it is the monkeys took from me.

Later, I discovered that they had successfully obtained my healing potion. We weren't fast enough to attack them back, due to the surprise, we were unable to aim well. No other items were obtained this day.

The afternoon and evening both had rain for our rain catchers to offer, along with a dangerous fog. We made camp until morning came.

Day 9: Insect repellant 52 -> 51, incense 10/10 (Streth 41)
NOTE: -

The fog lifted in the morning, and the day dry. Nothing eventful happened today.
We were lucky to be so close to the river, so that we had the ability to purify the water to drink from.

Day 10: Insect repellant 51 -> 50, incense 10/10 (Streth 40)
NOTE: Arrival at Camp Vengeance

Another dry morning and afternoon followed, which was very unusual for this climate. At this day, we approached Camp Vengeance from the other side of the river. We followed this river to find a good path to cross and reach the camp's fortress by nightfall. Their defensive walls were constructed well and tall, guarded by several guard towers to counter all offenses. Two guards were visible from the angle from which we arrived, of which one caught our movement and demanded our names. Undril, our half orc companion walked past us to state her name, a name which they recognized. They have been awaiting her arrival.

The large gates opened up and allowed us passage. Upon entering, we were exposed to a large field with many tents. Two of these are assigned field hospitals where the wounded were treated by overworked healers. A dwarven man, loyal to the two commanders in the tent at the center welcomed us in. He introduces himself as Ord Firebeard, and an acolyte from one of the tent approached us as well in this moment.

This fortress is well guarded, approximately 120 ft wide and 90 ft across in length. The surrounding land dug deeply to elevate the lands on which the fortress is built. Surrounded by many wooden spikes for defense. However the inside did not look too good with the numbers of suffering people and limited resources for comfort.

We are welcomed to stay here for the night, but if we were to remain longer, they cannot afford to offer us the luxury of peace, right now all helping hands are needed. We would need to work. This was confirmed by Sister Cyas who stood close to Ord, and requested all our help for the night, people are in severe need of help. She asked that if we have any potions, other healing items or healing magic to spare, people are dying as we speak. Smuck, Gat, Inete, Arden and myself offered to help the suffering veterans and guardsmen. We divided our forces in two. Both head into the direction of the field hospitals to aid the dying. With our efforts, we managed to rescue six people from death's grip this night, it was a large success. Afterwards, we regrouped with the group and witnessed Undril giving a package to Ord the dwarf.

In this moment, one of the commanders had noticed our presence, and came walking from the tent to greet us in an ... Interesting fashion.

Commander Breakbone made his demands known, it was for us to assist the camp under a specific law or military treaty. We are to patrol the surroundings and rid it of undead opponents for a fourteen day period, starting from 6 in the morning. We had little to say in response. Undril had given her best to convince the man of our efforts to journey to this location at free of cost, and so did Sister Cyas who confirmed that we had helped their wounded. Arden, too, made a good point that had the commander reconsider his words, and he offered for us to help for one day instead. We have pressing matters as well that must be taken care of. We hadn't made mention of the death curse.

The commander apologized after having recognized the situation, but urged us to work if we were to stay longer than the night. He permits no freeloaders into his camp. I gave him a smile and confirmed that the kind guardsman had indeed informed us. Ord gave me a brief smile for the recognition in this moment. Commander Breakbone took a deep breath, and concluded this meeting over. He gestured to Ord to come follow him in to discuss future plans inside the tent.

Ord let us know that he is a good man, but these surroundings are pushing him on the edge. Every week, the encampment is under attack by swarms of undead. After all, this is where they fled to after Camp Righteous was overrun by their kind. He wished us a good night, and followed the commander inside the tent.

Undril turned to us to thank us for our efforts to help the camp, we are welcome to return to this location that if we'd ever need a place to rest safely. We do not have many locations to rest in that truly allows us to recover from exhaustion. In this moment, Inete asked about the location she is assigned to explore by her deity. In Aldani Basin, she told us that she must find something, but no exact location within this region is given. It may take time to explore these regions in order to find it. Undril could confirm that she has reached its regions, and pointed on the map where she would need to head into to find what she is looking for.

Curiously, Inete asks us what our future plans are. If we are to head in this location, or if our plans differ from it. We took a look at the scrolls we have on us with the information listed. North from our current location, there is a construct that needs to be picked up for Mr. Wakanga in Port Nyanzaru. We are to find his operative amulet in that region as well, a task we cannot ensure to find, but Smuck claims that the use of magic might simplify it. I have my doubts, and I do not recognize how this holds a higher priority than the will of the Gods.

Convinced as I was to accompany Inete's mission to explore the region to the South, my companions disagreed. They consider both missions important, however, we were paid for our efforts to escort her to her location. We have seen how terrified this poor woman was when danger arose from various of locations. I will not forget those fearful eyes, and especially not in the name of the God that has helped us greatly with our mission.

In the meanwhile, Arden was paying the commander's tent a visit. There a female commander stood close to commander Breakbone and Ord Firebeard. They curiously eyed him when he made a suggestion to exchange information, for it will be beneficial to battle the undead as well. The commanders considered his convincing words, and indeed allowed him in. They shared their finds from the recent patrols and in the regions they have traveled. They have been around the area of Mbala. They informed him that there are ruins positioned on top of a hill, its surroundings are dangerous. They haven't investigated the ruins there. And they hadn't gone far past those surroundings, but that information was quite helpful.

Arden returned to us and informed us about his finds. I am not too sure why the group insists on visiting not only a dangerous region, but also move within the regions of a woman who is highly dangerous. Even the Deity Savras warned us through Head priest Zitembe's visions, that if our will is too weak, we will falter. We cannot afford this to happen, the people of the lands rely on our efforts. Our role is important, and risks cannot be afforded if they can be avoided. This is where the group partially disagreed on as well.

With a deep sigh, I experience an overwhelming sensation of disappointment. I hadn't thought that our viewpoint differed so much to first let down a lady of faith, then the valuable advice against visiting this mysterious individual awaiting us near the ruins. Inete approached me and placed her hand to calm me. She knows that I'd like to help, and she will do her best to remain waiting for our return from journey to the North. She trusts that I do, and asks me to take good care of the group, to ensure to keep them safe. I turned to her, and assured I would do my very best to do my duty as protector. She returned me a smile.

I took the evening to have a moment to myself, and had a restful night.

Day 11: Insect repellant 50 -> 49, incense 10/10 (Streth 39)
NOTE: Journey to the North begins, Inete and Undril left the party

The next morning, we journey away from Camp Vengeance and gave our goodbye to Inete and Undril who remained in the camp. Both are capable healers, and the camp will be needing especially their help. We followed the river toward the North at a steady, but controlled pace until nightfall came. Our current mission is to locate Vorn the construct. No enemy encounters this day, aside from some resting dinosaurs across the river. We kindly let these weary souls rest.

During the night, I was reminded in my dream of the acolyte that approached me on our way to the Temple of Savras, to tell us these words: "Speak to the wise guardian of Orolunga, east of Mbala. She can direct you to that which you seek."

Day 12: Insect repellant 49 -> 48, incense 10/10 (Streth 38)
NOTE: Something seems unusual about Azaka

We remained close to the river when we resumed our journey not to lose sight of our path by the use of our map. We are approaching unknown territory, we mustn't take risks. The afternoon had a strong wind on this dry day. Distracted by maintaining course, we were surprised by a number of velociraptors that came rushing toward us at a large number of approximately 8 enemies. We had no chance but to defend ourselves. A battle began.

Through clever tactics, the pack of velociraptors took every hit that counted in an efficient manner. Overwhelmed by the offense, Arden fell unconscious to the ground, until the outcome took a turn. With a few clicks from behind Arden, I noticed Smuck's efforts to set up a familiar construction and aimed it at the row of enemies. He shot it effectively until all three fell to the ground by its aggressive flames. Our chances of survival began to look better, especially when Gat helped Arden back up and retreated away from the offense at the cost of an attack.

I hadn't noticed it, but Azaka attacked the offense differently than before. Her nails extended to claws with which she tried to attack the enemy. I only noticed this at the end after especially Shago and Taban took down the remaining enemies with the help of others.

The battle came to an end, and our attention went to Azaka, whose nails adjusted to the regular length. We were a little confused to see this. She gave a guilty side eye, and said "I can explain."

CHARACTER: Streth Evira
CLASS: Paladin LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 50%

Day 7: Insect repellant 53, incense 10/10 (Streth 43)
LOOT: -4 goblin scimitars (Streth, Taban)
NOTE: Sanctuary discovered! Full rest enabled in temple region, multiclass unlocked (Streth, Undril)

After the horn was blown, multiple distressed gazes were aimed at Yokka. Among that, his associates. The earth was shaking when multiple creatures made their way toward us with haste. Some of the goblins began to scatter as soon as Yokka's life was put to rest by the blade of one of our companions. We did not choose to chase after the two goblins who decided to run, instead, our eyes were aimed at our enemies that neared us. South of us four axe beaked, feathered reptiles stood, in our north, a large dinosaur, like the one we hid from during our journey.

When it felt like we were outnumbered severely, regardless of our attempts of an attack, Arden's clever thinking brought back an old trick. One, we used to save a man which we believe was falsely accused. A large dinosaur illusion rose from the ground, one much larger than our approaching offense. This illusion roared by motion, but silently. Moving with intimidating motions toward both the dinosaur and the bird-like reptiles. They paused in their steps, watching the threat with their eyes wide open. With the help of Gat, Shago and Taban, the lacking sounds were replaced by aimed yelling that fit the dinosaur illusion's every motion.

Slowly, the axe beak creatures backed away, while the dinosaur, who did the same, held its position to observe the threat for a duration. This didn't last much longer with the combined skill of our team. The enemies cowered in fear and decided to run to safety, away from us.

While this was happening, a part of our group sought safety within the temple's walls. Smuck had warned us, before he turned invisible of the traps that are hidden inside. And they quickly discovered how unsafe this was when they triggered a trap which nearly turned fatal for the two of them.

With the battle over, and the goblins escaped, we made an effort to get the two out of the temple. There was a large pit where one of the goblins fell to his death. Crossing this trap involved a threat we didn't want to risk. With combined strength, we obtained wooden beams from leftover stairs we found near the river to provide a safe passage. The trap mechanism on which Smuck stood, was blocked by the use of the four scimitars which we obtained from our goblin enemies. It was successful, and Smuck could cross the pit safely with the wooden beams in place, together with Gat.

. . .

Some of us were doing the necessary preparations for camp, others were making sure that no enemy would approach us again, while others worked together to barricade the passage to the temple. With all preparations done, we could finally take it easy and have a chat while nightfall came.

. . .

Smuck and Undril had a little chat, in which she apologized to the goblin for her early judgments regarding his race. Smuck, however, understood and was quick to forgive, but it wasn't without a hint of arrogance.

A little later, Undril approached me and addressed a rather odd issue. She said that someone told me about my inability to cast magic which had me confused! Haven't I been using a shield in combat of holy magic?! Was the form off? Perhaps Undril noticed something! Was my foot placement incorrect? My call to Torm for aid, were the words not powerful enough? Undril tried to calm me, and gave me some words of advice, bringing me helpful teachings as a cleric. I have done my best to understand them, adding to it with my own knowledge to learn and understand.

The two of us have learned a lot about our differences, it was very inspiring! ... But she also confessed that the method of how our group operates is a little ... Interesting, and does request warning for when things will turn out the way they did.

Ha ... Haha ... If only I would know when things would turn out this way ... By the next time.

+ MULTICLASS (CLERIC) FOR STRETH UNLOCKED! ⛨
+ MULTICLASS (PALADIN) FOR UNDRIL UNLOCKED! ⛨
+ SANCTUARY DISCOVERED! FULL REST ENABLED FOR REGION!

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istainion

June 2026

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Recent Entries

Session 43: Vorn, most wanted

Session 42: Mask obtained

Session 41: The slaughter before disaster

Session 40: Fear of heights

Session 39: Firefinger

Session 38: Tropical HELL, you mean

Session 37: Another deal made

Session 36: RUN!

Session 35: Ghoul hunting

Session 34: Aghast in Camp Vengeance

Session 33: Bad Luck

Session 32: The Pact

Session 31: Fairydragons and witchy structures

Session 30: AHH! A SWARM!

Session 29: Separation?!

Session 28: Vorn activated

Session 27: Queen Grabstab

Session 26: Vorn, a place of worship

Session 25: Camp Vengeance

Session 24: The threat of illusion

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June 2026

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