Session 10 : Shago?!

[istainion]

     

CHARACTER: Streth Evira  
CLASS: Paladin  LVL: 03
 

9 DAYS REMAINING . . .

(Day 1) After we woke up after calling it an early night, we let ourselves enjoy the final meal in the morning and began our journey. With four water skins and a rain catcher on each our persons, we felt much more secure, and we headed out. Our days of travel are limited within the expectations of our assumed ally. However, I do feel awful about participating in these matters, those we are warned not to engage in. Though if lives can be spared, we could as well make an attempt to avoid it.

 

Upon leaving Port Nyanzaru, we approached a Flaming Fists' checkpoint as we neared the jungle's entrance, but chose not to head in that direction. Our only interaction was an exchange of smiles, however theirs felt ... Odd. Greedy. It is to our luck that we took a different turn to head toward one of their camps.

 

Our first day of travel seemed to be without trouble, until a group of flying monkeys came flying toward us. With Taban's warning, we held tightly onto our belongings as the monkeys reach with their open palms toward these. Gat and Jasper were least lucky, when they took a hold of Jasper's tools, and Gat's insect repellent. Things we could not afford, but with a swift crossbow and frost attack, they obtained their belongings back and we have obtained survival materials with their demise. Unfortunate, but such is the way of nature.

 

That evening, we were surprised with a heavy storm. Its strong winds made the waters rise to dangerous levels for travel if one would explore the sea. The heavy rain provided us with enough fluids for the night, but the lack of rest, even in shelter, happened to be a part of its burdens. All until the mornings to come. The monkeys tasted like chicken, it was quite a surprise ... Even if Taban refused to try.

 

(Day 2) With the coming of the next day, the weather calmed down a little. A cooler temperature, the absence of wind, but a heavy rain regardless. The travel was without event, after we let a winged snake pass toward the jungle. Taban warned us not to attack it. It did not fly, but that may be the rain that makes this difficult. The evening was equally uneventful to our luck. Our fast pace allowed us to cover a lot of ground until we made way toward the coast. Here, we set up camp and boiled sea water for drinking, and caught fish for dinner. We managed to get enough rest.

 

(Day 3) As our travel resumes and we neared the Fort's region, we caught a large creature fly past us, high above the heavens above. A red dragon, typically evil and highly dangerous. It flew South-East toward the mountain region, behind Port Nyanzaru. Perhaps it lives there ... We hid ourselves just in case ... And hope for it not to have noticed our presence ...

 

Again, we took a rest near the coast, fished and boiled our water. I started whistling songs! It's been very cheerful thus far!

 

(Day 4) Today it was a normal temperature for this region, or so we assumed it to be. There was a light rain and some wind. Quite refreshing after the last few days. I pray my armor will not rust under these conditions ...

 

During our travel, we noticed a stranger standing at the cliff. It seems to glance toward the coast. May this person be awaiting something or someone? They seemed to be dressed like a hunter, with a tail, like a tabaxi, Jasper told me. I simply waved at them to reveal that we are no threat, and it was returned. We could not recognize them, but neither did we engage. Our travel resumed toward the borders of Fort Beluarian, where we set up camp nearby and prepared ourselves to enter the fort.

 

 

(Day 5) The morning came with a mist. The brief travel to our destination was a safe one. The people at the entrance greeted us. Eight guards and a woman who seemed associated with the group. Flaming Fist territory. From here on, let us be on our guard and not make enemies. She demanded for us to state our business in the location. But with the Charter mentioned, it is clear that we cooperate with them. However, she seemed curious about our reason for travel, in ways that the title of adventurers did not meet her liking. It is normal for these people to wonder, but will the mentioning of the Death Curse work in our favor?

 

I told her that I cannot provide her information that our map won't reveal. After all, it is incomplete, no lies have been told, but our mission is not spoken of. Besides our mission, aren't we here for adventure as well? 

 

The lady has introduced herself as Gruta Halsdottir, she has long, silver hair and seemed like a figure of authority around this place. I introduced myself kindly, but avoided the introduction of others to keep our business as simple as possible. She invited us in and guided us toward their local bazaar.

 

We were surprised by the appearance of horses in the jungle, as they won't provide an easier travel in these terrains. However, Lady Halsdottir told us that they are used for entertainment and games. It seems not easy to remain stationed in such a remote place, but she has complained about their diet that endangers their food supplies. 

 

As we are brought within the circle of merchants, Smuck seemed curious about finding what he names explosives. There was an indescribable look on the lady her face, but she answered that he may be lucky to find it at the mines south of Fort Beluarian. Then, we are told to wait where we are brought as she makes contact to her commander for instructions.

 

As we are left alone, an unfamiliar person approaches us with a dark skin tone, short hair and youthful enthusiasm. This was related to the fact that we are adventurers with a plan to head into the jungle. With the absence of a guide, his eyes began to light up. He introduced himself with Shago who is indeed with the Flaming Fist. The new recruit.

 

He is the man we need to take down in the name of Kwayothé, the merchant prince(ss). Why? We won't be able to tell from simply his introduction, but he appears powerful. Seemingly eager to guide us, he cannot stop promoting himself until he is interrupted by an older individual. This man is Qawasha and has a smaller companion with him that resembles a mix of plant and monkey. They are named Vegepygme, and this creature's name is Kupalué. The druid criticizes Shago's lack of experience, but is certain of the man's strength as he did promote it. Broad and muscular.

 

When I had said that we might not be able to afford them, Qawasha said that not everyone requires payment in gold, perhaps he has different motivations to join our cause. He can be found at the Pond of this location. When Shago went his way, we were left alone for a brief discussion.

 

How is it that Shago is targeted, indeed? He has confessed that not all his work experiences as guide went as expected as some have died during travel, but not all. We can't say for certain what truly is the case with him and his string of guild that he carried with him. Perhaps some of Port Nyanzaru's people were killed by accident, or there is a much longer history to them.

 

Arden warned that it might be the case that Shago lures unknowing travelers into the dangers and obtains their wealthiest possessions before seeking for the next adventurers. From that perspective, it seems a simple choice for us to seek aid from the druid. Though with our mission present, we may need to bring along Shago to discuss the situation. Perhaps we can avoid death as a whole, but I wish not to be guilty of getting this man killed. No man should be killed.

 

But haven't the people said that Shago is a man in his late forties? ... Perhaps they spoke of a different person. He seems rather young.

 

. . .
 

Moments later, Gruta returned to come and pick us up. She led us deeper inside their encampment, toward a garden with a large, wooden statue of a popular person. Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard, a man of Baldur's Gate. Surrounded by the elements of nature. The kind lady guided us farther in, where we noticed the raptors we had fought and other dinosaur creatures that are kept like horses in stables. An unusual sight, but not for Chult. 

 

I wonder what the commander has to tell us . . .