Session 17: Zombie Horde

[istainion]

       

CHARACTER: Streth Evira  
CLASS: Paladin  LVL: 03
LVL PROGRESS: 40%

  

Our afternoon was welcomed with the absence of rain as well as wind. A calm travel with no enemies ahead. A lucky travel toward safety is made this day. Neither did the evening have any objections, but enough rainfall for our waterskin to hold and drink from.
 

Day 13: 28 > 27 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

When we packed our bags for travel in the morning, not far from us, we witnessed three apes enjoying a fine looking meal of fruit. Much more pleasant than our dried fruit, but by Qawasha's request, and our own respect toward wildlife, we decided not to interfere. Our guide seemed most pleased with our decision when our journey resumed into the afternoon and evening. The weather shifted from a light to a heavy rain by nightfall. 

Day 14: 27 > 26 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

A light rain had us woken from our rest, soon introduced to a moderate amount by noon. Our path remained safe, and our pace steady. The evening had a surprise for our, when the scent of undead was caught by Gat's skilled nose. Ahead of us, eleven zombies rose from the ground. Bursting through the soil and having themselves known. Standing unsteady on their feet as they faced us. Our weapons were drawn as we took a defensive formation. As known by their every typical tendency, they charged at us through the rough terrain that slowed our speed significantly.

Guided by Helm, I stood strong and caught their attention by His divine light. Many of their offensive attempts to beat me off my legs were made, but the shield of my faith had their attacks halted, until two strong hits caught me off guard. Jasper, too, was struggling near me as Taban made quick work of others in the distance not far ahead of us. Helms divine powers surrounded me once again, after I recovered my footing on the soil that merged with the blood that poured from my wounds. Light engulfed me once again to ensure no other gets hurt. Our attacks were guided by fate, our hope to restore the lands and courage to stand tall against our enemy.

One of our enemy had fallen five times, until he remained where he belonged, not different for a few others, until our strength came combined. They stood not a chance. We won the battle and gained a brighter smile upon Qawasha's face. We hurried to safety for nightfall to come and our wounds to recover.

Day 15: 26 > 25 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

Our rest was interrupted by a windy morning, while warm, it is much better than without. The journey toward Port Beluarian resumed. On our way, we came across the Flaming Fist patrol, strengthened by a leading knight, three dinosaurs, an acolyte and seven guards. A rather intimidating sight to a criminal man, but we are no such folk. After having revealed our Charter of Exploration, we had nothing to fear. They let not their sight stray far from the path after the sight of it, and they let us pass. 

The afternoon frightened us with a tropical storm, for which we decided to take cover to ensure we do not face any threat. After time passed, the tropical storm eased, and we resumed our travel into the evening where a heavy rain allowed us to refill our water supply.

Day 16: 25 > 24 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

We awakened to a mild rain in the morning, and had resumed our path, until something flew past our head. Our curious gaze lifted to the sky, where a pack of reptilic birds I have never seen flew in a predator formation. They had no interests in us Qawasha assured, we mustn't interfere with them. Jasper confirmed with a convinced nod. These do not seem like creatures I would like to cross sword with.

We carried on for afternoon to come, introduced by the heavy rain. Unpleasant, it matters not how often it comes and goes. I desire a bed and a bath which is cold, away from these nests of insects. I desire to wash my cloth and treat my chainmail.

Later this day, we came across something adorable. Almiraj, small, single horned bunnies! We are told that they make great pets to noble kind, and neither Qawasha had something against us catching them to sell as pets. Gat, however, he didn't quite like the idea. He knows how nobles are like, and how they treat what they consider their possessions. It had discouraged my enthusiasm entirely, for I believe he speaks truth about them. Taban remained interested, curious about the earnings as our guide explained how these cute little bunnies were brought here. This is not their natural habitat. Instead, they were brought by Chult by a merchant prince to introduce them as pets. A thing that our guide is not too happy with as they do not belong. Much like the giants we had seen ... 

Arden seemed displeased about them, too, wondering if he is not good enough to us as a rabbitfolk. They ... Do look adorable, and I was eager to pet them at least once ... But perhaps I should not, and I had requested Arden if I was allowed to pet his head instead. He seemed fine with it. What a delight. It's so soft! Even if somewhat sticky by the climate ...

As we were busy wondering what to do, Gat had lost his patience and scared the Almiraj away. Oh well.


Day 17: 24 > 23 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

During our early morning travel, we came across what first looked like spikey terrain before it rose to all four and revealed a huge dinosaur. The ground shook a little with its steps, but it did not seem like it sought for trouble. Mere curiosity when it stepped toward us. A Stegosaurus. Gat was willing to hold his position to get close, however I trust none in this jungle and wrapped my arm around his torso to keep pushing him in the direction away from it. His attention remained with the equally curious dinosaur, before it, too, left us be and resumed its path away from us. Phew.
 

Day 18: 23 > 22 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)

This day gave us enough water and safety to resume our journey. No encounters this day.


Day 19: 22 > 21 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)
LOOT: -8 ghoul heads, -wolf fur, -broken arrow, gained 160 Gold and a quiver with 5 magic arrows.

We near the gate of Port Beluarian with a sense of relief, until we were close enough to be addressed by the guardsman in the tower. He seemed to have noticed the ghoul heads we carry with us, and upon confirmation, requested us to place these in a pit to count. Qawasha confirmed that this is correct, they ensure that no disease is carried inside the gates of the Flaming Fists. With all eight counted, we are allowed passage.

Once inside, Qawasha gives his thanks for our travel together, and offers us to come seek him again if we intend to hunt for more undead in the jungle. He and his companion gave their farewell and returned to the place they name home within the gates, separating himself from us. Gat decided to join us after the meeting and also separated from our group.

We head farther in, and met with Gruta, a lady of the Flaming Fists, who had heard the message of our arrival with the ghoul heads. She inspected each of us with her curious gaze to ensure we carry no disease, and allowed us passage after having given the sign to the guardsmen. The path is made clear for us to be led to Flaming Fist Blaze, Liara Portyr, who waited inside her office for our arrival. She was pleased with our success.

The major gave us a pouch with 160 gold for the 8 ghoul heads, and was curious about the strange tracks that we investigated.

When we explained that these came from three Frost Giants and two Wind wolves, both Gruta and Liara burst out burst out laughing with disbelief. However, that lasted not very long after we revealed the proof of a broken arrow, fur and information about the strange, magical frost at the location of our map. Their faces turned much more stern and concern replaced the previous lighthearted delight. The major dismissed us, telling us she needs to write her reports. The reason for their appearance is entirely foreign, and will need to get looked in. We added that Qawasha, our guide, had witnessed the same, and would she have questions, he is within reach during our absence.

With her thanks given, we were led outside to wait for our reward to be handed by Gruta. A quiver with five magic arrows, she ensured would be valuable for our travel, or for our pouch if we decide to sell these. Her head turned toward us once again when she asked if we are looking for more work. The ghoul heads are always an option to hunt for and will be exchanged for 20 gold per head.

 

Off-screen: 

During our absence, Gat gathered branches to make a small gift to Qawasha, a gift between druids, handcrafted by the usage of branches. Knitting a connection with what he said their connection and meeting was like, something carved within memory and translated to a piece of art. Kupalué quite liked it, and seemed to play with it curiously. Qawasha gave his thanks, and wished to return a gift as well, but is not as skilled by hand.