Session 18 : DECEIT!

[istainion]

      

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

  

LOOT: -Girallon fur, -Snake skin x2, gained 80 Gold (Gat)

 

We have received one additional quest by Gruta, if we accept. It is to travel to Shilku Bay, far south. This travel would be by boat, and takes more than one week to reach the shores of Shilku Bay. We would be tasked to remain on land for seven days of time completing a week, and keep eye on any activity.

The village of Shilku Bay is believed to be destroyed, but strange reports have been misleading. To ensure clear answers, a group of capable men and women must confirm for certainty. We would be provided with all that we need for travel. Be it food, and the travel itself. Optionally, our group can travel by land instead, however it will take considerably longer to do so, and the dangers ahead will threaten our passage with each day. As well as we must afford a guide for the time as well.

To travel by boat can be equally dangerous, for the sea turtle may be among our encounters, who will demand payment for passage. If we aim to earn the gold for it, we might as well lose it all the same during the task. We have two directions of travel as well, if the task is completed. Resulting in two encounters if unlucky. Without the gold to pay for a safe passage, we cannot ensure our safety in the slightest.

Miss Gruta has told us that the Flaming Fist demands a clear answer by the morning sun to come. Before making a decision, we met up with Gat to discuss the details. With all our thoughts uttered, we decided not to do it just yet, and declined the task for the duration. It will be available to us until a new group of adventurers decides to take care of it. 

For my personal view on the matter, I am curious to explore the nearby lands of the location where the Soulmonger could be held, as foretold by head priest Zitembe of the Temple of Savras. I am aware of the dangers, and must know better not to force any of the men in such lands where threats await their unknowing prey to come.

After visiting the local markets, we decided to sell our obtained belongings from the jungle, not to fear losing half of its value by entering the checkpoint at Port Nyanzaru. After all, we rely on the gold to afford our necessary supplies, and guide. The survival of the people rely on it, we mustn't fail them.

We have been offered a place for the night entirely free of charge after having helped the Flaming Fists, and have enjoyed the most pleasant baths, and comfortable beds without any noisy bugs and critters. I have found many insect bites, however, and have helped some others treating their discomforts. I try not to get used to the comfort of luxury too much after having entered the dreadful territory of Chult. The land with no rest to find.

 
 

Day 1: 21 Insect repellant. (Lasts for 24 hours) 6/6 Incense. (Lasts for 8 hours)
NOTE: No longer in Jungle. The course is set to Port Nyanzaru from Port Beluarian.
 

The next day, we were welcomed by a light rain and a strong wind for our travel back toward Port Nyanzaru. We intend to meet up with Shago again to see how he is doing, and take a look at the tasks the place holds for our travel toward the cure to the curse.

The weather shifted to a moderate rain for afternoon to come, but no surprises thus far are found, until the sun was setting. A familiar plant by the exploration of the guide, we are aware to keep our distance and defeat the threat before it could fight us back. A Tri-Flower Frond. Once defeated, the rest of our evening was entirely uneventful.

 

Day 2: 

No wind to be felt, but a heavy shower fell from the heavens above. No end in sight as we travel the land toward our destination. We held our steps when a sudden screeching was heard. We turned our head and followed the noise. The heavy rain made it troubling to us, but we recognized the eagle up in the sky. Unusual for these regions, but it appears to make attempts to draw our attention. Once in reach, it flew in circles and motioned to us to follow. Soon followed by a new location, close to the shore. Curious of what we may find, we followed it.

After a short walk, we neared a location where 3 bodies laid upon the earth, with the eagle landing on the one in the center. Gat was eager to bring us near, but I requested patience, for we do not know with which situation we handle with. Our cautious step brought us closer, and after I could determine no threat of either poison or disease, we neared them with haste.

All three seemed stranded, cold. Our group separated to check each of their wellbeing. All of them were very cold to the touch, the breathing of two of them was unsteady, but present. As for the last, no breathing at all, neither any response of life. Two women and a man. Gat handled the one in the center, the male one. Who coughed eventually and cleared his throat. Removing the sand from his mouth. Gasping in the familiar, foreign Chultan language. Requesting for water repetitively. The druid didn't hesitate to provide. As if possessed by something, the stranger drank from his waterskin.

With the rain still pouring down upon us, I suggested Arden and Jasper to find a shelter to treat them, as the remaining three of us carried them over. While a suggestion was made to leave the dead woman behind, I decided against it, and carried her along with the rest. I believed that while she is not affected by unlife yet, she deserves a grave and to be treated with respect.

The two scouted on ahead, with myself, Gat and Taban following their steps. They seemed to have found something at the beach from the distance, and I was very happy to recognize their hand signs from afar, we made a very unfortunate discovery.

The bodies we carried, their skin, it began to shift. Their hands turned into large claws. The three of us quickly dropped them onto the beach and took a step backwards, when they took the form of sea hags. We have been deceived! With eyes of disbelief, I watched the woman, of which I previously thought was dead, come to life with a different appearance.

Regret filled my mind, as I recalled my thoughts to honor her and her companions. While I could have left her behind and lessen the offense ahead of us. All three took an aggressive stance. And that eagle that followed us? It was gone. None other but a trick to fool us. These vile, deceptive kind. I reached toward both blade and shield to brace myself for combat with none but determination. If we let them live, they will simply prey on the next travelers. We mustn't let that happen! And with that, the battle begun.

We felt them play with each our mind, attempts to spread dread into it, and steer its fear. But that hasn't stopped our attacks. Our brave strikes, guided by our goal for all of the people. We may not fail our quest. We mustn't!

One after the other, a loud screech and a thud determined our enemy's downfall. Two fell, and the third made a last attempt to attack, before she fled toward the water. Her hurried steps brought her near, regardless of the fact that the smite of the divine struck her body. It matters little in the eye of the survivor. Not an arrow could strike her, and the battle was over.

We decided to head toward the shelter and treat each our wounds. May she teach all her brothers and sisters for this day to never repeat. May they learn not to try the patience of a well-coordinated group of adventurers.