Session 19: Reunited

[istainion]

       

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

  

Our night after battling the Sea Hags came to an end in a restful night at the shelter we discovered at the shore.

Day 3: 
LOOT: +1 spyglass (Streth)

We rose from our position to greet the sunrise at a moderate rainfall and a soft breeze of warm air. Following the coast as we did, our morning was undisturbed. In the afternoon, however, we were greeted by a stranger from afar. An Aarakocra flew in our direction with a sense of urgency and curiosity, before it flew within our range with a wave. He introduced himself with the name Zil, and explained that he is a scout of Kir Sabal, located west on our map. His mission is to find struggling adventurers to assist them, especially ones that misjudge the dangers of the jungle and its surrounding regions. After Zil had confirmed that we are in good shape, he seems relieved, and hands us a gift that may be helpful for our mission. One hidden in a wooden tube that he gently dropped for Arden to catch.

We thanked him, and hope we'll cross path again. Perhaps when we visit Kir Sabal one day. It was a pleasant meeting. He departed and resumed his mission.

Upon inspection, Arden has discovered that inside the wooden tube a Spyglass is held. An item of high value that only a few travelers can get a hold of. This could be considered a treasure, and to ensure that we will not be targeted for it, I decided to hide it in my armor.

The evening that came during our travel was neither eventful, and we had a good night's rest.

 

Day 4: 

Our morning had no dangers ahead, but it had rain, a lot of rain. Much like all other days. With our armor or clothing soaked as they are, our true enemy is the discomfort it offers. Skin irritation, endless itching spots, sores, and bruises. During our travel, we again saw the red dragon in the far distance. It headed in a south-Western direction. By the use of the map, we can tell it flew in Camp Vengeance and Camp Righteous' direction. I wonder what discoveries this direction holds ...


Day 5:
LOOT: +3 Gold coins (Arden)
NOTE: We arrived Port Nyanzaru

We are closing in on Port Nyanzaru. From afar, I can see its walls and buildings! What a sight! Almost distracted by it, I fell over a rock, but ... Nothing happened! I promise!

(...) Before we knew it, we did arrive by the evening. Soaked, however, but ... Our travel was safe! We also made it past the Flaming Fist checkpoint without having anything taken! Mission success!

Our arrival at Port Nyanzaru by entering through the western gate was easily confirmed once we neared the inn's. The Thundering Lizard is ever so loud and cheerful, even at these hours. It is much like we are told, if you'd like a rest, a rest at Kaya's house of rest is much needed. I can barely hear the music at night when we rest there. And how I look forward to a comfortable bath and a soft bed to rest upon!

We checked in to the inn and obtained a room for all of us. I left my traveling gear behind for that much needed bath, and soon afterwards, we paid the Thundering Lizard a visit to seek Shago. We were told by Shago to speak to the innkeeper, a dwarf, who was barely sober at this hour. Seemingly enjoying himself, too! And neither did I hesitate to enjoy my time without any fear. 

The music was enchanting the experience, to which I invited Taban to a dance. Together, we let the music and atmosphere steer us. Along with a few, delicious and refreshing drinks. Taban's inexperience in the art of dance was visible, but I am neither the perfect performer myself. However, we are here to have some fun, too. Aren't we?

Gat remained outside, unwilling to join. Occupied with stargazing to the distant tunes of song. Arden joined the music making, while Jasper spoke to the innkeeper to leave a message for Shago.

Our playful evening was put on hold when Gat informed us of a sound he has heard. Each of us hurried toward the commotion, and we found a barrel shattered in many pieces upon arrival. A group of strangers seemed to have heard the same. They all asked questions about what happened, to which one older man answered. Nothing has happened, no victims fell this day. He used the wording "Don't bother, they are already gone!".

It was strange to me. That barrel came from the buildings wall, where other barrels were placed in line of which one is missing. Curiously, I let my attention return to the man. The strangers lost interests, and the one familiar with the situation left, too. With hurried steps, I followed him for answers. Who are "they"?

. . .

Jasper climbed the wall in the meanwhile by the use of a grappling hook and skillful maneuvers, we had his way up the wall of the Thundering Lizard's Inn to inspect the barrels. Three barrels remained. He took a look of the content of the barrels and found that the first one in line was empty. The second was half full with water, and the third was entirely filled with water. It was made clear that the intention of these barrels are to store water. But not for drinking, perhaps something else?

A door leads to this place, that is connected to the Thundering Lizard, staff area. He realized that this height can easily be reached by some acrobatic skill. With no traces to be found of the wrongdoers, he left the building and regrouped with the others that waited for him.

. . .

I finally reached this elderly man, who finally stopped in his steps for me to catch up. When I asked for his attention, he turned around. He already knew what I was going to ask, and that answer is simple. "No one has died!" I had confessed that I understand the concern, however I truly worry about the cause of it. If these are monsters, perhaps people instead? Or a different threat. That barrel seemed harmful. "You're better off not knowing!" He said in return. He seemed displeased by the fact that I am an outsider, as well as the fact that he considers me an adventurer.

One, who sticks his nose in businesses that do not concern him. But I assured him that I am not interested in my wellbeing, when he said I should be. He was displeased, irritated, and perhaps even disgusted. I need to ensure that the people here can rest at night, and feel safe. But then he accidentally dropped that the group of people, who are responsible for the deed, are dangerous, and that I shouldn't get involved with them. And that knowledge brought a smile back onto my face.

I thanked him. I have my answer. And with a bow, I observed the man leave with hasty, irritated steps. The group caught up with me, and I told them what happened.

Taban placed his hand onto my shoulder, and turned to me. He reminded me that we cannot save everyone. The thought alone, it hurt me. And so I did confess, that I wish for the people to rest at ease at the late hours. But I did know that we can only cover so much ground, and help so many people. Another palm was placed onto my other shoulder when emotion got the better of me. "We'll do our best!" Taban confirmed. I nodded vigorously. "I knew you'd understand! ..." I had said to him. An embrace tightened, and a few tears landed onto the ground in this confession.

I suggested another drink to bear with it better. Taban didn't hesitate. Passionate steps led us back to the Thundering Lizard, while the rest of the group separated to get some rest at the other inn. A few more drinks, a dance, and some laughter helped us overcome the heavy mood.

LOOT:  -60 GP for Azaka (Guide), -9 GP and -6 SP for incense and Insect repellent, -Short bow and arrows (Jasper), -Short Sword/Dagger (Jasper), +40 Insect repellent applications (All), +4 Incense (All), Light Crossbow and 60 Crossbow Bolts (Gat)

The next day, we left early to do some local shopping at the markets. We obtained Insect repellant (40 uses) and (4) Incense for our travel. Jasper sold his extra weapons, and Gat bought one with bolts in addition. 

When we returned from the markets to head to the inn, we found Kaya standing outside to message us. With hurried steps we approached her. She told us that a person is awaiting us inside the inn. One we're expecting that is. We thanked her kindly, and headed inside to meet the hooded man seated at one of their benches. Shago has arrived to meet us.

His positive energy immediately filled the room. Gat was very happy to see him, and made that known to the man. Much like a loyal dog who is finally reunited with his owner. A delightful sight to myself. I am simply relieved that nothing has happened to him in a location where a merchant prince wishes him dead. We must remain wary of our presence with him in our company while we're at Port Nyanzaru.

Curiously as the man is, he asked what our plans are. But we would like to observe the notice board first, I had said, to see for any tasks we can complete. And that we did.

With a few steps we stood outside, where many curious eyes gazed upon the notice board and its tasks. According to Shago, two missions head in the same direction. We could combine the two, and that was quite helpful. We didn't know these locations by their names alone, but he assured us that all guides know these locations. That reminded us once again just how helpful it is to have a guide traveling with us.

The group considers taking even three of these missions, but first, we need to ensure that the people are not bothered by that either. Our numbers will increase significantly if they all happen to agree.

We first headed to the Thundering Lizard, where we informed the Innkeeper about wishing to meet Azaka. Not much later, we indeed spoke to this beautiful individual. She appears capable in a fight, and is also a guide that Shago seems ... Close with? From a distance, that is. Eager to hug the lady, but rejected when he gets too close. A sad display. Gat worries that she might just be a little too distracting for the two. Even Taban is affected, and I must refrain by getting caught in the pleasing display of a woman myself. 

Focus, Streth. Helm would be disappointed! ...

The guide seems displeased with our plans. She appears to wish to head Aldani Basin as well, just like Inete of Temple of Savras. That's quite a coincidence, it wasn't at the notice board, but due to the detour, she wishes for compensation. As we also with to visit the River of Soshenstar to assist Undril Silvertusk. For the detour, she requests us to pay for her as a guide.

Due to the situation, she is willing to lower her price by a single gold per day, resulting in 4 gold instead of 5 per day. And so is Shago. Her travel back to Port Nyanzaru after having visited her location, is free of charge. Normally she gets paid thirty days in advance for travel, but we managed to convince her to reduce this to fifteen days instead. We paid her sixty gold pieces, and made an arrangement to meet her in the morning (6 AM).

We now need to meet with Undril at this location, and then head to the Temple of Savras to find Inete.