Session 21: Snake-prise

[istainion]

   

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

  

We spent the rest of our day at the inn until nightfall came, Arden had started another map copy while the rest of us rested up in their own, unique way.

 

The next morning, we collected each our new companions to set course toward the south and follow River Soshenstar. We approached the patrol, when Undril seemed to reconsider her traveling gear. But a brief set of thoughts decided against the suggestion I made of visiting the markets for a change of armor.

 

With newfound determination, we made it past the checkpoint of the Flaming Fists that appeared most eager to see such a large and well equiped ground set food in their claimed terrain. Hoping for us to return with valuables for them to take. A kind greeting was given and returned when we headed back into the jungle.

 

Day 0: Insect repellant 61 -> 60, Incense 10/10

 

The humid air reminded us how nothing has changed since we last traveled it, and its heavy rain helped us remember just fine. Our less experienced travelers clearly struggled with it, I made it my quest to keep an eye on them and ensure they will be safe throughout it all. With two guides to ensure our path is correct, we had little to worry. The two of them took a leading position, followed by myself and the rest of the group, Taban at the rear. Our travel was uneventful.

 

Day 1: Insect repellant 60 -> 59, incense 10/10

 

Mild change in weather was noticed, but no threat to be found. Mere discomfort in the loud surroundings.

 

Day 2: Insect repellant 59 -> 58, incense 10/10 

 

The morning had a comfortable breeze and the absence of rain to help us regain some energy, for the change in weather to come. Without any rainfall, we had to extract water from the river we follow and boil it for consumption. Otherwise, no dangers found.

 

 

Day 3: Insect repellant 58 -> 57, incense 10/10 

LOOT: +1 Snake meat

 

A heavy rain to compensate for the previous day greeted us in the morning. All seemed uneventful as well, until a sound was heard and we turned around to find Jasper struggling with a snake that found its way around his neck. Arden's concern was easily recognized, but Smuck's helpful commands to poor Taban were heard. With primitive tools, he helped to fight the snake off. Quickly finished by the use of Azaka's skillful usage of daggers. Poor Jasper seemed shaken from the experience, and alertness returned.

 

Our guides informed us that a so-called constrictive snake have no venom, and are therefor less of a threat. But that speaks little for their tendency to draw their prey from their breath. With quick spellcasting, the reptile was fried by fire, and we obtained ... Snake meat?

 

The afternoon was neither uneventful, when we noticed a group of humans crouching. We were warned by the guides to be cautious about it, Gat took a close look and could confirm cannibalistic activity. Humans were circling around another human and they feast on their prey.

 

We decided to take caution and keep our distance to resume out path after half a circle around its regions. Our guides told us that these are tribe folk that engage in cannibalistic behaviorism. 

 

However it isn't limited to the living, the undead are neither safe. Both are consumed with little limitation. I asked them how it is possible that they are unaffected by the undead their flesh. That's when they made mention of a deity they worship. The reason why exactly has not been confirmed, but they believe that their loyalty to this divine entity might help them overcome those natural struggles. They are absolutely dangerous and must be avoided at all cost.

 

The mild rain of the evening guided us through the nightfall to come.

 
 

Day 4: Insect repellant 57 -> 56, incense 10/10 (Streth 46)

LOOT: -10 insect salve (Streth) +1 gold 

 

We had a strong wind to shake us awake and chase after our belongings to greet us in the morning, and footsteps approaching our camp. They might have heard us.

 

Two humanoid species that asked permission to approach us, after being threatened by a fire ball that landed on the ground as a warning sign. One conjured by Smuck. Some of us drew their weapon, others took cover, I choose an in between. They made clear that they simply wanted a chat and a trade. A human male and lizardfolk male.

 

And the decision was placed on me what to do. Having recognized the moment we took to decide, they suggested simply leaving. Worried that I might miss out on a chance to obtain information, I suggested to meet them in between our distance on my own. That if something would happen, that none of the others is in harm. They agreed to my offer. Once we met at the center, "David", a man who prefers not to reveal his name, regardless of me having shared mine, had said he needed approximately 30 applications of salve for the upcoming journey.

 

Unfortunately, I could not provide him this many, for our travel ahead is a long one. Instead, he requested 10 applications instead to proceed their journey for another 10 days. I considered it, but asked where they plan to head to. Port Nyanzaru is not far from our location. It made me wonder why they won't head there. Perhaps it's the checkpoint of the Flaming Fists that keeps them. The two are of an unusual traveling size of only two men.

 

Upon agreement, I gave them the 10 applications of salve in return for double the price. It was what I was offered after all. I used this positive outcome for the two to ask more about their travel to the east, what they intend to find there. They seem hesitant about it, but when I shared that we have traveled the jungle as well and might provide some helpful intel, they reconsidered. I was asked if I came across any ancient runes during my travel in the south, but the answer is no. This appears to be what they are looking for.

 

Then the human looked at me with a stern expression, he who I can call "David". He told me to be careful about approaching strangers. Shapeshifters can be found anywhere, especially surrounding the regions of Camp Righteous. I was told that this location has been abandoned since a number of months, and might be occupied with a threat. I must be cautious as a group around there. They also said that more of the south contains cannibals.

 

I had frowned in that moment, we have indeed seen their sort a day before the current. And why they are a threat was also made known. I kindly thanked him for his advice.

 

We gave our goodbye and best wishes for our travel. Once I returned to the group, I told them what happened. Azaka was concerned about their numbers and suggested to keep an eye out to ensure nobody will follow us. We must be wary of those two travelers. They know that we head south. However, I know that south says very little about our exact location, and to obtain information, one must exchange some.

 

However, I wonder ... What ancient runes could they be looking for?

 

The afternoon rained lightly with no rain to find until the evening. The evening is when we discovered a corpse of an elf. Not one of undead nature nor was there any magic involved with the body. The cause of death is unknown, but this person carried no valuables. I guided Arden past the corpse by hand, so he wouldn't need to see, however his hasty steps had me guided away instead. 

 

With a brief prayer for the soul's safe travel by me and a burial given by Gat, we resumed our path to set camp elsewhere.

 

Day 5: Insect repellant 56 -> 55, incense 10/10 (Streth 45)

 

Our morning was plagued by fast paced clouds of storm. A dangerous storm is to come, Azaka warns us. We must seek for shelter, which we decided to do when the wind and rain reminded us of its viscious strength. We waited for the storm to end, and afternoon to come to resume our journey.

 

In the afternoon, we came across a group of people that resembled the appearance of lizardfolk of a hunting party. It made Shago laugh with enthusiasm and promote our group's numbers that cause them to cower and avoid us. He considered us lucky for it. Perhaps we are indeed lucky!

 

The evening had yet another encounter, but one that Jasper detected from afar. Yet another snake was waiting at a tree for its moment to strike an unknowing traveler. He reached for his crossbow and made sure it would not prey on anyone, and made sure it wouldn't ever again. That's ... One threat less for nightfall?

 
 

Day 6: Insect repellant 55 -> 54, incense 10/10 (Streth 44)

LOOT: +25% of poison materials (Jasper) 25/100

 

The morning was uneventful, but during the afternoon we came across a fallen tree. And when we walked past it, two swarms of poisonous centipedes came out. We attacked it from afar and ceased the threat. Then Gat and Jasper extracted the poison from their remains to use as a weapon.

 

It was due to our numbers that this enemy was no big threat to us, aren't we lucky? The rest of the day to come had no concerns for our survival.

 

Day 7: Insect repellant 54 -> 53, incense 10/10 (Streth 43)

 

We moved at a good pace according to our guides, when our attention was caught by a flying creature that flew in circles to look for a prey. It was a flying reptile, but no dragon or bird, a snake. Shago assured us that we mustn't worry, for it hunts for smaller creatures. It will not attack us while we leave it alone. 

 

However, he said, he knows that a merchant prince tends to collect these and it might be of our interests. That awoke interests in Smuck, who was curious about their market price, but Shago couldn't tell. I voiced my concerns about the transport, we have a large journey ahead of us, and to ensure its survival to Port Nyanzaru might just be a challenge. It might attack us when we least expect it as well, and lack the equipment to keep it restrained for long. Shago yelled to the creature that he's a lucky survivor.

 

During the afternoon, we neared the rumored Camp Righteous. We were told to be wary of this locations. Mention was made of shapeshifters and its abandoned situation. A tropical storm made itself shown up in the sky above. Azaka recommended us not to move and find shelter, but Shago suggested that if we're interested to see Camp Righteous, this might be a good moment. The storm will cover all our sounds, it could be a perfect disguise.

 

We agreed to approach it to get a better look, but first keep our distance. Once in reach, we noticed the ruins of what was once a place that people named home. Its borders revealed ruined tents, shrines, but also a large statue at a hill of a man with a reptile on his back. It was seated behind an entrance between it legs on the hill on which it was seated. If this location is in use, the ones who may be there would likely seek shelter inside. An ancient temple.

 

We decided to seek shelter from the storm and not yet to approach for the skies to clear and our vision to sharpen. Not only that, we might be able to detect signs of life that we currently cannot. The spyglass will be a helpful tool. (Late afternoon)