Here a brave party might find riches and wonders--or death! Is your party brave enough to face the terrors of the unknown and find....THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Gameplay Thread for GROUP 2
What was bad for business was bad for the Lorsdhip of the Isles. The problems with the merchant trade seemed to originate in the jungles to the far south. Surely these tales were not be believed!!!
Background
For several months, possibly even years, there have been reports
of banditry in the jungles to the south. Merchants carrying
precious loads of rare goods from the jungle lands have
been waylaid, their goods taken and their men captured or
killed. Even then, those who survived these raids had to face
headhunters, brain fever, giant leeches, cannibals, and leopards.
Few men ever returned.
The stories they told were fantastic and addled, surely brought
about by disease and the horrors with which they had to deal.
Singing snakes, twisted and deformed ape-men, men who
were not men, and writhing, horrid flowers filled their tales
-surely such things were not to be believed. Nonetheless,
something had destroyed the caravans.
Furthermore, none of the goods taken from the caravans has
ever appeared in the markets of the north, at least as far as the
merchants can tell. Some were certainly identifiable - rare
pieces of art, scrolls, books, and other items destined to fetch
good prices in the kingdoms of the north. It could only mean
that someone or something was hoarding a great treasure in
the jungle. Prompted by this information, adventurers set out
to find the bandits and gain their treasure. Your party is one of
these. The long journey was filled with hardship, but fortunately,
peaceful tribes and villages were found to ease the
journey.
Last night you arrived at such a village. The chief and the
shaman met with your party. In answer to your questions, they
told of the yuan ti, or demon-men, and their hateful minions,
the tasloi. These come from the forest, raiding and kidnaping.
Those taken are never seen again. Only recently the chief’s son
was stolen. The chief knows you are experienced and powerful
warriors, and he wants to make a deal...
William looks to his colleagues. I am sure something can be worked out. What did you have in mind?
The young apprentice shaman looks on with intense interest as the chief deals with the outsiders. Why should these foreigners be the ones to save my brother? Surely there are those among our people who could rescue him. I would go!
The respected snake shaman with a huge mask of lacquered green explains:
"The Forbidden City is the place where the ghost of our many dead enemies live. To go there is to lose one's soul!! I have been building spirit poles for years, but this year is the most powerful magic of all!"
He points to a massive one-hundred foot totem pole on improvised 'sawhorses'.
"You must help us finish the carving, dyeing, and consecration of this most important task. When completed, the powerful juju of this totem pole will keep our enemies at bay! After this, you can pay the chief for the service of our guides and knowledge."
The natives are working with crude chisels and tools made mostly of bone. You estimate it will take three days of hard work to finish the statues if you all pitch in. The natives are quick to shirk this work, preferring to nurse 'injuries' and sit in the shade. They obviously want the 'new workers' to do the bulk of the work.
"I will help you all with the totem pole. I have worked with our shaman on the spirit poles we have made before. Here, let me show you." Unlike many of his tribesmen and women, Bikmalu diligently works to help the outsiders work on the pole, helping to show them how to properly carve and dye the wood.
Talon remained quiet as the natives did their business, held their ceremonies. He didn't fully buy into this "spirit" thing.
He watched the other work for a bit occasionally helping if anything to not appear he was shirking from work.
William hasn't done much woodworking beyond building rough palisades or lining defensive trenches but he was familiar with taking orders. Under Bikmalu's command as William saw it he had long days of hard work. He was used to hard work and to doing what needed to be done on a campaign so went to his bedroll satisfied each night. Wether or not the worked wood gave a real benefit in the days ahead made little difference. It was what needed doing so it would be done.
As we work on the pole, Bikmalu observes Talon, I see we aren't the only ones with 'workers' who do the minimum necessary. He warms considerably more to William, "That's it William. You've definitely got the idea. Its not difficult work and makes the day pass quickly."
Talon only scoffs at the notion of evil spirits. it appears it isn't the work he is avoiding but rather his disbelief in the whole spirit thing.
Still, he does put forth some effort just not as much as William
The chief looks at those working and is disappointed.
"I thought you would work harder."
As a simple supper of a viscous, meaty broth is prepared, you find it slimy, but satisfying.
The chief speaks to the group. "We will show you the entrance of long ago to the city, but we need an appropriate gift to pacify our ancestors. Do you have a truly wondrous gift?"
The trip to the village had been a trying one, not so much physically (as Sandrion was in good shape) but more of a mental challenge for him. He was quiet and withdrawn to his companions. In fact, he spent more time talking to his red-tailed hawk than to the rest of you
Still being here close to the jungle lands seemed to lift his spirits somewhat. As he was somewhat rudimentarily familiar with some customs , he realized the work on the totem pole was a test to show their commitment to the tribe. Seeing one of them actually assisting his party was surprising to say the least.
During one of the rest breaks, he walked over to Bikmalu and said to him in the pigin form of their tongue, "Thank you, your assistance is most appreciated." He also chided the young human Talon, "Now I know you may not enjoy such hard labor, but think of it as earning wages for an honest day's work."
As the chief asks his question, Sandrion pauses and thinks hard for a moment before replying, "We would certainly be honored to bestow this gift upon your tribe, yet our ignorance of your customs is troubling to us. May we ask what would be a suitable gifT?"
Milhar works hard to help fulfill the need for strong spirits. He uses the time to ask about his friend Jensen, the bard elf of Celene, and whether he is remembered.
Lazy or not, the grugach regards the physical labour as a good form of exercise and that has always been a source of enjoyment.
Skirros, the tattooed half-elf does her best to assist with the pole, throwing herself into the work with abandon. It almost feels as if she is trying to distract herself from something that has been bothering her.
She occasionally turns to the villagers and Korashi to see if she is doing it correctly.
Skirros' giant snake, Bouzz stays in the jungle outside the village, looking for small game to satisfy her hunger. Skirros has forbidden her to attack any humans, and asks the villagers to avoid any giant brown snakes with black diamods they might find in the jungle.
No word was to be had of the bard elf. But the adventurers soon impress with their work ethic.
The coquette, Bikmala's younger sister and daughter to the chief brings refreshments scantily clad in animal skins. She seems quite taken with the group and manages to brush hands as she hands out drinks with all the males.
16 going on 26 years of age, Desdemila is a slim raven-haired beauty. She seems interested in finding out where you camp is.
"Perhaps I will bring a special salve later to heal your aching muscles Milhar. We talk quietly about your missing friend. I know how sad it is to miss someone."
Vardlon had been working quietly, more interested in the mystic patterns on the spirit pole than in the carving work itself. He's observing the rites, customs, and symbols of these people in order to understand them better.
Talon enjoys the drinks watching everyone. he takes notice of the woman and her antics.
she reminds him of Katarina when he first met her after her father took him in off the streets, seemed so long ago now.
When she starts to take a shine to Milhar Talon takes a more keen interest in what she is doing. more out of the need to watch over his friend (or perhaps he should say acquaintance) than any real interest in her.
when she eventually moves on Talon moves over to find a seat beside Milhar. leaning over to whisper tread carefully, she will only bring trouble to you and in turn the rest of us.
Sandrion watches the antics of the coquette Desdemila with a mixed expression on his face. Still he is not sorry to see her leave. "Yes, I would tread softly with her, else you find yourself making a new home in this jungle paradise!" He adds.
The grugach does not answer Desdemila but waits for her to leave. He smiles lightly in agreement with Sandrion and Talon.
"Yes," giving the problem some thought.
Finding Bikmalu later, "Your sister wishes to ease my aching muscles tonight. I do not wish to cause her lost face before her tribe but I have no need. It has been many years since I gave up such base pleasures. Perhaps there is something you can do to help her understand without harm to her self. She is looking for something I cannot give. On my oath. Thank you," he bows and returns to the meal.
William nods at Talon and Sandrion's advice for Milhar.
Sometimes the reward is worth the trouble but given how deep in the jungle we are now doesn't seem like one of those times. I am glad you are the one stuck in that blacksmiths puzzle and not me Milhar. Hopefully Bikmalu's help will extend to this.
The chief watches the group work with approval and asks if the party has any gifts: "...to pay for the act of leading you to holy ground. I know the men who ride the large trees full of many clouds speak for you. But they have not paid proper 'respects' to our ancestors."
Bikmalu's sister plans to visit the latest object of her affection, the standoffish, unavailable half elf. Bikmalu sees her preparing poultices, unguents and creams.
Sandrion smiles in reply to the chief's words. "Certainly a gift for such is warranted. While I am not able to provide you with a truly marveloud gift," He reaches into his pouch and takes out a purple amethyst. "I certainly hope this can express all of our gratitude for such a boon you provide."
Skirros looks about with a bit of embarrassment, checking her pockets for loose coins. She breathes a sigh of relief when she sees Delcour pull a valuable gem from his purse. That will surely be enough for a backwoods chieftain. I'm glad that we are all not as poor as I am.
Bikmalu catches sight of his sister's antics and considers whether to warn the visitors or wait to see the trouble that ensues. Wisdom wins out. When he can catch Milhar alone he whispers, "I love my sister very much, but you need to be careful. She may know of your friend, but I would tell her that you saw warrior Hadzu eyeing her." He nods to a powerful looking warrior watching the group work on the spirit pole. "If you are deft with your words, you should be able to steer her toward Hadzu. He would be a very good match."
The chief smiles as great progress is made over three days and Bikmalu's sister seems to be intrigued by the strong warrior. She still brings water to everyone, and a lingering touch is always exchanged. Now the hard-eyed warrior watches these exchanges with a nasty glare.
As the poles are finished, the king and shaman confer and announce:
"We lead you to city tomorrow. The spirits are sleeping for now."
It is night and the spirit poles are finally finished and everyone tumbles into their bedrolls, dreams of the trek to the city await...
Talon only half sleeps, the days of fighting for survival have left thier mark, and old habits are hard to break.
the sound of a soft singing voice catches his ear.
Kat? he whispers as he looks over. noticing the girl with Milhar.
Talon slips his hand to the hilt of his dagger nearby as he feigns sleep and watchs the activity as best he can.
Milhar slowly rises and pushes the hands away as he does. The monk watches her in the dark and then laughs gently, "Hadzu wants this love and care. I do not, but thank you for the blessing. Speak to him and he offers far more than me."
As she readies to act, he flicks away his blanket and points to a whorl tattoo on his face, the circles spiral inside each other. "This is the mark of a Tai Getherin. An elf given over to his weapon and a seeker of perfection. No women. No massages or pleasures of the flesh."
He bows and smiles.
While the normally light sleeping ranger would be stirred awake by the commotion around him, he slumbers on with memories haunting his dreams. His body twists as a nightmare visits him, those close to him overhear a whispered voice, "Alia..."
William sleeps peacefully through through the night.
The girl slips quietly back to the tribe. Everyone is roused for a dancing ceremony to commence at Sunrise, 'When the Magic is strongest in the air!'
Many dance around the pole as the native shamans chant in varying tones and pitches. The chief invites you to join in the sacred consecration ceremony. A few native warriors cut themselves to leave a bloody handprint on the pole.
The pole is still massive and require considerable exertion to move through the dense jungle. There is a rough path, but the group will not be in any way stealthy.
Skirros keeps herself apart from the dancers, not quite knowing how to deal with the feet moving in time and all that ...
She stays near the edge of the jungle, trying to keep an eye on Bouzz off slithering through the underbrush.
William follows along with the ceremony as best he can. Once the dancing starts he jumps right in. The steps may be different but village dances were always fun back home and he can see no reason not to enjoy one here!
After the native warriors start to leave handprints on the pole he finds Bikmalu and asks, Are we suppose to mark the pole as well?
"Thank you Bikmalu," the wild elf says at an appropriate moment.
Bikmalu informs you great warriors believe their blood can produce strong magic and give the totem strength to ward against evil.
The warriors lead you into the jungle carrying the massive pole. A tiring two day trek and you are at the appropriate spot. A small rise the dominates the surrounding flatlands. Now a sufficiently large hole needs to be dug to anchor the pole. Bizzlemont informs you it will take a hole about one third the height, or 35 feet deep to sufficiently anchor the pole--a gnome rule of thumb.
The ground is not hard, and the digging takes an entire day and the pole is anchored. The next day the natives reach the area of the Forbidden City, determined to go no farther. Bikmalu, to the shock of the tribe, continues and leads you to twenty foot wide passage the slopes down well into the distance.
A commotion is heard and many warriors from different tribes swarm into view. Bikmalu listens to their chants and shouts, and informs you that anyone seen returning this way is to be killed on sight. The neighboring tribes are more reluctant to allow strangers to the Forbidden City. Realizing the way back requires slipping past hundreds of natives on their own lands, you hope their is another way back.
Sandrion watches the dancers quietly and notably stays out of participating in the festivities. He is more than happy to leave behind the village.
As the message from the other tribes is passed on, he frowns. "That is...unwelcome news, to say the least. Still we know the goods from the caravans did not pass this way so there is another way into the city."
Once the party is ready to proceed, he utters a sharp whistle and a red-tailed hawk spirals out of the sky to land on his shoulder. "Everyone, this is Haster. Haster, no finger-snatching." As the group enter the tunnel, Haster squawks once but a raised finger silences him. "This tunnel will not last forever." He then nocks an arrow and motions for the front line to proceed, "I will cover you."
Milhar takes a place near to Skirros with his bow over one shoulder and lets Willam and Talon go ahead.
Willaim reaches into a pouch and retrieves a glowing stone. He reaches a hand span above he head or so and gives the stone a push. It settles into a orbit about his head. Then he draws his scimitar and shield and moves the the front of the line.
Talon, I trust your eyes will let me know of any traps. If you need to scout a head just let me know how far behind you would like us to trail and I will maintain the gap.
With that he starts a steady advance towards the tunnel with his shield up and ready.
Skirros looks about the darkening passage and stops to mutter a few mystic words and touch her longbow. Immediately, a silvery light shines out from it, illuminating the way forward.
The half-elf shudders, "I have never liked leaving the jungle, but it seems this is where we go. Bouzz, keep an eye out," she mutters, patting her enormous boa constrictor.
Vardlon pulls out a small piece of worn leather, mumbles and gestures for a bit, then puts it away . He gets his bow out, and looks at the passage with interest.
As the group progresses Talon obviously does not believe in these spirits but does oblige the tribal leaders.
Once they reach the passage Talon moves to take point. its been a while since Talon was teamed up with others but back then it was other guild members; of course his first teammate, Kavyn, a memory he wishes was gone. Talon's hand checks a pocket in his cloak check the presence of the knife, the very knife that he used to Kill his old friend.
Talon slips into the shadows and looks ahead for signs of traps or ambush
The way ahead looks clear. This passage has not been used for days, weeks, maybe even months. The natives fire a few bow shots, but you are able to quickly get out of their line of sight as you enter the sloping passage.
Talon leads off through the wide cave mouth. The cave mouth is broad, but cleverly concealed by lianas and creepers. It extends back into the darkness straight and moderately sloped. It extends back into the darkness and appears that this once was used as road or path, the stone appears worked. There are many tracks, many human-like.
After moving down one hundred feet, Talon hears the faint splash of water and sees a faint glow of light.
The party emerges in a large natural cavern with a large pool of water filling most of it. There is a five foot long ledge along the left wall that ends in a small alcove. This alcove is worked with carvings of snakes and men in a pastoral scene. At the back is a large statue of a snake-bodied six arm woman with two lit charcoal braziers on tripods. They cast a dim light which shows four beached canoes in calm water.
"Before we proceed further, let me ward your companion Skirros." Bikmalu pauses and murmurs a few words, then bends to touch his hand to the snake. "I would much rather have an armored Bouzz between me and any sharp objects pointed at us." Bikmalu studies the chamber, unsure of the meaning of the decorations. "It appears someone has left transportation for us."
Sandrion eyes the grotto closely, "Not for us, I believe. For whoever passes through this pathway." He lowers his bow and turns to Haster who squawks softly. "Guard." He says quietly to the hawk, who flies off to a perch above the group. "I would prefer not to be...distracted here," he explains to the others.
Walking over to the grotto, he bends down and examines the ground closely. "Now how long ago did some avail themselves of this passage..."
William follows Sandion to the tracks. He bends down and takes a look also.
I don't think they would have left the canoes touching the water if they didn't expect to be back soon
Ever curious about the past, Vardlon says, Interesting carvings over there. Maybe I can tell something about the ones who made them... Assuming no one stops him, he heads over to the alcove and starts examining the carvings and statues.
Skirros nods in thanks to the shaman as the snake's scales thicken. She pulls an arrow from her quiver as she walks over to Bouzz. "Let's keep an eye on things over here by your serpentine counterpart, shall we, Bouzz?" she says moving up behind Sandrion.
Arriving near the canoes, she points towards them and gestures to her nose, prompting the snake to move forward and flick out its tongue tasting the air. While he's busy with the canoes, Skirros moves past him into the alcove to inspect the statue.
"This may be trapped, let me take a look at it first."