Hungry Voodoo's Mines of Zolurket (Inactive)

Game Master voodoo chili

In 4121 AR, the desert dwarves of the Barrier Wall Mountains sealed the famed Tar-Urkatha mine abruptly, saying only that one of the richest platinum mines in history had played out. Nearly six centuries later, the truth rises from the darkness.


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Oh yeah, I was thinking that Shirish still had strength 18. How sad is it that she can't even carry an elf now?

Shirish, exhausted, has some difficulty collecting even her own equipment, and feels a pang of anger as she watches the slim elven man carry their companion away from the field. In this challenge she had lost, having been affected by magics of which she was not familiar. She tags along with the elves, curious if they would be returning to their camp or simply continuing on but unable to ask.

"What became of the little ones?" she whispers to the conscious elf.


Shirish's strength returns soon after she regains her courage.


The dwarves finally awaken as you rest in camp plotting your next move. Cortos is angry as anything to have missed the fight and lets it be known stomping off into the jungle to patrol. Jerrand is still sweating profusely and has vomited in his sleep. He manages to gather himself enough to channel his remaining healing to revive Chitleen, but has obviously become ill from the difficult march.

channels 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

stay or go?


"It would appear that this jungle bodes our little friends ill," Shirish rumbles, her mouth widened in something more akin to a grit of pain than a smile. "And if that is an indicator of the resistance we will meet within, I think it better that we continue on to our original objective," she is loathe to admit.

Shirish glances over her shoulder and frowns. "Though it does rankle me to walk from a challenge..." she sighs and begins ministering to her kit.


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

Returning to the world of the living Chitleen can't help but agree with Shirish's assessment...

Go - we need to get back up to full party complement methinks


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

The jungle can wait as it has done for many years, for many an adventurer. Perhaps when we are wiser, bolder and stronger we would return. Meeting a dragon it his realm would be overreaching our capabilities just yet.

Daeron bends, restringing his bow before adding..

It would be intelligent to return to the cities, restock and recuperate.


Resolving that discretion is the better part of valor this time, the party breaks camp. Jerrand is fevered and has to be assisted. Regretfully his armor has to be left behind.

Once everything is ready you look around for Cortos who hasn't returned and soon spot him at the edge of a clearing, unmoving as stone-specifically agate. You get no closer as a rustle in the brush nearby is likely another basilisk.

Cortos the Unbroken wrote:
After all, isn't becomin' stone what every dwarf desires?

Recalling Cortos' boast, it appears he got his desire, but there's no reason for you to join him in his fate.

*****
It is a long night of stumbling back through the Sparadyn Jungle, battered and defeated. Perhaps some day you will return better equipped for the trials of the Agate Steps, but today you are just relieved to finally break through the last wall of vegetation and return to your previous desert encampment as the sun climbs overhead.


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

Moist or dry, the heat is the same constant here. A rest here during the day's sun would provide vigor for the night's march. Next time we venture in, I would remind myself to bring a means to depetrify Cortos should his peers give motivation to do so.

Daeron takes a swig from the many waterskins he's carrying.

Looking at Jerrand,

You could ask around while you recover, and see if any kin of Cortos would miss his vulgarities enough to risk neck to save him.


Jerrand merely moans at Daeron's suggestion and collapses onto the ground.

trained Heal DC 18:
He is afflicted with jungle fever. A pernicious disease that drains both strength and stamina.


Shirish Trained Heal 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 whelp, can't help the dice makin' things go bad.

Shirish stows her shield and attends to Jerrand, but her large gray hands are apparently far more skilled at weilding her weapons than determining the ailments of little folk.

"I cannot determine what is the matter with him," she tells the others. "I believe it best I carry him to the city. I have the strength, and should be more than able to resist any disease he might communicate."


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

Slightly unhinged at Cortos' fate and with Jerrand wasting before their eyes, Chitleen suggests "Yes, we should make for civilization at haste. He needs a healer and will not survive the desert long without succor."

Hungry One - we able to make for Sothis at haste?


Exhausted from a journey in and out of the Sparadyn Jungle in a day and a night, the party rests and considers their options. You are about a third of the way along the road between Katapesh and Solku. From your vantage point however, you can see the glistening white of the Sabkha salt flat which you know has small settlements around it. This would likely be the best place to find aid for Jerrand.


Can I take 10 on my heal check to offer continuous aid to Jerrand in the night?

Shirish offers to spend their rest time attending Jerrand to give him some manner of aide to overcome his disease.

"I do not consider myself a healer, but I have seen enough wounds and fevers in my day," she rumbles, and frowns. "The principles are the same..."


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

I suspect none of us have the healing skills necessary to diagnose Jerrand's current ailment. It would better to seek help from one versed in the healing arts, be it shamanistic or not. Nevertheless, if one wishes to attempt to ease his suffering I would lend my help.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 Daeron contemplates a likely area of residence for a healer.

Aid another, Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Meanwhile I would have him write down his last wishes should it come to that, whilst he is still not consumed by pyrexic delirium.


I don't think I had set a date yet? So I rolled out 14 Desnus.

Daeron:
Daeron has learned a bit about the Sabkha in his travels. The large inland lake fills with water every monsoon and then dries out leaving nagri salt deposits that are harvested and sold for use in pesh production. The main season for salt harvesting is Lamashan when merchants and farmers converge on the place to battle for territory. By early summer only a few small villages remain, but would likely have a healer of some sort. You could maybe catch a passing caravan as well this being the main route between Solku and Katapesh.


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

Solemnly "No matter the care we can offer, it will not exceed that he could get in a comfortable bed under the shade of a roof. Should we make for the flats and the villages that surround it?"


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

I would give my opinion that a healer would likely be present among the villages in the area as an annual salt harvesting operation is at it's peak during Lamashan. Failing that, chances of coming upon a merchant caravan is likelier given it is a main trade route between Solku and Katapesh. But I would pursue the benefits of rest first as I feel a review of my spells is in order.


I'm gonna rule that marching day and night through the jungle with very little rest you are all fatigued and near exhaustion. Jerrand is in bad condition, but not dire at the moment. You are nearly 20 miles from the road anyway.


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

"Very well, rest first and toil later" Chitleen assists in pitching up some cloth to act as a shelter for the stricken priest and then partakes of rest himself.


You all collapse into a weary sleep and awaken as the sun sets beyond the mountains far to the west where you final destination awaits. Jerrand is worse. Weak and stumbling he tries his best to follow you across the savannah to the Obelisk Trail, but you ae significantly slowed.

It takes you two days travel to reach the trade road and you've finished the last of the Axebeak jerky by then. You camp along the road hoping for a caravan to cross your path, but prepared to head to the Sabkha if fortune is not on your side.

Shirish- you can give me 2 more heal checks to see if you assist Jerrand.


Shirish Heal 01 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24, Shirish Heal 02 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Yes, I believe she did manage to help him somewhat...

Shirish carries the priest on her back, and her shield and arms at the ready while they walk, never once complaining about the size of the load or the heat. When they break, she cares for the priest as well as she is able from their limited supplies, sparing him nothing.


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

Daeron watches Shirish as she cares for the dwarf with utmost dedication. Seeing the her stoically bearing her burden he says out aloud.

It is heartwarming to see such dedication from two races known to hate each other on other lands. But think not the burden to be only yours, I would lend a hand if you are in need of it. Although partly I would want to see how would Jerrand reciprocate in kind once his brain fever subsides.


As if by force of will alone, Shirish's steadfast ministrations have an effect and even through two days of hard travel Jerrand improves. You reach the road near one of the eponymous obelisks of the Obelisk Trail.

The four meter tall feature is marked with the word 'Trail' in 10 languages of which Daeron and Chitleen identify Elven, Gnome, Taldane and Kelish at least. Chitleen also identifies a word in Gnoll that looks more recently scratched into strange dark stone. Instead of trail however, it reads 'Death'.

You set up camp at the sign post in the hopes that a caravan will soon pass despite the faltering traffic that occurs in the hotter days that come with the arrival of summer. Jerrand's fever has broken although he is still physically tired. He asks again for a recounting of what happened in the jungle when he was delirious with fever and pledges to return to Katapesh and ask your sponsors to save Cortos.

That evening you see travelers headed your way from the west. It turns out to be a father and son herding several cows and goats to the capitol. The native Garundi men seem friendly enough and invite Jerrand to join them on the trip as well as give you directions to their village that is not far from the road.

Farewells exchanged, the three remaining members of the expedition make their way to the village to resupply and continue their journey to Solku.


Elves and half-orcs travel much faster without compensating for the short stride of the dwarves though it still takes a week to reach Solku. In the early hours of dawn as you make your final approach to the city, you see that the distant light you've been approaching is shed by a thousand continual flame spells cast upon the copper dome of the Lambent Citadel of Sarenrae that stands at the center of the city.

As the sun rises behind you, it warms the massive sandstone walls that have protected the city from many a gnoll or bandit incursion. You are stopped at the gates by the pink robed Dawn Watch as the Citadel Trained guards are called and once inspected by a paladin asked to pay a tithe for the Goddess.


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

As they arrive at the gates Chitleen feels the days and days of unwashed sweat mounting up upon his skin. Eager to move within and see his way to a tavern and if possible a bath, Chitleen gives a bow to the Dawn Watch and asks "Salaam warrior of the light, what offering is deemed appropriate in the eyes of the Dawnbringer?"


"That depends upon your business here and how long you will be staying," the Dawn Watch replies.


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

Smiling the white toothed slippery smile of a merchant's son Chitleen replies "And if our business is our own and the length of stay unknown?"

Diplomacy if needed: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20


The guard shares a knowing look with the paladin who gives a non-commital nod.
He responds, "You look like adventurers. Surely you have plenty of gold to spare for the good of the faith and the city, but if your wealth has again disappeared like water spilt upon the desert sands then just swear to come to the defense of Solku and the Goddess when the need arises."


"If She does not mind a freed woman slighting Her bright army, I am not opposed to swearing," Shirish rumbles. "What might Solku and Her brilliant Highnesss need defense from?"


"Sarenrae and Lady Cynore appreciate any arm that lifts a sword in defense of Solku. You will find that the southern lands are much more accepting of your heritage than the north. We of Solku are somewhat less accepting of slavery than the rest of the nation as well and that is one thing we guard against."

"Many are the battles we have fought against bandit kings and rabid gnoll cheftains that sought to enslave our people to sell in the decadent markets of the Pactmasters. Has it not been only a decade since the Battle of Red Hail?"

The pink robed guard smiles warmly at Chitleen, "What do you say, Sayyid? Can you use that tulwar at your side? Would you join the Dawn Watch? Perhaps you would not be as wealthy as an adventurer, but you would have a steady income and a roof over your head each night."

may have overdone the diplomacy ; )


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

Returning the guard's smile "Ah but sahib, if I were to worship the dawn, then how would I be able to pluck these from the stars?" retrieving a gemstone and a noqual crystal from his person during an elaborate bow and proferring them to the paladin and guard both.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Pulling out a piece of quartz worth ~20gp and one of the noqual crystals that I pulled off Jawad.

Straightening "My talwar can be called if the time is dire and gnolls beat on the gates... but until then I will bask in the safety provided by the shadow of the Lambent."


The guard blinks, "Ah, a wielder of swords and spells. Thank you for your generous gift." He turns the gems over to the paladin after scrutinizing the noqual. "Where do you adventurers find such oddities and wonders?"

The guard looks over at Daeron, "And is this another companion here? He has the look of a spellworker. Wizards are also welcome in our ranks. Did not Lord Kel-Kalaar himself serve boldly in the seige? What do you say to joining the Dawn Watch?"


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

With a dismissive gesture indicating that the items provided were merely a pittance "Here and there sahib... if one has the eyes to look."


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

Wistfully watching the caravan with Jerrand disappear across the road bend, Daeron gives a shrug and makes notes of the dwarven characteristics seen in the departed duo.

Are all dwarves like these two? I figure I would owe father an apology after chiding him not to stereotype certain races if the next dwarves I meet are similar. Better yet, a gift of some value.

After the long trek, Solku looms before Daeron. Beyond him, the pink robes Dawn Watch stands, waiting for an answer.

Oh, I would lift a finger for Solku's defense if need be, rest assured. And with it rain lightning and fire at my command. But does joining the Dawn Watch entail me to one of your fine pink robes. I do envy the shade it is in. It is all the rage back where I come from. I would consider it once you tell me how long one would expect to serve.


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

A few words start to jolt Daeron's memory.

Lord Kel-Kalaar: Knowlege(History): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Battle of Red Hail: Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12


Daeron:
It is common knowledge that Lord Kel-Kalaar is the current leader of Solku. He rose to prominence fighting beside the paladins of Iomedae and Sarenrae at the Battle of Red Hail which turned the tide of the Seige of Solku by routing the White Canyon gnoll tribes at the cost of all the paladins of Iomedae lost.

The guard replies, "Most contracts are for seven years. Arms and uniform supplied of course unless you favor your own."


"We have contracted with others," Shirish rumbles, reminding Daeron of their current contract. "Were my people as long lived as some, should we survive our terms, I may return," she offers and smiles.


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

Giving a short bow as means of farewell, Chitleen moves past the guard and paladin and into the city proper.


Back in Katapesh.

Surak and Tarrar find the office off a back alley in the Dawn Gate not far from the Immaculate Repository of Abadar. It is a humble adobe building with a shingle out front that reads in plain type “T&T Mining and Excavation Co.”

Inside you find a single dusty room that contains a business counter in front of a pair of matching desks. Shelves full of yellowed parchment fill shelves on the walls and a tide of ledgers flood the desks. The co-owners, Gravlet Truther and Kipp Trathis rise from their chairs as you enter and pulling up a pair of stools beckon you back behind the counter.

Gravlet looks a few decades younger than Kipp though his curly golden hair is turning to silver. He dresses his beard in golden rings and dresses in a fine purple silk tunic at odds with his rugged gray trousers and boots. Kipp dresses more functionally in the manner of a prospector long ago set in his habits. His leather tunic is patched nearly as much as his trousers. His hair and beard are yet dark though veined with silver from the mouth and temples.

Gravlet makes introductions and gets down to business in your native tongue. ”It’s good to meet you, cousins. We’ve been looking for replacements for an exploratory crew we’ve got out in Solku. We hired them at a Pathfinder Lodge run by an acquaintance of ours figuring that would be a good place to find experienced adventurers, but they proved less than reliable.”

”Damned unreliable, I’d say!” Kipp interjects.

Gravlet continues, ”We’ve got a pair of elf arcanists and a half-orc ranger. They lost the dwarven priest and berserker enroute to Solku unfortunately.”

Kipp fumes, ”Told ye it was a bad idea to hire a priest of Gorum! Damned blowhards and renegades! No self respecting dwarf would go worship that steel-toed boot!”

”Well, anyway,” Gravlet tries to smooth over Kipp’s outbursts. ”We’d like to employ you two as replacements. As I’m sure you’ve heard, we are looking to reopen the lost Tar-Urkatka mine. It is rumored to be haunted, but we’d say the reports are overblown. However, we did lose a partner there years ago and you do well to not trust a word from Tibbler Rocksledge if you find his wretched spirit.”

”Damn Tib!” Kipp curses

”His ghost will lead you straight down a shaft if you let him. You priests have tricks for getting rid of pests like that don’t you?”


Dwarf Cleric 2

Surak sits on a stool. "Yeah, ghosts are well within my portfolio. As long as the elves don't get us all killed, we should be fine."


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

Politely acknowledging Shirish's quip, Daeron adds.

Well, fortunate for me that elven lives does draw itself out longer than most. Until next time, I would consider the offer, barring any unfortunate accidents from now and then. I would hope it is not too much to ask if you could recommend respectable place for us to ease out our journey's aches? Perhaps a Pathfinder lodge in this town?


Male Dwarf 5 Bar Invulnerable Rager :AC 17/15raging, hp 62 (5d12+10) Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2; DR 2/4non

After listening to the tow miners explain the job and Surak's response, the tattooed hulk of a dwarf says, "Ain't nothin' I've met that canna stand to my axes. Between me an' Surak 'heir, we got this thing fer ya. An the Lodges ain't the place ta be findin' reliable dwarves anyhow. Good thing we caught wind of this."


Dwarf Cleric 2

Surak frowns. "Not all dwarves who have taken the wayfinder are useless. My own brother Noran is a pathfinder over in Absalom. But his power comes from within himself, rather than from devotion to Lord Ragathiel."


Solku

The guard raises an eyebrow, "Pathfinders? If you want respectable then the Gold Star is the finest inn within our walls. If you are interesed in places that serve adventurers, well there is a coaching inn called the Winding Road nearby that seems to attract the like. The Breakwater near the River Gate also serves a more interesting crowd. Enjoy your visit and if you change your mind about serving Solku in the Watch let me know. My name is Lazaan."


Katapesh

Gravlet runs his fingers through his beard, "Don't know much about Ragathiel, but if he gets rid of haunts and all that then he sounds good to me. You'll be leaving in a few days with a caravan to Solku. The others should be at the Breakwater Inn. Kipp will be coming along to see you off."

"Hope the rest of the fools made it there," Kipp mumbles.


Dwarf Cleric 2

"I am ready to travel, all that I need is in my pack."


Male Dwarf 5 Bar Invulnerable Rager :AC 17/15raging, hp 62 (5d12+10) Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2; DR 2/4non

"Worry self no more now me an' another of the boys are on the job. We'll keep the rest of 'em on track right enough."


Solku

Daeron and Shirish join Chitleen as he wanders the streets of Solku getting a feeling for the place. One is particularly impressed with the cleanliness and order of the place. The streets are well maintained and lined with tidy sandstone or marble buildings. It's all very picturesque and maybe a little boring in its pleasantness, but perhaps boring is to be appreciated with such a violent history.

The plaza before the Lambent Citadel is filled with memorials to citizens and soldiers lost to slavers and gnoll raiders. In a prominent place stands the most recent memorial; an enormous bronze sword to the paladins of Iomedae lost in the Battle of Red Hail. The names of the dead etched upon the dias from which the sword rises.


Male Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker) 5

Having left the gate guards behind Chitleen is very much enjoying the sights and smells of society once more. Generous in greeting many who walk past he has a broad smile "Well we are in need of accommodation, and I a bath... did the places the guard mentioned pique your interest? I've not been this far west before, but the Breakwater did sound amenable."


Male Elf Wizard 3 (Transmuter-Enhancement) / AC13->17(mage armor) / HP23->full

Gesturing Lazaan a farewell salute, Daeron adds.
Lazaan, I will remember your offer, perhaps a day would come where donning pink cloaks for the defense of Solku becomes a reality for me.

Strolling alongside Chitleen and Shirish, Daeron raises his eyebrow when Breakwater is mentioned. But he continues to see the sights. In some admiration, he comments on the bronze sword.

Fitting tribute for paladins who have fallen. Underneath the white purity of the marble lies a deeper crimson shade of suffering. Beneath this veil of peacefulness lies might waiting to strike. I suppose it would mean the local arcanist would be well stocked. *humms*

Daeron pauses, considers on Lazaan's suggestions.

I would think finding a place to stay would be a priority. It would be followed up with finding out where our consigned items ended up. A possibility that it would not be ready should be considered and we should find a mean to pad out our purses as wealth currently is not infinite. Breakwater it is then.

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