Shaldinari attempts to blast one of the frogmen with eldritch energy, but her aim goes wild when the creature jumps and stabs Dwalar.
Nella steps down into the water and slings a stone at the frog attacking Dwalar.
Bjorn's javelin finds its mark and carries his target down with it. Shal's eldritch energies seem thwarted by the altar like a magnet, pulling the energy in an odd trajectory. Bhoor's sling fire snaps a bit early, but Nella's stone hammers the last remaining frog squarely between the bulging eyes.
Round 2:
Bjorn, Bhoors, Nella, Spike, Davin, Dwalar <--UP
Enemy
Shal
Reloading his bow, Davin fires at the remaining froggie.
Attack:
Damage:
Davin's skill at the bow, if ever questioned, would find strong supporting evidence in the gentle arcing fire flowing over the altar and goblin monk, straight into the Grung's dark heart.
|
The creature's weapon bites through Dwalar's armor, but his dwarven blood is proof against the worst of the poison. "Hah! Ye'll have ta do better than that ta stop a dwarf, yeh mud-sucker!" Before he can retaliate, however, the creature goes down to some quick action from his allies. "I opened 'im up fer yeh. Way ta move!"
Spike, still reeling from the poison, hands Nella the moon shaped stone, and then sits down on the ground to rest.
Searching the fallen Grung turns up a sack of gold coins, a very nice looking jade ring with a flower motif, and a scroll case holding a letter. Once out of the water, the letter could be unfurled, but unfortunately it is written in Grung.
Searching around the pool turns up a dozen or so skeletons and corpses in various stages of decay...its clear this was an altar of blood, with the Port's poor as it's victims.
The moon shaped stone obviously aligns with the smugglers snake charm, making a larger piece. You seem to be no closer to understanding its power, however its certain the Grung were using it for the darkest of purposes.
With the melee over and the downpour turning to a gentle mist, a rainbow arcs over the branches of the clearing.
Nella's eyes gleam with small tears as she surveys the alter. When the rainbow appears, she inhales deeply and closes her eyes for several seconds. Then she opens them.
I believe we have ended this part of the curse. Let us find someone who can read this tongue so we may learn the nature of this.
Seeing the remains of the sacrifices, Davin pushes the frog-beast corpses in with them.
"Perhaps the dead will have some comfort that their slayers now share the same pool with them."
Bhoors looks about, "Is everybody okay." He looks at the ring. "That's interesting I think its Jade."
"Lets get back to the cat lady. Did she say she wanted the remains of any victims?" He looks at the stone, "These stone things are weird and have a real sense of power to them. We might want to learn more about them."
"And perhaps a sage or linguist to decipher this weird scroll. It is strange that the two missions we have been on seem to be linked by -that-and I am not sure we are through with it yet!"
Davin does a quick search of the area before heading out with the rest of the group.
Perception:
Shaldinari observes the new found item of power looking for other links to the previous piece they recovered.
Not able to determine much, she shrugs. "The power of the other item seemed to be dampened by the box it was stored in. Perhaps there is room to keep the second piece there as well. Or we should look for a container matching this piece."
Nella nods in agreement with the rest. She arranges some of the bodies of the apparent victims with their arms folded but does not touch the bodies of the Grung. She then follows along with a set look on her face.
The return trip is much more uneventful, your well constructed path making it easier and much faster, not to mention the rain finally abating.
However, you notice the intrusive blighted plants are dying out and finally receding! You must've done something to halt its spread.
Screaming Wind, the tabaxi with the Emerald Enclave hurriedly drops the filet knife she is using to gut an eel and comes running up "You return! What did you learn? What of the rescue party?"
She shakes her head "How did this happen so quickly...where is this power coming from...*sigh* Regardless, I can tell things are already changing, the invasive growth is already retreating off the ridge...you must've done it!"
Screaming Wind looks over the scroll "Ah yes, the great literary work of the Grung..." she says sarcastically "The letter describes empowering the "gift" of the mother patron. Afterward, it is to be delivered to a "prince". Other than that, I can’t make out these clumsy croaks..."
"You say you also recovered something from the altar itself? Just destroy it...wait...I recognize that, one of my contacts mentioned an artifact with a moon inset like that. Soggy Wren, I think you can find him in the Market Ward..."
"But hold on! Lets not forget about your reward. The people of the Throat thank you." she passes along the tidy sum you all agreed on, 50 gp each.
Davin shakes his head as Screaming Wind offers him the money.
"Please give this to the families of those who we could not save."
She seems ready to argue with you, but in the end nods with some regret, putting your share back in her pouch.
"I hope whatever power was fueling them knows nothing about me...I am not interested in getting on some god's bad side!"
Taking his helm off, Davin wipes at the ever-present sweat beading on his forehead.
"Anyplace to get a cool bath and some dry clothes?"
She shakes her head "Too late I think, we are all cursed..." she tries to change the subject to lighten her mood "The temple of Sune has the best public bathhouse, the ones here in the Port proper operate more like private clubs...probably not the adventure you are looking for." she shrugs "Never liked baths, myself...something not natural about it."
Davin chuckles at the tabaxi's dislike of water.
"Then perhaps a visit to the temple and then something to eat and a good night's sleep. How does that sound?"
Spike leaves the Tabaxi and goes back to the old city. There he gives away the gold he earned and listens for rumors among the poor of the city.
Nella shakes her head solemnly.
I must return to the young lords of the plains.
She heads back to her room to tend the velociraptor eggs for a few hours but would be willing to meet up and talk to people afterward.
Bhoors nods at Davin's words. "It would be nice to share a meal and a drink. Not sure all of you have had the chance to hear me sing. Some have they can warn you." He chuckles.
Temple of Sune
Isolated atop a rocky formation in the sea, the temple of Sune (goddess of beauty) is reachable only by an elevated causeway from Temple Hill or by boat. Steep steps wind up the cliff from the temple's small harbor. When seen from a distance, the temple's roof seems to float in midair — an illusion created by mirrors lining the outside walls. Inside, Sune's faithful and casual visitors alike can partake of public baths, receive lessons in applying makeup and styling one's hair, and learn to dress in a manner that suits the individual’s body, profession, and the climate.
A man in an absolutely ridiculous outfit waddles forth in greetings, with 5 of the most beautiful young maidens you have ever seen in tow. "Aha! There you are, newcomers, at last! Come to partake of our unique services, I hope! Well, let's have a look at you..." they begin to analyze your appearance and fashion in painstaking detail...
"A cool bath and evening of relaxation, does sound like a pleasant reward after struggling through that jungle." Shaldinari says, her hands still scratching at some of the insect bites and scrapes she received during their latest endeavor.
She frowns slightly as the man approaches and starts to look her over like some ham hanging in a shop. But the sound of cool water coming from the temple calms her temper and she smiles and the priest.
"Yes, a cool bath and perhaps some salve for these scratches and bites would be most welcome." She says with a small bow of her head.
"You all do take an interest in visitors." Bhoors stands disinterested but dashing at least that is his intent. He flirts and makes eyes at the 5 maidens.
Bhoors winks at Shaldinari, "Did you still need help with that salve. I have been known to engage in treatments medical adjacent."
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Bhoors winks at Shaldinari, "Did you still need help with that salve. I have been known to engage in treatments medical adjacent."
Shaldinari's gaze flicks to the young maidens Bhoors was just flirting with and then back to the half elf. Her hand waves dismissively in the air, "Pah! Bhoors, don't be so modest. We all know I'm not to your tastes. Not like that large, handsome dragonborn warrior woman we meet in the bar last evening. Really there's no need to be shy about it any longer. It was clear you were quite smitten, despite her obligations. We've come to the perfect place to release some of that unfulfilled desire."
She turns toward the man greeting them with a wide-eyed innocent and thoughtful look, "I'm sure Sune finds beauty in all beings, am I correct? Perhaps you could find a young...scaled acolyte...with fine strong muscles and delicate sharp teeth for our young half-elf companion?" She says sincerely.
"I'm happy to donate an extra few coins to the temple if it will help him overcome his shyness about these matters in any way." She adds pulling three gold coins from her pouch and offering them to the priest.
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He seems delighted at the possibility to indulge Bhoors his most secret wish "Ah yes, the pleasures of the scale are well known. Say no more, say no more...Tippy, fetch Hildelfa." and one of the young women bows and runs off.
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Somewhat taken aback by the man's outlandish dress, the beautiful women and the strange request, Davin shuffles his feet as he is prodded and examined.
CHA Check:
Bhoors' notices Shaldinari's glance toward the maidens. Must have made her jealous. He gets ready some sort of response but his face blanches for a moment eyes wide as Shaldinari makes her request. Really jealous . . . or she hates me. Nah clever girl our dance is going to be a long one. After a moment his smirk returns. When he thinks no one is looking he mentions to the nearest temple worker, "Not too large right."
Bhoors literally jumps like he is frightened when the name 'Hildelfa' is mentioned. Dearest lady Tymora every have I trusted myself to your graces. Please look after me this day and we will keep it a funny coincidence that this Dragonlady's name has most of the letters to spell heifer in it.
Bhoors trying to regain composure, "Sounds hot." He points over to Shaldinari "Definately get her money."
Spike follows his companions to the temple. "Where would one go to pray in this temple? I know you offer many services. Do you have any idea how we might aid this city in ridding itself of the curse that hangs over it?"
Bhoors whispers to Spike, "Not sure its that kind of temple Spike."
He comes closer, and holds Bhoors by his face if allowed, gazing in awe "Yes, truly a brother of Sune, you are most welcome!" He next moves to Bjorn, squeezing a muscle here and there... "Wonderful! Simply incredible! You simply must be oiled, there is no alternative."
Turning to the others however, he takes on a much more consolatory tone, starting with Davin "Sir...truly its none of my business but in this weather have you considered a coconut oil massage? ...on the chest? Iron rivets between the pauldrons can chafe in an instant, and then you are surely lost. Skin care is a slippery slope, no pun intended. Or perhaps abandon the armor of the north altogether, have you experienced a skirt smoked with the incense of cloves? Well I suggest you do!"
The other maidens next flock around Shal briefly, already untying her braids in favor of different styles and offering a number of perfumes and makeups. They quickly move on however, because their true target seems to be Dwalar and Spike.
Some temples coddle to the poor, going out of their way to offer any assistance possible. Sune is different, coddling to those with a less spectacular appearance. Dwalar and Spike have gained a small crowd of devoted followers who believe, with all their might, their purpose on this planet is to improve Dwalar and Spike's outward appearance. As you pass on towards the baths, they seem engaged in heated argument, particularly over Dwalar's beard (there is talk of a prosthetic half-beard...in the name of quality of life).
Spike, when you get a chance away from the flock, you do indeed find a number of shrines within, all offering mirrors and free beauty supplies to adorn yourself before prayer. At the largest statue, a marble woman with some kind of redstone hair, you find an inscription of Sune's dogma:
Beauty is more than skin deep. It issues from the core of one's being and reveals one's true face to the world, fair or foul. Believe in romance, as true love will win over all. Follow your heart to your true destination. Love none more than yourself except Sune, and lose yourself in love of the Lady Firehair. Perform a loving act each day, and seek to awaken love in others. Respond to love at least once in a day. Encourage beauty wherever you find it. Acquire beautiful items of all sorts, and encourage, sponsor, and protect those who create them. Keep your own body as comely as possible and as attractively displayed as situations warrant. Let hairstyle and clothing best suit your personal appearance, striving to stir and delight others who look upon you. Moreover, hide not away, but always seek to present yourself to those around you in a pleasing variety of garbs and activities so as to move them with love and desire. Love those who respond to your appearance, and let warm friendship and admiration flower where love cannot or dares not.
The party passes through a number of small chambers containing artists engaged in sculpture and slow dance, feasting, bathing, and simply relaxing. The rooms are very bright and mirrors are everywhere, leaving little (if any) privacy. The armors are taken and cleaned, wafted down with giant palm fronds to dry as you bathe.
The baths are communal with an optional wetrobe, leaving little to the imagination. There are both hot and cold baths, and a seemingly infinite variety of exotic spices and herbs to experiment with.
After a time, the maiden returns with what must certainly be Hildelfa: a young Tortle. Exceedingly shy, it takes some convincing to work her beautifully decorated shell near Bhoors in the bath. She awkwardly recites a haiku for some reason:
"I caught a big fish.
Now I search for a good friend
To share my lunch with."