Then when Astri with her dramatic flare presents the Jawbone the mighty warrior leader's eyes glass over. Even the strong can become emotional. Taking a deep breath to steady his hands he grasps the relic and holds it high so all can see. A great whoop goes out. "The Turtle protects us, and returns our spirit." He dances around in a ritualistic manner for all to see. "The Whale shall guide us and the three gods will reunite the Tutila tribes for battle."
He then goes about tell a great folktale to his tribe and guests.
"Long ago, long before the strangers came to their lands, a tribe of Tulita turned to the worship of a shark idol they called Dajobas. Embodying the fierce nature of the shark and the urge to destroy and consume all, Dajobas was born of their prayers. He quickly claimed a wide following among the more warlike clans of the Tulita. The sahuagin also bowed to his power, and before long the shark god claimed all the Razor Coast as his dominion. Bloody ruin ruled the waves and shores for over a decade. The senseless slaughter wiped out whole tribes and entire peoples drowned in their own blood."
"Only years later, after countless massacres and wars of attrition, a group of powerful shamans among the Tulita banded together and called upon older ocean spirits to stop the horror of Dajobas. The Whale, the Dolphin and the Turtle rose against the shark god and cast him so far out to sea he would never harm their people again. Since then, Dajobas has waited."
"When the strangers arrived, their massive ships weakened the other spirits of the seas greatly. The newcomers hunt the Whale to near extinction, they chase the Turtle from his beaches, and their enormous fishing nets drown the Dolphin. With the other spirits dwindling, the Time of the Shark returns – and with it the dark god Dajobas."
"Tonight is the blood moon, tonight we must rise up and meet the Shark, or die trying. The dark message must end."
As Mokoli Ail'i dances around chanting his folktale he announces, "Tutila no longer own land....forced to pay rent to greedy landlords...and toil under cruel taskmasters on plantations. Our totems were lost, but now we find and reunite to stand firm." The motions towards Fort. "Dragoons may have taken....perhaps kill Milliauka....but we now go and return his bones before the shark comes." He looks towards the the jungle and the outskirts. "Others I will lead to parley with Tutila to join forces and be whole once again."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Astrianna is quite interested in the ritual dance of Mokoli Ail'i- these Tulita certainly have a primal energy she couldn't ignore. She joins in the hooping and hollering at all the right moments, caught up in the celebration. Maybe what this city needs is a little bit of balance. Usually involves some bloodshed, could find good work and a story.
She raises her fist in the air and draws the attention of the crowd. "Pele watches Shaw from atop her smoldering throne, ever brooding and waiting. Tonight she will see the Tulita rise once again, and her pride will swell like a white-topped wave! "
The bard casts her ears to the Tulita elder. "We hunt the Black Shark and all its spawn tonight. The, Chosen One of Dajobas, Dalang Jalamar, will be brought low by our might and Shaw will know- nay, the LAND will know, it was saved by the Tulita." Well, mostly us, really. She continues after the brief thought. "We have time before the full moon. Do you have any power to remove the Kiss from those cursed by the Chosen one?"
Sorrin considers the events he's helped set in motion. He hopes he'd made the right decisions.
What can we do to help, what needs be done? And what help can we get to do it?
Chell looked back and forth between Mokoli Ail'i and Astrianna. She got the part where the Tulita warrior said they would help and she was happy. Then he kept going. Something about Milliauka, whom she assumed was the shaman he was talking about, and something that sounded a lot like revolution. That was not what they were trying to accomplish. Trade one massacre for another? She hoped she heard wrong and that Astrianna was not implicating them in something.
"Unwillingly Chosen." Chell added instinctively.
The warrior stops his ritual dance. "Milliauka knew how to fortify or slow shark bite curse." He frowns and the thought of the loss. "I will lead a band to unite other Tulita. Meanwhile, I send small group to the fort to retrieve body or bones of Milliauka." He waves towards the city. "Mokoli Ail'i knows of a woman, who may know how to cure shark curse, she and Milliauka have met and shared knowledge. She hides within the great scroll and tome building. They call her Dinetta."
His left eyebrow raises high, "Unwillingly Chosen...or..." He lets his voice trail off.
"Yes, unwillingly," Chell says getting a little defensive. "The curse can corrupt a powerful monk. People so in control of their own bodies they should be immune to all diseases and poisons. It's not unlikely the same happened to Dalang. He was a powerful cleric, one of the few in the area capable of healing someone after they had changed already." Though she'd likely not admit it, at this point she was saying all this mostly to convince herself that was truth rather than merely a possibility. "I don't...I don't think we can save him at this point though," she says. Coming to terms with that fact had been very hard. More so than accepting that the Chosen was Dalang. Archibald was gone and Dalang was a lost cause. Quell's power in the area, an area that needed him, was significantly weakened. "So I won't try to convince you or anyone else to try. It's too dangerous. He wouldn't want us to anyway."
He passes the jug with the worms in the bottom around one more time. "We need...all ...help we can gather...drink." He thrusts the jug at Sorrin again. "Worms good...like burn like fire."
Astrianna casts a sideward glance at Chell. Still in denial. Well, won't matter what Dalang was when he's dead.
The bard bows her head slightly to Mokoli Ali'i. "Thank you, Elder. However, we cannot stay to celebrate- there is still much to do before the blood moon truly rises tonight." She gestures to the others it was time to go, to the library for more clues.
"Drink...eat worm...drink good for you."
Several of the tribes man are admiring the magical kettle. Talking in Tulita amongst themselves. A conversation in Tutilan breaks out among a couple men, the conversation begins to get a bit aggressive as they look a the kettle then back at Chell.
Astrianna can barely contain her laughter as the Tulita men start arguing over Chell's dowry. The bard clears her throat towards the priestess, leaning in to whisper to her. "We'd best go. Your suitors are beginning to squabble amongst each other."
She pauses momentarily. "Theoretically, how many goats would it take to impress you?"
"Suitors? Goats? What?" Chell's mind hadn't quite caught up with what was going on around them so it took her a moment to process what Astrianna had said. When she did she turned to the men by the cauldron who seemed to be having a heated argument. And the way they kept looking and even pointing at her gave her a very bad feeling. It also brought a furious blush to her cheeks. She'd never had men fighting over her. "Yes, we should."
Chell rises and thanks Mokoli Ail'i with a bow and takes her leave, avoiding eye contact with any of the men having a bidding war. They are halfway back to the city proper before the priestess can get her mind away from what just happened and onto the matter at hand. "When he said they were getting the bones of the shaman, he didn't mean like but force right?" she asks nervously. "He wasn't talking about starting a rebellion right?"
"Drink...eat worm, good for your health."
The fading words greet the party's ears as they venture off. They wave off off the liquid fortification. Soon they arrive back in the city. Determined they arrive at the library shortly after the fourteenth bell of the day. (2:00 pm)
We need to check in with friends in town on the way... Who knows what help we'll need.
And soon.
Sorrin gets his bearings and leads the group back towards town.
As they approach the city, an image of fires in the night and screaming assaults her mind's eye. It was easy to see the city fall. The future looked bleak. She pushed it aside as they approached the cartographer guild hall and library and reminded herself not to come across as desperate like the last few times asking for help.
The shop is two floors, the second floor
Astri, Chell, and Sorrin walk up to the door they pause, then grasp the oak door handle and pull it open. Inside you see several long tables and shelving units. There are quite a few people scurrying around or with their nose buried deep in tome.
Updated Map with Dinetta placed on it
Dinetta as you come down the stairs you notice the front door open and three wanna be adventurers enter. They look vaguely familiar perhaps you've seen then around town before. A smug looking lady...seems to be leading...there's golden haired female walking besides a dandy with fancy sword hanging form his belt. Two of the three's clothing look patched, while the smug lady looks crisply put together.
We never asked Mokoli Ail'i to describe her. So which one is it? Chell wonders. She scans the room looking for someone that might actually work there. She spies a counter and someone behind it. They probably worked here. Weaving carefully through the tables, Chell approaches the counter. "Excuse me," she says quietly so as not to disturb the readers and map makers. "Is there someone named Dinetta here?"
The wizened clerk looks up inquisitively, Dinetta? His bushy uni-brow rises, "That rhymes with ol'Pinetta, which reminds me of Fenechia, who was behead by the Aeshma." He blinks rapidly. "Foolish battle really...foolish...never fight an Aeshma, it won't fight fair." He rambles then looks back at the ancient tome.
|
Having spent a fair amount of time with adventurers, and knowing the mess they usually leave behind, Dinetta quickly puts the books she is carrying on a shelf and rushes to save the elderly, and often confused, librarian being accosted by the new arrivals.
Looks can be deceiving, but this group looks like they are lucky to have survived just getting to the library.
Hurrying up toward the golden haired woman, Dinetta stretches to her full 2' 9".
Excuse me, can I help you find something?
As she says this, she gives her best dismissive teacher/librarian look indicating that she will help, but the interlopers better not disturb anything in the library or else they will find themselves on the receiving end of a severe chastisement.
"A..." Chell almost addressed the newcomer as a child then realized that would be rude. They were a not a child but a halfling as evidenced by the proportionately small adult figure, mature attitude and form fitting, stylish clothing. She looked ever bit a miniature adult woman. "Uh. Yes. We're looking for someone named Dinetta. Mokoli Ail'i said she'd be here."
The half-elf shrugs at Chell. "The Tulita and the Dragoons are constantly at each other's throats. I actually saw Milliauka attempt to stab Sgt. Darenar in broad daylight. He certainly deserved it, and truthfully i wouldn't mind getting my hands on that hammer of his. Err, the adamantine one. He is uglier than a manatee. In any case, at this point change is inevitable, and there is going to be a lot of blood spilled soon but all sides. Let them squabble, over bones and laws, we have bigger things to worry about, and people not involved in this fight are going to die if we don't do something."
-------------------------
Astrianna sniffs the site as they enter the library. How could anyone study with this musk? I've smelled more appealing root cellars. That could open a window at least.
Astrianna is a little surprised to find a halfling here- they have a habit of being put in a sack and sold into slavery or worse.
The bard clears her throat as she addresses the woman after Chell has identified her. "Astrianna Sparacello. This is Chell Silves, and Sorrin. I'm sure you've heard of us, so I'll spare the exposition. You studied under the shaman Milliauka , correct? We're interested in his ... Home-grown... Methods of curse removals."
Sorrin remains aloof, matters of curses magic and the divine are certainly beyond him. He will look for a warrior's way.
He watches as the Halfling steps forward. Certainly, she felt less... diminutive around the Tulita.
Sorrin bows as Astrianna mentions his name, Uncle would remind him to mind his manners.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Dinetta narrows her eyes, suspicious of the openness of these, adventurers? In Port Shaw everyone should be viewed with suspicion. Ever since being waylaid by the captain who attempted to feed her and her former companions to a bizarre alien, she has been less than trustful of all. However, she knows of Milliauka, and is concerned about what the Blood Moon might bring.
Looking up at Astrianna:
I am Dinetta. And, yes, I have worked with Milliauka. Not sure I would call it studying under him, but I learned a few tricks and have gathered certain roots and herbs that are supposed to help suppress, or even cure those inflicted with the shark disease.
More importantly, why are you interested? Why track down me, a librarian when you could simply find the shaman?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Oh thank Quell." The priestess surprises everyone around them, including herself, by hugging the halfling and pulling her off her feet. "After the orphans contracting the disease, then using magic to see so many infected, and the learning who the Chosen is, and the cultists at the lighthouse, and the chapter house burning down, things are finally looking up." Chell spins around a couple times then stops, holding the small woman aloft on up. She then she freezes, eyes popping wide as she realizes what she did. Crap. I did it again.
Chell puts the woman down a quickly and backs away, bowing while apologizing. "I am so sorry. Its rare for things to go our way twice in a row. Which sounds sad. Anyway, the dragoons took Milliauka. He may be dead. And even if he wasn't he's been on dragonsmoke for a long time. You may be the only one that remembers the method of curing the town."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Astrianna shakes her head at the priestess. "Milliauka is certainly dead, the dragoons don't have a habit of keeping prisoners for long."
She raises an eyebrow as Chell spins the librarian in a circle, simultaneously bemused and taken aback by the sudden affection displayed by the priestess. to a complete stranger. Maybe she just likes halflings? "Ah, Chell, actually, you're thinking of Elder Nakuaka... I haven't met him myself, but I'm fairly certain he's in Port Shaw's council. And addicted to the 'smoke. Milliauka was more of a local spiritual leader and shaman."
The half elf sighs and flicks away a sphere of dust that had landed on her shoulder. "Otherwise Chell is right. The blood moon is approaching, the Kiss runs rampant, and the chaos will spare no one. You may be wondering- why, what's in it for me? I don't think you'll need much convincing that lycantrophes don't care much for literature and this place will probably be burned to the ground come the full moon."
Smiling, she puts the palms of her hands together "I usually prefer to be more subtle about these things, but we're running out of time so- please help us cure and protect some select individuals and maybe the whole city won't be sacrificed in the worship of a blood god.
She pauses for a moment before adding "We have a ship , so worst case scenario you'll have an out if things go south."
|
|
Dinetta is rather surprised by the hug from the blonde woman. As she is released, Dinetta's natural reflexes spring into action and as she is released, she places her food on Chell's knee and launches into a backflip, easily landing where she immediately straightens her blouse.
She is about to respond when Astrianna chips in.
Listening, Dinetta scratches her head.
Yes. There have been many recent shark attacks, but few deaths. This is very unusual. My research of lycanthropy tells me that it is likely some, if not all, of the people attacked may be inflicted. Do you know who they are? I don't know if I have enough materials, but should be able to make enough cures for some of them.
She pauses before continuing:
If there was a time when the curse will cause people to change, tonight is likely it with the Blood Moon.
Artistic license using Halfling Opportunists Exploitive Maneuver.
He might not be dead...
Astrianna watches the acrobatic display from the small woman with keen interest. She claps lightly using her forefingers on the palm of her hand. "Oh, bravo, good... good... As for people, we have a monk aboard our ship currently inflicted with the curse. I would like you to imagine for a moment a were-shark with access to martial arts. Yes, it is terrifying; he punched me in the jaw and it nearly knocked out my front tooth."
The bard shrugs at Sorrin. "There is always the possibility. He probably wishes he was, though. You saw that Inquistor and the cruel gleam in his eye."
She glances around the library. "As for my next suggested course of action, we should move somewhere more private, or start walking."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Dinetta listens to the half-elf and frowns:
You have a friend who might be infected?
She looks about the library.
I could probably leave these all and come back in a week, and most of the the same people here would be in the same place. The piles of scrolls would be deeper, and a few of these researchers might have forgotten to eat so that they are lying comatose on the floor, but my absence would probably not be a big problem.
She wipes her hands on the apron she is wearing and then looks to Astrianna.
We have some small rooms we could talk in. Or, we can go to a tavern or some other place. I should grab the stuff I have gathered first.
The edge of Astrianna's mouth turns up slightly. "I don't know if I could consider someone a "friend" if they punch me in the face and threaten to eat me, but yes he's certainly infected."
The bard clicks her tongue at the mentioned locations for speaking. "Hmmm, we can talk on the way back to the ship so you can help Saegen. The monk."
-------------
Astrianna looks to Chell. "So, here are my ideas. We can go around with Dinetta and you detect curses to pick out the infected for curing. I have this strange feeling we won't be able to get them all, however. On top of that we'll have no idea where Dalang is."
She grins, obviously cooking up an underhanded plan. "Alternatively, we find Sgt. Darenar, and I disguise myself as one of those freshly infected with the kiss. I bet he can tell us where Dalang is going to be tonight. On top of that, I'm sure I can lead Darenar into an alleyway alone, and we can... eliminate a future threat. I know he's infected, the shaman Milliauka screamed he had the kiss before trying to stab him, and he's had that gross bandage on his arm for over a week now."
|
|
Dinetta looks to Astrianna:
As I said, I can try. I have assembled enough herb and other materials to give a fair number of those infected a chance. I cannot guaranty it will work as I am not a priest nor an alchemist. But, at the very least it should give most of those infected a second chance.
Let me get my stuff, then we can visit this monk friend of yours.
Dinetta heads into a back room and returns a few moments later. Other than losing her smock, she does not appear that much different, although you can just see the shiny glint of some metal beneath her blouse, and now she has a small rucksack and a rapier and two small daggers are attached to her waist.
Ok, lets go and see what we can do. I suppose it was a bit of a waste to gather all the herbs and roots if I never use them to help anyone.
Sorrin considers... for better or worse, he was committed to this course.
"We could use Saegen for sure, but I think the only way we could have cured everyone just went up in smoke," she says looking in the direction of the chapterhouse. The smoke had long since dissipated but the damage was still done. "We'd have to have a reason to gather everyone. But with Boneduce gone and the chapterhouse destroyed, we don't. I only have a scroll to detect the disease and it only lasts 10 min. We wouldn't get a meaningful amount of people. We need to find the source and stop it."
Chell looks around the docks as they walk, trying to think of some way to stop what was coming. It seemed like all they could do was hope they got to the Chosen before too many died. She notices as they walk that almost every door on the dock had a latch or lock. "We might be able to mitigate the damage if we could somehow convince everyone to stay indoors and lock themselves in. But again, Boneduce is gone. You think he knew?"
The group eventually makes it back to the docks and your ship a couple berths away. Your crew is bustling about on deck but there are quite a few looking at the water. There's a crowd of townies looking at the water. You pass a few vendors hawking wares. One shouts, "Po..teck yerself missies from the sharks." He motions towards the water where you can see an assortment of sharks on feeding frenzy. You can tell these are "normal" sharks that include a few hammerheads. It's as if they sense the blood to come.
Astrianna shrugs, looking around the docks. "They'll lock themselves inside soon enough... As for Boneduece, I'm sure he knew. He was gone before the storm wracked Port though, so who knows if he was tied up in something else. Zalen seems to think he isn't involved, but that doesn't mean he doesn't know"
She stops next to the docks, observing the sharks in the waters for a few moments before going aboard. Too bad we can't just fish Dalang out and string him up on the docks.
|
|
Dinetta heads to the ship with the others, her haversack full with all the cures she has been able to assemble. As the discussion jumps from one issue to another, she readily asks questions for clarification of who the different actors are that are being discussed.
We definitely need to make sure that the townsfolk are far from the docks come moon up.
"I guess we should see if your research works first," Chell says looking hopefully at Dinetta.
When you get back on board the crew is buzzing around but you can tell they are on edge...nervous. Captain Donovan meets you at the gangplank. He eyes the bookish diminutive female. "Captain Donovan." He introduces himself. Then he looks over to the others and comment, "Lot's of scuttle on the docks. Looks like Jenkie and Captain Lester where kidnapped by some skum and hybrids. He passes a rolled scroll towards Astri...this came for you. They message was to give it the songbird who can Read."
"The monk's been behaving himself...his little friend seems to be a good influence on him...calming. They are in your cabin."