Neltji tries to stay out of the limelight as the others go about decimating the thugs and then stabilizing them. Not sure how that will go as some of those arrows and blows were pretty lethal. She does claim her winnings as that was due to her as that was the whole point of the fight and to neglect to do so would just embolden other actions later. Hopefully though no one was the wiser as to her abilities and they would not consider her a threat.
When Nothus pipes up about watches she agrees to take her turn with Steve watching as well. I think we also need to be careful about who we talk to from here on out. We know that there are others behind us who do not want us to reach our final destination intact. Let's resupply as we need to and head out in the morning to get an early start on the day's travels.
She looks to see if there is a mule available for purchase to help carry items and make Steve's job easier. Otherwise she holds onto her money for now.
Nothus nods, "Good idea. If only to avoid leaving the most obvious and blatant trail in Golarion as we move."
Neltji accepts the mule graciously and spends some time with it after casting speak with animals to introduce herself, Anthony, and Steve. Once duly acquainted she retires for the night to get a good nights sleep to head out in the morning on the next leg of their journey.
As the trail skirts the northern border of the Laughing Jungle, you spot a wisp of smoke on the horizon, coming from a small Zenj village huddling under the jungle’s eaves. When its inhabitants spot you approaching, they quickly attempt to make contact with them, seeming quite eager to trade goods as well as a share their hospitality. With cheerful greetings in Polyglot and broken Common, the villagers invite you to join them for supper.
What do we know about this tribe of people? Knowledge? Sense motive? I speak Polyglot.
Neltji also listens into the conversation the people are having and invitations offered. She only respondsin common though for the moment to not alert them that she understands fully what they are saying. What is for supper? What type of meat? she asks as she has heard that distant tribes sometimes practiced cannibalism. Of course, she doesn't say this either but Ndombe is likely aware of why she is asking. It wouldn't do for the tribe to eat mule as well.
One of the villagers smiles broadly, I kill big boar this morning! he says proudly.
"Alright, let us join our hosts."
Neltji smiles at the mention of the large boar. In common, That is quite a feat. It is difficult to killa mighty creature like that on your own. Well done!
Neltji will happily join the feast and talk amongst the villages asking questions about their life and habits and keeping up a general chatter of conversation. Should anyone ask about bartering she will haggle with them with the meager supplies she brought.
Nothus nods, "Clearly, you were blessed in your successful hunt."
"Boars are surprisingly dangerous. Many dear hunters die underestimating a boar."
The hunter smile goes from ear to ear..
You are greeted by everyone in the village. Villagers smile, toting baskets of fruit, meat, and laundry. Others sit in the shade weaving leaves and vines. Barefoot children dart about chasing each other around the small huts. The only person who seems uninterested in you is an older woman with a painted face who, upon your arrival, ducks into her hut and pulls a cloth across the doorway.
Supper consists of flatbread, fresh fruit, and a tasty porridge seasoned with sweet tubers - and of course boar! After the meal you are offered a heady wine and treated to an impressive performance of acrobatics, dancing, and fire-eating as night falls. At the end of the festivities, the villagers offer you a hut to sleep in, then retire to their own huts.
During the meal and entertainment Neltji will compliment the different feats of the acrobats while tasting the native cuisine. Finding a fruit that she enjoys but may not know the name of she asks what it is and where do they find it. Continuing her questions she also asks about the old woman with the painted face and what the painted face represents. Is she an elder of the tribe and thus honor is bestowed upon her by being marked with paint?
In response to Neltji, one of the tribe members says, She is our shaman, and is old and wary.
Ah, the wise woman of your tribe. What is her name that I may go and speak with her bring some of this marvelous boar to her. We must honor her as the tribe shaman since we have come uninvited to her area.
Neltji will make her excuses as she brings some the feast out to the woman.
"Nelji is right we should show our gratitude. Is there a customary way to do so?"
Nothus shrugs, "Don't know much about cultures - just animals."
Despite Neltji's entreaties, the cloth 'door' remains undrawn. The tribespeople just shrug. She is wary. they repeat.
While typically willing to give people their privacy and space Neltji wants to make sure the elder is mollified and accepting of their presence. Honored elder, we have come specifically to speak with you. You have years of experience and wisdom that we wish to speak to you about. pulling the cloth door aside Neltji looks in but does not enter. After all she still wasn’t invited in.
Perception
Anthony stealth
Anthony perception
"We thank you and your people for the hospitality you have given to us."
My! You are a persistent bunch! Enter then, enter.
I am an old woman, and set in my ways. My master taught me long ago that foreigners like yourselves carry curses. But this village suffers under a curse already, and all my magic has so far failed to lift it. The spirits do not help me and I have nowhere else to turn. Perhaps I have been wrong all these years, and perhaps you are the ones who can help free us from the curse.
Neltji's ears perk up at the mention of the curse as her face softens into pity and compassion. Please, ma'am, tell us more about this curse. I hate to see people suffer and would do what I could to help if it is within my ability.
sense motive
"Indeed, we would all wish to hear your tale, and to see if we can help. Perhaps it is kismet that we are here."
Nothus nods, "We are certainly willing to try."
"I go where they go! Here to help"
The old woman smiles. Ah! I knew you would help! The village is plagued by a chemosit, a malevolent and cunning ape-bear that delights in human prey, particularly relishing the taste of human brains. The beast has come out of the jungle every night for 2 weeks, stealing into the village in search of victims. Can you kill the beast?
knowledge ?nature? looking for resistances primarily
That is horrible. What else do you know about this creature? Is it a natural beast or some planar or magical beast that haunts you all? I won't speak for the others but yes I will gladly help try to rid you of this threat. Where does it show itself mainly?
I'll take some of that knowledge stuff, but I think it needs...
"It has a powerful roar attack. It also will eat your brains, so Nothus is safe."
Nothus chuckles, "Hanging out with you two is proof of that."
"Hey you too we are all out here together...therefore I suspect we share half a brain and I believe Neltji is in possession of it most of the time. Is there a place where we could attack this creature from an advantageous position? Above? Below? From all sides?"
Unable to not joining on razzing the men, That is not true...the three of your brains are much more valuable than mine pr Anthony's. Mine is used whilst yours are all brand new. But I do like the idea of being in a favorable position. Are any of the huts able to support 1 of our weights so we could attack it from up above? Reach weapons and staying out of brain eating range sounds preferable to me and Anthony.
Nothus says, "I can call down lightning to strike it - but that won't help if it's pulling at my skull.... but I could also summon a few critters to try to keep it busy so we can try to kill it with our brains safely far from its mouth."
After you agree and your good-natured ribbing, the old shaman follows you to your hut and paints a strange marking across the threshold of your hut with fresh goat’s blood, which she says should draw the beast to your hut. She bids you a good night and hastily leaves your hut!
"Ask and we shall receive! What's the plan here?"
I stay in the back protected spamming hexes while you all protect me and try not to get yourselves killed while actively trying to kill the beast. Sounds like every encounter we have had in the past and it has worked for us so far.
Ndombe nods, "indeed, why change what works? If the Gods had other plans for us, they would, no doubt, intervene."
Neltji will cast mage armor on herself in case the beast shows up in the next 5 hours. Otherwise, she paces the hut impatiently muttering to Anthony as the seconds drag into minutes and the minutes drag into hours.
What time of the night is it and are there still other villages out and about? If so then Neltji would try to help them home and escort them to kepe them from being attacked. If all of the village is secured then she will stay in the hut with the others.
Works for Cevill.