Finder's Jungle Ruins of Madaro-Shanti

Game Master Malvoisin

It's early in the morning, the sun only just rising over the top of the thick jungle canopy...and it's already hot as blazes. The brave volunteers have assembled before the hut of Anassi, Chologadi's ancestral chieftan. Crowds gather around for the expedition's send-off, as it seems nearly the whole village has turned out to witness the grand departure. Before you is arrayed the makings of a sizeable expedition...it seems the desperate villagers have spared no available resource in this effort to end the looming menace of the black cloud. Waiting for your instructions are five burly porters, five guards outfitted with spears and shortbows, two mules with their drivers, a wagon drawn by two additional mules, and a jungle guide.

The guide steps forward to speak, "Hail, heroes of Chologandi! My name is Chongo. I offer my services to you willingly, for the sake of all the village. As do we all. I know much of the jungle and I can translate for you the ancient tongue of Madaro-Shanti. We know this mission may well be perilous, but also we know there is no choice. For if nothing is done, the village is sure to be ruined. We must discover the source of this darkness, and put it to a halt. We await only your signal to depart." The other members of the expedition nod in agreement, albeit nervously. Chief Anassi stands nearby, beaming with pride at this good showing from his people.

Okay, get your role-play on! You can choose to take as many or as few of the native expeditionary members with you as you like. Also, any of you who have been in Chologandi for at least a couple of days are likely to have heard some rumors. Make some Knowledge: Local or Diplomacy rolls and see what you've heard. Good gaming one and all!

Making a diplomacy check for what I've heard

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

The tall blond nods to the gathered group. "No worries, we will find out what's the source of this trouble, and free the village from worry." He says confidently, then glances around at the porters and guards, and the others getting ready to traverse with them, rubbing his chin. He walks among them, talking with a few, getting to know them.

Also making a diplomacy check to gather any info.
1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Jack stands with the group of intrepid adventurers and looks things over. He thinks to himself, "Well, so much for having a small, fast, borderline sneaky group. Though I suppose I should be thankful that they didn't send a drum and bugle corps along."

Jack makes his way over to Chongo and says to him. "We are grateful for your assistance and I am sure that your help will be invaluable. If you don't mind my asking a silly question though, will the wagon be able to make it through the jungle? It's probably a pretty safe bet that we will have to leave any established trails that may be out there and try to cut our way through to where we need to go."

Jack's normal ideas of "diplomacy" usually involve intimidation or hitting people with the flat of his war axe.

Doctor Iiwo nods serenely to Chief Anassi, accepting the generous offer of equipment and manpower without comment. He is a man of mystery, after all, and in any case has no appropriate skill in Diplomacy or Knowledge (local) to utilize.

He shuffles to the wagon and climbs aboard if there's room, happy to take a load off for the trip. If the wagon couldn't move through the jungle, certainly they would not have provided it? It can always turn back if it gets into trouble. If there's no room in the wagon, he'll attempt to suppress a disappointed frown and stand about awkwardly, leaning on his longbow.

Doctor Iiwo waits patiently in the wagon for the assemblage to depart. H has no idea where he's headed, but he's confident he'll know when he gets there.

Kiley's been in the village awhile, so she's probably picked up on something.
Diplomacy:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Kiley looks at group of guards and porters with a concerned look. She shuffles from one foot to the other until she sees Gerald walking among them. She walks up to him.
"Gerald, do we really need all o' these people? I don't wanna put a lot o' people in 'arm's way if we don't need to."

Turns to Kiley when she walks up, shaking his head. "No, I don't think we do in all honesty. A guide through the woods may be nice, as well perhaps those mules, if we need to carry supplies more then what we can carry." walks over nearby where his horse is at, double checking the saddle strap and saddlebag to make sure he has everything is prepared while continuing. "Let's go ask the others to see their opinions". Then he walks over towards Jack. "The lady Kiley here suggests we should cut back on the people going with us. I am of like mind as well, but I'd like to see what you and the others of this expedition think."

Jack looks towards Gerald as he approaches. Jack replies to Gerald:

"I think that taking the guide along would be an excellent idea. Maybe also one of the pack mules, its handler and a couple of the spear men. That would give us extra carrying capacity, and if we had to split up there would be enough of them together they would be reasonably safe. Beyond that we would just have more people than we needed getting in each others' way. The wagon would almost certainly have to be left behind at some point as I seriously doubt that the trails out there would accommodate it all they way to where we need to go."

Rufus nods in agreement

"Jack is right. While certainly Chongo here seems like a good chap who would come in handy, we don't wish to find outselves bogged down in the bush. We may wish to bring a few of the strongest of the lot to post as night watch, but any more than a few would only slow us down and waste resources. (whispers aside to Jack and Gerald) Not to mention not being able to trust such savages..."

"I say load a pack mule with rations, pick the two or three strongest guards to stand watch at night and we should be ready."

Ciaran keeps a permanent frown on his face throughout the proceedings.
"I do not see much to discuss. The quicker we leave, the better. The less burden we have in our journey, the more likely our success becomes."

Kiley's tagging along with Jack and Gerald. Just to keep things from getting too confusing, this is directed at Rufus.
"Yer one to talk." Kiley whispers to herself, more than anyone else in particular.

He raises and eyebrow at Rufus, replying to his comment. "Not exactly savages. Just just not what you're use to, civilized in their own way. Though I am surprised you'd want these fine people who you don't trust still stand guard at night." He nods then to the others, then goes around and gathers up the three most competent guards, the guide, and a pack mule and it's handler if there is one. He does also quickly thank the rest of the volunteers, admiring their courage, and asking them to be brave and defend the town if anything attacks. Then he mounts up on his horse. "Alright. This will be everyone. I'd like to move out within 10 minutes, sooner the better. Get what you need and lets move out!

"Ah, but the question is where to?"

To Gerald
"Good Gerald, I worry not for a man standing watch in the bush, as on watch you are looking to keep yourself alive as much as anyone else. I do worry where allegiances will stand should conflict emerge between ourselves and the people we may encounter along the way. I do worry about the superstition and ignorance that infests this land turning these people from reason and leading them into barbarism and depravity. You are clearly an honorable and selfless man, however experience has taught me that such honor is a learned behavior, sprung from education and erudition. It is therefore naive to expect such things from those who have not been educated in the culture and ways of civilized people, as you and I have. This is a land only just beginning to rise out of the darkness that lies in the recesses of the human spirit, out of chaos and evil. And where we are going is not a place of law and order from which you and I were born. It is a land of chaos." nodding toward the guards "Those are men born of chaos. Such men cannot be trusted beyond their own self interests. Such men are more dangerous than useful when pushed beyond their capabilities. Something that will almost certainly occur on this journey."

A mock thoughtful expression crosses Kiley's face. She cheerfully turns to Rufus and says:
"So stabbin' yer brother in the back, supportin' a gang o' thieves an' murderers, and taxin' the poor into starvation is civilized and honorable? Thanks ya sure taught me somethin' today, Rufus."
she walks over to Gerald, "I'm ready when you are. I'll be helpin' the others get their stuff together." She jabs a thumb in the direction of the men and the mule that Gerald picked out. She goes to help them get packed and get to know them as well.

Rufus smiles

"My dear Kiley, you misunderstand civility. A person who does what you describe is far from noble or civilized, regardless of bogus professed titles or proclamations of status. At times savages walk among the civilized, unfortunately. They are in fact far more distasteful for having the opportunity to be educated, but squandering it. I have confronted several such men, challenging them to duels. And with Abadar's grace they have each deservedly fallen to my crossbow. Frankly an honorable duel was a better death than most deserved."

I am not one to suffer heathens, regardless of claim. Nobility isn't simply a matter of blood, as all true nobles understand. As I said young lady, I will prove you wrong."

Kiley turns on Rufus, her brown eyes blazing.
"An' 'ow is killin' in a duel any better'n killin' with an assassin? 'Ow's that puttin' food on the tables of those who slave away only to starve? 'Ow's that gonna bring back me ma an' pa?! You talk all high'n'mighty, but 'ave you ever once 'elp a family eat? Or do ya consider 'em that's starvin' in the streets too far below yer notice?"

Kiley is almost screaming into his face as she finishes. She's trembling from anger and what seems to be a good deal of grief. She just stands there for a minute that seems to stretch on like hours.

"Ye keep sayin' you wanna prove me wrong. Then stop talkin' an' do somethin'!"

She walks away from Rufus to the head of the party, and then about ten feet beyond.

Listens Rufus and Kiley, still mounted, for a few moments, until Kiley begins yelling. Alright alright...That's enough you two." He looks at Rufus. "You asked where. We're going to head towards where the fog has been sighted. I believe it was around 30 miles from this location. We're going to head there, and see what we can find. We need more info then what we got, and we're not going to get it by staying here." He then looks at Kiley. "I am understanding you had trouble with nobility in the past. But right now.." He motions to Rufus. "He's a member of this party. I know it'll be hard, but we must focus on how to save these people, and work together." He gives a soft sigh, running his fingers through his hair "For now, let's just get this group on it's way."

Perception roll: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

"Aye, I know. I'll protect 'is sorry arse just 'cause o' that." she says while glaring holes into Rufus' back. "One whistle fer all clear, two fer enemies, an' three fer lot'sa trouble, got it?"

Once Gerald nods, or says he's got it, Kiley moves out in front looking for anything suspicious or that could give them trouble.

Perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Stealth:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

Doctor Iiwo's grizzled head pops up from the nest he'd been carving out of the supplies in the wagon. With alacrity perhaps unbecoming of a man of his station and advancing years, he hops from the back onto the dusty ground and trots over towards the ongoing discussion. (argument?)

His expression is one of disappointment. "Please, please, it is unseemly to argue in such a way. If we are not able to put aside our differences now, when there is no imminent danger, how will we do so when we are under pressure." He shakes his head sadly. "I respectfully disagree with the decision to send away the porters and the fine wagon (Who will carry the heavy supplies?) but it is clear that this is the concensus opinion and I will not argue the point. I believe that we must mollify Chief Anassi, however, for rejecting his selfless volunteers."

I'm afraid I'm a bit adrift, not having any info on the campaign details. Would Iiwo be from Chief Anassi's tribe? Would they share a native language different from the common tongue? I'll play it like they are from different tribes but are culturally similar and their dialects are understandable.

Doctor Iiwo explains to the Chief in the local dialect, "I sincerely hope that my good friends have not offended the great Chief Anassi by rejecting his generous offer. They are ignorant of our ways, after all. Apparently, they prefer to carry heavy objects through the jungle on their own backs and suffer heat-stroke and be generally unprepared for the trials that we will face. But, they must act as their nature dictates - do not judge them harshly. Nature will be the final judge, as it has always been."

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Doctor Iiwo is ready to proceed, a pied, in the marching order as discussed earlier. "My feets is my only carraige, but I've got to push on through." - B. Marley

Iiwo is a perceptive old codger, and possibly a pervert? Only time will tell.

Doctor Iiwo pats Kiley on the shoulder in a fatherly manner just before she heads off in the lead. "There is no need to hide your emotions, young lady, you are among friends."

Kiley smiles a bit at the comforting words Iiwo says to her.
"Thanks." is all she manages to squeak out before turning into the jungle and scouting ahead.

The Doc might wanna watch it if it's the latter. You don't get out of a thieve's guild relatively intact (Health-wise anyway) without knowing some discrete ways to make any unwanted... courtiers regret any untoward advances, and Kiley, being the small petite thing she is, got more practice than she ever wanted.

Hey there Iiwo, I saw her first and I've got bigger weapons! ;-)

Seeing the group finally form up Jack falls into place near the front of it. Jack wonders who appointed Gerald to be the one in charge, but decides that as long as things are working more or less ok it isn't worth raising a fuss over. This is an informal group ad hoc group working under a verbal contract. Jack does go over to Kiley and says in a low voice:

"Look, I know you have grief with nobles in general, and some of them are right proper scoundrels. But not all of them are. All I would ask is that you give the ones in our group the benefit of the doubt until they actually prove otherwise. Besides, all we have to do is just cooperate well enough to get the job done and get back here. It's not like anyone here is asking you to take them to your bosom and become your best friend in the entire world."

Jack goes back to his place in the group, trying not to make it too obvious that he is admiring portions of Kiley's anatomy as she heads off.

Just be glad she's turned the other way while you're admiring. >_>

[Flextime]
"Alright... alright, but I swear, the bastard makes a move on me an' I'll turn 'im into me new quiver."
[/Flextime]

Are we missing anyone? I count only four of us, where are the other three?

Rides in formation on his mount, looking around in the jungle as they begin their journey, his eyes narrowing into the woods every once in awhile.

Perception(Which is horrible), as well as on random intervals, activating detect evil, slowly glancing around for anything evil within 60ft cone.(Can't see worth crap, but I can detect evil like nobodies business).
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

And you're right, where's the others? Hope we didn't lose them! And I hope nobody minds that Gerald has sorta taken the leader position. The paladin seems very outspoken and seems to be pretty well at getting people to listen.

Hello? I was here all along, just watching your petty civilized squabbles silently ;)

Ciaran follows his companions, alongside Doctor Iiwo. Against his will, he has to admit that the unusually eloquent tribesman has caught his interest. At the moment, however, he's mulling over the conversation between the foreigners.

Noble and civilized as you are, you have to force these mounts to carry you, even though we're moving at walking speed. I'll wait to see what you're gonna do when the horses refuse to go into the mist. And us natives - we're just talking horses to you, aren't we? Well, as it happens, you're just talking apes to Mother Nature.

Ouch! And I thought Kiley was bitter with Rufus. Oh well, this should be fun if nothing else.

Just to be sure that this doesn't get lost in the posts:

Perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Stealth:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

Kiley's looking for anything that would be a threat or is out of place, quietly.

As the party travels along Jack takes the war axe out of its carrying loop on his weapon belt and nonchalantly balances it over his left shoulder. He also tries to keep an eye out for anything that might be a threat.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

So while Kiley has disappeared from Jack's view, at least Jack can spot Gerald's horse. :-)

Oh yeah guess having the bow out would help. Oops. It also looks like I may need to draw this character.

Kiley has her bow out and an arrow knocked as she scouts ahead.

Sorry for my tardiness guys. Tuesday/Wednesday (my time) is a killer for me. It was just unfortunate that the game started then! :(

Xôc Xôc stands next to Xahara, his head moving back and forth between the party memebers mesmerised. Every so often he shakes his head and then goes back to watching the show.

"You all talky men. Even Wise Man," he indicates Iiwo, "and Boygirl," he nods at Kiley. "Xôc Xôc and Xahara need Ngana Leaves to put in ears so they not hurt on hunt." He laughs and smiles as if he's told the funniest joke.

Xahara stands calmly next to Xôc Xôc, content to let the proceedings play themselves out before they finally hit the road.

At Xôc Xôc's outburst of laughter, she playfully nudges his shoulder enough to put him off balance. He drops his spear and pinwheels his arms to try and keep his balance and just manages to keep from falling face first in the dirt. She c o c k s her head and gives him a look as if to goad him into retaliating.

Xôc Xôc turns and raises his finger, mouth open and ready to let fly when he sees Xahara's expression. He clamps his mouth shut and retrieves his spear, before grabbing a fistful of Xaharas tendrils and climbing onto her back.

Xahara pads silently across to the rest of the party and waits patiently until they are ready to leave, Xôc Xôc sulking silently on her back.

Rufus has his heavy repeating crossbow out and loaded as he walks. All his other supplies are in his handy haversack as he falls in line in his place in the party.

Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Rufus shakes his head at, muttering to himself under his breath.

Perception (15)

Speaking aloud "The good Doctor is correct. Sir you are a credit to your race, I beg pardon that I myself didn't properly thank the people of the village for the generous offer. But I agree with the others that traveling light in the bush is important, particularly as our group will value stealth. I do have a magic haversack that should aid us in carrying as needed. But I thank you for acquiescing to the group for civilities sake. The many is greater than the few."

The Doc takes 10 for 20 on perception. Nothing gets by this dude.

Seeing that everyone else has transitioned into patrol mode, he tries to look more dangerous, frowning a bit with his bow at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
oh. snap. This may not turn out well for Rufus, well, at least his dignity. Okay that's two more, where's our last one?

Kiley's cheeks burn a bit and she has to grit her teeth to keep her tongue in check. she makes a note to ask if any of the rest of the party if they brought any hot-peppers or the like.

As the expedition proceeds forward, Ciaran becomes more and more alert.
"Our journey is going well. But we must not let our guard down. As we advance towards the mist, it advances towards us."

Perception:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Know(Nature):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Survival:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

bumpity-bump

Seems the terrible fiend known as Real Life has caught our GM! How Shall our heros continue on? Will they be able to save the poor soul snared in the claws of that horrid fiend? Tune in later to find out!
Okay all joking aside, any idea where our GM ran off to? Also any updated ETA on when we can expect something?

This is just until Finder comes back

Sometimes the hardest part to telling a story is knowing where to begin it. The day Ciaran Maelgwynnin was first initiated into the secrets of the Storm Druids of Magadipan? The day Doctor Iiwo learned that the last ingredient he needed for his animal-nature potion was a rare herb found only in the Ambicuaria Jungle? The day Gerald Hynar received his orders to leave civilization and head into the colonial lands to safeguard the missionaries there? The day Lord Rufus Chumwaite III decided to come to the colonial lands as a missionary? The day Kiley Sherrow fled for her life to the colonial lands where, she presumed, civilization would never find her? The day Sergent Jack took a contract to guard a shipment on a boat bound for the colonial lands? The day Xôc Xôc summoned and bound an eidolon to her? All of these would make for good anecdotes, but would pale in comparison to the adventures these individuals had before these days.

Of course, there was also the fact that all seven of these individuals had never stepped foot into the City of Chologadi until the same day. And out of such coincidence is born legends.

That the colonial city of Chologadi was troubled was easily observed. Though there was no sign of the black clouds, everyone seemed to be talking about them. The clouds had first been spotted over the Jungles of Madaro-Shanti five days ago by the primitive natives who dwelt there. They said the clouds did not seem to be dangerous, but said nothing more. They said nothing more because they stopped coming. The natives, who had long enjoyed a brisk trade with the colonists, just abruptly stopped showing up. More sinister, animals began fleeing the jungle in droves, even within sight of the city walls by day. The jungle went silent. And then animals in the city itself began to startle and bolt.

Even in a city of 9,000, it did not take long for seven individuals willing to brave the jungle and learn the answer to what was going on to learn of each other. They set out one surprisingly bright and cheery day, with only a hint of darkness on the far northern horizon. Behind them, Chologadi rose up like a great limestone hill from the shores of where the Ambishanti River met the Vahari Delta. To the north, a solid two miles of jungle had been stripped away. Driving Iiwo’s wagon across this stripped plain was easy. Even penetrating the edge of the jungle was not too difficult. And this is where the seven heroes found their first native village.

The village was also called Chologadi, though Chief Anassi explained to them that his village had always been called that and the missionaries and colonists took that name for their own city later. Here, the rest of the heroes learned what Ciaran and Xôc already knew from their fathers -- that the jungle was called Madaro-Shanti because it was once the home of the City-State of Madaro-Shanti. A curse drove its people out of the city and into the jungle a hundred years ago and their descendents had been humble villagers ever since. A ruined stone road led to the ruins of Madaro-Shanti and that Chongo knew where the road began. Beyond that, only rumors of the ruined city were known. It was said that only tombs remained intact in the ruins, that they were overgrown with dead plants – some of which had risen in undeath – and that the monkeys there were exceedingly dangerous.

Unless Finder informed you each privately, it seems you never received your rumors. React accordingly and I'll treat you to more tomorrow.

Just to be clear - Iiwo hopped on the wagon to hitch a ride. It isn't his wagon, and he has no idea how to drive it. If the group decides not to accept the offered logistical support, he'll be forced to hoof it with the hoi polloi.

Also - I received no rumors.

Doctor Iiwo clears his throat and suggests, "Perhaps Chongo might be so kind as to guide us to this road to Madaro-Shanti? I dare say a ruined road is better than no road at all. If the cursed city is the source of this cloud, then we must determine how these villagers disappeared. These things must be related."

The paladin nods his head, sitting comfortably upon his warhorse. I agree. These ruins do sound like the best place to start in finding more information about this evil."

No rumors here either

Lost civilization is never lost, only misplaced. What is forgotten can be recovered. My hope for these people is confirmed!

Well, I could probably tell you all where the prettiest dancing girls in the city could be found, but I suspect that's not the sort of rumor most of the group would be interested in ;-)

Jack commented, "It seems like the city is going to be worth checking out, if only to determine that it isn't somehow connected to the problem. If the road going there is in decent shape, so much the better. I'd rather not spend any more time trying to hack trails out of the jungle than I have to."

Taking only Chongo and two mules from the village, the seven heroes moved deeper into the jungle. Iiwo was glad he did not have a horse and wagon, as that would have proven a liability here, at least until they reached the road. Xôc’s blue apparition-familiar whisked back and forth around them. Chongo looked grimly on this, as the jungle halflings were believed to be more savage and primitive than the human natives and Chongo looked down on her as much as Rufus looked down on him, or was perceived to look down on them, as Kiley thought.

A mile later, the heroes reached the Old Road. The road was constructed of great stone blocks, weathered and cracked, and sunken deep into the ground. The jungle pressed up hard against those blocks, often looming wide overhead and forming almost a tunnel. The road wound back and forth, sometimes passing large, broken, stone statues overgrown with vines. More rarely, a block in the road would be smashed or half-unearthed. There was a steady drone of stisti flies that bit and annoyed, but the jungle seemed otherwise unusually quiet.

It was a hot and humid day and armor soon proved unbearable -- and every one of them was marching in armor. By afternoon, they found it would be necessary to strip down and let the mules carry the armor or go slower, covering maybe just 10 miles a day. Chongo frowned and shook his head at this. “No good,” he said. “It take six days to get to the ruins like that.”

I knew it was going to be hot and miserable, but the mithral breastplate supposedly only counts as light armor and one would hope wouldn't be that obnoxious.

Sergent Jack comments:"Taking the armor off is also a bad idea. If we get attacked it will take too long to put it back on. If the mules carry it and then are scared or run off we will have lost the armor entirely."

Can anybody cast "endure elements" enough times to do any good?

"But we must keep the main mission in mind, mustn't we? Time is of the essence." Doctor Iiwo shrugs off his zebra hide vest, rolls it up, and secures it onto a mule. He's naked underneath, with a scrawny, sinewy upper body that has somehow produced a small pot-belly the size of a middling gourd. "We can re-equip nearer to the cursed city." He's careful to adjust the straps on his slung darkwood box for the best fit, then is ready to proceed once more.

No endure elements here.

Kiley shucks off the mithral chain shirt she was wearing.
"We've got five days to fin' out wot's goin' on. I'm not too worried though."

Is it even bothering me, since I think I'm the only one riding on a horse?

"The straight path is not always the shortest. Such is the wisdom of ancestors, which is never lost, but often misplaced. Let me show you.
Ciaran bends and crouches in a strange movement, and the next moment, a slightly greenish-tinted hawk flies up from the place where he was just standing.
I'll try to wild shape into a hawk and scout what lies ahead on the road and if there are any alternate paths. In case I spot danger, I return to the party but stay in the hawk form (I have natural spell).
I get Fly 60ft.(avg) and low-light vision.
Perception:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
EDIT:
Sorry I meant not just any danger but an immediate threat to the party. If I spot a potential danger far away, I will continue scouting. I intend to be absent for about two hours (at 10 ft per second should cover about 12 miles of travel, let's assume it's a semicirle with roughly 4 mile radius.