Horat thinks on legends and lore about such items.
Horat has heard of intelligent items and he has also read about a staff of the python. This appears to be an example of both.
The staff utters a hissing laugh at Enizver. "No offenssse taken. I am a magical creation indeed." It bows gratefully to Olivia. "Indeed it was not. I like thissss one." Olivia can feel a slight tingling in her hand.
"Fascinating. How old are you, if I may ask? I know some intelligent creations can exist for a very long time." Enizver wondered how much the being had seen.
Horat speaks.
"I have heard tales in Unther of magic items with sentience, and of staffs of the python, that can transform into giant boas at their wielder's command. Would this describe you accurately? And do you have a name or title?"
The staff turns to Enizver and sighs "Well I ssssuppose I was created three ccccenturies ago." It turns to Horat with a somewhat peeved look, being asked for its name the third time. "Yessss..... that is accurate... As I ssssaid before... you may call me Amari."
"Well, ahh, the previous occupant of this room is not likely to come back. So, I guess you'll be coming with us? It might be a bit dangerous. But it should at least be more interesting! We're going to get off of this boat in a little bit and then go traveling across land. I don't know much about the area we're going through, but it should at least be more scenic than a closet."
"Alright, looks like we got a new mascot. Look, I'm not going to pretend to feel any guilt about stealing from a bunch of pirates, but we should hide these things in our packs until after we're ashore. I would rather avoid another fight. In the meantime, everyone should get some rest and feel proud. We managed to overcome overwhelming odds, to defeat an impressive foe."
"Amari it is then. I am Horat. And yes, Halgrin, we should rest, with watches. I am content to take first."
The dragonborn joins you in the cabin but keeps quietly to himself in a corner, staying awake and vigilant.
You rest up, taking turns keeping watch. Some time the next morning, you hear a rap on your door. "We're in port! Now get off my ship!"
Horat nods at the dragonborn.
"Welcome."
*************
In response, Horat replies:
"Gladly."
As he leaves, he stops on the deck and looks around at any crew visible, speaking in a loud, clear voice.
"Should any of you wish to leave, speak now and come with us. If any try to hold you back, we will correct their mistake. A life of piracy lead to no good end."
He waits several moments, before beginning to walk again.
Halgrin backs up Horat's words by keeping a very visible hand on his sword throughout the exchange.
***
Once at the port, Halgrin finds a port authority to inform them of the pirate ship.
You find that you've pulled into the harbor of Port Nyanzaru, the gateway to Chult. All around you the busy harbor teems with boats of many builds flying a bewildering variety of colors. Several dugout canoes are paddled past you by some of the human tribesfolk of Chult while double-hulled sailing canoes, schooners, and tall-masted frigates crowd through the bay. The city itself contains stone and wooden buildings crowded together haphazard suggesting rapid and relatively-recent growth that you can see poking over the port's stone wall. Beyond them, thick jungle covers hills sloping up past the city.
As you leave the ship with the dragonborn, several of the crew bolt to follow you. The new captain curses at them but doesn't move toward you but issues orders for a quick unload and resupply. You hop onto the dock and begin walking toward the nearest port gate into the city. There, Halgrin encounters a member of the watch who is quite interested to hear of the piracy committed by the Lion's Mane. He asks you all to come to the nearest watch post to provide official testimony.
Horat is heartened to see so many of the crew turn from the Lion's Mane. After Halgrin finds a member of the watch, he turns to any who are nearby and says:
"You should come with us and speak your piece."
Regardless, he will gladly accompany the officer.
The last thing these recently-pirates want is to have a conversation with the watch. Shaking their heads, they split off down the many crooked, crowded alleys of Nyanzaru, ducking under clothes lines and drawing little remark from housewives or children walking around on the characteristic flat roofs of the city.
Soon, you are lead to the watchpost where you give your testimony.
Wrinil timidly walks off the ship when given the chance.
******************
"Umm...well..," Wrinil begins bashfully, "we prevented piracy while we were on the boat, so we didn't actually witness anything. The captain did attempt to press gang us, but failed. You'd really have to ask the dragonborn.."
Wrinil waits for the others to finish their testimonies.
Olivia quickly hurries off the ship, taking Amari with her. As she goes, she keep taking furtive looks back to make sure they weren't about to get shot in the back.
When they get to the watch, she tries to paint as clear of a picture as she can. "Ummm, we bargained for a reduced passage on the ship in return for working as part of the crew. On our voyage here, we ran into a merchant vessel. Captain Pike intended to attack it and take its goods. We pretended to go along but managed to warn the other ship without the captain's knowledge, allowing it to get away safely. As our companion said, when we approached port here, the captain attempted to force us to become permanent members of the crew to avoid us telling the authorities about their exploits. We managed to avoid this fate, and when we left, several others tooks the opportunity to flee as well. The Lion's Mane has a new captain now. I don't know if he intends to continue his predecessor's unlawful ways, but we thought we should let you know nonetheless."
"As mentioned, we negotiated passage for gold and labour with Captain Pike of the Lion's Mane. When we encountered the merchant cog, his response to my questions left me in no doubt that he intended piracy at best. We succeeded in sabotaging his piratical plan, preventing bloodshed. When we neared this port, Pike demanded that ww remove our arms and armour, and withdraw below deck. This was an intolerable breach of both our freedom and of the agreed contract. In self-defence, we slew Pike and asked the crew successfully to honour the original agreement. With the caveat that any who wished to leave could do so."
"Oh, darn," Enizver murmured to himself. "I forgot to get the items I made back. But yes, he attempted piracy and press-ganging. We in tried to get him to honour the deal, he decided we were property, so we defeated him. If you wish to do a customs inspection on the vessel before she leaves port I imagine you'll find plenty of items in her hold from ships from other ships robbed or lost. And the crew aboard has chosen to remain."
Halgrin pulls out his badge of office exclaiming him as a Waterdhavian Sword of the Watch, and shows it to the official.
"As a Watchman of Waterdeep, I can attest to the veracity of the words said here. And am willing to do so before a magistrate, and voluntary compulsion of enchantment. We have business in the city and will likely need to leave it soon. But otherwise my time is yours. Honestly my companions and I would appreciate a day or two in the city to recover from our long trip anyway."
The watch sergeant listening to your reports makes quick and careful notes. The dragonborn comes along with you and provides his testimony as well, detailing the months he spent as a captive aboard the Lion's Mane. The sergenat mutters "Troubling... this is very troubling..." he looks up from his notes and nods his thanks to you. "We will investigate these charges immediately. How shall I contact you if we need to speak again?"
"I believe we're planning to take an inn for the night, before setting out on our business tomorrow or the day after. If you could recommend us a good inn, you should be able to find us there." Enizver looked at the others to see if this was more or less also what they planned.
Wrinil cocks his head at his companions "Umm..," he says timidly, "compatriots, we are here searching for something in the jungle. While the experience might be educational and new, such escapades are not ideal for my books. I'd prefer not to stay here too long."
"I am glad to see justice taken seriously here. I too would leave soon. But it makes sense to spend at least one night recuperating. So an inn is in order."
"We should also see about getting any supplies for the journey. Perhaps a local map at least?"
The officer nods. "Yes the Thundering Lizard is pretty good. Fun times, there. Kaya's House of Repose is good too if you want somewhere a little quieter." He gives you directions to the respective inns, which is quite helpful given the winding streets of this city.
"I'm sure if we maybe find some locals, we could get some advice about what would be useful for a jungle trek. Machetes, some waterproof bags, maybe insect repellent? Though they probably have motivation to sell us a kitchen sink as well, if we're not careful..."
Wrinil looks excited at the question and begins enthusiastically rummaging through his pack.
"Kaya's House of Repose sounds most apt. Thank you."
Horat turns to his companions.
"Have any of you experience with jungle environments? We should not falter for want of spending on equipment."
"Quiet sounds good. The trips was not relaxing."
The watchman nods and you head through the winding streets of Nyanzaru that flow with travelers from many nations speaking odd, southern languages unfamiliar to you. You arrive at Kaya's in time for the meal served after the mid-days heat.
Halgrin happily digs into the warm meal especially after living off of the miserable fare aboard the ship.
"I've been giving some thought to our situation. I know it is tempting to take off right away, since we have a map. But having a map isn't the same thing as truly knowing an area. I think we should hire a guide, someone who knows the dangers of the jungle. They could tell us what to bring, what to leave behind, navigate us past dangers we couldn't conceive of. Plus, we don't speak any of the local languages.
"I was thinking maybe two gold dragons a day. I know that sounds like a lot, but that's the going rate for a professional in Waterdeep. No idea if it's the same here. But I'd rather overpay and be alive.
"It might add on an extra day. But better a day here safe with a roof over our heads, then a few lost out in the jungle. Besides we'll need some time here to sell that loot we found.
"And, well, I was thinking it was high time I got myself a proper piece of armor," Halgrin said sheepishly while making a point by poking a finger through a bloody slash in his shirt.
Wrinil wrinkles his face and then shrugs, "I suppose there is a certain sensibility to that. Fine then, I will try to find the local library in the morning. Anyone care to join?"
Olivia nods. "Yes, it would be good to find someone who knows what they are doing. It would be terrible if we were to fail in our mission because we refused to spend a little coin." She slowly eats her food, making sure to offer Amari some as well just in case the staff was hungry/could eat.
"I approve of your thinking, Halgrin. And Wrinril, I would accompany you. I may learn more about the magic I can now wield."
"A guide would be wise," Enizver agreed as he considered what to fork next, "As would basic supplies. I'm afraid I haven't made much of a study of jungles my self, but additional healing supplies, preserved foodstuffs, water, tents and the like are a good idea regardless. Ropes, climbing equipment, additional ammunition for ranged weapons, tinderbox, light sources for those of you who cannot see of course." Stabbing a piece of potato in a precision strike, he continued, "And then the more esoteric and unlikely items, such as a block and tackle, a portable ram...I should write a list, shouldn't I?" He ate his food.
"Wrinril, I will see if any at the library know whom might be willing to sell magic items. I have a few ideas on what might be useful, if I can find them."
As advertised, Kaya's proves a restful olace to spend the night. In the morning, Horat and Wrinil head to the nearby temple of Waukeen, Merchantsfriend. The temple has a small library open to those willing to make a 5 gold donation for entry.
Horat pays the entry fee gladly.
"I guess I will go with Enizver and/or Halgrin to look for a guide then. With that shopping list, they may need the extra pair of hands."
Olivia, Enizver, and Halgrin head out into the marketplace. It doesn't take them long to hire a guide, a tall female lizardfolk, especially with the solid pay Halgrin is offering. When Olivia asks, your guide nods "A mule would be ussssseful. But there may be timesssss to leave it behind."
Amari whispers to Olivia "I like her... Good choiccccce."
Horat approaches a likely librarian.
"Hello. I am Horat of Unther. Do you have any works on angelic voices or sudden magical ability? And do you know of any likely sellers of magic items?"
The librarian considers. "Well we have more materials on the latter. Waukeen grants her power to her worshipers in unexpected ways at times."
The librarian raises an eyebrow at Horat's second question. "Oh no indeed. Is such a thing common where you come from? Magical weapons or artifacts are rather rare and those who do have them generally do not lot it be known for fear they would be stolen. Certainly, few would sell such a thing for less than a prince's ransom."
Olivia, Enizver, and Halgrin head out into the marketplace. It doesn't take them long to hire a guide, a tall female lizardfolk, especially with the solid pay Halgrin is offering. When Olivia asks, your guide nods "A mule would be ussssseful. But there may be timesssss to leave it behind."
Halgrin nodded at the lizardfolk. Assuming prices were relatively comparable, a mule should be affordable.
"Okay, that sounds manageable. Would you recommend we buy feed for the animal, or would it be able to graze enough in the wild?"
And then Halgrin suddenly turned a little sheepish.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Halgrin. And these are two of my companions. Enizver, and Olivia."
Wrinil wrinkles his nose at the entry price, but pays it. Remarking, "To put a price on entry is to limit who gets education, and that is reminiscent of Graz'zt's work. I didn't think the Coinmaiden, of all dieties, would take advantage of people when they are vulnerable. Considering..."
Soured at the entrance fee Wrinil stomps over to the closest shelf of books and begins looking and running his finger along the spines of the books. Once he has a firm grasp on the system of organization he begins looking for specific books.
Hmm...I think the history of religions of this area would be good, Specifically those that had temples. Also historical leaders of the area that might have had temples built. Yes. Maybe there'll be something about a significant amulet.
Enizver waved cheerfully to the guide as Halgrin introduced him. "We can use the mule, or mules if we need more than one, for bulk supplies and keep more essential items on our persons. Do you have any suggestions for supplies or materials?"
The librarian sniffs primly at Wrinil's objection. "If you are in need of charity that is one thing but a legitimate exchange of value is exactly as our Lady of Merchants intends."
Wrinil determines that the temple indicated on the map was likely erected to a beautiful but deadly deity known for granting power to her followers in order to ensnare them in a subtle but honored bargain. It seems likely the temple itself could hold a range of threats including magical and mundane traps or hazards, jungle creatures moved in, infernal guardians left behind, great Rocky chasms, and lava.
The lizard woman makes a repeated hissing sound in her throat when Halgrin mentions feed.
This is equivalent to laughing for her.
"Bring feed if you do want the hair-beassst to dine on poisssons it doess not underssstand. Or bring a riding lizard and avoid that risssk."
She bends her powerful neck at the introduction. "I am Kassseen. As to materialss, bring much water, food that will not ssspoil, tentsss, hatchetss, rope, medical ssuppliess, and weapons. A compass would also be ussseful if we are ssseparated."
Feeling vaguel smug that he'd already guessed so much of the supplies needed, Enizver nodded cheerfully. "Feed for all of us will be needed, then. And I hadn't considered a compass." Poisons were probably useful, but not good for eating. A riding lizard might be good too, but like as not pricey.