Vilya skeweres one of the fleeing humanoids. It squeals and falls to the ground, leaking green ichor. Her machete slices it silent
Ten Foot leaps to his feet with a yell of "spiders?" a look of panic and his knee length night shirt making the big man a comical sight. He blinks a few times, shielding his hand from the camp fire light as he lets his dark vision kick in.
After Egan's advice he decides that the Monkey-Kobolds will eat the small spiders and be eaten by the bigger ones and he settles down again to drop back off to sleep.
Ten settles down to sleep, his nightcap tickling his face.
The Monkey kobolds are gone, except for the two corpses. The jungle assumes its normal night noises.
Egan rouses the camp to continue onward. "Let's not forget last nights visitor might have set up some traps for us this morning". "We should be extra careful till we are out of their territory".
Egan moves more slowly till they are some distance from the camp, taking care to carefully scan for signs.
Izkrael also keeps an out for any signs of traps.
Egan and Izkrael search the area dilligently. They come across two snare traps: braided jungle vines set on a springy sapling. They are easy enough to spring, the cords whipping into the air. Egan sees plenty of Monkey Kobold spoor about, they probably set the traps prior to being scared off.
San will focus first on replenishing his spells, then assist Egan and Iz with finding traps.
After the encounter with the troop of Monkey Kobolds, the party resumes its rest. The next three days travel are uneventful, the weather hot, but the mighty Opal River a constant companion.
Living off the land is simple here and there are many Sliss'pok vines snaking up the tall tropical trees, laden with edible fruit.
The river has a road carved with machetes and corduroyed with fallen logs. Occasionally, the rapid-growing vegetation has to be swatted out of the way with the group's weapons. Convoys of plantation men, surly and suspicious, ride by on occasion, hauling crops to Ft Trevins and Opal itself.
The final day sees the group ascending the low peaks of the Blue Mountains. These gentle peaks top out at 3,000 ft, just enough to change the vegetation to a more subtropical blend, with even larger trees fed by the constant fogs that wrap the area. Mining claims begin to pop up, these mountains are famous for gems, and many expatriate dwarves seem to have collected here. Small tea and coffee plantations perch on the slopes, the chants of the Dragoran immigrants as they work the fields wafting down the valleys.
The party clears a pass and comes to the mountain town of Capitutec. A Xoltec town originally, The name means 'Fort of many springs'. There are many places water gushes forth in this area, much of it collecting to form the headwaters of the Blue River, gateway to the Jungle of Skulls.
The natives are Zapotec in dress, but are much more similar to the ancient Xoltec morphic. They tend to be shorter and paler, with hooded eyes and long aquiline noses. The town itself is walled stoutly, as most places this far on the frontier are, and crowded as well. Mercenaries, merchants, prospectors and plantationmen rub shoulders as they bargain over the many products this area produces.
There are many other beings besides humans. Sliss'pok are evident, as are dwarves and the occasional elf. Several shops advertise gems and services relating to them. many others advertise brothels, taverns, and flop houses.
Izkrael eaasily manages to stretch out his rations, and finds enough to keep one other person fed.
Once in town, Izkrael makes sure that he is well stocked on arrows and rations. Then, if one is present, he heads to the local center of Quetzalcoatl worship, to pray, and inquire with the local members of any rumors or tales of what lies ahead.
Once in town, Vilya heads to the nearest marketplace in the hopes of unloading some of her share of the tainted coinage.
Izkrael eaasily manages to stretch out his rations, and finds enough to keep one other person fed.
Once in town, Izkrael makes sure that he is well stocked on arrows and rations. Then, if one is present, he heads to the local center of Quetzalcoatl worship, to pray, and inquire with the local members of any rumors or tales of what lies ahead.
The Feathered Serpent has a temple close to the center of town. It is surrounded by a large cobbled plaza. Iz can see that once upon a time this would have been the main plaza of the town, and much of the stonework here still shows the town's Xoltec roots. Fanciful skeleton and fanged half-bestial figures dance along the weathered limestone. Vendors ply their wares from small wheeled carts: Selling fruit, nuts, sandwiches and bread to hungry parishoners. Trained monkeys entertain children on the weathered stone cobbles, hoping for a copper in their cup. The prayer caller's wail comes down from the tall slender minaret that juts into the bright blue sky from the side of the temple.
The Capitutec temple is a simple whitewashed four armed design, but very imposing in size. A mural of Quetzalcoatl in his rainbow-hued winged glory done in mosaic tile wraps around its exterior.
Inside Iz smells the familiar sage and lemon smell of Red Lotus incense perfuming the large temple. Groups of worshippers wander about, praying at the altar or visiting the shrines dedicated to local saints.
Iz talks to several acolytes and local parisoners. Many have opinions of the Blue River, none of them good.
"They calls it the Blue River now, but Blood River was its old Xoltec name, and Bloody it still is," One wizened and seamed woman imparts to Iz.
The Jungle of Skulls is a tough place, full of undead, monsters and dinosaurs. Izkrael learns that lately many explorers and prospectors have gone missing. Plantationmen have also reported attacks by undead, something that used to be random, but is becoming more organized and methodical.
"Some have said that Innocent Bloodis back. Its the bad times come again." One young cleric confides with a hushed tome
Tobias finds many rumors about the advent of Innocent Blood, the vampire supposedly long destroyed long ago. A dissolute dwarven prospector describes what she's supposed to look like
"Me da oncet saw her when he was young. He said she was a lil' human female, like a child, or just past it. Hair black as a raven wing and skin pale as goat's milk. She had big brown eyes that seemed to swallow 'im whole. Said he saw her take three grown men by herself in the flick of an eye. If she came back from Mictlan we are all in bad trouble."
Tobias talks to vendors, pimps and porters as he leisurely strolls along the streets of Capitutec. He keeps an ear out for any family information, but the Marshalseas are not well known this far out.
He does learn of a new bogeyman that is haunting the local jungles, a creature known as the Ghoul King.
"He twern't human in his life, mayhap an ogre or a troll. He's been turned by the dead, an' he serves the Flayed God now. He kills those who trespass in the Jungle of Skulls," A local fruit seller informs him.
He also learns that there is a new type of threat in the area, a cunning raptor type known as Mictlancuetzpalli, or 'Hell Lizard' in Zapotec.
It seems a black dragon with questionable taste in breeding partners dwelt in the Blue Mountains until about a decade ago, when he disappeared. He ended up siring a gaggle of dinosaur-dragon crossbreeds.
These hybrid creatures are now beginning to cause problems up and down the mountain valleys, as they are smart enough to circumvent the barriers that most plantations use to keep predatory dinos out.
Once in town, Vilya heads to the nearest marketplace in the hopes of unloading some of her share of the tainted coinage.
The Xoltec coinage doesn't cause too much of a stir, many of these coins still surface as explorers loot jungle temples. They can be spent as is in the markets.
After Tobias gathers his information, he finds a shop called Art of Antiquity. Despite its lofty-sounding name, it looks to be a pawn shop with an old cluttered attic flare.
Inside the proprieter polishes a small obsidian statue of a fanged bat creature. He smiles as Tobias comes in and introduces himself as Six Garnet.
"I sell the widest variety of ancient Xoltec pieces in Capitutec!" He exclaims
Tobias and him dicker about the treasures. Tobias' charm and haggling skill keeps Six Garnet on his toes, and they come to an agreement after a bout of good-spirited dickering.
Once in town, Vilya heads to the nearest marketplace in the hopes of unloading some of her share of the tainted coinage.The Xoltec coinage doesn't cause too much of a stir, many of these coins still surface as explorers loot jungle temples. They can be spent as is in the markets.
Once in town, Vilya heads to the nearest marketplace in the hopes of unloading some of her share of the tainted coinage.The Xoltec coinage doesn't cause too much of a stir, many of these coins still surface as explorers loot jungle temples. They can be spent as is in the markets.
Egan is certainly willing to wait the requested week. He'll spend the time with other outdoorsy types, and also spend time teaching his new friend tricks.
Ten Foot settles in for the week, glad to be out of the jungle and back in civilization, something he loudly explains to anyone who will listen to his drunken ramblings.
He seems intent on eating and drinking the place dry, not sure when he will "eat properly again, not these dried trail rations, that are not fit for a pig to eat."
Ten Foot sets up his "shrine" in a corner of the inn, assuming the bar keeper does not object and holds his sermons there, curing any who are wounded.
During the early mornings he walks off his hang-over by exploring the town, he is particularly generous to any orphans or waif he encounters, gifting them some coins to better their lives.
During one lucid moment, he thinks to seek audience with the local high priest to inquire about what happened to Jo and to see if it is worth investing in some form of remove curse or dispel evil. He will take the statue if possible.
Actions
Ten finds the local temple of Cayden Cailean/Two Rabbit in town. It also serves as a tavern and inn, as many of his temples do. Ten trades his clerical services for a free tab at the bar and a place to crash. He also secures a discount for any who wish to stay there in his party .
Freed from paying for his prodigious amounts of provender, Ten walks about the town dispensing charity to the locals.
One day, when he is thinking about it, he remembers the evil statue that made Jo go unconcious. He thinks Iz had it last, but he'll have to ask him for it. He questions the local high Preist of Two Rabbit, an older, jolly man named Three Deer
"Sounds like an old piece of Xoltec filth to me," Three Deer says ruminating as he sips on a pale ale.. "Young feller, you best stay away from that piece of garbage. The Xoltecs, among other of their foul practicies, brought the art of stealing men's souls to its highest level. That statue might call to a person's soul, severing its ties to its mortal shell. I'd say destroy it forthwith."
Egan is certainly willing to wait the requested week. He'll spend the time with other outdoorsy types, and also spend time teaching his new friend tricks.
Egan finds plenty of jungle explorers in the frontier town. They give him a few pointers: When in the Jungle of Skulls, never travel by night. Try to find a tall tree to climb and rest in. The Fraggari vine, if cut and the vine's juice spread about the campsite, will deter vermin and small animals. Travel by river if possible, but never dangle any appendages in the water. Pirahna and razor trout swim most of the Blue River's length. A bundle of keepaway moss, a hanging tree parasite, hung over a campfire keeps insects away.
Egan also spends some time training his new companion. The young hawk is responsive and ends up learing a lot of commands.
actions
San gives the items to Tobias, except for the grotesque statue. Tobias learns that the golden Sliss'pok statue, though dented badly, will still fetch 5,000 GP. Tobias stops at a gem store to appraise the blue jewel. The blue stone is a large tourmaline, valued at 500 GP. The Githborn talisman is a more recent item, and would need a magic shop to unload. Tobias heads there and finds that the Githborn Talisman can be sold for 1500 GP
San takes the evil scrolls to the temple. The priest who greets him is a kindy fellow named Eleven Diamond.
"This is a blow to those foul necromancers! The quetzal's blessing on you for bringing them here for destruction, noble Sanvoros! If you should ever have need of my temple, please feel free to call upon me."
Freed from paying for his prodigious amounts of provender, Ten walks about the town dispensing charity to the locals.
One day, when he is thinking about it, he remembers the evil statue that made Jo go unconcious. He thinks Iz had it last, but he'll have to ask him for it. He questions the local high Preist of Two Rabbit, an older, jolly man named Three Deer
"Sounds like an old piece of Xoltec filth to me," Three Deer says ruminating as he sips on a pale ale.. "Young feller, you best stay away from that piece of garbage. The Xoltecs, among other of their foul practicies, brought the art of stealing men's souls to its highest level. That statue might call to a person's soul, severing its ties to its mortal shell. I'd say destroy it forthwith."
Ten Foot Twin Eater returns to the party and relates what his superior has informed him about the statue, he is all for melting it down at a forge.
Vilya takes her share of the party treasure, plus her own stash of ancient coins , and begins hunting for shiny bargain-priced magic items in the local market district. Only slightly further down on her list of priorities is to get her weapons fixed after their numerous critical failures.
She also takes a room above the tavern, making sure to take the largest, most expensive one, regardless of price.
She also takes a room above the tavern, making sure to take the largest, most expensive one, regardless of price.
There are several high-end inns Vilya can patronize: One offers a sweeping penthouse with running water and a view of the surrounding mountains with a room valet included for 50 GP/night.
Joleesa spends the week with Ten at the 'Temple'. She also uses their time in the town to attempt to teach Lumien some tricks and make him more acceptable to Egan's Hawk.
Handle Animal Check. (1d20+7=13)
San spends the majority of his time performing the elaborate arcane ceremony to bond himself with Ghostfetter. Once done, he feels ... better, as if it seems he was meant to wield this weapon. With a little sadness, he will then sell his former weapon . Finally he will use whatever free time remains to add acid arrow, glitterdust, and enlarge person to his spellbook (500gp cost).
San spends the majority of his time performing the elaborate arcane ceremony to bond himself with Ghostfetter. Once done, he feels ... better, as if it seems he was meant to wield this weapon. With a little sadness, he will then sell his former weapon . Finally he will use whatever free time remains to add acid arrow, glitterdust, and enlarge person to his spellbook (500gp cost).
Egan is really looking forward to getting back in the Jungle after this rest, as is Whisperwing. He will ask around his many contacts for a reliable place to rent or purchase a boat. With his recent windfall (Hmm this adventuring has it's advantages, he's thinking about buying his own boat, and maybe hiring someone to teach him the intricacies of using it. He will let the others worry about supplies, as he can find what he needs in the Jungle.
Egan is really looking forward to getting back in the Jungle after this rest, as is Whisperwing. He will ask around his many contacts for a reliable place to rent or purchase a boat. With his recent windfall (Hmm this adventuring has it's advantages, he's thinking about buying his own boat, and maybe hiring someone to teach him the intricacies of using it. He will let the others worry about supplies, as he can find what he needs in the Jungle.
Egan will buy (2) Masterwork Canoes, along with spare oars, patch kits, and waterproof storage bags. (400 GP?).
He will then cast about for a river pilot to take them upstream, and help him till he learns how to use the canoes himself.
Out of his portion of the money, Izkrael will donate 250 gp to the Temple.
Upon hearing what the priest at the temple of Two Rabbits recommended to Ten-Foot, Izkrael agrees, and is all for destroying the figure, and seeks out a large metal maul in order to smash it. (I believe it was stated to be formed of onyx, which is basically a form of quartz, so it would be hard to burn.)
Out of his portion of the money, Izkrael will donate 250 gp to the Temple.
Upon hearing what the priest at the temple of Two Rabbits recommended to Ten-Foot, Izkrael agrees, and is all for destroying the figure, and seeks out a large metal maul in order to smash it. (I believe it was stated to be formed of onyx, which is basically a form of quartz, so it would be hard to burn.)
San agrees, but suggests that Iz first take it to Quetzlcoatl's priests for them to look at; perhaps they would be able to provide additional information (if we should destroy it in a special way, or something).
(I believe it was stated to be formed of onyx, which is basically a form of quartz, so it would be hard to burn.)
Ten Foot looks forward to toasting the ritual destruction of the statue and is most upset when it is taken away for a second opinion.
San, Iz and Ten take it to the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. The underpriest at the door blanches when the trio show the small black statue to him, then he runs to fetch someone higher up the food chain.
An older man appears, dressed in a magnificent bejeweled gold pectoral and a silken rainbow-hued robe. The pectoral is a stylized rendition of Quetzalcouatl in flight, with jewels inlaid to make his rainbow wings. In his hand is a carved staff, also depicting the Feathered Serpent and inlaid with many precious stones. He introduces himself as Thirteen Tiger, the high priest of the temple.
"I see you have brought us a thing of great evil," He intones in a rich baritone
Egan will buy (2) Masterwork Canoes, along with spare oars, patch kits, and waterproof storage bags. (400 GP?).
He will then cast about for a river pilot to take them upstream, and help him till he learns how to use the canoes himself.
Egan finds plenty of river rats down on their luck in the local bars. One grizzled chap looks sturdy, but a bit drunken. He gives his name as Karl Ogunthorpe, a Opalline native who has been working the Blue for years. He doesn't go into specifics, but Egan gets the sense that something bad happened on his last trip.
Karl is willing to guide the party for 40 GP/week, and is definitely interested in a deal with the canoes after.
"Our friend was overcome by this thing, briefly, Father. My initial investigation, and further support by the priests of Two Rabbit," San indicates Ten Foot standing next to him, "told us this was ancient Xoltec soul-magic. We would like to destroy it, but want to ensure that doing so doesn't harm our friend, or result in her being possessed in some manner. Any help you could provide on this would be appreciated."