"Are you friend or foe?"
I haven't seen magic like this before... save those magics that are protective. See how the rock changed trajectory? Intriguing... not sure if it think its safe to step through.
Rikaku is much more interested in the magical portal(?) than this woman Drak has discovered, so much so that he barely even registers her presence. His reptilian tail is almost wagging as he pokes and prods at the magic.
Fed up with the second-guessing, Rikaku decides to just throw caution to the wind and try and see what happens. Very, very slowly, he moves his tail towards the portal, and gently sticks the tip (no more than a couple of inches) in through where the strange ripples were coming through.
Ingrid walks cautiously out towards the group she sheathes her sword as she does so. She tilts her head curiously at the Dwarf. "I'd say friend, forgive me if I don't remember your name but my brother Diaz paid for you to stay at the inn so I bear no ill will towards your group. I was looking for Sventon but I do not see that he is here with you but perhaps you might help. If he trusts you with things then likely I can trust you too."
Rikaku, Variel and Trogg recognize the girl from back when they first arrived in the Rum Runner. She was from another adventuring group.
Rikaku plunges his tail into the 'portal', he can see his tail refract just like the stick did that Malthu put through. However since he can feel with his tail he can tell inside is windy. Which is strange, as there is no real wind outside. Rikaku can't feel the wind reaching him. The biggest problem is Rikaku can't seem to move his tail back towards him anymore. It doesn't hurt or anything but it is frustrating as it seems that his tail is not partly stuck on the other side of this 'portal'.
Rikaku's eyes open wide with alarm as he realises that his tail is somehow stuck. He whimpers, trying to yank it out with little success. "Rikaku tail caught!!" he cries out desperately, quivering with fear.
"It windy inside... no pain though... just stuck..."
So Ingrid here says that she know you fellas. Any truth to that?
One way trip it seems... tell me - can you move your tail left to right or up to down with the same amount stuck or is it altogether stuck?
Rybal grunts in the direction of the swordswoman before turning his attention to the matter of the trapped kobold.
Yep, Malthu, looks like you should be pushing instead of pulling. I'll go in first, try to get the attention of whatever beast has been waitin' for us so Rikaku can get free.
Without further discussion, Rybal enters the portal with weapon and shield readied.
Rikaku tries wiggling his tail around as Variel suggests..
So Ingrid here says that she know you fellas. Any truth to that?
"Yes, she's part of another band of adventurers we met back in town."
"So, Ingrid, what seems to be the trouble?"
Trogg eyes Ingrid up and down, as far as he can ascertain this is the same girl he met a few days ago. However she looks a little tired, you can see the hint of bags under her eyes.
Yea, well, I got separated from my family when I tried to enter the Fayances caverns. From a different entrance to this one mind you. Regardless of the entrance I see there always seems to be dead adventurers near them. No monsters to be seen, I guess you have already seen the disappearing corpses? Esh...Anyway I was wondering if you can keep a look out beyond here for the rest of my group. I shall stay on this side hoping that they return. Then we can go further in ourselves. My brother would undoubtedly get kind of pissed off if I help you fight in there. We all work in the same business... so I doubt you'd want to do this for free? What do you want in exchange?" Ingrid says, she is far calmer now that at least someone has recognised her.
Malthu begins to tug on Rikaku's tail . The little kobold begins to wince as his tail on this side seems to move but not on the other side. Rikaku is able to wiggle his tail without issue.
Rybal has had enough, so walks in past the portal. The rest of the group see him enter without issue, the image of himself seems to shift to the left as he enters but they seem him guarding at the ready beyond the threshold.
As you enter, a wall of humidity suddenly hits you and you feel a strong breeze wash over you. As you open your eyes past the threshold you find yourself in the caves. It is same tunnel as what you saw outside however the walls are covered with lush vegetation from a jungle. Most strange but when you turn around you see the rest of the group still outside, with Rikaku's tail protruding past the threshold.
Rikaku waits... as patiently as a trapped kobold can, at least. Waiting for people to yank on his tail from the other side of the magical portal.
As you enter, a wall of humidity suddenly hits you and you feel a strong breeze wash over you. As you open your eyes past the threshold you find yourself in the caves. It is same tunnel as what you saw outside however the walls are covered with lush vegetation from a jungle. Most strange but when you turn around you see the rest of the group still outside, with Rikaku's tail protruding past the threshold. Rybal is standing next to you looking at the strange vegetation with you.
Welcome Malthu to Chapter 2: Fayences Caverns.
Malthu has now entered the tunnel and he too is starting to take in the strange vegetation in the area.
Rikaku winces as the half-orc yanks on his tail. There'd been way too much of that in the past few minutes. He could feel it bruising. "Rikaku tail pull twice. It safe to go. Is Drak and Trogg and Variel ready?"
Regardless of their answers, the little kobold is fed up with being stuck in place and so hurriedly follows into the portal after Malthu and Rybal.
To Ingrid I will keep an eye out for your group. As far as to what is owed I think that if we find them and it turns out they need our help then you owe us a favor to be called upon at a later date. Sounds fair? Drak thinks about it for another moment. I could also use a masterwork chain shirt. That shouldn't put you too far behind with money. Drak throws what he hopes is a disarming smile.
Trogg scribbles notes about what the party has learned so far on a scrap of paper, folds it, and hands it to Ingrid. "Sventon is, I believe, back in town. If you don't hear word of us after three days, could you get this to him? Tell him to use his best judgement in deciding who to share it with, and that defeating this evil is more important than our petty rivalries. If you can't find him, read it yourself."
Variel turns into the caves and waves goodbye to Chara.
You should return... go.
Chara objects to the group running in without her. "Hey... I want to save my friends too. Come on .. let me." Ingrid grabs a hold of her before she dashes in. Ingrid looks towards the group then looks to Chara and smiles.
Ingrid consoles Chara. "Look now, you can barely use that sword. How bout this, I train you in that sword so next you see your friends you are able to help them amply more?" Chara begins to object but gives in relenting when Ingrid goes through what she can show her. Reluctantly Chara stays behind with Ingrid.
Ingrid also agrees to the terms that Drak and Trogg set for her. Even the chain shirt that Drak suggested.
Variel and Rikaku delve past the portal, leaving only two of the party staying outside.
As you enter, a wall of humidity suddenly hits you and you feel a strong breeze wash over you. As you open your eyes past the threshold you find yourself in the caves. It is same tunnel as what you saw outside however the walls are covered with lush vegetation from a jungle. The rest of the group within is looking around within the tunnel at the strange vegetation.
As the group follows the only way forward they find themselves in a large opening into a bigger chamber. They can hear the sound of a rushing river and the chirping of tropical birds. Stranger still it is bright down here, looking up there is nought but the roof of the cavern but it feels just as hot as the beating sun. Something is most definitely bizarre in this place, those with knowledge of the natural world know that none of the vegetation should survive in these conditions. The jungle is thick, the party might need to plan to get to find their way party.
Drak nods Bargain struck Then follows the others through the shimmering portal.
Looking around So anyone have any idea on where in Iomedae's name we are? Drak curses slightly.
This underground surroundings unnerve me..., Variel thinks worriedly.
Is anyone unfamiliar with underground surroundings?
Rikaku immediately growls upon entering the humid area, looking most displeased... and possibly a little pained.
"Rikaku no like hot... this place bad..."
Seems like his issue is less with the oddity of an underground tropical rainforest and more with the fact that it was tropical at all.
"Can Trogg find way through jungle?"
Drak looks around, trying to orient himself with his new surroundings.
Trogg also looks around, with both mundane and arcane eyes. "This is the least cavelike cave I have ever been in."
I have some academic knowledge and common dogrel of 'deep' places that I have picked up but must confess I feel some unease being in these tunnels and in such unfamiliar surrounds and next to no practical experience.
He looks around warily.
Rybal snorts, unimpressed by the environment.
Just another trick by the man in white. At some point he'll run out of tricks, and when he does I'll be there, ready to test the strength of his sword arm.
Malthu goes to a bit of the cavern wall on leaves a marking behind. Trogg, Rybal and Drak begin discussing trying to figure out the best way forward.
With basic assumptions of inside this place they realise it would be a different time of day here compared to outside. It feels like it is just after midday in a jungle though it was late morning outside. There is also very little simulation of cloud cover in this cavern. After waiting about 20 minutes they also realise that the 'sun' is not moving, so the area might likely stay constantly at this single temperature and time of day.
With the three of them leading a path they think they can guide the party through the Jungle with little problem.
North: The sounds of the river seem to be in this direction, a good source of water might be needed here you aren't sure but it might be worth checking out.
East: There is a small western facing breeze, meaning there is an opening on the East side of the jungle someplace. Either it is a direction to a clearing or another cave.. you are unsure till you get there.
West:There is no immediate auditory or visual evidence to give an idea of what is to the west. Though the 'Sun' seems strongest in that direction and it is bound to be artificial. Maybe that is something to consider.
Trogg can tell the vegetation here is from an entirely different place of the world to here. This place obviously needs far more water than is immediately apparent. Maybe there is irrigation or fake rain? There is a fake sun after all! Trogg can also tell there is a hint of magic here filling the air. Most notably though he can feel a presence from the ethereal realm. It feels very similar to the one he keeps on his belt.
"Rikaku no want go west," the frosty kobold declares, panting. "Water good. Breeze good. Sun bad."
"I agree with Rikaku, although perhaps for different reasons. Following either the river or the breeze should lead us to an exit to this cavern."
I'd say lets head to the river as well. I'd feel better if we have secured a water source, at least partially. Who knows what we have truly gotten ourselves into and how long we may be here for.
Variel follows the group... eyes darting about, watching for trouble, his expression is anxious.
[/b] River sounds fine. If the man in white is there, maybe I'll take 'im for a swim, see who can hold their breath the longest. [/b]
Rybal takes the northern path, leading the way.
The group approaches the bank of a large river, it is flowing slowly towards the east side of this jungle. The water looks lovely, clear as the sky. Odd though as most would have considered it to be at least a darker blue due to the mud or depth of the water. Before the party leaves the relatively safety of the trees they all hear without much effort the sound of splashing water.
Looking east of their current position the party sees some strange man like creatures playing in the water. Occasionally they shriek at each other as some form of communication now doubt. These limber, shrieking creature have the visage of an enraged monkey, but they walk upright like a man. There are about 8 of them of varying sizes and genders. It looks like a tribe for lack of a better term for this small gathering. They haven't noticed the group yet but the group is unsure if they are aggressive or not.
"If they were monkeys, I might be able to communicate with them, but I'm not sure what they are."
Trogg notices that these things are Charau-Ka. Charau-ka generally dwell in small tribes of a few dozen members. They often keep dangerous jungle creatures as pets or guardians, trusting to their druids or animal handlers to keep the deadly beasts under control. A typical charau-ka village extends from the jungle floor up into the canopy above, and usually includes several treehouse-style structures connected by vines or rope bridges.
They are wearing simple loin clothes at the moment, looking around though you can see in the canopy above them there is other clothing. Possibly because they did not wish them wet while they were in the river. They are however intelligent and capable of speak. Trogg knows they speak a strange dialect of common and are able to understand common. So communication likely can be established but may be difficult.
Prehaps we should venture elsewhere? Can a dialogue even be established? I'm not sure we have much to give as an offering to show that we don't mean any harm.
"We probably could talk to them, but I'm not certain if we should."