Splits thinks they are some kind of magical beast and they were definitely Tiny creatures.
Upon inspecting the eggs from close up, you are able to get more insight of what are them...
These are coral capuchins eggs, ping dragon-like creatures who happen also to love stealing brightly stuff.
While Ingolf collects the eggs he notices a movement inside his backpack, he turns and founds inside the three pink dragons picking up his inkpen, journal and potion and trying to get it out.
Seeing they have been caught up, they look at the gnome with big round eyes and squeak!
Ingolf tried to get the tiny dragons out of his backpack, chuckling, "You little rascals! Here, you can keep this one."
He tried to shoo them out of his pack, saving his journal and potion, but offering them the pen, since he had a second one still in his pack (he hoped). He also offered them a bit of his rations.
Ebba looked at the little lizards in disbelief. Ingolf didn't seem worried, so she presumed they must not be a threat.
It takes Ingolf some time to get the coral capuchins out of his backpack. They seem eager to play.
The creatures do in fact enjoy the shiny reflections of the pen and get entertained by them pretty fast, giving Ingolf the opportunity to finish collecting the eggs in the ground.
Surprisingly unrelated to the fallen eggs sacking, the beasts remain entertained and playful for as long as the group does not try to pick up the eggs remaining in the rocks or get aggressive with them.
The group starts to wade through the jungle south. It is not an easy trek and you are forced to do some turns when you find places not easy to cross through. Mainly wide rivers or fallen trees. On your way you are attacked by a bunch of dire rats, but they fall easily.
Ultimately Ingolf holds you in the good track thanks to his mapmaker kit.
The night falls and you are forced to make camp in the middle of the jungle one more day. You are likely to reach the Guughwa's waterfall tomorrow if you do not get lost.
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Ingolf had fun playing with the capuchins, reluctant to say goodbye. But finally it was time to leave, and they trekked though the jungle, turning southeast towards the location of the waterfall. His spirits remained undamped by the attack of the dire rats. When the group made camp, he narrated to Ebba what he was doing, to help build her language comprehension.
The night passed relatively uneventfully, disturbed only by the sounds of the occasional unseen animal moving through the foliage. Ingolf ate a simple breakfast: rations supplemented by a few berries he'd found the previous day. He felt optimistic that their negotiations with the water creature would go well.
Resuming your trip the next day, it does take only a few hours under the drift rain for you to find the small valley of the tojanida's waterfall.
Five breathtaking cascades of water tumble over the twenty-foot-high, vegetation-covered cliffs surrounding this pristine pool. A mist clings to the water’s surface, thick with the scent of a dozen flowering plants. A pastel rainbow of eggshells litters one side of the pool.
The waters are clean and pure, and nearly 50 feet deep at the center.
You identify the mess of eggshells by the side of the pool come from 20 different bird and reptile species, including those of coral capuchins, they seem to be set aside in a place of honor.
sure are a lot of eggshells here. I don't see any intact ones. wait a second. these are all from different animals. so not another nest, but some sort of collection? I'm counting at least 20 varieties here, including from those capuchins. keep your eyes open, might be a predatore nearby...
he looks around a bit more
In fact, speaking of predators... there is a cave behind that waterfall there.
Ingolf exclaimed, "What a beautiful location! I see the cave too." He replied to Jonah, "My guess is that's Guughwa's collection."
Splits the Leaves nods, "It seems so. Jonah do you think you can determine what type of predator it is? If you point something out, perhaps we can pool our knowledge here."
Sensing possible danger he channels the familiar spell on Lightfoot and creates the powerful lifelink between the two of them.
Zaahku talked Guughwa was a tojanida.
Tojanidas are bizarre natives from the Plane of Water that resemble mixes between monstrous crabs and enormous snapping turtles. Originally elemental beings of water, tojanidas were bound into their strange forms long ago for unclear reasons, and no longer know how they might eventually return to their pure and formless state. Determined to preserve their pride, the grotesque tojanidas ply the waters of the planes seeking hedonistic pleasures—especially culinary ones—and the adoration of other races. Loquacious when addressed with the proper respect, they make excellent heralds and emissaries for more powerful beings, and often enjoy posing as such even when operating on their own. When riled, however, tojanidas make fearsome opponents, violent and eager juggernauts with snapping jaws and clacking pincers.
It is strange and unlikely how a creature from the plane of elemental water ended in this place.
The cave is in the main waterfall, near the egg shells.
Ingolf started moving cautiously towards the eggshell, remaining alert for other predators.
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”Now, remember to be very very very respectful and fawning when speaking with the tojanida,” Tonny reminds the group as they survey the pool and eggshells. ”Like, as much as you can, and then some more. Professor Sulniji was never the same after she lost her hand to one because she was merely polite to it rather than over the top. And don’t ask it why it looks like it does - well, unless you’re going to spin it somehow into saying how magnificent its claws are and how breathtaking is its awe-inspiring countenance that puts this waterfall in all its glory to shame like a cup of water compared to the vastness of the sea. Stuff like that. Oh, and they like really fine food, which is probably why this one wants the eggs and the cauldron.”
When Ingolf approaches to the eggs, the water starts to move, then out of the depths of the cave emerges a creature a cross between a turtle and a crab, with flippers instead of legs, a snapping beak, and two pincers.
The tojanida starts to scream out loud in a language that resembles the waves of the sea striking a cliff "Soti nan anvwaye domèn mwen an! Lwen ze mwen si ou pa vle kenbe kòlè mwen!"
"Out of my domains inviders! Away from my eggs if you do not want to endure my fury!"
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Ingolf backed away from the eggs, trying to appear unthreatening. He told his companion, "Ebba, heel!"
He tried to speak to the aquatic creature in a calm voice, "Are you Guughwa? I've got some more capuchin eggs for you." He hoped that one of his friends could understand what the creature was saying.
The druid casts the spell he prepared and opens his mouth to speak with Guughwa.
"It is as they say." The words almost coming out like bubbles flowing, "We offer this if you wish to speak with all of us; though someone with your grandeur may instead want some of our other gifts we have brought..."
The tonija just emits strange sounds in response to Ingolf, but it goes very excited when hearing Splits the Leaves Aquan bubbling words. Guughwa answers "Ou pale lang Gwo Oseyan an! Ou vin pale ... byen, ou deklanche kiryozite mwen Blan Zo bwa Tèt. Kote sa a pa gen anpil nan fòm moun yo pale tou, kèk nan yo ki vini pa konnen lang lan vre, ni yo pa konprann enpòtans ki genyen nan jwi lavi sa a nan konfò. Ou pote yon bagay ... ou te resevwa enterè mwen ... di m 'plis ..."
"You speak the language of the Great Ocean! How is it you know my name? You come to talk... well, you triggered my curiosity White Skull. This place has not much in the shape of people to talk too, the few that come do not know the true tongue, neither do they understand the importance of enjoying this life of comfort."
"You bring something... you got my interest... tell me more..."
Ingolf called to Splits, "Can you understand what she's saying? Have you told her about the eggs? Tell me when to take them out of my backpack."
Jonah stands back watching carefully. he trusts Splits to handle the negotiations, but he is going to be ready if things go sideways. the crab-thing doesn't look too scary compared to some of the creatures they have found in this jungle, but you never know...
He had no idea how to speak to such a thing. He barely knew how to talk to others. When he saw the shocked look on Tonny's face he knew he probably said or did something that wasn't right.
"I speak the languages of the winds and waves, but only through the blessings of magic." Was that what was going to upset it? He hoped not as he stepped on eggshells .
The Aquan was hard to speak even with the magic, the inflections and the overall culture was difficult.
"We know you name as we've been told that you are a great one that lives in the waters and keeps the lesser beasts at bay, the halfling Song'O have spoken of you."
Hearing Ingolf from the back of his head, he nods his head but then puts up a finger, Hold on..
"In truth, we come to offer trades for their cauldron. They cannot live without it, nor can they perform their rituals to the water and wind without it. They fear that should it disappear, the river may dry up and the trees might wither. So we offer a trade for it so that it may continue to be as is."
Nodding to Ingolf, the druid holds his tongue. Time was short for the magic and he knew that if it expired it would come to blows, and he noticed Jonah's stance as well.
Despite Splits many insecurities it seems something catches in the tojanida about the druid's words "Hmmm ... ou pa sanble yo apresye manje reyèl Blan figi, men verite dwe di, mwen pa gen okenn itilize pou chodyè a demi. Si ou pote m 'yon bagay ki gen ase valè, mwen pral aksepte komès li avèk ou."
"Hmmm... you do not seem to appreciate real food White Face, but truth be told, I do not have any use for the halfling cauldron. If you bring me something of enough value, I will accept to trade it with you."
When Ingolf shows the eggs, Guughwa blinks twice, shakes its pincers and starts drooling. Slowly she disappears into the waterfall.
Some minutes later the tojanida comes back with a cauldron of brewing in one of its pincers. Quickly she looks to take all the coral eggs and starts eating some of them losing any attention on you.
Ingolf sensed that it was time to show the eggs to Guughwa. He slowly opened is backpack, avoiding sudden movements, and took out the eggs one by one. "These will make e lovely addition to your collection!", he told the water creature. When she started eating them he added, "And they taste good too!"
Adriana keeps quiet and remains as unassuming as possible; while she has no idea what is being properly said, she's confident the others have things currently under control.
The druid known as Splits the Leaves heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank you." The response was succinct, there wasn't much else to be said.
With the tojanida entertained with the eggs, you pick up the cauldron and leave the waterfalls.
Just a few hours from now you are once more back at Cahshil. Zaahku is very happy to see your come back in possession of the cauldron "Ngiyabonga kakhulu ngemizamo yakho. Manje ukhombisile ukuthi ungabangane beqiniso bakaSong'o. Ngidumisa igama lakho ngosizo lwakho. Ukhululekile ukuphumula ngaphakathi kwedolobhana lethu, udle ukudla kwethu futhi uthenge izinto ongazidinga."
"Thanks a lot for your efforts. You now have proven to be true Song'o friends. I praise your name for your help. You are free to rest inside our village, feed on our provisions and buy supplies you might need."
She does also finally accept to answer your questions. She first explains you what she knows about the Mireborn "AbakwaMireborn bangomakhelwane bethu abaseduze kule ndawo — izibankwa. Bafika esifundeni kaningi bezodoba futhi bangcwabe abafileyo babo, kepha bengahambanga le kude eningizimu esikhathini esithile. Banobuntu futhi banenkani, kepha kuze kube kulo nyaka babehlala bezimisele ukuhweba. Abakwa-scouts bami bathi basanda kulahlekelwa yizwe labo yisizwe esinamagobogard enyakatho yomfula, futhi bebezikhotha amanxeba ... mhlawumbe kungani beqede ngolaka ikamu lomngane wakho eduze kwenye yezindawo zabo zakudala zasebusika."
"The Mireborn are our closest neighbors in the area—lizardfolk. They come to the region now and then to fish and bury their dead, but haven’t journeyed this far south in quite some time. They’re territorial and stubborn, but until this year were always willing to trade. My scouts say they recently lost their territory to a boggard tribe north of the river, and were licking their wounds... probably why they so angrily wiped out your friend’s camp near one of their old winter sites."
And also explains about the Storm Kindlers "Uke wakhuluma phambilini ngeStorm Kindlers. Umkhulu wami wayevame ukuxoxa izindaba ezesabekayo zabakwaStorm Kindlers abafika edelta esemncane — uhlobo oluthile lwehlelo laseGozreh njengoba ekhumbula, kodwa benobugovu futhi benokhahlo futhi beqhosha. Uthi bazala iziphepho njengezinye izinja ezizalisayo. Bakha idolobhana eliseduze, kwathi kamuva bakha ithempeli eJungle of Hungry Trees. Lonke leli hlelo lanyamalala esivunguvungwini esikhulu ngaphambi kokuba umkhulu akhulise intshebe yakhe yokuqala, noma kunjalo, futhi ngiwugcinile umyalo wakhe wokuthi incithakalo ihlale ngokuthula, noma ngabe ikuphi ..."
"You talked before about the Storm Kindlers. My grandfather used to tell scary stories of the Storm Kindlers who arrived in the delta when he was still a child—some sort of Gozreh cult as he recalled, but selfish and rude and arrogant. He claims they bred storms like other tallfolk breed dogs. They built a small village nearby, and later constructed a temple in the Jungle of Hungry Trees. That might be the temple you said you were looking for. The entire cult vanished in an enormous storm before my grandfather had grown his first whisker, though, and I have upheld his order to let the ruin rest in peace, wherever it may be..."
For befriending the Song'o, Zaahku gives you her scroll of mirror image and a wand of cat’s grace with 8 charges remaining. She also offers you a worn old brass key covered in geometric swirls "My grandfather found it exploring the ruins of the Storm Kindler village, said to ease the rage of winds" she adds in Common.
The druid was happy it had come to a peaceful conclusion and that the townsfolk's worries were quashed.
"The honour is ours. These Storm Kindlers seem to be a common thread in all of this. I don't wish to break your order but can you at least tell us where the Jungle of Hungry Trees may be?" He wondered what could be found there, but the brass key held weight to it that implied that there would be more. "I have my doubts that the whole cult is gone, but there is a large storm coming and it is like what you described... Unnatural and created."
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Ingolf translated the elder's words for those of his friends who didn't understand the Polyglot tongue. Zaahku's description of the Mireborn got him to thinking; the lizardfolk chieftain that crippled his grandfather had told Ingolf that he was cursed, just like the Mireborn. Were they indeed cursed, and did it have something to do with the Storm Kindlers? He didn't understand how it all fit together, but he sensed that he might find answers at the mysterious temple in the jungle.
He asked the Song'o elder, "Je! Unaweza kutupa maelekezo kwa kijiji cha Storm Kindler? Tunahitaji kuchunguza hekalu hilo - shambulio la mjusi kwa wawindaji wako na makazi yetu, hali ya hewa isiyo ya kawaida - hekalu linaweza kushikilia dalili za jinsi yote yamefungwa pamoja."
"The Jungle of Hungry Trees extends miles and miles east and south of here" explains Zaahku.
The Jungle of Hungry Trees is often the southernmost forest in Garund shown on maps on the Inner Sea region. Located near the continent's west coast, it stretches from Desperation Bay in the west hundreds of miles to the east all the way to the M'neri Plains. Generally thought of as part of the Mwangi Expanse territory, the jungle is known as the Laughing Jungle north of the Lower Korir River, which is part of Sargava. Not much is known about the Jungle of Hungry Trees, not even where its name comes from. Its most well-known inhabitants are the magical coral capuchins, sometimes trained as familiars by spellcasters.
You think that jungle might fit with the one in the lizardfolk drawings you saw in the Gol-Ghan ruins. If you had another reference in addition to that drawing, you think you could find the approximate location of the Temple in the jungle now.
"The old village of the Storm Kindler's is north-west, you only need to follow the water course that crosses Cashil. Remount the waters and you should find the ruins in a day. I can send a few hunters to guide you if you wish so" the chieftain offers.
Her lessons in polyglot leave Adriana less confused overall and she's mostly able to follow the conversations happening and the reveal of what might be the big answer they seemed to have stumbled into - the mystery of the Storm Kindlers.
She's not looking forward to the idea of another possible confrontation with lizardfolk tribes, but is quietly hopeful that between the group they can perhaps use the enmity between the tribes to their advantage.
In any case, they would cross that proverbial bridge once they arrived. Having a general sense of where they all have to go, Adriana asks "Are we leaving for the hungry jungle now?"
Ingolf replied to the cheiftan, "We would appreciate some guides, thank you."
He consulted with the others, "Are we ready to go to the Storm kindler village, or do we need to pick up supplies at the colony first? I think I've got what I need."
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"Oh! Well... Hmm..." Tonny frowns as he looks over the group's map. "So the Forest of Hungry Trees is, well..." He waves his hand around a large splotch of greenery on the parchment. "...all of this. That's a lot of Hungry Forest to search. I wonder where the name came from..."
As the chieftain explains where the old village is located, Tonny makes a few marks on the map and then looks up. "Oh, well maybe there's some mention of this temple there! Then we could use those rubbings from the cyclops ruin to triangulate a possible area and start our search there. Much less jungle to search that way." He nods in satisfaction and traces the line of the river with his finger. "Ooo, and there's some tar pits along the way! If we spend the night here and depart first thing in the morning, maybe we can explore those too!"
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Tar pits? why do we want to go exploring tar pits? Jonah responds to Tonny's plan.
I do agree that if we could find another reference point we could probably map out where our goal is. which means a lot less time wanderingt he forest and less chances that we find out what exactly is in there that is so hungry. but tar pits seem like a dangerous side trip. what is it you want to find there?
Ingolf commented. "Then couldn't [/we] get stuck in them? I think we should go to the village ruins first, and try to find the temple." I don't think I want to become a 'specimen'!
With a direction decided you go to rest that night at Cashil. The Song'o treat you well and you have one of the best nights since you arrived to the Korir River delta.
The next day, a party of two halfling hunters, one of whom is Muhdzuzi, joins with you. You start remounting the water stream that crosses through Cashil.
With the help of the Song'o, there is little chance of getting lost and they help you avoid the most common dangers of the marsh. After 6 hours of walking through the muddy stream bank, you reach your destination. It is still a bit earlier than sunset.
The roofs of this circle of timber-and-mortar homes have all collapsed, and once-vibrant paint peels away in long strips. Rampant jungle growth obscures the remains of a well, benches, and a human-shaped statue.
With the Storm Kindlers cult’s destruction, it seems the village quickly fell into ruin and was consumed by the wilderness, and today, 90 years later, all that remains are a few stone walls, rotted books, and broken crockery.
After a thorough search of the place you uncover a sagging secret compartment in the largest house, which contains several papers too decayed to read, a +1 kukri, and a silver holy symbol shaped like a notched shark’s fin (worth 25 gp).
Clearing the statue of the vines covering it reveals a hardwood carving, masculine on one side and feminine on the other. Splits quickly identifies the figure as Gozreh, the god of weather and the sea. There is an inscription in Kelish at the statue’s base.
The Wind and the Wave gave us the Eye that we might see, and we journey here so that two Eyes may gaze upon creation. Founded 4621 ar.
Searching most of the ruins reveals little of value.
You also find an old journal wrapped in oilcloth. Though it’s badly damaged, at least a few entries remain legible, mostly discussing the severe weather in Lirgen and daily routines. The final legible entry reads, ...have decided to exile Chitauli rather than acknowledge his insight and take the bold steps needed to survive. The Eye is a sign from the Wind and the Waves, and if we wish to truly take control of our destiny, we must master the same energies that birthed it. These conservative old fools are content to wring their hands and wait while Lirgen rots around us, and so the true Storm Kindlers depart for the south. Chitauli has agreed to guide...
While Tonny is busy with his find, Jonah checks out a few of the buildings. a loose section of wall catches his eye and he finds a small compartment.
Look, over here!
Jonah holds up a +1 kukri and a holy symbol that looks like a shark fin
Anyone know what this symbol means? I am not familiar with it. some papers and stuff int here, too, but they look pretty ruined
Like Tonny and Jonah, Adriana is able to find numerous items in the ruined remains of the town. She leaves Tonny with the journal, certain the scholar will be able to take care of the damaged book.
Jonah's exclamation draws her attention and she approaches, carefully reaching out for the notched shark fin and turning it over and over in her hands.
All she can do is shrug. "Maybe a shark god. The Song'o might know more."
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Ingolf searched the ruins of the village, noticing the journal as well. Looking through it he exclaimed, "They came from the lost Kingdom of Lirgen! My mother's family fled from there after it was destroyed by the Eye of Abendego."
A thought crossed his mind: could his curse somehow be linked to the Eye of Abendego? His mother didn't seem to be affected like he was, but maybe it was a latent curse, manifesting in her child?
The druid notices what the others do, but is too busy admiring what he could with the stonework. "Eye of Abendengo..." He wasn't entirely sure about Ingolf and his knowledge of the eye but he trusted that it would fall into place.
He moved toward Adriana, "It's not Gozreh I can speak that much."
Wondering what damage the wilderness could wrought, he worried for each of them. This place is only a microcosm of the world we live in.
When Jonah shows the symbol that he, Splits and Adriana have found, others can attempt to identify it.
Muhdzuzi is interested by Ingolf's story, and tries to even talk in his emerging Common "Mother Storm Kindler?"
The party passes the night at the first colony. With the Song'o help, the campsite is well concealed and the night goes uneventful. The next day you wake up to the sound of the rain drift over the stones of the ruins where you sheltered. Jonah and the Song'o hunters have found a few delicious and nutritious eggs you are able to share for breakfast.
The rest of the day you focus on reaching the Tar Pits. The help of the Song'o hunters is invaluable. You do not risk getting lost and you avoid any hazards along the way. Another uneventful day, aside from the insidious soft rain and the marsh patches.
By sunset the Song'o halt on their advance and points you to an area forward. Mounds of enormous bones litter the ground surrounding a bubbling tar seep. Muhdzuzi explains you "The dinosaurs of the delta have long used this area as a graveyard, journeying to the area as they grow old or sick. Many scavengers dwell near or visit the macabre piles, including the Mireborn lizardfolk, who visit the tar pits annually to inter their dead in the black lake and forage bones, teeth, and claws."
A mile ahead, behind a small hill of dinosaur bones, a smoke column raises into the air.
You find recent tracks of at least half a dozen humanoids or monstrous humanoids, and a few quadrupeds, likely small dinosaurs.
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"It's on the tip of my tongue..." Tonny bemoans as he looks over the strange shark-fin symbol. "But more importantly, this journal says that a splinter group of these original settlers headed south, and apparently they splintered off because the rest of the group didn't think what they were doing to, um, 'master the same energies that birthed it' - 'it' being the Eye, which probably refers to the Eye of Abendego." He shakes his head. "There's no mention of any landmarks or anything else we could use to follow their trail though."
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"Fascinating!" Tonny exclaims as Muhdzuzi finishes his explanation. "I wonder why the dinosaurs decided to come here to die though - do you think it's a scent thing? I mean, it would make sense for scavengers to come here when they couldn't hunt prey, but why would an herbivore pick a particular place to die? Or is there something that draws dinosaurs here and as they get older it gets harder to resist its call? Do you think that would affect lizards and birds as well?"
A lot of traffic moving through here. i see tracks of a handful of humanoids, monstrous humanoids and what looks like some small dinosaurs. looks like we found some of the lizardfolk...
Jonah surveys the area, readying his bow in anticipation of danger.
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Ingolf replied to Muhdzuzi, "My mother was a small child when her family fled Lirgen. She has no connections to the Storm Kindlers, at least that I know of."
He explained to Tonny, "We are far to the south of where Lirgen used to be — it was in what's now the Sodden Lands, on the edge of the Eye. That journal entry could have been written while they were on their way here."
As they resumed their journey, he said to Ebba, "You're getting bigger; I think I might be able to ride on your back!"
Adjusting her saddle, he tried it out and found that she was indeed able to comfortably carry his weight. He could travel faster this way, and not slow everyone else down.
He didn't understand the significance of the tracks until Jonah pointed them out. "We'd best be on our guard then. They could be responsible or that column of smoke ahead."
He watched out for a possible ambush as they moved towards the smoke.
The gnome was easier to carry now, and Ebba didn't tire of his weight the way she used to. She walked at the head of the party, proud of her enhanced status.
With the Song'o guides and the only issue on their journey currently being a soft but constant rain, Adriana feels in decent spirits as they reach the larger tarpit, fascinated by what she's told by their guides and carefully looking about at the bones and footprints but following Jonah's lead and taking her scimitar into her hand.
"Do you think they're responsible for the smoke?" She asks the hunter.
Observing the tracks and the campfire, the group decides to approach the tar pits stealthily.
Battered by relentless winds and drizzle, a campfire burns sullenly under the cover of immense rib bones the size of small trees. A handful of javelins are piled beside the fire.
A group of four lizardfolk linger around a campfire. Two lizards are growling in your direction, the catch your scent as you were approaching.
By when you reach to 90' the first of the lizardfolks spots you and shots to you in Draconic while the others ready their bows "谁在那儿？！ 这是米尔邦的领土！ 立即返回，否则我们将不得不击落您的陌生人！"
"Who is there?! This is Mireborn territory! Head back immediately or we will have to shot you down strangers!"
These are monitor lizards. Their bite is poisonous and damages Dexterity.
They will count as dinosaurs for your abilities in this setting.