Realizing who Gregor brought with him. Sasha is rushing towarsds Enzi and immediately greets the big cat. "Ah see whos back. Our little kitten." bfore turning up to you "Where did you leave Kendrella? Is she with you?". When the young woman realizes that Enzis has come alone this time, a short moment of pain crosses her face once more but soon she turns back to tickling Enzi btween the ears.
Hearing the commotion the others step out on the main plaza. Father Jask comes out of a small hut which looks like he has been starting a shrine of Nethys in the village.
"We knew you were successful when we felt the curse leave, But tell what did you find?"
Davor reacts to Father (?) Jask's question with a slight hesitation. "Ah, well, the creature that we knew as Ieana, wasn't a Varisian human. She was from an ancient race of serpent people, from Azlant I guess before Earthfall? A temple had been set up to a vampire god. Anyway, there's more to it and we may have discovered information about more that they did in the Mwangi Jungle, some city named Saventh-Yhi? I think Shalissa has more detail since she could read the language."
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Jask turns toiwards Shalissa and starts discussing with her the details of what you found.
You also learn that the wave of force was felt even out here. "I think something has changed on this Island. The ghosts in the turf sees to have been disappeared and also these people are much more open to my teachings in the last few days and I have barely found anyone trying to sneak of to the place where we buried there old food Supplies."
In the meantime Aerys and Ishirou come out of the light house and greet everybody.
"I think we got something working. It might not hold forever but it should allow us to signel ships during the night."
Gregor nods and looks at everyone...Ok Lets have a village meeting at dusk. Is there a way to contact the Tree Spirit we encountered before? Maybe invite her?
"It's good to know that what we did down there has had a lasting impact. It was a great evil, and--even though it was a struggle I though many times I would never survive--I see now why Iomedae sent me to this place. I know now that it was no accident we landed here; we had to be in this place to put that evil to rest."
To Gregor, he adds his agreement. "We definitely need to make sure the tree spirit knows this place is no longer tainted--though I suspect that's already starting to become clear to her."
Davor joins Jask and Shalissa's discussion, mostly listening. "So maybe the evil in that temple covered the whole island, and even in to the ocean a way? We were lucky then to have escaped before the place collapsed!"
"Shalissa, If we have time I'd like to learn more of the Azlanti language from you. It seems they harnessed great powers while they were empire building. If we run across more I'd like to be able to read it."
Gregor nods and looks at everyone...Ok Lets have a village meeting at dusk. Is there a way to contact the Tree Spirit we encountered before? Maybe invite her?
"Unfortunately its to far to reach her before tonight, but I am sure Aycenia as a dryad feels what has happened on her island. But if you just ask I will spped to her earlieast in the next morning."
In the evenening everybody assembles about the central campfire to discuss the new situation.
Aerys and Ishirou once more reports about their progress with the lighthouse "I think we should start looking for ships as fast as possible. We have spend already almost two month on this island."
Jask , not as eager to return to the place he fled many years ago suggest you first take your time discussing what you found in that temple. [ooc]If you still have questions Jask and Gelik can sure try to help answering them.
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Yes. We should turn on the light house as fast as possible. Its that very topic I wanted to discuss with all of you.
Obviously we will be rescued. and we will be returned to Eleder most likely as its closest. Jask if thats where we go, we will put off all of our endeavors to see your name cleared first and foremost. Rest assured Ill not see you worry about this one bit. We have the documents. we will clear your name.
Gregor paused then continued..
So first and foremost who wants to leave the island and who wants to stay...?
He looks at the tribesmen they free'd and at Pezock when he says this. as well as glancing to his allies.
Then he continues.
We found documentation that proved a lost city of Azlant, Saventh-Yhi, exists and about where it is. It had something to do with that snake in the grass sorceress and whatever evil they were planning. Im of a mind to hunt this city down and stop them for good. Of course any of you tht want to come with us would be most welcome. Or once we are back any of you that wish can part as friends and we go on our separate ways. I thought we should put that on the table right away.
Seeing Gregor also glancing at the group, possibly questioning if they plan to continue causes Davor to pause for thought. That snake lady had mentally controlled him, making him act like an idiot cleaning the wall when he should have been fighting. And she had totally controlled Father Kerndrew for critical seconds in the combat, making him attack the team. If that was the way the race fought they needed to be exterminated! But the team also needed to figure out a defense against that for their next encounter!
He nods to Gregor. He would be ready for the next battle! "It was an ancient evil, powerful enough to blanket this island and a short distance out to sea. That the power lasted all these years after they departed says a lot. The creature, Ieana, is dead but there may be more like her. We'll just have to be ready for the unknown!"
"Thank you Gregor, Once more for your Support. I would very much like to travel with you to Eleder and clear my name. I hope these documents are proving my innocence and can finally help to put the real culprits tio justice."
The other survivors from the wreck of the also take not time in deciding to leave that unhospitable place, broken curse or not.
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When you turn your gaze towards Pezock, you seem him deep in thought.
"I have been leaving my kingdom alone for a very long time already? How did they manage without me? And how about these folk now, that there evil leaders are dead. Don't they need leadership?"
A) His former subjects where the ghosts in the surf which are now gone.
b) He is slightly unhinged so he will have trouble on his own in the civilization.
C) But I leave it to you if you want to convince him
Gregor looked at the villagers who he was sure we're likely in a slight panic.
He turned and spoke to them first.you've gone through a lot in a short time. Your way of life has turned upside down. I want to make sure you are ok first . With this lighthouse working ships will come here seeking safe harbor and look for food and drink and friendship. Though not all men are so inclined. Some may seek to harm you and take advantage of your small numbers.
He paused to think this through.
it would grieve me so to see that happen to you. It is not my way to not take my responsibilities seriously. Not is it my way to shirk doing the right thing. So the first question to you is would you like to accompany. Us on our mission and leave this island behind. Great wonders will be seen and your life will change. We could use the help with setting up camps and watching for danger as we travel in a dangerous jungle. We will extend our protection to you as well as we can. Any and all that would like to are welcome.
however it isn't always pleasurable and you will have to leave the island. If you do not want to I do understand. If you choose to stay I do have a couple of thoughts but I would hear from you first
He looked at the few remaining villagers
Shalissa is happy to provide healing to Enzi, she casts some spells and uses some products from her pouch and some leafs from the jungle "Good girl, you are going to be good soon"
As they set travel back to the camp, the elven female is happy to teach Azlanti to Davor "Sure! It is a difficult and old language but with all the inscriptions found, and with the priestess transcriptions, we sure can do it. Look, read here!"
---
Shalissa smiles to everyone happy to be back at the camp "It is nice to feel the warmth of camaraderie and a good bonfire"
"I will follow you to the jungle Gregor. I came to Mwangi to find more about the azlanti, and what we found here is a discovery only made once in a century. I want to find this Saventh-Yhi and explore it" she smiles to Pezcock when he says he wants to stay and supports him on it. She breathes relieved to see he wants to rule over the tribesmen "That probably is a better idea than bring them to civilization."
As for the others, she tries to support Gregor on convincing them to come with them to the continent.
The villagers look quite surprised at Gregors suggestion. "Why would we want to leave the lisland of our ancestors. to visit some strange land where we will not be welcome. This island has been provided for us well and will surely continue to do so."
"We only have one favour to ask from you. Jask here has been talking to us about the Evil of our ways in the past and about the glory of hos Sargavian gods. But he will leave with you and we have nobody who can continue his teachings. Can you see of you find a priest willing to come to us and continue our education?"
Davor chuckles (a little) at the question that the villagers ask, "No problem! Let the word out at any church that there are villagers wanting to learn the ways of their God.... The priests will be lining up to be the first here!"
"Hey! Dibs! The Church of the Inheritor was here first!" Father Kerndrew chuckles. "If only I had the liberty to hang around, but I think I'm here for more of what we found in that temple. There are others in my church with better skills towards nurturing a flock. I will happily send word to them as soon as we have the means."
Shalissa half-smiles at the passionate responses "Indeed. Every tribe needs a spiritual leader after all. We would make sure you have a fitting one"
"But tonight is a night to celebrate. We have succeeded at something huge against insurmountably odds, and we are all back" the elven woman smiles wide "Let's make a large fire, cook our best meals, sing and dance until late. We have released Smuggler's Shiv from its curse!"
A huge Bonfire was built in the middle of the village and the celbration started.
To the sound of drums beating the locals showed their skills as dancers and Sasha, Aerys soon joined. Even Ishirou is soon convinved by the shackles woman and jumps uinto the circle.
Three serpents brought out the islanders stock of self made booze made out of local fruits. The stuff burns the throat mightily but leaves a nice sweet aftertaste. But some how you are sure you will pay for this tomorrow.
Once the islanders start wild dancing Davor joins in. Against all odds the group had won! He might hate himself in the morning, but he was going to enjoy tonight!
Father Kerndrew joins in the dancing and celebrating, but mildly. It's clear, though, that there's a comfortable ease to this; this is definitely not something new for him! But he executes restraint and doesn't get too wild with either the dancing or the drinking.
"God of Lightning bless this celebration" Shalissa makes a few prayers bringing a few lightnings over the fire.
Shalissa departs from her usual serious stance and enjoys the celebration, eating, drinking and dancing "Let's pray the gods the lighthouse attracts some ship soon or we will end quite affected here" she smiles.
The elf approaches Gregor and despite she knows the man's rough character she tries to bring him to the dancing circle around the fire "C'mon Gregor, don't you want to celebrate?"
When she starts to feel sick, the elven woman looks for a calm hut and takes for refuge to pass the night. The most difficult part of the mission is done.
earlier- Gregor said to Pezock. Are you willing to become the leader of these people? and we can help you bring your fortess here? maybe your people will join them?
When the people start to celebrate, Gregor enjoys the festivities, dancing and laughing. but he does not partake in the drink. He wants to maintain a clear head.
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Davor and Shalissa dance with the villagers until the early hours oft the morning to enjoy there success while Kerndrew Gregor and Jask sit quietly by by the lighthouse and reminiscene about there adventures on the island.
"Remember when were washed onto the beach up north and almost eaten before the whole thing even started?"
Later in the evening Gelik Joins and talk turns to the curse of the island.
Gelik starts by suggesting some error in Gregors reasonign who caused the curse. "From what you have told us, I reckon this island was inhabited by the serpent people in the past who live in the caves below this place and also at the location of the temple. From the Inscriptions I have seen in the caves I guess they build the tide stones to control the waters around this islands and be protected from their Azlanti foes this way."
"But later the Azlanti cult of Zula managed to land despite all this and enslave the Serpent People. Jask here believes they have built that temple of blood to worhip their vampire goddess. I think they cast this unholy curse to ensure a steady supply of shipwrecked sailors t5o sacrifice their goddess. And later when they died out through whatever causes, the latent curse stay behind befuddling sailors or these colonists landing here many genrations ago, turning them into this sorry state."
Shalissa listens attentively to the history "There is one thing that intrigues me..."
"If all this serpentfolk and azlanti were lost and dead... how did Yarazoth knew she would find remnants of the old empire in the island? She seemed very determined to reach here, so she should have known somehow" the elven woman asks while closing her eyes in pain for the buzz created by the alcohol.
Enjoying the drink and the party Davor takes a moment to understand Shalissa's comment/question. "How much of her paperwork have you deciphered? Is it possible that detail is there? If not, I fear that answer is lost with her death."
"I think Davor is right, we need to read through her Journal if we want to find out."
Yarzoth Journal begins with her exploration of a ancient Fortress up in Varisia named "Serpent Wall" where she seems to have found mentions of the Azlanti cult from Saventh-Yi who had taken over an island southern ocean. After much further reseacrh she was able to guess which Island was meant and came here in the faint hope of finding information on the origin city of the Azlanti.
Apparently Yazoth belive this to be the place where an ancient serpent god named Ydersius was beheaded by an Azlanti Heroine. (Yes thts the same one whom the caves below you were dedicated to.
Shalissa, nods "Yes, let's read her journal" but the buzz is causing her a great distress and she finally falls asleep.
During the next days though, she manages to read the journal while the work on securing the camp and waiting for a ship to be attracted by the lighthouse "Look, it seems she discovered everything in an ancient Varisian fortress known as Serpent Wall. Interesting..." she points at the drawings of the god "So, she believed there in Saventh-Yhi lays the decapitated serpentfolk god Ydersius... If this is true, this can be the greatest discovery of the millennium!"
The elven seems very excited about the prospects "I need to explore that city and discover if that is the truth!"
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Visiting Aycenia
On the day after the feast Pezock and Gregor set out to meet up with Aycenia, telling her about the events on the red mountain. The dryad is thankful to hear the good news and congratulates on your success.
"Thanks for caring so much for this unwelcoming place. I know you want to leave to return to your world, but for people like me or the cannibals your help has been invaluable.". When she finished speaking a branch from the huge Baobab Tree lowers towards Gregor. "Take some of my fruits, it might help you in your adventures ahaed."
The fruits should aid regeneration of HP and attributes
Pezocks shell
Afterwards you travel to the place where you left Pezocks Crab shell and with the help of the cannibals push it down to the Shore and float iot back around the island on a raft.
On you way back you pass various other old shipwrecks, including a uncommon looking ship, with a beautifully carved raven as a figurehead. When you pass the ship Pezock stands by the reling and can't take his eyes of it. Standing there he raises his hand in silent salute remembering his comrades from the old vessel.
Later when you arrive by the Lighthouse Pezocks asks you to place it on the cliff northeast of the village where he can overlook the sea to the Northwest.
Back at the lighthouse you light the fire in the tower every night, using it to send calls for help. Unfortunately the curse of the island had made sure, that merchants avoided it whenever possible, so no ship arrives.
After almost a week, Gregor has returned from his trip by now, you finally spot a sail coming in from the southwest. Anxiously you wait to Watch out always afraid that it will sail past, until it is finally obvious that the "Last Hurrah" is heading for the channel near the light house.
From the sleek and efficient design and the ramshackle look of ist crew, you are sure the Last Hurrah is a ship from the Free Captains of the Shackles, the pirate Nation to the north.
When Gregor comes back with the baobab fruits, Shalissa gives them a look.
"Oh, Aycena has been so nice, those fruits should aid regeneration of vitality and attributes"
Shalissa is happy to help move Pezock's shell. She reverently observes his greeting on the old vessel. She does herself look up to the northwestern island where her protector died and frowns.
When a ship finally seems to head towards the island, Shalissa joins the group that jumps and shouts trying to call out their attention. When she spots the name and heraldics she frowns though "The Last Hurrah... from the design, I think this is a ship from the Free Captains of the Shackles, the pirate Nation to the north."
"Let's be prepared, perhaps this will not be the salvation we were looking for"
She will try a friendly but cautious approach when the first sailors land in the island.
Sargava is paying the Free Captains to protect their colony from Chelax and other enemies.
Of course you are not yet technically in Sargava.
When Aerys spots the ship, she sqints trying to make out its design and then the details.
"Ah yes The Last Hurrah. As far as I know it is Captain Kassatas ship. She is one of the Free Captains, although a more recent addition to their ranks."
When you walk down to the ladning beach the rowing boat from the Last Hurrah has just arrived and a young woman steps onto the beach. Under her red bandana her long curly hair flows over her shoulders and her bright open eyes watch you suspiciously. Her slender body is covered in a brightly coloured red coat and she wear a longsword and a small crossbow on her side.
With her is a crew of 8 fiercely looking sailors standing ready in case the situation prooves to be dangerous.
"Ahoy who be ye And what be ye doin' on this forsaken island"
Gregor stands nearby, hands on axe hafts but they arent drawn. he looks at Father Kerndrew and Shalissa waiting for either of them to speak
"We are castaways, what remains of the cursed Jenivere. We've been stranded here longer than we'd like, and are hoping to find transport to complete our voyage; we were originally set for Sargava. Can you help?"
Not wanting to interfere with the diplomatic members of the crew, Davor stays back, watching the leader and the closest members of the crew and listening.
"Welcome and good seen" Shalissa observes and takes note of the armed sailors and their weapons but tries to smile "Would you have passage for some stranded souls?"
"th' Jenivere ye say? Ship from Magnimar isn't it? So whar be barnacle-covered Cap'n Devers"
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"It's a sorry tale, though if you've got the time, we'll tell it. Captain Devers was--sadly--charmed by a priestess of an ancient snake-creature cult. There's an ancient Azlanti temple on this island that had been corrupted to her purposes, and she was trying to raise these ancient serpent gods! That's actually why we're here; she compelled Captain Devers to dash the Jenivere on the rocks of this accursed isle deliberately."
Father Kerndrew shakes his head. "It's all a real shame; a tragedy of the first order. We found the temple, though, and we ended the priestess and her machinations. It won't be a danger to anyone again."
When Father Kerndrew falls for Kassatas trap and names the wrong captain for the Jenivere, you see Kassata smile deviously. But before She can repl, Aerys steps up.
"Of course our fine priest here meant Captain Kovack. You must excuse us, its been almost three months since we last met the Captain or first Mate Devers. Most of the crew perished in the shipwreck and as Father Kerndrew mentioned The Captain was captured and lured away by that serpent woman."
"yours be an interestin' story, but have ye any way t' prove it? ye spin a tale o' compulsion and betrayal, so mayba ye will want t' betray me, if I let ye on me ship."
"as far as I be knowin' ye be th' famous Shiv vampire!
"I am a paladin of the Inheritor! None other than Iomedae, who defeated the Whispering Tyrant! Test me however you like; though I may someday forget your name and betray your memory, I'll never betray you! 'I will suffer death before dishonor!'"
Shalissa steps forward agitated by the growing antagonism and places a hand on Father Kerndrew's back "I am sure this people did not want to cause any grudge on you Father. They just not know us, they do not know the weight and honorability of your word"
Then looking for something in her bag, she steps even forward to hand a couple of things to Kassata: the unholy symbol of Ydresius and the soul doll gem "We found these in the temple. As you see, it is the symbol and gems of vile gods"
She observes the woman, and if it seems she likes what she sees, Shalissa adds "You can keep it as a payment for our passage to the continent"
"ye be a paladin? So ye swear by yer goddess that ye mean no harm t' me and me crew?"
"So long as your actions towards me and my companions are right and honorable, I swear by my devotion to Iomedae that I mean you no harm."
Gregor looked at Kassata. then to Shalissa Do we still have the letter from Captain Kovack when the serpent priestess was turning him into a ghoul?
Kassate seems to be content with this statement.
"Allright, so be it. I hear ye want t' weigh anchor this place? I travel t' Eleder and can take ye along."
"Ye can pay fer your passage? "
Gregor remarked. There will be Us 4. My Cat, he points at Enzi, then 5 other shipwreck survivors with us. what are we looking at? and Aerys is one of them
When Dever's name is mentioned, as Captain, possibly a test?, Davor almost growls like one of his non-human ancestors. He is glad to hear Aerys correct things but feels the need to add his own comment. "I was crew on the Jenivere. The Captain was unnaturally focused on the witch Ieana. But nobody questions the Captain on his ship. First Mate Devers somehow resisted the poison that was put in the meal before the ship was scuttled against the island. The few of us that survived were carried ashore by the mate. Sadly he met his doom when he returned to the ship, I'm guessing trying to save more."
He gets a sad look on his face, staring off in the distance. "Were you friends with First Mate Devers? I didn't know him long, but he seemed a good and honorable man."
"th' Jenivere were bein' a regular customer at Port Peril, and a bucket o' chum. Played cards with Devers a few times, seem like a decent lubber. I be sory t' hear he be poxed."
Once the initial distrust is settled Kerndrew and Shalissa tell the story of their Shipwreck and subsequent exile here on Smuggler's Shiv.
"Bloodsuckin' Dragons and vampire gods? Ahoy! ye spiln an impressive yarn. Still I rather weigh anchor before th' night falls. Ahoy! Brin' ye belongin' on board, with a chest full of booty. We wll manage t' clear some space fer ye in th' cargo hold."
The Journey to Port Eleder is a short one, and in the afternoon of the next day you finally reach the destination, albeit a few month later than expected. Standing ion the reeling, approaching the waterfrom of the small city of Eleder, wondering why fate has let you to this forsaken place and where your Journey will lead from here.