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Looking toward Lumki, Natesh follows the rest of his party in accepting the aid, "Even if she speaks a different tongue, I will not turn down any aid. I will ask she be careful though. I can't be certain if we will succeed."
As the group readies to head off, Natesh politely gestures to Lumki's tomes asking to be able to examine one of them himself.
@Dr Lazarus "Could be. No one knows for sure. No Iruxi has been there in some time."
"It is a device that allows you to navigate using stars." Jekka says trying his best to explain. "So yes. Like a compass"
Before the agents depart, Nahansa hands them a staff as a gift for help with the sod hounds.
The jungle becomes unforgivingly dense and oppressively humid as the trail winds deeper into the canopied depths. Dappled light shines down through gaps in the leaves above, and although nothing stirs but the dew dripping from the branches above, the sing-song sounds of the jungle wildlife are a constant reminder that one is never truly alone here.
A narrow river rushes through the area, shattering the quiet murmuring of the jungle’s wildlife with its chiming roar. A simple log, coated with moss is the only “bridge” in sight, leading to a small island in the center of the river.
Lumki looks at the log bridge and tsk, getting the PC's attention. She points at her feet and nods. Next she points at the boots of the agents and shakes her head. Lumki moves next to the mossy log and brushes the bottom of her feet across the slick moss, showing how slippery it is. that is until she digs her toe claws into it, instantly catching it.
She then gestures toward the small island in them middle.
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When Azu starts talking to Jekka, Dr. Lazarus looks around confused. He clears his throat and explains, "Jekka isn't here. Remember Mirin said he was staying behind. It's just Lumki, and she doesn't understand us." Studying the log, he adds, "Fortunately, she's able to communicate with us."
Lazarus nods to Lumki. Recognizing the gap is not that wide, the elf gets a running start and leaps over the slippery log to reach the other side.
Lumki looks at Azu a bit puzzled and starts with her mimicking.
Dr Lazarus easily jumps the small gap and lands in the center if the island.
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Azu seems skeptical about the need to cross to the island when it is clear that there are other spots the group might jump across to the other side. Azu takes a moment to look at the island
Then he studies the tree to see if others besides Lumki have recently crossed here.
FInally Azu and Ako jump across. Once there Azu searches the island for any hazards or anyyhing that might explain Lumki's choice of route.
Lumki easily crosses the log and joins the others on the island. She then points to the log and points to the other side of the island.
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"Easy enough plan. I rather be careful than be the one that falls into the water. One of those metal beasts is still lurking about and I rather not get caught off guard."
"A short hop onto the island, move the log, clamber over and we hopefully a little less chance Lumki or any other one of us will fall into the water."
Natesh will attempt to join the others with a leap matching the others onto the island otherwise he tries to careful move over the moss covered log .
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Lazarus realizes that while we Pathfinders don't necessarily need the log to make it to the West side, Lumki probably does. He hops back to the island to try to move the log for her.
He frowns, "I'm afraid it's a bit too slippery for me. Would someone else like to give it a try?" He specifically looks to Khunbish.
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Khunbish steps towards to the water but by the time he reaches, his form has lengthened and narrowed into that of a long constrictor snake. He plunges into the river, swimming along the current with ease, then staying inside ready to grab Lumki or any of his companions should they fall into the water.
Between the might of Griss and Seelah, the log is easily hoisted and moved to the other side of the island.
As the log moves, Azu spots something dislodge from the bottom of the trunk and begin to float down the river. He quickly swipes it out of the water. Inside the bag is a dozen uncut sapphires.
Lumki nods and swiftly crosses leading the PC's further into the forest.
As the trek through the jungle continues, the PCs come upon a clearing with a small stone statue and multiple paths leading away about 4 hours east of the river crossing.
A small, three-foot tall stone statue of a hooded iruxi with its tail curled at its feet rests underneath a tree. The dappled light shining on it glints off of a small plaque attached to the statue underneath the carved iruxi’s feet.
Lumki points her claw in the same direction the statue’s tail points, while simultaneously imitating the statue with her own tail.
The sign underneath the statue is in Mwangi...
Lumki then takes off in the direction that the tail was pointing, looking back at the agents and gesturing to follow her.
After another two hours walking through the jungle, the observatory finally comes into view.
An ancient, partially ruined building looms. The stone walls are almost completely covered in creeping ivy, with a few glimpses of crumbling red sandstone and metallic fixtures showing through.
As they are moving closer to the building, something catches Natesh's eye. A large, stone door set into the ground.
Lumki taps Natesh on the shoulder. She holds a arm up parallel to the ground. Using her other arm, starting above the first, she make a swooping motion down and then back, ending with a finger pointing at the observatoty.
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Lazarus studies the strange gesture from Lumki and raises an eyebrow in confusion. "Perhaps the dear gal is explaining that we must push down on some lever to open this stone door?" He studies the door for any obvious handles or latches.
After a few minutes, if the group still has trouble deciphering her signal, Dr. Lazarus rummages through his pack, reluctantly pushes aside his flask of brandy, until he finds his writing pad. He hands the pad and utensil to the Iruxi and motions to write what she's trying to say. He then retrieves a vial from his bandolier and quaffs a Lesser Elixir of Comprehension.
With the benefit of the elixir, the Doctor reads aloud what she has written.
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Natesh thinks on the matter and admits, "You might be correct Doctor."
"But I think she may be telling this door leads to an underground passage that will bring us into the observatory." In attempt to confirm with Lumki he takes a step forward and points toward the doorway then down directly to the earth then finally complete the arc to point at the observatory.
"If that is the case we should see about making our way through this passage. It may be safer than heading out in the open." Natesh tries to draw the attention of Lumki as he mimes opening the doorway himself and sees if she approves or seeks to offer more clarification.
If Lazarus does begin to making the motion to using the elixir Natesh will stop him. "You can save that for another time if you wish. I have a spell prepared I've been holding in reserve. It will last the hour and let me understand the language for an hour. Hopefully long enough until we leave."
He then will begin speaking toward Lumki, motion his hand to his mouth and then toward hers. If she begins speaking Natesh will cast comprehend language.
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As the rest of the group works out Lumkis meaning, Seelah has her longsword drawn and her shield in a defensive position.
"I do not like being in the open like this... Whatever we do, let us do it quickly before we lose this opportunity of surprise"
Seelah remains vigilant scanning the sky and their surroundings
Lumki looks a little taken aback once the agents pull out their weapons, until she notice them not looking at her.
Lumki takes the note pad and scribbles down the notes and hands it back. Afterwards, she reaches down and with a little effort, opens the stone door.
Dr Lazarus is able to decipher her scribbles and is very simple. Secret underground tunnel that leads to the observatory. Used as an emergency escape route. How most of the Iruxi made it out when Paravaax took over
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While the party is considering the next steps, Dr. Lazarus suggests, "If we're hoping to get the upper hand on Paravaax, it would seem using a secret underground tunnel would be ideal." He looks around to each member of the group. "Shall we?" With a hammer in one hand and his elven curve blade wielded in the other, he follows the group in.
The agents head into the tunnel. They come out of a hatch in a tight corner of the building.