Oy, gameplay thread here fellas!
For several months, possibly even years, there have been reports of banditry in the jungles to the south. Merchants carrying precious loads of rare goods from the jungle lands have been waylaid, their goods taken and their men captured or killed. Even then, those who survived these raids had to face headhunters, brain fever, giant leeches, cannibals, and leopards. Few men ever returned.
The stories they told were fantastic and addled, surely brought about by disease and the horrors with which they had to deal. Singing snakes, twisted and deformed ape-men, men who were not men, and writhing, horrid flowers filled their tales — surely such things were not to be believed. Nonetheless, something had destroyed the caravans.
Furthermore, none of the goods taken from the caravans has ever appeared in the markets of the north, at least as far as the merchants can tell. Some were certainly identifiable — rare pieces of art, scrolls, books, and other items destined to fetch good prices in the kingdoms of the north. It could only mean that someone or something was hoarding a great treasure in the jungle. Prompted by this information, adventurers set out to find the bandits and gain their treasure. Your party is one of these. The long journey was filled with hardship, but fortunately, peaceful tribes and villages were found to ease the journey.
Last night you arrived at such a village. The chief and the shaman met with your party. In answer to your questions, they told of the yuan ti, or demon-men, and their hateful minions, the tasloi. These come from the forest, raiding and kidnapping. Those taken are never seen again. Only recently the chief's son was stolen. The chief knows you are experienced warriors, and he wants to make a deal . . .
Chui is proud to have navigated the party safely this far inland, though he’s at the limits of areas he’s even slightly familiar with. He’s dealt with his own clan chief, and knows something of how they operate.
To the party, in private consultation:
These tales agree with what I have seen in my own lands. I have not heard the names Yuan-Ti, or Tasloi, which means that they are interlopers. Surely they will have not taken care to avoid disturbing the land, and built things that are out of place. I believe that helping this tribe will give us useful information. Let us set out tomorrow, as I have been prepared for action rather than investigation. Once I rest I will have the ability, perhaps, to use my magic to locate his son before we set out, so we know where to search.
.
Edit: Chui racks his brain, trying to think if he does in fact know anything about these creatures.
What do I know of yuan-ti or tasloi with the below knowledge checks?
Takeda bows to the Chief his left hand covering his right fist held before him and says, "Noble Chief, I and I suspect my companions, would be honored to assist you in your time of need. If you can help us as well, it would be greatly appreciated. Please, what is your proposal?"
Hanuhpah waits and watches as is custom. The villages and towns were places of the small eyed, small mouthed folk and the spirits rustlinf here were strangers to him. Though by the feel of it he was unsure the jungle spirits in these parts would be any less strange.
He considered the concept of the yuan-ti as demon men. Tbough all who dwelt upon the ground were demons according to the Old Ones of the tribe. Hanuhpah stretched bis toes out longing for the feel of bark and moss beneath them. Truth be told the sooner they could leave the better.
Chui is proud to have navigated the party safely this far inland, though he’s at the limits of areas he’s even slightly familiar with. He’s dealt with his own clan chief, and knows something of how they operate.
[dice=Sense Motive to see if any key information has been withheld, or the chief is otherwise suspiciously reticent] 1d20+15
The chief is being frank, his son was stolen. He's willing to induct the outsiders into the tribe if they can get his son back.
To the party, in private consultation:
These tales agree with what I have seen in my own lands. I have not heard the names Yuan-Ti, or Tasloi, which means that they are interlopers. Surely they will have not taken care to avoid disturbing the land, and built things that are out of place. I believe that helping this tribe will give us useful information. Let us set out tomorrow, as I have been prepared for action rather than investigation. Once I rest I will have the ability, perhaps, to use my magic to locate his son before we set out, so we know where to search..
Edit: Chui racks his brain, trying to think if he does in fact know anything about these creatures.
What do I know of yuan-ti or tasloi with the below knowledge checks?
Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
You know that the Yuan-ti were once human. But a curse had befouled their blood with serpent genes. As for the Tasloi, they may be here before humans.
As part of the private conversation. ”Being inducted to the tribe sounds good, should put us on better footing with negotiations with other tribes. I look forward to finding these demon men and their allies so that we may test our mettle. To that end my good Chui, I suppose we are all counting on you.”
Absently swatting away yet another insect, the ready-looking Ratfolk lazily leans on the bottom half of a 6' tall budding coconut palm.
Dressed in brown leathers, tiny blue eyes scanning the faces of those around the group, Jaidu smiles up at the Chief.
So, you mentioned a deal...
Absently swatting away yet another insect, the ready-looking Ratfolk lazily leans on the bottom half of a 6' tall budding coconut palm.
Dressed in brown leathers, tiny blue eyes scanning the faces of those around the group, Jaidu smiles up at the Chief.
So, you mentioned a deal...
"Why, yes, I did. 1 gold bar for each of you, if you bring home my son safe and sound. That and being inducted as part of the tribe."
”Did these things raid your village? Or, would you be able to take us where your so. Was taken?” Takeda asks hoping to find someone to battle today. As always, his polite manner is offset by his constantly wide eyes and mischievous grin. (Hence his 9 Cha, no one is ever sure how to take him)
That's not a whole lot of gold for the risk they're taking. But if the yuan-ti are the ones who have been raiding caravans, they likely have enough treasure to make this worthwhile. Besides, rescuing people is always a good thing. Nuriyah nods to the chief, fiery 'hair' swirling around her shoulders. "Very well. I have heard of yuan-ti in Tashalar, it is said that they can transform themselves into ordinary-looking serpents. Do you know if this is true? I have never seen one myself."
Jaidu quickly turns to face behind his former lazing position. The gunglinger Ratfolk--revolver in hand, as if my magic--pointed straight at the budding 6' tall coconut palm. He seems to be looking at something.
Yup! Dat a do it! We want'n ta just camp here; wait fer dem snake fellas to return to da stor'?
Jaidu turns back about to face the group and the chief (revolver mysteriously back in place) ; an apparently appeased posture planted before them.
It was a strange group Timerus had joined.
he had stood watching the group talk to the chief. He stepped forward and looked at the Chief.
Can you share with us Why your son would be kidnapped by these beings. Have you been contacted by them after? Surely there was some motive involved...
”Did these things raid your village? Or, would you be able to take us where your so. Was taken?”
"I have scouts and guides that know where their city is. But they are too scared to venture into the city themselves."
"Very well. I have heard of yuan-ti in Tashalar, it is said that they can transform themselves into ordinary-looking serpents. Do you know if this is true? I have never seen one myself."
"I've never seen such abominations such as yaun-ti."
Can you share with us Why your son would be kidnapped by these beings. Have you been contacted by them after? Surely there was some motive involved...
"I think my son was in the wrong place at the wrong time. They come out only at night."
"I think we just need a direction and a distance." Takeda says looking at the others for agreement.
The Ratfolk takes a few wandering steps about the group gathered around the Chief and Shaman. He idly whistles a nameless tune. He dusts some dirt off his sleeve.
Stopping in front of the Chief and Shaman, Jaidu looks them in the eye.
Sounds like we hav'n un bargain, Chief! Dere be supper, drink and music fer dis inductee ceremony?
He looks up into the sky. He licks a finger; he lifts it up into the air. He bends down to trace a bit in the dirt. He tosses some dirt into the air (it blows away from the group).
Turning back around, the Gunslinger winks.
Looking like rain tomorrow.
"Fear not, I'm sure it will hamper our enemies as much as it does us." Takeda says in response. A little shower every now and then was good for you.
"I think we just need a direction and a distance." Takeda says looking at the others for agreement.
"I'll have three of my men guide you there," the Chief promises.
Chui looks up at the sky, then over at the ratfolk.
It is the rainy season, after all. That will be a safe bet.
Then he turns back to the chief and shaman.
How far is it? And what guards are they known to have? It may be best to guide us only part of the way, lest your warriors be exposed.
Hanuhpah looks over the Ratfolk quizzically. "It is always raining during wet season. When it's not it's only so the clouds can intake breath."
Hanuhpah looks up at the sky and back towards the treeline and squints. "I do not like it here."
Then he turns back to the chief and shaman.
How far is it? And what guards are they known to have? It may be best to guide us only part of the way, lest your warriors be exposed.
"It's a hearty ten mile hike across a valley. Don't worry, my people will lead you to an entrance that is unguarded."
Quickly allowing any more talk of weather blow by, the Ratfolk places a hand up to call attention to the Chief and Shaman.
So, how can we be initiated into the Tribe?
"I believe that is for after we recover the chief's son, Jaidu. We must prove ourselves first." Nuriyah fiddles with her dagger, impatient to be going. "The sooner we go, the greater the chance of finding him alive."
The Gunslinger then laughs. He swats another insect.
Now that is definitely a better plan! Lead the way!
The Ratfolk sniffs the air, before checking his gear. He does bring out his two Wands.
He offers for anyone else.
The alchemist has been silent during the chief's proposal, now he speaks "It's seems a fair bargain - we rescue your son, get a gold bar apiece become members of the tribe, and keep whatever treasure we find. A deal we have! Let us drink on it!". He offers round a flask of strong liquor, and then continues " You have never seen these rumored Yuan-Ti abominations, fair enough, but presumably you have seen these Tasloi. What do they look like? What weapons do they carry? What tactics do they favor?"
Nuriyah nods to the ratfolk. "Your spells would be appreciated." While she can endure the heat better than most thanks to her heritage, the spell from Jaidu's wand will definitely make the trip more comfortable.
The chief hands over a drawing of what the tasloi looked like. "I don't know of their tactics," says the chief. "But they are scary in large numbers."
Timerus looked at Jaidu and smiled. It appears you've dabbled in how to use magic foreign to you as well. I carry a wand that can heal, though it is not something I can do naturally. I would very much like to share in the magic of your wands, if it wouldnt be a burden on your capabilities.
Jaidu bows to Nuriyah.
One for enduring the elements; the other to keep your things dry. Both come in handy in this Jungle. Unfortunately, only the Caster may cast Fastidiousness upon himself.
He holds the wands out to Timerus.
Help yourself, my good man.
Phoebe finally drags herself out into the ungodly jungle heat wearing the hot weather clothing and her gear and she looks around and slides up to listen to the end of the conversation and says alright, this sounds like a wonderful jungle hike. Do you happen to know a path or river deeper or closer so we can walk there or boat ourselves back out when we are done? What is unguarded now may not be when we are done she asks having lightly oiled everything, used her whetstone, and put on the best gear coin could buy
"Ah, I see. A pity, but sometimes that is simply the way of magic." Nuriyah shrugs. Already the humid jungle heat feels much more bearable, so she can deal with being a little damp. "I have explored and fought in the jungles of Tashalar, this will not be my first time traveling in the wet."
...
To the party, in private consultation:
These tales agree with what I have seen in my own lands. I have not heard the names Yuan-Ti, or Tasloi, which means that they are interlopers. Surely they will have not taken care to avoid disturbing the land, and built things that are out of place. I believe that helping this tribe will give us useful information. Let us set out tomorrow, as I have been prepared for action rather than investigation. Once I rest I will have the ability, perhaps, to use my magic to locate his son before we set out, so we know where to search.
...
"I believe that is for after we recover the chief's son, Jaidu. We must prove ourselves first." Nuriyah fiddles with her dagger, impatient to be going. "The sooner we go, the greater the chance of finding him alive."
"So are we going today, or are we making haste slowly?" asks Tyug'u. He continues "If we delay, I have little to add. Divination is hardly my field. Do any of you have any information to share?"
If we are guided, we can leave sooner. Without guides, I would have planned to scry on the chief's son. As is, I will ask the chief for an artifact of his son's, should the need for scrying arise another day.
Chui gestures to the woods. Windaghi and I can be ready to move at a moment's notice.
” i’m ready to leave now. I think it is best if we were to save the son.” Takeda adds.
Tyug'u falls quiet for a minute, as he communes with Miya, his tumor familiar, plumbing it's well of knowledge:
1 rank +3 trained+1 int+3 Sage Knowledge+8 Skilled
2 rank +3 trained+1 int+3 Sage Knowledge+8 Skilled
2 rank +3 trained+1 int+3 Sage Knowledge+8 Skilled
Hanuhpah didn't bother with much advanced preparation beyond picking the village mud out between his toes. His was more of a reactionary tool set, and the tiny dinosaur kept in the sack at his belt was content to snooze away the wait for the guides.
K(History), anything about the lost city: 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 8 = 29
The lost city was lost to one of the tribe's locals as they went in and burned it. However, it didn't burn to the ground. And now is occupied by monsters.
K(Local), about the Tasloi: 1d20 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 8 = 36The Tasloi are throwbacks to an earlier age. They resemble small [i]Homo Erectus
and are related to humans. They are territorial and occupy the Forbidden City.
K(Local), about the Yuan-ti: 1d20 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 3 + 1 + 3 + 8 = 34
The Yuan-ti used to be human. But their blood has become mingled with the serpent. Some of them are human looking, some are part snake, and some are all snake with a human-like feature: arms, a head, or something like that.
Jaidu puts away his wand. The Ratfolk then begins to walk in a direction. He stops.
It looks like we got ourselves a deal.
He then looks at their guides.
Which way, chief?
alright, let's see if we can't save ourselves a boy and solve a mystery while we are at it! Phoebe says rubbing her hands together
Chui approaches the clan chief quietly. In case anything in the city is not what we expect, do you have some relic of your son I could bring? That would aid me in finding him with magic, especially if these wazungu become distracted by treasure.
Jaidu smiles at Chui's comment.
The Ratfolk gunslinger just shrugs in the affirmative.
Chui approaches the clan chief quietly. In case anything in the city is not what we expect, do you have some relic of your son I could bring? That would aid me in finding him with magic, especially if these wazungu become distracted by treasure.
The chief gives you one of his son's totems. A magical crocodile that one puts around the neck. "This was my son's, perhaps you can locate him with this," he says.
”Thank you,” Takeda says to the chief and bows. He does so with his characteristic impish smile which takes all sincerity out of the gesture.
Timerus takes the wands from Jaidu and nods and then looks them over before pulling in his arcane energies to manipulate the wands. The spells cast he hands them back to Jaidu. and points to the wand case on his left hip. Should you ever need healing, this wand case here has the wand in it. If I cannot hand it to you, just pull it out.
He listens to the what the strange familiar the Half Orc has...odd that an Alchemist has a familiar....but that that is the way of magic, it picks and chooses who it helps and how.
He moves and looks out into the jungle, excitement building. A new ruin to explore even while doing something good. It would be a new challenge....
The three guides meet you and said, "We are here to guide you to the Forbidden City!" They are armed with spears, with little armor or none to speak of. One of them is portly, not obese, just that he has a large belly. The others are rail thin.
Hanuhpah perks up at the arrival of the guides. "We go now, yes? Jungle is only marginally safer during day than night."
"We go when you are all ready," another of the guides says.
”Lead on. Takeda says to the guides, confident the others are ready to be about business as well.
Jaidu laughs at Timerus.
Got one of those myself! Jungle ain't kind. Let's go exploring!
"If there are no other preparations to be made, time to march"