"Maybe next time we could save da talk about our host till after we left da company of 'is employees? Lets not put people in da situation were day gots to report stuff back, ya?" Shulim says as he glances at Ghari and Fazaam, "now which way we heading? I want ta share some of my ideas but I ain't doing it on dis beach."
Fazaam bows his head to Shulim. "Of course, you are correct master Shulim." He then playfully punches Ghari on the shoulder. "He's talking to you, you great bear!" He stage whispers to his friend with a wink.
Ghari mouths "What'd I say?" to Fazaam behind Shulim's back. He waves to the sailor pulling out to Morah's ship.
He checks his gear especially his bow and arrows. "Generous Marwan, if you would graciously bear that chest of silk, while I walk point, I'll bear it once we are closer to town. Is everyone ready? It will be cooler out of the sun under the trees."
Assuming no dissent Ghari will lead the way into the jungle along a footpath, not a game trail, if possible. Bearing north as much as possible. Once we're roughly a half-mile in, he'll stop so everyone can hear Shulim's thoughts.
"Ok," Shulim says to the others once they've stopped, "Morah seemed like a real nice chap, an' I liked him an' all, but he's still what he is, and his type don't do any ting wit out ulterior motives. Before we met 'em I says ta you guys he might be in cahoots wit da witch, and I'm not quite ready ta put dat theory ta bed yet, but der's a new theory I'm tinking about and I'm hopping dat yous guys can help me tink through it.
"Morah might not have any love fer da witch, perhaps he's helpin' us ta do her a bad turn, but der's certain tings I see beneath the surface, and day could be just ripples and tricks of da sun . . . or maybe someting's lurking. Da sea witch took your sister ta keep you in line, we's learned that somethings happened ta Morah's daughter, and deez two tings might have nothing ta do wit the other, but just remember dat most people stick wit a trick if it works.
"Next Morah gave us some names: Sormash, Venemati, Castille of Cressimorn, and Queen Latallah. We need to ask, real discrete like, about deez people before we dare approach dem. All doe he says Sormash is a friend only a fool walks blindly in a city like dis, all doe Venemati is most certainly an enemy let's not reaveal our hands too soon . . . and deez udder names . . . Morah didn't drop dem by mistake . . ."
The gnome seems lost in thought for a moment, "any thoughts boys? I know I ain't da most observant bloke at times, but I'm real good at tinking tings out . . . so if you guys gots any ideas er thoughts I love ta hear 'em"
The gnome seems lost in thought for a moment, "any thoughts boys? I know I ain't da most observant bloke at times, but I'm real good at tinking tings out . . . so if you guys gots any ideas er thoughts I love ta hear 'em"
"I can track and follow a trail, but these matters run too deep for me. Let us see the town first."
Yrar nods his head to Ghari, "I'm with the Ranger. Let's make sure that the witch is there with her vessel." The Half-Orc raises his hammer, "Maybe we could quick smash her and save the girl."
Fazam listens to Shulim's words earnestly, not realizing that he has once again struck a pose with one foot up on a convenient fallen log. He again strokes his imaginary goatee while he thinks Shulim's words over.
"Master Shulim, I think your on to something. Certainly your theory regarding the witch and Morah makes perfect sense. "Sticks with what works' indeed. I know of a couple of master mages I have met that are still basically one-trick ponies! If your right, it would be fairly obvious that Morah dropped the other names for us to use against her. But, as they say, 'the currents may run deeper than they appear'. Or shallower." He adds after a moments pause.
"Either way" He says relenting to a over-exiteable Hasan and letting the monkey leap into a tree. "Stay Close! Where was I? Oh yes, Either way, I agree with your judgement about approaching the situation with great tact. We should definitely get the lay of the land before we go barging in to see anyone. We have Morah's word that Sormash will be a friendly contact, but he did also warn us to be careful who we showed the letter to, as he is not well-loved in Musashlat. I think we shouldn't mention Morah to ANYone unless we have a serious need to."
"I think I proved on the ship that gathering information subtly is not my strong suit! I shall be happy to chat up a few tavern wenches, Strictly for information of course!" He adds hastily upon seeing the look that Ghari gives him. "But I shall otherwise act as bodyguard or distraction for Shulim and Marwan while they get the feel for what's really going on in the town."
"But first, I second Yrar's brilliant plan!" The elf smiles as he claps the taller half-orc on the shoulder. "Let us first see if the Sea Harem is in the harbor. With any luck, we'll simply be able to sneak aboard and snatch Temusa out from under their noses!" He grins happily.
Marwan nods at the sagacious Shulim
"Indeed you have the mind of a canny rogue my dear Shulim!' He cries
"Morah would not have given us anything that would not be to his benefit. Ice would not melt in that pirate's mouth. We need to enter Musushlat with our eyes open and our hands near our daggers."
Marwan looks around the beach
"We also have to remember that some of us spent a lot of time serving upon the Sea Witch. Running across old shipmates might not be in our best interest."
"Suppose dat depends on who you run inta," Shulim says thinking things over, "der's anoder wrinkle we might have to keep in mind, dis business wit da demon, da witch needed to have prior knowledge of da ting if she went der to meet it . . . who supplied dat knowledge, and more important was your cousin being funded or supplied by anyone? Where'd day find da reason ta dig on dat cursed island."
"We also have to remember that some of us spent a lot of time serving upon the Sea Witch. Running across old shipmates might not be in our best interest."
"dis business wit da demon, da witch needed to have prior knowledge of da ting if she went der to meet it . . . who supplied dat knowledge, and more important was your cousin being funded or supplied by anyone? Where'd day find da reason ta dig on dat cursed island."
"The easiest way to find out would be to ask her. Wise Shulim, could you not be thinking yourself into a corner? Let us see if the Harem is in port, then worry about plans. And Marwan is right. 'twould be best if he, Fazaam, and I were to remain inconspicuous."
Yrar, saying all he thinks to say, lifts his hammer in anticipation of smashing something. "Good to be back in the jungle though. This is my home," he says to himself as he moves away from the group and scans the trees for danger, food, footprints, and trails.
"The easiest way to find out would be to ask her. Wise Shulim, could you not be thinking yourself into a corner? Let us see if the Harem is in port, then worry about plans. And Marwan is right. 'twould be best if he, Fazaam, and I were to remain inconspicuous."
"Could be dat I am, me old master could see through deez tings pretty fast, but I ain't nowhere near his level, and so I gots to pick over every bit o'meat.
"Fact of da matter is we's tracking someting big, nasty, and cunning and altho I ain't no hunter, someting tells me we gots to concentrate on more den da tracks. Let's see if we can find da boat, let's see if we can figure out how well she's guarded, but remember we gots to live and eat in dis city fer a bit, let's keep our eyes open to make sure we ain't gonna get flanked."
"Fact of da matter is we's tracking someting big, nasty, and cunning and altho I ain't no hunter, someting tells me we gots to concentrate on more den da tracks. Let's see if we can find da boat, let's see if we can figure out how well she's guarded, but remember we gots to live and eat in dis city fer a bit, let's keep our eyes open to make sure we ain't gonna get flanked."
"There you surely speak wisdom, Shulim. One day my brother and I tracked a doe. So intent were we on her trail we missed the stalking leopard. We were lucky to escape with our lives. I hadn't thought to apply such knowledge here."
Ghari has no trouble in finding a little used trail, one that game and people but rarely travel on. Although the bushes and trees are not so thick in this jungle, as on Shelitan, either the party must move easily in single file or one or twowill need to break the trail ahead, slowing matters down.
The clearings and patches of tall grass gradually disappear as everyone moves away from the beach. The ground starts to rise gradually as everyone feels the hard packed earth give way to more moist and shadowy ground.
Up ahead and dotted about, Yrar notices the beautiful spreading yellow flowers on the ground with long vines criss-crossing the trail.
Up ahead and dotted about, Yrar notices the beautiful spreading yellow flowers on the ground with long vines criss-crossing the trail.
On Shelitan, I think we were marching something like Ghari, Yrar, Fazzaam, Fudrick, Shulim, and Marwan. We're likely in single file.
Ghari will be looking for better travelled trails on the theory they're more likely to go to town.
"There is certainly nothing wrong with thinking yourself into a corner Master Shulim, as long as you can think your way back out again!" Fazaam grins.
"Rest assured that your wise words have not fallen on deaf ears." He reassures the Gnome in a more serious demeanor. "We shall all stay together, so we shall not fall prey to either press gangs or more dangerous predators, and we shall all watch as best we are able to see what the political situation in Musashlat is before we go announcing our presence or intentions to anyone, be they friend OR foe!"
"There is one bright side!" The elf perks back up. "If those escapees we met on the beach were correct, then any remaining crew are likely transformed, and not likely to be running around town! So running into a former crewmate is one thing we probably don't have to worry about!" He grins again infectiously.
Fazaam, having convinced Hasan to come back, takes his place in the center of the group and readies his bow.
...marching something like Ghari, Yrar, Fazzaam, Fudrick, Shulim, and Marwan. We're likely in single file.
Fudrick pauses, turning to the others. "I agree we should stick with more traveled paths. The chances of finding civilization or someone to direct us there would be much greater. However from past experiences it seems that any unsavory types will expect anyone to use those paths and may set about creating some roadblocks for us. Just something to keep in mind. We just need to be on the lookout, watching the top of the trees to the ground under our feet."
Before the group continues on he says to the group, "Before we continue I just want to say I am sorry for being so withdrawn lately. The voyage on the ship, and, um, Sexi's unexpected outburst has me a little rattled. Being out on the sea brings back those memories of my family before they were slaughtered by those pirates, even my first love was taken from me. All of this seems like so much at times. Yet I can not help knowing what I am doing will bring some justice back into this world. If not for my family" He looks at Ghari and Fazaam, "then for someone elses."
Realizing he has opened up more than he had planned his faces blushes a little. He smiles briskly, "Well daylight is not getting any longer standing here. Lets get moving and remember to watch from top to bottom."
"Top to bottom," Yrar grunts as he follows Ghari. The Half-Orc keeps alert and judges the trail in front, the trees above, the ground below, and the everpresent wall of vegatation on either side.
Marwan shifts to the back of the line
"I will be happy to keep a eye for danger from behind." He says
Listen: 1d20=18, Spot: 1d20+2=12
Marwan scans the trees and listens intently
The yellow flowers have five pointed petals and a white centre, the colour of a beautiful houri's teeth. The vines must spread at least twenty feet in several directions.
Ghari is about twenty feet from the flowers with Yrar breathing down his shoulder. beside them is a twisted tree almost strangled by more vines. However there is a few signs that small animals use the trail. But nothing larger, certainly not a man.
Yrar
Everyone looking around cannot see anything dangerous, just a flower. But then someone spots another such flower about ten feet from the trail, its vines and the bushes seem to cover an angular shape thoroughly. A block or statue maybe. Hard to tell in the shadows...
Yrar puts a meaty hand on Ghari’s shoulder, his breath hot on his neck, “Careful friend. This place seems to be more than just a trail. Looks like something’s over there covered by the vines. Could be part of something called a Creeping Musk Strangler. Not really sure. Never seen one before, but the Elves that taught me about the jungle used to tell me about them. Nasty things! Makes sense if it is and it’s guarding something. Want me to go smash it?” Yrar lifts his hammer ready to make a move.
"What's a creepin' musk strangler?" Shulim asks from the rear.
Fazaam Listens to Yrar with a raised eyebrow.
"Hm. 'Creeping Musk Strangler'? Sounds Dangerous."
The elf looks at his friend Ghari and smiles.
"YOU go first!"
Hasan chortles as Fazaam looks back to Yrar. "Do you know of a way to cross it safely? Or shall we try to go around?" He asks the large half-orc.
"OR, I guess, we COULD, just try smashing it?" He asks, unable to conceal his smirk at the sight of Yrar eagerly brandishing his club.
"What do creeping musk stranglers do, Yrar? If they are dangerous, bypassing it might be the best course."
Yrar, in an enthusiastic state of mind to hit something, misunderstands Fazaam’s jest and lifts his hammer higher. About ready to take a step, Ghari speaks up and questions the Half-Orc. “Not really sure”, Yrar replys. “Don’t know much bout‘em. Just know they exist and they look like that,” Yrar uses his hammer to point towards the plant. “I have a feelin’ though that somebody doesn’t want us here and this flower-thing was put here to guard it. Makes me want to stay here even more. Never been afraid of a flower anyways,” Yrar laughs. “Want me to go first? I’ll smash the flower if it needs smashin’. I’d like to see what’s over there anyhow,” Yrar nudges a chin toward the side of the path and the covered angular object. Before he takes a step, he turns to his companions, “Anybody else know more ‘bout these things?”
“Anybody else know more ‘bout these things?”
Fazaam shakes his head. "Not me my large friend. But the name alone does not endear me towards experimentation either."
Fazaam smiles at Yrar's puzzled look.
"With a name like that, I don't want to put my foot in and find out the hard way!" He repeats in plain common.
:)
"So is day dangerous er what?" Shulim asks, "Why take da chance if day's dangerous, lets see if der's anuder route."
"Well, with 'Strangler' in the name, lets assume that they are dangerous. Just for fun!" Fazaam replies with a wink to Shulim to indicate he is only jesting.
"But I would love to know if they grow wild like this, or have to be cultivated. In other words, is this natural, or at least normal, or was it placed here to protect something?" He asks, pointing with his nocked arrow at the angular object Yrar just indicated.
"Come on Ghar, It's a plant for the Traveller's sake! Find us a way through it. Or better yet, around it! Preferably a way that gets us close enough to check that object out. Without being either 'musk-ed' or 'strangl-ed'." He smiles at his friend.
Marwan pipes up.
"I think if we could stand against foul demons a simple vine, no matter how treacherous will not be our downfall."
"Yeah," Yrar shouts, looking back at Marwan and nodding his head.
"Might be dat dis ting eats rodents, might be dat dis ting ain't even da plant dat Yrar is tinking of, but let's at least try ta treat dis like we's dealing wit someting dangerous. We might not stand a chance against da sea witch if we can't beat a plant, but we also can't stand up against da sea witch if we do someting stupid eder."
"Hm," Yrar grunts at Shulim. "You gotta point little one." Turning back to the Ranger, "For your sister Ghari, might we should save our strength if another path can be found." Turning sideways and swiveling his head to eye all of his companions, "Once she's safe though, I comin' back. No one's sayin' Yrar's afraid of a damn flower. Devil plant or no devil plant, got it?"
Fazaam grins once more at Yrar's statement.
"Sounds like an excellent plan to me Yrar. I'll even accompany you to bear witness! No one will ever say that the mighty Yrar was afraid of a flower!" He declares.
"In the meantime, Caution would seem to be prudent. Ghari, can you find us a path around? I would like to find a way to check out that object over there though. It seems a bit to angular to be a fallen tree or something."
Ghari can see a route through the bushes to a clearing beside the angular shape.
The tangled vines of the yellow flowers do stretch to the nearer side of the clearing, where they lie still. Their tendrils grip the earth tightly.
Ghari can see a route through the bushes to a clearing beside the angular shape.
The tangled vines of the yellow flowers do stretch to the nearer side of the clearing, where they lie still. Their tendrils grip the earth tightly.
"Friends, My own preference would be to skirt the creeper, but I am used to walking the jungle alone. I see a way to get near its roots and that mysterious object. Clearing the trail of this musk creeper, if it is dangerous, may be an aid to any who walk this path. With so strong a party, what could happen? I leave the decision to you."
"Come on scaredy-cat, quit stalling!" Fazaam playfully nudges Ghari with his boot.
"Just be careful Ghar," The elf looks his friend in the eye. "You know how sensitive my refined palate is to foreign flowers and such." He says straight-faced. Fazaam winks at Ghari and readies his bow.
"Let's see what mother nature is trying to hide over here. Ready when you are O 'Great warrior of the Woods'!" Hasan promptly stands tall on Fazaam's shoulders, his little head now higher than his ride's. He imperiously points the way with an arm and a screech that sounds suspiciously like 'Forward, March!'
Yrar is quiet for a few moments as he considers Ghari’s reasoning. His head bounds from side to side, as if a maelstrom is circling in his skull. Finally he speaks, “Look we can’t stand here all day. The girl needs rescuing, so time and our strength is important. Shulim is right to avoid. Ghari is right too, to deal with it now. I say this, we might need an escape route from all this once the girl is rescued. This could be that route we need. We either clear it now or get stopped by it later. Plus, I decided, I ain’t runnin’ from no stinkin’ flower. Now stand back if ya needin’ to, but I’m for testin’ the ground.”
Setting the crates down, Yrar grips his favorite hammer and walks toward the new trail that Ghari has located. Yrar’s intended destination is the angular object.
Eying the vines Fudrick says, "Well finding a way around does seem the most prudent. What do you think about tossing something into the midst of the flowers, or maybe shoot an arrow into one? Of course then we might just piss whatever it is off."
As Yrar walks forwards to the clearing and the oddly shaped bush, Fazaam prepares his bow.
As Yrar walks forwards to the clearing and the oddly shaped bush, Fazaam prepares his bow.
As Yrar walks forwards to the clearing and the oddly shaped bush, Fazaam prepares his bow.
Edit:
The angular stone is festooned with vines and moss. Bushes grow up its sides. The trees manage to cast a shadow over the rock.
As Yrar steps into the clearing, he spots a thin slit in the ground ahead, beneath the square stone block. Eight red eyes blink in a cluster inside the hole.
Suddenly the ground flips open like a lid, throwing leaves and twigs up in a shower. Hurtling out and towards Yrar is a massive spider, as tall as a horse and as wide as a rowing boat. Its fangs glint and that maw looks large enough to swallow a gnome head in one.
The leaping black monster has a yellow diamond on its back and eight long legs ending in sharp points.
The pouncing spider lands before Yrar, and its fangs slice in but Yrar's instincts take over and he just manages to avoid the bite. Even so, the half-orc feels drips of poison fall on his shoulder.
Marwan attempts to slash the huge arachnid, but only manages to get his sword stuck in a creeper vine
Marwan attempts to slash the huge arachnid, but only manages to get his sword stuck in a creeper vine
[ooc]Please tell me Musushlat has a crossbow store.
Shulim charges forward, past Fudrick, around or through the legs of Fazaam, and wedges himself into the bushes next to Ghari.
The gnome's mouth and fingers dance for a moment and suddenly Ghari feels his feet grow lighter, as if they're sitting on cushions of air, and Ghari feels as if he could run for miles.
"Ghari," Shulim yells, "see if ya can flanks dis son' b~#+&."