Its strange, they looked bigger before. But the robe and kukri are small sized now as Fudrick holds them out.
Fazaam assists by offfering his rope to Fudrick, He ties one end around the Gnome's waist, and hands the other to Ghari.
When Fudrick exits the chamber with both the items and his health, the elf breathes a sigh of relief.
"Good work." He says to Fudrick.
"I'm glad that worked,..." Fazaam mouths quietly to Ghari with an innocent look.
"Now let's get out of here. We'll be able to see better in the sun. "
"AGreed!" FAzaam chimes in a little too enthusiastically. "Let's Go, I long to feel the breeze on my face!"
While you didn't notice anything while below, his relief once you are back aboveground is easily noticed.
Once back on the surface, Ghari makes a quick sweep for anything new or unusual. He takes special care around the "creeper". He is also breathing much easier up here.
The creeper hasn't moved.
Yrar looks at Ghari, "we going?"
Marwan emerges from the dim catacombs and inhales the muggy salt air.
"Ahh, truly it is good to feel Krakis's Kiss on my face again!"
"Well down a knife," Shulim says once they've returned to the surface, "but maybe we're up some relics, lets not wave does tings around the streets o' Musushlat. Der's a chance dat someone is lookin fer dem."
The creeper hasn't moved.
Yrar looks at Ghari, "we going?"
"Yes, soon." Ghari looks at the robe, his sack, and shakes his head. No way I'm going to offer to carry that in this. "Perhaps we could put the robe in one of the silk crates."
***
When everything is arranged, Ghari will take point on the trail toward's town. Once we reach the edge of town, he'll let someone else lead.
Fazaam's Spellcraft Roll for the items: (1d20 8=13)
"Excuse me, may I?" Fazaam asks Fudrick, motioning towards the items.
He cautiously accepts the items, treating them gingerly, or at least carefully, as he examines them.
Fudrick looks at the garments wondering how they went from big to normal size. "Sure Fazaam. Isn't it weird that they changed size? I've never seen anything like that before." He hands them over before examining the forest around them. As he looks up at the sun he turns back to the others, "I am sorry we lost so much time in down there. We really should be going. After all this I could use a rest in a decent bed."
The robe is beautifully weaved black material, which feels like fine wool, and there are small rubies speckling in the weave.
The dagger is burning gold-orange with a hot inner fire. Its serrated edge is curved like a kukri, although it bears no other marks. The dagger seems to fit Shulim's hand well.
While the others examine the garment, Ghari examines the immediate area for loose brush. "If you'll all just step carefully back onto the path, Yrar and I can try to hide traces of our trampling around." He begins adjusting brush to hide broken ends, brushes up the grass as much as possible, and stares mournfully at a large divot in some moss. Any idiot will be able to see that. Can't be helped much.
"Well, Fudrick, in a couple of days it will be just like no one was ever here."
Fazaam hands the items back to Fudrick, shaking his head.
"Other than the fact that these are beautifully made, a little unusual in design, and they are magic, I can't really tell much. Sorry." He gives the robe one final pat. "But I would surmise that they resized themselves to you because they are keyed to your goddess. Take good care of them. They may return the favor."
He turns to Ghari, who is standing impatiently on the path, tapping his foot.
"ALright o great nature warrior, lead on! I have had enough of holes in the ground and carnivorous plants, take us to civilization! Or at least what passes for it in Mushashlat!" He grins.
Marwan smiles at the thought of civilization
"Ah a well-cooked meal and a soft pillow to sit on. A nargeelah filled with good tobacco and a glass of date wine. By the Navigator's Compass I have missed the pleasures of civilization! Onward to Musushlat!"
"Geez Marwan, mate, we've been off Morah's boat fer what? A few hours? You gots ta start passing yer self and learning ta live wit out da silk under yer feat and someone pealing da grapes fer ya."
Ghari can easily follow the trail through the wilderness, it appears to stay close to the beach and eventually starts to rise.
Ahead the party can make out a 40 foot square open area with straggling maize or corn growing. An old man is tending the crops, throwing away weeds onto a large pile of snapped vines and tattered vegetation nearby.
On the far side of the crops is a grass hut with an open doorway. Beyond that the trees start again.
Yrar drops back to guard the rear.
Ghari can easily follow the trail through the wilderness, it appears to stay close to the beach and eventually starts to rise.
Ahead the party can make out a 40 foot square open area with straggling maize or corn growing. An old man is tending the crops, throwing away weeds onto a large pile of snapped vines and tattered vegetation nearby.
On the far side of the crops is a grass hut with an open doorway. Beyond that the trees start again.
Yrar drops back to guard the rear.
Ghari halts in the shadows near the edge of the clearing. Turning back towards the others he whispers, "Marwan and Shulim, most loquacious and friendly of our band. Would you care to speak with this man? I fear the whole group emerging from the woods, armed as we are would frighten him."
Shulim glances over at the farmer and the hut.
"What ya tink we can find out?" Shulim asks, "Gossip er someting?"
"I do not for certes Master Shulim, but as we are about to enter the proverbial dragon's den uninvited, even idle gossip about the town might be useful right now!"
"Our benefactor gave us the name of a contact and a little information, but presuming he was being completely forthright with us, even he admitted the situation may have changed since he was last here. And the common man generally knows a lot more about what's going on than those in charge would usually like them too!"
"And there's, usually, no harm in asking!" Fazaam adds with a grin as he bows to indicate that Shulim and Marwan should go first.
"Geez Marwan, mate, we've been off Morah's boat fer what? A few hours? You gots ta start passing yer self and learning ta live wit out da silk under yer feat and someone pealing da grapes fer ya."
Marwan shudders
"My good and noble Shulim, a day spent without the touch of silk or the taste of a grape peeled by a willing woman is a day of bleak prospects in my most humble of opinions."
Seeing the farmer, Marwan nods at the others.
"I will go ahead and speak with this man fellows. Shulim would you like to assist me?"
Marwan walks out of the jungle and slowly towards the farmer, his hands outstretched
"Excuse me my good friend! I and my associates were heading to Musushlat! Perhaps you could tell me if we are heading the right way?"
Shulim rushes to catch up.
'wat sort o'tings we gonna tell him?' Shulim wonders to himself, 'if he asks our names do we give 'em? How much should we ask? Do we tell 'em about our friends? All dez tings and more aught ta be answered before we go talking wit strangers in a dangerious neck o' da world. I only hope dat when we get to the city we's a bit more cautious!'
Although his thoughts swirl Shulim's face remains neutral as he jogs next to Marwan.
The older man stops his work and moves towards Shulim and Marwan. He stops about ten foot away.
"Musushlat is just over that there ridge, and down. You come from the haunted jungles? not many hunt down there. Even the elves give dat a wide berth. You see dem lights?"
"Anyway I am Vorond, and dis is my plot. Bought and paid fer." He rests his arms on the hoe and waits, his blue eyes wander over everyone like he is choosing slaves or something.
The older man stops his work and moves towards Shulim and Marwan. He stops about ten foot away.
"Musushlat is just over that there ridge, and down. You come from the haunted jungles? not many hunt down there. Even the elves give dat a wide berth. You see dem lights?"
"Anyway I am Vorond, and dis is my plot. Bought and paid fer." He rests his arms on the hoe and waits, his blue eyes wander over everyone like he is choosing slaves or something.
Marwan approaches the man genially
"Good farmer Vorond! Thank you for your information. I am Nabil al-Kerah, a traveller in these parts and this is my companion Milush."
Marwan gestures over to Shulim.
"We and our companions were a bit off course, these jungle paths you know, but thankfully our destination is in sight! Praise The Navigator and his sea-drenched Father!"
Calls to the others.
"Fellows we are near. This fine farmer has set our feet on the proper path, may abundant crops spring forth from his plot as long at the Sun rises above the horizon!"
"Nabil and Milush."
The farmer chews over those names. "Where fer you go to Musushlat? You loss yer ship afta a storm or what?"
"You miss the hangings but der be more to come."
"Nabil and Milush."
The farmer chews over those names. "Where fer you go to Musushlat? You loss yer ship afta a storm or what?"
"A disagreement wit da captin o' da ship we hired, we tought we paid enough ta get us right inta da harbor, and he disagreed. Mayhaps he was right. Wat sort O' trouble is brewing in Musushlat dez days? And don't say da same old ting cuz nothings ever da same in Musushlat."
"A captain got hung with his men, ten of 'em. Dey not get way wiv stealing from Temple for Healing. One was dancin' fer an hour they say."
"You want food an' drink then I got none. My land an' I work free. No slave." He makes a cutting gesture with his hand. "Vorond's place dis."
"Other than the fact that these are beautifully made, a little unusual in design, and they are magic, I can't really tell much. Sorry." He gives the robe one final pat. "But I would surmise that they resized themselves to you because they are keyed to your goddess. Take good care of them. They may return the favor."
Fudrick nods at Fazaam, You are right Master Fazaam. I think I will keep the robes in my pack for now. Shulim, this weapon isn't something I am used to using. I would probably cut my own foot off if I tried to do anything with it. It seems to be the right size for you use. Do you want to take it?"
Fudrick will hang back with the others looking as non-hostile as possible at the farm.
Fudrick nods at Fazaam, You are right Master Fazaam. I think I will keep the robes in my pack for now. Shulim, this weapon isn't something I am used to using. I would probably cut my own foot off if I tried to do anything with it. It seems to be the right size for you use. Do you want to take it?"Fudrick will hang back with the others looking as non-hostile as possible at the farm.
"Gee I don't know Fudrick," Shulim says, clearly surprised at the offer, "dis weapon's probably too good fer da likes o'me. 'Sids I tink yer god may ave given it ta ya. I'm to small and smite-able to disagree wit a god. Mayhaps I'll show ya how ta swing a knife, but I tink da melee weapons are best in da hands o'da mashers din da spell casters."
"A captain got hung with his men, ten of 'em. Dey not get way wiv stealing from Temple for Healing. One was dancin' fer an hour they say."
"You want food an' drink then I got none. My land an' I work free. No slave." He makes a cutting gesture with his hand. "Vorond's place dis."
"No worries, we's just passing through, but we thought we aught ta stop by instead o' skirting yer field just in case ya thought we was up ta someting dishonest. While we here doh, mayhaps you could tell us wat's happened in da city, who's running tings now, and which merchants are safe. Also if ya know about any ships in da harbor it'd be a plus. Seems like we'll need ta hire a ship ta get ta da next port."
Marwan sketches a bow to Vorond
"Indeed it is always wise to have information of the shoals ahead of you in life's travels, as my friend Milush says. Does not The Book of the Navigator say: 'Plot your course through life with greatest care, and listen to the wisdom of your surroundings as well as your navigational charts'? Any news of interest would be appreciated, friend Vorond. Perhaps we can find a few coins to reward you for your time."
The old man shakes his head. "News, go to the market. The rich merchants are this side of the river and the real work gets done on the other. Steer clear of the stockade, its where the grand high mucky mucks put their guards."
"Now I gots to get dis place weeded. So sharp luck and strong winds fer you. Keep a weather eye on yer backs."
The old man turns away. Then he stops briefly and turns back. "Word is that a slaver ship is pressin' but who knows if that be true."
He waves ineffectually at the field, "weeds."
"Well let's move on then." With a nod to the farmer, Ghari takes the point, leading the way over the ridge. When they reach the outskirts of the city he drifts back into the middle of the group.
Fudrick takes the middle position again. As they move past earshot he mumbles something about slavers as he takes a quick look back at Yrar.
Yrar nods to Fudrick. He heard.
Ghari leads the party past the farmfield and through the trees. Over the ridge, he can see through the trees down into Musushlat.
To the left is a hill surrounded by a wooded stockade. Ahead is the open bay with ships and boats working away. The presence of lush trees and bushes mean that the whole sea port is not that open.
The far side of the bay and rivers has numerous buildings and the belch of smoke comes from various sites.
Squinting against the suns reflection off the ocean he tries to make out any movement on the ship. "Marwan, does it look like it may be getting ready to sail?"
The sails are furled and there is movement aboard. From this distance, no one can make out individuals.
The near quay has a larger merchantman, armed with ballista and marked with the Caliph's burning brazier symbol.
When Marwan points out the ship in the harbor, Fazaam's hand twitches, as if anxious to cast a spell. A concerned touch from Hasan brings him back with a wry smirk.
"Your right Hasan," He whispers. "The time will come. We will wait."
"So," He says just loud enough for the others to hear, "Avoid the stockades, watch out for press gangs, and the 'hard-working', ergo supposedly 'honest', merchants are on the other side of the river. Did I miss anything?" He asks with a smile.
Marwan points to the harbor
"The Sea Harem" He whispers
Focussed up the jungle around him, Ghari misses the larger picture. Sensing the party stopping behind him more than hearing Marwan, he looks back at the others, then following their gaze, at the harbor. "Well spotted, Marwan." He says with a rueful grin. Then, quite relieved he says, "At least we caught them."
"So," He says just loud enough for the others to hear, "Avoid the stockades, watch out for press gangs, and the 'hard-working', ergo supposedly 'honest', merchants are on the other side of the river. Did I miss anything?" He asks with a smile.
"Get on board, grab Temusa, and go home?" Ghari smiles. "Oh! and let Yrar crack as many heads as he can on the way." Ghari's smile grows wider. "Unless you plan on talking them to death."
spot: 1d20=13
Shulim catches sight of the ship, although not as fast as Marwan, but Shulim looks past their target and examines the harbor. If they were going to be successful they'd need an escape route. Shulim needed to see if there were ships in the Harbor that they might by passage on.
Fudrick nods at Shulim, "Wise words. A way out once things get rough would be a good idea. I also would like to take a look at this Temple of Healing if we get the chance." He sits down on the ground and rubs the chill from his arms. "I still would like to find a place to rest for a day if we can." With a weak grin he says, "Next time Yrar you better take care of the spiders before I get the crazy idea of standing there as bait again."
"Get on board, grab Temusa, and go home?" Ghari smiles. "Oh! and let Yrar crack as many heads as he can on the way." Ghari's smile grows wider. "Unless you plan on talking them to death."
Fazaam glares briefly at Ghari, then assumes his standard pose, one leg up on a convenient root while stroking his chin as if he had a goatee while seeming to ponder Ghari's suggestion.
"Tempting." Fazaam says at last, after milking the pose for about all it's worth. "But I think we should let Yrar have his chance too. After all, it wouldn't be polite for me to hog ALL the fun now, would it?!" He grins.
Shulim can make out three other cargo vessels, all moored at the far quays. Also there are several fishing smacks , not much bigger than a rowing boat, out to sea.
There are one or two smaller boats, possibly sea going vessels or just coastal cogs, able to travel anywhere within sight of land. These are moored out in the bay like the Sea Harem.
Down below the stockade, there are many wooden buildings surrounding several brightly coloured awnings. They shade an open space about thirty feet square.
Down below the stockade, there are many wooden buildings surrounding several brightly coloured awnings. They shade an open space about thirty feet square.
"Friends, let us make haste. We can spy out the town on our way down, and Fazaam and I are anxious for news of Temusa. Perhaps someone else should lead now that we're here."
Marwan nods
"I think anyone not a former crewmember should be our scout. I know several crewmembers I would not wish to run into on the streets."
"Wise as ever, Marwan. Shulim or Fudrick should lead I think. Yrar is too intimidating."