Sodden Stories: Scene 1 - Hyrantam

[holydeg]

You huddle together in the scant shelter provided by the collapsed tower, Pixel lighting fire to some gathered driftwood. The wet wood smokes, causing you to choke as you unfurl the map, but at least it provides warmth. The map is not very detailed, but the directions to an inn called The Canopy’s Rest on the other side of Hyrantam, nearer the deep jungle beyond the city, are clear enough. Directions to the local chapter of the Pathfinder Society are laid out from The Canopy’s Rest.

Navigating the “streets” of Hyrantam almost makes you think you are back on the ship; The network of rope bridges proves to be precarious, the narrow pathways swaying and creaking in the wind and rain above the churning water below your feet. Larger spans of water are crossed by ferry using rope and pulley; fortunately, your path only requires one of these agonizingly slow modes of travel.

Eventually, you come to the small portion of the city that has land. 150 years ago where you stand was in the foothills of the mountains, but you don’t really care, you are just grateful to finally have solid footing. Travel is much quicker now, and you shortly find yourself approaching The Canopy’s Rest, it’s weathered wooden sign flapping in the wind. The image on the sign, in formerly bright colors, shows a small team of adventurers around a campfire under a jungle canopy.

Ducking inside you are hit by a wave of fresh cooked meats, cheese, bread, and local fruits. There is a sizable crowd inside as the locals have stopped in for a meal and a pint on their way home from work. Talking with the head of the establishment, one Rollo Greenleaf, a rotund halfling with a perpetual smile and twinkling eyes, you find that your rooms are already paid for the night, and a meal has been scheduled for a later in the evening.

And then Ecmund walks in. There can be no mistaking him; he wears simple leather explorers clothing in a failed attempt to dress down and fit in with an adventuring crowd, but the young dwarf sticks out with his cavalier hat decked in red and orange plumage (though that waterlogged cap is not as grand as it probably was back home). His beard is adorned with galvanized iron jewelry, and he carries a guidebook under his arm, titled “Justinian’s Jungle Jaunts” in gilded letters. He spots you immediately, flashes a welcoming smile and beckons for you to join him at a table and take a seat.

As Rollo brings out your meal, Ecmund greets you, ““Hello there – you must be my companions! Ecmund Swiftstout, pleased to meet you! I’m impressed that the mere mention of my name and promise of adventure was enough for you all to sail here, but that just means you lot have great instincts! By this time next month, they’ll be sharing our names and glories at taverns all across the Inner Sea, hah!””

[JellyBrains]

OUT OF CHARACTER

I was amused to run an escort mission for my group. I should have realized Karma is a witch...

 

[admin]

“Hello, me Pixel!” the goblin says, a large smile on his small face.
“Thank you for food - hungry for travelling on stoopid boat, always moving left and right...” he slowly leans right, then left, contrary to what he just said. Between two mouthful he adds, pointing at the others “Your turn for intoruducktion”... he says, trying and failing to pronounce the word correctly.

Pixel, Goblin Sorcerer 1

[JellyBrains]

Victor steps forward, bows smoothly, takes the opportunity to smell the dwarf at the nadir of his bow.

Victor at your service.

THINKING: What is that smell?

[rednetra]

Good day master Swiftout my name is Ivar. I hope to gain as much experience that I can and lead all my gifts to. Your expedition She says in a whisper

[Jinxs-3d]

Arkyat rumbles forward extending his hand.

“Well met Master Swiftstout, I'm Arkyat.”

[holydeg]

Ecmund joyfully take Arkyat’s large hand and says, “Oh, jolly good! Most glad to make your acquaintance, Master Arkyat!”

He returns Victor’s bow with one of his own, “You look to be well suited for this work.”

The dwarf grins at Pixel, though not his face doesn’t allow as large a grin as Pixel’s. “You are certainly most welcome for the food. We can’t have the team weak from hunger in the jungle tomorrow, can we? ”

Leaning in to better hear Inva, Ecmund whispers back, “Ooh, you’re a quiet one, aren’t you? I bet that means you know your way around the jungle better than any others here!”

[rednetra]

I’m sorry to say Master Swiftstout I am but a simple telekinetic. I have not been in the wilderness as I would like. My kind tends to stay in the shadowsShe smiles widely as she can

THINKING: I think I would talk louder but the shadow in my blood does not let sound travel too far.

[Silverstone]

Tover gives a slight head only bow saying “Tover Lastblock, my weapons are at your service”
THINKING: Hrm, was wondering if this would be an assist someone or "carry me" escort mission... guess that riddle is solved.

[admin]

Pixel picks his nose while waiting on the others...

---

Pixel, Goblin Sorcerer 1

[holydeg]

Ecmund looks intrigued. “Ooh, telekinesis, eh? I’m sure you’ll have some fascinating stories to tell while we are out!”

Looking Tover over, Ecmund declares, “You certainly cut an intimidating figure! I bet even the average Orc gives you a wide a berth,” seemingly forgetting for a moment the presence of Arkyat the Orc.

Pointedly looking away as Pixel picks his nose, Ecmund continues with business. “I hope you all are looking forward to the adventure. We will leave bright and early tomorrow morning! I’ve become quite adept at jungle exploration, so I will lead the way, but I will be relying on you to help deal with any difficulties on the way. Are there any questions?”

[Silverstone]

Tover says “Anything in particular your looking for out there? or just general adventure?”

[rednetra]

As our good compadre master Tover said what do you wish from us and what should we be looking for?

[admin]

Finishing his nose-fishing expedition, Pixel draws closer and pays attention to the discussion, remaining silent himself.

---

Pixel, Goblin Sorcerer 1

[JellyBrains]

Victor organizes his thoughts.

Is there a particular place or person we are seeking in the morning? What is your overall goal? How far along are you in your quest? Are these too many questions?

[holydeg]

“I want to publish my own books on jungle exploration.” Ecmund taps his copy of Justinian’s Jungle to emphasize this, “I believe that there are Jungle Farms from the former nation Yamasa that are still thriving deep in the jungle, and I would like explore these and write a book about them.”

“As to how far along I am, well you are here, and we leave from the inn in the morning; so just the right amount to begin a grand adventure!”

Someone shouts Ecmund’s name from across the room and he looks up. “Ooh, Rirrinishk promised to share a story about when he single-handedly hunted down a Giant Pangolin!” Ecmund stands up from the table, “I’ll be right there, Rirrinishk!” and starts to walk off before turning around. “You didn’t have any further questions, correct?”

If you want to ask more of Ecmund, you can still get his attention, but you are also free to discuss things amongst yourselves.

[admin]

A confused look on his face, Pixel voices out loud “What is a Pinguigolin?” he says, slightly mis-pronouncing the new word.

---

Pixel, Goblin Sorcerer 1

[rednetra]

Master Pixel a Pangolins is a scaly anteater like creature that can ball themselves up for protection. Interesting creatures actually. They tend to be in a dryer ecosystem. the Fetchling says with a smile

[Jinxs-3d]

“Does anyone have any experience with jungles? I’ve got some experience. What are we all bringing to the table for this excursion? ”

[holydeg]

Inva, Pixel, Tover, VictorShow

You recall that the Giant Pangolin is common to the Jungles of The Mwangi Expanse. They are large, smelly anteaters that can roll up to defend themselves. Their thick scales make them difficult to hunt, but are also highly valued for alchemy, folk medicine and crafting - which makes them targets of poachers.

Pixel, VictorShow

What makes the hunt impressive if that they weaponize their musk like a skunk does, and they have deadly attacks of their own if in danger.

[rednetra]

As i stated i am good with moving items with my mind and using that to help defend myself and others. I have a rather good understanding of the Arcana as well as Occultism. I also understand how many different societies work. I have been known to get out of the way should i tumble out of the way. I have a few other talents up my sleeve. She speaks as loud as possible but a whisper to the rest of you.

[holydeg]

Ecmund finishes retreating to the other side of the inn, quickly lost amongst the crowd, and you are now left to your own devices.

OUT OF CHARACTER

I'm going to step back a little at this point narratively. Feel free to have your characters get to know each other, or you can try and learn more about what is coming ahead by talking to locals, or just about anything else you want to do. You can do this as a group, or individually. My responses will be tailored more individually until we are ready to move to the next day. Once your character is ready to be done for the day, please let me know in an OOC tag.

 

[Silverstone]

Tover looks at Arkyat, saying “i bring my weapon and shield to this escort, but wet jungles are not my area of expertise”

He hangs around for a bit while group talks, but is also looking around the room for any fellow gnomes... if he spots any, he will excuse himself and say hello to any fellow gnomes, with the goal/hope they have heard about any particular about any old jungle farms or any particular dangerous he should be prepared for.... in his mind gnomes look out for each other in general and when easy vs all the unlucky non-gnomes out there...

Then regoup back with the group, and eventually head to his not swaying bed

[admin]

In typical Goblin fashion, Pixel concludes; “So to write book, the Feather Dwarf want escort in Jungle.” Pixel shrugs his shoulders.
“At least, he pays food!” he considers a moment, then goes on a quest to find more food.

---

Pixel, Goblin Sorcerer 1

[rednetra]

Inva is listening to everyone talking slowly praying the food that was providing. She will make sure to wrap any cheese and such and save it for later. She is also watching everything. Every time there is movement she is paying attention. Most do useing on the words her new party has to saw. Unless asked she is just paying attention. She makes sure her back is to a wall the best that she can.

[holydeg]

ToverShow

You find a table with three gnomes seated. They introduce themselves as Tink, Mira, and Thistle. As you talk with them (well, mostly Mira, who seems to love the sound of her own voice, you learn about some of the dangers that can be found in the nearby jungle, such as poisonous castor beans, deadly freshwater stingrays, and swarming fire-hornets.

OUT OF CHARACTER

You receive a +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks for Scene 2

 

PixelShow

Pixel easily finds more food. One plate of food seems much spicier than you were expecting. How do you feel about that?

InvaShow

You see:

1. Tover approach a group of Gnomish adventurers who seem familiar with the jungle.
2. A pair of Halfling merchants haggling out a trade deal.
3. A melancholic Elf scribbling in a worn leather journal
4. A group of musicians playing in the corner.
5. Pixel eating yet more food.

[JellyBrains]

Victor strolls through the crowd, savoring a chicken leg. He keeps an ear out for anyone mentioning another Amurrun or any reference to their patron, Swiftstout.

[rednetra]

Inva will stay around just watching and listing till the room slowly starts to empty she will make small talk now and again if anyone comes up to her and she will complement any of the entertainment if there is any but then head off to sleep

[admin]

THINKING: Hmmm this food spicy!

Pixel looks around, and when he thinks nobody is looking at him, he will try to pocket a few pieces of the spicy food (assuming this isn't a liquid).

Satisfied, he turns to the others and tags along, making sure to examine all around him in this new place.

---

Pixel, Goblin Sorcerer 1

[holydeg]

VictorShow

You wander for a while, but there don't seem to be any other Amurrun in today, and you don't notice anyone talking about Ecmund Swiftstout.

Ecmund has procured private rooms for each of you, and you each gradually make your way to bed and sleep soundly. Nothing of note happens during the night, and you wake early, feeling well rested, and trickle down for breakfast in the morning.

Today's breakfast offerings are:

1. Jungle Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of ripe tropical fruits, including mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and bananas, served with a dollop of creamy coconut yogurt and a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes.
2. Plantain Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes made with mashed plantains and coconut milk, served with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Optional toppings may include fresh berries or sliced bananas.
3. Eggs Florentine with Avocado: Poached eggs served atop toasted sourdough bread, layered with sautéed spinach, sliced avocado, and a generous spoonful of tangy hollandaise sauce.
4. Coconut Rice Porridge: Creamy coconut rice porridge simmered with fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom, served warm and topped with a swirl of honey and a scattering of toasted almonds.
5. Jungle Breakfast Burrito: A hearty burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, black beans, diced potatoes, and sautéed bell peppers, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and served with a side of salsa and sliced avocado.

As you eat, you become aware that Ecmund has not shown his face yet this morning, and you recall that Ecmund showed no signs of slowing down his socializing when you departed for bed last night.