Gather ‘round, travelers and seekers of tales, for the story that unfolds tonight is one of cunning, chaos, and a dash of destiny. Under the starlit sky, let us revisit the bustling streets of Port Nyanzaru, where our band of adventurers found themselves entangled in a plot thick with intrigue and danger. This tale follows closely on the heels of their respite in this vibrant city, where they had anchored their hopes and plans. But little did they know, their journey was about to take a turn into the realms of mayhem.
In the heart of Port Nyanzaru, whispers of “Batiri!” followed Corema Sabugueiro like shadows, sparking fear and curiosity among the locals. Zermos and Mealltair too felt the weight of wary eyes upon them, their presence at the Dry Docks stirring the pot of local intrigue. This bustling trade hub, alive with the sounds of working craftsmen and the rich aroma of sea salt and timber, held secrets and stories in every corner.
A chance glance at a notice board revealed a tapestry of quests and characters that painted the vibrant life and perilous undertakings within Chult. The missing Arthus Cimber, sought by his worried daughter; Undril Silvertusk’s plea for aid in a mission of mercy; these were but the first whispers of the jungle. Among these calls to adventure, offers from guides promised safe passage through Chult’s treacherous jungles.
Azaka Stormfang, offering her unmatched knowledge of the land; Eku, whose wisdom and deep respect for the jungle and its ancient ruins were renowned; Faroul and Gondolo, an unlikely duo brimming with charm and bravado, who owned a dinosaur; Hew Hackinstone, a battle-hardened dwarf with a vendetta against dragons; Musharib, offering strength and loyalty; and Salida, known for her cunning and deep connections within the jungle.
Each guide, with their unique skills and stories, beckoned adventurers to explore the mysteries of Chult. Yet, despite these enticing prospects, Corema, Zermos, and Mealltair’s focus remained unswayed—their pursuit of an orb belonging to members of the Lords’ Alliance driving them forward into unknown dangers.
Guided by Corema’s spell, they navigated the labyrinthine streets of Port Nyanzaru with a purpose. Corema, familiar with the object they sought, had been able to cast the spell that now led them. Their journey first took them through the Grand Souk, a place teeming with life and commerce. It was one of the three beating hearts of Port Nyanzaru—the others being the jewel market and the Red Bazaar. The Grand Souk stood out as the grandest among them, a hub where traders from up and down the Sword Coast converged. From timber, spices, medicines concocted from jungle plants, to dinosaur skulls and claws, iron, tiger pelts, carved ivory, Batiri and grung handiwork, colored feathers, tropical fruit, monkeys, plesiosaur meat—all the riches of Chult were traded here.
The market came alive before sunrise and buzzed with activity well into the night. It was a noisy, jostling, aroma-rich circus where guards tried to keep order amid the urchins and pickpockets. Street performers and tabaxi minstrels added layers to the cacophony. Colorful awnings stretched overhead, offering protection from sun and rain but trapping the heat and smells below.
As they navigated the vibrant chaos of the Grand Souk, their journey eventually led them to the outskirts of the Red Bazaar. Despite its bustling atmosphere, the Red Bazaar was a prelude to a more serene yet equally captivating destination that lay ahead. Their path took them not through the heart of the bazaar but to its edge, where their destiny awaited at Kaya’s House of Repose.
Nestled between the frenetic market and the sought-after tranquility, Kaya’s House of Repose offered a striking contrast to the surrounding chaos. This remarkable establishment served as an oasis of calm amidst the city’s relentless pace, providing luxury and security behind guarded doors for both travelers and locals.
Spanning three floors of exquisite design, it catered to the upper echelons of society and discerning visitors from afar. The inn was easily identifiable by its stylized symbol of a sleeping eye, symbolizing an invitation into a realm of tranquility. At the entrance, two robust local Chultans stood like sentinels, emphasizing the establishment’s commitment to blending comfort with safety for those looking to immerse themselves in the port’s rich cultural tapestry after a day of exploration.
Their search took a promising turn upon reaching Kaya’s House of Repose. Guided by Corema’s spell, which dissipated with impeccable timing, they found themselves at a critical juncture. It was here, near a bar inside Kaya’s that served an array of drinks, that Corema’s keen eyes spotted Barron. As one of the orb’s keepers, Barron was a pivotal figure in their quest, his presence near the establishment marking a significant development in their journey.
With their plan as rough as the cobblestones beneath their feet, they stood at the threshold of Kaya’s House of Repose. Teetering on the edge of uncertainty yet propelled forward by the tantalizing promise of what discoveries lay ahead, they were ready to delve deeper into their adventure.
Inside the inn, their hastily devised plan began to unfold in an improvised manner as each companion undertook their distinct role in the unfolding drama. Mealltair, using his spells, transformed himself into the visage of a very old, almost ancient man. His performance was so convincing that the woman tending the bar believed his story about searching for three younger lads and his urgent need for a toilet.
Unable or unwilling to leave her post, she summoned assistance while consulting a book behind the counter. A guard named Emuli arrived, and after a brief exchange in the local language that remained a mystery to the group, he began guiding Mealltair upstairs.
Simultaneously, Corema and Zermos entered the restaurant section of the inn, where they were greeted by a middle-aged woman who might have been Kaya, the owner, though they couldn’t be certain. She led them to a table for two, handed them menus, and then stepped away to allow them some privacy to make their selections. In a strategic move, Corema dispatched Pip, now in the form of a raven, to discreetly follow Mealltair and Thalia.
Thalia explored the limits of her newfound abilities, discovering she could communicate telepathically with Corema and Zermos. Additionally, she found she could render herself invisible, which she promptly did before heading in the same direction as Mealltair.
As these events unfolded simultaneously, the companions found themselves navigating their unique challenges within the inn’s labyrinthine structure, each separated from the others.
Mealltair, guided by Emuli, traversed the middle floor’s corridor, weaving through the inn’s patrons and obstacles until they reached another staircase. Together, they ascended to the top and last floor, entering a network of corridors that promised further adventure. Meanwhile, Thalia, cloaked in invisibility, maneuvered her way through the crowded space to reach Mealltair. With careful precision to avoid contact with Emuli or anyone else that might reveal her presence, she gently tapped Mealltair on the shoulder. Recognizing her touch, he subtly stepped aside to let her pass and take the lead.
Kaya approached Corema and Zermos once more, this time to take their order. To her delight, they had independently opted for Chakalaka, a spicy stew celebrated for its depth of flavor. Recognizing their adventurous spirit, she recommended pairing their selection with tej, a traditional drink distinct from the honey-mead known in the North due to its unique fermentation process from honey. Intrigued by the opportunity to delve deeper into local traditions or perhaps just to get rid of Kaya, Corema and Zermos were quick to embrace her suggestion.
Amidst these separate but interconnected paths, the sequence of events unfolded with a mix of stealth, magic, and anticipation. Emuli guided Mealltair through the winding corridors of the building. Their steps were measured and silent as they approached the last door on the right. Emuli knocked once, pausing for a moment in anticipation, but no response came. A second knock, more deliberate than the first, finally broke the silence. After what seemed like an eternity, the door creaked open, revealing Ferrin, one of the Baldurians, standing in the doorway.
Meanwhile, Thalia, ever vigilant and stealthy, was lurking nearby. Her keen senses picked up on an unusual darkness that reminded her of the ominous shadows aboard the Brazen Pegasus. It was only after Emuli’s second knock that a change occurred; a soft humming that had been imperceptible before began to fade away. As it did, Thalia noticed the darkness receding and glimpses of light sneaking through the small gaps above and below the door, signaling that the time to act was drawing near.
Corema’s curiosity and wisdom elsewhere prompted her to cast a spell in search of guidance for their next move. Her spell successfully revealed the location of the orb they were desperately seeking. Without hesitation, she relayed this crucial information to Thalia and Zermos, ensuring they knew with certainty that they were in the right place. This connection between Thalia’s readiness and Corema’s discovery underscored the synchronized efforts of their team, as they edged closer to their goal.
In the midst of the chaos, a frenzied scramble for the orb ensued, unfolding in a whirlwind of actions that seemed almost nonsensical.
Almost.
Mealltair managed to slip into the room with ease, his entrance barely hindered by the confusion that reigned. An old man was heard, his voice cutting through the din as he called out for his nephews. Emuli, having accomplished what he came for, retreated back to his post.
Invisible and unnoticed, Thalia seized her moment. In a blink of an eye and with swift motions, she went inside unnoticed. With a stealthy move, she glided past Mealltair and Ferrin, her presence undetected as she made her way to the Orb.
Outside of their immediate perception, Corema was orchestrating her own brand of chaos. Through the eyes of Pip, she watched and then commanded the creature to sow further confusion within the already tumultuous room.
As the pivotal moment unfolded, chaos erupted with a clarity that only true chaos can bestow. Ferrin, Barron, and Magus, far from being taken by surprise, quickly discerned the underlying currents of deceit and manipulation at play. Their keen senses had alerted them to the fact that the situation was far more complex than it appeared. In a swift response to the unfolding drama, Ferrin grappled with Mealltair, trying desperately to hold him back.
Amidst this whirlwind of action, Thalia made her daring move. She swiftly picked up the Orb from the table, an action that compromised her position and made enough noise to betray her presence to Barron and Magus. The duo wasted no time, launching a fierce assault that left Thalia teetering on the brink of defeat.
Clutching the Orb with a grip born of desperation, Thalia staggered toward the window, a beacon of hope amidst chaos. The Orb, warm to the touch and pulsating with an ancient power, nearly slipped from her grasp as she was battered by the relentless onslaught from Barron and Magus. Each step she took was a testament to her unwavering resolve, a mere inches away from fulfilling their grand vision. It was the culmination of their journey, a moment teetering on the brink of triumph and disaster.
But this was not a challenge she faced alone. A couple floors bellow, Corema watched intently through Pip’s eyes, who was just close enough to Thalia… Corema’s heart racing with anticipation. Understanding the gravity of the moment, Corema summoned her will and directed Pip with a silent command that resonated with the urgency of their quest. With a precision born of unspoken trust and unity, Pip delivered the crucial nudge at the precipice of defeat.
The Orb began its descent from their third-floor, cutting through the air like a comet streaking across the night sky. As it plummeted toward the ground below, the specter of it shattering upon impact threatened to unravel their dreams in an instant. Yet, in this moment of sheer vulnerability lay their greatest strength—a testament to the power of unity and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to reach beyond themselves.
As the Orb descended, all eyes were fixed upon its trajectory, hearts beating as one in anticipation of the impact that would determine their fate.
Zermos, having just left Kaya’s House of Repose, knew the general direction of the Orb thanks to Corema’s insight and was just around the corner when he witnessed the Orb descending, a beacon of hope amidst his desperation. With every ounce of determination, he lunged forward, trying to catch it. Pip, under Corema’s guidance, fluttered around the Orb, fighting against gravity in an almost vain attempt to slow its fall—a tiny bit of intervention that proved crucial for Zermos to bridge the gap in time, albeit at a significant price.
Baron and Magus launched daggers in Pip’s direction, with Baron’s aim missing its intended target while Magus’s blade struck true. The hit caused Pip, who was no ordinary bird but a magical familiar, to vanish instantly, unveiling a major flaw in their otherwise chaotic but cunning plan. This was one aspect they hadn’t fully considered: Zermos being recognized.
From a window above, having just disembarked from the seven-day journey aboard the Brazen Pegasus an hour earlier, Baron and Magus spotted Zermos, who, with a final burst of speed, reached the Orb just in time. Although he lacked the finesse to securely catch it, his intervention mitigated the impact. When the Orb finally hit the ground, it did so without sustaining any damage.
Corema, feeling her bond with Pip sever, hastily left the inn without waiting for her Chakalaka to be served. She ran towards her comrades, driven by the urgent need to regroup after this unexpected turn of events.
Ah, how they yearned for it to be a simple heist… Yet, deep in their hearts, they knew that the allure of such a priceless treasure would never surrender itself without casting them into the depths of a mesmerizing and formidable challenge.
Mealltair, in a desperate attempt to escape, smartly broke a flask of oil of slipperiness he was carrying. This quick thinking gave him the tiny edge he needed to free himself from the grapple, though it came at the cost of injuring himself with broken glass in the process. Once free, he wasted no time dashing away from that room.
Meanwhile, Thalia, injured and fearing for her life, found herself running through the corridors of Kaya’s House of Repose. Her progress was momentarily stalled when several nobles, all laughing and frolicking while sipping drinks, left a room together, effectively blocking her way. In a desperate bid for freedom, Thalia saw no other option but to take a bold leap. She jumped through a window on the second level of the inn, rolling across the roofs before gracefully landing on the streets of Port Nyanzaru.
Mealltair, following Thalia’s lead, chose the same route of escape through an open window. However, his exit was far from graceful. His chaotic descent involved dislodging roof tiles, tumbling over a wagon pulled by a dinosaur, and finally crashing to the ground in a disorderly heap. Despite the tumultuous sequence of events and the less-than-soft landing, it’s remarkable that he, much like Thalia, emerged without any injuries.
After some trouble, they all found themselves somewhat unintentionally heading in the same direction, towards the Grand Souk. This wasn’t exactly planned, but thanks to Corema’s clever use of the Mistcaller Locket, a magical item they had “acquired” while aboard the Brazen Pegasus, she was able to summon mists that not only helped them escape but also seemed to shake off their pursuers.
Upon reaching the Grand Souk, Corema had a very particular object in her sights: a lead box. In Chult, such an item was not something easy to find, especially to the untrained eye, and might have remained concealed from anyone else. However, after an quick but careful search, Corema’s perseverance paid off when she finally discovered the elusive box she had been searching for, tucked away in a tent dedicated to Herbs and Poisons.
What added to the enigma was the presence of writings on each item this place, and even behind the seller that proclaimed “sanctioned by Jessamine.” This phrase cast a veil of mystery over how items, typically associated with harm and malice, were not only legal but also carried the sanction of a Merchant Prince. The official endorsement or regulation by such a high-ranking figure lent an unexpected legitimacy to the items within, stirring questions and intrigue about the true nature of their use and acceptance in this bustling marketplace.
Initially, the vendor was hesitant to sell them the box. However, he proposed a deal: if they purchased two of his poisons, he would gladly deliver the items within the led box. This transaction took an unexpected turn when it came to payment. The labels on the items had listed one price, but when they were ready to pay, the vendor mentioned a higher price due to taxes.
This was their introduction not only to the vibrant market of Port Nyanzaru, where they discovered items priced significantly higher than those in Baldur’s Gate, but also to the unique tax system in place. In Port Nyanzaru, each Merchant Prince imposes taxes on specific items, which accounts for the variations in pricing. This added a new dimension to their grasp of the local economic landscape, deepening their understanding of commerce within this bustling city.
The prices had increased just enough that they couldn’t afford even the most inexpensive poisons. With not enough funds and a pressing need to acquire the box, their desperation was evident to anyone passing by.
It was under these circumstances, that could only be described as a blend of fate, destiny, or an extraordinary twist of fortune, a woman approached them. Her appearance, cloaked in robes of the deepest blue and graced with an amulet of Savras, unmistakably identified her as a devout follower of The All-Seeing. She introduced herself as a seeker of brave adventurers willing to delve into the mysteries behind some unusual visions that had been bestowed upon her by her god. Her mission was to venture up the river Soshenstar, taking a route southward from the city to unearth secrets she had yet to reveal.
The adventurers, sensing opportunity, demanded an immediate payment of 300 gold pieces for their services. Taken aback by their upfront request, she admitted that she could “only” spare 200 gold pieces for this mission. Even as she conveyed this, her surprise was evident. Nonetheless, somehow, the adventurers secured the agreed sum in advance.
Eager to embark on this journey, she expressed a desire to depart without delay but then was persuaded by the adventurers that there were preparations all of them, including herself, needed to complete first. She instructed them to meet her at the temple of Savras in two sunrises before departing from the city.
Having secured their upfront payment and received instructions for the rendezvous, the adventurers contemplated their next move after acquiring the box. As night deepened its hold, they stood at a pivotal juncture.
The orb, now safely encased within the lead box, was a testament to their cunning and bravery, marking them as targets for those seeking retribution. With thoughts of the future weaving through their minds, the enigmatic rivers of Chult beckoned, promising a journey replete with danger and discovery. The urgent need to secure a guide skilled in navigating the treacherous jungles of Chult became apparent, setting the stage for their next grand adventure.
The bustling markets of Port Nyanzaru were supposed to open at dawn, offering a glimmer of hope for procuring essential supplies and possibly securing a loyal guide like Azaka Stormfang, Eku, Musharib, Salida, Hew Hackinstone or even Faroul and Gondolo.
However there lingered a nagging uncertainty—would the markets indeed open as expected on the morrow, or would unforeseen circumstances thwart their plans? Time was slipping away, and with it, their window of opportunity.
Whispers of a grand race that was to take place the next day filled the air, a distraction that they might be able to exploit. Would this event provide them with the cover they needed to make their preparations unnoticed, or would it draw unwanted attention to their movements?
The decisions they had to make loomed even larger: pursue information about the notices they saw, one posted by Arthus Cimber’s daughter, the other by Undril Silvertusk? Maybe seek the guidance of Wakanga O’tamu, someone vetted by Syndra Silvane herself, whose expertise and influence in the city made him a powerful potential ally?
As they contemplated their choices under the cloak of night, a sense of foreboding settled over them. The knowledge that Barron, Ferrin and Magus, perhaps even others, who were wronged in their audacious heist might be closing in added a layer of urgency to their deliberations.
With every passing moment, the risks grew, and yet so did the opportunities for glory and discovery. The path forward was fraught with danger, but it was a path they were destined to take.
And so, under the canopy of a night sky jeweled with stars, our tale of cunning and chaos in the vibrant heart of Port Nyanzaru draws to a close. But fear not, for this is merely the end of a chapter in the grand saga of our intrepid adventurers. As they stand on the precipice of new dangers and discoveries, their journey is far from over.
Join us again, travelers and seekers of tales, when next we gather around the flickering warmth of our bonfire. For there are more stories to be told, secrets to uncover, and destinies to fulfill in the wilds of Chult. Until then, may your paths be guided by the light of adventure and your spirits buoyed by the promise of legend.