Argent, Apparently, and Zeynap descended the stairs of the step pyramid with their two new companions Artus Cimber and Dragonbait. It was raining and getting dark. Bramble, Xoc-Wik, Eku, Tony, and Vinnie had established a camp in the ruined city below. Tents were pitched, canvas tarpaulins were erected, the animals were fed, and fires were built. It was raining. It seemed like it was always raining in the jungle continent of Chult. The grey sky was becoming dark.
"Who's your friend?" inquired Bramble.
"Artus Cimber, pleased to meet you." the explorer reached out to shake Bramble's hand.
Bramble looked down at the outstretched hand dubiously. "Yeah- what about him?"
Artus withdrew his hand, "That's my traveling companion Dragonbait. He communicates by scent."
Dragonbait emitted the scent of lemon.
"He says he's happy to meet you."
Bramble turned to Zeynap, "So, what did you learn about the Soulmonger?"
Zeynap told Bramble about the spirit naga Saja N'baza and how she told them that the Soulmonger was located in the lost city of Omu between the Peaks of Flame and the Valley of Lost Honor.
Artus interrupted, "Dragonbait and I will join you on your mission to find Omu, for there we will find Ras Nsi."
Bramble glanced at Artus and turned back to Zeynap, confused, "Who is Rosh Neeshi?"
Argent recounted the tale of Ras Nsi and the Chosen of Ubtao - the Barae. He told Bramble about the Curse placed upon Mezro and how it will not return until all the Barae are dead.
"If Ras Nsi must die in order to free Mezro, I will do everything in my power to see that he dies so that I will be reunited with.. but that's unimportant. What's important is that Ras Nsi is in Omu and I will find Omu and I will kill him. Since you are going to Omu and I am going to Omu, I think we should help each other find Omu. What do you think?"
Brambles eyes narrowed and he pursed his lips, "Yeah...."
CHAPTER 17, "DEATH FLIES ON LEATHERY WINGS"
THE EXPEDITION
- Bramble Wolf - a theran barbarian wise-man (Wildhunt Shifter Druid) searching for the legendary origin of his tribe.
- Apparently Jones - a blue-skinned demijin caravan guide and animal trainer (Air Genasi Ranger) from Akasa, the land of sky mountains. Having failed to find work in Port Nyanzaru as an animal handler, she has joined the expedition to the interior as a scout.
- Chak'sa - Apparently's honker (parasaurolophus) companion.
- Xoc-Wik - a b'alam warrior (Tabaxi Fighter) from the jungles of Bres, searching for those responsible for the destruction of his tribe.
- Zeynap Shiravadakar - a Eusebean smuggler (Human Warlock) bearing the spirit of a celestial unicorn.
- Argent Truth-Sayer - a golden azi knight errant of Bahamut (Dragonborn Paladin) in the service of Bahamut, sent on a holy mission to join the expedition to destroy the Soul Monger.
NPCs
- Eku - a mysterious shape-changing wise-woman from Chult, hired as a guide.
- Tony and Vinnie - rough and tumble dinosaur wranglers who wished to learn from Apparently, possibly from 19th century Boston on Earth.
Day 21
Heavy rain prevented travel so the party remained camped in the ruins of Orolunga. Bramble and Xoc-Wik considered scaling the stairs to consult with the oracle but upon hearing of the test involving swallowing snakes whole decided against it.
Day 22 - RIVER CROSSING
It was cloudy and calm.
The party returned to the north fork of the river Tath. Apparently located a fallen tree that bridged the river at a narrow point. The tree-bridge would allow the humanoids in the party to safely cross the river. The beasts were large enough and heavy enough to ford the river.
Apparently and Argent crossed the large fallen log to the other side. Suddenly the log swarmed with swarms of deadly centipedes!
Xoc-Wik exclaimed, "Look out!"
Zeynap replied, "For what? They're just a bunch of bugs."
Xoc-Wik said, "I saw a swarm of those same insects strip a man to the bone in six seconds!"
Zeynap grimaced at the thought and summoned forth an orb of iridescent celestial flame. The decaying tree trunk caught fire from the magical flame. Xoc-Wik loosed a magical explosive arrow into one end of the tree trunk. It exploded into splinters and that end of the trunk fell into the water.
Apparently loosed a normal arrow into the other end of the tree as centipedes continued to swarm over the rocks towards her.
Argent ran up to the tree and pushed it off the bank and into the river. The tree rolled into the water and the centipdes ceased to be a threat.
Having eliminated their natural bridge, the party spent the rest of the day using rope and block and tackle to safely cross the river.
Day 23 - SPIKE-TAIL
It was raining as they approached the foothills at the base of the granite monoliths near M'Bala. Apparently saw a spike-tailed behemoth grazing ahead. The spike-tail took an interest in the group and approached them inquisitively. Apparently, who was an expert in reading animal behavior and communicating with animals, successfully shooed it away without incident.
Day 24
Rain, nothing to report.
Day 25
Rain, nothing to report
Day 26
Heavy rain prevented travel. The party hunkered down for the day.
Day 27 - ABANDONED CAMP
The party arrived at the camp at the base of the trail leading to M'Bala around noon. It was raining. There they expected to find Nova Scotia Blackman maintaining his lonely vigil. Instead the camp was deserted. They spotted a note left conspicuously in a place meant to be found.
A set of tracks left by a group of humanoids heading north corroborated the note.
"What's the plan?" inquired Apparently.
"I wish to visit the Heart of Ubtao," replied Argent.
"What for? We know where the Soulmonger is, more or less. What can we learn at the Heart?" demanded Bramble.
"Knowledge. The Heart is where the barae of Ubtao met. Ras Nsi was one of the barae. We may learn something useful there. Something that may help us defeat Ras Nsi."
"But it's not on the way! Besides, it's thousands of feet in the air!" argued Bramble.
"I have an idea," said Argent, "An airship was going to visit M'Bala. We should see if they can take us to the Heart. Not only will it be a quick trip, they'll already be airborne."
Bramble considered Argent's suggestion, "Okay, we'll visit M'Bala and look into the airship."
Apparently pointed out the obvious, "Not only can the beasts not ascend the path to M'Bala, they can't ride in an airship. What about them?"
Tony spoke up, "Yeah, ah, youse ain't got to worry about that, blue lady. We can look after these cockamaney horses."
Vinnie chimed in, "That's right! We's can takes care of ourselves!"
Bramble said, "Fine. You travel overland and rendesvouz with us under the Heart of Ubtao. Then we'll continue on to Omu.
"Youse gots it! Uh, where's the Heart of Ubtao?"
Eku spoke up, "I will guide them there."
Artus said, "You'll need proper protection. Dragonbait and I will join you."
Apparently, Argent, Bramble, Xoc-Wik, and Zeynap said farewell to Artus, Dragonbait, Eku, Tony, Vinnie, and the two beasts and began their ascent to M'Bala.
Heavy rain prevented travel so the party remained camped in the ruins of Orolunga. Bramble and Xoc-Wik considered scaling the stairs to consult with the oracle but upon hearing of the test involving swallowing snakes whole decided against it.
Day 22 - RIVER CROSSING
It was cloudy and calm.
The party returned to the north fork of the river Tath. Apparently located a fallen tree that bridged the river at a narrow point. The tree-bridge would allow the humanoids in the party to safely cross the river. The beasts were large enough and heavy enough to ford the river.
Apparently and Argent crossed the large fallen log to the other side. Suddenly the log swarmed with swarms of deadly centipedes!
Xoc-Wik exclaimed, "Look out!"
Zeynap replied, "For what? They're just a bunch of bugs."
Xoc-Wik said, "I saw a swarm of those same insects strip a man to the bone in six seconds!"
Zeynap grimaced at the thought and summoned forth an orb of iridescent celestial flame. The decaying tree trunk caught fire from the magical flame. Xoc-Wik loosed a magical explosive arrow into one end of the tree trunk. It exploded into splinters and that end of the trunk fell into the water.
Apparently loosed a normal arrow into the other end of the tree as centipedes continued to swarm over the rocks towards her.
Argent ran up to the tree and pushed it off the bank and into the river. The tree rolled into the water and the centipdes ceased to be a threat.
Having eliminated their natural bridge, the party spent the rest of the day using rope and block and tackle to safely cross the river.
Day 23 - SPIKE-TAIL
It was raining as they approached the foothills at the base of the granite monoliths near M'Bala. Apparently saw a spike-tailed behemoth grazing ahead. The spike-tail took an interest in the group and approached them inquisitively. Apparently, who was an expert in reading animal behavior and communicating with animals, successfully shooed it away without incident.
Day 24
Rain, nothing to report.
Day 25
Rain, nothing to report
Day 26
Heavy rain prevented travel. The party hunkered down for the day.
Day 27 - ABANDONED CAMP
The party arrived at the camp at the base of the trail leading to M'Bala around noon. It was raining. There they expected to find Nova Scotia Blackman maintaining his lonely vigil. Instead the camp was deserted. They spotted a note left conspicuously in a place meant to be found.
TO WHOMEVER FINDS THIS NOTE
Beware the trek up to M'Bala. Flying creatures known as pratras attack all who traverse the path. I have temporarily abandoned my vigil to travel north in search of "Vorn". I should return 12-15 days after the full moon.
-NSB
A set of tracks left by a group of humanoids heading north corroborated the note.
"What's the plan?" inquired Apparently.
"I wish to visit the Heart of Ubtao," replied Argent.
"What for? We know where the Soulmonger is, more or less. What can we learn at the Heart?" demanded Bramble.
"Knowledge. The Heart is where the barae of Ubtao met. Ras Nsi was one of the barae. We may learn something useful there. Something that may help us defeat Ras Nsi."
"But it's not on the way! Besides, it's thousands of feet in the air!" argued Bramble.
"I have an idea," said Argent, "An airship was going to visit M'Bala. We should see if they can take us to the Heart. Not only will it be a quick trip, they'll already be airborne."
Bramble considered Argent's suggestion, "Okay, we'll visit M'Bala and look into the airship."
Apparently pointed out the obvious, "Not only can the beasts not ascend the path to M'Bala, they can't ride in an airship. What about them?"
Tony spoke up, "Yeah, ah, youse ain't got to worry about that, blue lady. We can look after these cockamaney horses."
Vinnie chimed in, "That's right! We's can takes care of ourselves!"
Bramble said, "Fine. You travel overland and rendesvouz with us under the Heart of Ubtao. Then we'll continue on to Omu.
"Youse gots it! Uh, where's the Heart of Ubtao?"
Eku spoke up, "I will guide them there."
Artus said, "You'll need proper protection. Dragonbait and I will join you."
Apparently, Argent, Bramble, Xoc-Wik, and Zeynap said farewell to Artus, Dragonbait, Eku, Tony, Vinnie, and the two beasts and began their ascent to M'Bala.
PRATRAS ATTACK
The remaining members of the party climbed the narrow path up the thousand foot face of Mbala. They had tied themselves together for safety. This limited their movement but prevented any single member from falling or being snatched away. There was a low cloud ceiling and it was raining. The party was halfway up the path when the leathery-winged forms of eight pratras carrying large rocks descended through the gray clouds.
The pratras dove at the party. Zeynap took aim with his magic fingers. One by one the pratras released their stony payloads. Zeynap zapped the first two missiles and they exploded into rocky debris. The others crashed down upon their targets. Several missed and bounced to the forest hundreds of feet below.
Xoc-Wik and Apparently took aim with their long-bows and loosed several arrows. Three of Xoc-Wik's magically charged arrows tore through a pratra and it spun out of the sky, dead.
Bramble channeled the spirits of nature and called forth a thunderstorm from the clouds above. Lightning struck several of the pratras, frying them instantly.
Bramble shouted, "I thought you said these things were tough!"
Xoc-Wik responded, "They are! I've just become a much better shot since the last time we fought them."
The pratras ascended above the clouds and gathered more stones for use as projectiles. They dove back down and released another volley at the party. Once again, Zeynap was able to eliminate a few of the rocks in mid-air while the archers loosed arrows at the incoming dive-bombers.
Two of the pratras peeled away and stormed Xoc-Wik and Apparently. Apparently dropped her bow to draw her short sword but watched helplessly as her bow fell over the path and fell to the forest below.
After a fierce exchange the party dispatched the two pratras engaged in close battle. The remaining two attempted to flee. Xoc-Wik took aim and loosed three arrows at the retreating winged creatures.
"What's that for?" inquired Zeynap.
The two arrows struck their targets and the winged humanoids fell from the sky.
Xok-Wik turned to Zeynap with a sneer, "Spite!"
Apparently looked towards the forest below, unable to spot where her bow fell. "Damn."
The pratras dove at the party. Zeynap took aim with his magic fingers. One by one the pratras released their stony payloads. Zeynap zapped the first two missiles and they exploded into rocky debris. The others crashed down upon their targets. Several missed and bounced to the forest hundreds of feet below.
Xoc-Wik and Apparently took aim with their long-bows and loosed several arrows. Three of Xoc-Wik's magically charged arrows tore through a pratra and it spun out of the sky, dead.
Bramble channeled the spirits of nature and called forth a thunderstorm from the clouds above. Lightning struck several of the pratras, frying them instantly.
Xoc-Wik responded, "They are! I've just become a much better shot since the last time we fought them."
The pratras ascended above the clouds and gathered more stones for use as projectiles. They dove back down and released another volley at the party. Once again, Zeynap was able to eliminate a few of the rocks in mid-air while the archers loosed arrows at the incoming dive-bombers.
Two of the pratras peeled away and stormed Xoc-Wik and Apparently. Apparently dropped her bow to draw her short sword but watched helplessly as her bow fell over the path and fell to the forest below.
After a fierce exchange the party dispatched the two pratras engaged in close battle. The remaining two attempted to flee. Xoc-Wik took aim and loosed three arrows at the retreating winged creatures.
"What's that for?" inquired Zeynap.
The two arrows struck their targets and the winged humanoids fell from the sky.
Xok-Wik turned to Zeynap with a sneer, "Spite!"
Apparently looked towards the forest below, unable to spot where her bow fell. "Damn."
MBALA
The party reached to the top of Mbala late in the afternoon. They were above the rain but the ancient ruins were shrouded in fog. They saw a camp that had been constructed by the Knights of the Circle. The camp was in disarray and appeared abandoned. Many of the tents and structures had been knocked down and ripped apart by the pratras.
Of special note was the large wooden air-ship in the open square. The lift balloon was torn and shredded and the structure was damaged.
The party called around and several soldiers emerged from the fissure that once led to the lair of the pratra. The fissure had been widened and a ladder was installed. The fissure was then covered and concealed by a canvas tarp.
Ser Slaughter emerged and greeted the party. He explained that the pratras had been harassing the camp for several days, dropping heavy rocks, plucking men away, and tearing down the camp. The camp decided to take cover in the cavern that was once the pratra lair.
Argent informed Ser Slaughter that the pratras would pose no future problem. Ser Slaughter and the other soldiers were grateful.
A handful of civilians, the crew of the downed air-ship, emerged from the fissure. They inspected the damage to their ship. One of them noticed Apparently and called her name.
"Apparently? Apparently Jones?"
It was the captain of the air-ship. The captain was Akasan and had known Apparently's mother, Adverb, in the old days. Adverb had saved the captain's life on more than one occasion and the captain was sad to have heard that Adverb and her family had been exiled to the surface.
Apparently asked where the air-ship was heading. The captain said they were going to Kir Sabal then back to Akasa. Apparently then asked if they could hitch a ride and possibly take a short detour to the Heart of Ubtao. The captain said it was going to take several days, possibly weeks, to repair the hull and gas bag.
However, he had an idea. He had an old Atlantean air-skiff that he had recently acquired. It was damaged and would probably only operate for another 16 hours of flight before it lost its lift capability. He offered it as a gift to Apparently in appreciation for her mother. Apparently accepted the gift.
The party spent that night in Mbala.
AIR-SKIFF JOURNEY
The party boarded the air-ship the following morning. Apparently familiarized herself with the complex Atlantean controls. Crystal-powered Atlantean air-transports were much more advanced than the balloon-ships of the Akasan sky-nomads.
"Do you know how to pilot this thing?" inquired Zeynap nervously.
"Yeah, sure, no problem," replied Apparently with false confidence.
They lifted off into cloudy skies. Apparently took the air-skiff below the clouds and into the rain so that she could get her bearings and estimate her air speed. The air-skiff flew a generally south-easterly course across the Aldani basin. They were traveling at about eight knots. Apparently estimated about thirteen hours to the general location of the Heart of Ubtao. She took the skiff back up above the clouds to avoid the rain.
"How do you know where we're going?" inquired Zeynap, his voice shouting against the wind.
"Trust me!" she shouted back.
THE HEART OF UBTAO
Apparently worried she might not see the- whatever it was the Heart of Ubtao was supposed to be. To her amazement she saw light ahead. It was dim indirect light filtering out of a doorway and through two openings in the top of a ball of stone nearly seventy feet in diameter, hovering in mid air over the dark jungle two thousand feet below. The monolith was oblong and shaped like a heart. A bare tree and a small cylindrical structure emerged from the top like aorta and venticle. Small roots hung to the side like veins. Red tinted rainwater poured off the monolith like blood.
"Is- is that it?" asked Apparently.
"I guess so." said Zeynap, "I'll admit, I thought it would be bigger!"
Apparently had a bad feeling about this. She concentrated on her surroundings and opened her senses. She felt the presence of her hated enemy - the power of Skion - the undying force. She informed the others and they prepared themselves for battle.
As she got close she could see a humanoid figure in the backlit window, only it wasn't a window it was a doorway. A stairway led from the doorway to the flattened top of the rock near the tree. The humanoid figure invited Apparently to land there.
Apparently set the air-skiff down on top of the heart-shaped rock. The humanoid figure wore a heavy dark cloak as protection against the driving rain and winds. The figure beckoned the party to come down the stairs to escape the weather. It called out in Atlantean, "Quickly! Come inside and be comfortable! Would you like some tea?"
Argent closed his eyes and concentrated on his surroundings. He could smell the animating force of the undying emanating from the figure. He gripped his axe. Zeynap laid his hand across the dragonid's arm, "Be careful. Bramble thinks its some kind of lich!"
The party hesitated. Apparently said, "No tea, thank you."
The cloaked figure sensed their hesitation. "Come now, you have nothing to fear." She removed the hood of her cloak, revealing a female face. Her skin looked as if it were made of polished alabaster. Her eyes were amber. Small deer-like antlers sprouted from her forehead. Her long hair was made of thick green ivy. She was an elioud, an immortal being from the other-dimensional realm of Aeon.
"Greetings, my name is Valindra Shadowmantle."
The party boarded the air-ship the following morning. Apparently familiarized herself with the complex Atlantean controls. Crystal-powered Atlantean air-transports were much more advanced than the balloon-ships of the Akasan sky-nomads.
"Do you know how to pilot this thing?" inquired Zeynap nervously.
"Yeah, sure, no problem," replied Apparently with false confidence.
They lifted off into cloudy skies. Apparently took the air-skiff below the clouds and into the rain so that she could get her bearings and estimate her air speed. The air-skiff flew a generally south-easterly course across the Aldani basin. They were traveling at about eight knots. Apparently estimated about thirteen hours to the general location of the Heart of Ubtao. She took the skiff back up above the clouds to avoid the rain.
"How do you know where we're going?" inquired Zeynap, his voice shouting against the wind.
"Trust me!" she shouted back.
THE HEART OF UBTAO
The small craft cut through the sky for over thirteen hours straight. The sun set behind the western mountains, illuminating a massive wall of thundercloud ahead of them. A storm raged over their destination. Apparently grimaced and took the air-skiff down into the darkening clouds. Lightning snapped and thunder roared as the party was pelted with rain riding in the back of the open-air skiff. It had become dark. Wind buffeted the air-skiff, causing it to careen, dip, and buck. Apparently struggled with the controls.
Apparently worried she might not see the- whatever it was the Heart of Ubtao was supposed to be. To her amazement she saw light ahead. It was dim indirect light filtering out of a doorway and through two openings in the top of a ball of stone nearly seventy feet in diameter, hovering in mid air over the dark jungle two thousand feet below. The monolith was oblong and shaped like a heart. A bare tree and a small cylindrical structure emerged from the top like aorta and venticle. Small roots hung to the side like veins. Red tinted rainwater poured off the monolith like blood.
"Is- is that it?" asked Apparently.
"I guess so." said Zeynap, "I'll admit, I thought it would be bigger!"
Apparently had a bad feeling about this. She concentrated on her surroundings and opened her senses. She felt the presence of her hated enemy - the power of Skion - the undying force. She informed the others and they prepared themselves for battle.
As she got close she could see a humanoid figure in the backlit window, only it wasn't a window it was a doorway. A stairway led from the doorway to the flattened top of the rock near the tree. The humanoid figure invited Apparently to land there.
Apparently set the air-skiff down on top of the heart-shaped rock. The humanoid figure wore a heavy dark cloak as protection against the driving rain and winds. The figure beckoned the party to come down the stairs to escape the weather. It called out in Atlantean, "Quickly! Come inside and be comfortable! Would you like some tea?"
Argent closed his eyes and concentrated on his surroundings. He could smell the animating force of the undying emanating from the figure. He gripped his axe. Zeynap laid his hand across the dragonid's arm, "Be careful. Bramble thinks its some kind of lich!"
The party hesitated. Apparently said, "No tea, thank you."
The cloaked figure sensed their hesitation. "Come now, you have nothing to fear." She removed the hood of her cloak, revealing a female face. Her skin looked as if it were made of polished alabaster. Her eyes were amber. Small deer-like antlers sprouted from her forehead. Her long hair was made of thick green ivy. She was an elioud, an immortal being from the other-dimensional realm of Aeon.
"Greetings, my name is Valindra Shadowmantle."
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