OOC: *chuckles* You move too fast for me sometimes. :-) I'm going to back your conversation up to just outside the gates, so I can use what I'd written while I was at work.

As you finished your conversations and turned to enter the gates of the city, Ynvaar catches one of the guards waving frantically but surreptitiously at him.  The young man wears leathers still shiny from their bath in boiling oil, the metal studs still shining, and carries a sword whose scabbard still shows no traces of dust or dirt.  It takes Ynvaar a moment to place the man as the beggar who he’d given Kincaide’s initial payment to.  At about that moment though, a guard sergeant came around the corner, and the young man snapped back to something that might pass for ‘attention’.

With the sergeant was a man, tall even for a Tabaxi and almost skeletally thin.  He would have been taller except for the stoop of his age. You’d guess his age somewhere on the up side of 70, but he still moved with energy, and his face lit up as he saw you.  He said to the sergeant, ”See, I told you.  Ubtao must surely be guiding me today!”

He turned his attention to you, and even Ynvaar had to look up to the man’s face. He spoke rapidly and a bit louder than was probably necessary in the common tongue, not even pausing in his flow to allow you time to answer the questions he was asking.  “You!  Are you adventurers?  I’m Manayu. I need men or women who can face the jungle.  Since you’re walking in on your own feet, I’d say you’ve managed to survive out there.  I was just telling Kanma here that I knew I’d find adventurers at the city gate. Am I right?  I need heroes.  Are you heroes?  Or are you the sort to take a man’s cash and run for the harbor and cooler climes?  I need men who’re tough enough to survive and face danger, but good and honest enough to bring back a prize without thieving it.  Ha!  If I were just 20 years younger, I’d go myself, but now I have to hire heroes.  Are you heroes?” He stopped suddenly and peered from face to face as though daring you to make the claim.

[Private to Hemmel; Pug: Manayu’s excited conversation with you is being watched by a woman sitting atop the wall, leaning against the gatehouse.  She’s sitting unobtrusively, with her arms crossed and her eyes almost closed, but you saw her head turn toward you when Manayu started bubbling away.  Her clothing and skin tones tell you she’s not local.  She could pass as a native anywhere from Cormyr to Waterdeep, but almost certainly not here.  Her long brown hair fell in a ponytail over one shoulder, against the cream pale skin of her face.]

Rand says nothing, he just stands near the back of the group.

Ynvaar stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face Manayu with a broad grin. Looking over the tall mans' shoulder, the clerics smile grew wider still as he caught the eye of the young beggar turned armsman he had 'recruited' with Kincades' gold.

His momentary pang of homesickness evaporated instantly and the priest fairly beamed with undisguised pride as he smiled warmly at the Tabaxi. His arm outstretched, he offered both men the warriors forearm handshake and began to speak easily in the matter of fact way common to fighting men all accross Torril.

"Aye friend, we are adventurers.  We have travelled the jungles for many days and nights and made a few friends here abouts for our deeds. We have sought out Mezoar and his lost druids, brought medicines to the healers of the deep jungle, battled countless undead and even a devil in the lost ziggurat, escorted Kincade here through the trees and most recently laid waste to a foul cult of Sseth that polluted the lands nearby with its vile abominations... but Heroes you say?" *shrugs* "Perhaps one day, for now though we are content to merely be good men and help where we can."

Glancing at the sergeant, the younger man stepped forward to eagerly return Ynvaar’s handshake and then almost bounded back to his post.

Manayu, on the other hand looked a bit uncomfortable with the handclasp, but returned it with a good attempt and a smile. ”Good men are worth a great deal.  And those that are willing to help where they can often earn the name of hero for their own.”

Visibly restraining his natural chatter, he paused for a deep breath. ”I need help.  Or maybe I should say that all of Chult needs help.  And those who can truly help will be heroes in deed, if not in name.  Who knows, they may even make a name for themselves.  Great danger will stand before them, but great treasure as well, if the legends are true.  You may have heard of the Heart of the Jungle?  Old scrolls from deep in the Library have just been translated...” He paused and almost shone with pride, leaving little doubt who’d done the translating. ”...that tell me not only where the Heart may best be found, but why it must be.  But that’s no story for a busy street, and too long for men who’ve had no rest or refreshment from the jungle.  Will you come to me this afternoon at the Library?  Ask the gateman for Manayu, and he’ll bring you to my study.”

 As the stopped at the gate he watched the guards around them and wondered who is this lark?. He bounce's around and his mouth trys to ourrun his body if thats possible.
 As he listened to the conversation and the sweat flowed down his face, he grimaced at the others standing about and pushed his way thru the crowd in front of him, Didnt have this much trouble getting thru with the Snakemen, now these people are standing in my way of getting something to drink, stand aside or be moved aside.

With a few choice elbow jabs here and there, Grom managed to make his way through the crowd, leaving the conversation about possible heroics and possible treasure behind.

The Tempuran watched the dwarf stomp off toward the inn and grinned. Shooting the entrance a lingering glance as Grom bustled forward, the priest turned back to Manayu and smiled again.

"I confess I have not heard of this 'Heart of the Jungle' you speak of but perhaps, as you say, that is a conversation for later.

I am Ynvaar, Ynvaar of Tempos and I shall be honoured to accept your kind invitation later this afternoon Manayu. -Just as soon as our other business is concluded..."  he concluded with his customary warm smile, his eyes wandering back to the taproom as he licked his lips.

I hope the dwarf leaves some for the rest of us!

"Fine by me but we might want to keep an eye out at the meeting this afternoon as I think we we were being watched"


OOC : Pug then goes onto describe the women who was watching


 "Anyway that can wait until this afternoon , I doubt there are any pit traps to fall down in the street so I'm for following the Dwarf to the bar"

Pug then heads off in search of Grom

Are you sure they were watching us, Pug?

Rand waits by Ynvaar until he has finished speaking to the old man about this upcoming job.  Once Ynvaar leaves Rand will go to the temple of Ubtao.

OOC: I'll just copy down the description from the PM to Pug and Hemmel to cover Pug's passing information to the rest of the group.

Manayu’s excited conversation with you is being watched by a woman sitting atop the wall, leaning against the gatehouse.  She’s sitting unobtrusively, with her arms crossed and her eyes almost closed, but you saw her head turn toward you when Manayu started bubbling away.  Her clothing and skin tones tell you she’s not local.  She could pass as a native anywhere from Cormyr to Waterdeep, but almost certainly not here.  Her long brown hair fell in a ponytail over one shoulder, against the cream pale skin of her face.

[Private to Rand Al Thor: Let me know how you want to deal with the visit to the temple.]

 Pushing his way thru the crowd at the gate, he scratchs at a few of the insect bites that had gotten thru to his skin.
 Heading down the street he lets his observation shift over the people in the streets, trusting his senses would warn him of any possible trouble before it gets to him, after all, we just came in from the jungle, my survival instints is still working well, umm, that is till a few pints anyway.
 Working his way around he finds the inn.

PM

[Private to DM Jim: We don't have to act out the trip to the temple and Ytepka contact if you don't want to spend the time.  It was something Rand would do after returning to town and before settling in at the tavern with the guys.]

PM

[Private to Rand Al Thor: I don't mind either way.  If you want to just summarize it, that's fine.  If you'd rather play through it for the character development, that's fine too.  If you have IM access and want to do it quickly, we can put our heads together and do it there, but not tonight.  I'm out the door to my son's football game.]

PM
[Private to DM Jim: I'll come up with something and post it this evening.  I think I will play it out after all.]

 Finding himself at the inn, he stops to take a deep sigh of wearyness.
Blinking his eyes he rubs at his grimey face, taking a look at the patrons as they give him a "what is that bum doing in here" look, ignoreing them he grabs a table figureing the others would be along shortly.
 Waveing at one of the harried waitress's, Ahh, miss, soon as ye have the time, could i be getting a pitcher of any cold beer and a mug  please, also i be needing a bath and a room for a day or two, thank ya now miss.
 Looking around to see if anyone is paying too much attention to him, he drops a gold coin in her hand, That should be covering it iam thinking, if your boss doesnt look close at the amount ye can be keeping the change, ifn he does look close at it then i be wanting the change back, miss.

With his customary (lack of) subtlety, Ynvaar turned to look for the mysterious woman almost as soon as the words had left Pugs lips. Seeing nothing, the great Northman merely shrugged his armoured shoulders and smiled again at Manayu and the sargeant before bidding them both a good afternoon with the promise to seek them out again in due course.

Looking out across the sea of people in the square, Ynvaar caught sight of Groms' back dissappearing into the inn and set out at a determined pace to catch him up when a thought struck him. With an almost reluctant last glance back toward the taproom the priest sighed faintly and turned instead toward the rude shrine at the edge of the square.

Business before pleasure and all that I 'spose.   he thought somewhat ruefully as he came to his knees and bowed his head in prayer before the shrine.

Some time later with the proper respects and observances paid, Ynvaar rose to his feet once more and fairly ran across the square at a pace that might of sent any unwary goodwives in his path diving for cover had his route not been mercifully free of obstructions. Arriving in the doorway, the cleric paused momentarily to allow his eyes to become accustomed to the dim light within and smiled as he quickly spotted Grom.

If he hasn't got the ales in ready I wont kill him.  ...I'll just injure him a bit.   he thought with a grin, but waved to the beleagured bar wench merrily, just in case.

Rand enters the temple and asks to see the head priest.  When he is greeted by the priest he asks to speak with him in private where he begins to explain to him what he has witnessed on his last foray into the jungle.

[Private to DM Jim: Father, not more than 3 days walk out of town there is the biggest congregation of the undead I have ever seen or heard of.  This army does not march to war, though.  Instead they work to clear the land of trees and all other manner of living thing.  On my way back in here I witnessed, what I believe to be, the avatar of Ubtao.  The biggest triceratops I have ever seen stood silently watching the undead clear cut the jungle.  It said nothing to me, nor did it even acknowledge my presence it just stood silently watching.]

 Sipping the semi cool beer, shortly he sees the big ceiling walker step into the Inn, as he stares around trying to see anyone, i wave over here, couple of mugs here, grab one. Taking another look at the cleric, he remembers how Ynvaar drinks, so turning and spotting the busy waitress, i hold up two fingers and make a wide circle, showing i want two pitchers of beer as i point at the big man sitting himself down at the table.

 Taking a look at the clerics face, he can see the wear of the travel had on his face, he could imagine his didnt look any better.
 Well, your business didnt take too long, iam only on my second mug.   umm, i have some hot water heating for my bath, i can tell the innkeeper to have a little extra hot water if you want to use it after me?.

Ynvaar popped the horned helm down on the empty bench beside him and ran a gloved hand through his sweat drenched hair before gladly accepting Groms' offered tankard. Raising the brew in gtreatful salute to his stocky friend, Ynvaar drained the contents in one long pull and set the empty tankard down on the table again, an enormous smile lighting up his whole face.

"Ayeee but that's good stuff!" he enthused as he leaned back into his seat with a satisfied and contented grin. Stretching his arms cat-like he then rubbed his eyes as if waking from a long sleep and belatedly turned to answer the Dwarfs' query about the bath  "Thank you no friend, perhaps I shall later but for now I'm thinking I shall have all the liquid refreshment I require right here."

A visibly relaxed Tempuran looked about once more for the bar wench as a thoughtful look passed across his face. "Bad business back in the tunnels with the dwarf eh? I'll wager that was not the way you expected to find your lost kin out here, but one thing seems certain; where there was one, there is sure to be more out there somewhere eh?"

The mugs of ale were cooler than the surrounding air... not that being cooler than this air was much of an achievement.  Still they went down smooth and washed some of the grit of the jungle trails from your throats.

[Private to Rand Al Thor: It seemed to you like the older priest wasn't very surprised to hear of the undead army, but did seem more startled by your description of the triceratops.  "Did this... triceratops do anything?  Did it seem to approve of the work of those that clear the jungle?  Or to find a problem in it?"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:11, Wed 18 Oct 2006.

Rand continues his conversation with the priest.  Where there was no ale being served.



[Private to DM Jim: It was hard to know what it was thinking.  It just stood there watching the entire process with what seemed like great interest.  Rand is somewhat taken back by the reaction of the priest, but quickly comes to the understanding that perhaps the triceratops was watching to see how well the undead were doing.]

PUG enters the tavern and pulls up a chair at the table where Grom AND Ynvarr are sitting.

HE waves his hand to get the attention of the nearest serving wench

"Another round for my 2 friends and 2 for me of what ever they are drinking"

Pugs looks at his two companions "Everytime I go drinking with you I always seem to be playing catch-up"

 Watching Pug enter and look around for them, he waves him over to their table, smileing a little at his distress at always being late for drinks.
 Have no fear of being late, this isnt a race to see who can pass out first, just a time to really relax for a while and get cleaned up.

 Sipping on his beer, he looks lost in thought for a few seconds then offers this idea, As far as the wild dwarves?, true, it is a sign they are around, still hard to believe they would leave the solid mountains.   I didnt see anything special on the blow tube as to where they could be, so i guess the search continues for me.

 Rubbing his dirty face, he looks over to the cleric, so what was that man at the city gates up to?, he seemed excited and rude to me.

Ynvaar looked up at Pug with an impish grin "That's because you drink like an elvish princess." and gave Grom a sly wink before answering the dwarfs' question as he forlornly peered into his empty tankard " Manayu? Umm, I think he said something about a trip into the heart of the jungle... wherever that is." *shrugs* "Can't be much farther than we've already been though I'll wager..." he added distractedly, his voice trailing off as he peered around the room for the serving wench.

Frowning slightly at her dissappearance at this most untimely juncture, the cleric turned back to the others with a sigh and added matter-of-factly "I said I would seek him out at the library this afternoon.  He mentioned something about some discovery he'd made or something and possibly a mission for us if you all fancy coming along?

Might be worth while since I don't think Kincade seemed optimistic about any more work just yet."  At least I hope he doesn't... rather too many unanswered questions surrounding that one and his master for my liking...

Now where in the nine hells is that ale wench?!?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Tue 17 Oct 2006.

The ale wench turned up behind Ynvaar's shoulder with a tray of ales and a whispered comment. _{"Certainly there is no race to see who will pass out first.  Such actions will bring the barae down upon you."}

[Private to Rand Al Thor: The older priest simply nodded. "And was there anything else of interest that you encountered during your journey into Ubtao's jungle?"]