The drums are beginning to get more annoying than when Ava wants me to do something. Every night they seem to come back, and I'm trying to do my best to focus, stay in control while I sleep, but this a force I'm just not used to. Part of me questions if this is something that we will ever be able to get fully rid of.
We started our day early by getting over to the Baron's estate. I've heard a bit about it from Siona, and it is really a sight to see. The organization of the plants, the construction and adaptation of the buildings. It is amazing to see how Baron McDuffey has built into the surrounding jungle.
It is little surprise, but the Baron is a pretty powerful magic user, and shows his abilities over the plants in the area. It is even of less surprise that he has done a bit of research on each of us. He says it is from reading the local articles, but I doubt that, he knows things that are not published. I'll have to make sure in the future to be careful of what I do or say in the city in case someone is watching.
After a bit of discussion the Baron made an offer to the group. We become what Crestin has called "Fiddletown Rangers" for him and he will fund the explorer's guild in our attempts to venture north into the mountains. It sounds like a hell of a deal, though I once again feel a bit at a crossroad. Siona's family is clearly against what the Baron wants, but I also don't feel comfortable living between them. I worry I have placed myself in between a rock and a hard place so to speak. I can't really imagine how I could make that worse.
After discussions with the Baron we made our way back to the guild hall. We found a request from WA about a caliper tree that showed some massive decay. After some discussion we took it on with some help from the guy who spotted the tree. It seems like the group is being a lot more careful about what mission to take. Sprig was unable to join us for this one, so we made sure to bring more people to fill in for her.
It was about 4 days travel. The tree was hundreds of feet tall and even from miles away you could see how sickly it was.
The goal was to determine potential causes and take samples. Upon getting about 2 miles away we found human tracks. We spoke to a monkey who told us some vague information. Further in was a camp site. It appeared that someone was collecting cocoa beans. There was a cart in the campsite which we all instantly mistrusted. I don't think I can ever trust a cart again.
The footsteps went further towards the tree. We followed for another mile. I cast Clairvoyance to see at the base of the tree and from there we learned the tracks were made by Arturo, the dude that was making the chocolate truffles that weren’t good but we all told them they were to keep his spirits up. He was captured by two cave fishers and was still alive. We picked up the pace and made it to the mouth of the gave below the base of the tree. Getting closer we really started getting a feeling telling us we shouldn’t be there. Of course, we went in. Began a fight with what turned out to be 3 cave fishers and a real nasty like undead creature called a Badok. The thing didn’t even need to attack, it would just look at you to do damage. I imagine Ava is out there smiling after killing that thing. It just felt unholy.
Arturo nearly met his demise by the Bodak and a well placed fireball, but we healed him.
We also found 4 magic items.
After that we traveled back and I need to talk with Siona right away, there is a lot on my mind and I need to know where we are at with things.