The Swamp

The guards at the west gate perfunctally check your passes as you head out after a good breakfast. The sun is rising above the horizon behind you and the sounds of birds and bugs almost hides the river sounds to your north. The road west of the base has been cleared and packed making the walk easy. Tall grass surrounds the road with trees rising further west. After a couple of minutes the trees are closer and the ground around the road is spotted with muds and water puddles as the grassland turns to a marsh. Soon you are among the trees and the road dwindles to a decent wagon track raised a foot above the waters of the swamp that now surround you.

The road leads to a fork with a simple wooden guard tower and a suspension and pontoon bridge connecting it to another watch tower to the west. A smaller track heads to the south, to the Grippli shamans mound. Greeting you the two guards wave you on through as you continue west and remind you the waters and thick vegetation hide a variety of local wildlife. These threats range from large alligators, swarms of fish that will strip you to the bones in seconds, poisonous snakes, and the ever-present flies.
The road continues on the far side of the second tower, which is taller and of sturdier construction with four guards, however the road dwindles to a simple track just wide enough for a single horse cart. As you travel you see a variety of plant and animal life. Snakes, insects, frogs, lizards, water rats, squirrels, and an occasional larger beast you have learned are referred to as "Dinosaurs". These large beasts are often hunted for meat by many of the intelligent species that moved into the area causing most of them to have learned to not wander too close to the road. Turning north then west you continue on following the path till the far end of the swamp is in sight.
According to the map back at the base the golems house is to the north and off the main path. You begin looking for the correct path and start sloughing through thick mud, semi-solid ground, floating grasses, and a variety of other wonders of nature.

Baruman find the lack of slid footing a little too similar to the back streets and allies of the impoverished sections of town. And it smells about the same too. Though he strugles to keep up with the others at last he did not bump a wasp nest like Shmautz did. The catkin quickly dashed away from the nest with only a single sting for the blunder.

The rush to escape turned to be a good thing as when Shmautz paused to catch his breath and let the others catch up after swinging wide aroudn the now ajitated hive, he spots what looks like a series of steps carved into trees, like notches for a primmitive log ladder that lead out over eater away from the trail. Pointing out the discovery you quickly move to follow the notches and soon find yourself hpooing from tree to tree to stone over mud and water. The path leads to a small island and after you will be able to reach it in a minute.Ariving on the island You spot a crubling structure and a set of stairs down into a well built basement must be the entrance to Dean's home.

As you move to cross the steping ston and notched tree trail Smautz easily navigates using spots besides those obviously prepared to ease the crossing. unfortunately Baruman has a bit more trouble and mutters something about giants and inconciderate creaftsmen before he falls offf a perch he had just lept too. The splash allerts Shmautz who doubleds back and fishes the small water logged figure of Baruman out of the dirty swamp water. Elph watches teh fiasco and then focuses more on his steps as he is sure he saw a leech clinging to one of Baruman's legs.

On the far side the other two quicly help Baruman scour his body for the uninvited hitchhikers. This only takes a moment and you walk over to the stairs and Baruman calls down. Shortly therafter clicking sounds are heard aproatching. A 1 foot tall centaur looking figure made of metal appears at the base of the stairs and he calls out, in a rather loud and bass voice despite its diminuative size Enter and be at peace. Master Dean welcomes seekers of knowledge for an exchange of lore and seekers of service for an exhangee or value. The tiny centaur backs up and gestures, waiting for you to follow.

Dean explains what he knows which fits with that you have heard. This area has a variety of animals including large lizard like creatures called dinosaurs. They vary is size from tiny to gigantic and like other beasts since eat plants and others eat meat. Some are support while others stay in beards and packs. Treat then as your would any beast. A common one seen elsewhere is the crocodile. Most dangerous ones have been hunted out of the swamp but you noticed a couple as your eagles here.
Besides the dinosaurs there are a number of Faerie creatures nearby that tend to live in pockets. If you see one others are likely nearby. The seem to enjoy playing with Dean's servitors causing him additional problems.
Recently, about the same time as the expedition arriving, several forces have moved into the area including goblin, kobold, hobgoblin, orc, and a few necromancers. There are a few other creatures and monsters as well but they are scattered and harder to predict.

Dean gives a rough description of the area and dangers he is aware of, most your were already aware of, and directions to the Remnant. My servitor will help as it may.
Be well. Withdrawing from the basement and Dean's little isle you make your way back to the main trail and out of the swamp.
Beyond the swamp are high grasses with clumps of trees and a few hills. The lush grass must be a common grazing area as your spot a few dinosaur herds. The main trail heads west but you soon find a side trail heading SW through some trees that matches Dean's directions.
Give me a matching order and a activities as you move through trees and/or grass

Shmautz could go first. He's got the survivor trait and Eyesight. The cougar totem could also help.

Shmautz takes the lead, with his totem ranging near and far ahead of them, followed by Baruman and then Elph. As you move into the woods the shade gives some welcome relief from the heat. As you follow the trail Baruman and Smautz an assortment of tracks on the trail. Smautz shows the differences to Baruman. These are obviously barefoot, these are wearing soft leather, and these look to be clawed humanoid, but not very big ones. In Shmautz estimation the tracks likely belong to goblins, kobolds, and other humanoids. Though not accustomed to the sights, sounds, and scents of the wilds yet, Baruman has keen senses and alerts the others to anything that might be a danger. Shmautz often then has to educate the young duende. Elph watches for any danger but they leave the woods with no trouble.

After leaving the woods you cut off the trail and head SW, as directed by the Servitor. The tall grass proves as nerve racking to Baruman as the thick woods had. The grass is thick, taller than Baruman at times, and moves with the wind. If not for the comfort of Shmautz totem prowling around them you are not sure what you might have encountered. As it is you are mid way across to the next wooded region when a large herd of the dinosaurs moves into view. Though they do not look aggressing they are heading north beyond you, likely to the river to drink, and their size alone makes them a threat to all of you. increasing your pace you "walk" out of their path.

Safely outside of the path of the large beasts herd you are startled when out of the trees that you just walked through burst a large bipedal dinosaur. (T-rex) The T-rex sprints towards the herd which turns and begins lumbering away from the massive predator in fear. Unfortunately you are now once again the the path of the herd which is moving much faster. If you do not act quickly you are all likely to be trampled beneath their massive feet.

You are in the middle of a large grassy area over a quarter mile wide. The herd is NE of you and heading SW. You are not in the middle of their path but they are in the path of several at the edges of the group.
How do you respond.

The totem spots a good target and leaps at a young calf causing the mother to lunge to intervene. This shifts the mother and calf and the test follow the flow to avoid the new threat.

The herd thunders past as the large predator, T-Rex, catches one of the slower herd members and begins feasting less than a hundred feet from you.

Keeping a wary eye on the predator you head for the closes cover quickly without running. Once the t-rex is out of sight you reoritnt yourselves and continue on your way to the Remnant pointed out by Dean. Coming out of the trees you spot a largee walled enclosure ahead of you.

From what you have heard of these back at the expedition base they are encapsulated in a protctive field or a weakened Border. The effects inside vary. Not detecting any danger in the area you move closer to get a better look. The walls are well over 30 feet high and several hundred feet long. The tops of the wall have odd floating spheres attacked by thin whires floating and bobbing in the breeze. Each wall has a double door set into th e middle. Aroudn the Remant, and along the way, you see ocasional ruble form destroyd structures Only the Remnant appear to have weathered the raveges of the Breaking and time since then.

You are at the NE corner of the Remnant. According to the instructions given by Dean you will need to enter and be guided by the Servitor to a specific location where it can use some means to establish communication with Dean. Dean can then help you secure the Remnant. Until Dean arrives you will need to avoid or overcome any active defenses or locked doors the has active between you and the location.
How to you wish to proceed?

The orbs are about 1 foot diameter and bob lazily in the breeze. With no visible limbs (other than their tether to the wall?) and not eyes or ears to speak of you can detect no reaction.

Looking over at the large gates you see they are slightly ajar and should allow you entry

The orbs float bouncing on their tethers. As you reach the North gate and look inside you see an open area around a single large building that is in even better condition than the wall that surround it. The surrounding courtyard is of paved stones set tight without mortar. The building is made of stone with windows on the top of the first floor and filling much of the second floor. On a large plaque over the main doors directly across from you you read Library of Paphos in large bold lettering. The door is of Bronze and like the walls is decorated with mural like etchings and carvings. The area is quiet, clean, and empty.

The small Servitor construct points towards the library doors

As you begin crossing the library plaza that surrounds it you see a chicken sized bird flutter down from a ledge over the door. It squawks and guards at you. That sounded odd. As your get near you notice it's neck is extended and it has a long tail. The feathers do not cover everywhere and rough scaly skin can be seen beneath. (Think feathered dinosaur chicken to turkey size)

you can make a test roll to see if your character recognizes it, or state a guess, roll with advantage, and I will tell you if your are correct or close.

As it stalks closer Shmautz recals legends of a Cockatrice. Magical creatures whose touch can petrify.

The Cockatrice gives a squak and rushes forwards

Roll 2d6 initiative

Moving this to the Libary thread

A duo on daily duties out at dawn
Buan and Nekgen set out at first light was just beginning to illuminate the grassy field to the west of the encampment walls. Buan has been here a a couple weeks but this is the first time either have left the base. Luckily their job shouldn't be too hard. Buan had been given a list of needs and suggestions by the local druid on how to fill them.
speaking in a soft and fluid voice the healer complains sleepily It really does seem like made up work. I am sure the druid could find everything on this list much faster than both of us. And probably be safer doing it too. Still it is a beautiful morning. Like many florids Buan feeds heavily on sunlight and is not bothered by the thick heat of the swamp.

The odd pair, a large bovine like minotaur with deep red brown fur and a slight yellow and green florid stroll down the road to the swamp. Reaching the beginning of the mashes and soon the swamp itself they see the guard towers, still shut tight for the night as the guards have yet to come out.

Wll since we have to go the long way we can stop by and see the old grippli shaman. She might be able to help us with finding some of these. Of course she will want something in return. What do you think NNekgen Bludgeboil?

Taking note of how the pontoon bridge design is set to incorporate the side rail posts Nekgen and Baun work together to repair the side supports. Nekgen begins placing the repaired supports edging further and further out into the water. He gets all the way to the 3rd pontoon, about 10 feet form the shore before leaning too far over and sliding off the tipping bridge. The water proves warmer than expected and does not bear thinking about why this might be. Scrambling out of the water grumbling Nekgen wrings out his cloths to dry while Baun continues the work. Being much lighter she has less difficulty setting the post in the bridge but has to resort to magic at the end to set the far side before Nekgen pulls the rope tight and anchoring the near side.

By this time is is mid morning, the repairs taking a couple of hours, the wildlife of the swamp is well on the move.
Crossing the now repaired bridge they make it to the shamans mound. About 20 feet tall and about 60 feet wide the mound resembles a low hill save the doorway cutting into it and several small "window" holes along with a hole atop the hill out of which rises a thin wisp of smoke.

Baun claps loudly outside the door and call Good morning
From deep within an odd scratching voice returns Come on in! is a welcoming and wavering tone.

As you enter the first thing you note is the smell. There is a light haze filling the inside of the mound. It is slightly thick and sweet with a hint of something that tingles when you inhale
Make a Save Test (2d6 and any roll 5 or higher is a pass)
The fumes enter as you breath and you feel yourself relax and slightly more allert (for now)
the inside of the mound is one large cavernous room. The fire in the middle ias a kettle hung over it wich is bubling slightly. Tables, racks, and shelvs line all the walls and a wide variety of identifiable and unidentifiable items cover every surface.
Oh she will definitely be able to help us. Buan says softly looking around and wandering over to a rack of drying herbs.

Nekgebn is a bit more familiar with animal processing and easily identifies a variety of animal parts in various forms of preservation and processing. Bones, ground bone powder, hides, tanned hides, pickled eyeballs, some other things Nekgen kep in the back room where they wouldn't distub the more sensitive clientel. And there are seveal items he cant identify, or might but the size or color seems wrong..

Off to wone side working on mixing some powders together sits a little old grippli. The shaman eye the odd pair as you enter snd smiles in greeting. Well, necomers. Sertainly have been alot of new faces lately. Corse some of the new neighbors I could do wthout muttering the last bit with obvious distast.
What can I do for you, eh? Need some healing, preventative, a charm maybe? and blinks her large eyes

Yes, yes the list. Here it is. and she proffers the list to the grippli who gives her a blnak stare causing Baun to flush, the firt time you have seen a flower blush so quickly. It is only accompanied by a sweet smell with a tinge of bitterness. Baun read the list and explains details about each plant as the grippli woman retuplies with the local name and additional details along with suggestions on where to look for them, which Baun jots down.

They confer for several minutes giving Nekgen time to peruse the room and its contents.

I have somem honnied fruit bits in that pot over there along with a few other victuals and she waves absent mindedly at a small table with an assortment of jars and bowl. Looking over the small collection you have your selection of candided fruits and nuts, dried fruits, nuts, jerkied meats, and candied meats.
While your about remember to look for those thing I asked about. You seem a competent girl so should have no trouble bringing them back in good shape. With all the new neighbors I will need to start a garden to get a better stock Nevre saw the need before but I go through my stock quickly now days. the shaman comments as she and Baun finish their conversation.

The shaman smiles and waves you off.
As you leave Baun goes over the list she has As I recall form the map on base and from the directions she gave we will need to go to the NE of the swamp, then the west, and finally to the south where our map was woefully blank.
You recall seeing the map on the scout bulletin board (see ~Tiny Info~ Area Map, available as a drop down below the Quick Reply and Rolls section) The map did not have great detail and was not complete but did give a rough idea of passable pathways in the swamp. You confer with Baun and both agree to start close, as you are both unsure of the swamp dangers, and head to the first area you will need to search. As you head north you wind around and eventually make it back to the road, passing the outer guard post which is now manned and open. The guards greet you and you chat a bit before moving on. Unfortunately you must soon veer off the road and back into the soggy animal tracks and thick vegetation or murky waters.

Gulfis said one of these things the base wants us to get only grows in dank, dark, places and suggested checking some ruins up this way. According to her the surface structures have mostly collapsed but many of the subterranean sections is still in tact and make great places to find this herb. Give me a Test Roll to see how long it takes to find a ruin with an accessible basement

You search the area and after a few minutes get a system where Baun focuses on finding a save path and you focus on searching. The paths wind from isle to isle over floating vegetation or partially submerged plants with many animal tracks indicating the local wildlife is much more at home in the water than you feel comfortable with yourself. After about 10 minutes your find your first ruin, only to discover it never had a basement or it collapsed or was filled long ago. Continuing your search, now a bit mor familiar on what to look for you find a couple other ruins and eventually find one with a basement intact and accessible.

The ruins upper levels, it looks like there were at least 2, have long succumbed to the ravages of the Shattering and swamp. The basement is a dim opening accessible via stairs inside the crumbling structure. The stairs themselves seem sturdy enough and build of stonework that has weathered well though is now partially moss covered with weeds growing from between the stones.

Roll initiative (2d6 added together high roll wins).
The snake tenses then springs

Nekgen blocks the bite with his ax but the snake wraps around his body and begins constricting
You take no damage at this time but the constriuction will cause damage each round after

"Ghrhkghl." Nekgen dutifully responds through his crushed larynx. Through rising blood pressure and limited movement, he tries once again to saw through the snake with either end of his axe.

The ax bites deeply into the snake which hisses and tightens its coils in pain and anger as Baun bombards it with magical ice bolts

Continuing your activities till mid afternoon you then retrace you steps and return to the base. Tire, and dirty, but with a decent collection, a fraction of which Baun drops off at the Shamans house, not bad for your first day.

Story continues at the Base Tavern

A stroll into the Swamps
Please stay on the path at all times unless you wish to donate body parts to the local ecosystem. The expedition takes no responsibility for any discomfort, injury, or loss of limb, liberty, time, or sould. Have a nice day!!!! :)

Heading west you move through a grass field just outside the expedition camp walls. After a short walk down the well worn road you reach the beginning of the mashes and soon the swamp itself. Ahead you see a guard tower. A couple of guards lounge at the base with another couple up in the lookout.

The guards warn you that though there is a road and it is much safer than before the swamp is still a dangerous place. They point out the waters and thick vegetation hide a variety of local wildlife. These threats range from large alligators, swarms of fish that will strip you to the bones in seconds, poisonous snakes, and the ever-present flies.

To the Shaman Mound
The guards inform you that foot traffic can bypass a loop of the trail that heads south, passing near to the mound where you can find Gulfis. Gulfis is the grippli, frog people, shaman. She is well known and respected by the adventurers and other common base workers for her inexpensive and effective remedies.

If you take the southern loop it meanders south then west before a side track splits to the south again. You can see a pontoon bridge at the end of the southern spur and were told this leads to the shamans hut. About 20 feet tall and about 60 feet wide the mound resembles a low hill save the doorway cutting into it and several small "window" holes along with a hole atop the hill out of which rises a thin wisp of smoke.