Umeshti Adventure Notes

You've had an evening and a morning to scan the 4 tomes you found in the monastery. You've a general idea of some of the monks' attitudes and their thoughts at the time of the writing. It seems that the events described took place many years ago and may have led to a schism within the ranks of the Brotherhood. Here's a summary of what you've learned:

The monks were active in the jungles and provide some descriptions of the native tribes. It seems they were allies of the Boruba, with whom they shared many beliefs and passions. Primary among them was the belief in an after life and reincarnation. There is a comprehensive comparison of their beliefs, but you quickly skipped the details. It seems that the Boruba and the SA (?) Monks shared a passion for music. The Boruba are apparently expert drummers and bell-ringers. Finally, they are also experts in natural healing and remedies.

There are many references to travel in the jungle. It seems that the 'beasts that drop from above' were greatly feared, especially at night. These men-like monkeys make cunning use of traps. The monks considered them irredeemably evil.

It seems that the SA monks took an active interest in what happened in the jungle. You get the idea that they abhorred slavery, (demi-)human sacrifice and any creature or force that would slaughter or poison indiscriminately. It appears that Abbot Ondika was highly concerned about 2 gathering threats and sent out scouting monks to gather more information. These scouts' maps are in the tomes. Rhoddam believes that it would still be possible to follow those routes today.

One of the tomes describes an ancient location called Trakya. Once a great civilization, there is little that remains of it above ground. Abbot Ondika was alarmed by reports that beast men were capturing (demi-)humans and sacrificing them to their bestial gods. Just as alarming was the information that a powerful sword lay beneath the ruins of this civilization and that if the beast men got their hands on it, civilization itself would be under threat.

The second threat was located at the site of an massive meteor strike, the Umeshti Crater. It seems that something at the site attracts necromancers who animate the dead, practice cannibalism and perform ritual sacrifices. Abbot Ondika was determined to lead his monks on an expedition to end these practices.

What happened to the Abbot and his monks is unclear. The authors seem to suggest that the Abbot incorrectly believed himself to be a savior, when in fact the threats were not as grave as he predicted.

Based on the map and tomes you found at the monastery, it's going to take about 25-30 days of overland travel through the jungle to get to the Umeshti Crater.

I need you to post your ideas for the gear and people you want to take to get there and back. The only limits are your imagination and your coin purses.

We won't do every stop along the way, but may hit some of the high points of the trip. We'll see.

Thanks

Alton would like to secure a miniature horse, donkey, burro or mule (in that order of preference) along with full riding tack. He will also buy a pack mule and hire an interested local to drive and care for the mule. He will need a month's worth of food for both himself and the animals (including Rawk).

With the mention of necromancy and undead, Alton will approach the local clergy for advice and any suggested supplies for fighting that sort of evil. Alton has never fought that sort of enemy before and is at somewhat of a loss as to what to expect. Alton will leave 50gp for the church in appreciation for their handling of our previous fallen.

Alton will visit the apothecary and see if any new items, salves or potions have come available since the return of the spider queen.

There will be much celebration and good times right up to our departure. Only the best food and drink, whatever the cost. Alton will purchase 4 dozen sweet cakes for the trip (attempting to seal or protect 3 dozen of them from the elements to keep them as fresh as possible) and 12 bottles of fine wine.

Alton will also have been working with and training Rawk more regularly during this period and will continue to do so on the road to the crater. Rawk is large enough now to leave the backpack.

And that is the "Alton" plan... see you on the 6th!
Russ

Tenkar will join Mr Snacky Cakes for the horse buying.

After nearly being killed, extra healing would also be beneficial.

In any case, he plans to spend or donate most of his coin (not gems) before departing (less to carry)

Horse and horsey type gear
Food supplies and extra water skins
Purchase some rope and extra sacks.
Restock and double up my arrows and lanter oil
And I echo the healing situation from the others...I'd look for that stuff as well.

You still have Briley to drive one mule. You may hire other locals to drive other mules. How much are you offering?

Also, are you hiring anyone else? To do what and for how much?

Thanks.

I suggest we hire porters and guards. We don't want to go into a cave and come out to find everyone dead. Cadfan will purchase a horse, enough dry rations for a month, any healing potions he can get his hands on.

Perhaps we can hire a company of porters who come complete with guards ? Also, need someone to boss everyone around - Briley ?

In the interim Cadfan will drink and party to excess and get rolled at least once lossing a purse full of gold ; )

tegeus