The Missing Merchants/Transcript

The Missing Merchants
Discover the fate of some merchants in the jungles of Chult.
Area	Goal		Quests & Cinematics
Templar:	"Oh, Sune be praised. And in the time of the Grand Revel no less. You there, adventurers! I request aid."
Bruenor:	"We just got here. That didn't take long, now did it. Aye? What can we do fer ya?"
Templar:	"A merchant caravan that makes regular stops here hasn't been seen in a month. No one at Port Nyanzaru has had word. We need them found... *I* need them found. I have a...friend that travels with them. A minstrel and merchant. Looking forward to her songs helps me get through the days. Please find them."
Bruenor:	"Well, we came ta give you Templars some reprieve fer the Grand Revel anyway. This seems like a good start."
Templar:	"Oh, thank the gods. Just last night a different caravan guide reported having seen broken carts along one of the routes in the jungle. You could start there. The minstrel's name is Birdsong, one of the Tabaxi. If you come across her."
Celeste:	"It would be our pleasure. And we will make sure to keep an eye out for your friend."
Jarlaxle:	"Did you see the look in her eye? In no way are they simply 'friends'. And what about the party we were to throw?"
Celeste:	"Well then, it seems like Sune herself is ensuring we're celebrating in a different way."
1	Defeat 25 Enemies		A Templar at Camp Vengeance has requested aid finding a lost caravan and her friend. You can think of no better way to celebrate The Grand Revel than helping find out the truth of their fate.
Jarlaxle:	"Celeste, what did you mean Sune is ensuring we're celebrating the Revel?"
Celeste:	"I feel Sune's hand in this. Sune is the Goddess of Love. The Grand Revel is a time of beauty, celebration, and affection in all its forms. You don't find it strange that the moment we step into Camp Vengeance to try and bring some reprieve to the Templars there, we are asked to seek a caravan and someone's 'friend', a minstrel no less?"
Jarlaxle:	"That could easily be coincidence. It does happen to us... well... quite a bit. We have the most terrible timing. *You* seem *sure*."
Celeste:	"I know. It must be infuriating."
2	Defeat 25 Enemies		You head away from Camp Vengeance and toward the path where the broken carts were seen.
3	Defeat 25 Enemies		The jungle panthers hunger. Put them on a diet.
Nayeli:	"Here. This must be the wreckage that guide spoke of. This doesn't look good."
Celeste:	"I don't see any bodies or bones. That's a blessing at least. But what happened to them?"
Nayeli:	"Look, this is certainly one of Port Nyanzaru's merchant houses. See the symbol? Let's dig through. See what we can find."
4	Collect 25 Caravan Supplies		As the jungle grows denser, you start to see the wreckage of carts scattered about.
Ragged Caravan Guard:	"Perhaps I can help?"
Bruenor:	"Gyah! Ye scared me!"
5	Defeat the Angry Boar		Protect the survivor from the ravages of the jungle. They look like they've been through enough.
Ragged Caravan Guard:	"Thank you. You all seek the survivors, yes?"
Bruenor:	"Aye. We do. Do ye know what happened?"
Ragged Caravan Guard:	"I do. I was among their number. We were attacked by a wicked creature of stitched flesh, but we heroically drove it off. We were taken in by a kindly old woman who led us to the village Mbala, on the plateau there to the south."
Bruenor:	"What are ye doin' back here then? Ye look like you've been through all Nine Hells."
Ragged Caravan Guard:	"I was the most well and was headed to camp to fetch an escort. Perhaps you brave souls could go in the soldiers' stead?"
Bruenor:	"Well then, the way to Camp Vengeance should be clear fer now. Hurry on yer way and enjoy the Grand Revel. We'll take it from here."
Ragged Caravan Guard:	"Yes. Of course. I'm sure it will be a most interesting evening."
Bruenor:	"Well, tha's good news. Let's go fetch 'em."
Jarlaxle:	"Yes. Fetch. As if we're picking up a stick. We're marching through the jungles of Chult, every inch filled with murder."
Bruenor:	"Then we best step lively, eh?"
6	Defeat 25 Panthers		The survivor tells you that the rest of the caravan is resting on the plateau of Mbala to the south.
7	Defeat 25 Enemies		This section of jungle teems with the undead. Don't let them stop you.
Celeste:	"Take some samples of these plants here. I'll study them later."
Jarlaxle:	"We pick up a lot of things for you to study later. When do you find the time?"
Celeste:	"Later."
8	Collect 25 Sickened Fronds		Grab some of the sickened ferns. It may give some insight into Chult's ongoing undead problem. Kill two birds with one stone and try to find out why the birds come back again.
Nayeli:	"Here. This trail should lead us close to the plateau."
9	Defeat 25 Panthers		The horde defeated, you spy a faint trail leading south.
10	Defeat the Battle Scarred Panther		As you approach the plateau a panther drops from the trees and bars your path. Its thick hide tells the tale of many battles.
Nayeli:	"I see a small trail here. This plateau is huge. How did an injured caravan make it all the way up there?"
Celeste:	"The promise of sanctuary is a motivating factor, especially if it's away from this jungle. And they had a guide. The soldier mentioned an old woman. I imagine the height affords some measure of safety."
Nayeli:	"On that note, how did an old woman get up here?"
Bruenor:	"Let's find out."
11	Defeat 25 Giant Flies		This thin path seems to be the only one leading up what appears to be sheer cliffs. You begin to climb and hope these flies don't eat you alive.
Nayeli:	"On your guard. Wisps."
Celeste:	"Wisps are usually found at sites of great tragedy. What could have happened here?"
Jarlaxle:	"Who knows. It's Chult. It could literally be anything. And don't crowd. I don't want to take a tumble here."
12	Defeat 25 Enemies		Spirits begin to drift from the cliff face and the very ground. Chult is a land of wonder and mysteries. Most of which are trying to kill you.
Nayeli:	"Let's clear this and any other debris as we go. It'll make getting back easier. Especially if we have a lot of people in tow."
13	Clear the Cliffside Debris		Debris blocks your way as you climb. This would have made getting up here difficult for the caravan. Curious. Clear it out so the descent is easier.
14	Defeat 25 Giant Flies		As you make your way farther up the narrow cliffside path, the spirits seem to leave you be. However, the flies redouble their attention.
Bruenor:	"The heat I can take. Tha dinosaurs in this bloody place? Alright, I can handle tha'. Even the undead I can deal with. It's the flies. The bloody flies. We're I a spellslinger, I'd torch tha lot o' 'em!"
Jarlaxle:	"If you slung spells the way you swing that axe, we'd all be dead."
15	Defeat the Swarm of Flies		The flies become even denser and merge into a mighty swarm. The path demands your attention. Clear the distraction.
16	Defeat 25 Giant Rats		The plateau has risen high enough to be above the tree line, and thankfully, the flies. Lots of rats up here though. Odd.
17	Clear the Cliffside Debris		More debris has found itself in your way. Move it.
Celeste:	"Didn't our friend Azaka mention this plant here? Wildroot, I think she said. Let's grab some on the way. The guard we spoke to didn't look great and this may help the others waiting to recover faster."
18	Collect 25 Wildroot		The path here is thick with wildroot. You remember someone telling you it was a curative against poison. Collect some.
Nayeli:	"Footprints, you can see them faintly here... and here. I'd say we're on the right path. Well, the only path, really."
19	Defeat 25 Giant Rats		As you round the last switchback, you see faint signs of foot traffic. Aside from the guard you met, this is the first sign you're probably on the right path!
Bruenor:	"Is this one o' them wildroots?"
Jarlaxle:	"Bruenor, let go of that right now! It's an assassin vine."
Nayeli:	"You have the *worst* luck."
20	Defeat the Assassin Vine		A seemingly innocuous vine whips out, attempting to crush you! Crush it back.
Celeste:	"Will Chult's wonders never cease? This village is beautiful."
Jarlaxle:	"And empty. And quiet. Where are all the people?"
21	Defeat 25 Enemies		On reaching the top of the plateau, you are greeted with the sight of a well constructed, but seemingly abandoned, village.
Celeste:	"The view from up here. You can see the whole of the Aldani Basin. Look there! The floating Heart of Ubtao! The ziggurat of Orolunga! And... is that a shipwreck in the middle of the jungle?"
Nayeli:	"Lessons later. We should find these people. Dark approaches."
Celeste:	"Beauty should be appreciated during the Grand Revel."
22	Defeat 25 Flying Snakes		You cannot believe the view from up here. You can clearly see all the way across the Aldani Basin. A grand view for a Grand Revel.
23	Collect 25 Thatch Bundles		Some of the huts' roofs are stove in. Collect some thatch to drop off on doorsteps for these fine, apparently missing, people.
24	Defeat 25 Enemies		Someone has to live here. Swat away the flying snakes and monkeys and look around a bit more.
Jarlaxle:	"Finally! Someone to talk to. You there, matron. Are you the old woman we heard about? We've come to bring the caravan back to Camp Vengeance. Where can we find them?"
Nanny Pu'pu:	"Well hello there you brash young man, you. My name is Nanny Pu'pu and welcome to Mbala. Yes, welcome. Gah! Blasted snakes. Could you young folks clear them away so we can talk?"
Jarlaxle:	"She understands I'm not a man and probably older than she is, right?"
Bruenor:	"This heat always makes ye so tetchy."
25	Defeat the Flying Snake Swarm		A withered old woman toddles out from a well kept hut. Clear away the vermin so you might speak.
Nanny Pu'pu:	"Impressive. You all seem very hearty. The ones you seek are with the villagers collecting roots and herbs. I've taken great care of them and they've seen fit to repay me. There'll be a feast tonight, I'm sure."
Celeste:	"I see. You celebrate the Grand Revel even here. Well, may we wait here then?"
Nanny Pu'pu:	"Yes, the Revel. Of course. Well, perhaps you could do an old woman a kindness and clear out a den of nasty pterafolk that's been harassing my poor village? You'll find them to the south. Then stay the night. I'd love to have you for dinner."
Bruenor:	"I don' see why not. Let's get to it."
Celeste:	"It's good that we can lend a hand."
Jarlaxle:	"It seems Sune has all sorts of tasks for us today."
Nayeli:	"He's rolling his eyes."
Celeste:	"I know. I can *feel* it."
26	Defeat 25 Enemies		The caravan and villagers will return from foraging shortly. In the meantime Nanny Pu'pu has sent you to clear a nest of pterafolk as payment for taking the caravan in.
Bruenor:	"Let go o' me beard ye little git!"
27	Collect 25 Zorbo Claws		As you consider how odd it is the entire village is foraging, more of the adorable creatures harry you by darting in and out of the nearby huts. Teach them a lesson.
28	Defeat 25 Enemies		Seeing your trouble with the zorbos, flying monkeys have joined the fray.
29	Defeat 25 Zorbos		You feel as if the zorbos are trying to run you out of town. Luckily, as the plateau is huge, that's where you want to go anyway.
Bruenor:	"Get offa me! What are these things?"
Celeste:	"Zorbos. They're called zorbos. I think they're kind of cute."
Bruenor:	"Well yer not covered in 'em. They smell like a minotaurs backside!"
Bruenor:	"Well, look at tha' biggun there. Time ta' take some of me frustration out."
Celeste:	"Take care with your emotions. This is a time dedicated to beauty and love. You don't want to dishonor the goddess."
Bruenor:	"No worries there, lass. I'm gunna absolutely love this."
30	Defeat the Particularly Vicious Zorbo		One of the little basta... creatures seems particularly vicious. This has been a weird Grand Revel so far.
31	Defeat 25 Zorbos		A final few zorbos chase you beyond the village limits. Cocky, considering how much punishment their fellows received.
32	Defeat 25 Giant Flies		You make your way along the cliffside towards the pterafolk caves.
Nayeli:	"Let's grab some of this silk. Solid for patching armor. Those zorbos did a number on mine."
33	Collect 25 Caterpillar Silk		Insects abound here. Always valuable, collect some silk.
Bruenor:	"There, the pterafolk. We're close."
Nayeli:	"What are they saying? It sounds like a chant."
Jarlaxle:	"It sounds like seabirds choking on fish."
34	Defeat 25 Pterafolk		Pterafolk begin to appear. They seem to be chanting, as if trying to draw the attention of something... probably something big.
Celeste:	"They were calling to this creature! It could easily carry off a villager. We must defeat it."
Bruenor:	"A villager?! This thing could carry off an entire hut!"
35	Defeat the Quetzalcoatlus		Yup. It was something big. A giant winged beast, a quetzalcoatlus, drops in from the sky above.
Nayeli:	"A cave. This must be it. Steel yourselves for a fight. They won't take kindly to us house crashing."
36	Defeat 25 Pterafolk		You spot a mound of rock... no! A cave entrance. This must be the pterafolk cave Nanny Pu'pu was talking about.
Nayeli:	"For a cleric of Selûne, you are certainly into the Grand Revel, even though it's the domain of other gods"
Celeste:	"Well, there is some overlap. And who doesn't want to celebrate beauty and love in all its forms?"
Jarlaxle:	"Not all relationships are exclusive."
37	Defeat 25 Pterafolk		It's dark and damp here. A stark contrast to the heat outside. Pterafolk climb and swoop from every surface.
Celeste:	"Look there. On their belt. Do those dolls look like Nanny Pu'pu to you?"
Nayeli:	"Grab some?"
Celeste:	"Grab some."
38	Collect 25 Pu'pu Figurines		Some of the pterafolk are wearing fetishes that look oddly like Nanny Pu'pu. Something isn't right here. Collect some.
Celeste:	"These are protection fetishes. The fact they look like the old woman is very concerning."
Bruenor:	"I'm startin' ta get that feelin' in me gut."
39	Defeat 25 Pterafolk		The pterafolk nest begins to thin as they either fall or escape the cave and take to the air.
Pterafolk Leader:	"Wingless do not see. Wingless do not understand. Wingless will see. Wingless will understand. Wingless doomed!"
Nayeli:	"We hear it all the time. Stuff it, wingman!"
Jarlaxle:	"Wingman? Really?"
Nayeli:	"Look, they can't all be winners."
40	Defeat the Pterafolk Leader		The leader steps forth, uttering warnings in common that all is not as it seems and presses the attack.
Jarlaxle:	"Well, that's done. Let us find Nanny Pu'pu, grab this Birdsong, and the caravan, honor Sune or whatever, and head back to camp. I was promised drunk paladins and I don't want to miss that hilarity."
41	Defeat 25 Enemies		You quickly make your way back to the village as the sky begins to darken.
Nayeli:	"Crawling claws! What is this?"
Celeste:	"These can only be created with foul magic."
Nayeli:	"They came from the huts. Something isn't right here."
42	Defeat 25 Enemies		Along with the flying vermin you've come to expect from Chult, shuffling shriveled hands swarm out of some of the huts.
Celeste:	"See here. Doesn't this ring belong to one of the merchant houses in Port Nyanzaru?"
Nayeli:	"I saw the same symbol on some of the wreckage in the jungle. And how did these zombies even get up here?"
Celeste:	"I don't think they did. I think they were made here."
43	Collect 25 Merchant Rings		Some of the hands wear rings bearing the symbol of one of the merchant guilds of Port Nyanzaru, Chult's main settlement. They must belong to the missing caravanners.
Nayeli:	"At least some of these hands must have belonged to the caravan troupe. Oh, that poor Templar. Let us hope her companion yet lives."
Bruenor:	"Wha's happenin ta the village? It's changin', decayin'!"
Celeste:	"Illusion! I believe we're seeing the truth for the first time. Let us find this Nanny Pu'pu. She has much to answer for."
44	Defeat 25 Enemies		In a moment of horrid realization, the village flickers and changes. The once comely village is replaced with decrepit, rotted hovels, save one. Skulls and stench abound.
Bruenor:	"Evil monkey!"
Celeste:	"A su-monster. Vile, vile creature."
45	Defeat the Su-Monster		As your mind reels, a chattering laughter is heard from the rafters of a broken hut. The evilest looking monkey, a su-monster, mocks you and pounces.
Nayeli:	"Some of these undead are dressed in the same colors as the caravan."
Celeste:	"Then we may have been too late. We must find this Nanny Pu'pu. I have... questions."
Nayeli:	"Are you alright?"
Celeste:	"No."
46	Defeat 25 Enemies		More undead. Some wear the colorful modern dress of Port Nyanzaru. It may be too late for the caravan.
Nayeli:	"I don't think I've ever seen Celeste so angry."
Jarlaxle:	"No witty quips from me. That woman has silver fire in her eyes."
Celeste:	"Nanny Pu'pu! Where are you!? Answer me!"
Celeste:	"Come out! Come out you vile creature! I have questions and I had better like your answers!"
Nanny Pu'pu's Voice:	"I'm here, dear. I'm everywhere."
Celeste:	"What have you done with them?!"
Nanny Pu'pu's Voice:	"Hehehehehe. Isn't it obvious? I waylaid them, stole them away. Some used. Some serve. Some kept. Oh, how easy it was to draw you here."
Celeste:	"The guard! That was you!"
Nanny Pu'pu's Voice:	"Just so! Just so! Hehehehehehehehehe!"
Celeste:	"Birdsong, is she still alive?"
Nanny Pu'pu's Voice:	"The songstress with the notes so sweet? Find me and discover!"
47	Defeat 25 Enemies		Time to find Nanny Pu'pu.
Celeste:	"We have an obligation to bring back reminders for their loved ones. Then we find the creature and we put her down."
Nayeli:	"I've never seen you so... driven."
Celeste:	"This is how we celebrate the Grand Revel? We must be dealing with a hag. There is no redemption. We take her ugliness out of the world, save who we can, and then we burn. Everything. Let the light be seen through all of Chult."
48	Collect 25 Merchant Rags		Nanny Pu'pu used her power of illusion to pose as the caravan guard you met in the jungle in order to send you here. Dastardly hag!
49	Defeat 25 Enemies		Even if you can't find the templar's amore, you can at least put the foul creature that killed her in the ground.
Nanny Pu'pu:	"You've found me! How?"
Nayeli:	"We followed the music. Look there in that cage with the others. A tabaxi! That must be Birdsong!"
Birdsong:	"Rescuers! You heard me! Thank Sune! Thank Lady Firehair! I prayed so hard!"
Nanny Pu'pu:	"Silence! You will all end up in my pot. Let the despoilment of the Revel be the spice that flavors this night! Face me! Face my golem! Think, tabaxi, of how sad she will be when you never return!"
50	Defeat Nanny Pu'pu		You finally find Nanny Pu'pu... and her flesh golem! Put them down for good!
Birdsong:	"Oh, thank you! We're all that's left. If you hadn't come... I don't know what would have happened."
Celeste:	"It's alright now. There is a templar back at camp that will be happy to see you."
Birdsong:	"Vanessa? Oh, my sweet Vanessa. Sune heard my prayer and will deliver me back to her."
Celeste:	"Her concern seemed a bit deeper than simply one of friendship."
Birdsong:	"Well, her commanders don't approve of relationships with 'civilians', however. Our trysts have been exciting... and special. I always look forward to the next and care for her deeply. Because of her status as a Templar, she's had to keep it quiet. However, *I've* written songs about it that I play at the Port. I cannot wait to see her again."
Celeste:	"Let's get all of you back."
Birdsong:	"Perhaps, after the Revel and my reunion, I could travel with you for a time? I'm certain there are stories to tell."
Bruenor:	"Ye have no idea, lass. Let's get goin'."
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