Session 1: Tomb of Annihilation (TOA)

I reflected on my life as I wondered the streets of Port Nyanzaru, much had changed in a very short time. My wife, Selena, mysteriously died and was prematurely taken from this world. It was not her time. Then a couple of strangers appeared at my door and invited me to Zazesspur. They claimed to be Blood Hunters and part of an Order than knew the source of my wife's death. Zazesspur was the largest city I had ever seen. I have spent my whole life visiting the relatively small town of Mosstone on the Trade Way. After my mother died, my father had taken me once to Port Kir to see and smell the ocean. Other than standing in the sand on the beach and feeling the waves crash against my little legs, I don't remember much more than that.
 
Port Nyanzaru, while not as large as Zazesspur, is still uncomfortably large for my liking. The buildings are rather colorful and adorned with murals of giant reptiles. Multiple flags fly on the walls. The whole city seems to be bustling, sweating, laughing, swearing, and singing. Everyone seems to be in a rush. Running. Running to where? Suddenly there is a bell tolling near the front gates.
 
I stopped a young native and asked what the commotion was. “They are coming!” he replied and kept running.
At the gates, I saw villagers that live outside the city walls running in as they closed the gates. I stopped this pale looking man wearing a cowl and again asked what the people were running from. “The undead. They are approaching the city. Second time in as many weeks.” The man replied. I saw warriors climb to the top of the walls to hurl spears. I could hear mages casting a few spells exploding outside the walls as well. “Well met,” I replied to the man. “I have come here to investigate these attacks and other things.” The man smiled back and said, “Names, Halveer Nagimar. I too have been hired to look into similar happenings here.”
“I am Lucas. You know Syndra Silvane?” I ask.
“Indeed, I do.” Halveer replies. “Recently employed by her.”
“Well then,” I said, “I reckon that makes us mates, then. Let’s meet later for dinner and ale?”
“Sounds agreeable!” Halveer confirmed.
 
A few days later the other two members of our party arrive. A rich looking bloke named Kasimir Zhayne with a knightly bodyguard whose name I didn't catch. We meet with our patron, Syndra Silvane, who is staying with a merchant prince, Wakanga O'tamu. She gives us each 50 gold and charges us with finding the soulmonger before her time runs out.
 
On the streets this young native girl runs up to us asking if we'd mind helping her collect on a debt, also offering us some coin. Seeing as how we will need funds to finance our endeavors into the jungle proper, we acquiesce to her plea for aid.
 
On the streets off the beaten path we find this rather large native having some sport at the dice. Games of chance seem to be prevalent in this society. He refuses to pay up to the girl and doesn't take kindly to Kasimir restraining him. A street brawl breaks out. I try to land a few punches, but its like hitting the side of a trussed up wild hog. Very little give. He returns the favor and I see Selune's Stars. That's enough for me to draw steel. I feel my blood magic rise and I land a blow with flat of the blade.
With the help of the others, we finally subdue him to reason.
 
He gives up the owed payment and is impressed that we were able to best him. He states he is some champion here in the arena and vows to serve us until his honor is restored. I don't know what help he will be as he is just a local and doesn't know much about what lies outside the walls. But regardless we'll take him along if for no other reason than to tote supplies.
 
We meet with Wakanga at his opulent Villa. He claims to be skilled in the Arcane Arts. He offers us free food and lodging while we are in town and gives us a side quest to locate some lost metal golem in the jungle. Returning it to him would garner some additional rewards for our cause. Although Kasimir seemed inclined to imply a golem under our control would be a formidable ally.
 
We talk about some of the various guides available in the area. Kasimir's merc seems very opinionated on the matter. A bit pushy for a hired sword, I think.
 
We turn in for the night.