Orolunga is an ancient ruined city containing a massive brick and stone ziggurat that serves as the dwelling place of Saja N’baza, a guardian naga who is thousands of years old. The naga is one of the best sources of information in Chult and one of only three creatures who knows that the source of the death curse lies in Omu.
The Ziggurat
The structure rises in four levels with two staircases angling up each face, meeting at landings. The fourth level (60 feet above ground) is an enclosed shrine adorned with labyrinth symbols. The entire structure is heavily encroached upon by jungle vegetation, and any evidence of the surrounding ancient city has been consumed by the dense jungle.
The ziggurat is protected by powerful mythic-level magic that prevents anyone from reaching the upper levels by any means other than climbing the stairs properly. Flight, climbing the walls, teleportation, and any other bypass attempts fail — characters flying never get closer, climbers slide back down, teleportation moves sideways instead of up. This magic is absolute and cannot be overcome by mortal means.
The Three Tests
Characters must pass three tests to reach Saja N’baza:
First Steps
The initial stairs (25 feet long, 10 feet high) are choked with vegetation. A chwinga with a raccoon mask appears and demonstrates that characters must harvest blue tulips growing nearby and present them to gain safe passage through the thorns.
Second Steps
These stairs (33 feet long, 20 feet high) crumble to gravel underfoot. A chwinga with a chameleon mask demonstrates the solution by racing up the steps carrying an orange and purple orchid and a red parrot feather. Characters need both items (easily found in the area) to climb safely — they become “light as a feather” on the fragile stones.
Third Steps
The final stairs (45 feet long, 30 feet high) are guarded by dozens of venomous snakes. A chwinga with a mongoose mask shows that characters must prove their good intentions by being unarmed and unarmored to pass safely.
Saja N’baza’s Shrine
Inside the shrine at the top, characters meet Saja N’baza in a mystical encounter. The naga possesses legendary oracular abilities and can provide crucial information about Omu, the death curse, and the adventure’s objectives.
After leaving the shrine, characters find it is dawn regardless of when they entered, and they cannot return to Saja N’baza. The descent is easy — snakes are gone, steps are solid, vegetation is clear. Blue tulips bloom around the ziggurat’s base when they reach the ground.
Who Knows About Orolunga
Several NPCs can direct characters here:
- Eshek, an acolyte of Savras in Port Nyanzaru, may approach characters with a prophetic message about “the wise guardian of Orolunga, east of Mbala”
- Eku (a disguised couatl guide) knows about the guardian naga’s legendary oracular abilities and recommends visiting if characters are unsure where to go
- Azaka Stormfang (weretiger guide) is personally acquainted with Saja N’baza and will gladly lead characters to the naga if they seek guidance
- Artus Cimber may be searching for Orolunga to consult with the naga about his wife Alisanda and the hidden city of Mezro
Location
Orolunga lies east of Mbala and can be spotted from the high plateau at Mbala with a successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check, appearing as “the ziggurat at Orolunga” nestled in the jungle to the west.