We would welcome you along Jask. Marcus says expansively.
Well then. If Jask says he is certain the marriage will not work then I for one am inclined to agree with him.
Bear with me for a second. I wonder then if the Mantis would be more receptive to an agreement with the Pathfinders. Quite frankly, I don't like the thought of them on the other side of us and their involvement might keep the Aspis and others off-balance. If their interest is religious rather than regional then it might actually fit well with the Pathfinder's exploration.
Hmm...
Jask breaks the awkward silence that follows Marcus' statement.
That is a... novel... suggestion, Marcus... Sasha, you told me your mother is a high ranking member of the Mantis back on the Shiv. What do you think their interest is?
Sasha clears her throat, then recties as though from memory.
Ancient texts within the Red Mantis headquarters reputedly hint at the existence of a temple to Achaekek, the Mantis God, within the legendary city of Saventh-Yhi. The Red Mantis are eager to find this location, which is sacred to their cult.
Gelik looks less than convinced that allying with the Red Mantis would be something the Pathfinders would readily agree to.
OK. OK. Maybe an alliance is too much?
The way I see it all these groups want two things. The information we have as to the city's location and for us not to give it to anyone else. Further down the list is the provision of our sterling skills.
Dealing with the Aspis, pirates and every other wannabe treasure-hunter who hears about this is going to be challenge enough... and that reminds me, we need to start being more careful where each of go alone .. I for one don't want to be on the other side of a bunch of skilled assassins who think we're standing in the way of them finding their God. So maybe we get Sasha to talk to her mother and re-assure her that we (the Pathfinders and anyone else we're dealing with) have no interest in opposing the Mantis on this and we're more than prepared to let them find their temple. Hells we can co-operate. Let them turn their skills on the others. I don't know, maybe once the Pathfinders have got things underway we sell the Mantis the information as well as a show of our good faith.
The Pathfinders get to explore. The Mantis get their Temple. And I .. I mean we .. don't have to worry so much about not waking up in the morning.
Sasha, Gelik. Do you think you could sell that?
Chi's eyes open wide at Marcus' suggestion. Thinks If this is the case, the quicker we gt out of this city, the better. No one seems to be able to help me, so lets just get out of here. And as for finding the temple of the mantis god, surely that can only end badly.[i] She gathers her composure and, taking a drink to help her courage, "No Marcus, none of the groups here are prepared to help, so let us just leave this city and head out to the wilds. I don't like the way any of them give nothing but expect us to lead them to something more powerful. I would ally with the Ekujae, that they might bear the fruit of their forefathers." Her face is dark and angered by Marcus' behavior, as though he wants to be friends no matter the cost.
Bear with me for a second. I wonder then if the Mantis would be more receptive to an agreement with the Pathfinders. Quite frankly, I don't like the thought of them on the other side of us and their involvement might keep the Aspis and others off-balance. If their interest is religious rather than regional then it might actually fit well with the Pathfinder's exploration.
OK. OK. Maybe an alliance is too much?
"Hmmm... What? Sorry, Marcus. I don't think it's a bad idea at all - I was just trying to consider it from all of the angles," Ambroze replies, snapping out of his reverie.
The gnome scholar waits for Marcus to finish speaking before adding to the discussion. "As some of you may know, Achaekek the Mantis God is the god of assassins and the patron deity of the Red Mantis Assassins, who have their headquarters on the island of Mediogalti. Legends tell that Achaekek was the first entity created by the eldest deities to do their bidding; however, he cannot raise his talons against other deities. So the Red Mantis' interest in Saventh-Yhi is unlikely to have anything to do with Ydersius the Beheaded One or with slaying him."
"With that said, I don't really see any way that our expedition would be in opposition to that of the Red Mantis, and I don't see why we couldn't work together to help each other reach our goals. Plus, there is safety in numbers. Besides, if they're related to Sasha, I'm sure they must have several redeeming qualities - even if they are assassins."
I think Marcus' plan is a good one. Sasha says brightly, smiling at Ambroze as he speaks. An agreement to live and let live is likely to go down well with the Red Mantis. Aww Ambroze... your such a charmer.
Chi's eyes open wide at Marcus' suggestion. Thinks If this is the case, the quicker we gt out of this city, the better. No one seems to be able to help me, so lets just get out of here. And as for finding the temple of the mantis god, surely that can only end badly.[i] She gathers her composure and, taking a drink to help her courage, "No Marcus, none of the groups here are prepared to help, so let us just leave this city and head out to the wilds. I don't like the way any of them give nothing but expect us to lead them to something more powerful. I would ally with the Ekujae, that they might bear the fruit of their forefathers." Her face is dark and angered by Marcus' behavior, as though he wants to be friends no matter the cost.
Jask moves over to speak to Chi directly, firmly but with care in his voice.
I know your frustrated Chi, with every reason to be. But the Ekujae do not have the resources to deal with your curse, or organise an expedition to Saventh-Yhi. I'm sure the Pathfinders will act in a fair and honourable manner once you make an agreement with them- just wait a little longer and your disease can be cured little one. If all are in agreement with Marcus' proposal, we can go see the Pathfinders now. I'm sure Gelik can insist on having you cured as soon as you sign a simple document stating you will accept them as your sponsor; the negotiation can wait until your back to your normal self.
Gwenyth is quiet throughout the exchange, her mind apparently on other things.
Marcus seems chastised and genuinely hurt by Chi's outburst.
I'm sorry Chi. Getting you cured is the absolute most important thing. If the price for that is handing over what we have and walking away then I'd take it gladly. Abadar's oath on it.
"The Pathfinders seem to be least distasteful of our options. We should go that route, with the understanding that if they do not cure Chi immediately, they get nothing. So many groups want what knowledge we have gained, but do not wish to negotiate in good faith with us. If they want the hidden city so badly, let them prove it." Having made his feelings known, Tun'ada returns to silently listening and observing.
"So are you saying that you do not wish to work with the Red Mantis in addition to the Pathfinders?" Ambroze asks Tun'ada.
Oh, don't misunderstand. Theres absolutely no way the Mantis would "share" you with the Pathfinders. All Marcus is proposing is that we let them know we're steering well clear of their religious interests, upon arrival.
"Oh. Well, I have no problem with that."
Chi once more huddles quietly in the corner, following the disagreement, upset that her people where put down so easily by Marcus' words. yet she keeps her thoughts to herself. She nods agreement with Tun'ada and Ambroze. She drinks slowly from the cup in front of her, her eyes watching the negotiations unfold. An alliance with this strange group of tomb robbers, intruders into her world. Where they go the slavers follow, then the rest of these 'civilized' peoples.
So- am I to tell the Venture Captain you agree to them sponsoring our expedition? Gelik asks eagerly.
Tun'ada responds to the Pathfinder's eager question with a look and words that can not be misunderstood...[/b]
"With the provision that Chi is cured [i]before anything else is done. No cure, no expedition." The tribesman continues in what could only be described as nominal courtesy toward his fellow castaway. "Is that understood, Gelik?"
Absolutely, without question I am in full agreement my Mwangi friend. The evening is still young- perhaps we can get Chi cured right away and begin negotiations?
"Getting Chi cured right away is the best thing I have heard this entire day. Lead the way Gelik."
We will also need to negotiate with the Venture Captain the terms of our engagement. Start up capital and that kind of thing.
The tribesman turns to Marcus, "I will leave that business to you and Ambroze, my main concern is Chi's cure."
Chi's eyes light up at Gelik's mention of a cure and one right away. "Tun'ada, your support is so much appreciated, my heart beats strongly in anticipation of the joy to be normal again. Yet despite that, you mustn't sell your souls on my behalf, the price must be fair. we must try not to get carried away with such good news, for though Gelik has shown on the Shiv his care and commitment to all oof us, his master's may not be so committed." She tries desperately not to be too overjoyed at the news, for it is only Gelik's word, but she canot help it. She almost skips over to Tun'ada to thank him, beaming a smile of expectation. She follows the others with the lightness and gaiety not see since before the fateful day the curse deformed her body.
Absolutely, without question I am in full agreement my Mwangi friend. The evening is still young- perhaps we can get Chi cured right away and begin negotiations?
"Hooray!" Ambroze cheers. "Let's get Chi cured, and then we can work out the particulars. I'm sure we'll be able to reach an agreement on terms that will satisfy all of us," he says brightly.
With Gelik leading the way, you make your way to the Pathfinder Lodge to see Venture Captain Finze Bellaugh. You enter the large wooden building and you are ushered in eagerly by apprentices of the society and in a very short time, the hunched Wizard/Venture Captain himself is smiling smugly that you have apparently come to accept his offer.
Chi is immediately seen to by a Pathfinder Cleric of Abadar, a kindly looking lady in her middle years. In a mere few seconds, Chi's deformities melt away, the curse completely removed. Jask pats Chi warmly on the back, basking in pleasure at her smiles.
Caster Level Check
Now that unfortunate unpleasantry has been dealt with, i'd like to formally thank all of you for agreeing to have us sponsor your expedition to Saventh-Yhi. I daresay you will not regret having the most experienced expeditioneers and delvers at your side and backing you up in this endeavour.
Finze makes a somewhat awkward bow, his hunched posture giving him difficulty.
Now- I thought it would be prudent to lay out exactly what it is that we will be bringing to the table. You- will lead this expedition as its fore-runners, dealing with threats that may arise to the expedition, bringing your considerable expertise to bear to the end of its fruition and of course, the directions to Saventh-Yhi itself. I understand that Master Ambroze has not yet fully translated the text in question; but we will require some time to get our expedition in order and I imagine that you will also want some time to enjoy civilisation once more.
In return- we will outfit and organise said expedition, paying all the costs of food, water, porters, guards, hirelings and so forth. In addition, you will be able to count on our organisation to act as a broker for any valuable goods you find in the course of the expedition, and we will be able to send expensive equipment to you magically at cost, once a base camp has been set up. You will also be able to count on our Society's knowledge and expertise in exploring ancient sites.
Now- we are also prepared to negotiate a signing fee. We will grant each of you a wayfinder, a signature magical device commonly associated with our society. Each wayfinder is worth 250 gold pieces- and with it we also make a symbolic gesture; commissions within our society may be in your future should this expedition go well! I am also prepared to offer each of you 500 gold pieces up front in order to outfit yourselves properly for the expedition- and should you reach Saventh-Yhi I will send an additional 1200 gold pieces to be shared amongst your group. Is this acceptable for you? Once we have reached agreement, there are a couple of people I would like to introduce you to.
Chi hugs Jask back again, almost squeezing the breath from his lungs, her face full of smiles. She even attempts to kiss the clerics cheeks, as she gushes her thanks to the holy woman. Chi hand's pat and feel her body, where once was deformity, caressing her skin and reveling in the touch.
Marcus is very pleased at Chi's cure. He listens carefully to the Venture Captain's terms, nodding at confirmation that the group can be expected to keep what they find. At the end he looks at Gwen and Ambroze having suggested on the walk over that the two try diplomatic efforts to try and improve and offer that may be made.
"You have our most sincere thanks for curing Chi, Master Bellaugh and Lady of Abadar," Ambroze says with a bow to both the Venture Captain and the Pathfinder priestess. "And your offer is most encouraging, Master Bellaugh. I'm particularly excited by the offer of a wayfinder for each of us and commissions within the Society should the expedition go well! But as you said, we are the ones who possess the directions to Saventh-Yhi - which we acquired through great hardship that cost the lives of some of our companions. Plus we will be the ones dealing with the lion's share of the threats along the way in our duties as the fore-runners of the expedition. Therefore, I don't think it too unreasonable to request that we each receive 1,000 gold pieces up front in order to outfit ourselves properly, and an additional 1,000 gold pieces for each of us once we reach Saventh-Yhi. After all, this may be one of the greatest finds ever!"
Ambroze creates a strong rapport with the canny wizard and a friendly atmosphere in the room as he schmoozes with the Venture-Captain and the other Pathfinders present. Showing the same amount of relentless overselling of his product (your group and the information you have) that would make even a Katapesh merchant blush, Ambroze goes on from his initial argument to shamelessly extolling the group's skill and prowess, even fondly mixing in tales from the more desperate and exciting times on Smuggler's Shiv- he includes such memories as the climactic, heavily outnumbered battle to rescue an ally over a rickety wooden bridge, the struggle against the deadly winged chupucabra of Red Mountain that murdered a fellow castaway in the night and how you managed to bring peace to the poor captain of the Scallywag- a man so full of duty to his ship and crew that not even death was stopping him from trying to save them from the deadly island.
Venture Captain Finze Bellaugh is no stranger to negotiation, and neither are the small group of Pathfinders helping him to draw up a contract. Several contracts are drawn up with compromises in favor of the Pathfinder Society, but Ambroze manages to find fault with each of them without offending Finze or the Society. The intelligent Pathfinder finds himself continually out-debated by Ambroze although to his credit, his persistence is admirable. Eventually, the wizard laughs heartily and throws up his arms in defeat after his attempt to point out that they had cured Chi's curse for free and up front is cunningly turned against him by Ambroze; to the extent that even Finze's Pathfinders are looking at him a little distastefully.
Alright, alright! One thousand gold pieces for each of you upon signing the contract with another thousand for each of you should you reach Saventh-Yhi, you bloodthirsty mercenary... he says, chuckling awkwardly as he has a contract drawn up for each of you.
Now, as soon as you have all signed i'll introduce you to two more individuals; we'll be sending our best local delver to lead the expeditionary team and manage the main caravan while you act as forerunners- the esteemed gentleman, orator and scholar- Amivor Glaur. Gelik Aberwhinge shall act as his leutenant, and per your request and recommendation, so will Jask Derindi.
As well as meeting him shortly, i'll also introduce you to Willow Whisperwood; a Druidess who has offered to assist you in the journey and exploration to Saventh-Yhi. Few know Sargava and the treacherous terrain here better. Now, I know your likely wary of us foisting a Pathfinder into your group so let me be clear; she won't report back to us, or even be employed by us in any official capacity. She will be on the same contract as the rest of you We thought you'd be more comfortable with this way. Now, are you ready to sign?
Marcus reads the contract carefully before signing it to ensure it reflects the agreed terms, having been bitten before.
Assuming the others do the same, he spits on his palm before shaking hands with the Venture Captain and Glaur.
Let us all work to get things moving as fast as possible. We have a lead on the other groups who will surely be looking to find the city as well, lets make the most of it.
Sasha will be another member of our party. It seems the Red Mantis have an interest in Saventh-Yhi also although it appears complimentary rather than competitive with our own. Sasha has .. contacts there. She will work to ensure that alignment of interests is maintained and any areas of disagreement .. smoothed over. I believe this will be highly beneficial to our expedition and trust you are in agreement.
Tun'ada makes his mark on the contract, after the others have signed. Hearing Marcus's comments about Sasha and the Red Mantis, the tribesman gives Marcus a curious look, but holds back any comment until after the group has left the Pathfinders...
Chi whose happiness made it difficult for her to concentrate on the negotiations, eventually listens as she is asked to sign. It is very alien to her, she makes her mark on the paper as she nods to Ambroze. She whispers to him, "It is done, it looks like you have done well." and smiles.
Marcus reads the contract carefully before signing it to ensure it reflects the agreed terms, having been bitten before.
Assuming the others do the same, he spits on his palm before shaking hands with the Venture Captain and Glaur.
Let us all work to get things moving as fast as possible. We have a lead on the other groups who will surely be looking to find the city as well, lets make the most of it.
Sasha will be another member of our party. It seems the Red Mantis have an interest in Saventh-Yhi also although it appears complimentary rather than competitive with our own. Sasha has .. contacts there. She will work to ensure that alignment of interests is maintained and any areas of disagreement .. smoothed over. I believe this will be highly beneficial to our expedition and trust you are in agreement.
The Venture Captain looks a little worried.
I agree readily- but know that such agreements may not survive later exploration of Saventh-Yhi. I suppose we had just better make sure we are the first to reach the city. What do you think Sasha can bring to the main expeditionary force while you act as vanguard?
"Thank you so much, Master Bellaugh!" Ambroze exclaims as he signs the final contract. "I'm sure this is just the beginning of a long and successful collaboration between both of our groups. I can barely wait to get underway!"
"But as you noted earlier, I'm still working on translating the last parts of the information that we found on Smuggler's Shiv. So I was wondering - would it be possible for me to use the Society's library to aid my research? I would imagine that your wealth of knowledge could reduce my research time dramatically."
The Venture Captain looks a little worried.
I agree readily- but know that such agreements may not survive later exploration of Saventh-Yhi. I suppose we had just better make sure we are the first to reach the city. What do you think Sasha can bring to the main expeditionary force while you act as vanguard?
Certainly. But let us not ask for trouble with the Mantis. And getting there first is certainly the plan.
Sasha is a capable fighter and with her .. bird, a good lookout and scout. The main force will need committed and capable defenders, particularly when we're not there. We learnt that on the Shiv.
Chi watchs as Marcus commends Sasha to Master Bellaugh, a cloud passes across her furrowed brow.
Marcus smiles heartily at Chi and her restored features, completely oblivious to the elven girl's concern.
"Thank you so much, Master Bellaugh!" Ambroze exclaims as he signs the final contract. "I'm sure this is just the beginning of a long and successful collaboration between both of our groups. I can barely wait to get underway!"
"But as you noted earlier, I'm still working on translating the last parts of the information that we found on Smuggler's Shiv. So I was wondering - would it be possible for me to use the Society's library to aid my research? I would imagine that your wealth of knowledge could reduce my research time dramatically."
Finze nods eagerly.
We don't have as grand a collection of books here as we would in our loges in less... tumultous nations. But we do still have a collection, nonetheless; and i'll have a couple of scholars ready to assist you at your leisure. Don't work too hard though Ambroze; we'll need some time to prepare the expedition anyway, at least a week.
The Venture Captain looks a little worried.
I agree readily- but know that such agreements may not survive later exploration of Saventh-Yhi. I suppose we had just better make sure we are the first to reach the city. What do you think Sasha can bring to the main expeditionary force while you act as vanguard?
Certainly. But let us not ask for trouble with the Mantis. And getting there first is certainly the plan.
Sasha is a capable fighter and with her .. bird, a good lookout and scout. The main force will need committed and capable defenders, particularly when we're not there. We learnt that on the Shiv.
Very well- we'll approach her as well then. Now, i'd like to first introduce you to the Druidess I mentioned- Willow Whisperwood. I've taken the liberty of telling her a little about your group but i'm sure you can fill in any blanks.
At some unseen signal from Finze, a curious-looking, barefoot half-elf enters the room.
The half-elf smiles at the group as she approaches you all and gives a welcoming smile.
"I heard you survived the Shiv, sounds like you all have a lot of fun! she gives a soft smile, clearly she doesn't act the way you would expect a druid to act with her eyes darting around and focusing on each of the group's members in turn. "I hope we get to kill something nasty, like undead or some kind of weird, alien creature. I heard those things are in hidden ruins. I don't get to use my spells too often...well...apart from that one time I set the elder's beard on fire." she giggles awkwardly when she lets that slip.
Marcus opens his mouth, then closes it again, not sure how to react to the giggly, possible fire starter.
Well I'm not sure if fun was the right word. More like a constantly terrifying near death experience. Welcome Willow... So perhaps you can tell us more about your talents if we are to work together?
"I hope we get to kill something nasty, like undead or some kind of weird, alien creature. I heard those things are in hidden ruins."
"If our past experiences are any basis to judge this expedition on, you should be quite pleased." the tribesman says, equal parts confused and concerned.
Marcus opens his mouth, then closes it again, not sure how to react to the giggly, possible fire starter.
Well I'm not sure if fun was the right word. More like a constantly terrifying near death experience. Welcome Willow... So perhaps you can tell us more about your talents if we are to work together?
She gives a smile and a shy scratch of her head.
"I have lived in the mwangi jungle all my life and know the plant life as I know my own family. There are many dangerous plants out there, both intelligent and not so." She says as she seems to enjoy speaking about the plant-life. "I can also summon the forces of nature to our aid if we come across something in these ruins and I have the ability to heal wounds and afflictions. I even have my own wand for that." she produces a wand that appears to, ironically, be made of wood from a willow tree.She looks to Tun'ada with a smile.
"Great! I've always wanted to go on a jurney and see the world. See the beauty of how nature endures in every part of the world, plants growing here no one has walked in thousands of years. It all sounds so wonderful." Then suddenly she looks back to tun'ada and speaks to him in a series of clicks of the tongue at the top of the mouth.
"Are you from a local tribe? I have met many mwangi and from what I have heard, you must be a great warrior." she says, clearly meaning to compliment Tun'ada.
Chi's face remains darkened and troubled as she addresses the half-elf, "Perhaps your joy in killing will be tempered with the loss of friends, for that is what happened on the Shiv, fun it was not. Several valuable friends whom we dearly loved and respected have been left to join the other spirits that inhabit that island. And for many before that island had become a place of death and unrest. As for myself, I left the island deformed from the ancient magiks that poisoned the island. It is only because we were as one on that island, my friends and I are here today. Let us hope you your more skilled to guide us through the Mwangi, than your desire for killing seems to excite you." Chi eyes the druid up and down, as she wanders round her, as though she might understand her strengths and weakness. Her confidence seems to return as she spoke, as her body begins to feel normal again after time being cursed with the deformities. She stands straighter, taller, prouder of her elven heritage.
Chi's face remains darkened and troubled as she addresses the half-elf, "Perhaps your joy in killing will be tempered with the loss of friends, for that is what happened on the Shiv, fun it was not. Several valuable friends whom we dearly loved and respected have been left to join the other spirits that inhabit that island. And for many before that island had become a place of death and unrest. As for myself, I left the island deformed from the ancient magiks that poisoned the island. It is only because we were as one on that island, my friends and I are here today. Let us hope you your more skilled to guide us through the Mwangi, than your desire for killing seems to excite you." Chi eyes the druid up and down, as she wanders round her, as though she might understand her strengths and weakness. Her confidence seems to return as she spoke, as her body begins to feel normal again after time being cursed with the deformities. She stands straighter, taller, prouder of her elven heritage.
Willow clearly didn't expect that from Chi
"I...I'm sorry. I was merely told you arrived off from the Shiv, encountered a priest to some evil snake deity and you had directions to this hidden city." she puts her hands together and bows her head in what you can assume to be a bow of somekind. "I didn't want to upset any of you and I hope those you lost are at peace. I have been a member of the pathfinders for a little while, but we havn't explored anywhere yet and my excitement got the better of me." she clearly looks very sad that she offended anyone and didn't know about the hardships the group faced. Be calm, think before you open your mouth. That is what I have always been told, yet I keep forgetting this important lesson.
Tun'ada smiles hearing the druid speak in something close to his native tongue after not having spoken it in quite sometime...
Chi nods as Willow seeks atonement, "I understand, your apologies are welcome, our lives may sometimes be in your hands as you guide us through the Mwangi. We must trust you on this journey, let us hope we become friends." Chi relaxes a bit, and smiles at the half-elf, "With all that has happened, maybe I've forgotten to be joyful with strangers, your exuberance may help lift the darkness that covered my heart. Though really, these friends around me, are all the reason i need to be cheerful." Her eyes are fill with the contentment, before she stops and remembers they have just concluded negotiations here and its a place of business.
In a formal voice, she says, "we welcome your knowledge and skill, Willow Whisperwood."
Tun'ada smiles hearing the druid speak in something close to his native tongue after not having spoken it in quite sometime...
** spoiler omitted **
Chi nods as Willow seeks atonement, "I understand, your apologies are welcome, our lives may sometimes be in your hands as you guide us through the Mwangi. We must trust you on this journey, let us hope we become friends." Chi relaxes a bit, and smiles at the half-elf, "With all that has happened, maybe I've forgotten to be joyful with strangers, your exuberance may help lift the darkness that covered my heart. Though really, these friends around me, are all the reason i need to be cheerful." Her eyes are fill with the contentment, before she stops and remembers they have just concluded negotiations here and its a place of business.
In a formal voice, she says, "we welcome your knowledge and skill, Willow Whisperwood."
Willow smiles as you forgive her.
"Thank you, I hope to be friends too." she puts her hand out ready to be shaken. "I am certain as long as we stick together we can overcome anything the jungle might throw at us. Other druids say nature loves them, but I find nature can be...fickle." she gives a smile as she says this, hoping others get her point and wanting to seporate herself from what people are to expect from the typical druid.