EM - [PFS] Feeling Hot Hot Hot (Inactive)

Game Master Evil Minion

Tad goes to sleep early so that he can make it to a Dawn Service the next morning before finding out about his next mission. He invites his new friends to go with him, but shows no surprise or resentment if they choose not to.

At the service the next morning, he thanks the Dawnflower for a successful mission. He also changes slightly the magic he asks her to help him with for that day. fixing the orison list he prepares...

I'm assuming that Faliana and Monty insist on Tad not going with them...

Just before his new friends leave for the temple, Tad presses gold into their hands. "The Lady has told me that I should help you. This won't cover all the cost for your healing, but it will help."

I need to help you for a faction goal. Tad contributes 100 gp, you may decide how to split it between you.

Unless Faliana uses prestige, figure we'll split it 50/50, if she does, then I'll use it for mine.

Brady makes his way back to the Grand Lodge with those who are heading that way, eager to put this primal chapter of his Pathfinder story behind him. As he walks he ponders how easily his will was taken over by the jungle magic, but he also ponders more practical matters: business. It occurs to him that a museum might be a good business opportunity should he find more interesting historical relics in his travels.

I've got enough money and don't really have a lot of prestige, I'll be spending money. And a 50-50 split (ha, that works on multiple levels) sounds good.
Faliana gives Tad a grateful smile and comments, "I don't think we need help. I know where I'm going and I can lean on Monty if I need. Thank you for the offer and the money, though. It's greatly appreciated. "

As the two head off, Faliana takes the proffered arm. "Oh, you flatterer, I'm not much younger than you are. And you could readily fight off most hooligans yourself. But it'd be my pleasure to join you anyways."

Faliana applogizes profusely for interrupting the full-moon ceremony, but doesn't object to their help. She gleefully partakes, and teaches Monty, the ritual dance for a healing ceremony, laughing as he occasionally takes a misstep. When they finish, she asks him if he would mind staying a moment to watch the ceremony a little longer.

After a few minutes of peaceful quiet she turns to him and in a hushed, hurt tone says, "I'm glad tonight is finally over. So much of that I'd rather not have to remember, but there were some good parts as well." looks up for a moment and smiles, "You for one." Then with a sudden change she give him a big grin. "But, outside of my hair, I doubt there was any serious harm done."

Standing up she brushes some dust off her clothes and shoulders on her bag. "I don't think the venture-captain will mind if we don't report in tonight. I for one am feeling like going home and getting something hot to drink. I live nearby if you'd like to join me."

________
Hmmm, looks like cure disease doesn't heal hair loss, sigh. I don't think bladed scarfs can be used as a head scarf, so Faliana is going scarf shopping tomorrow. Probably a nice dark-blue and silver one.

The old monk sits on folded legs, watching the ceremony with appreciation. When Faliana speaks, Monty smiles and nods.

I do think I'd enjoy that. Don't worry though, hair grows back quickly enough.

Monty stands as well and yawns.

My goodness, it's late. You may have to forgive me if I fall asleep in your sitting room, especially with a hot drink in my belly. But I doubt it's less comfortable that the lodge's visitor's quarters. I'd rather sleep in a tree than one of those stone tablets they call a bed.

He grins at the joke and gives a low chuckle.

When Adril Hestrum finally gets you all gathered up again, early the next day, he seems in an unusually cheery mood, despite the fact the pile of paperwork on his desk does not look to have receded much at all since the day before.

"Well, I must say that turned out better then I'd expected." He says, after hearing your report. "Nigel sent a formal note of thanks this morning. He even suggested possibly opening up some of the Museum's collection for us to study in concert."

He venture-captain shakes his head in wonder. "I can not imagine a better result to all of this mess. Well done!"

"Hell," He adds, "I think he even expressed regret over leaving the Society in the first place... hinted at the possibility of re-petitioning membership."

He chuckles. "Probably still a little survival euphoria going on there... but still, the fact he even thought of it is huge. Repairing that relationship will prove beneficial to everyone!"

"Still, it's not all good news, I'm afraid." His face goes solemn. "As I said yesterday, Lugizor was supposed to be the primary contact for shipping artifacts out, as well as supplies in, to a number of archaeological sites in the area. We're already sending out feelers to try to determine the backlash of him abandoning that, since no one has any idea how long he was neglecting those duties. Though as you can well imagine, getting information in and out of some of these remote places is not easy, so we're still gathering that data."

"But more worrisome... those artifacts he sold to Nigel... more of those in the wrong hands or handled improperly... that might prove even worse."

He pulls out a map and spreads it across the table. "Where there's one, there might be more, and now we're hearing of the Gorilla King's minions causing troubles in the area of some of the dig sites here."

He points to a spot on what you realize is a map of the Mwangi Expanse and the Shackles.

"North of Bloodcove here." He explains, wincing slightly. "Which is problem enough, given the Aspis Consortium has a stranglehold on that place. All we need is someone or something calling their attention to our activities nearby."

He sits back down, and eyes you all thoughtfully for a moment.

"We've decided to send the lot of you to the Expanse." He says finally, an apologetic look on his face. "I realize its a long trip, especially since you are relatively new to all of this... but you've had experience with these artifacts, so you seem the best qualified to keep an eye out for more on short notice."

He looks towards Monty. "And I believe your familiarity with the area will be quite helpful. We've been a bit short handed down in that part of the world, so a few more knowledgeable agents will help."

"We're already stocking the ship, you will be casting off in two days time, headed south to Nantimbu. We'll have more for you once you get there... or possibly before." He grins slightly. "The finger wigglers here at the Lodge can do wonders for communicating, in a pinch."

Monty smiles, his staff, Wayfinder still swinging from it's top, leaning against the chair he sits cross-legged in.

I haven't see the home country in decades... might be nice to go back... have some fresh bananas that have been grown properly... coffee where the beans have just finished drying...

He looks wistful for a moment before shaking his head to brush the daydreams away.

Um... yes, anyways, I have no objection.

"Can you tell me what it's going to be like there, Monty? My grandparents came from there, and they have told me stories, but I've never been there myself."

"It will be amazing!" Dale perks up from his journal he was studiously writing in, copying a couple of the scrolls found in the museum. "Well, amazing plant and animal life, incredible insect life as well.." He grumbles under his breath. "I'm going to pick up a book to learn Polyglot on our trip out, its the local dialect after all."

Knowledge: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Brady doesn't look as thrilled as the others. "I'm not sure that I like what those idols just did to me--to us! Maybe the memory is just too fresh, but that was pretty brutal. I guess I was hoping for maybe a break, and then, well, I don't know. Not going to the heart of the jungle that made those things!"

He grumbles, sure, but he also doesn't sign off the trip in any way. Monty was a good leader through all that; Dale and Tad kept their heads on and us in line, and Dru and Faliana both were welcome at my side. Good people to work with, and that's not always true in the Society.

"Well, it is 'Cooperate,' so I guess I better get ready for a voyage."

The Venture-Captain laughs at Brady's comments.

"Well, if its any consolation, the voyage by ship will probably take a month... less you run afoul of the Eye of Abendago. Lots of time to recuperate! Hope you're not prone to sea sickness!"

Monty smiles as he remembers.

Ah, Thaddeus, all the stories in the world would not do it justice. Colors so vibrant they put the painters to shame, fruit so delicious and sweet that you will shudder at the taste... oh, it has it's dangers, to be sure. The careless do not survive long in the jungle.

He laughs, a old laugh at odds with his previous statement.

But the wily will enjoy it to be sure! Why, the people, the story, the dances! Oh, I remember dancing the orchid dance in my youth...

He gives a lecherous old man wink to the group.

Found my first love during the orchid dance so long ago! Maybe we'll get lucky and we'll be there while it happens! Betcha I still got it!

He hops up, doing a shuffling little jig on the edge of his chair
Preform Dance: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
that is a passable rendition of some sort of dancing at least.

Well, that means new beverages too. I guess you weren't too keen on alcohols, Monty? Heard there were monks who use alcohol as a part of their training, don't know if it's true, but may Caiden Caillean bless their souls!

The blonde warrioress sports a shiny new armor, a good looking wooden shield and a brand new morninstar.

Should we buy some special Equipment before we go?

"I need nothing. The Lady's protection and the magic she gives me is enough for me. If any of you need to purchase supplies, I will be happy to accompany you."

Well, that means new beverages too. I guess you weren't too keen on alcohols, Monty? Heard there were monks who use alcohol as a part of their training, don't know if it's true, but may Caiden Caillean bless their souls!

The blonde warrioress sports a shiny new armor, a good looking wooden shield and a brand new morninstar.

Should we buy some special Equipment before we go?

Monty chuckles and smirks as he sits down.

Oh, the Alchohol is amazing... so amazing, i only occasionally remember drinking it!

He chuckles at his joke and folds his legs again.

Don't think i've forgotten that we need to have some drinks together... last night ended up winding me more than i expected. I'm not quite so young anymore. Don't worry, we'll drink some sailors under a table when we get there, and i'll show you some drinks you can't get here... like Amarula or Mampoer....

He pats his backpack and says...
It is a good idea while traveling in the jungle to pack things that protect from sickness, bugs, and poisons. My homeland has plenty of each. You might also consider a net to sleep in to keep off the bugs, and if you don't have a Wayfinder yet, a compass or something to keep you from getting lost is a good idea, should we get separated.

You guys will have a couple of days, as mentioned, to prep, in Absalom, before the ship heads out. Though, as you're about to find out, you will be stopping in a number of cities over the next month...

Two days later, you meet up again in the Docks District to board a ship called The Godless Wind. It is a moderate sized merchant vessel flying Rahadoum colors. The captain is a compact, swarthy garundi man named Kiros. Captain Kiros does not appear to have a low volume setting. He seems to be shouting everything, and moves his hands a lot when he talks... making him seem very animated, all the time. You're not sure if he knows how to sit still. You know, from an earlier briefing with Adril Hestrum, that Captain Kiros has been a secret staunch pathfinder ally for many years, and one of a small few they trust to sail the dangerous route to Nantambu.

You're gear is quickly stowed, and you are assigned bunks in a common area in the bow of the ship. The sun is barely visible on the horizon when the Godless sets sail, and you find yourself heading out of Absalom Harbor for the long voyage to the Mwangi Expanse.

(Though you quickly realize why the captain is always shouting, as it becomes evident its the only way to be heard over the wind and crashing of the waves sometimes, on the open sea.)

The first week goes relatively smoothly, as the ship sails due west through the Inner Sea, with only a brief stop in Merab, the capital of Thuvia to break it up. Apparently Kiros intends to keep up the appearance of a merchant vessel for the entire trip, so your route is nowhere near direct, with half a dozen ports of call along the way.

Once you leave the Inner Sea however, out into the Arcadian Ocean, things get a little less pleasant. The outside waters proving far more susceptible to sudden storms and winds. Things get a great deal rougher... and every day, from that point on, seems to bring some new surprise you're sure could kill you.

The first stop is Kiros' home city, Rahadoum's capital, Azir. Kiros has you all surrender any and all religious paraphernalia and divine magical or mundane items. All of them are stowed away in a compartment designed for hiding such things, and you are told to keep your mouths shut when the Pure Legion representatives come on board to inspect the cargo... Apparently the country takes their dislike of religion as seriously as you'd heard, and just flashing a holy symbol or saying a prayer is likely to get you heavily fined, exiled, imprisoned or worse. Luckily the inspection turns out to be relatively minor in the end, though you wonder how much Kiros' local connections had to do with that. Still, once the initial inspection is over, goods are loaded without issue and you are underway again in short order.

The next stop turns out to be the infamous home of the Red Mantis Assassins, Ilizmagorti. The name alone sends dread through your thoughts... but the port of call proves to be so mundane and boring, by the time you leave, you wonder what all the fuss was about.

It is only a few days out of Ilizmagorti that you see the next threat... it is impossible to miss... the permanent huricane-level storm they call the Eye of Abendago. A crewmen tells you it is over four hundred miles across. A massive maelstrom that they say swallows all ships that get too close... and even a few that don't...

You're not sure how the ship stays upright through the four days that follow, a few times, you swear the entire vessel is laying almost horizontal... and on occassion standing straight up on its aft section. And all the time, the massive violent storm hanging off the port side of the ship, trying to pull the Godless Wind in. When you start to take on water on the third day, tension really seems to ramp up, and you are tasked into service manning pumps trying to keep ahead of it. It is a losing battle in the end... but luckily you hit the far end of the Eye a day later, and you don't get to find out.

There, right on the edge of the Eye, you anchor in a small town called Drenchport, the first in a group of pirate-controlled ports that are next on the itinerary. You end up staying here a few days longer then expected, as Kiros insists on fixing the damage to the hull before moving on... though judging by his mood, you suspect he ended up paying dearly for the supplies.

Next was the largest city in the Shackles, Port Peril... a wretched hive of scum and villainy if you ever saw it. After that come the two smaller ports of Quent and Ollo... both seeming almost quaint in comparison to the larger city... though when you are nervously told not to get off the boat during your time in Ollo, you can only guess what horrible things go on either place.

After that, it is relatively clear sailing to the mouth of the Vanji river, where rests the Aspis Constortium controlled city of Bloodcove, which you will be sailing right past, to head upriver to Nantambu.

You are still a couple of days out of Bloodcove, however when something about the crew and captain's mood alerts you that something has changed, and Kiros calls you to his cabin...

Just a little tour as you sail south! More to come in the morning (maybe! =))... just wanted to make the wall of text a little shorter by splitting things up a bit.

Awesome! Great mood setter.

Dale does his best to be helpful the entire trip with a wide ranging set of skills and an insatiable thirst for knowledge... or an obnoxious amount of questions, however you seem to see it.

Upon reaching each destination Dale begins to regurgitate a long list of facts, well-to-dos, dangers, and curiousities at each port. Knowledges!: 8d20 ⇒ (5, 13, 3, 8, 2, 1, 4, 11) = 47 He seems to have only indepth knowledge of the Arcadian Ocean and Port Peril.

Though the crew tends to poke fun at any 'greenhorns' trying to pretend they are sailors... the truth of the matter is, they enjoy any chance to break up the daily routine. Most of them are more then happy to show any of you how things work when things are slow.

If you're looking to learn Polyglot, many of them know it (though perhaps a little overly-focused on swear words and how to order various illicit services). Any other sorts of skills that one might learn on a ship, as well. You've a month of time to while away!

Dale will quickly realize that the crew knows a lot more then he does about the sights and places you pass, most of them having made the trip many times. Though they tend to embellish and stretch the truth of it, he's fairly certain (fish can't possibly get that big, right?) He will have a hard time verifying the alacrity of any of it.

Tad gladly sees to any minor injuries that happen to the sailors. He gently reminds them of the Dawnflower's mercy as he does so. He is very reluctant to turn in his holy symbol and holy text, but he trusts the captain by that point, and simply asks the captain to make sure that his holy items are treated as respectfully as possible. He also is willing to swap clothes so that his cleric vestments can be hidden, though that is all he has.

Monty enjoys the ship greatly, sitting around, telling stories, leaping up the ropes and masts with a speed that defies his age, and of course drinking with Dru and the rest of the crew, though while tipsy the old monk does have a habit of shifting back to Vanarian and having to be reminded that no one else speaks it.

When called to the Cabin, Monty walks in, his face almost cheery.

Good morning all! I wonder what could be afoot today!

Dru asks the captain to hide her flask of brandy among the holy symbols, when the men from Rahadoum come aboard.

Of course, she takes the time, in each port, to buy a few samples of the local alcohols.

During the voyage, Tad checks on Monty and Faliana a few times to make sure they are not suffering any ill effects of their experience.

Though still unable to hide his reticence to travel to the source of the magicks that so twisted him and the other Pathfinders, Brady definitely warms to the voyage itself. He shows a surprising enthusiasm for the operation of the ship, asking questions and lending a hand where he can. He listens to the tales of both Dale and crew with great interest.

He remains above decks as much as possible, sometimes overstaying his welcome during rough patches, nearly having to be physically 'guided' below decks when called upon for safety.

He enters the captain's cabin with eager interest, wondering what new wrinkle of ship's travel will be presented.

Tad will receive a rather antagonistic response when he starts bringing up his god to the crew. Eventually, the Captain will confront him, clearly unhappy, pointing towards the flag flying on the mast, and telling the grippli to keep his god to himself, it's messing with ship morale.

On the plus side, both Monty and Faliana seem to be no worse for wear... and after a month, the latter's hair has started to fill in nicely.

Tad is very confused. He has never heard of somewhere the Lady's mercy is not welcome. He continues to help whenever he can. After the voyage is over, he will have to ask Dale about it. Since he's not sure what the problem is or even what he is supposed to not do, he's afraid to ask right now.

I should have included in my last post that after about 3 crew members had the confusing response Tad would have stopped talking, since that was what seemed to bother everyone.

Just to clarify, is it that you don't understand what happened there, or Tad didn't understand? (or both! =))

For the most part unable to sleep the night after their adventure in the museum, Faliana gets up at the crack of dawn. Before she heads out, she sticks her head into the spare bedroom she insisted Monty use. Assured he is okay, she pops a wide-brimmed sun hat on her head and goes to the morning market, there she buys a few items and supplies, including some food for breakfast and a dark blue scarf with silver links of metal sewn onto one side. She then rushes home to try get breakfast ready for her and Monty before the venture captain inevitably calls them in for a debriefing.

With the new scarf tied around her head and a good breakfast in her belly, Faliana tries not to look too tired during the debriefing and reassignment afterwards. "It's great that Nigel is starting to reconnect with the Society. He seemed like a nice man last night. But I agree it is worrisome that an unknown number of artifacts may be missing or in the wrong hands. Things like those idols last night placed in the right spots could bring entire countries down. If you didn't have another assignment for us, I would have loved to help you track them down." She then continues, with a broad smile, ”But it’s great we are going to the expanses! Anavi is intent on learning Polyglot, to the point I had to buy a book on it this morning. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to see Monty’s homeland.”

For the few days in Absalom, Faliana offers the Vanarian the use of her spare bedroom. She spends her days getting gear and supplies ready for the trip, and her evenings chatting with Monty until she is tired enough to drift off to a dreamless sleep. When the group gets to the port and Faliana catches sight of the ships name she winces slightly. To Tad she comments, ”That looks a little worrisome. It’s almost asking Gozreh to sink them…” But she keeps her worries to herself once there are on the ship, unwilling to risk her relations with the crew. The first chance she gets alone with Captain Kiros, she asks if he doesn’t fear the wrath of Gozreh or any of the other gods of wind or sea. If he is amenable, she discusses theology with the man, trying not to offend him but genuinely curious.

Quickly seetling into a routine, Faliana spends a silent hour after dawn each morning with Tad, performing her séance and practicing the rituals involved with whoever is willing to join her. The rituals soon settle into a series of ritualized dances instead of the previously immobile focus. She spends the rest of the morning studying and practicing Polyglot with the crew members and Dale, helping them in their duties where she can. After noon she spends time with Brady, and whoever else is willing, practicing weapon drills and in mock combat or discussing tactics. The early evenings she spends drinking with Drusilla and the rest of the crew not on duty. She then stays up late with Monty, talking. She sleeps some, but occasionally she wakes up gasping in the night. She gets up early, before everyone but the few men on the night shift and spends some time on deck with the jade kukri, trying to connect and commune with the spirit inside.

During the voyage, Faliana introduces the crew and other Pathfinders to the various spirits she can channel, including the energetic, naïve, and excitable Sasha and the gregarious and salacious, but somehow distant Fritania. Faliana loathes the time spent around the Eye, worried that the ship would get sucked in at any moment and appreciative of the distraction of working the bilge pumps. However she does immensely enjoy exploring the few cities she can, visiting the Temple of the Redeeming Sun in Merab, watching Besmara's Beacon in Port Peril and making a few final purchases on the Blue Sky Road in Quent. She is perfectly fine with giving up her holy symbol before arriving in Azir and avoids channeling Sasha that day. She doesn’t get off the boat in Ilizmagorti, unwilling to take the risk. She is glad to spend a few extra days in Drenchport as her uncle Briethal, his wife, Martha, and their kid, Cronna, have a small tavern there. She introduces everyone and buys a few rounds of drinks. Everywhere she goes though, she inevitably makes new friends and contacts, learning names and addresses.

Part way through the trip she is overjoyed when she finally channels Moke, the spirit trapped in the kukri. He proves to be a brash and straightforward fellow, willing to try drink almost anyone under the table, but limited by Faliana’s physiology. He is very disconcerted by the wide, open sea and acts agitated on the open deck. Very shortly after his first channeling, he and Anavi start writing each other notes and letters, and it becomes a tradition for Faliana to spend a while after channeling one of them for the day to sit and read a letter and then write a response.

Having caught wind of the change in the crew’s behavior, Faliana gladly accepts the request to see the captain….

Ha! Someone did some research!

I'll drink to that!

Just to clarify, is it that you don't understand what happened there, or Tad didn't understand? (or both! =))

I missed that the crew is from Rahadoum on my first reading of the post (although I got that we passed through Rahadoum). I understand now, though. Tad, however, is rather sheltered and naive. He doesn't understand, and now the poor little grippli is afraid to talk because he got in trouble for talking and doesn't know why.

Tad enjoys his time with Faliana. He realizes that after they have a quiet hour, they can talk a little, and this is one time of day when he can speak (very softly to avoid being overheard) of his Lady without bugging anyone. Eventually, he builds up the courage to tell her the stories of how the crew has reacted to him, and ask her what he might have done wrong.

Ya I probably should have had Dale explain that when they went through there. He loves all chances to be a know it all, when asked and not.

"What seems to be the trouble Captain? More flooding down below? I told you with the proper alchemical reagents I can likely create some quick fixes if that happens again. Better living through alchemy I always say!"

Dale spent quite a bit of time in front of his alchemy gear crafting useful toys during their trip, lots of pungent smells and smokes making their way into the air trailing behind the ship. Especially bug spray!

When you are all gathered in the captain's cabin, Kiros frowns slightly and declares. "Looks like we got us a change a plans."

"Just got word from Nantambu to drop anchor in Bloodcove." He shakes his head slightly, clearly not liking that particular change to the planned trip. "Not sure why, my means a communicatin' ain't really that precise."

At this, he momentarily glances towards an elaborate ivory statuette secured to the wall on one side of the cabin before continuing.

"Needless ta say, there's most likely been some kind a' cockup somewhere, and I'm to drop you here, in Aspis central. Rand's meetin' us there."

He pauses a moment, then picks up the blank looks. "Arvellos Rand? He's one of Neiford's boys in Nantambu. One a you."

"So I suggest you all start hiding away yer colors... you don't wanna be fingered for Pathfinders in Bloodcove. Damned Consortium has informants everywhere. 'Specially on the docks."

"Don't much like landing, all I need is those bastards picking through my cargo. Got the crew moving some a it around belowdecks as we speak. Make them work to find anything interesting at least."

"Rand'll be coming on first, to tell ya what this is all about, but then you're all off and on yer own." He shrugs slightly, clearly not knowing more then that. "Hopefully we can be away again before anyone gets too curious."

splitting things up some, for readability, if nothing else

Monty shakes his head slowly and reaches up to his wayfinder hanging from his staff and tucks it into his robes instead.

So... deception is our first order of business. Interesting indeed...

He looks around at the others and seems to be pondering something.

We'll need a agreed upon cover story... perhaps that my "Grandson"...

He nods towards dale.

Is taking me on a trip to the home country, and the rest of you are mercenaries we've hired. No offense meant Dale, but all your missing to be one of my people is the tail and the feet, it'd be easy enough to pass you off as a half-breed of my people. Thad, it's easy enough to say your on a pilgrimage home, since your people come from this area to. Brady and Dru look like perfect guardians, and Faliana would be easy enough to pass off as a healer...

He looks at her, grins, and waggles his eyebrows.

Unless you wanna play Dale's grandmother! HoHoHo!

He gives a deep chuckle and smiles.

Either way, we'll all need to agree on it. We'll stick out like sore thumbs no matter what, we should at least have a decent reason for doing so.

Tad thinks for a moment and then speaks. "I'm not sure about something. I've discovered on this trip that sometimes, people think bad things if they know I follow the Lady of Light. I don't know who or why, but they do. I also am not sure what is the right thing to do about those people. If we are hiding that we are Pathfinders, is there a reason for me to hide my connection to the Lady here?

Wait til Tad learns that worship of Sarenrae is outlawed entirely in Taldor!

Kiros shrugs "I don't know if you're staying in town or not. I'm sure Rand will have more information for you. All I've got is to drop you off."

The next day and a bit are busy at first, as the crew move about shuffling cargo and putting things in small cubbies and storage spaces you didn't even realize where there, as well as the normal preparations they make when going in to port... but then, once everything is done, all any of you can do is wait nervously.

Eventually, you reach the city of Bloodcove itself... nestled in among the massive intertwined roots of a huge mangrove forest right on the edge of the river. It seems to be mostly comprised of twisted boardwalks, rafts, and countless houses on stilts and poles and would be almost fascinating, if not for the fetid stench that wafts out of the mangrove swamp and assails your senses.

The docks are quite extensive, but seem a chaotic mess... yet there must be some sort of order to it all, as Captain Kiros seems to know where he's going, and takes the Godless Wind to an empty berth on the far end of one of the outer marinas. As soon as the ship stops, you realize that you are starting to sweat. Without the movement of the ship generating a cool breeze, the stifling wet heat of the Garundi coast finally catches up to you. Within moments, dampness starts to ooze from every pore. Worse yet, the stink of the town ramps up, and with no wind to fend it off, all of it, the temperature and the smell, envelopes you like a wet unpleasant blanket.

The crew has barely had time to put down the gangplank, when a small shadowy figure darts up the ramp, and ducks into the cabin. None of the crew pay him any attention at all, as they make a point of pretending he was never there... to go about the business of securing the ship.

Once inside, the man lowers his cowl, and you see a small, nervous looking human with a slight twitch... like someone who's survived this long by being ready to bolt at a moment's notice.

Kiros eyes him as he enters, still frowning. "Don't like this change to the plan, Arvellos." He says. "Won't be long 'til folks'll get curious, even parked way out here."

Which leads you to conclude that this is Pathfinder agent, Arvellos Rand, who gives the larger garundi man a nervous grin.

"Don't like it much either." He says. "But Sharrowsmith's wandered off on some expedition inland weeks ago, and took everyone else with him." He frowns slightly. "I'm the only one left, outside of Aya, and you know she's just running the Export business front, not an actual agent. I'm usually in the field, haven't been stationary for this long in years."

He turns to look at the rest of you. "We're so short staffed, we had to commandeer you folks, on short notice." He shrugs helplessly. "The muckety mucks back in Absalom said you'd be coming through. To be honest, I wasn't sure you were going to get here in time to help."

He sighs slightly, before adding cryptically, "You still might not be."

"Well, welcome to the blistering hole that is the Mwangi Expanse." Arvellos says, with an elaborate mock bow. "My name is Arvellos Rand. I've been stuck here for five years now myself. Hopefully you will have better luck."

He glances towards Kiros. "You got a map of the area handy?" He asks, to which the captain just gives him a stare, before he starts digging through his chart case.

While he does so, Arvellos continues. "As you are all aware, the Society has a number of archaeological expeditions in the area... I've been told that's why they sent you out here?"

"That whole business with Lugizar was a right mess. Had half a dozen places running on fumes before we got it mostly sorted." He frowns before adding, "Luckily, Aya's a mercantile genius, so we were able to get the lines open again once we heard. Though I don't know if we'll ever know the extent of the man's treachery. Any records we have were mostly recorded by him."

"Who knows what he else he managed to make off with and sell to god's know who." He stops suddenly, then nods apologetically at Kiros. "Sorry." He adds.

He shakes his head. "But never mind that, that's the least of our problems right now."

He grabs the map that Kiros produces, and rolls it out. "So, over here..." He points to a spot north of Bloodcove about eighty miles. "This the Terwa Uplands, and over here, this is one of our most important sites... it is apparently of Azlanti origin... and creative sorts that they are, they have taken to calling it Azlant Ridge."

He looks up to see if anyone recognizes the name. "The best anyone knows, it should not be there... until they found this one, everyone believed there were no known Azlanti sites in the Mwangi Expanse at all... But then, some drunk idiot goes hunting for game, trips on his own feet... and here we are. It may be the best-preserved evidence that the Azlanti at least visited the Expanse. Which of course has all brain trust all excited."

He shrugs again, clearly not entirely convinced himself.

"Anyway, not sure how much you know about the area, but we're right on the edge of the Expanse here... and most of that is under the sway of a rather unpleasant brutal fellow named Ruthazek, the Gorilla King. He claims to be one of the heralds of the demon lord Angazhan." He shrugs again. "Things can get pretty messed up in the jungle."

"For the past few months, the Gorilla King's minions have been overly active in the area, and more recently, they appear to have taken a particular interest in the Azlant Ridge site in particular!"

"We learned only a few days ago that those forces have laid siege to the Azlant Ridge site. They were already short on supplies after that whole mess with Trantos, but now... The people there are starving, dying from disease, running low on ammunition and personnel."

"Which brings us back to you, and why we're in Bloodcove."

"Azlant Ridge needs supplies. Badly. And a lot of them. That last we heard, before we lost contact, they might last another fortnight at most. It was way too far to try to get supplies from Nantambu," He waves helplessly at the surrounding city. "So this cesspool is our only option. We didn't dare call on Malika to do this, they have her on lockdown."

"So they rerouted you here, to help acquire them and get them where they are needed!"

Kiros whistles. "Ouch." He mutters.

Knowledge (local) and (geography) might gain you a little insight into the area at the moment.

I have more info to impart, but figure I an work it in with any questions that might come out =)

Once the Captain spills the beans that they are stopping short of their destination Dale gets worried and excited at the same time. A new adventure, EXTRA adventure? I best get prepared!

"You want me to pretend I'm your son?" Dale looks Monty over a bit closer than usual, pulling out a small measuring stick and taking a few key measurements of things like ring fingers, ear lobes and nose bridge diameter. "We're a pretty good match I'd say, considering the lack of relations I expect... You'll be needing to fill me in on all the particulars, I wouldn't want to be caught unawares!"

He gives Tad a slightly curious look when he starts talking about the Lady of the Light. "I can't imagine people down there are going to be all up in arms over her, not like the Captain here and his crew. Some countries my friend aren't so friendly to the Gods, or certain Gods. I wouldn't go door to door handing out flyers or anything but you should be good!"

Afterwards he goes about packing his gear up and finishing off the last of his alchemical goodies.

The Meeting!

Dale sits out on deck as they bring the ship in, eager to take in the sights, sounds, and apparently smells of Bloodcove. "Well isn't this place just... sweaty? I best mix up a brew for that." He finds an out of the way spot to set up his alchemist supplies and mixes up a fresh batch of 'Dale stays comfortable in any weather'. (The name just rolls off the tongue!). After about a minute he packs things away and drinks down the vial."Ahh... a balmy 68 degrees!" Endure Elements of course

Going to roll a batch of knowledges here, try not to be overwhelmed. Each d20 roll gets +10 for whichever is appropriate. A list of the current who/what/where's Dale may know something about coinciding with the knowledge rolls: Captain Kiros, Bloodcove, Arvellos Rand, Sharrowsmith, Aya, Azlant Ridge, Gorilla King, Malika.

Knowledges: +10 each: 8d20 ⇒ (3, 17, 18, 10, 10, 20, 19, 18) = 115

"I can play the part of the mercenary for hire, certainly. It's my normal job anyway, so ain't really a trick neither way."

In the captain's cabin

Brady looks somewhat relieved to have a diversion from the initial mission. Nothing more to do with those idols, I can live with that.

"So we're what, gonna go purchase some supplies and wagon them in? What kind of siege are we looking at here? Best to be prepared, as we're going to have to get past it to bring any supplies in, no?"

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

For the record, no one is going to mistake Dale for a vanaran. =P Well, I suppose a really good disguise check might manage it for a bit.

And +10 in everything, with no ranks? Egads =)
This is what I get for referencing names and things from several different sources... people start asking about them! =)

Brady has no real insights into the town, he's a long way from home, though Ravellos does answer his question.

"First thing's first. If we can't get the supplies, and get them out of town under the Aspis' nose, what's happening at the dig site is moot. All those people will be dead within a fortnight."

"This isn't going to be a simple trip to the market." He offers, ruefully. "Bloodcove is a pit, founded by pirates and run by criminals all of them willing to rat you, or their mothers, out to the Consortium for a few coins. Azlant Ridge is going to need a lot of things, if we can get them there before it's too late, so this is our only option."

He pulls out a piece of parchment. "Here's a list of what we need... minimum."

"Going to be a tall order, but they're in dire straits." He says, once you've had a chance to look at it. "There's a smaller trade house, House Cartahegn, that will probably be your best choice. The Society has worked with them on occasion... and the hostility of competition in this cursed town means they won't go to the Aspis on us."

He shrugs, implying that even that wasn't guaranteed.

"I've already arranged payment to a caravan leader to haul the goods if you can procure them." He winces slightly. "His name is Raimando Scevola, and was really the only one we could find willing to the take the job without telling him the destination. We were not sure when you would get here, so this was weeks ago, so hopefully he's still willing to honor the contract."

He shakes his head slighty. "We arranged the job through a local contact. A man named Senzer, but he fell silent some time ago, and we're not sure of any more details. You'll have to make contact with Scevola yourselves from here. He should be over by Freetrade Square."

"If you can find out what happened to Senzar, that'd be a bonus. He was one of the few allies we have in this place, not to mention he's an alchemist, and was funneling potions and information to the Uplands site. If we can get those potion supplies flowing again, that would help immeasurably."

He hands you a large pouch of coins. "This should cover the cost of supplies. It's all I could pull from stores in Nantambu." He shrugs slightly. "If you have to dip into your own resources, I'm sure you'll get reimbursed."

Many thanks, great info. Thanks for the extra effort, Dale's biggest use is his never ending knowledge, and I know how much extra work it can be for the DM to dig it up. Ya his +10 is only the beginning... add another +4 when his cognatogen is going and at some point +2 more for heroism! I even dropped his int down to 18 vs 20...

Dale sits a bit in thought, his mind processing the names and places like a machine. Years of chemical experimentation have honed it to far sharper than any blade. He nods along as he fills in any blanks that may have been.. omitted by the Captain and this new agent.

Sorry to do this but more knowledges on these new names and places you just brought up. House Cartahegn, Raimando Scevola, Freetrade Square, Senzar. Knowledges!: 4d20 ⇒ (6, 4, 20, 8) = 38

"Hrm. Guess I should have made some of those sponges like I'd planned on during the trip. They purify water for a time. A nice light tool to carry instead of hundreds of pounds of water. How about maybe a wand or two of create water? Cool spell, cheaper than sponges really. Healing wands? This expedition have any magical expertise maybe? Sorry, just trying to think outside of the box here..." How much cash we have here for these supplies and shipping?

Tad enjoys his time with Faliana. He realizes that after they have a quiet hour, they can talk a little, and this is one time of day when he can speak (very softly to avoid being overheard) of his Lady without bugging anyone. Eventually, he builds up the courage to tell her the stories of how the crew has reacted to him, and ask her what he might have done wrong.

Realizing the young man has been bottling himself up since the start of the trip, Faliana gladly listens to his soft conversations, she even tries to start a few theological debates with him. The day he builds up enough courage to ask just happens to be a day when she was channeling Sasha. Before Faliana can say anything, his rushed and high pitched voice bubbles out. "Why that sounds horrible! Godless wind indeed, humph, ungrateful wind if I may..." but with a spasm Faliana cuts him off before he can piss the entire crew off. In a calmer and quieter voice she continues, "When I first talked with the captain he explained, well more shouted, that the Rahadoum don't worship gods and fervently avoid being proselytizing. As long as you don't press The Lady's words on them, they'll probably appreciate your healing, but be sure to ask beforehand."

In the captain's cabin, Faliana has a grim look on her face. "Not landing in Namtambu is worrisome. The last time I ran into the Consortium, it was... problematic, to say the least."

She nods at Monty's ideas for a cover story, but gives a wry smile at his last comment. "I doubt we're old enough to be his grand parents, you cheeky man. But I could definitely play the eccentric mother intent on seeing her husband's homeland, if that works."

Her face goes serious for a moment though as she gives everyone a hard look. "But if we are going to do this, I need to have everyone's concent on this. The last time I was in a land unwelcoming of Pathfinders and we had a cover story, had moral objections to it. She didn't say anything about it until after she blew our cover. We lived, luckily, but I don't want to risk that again."

Faliana hides the few things she has connecting her to the Pathfinders, and packs her things tightly. She gives her Lucerne hammer to Brady so it doesn't look like she is a walking armory. Her bladed scarf, regular kukri, relic kukri, and rope dart she puts at the bottom of her bag. The long spear she straps onto her bag, but modifies a sock to make a pink, fluffy cover for it. The morning of their arrival, Faliana ushers all of the Pathfinders, and the captain if she could swing it, into her seance, specifically setting it up where Dale's alchemy table is so he can make his mutagen while it's going on. Because of the number of people and the table in the way, she makes the circle larger than normal. At first she starts with a slow and sedate bellydance, focusing on getting each movement precise and controlled, after a few minutes of this she draws a veil from somewhere on her and the dance begins to change. The tempo increases as the movements lose precision but gain a violent passion. During the dance she passes the veil in front of the face of every one in the circle at least once if not a few times. As the dance progresses the veil passes in front of her face more and more often to the point where the last seven minutes or so her face is completely covered. With her face completely covered, her dance ramps up into an feverish crescendo, that culminates with Fritannia's distinctive, tinkling laugh. "It's good to be back!" After finishing her dance, Faliana and Fritannia spend a few moments catching their breath and cooling down in the humid air, and in what looks like deep concentration.

Assuming nobody objects to being part of the Seance, you all get access to the Trickster seance boon! Choose a skill, you get +1 to it and it counts as a class skill. I don't think it gives you a rank in it so the class skill portion might not be the most beneficial, but enjoy! I'll be taking the bonus to Acrobatics for now.

The introspection is finally broken by another of Fritannia's laughs. "So I'm playing the eccentric wife, eh, dearie? You know I've had the Ruby Prince Kehemet himself compliment me on that very role! Consider it done."

The rest of the morning, she spends trying to get Dale's full-body hair to look like a combination of Monty and her hair.

Aid another Disguise w/spirit bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21 If I can make the check for him I will.

In the cabin again:
Fritannia cuts in when the twitchy man mentions that almost everything had been run by Lugizar. In a cutting and surprisingly bitter tone she remarks, "That's what happens when you leave one person in charge of everything, especially a man. That's such a... " But Faliana cakes her off before she can continue.

She gives a shudder at the mention of the demon lord again, "We have to face something from Anghazan yet again. Hopefully it won't be as controlling or traumatizing... But it might be a good chance to give the bastard our respects."

After Arvellos finishes his briefing, Faliana picks up the bag of coins. "Well given the dire circumstances, we should probably be moving. Shall we go to the House Cartahegan and buy some supplies for our 'journey to the homeland'?"

Lastly, but not least, Knowledge local check! W/spirit bonus: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25

Sorry I forgot to say to read Dale's spoiler a couple posts up. He'll spill the beans about the relevances to the group right off but save any dirt he has on the Captain and Pathfinders for once they are away on their trip. Acrobatics sounds like a good choice for Dale as well. As far as disguise it would be best if you disguise me and I assist. Dale only has a +2.

How much in the purse? Surprisingly... just enough! =)

Arvellos just shakes his head at Dale. "We're past out of the box. We've neither the time, nor the resources to get fancy here." He sighs slightly. "And we've no idea who's still alive at the site... some sort of magical ward went up there, a few weeks ago, we've not been able to communicate with them since. No one can even teleport in. So we have to go in on foot, with mundane supplies for now. At least until we can assess what the ward is, and how bad the situation is. I was never really involved in managing any of this, so my information is limited."

"Just me being in Bloodcove is jeopardizing years of work." He adds nervously. "Else, I'd try to do this myself."

He looks at Faliana, offended, not realizing it was not quite her words being said by her mouth. "My dear, he was not in charge of everything, or the only person in the chain. But we are not in civilized parts here, there are no quick lines of communication, or even safe ones, or the personnel to create the bureaucracy required to monitor everything. One man, in the right place, with the right knowledge, can create a lot of wrenches. We try to trust our fellow pathfinders..." He shrugs helplessly.

"All that being said, you will need to be careful yourselves. This town bleeds suspicion... especially with newcomers. Just assume everything you do is being reported to someone, so you will need to take precautions."

He eyes you speculatively. "You certainly don't look like Pathfinders, which is good. But you will need more then just appearances, so be prepared."

You guys are already thinking of these things... which is good. You get a number of options, each of which will require certain skills... and you will have to make these checks yourself individually, at various points along the way. Whether to maintain a ruse, stay out of sight, look the part, etc etc...

Tourist is not a good choice... no one comes to Bloodcove for the scenery. =)

Tad looks at Faliana, hearing the pain and frustration in her voice as she talks of a previous colleague who couldn't carry through with a cover story. "I do not want to lie, but I would if lives are at stake. I would try to use a partial truth or remain silent rather than lie, if possible. The only thing I cannot promise to do in terms of this necessary deception is to deny the Lady I serve. So how can a humble servant of the Lady fit into the cover story you are making?"

Tad will take the skill bonus to heal.

I'm so glad to live the simple life of the bodyguard...Good thing I'm not that famous either. We'll have to be watchful, and the less we talk the better, I presume. I'm not that good at lying anyway. Unless I'm lying in bed.

She grins goofily

Monty will also assist with the disguise check to help Dale look more like a "Half-Breed". Disguise: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13 So add a +2 to that result. He's a pretty darn convincing half breed Vanara! I'll add my +1 to my bluff. Also, Sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 oh lol...

Monty nods and pats the little frog on the head.

I won't ask you to deny your faith little friend. We're not in Rahadum or Taldor, so you shouldn't have any problem with that. Just tell this truth. You are coming home to bring the word of the lady of light to your fellow Grippli.

He tilts his head in thought.

That might even work a little better. You can say that you hired me as a guide, and that Dale and Faliana are with me for reasons we've already stated, and Dru and Brady are our body guards. That should convince most people, especially since I grew up around here and you have not. Hardly a change, and it benefits you since I'm sure you'd like a chance to talk to some Grippli from the home country about the lady of light, so it's not a lie.

If you guys have no more questions, I'm going to have Rand take off, whilst you work out your plans...

Dale listens on, especially when Faliana and whoever her new spirit friend is, starts in. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Quite the teller of tale tails this one best we take anything she says with a grain of salt.

He does rattle off a few questions back at Arvellos before he takes his leave. "Would you give us descriptions of these men... Raimando Scevola and Senzar... and did you set up any proper phrases or code words to use with them? I'd think that sort of thing is quite common in an area like this? No one trusts anyone else and all."

Dale resists the urge to pull out his journal This probably isn't the best place to have incriminating evidence written down! "I think I know the answer to this already, but is there any pull from anyone here that borders on the law? Maybe some sort of documents or name we could flash to get ourselves out of a pickle? If you've got anything I can work from I may be able to make up some reasonable 'facsimiles'?"

Dale has a pretty good linguistics check and could make up a forgery that could help a bit. I would assume the Pathfinders would have some documents in hand from someone.