DM Kludde |
.
Swayaah Maelerant |
"Ilvan, no! You have to wait! Seriously!"
A juvenile Owlbear scampers into the room, staring at the half-finished plates of food. Before it can run for it, a female tiefling runs in and scoops it up.
"Seriously, I thought the rancher said you were mature. You're barely out of your diapers." The woman shakes her head, her tail coming to a rest.
"Uh...my name's Swayaah. And this is Ilvan. Still getting used to carrying him around, sorry. I'll make sure he doesn't misbehave."
Swayaah squats on the floor and pets Ilvan as it curls up against her wings. At first she's irritated, but eventually calms down and pets it, careful not to scratch his head with her claws.
Myrd Sharpclaw |
A Tengu enters the lodge. He has a katana at his side and frowns as he sees the mess.
"Well met, my name is Ambassador Sharpclaw. Are you also here for a briefing?"
Profile is still for his lvl1, I will level him asap.
DM Kludde |
“Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,” Ambrus Valsin says.
“Pathfinders, welcome! May I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across his desk to a tall Garundi man with short black hair and gold- rimmed spectacles.
Valsin’s guest stands and offers his hand in greeting as he speaks. “It is a true pleasure to meet you. I have purchased several antiquities from your Society in the past, and I have always wondered about the people who acquire such treasures. I must say, you do not disappoint!”
Valsin smiles at the compliment before continuing, “Agents, your next mission will take you to the island of Jalmeray. We’ve received reports that the ruins of a previously unknown temple have been found in a part of the Segang Jungle known as the Urapangi Lowlands. From its location, I think this temple could be one of those abandoned by the legendary Maharaja Khiben- Sald when he left Jalmeray over four thousand years ago. A temple untouched since Khiben-Sald’s time would be a major find for the Society. Of course, getting to Jalmeray on such short notice poses some difficulties.”
“I believe that’s where I come in,” the count interjects. “I’m arranging a hunting expedition to Jalmeray for myself and my new father-in-law, Baron Bomande Rudyahm. Bomande was quite the sportsman in his day. However, some years ago he was wounded during a tiger hunt in the Segang Jungle. He’s been grumbling about getting revenge on the beast for so long that I thought taking him on a trip back to Segang might earn me some credit with the old man.”
Ambrus Valsin continues: “Falroun has graciously offered to provide transport to and from Jalmeray and to outfit us with everything we need for our journey into the jungle. In exchange, you’re going to help his father-in-law, the baron, with this tiger hunt and make sure he gets the better of the beast this time around, as it were. You’ll have time to discuss the details of the hunt during your voyage to Jalmeray.”
“A voyage for which I must make some final arrangements,” adds Falroun, “I’m afraid I must depart. Once again, it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to our journey together.” With a nod, he exits the room. As the count’s footsteps recede down the hall, Ambrus Valsin’s smile fades from his face. “Ordinarily, the Society would cover the costs of an expedition like this. However, our resources are stretched thin at the moment thanks to our campaigns in Varisia and the Worldwound. Until such time as those ventures pay off, we’re going to have to rely on people like Count Matsanda to cover some of our operating expenses. I’m trusting you with the Society’s reputation on this mission. Fulfill our end of this bargain by helping the baron bag his tiger, and try to make nice with at least one of these nobles.
Now, unless you have any questions about this temple, go get your affairs in order. Your ship sails in the morning.”
DM Kludde |
Oh, and Caps, thanks for pointing out that I had the wrong thread. I managed to delete the post with 2 minutes left on the clock :)
Myrd Sharpclaw |
Leveled to level 2, I also used the season 6 free faction change to change faction to Sovereign Court. I also need to do some purchasing.
Myrd waits until the Count departs
"Venture Captain, may I congratulate you on the advantageous deal for both the Society and the count that you made? Could you tell us more about this Maharaja Khiben- Sald? More information regarding Jalmeray would also be useful, other than that it is an island I know nothing about the place."
He takes out a wayfinder made from a green stone and concentrates on it
Knowledge Nobility for information regarding the Count and his Father in Law + Guidance from Jade Wayfinder: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Swayaah Maelerant |
"Hunt a tiger, find some ruins. Deal with whatever is in there. Sounds straightforward, eh Ilvan?" The owlbear seems fast asleep, snoring lightly. "Jeez, more plants. Hopefully not the kind that tears you pieces."
Adowyn_caps |
Adowyn sits on the floor, back to the wall and knees pulled up. Her wolf, Leryn, sits proudly beside her.
"A tiger hunt, Leryn!"
"Leryn, a tiger hunt isn't boring just because it's not a Naga..."
"Whatever Leryn."
Adowyn mainly talks to Leryn.
She looks at the venture captain. "So it's a jungle, right? We looking at oppressive heat and humidity? Sheets of rain?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
DM Kludde |
“Segang is hot and muggy this time of year. It’s a jungle, so expect dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures, and disease. You may also encounter some looters at the temple, if you don’t get there fast enough.”
The Vudrani occupation of Jalmeray began in 563 ar when the Maharaja Khiben-Sald received the island as a gift from the archmage Nex Valsin explains, Though Khiben- Sald and his entourage occupied Jalmeray for only a decade, they built dozens of palaces, temples, and monuments on the island with the help of their genie servants. Many of these structures remain in use today, preserved by genie magic or by the care and attention of the island’s inhabitants. Others have fallen into disrepair or been swallowed by the island’s jungles.
The temple is probably dedicated to one of the Vudran deities, but beyond that we don’t know. My contacts tell me the locals have several superstitions about monkeys. If that represents some leftover remnants of the temple’s faith, it could be dedicated to one of the monkey faced deities, Ragdya and Lahkgya, or to Chamidu, the goddess of wild animals.”
Krux Crushtooth |
"Good day handsome gentlemen and beautiful ladies. My name is Krux. How can I be of service?"
Krux smiles and speaks in a high pitch, yet soft tone. The half-elf wears shiny mithril armor, buckler and wields a matching cestus. Krux bows deeply whipping long blonde hair around a slender frame that accentuate almond-shaped emerald eyes. At first glance, it is difficult to determine the half-elf's gender.
"I am born from the wild and have a knack for minor charms. A stroll in the jungle sounds romantic."
The half-elf gives Myrd a subtle playful wink.
Morvius Charthagnion III |
Count Matsanda I am Morvius Charthagnion III from Taldor . The oracle says with a formal bow before shaking the nobleman's hand. An extremely gaunt young man, Morvius wears the cloths of a gentleman under his armor and his hair is prematurely gray. A safari hunt, how delightful! We shall all have a grand time I am sure.
After the count has left he sits down in one of the chairs. I suppose I should pack summer cloths. Sewers, deserts, jungles... Valsin, while I do appreciate the company of a fellow man of station, even from a backwater place like Alkenstar, I miss the times when the society would sent me to places like libraries, bathhouses, palaces...
Zahir Hor-Akim |
A small, nimble, brown-skinned, thin-bearded young man of Keleshite or Garundi origin also stands among the Pathfinders. He is clad in a mithral chain shirt and carries a few light weapons and a shortbow. "I've never been to Jalmeray," he says with an interested look on his face, after introducing himself as Zahir. "I hope these nobles will not slow us down too much."
DM Kludde |
The count’s ship departs from Absalom on the morning after the briefing. Once aboard, they are introduced to Baron Bomande Rudyahm, a handsome, dark-skinned Garundi gentleman of advancing years, with a thick black mustache and graying hair at his temples. He walks with a prominent limp, and carries a finely crafted walking cane to help him amble about.
On the first night of the voyage, he invites the pathfinders for dinner.
The dinner is pleasant: the baron and the count make easy conversation. They ask if the pathfinders have ever been to Jalmeray before, and about their most recent adventures.
The atmosphere gets more serious as the tiger is first mentioned.
Baron Rudyahm’s face grows stern as he recalls bygone events. “There were four of us on that trip, plus a half dozen porters or so. It was our seventh day in the bush. We’d had a bad day hunting on the trail, so we split off to the west to follow a little stream deeper into the jungle. The tiger came for us that night, despite our campfires. He must have been young to be so bold. I never saw most of the carnage. All I could hear were screams, gunshots, and men begging for help in the darkness.
“With the gun smoke and the darkness, I could barely see the end of my musket. Something took a right nasty bite out of my leg, but I wheeled and unloaded my gun in its direction. I must have only clipped it, yet that was enough to startle the beast. The only glimpse I caught was its striped haunch and tail bleeding as it ran off into the darkness. I managed to limp my way out of the jungle on my one good leg, and that was the end of it. Ah, but we’re going to catch that stripey bastard this time, eh? We’ll give him what for this time around.”
Myrd Sharpclaw |
Myrd has changed clothes for dinner and wears expensive jewelry
"We will most surely aid you in your hunt for this monstrous beast. A maneating animal is a danger to everyone, so we will be doing the locals a great favor by catching it. If you do not mind me asking, how would one recognize this particular tiger? There must be more and to me one tiger looks very much like the other"
In other words: attempt to win one of them over for the Sovereign Court without anyone knowing for faction journal cards
Diplomacy DC 16: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
And ignore this if it would screw with the scenario or let me know if you want to RP it
Swayaah Maelerant |
Swayaah carefully listens to the baron's story. Not that she thinks he's lying, but she tends to be very careful, especially around humans. Especially around rich humans.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 +2 if human
"Tigers ambushing a crowded group of humans at night? Animals wouldn't attack like that. They lack the intelligence and the desire. I wonder if really was a tiger..."
Swayaah slips a scrap of meat below the table, where Ilvan quickly gobbles it and nuzzles her leg. She pets him with her tail.
Zahir Hor-Akim |
Zahir gladly shares the stories of somes of his adventures with the nobles and the other guests, in particular the exploration of the Red Redoubt fortress.
"Killing a tiger doesn't seems an impossible task to accomplish compared to what I fought over there", he says.
DM Kludde |
What I saw looked like a tiger. I fought druids and shapeshifters in the war, and this didn’t seem like one of those.
The next morning, the first stop in the expedition is a hunting lodge, where Count Matsanda hires an elephant, a mahout (elephant driver), and a dozen porters. Though the elephant seems past its prime, it's the only one available, so Matsanda takes it anyway.
Hunters at the lodge corroborate the baron’s story about his previous expedition and report that several other hunting parties have also gone missing in that part of the jungle.
The Urapangi Lowlands are also known as “the monkey swamp,” and particularly devout Vudrani claim that the monkeys who reside there possess mystical powers.
Though Pathfinder Society agents have tried to keep the location of the Urapangi temple under wraps, rumor has it that several independent groups are currently planning their own expeditions to find the lost temple.
Count Matsanda and Baron Rudyahm ride in a howdah on the elephant’s back, accompanied by their mahout. The howdah is an elaborate wooden affair that can hold three occupants and one driver.
The Segang Jungle is a dense tropical forest. The deciduous trees that comprise it are green all year round thanks to the wet coastal climate. Right now, Jalmeray is at the height of its warmer season, and the air is hot and sticky under the jungle canopy.
Swayaah Maelerant |
Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
"Well, something has been messing with the hunting parties around here. It's either a man-eating tiger, or...hmm."
DM Kludde |
Tigers are territorial. If we find our way back to its hunting grounds, there’s a good chance we’ll run across it before too long. Trust me, I'll recognise it when I see it.
On the first day of the safari, there is very little wildlife to be seen. This close to the lodge, animals are skittish the baron explains, the real trophies can be found deeper in the jungle. At the end of the first day the hunting party sets up camp in a clearing atop a low rise. The night passes uneventfully.
Early in the morning, there's a loud crashing sound! From the sound of it, it came from the count's tent!
Adowyn_caps |
Adowyn rushes to the Count's tent. "Come on Leryn!"
She pauses outside the tent. "Count? Sir? Are you alright?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Morvius Charthagnion III |
Back at the lodge Morvius shares his knowledge of the area and recent facts with the party. Check the spoilers guys.
Focused Trance K. Local: 1d20 + 5 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 20 = 28
Using his glaive for support he moves as fast as he can to the count's tent after hearing the strange sound. Getting there he opens it searching for the nobleman.
Swayaah Maelerant |
Swayaah yawns awake upon sounds of the crash. She shakes Ilvan awake, who moans at first then hugs Swayaah.
"C'mon, let see what's up with the nobleman. He's probably drunk and stumbled over..."
Swayaah and Ilvan walk over to the tent, keeping her eyes and ears open in case this is a distraction.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 +2 versus Humans. Also with Darkvision!
Myrd Sharpclaw |
GM, did you miss my earlier spoiler during the journey by ship?
Earlier
Diplomacy take 10, Guidance: 10 + 9 + 1 = 20
"Well, something has been messing with the hunting parties around here. It's either a man-eating tiger, or...hmm."
"Well, the Urapangi Lowlands are also known as “the monkey swamp,” and particularly devout Vudrani claim that the monkeys who reside there possess mystical powers. So it might be monkeys.
It also seems that the location of the Urapangi temple isn't that secret anymore, rumor has it that several independent groups are currently planning their own expeditions to find the lost temple."
Now
Myrd rushes to the tent alongside the others "What's happening?!"
DM Kludde |
The interior of the spacious canvas tent of the count is richly decorated with portable darkwood and silver furnishings. Torn mosquito netting hangs above the bed, and a mirror, basin, and various shaving implements lie scattered on the ground. A black leather boot lies on the floor next to the crumpled remains of a large black spider.
Baron Rudyahm reaches the tent just ahead of the party. “What the devil happened in here?” he asks as he enters. The party spots Count Matsanda lying on the bed clutching his bare right foot in pain.
The count replies in a fearful voice, “Something in my boot bit me—a spider I think. I fell back onto the bed in surprise. My god, Bomande, what if it’s poisonous? I could lose the foot! You brought some antitoxin, didn’t you? Fetch it quickly!” Unfazed, the baron replies, “Ah, bit of luck then. The spiders of Segang aren’t dangerous, not like the scorpions. It’ll probably smart for a bit, that’s all. Next time, check your damn boots!”
Coutn Masanda is clearly not assured, and turns to the party: Please, you must help. I don't want to live my life a gimp!
The spider that bit the count is an ordinary black spider, and not poisonous.
The wound does not show any signs of poisoning.
Krux Crushtooth |
The crash wakes Krux after sharing his bed with a member of the hunting lodge.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
"Excuse me darling, but my duty calls. I hope we can continue this lovely affair another time."
Krux hastily pulls a mitral shirt over his sweaty skin and ties his long blonde hair in a pony tail. He gathers the rest of his gear and heads over to the count's tent.
Adowyn_caps |
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
"The baron is right. The spider is not poisonous. You will be alright." Adowyn absentmindedly pats Leryn on the head.
"Alright Leryn."
"Yes Leryn, we can go back to sleep a little longer." Adowyn turns back to return to her tent. If nothing stops her she and Leryn go back to sleep for a little while.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Myrd Sharpclaw |
Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Myrd looks over the wound and reassures the count "The wound does not show any signs of poisoning. A poisonous bite would darken the flesh around it, while your bitten foot looks no different than the other."
Swayaah Maelerant |
Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Swayaah rolls her eyes at the commotion over nothing. "Yawwn. Good to hear you're unharmed."
As Krux arrives, Swayaah's memory finally jogs up. "Well at least someone's getting enjoyment out of this trip." She cracks a smile. "Hey Krux, have we met before? I think we investigated the Worldwound. Maybe I'm mixing you up with someone else."
I did meet a Crushtooth, but he had Drow ancestry, and his avatar was different.
DM Kludde |
See Falroun, nothing to be worried about. These pathfinders share my judgement. Now get up and be a man, we've got hunting to do!
The Baron leave the tent to the sulking count and the pathfinders. Checking his boots carefully, the count finally puts them on, then addresses the pathfinders.
Still a bit pale, he says: “I’d really like to impress the old man today, but you see, I’m not much of a hunter,” He admits: “In fact, I’ve never really been hunting before! Is there any help or advice you can give me?”
You can help him with K(nature) or survival checks, or by actually helping him during the hunt using Intimidate (to drive a creature in his direction) or Bluff (to make a kill seem like his - but you have to make a kill first)
The hunt takes place later today. If you wish to participate, include an attack roll in your post
Zahir Hor-Akim |
"I'm afraid I myself am not a hunter, rather an explorer" Zahir answers the count. "But I will do my best to help you."
During the hunt, Zahir prefers hunting with bow, considering it a more appropriate weapon. If he makes a kill, he tries to make believe that the count makes it instead.
composite shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Swayaah Maelerant |
"Hunting...I did some foraging when I was young. Ran away from home for a few months. Mom knew where I was, but she wanted to see if I could survive on my own."
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Add +2 if I'm tracking footsteps
The next morning, Swayaah does her best to guide the hunting party around the forest. She seems more concerned about making sure they don't hurt Ilvan during the hunt.
Ilvan's Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Ilvan can track by Scent
Ilvan seems to find scents very quickly and helps guide Swayaah.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
While she's not in the killing (animals) mood, Swayaah doesn't mind scaring animals for the Count. She'd rather focus on the man-eating tiger and the mission.
Adowyn_caps |
"Oh, poor guy. You've missed out all your life! Leryn says there's nothing quite like the thrill of the hunt, and I completely agree. Here, let me tell you a bit about hunting..."
Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
--
Adowyn joins happily in the hunt, as does Leryn. At one point Adowyn tries to drive some quarry to the baron.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
But she can't help shooting at some quarry herself at some point in the hunt.
Longbow, Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Leryn also join in the hunt.
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
-Posted with Wayfinder
Myrd Sharpclaw |
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Diplomacy to improve relation: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Ketill takes care not to let the count out of his sight and (when others are a bit out of the way) reinforces the advantages of joining a worldwide network of nobles. When he sees a deer bouncing of he flicks a splintered spear at it, killing it in a heartbeat and then nudges the count to shoot an arrow at the dead animal
"What a perfect kill count! I wish I shared your skill with the bow!"
Morvius Charthagnion III |
Morvius considers what to say to the young noble for a couple of moments.
There are worst places than the jungle milord. I am sure there must be a couple somewhere...like the worldwound or cheliax... Keep your eyes open and follow our lead, you may even enjoy the experience. Remember to check the trees also, some prey can climb. And the oracle goes on describing different animals and their living habits.
Focused Trance K. Nature: 1d20 + 5 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 20 = 30
DM Kludde |
The party offers plenty of good hunting advice: Morvius and Myrd are expert hunters and teach well. With the help of Swayaah, a mighty sloth bear is driven in the way of the count. Byrd doesn't hesitate, and weakens the creature enough for the count to be able to strike the killing blow. Baron Rudyahm is impressed with that score!
On the morning of the hunt’s third day, the smell of wood smoke fills the camp as porters busy themselves tending various cooking fires. Outside the camp, the jungle is alive with the sounds of monkeys, birds, and chirping insects. The porters are busy skinning the sloth bear, and skilfully ensure that none of the precious meat of the beast is wasted.
The smell of food attracts the adventurers, but they're not the only ones: a group of macaque monkey cause trouble by overturning containers, stealing trinkets, and raiding unguarded food supplies.
The porters act reverentially toward the monkeys and offer them prayers along with bits of food and water. Baron Rudyahm, however, is less friendly towards the creatures: Bah, demonic creatures, just like the char-ka I fought in the war against the demon king. Get them out my sight, chase them off!
Chasing off the monkey in a friendly way takes a handle animal check, or a charisma check. I will use the first check that doesn't say 'aid', of any adventurer, so choose wisely.
Swayaah Maelerant |
Wild Empathy is a Diplomacy check against animals. Does that mean my roll aids a Diplomacy Check? Myrd seems to be the best Diplomat for the job.
"Oooh, monkeys. Remember, Count: we're in their jungle, we play by their rules."
Wild Empathy(Aid): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Swayaah helps navigate the monkeys away from the campsite without angering them. Sometimes Humans act like they own everything...
Adowyn_caps |
Swayah, Wild Empathy is significant because it is effectively Diplomacy against animals. Diplomacy, the skill, cannot be used on mundane animals. You could use Wild Empathy, or aid a Wild Empathy check, but not Diplomacy.
Leryn has a +7 Handle Animal. Normally I'd look to see if one of you has higher, but I don't feel like it right now. I would post an action for Adowyn right away but I don't want time be unfair to those of you who haven't checked in yet; especially if one of you has a higher Handle Animal.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Swayaah Maelerant |
Oops, I misread Diplomacy as Charisma, Thanks for that catch. Swayaah has +5 Handle Animal and +4 Wild Empathy, so she would assist Adowyn.
Myrd Sharpclaw |
"Pfff, if only these were creatures that can be reasoned with. Swayaah and Adowyn, this seems to be something you might be better at"
Myrd throws some pebbles at the monkeys "Shooo!"
Aid on Charisma: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Krux Crushtooth |
As Krux arrives, Swayaah's memory finally jogs up. "Well at least someone's getting enjoyment out of this trip." She cracks a smile. "Hey Krux, have we met before? I think we investigated the Worldwound. Maybe I'm mixing you up with someone else."
I did meet a Crushtooth, but he had Drow ancestry, and his avatar was different.
"The same. I never forget a pretty face." Krux bows in Swayaah's direction.
At that time, I didn't realize drow-blooded was not a legal PFS option for half-elves and had to retrain.
"What a cute monkey!"
aid Charisma: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7