LOCATION
This mission takes place in Sargava, a former colony of Cheliax located on the western edge of the Mwangi Expanse. Sargava is a young nation, having broken free from Chelish rule only in the last century, and it relies heavily on the mercenary pirates of the Shackles to defend itself from reabsorption into the Chelish empire. This protection comes at great monetary cost, further inflaming conflicts between the country’s colonial leaders and the much larger native Mwangi population.
While the mission begins in the capital city of Eleder, most of the action takes place in the wilds of Sargava.
INTRODUCTION
You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World after your training to become a Pathfinder has ended.
You have heard rumors that the Pathfinder Society is stretched thin at the moment and that junior Pathfinders are asked to complete more dangerous missions than usual.
You always knew that the day would come where you were asked to explore one of the countless ruins that litter the plains outside the city’s walls on Golarion. Some of your colleagues have the opinion that this is the best way to start a life of excitement and adventure ... by exploring long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures but what about you?
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You have been chosen to be part of the Pathfinder group that will leave to travel to Sargava on a critical mission for the society.
You are led through the Great Hall of Skyreach past a large table with a shifting illusionary Inner Sea map on its massive surface. Standing around the Hall are dozens of pathfinders of various races exchanging stories of their exploits.
You are directed towards a smaller meeting room, past an ornate fountain with crystal clear water. You can feel the chill from the cascading droplets as some splash you on their decent to the pool.
The placard before the room reads, “The Pipeweed Nook”. Opening the door you see a long table, chairs.
You enter with the other Pathfinders but are still waiting for the Venture-Captain to arrive and give you the final briefing before you travel to Sargava.
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Cortland strides along behind his guide. His black leather boots creak slightly as if not quite worn in yet. The cloak around his shoulders is new, as is the outfit that he wears consisting of brown leather breeches and a black leather belt. His linen shirt is white and over it he wears a brown vest. Gloves cover his hands and his outfit is rounded out by a black bowler hat on his head. There is a slight tinkle as he walks from the pockets of his cloak.
Taking a seat at the table he sits and wipes some of the water droplets from his vest as he awaits the arrival of the rest of the team selected to undertake this task. I do hope that the group is of an amiable make-up and that they have some sense. I cannot abide people who lack common sense and logic.
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A gnome wearing a chain shirt and plain clothes follows the guide, stopping every so often as he gets distracted by the new sights his eyes love to take in. Realizing that he gets left behind, he quickly runs at near human speeds to catch up the group, although only to stop again to look around and get left behind.
Once he finally manages to reach the fountain, he takes a long time to observe it, knowing that he cannot be left behind now. "Wow, nice fountain, I should get one like this myself when I can afford my own place, but who knows when that will be, or how many missions I should say, before I can afford one of my own. Oh, and what is that!?" he says as he begins to wander off to look at something else.
It might be hard to tell, but he does say within sight and keeps an eye out for the Venture-Captain.
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A tall and strong looking human enters the meeting room. He is dressed in brand new shining scale mail armor. Ties to his back is a large heavy shield with a Brevoy noble crest in the center. This also appears to be brand new as it still shines and does not have any marks of battle. To his side, he has an odd choice of weapons for a strong look guy, a rapier. .
We walks with a lot of pride. When getting to the room he smiles at the other people in the room, Well I sure hope this don't send us somewhere hot. I think I will bake in her. He chuckles a moment, then as if realizing he may get sent somewhere hot, the chuckle dies to a look of worry. Well anyway, I am Joseph Dubinsky of House Orlovsky. If anyone has any familiarity with the Brevoy families, they would recognize the crest on his shield (a black eagle with wings spread in front of a gold field) as indeed the crest of House Orlovsky.
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As the gnome wanders off Cortland gives Joseph a bemused look. He stands and walks over to the ranger, extending his hand in greeting. Hello Joseph, I am Cortland. I did not catch the name of this fellow, but I am sure in time we will have it.
He then retakes his seat and continues to converse with Joseph. You are of Bevoy I see..... and on the conversation goes
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I am indeed!Finest shields man in the family. He says with a smile. This time, when he smiles, you get a look and he has pretty crocked teeth.
If any characters are familiar with Brevoy, they know that it is known for it's swordlords (or people who duel and typical fight with a sword in one hand and leaving the other empty). A shield wielder would be rare in a noble house and frowned upon since they do not see any honor in it.
Where do you hail from, Cortland?
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I am from Absalom and spent more than 15 years studying at the universities here. I cannot help noticing your teeth my friend. Are they a souvenir of a sparring partner or two? He grins, his own teeth are not white sparkling pearls in his face, but are straight and look well cared for.
Do you suppose that we could get a drink, or even a smoke? The sign outside says Pipeweed nook, but I see no-one smoking.
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A tall, thin, male half-orc sits at the table. He is dressed in a very nice high collared red-ish cloak pulled tight over a shinning breastplate. On his head sits a ratty black top-hat, with brass googles and a deep blue reflective lenses resting across it's brim. Over his hands and forearms are large leather gloves that pull up to his elbow.
Tucked into his jacket's pocket hangs a gold chain attached to a wayfinder, several bright brass buttons, and a collection of handkerchieves, papers, fabrics and other assorted trinkets. His style is eclectic at best, though 'unkempt' and 'ragamuffin' could as be equally appropriate adjectives as well.
"Gorak's the name. Pleased to meet you fellas. Seems we might'en be workin together- so best we be all friendly like. I like the adventure, myself. Things to see and collect! Seeming we gonna head to the uncharted jungles- a splendid place if yer asking me!"
He puts on a grand smile to those in the room. His bright gold eyes flash, drawing attention to black vertical pupil's located in their center.
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The gnome wanders around for a bit but sees the gathering group of agents and realizes that they are for more interesting than the sights currently around, "Oh wow, you guys look cool!" he says as he takes random bits of gear off of people's belts to look at them before putting them back. "The names Palio to other agents although it's not usually the name I use out in the field depending on the situation."
After introducing himself and joining the group he proceeds to wait around by doing handstands "You guys look cool even upside down."
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Ahh these old things... lets just say that I am not the pride of the family when it came to duels. Took a few good shots while practicing. Never been the same. But they sure get the job done! And you are a local? Interesting. I am sure the society gets a lot of them.
I could go for some drinks, but I don't smoke. Not sure the rules in the fancy club yet. Just join a bit ago. This place sure doesn't offer much training before you get thrown in the missions.
When Gorak enters, Joseph nods his head. Nice to meet ya. I am hear to make some coin and get better with this shield of mine. Back home, no one could really train me and there are plenty of masters in this club to learn from. And you have heard about our mission? They are sending me to the jungle?!? I am going to cook out there. I am from Brevoy, where this is always a chill to the air. And do you see what I am wearing? He shakes his head, realizing his joke is now a cruel reality.
Then Palio introduces himself and does a handstand. Well this sure is a peculiar fellow. I think he has already been hitting the drinks! Joesph smiles. Well at least it would seem that this will be interesting.
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Cortland doesn't quite know how to take this small, strange fellow. Slightly taken aback by having someone brazenly walk up and touch his belt Cortland resists the urge to slap away the inquisitive hands. Sir, please step back. Until we are better acquainted at least.
Once Pailo begins his handstands.
Pailo was it? I am Cortland. Would you like to join us here at the table to chat, or would you prefer to remain as you are?
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Very abruptly, Gorak pulls himself away from the gnome with a squeak, as Palio reaches for something on his belt. ”Gah! Don’t do that!
Immediately embarrassed, he stammers to explain himself. ”These are all very important! Frag-ile even! Irreplaceable!”
Unconsciously, his hands touch his hat, and goggles, and several other artifacts, gadgets, and items scattered about his person. ”Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen...” just barely audible under his breath.
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Maybe they will send us to my mother country... Though I am not a favorite in the family right now. The nobles family like to show off their skills in competitions of sword play. The traditional style involves move speed and grace than power. Turns out, I have never been
much good at either. They often use lots of fancy techniques to show off and intimidate their enemy. It is often an art form learned by the distant nobles who will never really run much. They partake to bring honor to their families. I was never any good at it. So I read some books, and learned of other techniques. My family wasn't happy because not using traditional weapons in a duel is seen as "barbaric" but I am going to prove that even with my different technique I will win duels. I will bring honor to the Dubinsky name! He finishes with slap of palm on the table. Then gets embarrassed with the sudden passion. Sorry got a bit off topic there. But yeah, that is pretty much what the dueling is like.
Suddenly a little female gnome with pink hair opens the door to your meeting room.
“Are you the team waiting for Drandle? He won’t be able to meet you here but left an address for you to meet him at the harbor in six hours. Here you go! Oh, and the rest of the team will meet you there I believe.“
She hands one of you a piece of paper with the address and runs out as fast as she had arrived.
Ten seconds later the door opens again and the little gnome peeks through the door.
“Uuups, forgot to tell you that Drandle wants you to pack all your stuff for sea travel and a jungle expedition. You probably won't be back for a month so tell your dear ones goodbye, too.“ she says with a sly smile and closes the door again.
You arrive at the harbor and already see a man standing at Pier 13 waving his hands and it is really Venture Captain Dreng.
"Well, well, so you are the team they sent here for this mission?! You look tough but are you the right people for this mission? You already heard that we are sending you to Sargava, right?" he says with a stern look.
"First missions are usually less dangerous but Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh’s reasons to ask for a team as well as the nature of the assignment were a little vague... but apparently whatever was mentioned in some of the more recent reports, has raised some concern at the Grand Lodge, though apparently not in any major way and certainly not enough to let you in on what those concerns were until you arrive in Sargava."
He shows you a ship about 50 ft away.
"Please prepare to board the ship. You will be dropped off in the port town of Eleder. I cannot answer any questions to be honest but this is often the case. Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh will brief you after your arrival." he says scratching his head.
"Please use the time to get to know each other ... especially your capabilities. A team has to rely on each member and knowledge is the enabler to achieve this goal."
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Cortland listens to the Venture Captain as he briefs the team. This is not an auspicious start. He knows only marginally more than we do
I will see you on our return Venture Captain. Hopefully we can accomplish whatever tasks are required.
Despite his misgivings about the mission Cortland boards the ship and finds his berth. He stows his pack and then returns to the deck of the ship.
Standing at the rail he does his best to stay out of the way of the sailors as they make ready for the journey and awaits the arrival of the other team members.
"Thank you for your understanding ... these are hard times for the Society. I would usually not send you away like this on your first mission but there just is nobody else! And ... "
He hesitates for a moment but continues.
"... I believe that this has something to do with the Sargava Chalice which is an overland foot race and survival challenge held annually by the government of Sargava. Contestants are stripped of all weapons and equipment, and they must use their wits and whatever makeshift tools they can craft to survive as they travel across the Sargavan frontier."
He scratches his head again.
"Officially, the race is held to celebrate the persistence and cunning of the Sargavan people and to honor the hardships faced by the early colonists. In truth, the race is one of the many ways the Sargavan government raises money to afford the mercenary protection of the Free Captains of the Shackles. Contestants must pay a sizable entry fee to participate, and the government takes a hefty cut from officially sanctioned gambling surrounding the race."
He looks into your eyes as if he would like to keep you here.
"Unfortunately for Sargava’s governors, interest in the race has waned in recent years. Contestants have increasingly turned to cunning traps, improvised weaponry, and outright skullduggery to win the race, leaving only the most desperate or bloodthirsty willing to participate. Be careful and cover each other's back!"
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Palio returns to the meeting place with his new purchases, a swarm suit, hot weather gear, and an anti-plague. "You mean I just bought this stuff for nothing?" he says when he hears that we might be stripped of all gear.
Thinking about it for a minute, Palio returns to the market and picks up some iron holy symbols with hidden flask compartments of a really obscure deity, like Anubis. He feels pretty confidant he can hide them on his person or fool anyone that asks that they are simply sentimental tokens of no value or purpose.
Returning to the ship right as Cortland offers dueling to pass the time, he chimes in "Ohhhhh, the dueling I've heard so much about! I'd love to see a round or two! Maybe I'll even try it too if anyone has a small rapier or just a dagger laying around."
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Well, I guess I won't be worrying about baking in my armor if they plan to take away my stuff. But I am going to be slightly out of my element without a sword and shield. But I guess this is what I signed up for! Joseph gets onto the boat to claim a bunk.
When Courtland brings up dueling, Ahh you are interested in the art? What rules do you propose? Typically the rules are involving the first to drop loses, but I have seen some matches with high ranking people who had a fancy point scoring system since neither wanted to get hurt. Also, I am not sure of you magic skills, but magic is typically not allowed. Lastly, fighting with a shield is seen as dishonorable, would you like me to not use it for this duel and have it traditional, or we can duel in our own unique style. He gives Cortland a smile, excited to show his value to the group.
To Palio, I do not have a dagger or small dueling sword for you. But I would enjoy a round with you if someone else has a weapon to borrow.
Say, does anyone here have any of that fancy healing magic?
After talking to Dreng and discussing your mission further he says goodbye and wishes you all the best!
All you can do is board the ship, sailing to Sargava ... where you find yourselves now.
The crew seem to believe you are new to sailing as they leave you to your own training sessions and discussions without bothering you.
Despite the crew's assurances, the weather has been cloudy and dark for the past couple of days, and you can barely see past the mists that are constantly forming, much less make out any sight of land to confirm the sailor's assertions. The crew seem to believe this is quite normal for spring on the way to Sargava.
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As the vice captain gives his directions, Gorak fidgets with a skull tied to a rope- currently attached on the side of his belt. At the thought of being separated from his things, the Half-orc becomes very restless and agitated.
"Sir! Are you suggesting that WE will participate in this event?" the half-orc says incredulously. "I simply can't be parted with my things. They are my things, after all- and I am quite fond of them! Dependent even!"
He continues to stammer on about their value and importance. "These things here, these things ARE my capabilities. Why, I wouldn't be anything without these here goggles. And I can't imagine traveling without my trusty sword", he motions to the great sword strapped to his back. "Let alone this skulls, or this wand, or..."
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Depressed and dismayed about the threat of losing access to his implements, Gardok slowly makes his way on board. He walks right past Joseph, Cortland, and Palio. He stops when he hears Palio ask about a dagger.
The half-orc rummages around in his high-neck jacket before producing a cold iron dagger. He looks at the Gnome and back to the dagger several times before holding it out to Palio. The look on his face is pained, as if parting with the dagger hurts him to his very sole. He very theatrically looks away from the weapon as Palio takes it. "Take care of Dolly, please. She is a great dagger!"
He turns to leave when he hears Jospeh's question. "You know, I think I have a wand for that somewhere around here..." As he begins to dig around in his hip satchel looking for something.
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I propose we simply practice our fighting skills against each other. No need for fancy rules. Use your shield if you choose. Tradition is all well and good. I am a traditionalist myself, but one must also work with one's own particular skill set. A crossbow is not a sword and should not be used like a sword. You are not a traditional duelist, but that does not mean that you are not a skilled fighter.
In answer to Joseph's question about healing Cortland reaches into his jacket and produces a small glass vial. Within the vial a liquid swirls with flecks of gold and silver and there is a strange layering of colours within and the liquid moves a little sluggishly, like a thick syrup. My particular "magic", if you call it that, is in the form of the tinctures and elixirs that I brew. I know how to make potions of healing and several differnt ones besides.
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A Varisian man in a soggy coat and shirt comes bounding onto the boardwalk, headed for the ship just before it departs. He's panting heavily, ragged leather spell pouches jangling on his belt with each breath.
"This the mission to Sargava right?" he says after a moment. He looks back warily at the docks, and you see a few toughs from a local gang moving through the crowds, looking for someone. Every few seconds he checks their position while he talks. "Apologies for the tardiness, I was...delayed. Jheris Caulrim at your service. I suppose by now you've discussed your strengths and weaknesses. I've known a few Pathfinders in my time, and even more than a few bards that sing of their 'chronicles'. That seems to always be the way the story starts. But don't worry, I am a fast learner."
A grin spreads across his face as the ship pulls anchor and starts to leave and he visibly relaxes.
"I specialize in arcane tampering, and fire. Fire is a very effective way of removing obstacles to what you want, I've found."
You finally catch your first glimpse of the Sargavan coast as you are almost ready to dock in the capital city of Eleder.
Apparently it was just as close as the crewman promised ... but the ever-present fog seems to be doing its best to conceal even that sign of civilization.
The rain that starts to fall can not seem to batter it down ... only managing to obscure the sight even more.
The sudden deluge does not let up either, and by the time you finally have land beneath your feet it is not even close to dry anymore ... and neither are any of you.
You arrive at the Eleder Lodge which is near the harbor and are accompanied to the office of the Venture-Captain.
The sweet scent of pipe smoke vies for dominance with the salty morning breeze blowing through the wide harbor window in Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh’s small office. Bidding everyone to sit on one of two large brown couches, he pats his belly and settles in to the chair behind his desk.
“Welcome, Pathfinders, and thank you for coming on such short notice. I have some fine work for you. As you may be aware, the Sargava Chalice is set to begin tomorrow morning, and you have been chosen to represent the Pathfinder Society in the competition. For those of you unfamiliar with our customs here in Eleder, the Sargava Chalice is an annual overland foot race held just outside of Eleder."
He looks at you and sees the questions in your faces.
"The course, which changes every year, crosses some of the wildest territory in Sargava, from the Laughing Jungle to the Bandu Hills and everything in between. To further complicate matters, there is a survival element to the race. Participants are allowed to bring only a set of nonmagical clothing with them — no weapons, no tools, no magic items. If you are to win the race, you’ll need to find ways to feed yourselves in the wilderness and craft makeshift weapons to defend yourselves from wild animals."
He does not smile and he is clearly aware of the stress this means for you.
“I assure you, we’re not putting you through all this trouble for our own amusement! You see, the race is named after the prize, a finely wrought golden chalice that was discovered during Eleder’s construction. Ordinarily, the winners simply get their names engraved on this chalice, but we’ve made a special arrangement with the Sargavan government to take possession of the chalice for a year should we win the race. Our studies indicate that this chalice dates to the time of the ancient cyclops empire of GholGan and that it serves as a key to unlocking ruins long sealed by magic." he says with a sigh.
“For this reason, it is imperative that the Pathfinder Society wins the Sargava Chalice this year. You have some time before the opening ceremony tonight—you may wish to familiarize yourselves with the terrain of Sargava’s interior. My library next door contains a great many books on the subject; you are free to peruse it as you wish. Aside from that, you are free to perform any errands you have around town, though again I must remind you; you will not be allowed to bring anything with you when you start the race. I would caution you against trying to cheat in this matter. The officials are cracking down rather hard this year, and I wouldn’t want to smear the Society’s reputation or jeopardize our chances at retrieving the cup as our prize.”
You all can they can learn more about the course in Finze’s library or by asking around town.
Based on the season and recent trends, the weather will likely be cloudy, drizzly, and relatively cool for the next several days, with the possibility of a storm by the end of the week. Heat exhaustion won’t be a problem, but if it begins to rain heavily there may be flooding in low-lying areas.
The fresh water sources east of Eleder tend to be clean and free of disease. Explorers caught without a waterskin sometimes craft makeshift containers out of bamboo. The PCs also identify several edible plants, insects, and mushrooms. All members of the party gain a +2 circumstance bonus on checks made to use the Gather Supplies advantage.
The Bandu Hills are largely made up of volcanic rocks and contain abundant deposits of obsidian. Sharp stones are harder to locate in the M’neri Plains, but the Laughing Jungle has plenty of hard woods and vines suitable for making weapons and tools. The PCs also locate diagrams and descriptions of such items produced by the native Sargavan tribes, granting all members of the party a +2 circumstance bonus on checks made to use the Craft or Modify Tools advantage.
The government of Sargava relies on events like the Sargava Chalice both to distract its populace from political discontent and to pay for the Shackles mercenaries the country relies on to defend itself. Most of the government’s profits come from legalized gambling.
Cheating has gotten out of hand in recent years, so the race’s organizers are cracking down this year. Minor offenses might result in a penalized start, while major offenses can result in getting disqualified from the race altogether.
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This event is designed to distract the populace from any treasonous thoughts they might have and pay for the mercenaries needed to defend themselves. Most of the money comes from the bets placed on the outcome. I may put a gold or 2 down on ourselves come to think of it. We cannot cheat in any way. The last few years competitors have gotten increasingly daring with their attempts to subvert the rules so this year they are imposing harsh penalties like delayed starts or even outright disqualification. We must finish if we are to accomplish our task.
You also find a map in the library detailing the terrain.
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"Sounds like we don't want to get caught cheating if we are to cheat at all. I'd prefer if we all were able to function in this race, so attempting to smuggle in things like spellbooks and implements might be worth attempting." he says as he fills his holy symbols with deodorizing agents and an anti-plague.
"Well, you have to figure out what you want to do but please beware my mission briefing."
He thinks for a moment an continues.
"First, about threats you can expect from the race: the race will take you into some very wild parts of Sargava. You’re sure to encounter some terrifying and savage beasts, perhaps even dinosaurs or vermin of extraordinary size. Aside from the fauna, you may also have to deal with your competitors. While infighting isn’t technically permitted, once you’re out of sight of the judges, all bets are off. I’ll have none of that from you, of course! Defend yourselves if need be, but there will be no Pathfinder bushwhacking on my watch."
"As far as who your competitors are, we don't actually know yet. The teams will officially announce their participation at tonight's opening ceremony. Usually, about a half-dozen teams show up. The Trail Hounds are likely running again this year, though since they were all but wiped out last year, they're the Trail Hounds in name only. I've also heard that a band of Song'o halflings are planning on joining the race. In addition to the teams, you can expect a number of individual runners to show up," he shakes his head for a moment. "Those are considered suicidal by most folk. A lot of them don't make it back."
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On the boat, Joseph duels with anyone willing. One odd point is the fact that he holds his shield in his primary hand and the rapier in his off hand. You can tell he is clumsy with the rapier, unlike what you would expect from a duelist, but has a lot of power behind his swing.
When we get talking to the Venture-Captain, Joseph clearly does not like this mission. What am I without my shield and sword? I joined this society to learn how to be better with them. Not how to better punch a bear. Any way for you or for you to pay someone to hind our gear on the course somewhere? We wouldn't be coming in with it so I don't think that would be cheating.
I am able to help with feeding us off the land, I hope. I learned a thing or two about surviving in the wildness on a camping trip my uncle used to take us children on.
He then goes to look over the books. I believe I right on the edge of understanding something here, but I can't quite put it together.
Then he looks at you with a little concern in his eyes.
"You are allowed to prepare spells and the like. Keep in mind that if you need any sort of components or focuses, you won't be able to bring them with you. You might be able to scavenge something up in the wilds, but that will be on you."
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Palio twirls his moustache, "You know, if we could build or rent some sort of launching device, like a catapult or cannon, we could find our supplies into the jungle. No guarantee we could find it, but claiming it was simply fireworks for the festivities should let us get away with it...Eh I don't really care, gear or no, I control minds not blades, so its up to the rest of you." he says as he leans back in his chair.
Venture-Captain Bellaugh cocks an eyebrow at Palio and smiles.
"That's very good news, Pathfinder. One more point: You'll find out at the opening ceremony that the race organizers will have you change when you are there. Your racing outfits will be provided."
Then, after thinking a moment, he continues: "I suppose this does allow you to leave your belongings with the lodge rather than turning them over to the race officials, but that depends on your current plans."