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I can only surmise that all the rush and excitement surrounding the rumours about an expedition to Saventh-Yhi, means that it was an ideal time for the Brotherhood to make their attack... Jask reasons in response to Willow, sounding a little unsure of his own train of thought.
The noise has died down by the time you get inside, to a scene of a semi-circle of people beginning to disperse- they were surrounding a breathless looking runner for the expedition. Jask summarises what they learnt from him while he catches his breath. The Freemen have seized the South Arcadian Whaling Company in New Haliad, where the Brotherhood’s leader Umagro is calling for the slaughter of foreigners and the overthrow of the government. Its a couple of districts from here but not really that far...
It seems we're not the only warehouse torched... Jask says, gesturing to the plumes of smoke drifting over different areas of the warehouse distric. But something tells me that the others were merely a smokescreen. He points at the barely concious arsonist. Get what you can out of him, and quickly.
Seven force-fed goodberries later, the wounded arsonist coughs up blood as he comes to, albeit barely. With Tun'ada and Marcus menacing him, he makes no attempt at escape and remains very still. Seeing that your group is occupied, Jask swiftly moves outside to save as many of the dying guards as he can- as well as heal your wounds. He makes sure that he doesn't include any of the arsonists in his healing. Channel Energy
Coughing from recent smoke inhalation, Jask gestures vaguely towards the rear entrance of the warehouse. Hes right... he begins to say, pointing at where he last saw Gelik. But the Gnome isn't in the warehouse. Jask's face turns ashen. They must have taken him in the attack... Do you know whats going on? The Freemen Brotherhood are setting fire to several different buildings; I wonder that we were specifically targeted though. Jask shouts, seeking information. One of the firefighters, a solid looking porter, speaks up- They took him, sir.
Jask moves over to speak to Chi directly, firmly but with care in his voice. I know your frustrated Chi, with every reason to be. But the Ekujae do not have the resources to deal with your curse, or organise an expedition to Saventh-Yhi. I'm sure the Pathfinders will act in a fair and honourable manner once you make an agreement with them- just wait a little longer and your disease can be cured little one. If all are in agreement with Marcus' proposal, we can go see the Pathfinders now. I'm sure Gelik can insist on having you cured as soon as you sign a simple document stating you will accept them as your sponsor; the negotiation can wait until your back to your normal self.
Hmm... Jask breaks the awkward silence that follows Marcus' statement. That is a... novel... suggestion, Marcus... Sasha, you told me your mother is a high ranking member of the Mantis back on the Shiv. What do you think their interest is?
Gelik seems to happily nod along to Ambroze's proposal and seems positive about his ability to talk the Venture Captain around, but Jask is frowning throughout. He replies, gravely- Ambroze, everyone- i'm afraid that I am certain that the Sargavan Government will not want to make a partnership with the Pathfinders. Utilinus received a lot of political trouble for even allowing the Pathfinders their lodge here in Eleder and formerly in Kalabuto- and he cannot afford to further alienate the Aspis Consortium, as well as stir up the natives. With that said- if you wish to have me along, I will leave my post within the government and throw in my lot with you; my loyalty was always to Sargava first, but false imprisonment tends to leave some resentment within my heart. I should warn you though, that even without your group along, the Government will likely launch their own expedition. Does this change your situation?
"Jask, as you well know there are others we must speak with before making a decision on behalf the group as a whole. Allow us to get back to you after speaking with Ambroze and Marcus, I am sure we will be willing to listen to your friends, especially if it can help Chi, but we do need to talk to the others first." I completely understand- just know that if you seek an audience with them, the Government of Sargava is very interested in helping you; and I would be able to continue working alongside you.
Jask embraces all of you fondly, resolved to go to clear his name. At the offer of help he thinks it over but then shakes his head. You are kind to offer, but this is a path I would like to walk alone. I'll seek you out this evening and we'll drink to our survival; and the end to my life as a fugitive!
Work has already begun on the lighthouse. I... I will do what I can. I expect the others will insist on looking for you all if you don't make it back though.
Jask sighs heavily. He has caught Firegut- an incredibly tenacious disease which is causing him to vomit bile. It is also highly contagious so I was forced to quarantine him. While it is not lethal, hes unlikely to be able to shake it off until we get off the island.
"Which you can explore to your heart's content as soon as you speak with Lady Aycenia. Come, dead snake gods can wait.""The powers shown by the ghoul priestess proves that the reports of the god's death are greatly exaggerated. That being said, I do not know what sort of deal my companions have struck with you, so if we are meet this Lady Aycenia, so be it." Ydersius is not truly considered a dead deity, as his clergy never lost their powers. He is simply... headless. But both the head and the body are said to still live.
I think most of your theory is sound Gwenyth... Jask muses, scratching his chin as he concentrates on the images and text. But Kovack's message implied he was to be made into a Ghoul, you already slew his shell I expect. Ieana likely came here for these instructions Ambroze translated- it seems like some kind of ritual instructions does it not... Success
Success
Failure
Running his hands slowly over the walls, Jask speaks up once more. These carvings are ancient history, and are all clearly on Smuggler's Shiv itself. They must date from the Azlant period, thousands of years ago... Serpentfolk were said to have battled the Azlant for domination many, many centuries ago- and Ydersius is indeed an ancient deity... Jask suddenly claps his hands together, struck by a thought- The bridge where you rescued me! There was a rock jutting from the land somewhere nearby no? These smaller carvings place it perfectly, on the edge of a cliff with Red Mountain rising in the background!
Jask carefully examines the dust, damage and ash around the northern door before concluding- A defence upon this door was very recently triggered, likely wounding whoever was opening it severely. The defence was a greater glyph of warding, powerful abjuration magic... Jask goes on to explain how the Glyph destroyed the door as well in its potent blast, and is happy to tell you all about the spell.
Jask tries to tell Gwen something for a moment, then shakes his head when he remembers she can only understand Celestial. He channels once more to destroy the wounded Nylithati..
You shall slay no more of us, witch! Jask proclaims as he channels again, this time to inflict wounds upon Nylithati. The ghoul laughs scornfully at the puny damage done to her undead flesh.
Jask moves into the room, aghast that one of the castaways has already fallen. He channels positive energy, healing Mawj's wounds as well as Ishorou's. Healing!
How did you come to this island?" We were on the way to Eleder, the capital of Sargava. A varisian scholar named Ieana appears to have had the voyage sabotaged for her own purposes- we believe we were poisoned at the ships last supper, but somehow we were rowed to shore. I believe we have First Mate Alton to thank for that.
... Mawj. I am Jask, a humble clericof Nethys the two-faced God; and it is a pleasure to meet you. Know that when I met my fellows, I was a convict in chains aboard the Jenivere. These are good folk, but recent events have hardened us all and made us wary. I have a few questions- how did you come to be on this island? Are there more of you, a tribe serving the wood spirit perhaps? Who is she, how long has she been on Smuggler's Shiv?
It will certainly help him- but ultimately its not a cure. His body will still need to fight the infection; and if this Lacedon was older or more powerful than the others which seems likely; then it will be a more potent fever than normal. Was she the one that bit you?
The foul disease is already in your system- so we'll know by tomorrow sometime whether you have succumbed to it. With Gwen and my help, we should be able to keep the progress to a mininum before your body fights it off.
Jask listens to your request and sighs, his brow showing his wrinkles as he worries. Placing a hand upon each of Gwen's shoulders, he manages a weak smile. You will need my help down there. I'm not good for much except my knowledge and the positive energy that Nethys grants me, but it shall be a useful tool against these Ghouls. If I focus on keeping you all standing, you bring your wrath upon the undead. I can make two flasks of holy water in the morning- assing them amongst the others as you see fit, and I shall prepare a spell to bolster Marcus' courage should it fail him again. Ishorou and the others should stay here to guard the camp- if we need to beat a retreat we need to be sure its to a safe place. If such a place exists upon this isle...
It... is possible that she could be turning him into one of them. Ghoul fever is treatable, but this ghoul you speak of is probably going to be biting and healing him continually to ensure hes infected. The disease usually takes a few days, and once the victim dies of the fever he rises again at the next midnight...
Ahh... Thankyou Gwen. With this lighthouse secured we should be able to signal ships along the shipping lanes. It might take a while for one to come with this island's reputation but... Wait, do you hear something? Glancing to the east, Jask quickly gathers everyone. Look! he hisses, and for a moment you see nothing. Then you see it- bolts of lightning from somewhere on Red Mountain; bolts of lightning lancing up INTO the sky rather than coming from the sky to the ground. This happens a few more times before there is an audible pause- and then you hear a loud, rumbling sound like thunder coming from the same direction; echoing over the island.
Gwen's healing brings Jask back around from his groggy state, and he smiles up at Gwen in relief. That... Was most unpleasant... he croaks, recovering slowly. I'm afraid they took my holy symbol of Nethys, as well as my other possessions. I won't be able to offer more than my advice for a time, young ones.
From the size of the packs you brought back, I have little doubt that it was indeed a ferocious beast. Fetch the newcomer for me as well, he was covered in blood...
Not yet... But disease is rampant on the island, at least to us shipwreck survivors. This savage is likely acclimatised to it, if hes a local.
I have prayed for suitable magic to aid you, but I have not learned enough of the mysteries of Nethys to cast the spell you need Jask says. I do have a potion that will help though- I only have two. Ability Damage Healed
Ability Damage Healed
Jask Jask listens carefully to Chi and any other accounts of what may have happened, and examines James and Tun'ada carefully. His examination over, he shakes his head. There is nothing I can do for them today- but should they still not feel right in the morning Nethys will provide me with spells that should aid their recovery. I believe this shadow you speak of was an Allip of some sort- the spectral remains of someone driven to suicide by madness. Such a creature feasts on the life force of others, driving them insane. When Chi mentions putting the admiral to rest peacefully, Jask nods in agreement. Such a thing is possible, but the undead may be hard to convince- he was likely also driven to madness by the Allip and thus is living in some kind of delusional fantasy where he and his crew are still alive. Other than shattering his bones apart, your only other course of action would be to convince him of what has truly come to pass. Jask pauses to take a deep drink from his waterskin, and scratches his head deep in thought. All these Undead you are encountering- you've seen no traces of a necromancer? Such spontaneous occurances are exceptionally rare- there must be a source or abundance of negative energy emanating from this island... On my nightly watches I swear the surf glows green with ghostly apparations.
As you wearily stumble into camp, Jask looks over you all quickly and turns very serious. What on earth happened to you all? he asks in concern, seeing the pale faces of James and Tun'ada in particular.
Jask looks up from his cards at James, and quickly takes the time to channel positive energy into the Shoanti, in the name of the two facedd god of magic...
I'm afraid Ishorou took a nasty wound earlier this evening driving off another one of those damn Dimorphodons, but i'll do what I can son.
Who would have guessed that the notorious Captain Kinkarian had love for anything other than gold... Jask mutters in wonder. Here, Gwyneth, you don't look so good... Jask mutters as he channels his soothing positive energy and wraps a blanket around the young woman.
A short time later, Jask returns and interrupts Ambroze's retelling of the Abendego Cantos.
Forgive me Ambroze, I wanted to share something with everyone. This was indeed Captain Kinkarian's ship- the Brine Demon. Should we ever find a way off the island, I have found the documents I need to prove my innocence! Jask beams, letting his words sink in for a moment before continuing- I cannot thank you enough for your assistance in this matter all of you. You trusted me, put your faith in me when you could have felt within your rights to kill me or leave me for dead. I shall not forget it. I can only think of one way to reward you, techniques I have learnt in my long life as a worshipper of Nethys.
Jask Derindi Boon: Jask offers to share a number of mantras and focusing chants—with a day of practice, these chants grant a +2 bonus on concentration checks.
I would yes. It shouldn't take me long, I know what i'm looking for...
When the others met me, I was a prisoner aboard the Jenivere. I was fleeing Sargavan justice but they caught up to me in Varisia. I once worked for the government of Sargava, but I stumbled upon corruption and the corruption was then pinned on me when I presented it to my superior. Jask pauses. Long story short- these papers would prove my innocence. I had heard that the Brine Demon washed up on Smuggler's Shiv but I never thought i'd have a chance to... stop running... The captain of the Brine Demon, Avret Kinkarian of the Shackles Pirates, was one of my treacherous superiors closest contacts.
If the coffer contains the documents I seek, they would prove my innocence. I'm as eager to open the coffer as you are Chi. So you found the Brine Demon?
Gwen gestures absently with her hand, while eating a piece of dried meat. Jask will see to that, I'm sure...I'm more of a field medic, really. I defer to Jask's greater experience whenever possible. I have much left to learn, honestly. Gwyneth your far too modest. It was you who identified Tun'ada's disease, I thought he was suffering from Malaria... Things are quiet at the camp, i'll happily see to Tun'adas wounds. Jask channels positive energy, healing Tun'ada of all of his wounds over the course of several channels.
A little drained, the dark-skinned older man introduces himself to Savarend. Hail, good Dwarf. Your not a local then? Responding to Savarend's question Jask chuckles. Nothing strenuous like singing thats for sure. Get into shelter for a few hours; the midday sun is unbearably hot. You'll be at risk of heat fatigue if you aren't in shelter; trust me- i'm the camp medic.
"What do you mean Jask?" James asks with concern. Perhaps these dreams are our poisoned subconciousnesses, trying to tell us something. The poison that we were fed... I do not believe it rendered us unconcious for quite some time. I too have had hazy memories and strange dreams. On some level, perhaps we remember the events of the shipwreck.
Jask looks up, deadly serious. It is possible that your subconcious mind is remembering events that you cannot conciously remember when we were poisoned... he muses.
Jask nods. Of course, Gwyneth. Get into trouble with some of the locals? Channeling positive energy is something of an area of expertise of mine in fact.
So... What are your plans once the island is safe to travel again young one?
Ah, perhaps we have our first disease victim despite my best efforts... the gentle ex-prisoner mutters. Let me take a look...
Jask spends some time examining Tun'ada with Gwen. Jask isn't entirely sure what the affliction is, but doesn't believe it to be contagious. Gwen is a little more certain- she believes Tun'ada has contracted Red Ache. Red Ache:
I can keep an eye on it this evening and make sure he is well tended, but if it is Red Ache, it is rarely lethal. Tun'ada's a strong man, he'll likely recover in a matter of days. I expect this is only the first of many affliction's we'll encounter on this island...
Jask smiles wryly. Truth be told, I was devastated at our situation. Shipwrecked on Smuggler's Shiv, with little to no hope of rescue. But then, I was probably going to be executed in Sargava anyway. So i'm going to enjoy my freedom, even if its on a hot, insect-infested, hostile island that will probably be the death of us all. Jask grins as he finishes his statement.
Things have been quiet here. Please, come sit close to the fire, it will minimise your risk of infection or disease from insects... Jask says, swatting a mosquito away from his face. These damn insects are at their worst at sundown... Are any of you wounded?
I have a few things to share... Jask's voice cuts through the quiet chatter around the camp. I have already told you that I was innocent. That I was framed Gelik snorts in disbelief in the background, but Jask ignores him. One of the incriminating papers that I found so long ago indicated that one of my superior’s contacts in the Shackles was a man named Avret Kinkarian. Kinkarian’s ship, the Brine Demon, reputedly wrecked here on Smuggler’s Shiv. I... know it’s a long shot, but I would love to track the ship down and explore the wreck on the off chance there could be more evidence somewhere aboard to prove my innocence...
"Move up into the jungle and establish a proper camp, but before that, do you mind telling us what your two potions are for?" Emergency healing. he grunts, stretching his arms now that they are finally free of the manacles.
"Yes we did," James answers, sliding the footlocker over to the man. "It's unlocked, hope you don't mind that we went through it, can't be too careful." Jask armours and arms himself, before leaning in close to the group. I'm afraid the others have already given in to despair somewhat, in their own ways. What are your plans now?
You receive a firm handshake from the middle-aged man. Thankyou. Did you also find my confiscated possessions?
I have never denied anything. I am a Cleric of Nethys. the man replies, not missing a beat. I am sure some of your comrades can re-assure you that Nethys is not a evil or nefarious deity.
Ah excellent! Dare I ask... Was my holy symbol among them? he asks hopefully.
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