Sasha aka DM AK's page

Aerys boarded a ship some time ago, her destination unknown. Perhaps we've seen the last of her. Sasha said with a slight look of disdain. Ishorou... No one seems to know anything. Hes vanished without a trace.

Descriptions were a little vague but Ishorou is quite distinctive. I don't think he was among them.

Oh, don't misunderstand. Theres absolutely no way the Mantis would "share" you with the Pathfinders. All Marcus is proposing is that we let them know we're steering well clear of their religious interests, upon arrival.

I think Marcus' plan is a good one. Sasha says brightly, smiling at Ambroze as he speaks. An agreement to live and let live is likely to go down well with the Red Mantis. Aww Ambroze... your such a charmer.

Sasha clears her throat, then recties as though from memory.

Ancient texts within the Red Mantis headquarters reputedly hint at the existence of a temple to Achaekek, the Mantis God, within the legendary city of Saventh-Yhi. The Red Mantis are eager to find this location, which is sacred to their cult.

Gelik looks less than convinced that allying with the Red Mantis would be something the Pathfinders would readily agree to.

Sorry i've been swamped with work and had to do a lot of mapping for both KM and SS. Should improve soon, unfortunately the 'january work rush' became a february one too...

Nothing to do with Ydersius, no Ambroze. More to do with the Mantis God. Sasha replies cryptically.

Ambroze can you make two diplomacy checks and label them seperately, one for Gelik and one for Jask.

Sasha simply holds up her right hand, showing Marcus the missing digit of her little finger in response, a sad expression on her face.

I'm saying your probably making the right choice. The Red Mantis have religious interests in Saventh-Yhi. They won't take being spurned lightly, but at least we're not allying with their rivals. The Aspis Consortium will likely be more vicious in their rivalry, if only to beat the Pathfinders.

Someone mark off two SP for runners please.

The evening draws on as you converse about what to do, and eventually both Jask and Gelik arrive, the latter seeming particularly eager to hear what you have to say. Before they arrive, Sasha has been getting herself rather inebriated as she giggles and leans into Marcus all too often for it to be merely accidental.

You know... I have to be honest with you all. My mother and her minions... she giggles at the word are also likely to be looking to recruit you for an expedition. I'm glad we're not taking jobs from the Free Captains, that would probably earn their true wrath... although allying with the Pathfinders will irk the Aspis Consortium no less...

Sasha thinks carefully for a time, sipping at her wine.

I believe that I will, if your happy to have me along. Its not like I have any particular ties or things to do in Eleder, after all... Though I am sceptical that a 'joint' expedition is something the Pathfinders and Government will sink their teeth into. Theres too much to gain.

Jask shakes his head sadly, embracing the ladies and giving Tun'ada a firm handshake before leaving.

I have work to do here- and its not my place to speak for the Government any further than I already have. I'll come have a drink with you when i'm finished catching up later tonight.

Ishorou doesn't commit to coming to visit, seemingly still troubled and leaving to "go straighten out the consortium".

You eventually re-unite the group of you along with Sasha at the Sargava Club. Ambroze is still poring over the translation while the rest of you order food and drink and try to remember how to relax after a week and more of constantly struggling to survive. Sasha sums up your current situation for you, giggling as she raises her third glass of wine.

So... Your Eleder's most popular adventurers! You have the Pathfinders, the Aspis Consortium and the Sargavan Government all vying to sponsor you; but the Pathfinders and the Government will not help Chi unless you agree to their terms. A tricky situation indeed!

A thought strikes her.

Anyone seen Aerys since we got back? No? She mentioned to me that she planned to ask her mentor Kassata to see if they would offer all of us positions on her ship, in case we wanted to leave Eleder quickly. Taking up with pirates isn't exactly my style but I always fancied myself to look rather exquisite leaping from one ship to another with a cutlass in my hand...

That would be lovely... Sasha says with a flirtatious smirk at Marcus, before responding to Ambroze-

Its good to see you too Ambroze- I have a friend looking after him. I certainly hope so!

With Sasha happily in tow with an arm linked with Marcus', you continue on towards the inn...

Good! Sasha declares. So, how are you finding Eleder? Where are you off to now?

His name is... Galti. Sasha says, smiling warmly at Gwenyth. When Marcus asks her his question, her eyes have taken on a far away quality before she snaps back to the present.

That depends... Sasha says teasingly, laying a hand on Marcus' cheek. Is there an offer for me to stay?

An inspection reveals very little progress has been made on the lighthouse. Sasha blushes in embarassment, gesturing to a complex diagram left by Gelik.

I know how to paralyze a man in thirteen ways by application of a single finger, but i'll be damned if I understand engineering. She sighs heavily, depressed by what she says next. I think I miss Gelik... I'll get it right eventually.

Ooooh... That ship model is wonderful. Can I keep it, Mawj? Sasha asks, between cooing over hew pet dimorphodon.

Didn't you hear Ishorou? Noone is allowed to die today.

Sasha winces at her wounds as she sits down, and shakes her head in disbelief.

I still can't believe we all survived the day. I mean, i'm optimistic by nature but when I saw you stand against two dozen cannibals... You are all heroes. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We'll either be running in this heat or fighting in it... Sasha mutters, a dark frown coming over her face before she smiles once more, prodding at Marcus in his armour.

I'll wager you'll find the heat even worse in that breastplate eh...

Hmm so the tribe has no children. That doesn't make any sense ..... Oh gods. Marcus looks a bit sick.

Let's go. The bodies are already starting to smell and Abadar's oath I'm not burying them.

Oh its not what you think silly... Sasha says with a giggle at Marcus' blanched face. I got the impression Klorax is very keen to father children, but it appears the poor man is impotent... He was taking medicines from that old witch to increase his virility...

Healed by Gwen's magic, Sasha seems to recover. Marcus' fears seem unfounded, as she is soon her cheerful self again.

I was looking forward to gutting that pig in his sleep on our 'wedding night', but this turned out better than I could have expected. That turned out to be an ambush worthy of a Red Mantis Assassin she says, clearly implying great respect in her compliment.

They beat Jask constantly but I was not harmed- they were saving me for "Klorax the Red". Did you get him? Sasha asks as she fondly pets her dimorphodon.

They have made their home at the lighthouse the undead captain spoke of- what you saw was their entire tribe, except a few women. Only Klorax is allowed to mate with the women, but the tribe doesn't seem to include any children. I think you may have shattered it for now...

Gwen you have a map that shows the geography of the area- if you climbed up to the peak there is a route around the river but it would be slow going through the jungle. No other obvious ways to get back across the river are revealed on the map. The bridge is utterly wrecked, its planks having fallen into the river along wih the rope holding them together.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Sasha continues to struggle but is unable to free herself.

Marcus stares uneasily at the sharp talons and wicked teeth.

Um. Rub his belly you say. He looks a little paler.

Ah.. perhaps later. I think the others need me to stow the meat. Yes I need to help straight away.

Sasha pouts.

You'll visit us both later won't you though handsome... Patriks keen to meet the newest castaway, oh yes he is... Sasha says with a wicked grin, continuing to adore her pet.

Sasha looks a little put out as you drag back a weeks worth of food in less than a couple of hours.

Well, that makes me and my pet somewhat redundant for the time being... Would you like me to accompany you on your next outing?

Oh yes Marcus... You haven't met little Patrik have you? Come give him a stroke, he likes having his tummy rubbed... Sasha coos as she leads the vicious, bestial looking bird towards him.

Did you have a good trip out? Sasha asks the group with a shy smile, seemingly having arrived back from hunting shortly before you.

Petting her already somewhat tame (but still leashed) Dimorphodon she coos and cuddles the deadly beast to her, much to the clear horror of Aerys and Ishorou, sat nearby.

Returning to camp victorious, Sasha gives a beaming, wide smile and a whoop of joy as she sees what you have brought her.

Oooooh... Isn't it just the cutest thing ever! she exclaims, happily rubbing the vicious, dangerous, poisonous, unconcious predator's belly.I'll take good care of her, promise! she says, beaming.

Sasha's attitude towards the group is now Helpful, and will remain so unless a special event modifies it somewhat. I have also increased her morale by one step as an ad hoc reward. Finally, with the aid of her new pet on her hunting expeditions, Sasha will be able to provide enough food daily to feed everyone at camp (ten rations per day, Ambroze and Gelik only use 1/2 a day each). This is another ad hoced reward that I feel makes sense considering the sheer nastiness of that particular Dimorphodon.

Also- 50XP each as a one-time award for making Sasha helpful and improving your chances of survival on the island.

After the initial hubbub has finished-

Oh... One other thing. I mentioned that my mother is a Red Mantis Assassin didn't I... She taught me some of her signature combat techniques- i'd be happy to share them with all of you as a reward for finding me a pet?

If you choose to spend a day training with Sasha, you can gain a permanent +1 unnamed bonus to your initiative rolls (although you may want to ensure you have enough food for the day without anyone hunting, or send Jask hunting that day instead. Consult your lootmeister for details.)

Approximately 7:30PM, Day 2.

What's that you say Ambroze? 3 Weeks? I guess we should cook the thing, then... I doubt Sasha will want to sit on it for three weeks. Eh, sasha? We'll visit the other nests soon enough and find a youngling for you.

A youngling? Oh no dear... I want a fully grown adult! Just trap it in a net or knock it unconcious, and i'll take it from there...

Ambroze tries to cheer up Sasha, telling her all about the dimorphodons they encountered the previous day and promising to bring her some of their eggs if the group finds any (since the eggs are such a delicacy). (Ambroze will also present Sasha with the masterwork short sword if the group has not already done so.)

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 8 + 4 - 4 (included +4 for first check since we gave her the short sword)

While Sasha is still melancholy and deeply worried, she cheers up momentarily from your attentions, and is soon laughing and joking with you. When you present her with the short sword she looks extremely pleased and beams with happiness. As you have made her attitude friendly, she decides to trust you with her tale. Pulling down the back of hergarments, she shows you the tattoo upon her back- the tattoo of the Red Mantis Assassin's Guild.

It's not how it looks... she says hastily. I've always been a good fighter, but I DETEST taking orders. My mother is a high ranking member you see, so I was sent to Eleder to help look after Mantis interests in Sargava. Its an exile really, after the last time I disobeyed her... She cut off one of my fingers as a last warning see... she finishes holding up her four-fingered left hand.

But, I get to remain independent, and i'll never become a fully fledged assassin- and that suits me just fine. she says cheerfully.

The eggs you say? Oh these creatures sound absolutely wonderful! So sweet and playful! Rather than bring me one of their eggs, perhaps you could be a darling and dashing Gnome and bring me one of these Dimorphodon's as a pet? I promise i'll keep it under control!

Yes, that really is her side quest ^^. The group earns 25XP each for gaining a friendly attitude with Sasha.

Sasha returns soon after you arrive back at the camp, bearing the spoils of her hunting.

So, how did the exploration go? she asks cheerfully as she sits down, seeking shelter from the downpour of rain still pouring on Smuggler's Shiv.

If you don't have any other business or want to move things along, work out a watch pattern in the dicussion thread. The NPC's are happy to take shifts.

Gelik aka DM AK wrote:

I feel fine now. Although our current sitution is somewhat dire... Gelik mutters.

"Yes, your're right," Ambroze agrees with Gelik's assessment. "But is looks like someone left some of our equipment here with us. Maybe our situation is not as dire as it could be. Here, let me help you find your possessions."

Ambroze moves over to the pile of equipment to find their gear. "Well what do you know!" he exclaims with delight. "Here's my backpack with all of my supplies, and my weapons too!" The gnome's face then takes on a worried cast. "Has anyone seen my chest of books?" he asks with concern.

I think I saw a chest over on this side! Sasha says excitedly, poking her head over the remaining equipment and smiling brightly.

Why is he in chains? Well, none of us have the key silly...

Well... At least we're all still alive hmm? Sasha says brightly with a cheerful smile. You've rarely seen Sasha display much open emotion, and she always seems extremely optimistic.

The red-haired Sasha stretches languorously in a hammock she has set up to enjoy the sun, seemingly waking up from a nap.

So... Who would like to go for a swim in the water with me? she says in a sultry tone, laughing as many of the crewmen eagerly volunteer.

Sasha swims alone... she says with a bright and cheery smile, as she dives headlong into the ocean.