Aerys searches the markets and shops for a good longsword, one that glows with a radiance of arcane power. Once the sword is found, she will spend some time with Kamal of Zenj, discovering his relationship with Kassata, merely a hired hand or an apprentice like Aerys. She asks Kamal what enemies and dangers exist in the wilds of the jungles and forests.
She delivers messages between Kassata and the rest of the party, during the week. She makes a list of other items, she hope Kassata will provide.
1. 3xEverburning torch
2. 6xAntiToxin vials
3. Wand of Cure Light Wounds
4. 4xPotion of Heroism
5. 12xLesser Restoration potion
6. 12xAlchemists Fire
7. 6xAntiPlague vials
Aerys shows the rest of the group the list, before handing it to Kassata. Aerys will run errands for Kassata if it is to do with the expedition.
Kassata laughs raucously at Aerys's presumption. "Lassie, I just granted you 500 gp to get that sort of stuff, and already you're coming to me. I'm starting to wonder whether you are right for the job after all. Except that greed is a good thing in a pirate. Now scoot."
Late in the week you are walking down the street to the warehouse where Kassata is busy organizing the expedition, screams erupt from up ahead. Moments, later a panicked mob tears down the street, fearfully pushing past the PCs and warning them to run. You hear something about wild dogs before it's time to roll for initiatives.
After an introduction by Kassata to the erstwhile group of previous castaways turned island explorers Kamal begins to get to know Aerys. He will travel with her through the market places while she seeks out a magical sword and he tells her a bit about himself and the route that they will be taking from Eleder to Kalabuto. Kamal explains that the route is relativity safe, though its not uncommon for the occasional wild beast to attack travelers along the route between the two city's. Kamal knows of several places were caravans tend to stop for the nights, and can provide a basic map. He goes on to explain that this will be this third trip as a guide into the Mwagani Expanse and he is looking forward to getting out of the city.
The rest of the week Kamal is often seen at the warehouse were Kassata is organizing the expedition, working as a go between with the survivors of the shiv, the packmasters and porters and the various expedition merchants.
"Eh? I wonder what all the fuss is about. Probably nothing important, I reckon," Ralf muses.
Init:
The pack of slavering dogs is obviously rabid. Fortunately you all beat their initiative.
"Oh dear, someone could get hurt! Well, I'll try out my new magic charm."
Ralf wiggles his fingers and a loud boom! is heard. He looks disappointed. "That was supposed to make a big noise, but I didn't hear doodly squat! Oh well..."
sonic damage, DC 16 Fort save for 1/2 damage and to avoid being staggered for one round
Ralf knocks out four of the dogs. Do your worst.
Torch sees the dogs still coming and decides that slowing their charge is the best way to make sure no one else gets hurt. Suiting action to intent, he meets their charge with one of his own, his scimitar raised high as he hurls himself forward.
Gelik casts a quick spell, clearing his throat a few times. He then lets out an impressive series of growls and yips. (In the canine language.)Our pack is stronger than yours! Turn and go, and leave us to our territory or we will savage you all!
Even in its rabid state, the dogs listens to Gelik's words and wisely turns tail and runs. But just as you are about to relax, you see black smoke rising from the warehouses a few blocks ahead. Your warehouse is on fire!
"What happened, they all ran?" says a shocked Aerys as she sheathes her sword once more.
Torch swears, turning toward the warehouse and starting to run.
"Hey, fire! FIRE!!" Ralf hollers; he starts hobbling in the same direction as Torch.
Aerys turns round to Ralf as he points to the smoke coming for the warehouse. Aerys runs towards the fire, "Fire! Come quick! Help us put the flames out!" shouting as she goes.
You arrive at the warehouse in time to find two Mwangi men in the process of torching it.
Roll for initiative.
Gelik raises his eyebrows in surprise as he trots along at the back of the group. Hm. I really was not expecting them to listen to reason. Dogs seldom do. Oh, they're smart enough, in their own way, but once they get going on some task, well then... He trails off, realizing that no one is paying attention to a word he's saying.
Only Torch beats the thugs' initiative, so feel free to have a go at them. They are wearing hide armor and holding flasks of alchemist's fire. Flames are starting to erupt from the warehouse behind them.
Torch runs toward the nearest hireling, shouting, "Sabotage won't stop us, but you'll pay for the attempt with your lives!"
The man reels under Torch's assault and drops his alchemist fire to draw his club. He curses under his breath.
The other man lobs his flask of alchemist's fire which goes wide but splatters the rest of you for 1 point of damage. Then he draws his club and advances.
You are all up.
Ralf tries to blind the men with a cloud of glittering particles.
Aerys charges at the 2nd man, drawing her sword,
Beguiling Voice (Ex, 6/day, DC 13): At 1st level, you can use the sound of your voice to lull a target creature into taking no action. This ability acts as the daze spell, except it is language-dependent, has a duration of 1 round, and affects a living creature whose Hit Dice do not exceed your sorcerer level. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Charisma modifier.
Shaking his head at the sight of fellow Mwgani attempting to torch down the caravan depot Kamal wishes he was more skilled with his words, not wishing to see his fellow people hurt but not seeing another option with the warehouse at stake. Kamal lets his hand become wreathed in the primal heat of the jungle and throws a blistering orb towards the charging man not currently engaged by Aerys.
The wounded man spends his turn rubbing the dust from his eyes, while his friend bashes Aerys for 5 points of damage.
You are all up.
Torch slashes again, shouting threats as he does.
Angered by the man's strike and his insinuation of her being a native of Cheliax, Aerys retaliates with force.
Raising a hand wreathed in flame, Kamal points towards the two attacking tribesmen.
Do I look like some pale skinned northerner? I don't know who told you otherwise but I'm from the Zenj.
Ralf heals Aerys a bit.
Torch cuts down the wounded warrior, while Aerys and Kamal hurt the other one, who tries to escape (provoking from Torch and Aerys).
Will you try to pursue or just let him go?
Gelik looks at the fleeing man, then the warehouse. Our stuff! We need to put out this fire!
He runs around, probably ineffectually, yelling Fire! and looking for buckets and water.
Ralf tries to explode the fleeing man's brain to get a peek at his thoughts.
Dmg:
Here, let me help you. Kamal says stepping foward and attempting to stanch the wound.
Do you really think a Cheliaxian would be healing you? Idiot!
Torch mutters, "I'm a Chelaxian..." under his breath, but it's not clear exactly who he's talking to or whether he is agreeing or disagreeing with Kamal.
Aerys strikes at the escaping man.
Aerys chases after the man, calling for passers by to stop him or obstruct him. "Stop that arsonist! He tried to burn down our belongings." she shouts.
Aerys and Torch cut the man, but it's Ralf's magic that brings him down. With the men incapacitated, you manage to quench the fire after a few hecic rounds. Eventually a dozen men and women arrive with buckets to help you. Neither man has suffered mortal wounds though, so they will probably recover.
Ralf:
However a number of the workers are wounded, and they have bad news for you: "They took Ishirou. He fought like a demon but they still brought him down. They laughed and said they would make an example of the foreigner who came here to enslave them all."
They can also tell you that the insurgents 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.
"Like hell they will!" Torch shouts in reply. "Which way to New Haliad? Where is this Umagro?"
Aerys looks at Torch and nods, grim determination set across her furrowed brow.
Having only met the strange Tian man in passing Kamal is concerned, but not in the way the castaways were. Still, these were his clients, but it bothered him turning against another Mwangi, even if they were in the wrong. I don’t know who this Umagro is, but if he is responsible for taking your friend and starting these fires then I will help. Shaking his head Kamal sighs. The Mwangi have always felt like they were second class to the Sargavans. There is a deep rooted hatred here for the Chelaxians. We had better hurry.
"Hmmm...seems like some woman with a serrated sword talked to a bunch of Mwangis and got them all angered up about something. Can't quite make out what it's all about, though."
"Serrated sword?" Torch repeats. His eyes narrow. "That's... not good." If anything, he picks up the pace and begins running even faster.