Corvus is so engrossed with his book that he fails to notice Macro has finished his morsels and has now hopped off his shoulder and has gone looking for scraps off discarded plates.
Looking quite annoyed Caithan gets up from his seat and gives the man a small nod before going back to general mingling and hosting.
Atzi seeing Corvus's engrossed look and mistaking it for being bored waves at the awkward linguist. She rises from her semi comfy seat and grabs Corvus's arm. She waves off any protest with a few quick wards as she pulls him down in the seat beside her. "Come come, sit there." She sits next to him in the snug little booth she dragged him over to, totally uncaring about rubbing hips with him as she sat down. "Perfect. So Friend Corvus what do you know of Saveth-Yi?"
Saventh-Yhi...Saventh-Yhi...Saventh-Yhi. Corvus rolls the words around his tongue a few times before declaring, I can honestly say I've never heard of it. The construction of the word leads me to believe it's a place but beyond that I can't help you...sorry.
Corvus looks genuinely sorry - as if he's failed his new friend.
Ishirou, Sasha and Gerlik all leave shortly after delivering their messages.
Jask leaves shortly afterwards but asks that you call on him at the Government House tomorrow.
The party begins to wind down
Aerys and her friend the Captain are still hanging around. They appear to be having a somewhat heated if whispered conversation with glances in your direction.
"As you joined us later you may not have known this but..." She looks around to make sure no one was listening before whispering. "She said it was her mothers associates and they would be the ones she called the Red Mantis. I'm not sure who they are really only that she was hesitant to speak about it on the island..."
"Some dangerous secret cult, then? Not people we'd want to deal with, then," Helga nods thoughtfully. "But perhaps the type that will dog our footsteps if we don't. Ah well, no-one lives forever. If we are going seeking this lost city - though a city is a mighty difficult thing to lose, I'm thinking - then I'd rather go with someone I can trust not to plant a knife in my back."
Knowledge (most of them): Who are the Red Mantis?
Looking tired and worn from the days activities Caithan sits at the ladies table and yawns.
"Good to see people smiling and enjoying themselves for once. Genuinely, of course. Seen far too many sharks and crocodiles in human skin in my time. Will be good to get back on my safari again and away from civilized society. Hm, so what are you ladies planning to do with yourselves?"
The Red Mantis are known as the most effective and tenacious killers that can be bought. No wall is thick enough, no bodyguards tough enough, or safehouse hidden well enough to keep the Red Mantis from their prey.
They take little notice of social or political status, seeing all marks as equal if their client pays the price.
That said, the assassins refuse to take contracts on rightful monarchs, out of respect for their patron deity, Achaekek, viewing monarchs as the mortal parallel of gods. Those who come to power by deception or might alone do not fall under this protection and are seen as viable targets.
They do not always take their payments in treasure, often accepting favors or the promise of future collaboration with the organization in lieu of gold. This makes some prospective clients nervous, as they never know what price the Red Mantis will ask. Even those who think they are receiving a bargain, later find out that they are paying a very high price indeed.
Contacting the Mantis can be a tricky proposition, as there are no direct channels. Those in search of their skills must spread rumors among the lowest, most criminal members of a given society and wait to be contacted by a representative. At other times, those who have a strong grudge against someone, or who wish to revenge themselves, are contacted by a member of the organization out of the blue. It is unclear whether this near-prescient knowledge is merely the result of an extensive spy or informant network, or whether the Red Mantis use magical or supernatural means to spy on potential clients.
"This 'Safari' of yours - were you maybe thinking of looking for a lost city? It's just that well, if you are intending to go romping around the jungle, it may as well have a purpose, eh? And what can be more fun than uncovering ancient treasures and old knowledge?"
Caithan wrinkled his brow. "What makes you think that? A safari's a hunt, for sport, though it doesn't have to succeed to be worthwhile. Did that damnable Ishirou talk to you too?"
Corvus nods around the room. "For a party, there's a lot of whispering going on. I suspect there's plenty of business to be had at these sort of gatherings." He taps his nose, knowingly.
"Not that I have the faintest idea what's going on of course," he adds, almost dejectedly. "Other than you dear Atzi, nobody wants to speak to a rather sad and lonely book-worm like me."
At this point Aerys and Kamala stand and move towards your table.
"Ahoy there shipmates" the Captain greets you" "Thank ye for a most interesting party..one I hope we can continue with on the road to...uhh..where ever it is that you are going..Ye seek treasure I am toild..well when it's treasure that is the object I'm yer woman.I have a crew of trusty lads and lasses who would be of great aid to ye in yer travels..what say ye.."
Aerys meanwhile stands back slightly with a pained and apologetic look on her face.
"What makes you think that? A safari's a hunt, for sport, though it doesn't have to succeed to be worthwhile. Did that damnable Ishirou talk to you too?"
"Oh no, Gerlik did. It sounds like a grand idea to me! And," she adds with a laugh, "I don't think you'll get much peace otherwise!"
"It sounds like a bloody stupid idea to me. Did this Gerlik fellow also told you what they wanted from it? Useless baubles. Bloody useless baubles. Dear girl when a man walks up to me and says he'll trade ancient treasure and a whole damn city for useless baubles I'm looking for the bloody demon or godsdamned sorcerer pulling his strings. Useless bauble! HA! MAybe useless in that it had better be bloody damned destroyed!"
As the pirate captain walks up Caithan throws his arms up in disbelief. [b]"And then a bloody pirate out of the gods damned shackles shows up!"
Caithan grabs a bottle of expensive whiskey off the table and pours himself a good sized shot. "Madam the only thing I seek at this moment is some inkling of peace and sanity in the world!"
Kassata glares at Caithen and is about to launch into a, hopefully, verbal attack when Aerys lays a hand on her friends arm and speaks.
"And you think My Lord that your footsteps will not be dogged by those who believe you already know the location of the city..because they will follow you...the Mantis, the Pathfinders..whoever Ishirou represents..I think he might be an agent of the Aspis Consortium actually..even the colonial government will want to know where you go, what you do and your intentions..and the more you claim you are just going on safari the more they will think you are hiding something"
"You will need allies..and at least we are open about what we want from the deal..a fair share of whatever treasure is there..and you can do what you wish with the 'useless baubles'"
"Hounded by assassins? Harassed by Pathfinders and bothered by angry armored men and women who think I'm hiding something? M'lady you just described my average Toilday in Egorian."
"Madam the only thing I seek at this moment is some inkling of peace and sanity in the world!"
"What in the seven worlds gave you the idea there'd be any of that around?" Helga laughs aloud. "The gods have placed the pieces of fate in out hands, and they won't take kindly to our trying to cast them aside. Aerys has the right of it, you are going to have a very...eventful safari even if you aren't looking for the lost city. So, now we've established there's no chance of your safari happening, lets decide whose help we'll accept and who we're going to fight in the jungle!"
Helga claps Caithan companionably on the shoulder.
Atzi waves for Kassata and Aerys to sit down, favoring Aerys with a smile to show that she at least wasn't offended or anything. She nods to Corvus when he speaks, patting him on the shoulder. "Then it's time to become more than a Book-Worm, if you join us you might learn something new." She gives Corvus a broad smile before regarding Caithan. Her smile fades slightly as she speaks. "Helga is right, peace will not come even when we find and claim this lost place. It seems the world has us on a path to meet our destiny."
She looks to Captain Kassata then. "So what can your crew provide that the Colonial Government, Red Mantis, The Consort's or the Pathfinders could not?" She was blunt but, like Caithan she had very little time for games, it was time to get straight to the point.
"Well we would off course organize the entire expedition..bearers supplies transport..I can give you men to assist and five hundred each for equipping yourself or if that does not appeal I can give you a thousand a head."
"I have no idea what the others might be offering..I would imagine that the Colonials and Pathfinders will be more generous than the others.."
Atzi taps her chin thoughtfully as she looks at each of her companions as Aerys and there Captain give them their offer. "Your offer is indeed generous and I don't wish for our old allies to become our enemies over our decision." Her smiles fades as she looks pointedly at Aerys, not hiding the fact that she was sincere in not turning their bond from the Shiv sour over what they decided to do. "Please give us until the evening tomorrow to get back with you on our decision please Captain Kamalla."
"Everyone wanting the same thing. Some friends will be unhappy with us. Life was simpler on the island." Setebo's voice is a little unsteady. It appears he has discovered Manioc whisky..
Corvus had suspected there was more to this party than food and drink and the negotiations taking place in front of him confirmed his suspicions.
He listens intently, hoping to have the opportunity to add something useful - feeling like an advisor rather than part of the group at this stage.
Ok here are the offers spoiled for length
Aspis Consortium
The Aspis Consortium wants to find Saventh-Yhi for the
same reason behind all of their business ventures: profit.
The vast wealth believed to be hidden within the lost city
would be a welcome addition to the trade syndicate’s coffers,
and would doubtless be a source of the exotic artifacts that
are the Consortium’s stock-in-trade.
Faction Leader: The Aspis Consortium’s agent in Eleder
is Dargan Etters (, a charismatic merchant
Rival Faction: As always, the Aspis Consortium is
opposed to the Pathfinder Society. The Aspis
Consortium additionally offers you a selection of potions
and scrolls of the PCs’ choice worth 500 gp in total.
Special: Once the PCs establish their base camp in
Saventh-Yhi, the Aspis Consortium’s experience in dealing
with native peoples and opening new trade routes can
grant you influence over the city’s current inhabitants.
Free Captains of the Shackles
As a group, the pirate lords of the Shackles have no interest
in Saventh-Yhi—but one Free Captain in particular is
eager to find the lost city. She seeks the legendary wealth
of Saventh-Yhi to increase her own standing among the
Pirate Lords of the Shackles.
Faction Leader: Kassata Lewynn captain of the Last Hurrah, is an
ambitious Free Captain of the Shackles. Though currently
the captain of but a single ship, Kassata plans to fill her
hold with the city’s treasures and sail triumphantly back
to Port Peril, in hopes of purchasing her own island,
outfitting a squadron of ships, and claiming a seat on the
Shackles’ pirate council.
Rival Faction: Kassata inherited her ship from her father
when a rival captain hired the Red Mantis to assassinate
him. As a result, there is little love lost between the fiery
pirate captain and the assassins’ guild.
Ally: If the PCs are allied with Aerys Mavato, Captain
Lewynn offers them a bonus of an additional 500 gp,
or command of a small crew of able-bodied buccaneers
to aid them in their journey. If the PCs choose the
crew, there is one pirate per PC. You can use the stats
for shipmates from page 294 of the Pathfinder RPG
GameMastery Guide, or simply use any generic stat block
for a 1st-level warrior.
Special: Once a base camp has been established in
Saventh-Yhi, Kassata’s contacts and her ability to move
resources quickly along the region’s rivers grant the PCs
additional trade assets
Pathfinder Society
The Pathfinder Society seeks Saventh-Yhi for the same
reason they explore any other ancient ruin—for the lost
knowledge it contains, not to mention the historical
artifacts and rumored wealth that can be recovered from
the fabled city. In addition, with the recent loss of their
lodge in the city of Kalabuto, the Decemvirate is eager to
expand their inf luence in the region, and Saventh-Yhi
might just make a good site for a new Pathfinder Lodge.
Faction Leader: The Society has placed a skilled
Pathfinder, Amivor Glaur in charge of their expedition. A
veteran of several expeditions into the Mwangi interior,
Amivor is skilled at organizing and leading such missions,
as well as appraising and exploring historical sites.
Rival Faction: The Pathfinder Society has long been at
odds with the Aspis Consortium, and seeks to limit the
trade syndicate’s influence here in Garund as elsewhere
on Golarion.
Ally: If the PCs are allied with Gelik Aberwhinge, the
Pathfinders offer each PC a magical compass called a
wayfinder (Seekers of Secrets 50 or World Guide: The Inner Sea). In
addition, they hold out the possibility of field commissions
in the Society for the PCs once they successfully reach
Saventh-Yhi.
Special: After establishing a base camp in Saventh-Yhi,
the Pathfinders will assist the PCs’ explorations of the city
using the Society’s knowledge and expertise in exploring
ancient sites.
Red Mantis
The Red Mantis are not necessarily interested in the city
of Saventh-Yhi itself, but what is rumored to lie inside it.
Ancient texts hint at the existence of a temple to Achaekek
the Mantis God within the legendary city, and the Red
Mantis are eager to find this location, which is sacred
to their cult. Within the lost temple, they hope to find
powerful relics of the Mantis God unseen on Golarion
since the days of Azlant.
Faction Leader: The Red Mantis leader Chivane believes that opportunity is created, not a thing of chance, and views the discovery of Saventh-Yhi as an opportunity to find the ancient temple of Achaekek.
Rival Faction: As regional rivals, the Red Mantis and
the Free Captains of the Shackles often come to blows in
the seas between their two lands.
Ally: If the PCs are allied with Sasha Nevah, the Red
Mantis offer them 500 gp worth of poison and antitoxin.
Special: Once encamped in Saventh-Yhi, the PCs will
have access to the fighters of the Red Mantis, granting them
additional offensive resources to use against their rivals
Sargavan Government
The Sargavan government wants to stake a claim on
Saventh-Yhi for two reasons. First, if they can establish an
outpost there, it increases their presence and inf luence
in the region, while at the same time denying the same
benefits to rivals. Second, the city’s legendary wealth and
the opportunity to open new trade routes would go a long
way toward refilling Sargava’s depleted treasury, perhaps
granting the former colony a greater independence from (or
at least less reliance on) the Free Captains of the Shackles.
Faction Leader: The Grand Custodian appoints Rotilius
Havelar (LN male human fighter 6/ranger 3), a general of
the Sargavan Guard, to lead the government expedition
to Saventh-Yhi. A loyal supporter of Baron Utilinus,
General Havelar is a stereotypical arrogant colonial, with
traditionalist views of the Mwangi natives.
Ally:
If Jask is an ally and as he has been proved innocent, the
Sargavan government offers the PCs temporary command
of a squad of Sargavan Guardsmen, up to one guard per
PC. You can use the stats for foot soldiers from page 286 of
the Pathfinder RPG GameMastery Guide, or simply use any
generic stat block for a 1st-level warrior.
In addition, if Sargava manages to claim Saventh-Yhi
first, Baron Utilinus promises to grant each PC a noble
title and small tract of jungle land as a reward (see page
22 of Sargava: The Lost Colony for more information on
Sargavan noble titles).
Special: Once the PCs set up their base camp in Saventh-
Yhi, Sargava’s troops will guard the encampment, making
it more defensible.
And here are the results of Corvus' researches
Once deciphered, Yarzoth’s notes prove quite complete. They detail the Zura cult’s birth in the fabled city of Saventh-Yhi, their exile to Smuggler’s Shiv, and their planned return to the lost city. According to the notes, however, Saventh-Yhi was hidden behind powerful magical wards, preventing the banished cultists from simply returning home. Instead, they planned to journey to a smaller Azlanti outpost called Tazion, wherein they could use something called “the pillars of light” to finally make their way into Saventh-Yhi.
Thus, while the notes do not reveal the location of Saventh-Yhi itself, they do accurately describe the site of Tazion in the southernmost reaches of the Mwangi Jungle, north of the Bandu Hills, between the Upper Korir and Ocota Rivers.
Atzi considered for a long time before voice her opinion. [smaller}"The Sargavan Government is who I wish to go with."[/smaller] The idea of a noble title was more attractive to her then a ton of treasure and who's to say that the title wouldn't allow her a modicum of control over Saventh-Yhi or even Smuggler's shiv...
"Sargavan government is just chelaxian government with the name filed off. At least I can trust the pirates not to act superior when thye slip the dagger between my ribs. Why the bloody hell are we going anyway?"
"I prefer the spirit of the Pathfinders - if they want knowledge it can be shared without diminishing it's value, and we can keep any gold! Besides, they're less likely to slip a knife between our ribs at all. Enough others will want us dead without us having to worry about our supposed allies as well."
Atzi raised an eyebrow at Caithan, perhaps he was not a happy drinker as they say. "Lost City, Hidden Treasures easily abused by fools and possibly defended by creatures worthy of your hunting skills? Why aren't you going? Besides do you want just any of them to lay claim to it?"
"...And a chance to get out of the city. Maybe find another place like the island. Besides the city must be long gone by now a relaxing trip up-country on someone else's purse sounds nice? Right Captain?"
Well we need to come to a consensus or there is no adventure.
Corvus listens to the conversation, hoping to apply his intellect to the problem. However...
"Pardon me for interjecting, but it seems to me that you have something of a stalemate. One vote for the Sargavan Government, one for the Pathfinders and one for the Free Captains. If that excludes the others, why don't the rest of your party cast a vote based on those three?"
"Pardon me for interjecting, but it seems to me that you have something of a stalemate. One vote for the Sargavan Government, one for the Pathfinders and one for the Free Captains. If that excludes the others, why don't the rest of your party cast a vote based on those three?"
"Now there is a good suggestion - Corvus, what say you? You are perhaps more familiar with all three of these."
Corvus nods to Helga for inviting his opinion. "If I were to cast a vote, it would be for the Sargavan government. Their troops will provide an excellent defense for any encampment, as I suspect we won't be alone in this endeavour."
bump
Still want to know who Setebo favours..
Atzi rises to her feet, bored with the tense moment. No one was speaking, Corvus was studiously reading his book and she had a creature she had to deal with and several piece of equipment to get working on. "Thank you Caithan for the wonderful party, it was fantastic but, sadly, I have something to deal with. If you come to a decision then good, if I don't return tomorrow evening then continue on without me." She doesn't let the words hang for long as she turns to Corvus. "Would you like to see something interesting?"
Perhaps Corvus wasn't so focused on his book, because the moment Atzi mentions looks at him, his eyes shoot up and the pages are closed before she finishes the sentence.
With indecent haste he gathers the crow, his book and nodding his good-byes to the remaining guests, he is engrossed in Atzi's company.
"Something interesting you say? Well, from someone as well-travelled as yourself, that must be something pretty special. Yes, pretty special indeed."
And he allows himself to be carried away by the promise.
Atzi leads Corvus out of the city and to her nature forge on the outskirts. She then goes through the process of rebuilding the items and transforming them into masterwork items for her companions. Eventually the large dinosaur from before reveals itself, stalking out of the jungle at the scent of the active forge and prey.
It stood as tall as a human, rippling with muscle underneath a thick coating of feathers that made the creature appear almost birdlike in nature. It's deadly claws indicated it was a predator and the amount of disrupted feathers where scarring had occurred mean't this one was particularly fierce. Yet it was acting docile around Atzi, sniffing at her and watching her intently, however when it noticed Corvus it gave a predatory growl and arched its shoulders as it prepared to attack him. Each time though with a few quiet words Atzi distracted it, turningit's attention back to her.
At his startled look Atzi smiled her broad smile. "There is much that is unexplained in this world, this is my power though. Tlatoc here is my newest companion. She replaces Quetza who I had to leave behind; she is strong no?" She doesn't wait for a response as she begin's the ritual to bond them together. Stripping off ehr wooden armor and thin clothes so that she can paint herself in the symbols of calling she had done long ago when she had bonded with Quetza. She's unconcerned with Corvus presence and the long process continues deep into the night. She paints Tlatoc, which surprisingly stands there allowing her to paint its feathers and afterward their are long hours of prayer by the druid.
Throughout the process the jungle is strangely quiet, not a creature stirs the area the ritual is being performed and the painted Tlatoc sits on its haunches watching Atzi over the dying fire. With such intensity that it would be unnerving to someone who didn't understand what was happening. Tlatoc hardly blinked, the fire reflecting off its eyes and even Corvus was lost to its gaze now as it sat enraptured by what Atzi was doing. After awhile it started to sway in time with Atzi prayers as whatever magic she was performing began to take hold.
It wasn't until late in the afternoon of the next day that Atzi finishes her ritual. With the bond complete her and Tlatoc cavort around the camp, Atzi still unconcerned with her nakedness as she celebrated a successful bonding. She looks to Corvus then. "Now this isn't in books. Nor is this!" Her skin turns scaley feathers start to sprout from her cheeks, her face elongates into a muzzle with rows of sharp teeth. As the sudden transformation occurs she starts to shrink her bones snapping and readjusting to her new form until she became a smaller version of Tlatoc, who was watching here with its head cocked slightly in confusion.
The smaller deinonychus cavorts around the camp for a few minutes before transforming back into Atzi who gives an excited spin as she revel's in the feeling of transforming into other forms.
Atzi will finish converting the remaining items that need to become masterwork to masterwork status.
But her items and get Tlatoc fitted with a saddlebag.
She tries to convince Sasha to join their expedition and, failing that, she tries to maintain good relations with their fellow castaways. Hoping to maintain the fragile bond they had formed on the Shiv.
Can't really think of anything else...
Corvus is truy amazed by the events in the jungle but even after the event, isn't sure which affected him most: the dinosaur, Atzi's abilities, her nakedness, or the fact that Atzi took all of this in her stride.
'Not in any books indeed!'
Corvus confided in Makro over the next few days, seeming to take meaning from the bird's squawks - and it appears from even its silences. "Have I made the right decision in joining this group? Yes, well that's easy for you to say. Adventure? I know I craved some real action - but you saw that dinosaur. If she hadn't been there it would have eaten me. You're right that I can't back out now - and who knows what spells I might find in a forgotten city? Ancient wisdom? Old languages? Oh yes, I guess you're right, it will be worth the risk."
Corvus spends the remainder of the time in the library, buried in books - loooking to unlock any remote secret that might help him on his journey.
Atzi will find Sasha unavailable...indeed the 5 separate camps that form over the next week or so are not particularly friendly to one another..there is much dickering with dealers and traders over supplies and bearers thankfully you dont have to get involved in that..
24 hours to go until the expedition departs and it seems like most things are in place you have been summoned to the warehouse which constitutes HQ for a final conference before setting forth upcountry.
Suddenly screams erupt from up ahead. Moments, later a panicked mob tears down the street, fearfully pushing past you and warning
you to run. You grab hold of a terrified citizen,and she hurriedly blurts out that the Freemen have set loose vicious packs of wild dogs upon the town.
Caithan shrugs and keeps going.
"Oh good grief," Helga mutters, stringing her new bow, and fitting an arrow.
Corvus initially freezes at the news but as the band of adventurers continue as if this were all in a day's work he continues to walk with them.
"In for a copper piece...as that charming librarian was so fond of saying. Humans have such charming phrases, albeit most of them make no sense - but none the less charming."
He beams - although you're not sure if it's from happiness or from his attempt to mask his fear.
Atzi, clad in her wooden armor and wearing her snake skullhelm smiles broadly as she hoped that she could handle the wild dogs. Tlatoc stalked nearby, sniffing at her companions and eyeing them all warily as she fell into step behind Atzi. She barely reacts to the made rush of the panicked people streaming past, hissing only when someone got too close. As much as she sympathized with the Freemen's beliefs, violence wouldn't solve their problems.
Violence was always met with equal or surpassing amounts of violence in her experience...
"When they come attack to subdue them please..." Readying for the coming clash with the animals, she decides to test out the newest of her powers in an attempt to avoid prolonged conflict with the animals.
Forging ahead of the Capt'n and his pack (pair at least) of wild dogs Setebo attempts to force a path through the crowd.
The crowd thins out pretty fast as the dash past you until you are the only ones left on the street.
Then round the corner come a snarling frothing pack of hounds..you can tell that they are obviously rabid.
Corvus 27
Setebo 21+
Helga 21
Dogs 15
Caithen 10
Atzi 6