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Resolute and efficient Yekskya plants arrows in each of the corpses hanging from the gallows tree. Several had stopped writhing when Nkechi had prayed and released a burst of positive energy. More now lie still after yekskya's arrows.
Once you are confident that no more undead are waiting to pounce you have a look around. Not much else to notice. It seems, that native Mwangi would normally shun the tree and its grim message. Despite a thorough search, you don't find anything of value around the area or on what's left of the rancid bodies.
Kalabuto
Moving on from this grisly warning you make your way along the trails and after a fairly short time you come within sight of Kalabuto. Surrounded by pineapple fields and date palm orchards, the city perches atop a low hill overlooking the River of Lost Tears. An ancient pile of vine-choked, crumbling ruins, Kalabuto has existed since long before the arrival of the resident Kalabuta tribe, whom the Chelish colonists
discovered living in the ruins when they reached the Sargavan interior.
Finding a settlement seemingly readymade for them, Sargava's colonials took over the city after numerous clashes with the indigenous inhabitants. While native Kalabuta inhabit the majority of the city’s
ruins, a small minority of Sargavan colonials rule the city and have claimed the highest buildings with the best views for themselves. Racial tension is thus rife in Kalabuto. But the city also serves as Sargava’s first line of defense against the city-state of Mzali. In this role Kalabuto has suffered greatly, and has been sacked by the
Mzali forces on several occasions.
As it stands, the city appears to be overgrown by the jungle, with a large collection of shanties and warehouses along the riverbank. Kalabuto is a center of trade with the Mwangi interior, serving as a trade hub between foreign colonials, foreigners, and indigenous tribespeople. Over the years, overland caravans have declined in favor of more efficient river barges. To accommodate the increase in vessels, the city erected a snaking boardwalk connected to an elaborate tangle of docks. Warehouses make up the bulk of the structures along the water’s edge. Further inland, the ruins of the original ancient city begin, climbing up the hill to the more lavish private colonial residences. Dozens of small kiosks line the riverside boardwalk, while eager-eyed youths scamper about peddling wares. Most sell local products or services, while others ply the hospitality trade, entreating visitors to stay in their homes for only a few coppers, rather than in more expensive lodgings. The majority of the kiosks belong to native Kalabuta catering to incoming vessels. A few trading
companies own kiosks as well, though theirs tend to be larger, permanent structures in locations near their warehouses. Kalabuto is the last bastion of civilization before the wilderness of the Mwangi Expanse.
As you wander about, taking in the sights, you keep an eye out for your Pathfinder contact in the city, a dwarf named Cheiton. People crowd all about you, traders proffering goods, people offering a bed in their homes for the night, and beggars, lots of beggars. One, a ten year old Zenj girl, tries to sell you a few hand-carved, wooden fetishes for a handful of copper pieces each. She pleads, "Please, I need food. These are good luck charms - the tribes in the jungle will see them and know you as friends."
Hagrym was not one to resist a hungry child. He reached in his pockets and pulled out five gold pieces. "Give me a charm for all of us. We need to find friends when we have to head back into the jungle...better friends than enemies I always say! And you, go find yourself something to eat. You look like you are falling away to nothing."
Quinta squats near the little girl and beckons her closer. Provided the little girl does come closer, she passes a hand over whatever fetishes are remaining after Krolmnite's purchase and mutters a Word of Power: "Stropha."
One by one, the fetishes turn a bright, golden colour.
"That'll last an hour," Quinta whispers to the girl. "Should help with sales, though, if you use the right patter. Good luck!"
"Little girl. We are looking for a dwarf named Chelton. Do you know of him?"
Arriving in the city, Zag turns his nose up to the place, showing a repugnant look. "A foul smell this place has, I say, like a pool gone stagnant with death and rot. See how the jungle seeks to reclaim it? Best to let it, I say..." his voice trails off as he keeps to the tail end of the group, walking close to Oshok'arr. He keeps watch as he moves, unsettled by his surroundings, especially knowing that enemies seem to tail the group wherever they go...
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Zaghigoth carves druidic sigils into the bark of the gallows tree, muttering supplications to the spirits all the while. Hopefully that will be enough to cleanse the evil taint hanging about the place.
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The girl's eyes grow as large as saucers at the sight of Krolmnite's five gold pieces. She pockets them in a flash and hands over one of the trinkets for each of you. Her eyes widen again in wonder as Quinta uses a glamer to give the remaining trinkets the semblance of gold.
You are not sure of any cultural significance of the fetishes, but you're pretty sure there's no magic in these things. They don't seem to have any religious significance either that you can see.
The little Zenj girl jumps up and down at Yekskya's question. "Yes! I know who he is. I can take you to him. Follow me!" She takes the archer by the hand and leads you through the crowd. It is growing late, and the shadows are growing long.
Kalabuto can be unsettling, especially in the fading light. In the dusk you look back and you think you notice a shaven headed Mwangi man following some way back. he definitely seems to be shadowing your group but makes no effort to draw closer.
The little girl, named Kibi, leads you to a tavern nestled on a stretch of riverside boardwalk wedged between an exotic hardwoods warehouse and a small copper foundry. A former warehouse, the tavern’s ground floor sits upon old stone ruins, while the remainder of the structure has a wood frame and plank walls.
Inside, customers crowd the dimly lit hall. A haze of smoke from guttering tallow candles fills the room, and on every table, dark-skinned dancing girls dressed in brightly colored veils work the house, occasionally dipping into the pockets of leering patrons. It is called the Shrunken Head Tavern. Kibi points out a brawny looking dwarf sitting across the way, joking with the other regulars.
Yekskya takes note of the dancers upon entering, but decides to stay focused on the task at hand first. He thanks Kibi for her help, slipping one more gold piece into her hand and greets the dwarf. "Cheiton. We are just in from Eleder and have heard tales from your friends in Eleder. Can we buy you a drink?"
Krolmnite had mostly forgotten the details of their task at hand. He was too happy to share the details of his dragon slaying experidtion with a new crowd of followers. He loud story telling filled the room with noise, destroying the ambiance that the dancing girls were no doubt trying to create.
His illustrations of the various thrusts and slices with his weapon no doubt drew a crowd to hear his tales of valor.
When the group enters the tavern, Zaghigoth waves a hand dismissively. "I'll stay out here..." he inclines his head towards Oshok'arr. "I'll keep a look out for any of our...rivals."
Quinta looks around - and shakes her head at the dancers. If any of them are free, she beckons them over.
"Ladies," she says to them, "seems to me your talents are going to waste here. Any of you in the market for some suggestions on how you can make steady money without having to let creeps leer at you and worse?"
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Zaghigoth hangs about outside the tavern, tending after Oshok'arr. The iguanadon chortles, eager for her evening feed.
You spot the bald headed Mwangi fellow who has been following you through the city. He attempts to hide amongst the crowds of people going about their business, but you are able to pick him out. For a while he just seems to be watching, but then you notice the girl Kibi loitering by the door. She seems to be signalling to the man with subtle hand movements, then moves back inside. The man hangs around for a bit longer, but then becomes aware of you watching him. He immediately moves off through the crowd.
Inside, Kibi's eyes grow even larger as she receives another gold piece from Yekskya. She thanks you profusely and backs away to hover near the door. Yekskya moves to introduce himself to the dwarf. Looking up, the dwarf studies you. "Yeah? Hm, well I've been told to look out for folks who might be traveling this way. You'll be wanting a rest I bet, and we need to talk. I've got a place not far from here, we'll have a bit more privacy there."
Quinta seems concerned about the dancers. Speaking to some of them once they've finished their dancing, she finds differing attitudes towards what they do. It seems they were once all sacred spirit dancers, but since the coming of colonists they've been reduced to making money by performing sham versions of their dances to outsiders. Some are happy to take the money and think no more about it, others feel they know no other way. One, a beautiful woman with waist-length hair named Kubala, is intrigued by Quinta's suggestion and wants to know more.
As much as the dancing entertainment, Krolmnite is drawing quite a crowd. He is pleased to have the opportunity to relate your slaying of not one, but two dragons. It's heartening to see his audience so impressed with such exploits. Suddenly the dwarf Cheiton leaps out of the chair and grabs the gnome by the scruff, dragging the paladin back towards the others. "What the blazes are you doing? We're supposed to keep a low profile. Do you want every Aspis and Mantis agent for a hundred miles to know you're here? C'mon, the sooner we get to my place the better."
======
Perception
Stealth
Bluff
Sense Motive
The gnome, incredulous, allows himself to be dragged by the dwarf. "I wasn't trying to draw a crowd...I was just telling our story! I can't help it if people enjoy hearing my stories. Smiad is proud of me! I'm just letting the others know that," he sulks, trying to defend himself.
Quinta tells Kubala and any others who will listen about the dance halls and grand operas of Cheliax.
"The big difference lies in being organized. If you're dancing in dive bars, no offence intended, then you dance for chump change and risk getting propositioned and worse. Some day, some drunken lout is going to decide he can do whatever he likes and will wait for you in an alley. If you're a member of a dancing troupe with a guild hall and school of yown, giving a big performance, there's better money in it and you can afford security. Better still, you make a name for yourself as a performer and when you have to retire from active dancing, you can go into teaching. Rich folks will flock to performances listed as 'exotic' and 'exclusive' and are eager to have their little darlings taught by famous performers. My advice is to get together and get organized. Pool your resources, train together and start giving shows. Rent out a building for your troupe a little more up-class than this bar. Maybe use any husbands and boyfriends - or sons and nephews, brothers, cousins and fathers - you can trust as security and to give the impression you're being managed at first, rather than managing yourselves. It won't all happen overnight, but if you stick with it, you should improve your own lot as well as that of any other woman dancing for her food. If any of you have a good ear for song, I can teach you some of the operas to blend into your performance. That should help draw in the Chelish."
Relying on the dwarf to reel in Krolm, Yekskya makes his way to Quinta and the dancers in time to hear her suggesting that she teach the dancers new performances. "Quinta, you're doing the right thing, but there is no time. Say your piece quickly. Steer them on the right path. Convince them. You can spend more time training them if we return this way. The dwarf says we need to go now."
After noticing the stalker, Zag pats Oshok'arr as he opens the door to the tavern and leaves it open so that he can still look outside. "Stay here," he whispers to Oshok'arr as he enters. Looking immediately for his allies, he walks up and clears his throat to interject himself into the conversations, and looks at Yekskya, inclining his head towards the door. "We're being followed, I say. Noticed a man sniffing our trail...that girl you gave the gold to was giving him signals. I don't like it, I say...feels like flies in a spider web."
"You trust the dwarf Zag? Maybe he knows another way out if we're being observed."
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The dwarf's eyes swivel down to look at Krolmnite dragging his heels. A crooked smile lifts the side of his mouth. "I'll listen to you, gnomeling. Here's not the place though. Folks here've heard about the race, all you folks from Eleder tearing across Sargava. Best to get you re-equipped and sent along your way. Have you really killed dragons? That's a story I'd like to hear."
Some of the dancers scoff at Quinta's words and turn away. Chelaxians! But Kubala and some of the other dancers take note. It could be, the next time you come to Kalabuto these dancers will have organized into a collective.
As you move towards the door to leave, Zaghigoth enters the tavern and informs Yekskya of what he saw outside. Kibi makes her way towards you, seemingly intent on joining you.
Zag's eyes fall with great scrutiny upon Kibi as she approaches, his arms folded and brow furrowed. At Yekskya's remark, he glances to the dwarf and shrugs, speaking softly. I don't trust anyone in this festering place, I say. Ever since we made it off that island, we've been hunted by slavering jackals and circling buzzards. Everyone we meet seems only to want to use us for their own ends. The girl plays at some shadow game with our most recent jackal. This scheming, I say...I do not know how to play this game. When thrown into a nest of snakes, pretending to be a snake doesn't fool the snakes. I would rather be the mongoose."
"You've done enough Kibi. Thank you for your help."
Quinta shrugs at the dancers who will not listen, and wishes the ones who will the very best.
When she hears about Kibi working with someone -- she goes to meet the little girl and pulls her along to sit at one of the tables. "Come on, little one," she says. "Let's not play nasty games. We've not been bad to you, right? So go on and tell the truth; what's happening here? Who's the fella you're working with?"
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You don't sense any deception from Cheiton the dwarf. He seems gruff, but genuine. You reckon you can trust him.
Kibi pulls up short as Yekskya holds out his hand to stop her. At Quinta's words she looks a bit sheepish. "He just said I should watch out for you and find out where you go. He gave me food. Never said his name, but he was a tall man, not from here. Talked about someone called Thrune, and had a pet, some scary big cat thing with lots of teeth."
Krolm sits quietly, quite dejected that his feelings had been hurt. He decided to let the others take the lead for the evening, while he looked for a tasty beverage.
Quinta's eyes widen and her face goes pale.
"Kibi, one way or another, that man is very dangerous. Keep away from him after this. The Thrunes are... Please. Keep away from him."
Turning to the others, she adds: "We either need to run or nab and question him. Thrunes mean Cheliax and Cheliax means trouble. Believe me, I know; I was born there."
"Thrune? Isn't that like the ruling family of Cheliax?" A small shiver runs down my spine when I think of some of the stories I've heard about Cheliax and their diabolical patron. "I think Quinta has a point. And though I understand we may be pressed for time, I think nabbing the guy may give us some clues about how far along they are in the race. And to what lengths they may be willing to go to win. Though I think it's safe to say they'll do whatever it takes."
"Why not just get the hell out of here. We'll have Cheiton take us the long way. If we see someone following us, we take him out. Kibi, sorry, but I think its time we part ways. This is about to become too dangerous for you."
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Kibi looks surprised and disappointed at what Quinta has to say, but she desists from trying to accompany you. She runs off into the night. You make your way out into the night air. Krolmnite seems rather dejected about the affair, as does Nkechi, for other reasons. He had been taking quite an interest in the tribal dancers. And it was probably not soon enough for Hskoro. He was drawing a lot of stares, most people having never seen a nagaji before. You were beginning to draw a crowd.
As it turns out the Pathfinder Society outpost that Cheiton manages is a two story house very near to the Shrunken Head Tavern. He ushers you in and locks the doors, making sure it's secure. "There, we should be able to talk in peace now. You're more than welcome to stay here. I've got three guest rooms upstairs, or some of you can camp out on the floor down here." He draws out some cups and a large jug, pulling out the stopper. "In the meantime, care for a drink anyone? We can make detailed plans in the morning, but what are you wanting to do? You wanting to find out whoever this person was that was paying off the girl, or resupply and move on? We're the last spot of civilization where you're going, so if you're needing any supplies I'd suggest you get them now, but given there seem to be other parties after the same thing you're wanting, I wouldn't tarry too long in town."
Krolm helped himself to the coolest beverage in the house. He doubted the luxury of ice would be enjoyed for a long time by the group. He was happy with camping out downstairs, saving the rooms for the ladies and others. "Sounds like we might need to get on the road, as there are competing interests we need to deal with."
"I agree with Krolm. I don't see a reason to get tied down here when our destination is ahead of us. Clever foes who know where we're going might do just that to get themselves a head start. Any sort of supplies you'd specifically recommend?"
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Cheiton thinks for a minute before responding, tugging at his beard. "Hmm. Well, this is really the last point of civilization before you traipse off into the jungle, so be sure to check your food supplies, your ammunition and such. If you need to see a priest while you're in town, or if you want to purchase any magic, let me know I have some contacts I can put you in touch with."
"Basically, once you cross into the Mwangi Expanse proper, you'll be beyond the borders of Sargava, you'll need to watch out. There are tribes that don't take kindly to interlopers. Especially the Mzali tribes, they're real xenophobic, cult worshipping nutters. There are also the cannibalistic Eloko fey of the Screaming Jungle. Humans are their favourite prey. And especially watch out for the charau-ka, degenerate, demon-worshipping ape-men. Oh, and the animals can be dangerous too."
Cheiton serves up a rough meal for everyone. "If you're not needing anything too complicated, we should be able to get you outfitted and ready to go by evening tomorrow. I'll draw baths if you wish, you might not have another opportunity for a while."
"Do you know how much time we should expect for the round trip itself? We'll have to estimate how much time we might need in the ruins. We need to determine whether we can bring supplies for the entire expedition or if we'll need to plan on hunting to survive."
"Any chance I could buy magic wands in this city?" Quinta asks, perking up. "There's a couple I think would really benefit us. Daylight, Gust of wind, Magic missile, just to name a few. Same goes for potions against disease and poison, since we'll be travelling in the jungle."
"Any food and curative supplies we will definitely need. Perhaps something to remove curses...I bet there will be some bad juju out there, that we might not understand."
As Cheiton speaks of how this settlement is the last display of civilization before the jungle swallows the land, Zaghigoth visibly seems to light up with a toothy half-smile. "And not a crocodile's snap too soon," he mutters. As the dwarf rattles off all of the dangers they might encounter, Zag is eerily chipper, obviously relishing more the thought of cults, cannibals, and ape-people than buildings, walls, and crowds. As the others make plans, the druid wanders outside, anxious to delve into the wilderness once more. "The reason I came to these southern lands in the first place, I say..." he mutters to no one.
Once outside, her rejoins Oshok'arr and strokes the dinosaur's snout, and walks about, hoping to catch sight of Nkechi.
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Before you all turn in, Nkechi conducts a ceremony to purify your souls after your encounter with the corrupted corpses of the plague zombies hanging from the gallows tree. He also checks to ensure none of you have contracted any pestilence yourselves.
You make plans for resupplying, drawing up lists of provisions you might need. Cheiton estimates from your notes that the outpost of Tazion that you are trying to reach may yet be another 800 miles east then north and into heart of the Mwangi. That could easily take another month and a half of trekking through wilderness. The dwarf advises a few contacts for the purchase of wands and other magical items. Maudrill volunteers to seek them out the following day. He also points out a small church dedicated to Iomedae, suggesting to Krolmnite that it may be a good place to procure curative magics and for a dedicated warrior of the good to seek blessing on the endeavour.
With everyone turning in, Zaghigoth moves outside to spend the warm night evening with Oshok'arr. He reaches up and strokes the iguanodon's snout. The dinosaur gives a honk of welcome, and the druid's thoughts turn to Nkechi, who had also gone outside. He finds the hermit sitting cross-legged against one wall of the house. The shrivelled old man is absorbed in meditation, muttering quietly in Mwangi. At some point, he becomes aware of Zaghigoth's presence and motions for the half-orc to join him. "Heh, welcome child of the jungle. I could sense your spirit is not at rest in this place. I too find it difficult here. This is an old place. I feel the weight of the spirits of those who came before. It is difficult to bear. I would go back to the wilds. In the meantime, I try to soothe them, urge the spirits to rest at peace."
Krolmnite nods at the suggestion of heading to Iomedae's church. "Yes, Iomedae is very good. I like her quite a bit. She's impressed with valor bravery. I think I'll go there and ask for a blessing before we head out."
"We might want to look into mounts and beasts of burden, too," Quinta muses. "Maybe a couple of wands of Communal mount. It might be a bit expensive, but preferable to having to maintain live horses, what with all the threats available in the jungle."
Zaghigoth sits with Nkechi and nods. "This place is wrong, I say, full of rot. It is not a place for me. You spoke before, about my father. You met him. I looked for him before, when I was younger, before I could speak to the spirits. It was important at the time, but that seems a distant call now. I had stopped looking, and then you came about, and you know of him. The winds have blown us together. You said you shared a dreaming. How did you come by him? Does he live?"
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Nkechi smiles and muses as he reaches into a pouch for a small mortar and pestle. He starts grinding some leaves to form a thick paste. "Yes, I knew Zargosh Stormbile. He would be no one's slave! He found his freedom in the wilds. I do not know if he still lives. I would like to think so. It has been a long time. When we met I had been seeking the spirits of the land, he had just escaped from Eleder. There were others with him, orcs and half-orcs. He was welding them into a band, a tribe. Stormbile, they called themselves. Where they went after that I do not know, just that they went deeper and deeper into the wild to escape persecution. Were you not born here in Sargava? Mwangi? You are his son. How is it you come to be called Stormbile?" He offers Zaghigoth a leaf smeared liberally with the paste. Would you like some? Relaxes, brings good feelings."
The following day is mostly spent shopping. In small groups of two and three you head out into the city to procure what you think you might need in the wild. Cheiton either accompanies you or provides direction or suggestions where to find some of your more obscure items. Krolmnite tracks down the local temple of Iomedae and is perhaps surprised to find that Iomedae, a deity transplanted from the lands of the Inner Sea, has been absorbed by the local tribes and their culture. The doughty gnome receives a blessing from the priest, a sober cleric named Mtembe, before a statue of the goddess. In Kalabuto her image is depicted as a strong and proud tribal warrior, bearing a stretched hide assegai shield. The priest intones a prayer as he daubs Krolmnite's face with paint; a breeze seems to fill the chamber and stir the war banners posted on the walls.
Maudrill has no shopping and spends the time reading.
Perception
Yekskya spends the days in the markets, particularly seeking out new arrows to take deeper into the jungle.
Zag looks down at the leaf holding the paste, studying it for a moment. "I do not know where I was born, I say. My mother told me that my father returned to the soil when I was very young, but told me he was of the Stormbile people...I took that name in case I found them, one day. My mother either lied or was mistaken, it seems. She is dead now as well. If he lives still, maybe one day I will find him after all...a tribe, you say? That is what I have been looking for...though sometimes I think I have already found a pack, I say..." the half-orc ponders as he stares at the nightsky, stroking the nose of the dinosaur next to him.
Perception:
Spells Prepared:
0 - Resistance, Purify Food and Drink, Create Water, Read Magic
1 - Calm Animals, Produce Flame, Magic Fang, Speak With Animals
2 - Sickening Entanglement, Burst of Radiance, Stone Call
3 - Dominate Animal, Plant Growth
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As you spend your time in prayer at the temple of Iomedae, you experience a vision. In your mind's eye you see Iomedae the Inheritor, standing tall before a vast horde of monsters, a starlit sky at her back. The very heavens seem to obey her command, diving at and blasting the unholy host. You itch to join the fight. One star seems to actually be drawing closer. It draws nearer and nearer, its bright light piercing you until it transforms into a tall figure in the full armor of a knight. Within your heart, you know this figure to be Smiad himself! The figure's armor and helm seem wholly crafted from the scales of dragons, some of the scales from dragons you've never even heard of. The figure addresses you:
"Blessings to thee, faithful champion. Ye have been a bright sword in our cause for good. I have come to give thee succour, for ye and thine companions travel a dark road. Two wyrms have thou vanquished, but the foe thou shalt soon face is a different breed of serpent. Shouldst these foes prevail doom shall befall Golarion. I charge thee, to pursue them with the same devotion as you have our dragon enemies. Protect thine companions, and thou shall have help in thine direst need."
The figure of Smiad places a crystal flask in your hands, filled with a golden elixir. You start from your reverie, suddenly finding yourself back in the solace of the temple. You are surprised to find the flask of elixir resting beside you.
When imbibed, the golden elixir bestows all the benefits of a sanctify weapons spell to everyone in a 20 foot radius.
The paladin leaves the temple and rushes to find his friends. "Well, I just had the craziest day! I went tot he temple of Iomedae the Inheritor. I had a vision and met Iomedae and Smiad! I know, I know, but they gave me this exilir and told me I would need to use it against the different breed of serpent we are to encounter."
He pauses for effect. "Crazy isn't it? Well, look here," he exclaims with a flourish as he shows the golden vial in his hand! "I didn't have this before, either. It's a sign from the gods. We are on the right track! Smiad himself said so! Can any of you identify this potion, and tell me what it does? Gods are so different from us...they never told me its real properties!"
The rest of you had never seen him so excited and worked up.
"I wish I could Krolm. I think you'll need one of our friends who knows more about magic to handle that one. Can't wait to hear what it does."
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The evening passes uneventfully. The following day you are able to complete your resupply, with plans to leave the day after. Nkechi and Zaghigoth wake, slightly groggy from their partaking last night, and oddly ravenously hungry. Krolmnite visits the temple of Iomedae, and returns with an amazing tale.
You keep an eye out for another appearance by Kibi, or for the man Zaghigoth had glimpsed following the group. Fortunately you see neither. Quinta and Hskoro spend much of the day discussing the tenets of Kalinivati. Nkechi comes back from the market with a collection of herbs and salves. Oshok'arr is content to graze around the street, and Cheiton the dwarf supplements this by procuring some hay. The end of the day progresses much as the day before, with Cheiton preparing a rough meal for you all, and Nkechi settling outside for the evening, with his leaves filled with exotic substances.