Marcus lets himself be led away although his bow is a lot less respectful than Ambroze's. As the two are walking back.
Bah! I knew which way you'd jump Ambroze, your practically a pathfinder yourself although I bet when it comes to it you know as much as any of them.
Churches sell cures all the time. Thats true from here to the inner sea. But it just so happens that we have something that people apparently want and suddenly every door is slammed in our face... unless of course we share what we know with them and suddenly everything will be fixed as a "gesture of goodwill". Hmmph. I bet every church we go to here will be the same.
None of them give a fig for Chi! Or us, remember that!
After a few minutes.
Look, I'm sorry. Maybe this is the best way to help Chi and launch an expedition at the same time. I just don't like the idea that we're being forced in to it thats all.
Back at the inn, Marcus waits grimly for the others to return.
"No, you're right, Marcus. We suddenly find ourselves in the unenviable position of having something that everyone in power will want, and they all know that we're desperate to help Chi. And to be honest, I'd give this information away if it meant that Chi would be cured. We just need to be sure that we're truly comfortable with whoever we finally share our information with. If Yarzoth was so interested in finding whatever is hidden in Saventh-Yhi, it's up to us to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands..."
"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 will be blunt with you all. Sargava is a struggling country that desperately needs coin and influence to stay afloat- now, what you found in the underground temple hints at a fantastic discovery. I arranged the audience in the hope that you would at least consider letting the Sargavan government sponsor your expedition there, or sell them the information you possess if you aren't inclined to do so. In either case, curing Chi of her curse would be a boon as part of the deal, completely off the negotiating table. It would be guaranteed and not held over your heads.
Jask looks at the three of you gravely, hope written on his face.
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.
Chi smiles sweetly at Jask, "If it were up to me, I'd love to work with you and Ishorou again, you know how much I it means to me for your kindnesses when we were trapped on the terrible island. You were the first to befriend me on that cursed ship. Some things are never forgotten." She bows her head, but she seems to grow in height at the optimism shown by Jask. She looks at the faces of her friends, discerning their reaction to Jask's words. Her mind wondering about the Sargavian government, after all it had quickly condemned Jask, yet he seemed to bear no malice. Could those in power here have had anything to do with the slavers that captured her as a child, surely not. They were Chelaxians, surely, hmmm! Chi's eyes cloud over as her thoughts take shape. Still Jask is my friend, he trusts them so, so can I.
Jask just smiles warmly at Chi. He never seems to really pay any attention to her condition when looking at her.
Ishorou looks a little more troubled.
I have some news to share the warrior says a little gravely, one hand on his new starknife sheathed in his belt. It seems I may not be going back to my homeland just yet after all. The Aspis Consortium have made contact with me; and I suspect I know what they will want. The same thing the Sargavan Government is petitioning you for.
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As Marcus and Ambroze make their way back towards the inn, Sasha ambushes them, rushing behind Marcus and giving him a big squeeze.
Miss me? she whispers in his ear, with a giggle.
Ishorou looks a little more troubled.
I have some news to share the warrior says a little gravely, one hand on his new starknife sheathed in his belt. It seems I may not be going back to my homeland just yet after all. The Aspis Consortium have made contact with me; and I suspect I know what they will want. The same thing the Sargavan Government is petitioning you for.
At mention of the Aspis Consortium, the Mwangi tribeman's face contorts into a mixture of disgust and anger...
"I certainly have no problems with you, Ishorou, but the Consortium is another matter."
Ishorou nods sadly.
I did not expect that you would be interested in hearing an offer from them. I will not dishonour you by speaking of this further- I will attempt to deal with them myself.
Seeing Ishorou's reaction, Tun'ada responds...
"While it goes against my very being to even consider working with the Consortium, I do not pretend to speak for the others. You may have better luck with them."
As Marcus and Ambroze make their way back towards the inn, Sasha ambushes them, rushing behind Marcus and giving him a big squeeze.
Miss me? she whispers in his ear, with a giggle.
I did! Marcus says with some delight.
Good! Sasha declares. So, how are you finding Eleder? Where are you off to now?
Annoying! We've been trying to find a Chi a cure but the Abadarans are worse than useless and the pathfinders refuse to help unless we let them into our belt pouch.
We're heading back to the inn to meet up with the others and see if they had any luck talking to Jask. Hopefully he's back in with the government types by now.
Fancy a glass of wine or two?
"Sasha!" Ambroze exclaims joyously at the sudden appearance of the red-haired woman. "It's great to see you! Where's Galti? Can you come see the others with us?"
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...
"the consortium, what is that? Though I would be wary of such a thing if it would cause Tun'ada to such anger." says Chi, as she feels the politics of their situation unfold. "So your restraint in most commendable Isharou my friend."
A trade guild that I recently left the employ of. They gave me my blade. They are rivals to the Pathfinders, and have a reputation for ruthlessness.
"It would seem you are well rid of them Isharou, my friend." as Chi bows her head slightly. Turning back to address both Jask and Isharou, she continues, "Perhaps if you would like to come back with us to have a drink, you could meet the others and put forward your proposition Jask. I am sure they will be as eager to meet you, as I was on our acquaintance. It looks like I shall have to stay accursed a while longer." Under her breath she exclaims, "That damn island."
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...
Marcus has had several glasses of wine himself and seems to be enjoying himself. Sasha's idea seems to suddenly have him sour a bit though. Maybe its the mention of the Aspis
Ehm pirates... Pity we'll be heading into the jungle, right Ambroze. Won't be able to get a ship in there. Unfortunately. A pity, a pity....
Another bottle anyone?
Tun'ada sits by, still obviously uncomfortable in urban setting as it is, eating a simple meal and drinking watered wine...
"Of our options, I would rather work with the Pathfinders, failing that I suppose working with Sargarva's government would do, but I wouldn't even consider that if it were not for Jask. Ishorou is a good man, but I can not work with the Consortium."
Having secured another fine bottle of Taldan red, Marcus seems happier.
I agree about the Aspis. We'd end up face down in shallow graves for sure. Not sure if I trust the government much better though. Plus they barely seem in control. They could topple any time and then where would we be?
;
Ehm pirates... Pity we'll be heading into the jungle, right Ambroze. Won't be able to get a ship in there. Unfortunately. A pity, a pity....
"Too bad we don't have a flying ship," Ambroze replies absently, poring over his various documents. "You know, the ancient Shory supposedly had actual flying cities that they used to travel the world. Wouldn't it be grand to have one of those? Then we could fly to Saventh-Yhi with our own base of operations in clouds..."
The gnome scholar looks up at the discussion of which organization to work with. "I don't know much of anything about the Aspis Consortium, but the fact that Tun'ada and Marcus are both against them is good enough for me. I even got the impression on the Shiv that Ishorou didn't care much for them. It'd be nice if we could get him to join with us, though."
"As far as the Pathfinders and the Sargavan government go... Well, my Uncle Dimble is a Pathfinder, so I'm more familiar with them and know a bit of what to expect. I really believe they would treat us fairly. And they know a thing or two about mounting expeditions to lost ruins."
Chi sits quietly in the corner, quietly envious of Sasha, as she gains Marcus' attention. Sipping at her wine and shrinking into the shadows. Her mind goes back to the ship as she thinks of her first encounters with the warm hearted Jask. If working with the Sargavan government would help Jask, then she will voice her opinions when the time comes. Serious discussion is never best conducted when the cloud of alcohol fogs the mind.
Yes ..um flying ships.
So. Marcus seems to wish to steer away from further discussions about pirates. We have the pathfinders who have the expertise and resources but perhaps not the muscle. Or the government who potentially have the resources and the muscle but not the expertise?
Well my test is pretty simple. Who do we mistrust the least? And who can we count on to make sure we find a cure for Chi?
Marcus pours himself another generous glass of wine.
How fanciful these folks get as the wine seeps into their minds, reality and dreams mingle to make outrageous thoughts, flying ships, whatever next. The solitary Chi listens as Ambroze gets carried away with his thoughts.
"It's my understanding that the Sargavan government is in pretty dire straits. Their economy is practically crippled by the exhorbitant annual tribute that they have to pay to the Shackles Pirates. Plus they're struggling to hold the city of Kalabuto against the Mwangi city of Mzali to the east. The current Baron, Grand Custodian Utilinus, has managed to improve things a bit recently by successfully negotiating a lower tribute to the Shackles, but the country's economic stability is still pretty tenuous. I would imagine that any treasure found in Saventh-Yhi could really help their financial stability, not to mention the prestige they could gain from having access to and control of such an important historic site."
We have the pathfinders who have the expertise and resources but perhaps not the muscle. Or the government who potentially have the resources and the muscle but not the expertise?
Well my test is pretty simple. Who do we mistrust the least? And who can we count on to make sure we find a cure for Chi?
"I would like to help Jask, but I feel that the Pathfinders can offer us more of what we need for this expedition," Ambroze adds as he considers Marcus' words. Then his face brightens as he is struck by a new thought. "Do you think it would be possible for us to convince the Sargavan government and the Pathfinders to work together on this expedition? They both have strengths that could shore up the other's weaknesses, and both would have much to gain - the Pathfinders would be able to uncover and document the lost history and lore of the city, and the government would hopefully be able to improve their financial security from the treasures discovered there."
I was kind of hoping we would end up with the treasures discovered there. Marcus muses blithely. But that does sound like a partnership that could work. Maybe give the Aspis some doubts anyway.
I guess going with the government would be one way to entice Jask along. His healing skills would be helpful to supplement Gwen's. Will you join us Sasha?
Chi, Gwen, what do you think of our options?
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.
"I would work with those who are kind-hearted and trustworthy, if teh Pathfinders are that then, I see no reason why the two groups would not work together. It would be fun to work with Jask again." says Chi quietly in answer to Marcus' question as she sinks into the shadows at Marcus' gaze.
"Let's send messages to Jask and Master Gelik and ask them to both meet us here so that we can discuss our proposal of working with both the Pathfinder Society and the Sargavan government. I'd like to get their opinions before approaching both organizations," Ambroze suggests.
"Let's send a message to Ishorou and Aerys, too. Even if we don't work with the Aspis Consortium, it would be nice if both of them could join us on our expedition."
Gwenyth nods in agreement to Ambroze's words, but seems determined to put a clear plan of action in place.
So, we will try and convince the Pathfinders and Sargavan government to launch a joint expedition; assuming this bridge-building on our part doesn't succeed, who will we have as our sponsor?
Chi nods at the bard's suggestion. "Good idea Ambroze, so what do you want to say?"
For Jask and Gelik I think come and lets talk was the gist of it. Lets not put any of our plans to paper, especially before their fully formed, yes? Why not talk to them together and see what they think. If they're willing, surely they could broker a meeting between the government, pathfinders and us.
Lets wait a bit for Ishorou and Aerys though and get our ducks in a row. They're our friends buts its pretty clear they are going to be a bit .. conflicted here. Neither the Aspis or the pirates are going to be happy about our proposed arrangement. In fact I think both can be counted on to take steps to hinder it.
Marcus looks to Chi. And just to be clear about something up front. I don't think we can trust any of these groups as far as we can throw them. None of them care about us, as evidenced in their willingness to allow Chi's cure be a bargaining chip. Any of them, pathfinders included, would sacrifice all of us in a second if it will help achieve their own goals.
Personally, I'm not going to feel any loyalty to any of them and certainly don't expect any from them. If there really is a golden city full of treasure to be discovered here then frankly I expect for us to be shafted at some point. If we do this, we will need to be ready for that and the only ones we can count on are each other. The way it was on the Shiv.
The Mwangi tribesman looks on while Marcus lays out his feelings on the potential arrangements with any of the organizations outside of the remaining unconnected castaways. After Marcus has said his piece, Tun'ada simply nods...
"Marcus is right, we have no reason to trust any of them. We should be prepared to do whatever is needed to ensure our survival."
"I suppose you could be right Marcus, but Jask and Isharou are my friends, they taught me much on the Shiv too. But I hear what yo say, it's their organizations that that drive them that cannot be trusted." she sinks into the chair, slumping with her head in her hands. "Perhaps we can try one of those other temples for a cure, I'm really fed up with this." her hands wave about her body.
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...
Chi watches Sasha and Marcus as Sasha makes her advances. I hope Marcus knows he's playing with fire!
Marcus has a sudden spate of coughing as if his wine has gone down the wrong way.
Turning to Sasha. You mean the ... the Red Mantis? Blessed Gods Sasha, why would they have an interest? I mean if we go with the Pathfinders or government, they wouldn't... wouldn't. He makes a neck slicing gesture.
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.
A shiver passes up Chi's back at Marcus' gesture and his mention of the Red Mantis, her hand involuntarily clasps around the dagger she obtained from the beach on the Shiv. "We have made some many enemies by surviving that island. This knowledge has bought us many possiblilies, not all of them good. I only hope we bind together close enough to survive."
Having arrived and greeting you all warmly, Gelik and Jask join your rather crowded table and begin to eat and drink with you.
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.
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.
"Religious interests?" Ambroze asks with growing concern. "Not 'Beheaded Serpent God' religious interests, I hope?"
Ambroze warmly welcomes Jask and Gelik as they join the group. The gnome scholar gives the newcomers a chance to eat and drink a bit before launching into his proposal.
"Master Gelik, Master Jask, as you are both likely aware we have recieved offers from both the Sargavan government and the Pathfinder Society to sponsor our expedition to Saventh-Yhi, as well as from the Aspis Consortium. And if the implications are true, we may also receive offers from the Red Mantis and even the Free Captains. However, we believe it would be most beneficial for all of us if both the Pathfinder Society and the Sargavan government agreed to co-sponsor the expedition. The Pathfinders have the professional expertise to conduct such an expedition, while the Sargavan government - as Marcus so eloquently put it - has the 'muscle' to protect such an endeavor. It's really a win-win proposition for both parties - the Pathfinders would be able to uncover and document the lost history and lore of the city, and the government would hopefully be able to improve their financial security from the treasures discovered there. Plus, by splitting the costs both organizations would not be spending as much of their own resources."
Nothing to do with Ydersius, no Ambroze. More to do with the Mantis God. Sasha replies cryptically.
Tun'ada continues to sit and listen to the conversation, interested in the outcome, but not fully sure of how to contribute...
Chi quietly whispers into Tun'ada's ear, "How do you think its going?"
The tribesman whispers back, "I am not entirely sure. Seems to me the civilized world likes to talk a lot more and not act as much as I am accustomed to."
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?
Once more Chi whispers into Tun'ada's ear, "Oh, see. jask is willing to help, even if his employers in government aren't. This can only be good news. See despite the long speeches, they appear to garner some action, even if slowly."