Seeing the introductions to Willow have been made, Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh then introduces Amivor Glaur as he enters the room. Hes a seasoned looking, well-dressed human gentleman in his early thirties and he bows politely as Bellaugh introduces him as a "Master Delver" and "a veteran of several Mwangi expeditions". Hes of average height with a neatly trimmed hairstyle, fairly lean and unremarkable looking but with quick eyes that seem to dart around the room as though weighing every single detail in his mind.
Nice to meet you all he says abruptly, moving immediately over to the large table and laying a large sheet of parchment down onto it without further ado, continuing to speak rather bluntly. Now, in case Master Bellaugh brushed over our own motivations to finding Saventh-Yhi, i'll spell it out for you. The Pathfinder Society seeks Saventh-Yhi for the same reason we 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 such a fabled city. I would also imagine that with the loss of our establishment in the city of Kalabuto, Saventh-Yhi could be an ideal place for a second Pathfinder lodge in Sargava- particularly if any of the magical wards that have no doubt kept it hidden for these thousands of years are still in place. I can't speak for the Decemvirate of course, but i'll bet thats what they're thinking.
Amivor paces back and forth a little, looking at each of you carefully and ignoring everything around him as though lost in his thoughts. You can't help but get the impression hes resisting the urge to rifle through your things to make sure you've got basic adventuring gear covered.
Well... i'm sure you'll manage to find what you need while I handle the organisation of the supplies, manpower and logistics- although the sooner your scholar Ambroze translates the document fully so we have some idea of how close Tazion is, the better. Word has no doubt leaked out to the Aspis Consortium by now as well as other interested parties and we can't guarantee spies aren't already reporting on our movements. For all we know... Ambroze could already have had his mind read by one of their filthy agents and theres no telling how much your fellow castaways might have leaked over a Dark and Stormy... he finishes grimly. Looking over you once more, he speaks a little urgently-
So, take some time to enjoy Eleder and properly outfit yourself for a jungle expedition; you'll be wanting warm and cold weather outfits, anti-toxin, perfume, a decent supply of ammunition, climbing kits, some strong rope and don't forget plenty of trail rations should you be...
Finze Bellaugh clears his throat loudly to interrupt Amivor, who scowls at him but stops talking, albeit only for a moment.
So, time is of the essence. I expect we will need about two weeks to get ready, perhaps a little less if my estimate is too conservative. I've already acquired a warehouse here in Eleder and am in the process of storing much of what we need there- Gelik will send a runner to find you and bring you there tomorrow or the day after for another meeting. For now, I believe I have everything in hand. I shall be out of the city for a few days securing exotic supplies, but Gelik will supervise things in my absence. Now, if theres nothing else this whole expedition has me all a-flutter- nice to meet you all and put faces to names finally. I suppose you have preparations of your own to make, hmm? Get those notes translated as soon as you can Ambroze, but be careful who you share your findings with. Use a code to be sure your talking to Chi, for example; who is to say the enemy won't disguise themselves as her with magic in order to extract information from your mind and then memory wipe you a moment later? Stay vigilant, all of you...
"Oh great, I just join the group and now I'm a suspect." she rolls her eyes as she says this out loud, clearly voicing her thoughts and rolling her eyes. "I'm more interested in going on my first real adventure. Uncovering lost relics, fighting forgotten foes and discovering grand treasure are stories you only ever hear about, but never get to take part in!" she blurts out, clearly excited and wanting to get going too.
Chi smiles at Willow's outburst, she thinks back to her excitement when she escaped Korsova, the adrenalin, the pounding heart, her stowing away on the ill-fated voyage. To see such naivety in another, perhaps Willow and her aren't so different. Yet it seemed an age away, she sighs before the smile returns and she whispers to Willow, "Don't worry, we're all suspect according to that man. This will be a fun adventure to travel once more in the wilderness of Sargava, it is here in this city where there are plots and subversions."
Looking seriously once more at the Pathfinders, she adds, "We heed your warnings, but let us decide our fate. The more quickly we can depart, the quicker we can accomplish finding the city. That's right isn't it Ambroze?"
Marcus nods along as Amivor speaks. He seems to like the man's no nonsence attitude just fine.
We're comfortable at the inn but its not exactly secure. Ambroze maybe you'd be better of at the lodge? You'd be safer there and have better access to what you need. I wouldn't put it past the Aspis to have a go at robbery or kidnapping. Or worse. He looks grim for a moment.
Actually I'm not sure if I'm happy with just that either. I think either Tun'ada or I should be with him at all times til we leave the city. What do you think? He turns to the laconic tribesman. We can take it in turns.
Actually I'm not sure if I'm happy with just that either. I think either Tun'ada or I should be with him at all times til we leave the city. What do you think? He turns to the laconic tribesman. We can take it in turns.
"That would seem reasonable to me. As far as taking turns go, I have little love for being in this city, I can stay with Ambroze if you have things you would rather do while here."
Chi smiles at Willow's outburst, she thinks back to her excitement when she escaped Korsova, the adrenalin, the pounding heart, her stowing away on the ill-fated voyage. To see such naivety in another, perhaps Willow and her aren't so different. Yet it seemed an age away, she sighs before the smile returns and she whispers to Willow, "Don't worry, we're all suspect according to that man. This will be a fun adventure to travel once more in the wilderness of Sargava, it is here in this city where there are plots and subversions."
Willow gives a wide smile as she feels as if she belong thanks to Chi.
"I find cities interesting with many friendly people, but I still don't understand why people wear footware though, unless their boots happen to be magical." she shrugs as she looks down at her own feet and looks to the other's out of curiosity "The forest is a lot more peaceful a little lonely I find. You can only talk to a monkey or a bird so many times without it geting boring. Blah, blah bananas. Blah, blah insects. The people from the Pathfinder society have told me many stories of caves or tombs they've found."
If you wish to stay here at the Eleder Lodge, you are most welcome and rooms can be made available. Now, if you'll excuse us, I have an urgent matter unrelated to our expedition that I must speak to Master Bellaugh about. I trust you'll forgive our rudeness- and I look forward to working with you all.
With that said, Amivor bows briskly and he and the Venture-Captain leave the room, as the various other Pathfinders involved in the expedition also begin to take their leave.
Actually I'm not sure if I'm happy with just that either. I think either Tun'ada or I should be with him at all times til we leave the city. What do you think? He turns to the laconic tribesman. We can take it in turns."That would seem reasonable to me. As far as taking turns go, I have little love for being in this city, I can stay with Ambroze if you have things you would rather do while here."
Well I need to make some purchases, see an armourer and so forth. I'll try and spell you.
After the pathfinders leave.
Well we have our plan and our timetable. Two weeks. Hope Ishorou and Aerys aren't too upset with us. Lets go back to the inn. Ambroze, do you want me to fetch your gear?
Actually I'm not sure if I'm happy with just that either. I think either Tun'ada or I should be with him at all times til we leave the city. What do you think? He turns to the laconic tribesman. We can take it in turns."That would seem reasonable to me. As far as taking turns go, I have little love for being in this city, I can stay with Ambroze if you have things you would rather do while here."Well I need to make some purchases, see an armourer and so forth. I'll try and spell you.
After the pathfinders leave.
Well we have our plan and our timetable. Two weeks. Hope Ishorou and Aerys aren't too upset with us. Lets go back to the inn. Ambroze, do you want me to fetch your gear?
"Can I come too? I mean...if you don't mind I'd like to get to know you all better, especially if we're going to be travelling through the jungle together." she says rarther shyly as she realised her outburst just then must've been uncomfortable to say.
Of course Willow. I did not mean to be exclusive.
Marcus looks a bit flustered at his lack of manners.
As they wait together, Chi asks Marcus, Ambroze and Tun'ada in a serious tone, "So code words, do we use them?"
..... It is sometime later as they journey back to the inn that Chi speaks. "Yes, shopping...they tell me it's more enjoyable in the city when you have gold to spend. My mistress would only let me shop for food or the ordinary things of life, never for anything for myself. I saw many colourful things, spices, fruit, vegetables and even cloth for making those elegant dresses that my mistress wore. But now I can look for such wonders myself." the excitement returns to her voice and a wide smile on her face. "If only Gwen were here, she could help me look around at all the astonishing things the merchants have to sell." Turning to Willow, she asks "Do you know much about shopping in this city?"
"we welcome your knowledge and skill, Willow Whisperwood."
"Oh, yes!" Ambroze pipes up excitedly, greeting the druidess with a welcoming smile. "I'm so looking forward to finally setting foot within the Mwangi Expanse! It's been my focus of study for years!" The gnome scholar then adds more in the tongue-clicking language.
As Amivor Glaur speaks to the group, Ambroze listens attentively and hurriedly scribbles notes on a piece of parchment. However, the gnome scholar's expression becomes one of worried alarm as the Pathfinder's concerns for security begin to cross into the realm of paranoia...
"We heed your warnings, but let us decide our fate. The more quickly we can depart, the quicker we can accomplish finding the city. That's right isn't it Ambroze?"
"That's right, Chi. Or at least I hope so," Ambroze replies. "I agree with Marcus, though. Perhaps we should all stay here at the Lodge instead of the Sargava Club."
Well we have our plan and our timetable. Two weeks. Hope Ishorou and Aerys aren't too upset with us. Lets go back to the inn. Ambroze, do you want me to fetch your gear?
"Yes, please. I've got the notes and all with me here, of course, but I'd like to have my chest of reference books as soon as possible. Do you think we should invite Ishorou and Aerys to join our expedition as well? I know Ishorou has no love for the Aspis Consortium."
"Oh... and Marcus?" Ambroze adds before the warrior leaves the Pathfinder Lodge. "Could you pick up some parchment for me? It needs to look like this," the gnome scholar says, holding up the parchment containing Yarzoth's notes for Marcus' inspection. "Master Glaur's security concerns have given me an idea..."
Certainly, Ambroze. I will move your stuff over. And we'll talk about your outfitting as well. Gwen, Chi and I can handle that while you work.
And we'll talk to Ishorou and Aerys.
Marcus will walk Gwen, Chi and Willow back to the inn and make sure Willow is settled before returning to the lodge with Ambroze and Tun'ada's gear.
Let's make a start on the shopping. Ladies, may I escort you? I'm guessing you'll need help with the parcels. Perhaps some new clothes, Chi?
"Why certainly Marcus, I'm sure Willow, Gwen and myself won't be upset by our own bodyguard accompany us on a shopping trip." she giggles to Willow and Gwen conspiratorially. As they move quickly away, their hands covering their guffawing mouths, the girls whisper to each other, "Where first, clothes? magic shops"
Actually Chi, theres something I have to do here in Eleder... Gwenyth says, a far away look in her eyes. Have fun without me, i'll see you later tonight.
Willow gives a little giggle too with the Chi. Willow still seems to stand out even with the other girls as she doesn't appear to know how really to act in this circunstance and just follows Chi's steps.
"Err...you choose Chi." she gives a half-hearted and awkward smile.
Satisfied after your day and after making arrangements for a long list of purchases (all of which are promised to be with you within a weeks time), everyone eventually eventually ends up back at the Sargava Club. Having taken up the Pathfinder Lodge's offer of lodging for security purposes, you start to pack up for your move there- only to find a scroll tube with Gwenyth's scroll of Raise Dead lying on one of the beds, along with a letter, signed in her unmistakeable neat script. All of Gwenyth's other things have gone, as has the strange metal box that the grop never quite puzzled out. The letter reads-
My friends,
I am sorry to leave you at such an exciting time for our little band of shipwreck survivors, and so soon after surviving Smugglers Shiv together. I'm sorry for not saying goodbye or revealing my plans to you, but I feared you would be able to talk me out of what must be done, persuade me to delay the journey I must take. I sense this expedition we have begun to plan together must go on without me, for the time being. I'm sure you will make discoveries that will change the face of Garundi, maybe of Golarion itself... But my purpose has finally been revealed to me.
I too, have a higher calling; communicated to me by those who grant the strange powers and magic I developed upon the isle. By the time you read this, I will have already left the Material Plane and will be in the plane of Nirvana; but not forever my friends. The strange metal box revealed its secrets to me a few days ago and promises it will bring me home when my tasks in Nirvana have been complete. Gwenyth Elyse Finley shall walk the Inner Sea Region once more someday, and when she does she will seek out her friends.
Do not grieve for my abscence, for I go to a place of true joy, peace and enlightenment. For the first time in my life, I shall be truly at peace. Celebrate the time we had together, as I will cherish you from my higher plane of existence. I cannot share what has been planned for me, but know that it is something I do gladly.
Your friend, always.
Gwenyth
P.S- Willow Whisperwood; look after them. I had to bring them back from the brink on many occasions and to an extent, their lives are now in your hands.
After the shock has passed, you find that Gwenyth is not the only one who can't be found. Inquiries about Ishorou are continually met with dead ends, to the group's frustration, and he seems to have disappeared without a trace from the city or perhaps gone underground. In between keeping watch on Ambroze: Tun'ada, Sasha and Marcus investigate and seek Ishorou out but they haven't yet turned up anything. Aerys' abscence is also noted but is far less cryptic; she leaves you a short but warm letter saying that she has urgent business to attend to with her mentor and will contact you again soon. The harbormaster in Eleder confirms this, saying that she set sail on the same night that Gwenyth left.
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One week has passed and you have been made very welcome at the Pathfinder Lodge by the busy attendants and Pathfinders there; and all of your new equipment has arrived. Willow has bolstered her stocks of goodberries and has been able to spend a lot of time with Chi in particular- while the group is hardly used to the strange Druidess yet, her presence has become comfortably familiar. For her part, Chi has been able to craft several alchemical items in preparation for the trip; being ready for the trials of the jungle ahead with Willow advising as to the kind of threats the group might face.
The city of Eleder itself is abuzz with rumors about a Pathfinder expedition to Saventh-Yhi; and you hear rumors of several other factions preparing their own expedition in order to beat you there; including the Sargavan Government and the Red Mantis. Sasha claims to have contacted her mother and she says her proposition of staying out of each others way appeared to be amenable to the religious assassin organisation. Jask has quit his job at the Palace and assists Amivor and the expeditionary team along with Gelik, his wise advice and skillful management proving to be a great asset along with Gelik's galvanising presence. Sasha seems to be spending most of her time with Marcus and frequently whisks him away behind closed doors and curtains...
Amivor Glaur (after returning to the city) reports that the expedition is preparing according to schedule; and on the 8th Day (the current day) of the preparations he sends a runner to request that you pay him a visit at the Expedition Headquarters in the warehouse district, in the late evening where he'll be arriving from Kalabuto. Co-incidentally (or perhaps not...) Ambroze has just finished fully translating Yarzoth's notes the very same morning with the help of the Pathfinder Lodge's formidable resources- and has just finished presenting the finished version to your small group.
The Azlant hero Savith, who led an army to Garund to defeat the serpentfolk empire once and for all. After leading her troops on a fierce campaign through the Screaming Jungle and into the Mwangi Expanse in search of the serpentfolk city of Ilmurea, Savith built a small fort in a secluded area a mere stone’s throw from the deep scars in the earth that led to Ilmurea from the surface. Within this stronghold, called Tazion, Savith built a map of the region to plot her final assault on the serpentfolk city. When Savith ultimately perished defeating the serpentfolk god Ydersius, her followers built a city in the jungle above Ilmurea and named it Saventh-Yhi (“Savith’s Grave”) in her honor.
With the rise of the city, Tazion waned in importance, though it still stood near one of the entrances to the hidden valley. The story continues as a cult of Zura sprung up decades later in the now-legendary lost city of Saventh-Yhi, a dark and debased cult that worshipped the evil deity and ex-Azlant. The inhabitants of Saventh-Yhi defeated the cultists in a fierce battle and banished the survivors from the city forever. Fleeing to the island of Smuggler’s Shiv, these cultists became vampires and plotted a return to their homeland to spread Zura’s worship and their curse of vampirism to their former brethren. Unfortunately for them, the magical wards surrounding Saventh-Yhi kept them from simply retracing their steps. Thus, they planned to enter the city through Tazion, where they could use Savith’s original magical map to find the “back door” into Saventh-Yhi.
The sinister cult made a resolute plan to arrive at Tazion and use something called “The Pillars of Light” to finally make their way into Saventh-Yhi. Before their plans could be realized, however, Earthfall struck. The cultists died before they could reach the city, and Saventh-Yhi fell soon after as well, becoming one of the Mwangi Expanse’s most famous lost cities. Thus has Saventh-Yhi existed for millennia, probably abandoned and ruined, and likely magically hidden from the rest of the world.
Yarzoth's notes do not detail the location of Saventh-Yhi but after some intense translation Ambroze deduces that they do reveal the location of Tazion. Ambroze's expert geographical knowledge combined with the best maps of Sargava in the country places Tazion in the southernmost reaches of the Mwangi Jungle, north of the Bandu Hills, between the Upper Korir and Ocota Rivers- several hundred miles away even as the crow flies. With the location of Tazion confirmed, you imagine sharing this information with Amivor, Gelik and Ishorou will allow the best route to be planned...
Willow looks downcast at the letter, clearly the letter touched her even though she hardly knew Gwen.
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Knowledge (Geography):
Willow attempts to assist Ambroze with his geography, but it's clear that he knows far more about how the area is shaped that she ever has, despite being brought up in the Mwangi expanse and she can't keep up with his deductions.
Knowledge (Nature):
In the preceding week, Marcus's mood has bounced between black, at Gwen's sudden departure and Ishorou's disappearance and pleased, as his relationship with Sasha progresses. The big mercenary clearly feels that he is somehow at fault for both calamities and remarks on several occassions that the Tiani's disapperance must be as a result of some "damn Aspis plot".
Ambroze's discoveries appear to galvanise him though and he begins to fixate on the idea that the group must find the lost city first.
Well done, Ambroze! I knew you could do it. So to find Saventh-Yhi we need to find this Tazion and its map. And we know where it is! Oh we will beat the Aspis there, oh yes we will. He chortles.
Keep all the geography in your head Ambroze. I suggest we tell Amivor and noone else. Lets all go see him together.
He pauses. Something gives me a bad feeling about this meet. The Aspis will try something before we leave, mark my words. Lets be on our guard.
Chi is at a loss with Gwen's disappearance, and then with Isharou missing she is once more close to tears, wondering why the people she dearly loves keep disappearing. She even mellows slightly in Marcus' relationship with Sasha, for surely it would be safer for Marcus. Yet somehow it still hurts, seeing Marcus with Sasha, she doesn't totally trust Sasha's motives in being so friendly. She never was on the Shiv.
So, between the tears and emotional ups and downs, Chi tries to concentrate on the job in hand. Keeping her mind and body busy on preparing her alchemical items.
At last Ambroze tells them about the writings he's been working on. It sends a shiver up her spine hearing about the ancient cult of Zura and their vampirism, as she feels blighted by the curse once more, she feels unclean, her body having been violated by them once before. She looks over her shoulder, no there are no wing-like appendages, she is still Chi. Yet her mind is clouded once more, the danger and closeness to death that she and her friends will endure weighs heavily on her brow.
She spends some time with Willow, a bright and joyful respite from her own broody thoughts. A time to laugh and feel that the sun will shine again tomorrow.
"Yes, the fewer people that know the truth of the writings the better. If we could persuade some fellow pathfinders to disguise themselves as us and get them to try to leave here quietly, as though they were us, we might get a few hours head start on any that would try and follow us. We could us other disguises to leave ourselves."
"If only there were some way of 'knowing the truth', it was something that my masters in Cheliax were always uncomfortable with. So surely there is something that might help?" Chi asks questioningly of the inner circle of friends.
"We...I mean my circle believed that those who heard the truth are never satisfied and truths. We have grown content without needing to know everything, however I always asked questions." she smiles as she thinks back to her time with her circle. "No one can truely know everything, atleast that's what I've always been told but I've never been one to listen to orders."
Tun'ada's mood visably brightens as the days pass, and the group is closer to leaving the city. The tribesman is rarely far from Ambroze's side while the gnomish scholar diligently works on his translation. Tun'ada can not hardly help but occasionally look over the bard's shoulder at his work trying, mostly in vain, to aid Ambroze whenever possible...
Tun'ada's mood visably brightens as the days pass, and the group is closer to leaving the city. The tribesman is rarely far from Ambroze's side while the gnomish scholar diligently works on his translation. Tun'ada can not hardly help but occasionally look over the bard's shoulder at his work trying, mostly in vain, to aid Ambroze whenever possible...
Willow gives a smile, noticing Tun'ada's mood brightening at the mention of leaving the city soon.
"I too am a little bored in this city. It has been fun for a new experience, but the jungle is far more exciting with life everywhere. I have heard the jungle hides many secrets, including this city we are searching for."
"Yes, the fewer people that know the truth of the writings the better. If we could persuade some fellow pathfinders to disguise themselves as us and get them to try to leave here quietly, as though they were us, we might get a few hours head start on any that would try and follow us. We could us other disguises to leave ourselves."
"If only there were some way of 'knowing the truth', it was something that my masters in Cheliax were always uncomfortable with. So surely there is something that might help?" Chi asks questioningly of the inner circle of friends.
Marcus nods along. Lets talk to Amivor about it. He might have some ideas about how we can throw the others of the track.
As evening comes, Marcus will marshall the others to meet the pathfinder captain, staying on the other side to Ambroze to the dangerous looking tribesman.
Ambroze spends the week locked in the libraries of the Pathfinder Lodge, his obsessive desire to complete the translation of Yarzoth's notes overshadowed by his concern for the absent Gwen and Ishorou.
During his research Ambroze also finds time to craft a forgery of the serpent-woman's notes using the parchment acquired by Marcus; a forgery that - along with his accompanying 'translation' - places Tazion approximately 100 miles northeast of its actual location, and that conveniently omits any references to the "Pillars of Light". The gnome scholar stores the forgeries in the waterproof mithral scroll tube that the group discovered with Ishorou's pirate treasure, and hides the originals in the secret extradimensional space contained in the nondescript belt pouch that he obtained from the Venture-Captain. Ambroze is careful to reveal his ruse only to Tun'ada, Marcus, Chi, and Willow.
Willow gives a smile, noticing Tun'ada's mood brightening at the mention of leaving the city soon.
** spoiler omitted **
Beyond the general knowledge of Sargava you have you can't surmise any regional specific threats beyond the obvious- but you put your knowledge of flora and fauna to work.
Sargava is a land that remains very much untamed, and the wilderness is full of dangerous animals and dinosaurs, some of which have been changing into larger and larger specimens over the course of thousands of years. The various indigenous tribesmen can be dangerous, the Bandu especially; a particular section of the demon lord worshipping Bekyar race of Mwangi who frequently raid caravans and smaller settlements for slaves and sacrifices. Some of the more cunning warriors often make use of a substance known as "Kaava Musk"; when splashed over a victim it makes an incredibly strong scent that makes predators think of weak prey. It allows the tactic of splashing a group with the substance and swiftly retreating, allowing the dangerous wildlife to kill or weaken their intended prey before they swoop in themselves. Its strong scent needs to be washed off quickly in water- but the most effective/swift countermeasure is to carry stong perfume and use it to mask the scent if subjected to it, especially if running water is not available.
Mosquito Fever is another common problem in this kind of country, and you know that in certain areas of Sargava the heat can get unbearably hot. The terrain itself can be difficult to navigate in Sargava, particularly the M'Neri Plains; so depending on the route the caravan takes hiring another Guide might be prudent.
The tropical environment of Sargava is home to numerous exotic animal species, including great apes, crocodiles, elephants, hippopotamuses, hyenas, lions, enormous snakes, and more. Added to this are the region’s more magical predators—ettercaps, spriggans, charau-ka, wyverns, and even a few true dragons. Army Ants and Dinosaurs are another threat you should keep in mind, as well as the notorious Ankhegs and their sinkholes.
"I understand. There are many dangers in the wild, yet I have heard there are many dangers inside the city too. Atleast I know how to avoid a threat inside the forest."
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At the knowledge of the forest her eyes widen as she realises what horrors they might come across in the jungle.
"The Bandu live in these woods. They a mwangi tribe who woreship a demon lord and attack caravans and small settlements for slaves and sacrifices. I fear we should buy some strong smelling perfume as the more cunning hunters are likely to throw something called 'Kaava Musk' which attracts predators to try and weaken us before they attack. The only way to get rid of the powerful stench is to either wash up in water or use a strong smelling perfume." she says as she thinks on the other things of the area. "There is also mosquito fever and some areas get unbearably hot. It's very difficult terrain, especially around the M'Neri Plains so depending on our route we should hire another guide to be sure and make certain that we don't get lost."
Mosquito Fever:
Giant Apes:
Crocadiles:
Elephants:
Hippopotamuses:
Hyenas:
Lions:
Enermous Snakes & more:
Ettercaps:
Spriggans:
Charau-ka:
Wyverns:
true dragons:
Army Ants:
Dinosauras:
Ankhegs:
Chi heeds Willow's words, smiling she say, "Is there any way I could make such a strange substance. We could test out how best to combat it then? Might take some time though I suppose." her voice beginning to be full of the optimism she had before her Shiv experiences.
With Marcus and Tun'ada flanking Ambroze like a pair of mixed-race bodyguards and Chi and Willow trailing behind the men, you begin to make your way from the lodge near the docks towards the north of Eleder- heading to meet Amivor Glaur, the suspicious but (apparently) competent Pathfinder.
Your only a few streets from your warehouse when you round a corner to a scene of rapidly cascading panic. Screams erupt from up ahead of you and moments later, a panicked looking mob tears down the street towards you. One of them, a frightened looking Zenj woman cries out to you as you see them approaching-
Marcus draws his sword with a ringing sound and readies his shield, placing himself protectively in front of the group and straining to see the cause of the disturbance.
Perception
Tun'ada looks down the street, trying to see the cause of panicked mob. Hearing Marcus draw his blade, the tribesman extends his claws, ready to defend the group if need be.
Perception:
"Marcus, this is no time to try and make a stand. We need to get our less combative friends out of harms way."
Willow doesn't know what to do, but gets her shield out, not knowing what could be causing the people to run and then setting off a produce flame in her hands whilst keeping her eyes and ears focused on what could be approching and causing this panic.
Perception:
"What's happening?" Ambroze shouts out to the Zenj woman.
As Ambroze catches the woman, Chi's eyes glows brown, a warm glow seems to surround the woman and sink into her skin, as Chi says "welcome friend, Ambroze means well." is a silky enchanting voice of a best friend.
All of those checks are sufficient for you to view the bestiary page for each of the standard animals you listed, except for the elephant and snake which are apparently not animals Willow knows much about.
You may view the 'Dire Hyena' and 'Dire Ape' entries in addition to any of those entries.
Ettercap- Wrong knowledge skill (needs Dungeoneering)
Willow is something of an expert with regards to spriggans and has likely had first hand experience with the evil Fey. Shes aware that the gnome-like Fey can alter their size at will from small to large, they have an innate ability to deal cruel wounds (sneak attack) against unaware or outnumbered opponents and they are skillful tinkerers with traps and locks. They speak Aklo and Gnome and also possess spell-like abilities, including Shatter and Scare.
Willow is also extremely familiar with the small, monkey-likehumanoids known as Charau-Ka. You may view their bestiary page-
It'll be one check for each type of dragon, for simplicity lets save it until you have reason to make a check.
Army Ants tend to attack in swarms and Willow is also an expert on the mindless vermin-
Various dangerous dinosaurs roam Sargava to a lesser extent, and the Mwangi Expanse to a greater. (Will need individual checks later it if comes up).
Ankheg-
This creature is an ankheg, a huge, burrowing insect with a dangerous bite and a tenacity matched only by its hunger. This result reveals all magical beast traits.
As well as its lethal bite with which it can latch on to its victims, an ankheg has a natural acidic venom which coats its mandibles and can be spit over short distances. Once an ankheg spits however, it takes a number of hours for it to build up its acid once more.
Marcus can faintly hear bestial snarls coming from behind the approaching mob, while Willow's sharp ears identify them as the barks and snarls of dogs.
Chi's hex has an effect on the woman who pauses for a moment to blurt out-
Its the Freemen Brotherhood- they set loose packs of vicious wild dogs on the streets!
She moves to continue running with the rest of the crowd but hesitates.
Come on, you shouldn't stay here! she urges Chi in Polyglot.
Freeman’s Brotherhood: Composed of notorious insurrectionists, the Freeman’s Brotherhood works throughout Outerwall distributing funds and food where they are needed. Within the district, its members enjoy the status of folk heroes and are highly recognizable to the general populace, though none would ever reveal their identities to those outside the Slums.
The Brotherhood maintains no specific location, but instead moves throughout the district, relying on the efforts of community members to provide them with shelter and meeting places.
They have reportedly been stepping up their activities of late, actively sabotaging the Sargavan Government wherever possible and using very dubious shock tactics to keep themselves in the common people's thoughts.
"The Freemen Brotherhood are insurrectionists!" Ambroze informs his companions. "They're considered folk heroes in the Outerwall district," he adds as he withraws a thunderstone from his new magical pack.
Marcus nods at Tun'ada and then again at the woman's words.
Not our fight. He says bluntly. Lets get off this street.
He looks around for an alley or side street, keeping one eye on where the noise is coming from.