Hello, dear players! Please dot in this thread. The game will start in the gameday's second session, the 1st of October.
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Tofang Siyaah is a slight Wayang. He typically wears outfits with many pockets and sometimes wears protective eyewear except when in polite company.
After conversing with him a little bit you notice that Tofang is sharp and talks somewhat quickly, but is deliberate with his word choices and tends to approach problems as an engineer would.
He is fascinated by the melding of technological practices found in early firearms, and to that end he has fashioned a personal pistol of his own design.
He is generally wary of weapons and would like to avoid hurting anyone with them, but understands how dangerous the world can be and keeps his weaponry hidden on his person should the need arise.
You are summoned to the office of Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin in the Grand Lodge of Absalom. The purpose of your summoning was not mentioned, just that Valsin has a mission for you, and a person he'd like you to meet. Indeed, as you near the door to the Venture-Captain's office, you can hear two voices emerging from inside: the familiar voice of Ambrus Valsin, and that of an unknown man. As you stand outside, you might wish to introduce yourselves to each other, before you enter the office and receive your mission briefing.
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A young athletically built woman with bright orange-red hair joins the group at the Grand Lodge. She is lightly armoured with one hand absent-mindedly resting on the handle of a pistol that is slung from one hip. On the other hip is a fine looking rapier that looks barely used and almost ornamental. As she joins the rest of the party outside the VC's office, the smell of sea air seems to waft in with her on the breeze. "Ahoy, me hearties! Am I on time? Ye can't always predict the tides as well as ye might like...Not sure I've met any of you lads or lasses before. Me crew call me Cap'n Morgan, me enemies have been known to call me 'Red Waves' for some reason, but you lot can just call me Nelenna."
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A well dressed, black haired man enters, adjusting his cravat before he speaks.
"I am Titus Lindsey, once and future Baron of Galt. You may have heard of my exploits, but if not, I shall say only that they were most amazing indeed, as I am myself.
Noticing the pistol Nelenna is sporting his eyes brighten, "Ah, I too prefer to let my pistols do much of the heavy lifting as the case would be."
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Sir Lansle is a young man in his twenties. His hair is brown, but is starting to go grey on the sides from all of his worrying. He wears sturdy armour, and carries a big metal shield. Both of them have the glowing sword of Iomedae on them in brilliant, bright colours. Around his neck is a holy symbol of Iomedae, as well. He looks like a holy warrior, strong and a true! But, he looks terrified, and his arms and knees shake with fear.
He offers a handshake to the other Pathfinders, "H-h-hi" he stammers nervously.
"I'm S-s-sir Lansle Eine! It's nice to m-m-meet you!" Looking at the others he asks, "Are y-you sure those guns are safe? D-d-don't they explode?"
He nods, looking suddenly extra scared.
"Y-y-you did amazing deeds?" Sir Lansle asks Titus. "So d-d-did I! I fought in the Worldwound." He nods, then pales. He opens his mouth to say something, then closes it again. He looks suddenly sad.
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Watergreen is a tall, slender elf woman who wears what looks like her undergarments! . On top she has a scrap of green cloth that is tied around her waist like a skirt. She wears sandals on her feet, and has a backpack over one shoulder. Her hair is long and blonde, and she wears a braided knot of purple flowers and vines in her hair like a crown. She is tanned from the sun, and she smells like she's been swimming at the beach.
On the top of her hand is a tiny green frog. She just sits there. Sticking to her. The frog licks its eye.
The elf smiles at the others. "I am known as Watergreen." She holds out her hand to show off her frog. "And this is Lilith."
Watergreen looks at her frog. "Okay, okay. I know! Ribbit ribbit! Yes, yes. But, it's my job!"
Watergreen looks up from her frog and smiles at the others. "She's a little worried about the pistols."
The frog croaks, then starts to creep it's way up her arm.
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Jeb is a very weathered looking fellow with a full head of wild hair and a long beard. His gear looks equally as weathered. Jeb watches the others arrive with interest. He scratches his beard, and picks a hunk of mud out of his hair. He gives it a flick, sending it flying across the hall. Then he wanders over, bringing with him a funky odour.
“Pleasure to meet y’all. I’m Jeb. Jeb Barlo.” Jeb gives them a hearty handshake. He seems very happy to meet everyone.
Then he smiles brightly at Watergreen. "Well, hello again, Miss. Mighty fine seeing you again."
“They must be waiting outside,” you hear the familiar voice of the Venture Captain just before the door opens and Ambrus Valsin invites you into his office.
“Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,” Ambrus Valsin says. “Pathfinders, welcome! May I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across his desk to a tall Garundi man with short black hair and goldrimmed spectacles. Valsin’s guest stands and offers his hand in greeting as he speaks.
“It is a true pleasure to meet you. I have purchased several antiquities from your Society in the past, and I have always wondered about the people who acquire such treasures.
I must say, you do not disappoint!”
Valsin smiles at the compliment before continuing, “Agents, your next mission will take you to the island of Jalmeray. We’ve received reports that the ruins of a previously unknown temple have been found in a part of the Segang Jungle known as the Urapangi Lowlands. From its location, I think this temple could be one of those abandoned by the legendary Maharaja Khiben- Sald when he left Jalmeray over four thousand years ago. A temple untouched since Khiben-Sald’s time would be a major find for the Society. Of course, getting to Jalmeray on such short notice poses some difficulties.”
“I believe that’s where I come in,” the count interjects. “I’m arranging a hunting expedition to Jalmeray for myself and my new father-in-law, Baron Bomande Rudyahm. Bomande was quite the sportsman in his day. However, some years ago he was wounded during a tiger hunt in the Segang Jungle. He’s been grumbling about getting revenge on the beast for so long that I thought taking him on a trip back to Segang might earn me some credit with the old man.”
Ambrus Valsin continues: “Falroun has graciously offered to provide transport to and from Jalmeray and to outfit us with everything we need for our journey into the jungle. In exchange, you’re going to help his father-in-law, the baron, with this tiger hunt and make sure he gets the better of the beast this time around, as it were. You’ll have time to discuss the details of the hunt during your voyage to Jalmeray.”
“A voyage for which I must make some final arrangements,” adds Falroun, “I’m afraid I must depart. Once again, it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to our journey together.”
With a nod, he exits the room. As the count’s footsteps recede down the hall, Ambrus Valsin’s smile fades from his face. “Ordinarily, the Society would cover the costs of an expedition like this. However, our resources are stretched thin at the moment thanks to our campaigns in Varisia and the Worldwound. Until such time as those ventures pay off, we’re going to have to rely on people like Count Matsanda to cover some of our operating expenses. I’m trusting you with the Society’s reputation on this mission. Fulfill our end of this bargain by helping the baron bag his tiger, and try to make nice with at least one of these nobles. Now, unless you have any questions about this temple, go get your affairs in order. Your ship sails in the morning.”
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Watergreen smiles at Jeb. She doesn't mind the smell at all. "Hello, Jeb. It's nice to see you again."
"The Island of Jalmeray? I've never been there! What's it like? I can't wait for the ship-ride over! I LOVE water."She smiles "I don't suppose these ruins are flooded, are they?" she asks hopefully.
"The Count seems nice. I hope his father-in-law is kind as well."
The frog on her arm lets out a loud CROAK
Watergreen smiles in response. "We'll see," she says. But you're not sure what she's talking about.
She looks at the Venture Captain. "Can you tell us the story of Maharaja Khiben-Sald. That sounds important."
“The temple is dedicated to one of the Vudran deities, certainly, but beyond that we don’t know. My contacts tell me the locals have several superstitions about monkeys. If that represents some leftover remnants of the temple’s faith, it could be dedicated to one of the monkey-faced deities, Ragdya and Lahkgya, or to Chamidu, the goddess of wild animals.”
The Venture Captain coughs as he considers Jeb's second question. “Baron Bomande Rudyahm received his noble title as a reward for his service in the military. He’s something of a war hero, and was instrumental in defending Alkenstar from invasion by the Gorilla King in 2690 AR. Falroun Matsanda is the youngest son of one of Alkenstar’s wealthiest families, and his marriage to the baron’s daughter bought him a great deal of political support. He’s a serious up-and-comer in Alkenstar politics.”
Finally, he addresses Watergreen's inquiries. “Segang is hot and muggy this time of year. It’s a jungle, so expect dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures, and disease. You may also encounter some looters at the temple, if you don’t get there fast enough. I can't say I'm an expert in the field, but I know Maharajah Khiben-Sald is the legendary figure who united the many mahajanapadas of Vudra under his rule. On his visit to Nex in 563 AR, the first recorded Vudran to step on Inner Sea land, the archmage Nex granted him rule over the island of Jalmeray, where he ruled for a decade and built many palaces and temples. These monuments were abandoned when the Maharajah left Jalmeray, and their fate is unknown. Any piece of information you can recover regarding this temple and others Khiben-Sald may have built would be invaluable for the Society's understanding of the area.”
Ambrus Valsin nod seriously at Watergreen, making sure the Pathfinders understand the importance of this as well as of the rest of their mission.
“Anything else?”
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"Nothin' from me neither! We be huntin' ye say? Sounds like this could be a fun mission compared ta most!"
Nelenna casts her eye across to Titus' pistol, as if sizing it up and then casts a glance across to Sir Lansle "Lad, ye sure ye're up ta this task...scared of a little ol' gun that ain't even pointed at ye? Not sure how ye'll go face ta face with a tiger!"
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"Oh, don't worry! There are few traditions as noble as the hunt! I'm sure we can show the good Baron a fine time. As for animals? Well, I've never seen one that could do much harm once you put enough bullets into it! Or catch it on fire, that is. . ."
Turning back to Valsin:
"But the Count mentioned his father in law had troubles with this tiger before. Are there any limitations from the Baron's wounds we need to pay attention to?"
"I wouldn't know," Valsin says to Titus, "I haven't met the Baron in person yet. It is up to you to determine Baron Rudyahm's limitations and make sure the Society does not disturb his experience of the expedition. Now, make any final arrangements, and go to sleep early. We don't want you to be late to the voyage."
With this, the Venture Captain shows you out of his office. Please note anything you might want to purchase before you set off in the Discussion thread, like Tofang did.
The count’s ship departs from Absalom on the morning after the briefing. Once aboard, you are introduced to Baron Bomande Rudyahm, a handsome, dark-skinned Garundi gentleman of advancing years, with a thick black mustache and graying hair at his temples. He walks with a prominent limp, and carries a finely crafted walking cane to help him amble about.
"You must be the Pathfinders," Rudyahm says as he firmly shakes hands with each of you. "Very good, very good. It has been a while since my last foray into the Segang Jungle, and I'd like my companions on this hunt to be capable," he says as he looks sternly at Count Matsanda. "Join us for dinner tonight, yes? We have much to talk about."
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Watergreen's frog croaks a bit. "Ribbit ribbit! Croooooooak!"
Watergreen smiles down at her. "We'll be fine." She pats the frog on the head.
The frog pretends to play dead.
Watergreen laughs. "Oh, no need to worry about those strange weapons or the tiger. We'll both be alright in the end."
The frog does not seem convinced.
Watergreen waves goodbye to everyone and heads off to bed. The next morning she swims through the harbour and climbs up onto the proper boat. As she wrings out her wet hair she waves hello to the crew. "Oh, I LOVE to travel the oceans!" she gushes.
She shakes the Baron's hands. "Hi! I'm Watergreen! It's nice to meet you. I'll see you at dinner!"
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"I'd rather n-n-not go face to face with a t-t-tiger...." Sir Lansle replies. "But, I'll do what I n-n-n-need to."
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Sir Lansle stands on the dock the next morning. He looks at the boat, and then looks at his heavy armour.
"Oh, dear... I hope I d-d-don't fall overboard!"
Shaking with fear, he goes on the boat.
He waggles his finger at Watergeeen. "Careful! There's all k-k-kinds of dangerous sea c-c-creatures around here! You could get hurt! And even if n-n-not, the water's cold. you could c-c-catch a chill!"
When he meets the Baron he bows and shakes the man's hand.
"I am S-s-sir L-l-lansle Eine. Paladin of Iomedae."
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"I'd rather n-n-not go face to face with a t-t-tiger...." Sir Lansle replies. "But, I'll do what I n-n-n-need to."
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Sir Lansle stands on the dock the next morning. He looks at the boat, and then looks at his heavy armour.
"Oh, dear... I hope I d-d-don't fall overboard!"
Shaking with fear, he goes on the boat.
He waggles his finger at Watergeeen. "Careful! There's all k-k-kinds of dangerous sea c-c-creatures around here! You could get hurt! And even if n-n-not, the water's cold. you could c-c-catch a chill!"
When he meets the Baron he bows and shakes the man's hand.
"I am S-s-sir L-l-lansle Eine. Paladin of Iomedae."
Tofang shakes Sir Lansale’s hand.
”Finally someone who understands the dangers of this world. Have I told you about firearms? Very dangerous! Last month I saw an alchemist loose his right hand from an explosive... “ and Tofang tries to converse with the Paladin about this and that.
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Nelenna boards the boat, clearly in her element preparing to head out to sea. She admiringly takes a tour of the vessel, sizing up its worth and chatting to the crew as they go about their chores, get a feel for their worth as well. "I do miss me own boat...p'raps soon enough I'll have another. How long are we expectin' ta be out at sea did they say?"
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Sir Lansle quivers in fear. "Oh, dear! How t-t-t-terrifying! I've seen g-g-good soldiers lose hands before -- and worse! But that was always from b-b-b-battling the demon hordes. Not from your own weapon! Yikes!"
Sir Lansle happily shares his many fears, worries, and phobias with Zofang! He is happy someone is finally taking him seriously!
When evening comes, a deckhand leads you to the ship's mess hall. Baron Bomande Rudyahm and Count Falroun Matsanda are both already waiting for you there, and they greet you warmly upon your arrival. After letting you introduce yourselves ("Quite a quirky crew you've brought over, Falroun," Baron Rudyahm says humorously), a pleasant conversation on everyday matters ensues.
"So, any of you ever been to Jalmeray before?", Baron Rudyahm asks with great interest.
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"Unfortunately not Sir ... but I will surely enjoy the experience! I have to admit that this hunt will be my first experience in the jungle too."
He pauses for a moment.
"I was born in Tian Xia. My parents plied their trades as mechanics and smiths. And I followed in their footsteps somewhat, as I studied at Lepidstadt University in Ustalav."
Obviously he does not understand that in such social situations restraint would be more advisable.
"I graduated from the university early, and relocated to Absolom with a lot of theoretical knowledge and was eager to apprentice to any engineer in town that would have me. I started working for Khonnir Baine, a wizard and munitions engineer that has sought to improve the defensive capabilities of castles by refining their firearms and weapons capabilities."
Without waiting for an answer he continues.
"I am fascinated by the melding of technological practices found in early firearms, and to that end I have fashioned my personal pistol of my own design."
He unpacks his pistol and puts it on the table and looks at the weapon with a stern look.
"But I am generally wary of weapons and would like to avoid hurting anyone with them, but I understands how dangerous the world can be and keep my weaponry hidden on my person should the need arise to use it."
"Similar, maybe, but nothing is quite like the island of Jalmeray. Unique fauna, interesting culture, an environment that defeats all but the strongest. I'm looking forward to seeing the impression the Jungle leaves on all of you when we arrive."
Sensing that the Baron might be a little disappointed that none of the Pathfinders are Jalmeray veterans, Matsanda quickly shifts the subject.
"So all of you are experienced Pathfinders, right? Why don't you tell us about your latest adventure? I'm sure each of you has a unique and fascinating story."
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”Oh well of course! In my last mission I even met a goddess and convinced all her followers that they were following the wrong teachings of their deity! Can you believe that?! We had to fight extraplanar phantoms and crazed cultists! So I really had to shoot my gun ... “ Tofang says a little disappointed.
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"That sounds s-s-super scary!" he gasps. "What goddess d-d-did you meet? I once m-m-met Iomedae. She brought my brother and I b-b-back to life when we died." He shivers. "I d-d-don't want to talk about that though."
He thinks a moment. "On my last mission I went to Diobel to stop the Apis C-c-consortium from spreading a d-d-dangerous experiemental d-d-drug throughout the Inner Sea!"
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Watergreen smiles. "On my last mission There was weird weather because the First World was intruding upon the Material Plane. We found out a gnome who had lost her colour was the cause and we had to slip through a magical well and head to the First World to retrieve them. Then we came back. Now I have some really neat chalk."
Watergreen takes out her chalk and draws on the table. As she draws the chalk lets out a stream of shimmering bubbles that float off into the air.
She grins. "See?"
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Nelenna is next to speak up and recount her last mission. "Me last mission? Cartin' a bunch of stinkin' gobbos from Irrisen back across to the Land of the Linnorm Kings so's that they could be interrogated. Definitely a challenge ta not just take out me pistol and finish the little rotters off...more trouble than they was worth, ta be honest!"
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"You may have heard of a site in the River Kingdoms known as the Emerald Spire, an ancient place that extends many mile beneath the ground. Three times, so far, I've braved the Spire, and fought many nasty creatures there- goblins, zombies, skeletons, bone priests, spiders, robots, and bandits! Some day, I'll return again, and who knows what will await me then!"
"Hah! Your adventures each seem more curious than the previous!," Baron Rudyahm remarks. He asks you all for more details, showing interest but not delving too deeply, mostly making polite conversation. "Now then," he says later into dinner, "any questions you feel the need to ask before we arrive at Jalmeray?"