You are waiting for the briefing with your fellow agents.
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The doors to the Venture-Captain's waiting room open and reveal a man in quite the regalia. Eyeglasses sit on the man's face as he moves forward to the desk of the secretary with purpose and pride. "Greetings, sir. I have arrived to speak with the Venture-Captain about a mission." he says with a flourish and a bow.
"I am Barnaby Williams, Pathfinder Extraordinaire!" he says, giving the man a wink as he finishes.
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A towering warrior clad in shining steel enters the room, his chin high. His armor is adorned with a bleeding angel, undoubtedly an obscure reference to an Empyreal lord of some kind. A broad, curved sword rests on the knight's back, and the helm - a steel protection covering the entire face - looks like an angel's face crying tears of blood, and rests for now under the warrior's arm. His face is incredibly pure and even, almost flawless, yet the result is somehow disturbing and akin to alien.
"Well met." he utters in a deep, even voice. "I am Bardiel, Knight-Paladin of Vildeis, and representative of the newly-founded Greengold Lodge, in Kyonin. It is my honor to fight at your side."
Despite the sweltering heat of the midday sun, the marketplace outside Sharrowsmith’s Exports is bustling with customers. Merchants stand in the shade under colorful awnings behind enticing displays of all manner of goods, from fresh fruits to intricate works of art. In the center of the marketplace, two large, vaguely humanoid statues rise from a fountain. Water pours from their gaping mouths as they stare up at the sun. A dark-skinned woman with gold-colored eyes sits on a bench under the fountain surveying the scene. As she catches sight of the newest arrivals, she rises and strides toward the market’s entrance, the crowd parting to allow her past. She speaks in hushed tones.
“Greetings, Pathfinders,” she says. “I’ve been expecting you. For those of you whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I am Aya Allahe. There is much to discuss, but here is not the place. Follow me, please.” She leads you through the crowd to an immense stone building decorated with carvings of fierce apes, giants, and reptilian figures. The heat inside the building is far less stifling than in the market outside. Allahe opens the door to a small, private meeting room. She presses a hidden switch on the wall, revealing a doorway into a well-appointed lounge.
“Welcome to the Nantambu Pathfinder Lodge,” she says, gesturing widely with her hands. In contrast to her animated gestures, the expression in her eyes is weary. “As you have probably heard, the local venture-captain, Nieford Sharrowsmith, recently passed away on an expedition. His unexpected passing left behind many loose ends. I’ve done my best to help the Pathfinders with the day-to-day problems, but the current task is beyond my abilities to handle alone.
“Over the last few weeks, the local Ekujae elves have become... ” she pauses. “Well, they have become rather violent toward anyone they believe to be connected to Nieford or the Pathfinders. They have ambushed or abducted several travelers who fit that description, but have not yet killed any of them. Instead, they return their victims, beaten and severely bruised, near well-traveled roads. As I have been the Pathfinders’ primary contact in the area lately, these victims have come to me and reported their experiences.
“Mostly they speak of being questioned and threatened. The Ekujae claim that Nieford Sharrowsmith owes them a service, and that if he himself will not settle the debt, then his friends or associates will. I have searched what records I have of Nieford’s, but so far all I have found is a single entry in one of his journals describing a path he once followed to the Ekujae, although there is no mention of any deal. Given his penchant for secrecy and relying upon his own memory, however, I have no doubt there is something he said to the elves to strike a bargain. That the suspicious Ekujae were willing to make a deal with him at all speaks to his strength of character. He was an honorable, trustworthy man, and the Society is poorer for his passing.” Allahe pauses for a few moments, bowing her head in remembrance.
When she speaks again, her voice is clear and determined. She hands you a detailed map drawn on a scrap of paper. “Nieford drew this map to help him find his way to an Ekujae village. I ask that you follow this map as best you can and make peaceful contact with the insular elves. If you are not confident of your ability to navigate the jungle, I suggest you hire a guide. Once you arrive in the village, find out what it is that the Ekujae want, and if it is in your power to do so, fulfill Nieford’s bargain. While I doubt the Pathfinders could ever turn the Ekujae into full allies, they are dangerous foes.” Allahe shakes her head, “Let us learn from the Aspis Consortium’s mistakes and not antagonize them.”
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A plain but well-equipped half orc of moderate size nods towards his companions. "Greetings. I am Lanz, originally of Oenopion, although I am extensively traveled. I specialize in alchemical arts and... ah, physical security of archaeological sites. I am occasionally known by the appellation "the Barber" for my skills in surgery.
Lanz comments after observing the map and hearing the tale. "We should take care in our travels; heat is a danger, and the insects of the area are known to carry malaria and similar diseases, especially near stagnant water. Likewise, we may encounter quicksand or other dangers which nearby ambush predators using such terrain to their advantage. Horses and most other large mounts are, of course, useless in the terrain. I might be able to prepare unguents to dissuade insects from attacking, but the suggested guide may in fact be wise for this expedition, as they would be familiar with the other local dangers."
"I will note, as a physician, that the plants here have various narcotic or medicianl properties of note, and are highly valued among certain select groups. Any expedition may be sweetened by acquisition of such botanical treasures, if we do not alienate the locals in the process. "
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Bardiel speaks up. "I've met a man in a local tavern who told me stories about the Ekujae. The elves of the Mwangi Expanse tend to distrust outsiders. They are hesitant at best, and fiercely xenophobic at worst. Also, elves make up the largest non-human population within the Expanse and are themselves broken into many tribes. The most well known are the Ekujae tribes of the western Mwangi, the Kallijae of the northwestern jungles, and the Alijae of the northern jungles. Although it’s not clear why, every Ekujae on patrol carries a ceremonial club carved from yellowheart wood. I guess a guide who knows the Ekujae well would be an asset for us."
Then he asks Aya: "What do we know about this debt? Did Sharrowsmith leave any notes about it? On another matter, do you know of any local guides worth their salt? Especially one versed in the Ekujae customs."
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"I had heard that the Ekujae were combating Aspis..." Barnaby offers as he heard that same as Bardiel. "Perhaps these clubs are related to Aspis dealings and we might need to procure one."
With a gallant laugh, the man gives the thumbs up. "However, since I will be with you, this should be quite easy! I find that locals are always amenable to a bit of persuasion!" he offers with a wide-grin. "Especially from a well-traveled Pathfinder such as myself!"
"Let us get provisions and head out! I'm sure our fourth will catch up!" he says proudly as he makes his way to the market in search of some clothes for the hot weather.
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A robust, scaly man enters the room, followed by a rock-like serpent that dutifully stands next to him. "I apologissse for my lateness. Tshuchihebi still gets too many ssstrange looks.", eyeing the rock snake briefly.
After getting a recap, the nagaji nods. "I can underssstand that sentiment, although in my tribe blood oaths end with death. It makes me wonder what deal Sharrowsssmith agreed to that still must be honored?"
Then he asks Aya: "What do we know about this debt? Did Sharrowsmith leave any notes about it? On another matter, do you know of any local guides worth their salt? Especially one versed in the Ekujae customs."
Aya shakes her head and answers, "As I mentioned, their communication was only in the form of demands that the Pathfinder Society fulfill ‘the bargain’ and questions about the whereabouts of Nieford."
To Bardiel's next question, Aya has a more positive response. "I'm afraid I don't know any specifically. Finding guides is normally a simple matter, but you will need to find one who is willing to travel into Ekujae lands. I recommend asking around the marketplace."
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Barnaby wanders around the market, searching for some gear to aid him in the upcoming mission. He visits a few tailors and finds the perfect thing!
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Returning to the group, they see that the man has found a white linen suit, replete with sandals and a rose-colored pocket square and tie. "No one says you can't look good while you travel in the heat!" he comments with a grin, pushing his glasses back up his nose a bit.
"Are we ready to depart? Oh, you mentioned wanting a guide... Hmm..." he says as he ponders the predicament. "To the market!" he proclaims as he makes off towards his previous destination.
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Stopping anyone who looks elvish, Barnaby asks the uncomfortable questions. "Can you help us find the Ekujae?"
"Can you help us find the Ekujae?"
"I sssee. Are there any customs you are aware about the Ekujae we should be aware of?"
"They are one of the tribes of jungle elves that live in the Mwangi Expanse. I personally do not know much about them other than they are fiercely territorial and shun outsiders. That they’ve gone out of their way to capture but not kill their victims is a hopeful sign, I suppose."
"Do we have an estimate on travel time?
"I think that will depend on your guide, you can ask them."
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Barnaby leads the way to the market. There are several guides willing to work with you. At first their rates are advertised as 30 gp but Barnaby works his magic to make them agree to just 15 gp for the whole trip.
Kubalu’s parents were thrilled when their son demonstrated an aptitude for magic at a young age. Young Kubalu reveled in his parent’s praise, and over time, he grew arrogant. Much to his classmates’ irritation, he developed a habit of using obscure knowledge as a weapon to prove himself superior to others. When he was accepted into the Magaambya to study arcane magic at the age of 16, he had no doubt that he would continue to excel. He did not cope well with being surrounded by peers and teachers who not only had little patience for his antics, but also could decisively beat him at his own game. After only a year, he took a leave of absence. In his time away, he found a job as a guide as a way to use his extensive knowledge. While he has matured in the two years since he started his leave, he has not lost his tendency to use unnecessarily big words in his speech, and he is prone to spouting extraneous facts at the slightest provocation.
Lisratak is well over 6 feet tall. Her dark skin has blue-black undertones, and she styles her long hair in an elaborate coif of tight curls that she keeps pinned close to her head. She was once a member of a Bekyar tribe that worshiped the demon lord Angazhan, but a horrifying incident that she refuses to speak about shook her to the core and inspired her to abandon her family’s traditions and wander off into the jungle in search of a new way of life. She does not follow any particular religious tradition anymore. She is interested in discussing religious traditions with the people she comes across, though she is somewhat distant with those who profess worship of demon lords. She has a dark sense of humor and a habit of cracking jokes to ease tension. She is well-versed in jungle diseases. She suggests that you purchase Nantambu’s vermin repellent if you haven’t already.
Mitarat is a Bonuwat man with ashen-brown skin, and he keeps his head meticulously shaved. He wears simple, loose clothing with many pockets, many of which contain decorative trinkets, rare plants, or other small but valuable items. He is typically sparing with words, and he prefers to listen to everyone else’s perspective and then pause before speaking. Despite his taciturn nature, his keen sense of people makes him a skillful salesman, and he makes a humble but secure living as a trader. He is one of the few people in Nantambu who has engaged in successful trades with Ekujae in the past.
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Bardiel brings his question to all three guides as he interviews them. "How long do you think our journey might be?"
"Have you dealt with Ekujae in a peaceful manner before?"
"What can you tell us about the dangers we're bound to find on our journey?"
"What is that repellent you speak of? Can it be bought easily here?"
After reviewing all three guides available on the marketplace, Bardiel confers with his companions.
"As our solid information on the Ekujae is a bit sparse for now, I'm more enclined to be interested in what Mitarat has to offer. Lisratak could also help us surviving the jungle dangers, I think. If Barnaby can lower their fee to 15 gp each, perhaps we could hire these two? The vermin repellent should also be a good investment."
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Barnaby and Kubalu seem to hit it off wonderfully as the pair exchange over-wordy stories of their adventures. "This one time, many fortnights prior, I was able to coalesce a single thought into the baroness' subconscious." Barnaby states, laughing before finishing. "I'm always too hot." he says gleefully.
"Needless to say, the baroness begins the long, arduous task of erecting a grandiose monument to sunbathing in the plaza and deemed that she would be the inaugural patron!" he giggles. "The baron's face when she shucked her robes from her shoulders! The servants still tell whispers of how the man's face has not lost the incarnadine blush, though we cannot tell as he hasn't left his manor since!"
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"Pish-posh. We should bring Kubalu. The man knows his way around a good joke and seems quite bright!" Barnaby remarks to Bardiel.
Bardiel brings his question to all three guides as he interviews them. "How long do you think our journey might be?"
All guides give you the same approximation, which is that the first 80 miles follow jungle trails and takes about five days, after which you'll have another 12 mile trek over two days to reach the village. The whole route is fraught with dangers though and on such journeys delays should be expected unless the party is really top-notch. It is possible to shave a day or so if you're lucky.
"Have you dealt with Ekujae in a peaceful manner before?"
Mitarat boasts of successful trades with Ekujae in the past and the other two guides confess that they do not have have strong contacts in the village but have always gotten along with the Ekujae when their paths crossed.
"What can you tell us about the dangers we're bound to find on our journey?"
Kubalu is very well versed on the life of the jungle and the dangers to be found within. Whether this translates to practical knowledge is unknown but he certainly sounds like he knows what he is doing.
Lisratak again warns of diseases pests and suggests vermin repellent. She at least seems aware of some of the poisonous and disease-ridden creatures and plants to be found along the way.
Mitarat seems less interested in the dangers of the jungle, waving them off and telling you that the real hard part is making friends with the Ekujae, which he has already done.
"What is that repellent you speak of? Can it be bought easily here?"
"Of course. Any good market vendor should have some on sale."
The guides are willing to travel together with you, but they are not particularly amenable to the idea, not out of any dislike for each other but because they feel it would be a waste of their time to have more than one guide on an expedition when each of them could find other groups to lead. The first guide you decide to hire offers a discount of 15 gp but if you wish to hire the others, they request their normal rate of 30 gp each.
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"Mitarat, I'd like you travelling with us even though Kubalu will already guide our steps in the jungle. During that trip, I'd love to learn everything you can tell me about the Ekujae. See, I was raised among elves in Kyonin, and part of my mission here is to report to Venture-Captain Kynrac Chronarion what I can about these secluded elves' cultures and traditions." explains Bardiel.
All three guides are pleased to have found work, even if they feel that all of them together on one small expedition is a bit overkill and redundant.
Mitarat nods to Bardiel. "Very good, sir! I can promise you that once we find them I can make an introduction. Hopefully that will get you on your way."
Merchants in Nantambu sell an alternative repellent made from local herbs and animal fats. A pot of repellent that is sufficient to last one person for the entire journey costs 10 gp. Protecting a companion creature of size Small or larger requires a second pot of repellent, but tiny or smaller creatures, such as most familiars, can share with their master.
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The hot, humid jungle is full of streams, bogs, fallen trees, and thick underbrush. Numerous hills, valleys, and cliffs require you to take a somewhat circuitous route. Like clockwork, heavy rains begin at 4 p.m. each day and last until the following morning.
The journal fragment that Allahe gives you is simple
enough to follow, showing a general southeasterly route into
the jungle around the major cliffs. The guide ensure that you do not get lost.
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Bardiel proves a dedicated student of whatever bits of wisdom the guides can provide. He attempts to put these teachings into action, using the vermin repellent as well as hot weather gear, removing and selling his metallic armor in the process not only to feel more at ease, but also to walk more quickly in the jungle. Lastly, he pays attention not to get lost, though he gladly leaves this determination to someone more skilled than he is.
"Torrid weather indeed, but again that's part of the job description." he muses.
Lanz, slightly annoyed at being ignored, repeats his question. "What, if anything, can we bring the elves that will win their favor and, perhaps, make them ever so slightly less likely to shoot us?" He directs the question to Mitarat in particular.
Mitarat waves his hand. "You can bring them any sort of gift if you wish, but that's not necessary. It's more about earning their trust and making a good impression so that they are willing to trade with you."
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The jungle is stiflingly hot and humid. Mosquitos, ants, and other biting insects provide constant irritation in most parts of the jungle.
Several days into their journey, you come across a soggy, muddy pool of stagnant water that cuts across the trail. Kubalu is quick to note that the muddiest section of the track looks to be quicksand and he recommends avoiding it.
However, as soon as you move past the wettest sections two giant mosquito-creatures fly up from behind to attack!
The stirges fly straight for Bardiel!
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As the group trudges through the muddy areas, two giant mosquito-like creatures assault Bardiel and the worldly man with the glasses recoils from the scene. "Ugh! Those have been festering in these swamps for centuries if they are that big!" he says, thinking them to be common mosquitoes. "Quick, squash them!" he adds in disgust.
Barnaby tries to help by using his arcane prowess to Daze one of the weird creatures.
As the stirges are stuck to Bardiel's body and have limited mobility, they are quite easy to hit. And, as it turns out, just as easy to kill. Lanz and Tsutanaga swing at the giant bugs and send blood and ichor oozing all down Bardiel's front.
The guides are concerned about Bariel but after looking over the wounds they reassure him that after a good night's sleep he'll feel much better. That night they find a nice dry spot to set up camp about an hour earlier than usual and the night passes uneventfully.
The next day you continue your travels. It is hot and muggy as always and the insects are a constant annoyance, even with your repellents and other protections.
You turn the bend in the trail and suddenly come face-to-face with a danger you did not expect to encounter out here: three Aspis bronze agents sitting about a small campsite drinking some type of fermented drink, with more supplies piled up nearby. Two of the Aspis are humans wearing studded leather and the third is a half-elf not wearing any armor. "Well, what do we have here?" the half-elf calls out. "Pathfinder scum, is it?"
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"Thank you for your aid.", Tsutanaga thanking the guides for their help so far.
When the party comes across the Aspis agents, Tsutanaga draws his spear. "It seems they do not wish to talk nisssce."
He then casts a spell, creating a slippery substance on the jungle floor!
Tsuchihebi then approaches, striking at the closest Aspis scum.
Tsutanaga's grease puts the half-elf on the ground as Tsuchihebi bites into the other man. He steps away from the grease and pulls out a rapier to stab back:
Meanwhile the other draws a bow to fire at Tsuchihebi:
Meanwhile the half-elf stays on the ground and takes out a scroll to create images of himself.
half-elf: prone, 5 images
red: 2 dmg
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Bardiel accepted his bleeding at the hands of the stirges rather easily. As his wounds seep with blood, he takes some of this blood with his fingers, and draws tears of blood on his face. "Vildeis, guide us through sweat and blood towards our goal."
In the days to come, despite the wounds resorbing themselves, Bardiel keeps this strange bloody makeup.
At the sight of the Aspis, the aasimar draws his curved blade as he closes in on the nearest bronze agent. "Your evil is not welcome here. Begone, and never return."