The reputable merchant and ally of the Society Aya Allahe paces one of the back rooms of Sharrowsmith’s Exports, a walled trade compound on the northern edge of Nantambu in the Mwangi Expanse.
“I wish I had more to offer,” Allahe apologizes before even presenting what information she has. “Nieford Sharrowsmith never truly retired from being a Pathfinder, even after he started this business. I think, in his mind, he was still the young adventurer that hiked through jungles and fought off troglodyte tribes. Sharrowsmith’s attitude changed over the last few months—I think he was concerned for his legacy and how history would remember him. Would it be for his discoveries or for the export business that dominated his later years? The answer, I fear, was unpalatable.
It was no surprise when he packed up and left on an expedition. But that was months ago, and neither the Society nor I have heard from him since. Sharrowsmith has never left for this long without leaving some word as to his status or sending rather demanding missives about business decisions while he was waist-deep in some jungle bog. When my own contacts failed to turn up any useful information, I had no recourse but to go through his private notes.” Allahe motions to the mess of documents scattered about the office.
“What caught my eye was this translated rubbing. It appears to be the most recent piece of a very large puzzle Sharrowsmith was researching and indicated that he may be somewhere in the Bandu Hills. Traders from Fort Bandu have confirmed that he paid the garrison a visit, but that’s where my trail ran cold. Something happened out there, and Praetor Sylien—Fort Bandu’s commander—refuses to correspond with me on the matter despite knowing how close Nieford and I are. All I received in response was that Nieford had ‘done enough damage for one lifetime,’ and that if I wanted to discuss the matter further I would need to go to Fort Bandu in person.” Exasperatedly, Allahe runs a hand across her forehead and turns her distant stare out the window.
“I cannot shutter the business and travel hundreds of miles on the off chance that the praetor can help; the company would fall apart. I’m hoping that you will be able to go in my stead, speak with the praetor personally to learn what has befallen Sharrowsmith and help him return.”
Allahe smiles "I am not aware of any erotic art, but I might be mistaken of course. Nieford was mostly interested in the things your society seems to value: relics, items with power and things lost to antiquity."
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"Before we go, you guys sell vermin repellant and maybe a potion of remove disease?" Shasta slaps yet another bug on her neck. "This jungle's gonna get on my nerves," she mutters.
If these items are available, she'll buy one each.
"We don't but you can likely find someone in town who does" Allahe answers Shasta
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Wyeth eyes Shasta with something approaching surprise. Benson didn't mention she was the delicate flower sort.
"Vermin repellent won't work on the apes, Miss Lux. Based on my experience," he says, pausing to cut a glance at certain others, "they're a wee bit more troublesome than bitey-bugs."
Turning to the merchant he asks, "If this praetor's as persnickety as you imply, is he likely to even talk with us?"
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At Wyeth's remark, she replies, "I'm not so sure of that. If I wore the smelly stuff into a bar, I'll bet a lot of the apes there would leave me alone. I'm more worried about the creepy crawlies supposed to infest these jungles: scorpions, spiders, centipedes, biting ants, bats, the like. Apes, whether in the jungle or a bar, I can handle with my sword or my whip, not to mention some spells. Plus music has charms to sooth the savage beast, doncha know?"
To Allahe, she asks for a description of Harrowsmith, so we will recognize him if we find him. Does he carry a wayfinder or anything else distinctive? And does she know if Praetor has a problem with Pathfinders in general? Finally, is there anything we need to know about events in these 'Bandu Hills'? Native uprisings, unexplained disappearances, etc. She'll want to look at the best map they have of the area and make some notes about what it shows.
the prospectors in the region.
The Bandu Hills remain rich in gold, silver, and gems, despite several centuries of colonial mining. Prospectors arrive from throughout the Inner Sea region to seek their fortune. The local Mwangi tribes often
retaliate violently.
"I know Praetor Sylien only by reputation. The grandson of an old elven explorer, he’s served the garrison for decades, though I hear he’s mostly retired now. My business associates say he is a fair and very pragmatic man, one who respects hard facts and truth. His being dismissive of my request sounds uncharacteristic. Therefore I believe he will talk with you if you turn up at the fort. I never heard that he has issues with any organization."
Turning to Shasta she continues "Sharrowsmith is slowly turning into old age, he is approximately 5 foot tall and of average human build. I believe his origins are Taldan, but we never discussed that. He has a wayfinder and always carries that around. In addition to that his sword is engraved with the glyph of the open road.
Be wary when entering the Bandu hills, it’s a dangerous place. This is true of much of the Expanse, but the Bandu Hills have a dozen ways to kill before accounting for living creatures: heat, dehydration, landslides, poisonous plants, carnivorous plants, and so on.
Unfortunately, the place is sick with riches like diamonds, gold, and silver—an embarrassment of wealth that only attracts more dangerous occupants. I am surprised that Sharrowsmith didn’t settle down there, to be honest.”
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"I guess we best stock up on food and water, unless someone can cast a spell to create it. Wyeth? If not, maybe for insurance pick up a few scrolls to cast Create Water. How many day's travel is it to the fort? Will we need to cross any bodies of water? What's the best beast of burden for this climate and terrain?"
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"Sorry, no," says Wyeth with a shake of his head. "I'm not really strong on magic. Where I come from, they beat the divine sort out of you," he explains apologetically. "That's if they let you live. What I can do is very limited, just what comes to me naturally."
"Being the Expanse, I'd expect no lack of water -- it's not like back home. If we have someone who can purify, that should work just as well."
"Now me personally, I recommend carrying ale instead of water," he adds with a grin.
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Don't dot this thread! I got a new one here:
My gameplay thread for you all :) Figured it was easier than GM G can simply close this one.