You have called to the office of Ambrus Valsin, at the Grand Lodge, in Absalom....
As your group assembles, Valsin looks up from a conversation he is having with another man.
“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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A small dark-skinned gnome teetered from his left to right foot every few seconds, like a toddler teaching himself the rudimentary skills of balance.
He bobbed his head on occasion as Valsin and the count spoke, occasionally jamming a skinny crooked finger under his reddish-colored cap to apparently scratch at some itch.
He looked to the others to speak, but gave them only a few seconds to do so before chiming in.
"Oh ho! Yes, a tiger to catch... and precious relics to fetch!"
He smiled broadly and eagerly.
"On best behavior we'll be... as we take this journey at sea!"
There was a strange haunting melody to his words as Hurley prattled on.
"Of our deeds, bards will sing... this promise I make, to Count from King."
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A strapping young man in strange (unless you are familiar with Tien fashions) armor and weapons, chuckles at the antics of the dark gnome.
"My last mission involved apes, and this one tigers. I may get quite a reputation for taking on the beasts of the jungles..."
"I am happy to meet you all, and will do my best to help in this hunt."
Once introductions have been completed, Conlaoch goes out to better equip himself before arriving to set sail in the morning.
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A thin, wiry man with pale hair leans against the wall. He moves with some grace, but you think the wiry man is stronger than he looks. Most of all though, you notice the Aldori Dueling Sword he carries at his hip. It's said those who study the Aldori school become the best swordsmen in the world.
"We are to be a babysitter for the Count and his father-in-law? And then sneak off to find the temple." Devram shrugs. "It might do well to help the Count. Support of the nobility is never a bad thing."
"The Count will provide nets and spears, I imagine."
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Late to the gathering, a hooded figure in a black cloak steps out of the shadows. You can tell that he is humanoid, but bears the talons of a bird of prey instead of feet, and has several exotic blades on belts.
With a deep eastern bow, he addresses the group with a cackle.
"Caw...Waki...Waki Huro am I. Great honor it is to serve with you hairy, I mean humanoids. Stalked other enemies for my clan have I , but never on a tiger hunt have been I ."
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Later than late to the gathering, a thin man in his forties steps in. His eyes are piercing and seem to judge anyone they encounter.
He's dressed in scale mail and wears a small book hanging from a necklace. This book bears the inscription "Arodenite Institution" and the holy symbol of Iomedae.
"I'm Pierre Viret, theologian of the glorious Iomedae. I'm not used to such missions but anyway, if you need someone to speek for the group, let me do the job."
Anticipating your questions, Valsin adds. "This lost temple isdedicated to one of the Vudran deities, 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.”
"As far as the baron and Flaroun, 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.”
"Now, off with you and good luck!"
Taking the time to equip yourselves, the party arrives at the docks before sunrise and boards the ship, Seeker's Folly....
The count’s ship departs from Absalom on the morning high tide. 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. The baron invites theyou all to dinner the first night of the voyage.
At dinner, the baron and the count make pleasant conversation. Rudyahm asks you if they’ve ever been to Jalmeray before. Matsanda asks each you about his or her most recent adventure.
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Conlaoch shakes his head as he says, "No, I haven't been to Jalmeray , but I am happy to visit somewhere new. My father used to drag us on many travels, and so I enjoy seeing different cultures and landscapes."
"Interestingly enough, my last task involved investigating some strange occurrences at an artifact exhibit, which included subduing some rather strong apes in the process. So I think a tiger will prove to be a rather exciting challenge."
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"My family hails from Rostland, Baron, though I've never been there myself. My uncle taught me the ways of the Aldori. In fact, this is one of the first excursions I've done out of Absolom. There, I helped bring to heel a renegade daughter, looking to use dark magic. Getting out of the city is a welcome treat. I look forward to testing myself against a wild beast."
"Tell me, sir, how do you hunt a tiger? An Aldori tends to fight against other men, dueling with the sword. Capturing a tiger will be quite different for me."
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Hurley eats with an appetite far beyond his small frame, bobbing his head and humming throughout the meal.
"Has Hurley been to Jalmeray? Oh no! Not that I can say."
As he realizes that the count is curious further about the deeds of their guests, he stands on his chair to enable himself to see above the food gathered at the table's center.
He clears his throat.
"From where Hurley came, it was before he had any Fame.
Travel to the north he did - by foot, by boat, by sled.
A clan of brothers took him in, soon they all were kin.
Oh! How he remembers their red caps! Their exploits. Their mishaps!
Worst of all came the trolls, of which the losses were great tolls.
As each brother was laid down, it was Hurley next to take the crown."
Hurley grins and bows, reaching out to grab an unclaimed leg of meat, dripping juice along the table before he slumps back into his chair and continues to feast.
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Thorson listen respectively to the Baron and says, "Jamerlay be a far walk from the holds of the Five Kingdoms Baron. I've yet to lay me eyes on their shores."
To Matsanda he replies somewhat gruffly, "Well, me last task was to throw some good-fer-nothing slavers off their ship and to their ends in deeps below. A good man works his own forge and not force another to work the bellows without freedom."
The men nod in acknowldge to each story, before Matsanda asks the Baron to tell his story.
The Baron Rudyahm’s face grows stern as he recalls bygone events. “There were four of us on that trip, plus a half dozen porters or so. It was our seventh day in the bush. We’d had a bad day hunting on the trail, so we split off to the west to follow a little stream deeper into the jungle. The tiger came for us that night, despite our campfires. He must have been young to be so bold. I never saw most of the carnage. All I could hear were screams, gunshots, and men begging for help in the darkness." He pauses, swallowing hard, as he recollects the events.
“With the gun smoke and the darkness, I could barely see the end of my musket. Something took a right nasty bite out of my leg, but I wheeled and unloaded my gun in its direction. I must have only clipped it, yet that was enough to startle the beast. The only glimpse I caught was its striped haunch and tail bleeding as it ran off into the darkness. I managed to limp my way out of the jungle on my one good leg, and that was the end of it. Ah, but we’re going to catch that stripey bastard this time, eh? We’ll give him what for this time around.” He says, throwing back the contents of his whiskey glass, then motioning his servant to pour him another.
The Baron and his son-in-law muse over their glasses, as if waiting to entertain any questions from the party.
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"Quite a story, Baron. You were the only one to survive? This sounds like quite the impressive beast and you were lucky to escape with your life. So we return to finish the deed, eh? For the best, really. I've heard that once a wild animal has the taste of man, it'll continue to attack people. I suppose we should keep a vigiliant night watch."
The Baron shrugs. “What I saw looked like a lone tiger. I fought druids and shapeshifters in the war, and this didn’t seem like one of those. As far as where it may be, that's what we're going to find out! Tigers are territorial. If we find our way back to its hunting grounds, there’s a good chance we’ll run across it before too long." The evening passes pleasantly and everyone retires for the evening.
After a few more uneventful days at sea, the party arrives in Jalmeray. The first stop in Segang is at a local hunting lodge, where Count Matsanda hires an elephant, a mahout (elephant driver), and a dozen porters. The elephant seems well past its prime, but it’s the only suitable mount available at the lodge, so Matsanda takes it. While this is happening, the party has time to make any last minute purchases and pick up the latest rumors drom the workers.
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Thorson wanders the area and the lodge and learns a surprising amount from overheard conversations among the workers and locals. When he returns to the lodge he shares what he learned with his fellow pathfinders.
"Well, the baron seems to be a man of his word. It also sounds like his party was not the only one to run afoul of this beast. Whatever it is, the beast may make our job easier by finding us itself."
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Devram strikes up a conversation with a few of the other elephant drivers haning around. They tell him of other attacks in the area and other partues which have gone missing. "If that tiger is truely here, he's not been content with old age. It sounds lile other groups have gone missing lately. Let's be on our guard out there. Might be other things to watch out for too."
-Posted with Wayfinder
After supplying the expedition, the party heads out into the jungle. The Segang Jungle is a dense tropical forest. The deciduous trees that comprise it are green all year round thanks to the wet coastal climate. Jalmeray is at the height of its warmer season, and the air is hot and sticky under the jungle canopy. The hunting trail is just wide enough
to accommodate the passage of an elephant (15 feet), and the areas of underbrush on either side of the trail is an overgrown tangle.
Count Matsanda and Baron Rudyahm ride in a howdah on the elephant’s back, accompanied by their mahout. The howdah is an elaborate wooden affair that can hold three occupants and one driver. Game is scarce on the first day of the safari. The baron explains that animals are skittish this close to the hunting lodge, and the real trophies are to be found deeper in the jungle. At the end of the first day the hunting party sets up camp in a clearing atop a low rise. The night passes uneventfully.
Early in the morning, you hear a loud crash coming from the count’s tent. Baron Rudyahm reaches the tent just ahead of you. “What the devil happened in here?” he asks as he enters. When you go to investigate, you see the interior of this spacious canvas tent is richly decorated with portable darkwood and silver furnishings. Torn mosquito netting hangs above the bed, and a mirror, basin, and various shaving implements lie scattered on the ground. A black leather boot lies on the floor next to the crumpled remains of a large black spider. Count Matsanda is lying on the bed clutching his bare right foot in pain.
The count replies in a fearful voice, “Something in my boot bit me—a spider I think. I fell back onto the bed in surprise. My god, Bomande, what if it’s poisonous? I could lose the foot! You brought some antitoxin, didn’t you? Fetch it quickly!” Unfazed, the baron replies, “Ah, bit of luck then. The spiders of Segang aren’t dangerous, not like the scorpions. It’ll probably smart for a bit, that’s all. Next time, check your damn boots!”
Count Matsanda is not assured by the promises of his father-in-law, and the two men begin to argue. Both nobles look to you for support in this matter. The count pleads with the party to treat him or to get the baron to give up his antitoxin, claiming that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Rudyahm confesses that he brought some antitoxin but claims it would be a waste to use it on a malingerer.
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Devram moves to the Baron to examine his foot. He finds the bite easy enough and while he doesn't know much about poisons, he knows what the lack of poison looks like. "Ah, Baron, that bite probably hurts quite a bit. But it appears like there's no lasting harm done. There are no traces of poison in your foot and the flesh is not decaying. I have a wnd in my tent which can help with the pain, but I don't think there's any need for the antitoxin."
He goes to his tent for a healing wand, passing it off to Pierre for him to heal the Baron.
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Conlaoch doesn't know much about healing or poisons - that was more his sister's interest. But he finds so much commotion about a tiny spider to be a little silly.
"Some people may not be up for the big adventure, eh Baron?" Conlaoch chuckles as he nudges the Baron and winks. "I, for one, am glad to see a man with jungle smarts leading this expedition."
Then he adds, "I expect this tiger will be bigger than the vicious spider."
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"King" Hurley moves up to the crumpled remains of the spider and prods it with a tiny outstretched finger.
As he recognizes the type from his time among the fey, his smile broadens and he picks up its carcass.
"Oh ho! This spider here is no danger to you or me... if there is venom within, tis no more danger than a bee!"
Hurley reaches into his clothes and pulls out a small green toad which blorps with enthusiasm as it sees the light.
"Watch here as I feed my dead friend, and you'll see the worries can now end!"
The gnome holds the tiny arachnid between his fingers, and with a thwhack, the toadly prince's tongue darts out, finds the corpse and turns it into a morning snack.
The Count accepts the healing from Devram and seems mollified by the party's assertions, while the Baron smugly nods in agreement. "See what I told yoy? Nothing to worry about!"
The morning is spent preparing for the hunt and eating a quick, cold breakfast. Shortly before departing from camp, Count Matsanda pulls the party aside to ask you for help. “I’d really like to impress the old man today, but you see, I’m not much of a hunter,” he admits. “In fact, I’ve never really been hunting before! Is there any help or advice you can give me?”
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"King" Hurley, fresh off his morning success, dances ahead of the main hunting party, whistling and humming.
He pauses, scans the jungles, then proceeds to scale a short tree where he obtains a vantage point only a few feet higher than his ordinary 3-foot frame would provide.
Leaping from the tree, he rushes up to the count's side and quietly shares his latest discovery.
/whispered/"Oh ho! Look there my dear count! Fresh spoor is found! Turn your mount!"/
The party is able to give much good advice to the Count, while Devram flushes a leopard that the Baron easily bags.
The seconds follows much as the first with the party advising the Count. This time, a rhinocerous is flushed and the Count is able to drop it on the second shot!
On the morning of the hunt’s third day, the smell of wood smoke fills the camp as porters busy themselves tending various cooking fires. Outside the camp, the jungle is alive with the sounds of monkeys, birds, and chirping insects.
The smell of food soon attracts the attention of a band of macaques that gather at the edge of the camp, causing trouble by overturning containers, stealing trinkets, and raiding unguarded food supplies. Reactions to the monkeys differ in the camp. The porters act reverentially toward the monkeys and offer them prayers along with bits of food and water. Baron Rudyahm, however, detests the monkeys, for they remind him of the charau-ka he fought during the war with the Gorilla King. He demands that the party get rid of the monkeys by any means possible.
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Thorson: Cha8, Handle -1
Conlaoch: Cha9, Handle -1
Pierre: Cha13, Handle +1 (untrained) or Cha check (+1) + touch of glory (+3) + guidance (+1) = +5?
Waki: Cha10, Handle +0
Devram: Cha10, Handle +0
Hurley: Cha8, Handle -1
Hurley flits about the simians, seemingly enjoying their company and merriment. He stops and looks about the camp as he recognizes the baron's reaction and looks about at the other five Pathfinders.
Suddenly, he whistles and points to Pierre and then begins to gesture towards the monkeys, waving his hands in a "shoo-ing" motion.
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Thorson watches Hurley dance around with the simians while enjoys a afternoon pipe but once Conloach reaches for a javelin he decides he should probably step in with his minor experience handling animals before the porters get offended and leave the party. The last thing he wants to do is carry some foolish Count's belongings through the jungle.
With a little coaxing, Hurley is able to disperse the monkeys, sending them fleeing up trees with only an occasional turd being thrown at the man. The baron nods his approval, as do the porters, and everyone returns to their duties in camp.
Following breakfast and the simian disturbance, the party and the nobles have another opportunity to hunt. Once you've concluded the hunt, they party returns to the main trail and continue winding through the forest.
Suddenly an enormous snake and two apparent young slither onto the trail, the large one rearing up and inflating a hood! At the sight of the snakes, the old elephant panics and begins stamping about wildly, threatening to shake the howdah and its riders off its back!