GM Turmoil |
You have all been summoned by Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin to the Grand Lodge.
“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.”
Boon Sai Hong |
"Tiger hunting, eh? I never was one for spending time out in the jungles. Still, my upbringing did prepare me pretty well for such things", says a Tien man in light armor, leaning on a staff. A small, brown haired monkey with a white furred face sits on his shoulder.
"I suppose I should introduce myself, since I've never been on a mission with any of you before. My name is Boon Sai Hong, greatest quarterstaff master on all of Golarion", he proclaims grandly.
The monkey on his shoulder lets out a howling monkey noise and smacks him on the back of the head over and over.
"HEY!!! Stop that!!! I was just about to introduce you, too", he tells the monkey, though he's such a bad liar that even the monkey doesn't seem to believe him, though it does stop hitting him. Less enthusiastically, he continues, "And the fuzzball is Po Po. He helps... supposedly." He shoots a dirty look to the monkey, then turns his attention back to the venture-captain.
"So Valsin", he addresses the venture-captain casually, most likely annoying the other man, "are we supposed to let this baron guy get the final blow on a tiger himself? Or are we doing the hunting for them while they just watch?"
"And what's up with this temple? Any idea what type of stuff could be there? And by that, I mostly mean traps or any guardians or anything that may still be around after all these years. I'll let the brainier guys deal with analyzing the ancient relics."
Brooaka 'Duskglider' |
In the corner of the room stands a grippli of approximately 2 feet tall. It is easy not to notice him, (+13 stealth!!!) with his mottled dark green skin and his near motionless stance. Although relatively lean, even for a grippli, he has powerful legs, and thick webbing stretches his hands and feet. He is dressed in simple studded leather armor, and a primitive tebutje hangs by his side. Round his neck hangs a fetish made of some animal teeth, fur and hair, tied together by some dried tendons. The musket he holds tightly beside him, however, is a stark contrast to his get-up.
He stares with unblinking eyes during the briefing, especially keeping his eyes on the Count. He is not familiar with this young noble, but that is hardly surprising. These nose-up-in-the-air nobles only deign to show their presence when "soldiers need their morale boosted" but otherwise, spend their time playing their games of court.
But when he hears the name Baron Bomande, he jerks to attention. His hand unwittingly strays to a pouch where his insignia is kept.
So I'll be travelling with the Baron? I wonder if he remembers... Bah, I doubt it. One soldier in the midst of the battalion. Especially not one measly frog.
He continues to stay silent, not ready to draw attention to himself just yet.
Glomintar 2 |
In the corner in the shadows stands a short creature, a wayang and a pointed nose. He's hard to see in the shadows of the corner. He has a wide grin on his face. A variety of wands stick out of his pack. "Greetings all..Glomintar here...I'd be happy to help this noble kill a tiger in the name of the Society. I've never killed....a tiger...before...I am a practitioner of the arcane arts. I am interested in dark arcane lore for the paracountess"
Jivan |
A well-dressed, dark-skinned man, Jivan stands at ease before the Venture-Captain's desk. A slight metallic clink from under his tunic betrays the presence of armor, but the only weapons he carries openly are a dagger and a pair of darts in his belt, along with what looks like a coin pouch. His hands show no signs of manual labor.
Smiling, he bows to the Count at the introduction. "Jalmeray, is it? I only stayed there briefly when I traveled to this place from Vudra...I look forward to returning and seeing more of it."
After the Count leaves, the Vudrani nods in response to Valsin's final instructions. Of course this is political. There may be some trade opportunities for us, though. "Venture-Captain, do you know to whom the temple was dedicated?"
Hamith |
"A question, sir," a man steps forward with features equal parts Varisian and Ulfen, the sword-and-sunburst symbol of Iomedae etched into the scabbard of his greatsword, "What intelligence do have about the surrounding area. Any recent disturbances of note?"
He turns to the assembled team and bows swiftly, precisely, even in his armor. "Hamith Caid, a pleasure." He straightens. He flexes his sword hand open and closed, deep scars crossing the natural lines to create an intricate latticework. "I have been commissioned by the church of Iomedae to destroy evil in the lost places of the world." He looks up. "I am going to be Her First Sword Knight someday."
But can you last?
..
...
What about before?
GM Turmoil |
"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." The Venture-Captain pauses a moment and drinks deeply from a horn of ale. "As far as the temple goes, we know very little about it. I have to assume it's 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."
"Who makes the killing blow on the tiger is not my concern, but the Baron may feel very differently about that. Just remember to play nice with them, we need all the allies we can get right now."
The count’s ship departs from Absalom on the morning after the briefing. Once aboard, they 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 night after departing port, he invites all of you to dinner in his cabin.
As you enter the cabin, you see a garish display of food set before you. Rare fruits you have never seen, meats of all types, and several different vintages of wine. The Baron stands at the head of a long, dark wooden table with the Count next to him. "Thank you for joining me this evening. I thought this the best way to get to know my new hunting companions. I certainly hope that this excursion goes better than the last one I took in Jalmeray. Have any of you been to that wretched jungle before? We can talk about it as we eat, please, sit." and he gestures to ornately carved chairs that surround the table. During dinner, Count Falroun inquires about each of your latest adventures, taking notes here and there, while trying to gleam tips about how to survive in the wild.
The map link has images of both the Count and Baron.
Lady Isabel Ferrari |
Strolling into the room, almost late for the mission briefing, a lovely women glad in a mixture of both nobles clothes that are somehow still fashionably an explorer's outfit, a parasol, folded, at her side. "Oh dear me, my apologies Valsin, please continue, it was just such a lovely day for a stroll through the park, I couldn't help myself,"
Looking around at the companions gathered for her, "Oh I must say, such a ruff bunch of scoundrels too," Turning to Valsin, "What will you be having us do this time?" Walking over to Hamith, tracing her fingers along his armor, noticing the stylized Greatsword, "I must say, its always nice to have a Paladin in the group, such evil roams the land these days,"
Kn: Nobility + Free Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + (3) = 19 to know more about the baron
Previewed my post, saw the GM's new post pop up 30 seconds before me
Sitting at the dinner table, taking only the daintiest of bites, talking between bites, "I must say Count, it is such a pleasure to meet you, I've heard tales of your exploits. Your vicious battle with this tiger, at last you'll have your revenge,"
Kn: Nobility + FI: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (5) = 18 To know more about the count
GM Turmoil |
Before you left, Ambrus was able to tell you what little he knows about the two noblemen, "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."
Brooaka 'Duskglider' |
Back at the Grand Lodge
I guess it would be rude if I continue to stay silent. However, Brooaka intentionally waits for the Count to take his leave first before introducing himself. "Good day, compatriots. My name is Brooaka, although along the way I've picked up the nickname of Duskglider. Call me whichever you prefer." Somewhat surprisingly, Brooaka is actually quite well-spoken, without the typical grippli accent. He is rather stand-offish though. "I was a soldier in Alkenstar." At this time, he glances in the direction that Count Falroun had left by, before continuing. "A member of the Third Battalion. Supporting my infantry platoon as a sniper. Trained both to set-up ambushes in advancement, or provide covering fire in withdrawals. Especially in dusk missions. Hence, my platoon mates eventually gave me my nickname." He briefly displays his gliding webs on his right hand.
He pauses briefly, "I actually served under Baron Bomande's command briefly before he retired from the military. He was well-respected. I am not familiar with the Count, however."
GM, I hope you're fine with his background. I've had this idea for an Alkenstar grippli soldier sniper for a while, so when you started this game, it all came together!
He continues to share. "A couple of months ago, my tribe made a request of me to seek assistance with the Pathfinder Society. My officers granted me my leave of absence and now, I'm here. My first mission. Rather a coincidence that it would be to serve with the Baron again."
On the ship
Brooaka stays silent at first, looking to see if the Baron might remember him. There were literally hundreds of soldiers under his command, though, and Brooaka only served under him briefly before he retired, so he was not surprised that the Baron didn't register him. Although he was a little disappointed.
When the Count invites them to share their stories, however, Brooaka decides to speak up. "I thank you, Baron and Count, for your hospitality. I am Brooaka, from Alkenstar, like yourselves. I am a soldier, served as a sniper in the Third Battalion." At this, he gestures to his musket which never leaves his side. "I am on leave of absence currently, and only recently joined the Pathfinder Society. Jalmeray is unfamiliar to me, having spent almost my entire life in Alkenstar."
This mission is a good opportunity. I might be able to sway him to our cause...
Jivan |
Jivan shrugs. "I can tell you little of Jalmeray. My deeds in the Society are small ones...at least as yet. My Confirmation was an expedition to the Kortos Mountains near Absalom, and then I ran a few errands for some of the Venture-Captains of the Grand Lodge, and traveled to Qadira to attend a funeral and conclude some business. Very little, to be sure. I suspect that the jungles of Jalmeray will be a different order of hazard compared to the interior of Kortos."
Hamith |
"Ah, that, yes...evil," Hamith'd sputtered to Lady Isabel back at the Grand Lodge. He'd straightened, cleared his throat. "You are too kind, m'lady." The scar on his collarbone had called to him then, so to the one across his abdomen, so much so that he'd had to adjust his breastplate straps for comfort.
Now on the ship he reflects. He sits when prompted, thanks both nobles when able. When his turn comes to tell stories around the table, he says flatly, "I trained with the Ungrounded mercenary company on the Plane of Earth and after that, I helped escort dwarven merchants safely through Razmiran despite...set backs. Inheritor be praised I and each of my teams have been victorious thus far," he looks sullen for a moment, "But they were not without hardship."
He says, changing the subject, "This tiger we are to hunt. What can you tell us about it?"
Boon Sai Hong |
"While I've never been to Jalmeray, I do have some experience in jungles, back home in Tian Xia. I moved around a bit there, eventually finding my way to the Inner Sea. The Pathfinder Society just seemed like a good fit for a wanderer with a strong weapon like myself." He gestures to his quarterstaff at that last part, and grins.
"Now I know a lot of people don't take quarterstaves seriously as weapons. They're not as flashing as swords or... whatever that is", he says, gesturing to the grippli's musket. "But in skilled hands, they can be quite effective. I'm sure you'll get a solid demonstration of my skill with it during our hunt." He continues to brag.
As Boon speaks, Po Po the monkey climbs on to the table and starts grabbing some food and drink. While he does eat some fruit, he seems to mostly prefer whatever wine is available.
"As for my previous missions as a Pathfinder, let me tell you about the time I helped solved some trouble in Tamran in Nirmathas..."
Boon will continue to ramble and take credit for his entire previous team's accomplishments for as long as nobody interrupts him.
In case anyone hasn't figured it out, being an arrogant braggart is how I play Boon's dumped charisma. And his low intelligence comes out in him not realizing that he's nowhere near as skilled as he thinks he is. He truly believes he's an amazing warrior and everyone should be impressed, when he's actually an arrogant jerk who's ok, but not great, in a fight.
Lady Isabel Ferrari |
Astonished, ”Please forgive me Count, I am Lady Isabel Ferrari, I’m sure you’ve heard of my families esteemed line of horses, the fastest in the Inner Sea,”
Thinking to her self, ”Ah my most recent adventure had me fighting to capture a Chelaxian Pirate Lord, what fun it was too,”
GM Turmoil |
Both of the noblemen listen intently as you tell your tales, gesturing now and then to a pair of servants who refill wine glasses and clear out dirty plates. The Baron seems to revel in hearing the tales of battle, and shares a few of his own war stories as well. He is especially intrigued after hearing Brooaka. "I may not remember you personally, but anyone who served in the Third is a friend of mine. Damn fine group of gents. Those battles against the army of the Gorilla King Ruthazek, are ones that I will never forget."
When Hamith inquires about the tiger, 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."
“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.”
Lady Isabel Ferrari |
Politely dabbing her lips with a napkin, "Yes, we will insure that your hunt is successful, that tiger will adorn the floors of your Hall before long,"
Hamith |
Hamith says, "We will not fail, sir."
He continues eating, loudly, then says, "If I may ask, what will be our route to the Segang Jungle?"
GM Turmoil |
So I should have made this clear and asked for it up front, but any of you that told stories of your past, could I get a Diplomacy roll as well.
Bomande strokes his mustache as he thinks for a moment, "Hmmm, that expedition must have been over 4 years ago now. Seems like Just yesterday though. When we arrive in Jalmeray, we will head straight for the hunting lodge, and from there we will venture into the jungle."
The remainder of the sail is fairly uneventful, though the rest of the food seems very bland after that first night's dinner. It takes several days until you reach the coast of Jalmeray and dock at a nondescript location on the edge of the jungle. 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. The lodge also has a variety of survival gear.
You can make any purchases if you would like. They don't have a lot, but certainly any mundane items or common low level magical items.
Brooaka 'Duskglider' |
Hmm, not his best skill...
diplomacy, dinner: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8
Despite the common history, Brooaka's brisk and standoffish manner must have rubbed the nobles the wrong way. After that, for the rest of the ship ride, Brooaka keeps out of the way of the nobles, fearing to offend them further. And possibly jeopardising my goal. Or rather, that of my tribe.
---
At the lodge, Brooaka mingles around the hunters, and with his experience soldiering and with his musket, has better luck with them.
diplomacy, hunting lodge: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
He shares what he found with his party. "The General ... I mean the Baron's party was not the only one hit by the tiger over the years."
Jivan |
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Not the most suave and elegant of raconteurs, I see.
Untrained Knowledge (Local): 1d20 ⇒ 17
Jivan asks one of the hunters at the lodge, "When did the last group go missing?"
Boon Sai Hong |
diplomacy at dinner: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
Boon talks a lot at dinner, and some of his stories are probably mildly interesting at first, but he also goes on far too long and doesn't tell them particularly well.
-----------
Once we're at the hunting lodge, Boon makes sure the baron is packing enough food for the entire group, otherwise buys some rations.
diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1
Other than that, he brags to everyone he meets that he'll bludgeon the tiger to death with his quarterstaff, but he's so annoying about it that the locals are probably hoping the creature eats him.
A couple of times during all this Po Po will whack Boon on the back of the head when his boasting gets out of hand.
Hamith |
Diplomacy (dinner): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Hamith's stories are intriguing, sparsely told as they are, with just enough detail to keep most listening.
At the lodge he inquires around and listens to the rumors.
Diplomacy (hunting lodge): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
At an opportune moment when the group has assembled, he relays the information he has gathered. "It seems we're not alone in this expedition. We may have competition ahead. We best ready ourselves."
He finds a merchant and buys some alchemist's fire and a dagger and belts the dagger and stuffs the alchemist's fire in his backpack. Items bought: 2 flasks of alchemist's fire, 1 dagger; 42 gp
If he has time, he attempts to inquire about the other expeditions.
Diplomacy (inquiries): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Lady Isabel Ferrari |
Continuing her story of her adventure over some coffee with the Count, ”So you see, this Cherish Pirate had razed an Andorran town, those two nations are always bickering, but this pirate stole some Aslant inscribed plates to which the Pathfinder Society was fond of acquiring. If we could arrest this pirate as well, all the better!” Sipping some of her coffee, stirring it with a small spoon, ”So here we are trudging through these docks looking for where the Hydra Fang where I convince some Lumber Consortium workers to help us find the ship, and boom there she is on the other side of the harbor! So we take their raft, and as we are crossing the harbor, you won’t believe it, Sahuagin flip our boat. Oh the humanity, we are splashing about fighting these pesky little sea devils, and one of our members is bobbing up and down, I’m sure he is dead but after the fight we are able to revive him, thank Shelyn!” Sipping another drink, Isabel continues finishing the story of her exploits.
Diplomacy + Inspiration: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 14 + (3) = 18 miserable
Later at the hunting lodge, amazed by the sight of the elephant, ”What a wondrous beast, ohh look Porters!” she’ll hand over some of her gear to these porters to carry before asking them about the local going ons.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
To the rest of her group, "I've heard from some of the . . locals here that other groups may be on the hunt for this "lost" temple,"
GM Turmoil |
After you glean all the information you can from the locals, you spend the night at the lodge and leave in the morning. 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. Of course you have reached Jalmeray at the height of its warmer season, and the air is hot and sticky under the jungle canopy. The hunting trails you follow are just wide enough to accommodate the passage of an elephant, and the areas of underbrush on either side of the trail are very dense and hinder movement through them.
Count Matsanda and Baron Rudyahm ride in a howdah on the elephant’s back, accompanied by their mahout (and Lady Isabel who insists on riding with them, and does not give them an opportunity to say no). 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 are all awoken by a loud crash coming from the count’s tent. When you go to investigate, you find 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.
Baron Rudyahm reaches the tent just ahead of the party and find him standing over Count Matsanda, lying on the bed clutching his bare right foot “What the devil happened in here?”
“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 turn to the Pathfinders gathered around him. "Please, someone help me talk reason into him! I know he has antitoxin and it's better to be safe than sorry, no matter what he says!" But before you can reply, the Baron cuts him off. "He's just being dramatic, this is nothing to be alarmed about. It would be a waste to use the antitoxin on such a malingerer, we may have real need for it in the future!"
Brooaka 'Duskglider' |
Brooaka had seen many spiders back in his youth. And eaten quite a number. However, he is unfamiliar with those in Segang. But he trusts the Baron.
Looking somewhat disdainfully at the effete Count, Brooaka speaks softly but firmly, "If the Gener... the Baron says it's not poisonous, it is not poisonous." He steps near the entrance of the tent, ready to leave.
Hamith |
Hamith looks down at the wound.
Heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
"Count Matsanda, the Baron and Brooaka are correct, you don't appear to be suffering any symptoms of poison. You should be fine."
Lady Isabel Ferrari |
Kneeling down, careful not to let any of the mud or dirt to get on her and keeping a nice distance from the crushed spider, "Oh dear, you poor thing," leaning in real close to his ear, whispering, "Remember, you are trying to impress your father-in-law, shake this off,"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 Seems I used all my luck on that dayjob roll earlier
Boon Sai Hong |
"Err, yeah. If the experts here think the spider's not poisonous, I'm sure it'll be fine."
Once again, not that kind of druid.
GM Turmoil |
Trusting that Pathfinders have more experience with this sort of thing, the Count accepts the diagnosis without question, and soon calms down once he realizes his foot doesn’t seem to be getting worse. Nonetheless, he has lost face with his father-in-law, he avoids him for the rest of the morning. As the porters pack up camp and prepare to depart for the day's hunt, Count Matsanda pulls the group of you 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?”
This part is a bit open ended. Basically you can each come up with a way to try and help the Count if you wish, and give me an associated skill check with it. The scenario specifically mentions Survival or Knowledge Nature, but as long as you can come up with a good reason to use a different skill, I'm open to creativity. It could be some sort of action during the hunt itself or just providing some specific advice.
I also need to know who would like to participate in the hunt. This is not specifically for the tiger, but just general hunting for now. If you are interested, give me 2 attack rolls as well as 2 d8 rolls. You do not need to roll damage and the attack can be either ranged or melee, though magic is frowned upon. The Baron does have extra light and heavy crossbows you can use as well.
Lady Isabel Ferrari |
Isabel will take their weapons, sharpening or scrubbing the rusted blades, making them much better and more workable. Adding leather straps to the hilts and hafts to make them easier to grip.
Craft Weapons + Inspiration: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 10 + (3) = 15 Oh come on
Boon Sai Hong |
Boon gives the Count some advice on tracking animals through the jungle.
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
But he hasn't actually been in a jungle in a while, and the wildlife and plants here are very different than in Tian Xia, so his advice isn't very good.
Boon does most of his hunting with his quarterstaff, Po Po riding along on his shoulder, making noises that blend in well with the jungle setting.
Quarterstaff Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Quarterstaff Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
1d8: 1d8 ⇒ 3
1d8: 1d8 ⇒ 7
Hamith |
Hamith volunteers to be on the hunt, and uses his bow on trek. While they are amidst the brush, he finds a moment to talk to the count. "Listen," he says, "You may never have been on a hunt before, but there are still ways to contribute. In Mendev, it didn't matter who you were, the porter, the innkeeper, the blacksmith, you had a part to play."
He produces a crumpled copy of The Acts of Iomedae, with what looks to be a puncture mark from a dagger cut through the center pages. "Trust in what drives you, use it, and you will never go wrong, no matter what anyone thinks."
Diplomacy for a pep talk?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Attack 1 (Darkwood Composite Longbow): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Attack 2 (Darkwood Composite Longbow): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
d8 roll 1: 1d8 ⇒ 2
d8 roll 2: 1d8 ⇒ 6
By the law of averages, when combat comes, Lady Isabel should roll all crits!
Hamith says to Boon while on the hunt, looking up at the canopy, "Be careful with your friend there. If what the locals said was true, this place may do strange things to his kind."
Boon Sai Hong |
"Po Po's smarter than your average monkey. And frequently drunker."
With that, the monkey hits him on the back of the head again, as if understanding what he said, and lets out some angry noises.
Glomintar 2 |
I'll use bluff to pretend I know about the jungle
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
"Yes I'm quite the good tracker. I shall be at the front in looking for prints of the beast my dear Baron. You might think I'm more of an arcane specialist but I know tracks."
Glomintar tries out one of the light crossbow's later.
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
His shots go wild.
"Well...did you test this crossbow? I'm sure it wasn't me!"
Jivan |
This situation is quite a ways outside of Jivan's usual skill set, though he does his best. "Sir, I may be able to assist with how you carry your ammunition. Is reloading quickly in the pressure of the hunt difficult?" The kineticist attempts to come up with ways that the Count can stow items so as to be able to retrieve them quickly.
Sleight of Hand check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Attack #1, including point-blank shot: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25
Attack #2, including point-blank shot: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21
d8 roll #1: 1d8 ⇒ 1
d8 roll #2: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Lady Isabel Ferrari |
Yeah I meant to post last night, I have a shortbow I could hunt with.
attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
damage?: 1d8 ⇒ 6
damage?: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Brooaka 'Duskglider' |
“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?”
Brooaka stares at the Count for some time, while his teammates give whatever advice they can from their various realms of expertise. He was initially skeptical of the city boy, who thinks he can become a skilled hunter just by asking for advice. But the Count appears serious, and Brooaka, somewhat reluctantly still, heaves a big sigh and decides to help. He is the General's son-in-law, and if I can help make him a more suitable one for him...
He grabs the Count by the arm and pull him out into the jungle. "I can't tell, I'll have to shot you." Over the next hour or so, Brooaka attempts to show the Count how to move silently through the undergrowth to stalk and ambush prey. He points on twigs and broken branches to avoid, ways to place your feet to minimise noise, and keep movements uneven to not startle the quarry.
stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15 Hmmm....
His task done, Brooaka decides to join in the hunt. "My trusty rifle is sufficient," Brooaka says, as he turns down the offer of crossbows.
This is my chance to show the Baron ... and everyone... the quality of the Alkenstar military.
1d8 ⇒ 4 musket, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
1d8 ⇒ 6 musket, PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12
Aw man... Well, the attacks would against touch AC so there's some hope, right? Right? Sigh.
GM Turmoil |
Isabel works on improving the Count's musket, while Brooaka shows him how to move silently through the jungle. After his little lesson, Jivan manages to come up with a way that makes reloading faster as Hamith gives him one last pep talk. During the hunt first day of the hunt, Glominart is eager to help, and by sheer dumb luck leads him right to a giant sloth bear. Using the new techniques he learned from the Pathfinders and with a bit more confidence, Count Matsanda's shot strikes the massive creature right in the center of the chest and collapses after a massive roar.
The Pathfinder also have a bit of success on the first day of the hunt. Boon manages to land a crushing blow with his quarterstaff to the skull of a crocodile while it was clamped onto the leg of an unlucky porter. Jivan flings a dart with his mind, that strikes a golden jackal in the throat, and after an hour of tracking the blood trail, they manage to find it's corpse.
On the second day, Jivan yet again impresses the Baron with his hunting prowess, as he takes down a leopard this time. Isabel also has a bit of luck with her shortbow, and bags her own golden jackal, this one slightly larger than Jivan's from the previous day.
Animals bagged
Jivan: Golden jackal, leopard
Boon: Crocodile
Isabel: Golden jackal
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 (a type of monkey) that gather at the edge of the camp. At first they just seem to be trying to figure out what is going on, but soon start to cause trouble by overturning containers, stealing trinkets, and raiding unguarded food supplies. Some of the porters stop what they are doing, and act reverentially toward the monkeys, offering them prayers along with bits of food and water.
The Baron reacts quite differently however, and storms out of his tent. "Oh how I detest monkeys, wretched creatures they are! Reminds me of tosee charau-ka I fought during the war with the Gorilla King. I don't care how you do it, but get these things out of my camp!"