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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.”
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A fairly average looking man with both strong Taldan features, but at the same time what seems a mixture of Qadiran and perhaps even Osirion heritage walks, bowing informally, and listens intently, nodding at the initial complement.
"A hunting expedition. This should be interesting, and something the Pathfinder Society aught to engage in more often.", before allowing the briefing to continue, soaking in the details.
"So as I understand this all correctly, my friend, we are traveling to Jalmeray in hopes of lookin' into a newly discovered temple, but at tha same time helping out one Baron Bomande Rudyahm, who is essentially payin' our way. Help him take the tiger, and presumably keep everyone safe, and allow for Count Falroun to spend some family-to-be time with his new pops, and then seek the lost temple?"
"How are we, um. . . gettin' back?"
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Hunting for sport, killing animals and stuffing them to look tough. Disgusting. This is exactly why I said yes when they asked me to join the Court, to get these nobles off their overly-pillowed posteriors. Well, we all make some some sacrifices in the Society, it seems...
A nondescript, clean-shaven man with a bow at his back sits rather silently through the monologue. After listening intently and playing it back in his mind, he says, "So, we're to assist you and your father-in-law in a hunt. My first piece of advice, if I may: Avoid unnecessary engagements. I suppose that is more difficult when not hunting out of necessity, but there are ways of making peace with animals and the world around other than shooting. I can be of assistance with both methods, so long as I am effectively in your employ."
Scratching a shock of silver hair under his hood, he continues. "So long as we work together, no problems should arise we cannot handle. And so long as you are interested in currying favor, I have a proposition for you and your father-in-law. But there seems to be plenty of time to talk, and slightly less for questions. What is Jalmeray like this time of year?"
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"What is Jalmeray like this time of year?"
"Hot and sticky, I'd imagine..."
A well groomed Chelaxian man enters the room, holding the helm of his glossy black armor under an arm.
"...just like every other day in Jalmeray. Not quite the dry comfort of Hell, you could say," he chuckles.
Unable to bow due to his restrictive full plate, he simply nods at the group.
"When I heard tale of this expedition I requested a seat immediately! I've been thinking of three things ever since: A chance to brush up on my tracking skills, a journey to a lost piece of history, and to finally test my new steed out in the wide world."
He smiles, but there's just something about his mannerisms that's unsettling.
"This should be glorious, yes?"
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O’ beautiful and chaotic Absalom. You haven’t changed a bit…
More than six months had passed since the last time Darathys saw his homeland. It had been before leaving for his mission in the Lands of Linnorm Kings, which lasted almost an entire month. After that, Darathys had chosen to stay in those frigid lands for the winter. He met an attractive Ulfen woman at a tavern during a brawl, and spent five months with her, adapting to the northern culture and learning the Ulfen costumes. That romance was intense and passionate, but after 5 months of it, Darathys had enough. When he received a letter from the Society summoning him to Absalom, he simply left without saying goodbye. He boarded the first ship headed to his home city and left the cold land of snow behind.
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Oh-Oh, Grand Lodge, I’ve been missing you!
As he sees the place where he was born, raised and trained, Darathys feels immediately at home. I wonder whether Dimi is around or she has been sent somewhere else…
His look clearly betrays the time he spent in the north. His hair has grown longer and are much less well kept than he was used to. He also grew a thick, spiny beard which he had not had the time to shave. And his clothing…his clothing were clearly out of place with all of those mantles and pelts. But he didn’t care. I’ll take care of this later.
As he walks through the lodge, Darathys waves at several Pathfinders in his path, many of whom barely manage to recognize him behind that bushy beard and long hairs.
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Late as always, Darathys bursts into the room. “Hey everyone! Sorry I’m late, it has been a long journey from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. Hey there, Ambrus, how’s it goin’?” When he realizes someone who’s not a Pathfinder is in the room, Darathys clears his throat and instantly takes on a much more serious demeanor. “Darathys Kressen, Pathfinder field agent, pleased to make your acquiescence Count Matsanda” he says as he shakes hands with the Count.
Darathys cannot hold back a self-satisfacted laughter as the Count praises them. “Of course, dear Count. We’re the best at what we do” he comments with his usual boldness.
As Ambrus Valsin and the Count explain their mission, Darathys pushes aside for a moment his boasting personality and focuses on listening in order to ensure not to miss any useful detail. Wow, tiger hunting…that Baron Rudyahm must have a tough guy…Oh, we’re participating to a tiger hunt! Wonderful! Another chance to show my skills! Soon they will recognize me as one of the bests… After listening for a few minutes, Darathys takes on a thoughtful demeanor: he was taught to ask questions before embarking on a mission, and that was just what he intended to do.
“This legendary Maharaja Khiben- Sald…Who’s this guy? I must have heard about him a few times, but I’m so tired from my trip that I can’t remember…”
As Beckett asks his final question about returning, Darathys breaks into a laughter. “Good question mate!”
“I like your attitude, Chelaxian man!” he says as he listens to Darius.
After the discussion is over, Darathys puts a hand on Venture-Captain Valsin’s shoulder. That man had literally saw him growing up. “Don’t worry about it uncle Ambrus…We’ll make it, for the good of the Society!”
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When the discussion with Valsin ends, Darathys looks around himself, finally paying his attention to his new teammates. “Hey everyone, I’m Darathys Kressen” he says as he introduces himself to each member of the expedition shaking hands with him or her. “While these gentlemen make arrangements for our travel, how about a drink together? I know a good tavern not far from the Lodge…And if someone needs to have his hair or beard cut, well, I’m coming with you!”
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"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."
"Do not concern yourselves with hunting permits or the journey home. Those details have already been taken care of by the Count, it's nothing you have to worry about. Just focus on finding that ruin and making any allegiences that you can. The Society needs all the allies it can muster right now."
"My knowledge on Maharaja Khiben- Sald is quite lacking I must admit." Ambrus strolls over to a large bookshelf, and after a moment of staring at the shelves blankly, pulls out a book bound in red leather and leafs through it. "Khiben-Sald is said to have been a direct descendant (or else was a member of, the exact chronology is unclear) of the mighty Vudrani kings who slew Kothogaz, one of the terrible spawn of Rovagug who ravaged Vudra. He is also known to have slayed the jungle princess Chhaya in her palace."
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.
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After sharing a drink or two with any team mate who accepts his invite, Darathys gets his hair and beard cut by his trusted barber. Once he feels at ease with himself again, in the afternoon the Pathfinder agent visits his sister Dimira and spends a few hours with her talking about his period in the Land of the Linnorm Kings. Of course, their conversations are soon monopolized by their respective missions as Pathfinder agents, past and present. Dimira also helps his brother in buying some new clothes for his next mission in Jalmeray: clother more suited for a hot environment.
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After saying goodbye to his sister, Darathys spends his night in Absalom in his favorite tavern, drinking and meeting with old friends. He also meets his ex-girlfriend, but he avoids her for the whole night.
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When the sun rises, Darathys embarks on his new adventure. After spending the day and afternoon with his teammates, he joins the others in the Baron’s cabin for dinner. He sits next to the Baron and in front of the Count.
“Good evening, everyone! Baron Rudyahm, let me tell you, this is by far the best dinner I’ve ever seen…I hope it will also be the best one I’ve ever eaten” says Darathys before launching himself at the dishes without too much formality. As he eats and drinks, without even bothering the food may be poisoned, Darathys joins the conversation started by the Baron.
“Tigers? Never saw one, I must admit. But I slayed a white dragon in the Land of the Linnorm Kings, so it won’t be a problem. You’ve chosen well, sir. We are the best at what we do. And we do a lot of things”, confidently states Darathys to the Baron.
“I’ve spent the last 6 months in the Land of the Linnorm Kings, Count. I slew a white dragon, as I said, foiled a conspiracy, won a few tavern brawls and…” says Darathys with an air of solemnity, “…but I don’t want to steal the scene. Let me just tell you this. I don’t know much about survival in hot environments, although I read something about the beasts of the jungle not so long ago, but there’s one thing I can tell you: when one is in the wildlands, he should always be keeping his eyes open for unusual threats. And although it may sound…how can I say it…a little obvious, well…I learned that respecting the land and the creatures living in it is always a good first step when traveling through the wild.”
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"It is okay, my friend. When Ol' Dead Eye took mortals under his wing to raise them from the shackles of servitude at the dawn of time, he gifted us with wisdom and skill to hunt, to protect ourselves, and to work with our hands to achieve greatness. I think this journey will be good for us all. Just what we all really need, . . . even if we don't know it."
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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.
"For quite some time now I have been acting as interim Expedition Manager in charge of some unidentified ruins near Mount Nyisaid. Beautiful, rugged country. On the western reaches of the Menador Mountains. It's about as isolated as we'll probably get in the jungle, but nowhere near as sweltering."
He dines conservatively, mixing time equally between drink, food, and conversation.
"Standard survival practices are universal no matter where the expedition. Dress appropriately. Always have a good supply of food and water, or know where to find it. Arm yourself. Stay with the group. And bring something comfortable to wipe with, because apparently the gods of the Green Faiths never thought to create anything of the sort."
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"Old Deadeye?" Makindi gives a start when Beckett mentions the name. He didn't believe he would meet any other worshippers in the Society. "It is nice to see a fellow devotee of Erastil once again, I must admit."
At the dinner, he does more talking than eating, although he has few interesting tales to boast about. "This is my first official mission as a Pathfinder," he explains between bites. "I come from a little community, as most Erastilians do, several miles off of Kaer Maga. I joined the Society when I lost a bet with a merchant. Whoever lost in a contest of archery would do ten years of work; In the Pathfiner Society if he won, in our village, Stag's End, if I did. My skills were not as refined as I thought, and now here I am." He laughs, a bit mirthlessly.
When he can talk to the Baron and his son-in-law in a more private place, perhaps at some other time during the voyage, he outlines a plan he thinks will please his superiors. "It will be mutually beneficial, of that I am sure. A select group of Inner Sea nobles have formed an organization known as the Sovereign Court, in an effort to revitalize the nobility that grows more dormant by the day. Their motives are to be kept somewhat secret until they have more backing, but I thought it safe to share with you. You two seem like active, clear-minded, can-do people, exactly what we are looking for. This alliance would bring you recognition and remind all of what it means to be a noble. Are you with me?"
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The half elf enters the room, the Holy symboLand of Sheyln and her glaive in hand. Greetings. I am Riceak. Riceak Hawklight. I am very glad to meet you. I am a sculptor by trade. It is how I give worship to Sheyln. As he looks around he makes a small joke and gives a soft laugh What a holy set of companonsense we seem to be!
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As you tell your tales, Baron Rudyahm takes the time to give the party hunting tips and also to tell his own story. His 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.”
The dinner ends not long after he finishes recounting his past expedition, and the Count and Baron wish you goodnight. During the voyage, Makindi confronts the pair about the Sovereign Court, but the politely decline for now, saying they want to focus on the hunt at this time.
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Darathys listens with interest to the Baron's tale. "So you used firearms to hunt animals...isn't that cheating?" comments Darathys with a laugh, though giving his Erastilian team mate a nod as he laughs. "Anyway, dear Baron, you can rest assured that this time we'll suceed. You have us now!" states Darathys with his usual optimism and confidence.
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"I figure no more than using a bow or knife. While not the most civil or noble of weapons, I imagine Erastil would see firearms much the same way he might any other tool. Something to be used for the good of the community. It isn't tha thing that's good or evil, but how it's used, and for what purpose."
Turning back to Makindi, "Yes indeed, brother. That seems like an interesting sort of arrangement your home has. I don't think I've heard of such a thing before." he says with a laugh. "But still, I think you will find you are in exac'ly the right place where you are needed, an' there are worse ways to join this Society."
Speaking freely between both Makindi and the two noblemen, "I'm here by choice, and while I do seek to gain more wisdom and do my part on the way, I'm mostly looking for clues as to the whereabou's of my older brother, Ven. He was a Pathfinder years back. An old timer. I think he operated out of Osirion, but I can't be sure. A few folks have heard of him, but don't really know what happened, or where he might have gone, so I figure the best way to maybe find some leads of my own is to travel, like he must have, and perhaps run into someone who might remember him along the way. When the time is right, I'll find a clue, and I have faith we will cross paths again. I just hope I can live up to him."
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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.
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"I spoke to a few hunters in the lodge, and they that say several other hunting parties have gone missing as well. Baron Rudyahm, Sir, is that normal for such a creature? It seems to me that your tiger must be one fearsome beast indeed, to have defeated so many enemies in battle. To survive and injure such a foe speaks to your own skill at arms and bravery, Sir! I am deeply honored to be one of your seconds in this duel."
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Darathys spends most of the trip below deck, trying to create some sort of aggregation between his new companions. He insists that the Pathfinders spend their time together when possible. From a personal point of view, he's drawn by Beckett Lorovox and Darius Leround: although very different from one another, Darathys find them particularly interesting and frequently visits them in their cabins to have a chat or to share a tale or two.
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Once the hunting group arrives in Segang, Darathys leaves the ship with a smile: he just couldn't stand sea voyages anymore.
"An elephant? What's that for?" he asks with incredulity. "Don't tell me we're going to hunt with...those?"
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A most magnificent creature[ /b] the cleric exclaims as he approaches the elephant. [B] I do not believe that I have every seen anything so large, yet, they appear to be very gentle. he says as he approaches the pachiderm, puts it a bit and immediately looks for an adequate material to carve the animal.
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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. 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!"
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"Still, let me take a look. If you are correct, than there is no harm. If not, though, well, better safe than sorry, and worst case scenario, it would slow everything down, . . . right?"
Bending down to take a better look at Count Matsanda, "Calm down lad. Let's have a look. Can someone grab that lil' beastie, too. Might need it for an antivenom,. . . or it might just be this hunt's first trophy." he adds, trying to distract everyone a bit from what may be a more serious issue. No need to worry 'till there's something to worry about.
That's,. . . very interesting. . .
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"You both make valid arguments. Count Matsanda, you are right that we should avoid unnecessary risks when a life hangs in the balance. And Baron Rudyahm, you are also correct, in that we should conserve our limited resources for when they are needed most."
"You are both in the right and want to saves lives--an admirable concern that demonstrates your noble characters. Baron Rudyahm, Sir, would you jump to the Count's aid if he were in danger? I suspect you would offer not just your antitoxin in his defense, but your own body and blood if necessary."
"And Count Matsanda, how would you feel, Sir, if you drank the Baron's only antitoxin in error? If the spider's bite is indeed not poisonous, just painful, and the Baron were to die of poison tomorrow because we lacked the resources to treat a wound--how would you feel bringing his body back home?"
"It seems to me that we all agree on the need to save a life. Our only disagreement is on whether this spider's bite is poisonous. If it is, would we not all want Count Matsanda to drink the antitoxin? And if it is not poisonous, wouldn't we all want Baron Rudyahm to save the antitoxin against a future threat?"
"Mr. Lovorox, were you able to determine anything about the Count's wound or the spider's bite?"
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Darathys bursts in the count's tent and listens to both the Baron and the Count. Unable to add something of his own to the debate, he just keeps his head down for a while, thus allowing his more competent companions to chime in and provide a better analysis of the situation.
"Sir Ninn is right", Darathys comments. "I think that until we don't find out whether the Count is poisoned or not, we just cannot make the right choice without risking to make the worst one. Anyone among you guys can tell us more about it?"
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Darius wakes up early to tend to Ariaan. He finds that the horse is surprisingly resilient to the jungle climate . After brushing him down while he feeds on oats, Darius dons his armor and checks on the elephant before doing a quick survey around the perimeter in regimented military manner.
When Darius hears the call out from the Baron he casts Longstrider to hasten his arrival at the tent.
"Can someone grab that lil' beastie, too. Might need it for an antivenom... or it might just be this hunt's first trophy."
Darius holds up the diminutive creature for all to see, likely crushing at least a few of its legs in the process.
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Sensing that this is a simple misunderstanding of experience versus inexperience, Darius tries to council...
...the Baron.
"Your eminence, please, he is a young man who lacks your knowledge of this region. Is not a newly hatched eaglet afraid of the dead snake its mother has gifted it? Go easy on the boy."
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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, who 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'm sorry about earlier, I don't have much experience with this sort of adventure. I’d really like to impress the old man today, especially after what happened this morning, 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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During the hunt, I'll keep my bow out, trying to keep a look out for the infamous tiger, but mostly intending on trying to clear the way for the Count to get in both first blood and the killing blow, as long as it doesn't put anyone else in danger. As we travel, I'll see if I can locate any track, at least trying point the group in the right direction without being to obvious, intending to let the Count's Father-in-Law feel like he is the expert and coming up with the ideas on his own.
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For this first hunt Darius will don a shirt, vest and trousers, and leave his restrictive armor back at camp. He gladly accepts the offer of a crossbow, and wears a masterwork quality cold iron longsword on his hip.
When they're out in the jungle Darius utilizes the many handholds of the underforest and canopy to gain a height advantage when scouting. When back on the ground, he describes the various footprints to the Count.