~Prologue~
You have been summoned 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 flighty halfling listens intently to the briefing, and can't help but grin widely at the mention of unknown, unexplored, untouched, and most of all unlooted ruins. Then his heart sinks a bit at the rest of the description.
Fixing a fight for some aged windbag lord? Seems if a fancy noble hunter can't hunt anymore that's his problem. No matter I suppose, it finances our true mission.
"Yes venture captain, we will do well by the society and see our influence expanded."
About Ezekias' brashness, Teke thinks to himself As far as I'm concerned that tall one can bark any orders he wants as long as he can back it up!
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Naruda is a blue-skinned woman dressed in a loose tunic of Tien design. She listens attentively to the nobleman from Alkanstar, staring intently as he speaks with intensely shining sapphire eyes.
Just my luck...we're going somewhere hot.
When the Count finishes speaking, Naruda bows deeply. "It will be our honor to serve you, esteemed Count Matsanda. Can you tell us anything about this tiger you would have us slay? It must be a cunning beast to have evaded your father-in-laws efforts for so long."
Valsin cranks one brow with a slight look of interest at Ezekias. Kinda reminds me of myself when I was young and reckless. He looks over at Teke, …and small, landing on Naruda, ...and blue. Clearing his throat, "Great enthusiasm. Tell me your backgrounds, and let's see those chronicles if you have any."
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Nice to meet you, as well! - finally says the Ifrit on the other side of the room.
With an overall upbeat attitude (and clearly hotheaded even for an Ifrit Pyrokineticist), T'Shar moved around with grace and an easy smile. He looked and sounded young, unwise - immature, more precisely - and probably wasn't too intelligent either. His hair looked to be on fire, and even the room temperature felt affected by his bare presence.
I am T'Shar! Thanks for the opportunity, sir, that's my first mission!
It was hard to believe he was more than a teenager - he was probably a trainee barely accepted on the halls of the Society.
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Naruda is far from the isolated mountain village in Zi Ha that she grew up in and although she has seen many strange and wondrous things since traveling to the Inner Sea with a group of Pathfinder agents she is still getting used to the customs and mannerisms of people in the Inner Sea.
So far...its just a group of brash young boys. I hope some calmer heads will show up soon to balance things out. I do not want to have to be the "den mother" for a bunch of foolish cubs.
Naruda squirms uncomfortably in her chair when Ezekias enters the room and begins to fan herself with a paper fan. The polar opposite of the pyrokineticist, Naruda's presence chills the air around her, as if she was carved out ice. She does seem to be fascinated with his appearance and frequently steals glances at the ifrit during the briefing.
Red hair...is so strange.
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Naruda mutters to herself, annoyed at the prospect of preparing for another long voyage after having just returned from a trip to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords.
"I left for my village as part of an agreement between Zi Ha and the Pathfinders that if I could make translations of some ancient Samsaran holy texts that your agents had recovered, then I would be permitted to bring them back home. I had assumed that once I got to Absalom I would spend the entire trip in your library making translations."
"But in the short time I've been a Pathfinder I have been all over the Inner Sea. I've been spending far more time at sea then I have in the archives. And now they expect me to go off again to a jungle to help some noble kill a tiger? When am I going to get my translation finished?"
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A small humanoid sits astride a riding dog. The dog's coat glistens in the sunlight and it wears armour that likewise glistens, probably because it is new. He sits a little uneasily on the beast as if not quite used to it just yet. Regardless he sits his mount and waits for a group of people he does not know to appear.
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..like cats and dogs...
A gust of wind rustles the curtains near a slender man. A strange thing seeing that the windows are closed. He leans upon the pole of an ornate glaive. His hair is white, his eyes gray, and faint blue whirls upon his skin. For those familiar with the planetouched these features mark him as a sylph.
He watches T’Shar during introductions and is reminded of words he once heard from an old sylph he encountered in Absalom.
One would suppose that ifrits would naturally clash with undine, but that is not usually the case. I couldn’t tell you why, but they don’t like us. We stalk while they strut. We observe while they wish to be observed. We are like cats and dogs, forever wary of the other.
He listens to the others for a time before slipping into the conversation himself.
"Alarin Tempestborn, of Omash." He says, stepping forward and giving a deferential nod to Venture Captain Valsin. ”I have a little experience. Discovered secret tunnels beneath Absalom a couple years back. Later delved a crypt cursed with the living dead in Nirmathas. Recently survived an involuntary commitment in an asylum overrun with madmen, cultists, and creatures from the Dreamlands.”
Can you tell us anything about this tiger you would have us slay? It must be a cunning beast to have evaded your father-in-laws efforts for so long.
Falroun smile diplomatically and responds as he leaves, “It would be most impolite of me to tell the story, as the Baron was wounded in the encounter and has a personal bond to this expedition. Perhaps you will ask him yourself, but I caution you it is a sensitive subject.”
Valsin nods at you, “Well then, any final questions for me, now that he's gone? If not, gather your gear and head off. Explore, Report, Cooperate!”
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Alarin leans in slightly on his glaive. ”Are we only to aid Baron Bomande Rudyahm in his hunt, or, assuming we convince the Baron to help us locate them, does our mission include an expedition to the ruins as well? If so, any lore of the ruins or Maharaja Khiben-Sald would be appreciated.”
To his fellow Pathfinders, he asks perhaps the most important question. ”Can anyone here track a tiger?”
Once all questions are answered Alarin retreats to the Society libraries to research a few things.
" In exchange for assistance in the hunt and safe passage to and from the island, we will take advantage of the opportunity and definitely explore those ruins."
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"I did take some time to study the literature on some of the various dangerous species that inhabit Jalmery and I could probably recall quite a bit about their hunting patterns and mating habits. But sadly, I don't know if that knowledge would actually help us track the beast."
"What I do know of the jungle is that there are hazards there that cannot be harmed by blade or arrow. I recommend that we all prepare."
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T'Shar is as clueless as they get, not really packing any kind of knowledge or experience. He hears about the mission and the expedition, and tries to pay attention to the discussions between his teammates. Like Teke, though - he knows only that tigers are felines. Maybe?
How does one prepare for the jungle? - he finally asks Naruda.
The count’s ship departs from Absalom on the morning after the briefing. Once aboard, Count Falroun Matsanda introduces you to Baron Bomande Rudyahm - a 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.
Rudyahm nods and motions a traditional Vudrani greeting, "The pleasure is mine. Please join us for dinner this evening."
As the feast gets underway, Matsanda begins with light conversation, then later on asks each of you about your most recent adventures. Rudyahm particularly leans in as you take turns.
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On my last expedition a group of fellow travelers and myself, along with my noble mount, criss-crossed a city in search of artifacts, knowledge and valuable items. Parts of it were quite mundane, we did however encounter, and defeat a witch who had enslaved many children, saved a valuable cargo from being lost to the deeps forever and negotiated a treaty also.
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Good day, sir, and well met! I can tell you stories of forgotten towers taken over by lizard men with the heads of crocodiles! Of lions made of stone posing puzzles to perplexed passersby, with Death the result of a failed solution! Of spies, and agents, and pirates, all vying for the hand of a fair maiden, and the maiden who vanquished them all with only a common dagger made of lightweight copper!
There is a kernel of truth to some of Ezekias' stories, but even casual listeners can discern that some elements of the stories are too fantastical to be true.
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Teke tells the story of his recent initiation into the Pathfinder Society. "..And that's when we met the minotaur. But to be honest, we all ran and fled before the overpowering beast! In truth the most memorable part was some good humor with a pair of halfling ladies. I mean everyone loves a good halfling joke right? I know I do! But the best ones don't ramble on too long - keep it short I say haha!"
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"on my last adventure I was conscripted to join the Pathfinder Society on an expedition into the land of the Mammoth Lords. The team I was with was but a small scouting team within a horde that many of the feudal lords in Tien would be impressed with. On our quest we fought kobolds and walking dead; side by side with noble barbarians and enchanted creatures of the forest. We slew a dragon which was not much larger than a house cat and it almost killed us. I tremble when I think of that vicious beast, because when the battle was over I saw drakes that were the size of houses laying on the field of battle and I knew that the Pathfinder Society was mighty indeed that they could kill such fearsome foes."
Shoot, I didn't realize I should have rolled Kn:Nature. If it's not too late...
Kn:Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Rudyahm is least impressed by the most senior of your group, Alarin, barely giving the sylph a glance. And while the others prove amusing, he is very taken by Naruda's stories of fighting kobalds, undead and dragons. Though it is the smallest of your group who seemed to have most of the Baron's attention. He laughs with a genuine smile and clapping hands at Ito's story, "When we waged ware against the Gorilla King Ruthazek and his simian armies in 4690, we came across a remote village. All the adults had been killed defending the town when Ruthazek attacked - children hiding in a rice hut. I lost many men saving them - it was a glorious battle..."
He pauses to reminisce, then sadly sighs as he looks at Matsanda for sympathy, "And now I'm resigned to hunting abominations in the Mana Wastes."
Matsanda answers back, "Not to worry Baron, that is precisely why we are headed to Jalmaray and not the Wastes, that is precisely why we have the company of these Pathfinders", he motions for you to engage.
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Very impressive, Baron! So, all the adults had been killed, you lost many men... Were you the sole survivor? I mean, of age?
The pyrokineticist is as curious as a teenager, but certainly not very trained on the charismatic skills as his companions. The more he seems excited with the stories, however, the more the temperature around him raises. Even his eyes seem to smoke briefly.
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Perhaps this old man would like to be flattered. He seems to be nostalgic for his long lost days of glory, and these sad creatures live but one life.
"It would have been glorious to see you riding into battle, Lord Rudyahm. You must have cut a glorious figure, riding tall on your horse, dressed in gleaming armor from head to two."
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A death in the defense of those who cannot defend themselves is a noble death. Your men no doubt earned a fine place in the afterlife. I hope that my own death will be in the service of a noble cause. And you sir leading them so well must have such a feeling of pride as well as the obvious feeling of loss.
Used to politics, Rudyahm accepts the flattery as courtly politeness though he seems far from needing self-esteem.
"Those were days of glory. The only creature that has been able to best me is the Segang tiger that nearly took my leg. Warriors speak of their life's foe, their destined nemesis, this tiger is mine. I appreciate you joining this expedition."
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.”
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A fascinating and fantastic story, to be sure. And your calmness under fire is to be admired.
Eazy nods thoughtfully.
You say you only caught a glimpse? There are many creatures of this world and others that walk this land in the night. How sure are you that it was a tiger, and not some demon or were-creature?
Rudyahm waves off any doubt to his story, "What I saw looked like a tiger. I fought druids and shapeshifters in the war, and this didn’t seem like one of those.This tiger must have been young, and a tiger can live for a good 20 years. And like any true nemesis -I'll know him when I see him. When I do, I plan to take him down.”
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Several days later, the ship arrives at Niswan, the capital of Jalmaray. An immediate riverboat ride across the mouth of its major waterways brings you to the hunting lodge at the edge of a dense tropical forest. The deciduous trees that comprise it are green all year round thanks to the wet coastal climate. You've reached the Segang Jungle at the height of its warmer season, and the air is hot and sticky.
Before Matsanda shows you the lodge house, he brings you to the staples and shows you an adult elephant. "I've hired this elephant, a mahout (elephant driver), and a dozen porters. This elephant seems past its prime, but it’s the only suitable mount available, so we'll take it. There's a general store if you need to purchase any sundries. Make yourself comfortable. We leave in the morning!"
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Ito and his mount stand outside the general store, ready to depart as a moment's notice. After two hours of waiting, he gets bored and wanders off to the stables to put his mount up for the evening. Ensuring that there is adequate care he then moves off to the lodge house, removes his armour and spends the evening chatting idly with the party while drinking water and eating sensibly.
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Teke silently marvels at the spectacle being put together. All this production just for one tiger... I better make sure to NOT get on this well-resourced man's enemy list.
"It's so hot here... Who's thirsty? I could stand for a pint or whatever larger vessel they may see fit to serve me here!" Teke inquires of the rest and wanders to whatever passes as the tavern at this lodge.
Ito takes rest as Ito spots an open courtyard where several groups of travelers lounge. A Vudrani barmaid greets him as he nears and asks, "Good evening sir, would you care for a mint julep? It would cool you off on this fine evening."
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Naruda examines the elephant excitedly.
"It's been lifetimes since I've seen a Jalmary grey! You can tell it apart from the Mwangi and Kellid breeds from the coloration patterns! You never see this kind of mottling on them. It's a very fine specimen!
After examining the elephant, Naruda will join her party members and attempt to talk with some of the locals about the local conditions (weather, dangerous predators, salient rumors).
Alarin and Naruda checks out the ride. The elephant looks upon Naruda with deep soulful eyes. She can tell he is well taken care of, clean and fed, just mature and tired from lifelong work.
Teke and Eze are in the courtyard, both sitting a little apart from the crowd. Alarin and Naruda mixes in and gather local rumors, finding out a few bits of news. Hunters at the lodge corroborate the baron’s story about his previous expedition and add that several other hunting parties have also gone missing in that part of the jungle. The Urapangi Lowlands are also known as “the monkey swamp,” and particularly devout Vudrani claim that the monkeys who reside there possess mystical powers.
Ito couldn't sleep in the heat and suddenly shows up for a cool glass of river pint.
Though Pathfinder Society agents have tried to
keep the location of the Urapangi temple under wraps,
rumor has it that several independent groups are
currently planning their own expeditions to find the
lost temple.