Everyone please quickly make a post and delete so it shows up in your campaigns! Sorry this took so long to get up, it's been a busy week!
You have each responded to a call for aid issued by an associate of the society. Travelling by land and sea you've all made your way through the disreputable port of BloodCove and north on the Vanji river to Nantambu.
The reputable merchant and ally of the Society Aya Allahe paces one of the back rooms of Sharrowsmith’s Exports, a walled trade compound on the northern edge of Nantambu in the Mwangi Expanse.
“I wish I had more to offer,” Allahe apologizes before even presenting what information she has. “Nieford Sharrowsmith never truly retired from being a Pathfinder, even after he started this business. I think, in his mind, he was still the young adventurer that hiked through jungles and fought off troglodyte tribes. Sharrowsmith’s attitude changed over the last few months—I think he was concerned for his legacy and how history would remember him. Would it be for his discoveries or for the export business that dominated his later years? The answer, I fear, was unpalatable."
“It was no surprise when he packed up and left on an expedition. But that was months ago, and neither the Society nor I have heard from him since. Sharrowsmith has never left for this long without leaving some word as to his status or sending rather demanding missives about business decisions while he was waist-deep in some jungle bog. When my own contacts failed to turn up any useful information, I had no recourse but to go through his private notes.” Allahe motions to the mess of documents scattered about the office.
“What caught my eye was this translated rubbing. It appears to be the most recent piece of a very large puzzle Sharrowsmith was researching and indicated that he may be somewhere in the Bandu Hills. Traders from Fort Bandu have confirmed that he paid the garrison a visit, but that’s where my trail ran cold. Something happened out there, and Praetor Sylien—Fort Bandu’s commander—refuses to correspond with me on the matter despite knowing how close Nieford and I are. All I received in response was that Nieford had ‘done enough damage for one lifetime,’ and that if I wanted to discuss the matter further I would need to go to Fort Bandu in person.” Exasperatedly, Allahe runs a hand across her forehead and turns her distant stare out the window. “I cannot shutter the business and travel hundreds of miles on the off chance that the praetor can help; the company would fall apart. I’m hoping that you will be able to go in my stead, speak with the praetor personally to learn what has befallen Sharrowsmith and help him return.”
Allahe looks at each of you expectantly, searching your faces for a sense of agreement, some indication that you'll be able to help her.
bright sun, the daytime temperature of the Bandu Hills can sometimes reaches lethal extremes. Fort Bandu is the only major settlement for miles, and serves to protect the prospectors in the region
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The dirty human sitting at a table, a typical warrior decked out in metal armor and bristling with weapons, looks up from carving perfectly spaced notches in the side of that table with a silver dagger. His face is a frown at how the silver is affecting how well the blade slices into the wood. "Bandu hills? Where's that? I hope it's not in Mwangi; we don't like Mwangi. You've never been there, have you Angel? I'm sure you'll hate it too." The last part was apparently addressed to the dagger he was using.
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Felixe knows nothing about the Bandu Hills. Like Justin, she's not even sure in which direction they lie. But she has some familiarity with mining operations in Garund in general, but not much more specific. She hopes one of her colleagues is a little better informed.
"For Bandu, Praetor Sylien, Sharrowsmith. Got it." She strokes the head of her cat, a one-eyed cat that looks like it has seen better days. "Is there anything else about Sharrowsmith that we should know that might help us find him? Anything else in those notes, perhaps?"
Allahe looks at Justin, confusion plain on her face "Whereexactly is it you think we are now?" she asks. "You're several days up the Vanji river on the western edge of the expanse and fort Bandu lies to the south, a not insignificant journey down the Vanji then up the little Vanji and Dzimmi."
Turning to Felixe Allahe continues, gesturing to the rubbing she handed their group "His notes say that rubbing was made by miners in the hills over 60 years ago, and the rubbing made its way to him through auctions he frequented. For some reason that translation lit a fire under him, driving him forward relentlessly until his obsession finally got the better of..." Pausing mid sentence Allahe composes herself before continuing "He normally traveled with a contingent of field staff; scribes to help with the field research and teamsters to haul equipment. He hasn't gone off alone like this since he was a youth, it was as id he felt he had something to prove. Beyond that I'm not sure what more I can tell you, detais are frustratingly sparse."
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A young human with Tian origin stands up and looks out of the window. He is clearly no fighter as his physique looks quite weak.
"I know exactly where Fort Bandu is although this is only theoretical. I could draw a map and know the topology but having survival skills is something else. I assume that you Allahe will provide us all means to travel to Fort Bandu."
He turns around and addresses the group.
"As far as I know the rocky terrain and bright sun is very dangerous here. The daytime temperature of the Bandu Hills can sometimes reach lethal extremes. Fort Bandu is the only major settlement for miles, and serves to protect the prospectors in the region."
He looks at his feet and continues.
"I also know that the Bandu Hills remain rich in gold, silver, and gems, despite several centuries of colonial mining. Prospectors arrive from throughout the Inner Sea region to seek their fortune. The local Mwangi tribes often retaliate violently. So could he have been attacked by a tribe?"
Then he thinks for moment.
"On the other hand, most of the larger mining operations belong to the Deeptreasure Mining Company, which has dominated the local industry for nearly three centuries. Their onetime competitors, the Gold Crown Company, are now better known for shipping and export services. So maybe he stumbled upon a corporate intrigue case and was murdered by the Deeptreasure Mining company?"
He starts humming.
"But I also know that Deeptreasure agents are always on the lookout for independent miners, whom they bully away from promising claims. A Deeptreasure representative in Fort Bandu is offering a bounty for information regarding any promising unoccupied (or ill-defended) mines. So maybe he found a great mining opportunity but was attacked before he could claim it?"
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A very tanned half-elf scans the rest of the group with a slightly unnerving gaze, almost like a jungle cat. She has leopard spot tattoos on her forehead and around her eyes that further this comparision, with her shoulder-length black hair hiding exactly how far back they go. In sharp contrast, the intentionally dulled chain shirt and the hip quiver seems much too well-crafted to be anything but a recent purchase, though the backpack are older, but much-loved.
"So,"Nali speaks Taldane slowly, like it's not her first tongue, "go to Fort Bandu, talk to Sylien, find Sharrowsmith, correct?" After a moment, she adds, "Been awhile since I have been home."
Really taking in Nali for the first time Allahe asks "Born here in the expanse then? It's not often we locals venture out beyond the trees."
Turning her eyes toward Xiao, Allahe continues "You are most correct my astute friend and what you should keep foremost in your thoughts is that this is a dangerous place. This is true of much of the Expanse, but the Bandu Hills have a dozen ways to kill before accounting for living creatures: heat, dehydration, landslides, poisonous plants, carnivorous plants, and so on. Unfortunately, the place is sick with riches like diamonds, gold, and silver — an embarrassment of wealth that only attracts more dangerous occupants. I am surprised that Sharrowsmith didn’t settle down there, to be honest.”
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Nali shrugs to the question, then nods. "Mother is still with the tribes, Sire was awful, from Beykar, and did awful things to her while away from tribe. When the spirits called me to fight, First prey was sire...," She looks a little proud of that admission before continuing, "After first hunt for spirits, they suggested I go out to learn about other prey. So, I find society to learn from and to hunt prey for."
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Felixe smiles unexpectedly and approvingly upon hearing about Nali's "first prey." She whispers a few odd sounds to her ragged cat, who has leapt up onto the back of a chair next to her.
"Yes, will we be riding, going by boat, or what?"
Allahe nods at Nali, if not approvingly than at least in understanding. "Yes, I have arranged travel for you. One of our vessels is leaving shortly, bound for Fort Bandu with supplies and trade goods. You will sail with them back down little Vanji and then head up river along the Vanji itself before making your way up the Dzimmi and mooring the ship in a manned waystation we maintain there. You'll then accompany our staff on a short overland trek to the fort itself. I have arranged and paid for this trip and your vessel departs before the noon-bell, do not be late."
Apparently considering the matter concluded, Allahe turns back to her papers and goes back to the work she was doing when you all arrived.
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Just as the meeting concludes, another man in armor steps into the room. "I am Pelagos Sing. I apologize for my tardiness, the river captain underdelivered and I had to take matters into my own hands," he explains without emotion, the depth of his helmet making it difficult to read his face.
"Search and rescue. I accept and am ready to depart ma'am," he responds after his briefing. Gripping his halberd like a walking stick, the armored man steps out of the compound and follows Xiao to the ship. Feels good to be aboard all of these nautical vessels. Good practice for the Torrent.
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Following Xiao and Pelagos outside you make your way towards the small dock just outside the company compound.
The dock is already a bustle of activity, with several ships being loaded. The captain of the larger of the two vessels The Maiden's Wail beckons you closer as you come outside, hustling you all on-board between cargo crates, hurrying you into several cramped cabins below decks and instructing you to stay out of the way of his crew during the voyage before heading back above decks.
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The Oread monk who had been quiet up to this point stretches and yawns. "Man, I sure am glad all that talkin' stuff is over. But seein' as we'll be here a while, I'm gonna take a nap. Wake me up if we get to do any punching." He sprawls into a corner in a position that couldn't possibly be comfortable before suddenly sitting bolt upright and adding, Or for dinner! Definitely wake me up for dinner."
Satisfied, he returns to his previous position, and seems to fall asleep within moments.
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Felixe strides with almost feline grace on to the boat. Her cat sits on her shoulder, making chirping noises. "I'm sure the boat is quite safe. Yes, I know you don't like getting wet." She does her best to make herself comfortable as well. She's a little annoyed at the captain's manner of speech, but passes it off as efficiency. She smiles inwarrdly at the oread. Wake him for dinner? Ha, he has more in common with a cat than he may know.
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"A fine blade. What's her name?" Justin seems to immediately like Pelagos and eagerly introduced him to each and every one of his own blades. Each has a name and a story.
When the little guy mentions extreme heat, Justin groans and claps his armor. "Will you be providing any of those rolled paper things that keep me from getting too hot out there?"
The Maiden's Wail sets sail shortly after you board and the first leg of the journey passes quickly as you rocket down the Vanji propelled by wind and current. As you settle in the days begin to drift by with a monotonous and predictable rhythm, the gentle creaking and rocking of the boat accompanied by gentle river water lapping against the hull.
Late on the first day you pass under a large bridge that spans the river, supporting numerous structures with the coiled snake symbol of the Aspis consortium flying from the rooftops. The captain of The Maiden's Wail runs a flag up displaying Sharrowsmith Exports logo and waves at several of the men stationed on the bridge as you sail by, barely slowing the swift clip he's set.
As you approach the Conflux with the little Vanji river you notice the sounds from above deck have suddenly gone silent as has all the normal buzz and chatter of the surrounding jungle. Over the next 30 minutes you can hear thunderous crashing noises from further east in the jungle and what sound like the mixed cries of an unimaginably large creature roaring it's frustration as something more sinister howls in glee, sounding something like a mixture between demon and Ape. Throughout this entire time the Captain enforces absolute silence on-board the ship, going so far as to drop their sail and drift down river. It's not until almost an hour after the last sound that the ship returns to normal.
The rest of your trip passes rather uneventfully, your captain stops briefly at Free Station to offload several crates and take on several more. He rebuffs several members of the crew who want shore time, gruffly informing them that Allahe was clear about no shore leave until they reached the fort. The Journey up the Little Vanji is slower going with much of the work being done by oarsmen working night and day in shifts, helped on rare occassion by a strong wind. With the slowed motion of the boat the heat becomes oppressive and only grows worse as you turn south near the ruins of DarkReach. As the Dzimmi reaches the foothills the captain moors their boat and loads half the crew, your party, and the cargo onto several smaller boats and you paddle your way through a narrow pass in the Bandu hills finally arriving at Fort Bandu after what seems like an eternity (though in reality it was less than two weeks).
The fort itself is a small frontier settlement with high stone walls and the captain heads directly to a small set of docks where you're greeted by a garrison captain and a small contingent of guards.
"Ho There, didn't expect you so soon, Allahe cracking the whip?" the guard says jovially as he sees the captain approaching. As your party draws closer however his face clouds over "What's this now? Passengers? he says coldly "What's your business here? We've had enough trouble of late with come-from-aways."
"If Allahe sent you then I'd best take you to the Praetor. Your ilk" he spits on the dusty ground as he considers each of you "are not well liked in the fort of late." grumbles the garrison captain Follow me and step quick" he barks before setting off through a small gate cut in the walls.
You're taken within the walls and into a large building the seems to serve as both a house and command post. The garrison captain escorts you through several rooms before stopping just inside a utilitarian space comprised of several tables and half stocked bookshelves. a war table featuring a map of the Bandu Hills region sits prominently in the room's center while three tall windows let in a wealth of midday sun.
"Visitors Praetor, courtesy of Allahe and Sharrowsmith's Exports." announces the garrison captain before saluting and waiting to be acknowledged.
Praetor Sylien is in mid-conversation with a lanky Garundi man in fine attire. Their conversation stops abruptly, and the praetor’s guest disdainful glares at the latest arrivals. “Pathfinders. I shouldn’t be surprised. Only your organization would have the gall to so brazenly show its face when you’ve already caused so much damage.”
“Thank you captain, that will be all." the Praetor says before turning to your party. "Pathfinders,” the praetor’s voice lacks the contempt of his guest, as if trying to subtly apologize for his tone. “This is Amersanus Valacosti of the Aspis Consortium. We’ve been discussing the troubles Fort Bandu has faced of late—troubles caused by your organization. I was unwilling to disclose the details to Mistress Allahe by courier, but now that you have arrived, I feel it pertinent to explain the nature of Fort Bandu’s… misgivings. Venture-Captain Sharrowsmith came through here some months ago, gathering supplies and information before setting off on an expedition into the hills. There, he roused the local kobold tribes and angered them enough that they now actively raid our settlements and mining operations."
“Amersanus Valacosti and I were discussing how the Aspis Consortium may be able to help repair the damage your Society has inflicted on the people of Fort Bandu. Now that you’ve arrived, perhaps we can have a more balanced mediation. Your Pathfinder Society has a damaged reputation in the Bandu Hills, so I ask you state your business and why you think I should allow you to even so much as stay within the fort’s walls. What knowledge do you have of this land and its people that could prevent this situation from deteriorating further? I will only entertain questions regarding Sharrowsmith once I’m assured that providing you information will not further endanger my charges.”
As Praetor Sylien's voice falls quiet, Amersanus Valacosti moves around the table to stand beside him. Walking with a pronounced limp in his right leg the Aspis agent leans heavily on an ebony cane topped with a black serpentine dragon coiled into a figure eight. Settling himself comfortably beside the Praetor Amersanus smiles gleefully "Yes, please tell us how you can address this..travesty" he says with a distinctly Chellish accent.
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"Tools have no names beyond their functionality," Pelagos responds to Justin evenly. Even so, he stands and listens to the tale of each of the strange man's weapons. His manner is... disturbing, yet he looks capable enough. Time will reveal his worth.
On the trip, Pelagos chooses to remain at the bow and keeps an eye on the horizon. As the boat passes under the bridge with the Aspis insignia, he glares hard and frowns. When I have joined the Torrent, it shall be my life's work to dismantle this wretched, filth spewing machine.
He greets the guard at the frontier settlement with a strong handshake. "The Captain is hard but fair with his crew," he responds with barely detectable approval. Seemingly indifferent to the sudden change of tone in the guard, Pelagos follows dutifully.
When he is addressed by the Aspis agent, he bristles slightly. He makes a point to sear the Praetor's face and cane into his memory. This work better be meaningful to the Society. "We are equipped to defend this settlement with honor and valor when needed. Making peace with the Kobolds is also within our skillset," he adds to whoever takes lead in the response to the Praetor's question.
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Kolard had become visibly antsy after the captain flatly refused to let him go take a look at whatever creatures had been making all that noise in the jungle. He spent most of the journey training, one of the only things he was focused and disciplined about.
He was very excited to finally make it to the Fort, following the party mindlessly while taking in the sights and sounds of the new place.
Once inside the room, his focus returns, though he listens to the situation with a slight look of confusion. "So the problem is just that you've got a bunch of kobolds that need some punchin'?" He glances at the party to confirm his understanding, clearly deferring to someone else to speak for the group. "I'm pretty good at punchin', and my friends look pretty strong too. Dealin' with these kobolds'd be no problem!" He smiles at the thought.
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Justin misses most of the social queues and so responds only to Sylien's words. "We are good folk and honor bound to cut true in the name of the society. You have a problem here and it sounds like simply smashing things will only it worse. You need the precision of a surgeon's blade to slice through the fat and get to the root of the problem. Personally, I have no knowledge of the area. But I can be taught. Show us what should be cut free and what should be left unmarred, and it will be done."
Justin is not really good a social stuff and diplomacy. However, he does not really understand that.
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While the debate goes on, Felixe tries to think of anything useful she can remember about kobolds around here.
Felixe keeps her mouth shut as long as she can, knowing she isn't very good at convincing people. "I actually know quite a good deal about kobolds. And I have some ideas that might serve to drive them back underground. Of course, it would help to discover what led them to become so aggressive in the first place." She clears her throat. "Usually, kobolds only do things like this if they're being led, or driven, by a more powerful being."
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Nali scowls and catches herself from drawing her bow and calling upon a reign of feathered death on the Apsis agent as soon as she's aware of his affiliation. Her look of disgust only deepens when the slime of a man actually oozes words out of his mouth. "Aspis have no room to speak on topic of enraging locals," She spits out finally, "as most Ekujae tribes would kill on sight of snake symbol."
Tearing herself from would-be prey, she focuses her attention on the Praetor. "As for knowledge of land, Society see problem, and send those proper. I was born in jungle and I know it very well."
As you all rack your minds for whatever knowledge would satisfy the Praetor a to your expertise in local matters, the Praetor speaks up turning first to Pelagos, then Kolard, Justin, and Xian as he speaks "This is not the time for flowery words, or whatever brand of borderline insult passes for diplomacy amongst Pathfinder's. I need to see real, quantifiable proof of your ability to handle yourselves here amongst the hills if I'm to consider allowing you to stay."
At Justin's comment about the Consortium driving the kobold's into a more aggressive posture Amersanus's jaw noticeably clenches and followed by Nali's venomous rebuke he opens his mouth to speak but is cut off by the Praetor who seamlessly steps into the conversation, diffusing what could otherwise have been a disastrous rebuke.
"Yes the politics of Mwangi are complex indeed but we're here to discuss the real problems facing my charges." Turning to focus on Felixe Praetor Sylien grows more curious "Please expound on your knowledge, certainly kobolds are more than common here but what do you know of our kobolds?"
Praetor Sylien spends the next several minutes grilling Felixe on her knowledge both of the local tribes and the hazardous conditions specific to the hills before finally seeming satisfied. "Well, your knowledge of the area seems sufficient, wouldn't you say Amersanus?"
Standing off to the side Valacosti grows increasingly incensed as the Pathfinders explain their case. “Sharrowsmith professed an intimate understanding of the region and its delicate balance of power as well, and behold the results: dozens dead, dozens more
missing, kobolds attacking our mining operations, and people living in fear of the next raid. Praetor, with all due respect, you cannot allow these Pathfinders to exacerbate an already delicate situation.”
The praetor remains patient. “Amersanus makes a good point. Sharrowsmith was a well-read and knowledgeable man, yet he disappeared in these jungles and caused damage we’re only beginning to feel the impact of thanks to the local kobold tribes. How is your expedition different? Do you have the necessary strength to survive in this environment where so many others cannot? Show me that those weapons and spellbooks you carry are not just for show.”
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"Please be assured that a Pathfinder team has significant capabilities to defend and attack although our primary objective is research. I am Xiao and my name stands for a connection to the planes - I use this connection to summon celestial creatures that can shred any adversary or defend us from harm. If I may elaborate ..."
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Felixe makes several strange trills to her haggard looking cat.
She steps over to a window, looks outside and sniffs the air...
... and accurately predicts the weather for the next 48 hours.
Since that will take some time (48 hours, in fact) to verify, she sighs. "Very well. Please stand back. Katya!" Where there was one large, mostly black, raggedy cat, there are now hundreds, howling, hissing and spitting, making the most ungodly racket imaginable. What's more, they move as a swarming mass of fur and claw, even partially climbing up the wall, and spilling out one of the windows to cling to the outside of the building. The chair under the window is reduced to splinters as the cats move over it, continuing their almost hypnotically undulating movement. "Thank you, Katya. I think that will do."
With that, the swarm is gone, and the ragged cat is singular once again. She growls, coughs up a piece of wood, and curls into a ball on the floor.
Praetor
Sylien listens to Xiao elaborate and as she begins her arcane display the praetor lets a slow smile bloom on his face. The smile is short lived however as Felixe's display reduces one of the chairs to rubble. "A most...unconventional display, though admittedly you do seem confident. Alas for my favorite chair."
“Is this supposed to make an impression?” Valacosti is quick to dismiss the display of power. “If you think this situation can be solved at the point of a sword or by brandishing some hedge wizardry, you’re as ignorant as your predecessor. These Pathfinders will rush headlong into the jungle and slaughter the kobold tribe, creating a power vacuum among the other tribes and only worsen this disaster.”
Again, the praetor tries to remain impartial, though it is clear his patience is waning. “Once more I find myself seeing reason in Valacosti’ words. Strength of arms is all well and good, but this is a situation that also requires a certain amount of finesse. How do I know I trust you to handle this situation with a level head and a delicate touch when necessary?”
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Felixe looks at Valacosti curiously. "The Praetor asked for a show of strength. We complied. Putting kobold tribes to the sword is your idea, not ours. I still contend that the best way to deal with the kobolds is to find out who or what has spurred them to such aggression. Remove the driving force and they should settle themselves." She gestures to the other Pathfinders. "While we are capable combatants, that does not mean that violence is the first or only option."
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Nali refrains from flat out growling as the Aspis agent keeps whispering poisoned words to the praetor. As the others poorly attempt to persaude the man, she frowns even deeper until she all but blurts out, "You speak Polyglot, yes? Local tongue for local peoples, right?" She waits for an answer for the praetor, in hopes that she can switch to a language she was more fluent in.
With his assent, Nali happily switches languages to one that she's much more at home speaking. "Bora zaidi, sijisiki kusoma lugha hii."
After a moment's pause to re-settle herself, she starts anew. "Ninaomba kuomba msamaha kwa Taldane wangu masikini, ni lugha ya hivi karibuni ambayo nimejifunza, na sijui kama nilivyo katika Polyglot. Wakati nitakubali kwamba jamii inaajiri baadhi ya wakala wengi ... pekee kwa sababu tunapaswa kuwa tayari kwa hali nyingi isiyo ya kawaida. Ikiwa kobolds hizi zimekuwa zimefunikwa na mshikamano wetu, basi kuna haja ya kuwa na kitu ambacho kinaweza kutupatia kile tunachotakiwa kufanya ili tuweke kabila hili. Tunahitaji tu kupata, ndiyo?"
"Naam, kama nilivyosema awali, mimi ni kutoka kabila za Ekujae katika misitu hii. Na wakati mimi sijui sana katika diplomasia, najua siasa za kikabila bora basi mtu yeyote katika chumba hiki, na ubaguzi uwezekano wa wewe mwenyewe. Ikiwa ndivyo ilivyo, basi kwa msaada, haipaswi kuwa vigumu kwetu kuingilia ndani ya eneo hilo, tukizunguka, na tutajua tunataka kufanya ili tuweke kabila hili, wote kwa kiasi kidogo cha damu. Na wakati mimi siwezi kuzungumza kwa washirika wangu, najua jinsi ya kuwa moja na vivuli hata nje ya jungle, na mimi ni bora zaidi ndani yake."
With a quick look toward the Aspis agent, she slyly adds, "Mbali na hilo, tumekuwa na maslahi ya kuona hili limefanyika, ikiwa chochote cha kusafisha misuli yetu. Nyoka .... Naam, unajua msaada wao utawapa gharama."
"Much better, I don't sound illiterate in this tongue."
"I have to apologize for my poor Taldane, it's the most recent tongue that I've learned, and I'm not as versed in it as I am in Polyglot. While I will admit that the society does hire some of the most ...unique agents, that's partially because we have to be ready for so many odd situations. If these kobolds have been riled up by our venture-captian, then there has to be something that can just us what we have to do to placate this tribe. We just need to find it, yes?"
"Well, As I poorly said earlier, I'm from the Ekujae tribes in these jungles. And while I'm not very well-versed in diplomacy, I know tribal politics better then anyone in this room, with the probable exception of yourself. If that's the case, then with support, it shouldn't be hard for us to slip into the area, sneak around, and find out want we can do to placate this tribe, all with a minimal amount of bloodshed. And while I can't talk for my allies, I know how to be one with the shadows even outside of the jungle, and I'm even better in it."
"Besides, we have vested interest in seeing this resolved, if anything to clean up our own messes. The Snakes....Well, you know their help will cost you something."
The Praetor seems to carefully consider Nali as she speaks before replying "Unaweza kufanya pointi bora, na nashukuru mtazamo wako kuhusu muungano ingawa wameweza kushughulikiwa uaminifu na mimi hivi sasa." He glances momentarily toward Valacostis before shaking his head gently and continuing "Mimi tu uhakika kwamba maarifa yako inatosha, makabila ni kuchafuka sana na hakuna kiwango cha elimu ya ndani inaweza kuchukua nafasi ya mazungumzo ya nguvu au kivuli."
Before the final words have fallen from Praetor Sylien's lips Valacosti begins "Come now, let us be done with this foolishness. I don't speak this...provincial tongue." It is clear from the bile infecting his words exactly how he feels about provincial tongues. Wading ahead Valacosti's voice rises to just below a shout "Clearly they are ill suited for the task, it is time that we send them on their way and begin discussing how my organisation is best suited to repairing damage done by these Pathfinders."
I'm simply not sure that your local knowledge is enough, the tribes are very agitated and no amount of local knowledge can replace a strong negotiator or stealthy shadow.
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Justin suddenly growls in frustration. "Look here, pretty boy. We are Pathfinder. We are here to fix problems, not play dress up. We are capable of laying waste to the kobold population or simply cowing them into submission. They respond to strength, not fancy words. And we are not mindless. If there is something stirring them up, we can find and remove that problem instead. We are her to solve a problem. And right now, the only thing preventing that seems to be you."
He then runs his tongue, lovingly, across Glados's sharpest edge, leaving a clear trail of red as it slices into his flesh.
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Nali smiles gleefully at both finding out that the Praetor knows Polyglot, as well that Valacosti doesn't. "Mimi si mengi ya mwanadiplomasia, lakini kama kivuli ni ufanisi, basi mimi nina..."
Then Justin starts talking, and Nali's attempt to persuade the Praetor stops cold. After a couple seconds with a 'What the hell' look on her face, she looks to Pelagos, Xiao and Felixe. "Try to finish up?" she asks before turning to Justin. "We should go, not helping well... at all. Let others work? " she says, with a gesture to the door.
"I'm not much of a diplomat, but if a shadow is effective, then I'm...."
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After the magical users' demonstrations of strength eclipsed anything he could contribute, Kolard had somewhat checked out of the conversation. He wandered idly over to a couple bookcases in the corner as the conversation behind him continued. Glancing back at the now singular cat curled up on the floor, and noting some claw marks from where the hundreds of cats had climbed the bookcases in front of him, he shrugged and decided to climb up the bookcase himself - but quietly, so as not to disturb the conversation. 'After all, don't wanna be rude.'
If needed:
As Nali and Justin continue to fumble their way through the exchange with Praetor Sylien, Valacosti's smile continues to grow ever wider as you seem unable to stop yourselves from mis-stepping at each turn. Just as the Praetor looks ready to speak he stops and looks around in confusion "Was there not another member of your group? I'm certain he was here moments ago..." Seeming confused the Praetor glances around the room, failing to look initially before letting a small smile bloom on his face as he glances up above. "It would seem Pathfinders are not entirely without subtlety, wouldn't you say Amersanus? Perhaps they can be of some help after all." The Praetor pauses to consider you for a long silent moment.
Visibly frustrated, Valacosti appeals one last time to Sylien. “Praetor. I implore you, send these Pathfinders back from where they came from. This is neither the place nor the time for their presence. For the sake of the people of Fort Bandu, do not let them worsen this situation.”
With reluctance, the praetor acknowledges the Pathfinders with a slow nod. Then, after a brief glance to Valacosti, he appears ready to make his decision.
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"We have proven our adaptability. Will you accept our aid or shall we move on from this spectacle to more fruitful endeavors?" Pelagos asks, fed up with this political nonsense. They need aid and we are capable of providing it. What more do they need? I sense that petty political maneuvering shall be a reoccurring thorn in my quest for justice.
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