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Bright and early the next day, the six of you answer Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin's summon and report dutifully to his office. The Grand Lodge is quiet at this time of day and you encounter few people on the way to his room. Uncharacteristically, for a man well-known for his punctuality, he is not there.
One of the office attendants with his arms full of paper sticks his head in. In crisp and precise words, he informs you, "Venture-Captain Ambrus bids you to wait a while longer. He is with a guest in the sitting room and will be with you shortly." Without waiting for a reply, he turns and hurries away to sort out his paperwork.
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A tall, burly man, clearly from the frozen north, steps into the office with a inquisitive look on his face. As he spots the other assembled agents, he cracks a wide smile.
"Greetings fellow Pathfinders! I am Rogar, though some add 'the Relentless'. Do any of you have any clue as to where the Venture-Captain will be sending us today?"
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As Rogar and Ivar enter the room they see a portly orcish man sitting precariously in chair, looking around with a bored look on his green face. He's got a grungy oiled backpack behind him leaning up against the wall, as well as a stained spear and slightly rusted flail there as well. Once Rogar and his dog enter the room he looks up and stands quickly, the chair still sticking to his rear. He's wearing a skin tight chain shirt, is barefoot and has numerous different fruits hanging off his belt and around his neck.
"Bah small chair biting my backside!" He says in anger as he swats the chair away. "I'm Luurg, here for mission too? Bossman is busy. Always gotta wait for bossman." He then extends a dirty meaty paw in welcome and quickly turns his attention to the four legged fur ball. "OO puppy! Me love puppies!" I wonder if this his eating dog or guard dog... must be guard dog with that armor? Luurg then smells around the dog, mimicking it then attempts to play.
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Raevin slips into the room and pauses just inside the door, scanning the others who arrived first. Raevin then speaks in a soft voice of indeterminate gender, "Hello, I'm Raevin. Always a pleasure to meet fellow pathfinders. I look forward to working with you. Aren't you all just delicious!" That last is said with a slightly lustful gleam to the eyes, and flick of the tongue to dampen lips.
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Rogar shakes Luurg's hand vigorously, but wipes his hand absentmindedly on his trousers afterwards.
"Ah yes, 'hurry up and wait'. Reminds me of my time in the Kalsgard militia. We did a lot of waiting back then, though we we're also often hungover, so it might have been for the best."
He chuckles to himself, wistfully remembering his youth.
With Raevin's arrival, Rogar raises and eyebrow.
"All the critters I ran into on my last mission sure did think I was delicious. Say, aren't you a tad too pretty to be roughing it with the likes of us?"
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With a lick of the lips, Raevin smiles widely and says softly, "Oh my, well aren't you the charmer. Pretty, am I? You are too kind to say so." Raevin reaches out and runs a pair of fingers along Rogar's jaw very softly and with half-lidded eyes, glances up at the cavalier. "You have the look and accent of a fellow from the cold north. I'd be happy to share a little warmth with you, should our mission allow."
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"Hi Luurg, good to see you again, big guy." Raevin says softly and sweetly with a little smile. "Fun? absolutely... after all, Arshea is all about fun and, well, gratification, self and others. I've kept busy. And outside the city IS nice and quiet, but I hope you weren't alone all that time. Not that there's anything wrong with being alone... "
Raevin slips away from Rogar's side and over to Luurg, who gets a little gentle pat on his arm and a warm smile. Raevin finds a seat and settles down, waiting for the inevitable briefing. Eyes half closed, Raevin looks almost ready to fall asleep until the 'bossman' enters, murmurs softly, "I have to agree with you Luurg, this waiting seems excessive."
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With a slight blush visible under his ample beard, Rogar starts to fidget.
"Uh, one can only hope we'll be going somewhere with more reasonable weather. Got sent to Osirion last time, on an 'archaeological mission', though it felt more like state sanctioned tomb robbing to me. The sand gets everywhere as well, and I do mean everywhere..."
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Luurg smiles at Raevin and nods. "Always be wary of bossmen, they can be very tricky... never tell you quite everyting, yet always make you wait to hear only part of someting. Sometimes I tink it better working for yourself. Da smell of the water, the creak of da boats, the squish of da mud in ma toes." He smiles a broad smile, showing his stained yet fully accounted for teeth, looking off into the distance until a loud rumble echos through the room. Luurg rubs his belly then pulls a fresh apple from his belt and crunches down into it, spraying a bit of juice onto Raevin. "Apple? Really gud, just picked today! I got lots!"
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Luurg eagerly picks a good looking red and green apple from his belt and eyes it up meticulously, making it sure is of near perfect quality and peak ripeness. Then he quickly rubs it on his grungy pant leg to shine it up and hands it over to Raevin. "Some really gud 'pick ya own' apple farms outside da city. Lots of other gud fruit farms too. Anyone else want sometin?" As he shows off the bountiful harvest hanging from his belt and neck.
A pristine white tiger stalks into the room, inhaling through his nose and exhaling through his mouth at the assault of new scents in the close quarters. A few familiar scents draw him into the corner where Raevin and Luurg are chatting. The young tiger gives each of them a *chuff* of recognition as he confirms they are indeed the people that belong to those smells.
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A few moments behind the tiger enters a Keleshite beauty with the bearing of a princess. She glides across the entryway, her dark eyes dancing as they take in the room. "Ah Thirsty, you've found friends, haven't you, my love?" The tiger swishes his tail gently at the sound of her voice.
She drifts to his side and greets her fellows, "Hello Raevin, Luurg. Good to see you again. Any word of what is in store for us this time?"
Noticing finally that there is someone else in the room, she turns and extends her hand in greeting. Thirsty moves to her side protectively and inserts himself between his mistress and the newcomers, keeping a watchful eye on the dog.
"Oh Thirsty! Manners! You'll have to excuse him. A few of our early missions left him with a rather bad impression of canines." She smiles, trying to offset the tiger's posturing. "I am Selima and this, as I'm sure you've gathered, is Thirsty." She extends her hand again while keeping the other on the nape of Thirsty's neck to steady him.
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Luurg's eyes light up as he sees 'Kitty' saunter into the room then head over in his direction "OO Kitty's back! Did you bring Selima with you Kitty? Oh there she is, hi Selima." Luurg waves emphatically then kneels down to ruffle Kitty's white hair. "Kitty have you grown? You sure are getting big... must be eating lots of nice meats and fruits I bet! Any people meats?" Luurg leans down close to the cats ear and whispers "Short half person is pretty good, I'll tell Selima to get you some if you want." Luurg then stands up and looks about the room to be sure no 'short half person's' are in the room.
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After what feels like an eternity, you gradually hear voices approaching the room. A deep coarse voice booms out, ”No worries, Falroun. You can most definitely count on the Pathfinder Society. We’ll ensure your journey goes smoothly.” At that point, in steps Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin together with a tall Garundi man with short black hair and goldrimmed spectacles.
“Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,” Valsin says. “Pathfinders, welcome! May I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across his desk to the Garundi man. Those of you who have met Valsin before feel that something is off about him. You take a while to figure it out – he is smiling.
Valsin’s guest appears well-mannered and scholarly, bearing a noble carriage. He 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!” He shakes everyone’s hands, even Luurg’s and without a discernable urge to wipe his hand after that. His eyes do linger somewhat longer on him, although his warm expression never changes. His eyes then lay on the tiger, and his brow creases into a deep frown.
Valsin does not seem to notice and 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.” Turning to Selima, Falroun adds with some concern, ”I believe that this tiger is your companion? And thus my concern. As you can understand, the baron might not take too kindly to travelling with a beast that would remind him of that experience. We would have to see how he reacts when you meet him tomorrow, but please, keep him away from the baron?”
Ambrus Valsin gives Selima THE look, and quickly reassures the count. ”No worries, Falroun. Selima here would keep her companion under control.” He then continues with the rest of the team, “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, who seems assured by Valsin. “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 Falroun Matsanda to cover some of our operating expenses.” He does not look happy admitting this, and turns quite stern. ”I’m trusting you with the Society’s reputation on this mission. Luurg, keep your less savoury habits under control. And Selima, keep your pet on a tight leash. 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. The two of them are very influential in Alkenstar and the Society still have much interests there. 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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Just before Falroun exits, Raevin says softly, "Count, it is a pleasure to meet you and may I extend my congratulations on your recent marriage."
He turns to Valsin and in the same soft, lyrical voice, asks "What can we expect as far as climate in this jungle?"
Once he gets an answer, he listens for the questions of others and the answers to those questions, then heads out to go shopping.
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Uesugi makes his presence as the Count and the Venture Captain finish briefing the others. Dressed in an uncommon suit of leather armor he slightly bows his head to everyone. The man is of Tian heritage and stands more than a head and half shorter than the other men in the office. His sharp facial features seem to only magnify the scowl on his face.
"Greetings. I am looking for a unkempt brute who is probably enebriated on whatever sour ale his hands could grab. He had told me to meet him here and that there might be need of our services. It appears he is late and in turn has made me late. I am Uesugi Hideyoshi of the clan Red Arm of Absalom. I had over heard that you would be traveling to the jungles in Jalmeray?"
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Luurg happily shakes the Count's hand. His large meaty paw enveloping the other man's hand. "I'm Luurg" He pronounces it with an extremely drawn out uuuuuurg in a very deep voice.
Once the Count leaves and Bossman starts explaining things, Luurg's smile turns to a look of concern. "What unsav'ry habits? Whatchu mean?" His look of concern quickly passes however as he gets back on topic with the mission. "So you tellin me dat we be gettin paid to take a boat ride, go huntin, and play in a jungle? I'm in! What do we do when we find dis temple? Rummage around for stuffs to bring back?"
Luurg then turns to notice the short man that entered the room and again introduces himself. "Gonna be a great trip, nice to be out in da clean air, city so dirty!" He smiles showing his surprising complete and well cared for set of teeth.
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As if on cue, a young Chelaxian man stumbles into Valsin's office, carrying little more than a small pack for equipment. The linen tunic he wears has the right sleeve ripped off at the shoulder, revealing a gleaming chain shirt beneath it. A flexing arm, with the forearm dripping red, is stitched onto the back of the shirt, with the words "Red Arm of Absalom" emblazoned around it.
As he enters, he moves over to Uesugi and slurs, "'Ey, Oooesgi! Check out the shirt! You like it?" He tries to turn his head to look at the back of his own shirt, but ends up spinning himself around a time or two before deciding to just face away from the samurai and point at his own back. It's at that point that he notices the others in the room, particularly the stern-faced Venture Captain glaring at him with a look of disgust and agitation. "Oops! S'rry, Cap'n. I'll get straightened up righ' t'away." He fumbles around in a belt pouch for a minute before withdrawing a few dried leaves and a small piece of paper. He hastily rolls a neat cigarette, pops in between his lips, and snaps his fingers over the tip of the roll, which lights immediately.
After a few puffs, the young man's posture becomes more composed, his eyes clear, and his appearance seems to change almost magically from that of a simple ruffian to that of a young fighter in his prime. His golden blonde hair is cropped short on the sides, but is long enough on top to be pulled back into a tight knot; his emerald eyes sparkle mischievously; most notably, once he composes himself, his musculature becomes much more pronounced and apparent. "There, that's better," he says before once again looking around at the assembled agents and their Venture-Captain. "I'm a bit late, so I'll save the real intro for later, but for now, call me Gallix. Sorry to leave you like that, Uesugi. I...got a bit sidetracked. Now. When I was in the hall, I think I heard someone ask about the weather down in Jalmeray? It'll be hot. Beastly hot. And if we're going into the jungle we'll wanna stock up on some bug repellant or something to deal with their stings, one way or the other. I trained down on Jalmeray and I can tell ya, it's not all palaces and pretty beaches."
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Uesugi is about to say something to the orc when he hears his friend's voice holler out behind him. Looking at the emblem he nods his appreciation. Crude but good intention. He could expect no less from the barbarian.
"You are late. Regardless of the well received fashion choice you have added to your clothing. We have much to teach you barbarian. Now what is this about bug salve?"
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"Jah, jungles hot. Dat's what makes em jungles! Well, that and all the little buggies and snakes and mud and spiders. If I was you, Luurg wouldn't wear big armors, too hot. Buggie off grease is good too, easy to make."
Luurg fumbles around in his belt pouch for a few seconds and pulls out a small animal skull, twists off the top and holds it up to Uesugi's nose. "Dis buggie off grease. Keeps little buggies away, nice for getting sleeps." The smell is gaggingly pungent and lingers in the room for a few minutes.
Luurg then turns to Gallix and introduces himself as he has previously to the others, with a hearty meaty handshake. "Dats a neat smoke... make you not drunk no more? Gallix should tell me more bout dis when on da boat."
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"Thank you, Master Rogan. I trust this expedition in your good hands," Count Falround replies.
"Count, it is a pleasure to meet you and may I extend my congratulations on your recent marriage."
Falroun grins the grin of newly wedded men who have not quite accepted the reality of being newly married. He bows most graciously, and replies, "Thank you. It's amazing, isn't it? This joining of two? He walks out in a bliss, barely noticing the Tian and Chelaxian who pass him along the corridor.
"What can we expect as far as climate in this jungle?"
Just as Valsin is about to reply, he is interrupted by the entrance first of Uesugi, then shortly after by Gallix. His scowl deepens with each interruption, and at the antics of Gallix, who seem largely oblivious.
"You - do - not - smoke - that - in - my - room!" Valsin commands, his voice rising in volume with each word. He glares at Gallix until he puts it out.
"Sarenrae have mercy on me! Do I need to deal with yet another boor? So help me, if you, any of you are to offend the Count or the Baron with your antics, I'll put you to work scrubbing pots and pans in the scullery for a year!
Valsin takes a deep breath to calm down. In a more measured tone, though still with a hint of sternness, he answers Raevin's query. "Much as I hate to admit it, Gallix has got it mostly right. Segang is hot and muggy this time of year. It’s a jungle, so expect dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures, and diseases.”
He then turns to Luurg. Ignoring his first question, he addresses that of the temple. "Master Luurg, you are new to the Pathfinder Society, so to be clear, yes, you rummage through the temple for stuffs to bring back. It is likely dedicated to one of the Vudran deities, certainly, but beyond that I 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.”
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Gallix takes a step back as the Venture Captain turns on him in fury. When Gallix has finished receiving the third degree from Valsin, he quickly pinches the cigarette to snuff it out, then stows what remains of the butt back in his pouch. "My apologies, Venture Captain," he mutters calmly, though a look of quiet resentment briefly flashes in his eyes. "And I'll stay nice and quiet for the nobles. I've learned a thing or two about how to act around their types, and, if nothing else, I'm sure Uesugi here will help keep me in line."
Luurg then turns to Gallix and introduces himself as he has previously to the others, with a hearty meaty handshake. "Dats a neat smoke... make you not drunk no more? Gallix should tell me more bout dis when on da boat."
Gallix accepts the half-orcs handshake and grins at the compliment. "Sure thing, Luurg. It's just a trick I picked up from a friend back before I joined the Society. That's not the only neat trick I've got, either. We'll talk later, though."
Turning back to Valsin, Gallix nods appreciatively at being recognized for his knowledge of the island and its climate. He could hardly fail to know about it after spending so many years there, but few people here knew about his time there, and it wasn't something he discussed often, so he decided to leave it for the moment. "Is there anything in particular the Society is looking for from a temple of that sort? Or should we just use our best judgment on what might be of interest?"
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"Humph, at least you have a good head on your shoulders. When it's sucking in poisonous fumes."
Valsin nods in faint approval, before continuing, "For a temple that has been deserted for possibly thousands of years, it is anybody's guess what is left. The temples of Khiben-Sald are usually not only richly adorned, but also stores records of the Maharaja’s journeys in the Inner Sea. In fact, such historical records, if they survive, are likely more valuable than any treasure you might find. What is certain though is that we need to move fast. The news that reach us of this find could have easily reach others as well. You may encounter looters at the temple, if you don’t get there fast enough."
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"I will need to buy this salve then. Direct me to what shop I can purchase this at? The smell is rather strong but I guess that is what makes it effective?"
Luurg's eyebrow goes up "Luurg makes dis. I dunno where you buy it. Maybe a potion place? Or a stuff store? I could make you sum but it take too long."
"Master Luurg, you are new to the Pathfinder Society, so to be clear, yes, you rummage through the temple for stuffs to bring back. It is likely dedicated to one of the Vudran deities, certainly, but beyond that I 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.”
Luurg follows along with Bossman's instructions until he gets to the end and starts talking about monkey gods, then his face gets a bit of the glassed over look. "You sure dey worshiped monkies? I always just et monkies, da skulls are good for holding buggie off too. Best ting is monkies live where dare is lots of good fruit... mmhmm. Sounds of monkey is very good for Luurg."
Luurg licks his lips and rubs his gut in thought of fresh roasted monkey, then his eyes widen. "Oo almost forgot again, other Bossmen keep saying I need to do more writin about tings we find, but dey no like it in Orcish... Is someone goin to do dis?"
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Luurg licks his lips and rubs his gut in thought of fresh roasted monkey, then his eyes widen. "Oo almost forgot again, other Bossmen keep saying I need to do more writin about tings we find, but dey no like it in Orcish... Is someone goin to do dis?"
Gallix reaches down to another small, rectangular leather pouch with a flap covering its contents. He unwinds the leather thong holding it closed and produces a small journal, holding it up for Luurg to see. "I'll try my hand at taking a few notes for us, Luurg. Another friend of mine recently inspired me to take the up the habit."
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Luurg gives Gallix a big dirty thumbs up on seeing the journal. "Those books good for startin fires too, make sure it no get wet though.. you know jungle always wet."
After looking around at the rest of the group a few times, letting more than a few awkward seconds tick by of silence Luurg clears his throat and speaks up "Sooo umm, how long dis boat ride gonna be? And.. ummm we gettin paid right? Luurg need supplies..."
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Uesugi watches the interaction between the two in silence it is only the when the orc brings the duration of the trip and the payment that he turns around and awaits the Venture Captain's response. "Also when you two are done conversing over your oils and powders I would find an alchemist shop so that I might purchase some items for this trip. Having just returned from an assignment I see now how dangerous they can be without being properly prepared for it."
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Luurg's stance becomes more and more uncomfortable, leaning from one side back again to the other, fidgeting like an excited child on his birthday. His small, dark eyes shifting back and forth between the Bossman and the rest of the group as if he's waiting for someone to speak.
"I take and help you Sooogi" He struggles to pronounce Uesugi. "I know bout dees tings, den maybe we stop for a drink or sumting? He absentmindedly rubs his stomach at the mention of a drink. "Anyone else need help shoppin for jungle trip?"
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"I always just et monkies, da skulls are good for holding buggie off too. Best ting is monkies live where dare is lots of good fruit... mmhmm. Sounds of monkey is very good for Luurg."
Valsin lets out a deep sigh. "Master Luurg, you might want to control your appetite. As much as you are able to. These primitive locals can take their superstition quite seriously."
"Will there be an opportunity to shop once the boat has reached Jalmeray?"
"Some tasks for the Exchange, eh? Falroun briefed me on the itinerary earlier. You would be docking at the port capital of Niswan, but the expedition would immediately be pushing onto the hunting lodge base. You can buy some supplies there, but it would be limited. However, assuming everything goes smoothly, you may take some personal time in Niswan on the return trip."
"Sooo umm, how long dis boat ride gonna be? And.. ummm we gettin paid right? Luurg need supplies..."
"The journey by ship would take a couple of days, if the winds are good, and at this time of the year, there is no reason why it shouldn't be. And again, Master Luurg, if the Society's finances were in a better state, we would not have to depend of the good graces of the Count to mount this expedition. " He pauses here to take a deep breath, as if trying to be patient, and continues, "Any unique artifact or journal you discover goes to the Society, but otherwise, keep whatever treasure you find."
Valsin's patience is clearly wearing thin. "If you do not have any more ramblings of questions, you may leave. Now. The Count's ship sets sail promptly on the ninth hour tomorrow morning at the turn of the tide. Be there. Keep the Count and Baron safe. Help the Baron bag the tiger. Gain their favors. Find the ruins. Dismissed." At that, he turns back to his table, and starts going through his paperwork. A clear signal to dismiss you as any.
Next morning, you arrive at the docks. The Count's ship, the Cloudreaver, is unmistakable. Count Falroun himself is waiting at the gangway and warmly welcomes you into the ship. He eagerly leads you to the deck where an older dark-skinned Garundi gentleman is directing the crew on their final preparations.
In an deferential manner, the Count Falroun introduces you to the man. "Baron... um ... father, these are the Pathfinders I mentioned. Pathfinders, this is my father-in-law, the decorated Baron Bomande Rudyahm, the Hero of Alkenstar."
The Baron is 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. A faint flicker of annoyance flashes across his face when the Count introduces him, but it disappears quickly. "Bah, empty titles. A soldier does what he must. Pathfinders, eh. You know you have a reputation of being graverobbers." Here, he pauses and chuckles good-naturedly. "But your Society sent help when the Gorilla King Ruthazek invaded with his simian armies, and for that, you would always have my thanks."
The Baron then goes to each of you in turn, shaking your hands firmly and listening to your introductions intently. He pauses briefly, however, staring at Thirsty with haunted eyes, but maintains his decorum and continues down the line.
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"'Keep the Count and Baron safe. Help the Baron bag the tiger. Gain their favors. Find the ruins.' Got it. Will do our best." And with that, Raevin takes his leave and heads out into town to shop and then sleep. He arrives at the docks early in the morning, about an hour before the scheduled departure time.
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After the Venture Captain ushers them out Uesugi follows the orc named Luurg with the barbarian in tow to the Grand Bazaar where after navigating through the maze of vendors and stalls they arrive at a rather affluent looking free standing shpp.
A detailed wooden placard nailed to the door depicts a man standing over a cauldron and pouring something into it. Entering the shop they are greeted by a gnome who is attended by two halflings. After a quick discussion Uesugi purchases three vials from the gnome and they continue their tour of Absalom's marketplace. During their stroll Uesugi listens as the other two trade tips and tricks with one another over formulas and components that Uesugi has no understanding of but he is content to be able to stretch his legs.
Eventually they find themselves at a tea house where Uesugi orders and sips his tea while the other two drink contentedly. When his two companions finally drink themselves into slumber Uesugi finds them a room and awakens them in the morning only to once again be rushing to the ship before it takes off at the ninth hour.
As they board the ship he seed the others are already on board. With a scowl once again on his face he prods the two onto the ship and greets each of the others with a bow of his head.
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A few hours of chitter chatter with Gallix, who seems quite personable for an 'oomie', and his strange and strict friend Uesugi, Luurg was very happy to have 'tea'. "Hrm. You pay to drink tea? I drink tea in da woods when the water taste bad or have no ale... I just have what Gallix have ok?" Whenever Gallix orders food or drink, Luurg just motions for the waitress to bring another. As the evening winds down Uesugi insists he get a room here, although he never offers to share a room for some reason. "Ok, Luurg gets up early, need sleep. Meet you there in mornin." And he quickly heads up to the clerk and then to bed. By the end of the evening Gallix's bar tab is substantial.
Considering he had a mission in the morning, and Uesugi insisted, he decided to get a room for the night, spend the big bucks he thought. A small comfortable room, didn't set him back too much, less than a single gold piece. He smiled and thanked the desk clerk that directed him to his room, after he of course paid upfront. "Dis place not bad, mebe I stay here again some time." As he dropped his pack and laid down on the bed, stretching his legs and quickly fast asleep.
Luurg wakes with the morning sun, as always, cleans his teeth, packs up his backpack and heads out. As the door shuts behind him stacks of apple cores and banana peels and all manner of bits of discarded tough wild jerky can be seen strewn all over (Luurg is a big fan of late night sleep-eating). The bed now has a considerable sag in the center along with the unmistakable aroma of wet dog. "Danks fer the bed!" He says as he smiles and waves to the half asleep clerk on the way out.
Luurg makes his way to the docks quickly and with a smile on his face. With his nose in the air he effortlessly finds the salty air and the creak and sway of the 'boats'. "Mmmm lub dis smell! Brings me back!" He tours around the different docks, waving and smiling at the dock hands and ship captains. Some wave back, and some grumble, and even a few give him a peculiar nod, which he returns subtly.
"Hi Baron, I'm Luurg. Nice big boat you have here. Can't wait to hunt us some tiger, but not Kitty there, Selima won't have none of dat. Yer in gud hands, Luurg very good in jungle! Oh are we gonna get a boat tou.." With that Uesugi bumps the long winded Luurg along who shrugs his shoulders and begins looking around the deck of the ship with interest and familiarity.
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The orc is a talkative one.
He politely edges the orc behind and moves closer to the old Baron."Baron. Tell me more of these lands we travel to. I have traveled far from my own lands and have little idea what this jungle is? I would hear your own description and if you are willing your own tale of this beast you seek?"
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After leaving VC Valsin's office with Luurg and Uesugi, Gallix remembers visiting a stand where he purchased a few vials of a thick white paste similar to the one Lurrg had produced, as well as a potion to boost his defenses. Once they had purchased their assorted goods, Uesugi lead them to some fancy tea house, but Gallix's nose for a good liquor did not fail him, and he joined Luurg to make the most of the evening. At least, that's as much as he remembers. When he wakes in the morning, he finds his coin purse significantly lighter, and a scowl crosses his face. Blasted half-orc swindled his drink out of me. Ah well. Can't be helped. Best make my way down to the docks or Uesugi'll us that sword of his on me.
He practically runs up the gangplank of the ship mere minutes before its departure, and, sure enough, the samurai is there to greet him with a disapproving frown. Gallix chooses to ignore him for the moment, however, as he has nobles to meet. He introduces himself in as respectful a manner as one might expect of the most proper gentlemen, and bows his head slightly to show himself at their service. "Good day, Count, Baron. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Gallix Granbonne, a warrior trained in the martial sanctuaries that dot the island to which we are traveling. Hopefully my slight knowledge of the Segang will be of use to you in your expedition." As he steps back from the nobles, he turns to Uesugi, whom Gallix imagines would be dumb-founded by this display of civility.
*wink*
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While everyone else makes nice with the Count and his father-in-law, Luurg will give himself a tour of the ship, making sure it's sea worthy and what sort of interesting curiosities may be on board... living or cargo. He pokes around on deck for a while but if people lose track of him he heads below deck to look around. If anyone speaks with him or gives him a funny look he'll introduce himself and mention he's a Pathfinder and continue to look around 'for where he be sleepin'.
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The Baron merely nods in response to all the questions. "Good, good. You are asking good questions – questions good soldiers would ask before a campaign. And I see that this crew has a number of warriors. Good, good. I am more than happy to trade war stories, including my encounter with that dastardly tiger. But the deck of ship busy loading crews and supplies is not the place. We need to set off soon. Tonight let me host you to dinner. ” Ending quite abruptly, Baron Bomande limps away, continuing to direct the ship’s crew on their final preparations.
You notice Count Falroun noticeably relax as his father-in-law walks away, a grim smile on his face. He recovers quickly, however, and turns to your party. ”A formidable man, isn’t he? Come let me get the attendants to show you to the quarters and we’ll meet again tonight for dinner.” He raises an eyebrow when he notices Luurg wandering off, but doesn’t say a word. Instead, he summons a couple of page boys and gives them some instructions. He then follows after the Baron, attempting to assist him in the final preparations, although he does not seem that familiar with the working of the ship, and the Baron seems to ignore him mostly. One of the page boy directs you below deck, while the other runs desperately after Luurg, trying to steer him to living quarters.
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That evening, the Baron and the Count hosts the party to a simple but sumptuous dinner in the Baron’s quarters. The space is small, but the room is tastefully decorated. It is a tight fit round the table, with the two nobles, six Pathfinders and two animal companions, but you make do. The attendants enter from time to time to bring in dishes and clear the plates, while a young page boy keeps your flagons filled with wine.
The Baron opens by introducing you to the venue of the expedition. ”Jalmeray is an island nation. It’s a place of incredible natural beauty. The Segang Jungle is a tropical jungle and is the largest woodland on the southern half of the island. It contains an unusual variety of plants and animals that have been brought to the island from distant Vudra by generations of travelers and druids. That has made it popular with sportsmen and the jungle is home to numerous hunting lodges who cater to traditional Vudrani hunting expeditions. Which is what we would be undertaking. Master Gallix, anything else to add on?”
”Anyway, I believe there was some interest in my first encounter with this tiger. And rightly you should. It is important to know an enemy as well as you know yourself – that is the key to victory.” 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. Alone.” He paused here, swallowing a lump in his throat. ”That beast decimated the rest of my party. Every single one but me. I lost many good man that day.” He sighs deeply, and takes a deep drink from his flagon.
Somewhat stiffly, he continues, ” I’ve spoken too much. Come, share with me your war stories.”