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The intermittent breeze off the Vanji River provides welcome respite from the jungle’s torrid oppression. The docks in Nantambu seem as busy as any in Absalom, Katapesh, or Sothis. Hundreds of dockhands move quickly to offload exotic cargo from vessels ranging from singleperson canoes to fifty-foot-long river barges. All manner of items can be seen entering the city including rare animal pelts, fine linens, and fruits and vegetables from the far corners of Golarion.
Just past the docks, vast open-air markets completely encompass the mosaic-decorated towers making up Nantambu’s inner city. Hundreds of glass chimes and beaded charms hang from the towers’ balconies and windows, casting a kaleidoscopic radiance across the city’s skyline.
Another time, exploration of the jewel of the Mwangi Expanse would be a welcome excursion, however, Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine’s words to you from before the journey’s start still ring clear.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the Society recently acquired what we believe to be the very core of the fabled Sky Key. The entirety of the organization is now focused on finding the four remaining pieces of the mysterious, fractured item, as well as finding any information we can regarding Numerian technology.
“We received word than an agent in Nantambu has obtained a copy of A Thread of Silver. The original copy of this book was stolen from the Technic League in Numeria generations ago. Since that time, several copies have surfaced. In each case, however, the books’ owners were savagely murdered and the copies were destroyed by Technic League agents.
“We don’t know if the book that was purchased is legitimate, but the very mention of its name is treacherous. Venture-Captain Nieford Sharrowsmith is off on an important expedition, so the Nantambu lodge is in the hands of our trusted associate, Aya Allahe. I need you to travel to the covert lodge—in the back of Sharrowsmith’s Exports on the outskirts of Nantambu. Take this coin and show it to the guards standing outside the inner sanctum. Tell them that you require an appraisal. They will recognize the coin and let Aya know you’ve arrived. Work with her to make sure the existence of the book remains a secret and see it safely to Absalom. No one must learn we purchased the book or of our operations in Nantambu.”
The Master of Scrolls’s words fade from memory as the early morning sun continues its ascent into the clear Mwangi sky.
The Technic League - Knowledge (local)
A Thread of Silver - Knowledge (arcana)
Nantambu and its Inhabitants - Knowledge (local) (If you are native to the Mwangi expanse, add +5)
Nantambu's Magical History - Knowledge (arcana or history)
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Tarquin already knows "Tony" and friendly inquires after their recent female acquaintance. Though his looks are quite demonic, Tarquin is quite well mannered. It is clear though that he fits better in a lab than in a crowd. Besides his longbow and 2 maces he isn't carrying much else in the form of weaponry. He is however packed with potions and alchemical substances, scattered about his person in twin bandoliers.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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S'slarn carries little equipment, but every scrap of it is necessary to him. He explains to any interested his combat style, which involves turning into a Naga, and then grappling anything and everything. He is softspoken, but obviously has a zeal for combat, and during their travels he will spar with anyone willing.
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Aaroko is a relatively young man, he carries a greatsword and a fairly standard adventuring pack with bedroll and such. He wars a chain shirt and is always within arms reach of his companion, a Deinonychus named Dino. Dino also wears chain armor and seems unusually intelligent for a dinosaur. While unable to speak, Dino seems to understand the common tongue.
He also explains that his combat style focuses on battlefield positioning and working off openings created by allies. Additionally, he has a wide variety of magical tools at his disposal, gaining spells from both nature and the deity Gorum.
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Who? responds Tony when Tarquin inquires after Shechera, Oh yeah the girl from the Redoubt. Yeah I think she joined the Society. The well dressed taldan man spend most of time aboard ship relaying in a chair drinking Scotch, with magically frozen ice cubes, tinkering with various peices of his armor. He seemed to be trying to incorporate a strange looking pistol into one of gauntlets. What have you been up Tarquin, since your little obstetrical course adventure?
Tony is friendly with the rest of the team, though he gets bored with the "brawlers'. He loves to talk 'tech' with anyone though it is obvious he think he's the expert on the topic. He coves off as abrasive but likable willing to give anyone a chance to impress him.
He will also hit on any female members of the ships crew.
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Know (Local) - The Technic League
Know (Local) - Nantambu and its Inhabitants
Know (History) - Nantambu's Magical History
"I have forgotten much since I died, Kreighton," Aroden addresses the man informally. "But what does A Thread of Silver have to do with the Sky Key? And what does A Thread of Silver look like? A book?"
Aroden Reborn pauses a moment, trying to remember.
"I didn't write it, did I? A Thread of Silver?"
* * *
On the trip down, Aroden Reborn has spent more than a bit of his free time preaching, talking about his old and new miracles (especially the time he talked open a door!), and expounding upon what he intends to do as he regains his memories and powers.
"...and it will be simple for me to again enter the Starstone and reclaim what I left there. When I remember what I left there. And what is protecting it."
Aroden spends a bit more time harassing preaching to Iron Man and Aaroko (both humans) about the benefits of conversion...but is not too push about it.
He is clad in a nice agile breastplate, but carries only a dagger around at his waist. His holy symbol is dedicated to himself (of course).
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The Technic League -
A Thread of Silver -
Nantambu and its Inhabitants -
Nantambu's Magical History -
The tall elf smells of sulfur and singed hair, his eyes are most striking, one a violently glowing green the other a dark red. His face has several old burns in various stages of healing while his armor is scored by a variety of damage. Some links seem half melted together by intense heat others show the early signs of rust and decay while a few patches are bright and slightly etched from acids.
In addition to the armor the elf is practically covered with vials of a dizzying assortment of liquids, most unlabeled.
"I am Brother Slyph, it is my great honor to be working with such prestigious Pathfinders. Numerian technology is a hobby of mine so getting a chance to examine A Thread of Silver would be worth this trip alone."
Slyph eagerly will get into religious debates with Aroden, hinting that he was around when the god disappeared. Infact he will actively encourage the delusional man and comment on their similarities.
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This incredibly rare book is said to contain an account of the first ventures into the largely unexplored Numerian dungeon known as Silver Mount.
The original copy of this book was stolen from the Technic League, and since then the cabal has hunted down any who are said to own a copy, or know the secrets possessed within.
After Earthfall ushered in the Age of Darkness, it is said that Old-Mage Jatembe and his Ten Magic Warriors fought to reclaim fragments of civilization and enlightenment in the aftermath of the comprehensive cultural collapse. Their followers were said to have settled Nantambu near the end of the Age of Anguish and built the Magaambya to stand as Garund’s center of learning.
The magic perfected by Old-Mage Jatembe and taught in the Magaambya today blends arcane study with natural magic, creating a unique hybrid of scholarship and druidism.
Old-Mage Jatembe is said to have learned secrets whispered by the severed head of the ancient god of serpentfolk, Ydersius, before sewing shut its lips once more. He also slew the King of Biting Ants and sealed away the ruins of the Doorway to the Red Star. He was even known to have communed with angels and devils as an equal, using any means available to ensure the safety and survival of his people.
Nantambu is the Mwangi Expanse’s second largest city, with a population of over 14,000 people of mostly Zenj and Bonuwat tribal heritage. It is the home of the Magaambya, one Golarion’s oldest and most storied academies of arcane knowledge.
Members of Zenj tribes are believed to be the most populous of the Mwangi peoples, living in hundreds of small tribes in the jungles and savannas of the Mwangi Expanse. Some of the tribes live in villages alongside the region’s many rivers while others are nomadic herders who graze their cattle or goats in the Expanse’s grasslands and hills. The Bonuwat are seafarers, and as such are often the group most encountered by the outside world. The Mwangi found in ports such as Bloodcove or the Shackles tend to be Bonuwat. They are excellent fishermen and sailors.
After Earthfall ushered in the Age of Darkness, it is said that Old-Mage Jatembe and his Ten Magic Warriors fought to reclaim fragments of civilization and enlightenment in the aftermath of the comprehensive cultural collapse. Their followers were said to have settled Nantambu near the end of the Age of Anguish and built the Magaambya to stand as Garund’s center of learning.
The Technique League is a formerly secret society whose chief goal is the acquisition of personal and worldly power through magic and ancient technology.
The League is incredibly protective of their secrets and power, and they ruthlessly hunt down those who leave Numeria with technology or knowledge thereof, including such books as A Thread of Silver. Those said to possess such jealously guarded secrets are often brutally murdered to maintain the League’s sole control of such technology.
Nantambu is the Mwangi Expanse’s second largest city, with a population of over 14,000 people of mostly Zenj and Bonuwat tribal heritage. It is the home of the Magaambya, one Golarion’s oldest and most storied academies of arcane knowledge.
Members of Zenj tribes are believed to be the most populous of the Mwangi peoples, living in hundreds of small tribes in the jungles and savannas of the Mwangi Expanse. Some of the tribes live in villages alongside the region’s many rivers while others are nomadic herders who graze their cattle or goats in the Expanse’s grasslands and hills. The Bonuwat are seafarers, and as such are often the group most encountered by the outside world. The Mwangi found in ports such as Bloodcove or the Shackles tend to be Bonuwat. They are excellent fishermen and sailors.
After Earthfall ushered in the Age of Darkness, it is said that Old-Mage Jatembe and his Ten Magic Warriors fought to reclaim fragments of civilization and enlightenment in the aftermath of the comprehensive cultural collapse. Their followers were said to have settled Nantambu near the end of the Age of Anguish and built the Magaambya to stand as Garund’s center of learning.
Some pictures to set the scene:
Map of Nantambu (Sharrowsmith's Exports is the big building in the upper-right hand corner.)
The Magaambya, Nantambu's magical university (Some of you have knowledge about this.)
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Towering wooden gates stand open, leading to a vast courtyard surrounded by thick, stone walls. Dozens of colorful awnings cover rows of tables and carts, as hundreds of customers peruse all manner of exotic goods. Two large, vaguely human statues rise from a central fountain. Their faces look up to the sky and their gaping mouths overflow with water feeding into the basin below. Beyond the fountain stands an immense stone building lined with monolithic pillars, behind which is a facade carved with great beasts native to the Mwangi jungles.
Guards are posted on the outside of the complex, and in front of the doors to the inside building. The outside ones let you through easily, but the inside ones stop you until you show them the coin provided by Kreighton Shane. They lead you inside past a pair of giant stuffed lizards to one of the appraisal rooms where a Garundi woman awaits, her eyes sparking with an otherworldly radiance. Most of you recognize her as an aasimar due to your past interactions with the celestial beings.
The woman dismisses her guards and then turns to you. “Welcome Pathfinders. My name is Aya Allahe. It’s good to see that your leaders take your recent acquisition seriously. If you will follow me, I will lead you to your lodge.”
Aya runs her hand along the wall and presses a hidden catch. The wall slowly recedes , revealing a small room lit by a single torch. “Please, follow me.” She walks through the door past a wooden statue that seems vaguely human, to a warmly lit lounge with a bear rug in the center.
“Please think of this as your home away from home. You will find it currently empty, as Nieford departed several weeks ago and took most of his agents with him. The venture-captain left only Arvellos Rand behind to watch over the grounds until he returned.
“Rand had only just arrived in Nantambu with the item whose discovery prompted your visit here. Now, he has now been missing for two days.
“Your precious book is locked in the lodge’s hidden vault, but I fear it may not be safe even there. Rumors ride the winds that strange mechanical creatures have been seen in the corners of the city and dark shadows stalk the night. I fear that the book’s rightful owners are here in my city and it’s only a matter of time before they find this location— putting my investment and my safety at risk.
“From what I have heard of the Technic League, they will stop at nothing to destroy the book and lay waste to any who would stand in their way. It is important that you find Arvellos Rand and make sure no one can connect a copy of A Thread of Silver to our facility. Should the League learn of its location, I fear the defenses of this lodge would not survive their magical and technological onslaught.”
Aya leans back nervously in her chair, anticipating questions.
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"I shall do what I can to recover the book. And with it I might remember more of what I forgot after my...accident," Aroden turns, happily walking away, another step on his journey to recovery.
* * *
@Iron Man:
Aroden smiles upon you, even though you may not wish it. His smile, his countenance, his persona is best described as literally 'beatific'.
"I have been long in the Society and have gathered many converts who seek to aid me in our joined goal of fixing this wrecked world. What would it take to get you to believe that something could happen?" Aroden is neither pushy nor rude, but strongly confident and friendly.
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"I suggest keeping the book with us untill we can find the man and keep him safe with us. It should be easy enough to set up a defensible position. I have lots of alchemical concoxions we can use for traps and to throw at them." Tarquin says with an evil glint in his eyes that only lingers shortly.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Aya raises an eyebrow at Tarquin. "Well, if you believe yourself capable of defending the book while searching for Rand in the city, by all means take it with you. I'm not sure such an idea is wise, but its your book, so who am I to speak?"
She then turns to S'Slarn. "I can certainly show you where the book is currently being held." She then stands up and crosses the room, turning a corner and waiting for you to follow. "There is a hidden glyph of the open road on the wall here. Press it for two seconds and the wall opens." She demonstrates and the wall behind her opens up.
Inside is a room lined with shelves. Most of the shelves is packed with statuettes or figurines of various shapes and sizes, however one is filled with books. The metal covering on one of them stands out pretty clearly as the book that you are charged with defending.
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Aroden looks over the chapterhouse and the grounds as we walks in.
I don't recall being here before.
"I can hold the book. No one will take it from a God," Aroden asserts politely (and mayhaps delusionally).
"Tell me again why we don't take the book back to Absalom right now? Why even wait in the city if there are agents who would kill for it?" Aroden asks, momentarily confused by the mortals around him.
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"Aroden it would be poor form to simply abandon those who have given us aid in recovering this text. It should be out greatest priority, perhaps if someone has access to a pathfinder pouch? In any case I believe we should either investigate these strange sightings or begin a search for Arvellos Rand.
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"Aroden it would be poor form to simply abandon those who have given us aid in recovering this text. It should be out greatest priority, perhaps if someone has access to a pathfinder pouch? In any case I believe we should either investigate these strange sightings or begin a search for Arvellos Rand.
Aroden considers.
"No, they would know we have left with it quite quickly. If we suspect that they would find it *here*, then why would we not assume they would find that we took it with us just as quickly?" Aroden asks, still trying to find the safest way to do this.
Aroden turns to Aya.
"Can you tell me more about this Rand person? Is he human? Does he worship me?"
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Oh god not another religious nut...
"Listen, priority number one is keeping the book safe. Number two is collecting this Rand fellow. Because they don't mix well, we have to take the book with us. Now while we search for the man we could see about those sightings, but that isn't a high priority. And once we found Rand we should find a defensible position to take a stand until we can leave town."
-Posted with Wayfinder
A little ball of light emerges from Tarquin's sleeve and lands on his shoulder. Upon closer inspection it appears to be a tiny sprite.
"Greetings fellow pathfinders, my name is Navi. Though Tarquin means well, he might be a little blunt. Though I agree with his conclusion I disagree with the way he says it. Perchance you can see the wisdom behind the words and not the manner in which they were communicated."
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Since arriving Iron Man has been preoccupied flirting with Aya, offering some scotch and asking what she might be doing after this whole mess is done with.
The appearance of Navi is enough to get his attention though and he pauses his conversation with the merchant. Tarquin, what in the Nine Hells is that thing? Iron Man asks disparagingly.
Anyway, as far as the matter at hand, I'm a little hesitant to bring he book out with us as we search an unfamiliar city. I say we leave it here for now.
We can try and go find this Rand guy but I'm more of the mindset that the best defense is a good Offence. The Tech Leauge is here and looking for the book, that makes them an easy target. We find out were they are and make some quick surgical strikes against them. This puts them on the Defensive and gives us more time to secure Rand and book passage back to Absalom.
Turning back to Aya, So you make it to Absalom much?
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"I feel that I've seen a fey like that one before, but I can't put my finger on it. It is nice to meet you, Navi. My friend Borco here may wish to converse with you at some point... you Tiny creatures all seem to enjoy each others' company." He indicates the dwarf caiman (a mini alligator) sticking out of a pouch at his side.
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Aaroko returns from a quick run to the store.
"Either way we go with it, I now have a pathfinder pouch that we can use if we wish. I would personally like that we keep it(the book) with us, but I am happy to take it to a vote."
Aaroko turns to Navi.
"Ah, a sprite. I have always wanted to meet a fey in person. Nice to meet you."
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"...my name is Navi. ...see the wisdom behind his words..."
Aroden regards the little fey with his blue eyes, taking her all in. Aroden smiles gently.
"We never doubted his reasoning. But only wish to know why we stay around at all. In fact, he and I stridently agree that the safety of the book comes first. I seem to have forgotten something..." Aroden smiles, trying to cover his failing memory. "I have forgotten so much since I died."
He looks at Tarquin, no longer addressing the fey.
"Mortal, do we have transport back to Absalom? If so, when and where do we meet it? If we do not have it arranged, why would we need stay at all? It just seems to be inviting trouble."
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Aya starts to answer Aroden, but instead defers to Slyph. When he finishes, she adds "While many people in Nantambu don't know that the Pathfinder Society isn't based out of the back of this building, the Technic League is resourceful. Absent intervention, I am quite sure that they will discover your secret base here and destroy in order to find their book."
Upon being asked about Rand, Aya responds "Given that Rand is younger than me, I can't imagine that he worships... you?"
"If I had to guess, I would have to say Abadar. He has a fine eye for value. During his time here, when he wasn't doing Pathfinder business, he would go around the market with a handful of coins, and by buying and selling, end up with more gold than what he left with. He also doesn't look like a local, but then again you Pathfinders rarely do. He's tall and paler than ivory, with a slight limp."
Aya gives a slight squee when Navi comes out, but quickly goes back to her calm demeanor.
Upon Tony's flirting, Aya replies "I don't leave here much. Nantambu is my home, and myself and your Venture Captain are in a mutually beneficial business arrangement. He gets an easy base of operations to access the Mwangi, and I get access to the vast trade network the Pathfinders control. I don't travel, I just reap the benefits of it, and that suits me perfectly."
This incredibly rare book is said to contain an account of the first ventures into the largely unexplored Numerian dungeon known as Silver Mount.
After Earthfall ushered in the Age of Darkness, it is said that Old-Mage Jatembe and his Ten Magic Warriors fought to reclaim fragments of civilization and enlightenment in the aftermath of the comprehensive cultural collapse. Their followers were said to have settled Nantambu near the end of the Age of Anguish and built the Magaambya to stand as Garund’s center of learning.
The magic perfected by Old-Mage Jatembe and taught in the Magaambya today blends arcane study with natural magic, creating a unique hybrid of scholarship and druidism.
Old-Mage Jatembe is said to have learned secrets whispered by the severed head of the ancient god of serpentfolk, Ydersius, before sewing shut its lips once more. He also slew the King of Biting Ants and sealed away the ruins of the Doorway to the Red Star. He was even known to have communed with angels and devils as an equal, using any means available to ensure the safety and survival of his people.
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"Do we know roughly how quickly the Technique League may discover this location? It may be beneficial for us to begin securing the grounds as quickly as possible. The more diplomatic of us may be able to find out what happened to Rand. Or at least where we can being to look for him."
"Aya, dose the society have any other resources we can call upon to protect you from the League?"
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Aroden smiles at the question from the Elf.
That's something I should have thought about myself.
"If you all would like, I can go out among my people and begin to track down Rand. My people will speak to me as I discuss my return and my miracles. Perhaps I would start in the market where he was often seen."
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"Given the rumors that the Technic League has made it into the city, I can't imagine that they will be here for long. Then again, you probably know more about them than I do. They're not common knowledge around here."
Aya pauses a moment as she considers the answer to Slyph's second question.
"Defenses, yes... Nieford mentioned eventually getting that wooden statue animated. He said it required the essence of a baobab sapling's root in order to function again. In his office he has ceremonial armor that when fitted with a black diamond can fly around and become animated. The root you'll have to get out in the jungle, but I can give you some leads as to where you could potentially find a jewel."
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Maybe later we can reap the benefits of our own mutually beneficial relationship. giving Aya a sly smile.
Standing up he stretches and looks at the group.
Alright Team, looks like we have some missions to accomplish to aid in our main objective of protecting the book and this lodge.
Sounds the majority of people want to look for this Rand fellow. Market seems like a good enough place as any to look for him and possibly look into the Tech league.
Aya, any chance you have a couple men you can spare to carry around my 'emergency kit'. he points to a well made chest that he had brought with him from the ship. The party knows from the ship that the chest contains his armor.
Lets head out!
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"Well now... getting something from the jungle sounds like a job for me. I suppose we may have to split up... a few of us gathering necessary materials and building defenses, a few staying right here on guard. Is that what you would suggest, Aya? I will gladly go to the jungle and find the baobab root."
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"I think we should find Rand fist. The root should still be there when we return. If, for some reason, it looks like finding rand will take significantly longer than expected we can reconsider then."
"Also, Tony, I'm not sure it would be the best use of the guards to carry around your armor. Maybe you should consider wearing it, or finding a way to make it lighter?"
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Aroden nods and smiles at Iron Man.
"You will make a fine worshipper. What would it take you to believe in something greater? In the power of man to take back the Worldwound and end the wrongs of this land?" Aroden asks. "You would be a valiant warrior for humanity."
Aroden then returns to matters at hand.
"It seems we have several options before us:"
- "Animate the wooden statue: requires a trip to the jungle;"
- "Find Rand, starting in the market;"
- "I would very much like to see S'Slarn's traps put into use;"
- "Finding a defensible position, if not here in the Chapterhouse;"
- "Finding a diamond to animate the armor in the Chapterhouse;"
- "Finding someone to carry Tony's armor;"
- "...all the while protecting Aaroko and his pouch."
"Have I missed anything?" Aroden looks around.
Aroden wrinkles his nose, trying to think through all the best solutions. In the past, he is sure he could have just willed him to do all the tasks, but now, it is all he can do to keep himself centered on his mission.
"We should stick together...for safety of Aaroko, no less. What say we hit the market to find Rand on our way out of the City and out to the jungle?"
* * *
When people agree, Aroden will walk to the markets (asking for directions a necessary) and begin both sermonizing (about his own re-coming, of course) and seeking information about Rand.
Profession (Orator)
Diplomacy (Gather Info)