Redelia's private PFS game (Inactive)

Game Master Redelia

Hey, invited players, welcome! We won't get started for a few months, but you can still dot in here (with your main alias is fine), and head over to discussion to talk about what character you would like to play.

A dashing thief, in a lovely noble outfit and well fitting boots, takes a long stretch. She smiles as everyone’s heads turn to see the well-dressed black cat. She raises her nose and sniffs. She gets in a heady whiff of adrenaline and the spices of far-off lands.

Adventure is in the air, and I, Catorze, will be there to greet it personally.

She grins. This will be EXCELLENT.

You are all settled onto a ship for the long journey from Absalom to the city of Natambu in the Mwangi Expanse. You don't know exactly what is going on; only that you have been told to go there and get your assignment at the Pathfinder Lodge, which is also a business called Sharrowsmith's Exports. As you look around, you notice several others on the ship who also might be Pathfinder agents.

A strong looking woman with thick brown hair held back by an ancient, red bead headband strides up the gangplank and onto the ship. She has a fierce smile upon her face and is dressed in a fine chain shirt and a lush, white fur cloak. Around her waist is an elaborate leather belt, tooled in the Ulfen style to display stylized linnorms. A well-made longsword is sheathed at her side, alongside a wand, while her belt pouches clink with the sounds of vials and potions contained within. Her backpack looks quite full.

She approaches everyone on the ship--Captain, Officers, sailors, guests and Pathfinders--with a smile and an outstretched hand.

"Hail and well met! I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane. Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand! Famous Pathfinders, all!" She shakes hands firmly, and with enthusiasm before continuing. "I am a wanderer at heart, and explorer! A discoverer of history, both epic and small! My deeds are many and my legend is great! You may have heard the songs they sing of me in Absalom's bars. I am the saviour of Janira Gavix and Balenor Forsend, Slayer of the Minotaur of the Kortos Caverns, Hero of Diobel, Investigator for the city of Ridonport, as well as it's Hero and Saviour, Victor of the Battle of Arnisant House, and Honoured Patron of Arnisant House Museum!"

With sparkling eyes she asks, "Tell me! Who have I the honour of meeting this day? Don't be shy! I would hear YOUR legend!"

---

Once the trip is underway it is clear that Lovissa looks comfortable on a ship, and has no problem keeping her footing (or stomach) when they leave port and sail off into the Inner Sea.

---

Halfway through the journey, as the weather gets warmer, Lovissa packs up her fine fur cloak, and leather pants, and is seen wearing sturdy brown shorts, hiking boots, and a light, short-sleeved cotton blouse stitched with images of dragons and fierce beasts around the collar and sleeves, which just barely peeks out from under her armour.

Lovissa is buying a (very eccentric, jungle themed) hot-weather outfit before hopping aboard the ship. (8 gp).

A soft whispering of leaves and the sound of something coarse scraping against the wood of the gangplank precedes the arrival of a funny little creature about the size of a halfling that seems to be made entirely of vines and leaves, twisted into a humanoid shape. An especially large cluster of leaves forms a rudimentary face, with two round eyes, a small hole for a mouth, and no nose to speak of. Framing its face are several daisies, twisted into the vines and leaves of its body, bobbing gently with each of the creature's movements. Though it wears no clothes to speak of besides a small lamellar cuirass, a backpack is slung over both shoulders and it does appear to be carrying weapons - most noticeably a longspear.

It comes skipping up the gangplank and onto the ship, either ignoring or unaware of any stares that its appearance might be drawing. Almost immediately it scampers atop a nearby barrel in order to get a better view of the rest of the harbor below. As it stands on tiptoe, peering around, the boisterous talk of the strong-looking woman seems to finally catch its attention and it turns to peer at her, cocking its head to one side as it regards her with curiosity.

"Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane, Daughter of Mergerice, Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand, Saviour of Janira Gavix and Balenor Forsend, Slayer of the Minotaur of the Kortos Caverns, Hero of Diobel, Investigator for the city of Ridonport, as well as it's Hero and Saviour, Victor of the Battle of Arnisant House, and Honoured Patron of Arnisant House Museum," it repeats in the voice of the breeze through the leaves. "That's a very long name to say. You should make it shorter." It's hard to tell, considering the lack of 'typical' facial features, but the plant-creature doesn't seem to be making fun nor being malicious with its statement.

Lovissa laughs heartily, clearly not offended. "A legend's titles should grow with their deeds, little one!" With a wink she adds, "Or perhaps your name should be longer!"

After another chuckle she informs the talking plant, "You may call me Lovissa. What shall I call you?"

With a wide grin she pronounces, "Never have I seen a creature such as yourself! Surely YOU have a tale to tell?"

A dwarf of particularly short height but typical stockiness and thus rather spherical-looking carefully makes her way across the gangplank. She seems uneasy on board the ship, but her dwarven constitution prevents any unpleasant seasickness.

"Well, I hope this mission goes smoother than the last two. It seems like the Society has a habit of sending agents into more danger than they realize. I'm Aglynn, by the way. Aglynn Plossl. I can't say I'm looking forward to the heat. I was recently in Qadira, and I felt like I'd had enough heat for a lifetime! It's so much nicer back home in the mountains."

When she gets bored, she starts pushing around the sand tracked onto the ship's floor, using a finger to direct the motion from a distance.

A young woman wanders onto the deck of the ship, looking curiously around at all the sailors bustling around and doing their job. She looks like a Garundi, except for her slightly pointed ears and deep blue eyes. She is wearing simple light brown traveler's clothes, and a leather cloak clasped with a wooden symbol of a bow and arrow, though she doesn't carry any such weapon. She spots a small group who look equipped as adventurers, and wanders over in time to catch the dwarf's statement.

She laughs. "I, on the other hand, am pleased to be coming back to Garund. Ustalav was... a strange place. The people were not exactly what I'd call friendly. But I take it you are all Pathfinders here for the same mission? I'm Caena Coldmoon, and I hope we'll get along well."

She nods to each of them, but her eye catches on the leshy. She sizes it up, subconsciously trying to decide if the plant person belongs to the group of "warriors" or "people to be defended". "I have to admit, I've never met someone quite like you before."

"Hail and well met, Aglynn of the line of Plossl; and Caena of the line of Coldmoon! The honour is mine!"

Raising an eyebrow at their words, Lovissa asks Aglynn, "Qadira? I've not been sent to the deserts, yet. Tell me, does the wind and heat bite as hard as the northern snows? I've heard fierce tales of these 'sandstorms'!"

"What was your mission in Qadira? Exciting, I hope!"

With a look at Caena, she asks, "And you, Caena? What task did they have for you among those haunted misty moors?"

"Have any of you been to the Mwangi Expanse? I've heard tales of the humidity and the bugs, but have never been to a jungle. I've no idea what to actually expect. "

"Oh, the sandstorms were terrible! And I'm one who likes sand! But it blew so hard, you couldn't see two inches in front of your face, which is bad news when there's a goblin there who can see somehow. An awful lot of goblins. I had to pull out my father's hammer since my normal methods just wouldn't work in those conditions." She taps a dwarven warhammer at her side. It looks old, but well cared for.

"Ah, haunted is the right word. There were mysterious, occult happenings in Ustalav, and we were sent to investigate. We encountered some true evil there. It's nice when you know that you're fighting for the right, but I wish the locals were a little more appreciative." She makes a face. "I think the Pathfinder Society still needs to work on its public relations up there."

Caena listens sympathetically to Aglynn's description of sandstorms. "That sounds tough. I grew up on the northern coast of the continent - the storms aren't so bad there, but I've seen my share. And I've heard stories all my life about the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse but no, I've never been there myself. I wonder how many of all the rumors are true. I guess we'll be able to find out for ourselves soon."

"Desert goblins? Foul hauntings? AHHH! That sounds exciting!" Lovissa exclaims. "Most of my missions have been in and around the Isle of Kortos, or off in Taldan cities. I long for a land as dangerous and challenging as the ones I left back home!" Leaning on the railing she adds, "Whatever the jungle turns out to be like, the change of scenery will do me good."

To Aglynn she remarks, "Your fathers hammer looks fierce! Are you its second bearer? Or has it been passed down through the generations?"

"A few generations, though it's been quite some time since it's seen use. My father wasn't a fighter at all. Potter by trade, and he taught my sisters and me his craft. When I left home home, my sisters insisted I take it, even though I'm not much good with a weapon, either. Your sword seems like it gets a lot more use."

"Today I'm Soddy Daisy," the little plant responds, growing a little more animated as more people begin to gather around. "Maybe tomorrow I'll pick a different name but Soddy Daisy is who I am today! You could change yours tomorrow too if you want. Poffis said that fleshy persons usually don't change their names but I don't know why. You change your colors," Soddy reaches out and pokes at Lovissa's cloak, "like the leaves do so why not names?"

Turning to Caena, Soddy Daisy bounces slightly from foot to viney foot. "I've never met anyone like you before either! Or any of you! Poffis said that fleshy persons have something called a soul and its what makes each fleshy person different from all the other fleshy persons. Um...I'm different because Poffis made me but she said that I'm unique too. There's not another Soddy Daisy like me," the little plant beams, puffing out its chest a bit. "And there's not anyone else like each of you. So I've met fleshy persons but not the fleshy yous. Until now."

Lovissa laughs and claps Aglynn on the back. "Better a storied blade than a well-used one, Aglynn. You're lucky to have a weapon with history!"

"Hail and well meet, Soddy Daisy!" As she listens to Soddy's long, meandering logic, her smile broadens. "Ha! You've got it exactly, Soddy Daisy! No one is just a name, or a plant, or a person. We are all more. Much more! And it's up to us to make ourselves much greater than we were before!"

Caena tilts her head to one side, not quite following what the plant person is saying. She does grin at the end though, and nods along with Lovissa's response. "You're right, every new person is a little bit different from everybody else, so it's always worthwhile meeting them. We're all the same, in that way at least."

Her forehead wrinkles just a little and she adds, "I hope you won't be changing your name a lot, though. It makes it hard to remember what to call you, you see. In case I need to shout out your name in a sudden emergency, you wouldn't want me struggling to remember which one you picked last. Would it be all right if I just call you Soddy? Or Daisy, hm, that sounds a little better. Maybe the full name is best after all." She trails off, quietly muttering to herself, Daisy, Soddy Daisy, Sod, Soddy...

Meanwhile up on the mast, a rather graceful cat girl is looking askance at her friend and porter, Gellion. The former alchemist’s apprentice is hugging the mast tightly, and has his face pressed upon it.

“Gelly, I thought that we were agreed upon this. We were going to the crow’s nest together. Do I have to push you through the lubber’s hole myself?” Bored, she ventures out onto the yard arm, balancing easily and doing a cartwheel along the narrow footing.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

She lands neatly on her feet. “Look there’s hardly any wind to speak of, no rain to make it slippery! You don’t even have to balance here, You just have to use the ladder and climb up, and you’ll be in the crow’s nest. Easy-peasy.”

“Gah!” Gellion says, going green just looking at her. “Stop doing that! You’re going to fall!”

“You were a lot more bold when you were demon-infested,” Catorze sighs. “Come on! Up! Get moving now, or... I’ll push you off.” Her tail twitches with impatience, swishing back and forth. “Just go up and don’t look down!”

Gellion looks down, trembling. “You wouldn’t push me off! You promised Majara that you’d get me to safety!” Then he looks at Catorze’s narrowed eyes and climbs for everything he’s worth.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

“Hey, I made it!” He sits for a minute in the Crow’s Nest, excited that he made it. “Wait. How do I get down?” He looks over to Catorze, who is grinning at him. “Oh nuts. Back the way we came?” Tremblingly, he begins to climb down, reaches his foot...

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

...for a foothold that’s not there, and starts to fall.

“AAAAAAAaaaaaaiiiiiiiiieeeeee!” he shouts, cartwheeling into space.

“Bother,” Catorze says, twitching her tail and casting furiously. “Feather fall!”

Then she grabs a rope and gracefully swings down the ratlines, trying to beat him there.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

“....eeeee?” Gellion says, after he lands slowly and softly right in front of some perplexed looking ladies and a talking plant. “Er. I’m Gellion.”

He’s got wild hair and pale skin and bits alchemical goo stuck to him everywhere.

“Um. I hope you don’t mind me dropping in.”

Phooey. That was my line!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Catorze slides down a few seconds later, nailing the landinng. She’s dressed in a noble outfit and smartly trimmed boots with little gems on them and her tail perks upwards in a curious cat fashion.

Pathfinder Cats come out to-day
Pathfinder Cats come one, come all:
It’s time to sail so far away
Our mission has come to call.

Pathfinder Cats develop slowly,
Pathfinder Cats know to sail a rig;
Pathfinder Cats are roly-poly,

She cartwheels, then draws Soddy Daisy into a dance, swirling the little plant round and round.

They know how to dance a gavotte and a jig.
Until the Pathfinder VC appears
They make their toilette and take their repose:
Pathfinder Cats like to pull on gears
How else will you know where it goes?

Pathfinder Cats are white and black,
Pathfinder Cats are of moderate size;
Pathfinder Cats jump like a jumping-jack,
Pathfinder Cats have moonlit eyes.
They're quiet enough in the morning hours,
They're quiet enough to hold back a gloat
Reserving their terpsichorean powers
To dance by the deck of the Pathfinder boat!

“And I am Catorze!” she says brightly. “I’m the most Pathfinderish of Pathfinder Cats.” She smiles brightly. “I have been dancing with a flower, and see before me a human, a dwarf and a half-elf — are any of you single? Gelly needs to get out more.”

Source: T.S. Eliot’s amazing Jellicle Cats poem, which I barely changed.

Gellion abruptly hides his face as once again Catorze tries to set him up on a blind date. “Why couldn’t she just have let me crash to the deck?”

"Oh. Poffis did say that changing my name a lot might confuse fleshy peoples," Soddy remarks, sounding thoughtful. "Especially the ones that like to write names and things down on paper. Maybe only once a season would be okay?"

The leshy's musings are interrupted as a fleshy man comes floating out of the sky like a leaf, followed by a fleshy furry creature sliding down from the tip-top of the ship. Curious, she reaches out and pokes at the man with one viney finger.

"Are you a leaf in disguise? A leaf on the wind? Most fleshy people just become one with the earth when they come down very fast from a high place."

"Oh, not a 'leaf on the wind,' certainly. I hear they have horrible luck." Lovissa replies immediately, looking at the man. Seeing him reply (quite cleverly) with a delightful pun, Lovissa stares at him a moment... then bursts out laughing.

She claps him on the back. "Ahahaha! A fine trip you've had! Welcome!" She offer him a hand up to his feet. "Hail and well met! I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane! Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand! Famous Pathfinders, all!"

But suddenly there's catfolk singing and dancing on the deck, and Lovissa's attention is momentarily drawn away.... to dance! She begins to stomp and dance with great enthusiasm (but little skill) across the deck, clapping merrily, and smiling proudly.

"A fine tune, Catorze of the Pathfinders, the most Pathfinderish of Cats!" She nods in greeting and announces boldly, ""Hail and well met! I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane. Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand! Famous Pathfinders, all!"

She reaches out to shake both Catorze and Gellion's hands firmly, and with enthusiasm before continuing. "I am a wanderer at heart, and explorer! A discoverer of history, both epic and small! My deeds are many and my legend is great! I am the saviour of Janira Gavix and Balenor Forsend, Slayer of the Minotaur of the Kortos Caverns, Hero of Diobel, Investigator for the city of Ridonport, as well as it's Hero and Saviour, Victor of the Battle of Arnisant House, and Honoured Patron of Arnisant House Museum!"

With a grin she adds, "Although, I should consider making my introduction in song! It always gets the blood pumping!" She shrugs. "Though if you'd like to hear songs about me, you only need visit Absalom's bars."

"Will you be joining us, then, on this mysterious quest?"

To Catorze she adds, "Single? If you're enquiring about my bunk, it's quite vacant at the moment. I've barely had a chance to get to know any of the sailors--although more than a few of them look like them might be worth getting to know." She gives the catfolk a wink.

To Gellion she remarks with a smile, "No offence, Gellion, dear, but I'm not sure you could handle me. Of course, if you're up for a challenge you're welcome to prove me wrong." She claps him on the back and grins.

Caena watches the spectacle with her mouth slightly ajar, not quite sure how to respond to people flying through the air and then bursting into song and dance. But she breaks into a smile halfway through the curious song about cats, and can't help but laugh at the end. "I can just see it now... we'll accomplish some great things, and then Lovissa will make a tale of our exploits and Catorze will turn it into a song. I bet they'd love to hear that, back home."

Hearing Catorze's song about Pathfinders she knows that she's on the right boat. "Hello, I think I belong to your group." Dirva says and presents her wayfinder. "My name is Dirva, Dirva Ciraha." and while she listens to Catorze's song and watches the pair dancing her sapphire blue hair moves in the wind.

"Has anyone been to Natambu before?" Dirva asks a few minutes later.

Gellion blushes quite red when Lovissa talks to him. Blinking furiously, he says quickly, “You’re right. I wouldn’t be able to handle you at all.”

“Um, I’m here as her porter, and right now I’m not having to carry anything, so... Oh! I need to go check the LUGGAGE!” Using the luggage excuse, Gellion swiftly disappears belowdecks, away from these terrifying women.

“Oh, Lovissa,” Catorze exclaims, “You’re just my sort of teammate. We’ll get along purrr-fectly!” She grins at Soddy Daisy, Aglynn and Caena as well. “Delighted to meet you too!”

But when the undine shows up and asks her question, Catorze freezes. “It’s pronounced, ‘Nan-tam-bu’ and yes... I was there.” Her tail twitches, and her ears fold down. “It is supposed to be the loveliest city in the Mwangi.”

Lovissa smiles at the cat woman's compliments.

Then she turns and introduces herself properly to the blue-haired woman. "Hail and well met, Dirva of the line of Ciraha! I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane! Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand! Famous Pathfinders, all!" She shakes Dirva's hand firmly and continues. "I am a wanderer at heart, and explorer! A discoverer of history, both epic and small! My deeds are many and my legend is great! You may have heard the songs they sing of me in Absalom's bars. I am the saviour of Janira Gavix and Balenor Forsend, Slayer of the Minotaur of the Kortos Caverns, Hero of Diobel, Investigator for the city of Ridonport, as well as it's Hero and Saviour, Victor of the Battle of Arnisant House, and Honoured Patron of Arnisant House Museum!"

Looking at Dirva she adds, "I have not been to Nantambu, I'm afraid. Although I've heard her legend."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Noticing Catorze's sudden malaise, Lovissa raises an eyebrow. "There's a story to tell there, I can see." she remarks to the catfolk. "You need not tell it, if you've no desire."

After a moment she adds, "Nantambu's just a city, and we'll see her in time. But, I've a more pressing question for our furry friend." she eyes Catorze seriously and asks... "Where did you get your fabulous boots?"

Then she breaks out into a grin.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Soddy Daisy looks from Catorze to the newest arrival Dirva and then back to Catorze.

"Maybe the fleshy Captain asked for you because you're one of the best fleshies to fix the problem we're being sent to fix," the leshy remarks, giving the fuzzy catperson a pat on the arm. "Poffis said fleshies sometimes do that to show that they believe in other fleshies."

Turning her attention back to Dirva, Soddy asks, "You're all blue, even down to your pigment! Do you come from the water?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Aglynn is quiet in the presence of her more gregarious colleagues, but she seems to enjoy the conversation and makes sure to introduce herself to all the new arrivals.

“Yes, Lovissa, there is a story about Nantambu.’ She glances at the others, and smiles as Soddy Daisy attempts to comfort her. “It is not pretty, but it is mine so I will tell it.”

Catorze frowns and looks out to sea. “I was born in the expanse. Trees and wild places to climb. Wild rivers and breathtaking falls, and the raucous sounds of birds of every sort. Catfolk are free there, and our tribes clever and wise. But when I was little the aunties and I went to Nantambu. The aunties — proud females who are queens of the tribe — needed to trade in the Song-Wind City. We would bring herbs and medicinal plants to sell, and the Nantambu healers would purchase them with things we needed. When the Aunties go, they always take girl children, so that we can learn the languages of the outside world, and how to speak boldly with outsiders. They take us so that we can become aunties in turn.”

“In my mind’s eye, I remember them. Strong women, all, with sharp claws and laughing words.” Catorze stands tall, then starts adopting different body language for each woman she describes, acting out their mannerisms. “Auntie Gimbu, who was fierce and fast, and whose fighting was like dancing. Auntie Deala knew all the plants—which ones would stop bleeding, and which ones would cleanse infection, and which ones would just make you feel good and dream of places far away. Auntie Shida was older, grey through her fur, but she understood the ways of outside folk and was fast and quick with a knife.”

“I was just a kit then. The city was a place of strange wonders.” Catorze gestures up at the sky, looking up at cityscape that only she can see, but pointing at the different sights like a tour guide. “There were mosaic walls, and chimes of colored glass, and a wizard’s academy called the Magaambya with tall, soaring towers.” Then her smile ends, and she seems suddenly smaller. “Nantambu is surrounded by Aspis Lands, and perhaps there were some agents in the city as well. The day we left, we were fed some sweet water that left us all sick hours later, when we were on the trail through the forests. We were ambushed by a pack of slavers who were waiting for us. I was... eight? They used poisoned arrows. I saw my aunties cut down, and I and the other kits were caged and shipped off as slaves.”

Catorze leaps up on to a railing, balancing there for a moment. “I went to Osirion, a land full of heat and desert, but with a wild river Sphinx that floods each year and brings life anew. There I learned of the cat-goddess, Bast. She whispered in my dreams and told me... ‘Catfolk are free. You are free. Learn to be a thief and dare to steal yourself.’ So I stole myself and with the help of good folk from Liberty’s Edge, I became a Pathfinder Cat so that I can steal others out of slavery too, and get my revenge on those Aspis scum.”

When Lovissa admires her boots, Catorze smiles, regaining her confident demeanor. “You like them? So do I!” She stretches out her boots for Lovissa to admire. “I got these from a cobbler in Saringallow named Dependable Drummady. She made the best shoes I ever saw — so clever! I saved her boy and some other apprentices in town, including Gelly, so she made these boots as a gift.”

Then her whiskers twitch. “Perhaps the other ‘fleshies’ see me as the best person for the job, but this will be my first time back to Nantambu and the Mwangi Expanse. It has been so long. Will it even seem like home?”

Lovissa smiles. She takes Catorze's hand and gives it another shake, as if meeting her for the first time.

"Hail and well met, Catorze, of the line of the Honoured Aunties, Agent of Freedom, Bearer of the Brilliant Boots and Voice of Bast, the pleasure is mine! Your tale is one to be proud of! Few have the courage to steal themselves, as you have done." with a wink she adds, "I'm sure if anyone can steal themselves some vengeance, it's you."

Catorze accepts Lovissa’s proferred hand and leaps lightly from the railing to the deck, whiskers twitching. “The Pathfinder tribe is a good one, full of strong women and good friends... You would make an honoured auntie too.”

She turns to Caena, Dirva, Aglynn and the little Soddy Daisy. “I think that even in a place as cosmopolitan as Nantambu, our group might draw attention... What do you think our mission there will be?”

GM, I think we’re ready when you are.

The ship lets you off at Natambu, a few of the sailors looking at you with a touch of regret as you leave. You move into town, looking for Sharrowsmith's Exports. Despite the sweltering heat of the midday sun, the marketplace outside Sharrowsmith’s Exports is bustling with customers. Merchants stand in the shade under colorful awnings behind enticing displays of all manner of goods, from fresh fruits to intricate works of art. In the center of the marketplace, two large, vaguely humanoid statues rise from a fountain. Water pours from their gaping mouths as they stare up at the sun.

A dark-skinned woman with gold-colored eyes sits on a bench under the fountain surveying the scene. As she catches sight of the newest arrivals, she rises and strides toward the market’s entrance, the crowd parting to allow her past. She speaks in hushed tones. The map link at the top contains an image of who you are talking to.

"Greetings, Pathfinders," she says. "I’ve been expecting you. I do not believe I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting any of you. I am Aya Allahe. There is much to discuss, but here is not the place. Follow me, please." She leads you through the crowd to an immense stone building decorated with carvings of fierce apes, giants, and reptilian figures.

The heat inside the building is far less stifling than in the market outside. Allahe opens the door to a small, private meeting room. She presses a hidden switch on the wall, revealing a doorway into a well-appointed lounge.

"Welcome to the Nantambu Pathfinder Lodge," she says, gesturing widely with her hands. In contrast to her animated gestures, the expression in her eyes is weary. "As you have probably heard, the local venture-captain, Nieford Sharrowsmith, recently passed away on an expedition. His unexpected passing left behind many loose ends. I’ve done my best to help the Pathfinders with the day-to-day problems, but the current task is beyond my abilities to handle alone."

"Over the last few weeks, the local Ekujae elves have become..." she pauses. "Well, they have become rather violent toward anyone they believe to be connected to Nieford or the Pathfinders. They have ambushed or abducted several travelers who fit that description, but have not yet killed any of them. Instead, they return their victims, beaten and severely bruised, near well-traveled roads. As I have been the Pathfinders’ primary contact in the area lately, these victims have come to me and reported their experiences."

"Mostly they speak of being questioned and threatened. The Ekujae claim that Nieford Sharrowsmith owes them a service, and that if he himself will not settle the debt, then his friends or associates will. I have searched what records I have of Nieford’s, but so far all I have found is a single entry in one of his journals describing a path he once followed to the Ekujae, although there is no mention of any deal. Given his penchant for secrecy and relying upon his own memory, however, I have no doubt there is something he said to the elves to strike a bargain. That the suspicious Ekujae were willing to make a deal with him at all speaks to his strength of character. He was an honorable, trustworthy man, and the Society is poorer for his passing." Allahe pauses for a few moments, bowing her head in remembrance.

When she speaks again, her voice is clear and determined. She hands you a detailed map drawn on a scrap of paper. "Nieford drew this map to help him find his way to an Ekujae village. I ask that you follow this map as best you can and make peaceful contact with the insular elves. If you are not confident of your ability to navigate the jungle, I suggest you hire a guide. Once you arrive in the village, find out what it is that the Ekujae want, and if it is in your power to do so, fulfill Nieford’s bargain. While I doubt the Pathfinders could ever turn the Ekujae into full allies, they are dangerous foes." Allahe shakes her head, "Let us learn from the Aspis Consortium’s mistakes and not antagonize them."

Allahe then turns to you, clearly waiting to see if you have any questions. You may also attempt a knowledge(local) or diplomacy(gather information) check, as well as knowledge(nature) or survival to see if you know anything relevant to what she has said.

Aglynn's flushes nearly as red as her hair in the sweltering heat.

It's hotter than Qadira; I didn't even think that was possible! Why can't I get sent on missions to cooler places?

She greets Allahe respectfully. "Hello, ma'am. I'm Aglynn Plossl, out of the Five Kings Mountains and recently confirmed as an agent. I look forward to working with you. I appreciate the cautious approach that you recommend; it seems like the Society doesn't always consider the possible dangers when sending agents out. We know that the Ekujae pose a danger with their recent activities; is there anything else we should prepare for out in the jungle?"

Diplomacy, to aid someone else: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Or not...
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Soddy Daisy listens to the briefing with her small, unblinking eyes, and then nods. "Carry on in fleshy Nieford's footsteps, give back what was borrowed." Then, almost as an afterthought, she adds, "In spirit anyway, depending on what got borrowed."

The little leshy had never been to jungle-lands before, but she tries to recall if she's heard of anything useful about this place or their mission whispered in the trees.

Kn. Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Lovissa strode into Nantambu and took a deep breath. "Ah! Adventure's in the air! I can smell it!"

At the sight of Aya, she holds out her hand and gives her a hearty handshake. "Hail and well met, Aya of the line of Allahe! I am Lovissa, of the line of Hallenbane! Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand!"

As she expresses a change of venue, Lovissa shrugs. "A fair point. Lead the way."

She follows her through the city to the hidden meeting room, watching her surroundings with curiosity and an eager smile the entire way.

"And a fine lodge it is!"

She finds a comfortable and sturdy looking chair, plops down in it and kicks her feet up on a nearby table, ready to listen to the mission at hand. At the end of it, she leaps up to her feet, stands tall and places her hands on her hips.

"The debt of a dead man must be paid! To leave such a task undone would be a great dishonour! A disservice to a man of such high regard! Of course, we will accomplish this task, Aya, my friend! And then our esteemed Sharrowsmith's legend will continue on unblemished!"

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16 Using my 1/scenario +1 bonus from Prepared Agent on this roll.
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

"Jungles are hot, hot, hot. And very full of bugs. Bugs that bite," Soddy remarks helpfully. "Fleshies don't like biting bugs, from what I've seen and heard. And the ones that live here carry diseases. No one likes disease...well, except for some strange half-fleshy, half-bone goddess Poffis talked about once."

However, Soddy tips her head slightly to one side and her voice grows cheerful. "Stay away from the still water and we stay away from where most of the bitey bugs live! Easy-peasy lemon-squeezy."

"Oh...and sometimes the plants and vines make fleshies and the big animals that carry them trip and fall. Walking might be better," she adds, almost as an afterthought. "Sometimes you're hard to pick up when you fall flat."

Sorry, Lovissa, you may read the same spoilers as Soddy Daisy; you posted while I was composing my post and so I didn't see your rolls.

By the way, Soddy Daisy, do I use Soddy or Daisy as a short name for you in things like initiative blocks?

Caena feels her heart breaking a little, first to hear about Catorze's tragic story, and now the death of the venture-captain, this great man. She grips Allahe's hand and looks her directly in the eyes. "You have my sympathies. We will do everything we can to ease your burden while we're here."

Her eyes harden a little when she hears about the people being beaten and threatened. This confirms all the worst things I've heard about the Ekujae elves, she thinks bitterly. But she bites her tongue to hold back the words as Allahe continues the story. "Lovissa is right, if Nieford Sharrowsmith owes them a debt, then it is our responsibility as Pathfinders to fulfill it in his place. I can't say I like the elves' way of dealing with the situation though."

She frowns and looks hesitantly at the others. "How do you feel about going through the jungle? If I were by myself I would certainly hire the guide, but I see you at least have heard of some of the dangers around here."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

And she... has not

"Agreed, Soddy Daisy. We also want to to be very careful about features like quicksand. They're not only dangerous in their own right, but predators sometimes set up ambushes nearby. We'll want to buy some antitoxins for sure before we leave. Soddy Daisy, do you think you can navigate us through the jungle, or do we need a hired guide?"

After glancing at the map, Lovissa asks, "I see the scale of this map, but this will be through dense jungle, yes? Certainly no simple stroll down a road. How long of a journey is it to the Ekujae lands? In days, not distance."

"Yes... The bugs and the heat." Looking at Aya she asks, "Have you any suggestions for equipment that might help with such trials? I've never been to Garund, nor had to deal with diseased insects. Few bugs can survive the far north, where I'm from."

Antiplague, Vermin repellent. Any other suggestions?

Aya gives Lovissa a warm smile in response. "The local merchants make a special kind of vermin repellant that lasts much longer than the standard formula. It will probably take a little less than a week."

Lovissa smiles broadly. "Wonderful! I will purchase some before leaving!"

Are they the same price, and how long do they last? Lovissa's stocking up!

Then she looks at little Soddy Daisy. "Yes, does this map mean anything to you? There is no shame in hiring a guide if you cannot guide us there reliably."

Catorze saunters with an almost exaggerated bravado into town, trying to cover the rapid beating of her heart.

When Ayu Allahe speaks, though, Catorze gasps. “Sharrowsmith’s dead? I’m sorry to hear that. Auntie Reala spoke of him sometimes as a fair dealer. It was part of the reason that I found my way to the Pathfinder Society when I needed help.”

Diplomacy to know more: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

She pauses. “I agree that we need to cover his debt, but tell me... Do the Ekujae know he’s dead? And do we know how Sharrowsmith died?”

She pauses. “What do you know of the Ekujae and their culture and customs? I’ve heard they’re reclusive and distrustful, and my tribe had no real dealings with them. Can you give us any helpful tips for approaching them?”