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Venture-Captain Benarry departs the Gloomspires as quickly as the winds will carry the Grinning Pixie. While you were investigating, she received a message from the Decemvirate, requesting that some of the agents aboard the lodge be sent to Nantambu.
Off the coast of the Mwangi Expanse, not far from Bloodcove, you rendezvous with a small Mwangi fishing vessel, which will smuggle you past the Aspis controlled port city, deeper into the Expanse.
Jaohd remains on the Pixie, and shortly after passing through Bloodcove, Jair and Ragnar depart, with a sealed envelope of orders. As the rest of you continue to head upriver, your captain announces that your destination is the Mwangi city of Nantambu, and that you will meet the rest of your team there.
I'll be recruiting on Flaxseed for the next day or so, with the intention to get rolling soon thereafter. If anyone needs more time to level, etc. before we start let me know and I'll hold off until we're all ready.
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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.
“Greetings, Pathfinders,” she says. “I’ve been expecting you. For those of you whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, 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 the PCs 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.”
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After Allahe welcome them inside the secret part of the lodge, a mwangi man, with explorer's gear and red robes with golden stripes and dragon patterns enters in the room. Under one arm multiple books on historical subjects about the Mwangi Expanse.
His round beardless face is regal and his golden eyes proof of an ancient heritage.
Hello Pathfinders, I'm D'lack Firestar native of the region. Nice meeting you.
He listen to Allahe.
I'm not familiar to this area. But may be one of you is good in tracking ?
D'lack tries to remember something about the elf of the forest.
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While the elves are notoriously secretive about their history, D'Lack does know more than most.
Elves make up the largest non-human population within the Expanse and are themselves broken into many tribes. The most well known are the Ekujae tribes of the western Mwangi, the Kallijae of the northwestern jungles, and the Alijae of the northern jungles. Although it’s not clear why, every Ekujae on patrol carries a ceremonial club carved from yellowheart wood.
The Ekujae tribe is divided into several scattered, self-sufficient communities. In times of strife, these groups band together against major threats. The most recent time this occurred, the Ekujae worked together to battle Aspis Consortium slavers operating out of Nightfall Station to the west. Aspis activity has not stopped, however, and rumors of sightings of Aspis agents south of Nantambu persist.
The Ekujae see themselves as guardians of many ruins scattered throughout the jungle. They rarely explain why they guard them to outsiders. The few stories they have shared reveal that some of these places are connected to a “great darkness” that they were able to defeat but not destroy.
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Doubtful is melting...
... Or at least he's pretty sure he will be soon. His usual dour nature seems exasperated by the environs.
"Did you see the bugs here?" He says, morosely. "Tried punching one, but I think I just made it angry."
As if to emphasis the point, he swats futilely at something unseen on the back of his neck, and glares at the air around him.
"Probably the size of ponies once we hit the jungle proper." He mutters with a sigh.
"And now we're hunting elves in it?" He mutters. "Temperamental flakes at the best of times."
"What'd the Aspis do to piss them off?" He asks morosely, sure they are in for a similar fate.
"Map probably leads off a cliff." He adds.
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Beorin looks up at the mention of shadowsmith.
"Aye, the man died. This time I'm up and about to handle his previous agreements? It is true then the the Society is poorer for his loss but I do wish the man wasn't so secretive. It caused to no end of trouble for myself and a few others."
"Do you perhaps have any other advice for us?"
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Imrana smiles at the description of the party's destination.
"Oh! How wonderful! I have not explored this part of Garund before! The great Old Mage Jatembe wandered these jungles, and with luck, we may find things of power and magic he left behind."
Imrana ponders, periodically opening her mouth to ask a question, only to find Doubtful has asked it a moment before.
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To varying degrees, you are familiar with the dangers of the Mwangi jungle.
Jungles are hot and full of dense foliage that makes traversing them a time consuming prospect. They are also teeming with a variety of animal life, including biting insects.
The insects around Nantambu are carriers for a variety of tropical diseases. The most prolific carriers, mosquitos, tend to cluster around stagnant water and flooded areas. The thick layers of plant life on the ground make finding footing particularly difficult for horses and most other mounts accustomed to flatter terrain.
Many of the most dangerous jungle predators set up their lairs or ambushes near natural features such as quicksand to give them an advantage.
Gold and ancient treasures are not the only highly valued commodities in the Mwangi Expanse; various fruits and other plant products can fetch a high price in the markets of major cities.
To Doubtful's concerns about the Aspis, she responds:
"“The Aspis Consortium’s business practices rarely take respect for the prosperity of local people into account. When people protest violently, the Consortium is in the habit of taking captives and selling them into slavery. In response to the Consortium’s activities, the Ekujae elves razed a fortified Consortium outpost called Nightfall Station to the ground.”
To Beorin, she comments,
"After I learned he died, I had Nieford’s belongings taken away. He had a habit of writing bits of information on little pieces of paper and leaving them around his office, however, and I gathered those and whatever else that seemed potentially useful and put them in a chest. I’ve been working to sort them out, but haven’t gotten far. You are welcome to take a look."
It looks like it could take several hours to sort through all the papers.
Aya smiles at Imrana's comment about Jatembe.
"Indeed. Jatembe was responsible for the founding of the Magaambya, which is responsible for much of Nantambu's prosperity and safety today. On a related note, while the masters of the Magaambya tolerate the presence of Pathfinders in the city, they have not granted permission for a lodge here. Please do your best to keep this location secret."
With that, Aya escorts you back out into the marketplace. She begins to wander the stalls, greeting merchants with sincere enthusiasm, but remaining available in case you have further questions.
Whether deliberately or through the chaos of the crowd, you find yourselves split up as you search for a guide.
Doubtful does manage to find a stall selling vermin repellent. This local blend is unlike the more common varieties found in Absalom. Made from local herbs and animal fats, it lasts much longer, but does not provide much protection from larger varieties of vermin.
Imrana and Wyatt meet a young man in the light, brightly colored clothing common here, who approaches you, calling out, "Welcome to Nantambu, erudite foreigners. It seems you're preparing for a sojourn into the wilderness. I would be delighted to offer my services. I am Kubalu, a native son of Nantambu. He says with a bow.
Doubtful and D'Lak approach a solidly built woman, about six and a half feet tall. Her dark skin has blue-black undertones, and she styles her long hair in an elaborate coif of tight curls that she keeps pinned close to her head. D'Lack recognizes her as Bekyar, a Mwangi group known for demon lord worship, though that is far from universal.
She raises an eyebrow as you approach, "Well...isn't this the odd couple! Word is you're looking for a guide. The name's Lisratak. Don't believe what they tell you. Not everything's trying to kill you out there." She grins. "Most things are, though."
Dunkel and Beorin come across a a Bonuwat man with ashen-brown skin, and he keeps his head meticulously shaved. He wears simple, loose clothing with many pockets, many of which contain decorative trinkets, rare plants, or other small but valuable items.
He looks you over slowly. "Let's get down to brass tacks. You're not from around here, I am. Tell me where you need to go and I'll get you there. How's that sound?"
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D'lack bought a pot to have a little protection against the bugs and other creatures annoying but not deadly in the jungle.
While meeting Lisratak he says. We are indeed looking for a guide ! I Thank you for stepping up. I am D'lack Firestar, historian and this is Doubtful, a friend of mine.
Do you know well the part of the forest where the Ekujae live ? If so we will seriously consider your application.
Unfortunately, we are a large group and we need the other validation to hire you. You will have news from us soon Lisratak.
Returning to his comrades and tries to convince them to hire Lisratak except if he thinks that the elve could be offended to have a native Bekyar on their soil.
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Doubtful nods sagely, at Lisratak's assessment of the situation, as it mirrors his own. Clearly a wise woman!
Luckily, he is not aware of the Bekyar's penchant for demon worshiping and slave trading.
He also buys a pot of the local vermin repellent...
Then, goes back and buys a second pot, sure one is not going to be enough!
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"Aha! You surprised me! I am pleased to meet someone with such a learned vocabulary. Before we hire you, we will need to inquire as to your qualifications.
Imrana finds a chair (or something that can appropriately approximate one) and sits down, her book open and her pen out. She crosses her legs and sits with her back straight.
"Now, why are you interested in this position?"
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D'lack knows that the Ekujae are known to skirmish with the Bekyar when they infringe on Elven territory, but even the most aggressive demon worshippers have learned to steer clear. Even in more trying times, when Angazhani forces threaten much of the Expanse, they seem to show little interest in coordinating with Nantambu or other allied groups.
Lisratak comments, "I know the region well. The journey can be difficult for those not used to our climate. I can see to it that you are prepared.
Meanwhile, Kubalu begins eagerly spouting off his credentials.
"Very well. I am a student of the Maagambya, he says, gesturing to the tower that looms over the city's heart. "It really was the only option. Even if Nantambu was not my hometown, the chance to study Jatembe's own techniques can't be passed up. I couldn't bear to go to one of those lesser academies where they don't even teach about the symbiotic relationship of arcane magic and the magic of the druidic orders."
"But beyond my academic credentials, I have been leading expeditions into the jungles for two years now. It's a form of field research, you see? While the Maagambya's libraries are unrivaled, one cannot truly blend the power of the arcane and the natural without truly understanding both. I've been studying the flora, fauna, and hazards of the region quite extensively."
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I've been on caravans all across the expanse ever since I was a boy. Don't deal with the elves often, but it happens every now and then. They usually do business through intermediaries, half-elves. I don't know where the half-elves come from considering how little they deal with outsiders..."
Anyway, the route to their border I can handle easy. Shouldn't be too much trouble once we cross that line."
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Imrana nods sagely and solemnly as Kubalu gives his qualifications, all while copying down the occasional note.
"You are quite impressive! I will recommend you to the rest of the group. I would also love to see the work you have uncovered about the relationship between nature and arcane magic as well. The Great Nex prefered to keep his studies focused intensely upon arcane magic, but he did possess a great respect for Old Mage Jatembe's work."
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If somebody want to try to haggle down, I'll take a social check, Profession (Merchant), or anything you can convince me works. You can make one roll for each guide (plus assists).
So we can start this process, the travel is abstracted into a series of Fortitude saves. You'll get bonuses based on preparations made (which I'll account for).
Because these represent a number of factors, give me your save with no conditional modifiers, but mention modifiers you think might be helpful (Disease Resistance, Endurance feat, etc.).
Please roll three saves.
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Dunkel shifts as the Bonuwat man exudes confidence, but fails to engage in the typical banter of merchants.
"Ah'lright, let's get down t' business then, lad. Now, when 't comes 't th' topic o' yer rate, ah'm sure ye'll take some o' ye compensation 'n th' form o' some diggin'. Maybe ye 'ave a farm on th' outskirts o' th' village tha' needs some tillin' Or maybe ye're a huntin' lad, and ye need a couple o' traps dug out? Whatever th' case, ye're in luck as this seasons discounts will wash out th' typical extra fees associated with diggin' n' th' heat!"
+2 to the above if it's a poison, spell or SLA.
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The guides don't seem particularly responsive to Beorin's haggling. Ekujae territory is dangerous, after all. The 150 gp rate remains in effect.
The hot, humid jungle is full of streams, bogs, fallen trees, and thick underbrush. Numerous hills, valleys, and cliffs require the PCs to take a somewhat circuitous route. Like clockwork, heavy rains begin at 4 p.m. each day and last until the following morning.
The journal fragment that Allahe gave you is simple enough to follow, showing a general southeasterly route into the jungle around the major cliffs.
Watchful monkeys and birds keep a careful eye on anyone moving near them, and larger predators such as jaguars investigate your camps from a safe distance, although they never dare to attack a such large group.
Birds, monkeys, insects, and the even the occasional hunting cat produce a constant stream of calls, chirps, and roars around the clock, imposing a –2 penalty on Perception checks.
The Good
Doubtful and Imrana both weather the journey well, if not entirely comfortably. Doubtful finds plenty to complain about, but doesn't suffer nearly as much as some of
The OK
Wyatt begins to feel sick, but manages to fight it off. He suffers Con Damage.
The Bad
Whether he missed a spot when applying repellent or drank some bad water, D'Lack is definitely ill. He currently has Con damage, 1 Cha damage, and the fatigued condition. He is considered to made the first save against the disease.
The Ugly
Dunkel and Beorin are not so lucky. In addition to the flu-like symptoms D'Lack is experiencing, some of their lymph nodes begin to swell and become painful. Dunkel has Con Damage and 2 Cha Damage. Beorin has Con Damage and 2 Cha Damage. Both are fatigued.
Stonecutting
Stonecutting
Acts in surprise round!
As you near the border of Ekujae territory, Doubtful stops you all before approaching a particularly muddy patch of trail, recognizing it as quicksand.
Quicksand: Patches of quicksand present a deceptively solid appearance (appearing as undergrowth or open land) that might trap careless characters. A character approaching a patch of quicksand at a normal pace is entitled to a DC 8 Survival check to spot the danger before stepping in, but charging or running characters don't have a chance to detect a hidden patch before blundering into it. A typical patch of quicksand is 20 feet in diameter; the momentum of a charging or running character carries him 1d2 × 5 feet into the quicksand.Effects of Quicksand: Characters in quicksand must make a DC 10 Swim check every round to simply tread water in place, or a DC 15 Swim check to move 5 feet in whatever direction is desired. If a trapped character fails this check by 5 or more, he sinks below the surface and begins to drown whenever he can no longer hold his breath (see the Swim skill description in Using Skills).
Characters below the surface of quicksand may swim back to the surface with a successful Swim check (DC 15, +1 per consecutive round of being under the surface).
Rescue: Pulling out a character trapped in quicksand can be difficult. A rescuer needs a branch, spear haft, rope, or similar tool that enables him to reach the victim with one end of it. Then he must make a DC 15 Strength check to successfully pull the victim, and the victim must make a DC 10 Strength check to hold onto the branch, pole, or rope. If both checks succeed, the victim is pulled 5 feet closer to safety. If the victim fails to hold on, he must make a DC 15 Swim check immediately to stay above the surface.
The narrowest path across is ten feet wide. For reasons that may or may not become apparent, taking 10 is not an option here.
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Multiple days of liberal application of the home-grown insect repellent, constant rain and heat, and just a general paranoia about what is hiding behind every leaf and hill, has Doubtful a sticky mess.
Still, most of his issues seem cosmetic (and perhaps psychological) unlike some of the others.
"People actually want to live in this hell hole?" He complains. "Its giving the Gloomspires a run for its money."
The trip had been tedious and boring, so the discovery of the large patch of quicksand almost seems welcome.
He eyes the quicksand suspiciously, then remembering what they learned back in Nantambu, starts to eye the surrounding foliage with even more suspicion.
"So what horrible creature is using this as its hunting ground?" He muses. "Tiger? Tigers! Maybe some sort of carnivorous tree?"
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Mitarat chimes in, "I don't see anything lurking here. Tigers might stalk a real watering hole, but probably not this one. Leucrottas, possibly. Scream for help, get people rushing in and stuck. Next thing they know they're lunch. But the Tobongos only photosynthesize, don't worry.
Going around seems possible but would add significantly to the duration of the journey.
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Not seeing anything lurking, waiting to ambush them once they're vulnerable, but knowing its out there somewhere, Doubtful finally relents from eyeing the surrounding bushes.
He moves over to an area to the left of the narrow section, pulls out a rope, tosses one end to Dunkel, then suddenly leaps!
One second standing, the next bounding 25' forward to the far side.
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D'lack even used to be in the jungle was not so good after several days of walking.
He was quite tired of walking through it and dreamed of feather bed and a night absent of mosquitos.
Seeing Doubtful jumping he says
I'm too tired to try to jump like him. And I'm sure once I will try to cross a giant mosquito will come to bite me, like all his little brothers before it !
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Beorin looks at his fellow dwarves, sighs and steps away. He makes sure to loop the rope securely around himself.
Moments later Beorin comes barreling across!
His jump was absolutely perfect! It was a beautiful swan dive that took him head first straight into the quicksand. With his legs sticking out, he then proceeds to do several routines using his legs and only his legs.
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Imrana pulls out her own mage armor wand, following Dunkel's lead.
"Ah yes! Protective spells are a good idea, Dunkel! I'll toss up an extra one as well."
Imrana watches patiently as the others jump across one-by-one. She measures the distance mentally and shuffles about, adjusting the angle of her approach. When she's finally ready, she focuses her mind, drawing upon her divination powers to assist in directing herself.
She lands on the other side with a calm--if slightly surprised--grace.
"Amazing! Perhaps I should try this more often."
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Doubtful watches Dunkel and Wyatt leap across as if waiting for something.
When Beorin lands head first in the muck, he seems vindicated, in some way, as he starts to haul on the rope, to pull the unfortunately dwarf's head right-up before he starts to drown. Then begins pulling him across, as Imrana demonstrates a far more graceful crossing.