You all have been summoned to the Grand Lodge in Absalom by the ever well mustached Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. There, you are escorted to his office, “Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,”Ambrus Valsin says. “Pathfinders, welcome! May I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across his desk to a tall Garundi man with short black hair and goldrimmed spectacles.
Valsin’s guest 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!”
Valsin 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.”
Ambrus Valsin continues: “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, “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 Matsanda to cover some of our operating expenses. I’m trusting you with the Society’s reputation on this mission. 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. 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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Lorelei smiles broadly at the Garundi man when he compliments the group. She listens intently, interested in the prospect of potentially rubbing elbows with some of the Jalmeray nobles. She then addresses the Venture-Captain directly. "Do we know of anything specifically about the temple? Anything we should be concerned about? And worry not about Count Matsanda and Baron Rudyahm, I will make sure they are kept happy." She grins.
“One of the Vudran deities, certainly, but beyond that we 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,” the Venture-Captain says, playing slightly with his mustache.
“Baron Bomande Rudyahm received his noble title as a rewardfor his service in the military. He’s something of a war hero, and was instrumental in defending Alkenstar from invasion by the Gorilla King in 2690 AR," the Venture Captain says glancing dow at some papers ,"Falroun Matsanda is the youngest son of one of Alkenstar’s wealthiest families, and his marriage to the baron’s daughter bought him a great deal of political support. He’s a serious up-and-comer in Alkenstar politics.”
"Any other questions, the boat leaves the docks tommorow on pier eight?"
“Segang is hot and muggy this time of year. It’s a jungle, so expect dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures, and disease. You may also encounter some looters at the temple, if you don’t get there fast enough,” the Venture-Captain says looking down at some papers strewn about his desk before suddenly looking around the room at the various agents, "I hope best you are all taking notes. I dislike finding someone's next of kin to tell them of their poor spouse or child whom has died because they forget the anti-venom. Pack well, is there anything else."
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Uthraed stands looking from his companions to the Venture Captain as they ask him about the task at hand. "Not more poisonous creatures, I am sick of falling ill every time I adventure with the Pathfinders" Uthraed thinks to himself as he recalls his past adventures. "Is there anywhere around town that we may pick up an antidote for some common poisons before we go?"
"This Absalom, if you can't find it here, most likely wont find it anywhere," he says nonchalantly.
"No, that is all. Remember, we want to be in good graces with the two. You all are Pathfinders, you represent us. We might not get an opportunity at this sort of expedition in a long while, so make this count," he says with a stern face, "Now get out of my office and make sure you arrive on time tomorrow. The boat leaves first thing in the morning."
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Senach stands and bows as the Venture Captain finishes his briefing. "We will not disssssappoint, ssssir." he hisses through reptilian lips. Once freed, he immediately moves to the market, searching through the vendors wares until he comes upon an alchemical shop. Stopping in, he purchases 4 vials of antitoxin before moving on in search of a Pathfinder friendly wizard.
Unfortunately, this leads to him getting completely lost in the town, and nearly ending up in the wrong hands once or twice. Shamed at his lack of direction and cursing human city planners, he makes his way back to the Lodge, where he by chance happens to find the wizard in residence. angered at the lost hours, he shows his reports from previous missions to the wizard, who gives him a simple wand of Cure Light Wounds at the expense of the Society. Frustrated, he turns in for the night.
The next morning dawns, and he heads towards the docks where he meets up with everyone else. Turning first to Lorelei, he offers his new wand and asks "My Lady, If you would be so kind as to keep track of thissss for me. Usssse it on whomever needs it, but it makessss more ssssensssse for it to be in your hands once battle begins."
Turning back to address the group, he says "I do not have many resourcessss but I puchasssssed ssssseveral vialsssss of Antitoxin. I will keep one, but we can ssssshare the resssst out. Did anyone elssssse happen to buy extra?"
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Muroi goes to bed early, really early, when the sun still shines. He wants to rest, even if he can't sleep from the beginning, he wants to rest. He wakes up early in the morning, really early, when darkness still hugs Absalom. He packs all his belongings and goes to the dock. On the way, he buys something to eat, he will eat while waiting for his fellows.
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Fentar goes for a drink with some friends, some more friends turn up... but he's young and vigorous enough to shake it off and arrive on time and ready to go. Only the slight air of alcohol on his breath gives him away.
He salutes the halflig sorcerer at the docks, "Good show. I can't eat by the docks: that old-fish smell just shuts me down" it's actually a bit much with a hangover as well.
You all arrive at the docks early in the morning, arriving at a fine vessel flying Alkenstar colors. As you walk up the gangplank, a handsome, dark-skinned Garundi gentleman of advancing years, with a thick black mustache and graying hair at his temples greets you. He walks with a prominent limp, and carries a finely crafted walking cane to help him amble about.
"Hail to you agents of the Pathfinder Society, we have been expecting you," he smiles, with a polite nod of greeting, "I am Baron Bomande Rudyahm of Alkenstar, it is a pleasure to meet you all."
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Lorelei gladly accepts the wand from Senach. "I will use it with pleasure, my dear." She spends her night dancing and meeting new folks before turning in late. Despite her late night, she arrives on time at the docks and looking entirely put together.
She offers a well-practiced curtsy for the baron and then offers her hand to him. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Baron Rudyahm. I am Lorelei Adelardi of House Adelardi of Taldor. I must say, milord, you are much more handsome in person than the rumors suggested." She offers a seductive smile.
"The pleasure is mine to have members of the Society aiding in this hunt. You'll find it to be rather exciting. You are all welcome below deck to set up quarters, the crew will show you to them. Later, you are all invited to attend a dinner tonight, it shall be most wonderful," he says with a sincere smile, "I believe one more of your people have yet to arrive. Alert us when and we shall set sail."
He begins to walk towards starboard, limping slightly with aid of his cane.
Ten minutes after the last of you arrive, the ship sets sail from the Absaloms harbor, guided out by the small vessels through the ship graveyard below the water. Once out of the inlet, the ship quickly begins to speed through the water while the city fades in the distance.
Later in the night, you sit down to dinner with the Baron, along with the count seated not too far away, "Please sit and relax, eat your fill," Rudyahm says from the head of the table.
"The Venture-Captain said very well of them," Count Matsanda adds.
The meal consists of various cuisines from the area around Alkenstar and Garundi, all excellently prepared by top-notch chefs aboard the vessel.
“Tigers are territorial. If we find our way back to its hunting grounds, there’s a good chance we’ll run across it before too long,” he says sipping a glass of fine wine, " We'll have several guides and helpers as we push inward, along with elephant."
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Muroi descends to the quarters and rests in the morning to walk around the ship to know it and its crew. He avoids to distract them. For moments, he sits to observe the sea. "It is so calm, but so dangerous.
During the diner, Muroi keeps in silence trying to listen every conversation, trying to gather information about the place they are coming. He is eating a little of every plate cooked. He is happy tasting this new food. "What an experience."
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Uthraed sits and listens as he eats the food. After his previous adventures and eating primarily stale trail rations it is nice to get a warm meal in his stomach.
"I've read much on these elephant beasts but in my travels I have never been lucky enough to see one." Uthraed says then changing the subject he adds, "When we do come across this tiger how will you go about taking it down and what exactly would you like our role to be."
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Senach quietly eats his meal and studies those around him. He doesn't have too much to say.. and is rather not a fan of sport hunting.. but he has a job to do and will do it as necessary. "Thissss food issss exquissssite" he sais during a pause in the conversation. "My complimentsssss to your chef."
When Uthraed brings up the elephant, he does, however, become intrigued despite himself. "How doessss one hunt from the back of one of thessssse beasssstsssss?" he hisses out.
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Lorelei shows up to the dinner with a fairly low cut blouse, keeping her eyes upon the Baron during much at the time. 'He would be a perfect asset to acquire for the Court.' She thinks to herself...
"Yes, I must agree with Senach. Please pass along our compliments to your chefs, Milord. You clearly have some of the best from the Inner Sea in your employ." When talk changes to elephants she gasps. "An elephant?! That is amazing, I have never seen one before, but have heard stories! That alone would make this trip very much worthwhile."
"Milord, what other hazards should we expect to encounter during the hunting trip? Our Venture-Captain was unsure, however, such a well-traveled man such as yourself would be aware. Especially given that you have already been around the area once."
"You can get any other supplies at the lodge, any beasty that may be or sickness that maybe developed in the Segang is known there. I have experience with this Tiger. I've stumbled upon it before," 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, and that was the end of it. Ah, but we’re going to catch that stripey bastard this time, eh? We’ll give him what for this time around."
Count Matsanda and some of the others around servers all sort of stay silent on the matter, pausing briefly to listen before continuing on.
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Akal stays silent during the dinner and the speech and nods appreciatively at the end of Baron Rudyahm's speech.
"The best things in life are the ones you put the most effort toward. know that we shall do all we can to aid you in your hunt this time and gods willing you will walk away this time victorious with the tiger as your trophy."
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Lorelei listens to the story with rapt attention, gasping at appropriate dramatic instances. "What a foul beast this tiger seems! You are right, milord, to want to hunt it down and end this menace once and for all! Might I be so bold, milord, to say that you are quite the storyteller! You could easily put to shame many of the bards I studied with in Opparra!"
The rest of the dinner is rather uneventful. The Count and the Baron trade some conversation that goes nowhere. You end the night with full bellies, but sadly such meals afterward seem oddly sporadic and unimportant.
After a few days travel you arrive at a small port village , your first stop in the Segang being at a local hunting lodge in the village ,where Count Matsanda hires an elephant, a mahout (elephant driver), and a dozen porters. The elephant seems well past its prime, but it’s the only suitable mount available at the lodge, so Matsanda takes it.
There is some downtime as the proper paper work is being finished before you go out. Here you may gather any more supplies or question and bother the local populace of the Jalmeray citizenry . On the outskirts of the jungle, you see the jungle beckoning.