Gameplay thread.
You find yourselves in the office of Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin.
“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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The muscular serpent like nagaji hisses in the back of the room. "What did the tiger do to the human? Just another trophy taker...why is our time wasted on helping hunt a beast. I'm here to fight bad people and help the Society find treasure," he shakes his head, clearly unhappy at the assignment he has drawn.
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Arriving on time is a black haired Tien-Min teenager of no great stature and only somewhat notable physical build, carrying a number of scroll tubes and travelling gear. On his belt are a sheathed longsword, spell component pouch, and a dagger. He bears no obvious religious symbols and doesn't take a seat in the briefing unless invited, possibly preferring standing. He bows and shakes hands for all greetings made and makes an attempt to learn "what each member wishes to be called. I am Ibi Toshi, it is a pleasure to meet." He speaks with a heavily accented yet properly constructed Taldane.
He listens politely, poorly hiding his desire to ask a query of the man who leaves the meeting. He looks to the Venture Captain, "Are we to provide the required hounds, if the Lodge's budget is lacking? What dogs are for the best, hunting a beast of the Western alignment?"
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Ingratiating and talkative, Chusynd Karkota is a tall, lanky Chelaxian man with turquoise eyes and golden hair. He is also more than likely not quite right in the head, as his near-immediate proclamation to be a CLERIC OF ARODEN! might indicate. Though, by the time he's finished speaking, his wild ideas don't seem nearly as outlandish as when he'd first begun.
Aha! exclaims Chusynd as he cheerily shakes Count Matsanda's hand. Well met, good sir! A pleasure, to be sure. So your new father-in-law — he was a hunter, until he took a tiger to the knee...?
"What did the tiger do to the human? Just another trophy taker...why is our time wasted on helping hunt a beast. I'm here to fight bad people and help the Society find treasure,"
Ambrus holds up his hands and acts to calm Senjin as if he were a little child. "Now, now...sometimes we need these 'baby-sitting' jobs to help build some diplomatic good will. Besides - you never know what else you may encounter out there."
"I hope the baron can tell the difference between a tiger and a lion."
The Venture Captain snorts, "Yes, I think you're little pet will be safe."
"Bring our own dogs?"
"No, no. There's no need for you to purchase your own hounds. You just accompany the Baron and the Count. And don't forget to investigate those ruins."
"...took a tiger to the knee?"
Before departing the count answers Chusynd's query. "Ah yes, a common problem - taking things to the knee. However, if you want the full story, you'll have no problem getting it from the Baron himself."
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Indeed, yes! Chusynd says, immediately ceasing handing out pamphlets to the party and stepping forward to greet the newcomer warmly. He extends his hand to shake. Nobles and tigers and ruins, oh my! So we're to be on our best behavior, represent the Society in its best possible light, and delve the Segang temple when we get the chance (and permission, of course)! Chusynd guides the warrior toward the door, chatting about preparations and supplies and handing him a pamphlet. By the way, friend, have you heard the Word of Aroden today...?
Ambrus furrows his brow, "Alright, take care of your proselyting later, oracle." He then answers Darvik's question, "When the boat is ready - there may be some delay."
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A tall man in dark robes, his face hidden in shadow, stalks into the room using a large scythe as a walking stick. You note that his hands are very pale and adorned with jewelry befitting a noble. "Hello, my name is Khamul. I am sorry I was late for the briefing but Venture-Captain Balentiir filled me in before I left from the Sothis lodge. I offer you my arcane and martial talents. I'm afraid that, do to my upbringing, my arcane powers are mostly. . . necromantic in nature. I assure you I do not relish in such foul arts, but we must use what we are given, yes? So I choose to fight fire with fire. Now, I believe we have some nobles to impress. Let's get the hunt under way."
The weather at the wharf is clear and sunny - a portent of good sailing. As you approach the ship, you notice a dark-skinned Garundi man of advancing years pacing back and forth upon the deck of the ship. Once across the gangplank, he introduces himself to you as, "Baron Rudyahm. Now come, let us set sail for Jalmeray!"
Settling in to a stateroom fit for nobility, the baron and count sit with the Pathfinders after dinner.
The baron leans back with a snifter of brandy. "Tell me, how do you like it in the Society? What was your last adventure like? Face certain death, did you?"
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Chusynd Karkota, my lord. Cleric of ARODEN! It's truly a pleasure! Chusynd says gregariously. Why, it seems like just yesterday that Khamûl and I took a short voyage up the River Sellen to...oh, what was the name of that little place in Razmiran, Khamûl? Rescued a passel of merchants from religious fanatics, as I recall.
He takes a sip of brandied tea and continues. Then I had cause to venture to Qadira for a funeral, sadly. Though soon it was discovered that an assassin afoot! Just barely escaped with my life, in fact.
And then, most recently, I ventured into the halls of the Blakros Museum in Absalom. Odd place, seemed bigger inside than out, though I'm sure that was just a trick of the lighting. And some strange and wonderful "teck-now-ledge" things there too, though their purpose was largely lost on me.
Chusynd listens intently to the others' stories. When everyone has had a chance to speak, Chusynd turns back to Baron Rudyahm with a smile. What of you, good sir? Chusynd asks. What bold tales of high adventure can you share?
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Baron Rudyahm smiles at Davrik's unease on the water, "Don't worry - you won't need your sea-legs for long." He also nods enthusiastically at Chusynd's story of facing dangers at the Blakros Museum. However, his 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.”
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"Is that not the man of that stone in the city? He is not known in Tian Xia; I apologize."
"I am honored you are interested in my tales, though I regret many were not during a time of capability." Toshi bows. "I served the church of Abadar for one year as a personal assistant to a Seeker-ranked member as payment for a promised Society life. While a difficult job, I met many people above my station in both combat and prestige. Many used sword and were capable fighters. One was capable at fire magic, but quite difficult to understand. I once misplaced a chair for a beautiful woman whom has chosen companionship a demon. It is a forgetful time, as it was not to be truly my own, but I am sure Khamul will be more the capable storyteller than me."
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After the story, "Yes, porting. That was my internship title to most. It is a job I am willing to continue if it will please you, Lord."
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Roscoe shivered a little as he recalled the ice bound longboat that was the center of his last adventure.
"We had to investigate a mysterious curse that left a man slowly freezing to death. Fortunately we negotiated a cure with a witch inhabiting an ice bound longboat."
Roscoe still bristled at the debriefing by the VC and sullenly turned his attention to King George.
The baron's face takes on a quizzical look at Toshi's tale, "A porter, eh? Well, that skill will certainly be appreciated, but I hope you're able to handle yourself out there in the wilds."
As he knocks back the remaining brandy in his snifter, Baron Rudyahm lets out a long sigh.
"Well, I appreciate your help in settling this score with that tiger. I think I'll turn in - see you all in the morning."
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Khamul nods and says, "I came to the Society as a refugee of Geb, the land of the undead. I did learn something from that land, though, and in my last adventure we explored an ancient Osirion tomb where I was able to turn some of the undead inhabitants against each other. It made for a much easier time. If only I had been able to take control of the Pharaoh himself...."
Kafir reflects for a few moments and then says, "It is our pleasure to help you. I think I will go study my spells for a bit before turning in. Thank you."
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"I have not cast anything yet today, though I also cannot see in the dark. Deploy me as needed, though I would also like to sleep at some point."
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With the dutiful Pathfinders taking watch throughout the night, the vessel makes its passage uneventfully and reaches Segang at the expected time.
Upon disembarking the boat, you note that there is but a little village established here. The largest building is the Hunting Lodge, where supplies can be purchased.
Count Matsanda negotiates the price of hiring an elephant and driver to haul the hunting supplies that he and his father-in-law have brought with them. The elephant looks as if it has seen better days, but it is the only one available.
Diplomacy (Gather Info) or Knowledge (Local):
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Chusynd chats cheerily with the people in the Hunting Lodge, sharing with the party what he learns from them.
These folk corroborate the baron's story about his previous expedition. It seems that several other hunting parties have also gone missing in that part of the Urapangi Lowlands, also known as "the monkey swamp." It's called that by especially devout Vudrani, who claim that the monkeys who reside there possess mystical powers. Undoubtedly by Aroden!
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"I have no experience in the jungle or with monkeys, but I am sure we will be fine."
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"And perhaps you also know then," Khamul responds to Chusynd, "that although our superiors have tried to keep the location of the Urapangi temple we seek under wraps, rumor has it that several independent groups are currently planning their own expeditions to find the lost temple. We should be prepared for company when we reach the temple."
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"And perhaps you also know then," Khamul responds to Chusynd, "that although our superiors have tried to keep the location of the Urapangi temple we seek under wraps, rumor has it that several independent groups are currently planning their own expeditions to find the lost temple. We should be prepared for company when we reach the temple."
Chusynd blinks at Khamûl a couple of times. I...I did not know that. Hmm... he says, appearing disappointed. He frowns a bit, thinking back to the conversations he had in the Lodge. Then, in a snap, he brightens with a smile. Oh! You know, that helpful lady with the boots and the hat! She mentioned "Urapangi temple" and temple of course made me think of Aroden and so I shared the Word of Aroden with her and she must've gotten so wrapped up in the copy of History and Future of Humanity I gave her that it slipped her mind to mention it!
With the elephant and driver hired, the rest of the Baron's caravan prepare to head down the trail into the heart of the jungle. Riding atop the elephant are the Baron and the Count. The former lecturing the latter on the finer points of big game hunting.
The trail is just wide enough for the elephant to clear through. The dense humidity keeps the trees and foliage all bright shades of green. At one point, the baron calls down to you from the elephant, "Don't bother readying yourself for any game today - the animals are far to skittish. Once we get deeper into the jungle, that's when you'll see something vicious!"
The day passes uneventfully and the Baron's porters make camp - even for the Pathfinders. After a restful night, the camp is awoken by the sound of a man screaming. It is coming from the count's tent.
Upon entering, you see that the interior of this spacious canvas tent is richly decorated with portable darkwood and silver furnishings. Torn mosquito netting hangs above the bed, and a mirror, basin, and various shaving implements lie scattered on the ground. A black leather boot lies on the floor next to the crumpled remains of a large black spider. The count is lying on his fancy cot holding his right foot and crying out in pain.
The baron follows you in, "What the devil is going on here?"
The count calms himself and manages to speak. “Something in my boot bit me—a spider I think. I fell back onto the bed in surprise. My god, Bomande, what if it’s poisonous? I could lose the foot! You brought some antitoxin, didn’t you? Fetch it quickly!”
The Baron retorts, "A bit of luck then! The spiders in Segang aren’t dangerous, not like the scorpions. It’ll probably smart for a bit, that’s all. Next time, check your damn boots!” With that, the Baron takes his leave, shaking his head softly as he steps out of the tent.
The count turns to you, "Please, I'm afraid the bite is worse than my father-in-law thinks. What do you think?"
The count breathes a sigh of relief at the assurances of Chusynd and Roscoe. "Well, that is comforting. However, I'm sure the Baron won't let me live my little panic down any time soon." Sure enough, as you exit the tent the baron inquires of his son-in-law, "And how is our little patient? Not going to lose his foot, is he? Ha ha ha."
The porters begin preparing breakfast for the camp. The surrounding jungle is alive with sounds of birds, monkeys and various insects. As the food is prepared, a pack of monkeys - apparently drawn by the smell of the cooking - gather at the edge of the camp.
A couple of the porters pause in their preparations to turn towards the monkeys and bow their heads in prayer. They seem to welcome the monkeys' presence. However Baron Rudyahm is less impressed. "Bah! These accursed things. I can't stand them!"
He points to the Pathfinders, "You - get rid of these blasted monkeys. I won't have them ruining our breakfast!"
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"Ah, so these are the animals talked about before. They do not appear to be harassing the cooks. I wonder why."
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