Eleder, in the smoky office of Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh.
A table is set with food while you wait for the Venture Captain to come. It's not unusual to be kept waiting after a summons... gives you a chance to chat with your fellow team members.
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Brocken, called Steinfaust is a young muscular young Oread with broad shoulders, and strong hands. He has skin the colour of greywacke with red veins and is completely hairless.
In battle he wears a grey laquered Mountain Armor and wields a black adamantine Bardiche, coupled with an earthbreaker.
He stegosaurus pet is with him, a brown earthen coloured one in brown chainshirt barding.
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A young human female strolls in with her hat angled back on her head. She has a musket slung over her shoulder while she adjust her ammo belt that is worn low on her hips.
"Mornin, uh , friend" She stutters slightly at the sight of a dinosaur in an urban setting.
She then sits down at the table, sitting her bag down by her feet and leans the rifle down against the table. She wipes her hands on her trousers and reaches for the plate of food, making sure to grab a hunk of bread and some meat before moving on to the spreads.
"So are you one of them elemental types" she says with a rural drawl.
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As the words barely finish out of Hannah's mouth muttering can be heard coming from the doorway even before the source is seen.
Knowledge planes
"Why yes I believe he is, they are such facinating species, part human, part element, and each one uniquely gifted, wonder what it would be like to have skin as hard as rock or hair as light as the wind.
Not only is he and his little dinosaur friend a sight, but so is your weapon. I am rambling again aren't I? My apologies I am just excited to get out in the field and work with a new group of young ones."
A well aged elf walks in the door half way through his speechwith a large flag bearing the symbol of the open road half falling out of his backpack. He seemed to have been heading towards Steinfaust with great interest until he caught a glimpse of the musket and redirected towards Hannah, staring curiously at her firearm.
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"Socraties is my name, I trust in both your prefered methods of combat, and I'll do my best to make you even better at it. Oh and if need be, I'll patch you up too."
Starting to relax as and wait for whoever else is coming he takes a seat and opens up the satchel he carryed in with him to reveal a tiny compsognathus.
He leans down and whispers to it, "Go try and make a friend ,but don't get stepped on, okay? The stegosaurus is a lot bigger than you."
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The young elf enters into the room, his long hair is tied back in a braid and his eyes take everything and everyone one. His armor is yellow and black and you notice, right above his belly button a symbol, more than a regular tattoo of 3 daggers pointing in, the symbol of the Savored Sting.
He carries a scorpion whip and a longsword at his side and smiles at his new companions. Caelhal Lantherian, devotee and beloved of the of the Savored Sting. he says proudly.
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Slightly startled, by a language he has not used since his young adventuring days.
"Oh, Elven, yes, umm,
Socraties eyes glaze over for a moment, a smile comes across his face before he comes back to reality.
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Out of the horizon, comes a man; half-man actually. The morning sun rises, his silhouette slithering like a silent serpent. Lashing wind whips at his weathered tabard, sending dust disintegrating back into the void. What others made of him as he approached, he didn't seem to care. There he was and in he walked. He was dark, not dark-skinned; more as if he was always walking in a shadow. Every step he took towards the light, just when his face would be revealed, it wasn't, as if the lights dimmed just for him. ::a tumbleweed rolls by::
The Stranger walks over to the bartender, at least he thought it was the bartender, and sets down his gear. A bear trap drops against the floor. He leans over and speaks with a gravelly tone, "I'm looking for a man who calls himself 'Pinché'. Do you know where I can find him?" When the chamber steward awkwardly replies 'No', the Stranger turns to the others. "How about you, have you heard of such a man?" He drops the half-smoked blackweed roll and takes the next step with his dung-kicker to extinguish. ::squish::vv
::grind:: ::grind::
::grind:: ::grind::
::grind:: ::grind::
The Venture-Captain bursts through the door, carrying several maps. Without much pre-amble he clears as space on his desk and unfurls it before turning to the team. His brow furrows in thought as he surveys the map that lies before him.
“Over the last few months, the Aspis Consortium has devoted a surprisingly large number of resources to a mining operation somewhere in the Kaava Lands, beyond Bloodcove.”
He circles a general area on the map with his finger before continuing,
“Since the operation started, we’ve heard quite a few reports from locals in the Kaava Lands of strange and foreboding occurrences, with many pointing the blame towards to the Consortium’s mysterious operation.”
The venture-captain crosses one arm over his chest, stroking his beard with the other.
“Several other Pathfinders are already out in the field investigating. Juliet Diaz has traveled towards Bloodcove on a fact-finding mission of sorts. Meanwhile, Fola Barun has gone out into the Kaava Lands to dig deeper into the locals’ troubling reports.
Still, their investigations face a major obstacle. The Aspis Consortium wields considerable influence in Bloodcove, and this influence extends far beyond the city’s borders. If we want to be able to investigate in earnest, we’ll need allies. Fortunately, the Consortium has dropped an opportunity into our laps.”
Bellaugh smiles. He points to Bloodcove on the map and then traces his finger south along the coast.
“The port of Senghor lies about two hundred miles to the south of Bloodcove. The Aspis Consortium doesn’t have a strong presence in Senghor—after all, the city has strong independent merchants and no tolerance for slavery. Now, just a little ways north of Senghor is a ruined city called Boali. The mere mention of Boali is taboo in Senghor, as it is widely seen to be an accursed and haunted place. We’ve heard credible reports that Aspis agents have begun excavating for relics in Boali, and this expedition would surely sour their reputation in Senghor. However, the city’s leaders would not take mere rumors as cause for action without solid evidence. They also are unlikely to send their own people to Boali unless they must. That’s where you come in
Bellaugh excitedly continues.
“If you can find evidence of Aspis activities in Boali, the Society will have a case to gain support from Senghor’s leaders for our future operation against the Consortium. The more you can find about the Consortium’s activities and objectives, the stronger your case will be.”
He moves towards a desk at the end of the chamber, opens a drawer, and produces a sealed envelope. He holds it forward and speaks,
“This is a letter of introduction from myself to the Senghor Council of Elders, bearing the seal of the Society. It will get you a meeting with some of their representatives in a reasonable amount of time. A fellow Pathfinder and old friend of mine, Mirian Raas, will be dropping you off at the port in Senghor. He holds a hand forward as though motioning to stop and then adds, “Before you get too excited about exploring an accursed city filled with all manner of unknown riches and relics, keep in mind that local taboo makes it difficult to discern just how dangerous Boali really is. Be ready to leave the city immediately if you find yourselves in over your heads.”
He turns and looks to the crew.
Any questions?
claimed all manner of relics from the sites as their own.
The Venture Captain folds his hands and sits down.
“In truth, we don’t know. Our preliminary reports suggest it is some kind of ruin that they are to mine; however, the specifics of the site are still unclear. However, ever since their expedition started, the locals have been reporting all sorts of troubling events: a foulness rotting the jungle, seemingly unprovoked attacks from otherwise docile animals, and even people jolting awake from terrifying nightmares before unexplainably bleeding from their ears or eyes.”
He gives a shudder at that thought.
Either way, Boali is not quite so large... it is a city, but it's mostly been eaten by the jungle, and finding a entire mining operation worth of Aspis shouldn't be TO hard to find within it.
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This is a letter of introduction from myself to the Senghor Council of Elders, bearing the seal of the Society.
Sathos seems quites excited by this revelation. "The letter turns into a magic seal! What a magnificent idea, and perfect for the water. Well played Captain. I could learn much from you."
it is a city, but it's mostly been eaten by the jungle.
Sathos stands as he slams the table."AH HA! A jungle that eats cities? Surely a worthy opponent. You have my word Captain, we will find those Consorty jerks and shove them down the Bow-ah-lee jungle's throat!
The bloodrager seems oblivious to the fact that no one else has drawn similar conclusions from the straight-forward briefing.
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Knowledge History
"So in summary, we need to check in at Senghor, then go to Boali, a city built by treasure hunters who disappeared 2,000 years ago, find as much proof as we can that the Aspis is making a mess there, bring that back to Senghor to ruin their reputation even more than it already is, gain ourselves an ally of the city, and all the while, Explore! Cooperate! Report!
A couple of questions then, What is the Society's current reputation within Senghor? Why will going to Boali not ruin our own reputation? and though you said it is hard to discern the true danger of Boali due to local taboo, do we have ANY concrete information or at least a theme amongst rumors to give us some idea?
Oh, and by the way, I love the enthusiasm Sir Bellaugh"
The Venture Captain nods.
They are rather neutral to us at the moment... we've helped out in the past with other... ongoing issues, but not having a strong presence there has made holding our ground tough. We're hoping to change that at some point soon.
He leans forward.
Going to Boali isn't enough to ruin your reputation. If that was all, it'd be easy enough to prove it. You have to show that they are disrespecting the ruins, that this is a scavenging operation that is destroying what little history remains. As for what dangers are there, Mirian will stop with you in Senghor first to resupply before heading out, so getting some information out of the locals might be a good idea.
The team joins Mirian Raas on her Vessel, the Daughter of the Mist. As they travel the many days to their intended location, Mirian gives them some additional information.
“Senghor is a port city on the Bay of Senghor. It was founded 2,000 years ago and was built like no other city of its age. Its harbor is strong enough to protect it from storms coming from the Eye of Abendego, and it could hold off a naval assault by a fleet far stronger than any that has ever been in the area. As far as anyone knows, anyways. The people of Senghor rely heavily on ocean trade, and they will not for any reason deal with slavers, even suspected slavers. The ruling class is also heavily focused on expansion as of late, which may soon put them at odds with Bloodcove and the Aspis Consortium.”
She holds up her hand and counts off the various factions.
“Senghor is ruled by a council made up of representatives from the nobility, the priesthood of Gozreh, the merchants’ compact, and the military. While it would be highly doubtful you would be able to speak to the leaders of each faction, you could certainly speak with representatives from each. So long as you have a unanimous decision from at least one representative from each ruling faction during your meeting, you will have the full support of the council on whatever matters you are discussing. Either during the day or in the early evening, head over to the council hall and show them the letter of introduction you got from the venture-captain. That should get you a meeting; however, then it’s up to you to present your case. I doubt you’ll get a second chance.”
Soon enough, The sunrise illuminates the deep waters of Senghor’s harbor
with shades of orange and red, as the enormous, centuries-old defenses rise against the horizon. Massive towers built with immense stone blocks flank the harbor’s entrance, showcasing the city’s architectural marvels.
As the team docks, Mirian leaps out walks down and turns again.
Alright, I'm gonna get you guys a boat you can use for the trip. Meet back here in an hour... Any of you lubbers know how to sail? Or am I gonna need to send you with one of my men? Either way, head to the market, buy what you need, and be ready to head out.
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Knowledge Local
I share all of the information I know with the rest of the group.
Also all my knowledges have the same multiplier can I make a knowledge check on the Mobogo?
Knowledge ???
Also, also while we are in the city I would like to buy an alchemists lab to take back home with me when we are done.
Socrates is shocked to find out that he doesn't know much about Mobogos. A little bit of research reveals to him that they are great and powerful beasts, but rare and dangerous.
Boggarts on the other hand, are gangly, long-armed creatures that have a face like a calf’s, but with a mane of lank hair and front-facing eyes the size of saucers. As fey, they are resistant to wounds not inflicted by cold Iron, and are capable of casting a myriad of spell like abilities, most notably small illusions to make life more difficult or to hold their prey still while they drag them away.
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"I suggest if you don't have one then you grab a cold iron weapon while we are in town" he says to the rest of the team with his revelation.
"Also, if we run into this queen Mobogo of the boggarts I highly suggest we not fight it, because disappointingly I don't know anything about it, it seems I need to do more research when we get home"
Upon saying this Socraties heads into town to find himself a cold iron dagger.
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Ugly saunters down the gang plank and looks around at the impressive harbor. At Mirian's question about managing a boat, he shakes his head no says answers back, "-but I can swim and that's good enough to get me on the water. Thanks -we'll take your sailor."
When Socrates mentions cold iron, Ugly says, "If yer sure, I've gotta pick up some blanch. I see a market over there, maybe they've got decent wares."
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As we go around the market, whenever we are near a less than perfect stand or store, Socraties will give a wink and a nod to Ugly and say various incarnations of:
"Oh, what a lovely place to shop there are so many options and neat intricacies, but I am sure if they worked with the Exchange to get their supplies the shop would have even more to offer, and probably for more profit too."
Soon enough, Mirian is waiting at the docks with one of her men, White toothed Wallace. A surly but experienced sailor with exceptionally good teeth.
Mirian clasps your hands in turn and wishes you luck. Wallace waives you each into the cramped, small boat, and sets of to Bolai.
It does not take long to realize 2 things. 1, The tiny boat is VERY uncomfortable. 2, while Wallace can handle the boat by himself, it's very slow going.
You can make a untrained Profession sailor check to help Wallace if you so choose, which might make you go a little faster, but everyone must make a Fortitude save of 10 or become fatigued from being jammed in the tiny uncomfortable boat for 25 hours.
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Sathos follows the elf.
Ugly leaps onto the boat and takes position at the bow, securing a solo spot not cramped by others. He doesn't appear to be bothered by Molasses Wallace's sailing skills, at least the boat is pointed in the right direction, he contributes to the push by spitting chew into the water.
You make good time, though some of your crew can't sleep a wink and are tired when you reach the shores. After navigating their vessel towards the shores of Boali, WhiteTooth anchors you and lets you out.
I'll wait here. Be careful. He grunts out.
You look out over the large city and prepare to set out... finding the Aspis in this gigantic rune may take a while, but how hard can it be to find a entire contingent of Aspis?