Generic Thread Opening Post
With a flash of light and a stomach-churning shift, the cool, saline air of Absalom collapses into the stifling, wet heat of the Garundi coast. Within moments, sweat begins to ooze from your pores as the fetid stink of the local climate envelopes you like a damp blanket.
The scroll in Aram Zey’s hands crumbles into dust, its magic spent. The Pathfinder Society’s Master of Spells removes his hat and begins fanning himself. All right Pathfinders, welcome to the blistering hole that is the Mwangi Expanse. Any of you who bother to keep up with your Chronicles know that the Society has an archaelogical expedition working in the Terwa Uplands about 80 miles northwest of our position. Of course, I doubt if more than half of you read anything but dirty poetry, so allow me to sum up: the Azlant Ridge site shouldn’t be there. There are no known Azlanti sights in the Mwangi Expanse, but here we are. It may be the best-preserved evidence that the Azlanti at least visited the Mwangi Expanse. A servant of Angazhan called Ruthazek the Silverback King claims the site, too. His troops have laid siege to it and our people are starving, dying from disease, and running low on ammunition and personnel, which is where you come in.
Zey points north through the treeline, to where a ragtag city of boardwalks and wooden buildings straddles a swampy, red river delta. Your first stop is Bloodcove. He chokes out the word as if it insulted his mother. The Azlant Ridge site needs supplies, and Bloodcove is the nearest trade port. They need 2 tons of food and clean water, five crates of arrows and crossbow bolts, and clean dressings for wounds. House Cartahegn is your best choice as the Society works with them occasionally. We already arranged payment to a caravan leader named Raimondo Scevola several weeks ago. Make contact with him to carry everything north. Also, look for a man named Senzer somewhere in town. He was an alchemist funneling potions and information to our team in the Uplands, but he went silent a month ago. You need to find out why and get that stream of potions flowing again.
Don’t think this will be a simple trip to the market. Bloodcove is a pit founded by pirates and run by criminals—scum with no sense of achievement or appreciation for arcane advancement. Even worse, it’s a stronghold of the Aspis Consortium, which loves nothing more than perverting and profiting from Pathfinder discoveries like Azlant Ridge. Keep your heads down and do nothing to attract suspicion; perhaps adopt a disguise. Normally I don’t give a damn if you heroic types kick in doors, make asses of yourselves, and die, but more than your lives rests on your shoulders now. If you fail and the Azlant Ridge site receives no backup, it will surely fall.
Aram hands over a coin pouch. “As I said, we arranged payment for your caravan some time ago. This should cover the cost of supplies. If you dip into your own resources and manage to survive, the Society will attempt to reimburse you. Once you deal with that business, head northwest. He presents a sealed scrollcase and an ornate, golden key on a leather thong. Guard these with your lives. The key’s exact purpose eludes me, but the symbol it bears is repeated on a doorway at Azlant Ridge. The scrollcase contains a map to the dig site. My magics secure the case, though, and it will explode violently if opened within five miles of Bloodcove.
Ask your questions now. I return to Absalom the moment I believe you capable of getting to Bloodcove.
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Kahwen looks no more pleased to be in Bloodcove than the Master of Spells. In fact, he looks around in disdain while caressing the hilt of the long, curved blade strapped to his back. That blade is almost as long as he is tall, but the tengu, seems absolutely comfortable with it. Saying it is an extension of his body feels almost insulting given how deftly he handles it.
The rest of his gear is unremarkable though the mace at his belt has a silver sheen and dull silver links of mail peek out from the collar of his shirt. The silver buckle of his belt attracts attention, too. It features a leaping tiger.
"The only good thing about this place is that the Consortium has their talons so deep in, anything that disrupts Bloodcove hurts them."
"Any clues where Senzer might be or who might know?"
He turns to his companions. "Last time I was here, I stayed concealed, but I have sailed with pirates so I could pretend, if necessary."
I have no reason to think that the weather will be scorching enough to need such an item, but the choice is yours.
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Ah! Kahwen! We meet again. Always happy to have you along! What's that? The briefing's starting? Ahem... give me a moment... ya gotta be prepared for these things.
As Aram begins his spiel, Ridley quaffs several vials from his bandoleer filled with the things.
Ah, I know something of the local politics here. The trade houses are the real power here. The government, such as it is, really just exists to make sure no one interferes with trade. Likewise, the trade houses, of which Aspis currently holds supremacy, violently quash any crime that might interfere with their business. Furthermore, there are several reports of people who visit the Pathfinder outpost in Bloodcove turning up missing shortly afterwards.
As for how to make out approach - I am quite an accomplished alchemist. We could pose as a group looking to either set up a business or sell our services to one of the trade houses.
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"Huzzah! Friend Ridley! This place makes you miss an ice breathing dragon, doesn't it?" he gives his former and current companion one of his trademark bows, one hand over his chest, the other held parallel to the ground as he bends at the waist so that his torso is parallel to the ground.
"No kobolds to fight here, just dirty Consortium agents to vanquish."
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"Welcome to Garund," says an unusually tall Samsaran with a smile and slight bow of his head.
Strangely, he was apparently already standing off to the side of the path when you materialized. His speech is slow and halting as if he is thinking in another language and then translating. In truth, he is. But even the language of his thoughts changes frequently.
"I've been here... for a few months already. They... told me to meet you all.... Here.
The thorny vine wrapped around his head begins to writhe and twist before dropping down around his neck like a necklace.
"Ah, yes, Hogo, you are... most correct. Introductions are in order. I am Dr. O'Mayga, student of... hmmm... life and death, yes. And this is Hogo, my... guide," he finishes with a gesture to the vine which raises one of its ends. In greeting?
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Noke is a small Wayang woman with shadowy long hair that almost darkens her surroundings. She has a crossbow in one hand and wears a custom-fit Haramaki suit that looks like it has been recently oiled.
Resting on top of her chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is visible.
Noke is sitting on a military saddle on top of a riding dog that looks like a mixture of a black wolfhound and a mastiff. It is clear that this dog can fight while carrying a rider and Noke is clearly in control.
On Noke's shoulder you see a tiny horned lizard that has dark black scales which in some areas have a red coloring that curiously forms the holy symbol of Chaldira and glows.
Noke, her riding dog 'Happu' and her tiny horned lizard familiar 'Divune' approach your group and you see that Noke is almost out of breath.
Noke's eyes turn white when she sees you and hears about the danger that her fellow Pathfinders are in and is eager to help!
"Team, great meeting you all! Divune, Happu and I are eager to support!!" Noke says to the team.
She then sees the dwarf!
"Thorur! How are you?! Long time no see!!" Noke says with a big smile.
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Gaius leans against a tree and luxuriates in the warmth. He is a tall, thin, deep red skinned tiefling dressed in a loose fitting explorers outfit. An obviously magical haversack hangs over his shoulder. Aah, this is more like it. I hate it when they send us to cold places.
As Ridely starts quaffing potions he digs into his pack and hands him a variety of tomes.
Here, these might help as well
As a member of the Exchange I can probably masquerade as a merchant as well. I do have a way with words when I need to.
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Arriving late is a petite kitsune female carrying a crossbow on her back and a dagger at her belt. A lightly packed backpack hangs over her tiny frame, further accentuating her lack of physical strength. Silk armor is her only protection, and her attire appears unmarred by any sign of battle.
With an overly jovial tone she bows to the group and says, "I'm Myrtella! I'm sooooooo happy to meet you all, like... soooo happy! I can't believe we'll like, adventure on behalf of Master Zey in person... that's sooooo awesome! I dunno... can I... like... just burst into song now? I think I'm gonna cry... this is, man... this is just sooooo awwwwwsumm'!!"
Myrtella keeps acting like the center of attention for another long minute, flicking her tail left and right and putting a hand on everyone's shoulder once or twice... perhaps a bit too long in the case of the strong types in the group, as if 'testing the merchandise' or something...
Tucking her tail under her silken kimono, she then turns into a human female, and says, "And yes, disguise is my thing, so I can assist you all into looking like proper merchants if you all like... although... some of you will have to spend a bit more coin on your clothes to make that work... he he he..."
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Kahwen looks around at all his companions in clear wonder. They all seem quite amazing to him, especially when they seem to change their appearances so easily.
"Perhaps I can trail the rest of the group from a distance and remain hidden?" he offers, shyly, knowing he's not going to be able to match any of their disguises.
Noke's suggestion makes him start and he takes the clearly old, yet clearly cherished and well kept Wayfinder hanging around his neck and tucks it under his clothing, careful to hide the chain, as well after opening it for a moment.
In addition to the light that might be expected from the device, it also plays a lovely, soothing lullaby.
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Dr. O'Mayga steps over to Noke in order to introduce Hogo to Divune. "Noke, it's a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps later our... familiars... guides, what have you, can consult to... share their knowledge," he says with what is likely enthusiasm but is hard to tell through his slow and fairly monotone speech.
As he sees several of his allies easily adopt such wonderful disguises, he sighs audibly. "I'm afraid I lack such... skills. Or magic," he says to Noke.
"Perhaps I could simply pretend to be... The Doctor for these... esteemed merchants?" he says, placing an odd emphasis on the word 'Doctor.' "Though my healing magics are... admittedly... limited."
Ruthazek? He is some sort of hyper-intelligent gorilla and worshiper of Angazhan. He rules the inland city of Usaro and claims the Mwangi Expanse and all its contents. He’s uncivilized and violent, from what we
hear, unwilling to negotiate with us. He rules over a race of sentient ape-men, but they keep a healthy distance from Bloodcove.
And as for Senzer, as I just said, he serves us as an alchemist and a valuable source of information and potions for our operations in this region. I believe his shop lies somewhere along the Widow’s Walk. Share as little as possible with him; everyone in the town has some stinking agenda. But he already knows of our local operations and the location of the dig site.
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Makon hands over the coin to purchase a disguise kit , When the process of outfitting him is through, Makon announces, Ha! I’m a merchant now! Who wants to buy a knuckle sandwich! *guffaw!! Har! Makon continues to laugh even though his companions are just staring at him in astonishment of his absurdity.
The humid stink of Bloodcove mingles with the reek of sweat and the sickly-sweet odor of tropical plants and exotic tobaccos. The foyer of the guild house looks more like a tavern than a place of business, with tables carved from dark jungle woods and overstuffed cushions. Older men and women mingle or brood over their drinks, while strapping young toughs claim the area around the cold hearth.
Across the room, a swarthy, moustachioed man bellows in anger. He sweeps an arm across the tabletop shared with a red- cheeked companion, spilling drinks and playing cards onto the carpet. You bashterd, he drunkenly shrieks, You scheating bashterd, Elanzo! I need thoshe animalsh! I have a client whoshe paid fer my caravan!
His companion wrings the remains of his drink out of his shirt. No one cares, Scevola. Those were the stakes, and your horses will be chow for my men before we set sail in the morning!
You shlipped shomethin in mah drink! You’re taking my horshesh over mah dead body! Elanzo simply shrugs at this and snaps his fingers. The large brutes gathered by the hearth stand up and begin moving toward the pair.
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Scevola? Isn't that the guy who was supposed to take our supplies for us? I think we should help him out, or we are out of a caravan...
If nobody offers a better plan, Ridley will approach the group and say
I heard something about cheating over here, and a spiked drink? My name is Ridley, Alchemist extroidinaire. I'd be happy to offer my services to help preserve the integrity of the game. My. Scevola, kindly direct me to your cup. I shall test it for the most common drugs that would be used for this sort of malfeasance.
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Kahwen literally skulks into the guild house, head tucked down to hide his beak and hood up. He moves unobtrusively to a place against one wall but near the center of the room.
He watches the exchange and Ridley (from the Exchange) approach to provide his assistance.
He keeps his hands away from his sword, and appears relaxed but readies himself for action.
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The Doctor follows Noke in, pretending to be the group's personal physician. Hogo is as always wrapped around a body part, currently entwined about the Doctor's wrist.
He follows suit in attempting to shut down the fight before it can even begin, calling upon the shadows to entangle one of the toughs
Elanzo moves to put his back to a wall. This is a matter between this man and myself. It doesn't concern you. He made a wager and he lost.
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Makon sit's quietly at his table missing his great axe strapped to the pack animal outside..Hmmph! Others said a muscular 1/2 Orc carrying a great axe "isn't Merchant like" "bah! they never seen an Orc camp or Orc merchants me thinks! And Why it matter Makon like to work out and eat healthy? Shaman say for sure I die by blade or claw not old man if I keep up routine! Me think They jealous specially the skinny ones! Makon nervously thumbs the mace at his side...Hmm little demon man can talk! maybe no fight today anyway!
Gaius's reasoning, especially backed up by Thordur's offer to settle the debt, strikes a chord with the sea captain and he agrees to forgive the debt in the interest of later business prosperity. He takes his crewmen and leaves.
Scevola thanks you profusely.
Scevola drunkenly leave the hall, promising to meet you first thing tomorrow morning with his horses to escort you.
You find lodging for the night and he does indeed meet you in the morning. He is bleary eyed and nursing a hangover, but is there none-the-less and leads you toward the House Cartahegn trading post.
In no time you have reached the trading house.
Surrounding a sprawling, two-story trading post is a mass of citizens and merchants alike. Some wear worried expressions and wring their hands, while others shout angrily at a welldressed young woman by the entrance.
As I said, shouts the Cartahegn spokesperson from atop a wooden crate, all Cartahegn resources are needed to deal with this emergency with our sugarpress, and our storefront is closed for the remainder of the day or until management resolves the situation. We apologize for the inconvenience, but for now please return to your homes and places of business. As she climbs down, most of the grumbling mob begins to disperse.
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Makon pushes his way through the crowd to confront the woman before she departs, What are talking about my fellow merchants and I have business with the trading house! What’s this nonsense I here about a sugar press ?! Why is it holding up business? Is our coin not welcome what can be done to open you back up for business this Wealday is it not? Did I fall asleep and not wake up till Starday or Sunday ? Pray then why are you closed again? And what can my friends and I do to get you to open your doors once again? Makon looms over the woman as he speaks a full foot and a half taller. He gesticulates with sharp gestures, indicating he’s a person of serious intentions.
Oh yes, says the well-dressed woman of barely twenty summers. This ant situation in the sugarpress is dire! We’re losing thousands of pounds of sugarloaf an hour, and frankly I doubt we’ll be able to turn these clicky beasts back. We expended all the available sword arms just chasing the monsters back into the basement. If more ants show, we’ll surely lose the entire mill. I hope you aren’t here to buy food, because if Cartahegn must continue to devote all its resources to fighting off the ants, expect food prices around Bloodcove to triple overnight!
[b]A shame we have no more soldiers. An idea came to me, you see—my housekeeper makes a sort of lotion that frightens bugs away, and I bet if someone dumped a load of it in the ants’ tunnel, it would keep them away until we could brick it up! You didn’t happen to bring any guards or soldiers with you, did you? If you were hoping to buy food and are willing to help us out, I promise you quite a discount in exchange for your services once we’re open again.