Perhaps it was news of your success against the odds in the Qadiran desert that led the Pathfinder Society to send you to yet another sweltering location: Nantambu, the Song-Wind-City of ancient magic and knowledge that sits near the Vatraji river in the south-west of the Mwangi Expanse.
The city has no walls, and no standing army, despite the threat of neighbouring Usaro and its demonic Gorilla King. The mages of the Magaambya Academy, their arcane tradition as old as recorded history, serve to protect Nantambu; and thus far no would-be invading army has got closer than 20 miles from the city before turning back with devastating losses.
Nantambu’s markets sprawl throughout a paved ring along the margins of the city’s core, beneath the long shadows of its mosaic-decorated towers and multicoloured light refracted from the hundreds of hanging glass chimes and beaded charms strung from their windows and balconies. Considered signs of good luck, the city’s artisans sell replicas—often enchanted—with the notion that the colored light of each charm acts as a window into Nantambu itself, granting a portion of its safety and enlightenment to those who carry the replicas back to their own villages.
You find yourselves in the markets, as you seek out Sharrowsmith's Exports, a merchant company and the front for the local Society Lodge.
|
In the hustle and bustle of the market, sometimes you may catch glimpses of a halfling girl that you used to know, one fond of tales of the heroism of Pathfinder agents. You remember her name was Janira, and that she died attempting to distract a minotaur from killing you when you were fresh agents on their first confirmation. However, if you ever try to look directly at the quick glimpse, all that remains in its place is a male human with blonde hair, carrying a flag on his back. Other than the similar color of hair, you're not quite sure how you might have mistook this man as Janira, but lo and behold, when you turn again, she reappears in the corner of your eye.
If you seek to inspect the symbol on the flag closer, another strange sight greets you, a white nine-tailed fox, representing the Kitsune race.
The man seems to be heading towards the Pathfinder lodge here, sometimes appearing as though he was talking to himself.
|
Hiiragi is as ever she is; tall, for a kitsune, and sturdily-built in a way that farmers often are, all wrapped up in a white kimono atop a miko's red hakama. In this hot environment, she wears a straw hat to keep the sun off of her head and neck.
Nantambu is a new one for her; she is not lost, but as far as she is concerned, Sharrowsmith's Exports is. No matter, however; the meeting time is not yet upon her, and she thus has time to consider Ikari.
Though not as extreme as some deities' ceremonies, Daikitsu's official rite of ordination was among the longer ones: nine days and nine hours more. Though Hiiragi greatly wanted to be a part of Ikari's initiation, the Pathfinder Society had sent for them both, and Hiiragi had promised to be twice as fierce in his absence to make up the deficit.
This she found herself pondering as she glanced upon the stranger's banner. That and flashes of memory; a minotaur's monstrous lowing, the broad arc of an axe, and an exhausted halfling too fatigued to slip out of the way...
She frowns. Too much time in the heat lately, or perhaps too much travel... though she makes a point to approach any of Daikitsu's children she might see, she finds herself hesitant in her own thoughts.
|
Arriving next is a lithe Taldan man garbed in dueling leathers, a ebony rapier of exceptional craftsmanship and a matching buckler adorned with a starburst that matches the eye on his mask. He waltzes in with a smug demeanor and adds a charming smile when he sees Hiiragi.
At first the others may not be sure who the individual is but the ebony fox mask attached to his belt and the black spider atop his shoulder give it away.
"Hiiragi! Don't look so miserable...we are alive after all. How have you been these past few weeks? Busy myself calling in some favors to prepare for the next mission." he waits only a moment before assuring her of his identity.
"It is Juzo! I did have a human form under that mask and those robes after-all. Some nobles get nervous if you wear one outside of a masquerade." he offers his hand to shake not paying any attention to the newcomer yet.
|
|
Stumbling out of a local bar, Onna wonders how the night got to be so bright. She holds up her arm to block the glaring moon light. And why are the streets so busy? Is there a fire? It takes a few moments for her mind to connect the dots. "Ah...daytime. Got it." Wow! They have some seriously strong alcohol here. She hustles toward her meeting, ruing the pounding headache that she can't seem to escape. Can't be late.
Minutes later (It had to be minutes right? It felt like hours.), the bard sees Hiiragi. "Sister!" Onna takes the cleric in her arms. "It has been too long. And is that Takabe with you? This IS a reunion." She waves at the newest member of the team as she absently ties her hair in a bun. Of course I have to look like this today. "Hi, I'm Sionnach, but you can call me anytime...er...Onna, call me Onna." The bard blushes as she leans in closer and whispers to Hiiragi, "Do you have any cures for a hang over? And who is this cute guy you found?"
|
|
Kenta arrived to the city several days early so he could get a bath and good rest before the mission. He arrives in a similar outfit as he wore for the last mission, head to toe in black robes. He appears to be a bit bulkier around the chest area from the obvious breastplate he now wears and... more confident? He carefully makes his way through the marketplace and then sees a couple allies.
"Hello Onna and Hiiragi, do we have a couple new allies for this one?"
|
|
Hiiragi grins at Juzo. "Fret not, friend; I recognized you the moment I saw you. I've taken your shape before, remember?" she teases... before jumping in surprise as a pair of arms wrap themselves around her, as much an embrace as it is for stability; she stumbles forward and falls against Juzo's chest, the three of them forming a sort of kitsune sandwich.
"Ah, Onna! This is Juzo-- sans mask, plus leather. More your type than you thought?" she teases. "As for your hangover, you may want to see an alchemist, but if you'd like some fresh water, provide me a cup! I know you must have one! If not, I'm certain that Toshiko will."
As Kenta rounds the corner, she uses her free arm to ave him over. "Come, join the group hug! If only Itami were here to enjoy it with us."
|
|
Takabe walks up the group, "Hello! I heard there is a party of kitsune pathfinders seeking adventure. Janira told me to come help out when she saw I was also a kitsune...What was that Janira? I should give them all hugs from you? Well, you heard her...or actually, I guess you didn't, but still, Janira says she wants to hug you all through me." Takabe says as he opens his arms to anyone willing to hug him, and just for a moment, you can see an image of Janira superimposed ontop of Takabe before it quickly vanishes.
Despite the oppressive heat of the midday sun, the marketplace outside Sharrowsmith’s Exports is bustling with customers. Merchants stand in the shade under colourful awnings behind enticing displays of all manner of goods, from fresh fruits to intricate works of art. In the centre 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-coloured eyes sits on a bench under the fountain surveying the scene. As she catches sight of you, 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. 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 you 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 antagonise them.”
|
|
Takabe looks quite interested to hear about the late Venture-Captain, "If only I was a little stronger, I could ask him for help, but lets not worry about the 'what ifs'. Anyway, I'm Janira...no wait, I'm Takabe, Janira is sharing my body right now. Some nasty buisness with a minotaur and his axe, but Janira wasn't ready to stop being a pathfinder and wanted to keep helping out her friends."
|
|
"Too many bullmen in those woods," sighs Hiiragi, somewhat thankful to have escaped from the entanglement of sweaty foxfolk.
"Takabe, welcome, and Janira, welcome back. I am sorry there is little more I can do for you, though I am honored you have sought us out to lend your aid once more."
She taps her chin thoughtfully at the description of the mission. "So this is a diplomatic mission, above all?" she asks.
I will need to ask Daikitsu to guide our tongues.
|
|
The young fox happily joins the hug, "It is good to be back with those I consider my family."
_____________________________________________________________
Kenta listens as best he can, though he is only able to hold onto one or two things from the briefing. Gotta go do this thing for these elves. Now what was I going to ask?
He thinks for a bit, trying not to be distracted... "What?!? Janira died? She was fine just like two months ago!!! Oh no, that's just terrible!!! I'm so sorry I wasn't there to help." He looks significantly distressed.
_____________________________________________________________
Later he recalls his question/comment, "Well, I don't think we need to involve a guide. They might get hurt. Now who are the Aspis again?"
|
|
Takabe closes his eyes and glows a ghostly green for a moment "Yes, I died helping out some new agents and a completely different minotuar got me! That's ok though, I wasn't ready to leave the Society and Takabe is helping me out. After I finish this mission, I'll have enough favors for a raise dead spell, although I might stick to paperwork after I come back, thanks Takabe."
Takabe stops glowing and opens his eyes, "So, who wants to have a little extra power from Janira? Just hold hands with me for a minute or so while she channels some energy through me."
"Anyway, a diplomatic mission? Sounds good to me. I haven't been to the area, but jungles means bugs, I don't really like bugs." Takabe says as he pulls out some vermin repellent, "You guys should probably buy some of this stuff, maybe some antiplague too."
"Yes, a diplomatic mission" agrees Allahe. "If you want to keep the bugs away, I advise purchasing the superior strength Nantambu-recipe vermin repellent. It is much more potent than the ordinary examples, and widely available in the market. In fact I am sure we have some here."
|
|
Toshiko raises her head off the table. She casts a bleary eye around the tavern looking for Onna. She does not see her drinking companion anywhere. standing on shakey legs she moves across the room grabs a tankard from the unresisting grasp of a passed out fellow patron and tosses the contents back in one gulp. She shakes her head trying to clear it but just succeeds in further agrovating her headache.
A couple of coins are drawn from a belt pouch and tossed to the bartender as she moves out the door, trying and failing to shield her eyes from the sun. Spotting a group of familiar figures Toshiko moves across the way and joins them.
What malarkey and shenanigans have you got me into now?
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Walking through the markets Juzos eyes sparkle with interest at the exotic goods.
"What lovely and exotic goods. Those could win over quite a few more materialistic rivals...but shopping is for another time." he laughs quietly.
However the sparkle intensifies almost as if he was under his own hypnotic stare when Allahe introduces herself. He takes her hand and gives an extremely deep bow.
"The pleasure is ours, completely." he swoons before following her with the rest of the group.
Listening intently to the briefing and thinking about what is to come he stays relatively silent. He grimaces at the thought of nasty bugs everywhere and adds the repellent to his shopping list.
"We should be able to handle this mission with ease. I am somewhat of a charmer and just look at us." he jokes.
---
He frowns at the thought of Janira.
"At least we live in a world where death is not always final. It has a price. You were brave and wielded that whip expertly, I could have learned something from you so now is the chance." he adds joining the circle for the seance.
---
"Onna, they also seem to like us dealing with the post-mortem affairs of members of the Society. Did we check a box on some paperwork for this?" he complains himself.
Once you feel sufficiently prepared, you can ask around the marketplace for information, or perhaps you might already know something about the secretive Ekjujae elves.
DC10
DC15
DC20
DC25
DC30
You might also know something about the dangers of jungle travel.
DC10
DC15
DC20
DC25
DC30
|
|
Kenta votes no on a guide, preferring to take the risks upon himself and fellow sworn pathfinders. He simply hangs around waiting for the group to make their inquiries. The young fox won't object strongly though if enough wish to have a guide hired.
Once on the road he apparently remembers a treasure trove of valuable information about jungles. He chatters for a bit as he sees things to point out.
"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 so it's good we got that bug goop."
He continues on as his tail swishes away at the bugs buzzing about.
"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."
Later when seeing a dangerous creek to traverse he points out.
"Many of the most dangerous jungle predators set up their lairs or ambushes near natural features such as quicksand to give them an advantage."
|
|
Takabe hits up the bars and asks around about the Ekujae and the Mwangi jungle. "Alright guys, this is what I heard from the locals and from what Janira has heard of this place. The elves here tend not to trust strangers, sometimes they violently don't trust strangers, so we need to be really careful around them.
There are three big groups of elves in the forest, the Ekujae, the Kallijae, and the Alijae. The Ekujae get the western jungle and they always carry a yellowheart wood club.
We have some information that we can use to ally ourselves with the Ekujae, they don't like Aspis and neither do we. They just fought a battle against Aspis slavers, so we should mention we hate those guys.
Finally, they have a bunch of sacred sites around the jungle. I couldn't really find out what makes them so special other than something about 'a great darkness' that they could never destroy." Takabe explains, sometimes having an image of Janira imposed on top of his own body, changing his voice to the halfling girl's. "Remember to explore, report, and cooperate like I taught you...and always make sure you're prepared, especially with sandwiches." Janira says through Takabe.
You gather your gear, apply your "Nantambu Deluxe Bug Repellent"tm and head out into the jungle. It is hot, humid, full of streams, bogs, fallen trees, and thick underbrush. Your route is circuitous.
It rains heavily every day, from late afternoon through to the following morning.
|
|
"I feel a little bad for you guys. Being tied more to the spirit world than the material one, it feels like my body is a puppet on strings that I hold. While my body might suffer the effects of heat and fatigue, my mind doesn't really experience the discomfort." Takabe explains after a little while of the horrible jungle traversal.
Takabe leads the way, confident that you are following the route outlined in the journal fragment that Aya Allahe gave you.
You slog through the jungle for three long, unpleasant days. Hiiragi's orisons offer no relief, for the jungle is as humid as the Qadiran desert was dry.
You come to a section of trail where the incessant rains have created a pool of muddy, stagnant water that bars your progress.
The waterlogged trail forms a sucking bog, just like 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).
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.
As you jump over the bog, making use of some raised rocks, three large bugs come flying out of the jungle and buzz towards you - they attack the last in line, Onna!
Surprise round attacks
The three bugs land on Onna, their barbed legs holding them in place, and insert their sharp probosci into her, drawing out blood greedily. Their pale bodies start to turn a lurid pink.
DC16
Combat round 1
Takabe
Onna 3 Con damage; 11/11hp
Juzo
bugs
Toshiko
Hiiragi
Kenta
The bold may act!