Location
This scenario begins in Eleder, but it primarily takes place in the port city of Senghor and the long-since abandoned city across the bay, Boali. Senghor is located on the western end of the peninsula known as the Kaava Lands in the southern Mwangi Expanse. Although its founding date 2,000 years ago corresponds with the destruction of neighboring Boali, the link between the two settlements has been lost to time, in part because of Senghor’s strong cultural taboo against even mentioning Boali. One of Senghor’s largest groups is the Caldaru people, whose mysterious origins are evident in their linguistic and racial differences from the Mwangi peoples found elsewhere in the expanse.
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Background
In the port of Senghor, it is taboo to even speak of the accursed ruin of Boali that sits on the other side of the bay, let alone to set foot in its rubble-strewn streets. Yet rumors have reached the Pathfinder Society that the Aspis Consortium has sent agents to search through this forbidden city. Although few people willingly travel to its shores, Boali is far from quiet. It falls to a small group Pathfinder agents to get the bottom of the Aspis plot without falling prey to the ruin's dangers. Can the PCs bring the Consortiums' true motives to light?
Briefing
Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh is convinced that you are some of the most accomplished Pathfinders he has heard about ... he wants you to take over a mission!
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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.
Knowledge (History)
All of Boalisi culture, including the ruined city of Boali, either vanished or was destroyed 2,000 years ago due to an unknown catastrophe.
Boalisi explorers ventured far into the Kaava Lands before the collapse of their culture. The few scraps of history that remain speak of them claiming various ruins, but few other sites in the Kaava Lands have been definitively connected to this exploration.
The Boalisi frequently built their settlements with materials pulled from ancient ruins and claimed all manner of relics from the sites as their own.
Shortly before the collapse of their culture, Boalisi people recovered dozens of relics from the ancient cyclops city of Kaddodi, part of the fallen cyclops empire Ghol-Gan.
Knowledge (Local)
In Senghor, speaking of Boali is taboo, entry to Boali is strictly forbidden, and Boali is considered cursed.
Although Boali is largely abandoned, rumors persist that on moonlit nights, the ghostly sounds of running footsteps and clashing swords echo down the empty streets.
A sizable clan of boggards called the Tralika prowls the outskirts of Boali, serving a so-called Great Queen.
The Great Queen of the Tralika is a powerful and fiercely territorial magical beast called a mobogo.
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Strolling in, a half-orc leans his weapon, an impressive looking glaive, against the wall. He nods at the tiefling. [b]"Good day. Name's Korum." He walks to the meager fare offered, considers a banana before ripping more of the loaf off. He pours himself a mug full of the thin wine and takes a seat.
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A ratfolk with wild fur walks in, most of it held in place by a deep green robe. She idly spins a pistol between both hands. Her gaze moves over the food before she reconsiders, instead keeping her hands occupied and sitting next to the half-orc. "Well met, Master Korum. I am fortunate to be working with you again."
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The door opens once more a few minutes later, and a finely-dressed Tien woman steps in. Her red suit features gold inlays in the latest Taldan fashion, with a bandolier accentuating the design. As she crosses the room and tuts at the available food, you can see a short, curved blade sheathed across the small of her back, and two pistols on her hips.
”It is a pleasure to see you, Loam,” she says.
She does not extend the same pleasantries for Korum.
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I see. So it's gonna be like that, huh? He stands an offers a deep and courtly bow to the latest arrival. "Madam Pragmatica! Wonderful to see you again. I do hope the streets are not littered with innocent urchins who had the misfortune of befalling your path."
Bah! That was a jerk move. "My apologies. That wasn't fair. You did some nice work back in Magnimar." He pours another mug full of wine and offers it to her. He holds up his mug and toasts, "To second chances?"
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Vulpina’s eyebrows raise as Korum comes out swinging.
”Ah, if it isn’t Sir Korum. I had assumed you would be late, weighed down as you must be with Andor’s poor victim on your conscience.”
At his apology, she smirks. ”Did I not know you better, I would suspect this mug to be poisoned,” she says, taking a swig, ”but I have of course come to be familiar with your lack of subtlety.”
”To second chances!”
Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh arrives in the meeting room and greets you all.
”So good to see you all. Some of you are missing but I have included my briefing in writing so that all those missing can capture my briefing.“
He stands next to a large table with books, scrolls, and maps spread haphazardly about. His brow furrows in thought as he surveys one of the maps that lie 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. I do not want to bias you with the intel I received so you are going to work on the mission in Senghor without any specific fact from my side.”
He scratches his head.
“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. 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 a cursed and haunted place!“
He looks at you intently.
”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. 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!“
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"To second chances," Loam mumbles, hoping to help seal the pact that keeps the two from bickering.
The ratfolk listens intently to the briefing, then shares what she knows on the subject. "The Boalisi had many relics of their own and from other societies in the region. A treasure trove for us and the Consortium both, if only to deprive us of the 'prize.'
"So, per your findings, the Aspis are employing mercenaries for this work? And we are to affirm their presence in the ruins, despite their attempts to follow the letter of the law."
The Venture-Captain thinks for a moment and then looks at Loam.
“The Aspis Consortium has kept a firm grip on trade and exploration in the Mwangi Expanse for decades also with mercenaries, but something is off about their activities in the area of late. Their organization is driven primarily by profit, both long and short term, yet for all their investments in the dig over the last months, there have been no reported relics of any true value popping up in the nearby markets. We’re growing concerned about their motivations and the effects of their actions on the surrounding region. Additionally, the Consortium’s influence has traditionally proved a hindrance to local Society operations. If we can loosen their grip a bit, we’ll be opening the door to plenty of new opportunities.”
The Venture Captain looks at all of you with a stern look.
“Unfortunately, I am not completely up to date with Senghor’s political structure, but I suspect you’ll need to arrange a meeting with several members of their ruling class after finding information about the Consortium’s likely disreputable activities in Boali. Ask Mirian Raas for specifics while you are making the journey to Senghor. We will need support from Senghor if we are to be successful against the Consortium’s interests in Bloodcove and uncover the secrets behind the mysterious mining operation.”
He then looks out of the window.
“I have a slight idea what they are up to but I want you to learn what you can yourself. Something is afoot and I believe it involves the Boali. As Loam already stated the Boalisi were collectors but locals consider it taboo to enter Boali, so information is all but nonexistent. From what we know, some kind of catastrophe stuck Boali thousands of years ago and the entire Boalisi culture collapsed, from the city proper to all their settlements within the Kaava Lands. Senghor sprung up around the same time. What really happened is anyone’s guess.”
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“Unfortunately, I am not completely up to date with Senghor’s political structure, but I suspect you’ll need to arrange a meeting with several members of their ruling class after finding information about the Consortium’s likely disreputable activities in Boali. Ask Mirian Raas for specifics while you are making the journey to Senghor. We will need support from Senghor if we are to be successful against the Consortium’s interests in Bloodcove and uncover the secrets behind the mysterious mining operation.”
"Ah-- now I see why I was selected," says the noblewoman with a smile.
The Venture-Captain thinks for a moment and looks at Vulpina with a smile.
"You will not meet the other Pathfinders I mentioned on this mission. But as you noted Vulpina a fellow Pathfinder and old friend of mine, Mirian Raas, will be dropping you off at the port in Senghor.”
He moves towards a desk at the end of the chamber, opens a drawer, and produces a sealed envelope.
”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.“
He gives you the letter but 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.”
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” Be ready to leave the city immediately if you find yourselves in over your heads.”
”You mean like the boggarts?” The tiefling finally closes his book with an exasperated hmph. ”And their ‘Great Queen’? Or do you mean the old wives’ tales of running feet and swords clashing the the abandoned streets of a cursed city under the dark of the new moon? Hogwash.” Scowling, the man points at the letter in the venture-captain’s hand. ”Do we talk to the toadies and their lackeys first, or wait until we find proof to rub their faces in?”
The Venture Captain smiles at Torku.
”This is exactly what I mean!“
Suddenly the door to the room opens and a woman comes in, introduces herself briefly and speaks up.
“So you are the bunch that needs a lift. I am Mirian. I can tell you a bit about our destination. 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.”
The Venture Captain seems slightly annoyed by the sudden intrusion but he remains silent.
The Venture Captain raises an eyebrow.
”I am sorry young man but I did not understand what ‘toadies’ means exactly and believed you are speaking to your colleagues. The choice is yours. Decide in the group how to proceed. I have full trust in you!“
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Loam nods again as she listens to Torku's tirade, a bit more approvingly than one would expect. She then shakes her head vigorously, as if to clear it.
"I don't believe we should wait until we are otherwise done to speak with the Council. It may not be our first priority, but we would do well to see it done quickly." The ratfolk offers Mirian a small bow in greeting. "Thank you for your knowledge and transport. Are we going by boat, perhaps teleporting? I have only done that once, and it was a special mission indeed."
Mirian listens to Loam and pauses a moment.
“Well, you should know that the city 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; then it’s up to you to present your case. I doubt you’ll get a second chance, so make sure you are ready to make it count before you request the meeting.”
After a shrug, she adds to Loam's question on transportation.
“Getting to the Boali ruins will require you to cross the bay. Which of you is proficient at operating a small ship?”
After hearing your silence and thinking that you are totally unprepared for the trip, Mirian rolls her eyes. She points to one of the maps on the table.
"You won't be anywhere near the Eye, but even as you aren not experienced you definitely need help. It's a full day just to make the crossing; everyone will be pitching in, but you'll want someone in charge with a background on the water. If no one here is a sailor, I can find you someone. They won't go to the ruins with you, but they can pilot the ship and wait while you explore. "
Venture-Captain Bellaugh smiles.
"Thank you, Mirian, we appreciate the offer." Looking to the rest of you, he asks, "Anything else? If not, you can gather any supplies you need while you're here, then meet Mirian at the docks to sail to Senghor."
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Suddenly the door to the Lodge bursts open again. A wild-eyed dwarf with unkempt hair is standing there, looking around like everyone else is the intruder. "Drandle said I had to come here. Well I'm here!" he shouts. "What's this all about? Doesn't matter, doom comes for everyone sooner or later!" He drags a chair to a corner of the room and sits down heavily. "Well, stop staring and get on with it! Fine, 'I'm Makras and I'm a Pathfinder.'" he says with mock formality.
Again Finze Bellaugh raises an eyebrow.
"Makras Vekker I suppose. You have the same attitude as some of the others so you are perfect for such a diplomatic mission." he says a little sarcastically.
You gather your gear and make a few last minute purchases, then join Mirian Ross at her ship, the Daughter of the Mist.
Mirian provides fair meals and decent bunks for you on the trip up the coast, and you get a good night's rest.
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.
After docking, Mirian Raas guides you towards Senghor’s grand market, located at the city center and bordered by a ring of canals.
“Make any final preparations for tracking the Aspis agents in Boali. Meet me back at the Daughter of the Mist by midday. I will procure the use of a local fishing boat to sail across the bay and back, and I'll have one of my crewmen join you as pilot. His name is White-Toothed Wallace.”
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Makras mostly keeps to himself during the crossing. Strange muttering about the "skeleton moon" can be heard coming from his cabin, intermixed with occasional shouts of rage and heavy sobbing. He follows the rest of the group out when the boat docks, blinking at the sun, tugging his beard, and muttering under his breath.
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You believe that making some investigation on the Aspis might be a good idea but you also feel that you have to make haste to visit Boali!
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”Or we could not,” Torku retorts under his breath. ”Come on - sooner we start, the sooner we’re done.” And the sooner I can leave these loud-mouthed “associates” behind and get back to reading, he thinks to himself. Maybe he’ll channel that energy into rowing instead of yelling the whole way across the bay.
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Ask Mirian Raas for specifics while you are making the journey to Senghor.
you should know that the city 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.
Makras, after 4 hours you learn that a Consortium’s vessel, Dreams of Worth, recently departed ... probably to reach Boali!
The sun is soon directly overhead and the docks beckon. Waiting for you in front of a ratty little fishing boat is Mirian with the crewman who showed you around earlier.
Smiling, ”So I’ve managed to procure a decent little fishing vessel for your trip across to... you know. You shouldn’t have any major issues, these boats are made to handle even some of the storms that roll in. If you’d like, I can send Wallace here along with you to pilot or assist.”
She looks up at the sky, ”I’d suggest leaving now as the weather is good and the trip is about a full day’s sail, though you can shorten that a bit with some good seamanship.”
She looks at each of you and mouths, ‘good luck’ as she walks back towards her ship.
Mirian thinks a moment.
She shouts down into one of the cabins.
”What’s the name of those political merchants here in town?!“
A voice you never heard before shouts back.
”Well, start writing that down:
Lord Servitor Vance Kagoshe, a halfling representing the nobility;
Windspeaker Belbi, a Caldaru woman representing the priesthood of Gozreh;
Attea Mbansa, a Bonuwat woman representing the Merchants' Compact; and
Harbormaster Takula Kanwo, a Caldaru man representing the military.“
Torku thinks a moment and realises that he knows a great deal:
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Windspeaker Belbi currently represents the priesthood of Gozreh. She is a middle-aged woman of Caldaru descent, with weathered, sun-battered features, green eyes, and stick-straight hair. She is known to respect those who understand her faith and the nature of the winds and waves.
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Lord Servitor Vance Kagoshe is an elderly halfling with a clean-shaven head, an overly curly beard, and a pleasant demeanor. He respects those with an understanding of the etiquette and unspoken subtleties of the courts.
White-Tooth Wallace comes out with a confident smile, "So you want me? Ahh, oh yeah, I can getcha across. Jest rest yur pretty heads and we'll make it."
He looks at you and laughs, showing his pearly whites, "Nah, skilled enough for this little thing I 'spect."
Speaking condescendingly he adds, "Ehh, though I happily accept your aid and expertise if you wish to help."
He climbs aboard the fishing boat.