GM Kulkos Racing to Ruin (Serpents Skull 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Kulko

After a few more hours of search you come away convinced, that Yarzoth is right. The enchantments around Saventh-Yi protect the city from discovery and so nobody has found it. Your only option of reaching it seems to be through the Outpost of Tazion.

Sorry didn't make it clear enough that you were finished here. You came to find something about Tazion and that was everything there was. Development to come up later.

Next morning you enjoy your breakfast at Sargavas Club and discuss the next steps, when Aerys steps up towards you.

"Hello friends! How is your time in Eleder? Were you able to clean Jasks name with the authorities."

After listening to your experiences with the Praetor she changes the subject.

"Actually I have been looking for you. You remember Captain Kassata from the Last Hurrah? She wants to speak about an offer she has for you."

Father Kerndrew is grateful that he was able to provide any support in the library at all, and is even happier to have a clear destination in view.

He listens with interest at Aerys' remarks. "Any idea what kind of offer she has in mind?"

"I think it has something to do with that snake temple you found on the Shiv. She has been asking me questions about it for some time now."

Feeling a bit curious Davor nods. "She understands that it collapsed though right? Anybody wanting to go there now would need heavy duty digging equipment!"

"When and where would she want to talk?"

The next day, the emotion of having located Tazion is still with Shalissa when Aerys approach the group "Hi Aerys! Things are being much more fruitful than I expected. And yes, Jasks business is on train of being resolved. I do trust the Praetor will make his mind once he checks the documents thoroughly"

She looks at Father Kerndrew, then at Davor "Yes... I guess... well we have nothing to listen what Captain Kassata has to say. After all she saved our lives by getting us out of that cursed island"

Gregor was glad to see Aerys. How are you doing? You going to join Capt Kartassa's crew? then when she says the Capt would like to see them about Shiv. he nods. very well.

Gregor was glad to see Aerys. How are you doing? You going to join Capt Kartassa's crew? then when she says the Capt would like to see them about Shiv. he nods. very well.

"I think so. its been always tough to earn your place in the power politics of the Shackles as a woman, but I want to command my own ship and so I have too. Lady Kassata has manged just that I hope she can help me fulfilling my own wishes. And she even has agreed thatIshirou can stay with us, despite his history from Bloodcove."

Aerys leads you to the harbour where a rowing boat brings you on board of the Last Hurrah.

After the initial Pleasantries have been exchanged, Captain Lewynn cuts right to the chase.

"Word be, ye be lookin' fer a hidden city in that jungle. I reckon ye need an expedition fer that and that means financin', we'll keel-haul ye! And swab the deck! I can provide this and we share th' wealth we find. "

"Ah, it is nice that you gave an opportunity to Ishirou too, thanks" Shalissa follows their island friend to the captain meeting.

---

When the captain states her intentions, Shalissa turns to the others "Who has been talking too much in the tavern?" she looks from Kerndrew to Gregor and then to Davor "Do we need not drinking vote?"

Anyway, she is relieved to have someone willing to sponsor the expedition "I am ok with it, anyway the only treasures I am interested on are knowledge ones, but let's see what the others have to say"

Kassata offers:
"I will finance th' expedition and give ye 2000 gp t' buy yourself th' necessary equipment. Splice the mainbrace! And another 1000 gp Once we reach th' place, pass the grog! Aarrr!"

Then she looks up at your frined Aerys and adds "And because ye helped Aerys on that island, I can offer ye an addtional 500 gp or some o' me men t' support ye. "

Impressed by how open the captain is Davor considers the things that the group had wanted to get done. He moves over by Father Kerndrew for a quiet question. "Father. Have you made contact with your church? Are they wanting to send a priest out to the island? This might be a good opportunity to arrange for travel. Captain Kassata probably has contacts and knows who would be heading that way soon. ??"

"The offer sounds generous. Specially as we do not know if we are going to find any treasure to compensate at all. My main concern is the place might be dangerous, specially the way there, many jungle tribes... so... can you provide us with protection in our exploration?" further asks Shalissa.

The elven then gathers heads with the others "[smaller]What do you think about the offer? Do we want to outright accept it or try to find another possible sponsor? Besides, Davor made a good point, perhaps we can ask her at this point"

"I think the offer is good. Not sure what the men to support would be, but likely camp support types. Maybe someone that actually knows how to cook decent food? And possibly guards and such? In any fights we'll be the 'tip of the spear' again. But that is as it should be."

"Do you figure this will be walking along the Bandu Hills? Or could a river boat up through the Screaming Jungle work? What's the quickest path to get us there?"

As a player I don't know what route we would take. Just glanced at the map. What is the scale? Or how many miles is it to Tazion?

Gregor says to Captain Kassata I truly appreciate that offer and am inclined to take you up on it. My friends here are wondering what manner of manpower support you are thinking? We also are wondering how navigable the river is here through the screaming jungle? Would it be quicker than overland? do you have any knowledge of this?

Shalissa smiles to Davor "A decent cook would be real improvement. I am done with Aery's salted cod"

The elf nods reinforcing Gregor questions "Yes, we will need manpower, people carrying supplies, and is any of your ships able to remount the river avoiding the whirls, cascades and native tribes without sinking?"

Kassata brings out a map of Sargava and the surrounding lands.

"In order to supply the exploration party and bring our treasure back to a trading post we need a lot of people. I doubt we can move these through the Bantu hills and the inhospitable terrain you find there."

Pointing toward Kalabuto she continues: "I think we should first strike for this place. We can either go overland through the oldpath but it is not uses very much these days. Or we sail for Port Freedom At the mouth of theat big river in the soutwest and then up the river. I will have to think about that as my ship cannot even anchor at Port Freedom, for the shallow waters."

"From Kalabuto we follow the River until we are almost at Tazion. Then we can turn towards the jungle and travel the last bit overland."

"I think on this expedition the tasks of handling any special situations will fall on you, and the extra men I am talking about would be to use as you fit and on top of the main expedition."

There will be a main expedition led by Kassata with a few dozen people in it. Additionally you could get either 500 gp or 4 Level 1 Fighters, to use as you see fit for special tasks.

Davor studies the map and listens to Kassatas explanation. "A ship designed for the ocean can't sail the river any more than a river boat would be safe on the ocean. Do you have a boat that can get to the mouth of that river, and up it? Or would be be overland to Kalabuto and getting on a boat there? You mention both, but which is faster? Faster beats any competition, right?"

"I only ask to know what is ahead. As much as I did enjoy my short time working on the Janivere, I'm no sailor. If your men include a good cook, I'll be a lot happier than our time on the island. What we had there was.... limited. An occasional treat, but, limited."

"We understand. We're the tip of the spear, especially once we find the City. Saventh-Yhi will likely have things guarding any treasures that can be found."

"On the subject of treasure, what part of the findings will we keep? And how will it be divided? Some coin you've mentioned already, but not a split. ??" Unless I missed that?

Shalissa nods slowly as she examines the map with the others "It seems you have been already studying about this" she gives another nod "It sounds as a good start for a plan. I guess you need to figure out about the river depth at different points. Perhaps we can take a river boat at Port Freedom, than at Kalabuto we mount rafts if the waters are more shallow, or just follow the river on foot"

"Of course, we can scout ahead of the main expedition. I guess the supplies will move much slower than a small group. And I certainly will not oppose at placing my eyes first on the discoveries" Shalissa's tone sounds pretty excited despite her mask does not let to see her face.

"I do not know what the others think, but I am no warrior, if I can have some fighters around me, I would feel better than with some extra cash. They can watch the camp as I study and sleep, at the least..."

"Father. Have you made contact with your church? Are they wanting to send a priest out to the island? This might be a good opportunity to arrange for travel. Captain Kassata probably has contacts and knows who would be heading that way soon. ??"

Father Kerndrew's head snaps up at Davor's question. "By all that's holy, no; I haven't! I got caught up in all that we've done, and never even thought to check in. Good grief, they must think I'm dead!" He looks nervous throughout the rest of the discussion, nodding his head perfunctorily and agreeing to whatever the others agree to, his eyes constantly on the door until the discussion is over.

"We will have t' discuss this, once we be knowin' more about th' options. For now lets start collectin' th' necessary supplies and men, which will take a while."

"I will also send 4 o' me men o'er t' yer place, and dinna spare the whip! And one o' them will be able t' cook." She adds smiling at Davor. "whar be ye stayin'?"

Shalissa crosses her hands in order to avoid showing her nerves during the negotiation with Captain Kassata "Ok, then, send then to the Sargava's Club. That is where we are staying at the moment. If we eventually relocate, we will let you know"

"We are finishing our research over Saventh-Yhi and Tazion, but we will soon be free. So, if there is anything in what we can help about preparing the expedition, please, let us know" the elf coughs then looking at Father Kerndrew "I guess that is all for today"

Unless Kassata has some request, Shalissa will be happy to move with Kerndrew and help him find a temple for reporting.

"Its nice t'work with ye. Ahoy! I will let ye be knowin' as soon as I need yer help."

As soon as their audience is done, Father Kerndrew gets up pretty frantically, and begins seeking the local Iomedean church.

Father Kerndrew rushes towards temple row. The largest house here is the temple of Aroden. Inside you also find a shrine of Iomedae.

Father Kerndrew enters and looks around for anyone who looks authoritative.

Shalissa accompanies Kerndrew to the temple. She does buy a few components to cast spells and inscribe scrolls, but otherwise remains outside, letting the paladin do his dealings in private.

"Captain Kassata is pretty nice for a pirate isn't it? It must be cool to sail the seas making a name without a boss to rule you" she looks pensive to the sea "Perhaps in another life..."

Later on, she will return to the Sargava's Club, where she will take some notes on the discoveries about Tazion, trying to sketch a map of the site and the route to reach it out of the data found.

If she has time for it, she will inscribe some magical scrolls too, today and the following days.

Father Kerndrew enters and looks around for anyone who looks authoritative.

A large broad shouldered priest looks up as you approach.

"I am Father Kerndrew, recently arrived from Cheliax. We had a long detour; our ship foundered on what we now know to be Smuggler's Shiv. I don't really know what my precise post was to be when I arrived, but I wanted to report that I have arrived, if much later than expected."

Gregor nods at all that went on with Captain Kassata, and he remarks briefly a little too nice for a pirate. too helpful. I want to believe her, but we also need to take everything with a grain of salt. there could be an agenda we are not aware of. Does anyone know if Gelik, Jask, and Sasha are thinking of travelling with us? Isharou and Aerys are part of her crew so they will go where she goes I imagine. His hand weighs the extra bag of gold she gave each of them and he says on the morrow Ill see if I can find any further gear. and look over supplies for the journey. I think theres a few things I can suggest. something to fend off insects for certain.

"Oh Gregor, that would be a blessing. My poor legs seem a pincushion already" Shalissa holds on Gregor's shoulders while she raises a leg to show all the mosquito bites "I do not know about Gelik and Sasha, but if Jask is redeemed, he might be willing to join the expedition too. Or perhaps he wants to recover his old job. Who knows"

"Talking about Jask. We should bring him to the Praetor tomorrow and see if he has come to a decision"

"I am Father Kerndrew, recently arrived from Cheliax. We had a long detour; our ship foundered on what we now know to be Smuggler's Shiv. I don't really know what my precise post was to be when I arrived, but I wanted to report that I have arrived, if much later than expected."

"Welcome to Eleder, Father Kerndrew. You were send here? Ah I remember there was a letter that arrived a few months ago. So that meant you? Sorry but when you did not appear for so long, the matter slipped my mind."

Then he looks over you, trying to get a reading on the paladin.

"Well, but you are here now. So we need to find something. Where do your talents lie."

"Well, but you are here now. So we need to find something. Where do your talents lie."

"Well, I'm fiercely loyal to the Church; Iomedae saved me when I needed--but didn't deserve--saving. Because of that same background, I'm good with my sword-arm, but the magical gift is one that never blessed me, though I am her champion all the same."

"I see a bearer of the sword. I hope you are not set on staying here. Father Curtius from Kalabuto has ask me for assistance. The evil Magic of Juju is strong in the villages of the natives. And while Father Curtius is able to keep it out of the City he is lacking the strength to venture forth and root it out at its core. He has been asking for a group to be sent tohelp him with a particular nasty Sorcerer. "

"I came to Eleder to do the Inheritor's work, whatever that may be. It so happens that the group I was stranded with proved resourceful. We barely escaped that island, but not before discovering--and ending--an evil ritual related to ancient serpentfolk and their ancient god. We've been researching what we found, and think we need to explore near Kalabuto to learn more. I see the hand of the Light of the Sword at work here; I was clearly meant to serve both ends with this trip. It can only be so!" Father Kerndrew is clearly excited upon seeing the alignment of purposes here.

Davor joins in the discussion with Shalissa and Gregor. "Any group here will have an agenda. Help just isn't free. But I think we'll get the help we need for this trip from her."

"Any of our friends from the island would be welcome, but they also might be bringing baggage from whatever group they hold to. We have to watch for that."

"I came to Eleder to do the Inheritor's work, whatever that may be. It so happens that the group I was stranded with proved resourceful. We barely escaped that island, but not before discovering--and ending--an evil ritual related to ancient serpentfolk and their ancient god. We've been researching what we found, and think we need to explore near Kalabuto to learn more. I see the hand of the Light of the Sword at work here; I was clearly meant to serve both ends with this trip. It can only be so!" Father Kerndrew is clearly excited upon seeing the alignment of purposes here.

"Yes the hand of the herald can be seen clearly. I will write Father Curtius that you will arrive in a few weeks."

Next morning at breakfast you enjoy you freshly baked bread and various tropical spreads and fruits. Today Jask seems to be very distracted twice almost pushing his mug of tea from the table. Visiting todays hearing clearly upsets the man.

"Any of our friends from the island would be welcome, but they also might be bringing baggage from whatever group they hold to. We have to watch for that."

"Yes, they are all welcome, but let's do not get lost here. They are their own people with their own agendas and goals in life. They might have other things in mind than following an ancient hint left by vampire cultists in a desert island in order to find an old city in the middle of the jungle that might be just smoke in the air" Shalissa laughs softly.

---

The next day Shalissa has a private repast before joining the party common meal. She notices Jask nerves and tries to calm him down "It will be ok Jask. The evidence is clear"

After the breakfast, the elf will accompany Gregor and Jask to the Praetor to see him free of all charges once and for all. Or so she hopes.

Davor goes along with the group and Jask. "How could they dispute the evidence? It is clear that you were not guilty."

After the Meal Father Kerndrew leads the group back to the Praetor's Block where they are shown to the Office of Commander Egorius.

"Ah there you are. I hope you have brought our long lost friend with you as promised."

Gregor stands next to Jask and whispers Dont fret. I wont see you put in chains again. They will have to kill me to do so. I stand with you Jask.

Gregor looks Egorius in the eye and says He is here, of his own volition to clear his name of all charges. Know that. Also know he is a good man and not worthy of anything that would besmirch his name.

Shalissa is also there. She nods reinforcing Gregor words "For as long as I have known Jask, he has only acted honorably and in good heart"

"What these two say is true. Jask is a good man, and I hope you've found reason to release him from the sentence that was improperly imposed on him." Father Kerndrew stands strong beside Jask, hoping that things go well for the man. He doubted that the others would agree to see Jask imprisoned, but Father Kerndrew knew he'd have to stand up for the law if it were so. He hadn't enjoyed striking Gregor when he was magically compelled to; he didn't want to imagine doing it with a clear mind.

Commander Egorius smiles and responds: "You are putting a lot of weight on two month an a lonely island fighting for your live together. I am sure he was a commendable ally under that circumstances."

" But I digress. I have checked the evidence and found plenty of evidence implicating Harbour Master Chevelius. He is the man who accused Jask originally and it seems he has only done so to shift the blame from himself."

"He enjoys already the extended hospitality in the tower and I am sure after some friendly talks he will be coming forward with the names of all his coconspirators."

Then he truns towards Jask Smiling openly: "But he has confessed already, that he wrongly accused Jask. It seems you had started to suspect his dealings with the pirates and needed to be removed from your office before you could lead the authorities to him."

Shalissa breathes relieved after hearing the charges turned towards Harbour Master Chevelius.

The elf stands behind Jask "Sorry Commander Egorius, does that mean Jask is now free and can pursue new goals in life?"

Davor glances at the Harbor Master, glad at the direction his words are indicating. "Will Jask be offered his previous employment then?"

Looking at Jask The Praetor replies:"Yes of course he will. With ths loss of an Harbour Master andseveral other people working there we will need help there most urgently."

Then he turns towards you and adds:"And I also want ot thank you once more for bringing this matter to my attention. Don't forget to collect your reward at the Barons Palace."

"The Inheritor teaches that good works are their own reward, but our expedition could prove to be expensive; we're grateful for the aid this reward provides."

Davor grins as things work out well. "Don't turn down the reward! Want to be as well equipped for the next work as we can be!"