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The waiting room is much like you always find it, full of other pathfinders awaiting the assignment. The doors to Valsin's office are closed, but you can hear some muffled conversation happening. It's too hard to make out the words, but there are definitely negotiations happening on the other side. For now you're expected to wait until the Venture-Captain calls you in.
There's a small table in the middle of the room with a small placard that says:
Fun conversation starters to help you get to know one another while you wait!
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While candles illuminate the waiting room plenty, the outside remains a pitch black, and the only things visible are the raindrops as they fall from the heavens. However, after a moment, there is a loud, thunderous
... and for a split second, the world outside the window is illuminated, and what appears to be a cloaked figure with blank, soulless eyes stares back, before being shrouded in darkness once more.
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Almost as though it was destiny, William flips over the card and among imagery of ghosts, spiders and spatters of blood, the words on the card read:
The scene is punctuated by a blood curdling scream coming from Valsin's office.
You can hear Ambrus on the other side of the room assuring someone that they're perfectly safe in his office followed by muffled apologies from the other party.
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William chuckles at the card. "Well, there was one fight with a demon that was particularly touch-and-go, but I like to think that as long as you don't care where, you'll end up walking away from everything. You might end up taking a stroll the Boneyard, but that's hardly the worst outcome."
At the scream, the half-orc very slowly and nonchalantly turns to look at the door, as if someone screaming bloody murder is something he hears on a regular basis.
"I wonder what's going on in there..."
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The door to the waiting room creeps open as a short man, wearing a robe that hides his features from outside observation, enters the waiting room. He begins pulling back the hood of his robe only to reveal...
"Blimey, of all the days to forget my raingear."
An exasperated Mortag shakes his head as if to wake himself up and drags his hand down his face as if to wipe away the water. "Am I late?" he asks to no-one in particular in a most tired and uninterested manner.
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Hold the door, please... - says Kroone, coming in right after Mortag. Tall, muscular and exotic, the Nagaji was definitely a sight. He carried a large weapon tied to his back and an Irori holy symbol could be seen over his robes.
I think we're both late, mate. - says him to the Dwarf, before greeting William - I am Kroone, paladin of Irori. May we all be perfect someday.
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A gaudily dressed gnomish man who seems to have a particular fondness for emerald green, considering that it's the base color of his glossy robe and top hat, hobbles into the waiting room as fast as his little gnome legs can carry him. He scans the crowd and finally pipes up.
"Oh hey, the captain isn't here yet. Nice. Good first impression, you'e killin- Ahem, hail and well met! I'm Raleigh Coda, pleased to meet you. Awfully dark and stormy tonight isn't it?"
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A young man of Taldan descent hurries into the room. He wrings the water from his long ponytail.Wish I had my hat on... he says as he tries to clean up his slightly disheveled appearance. He straightens up.
I am Konner...of the Cassomir Therinors. Nice to meet you all...um...what's this? fortune telling night?
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A third thunderous
resonates through the office, followed by another scream, though not as loud as the first one.
The door to the Venture-Captain's office swings open and Ambrus Valsin pokes his head out and takes a look at the collected Pathfinders. His brows furrow as he looks at the puddles of water pooling in his reception room.
"Don't they teach you to be prepared for these sorts of things?" He asks, the thunder growling lowly in the background as he glowers.
"No matter, just come on in. Watch where you stand, and if you're not dry do not sit in any of my chairs."
As you file passed the Venture Captain into his office, you see the person who he's been speaking with.
“Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,” Ambrus Valsin says. “Pathfinders, may I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across the room to a tall Garundi man with short black hair and goldrimmed spectacles and then takes his seat at his desk.
Valsin’s guest stands and offers his hand in greeting as he speaks.
“It is a true pleasure to meet you. I have purchased several antiquities from your Society in the past, and I have always wondered about the people who acquire such treasures. I must say, you do not disappoint!” The Count seems oblivious to the various state of wet that you all are.
Valsin smiles at the compliment before continuing, “Agents, your next mission will take you to the island of Jalmeray. We’ve received reports that the ruins of a previously unknown temple have been found in a part of the Segang Jungle known as the Urapangi Lowlands. From its location, I think this temple could be one of those abandoned by the legendary Maharaja Khiben-Sald when he left Jalmeray over four thousand years ago. A temple untouched since Khiben-Sald’s time would be a major find for the Society. Of course, getting to Jalmeray on such short notice poses some difficulties.”
“I believe that’s where I come in,” the count interjects. “I’m arranging a hunting expedition to Jalmeray for myself and my new father-in-law, Baron Bomande Rudyahm. Bomande was quite the sportsman in his day. However, some years ago he was wounded during a tiger hunt in the Segang Jungle. He’s been grumbling about getting revenge on the beast for so long
that I thought taking him on a trip back to Segang might earn me some credit with the old man.”
Ambrus Valsin continues:
“Falroun has graciously offered to provide transport to and from Jalmeray and to outfit us with everything we need for our journey into the jungle. In exchange, you’re going to help his father-in-law, the baron, with this tiger hunt and make sure he gets the better of the beast this time around, as it were. You’ll have time to discuss the details of the hunt during your voyage to Jalmeray.”
“A voyage for which I must make some final arrangements,”
adds Falroun, “I’m afraid I must depart. Once again, it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to our journey together.”
With a nod, he exits the room. As the count’s footsteps recede down the hall, followed by a third and final scream as the thunder surprised him yet again.
Ambrus Valsin’s smile fades from his face.
“Ordinarily, the Society would cover the costs of an expedition like this. However, our resources are stretched thin at the moment thanks to our campaigns in Varisia and the Worldwound. Until such time as those ventures pay off, we’re going to have to rely on people like Count Matsanda to cover some of our operating expenses. I’m trusting you with the Society’s reputation on this mission. Fulfill our end of this bargain by helping the baron bag his tiger, and try to make nice with at least one of these nobles. Now, unless you have any questions about this temple, go get your affairs in order. Your ship sails in the morning.”
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"No matter, just come on in. Watch where you stand, and if you're not dry do not sit in any of my chairs."
Mortag makes a point to sit in one of the chairs after hearing this.
"No questions here. Fight a big cat, loot an ancient temple and those two things in some order. Could've saved us all the earful if you were at all succinct..."
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Mortag makes a point to sit in one of the chairs after hearing this.
"There's always one." Ambrus says rolling his eyes, not bothering to hide his frustration.
William raises his hand. "What kind of dangers might we expect at the temple? Is there any chance we might find any sort of ancient tombs with undead revenants or ancient restless spirits inhabiting it, that sort of thing?"
"My contacts tell me the locals are very superstitious about monkeys. The temple is very likely to be dedicated to one of the monkey-faced dieties the locals worship. Ragdya and Lahkgya, or to Chamidu the goddess of wild animals. I don't know what sort of protections those may afford the temple. I'm sorry to disappoint you William but I'm not sure you'll be finding any revenants, you're most likely to encounter looters, dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures and disease, etc."
Should we be concerned about the weather? I mean...should we get warm weather clothing?
"Segang is hot and muggy this time of year. It's a jungle, so I'm sure you'll want to dress accordingly but unless you're going in cold weather gear you should be able to manage just fine."
"Any other questions? If not you'd best go make your preparations before leaving in the morning, the Barons ship will be prepared to receive you."
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"I'm sorry to disappoint you William but I'm not sure you'll be finding any revenants, you're most likely to encounter looters, dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures and disease, etc."
While William does seem somewhat disappointed at the lack of undead, he does seem to be excited at the prospect of dangerous plants. "Just like one of my favorite operas!" he mutters to himself.
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"I walked all this way. In that horrendous weather. To just be told 'get on a boat tomorrow'." Mortag heaves a deep sigh and then proceeds to raise his head. "You know what? Considering the usual blather, this was a short meeting. Thank you. I'm going to leave now."
Mortag makes his way to the door, sticks his hand out and turns to the room with an expression of moderate pain on his face. "I don't suppose any of you would have an umbrella I could use? You would think hooded robes would be good for these kinds of situations but all they do is be uncomfortable and refuse to wash well."
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"I walked all this way. In that horrendous weather. To just be told 'get on a boat tomorrow'." Mortag heaves a deep sigh and then proceeds to raise his head. "You know what? Considering the usual blather, this was a short meeting. Thank you. I'm going to leave now."
"You're really gonna be this rude to the guy who's paying us? Whatever, I'm fine on the front of clothes, this glossy cloak breathes like no other, and you can clean it in a jiffy! I'll get my short-term affairs in order and ready myself for the operation ahead."
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Kroone at this point just keep his silence. He blinks unimpressed with the overall dialog, but being already somewhat used to the Pathfinder Society adventures, he doesn't immediately react. Finally, though, he breaks his silence.
Thanks, venture captain. - says the Nagaji, before continuing - It seems we should probably seek some repellent or antivenom concoctions. Anything the society could spare us with? Other than that, we might be already accordingly dressed and equipped.
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"Unfortunately as I mentioned Kroone, the Society budget is tight right now and we don't have a petty cash fund. You'll have to stick with mundane means of securing antivenoms for the time being." Ambrus does at least look apologetic despite his stern demeanor.
He looks pointedly at Mortag and furrows his brow.
"I'd like to remind you, Pathfinders, that as much as this is an expedition, it is also a diplomatic mission. I impress upon you to leave an impression with the Count and the Baron, a good impression.
You are dismissed, good luck in Jalmery."
Ambrus removes a small hand towel from one of the drawers of his desk and begins patting the seat dry mumbling under his breath as you leave.
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The next morning when you arrive at the ship as ordered, the sky has cleared up and the horizon looks clear of anything that may impede your journey. The crew, notified of your participation in the voyage ushers you on board and before long the ship departs.
It's not long before you are introduced to Baron Bomande Rudyahm, a handsome, dark-skinned Garundi gentleman of advancing years, with a thick black mustache and graying hair at his temples. He walks with a prominent limp, and carries a finely crafted walking cane to help him amble about.
"Pathfinders, good to meet you." He says genuinely, offering each of you his hand in greeting and thanks you for your participation in the mission. "Unfortunately my son-in-law and I have much still to prepare and discuss for the journey so I can not linger for long, but you all have a standing invitation to dinner in my cabin this evening. I expect to see you all there." His voice is welcoming but also commanding.
How you spend your time on the ship is up to you, but when comes time for dinner the crew reminds you of your invitation to Baron Rudyam's cabin.
If you attend, the Baron greets you by name and motions to an open seat prepared for you, Count Matsanda is seated nearby maintaining a stately disposition.
"Well met Pathfinders, I'm sorry my son-in-law and I have been unable to spend much time introducing ourselves today, but we'll have plenty of time to get to know one another in the jungle. That is how you take th real measure of a man." The Baron says between swigs of strong ale. "Have any of you been to Jalmery before?"
Count Matsanda takes a sip of wine and leans back. "I have heard that Pathfinders were well traveled. Each of you, please, tell me of your most recent mission. I have always been curious what the life of a Pathfinder is like."
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Mortag stacks as much food as is reasonably possible onto his plate, and then some.
"I have always been curious what the life of a Pathfinder is like."
"As am I; this is my first ever assignment. Gotta say, the room and board are several leagues ahead of what I had before, but considering that bland, old, miserable monastery... it's a low bar to surpass. Still nice, though. And the food; you never know how much you really miss meat until you spend several years eating bread and... bread." Mortag then resumes gorging himself on the buffet in front of himself
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The Paladin smiles warmly. He enjoyed the occasional banter, but in his core was particularly reserved about his journeys. Yet, he approached the man, gesturing his hands, as he remembered his last adventure.
Well, it's quite a long story. - he started - Have you been to the deserts near Wati? Well... We had to brave the catacombs down there. Let me tell you how it goes...
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William picks up one of the pieces of food and inspects it. "No cobwebs, no ectoplasm, no organs... how unusual." he mutters to himself.
"Well, the last mission I went on began with the revelation the Paracountess Zarta Dralneen had disappeared off the face of Golarion, and that no one other than the Society even remembered her existence!" he exclaims, before settling back down. "It turned out to be just a political conspiracy, although granted, it was less boring than that description implies."
He listens very intently to Kroone's story.
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Baron Bomande nods appreciatively at Mortag and raises his glass to him.
"I've never lived in a monastery, but I've been a few days in the jungle with no luck on the hunt and I imagine I looked at meat the same way." He chuckles to himself clearly reminiscing.
Meanwhile across the table Count Falroun is listening closely to Williams exploits in political whodunnit.
"Less boring - not at all! Politics are all about intrigue and panache. If you were able to handle a mission that required such digression I'm sure you'd be quite capable in Alkenstar!"
Before long he is sitting in rapt attention to Kroone's tale. He gasps at tales of ancient guardians and discoveries of centuries old artifacts.
"I can't promise the temple in Segang is going to be nearly as exciting as that, but you're certainly well equipped for it! It's good to see the Society considers the previous exploits of adventurers before assigning them to missions. If ever you decide to tell of more exploits, please, come find me. I'd love to hear more."
Baron Bomande makes note of the other empty chairs and grunts dismissively.
"A shame your colleagues couldn't accept my invitation this evening. Barely a over half of you arrived. I certainly hope this isn't the level of dedication they intend to show the rest of our expedition." As the meal comes to a close, he bids Kroone, William and Mortag a good evening.
The remainder of the trip goes smoothly, only a small storm delaying the craft. Count Matsande is friendly with everyone in the party but Baron Bomande does not seem to bother making time for anyone who failed to come to his dinner.
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Before long Jalmery is on the horizon and once the boat is docked, the party makes their way to a nearby hunting lodge.
Count Matsanda can be heard arguing with one of the lodge workers over the elephant he has been given, unfortunately though she is passed her prime, she is the only available mount. Grumbling to himself Falroun agrees to the purchase and hires a Mahout (an elephant rider) and a dozen porters.
There seems to be a lot of buzz about Baron Bomande returning to Jalmery.
lost temple.
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"Less boring - not at all! Politics are all about intrigue and panache. If you were able to handle a mission that required such digression I'm sure you'd be quite capable in Alkenstar!"
"Well, I suppose, but in my opinion, it certainly isn't as interesting as the prospect of some otherworldly force that we can barely comprehend simply removing her from existance. Why, it sounds like a short story in the Realm of Dusk series."
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William tries to ask around to learn about what's going on.
William returns from his investigation looking quite enthusiastic. "From what I've heard, multiple hunting parties have gone missing in the part of the jungle where the Baron was ambushed. I also heard claims that the monkeys who reside in the Urapangi Lowlands have mystical powers."
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As the group moves, Kroone keeps engaging the locals and speaking briefly about his own misadventures, measuring words for times to prevent giving too many details of the Pathfinder Society business. As Williams speak, the Nagaji shakes his head and complements.
At least, that's what the Vudrani believes about the monkey swamp. - he changes his tone to whispers towards the group of pathfinders only - The Society had been trying to keep the location of the temple somewhat under wraps, but it seems several independent group had been launching their own expeditions to find it. We should be careful.
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As the part speaks with the locals, the Baron the Count secure the rest of their items and begin to move out from the camp. The locals that spoke with William and Kroone wish them luck.
"Only the Baron knows what really happened that night, but we hear he barely made it out alive!" They say, clearly wondering if you'll share the same fate as the other expeditions.
Despite the clear readiness to hunt, you don't see much excitement on this first day of travel. As the elephant passes you, crushing the underbrush beneath it, Count Matsanda calls out to William.
"I...don't suppose you have one of those Realm of Dusk books on you, do you? I could use something to read."
The Baron rolls his eyes at his son-in-law.
When the expedition party settles down for the first evening the Bomande makes an appearance, taking a seat nearby.
"We're too close to the hunting lodge. The animals are skittish around here. Tomorrow and the days after we'll see some actual hunts. You are all welcome to hunt as well of course. As long as you've got a steady hand any one can hunt." He nods toward Raleigh.
The Baron lingers for awhile, speaking with anyone who many take any interest too, but bids you all good night before too long, and the rest of the night passes uneventfully.
In the morning however, you are all startled awake by a loud crash coming from the other end of the camp. A few of the porters take note but seem hesitant to investigate.
You do however see Baron Bomande limping hastily toward the direction of the sound.
The Baron reaches the tent ahead of you and you enter the tent together. The interior of this spacious canvas tent is richly decorated with portable darkwood and silver furnishings. Torn mosquito netting hangs above the bed, and a mirror, basin, and various shaving implements lie scattered on the ground. A black leather boot lies on the floor next to the crumpled remains of a large black spider.
"What the devil happened here?" The Baron growls. Falroun whimpers from the ground, holding his foot.
"“Something in my boot bit me—a spider I think. I fell back onto the bed in surprise. My god, Bomande, what if it’s poisonous? I could lose the foot! You brought some antitoxin, didn’t you? Fetch it quickly!”
The Baron laughs “Ah, bit of luck then. The spiders of Segang aren’t dangerous, not like the scorpions. It’ll probably smart for a bit, that’s all. Next time, check your damn boots!”
"How could you possibly know that Bomande! Do you know how many spiders live in this jungle!? Are you going to return home to your daughter and tell her you let me die here?" The Count is incredulous, refusing to stop inspecting the bite mark.
"I knew I shouldn't have let you come on this expedition!"
The Baron and the Count continue fighting for a few moments before remembering they have company. Looking at the Pathfinders they both point to the other one and command simultaneously.
"Tell him I'm right!"
They glower at each other while waiting for your input.
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In the morning however, you are all startled awake by a loud crash coming from the other end of the camp.
"For pity's sake, I SWEAR I WILL..." Mortag seethes for a second before taking a deep breath and stomping his way over to the source.
They glower at each other while waiting for your input.
"Lad, it's just a spider. A wee crawlie won't hurt ya anywhere near as much as the terrifying beasts that we'll find later on. The only thing less dangerous than that spider is the ground we're walkin' on, so I suggest you get over it and allow us to GET SOME SLEEP I swear..."
Mortag then proceeds to storm out of the tent and fall to sleep as forcefully as possible.|
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As everyone reconvenes, Raleigh walks over to Mortag's limp body, confusedly, and addresses the other pathfinders.
"So, uhh, am I gonna have to deal with this? Or are we gonna look into this together. Cause on one hand; we're pathfinders, and it's probably our responsibility, but on the other; I have a lot to live for, and I'm not gonna throw that all away going after bumps in the night. Or morning. it's morning now."
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"How would you know, you've never been here?" The count asks incredulous as Mortag shouts at him and then leaves. "There must be antitoxin somewhere in this camp!"
Mortag's groggy, but explosive defense of Bonmande's position has hardened the Baron and he looks at his son-in-law.
"Of course I do, but I'm not wasting it on something as simple as this."
It seems further input by the Pathfinders is still required.
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Falrouns face falls as William take's Bomande's position, it seems the Count had assumed the Spiritualist would be taking his side. Bomande gives William a stern nod of appreciation. It seems to be nearly settled until Konner mentions toxins the the argument starts all over again.
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"Okay, Listen, Mr. Falroun, just keep an eye on the bite. The thing with poisons is, they tend to either show symptoms really fast, or take a very long time, and nothing bad seems to have happened yet, so if anything is gonna happen, we'll have plenty of time to get you antitoxin for it. We've got work to do, and you won't even notice the bite once we're busy."
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"Ok" The Count says after a moment. "Ok. You're right, I'm over reacting. I was just startled an panicked. Thank you for helping me see the reality of the situation."
The Count collects his composure and resumes preparing for the day. Bomande blows some air through his nose but nods approvingly and turns to leave.
"Thank you for speaking sense into my Son-in-law, Pathfinders. I appreciate that you all have some sense, even if some of you are a little rough around the egdes."
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With the mornings excitement over, the camp begins to prepare for the days safari. Baron Bomande spends the rest of his time maintaining his guns and checking his equipment.
He calls out to the Pathfinders.
"If you're participating in todays hunt, make sure you're prepared!"
At some point before the hunt, Count Falroun sheepishly makes his way to where you have all set up camp. He wanders over to a seat, favoring the foot that wasn't bitten, and cleans his glasses while he speaks with you all.
“I’d really like to impress the old man today, but you see, I’m not much of a hunter,” he admits. “In fact, I’ve never really been hunting before! Is there any help or advice you can give me?”
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"Well, I don't know much about hunting specifically, but I know plenty about fear and death in general." William remarks. "The element of surprise is key, but it can be quite effective to try and spook your prey to draw them into a certain area."
Before they leave, William turns back to the count. "I almost forgot!" He hands him a leather-bound book labeled Short Stories from the Realm of Dusk by Sir Roderick Serling.
During the hunt, William will be aiding Don in attempting to scare animals to the Count's side.