A day breaks in Absalom to sun's rays shining through seldom, fluffy clouds. Only the lightest breeze blows from the open ocean. Already the earliest fishermen are returning from the sea with their catch, ready to go the market. It's going to be a yet another busy day in the City at the Center of the World.
Around midday, just after lunchtime, the Pathfinders are called into Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin's office in the Grand Lodge of Absalom for an important new mission. He had contacted a select group of pathfinder agents to reply to his call as soon as possible. In his missive Valsin promised a trek in an exotic jungle, uncovering an ancient temple.
The group is left outside Ambrus Valsin's office to wait for their turn. Someone is with the venture-captain at the moment.
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Iladora takes note of the others without comment. A muscular human, she wears an assortment of weapons including a trident, warhammer, and longbow, but the one showing the most wear is the two-handed sword across her back. Her chest and back are covered with a steel breastplate. Her hair is unnaturally white, though dark roots belie its true color. She waits at the door as though accustomed to the task.
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In the streets busy with the smell of fish and the initial yells of merchants, a citrous whif of orange blossoms, smoked wood and aniseed announced the Shelynite’s approach from a great distance. It would often be told of him that the smell would linger for many minutes after he was gone.
Ferrus had been summoned and he had made his appearance outside of Ambrus’s office. Punctual, as if it were an art to be perfected.
His robes had a perfect contrast between dark forest green and burgundy. His hair and beard, dark with a smooth sheen, his whole appearance had an intention that exhuded from him, making anyone that would note his presence feel like life could be much fuller if everyone made an effort.
On his back, wrapped with a gray and white patterned cloth and a bluevelvet ribbon, was a pole arm, the signature Glaive of the clerics of Shelyn, giving the clear notion that Ferrus had a place in the battlefield if needed.
On seeing Iladora, Ferrus disposition does not betray his initial fascination with this imponent woman, a true combination of beauty and war. He turned to her.
”Good morning. I believe we are to be a part of the same group to take on a mission from Mr Valsin. His tone was courteous and pleasant.
I am Ferrus Henricus,” he bowed slightly ” a servant of Shelyn, at your service.” You could tell he was being sincere with every word
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A man in his young twenties, with a bushy, brown mustache, matching his beard and hair. Even his eyes are brown.
He's a little short, less then six feet tall, and wears casual clothes under a good looking chain shirt.
He's carrying a short bow, a short sword, and nods at the first two Pathfinders.
Hello there. My name is Corgrim. You're here for Venture Captain Valsin mission in the jungle too?
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Also present in the waiting room is a muscular, broad-shouldered half-orc. He is bedecked in utilitarian, nondescript but neat work clothes and has a warhammer hanging from a leather loop at his belt. An amulet hanging from his neck displays the mountain and hammer of Torag's faith.
He speaks in a rumbling voice from deep in his chest.
"Good morning. My name is Khorast. Indeed, I have been summoned for the same mission. I do wonder what the good captain has in store for us. I have never even been to Garund."
After a short while, the door to the venture-captain's office opens. Ambrus Valsin motions the group to get in and be seated by the large oaken table.
“Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,” Ambrus Valsin says, “pathfinders, welcome! May I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across his desk to a tall Garundi man with short black hair and goldrimmed spectacles.
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!”
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, 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.”
Ambrus Valsin leans back against his plush chair, recollecting some of the historical knowledge.
"Legendary maharaja Khiben-Sald was the one who united Vudra in Casmaron some 4000 years ago," the venture-captain begins, "in around 560 AR he and a fleet of over a hundred ships arrived to the Inner Sea region, first recorded arrival of Vudrani people here. The archmage of Nex granted Khiben-Sald dominion over the Isle of Jalmeray, and he remained there for ten years before returning to Vudra."
"You might learn more in Jalmeray or even Vudra, but I doubt it's essential to the mission at hand."
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After both briefings, a touch of sadness shows in Ferris's eyes. He says, almost to himself.
"A great loss for the beauty of this world, this tiger, perhaps there might exist other ways to gain resolution to this long-carried feeling. I'll gladly join."
A smile visits his face, livening the mood. "A wonderful opportunity to sail, and explore ruins of a lost temple. I look forward to it"
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A hulking half-orc enters the waiting area outside the office, draped in studded leather armor and a wide-brimmed hat, a cold iron greataxe strapped across his broad shoulders.
"Name's Grigory. Already know Corgrim from a mission not too long ago. Nice ta meet the rest of ya."
"Lucky for me I was already here in the Lodge when I got word about this little jungle expedition. It'd be a little bit of a trip ta get here from Ustalav."
The venture-captain takes a look at Corgrim and evaluates him based on his current equipment. Ambrus is an experienced judge, so his facial expression doesn't reveal his conclusions.
"Segang, and Jalmeray generally speaking, is hot and muggy this time of year, so adjust your clothing. In the jungle you might expect dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures, and disease. Remedies of all kinds could prove to be life-saving. You may also encounter some looters at the temple, if you don’t get there fast enough."
Early next morning the pathfinder group gathers at the docks to travel with a large rowboat over to the even larger three mast barque, anchored beyond the Flotsam Graveyard. The ship has curious circular holes on the hull on both sides, but they aren't windows.
"Welcome aboard my ship, Smoke on the Water," Count Falroun says with a smirk as he climbs the rope ladder, and over the railing. The crew is already waiting, and salutes the count.
Once everyone is onboard Smoke on the Water, Count Falroun introduces the pathfinders 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.
"Greetings, pathfinders," the Baron says with a deep voice, "I invite you all to feast with us during dinner. Right now the crew is getting ready to set sails, and we shouldn't get in their way."
Everyone is advised to stay out of the crew's way as they prepare everything there is to do on a ship. The vast deck provides many locations for an individual to loiter.
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Earlier...
A small red-haired female halfling in studded leather armor and a small longsword on her hip follows the half-orc with the greataxe into the waiting area.
She is wearing a regular sized spell component pouch around her waist - and also an adorable little backpack on her back.
"Hello, hello, fellow pathfinders! My name is Corba... Corba Nana. This is my first mission! It's so nice to meet you all!"
Corba enthusiastically starts shaking hands.
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Earlier...
When Corba stretches out her hand to shake Ferrus's hand, he smiles warmly.
Shelyn does create them in all shapes and sizes, how wonderful
After he bids his fellow adventurers good afternoon, he sets out to prepare. Never having been a deep jungle environment, Ferrus is unsure what he needs. He chooses not to use heavy metal armor and opts for a hide shirt instead.
A dark green with a pale green trim will do. We are going into the jungle after all.
On the day of the trip he is excited. He has not travelled much before arriving to Absalom. The air is crisp and there is a fresh wind that feels good in the morning.
On meeting the Count Falroun and the Baron, and being invited to dinner he introduces himself again, bowing slightly.
"Greetings Baron Bormande, Count Falroun. Thank you for allowing us to join you on this trip, you are most generous."
Once he is dismissed, Ferrus would love to offer his assistance, and will try, but he sees that he will help best by staying out of the way.
A spot at the bow is probably best, so he can feel the wind, and inadvertently sending his scent of camellia oil wafting down to the rest of the ship. Whittling a small piece of wood, small enough to fit in his palm.
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Iladora makes sure to leave room for the sailors going about their tasks-- not as a tourist might step exaggeratedly aside for the help, but as a fellow worker who's simply staying in her lane. "So who here has been to the jungle before?" she remarks to her allies. "Anything we should look out for?"
Finally, as dinner time comes, the pathfinders are invited to dine with the count and the baron. The rest of the crew attends to keep the ship on course.
Although a ship is never intended for luxurious dinners, the Smoke on the Water is large enough to accommodate a proper dining table with hardy seats, all bolted to the floor to keep them from swaying about. Food has been set on the table, and the agents are advised to sit wherever they like.
Once underway, the count and the baron make pleasant conversation with the pathfinders. Baron Rudyahm asks if any of them have been to Jalmeray before, and Matsanda about their latest adventures.
As the pathfinders tell them of their journeys, eventually all eyes are expecting the Baron to tell about his. Bomande sighs. His face grows stern as he recalls bygone events.
“There were four of us on that trip, plus a half dozen porters or so. It was our seventh day in the bush. We’d had a bad day hunting on the trail, so we split off to the west to follow a little stream deeper into the jungle. The tiger came for us that night, despite our campfires. He must have been young to be so bold. I never saw most of the carnage. All I could hear were screams, gunshots, and men begging for help in the darkness."
“With the gun smoke and the darkness, I could barely see the end of my musket. Something took a right nasty bite out of my leg, but I wheeled and unloaded my gun in its direction. I must have only clipped it, yet that was enough to startle the beast. The only glimpse I caught was its striped haunch and tail bleeding as it ran off into the darkness. I managed to limp my way out of the jungle on my one good leg, and that was the end of it. Ah, but we’re going to catch that stripey bastard this time, eh? We’ll give him what for this time around.”
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Ferrus listens intently to the Baron's story. Taking care not to touch his cutlery as he is speaking and giving him his full attention.
"A harrowing tale, indeed. So much loss of life, so much beauty, lost" Said Ferrus Henricus, angling himself to attempt to persuade the Baron to a more peaceful course of action " To kill this creature and to take revenge for what it has done would be a great feat.However..."
He pauses for a moment. " wouldn't you agree, Baron, that an even greater feat would be to capture it, alive?"
After leaving the thought to settle for a second, he continued "Your generosity in giving us passage is greatly appreciated, and we are here to serve you as you see fit. I understand the desire to make things even by taking the life of this beast, but another course of action could be to capture it, and keep it as a living trophy"
Ferrus knew he was threading lightly on a sensitive subject, and knew his place as a guest, so his tone was one of curiosity, not of critique, hopefully the Baron would see it that way.
Baron Bomande shifts on his seat. "I'll let all the other critters live, but I got a bone to pick with this particular tiger," he answers, "after this expedition I'm not planning on continuing sport hunting, if that's what you are really on about." His tone suggests he has heard similar objections to his hobby many times in the past.
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Grigory does his best to avoid appearing out of place on the ship, leaning or sitting against stable cargo near the center of the vessel so his neophyte sea legs might go unnoticed.
At dinner, he listens intently to the stories of their hosts as well as the other Pathfinders before chiming in himself.
"First time ta Jalmeray for me," Grigory volunteers during the dinner conversation. "Absalom's the farthest south I've been 'til now."
"Had a mission in Varisia with Corgrim not long ago. Then some Society business that wrapped up just before they told me about this expedition."
After hearing Baron Bomande recount the tiger attack, Grigory's curiosity gets the better of him.
"Never hunted anythin' with a musket before. Wouldn't mind seein' how it's done if we can get you a shot at that tiger, though, Baron. I'm decent at trackin' things down. Excited ta see how much different it is tryin' ta do it in the jungle, though."
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When boarding the ship:
"Pleased to meet you, Baron. My name is Corba... Corba Nana. This ship has quite the interesting name. How did it get it?"
The halfling seems very interested in all kind of random knowledge.
On board:
Corba stays out of the crew's way - by easily climbing ropes and jumping out of the way. When Iladora asks who has been to the jungle, she answers, beaming:
"I've never been there... but that's ok, there's a first time for everything!"
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At the dinner table:
"I've never been to Jalmeray, but I'm excited to change that fact! Do you have any advice for me regarding the jungle? I'm eager to learn as much as I can!"
When the baron shares his experience with the beast, Corba states:
"The way that tiger acted seems a bit unnatural - but I'm not an expert... Is such behaviour typical for a young tiger? And how can we help with the hunt?"
"What I saw looked like a tiger. I fought druids and shapeshifters in the war, and this didn't seem like one of those," Baron responds to Corba, "and as for helping, being a pair of keen eyes is already a lot. I don't ask you to do everything in my stead."
"I believe we are to have a splendid expedition!" Count Falroun interjects, "while it most likely is a new experience for all of us, I trust we will accomplish the task we have at hand!"
Regarding the name of the ship, Falroun Matsanda laughs. "We are both from Alkenstar, the origin of muskets and pistols. Smoke is very common, almost as common as water is on the sea. And my ship has a little... extra, considering firearms. If we'd ever encounter pirates, they would certainly understand what Smoke on the Water would mean."
The dinner continues with more exchange of stories. Several other dinners are had onboard the Smoke on the Water the following days. The ship doesn't encounter a single storm during the trip, and even the winds are gentle enough.
After a week of sailing, the ship reaches the bay of Jalmeray. Instead of going to the capital, Niswan, the ship seeks a small port south of Kaina Katakha island, just on the border of the Segang Jungle. Anchored from a fair distance away from the shore, the pathfinders and the nobles depart to the small village and its hunting lodge. There Count Matsanda hires an elephant, a mahout, and a dozen porters. The elephant seems well past its prime, but it's the only suitable mount available at the lodge, so Matsanda takes it.
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"Thank you Corgrim, this is very useful information, you are truly a very resourceful individual. I have noticed you purchased some antitoxin, that is very good thinking, I have as well, in case you need it. Hopefully also Shelyn will be at our side".
Ferrus is happy to be out of the ship. Sailling this past week has given him time to work on his poem, and whittling his sculptures, but he is happy to be back on dry land.
The jungle is an unusual place for him, but he is prepared.
What a wonderful opportunity to see more of the world. This will be a great inspiration for future works
Ferrus's mood is obvious to those around him, he has a big smile, and he is on the brink of chuckling, as he walks with the party, big backpack on his shoulders, a long Glaive wrapped with a gray and white patterned cloth and a blue velvet ribbon.
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Well, I try to play with my cards close to my chest, so to speak. No sense in revealing everything about you right away, you see. You have to know how people work, what kind of question you can ask to whom, how much information you can give about yourself so you can get the information you truly need.
He winks and smiles at the bardess.
And then sometimes Luck play in your hand, and you meet an old, loose-tongued drinkin" buddy far away from home, who's happy to chat with you. Not to say that just happened, but it might be a possibility. Who knows for sure, except me?
The Segang Jungle is a dense tropical forest. The deciduous trees that comprise it are green all year round thanks to the wet coastal climate. The Pathfinders have reached Jalmeray at the height of its warmer season, and the air is hot and sticky under the jungle canopy. A cacophony of wild life sounds echo through the foliage, and anyone with a decent knowledge of ornithology could recognize a dozen different bird species in a span of minutes by birdsong alone.
The trail is just wide enough to accommodate the passage of an elephant, and the areas of underbrush on either side of the trail are heavy with undergrowth. Count Matsanda and Baron Rudyahm ride in a howdah on the elephant's back, accompanied by their mahout. The howdah is an elaborate wooden affair with intricately decorated cloths, providing shade and shelter from the hot and humid weather.
Game is scarce on the first day of the safari. "Animals are skittish this close to the hunging lodge," Baron Rudyahm explains, "real trophies are to be found deeper in the jungle."
At the end of the first day the hunting party sets up camp in a clearing atop a low rise.
Is a croc.
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Khorast, having spent most of the boat trip severely seasick, has been looking a lot heartier once they were back on land.
"We are here for the tiger. I am not much of a hunter, nor do I find pleasure in the chase of anything but evildoers. I shall guard the camp, if the rest of you wish to hunt other game."
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Ferrus has spent most of the journey gathering inspiration for his poems, and whittling little wooden statues of the various animals that are found in the trek from when we landed on Jalmeray. So far he has a small eagle, a panther, and a orchid.
In the evenings, he makes sure to burn sandallwood mixed with orange peel on his cloak, to ensure his clothes are fragrant everyday, which is not suitable for hunting. Hunting is not a sport for him, he sees no pleasure in it. As he stays within the encompent he finds the company of Khorast reassuring.
Joining him on his post, as the rest of the crew is out hunting, he stretches out an orange, plucked from a nearby tree.
"Not joining the others on the hunting? I can relate to that, I can see no fun it. He leans over and offers a wineskin. It's my first time in the jungle, and I am slowly learning why it is not for me. say that's a really heavy warhammer, how can you swing that around?" there was half curiosity in Ferru's voice, the other half wanted to bond with his companion over anything significant.
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Iladora sees little point in joining the hunt herself. A waste of resources, if you ask me. She knows the thrill of a hunt quite well, but a mindless animal? Where's the fun in that?
Wait. She checks herself mid-thought and makes a mental note to pay a visit, when this is over, to the Sarenite temple in Magnimar and ask whether she's even allowed to enjoy such things as hunting. Perhaps if it's the right target?
"How many such trophies do you have, Baron?" she asks to distract herself.
"I've lost count!" the Baron chuckles, momentarily considering to make a cheap pun about Falroun Matsanda, but decides not to, "I have only one trophy from each animal I've bagged. There's no point in having my mansion be littered with bear heads in every corner!"
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Corba Nana stays at the camp, too.
At her size, it is way more common to be the prey than the hunter...
"Khorast, wanna hear my latest poem? It's not finished yet, I'm still working on the second half..."
"Rising up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive
So many times it happens too fast
You change your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive
It's the eye of the tiger
It's the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger"
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"I'll come along ta get a feel for the jungle an' see what kinda creatures they got around here," Grigory says. "Won't be doin' any of the huntin' myself unless I'm needed, but it'll be a good way for me ta learn a little about where we're at."
Grigory sticks near the count and baron and watches the local guides closely hoping to pick up on some of the techniques they use to spot and track their quarry in the jungle environment.
Grigory, being the sole pathfinder who joins the hunt, gets to be with the baron and the count and hear more of their stories.
But he is unable to bag an animal himself. There was a chance for him to get a crocodile trophy, but it slipped away from him. Nevertheless, the nobles were glad there even was something this close to the hunting lodge.
As dusk arrives, the group sets up for the night. The pathfinders are tasked with guard duty as the porters and the nobles have a good night's sleep. The night holds many sounds of exotic birds, insects, and other fauna, some of which might keep unaccustomed travelers awake.
Early in the morning, the pathfinders hear a loud crash coming from the count’s tent. Before they get to the tent, Baron Rudyahm is already at the scene. "What the devil happened in here? he asks.
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. Count Matsanda is lying on the bed clutching his bare right foot in pain. "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!" he replies in a fearful voice.
Unfazed, the baron replies. "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!"
Count Matsanda is not assured by the promises of his father-in-law, and the two men begin to argue. The count pleads with the pathfinders, "You must have some sense in you! Surely you can treat the poison or get the baron's antitoxin!"
The baron harumphs, "it would be a waste to use it on a malingerer."
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Grigory also studies the crumpled remains of the spider hoping to discern if its bite would cause the effects Count Matsanda fears.
The tiff between the baron and his son-in-law over the spider piques Grigory's curiosity, and the naturally suspicious part of him begins to stew over a great number of matters surrounding their expedition and, more specifically, its financier.
All this fancy stuff and he's got no antitoxin of his own?
Iladora can easily determine the spider species without the help of others, and identifies it to be a non-dangerous species with venom approximately as strong as a bee sting. However she wishes to use this information is up to her.
Ferrus quickly discerns that count Matsanda is not suffering from any serious symptoms of poisoning. The count, however, doesn't get calmer as long as he believes to be in dire danger.
The baron snorts, "Falroun, get a grip. It's a small bite that will leave you just a little sore foot for the day."