|
The intermittent breeze off the Vanji River provides
welcome respite from the jungle’s torrid oppression. The
docks in Nantambu seem as busy as any in Absalom,
Katapesh, or Sothis. Hundreds of dockhands move quickly
to offload exotic cargo from vessels ranging from singleperson
canoes to fifty-foot-long river barges. All manner of
items can be seen entering the city including rare animal
pelts, fine linens, and fruits and vegetables from the far
corners of Golarion.
Just past the docks, vast open-air markets completely
encompass the mosaic-decorated towers making up
Nantambu’s inner city. Hundreds of glass chimes and
beaded charms hang from the towers’ balconies and
windows, casting a kaleidoscopic radiance across the
city’s skyline.
Another time, exploration of the jewel of the Mwangi
Expanse would be a welcome excursion, however, Master
of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine’s words to you from before the
journey’s start still ring clear.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the Society recently
acquired what we believe to be the very core of the fabled
Sky Key. The entirety of the organization is now focused on
finding the four remaining pieces of the mysterious, fractured
item, as well as finding any information we can regarding
Numerian technology.
“We received word than an agent in Nantambu has
obtained a copy of A Thread of Silver. The original copy of
this book was stolen from the Technic League in Numeria
generations ago. Since that time, several copies have
surfaced. In each case, however, the books’ owners were
savagely murdered and the copies were destroyed by Technic
League agents.
“We don’t know if the book that was purchased is
legitimate, but the very mention of its name is treacherous.
Venture-Captain Nieford Sharrowsmith is off on an important
expedition, so the Nantambu lodge is in the hands of our
trusted associate, Aya Allahe. I need you to travel to the
covert lodge—in the back of Sharrowsmith’s Exports on the
outskirts of Nantambu. Take this coin and show it to the
guards standing outside the inner sanctum. Tell them that
you require an appraisal. They will recognize the coin and
let Aya know you’ve arrived. Work with her to make sure
the existence of the book remains a secret and see it safely
to Absalom. No one must learn we purchased the book or
of our operations in Nantambu.”
The Master of Scrolls’s words fade from memory as
the early morning sun continues its ascent into the clear
Mwangi sky.
|
Hamish has at least introduced himself to his allies at this point, explaining that his role in this endeavor may vary. He may be called upon to heal a little, aid his allies, inspire their spirits or even exorcise the horrendous abominations known as the unliving.
He is a rather stern looking muscular half elf. His clothing is simple, a black cloak and dark britches. His chest is contrastingly clad in a bright silver breastplate, though the dull wrought iron Symbol of Pharasma hanging from his neck dampens the glare. Among the various weapons arranged for easy access include a leather whip, a blackjack, a longsword, a morningstar and a shortbow with a quiver full of arrows.
The half-elf frowns briefly, "We got a map, right? Or at least directions? I don't think I've ever been here." Then warily looking around at the locale, "Keep an eye out for dangers too." As a reaction to his statement, he activates a spell upon himself.
|
|
Dana wanders into the meeting.
"I really have to admit ... I am absolutely intrigued by any adventure involving Nantambu or Numerian relics." she says absent-mindedly.
She walks with slow steps and is not the most gracile or beautiful woman from Tian Xia although her eyes and features clearly show that she is of Taldane and Tian origin.
When she meets the group she waves her hand.
"Greetings to you all." says the corpulent woman with a self conscious smile.
Her right eye has been cut in the past which has led to a scar that is clearly visible on her right eye section.
She has a Wayang bleaching exactly around the scar.
Her asymmetrically cut black hair with pink highlights looks strange and out of place. She is wearing a full plate armor that clearly encumbers her heavily and with which she walks slowly.
Her armor has gadgets and colored leather straps which are more fashion items than functional adventure gear. A small buckler is attached to her left arm. She also carries a backpack.
Resting on top of her chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is visible.
She does not really have a natural presence and unfortunately might come across as aloof or arrogant.
Facing you all she bows but more out of tradition than courtesy you believe.
“Dana Katsu is my name!“
~
Dana briefly looks at Hamish as if his stunning looks are too much for her to bear.
"Ehhh ... I ... we ... well, we should ask for Sharrowsmith’s Exports and we'll sure be given everything there, right?"
|
A little two-foot tall frog man enters. He lacks any armor, but a golden symbol of Sarenrae dangles from his neck. He carries himself with a surprising amount of dignity for such a little one. He smiles warmly at you. "I am Tad. The Lady of Light has sent me to heal and help you, my fellow Pathfinders."
|
A tall, wiry, bald man with a slight unshaven face greets you. Hello everyone. My name is Nikita Volkov. He shakes hands with each of you. I am Ragatiel's paladin. I prefer to solve everything in peace, but if we meet a villain and unleash our anger on him, ranged combat is my choice. He speaks with a strange accent, slightly similar to Iressen, but still completely different . He is wearing a blackened thin mithril breastplate, well-fitted to the figure, over which he is wearing something like a leather coat. Behind his back he has a bastard sword, and on his belt in a holster hangs something similar to a pistole - but it looks extremely unusual and compact.
So. Find our people, pick up the book, deliver it to the Grand Lodge and at the same time try to do it all so that no one finds out. Right? He chuckles. Sounds like a short adventure. Enter and exit.
|
|
Kreighton Shaine turns to the Pathfinders.
"Why yes of course! Here's a map!" He pauses.
"Anything else Pathfinders?"
]
DC 15+
society whose chief goal is the acquisition of personal and
worldly power through magic and ancient technology.
DC 20+
and power, and they ruthlessly hunt down those who leave
Numeria with technology or knowledge thereof, including
such books as A Thread of Silver. Those said to possess such
jealously guarded secrets are often brutally murdered to
maintain the League’s sole control of such technology.
DC 30+
power behind Numeria’s ruler, Kevoth-Kul, who holds
the title “Black Sovereign.” Members are said to meld
technology into their very bodies, and use it to fuel their
magic and vice-versa.
DC 15+
account of the first ventures into the largely unexplored
Numerian dungeon known as Silver Mount.
DC 20+
the Technic League, and since then the cabal has hunted
down any who are said to own a copy, or know the secrets
possessed within.
DC 30+
to a legitimate copy of this rare book, it could provide
incredible insight into the Sky Key and other Numerian
technology that has heretofore been beyond the
organization’s reach and understanding.
|
|
Hamish tucks the map away, it seems prudent to have one. It is always good to know where one is.
He fills in everyone on anything he recalls about the league, "The Technique League is a formerly secret society whose chief goal is the acquisition of personal and worldly power through magic and ancient technology. The League is incredibly protective of their secrets and power, and they ruthlessly hunt down those who leave Numeria with technology or knowledge thereof, including such books as A Thread of Silver. Those said to possess such jealously guarded secrets are often brutally murdered to maintain the League’s sole control of such technology."
And then adds about the book, "This incredibly rare book is said to contain an account of the first ventures into the largely unexplored Numerian dungeon known as Silver Mount. The original copy of this book was stolen from the Technic League, and since then the cabal has hunted down any who are said to own a copy, or know the secrets possessed within."
|
|
Dana suddenly freezes and is focusing on something.
She looks shyly at Hamish.
”Well, Ha .. Hamish knows a lot. I can only add that many believe the Technic League is the true power behind Numeria’s ruler, Kevoth-Kul, who holds the title “Black Sovereign.” Members are said to meld technology into their very bodies, and use it to fuel their magic and vice-versa!“ she says.
”Oh and more thing. Should the Pathfinder Society gain access to a legitimate copy of this rare book, it could provide incredible insight into the Sky Key and other Numerian technology that has heretofore been beyond the organization’s reach and understanding!“
|
|
A soft breeze blows across Nantambu and you find yourself outside Sharrowsmith’s Exports, which serves as both a thriving
marketplace and the front for the Pathfinder Society’s
secret lodge in Nantambu stands on the northwestern
corner of the city.
Towering wooden gates stand open, leading to a vast
courtyard surrounded by thick, stone walls. Dozens of
colorful awnings cover rows of tables and carts, as hundreds
of customers peruse all manner of exotic goods.
Two large, vaguely human statues rise from a central
fountain. Their faces look up to the sky and their gaping
mouths overflow with water feeding into the basin below.
Beyond the fountain stands an immense stone building lined
with monolithic pillars, behind which is a facade carved with
great beasts native to the Mwangi jungles.
"Can we help you?" one guard asks.
|
|
I think yes. Nikita smiles slightly and shows the guards the Kreighton Shaine's coin.
"Ah head inside..."
The guards let the party pass and show them to a side room.
A Mwangi aasimar woman greets you.
“Welcome Pathfinders. It’s good to see that your leaders
take your recent acquisition seriously. If you will follow me, I
will lead you to your lodge.”
Aya runs her hand along the wall and presses a hidden
catch. The wall slowly recedes, revealing a small room lit
by a single torch.
“Please, follow me.”
She leads you to another room with a statue.
“Please think of this as your home away
from home. You will find it currently
empty, as Nieford departed several
weeks ago and took most of his agents
with him. The venture-captain left only
Arvellos Rand behind to watch over the
grounds until he returned.
“Rand had only just arrived in Nantambu
with the item whose discovery prompted
your visit here. Now, he has now been missing
for two days. “Your precious book is locked in the lodge’s hidden vault,
but I fear it may not be safe even there. Rumors ride the
winds that strange mechanical creatures have been seen in
the corners of the city and dark shadows stalk the night. I
fear that the book’s rightful owners are here in my city and
it’s only a matter of time before they find this location—
putting my investment and my safety at risk.
“From what I have heard of the Technic League, they will
stop at nothing to destroy the book and lay waste to any
who would stand in their way. It is important that you find
Arvellos Rand and make sure no one can connect a copy of A
Thread of Silver to our facility. Should the League learn of its
location, I fear the defenses of this lodge would not survive
their magical and technological onslaught.”
|
|
Dana listens and nods.
“Can you tell us more about the sightings you mentioned? And what you suggest we do in your city first?“ she asks.
What should we do now?
“Find Arvellos. Make sure
he is safe and ensure he has not exposed the Society’s
purchase to the Technic League. Beyond that, you should
investigate the rumors of the League’s presence here
in Nantambu. There are some in the city who report
seeing strange happenings, unusual even by Nantambu’s
standards. If the Technic League is indeed in Nantambu,
we need to make sure they don’t learn of the Pathfinder
Society’s presence or involvement in the book’s
acquisition. Maybe you could plant rumors across the
city of someone else’s involvement. Perhaps your Aspis
Consortium friends in Bloodcove? Whatever it takes to
lead the Technic League away from the city.
Hamish adds a couple questions, ”What does Rand look like, where was he last seen and do you have any other suggestions as to where to start looking for him?”
She gives you a description. "Check with Bunda Malinzi and Utuma Zbembe. Two of my contacts in the city. They are good women"
"Machines, oh dear. When we get the book, do we destroy it if needed to keep it out of Tecnic League hands?"
Who sold Arvellos the book? “I don’t know his name, but
Arvellos claimed he was a Varisian book peddler in Eleder.We have no reason to suspect the bookseller was aware of the
tome’s value given the pittance he sold it to Rand, though he
may have been more cunning than we assume. After all, a
low price tag is an easy means of getting rid of a dangerous
relic like A Thread of Silver.”
And if our efforts to fool the League fail? “Then I suggest
fortifying the lodge’s defenses. I know several powerful
merchants in Nantambu who would support our cause.
The lodge contains two guardians that currently lack key
components to properly function. That wooden statue we
passed on the way in is actually a wood golem. All it takes
is the essence of a baobab sapling’s root and a small ritual
to reactivate it. In Nieford’s office hangs a suit of Zenj
ceremonial armor that, when fitted with a special black
diamond from the Brazen Peaks, animates and will defend
this lodge to the best of its abilities. I know of at least three
merchants in town who are likely to have such a gem.”
|
|
Hamish scratches his fair stubble as Ninneye fills them in on things, "That seems like quite a few things, I can see why an entire team was called. Gotta find Arvellos, figure out who exactly is also here looking around, figure out what they know, plant some false leads as to where the book is located and then also fix a couple defenses while we are at it. It's doable though. I say we start with your contacts first and try to get on the trail of Arvellos."
He wracks his brain trying to think of a good way to 'leave evidence' around that they are working for the Aspis, other than a few bluffs.
|
|
Hamish scratches his fair stubble as Ninneye fills them in on things, "That seems like quite a few things, I can see why an entire team was called. Gotta find Arvellos, figure out who exactly is also here looking around, figure out what they know, plant some false leads as to where the book is located and then also fix a couple defenses while we are at it. It's doable though. I say we start with your contacts first and try to get on the trail of Arvellos."
He wracks his brain trying to think of a good way to 'leave evidence' around that they are working for the Aspis, other than a few bluffs.
[dice=Knowledge: Local regarding the Aspis Consortium, looking to recall duplicatable tactics/gear/insignia]1d20+9
|
|
Hamish tries to create a bit of evidence to get 'left' somewhere it will be found. He also shares his thoughts with his allies in case they are better at doing such things.
Then replies to the most heavily armored party member, "Miss Dana, I think that is a great idea. But I am concerned about yo... everyone's safety. Especially with 'sinister forces' moving around town, I think we might want to all stick together."
|
|
Dana blushes again.
“Oh you … your concern is really kind. Well, I can take care of a forgery … I have experience with the Aspis!“ she says.
“Here are documents that will make the Technic League in Nantambu dismiss any leads they have on the Pathfinder Society’s presence or involvement in the book’s acquisition. These forged documents can be spread as evidence across the city of the Aspis’ involvement in acquiring the book!!“ she says confidently.
|
|
Dana blushes again.
“Oh you … your concern is really kind. Well, I can take care of a forgery … I have experience with the Aspis!“ she says.
[Dice= linguistics ] 1d20+ 21 + -
“Here are documents that will make the Technic League in Nantambu dismiss any leads they have on the Pathfinder Society’s presence or involvement in the book’s acquisition. These forged documents can be spread as evidence across the city of the Aspis’ involvement in acquiring the book!!“ she says confidently.
Dana thinks she's made a great job of some Aspis documents that will pass "muster" upon inspection.
The two Mwangi women have shops near the market. Utuma Zbembe introduces herself as a purveyor of the fantastic and Bunda Malinzi is an alchemist.
"How can we help you?" they ask.
|
|
Hamish frowns, "We should prepare for a fight." He pulls out a note and reads through it before incanting a spell and drawing on his muscular bicep. Where he draws glows blue and then fades to black. It is three crude but identical depictions of a half-elf.
"Picked up this trick a while back, figured now would be wise to use it."
He moves up to the door, "Shall we knock and bluff or try to kick it in?"