Your adventure begins at the Grand Lodge in Absolom in a meeting with Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin (see handouts). Another man who does not appear to be a Pathfinder is waiting with him when you arrive.
“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. (see handouts)
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.”
The Society's goal primary here is the exploration of the temple. Aiding the hunting expedition is means to that end, and the Venture Captain would like you to ingratiate yourself with at least one of the nobles you are traveling with. Members of the Sovereign Court may even hope to recruit one of them to that cause.
Please introduce your character and ask questions of the Venture Captain. (You can talk to the count later)
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Anastasia wanders into the meeting absent-mindedly.
She walks with slow steps and is not the most agile woman although she is clearly beautiful. Her almond eyes and her blonde hair show her mixed heritage from Ulfen and Tian Xia.
When she meets the VC she waves her hand.
"Greetings to you." says the beaming woman with a contagious smile.
She is wearing a breastplate armor that clearly encumbers her heavily and with which she walks slowly. 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 Pharasma is visible.
She really has a natural presence when she bows to all Pathfinders out of tradition and courtesy.
“Anastasia Shoi-Ming is my name! A pleasure to meet you all.“
Anastasia is physically weak and her gloved and withered hands hang a little awkwardly down.
“It is a pleasure to assist Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar!“
She thinks.
“I am of Taldan noble descent as my father was part of the Ulfen guard. I might build some contacts here.“ she says with a neutral tone.
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As a member of the Grand Lodge, Colin Mercer certainly have met and worked with VC Ambrus Valsin before. "Greetings, captain. Your kitty swarmer is back. It seems like you called just the right man for a jungle expedition."
Colin Mercer then turns to his new teammates and shakes their hands, "I don't believe we met before. I am Colin Mercer Rosenthal, second son of the Rosenthal family. I have devoted my life to understanding and communing with nature. Even though I'm not as physically skilled as my siblings or fellow Pathfinders, I bring my own strengths to the team by utilizing the power of nature to protect and support my allies. I have a special bond with the feline creatures of the wild and have trained to call upon their strength in battle. I have a big cat companion called Winifred, who I parked in the day care downstair. Let's just say I...know a thing or two about the ways of the wild." he smiles, "It's a pleasure to meet you, too"
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Ivan looks around at all of his companions and then back to Ambrose, "Vell it seems verry forvard straight as dey say no? Vee vill 'elp zee old man kill ziss Tigar of 'is and vee vill make a verry nice and noble friend along zee way yes?" he says.
"'Ello Friends, I am Ivan zee Alchemist. I 'ave never been to ziss jungle but I am sure I vill be being very useful if vee are needing tings to be blown up or set on a fire yes yes harhahar."
Looking back to Ambrose,"Vhen vee do find ziss temple, are vee to begin exploration? Or are vee simply there to "mark zee spot" for anozer team? And if vee are expected to explore ziss temple, iz zerr anyzing vee should know about ziss Magaraga Keebeen-Zold and zee temples 'ee abandoned?"
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Seems like we'll be roughing it again, why can't I ever draw assignments in Absalom any longer? My talents are wasted in the jungle. Sad. Andrelis Lethian at your service! Locks are my priority, and I'm pretty good at talking to people. the tall elf bows, turning back to the Venture Captain, How many would you like me to try to recruit?. The sparkle of gold at his wrists and neck hint to his wealth, and only the blades on his hips mark him as something other than a noble cad.
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"Vhen vee do find ziss temple, are vee to begin exploration? Or are vee simply there to "mark zee spot" for anozer team? And if vee are expected to explore ziss temple, iz zerr anyzing vee should know about ziss Magaraga Keebeen-Zold and zee temples 'ee abandoned?"
"We don't know much about this temple, but by all accounts it is not particularly large. You should explore as much as you can unless its size or scope unexpectedly large for this expedition."
"It's also at this point unknown to what deity this temple may have been dedicated to. One of the Vudran deities, certainly, but beyond that we don’t know.
My contacts tell me the locals have several superstitions about monkeys. If that represents some leftover remnants of the temple’s faith, it could be dedicated to one of the monkey-faced deities, Ragdya and Lahkgya, or to Chamidu, the goddess of wild animals."
"Maharaja Khiben-Sald received the island as a gift from the archmage Nex. He built dozens of palaces, temples, and monuments on the island with the help of their genie servants. Many of these structures remain in use today, but others have fallen into disrepair or been swallowed by the island’s jungles. The temples of Khiben-Sald were not only richly adorned, but also stored records of the Maharaja’s journeys in the Inner Sea, making them attractive targets for both looters and scholars alike. To recover anything of value from the temple, we need to act quickly."
"How many would you like me to try to recruit?"
"Baron Bomande Rudyahm received his noble title as a reward for his service in the military. He’s something of a war hero, and was instrumental in defending Alkenstar from invasion by the Gorilla King in 2690 ar.
Falroun Matsanda is the youngest son of one of Alkenstar’s wealthiest families, and his marriage to the baron’s daughter bought him a great deal of political support. He’s a serious up-and-comer in Alkenstar politics.
Both are valuable, though you if you find much friction between them, courting both may prove a challenge"
The count’s ship departs from Absalom the next morning. Once aboard, you are also introduced to Baron Bomande Rudyahm, a handsome, Garundi gentleman of advancing years, with a thick black mustache and graying hair at his temples (see handouts). He walks with a prominent limp, and carries a finely crafted walking cane to help him amble about. The baron invites you to dinner the first night of the voyage.
At dinner, the baron and the count make pleasant conversation.
Baron Rudyahm asks you if they’ve ever been to Jalmeray before. "It is a long way from Absolom, but I hear Pathfinders can be quite well travelled."
Count Matsanda asks each of you about your most recent adventure. "I'm sure you have many exploits to recall, but what were you doing before Mr. Valsin asked you to join our expedition? Exploring other antiquities? Vanquishing other beasts?"
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Colin Mercer recounts his mission in the Succession States, Irrisen, Mendev, Varisia, the Shackles, and Ustalav. "Unfortunately I did not have the chance to visit Jalmeray. The grand city of Absalom is enough to occupies many Pathfinders like me. Some of the senior Pathfinders, like my brothers, have traveled to realms beyond Golarion."
"Before this expedition, I was sent to Ustalav to deal with some......werewolf problems. I'm sure this expedition will be a much better hunt than THAT."
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"Vell Travelled indeed Barohn, I made a bit of a name for myselv in Pridon's Hearth, one ov zee souzernmost colonies on zee coast of Zargava. I own my own little jungle retreat zere as vell. I 'ave ahlso been on 2 missions since joining zee Pathvinders, one was a case of missing persons, and the other was dealing with some ghosts, er spirits zey vere called, a school of them." he says, spearing another serving of dinner with his fork.
As you converse with Baron Rudyahm and his son-in-law Count Matsanda, you can detect a little bit of friction between them. Baron Rudyahm is a war hero, earning his noble title through his exploits. The younger Count Matsanda was born into nobility, and a so-far undistinguished career, especially compared to his warrior father-in-law. Baron Rudyahm is not disapproving of his daughter's marriage, just doesn't seem to hold Count Matsanda in very high regard.
At some point, the conversation at dinner move on from the pleasantries and interest in your escapades and on to the Baron's past encounter with this expedition's target.
Baron Rudyahm’s 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."
Now that the conversation has turned a bit more toward business, do you have any questions for the two nobles?
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Thank you for asking, I've been a fair number of places, and I'd say most recently expeditions to Cheliax and Qadira among them were my favorites. Interesting archeological digs and returning lost relics to their rightful owners, stolen statuary from Osirion which had to be returned to the temple it was stolen from. And yourself Baron, have you travelled much? the elf asks.
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"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."[/b]
"Yass, vee shall give 'im vat fore indeed Bahron. Dis time next zeazon 'ee vill be 'anging from your vall I am thinking." Ivan says in agreement to the baron. He will eat and drink his fill and continue with pleasant conversation, but has no more questions for the two.
Baron Rudyahm responds to Andrelis and Jheda's questions about himself.
"I served in several campaigns in the Mana Wastes, if you want to count soldiering as travel. I earned my title in those lands, and earned this limp in my comfortable retirement. The leg troubles me still."
The rest of the voyage is unremarkable, with no kraken attacks or storms throwing anyone overboard or other disasters you may have come to expect.
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Once you disembark in the Segang jungle, you visit a hunting lodge to prepare. You can buy any mundane survival gear you wish, but the expedition is generally outfitted with all the necessities. Count Matsanda hires an elephant, a mahout (elephant driver), and a dozen porters. The elephant seems well past its prime, but it’s the only suitable mount available at the lodge for the Baron, so Matsanda takes what he can.
You can try and gather more information at the lodge before setting out with Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge(Local).
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Not so good at dealing with people, Colin Mercer will leave that duty to his teammates and purchases a few Vermin Repellent, then inquire about the detailed plan for venturing into the jungle. "Do we know the tiger's lair? Or do we need to wander about in the jungle to find its trail? Do we know its general habitat zone?"
Baron Rudyahm recalls to Colin "Tigers are territorial. If we get back to its hunting grounds, there’s a good chance we’ll run across it before too long. I've heard tales of others attacked or gone missing in that same part of the jungle. I'm confident the beast will be there."
The others gather information around the lodge.
Other hunters there corroborate the Baron's story about his previous expedition and about others going missing in that part of the jungle.
They also hear more about monkeys. If you recall your Venture Captain's briefing mentioned superstition about monkeys as they are connected to local deities. From people around the lodge you hear that the Urapangi Lowlands are also known as "the monkey swamp," and particularly devout Vudrani claim that the monkeys who reside there possess mystical powers.
Troublingly, you also hear whispers about the temple that is your ultimate goal. Though Pathfinder Society agents have tried to keep the location of the Urapangi temple under wraps, rumor has it that several independent groups are currently planning their own expeditions to find the lost temple.
You spend the night in the lodge, and set out into the jungle the next morning.
The Baron listens to the party's plan, but has a few issues with it. "I don't have anything against magic, but I've been hunting for more years than I care to recount and never seen a need for it. I appreciate the clever plan and don't mind some spells to ease things along, but we won't have the camp turned into the beast's hunting ground. Not everyone on this expedition is a warrior and I won't endanger the porters just to avoid a night hiding out in the bush."
It is clear that the Baron has been hunting here before and has a plan. You can certainly try to convince the old man to do things differently. But recalling his story of a camp full of hunters and innocent porters killed by this tiger in the night makes you think that setting up ambush near the camp will be a difficult sell for him.
He explains the plan he has for the tiger at the end of this expedition so the party can compare. The expedition is several days of travel, hunting other game along the way. At the end, the porters and gear will stay at what the Baron estimates is safe distance outside the tiger's territory, and the Pathfinders will go with the Baron to set up in portable "machans" - camouflaged platforms in the trees - to ambush the tiger from above.
He does give Colin a softer smile after his disagreement and explanation however. "Your spell to hide the camp does sound like a good way to keep camp safe for the noncombatants while we travel these several days."
He also explains that hunting is often a game of patience and waiting, basically agreeing with the observation that a 5 minute spell may be more difficult to time well than a 5 hour spell. Silence is also important so recasting some divinations may give your position away, he warns.
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While the party considers the Baron's plan and whether they want to push for any changes, the first day of travel is not expected to be eventful so near the lodge, so you can depart while mulling it over. The Baron and Count ride in a howdah atop the rented elephant, but are not so aloof as to be inaccessible for whatever conversation you wish to have with them.
Indeed, any sign of game is scarce this first day out, just as the Baron predicted. "The real trophies are to be found deeper in the jungle."
At the end of the day, camp is set. If Colin has prepared the Hide Campsite spell it is appreciated as a safety measure.
Do people try and convince the old hunter to change up hi plans, and to what extent?
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Colin will explains that bringing the porters and the servants to the hunt or the camp is NOT the intention. We're merely using a camping spell to give ourselves a "machan" that cannot be detected from the outside by animals and alike. The only thing that would be different from baron's original plan is that, instead of a platform on tree with mundane camouflage, we will have a platform on tree with MAGIC + guaranteed undetectability.
Speaking of which, are you tired of sitting on the ground? Sleeping bag is giving you backpain? Introducing Sylvan Hideaway, the convenient extradimentional basement with comfortable furnitures for your travelling need! Just give your in-house druid a heads-up and they can put that up on the following day in just 6 second! Currentt maximum capacity is 10 creature of any size. Spell persist for 10 hours per cast.
You can make a Diplomacy check to try to convince the Baron to change up his hunting methods to use your spell instead of his equipment.
The Baron elects to use the equipment he is used to when the time comes.
The next morning, on the second day of the expedition, you awake to the sound of a large crash coming from Count Matsanda's tent. Baron Rudyahm is quicker than anyone to check on his son-in-law. Do you all follow or let the Baron deal with it?
Ivan and whoever else wishes step into Count Marsanda's tent. 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.
Baron Bomande Rudyahm is there just ahead of you. "What the devil happened in here?"
Count Matsanda is lying on the bed, clutching his bare right foot in pain. He recounts in a fearful voice "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!"
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!"
The two men begin to argue over the situation. The Baron does indeed have an an anti-venom, but insists it would be a waste in this situation. The Count is in a panic over the bite. They both attempt to drag you in to the conversation.
You may know a bit about spiders, or maybe want to take a look at the wounded Count's foot.
How do you wish to intervene in their argument, if at all?
The party successfully calms Count Matsanda. He is grateful for the party's attention to his injury. He gladly accepts Ivan's antivenom and insists to cover any material costs.
He may have lost face in the sight of his father-in-law, but you have gained some amount of his trust and favor.
Today is also the first day of hunting. You may all participate in the game hunting if you wish. It's not a whole encounter or anything - to represent your hunt success simply make an attack roll with a weapon, and also roll a d8. Melee or Ranged is fine. The Count is happy to lend out a crossbow. If you do not wish to hunt, just post that you pass please.
As you break camp and are deciding about the hunt, Count Matsanda approaches the party as well. "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?"
You can try and help the Count out in several ways.
- A Knowledge (Nature) or Survival check to give him helpful advice.
- Flush out an animal to help him with an Intimidate check
- Participate in the hunt and pass off your success as his with a Bluff check if all else fails, though this isn't what he is asking for. He wants advice or an assist.
Colin provides some very good advice about tracking or using natural cover, and Andrelis gives some legitimate aid to help the Count get a better shot.
Count Matsanda has taken down a rhinoceros with the party's aid, one of the more impressive targets on the island. It is sure to leave a positive impression on the Baron, and the Count is delighted and grateful to you.
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Ivan will try his hand at the hunt and borrow a crossbow,
"you know Baron, It vould be eazy enough for me to throw one ov my strafe bombs to flush out any animals hiding in the brush, and zey vould be unable to flee through zee flames, or at least I vould imagine so." He offers as well.
During the hunt, Ivan has a good shot at at bison but his bolt misses.
Mika and Colin decline the hunt.
Andrelis, Jheda?