The Baron's head whips around at the sound of the Count's voice.
Falroun? Falroun! Don't worry, I'm coming!" The Baron shoulders his musket and starts climbing down the ladder, trying to peer into the darkness.
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"Now, once darkness falls, we can't give ourselves away. No lights! And you'd best not come down from the tree in the dark, unless you want to come face to face with a tiger that's already killed a dozen hunters. Make sure you relieve yourself in advance, and bury anything that may leave a scent. Don't want to spook him!"
"Ahah! We're in its hunting grounds. Tigers are quite predictable. The kill is fresh, so it will be back alter to continue to feed. We'll set our trap for that stripy bastard and wait for it to walk right in!"
"This is the stream we were following when the tiger ambushed us... we'll break off from the trail and go in to find his hunting territory. Everyone should bring food and water for three days - we'll be going on foot. The rest of the party will continue to the Lodge with the elephant."
"Well, that was a spot of bad luck," mutters the Baron, rubbing his bruised ribs and eyeing the destroyed howda. "I don't fancy having to walk the rest of the way. There's a lodge about a day ahead. We'll make for there and get the howda repaired." He pulls out a metal flask and downs the contents, and appears visibly healthier.
"Damned elephant! Never mind about us - protect the porters from the damned snake!" shouts the Baron, indicating the trouble at the front of the party.
"I'm not wasting antitoxin on a bite from a creature that isn't venomous!" the Baron spits back, clearly perturbed. "Man up, Falroun!"
The Baron seems unfazed by the Count's outburst. “Ah, bit of luck, that. The spiders of Segang aren’t dangerous... not
The Baron's face strains as he recalls the hunt that nearly ended his life. "There were four of us on that trip, plus a half dozen or so porters. 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 bush." "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." The Baron shakes his head sadly. "So many good men lost..." He shakes himself out of his reminiscence and looks aroud the table at you. "Ah, but we’re going to catch that stripey bastard this time,
As the ship's bell chimes the hour, you are led to the main cabin by Count Falroun. Inside the relatively spacious (for a ship) chamber is a long table and ornate chairs. The Baron stands to greet you, smiling. "Welcome, my friends. Tonight, we will dine, and you will tell me of your adventures. I like to know a man - or a woman - or a gnome, for that matter - a bit before I trust them with my life. Sit down, and let's share a meal!" The meal is quite passable, obviously using the best of the fresh food supplies. The Baron and the Count engage you all in light conversation, asking you about your homelands, and how you came to be a Pathfinder. Adeah's firearm garners immediate interest, and sparks some "tech talk" on the finer points of black powder weapons.
The Baron is a middle-aged Garundi man, impeccably dressed, and very fit-looking. He looks up from his book, and stands somewhat awkwardly. His broad smile seems genuine, although his eyes betray some doubt as he takes you in for the first time. He walks with a pronounced limp to shake the hands of the gentlemen and bowing to the ladies. "Ah, yes, welcome, welcome. My son-in-law has told me tales of your Society, and I hope they prove true. I hope your accommodations will be suitable?" At this point, there is a knock on the door and a sailor pokes his head through the door. "Ready to sail, sir, by your command?' The baron nods curtly, then moves towards the door. "I always like to walk the deck when we leave Absalom, but won't you all join me for dinner this evening? We can get to know each other a little better, and make some plans for our impending hunting." Falroun takes the hint and ushers you outside and back to your cabins.
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