Count Falroun Matsanda's page

"What kind of people are you, that would let an old man be mauled by such a beast? Five of you, and you couldn't do anything? " the Count rages, clearly pushed over the edge of civility by his father-in-law's death. "I guess you got what you wanted, though: a free ride to the jungle, so you can go loot baubles from other peoples' tombs... you can find your own way home, or stay here for all I care! I will have nothing to do with Pathfinders ever again!"

He continues to fume, but after a few moments he intersperses his comments with sympathy for the old man, and fear over what he will tell his wife, and how he will pay for the raise dead she will inevitably ask for.

"Bomande... help me! I'm hurt... " the count's voice calls from the dark of the jungle. "The tiger... oh, gods, it hurts! Help... me..."

"Bomande... I think it best that I go with the porters. To make sure everything is ready for your triumphant return!" The Count tries to sound upbeat, but you can see that the days' actvities have broken the man's spirit. The Baron gives a curt nod, and the Count retreats to take charge of the porters.

The Count is definitely shaken by the near-death (in his eyes) experience, but he puts a brave face on things. "Yes, Bomande, let's head to the Lodge to recover."

"AAAAAHHHH! Help! Help! I can't hold on! Stop the elephant!" the Count shouts at the driver, and at you, and at anyone who will listen.

"Ahah! THIS should impress the old man!" Falroun crows, before hurriedly ordering the porters to carry the massive bear back to the trail. Turning to you, he adds, "Thank you, all of you, for your help today. We don't have to mention that part to the Baron...?"

"Oh yes, I'm sure that will impress my father-in-law!" the Count replies to Roland, looking down his nose. "Do you remember why you are here, Pathfinder?" he asks pointedly.

At Rapunzel's offer, his eyes thaw and a smile returns to his lips. "Well, my musket is the latest model, and I'm a pretty good shot - it's the "sneaking up" and "finding game" part I'm not so good with," he admits.

“I’d really like to impress the old man today, but you see, I’m not much of a hunter,” Count Falroun admits. “In fact, I’ve never actually been hunting before! Is there any help or advice you can give me?”

"But Bomande... how can you know that? I can feel a tingling in my foot already. Get the anti-toxin, I should take it anyway, just to be sure!"

“Something in my boot bit me—a spider I think. I fell back onto the bed in surprise." The Count examines his foot and pales. "My god, Bomande, what if it’s poisonous? I could lose the foot! You brought some antitoxin, didn’t you? Fetch it quickly!”

"We have accommodations all set for the night - I've made all the arrangements. Tomorrow we sail for the Segang, but the baron always used to stop here before a hunt." says the Count, nearly yelling to be heard over the bustling crowds. He leads you to a multi-floored inn that would look at home in distant Tien Xia, with a train of porters behind you bringing your baggage. The Baron, at first dour, seems to relax as he returns to his element, and is soon chatting with locals, pushing tiefling beggars out of the way with his walking stick, and otherwise behaving as the privileged great hunter he once was.

"Right on time, my friends! Excellent. Please, leave your gear on the quayside and the crew will load it into your cabins." He shakes your hands warmly and escorts you up the gangplank.

"I've taken the liberty of assigning you to cabins," he goes on/ "Somewhat limited space aboard... she used to be a pirate ship," the Count confides quietly. "Bought her at auction after she was captured by Pathfidners. The laides will share the best cabin, of course. Roland and Lymwin will bunk together, and Grigori and Nick will share the other cabin. I trust this willsprove acceptable?" he asks, somewhat rhetorically.

He leaves you to settle in to the cramped cabins, and returns once you're done. "Now, let's meet the Baron. he is eager to meet his companions for the hunt!"

The Count takes you to the master cabin, and introduces you. "Bomande, the Pathfinders are here! May I present Baron Bomande Ruyahm of Alkenstar, hero of the realm, and my father-in-law!"

"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."

Count Falroun nods at each of you and then exits.

"I believe that is where I come in. 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. He's been grumbling about getting revenge on the beast for so long that I thought taking him on a trip might earn me some credit with the old man."

Falroun stands and offers his hand to each of you. "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 them. I must say, you do not disappoint!"