The Pathfinders search the rest of the temple, not finding very much of note until they check the large statue of the monkey god Ragdha in the center. The statue is wearing a monkey belt. Additionally, a small cabinet in the pedestal below the statue holds a richly illuminated copy of the Vigrahin Patitraka (a Vudran holy text) worth 50 gp and a handwritten journal belonging to a priest who accompanied Khiben-Sald on his travels around the Inner Sea.
The temple thoroughly explored, and the "tiger" trounced, the Pathfinder return to camp.
The rest of the hunting expedition passes without incident, and you all make your way back to Absalom without any difficulty. Though Ambrus Valsin is excited to inspect the items you found in the lost temple, he is especially thrilled about the journal recounting Khiben-Sald’s travels.
He immediately refers the log to the Society’s Vudran historians for analysis, hoping to glean information about other lost sites the Maharaja may have built or visited during his travels.
Baron Rudyahm is grateful for your help and to his son-in-law Falroun Matsanda for organizing the expedition. Finally satisfied that he avenged the friends lost on his last expedition, he retires from hunting to write his memoirs. Falroun is also overjoyed with the Pathfinders for helping him bond with his father-in-law.
Some small book keeping left but that was the last major encounter. As this is a gameday game you can all make a roll single d20 roll (no bonuses) to see if you receive a boon. I'll begin preparing chronicles.
Though the cramped space their enemies fight from has made the fight extremely difficult, the Pathfinders finally succeed in cutting down their last foe, leaving them undisturbed in the temple and free to explore the temple as is their mission.
Baron Bomande waits at the entrance whenever they are prepared to head back to camp.
Round 5
Don takes two attacks, unfortunately it's hide is able to avoid most of the blow but he does do some damage. The creature is unaffected by his ethereal nature.
Will:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Will:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
William misses with his crossbow.
Round 6
Kroone AoO:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 92d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 1) + 5 = 12takes two hits at his opponent hitting with the second strike.
Konner fires another arrow. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 121d8 ⇒ 7 Miss.
White attempts to sting Kroone again, this time successfully.
Tiny so AoO for Kroone Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 201d4 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Mortag has as much trouble as the rest of the ranged pathfinders do, unable to fire through the melee.
Round 6
William & Don (15 ft up)
Round 7
Kroone 5 Damage DC 12 Fort Save vs poison(15ft up)
Raleigh 1 Damage
Konner 4 damage
T1 - White 12 Damage
Mortag
Round 4
Don finally makes it to the top of the mountain relief.
William fires at the remaining enemy but is not practiced in firing into melee.
Round 5
Kroone strikes his assailant, most of his blow is turned away by the creatures tough skin but he does manage to injure it and one of Konners arrows makes it through as well.
White attempts to sting Kroone again, this time successfully.
Tiny so AoO for Kroone Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 211d4 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Mortag continues to struggle.
Round 5
William & Don (15 ft up)
Round 6
Kroone 2 Damage DC 12 Fort Save vs poison(15ft up)
Raleigh 1 Damage
Konner 4 damage
T1 - White 8 Damage
Mortag
Round 3
Don makes progress and instantly loses it.
William heals Raleigh.
Round 4
Kroone swings and cuts down on of the weird demon like creatures. The other one growls angrily at him.
Konner fires at white Attack:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 191d8 ⇒ 8 and scores a decent hit.
With the only obvious caster out of sight, white attacks the pathfinder that killed his companion and attempts to sting him.
Tiny so AoO for Kroone Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 91d4 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Mortag can not land a hit with the melee happening between him and his target.
Recap
Kroone climbs up the mountain relief, the strange tiny horned men chitter at him angrily.
Raleigh attacks back and hits Target:1d2 ⇒ 1 white with an acid splash but the damage does not seem to bother the creatures.
The Black creature fires another shot at Raleigh and hits with his arrow.
Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 141d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Konner fires at white and his his mark as well.
White knocks an arrow and launches at the gnome who attacked him.
Attack:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 241d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Mortag launches a fire blast unfortunately the creatures dodge the attack.
Round 1
William & Don
Round 2
Kroone
Raleigh 5 Damage
T2 - Black 5 Damage
Konner
T1 - White
Mortag
William & Don
You travel into the temple reaching the rear room. A 20-foot-tall, high-relief sculpture of a mountain dominates the
north end of this large chamber. A statue of a figure now missing
its head sits in the lotus position at the mountain’s peak, while
smaller statues of monkey-faced pilgrims rest on ledges farther
down the mountain. Shattered pieces of yet more monkey
statues litter the floor.
The southern half of the room is filled with rubble, obstructing an
arched passageway to the south. In the center of the room, a small
enclosed shrine made of dark brown stone faces south toward the
rubble. A hallway to the west leads to a balcony overrun by foliage,
while a hallway to the east leads to an open balcony.
Unfortunately none of you see the creatures that the looters attempted to warn you about and Raleigh takes two attacks from the top of the mountain statue.
Kroone
Raleigh 3 Damage
T2 - Black
Konner
T1 - White
Mortag
William
Kroone and Raleigh are up The mountain carving is not intended for
climbing, but its sloped surface and easy handholds can
be scaled with a successful DC 5 Climb check. Climbing is 1/4 speed, the creatures are 20 feet up.
The individuals begin walking passed the Pathfinders, at least until Mortag and Don disrupt the diplomatic approach the others are attempting to take.
"I-look, we'll leave the loot, please j-just let us leave. There is something evil in the back of the temple! Tiny little men with horns and eyes like rubies, they're stronger than they seem. Please, we just don't want to die." The leader says rapidly, dropping a sack of treasure at Mortags feet and then rushing off, the other two looters close on her heels.
You may attempt a Knowledge (Planes) check at -5 to attempt identifying the creature. Every 5 points over 12 will allow you to learn something additional about the creature, if you roll high enough tell me what you'd like to know.
As they rush off the sack spills open revealing the treasure inside. 70gp, 6 jeweled tiles, and an alluring golden apple. Once the treasure is collected you are free to explore more of the temple
A mosaic of a monkey-faced figure decorates the floor of this room, though the tiles that would form its eyes are missing. The north end of the room is filled with rubble blocking an arched passageway. To the west, vines and foliage intrude into the temple through an open-air balcony, while a similar balcony to the east remains relatively clear of plant life. An open archway leads south.
"Well Pathfinder, feel free to explore your temple as you Venture-Captains wanted. I'll wait here for when you're ready to leave."
Feel free to place yourselves where ever you are exploring. Provide a perception check with your post.
Bomande nods at the corpse and beckons Konner to shine his torch on the creatures stripped haunch. "See this bullet wound Raleigh? This is where I got the creature when it killed my friends. I thought it was a tiger, but I got my revenge all the same. This is my last hunt, thank you for assisting me Pathfinders."
So begins the trek back to camp. It's a few hours travel, but are unbothered by the wildlife and Falroun organizes the porters to assist his father in law. The night is quiet, with little to do but prepare for the day ahead.
In the morning the Baron greets you, solemn but unbothered by his duty as guide. As you travel the terrain around you quickly becomes swampland, and it's thickly overgrown. The Baron seems sure of where he is going however and pushes onward despite his limp.
"Can't slow down even if we wanted to. Camped out in this swamp once and half my companions woke up with malaria."
A few hours more and you come upon the temple.
Columns line the walls of this small room, each decorated with a high-relief carving of a monkey in a different pose. Some of the monkey sculptures sit serenely in meditation or reach out with their hands as if to deliver blessings to the viewer, while others adopt more naturalistic poses. The floor is littered with decaying plant matter and mud, and the stench of rotting muck pervades the area. An open archway leads south out into the jungle, while a second leads north deeper into the temple.
Before you can explore further however the heavy sounds of foot steps fill the temple and three humans can be seen exiting the temple and running toward the party.
"Out of the way or you'll be sorry!" The woman at the head of the group shouts in your directon.
Sense Motive DC 15:
It's clear to you from the fear in her voice that she is running from something. She's only intending to scare you away, and does not actually want a fight.
Kroonebot attempts to circle around the creature and take it's attention off the Baron. Succesfully cutting into the creatures flank.
Greatsword:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 232d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11 Will struggles with the tree in his rush to assist but eventually makes it down.
Giving you a second attempt since you have a standard and a move action:Climb:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19, scenario says nothing about how deep the water is so I'm just going to handwave and say you get full movement - some from the climb down.
Don slams itself successfully into the creature twice leaving a lasting effect.
Will:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d4 ⇒ 1 Will:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
L - the creature stubbornly sticks to the baron refusing to acknowledge it's new foes.
Attack:1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 2 = 211d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8"You'll be joining you're old friends soon enough!" it says as it tears into his flesh.
Mortag continues searching for a ladder that isn't there, perhaps that's why he keeps missing the obvious handholds in the tree. Climb:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 Gave you a second attempt but, no luck Raleigh despite not being able to see anything fires his crossbow into the clump of shapes in the distance, miraculously not striking any of his friends and scoring a hit on the Baron's tiger.
Konner spits on the jackal like creature and in one smooth movement cuts deep into the creatures chest, killing it even as its teeth sink into Bomande.
"It's almost dead, I can kill it!" The Baron says leveling his rifle point blank at his old for, before realizing he's lost his shot and Konner has finished the beast. He looks dissapointed only for a moment before remembering his life was just saved and he nods a thanks to the Pathfinders while catching his breath.
Combat Over
The Baron takes a few moments to relax once the combat is over, though it's clear he's in awful shape. He looks at the stars above and, breathing heavily turns to the Pathfinders.
"We're not terribly far from your temple. If you escort me back to camp, the porters can care for my wounds and I can guide you there in the morning. If any of you are savy you might be able to find your way there yourself but..." He motions to his wounds "I wouldn't mind an escort back if you don't mind."
___________________________________________________________________________ _
The party has earned 1 Favor point with Baron Bomande.
Are you heading to the camp yourselves, or escorting the Baron back and having him guide you in the morning?
Kroonebot attempts to leap from the blind to assist Bomande.
Acrobatics:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 He lands by the fallen noble but can't see the attack so offers him some healing assistance.
Lay On Hands:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Will tries to climb down but makes no progress as he misjudges the handholds.
Don however is able to leap from the blind and rushes toward Baron Bomande and the creature the struck him.
L
Attack:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 251d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 The Baron shouts in pain as the pathfinder hear teeth gnash one more time.
Mortag tries to light his way and climb down the tree however he makes no progress. Still charmed to head directly toward the creaturep Raleigh fires a shot into the pitch darkness ahead of him.
Konner continues forward, withdrawing an ioun torch as he moves to see better. As he arrives next to the Baron he sees a strange creature with the head of a jackal and the hooves of an antelope removing it's bloody teeth from the Baron's leg. It's legs are striped like a tigers. Now that you have reached the creature you are no longer turned and can act normally in your next turn.
Bomande takes potion from his belt and downs it. "Make sure I get the final blow!" He says through gritted teeth to the pathfinders.
CLW:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Round 2 Kroone Bot
Will & Don
L
Mortag - Charmed to use turns moving toward creature Raleigh
Konner
Bomande - 16 Damage
Bold May Act
Yellow circles are light sources. 20 feet from the edge of those count as dim light. Anything outside of that is darkness and subject to 50% miss chance, high is always better.
Yeah if a character would like to do acrobatics instead I could see that work. Konner is already on the ground however.
Raleigh please note you are firing without a light source so will be rolling at a 50% miss chance.
It's not long before night falls, and all of you are waiting uncomfortably among the machans, nothing but darkness and the flow of water in your immediate vicinity. Eventually there is some rustling from the brush to the north west and a voice calls out.
"Bomande!" It's Count Falroun "Bomande your tiger has attacked the camp! Come to the sound of my voice! Quickly!"
Kroone, Raleigh and Will:
The voice is clearly just a mimicry of Count Falrouns voice and has some sort of compelling nature beside. You were able to shrug off the magic.
"Damnation!" Baron Bomande says slinging his rifle behind his back as he descends the tree. Konner and Mortag do the same, attempting to climb down without a ladder in the darkness. Konnor succeeds and starts walking toward the sound of Falrouns voice, but Mortag makes no progress out of the tree.
The bushes rustle again and soft hoofsteps can be heard in the darkness followed by the sound of the Baron hiting the dirt hard.
Attack:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 221d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Trip:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 "It's the tiger!" He shouts in a pained voice.
Kroone
Will & Don
L
Mortag
Raleigh
Konner
Bomande - 13dmg - Prone
Bold May Act
Mortag and Konnor are charmed at the moment and must use their turns to get close to the sound of the voice (where the Baron is)
It is currently dark, there is no light, so if you do not have darkvision you will be subject to the blinded condition.
Climbing from the tree is a DC 10 Climb check unless you have a way to make that easier.
The pathfinders, leaving the panicked elephant, converge on the giant snake and in a cooperative assault, finish off their final foe.
The elephant's foot becomes tangled in the root of a tree and it very nearly topples, but the porters, free of the snake assault, are amble to collectively calm the beast down. Bomande catches Falroun just before he topples out of the howdah.
Close call, the elephant would have toppled at the end of this round without that snake kill.
Combat over
________________________________________________________________________
The nobles settle themselves on the ground, no long trusting the elephant's composure, and when the porters and Pathfinders are ready, everyone continues the march forward. Roughly an hour after the snake fight, you pass by a small stream and Baron Bomande holds up a hand.
"We are near to where my friends and I were ambushed. If we follow the trail we'll find our way into the tigers territory and I can finally finish what I started all those years ago."
Count Falroun however has had his fill of adventure of the day, and takes the elephant and the porters to camp while the rest of you trail Bomande's prey.
The Baron leads you on another hours worth of travel when finally the jungle opens up into a wide grassy clearing bisected by a shallow, burbling stream. In the center of the clearing lies the partially eaten carcass of a gaur. Its throat has been torn open, and the grass all around the dead bison is covered in dried, sticky blood.
"A fresh kill. Perfect, this is where we set up our ambush." Bomande declares, removing supplies from the pack he is carrying. He reveals that he has been carrying a trio of machans, portable hunter blinds, and instructs you on how to set them up in the lower branches of the surrounding trees. The machans can hold up to 3 medium sized humanoids each.
"Once the sun sets, do not descend the machan for any reason, unless you want to be tiger food." He warns, choosing a position in the south west of the clearing.
"Make your preperations pathfinders. We wait here until the beast returns."
Survival/Perception DC 10:
You find no tiger prints in the area, only hoof prints.
DC 20 Knowledge Arcana:
Spoiler:
You identify these as the tracks of some kind of leucrotta. You may make a second arcana check to identify any traits of such a creature, include what you would like to know with your check.
Slide 4 has been updated. Feel free to make any preparations for the ambush that you would like, then place yourself in one of the machans (the brown areas on each tree). I'll update again once everyone has been placed, or this time tomorrow.
Kroone cuts through the final small snake, ending the immediate threat to the panicking elephant.
Raleigh Turn Refunded since Kroone killed your target. William steps up to the larger cobra and swings his scythe but the lithe creature dodges the attack..
Mortag Can still act
The elephant continues shaking in fear, trumpeting and stamping in place.
Konner misses his target as well
With the elephant panicking, Bomande and Falroun are unable to do anything but hold on with all their strength. "Someone handle this elephant!" Falroun shouts over the din of combat, nearly being launched out of the howdah!
Round 3
The king cobra looks at the enemies surrounding it and launches itself at Konnor, very nearly taking a chunk out the young man, but the swashbuckler parries the attack and responds in kind, sinking his weapon into the snakes flesh.
1.Don 2.Konner 3.Will:1d3 ⇒ 2 Bite:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 211d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Large Cobra - 18 Damage
Kroone
Raleigh 7/8 HP
William
Don Mortag
Elephant
Konnor
Bomande
Falroun
Bold May Act
Raleigh got a turn refunded so you can take an action for both Round 2 and 3. As it's not quite 24 hours between posts at the time of this update, Mortag can take a Round 2 action as well.
Kroone Slices on of the snakes clean in half and moves in toward another target.
Raleigh connects with the blue snake on a personal level and with a shooing motion convinces the creature to retreat from the fight. Thankfully the elephants commotion is making to distracting for it to realize it's siblings are being dispatched. Resist Charm:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 William in a cunning display of macabre theatricality reveals a scythe hidden in his cane and cuts down another of the small snakes, while Don advances on the larger snake.
The remaining snake attacks Kroone, latching onto his armor and pumping poison onto it before pulling back.
Bite:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d2 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 miss
Mortag launches a fire blast at the large cobras direction and it turns it's head, noticing new foes on the approach. The porters are able to drag their bitten colleague away from the fight.
The elephant continues shaking in fear, trumpeting and stamping in place.
Konner approaches the larger snake preparing to counter an eventual attack.
With the elephant panicking, Bomande and Falroun are unable to do anything but hold on with all their strength.
Round 2
The large snake approaches Don and attempts to bite him but is thrown off by the strange visage of it's target and misses entirely.
Bite:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Large Cobra -
Kroone
Raleigh 7/8 HP
William
Don
Cobras - 1 left
Mortag
Elephant
Konnor
Bomande
Falroun
"It wasn't cowardice Mortag, it's reverence." The Count says before leaving with Kroon and his father-in-law to smooth things over. The negotiations are impassioned, with the porters pointing to all the bits of monkey lying about camp and they refuse to stay at the site of the massacre. With Kroone's help Falroun avoids all out conflict and agrees to help scout a better location for the nights rest instead of hunting. The rest of the porters start making preparations to move leaving just the Baron and the Pathfinders for the days hunt. He also secured assistance for Raleigh to help him in his recovery, leveraging the fact that though he attacked, the gnome did not actually hit anything.
Raleigh spends most of it sleeping off his injuries. I'm ruling that the porters attend to him to negate the normal Con check that would be needed. You recover 1hp.
The hunt is brief with only a few of you. The mornings excitement seems to have cautioned much of the nearby wildlife and all you encounter is a single Dhole. Konnor and Mortag try to line up a killing blow but its the Baron's bullet that claims the prize.
"Maybe you'll bag more tomorrow my friends." He says with a laugh on the way back to camp.
When you return the porters are prepared to move camp. The mahout helps the nobles onto the elephant and you make your way to the new rest location with the last couple hours of day light remaining. The spot the count located is just an hour or two away, but about halfway through your journey a few of the porters scouting ahead shout in alarm as a giant snake emerges from the brush, hissing and lunging at them. Almost simultaneously the elephant trumpets in alarm and four smaller snakes emerge from the other side of the path causing her to panic.
She rears up and the mahout hits the ground hard, but stays conscious. Too close to the smaller snakes, he scurries beneath the frightened elephant taking cover.
You would have had ample time to heal your party members before this encounter, but if you're using wands or spell slots I need that calculated. If you are helping heal Raleigh, Konner or Don it must be before your round 1 combat action or it will not be counted.
Starting HP values for those three party members are reflected in the initiative order but will be adjusted if given any healing.
Round 1 [Slide 5]
The Baron and the Count are holding on for dear life, trying to stay in the howdah on the creatures back.
"Pathfinders, save the porters!" The Baron cries, while his son in law shouts a counter directive. "Help us get this elephant under control!"
The Large cobra lunges at the porters again who are trying to keep it at bay, it's jaws clamp down on an unarmed leg and the man cries out in pain, the other porters try to drag him to safety but can not get in close without a distraction.
Large Cobra -
Kroone
Raleigh1/8 HP William
Don13/16 HP
Cobras, Little
Mortag
Elephant
Konnor 23/31 HP
Bomande
Falroun
Chronicle rewards will be awarded based on standard PFS rules as written in the society guide. There are still at least 3 Encounters remaining in the scenario, one of which will be getting started this evening.
Scant is subjective and I have no way to measure my expectation of what a scant scenario is versus yours. I have invited you to catch up and join, whether or not it is worth it to you is a choice only you can make.
Will it's been a while so I had to double check DR and untyped swarm damage and it looks like your DR would hold up so Don would only have taken 3 damage.
Will pulls out a wand and rushes over the the staggered gnome while Don throws his weight around sending monkeys careening through the air.
Kroone reluctantly strikes out at the monkeys assaulting his companions, cleaving so many of them in two that the rest of the swarm stops and unanimously decides to give up the fight. The monkey swarm dissipates almost as quickly as it formed and eventually the camp is left empty.
Swarms can not be crit but you did enough regular damage to finish it off.
Combat Over
As the monkeys retreat, Bomande and Falroun come over to check on the party.
"I thought your Pathfinder sensibilities would prevent you from doing anything to upset the locals, but it's good to see you're willing to do what you must to get things done." The Baron sounds sincere but also seems distracted.
Count Falroun shakes his head in disagreement. "We're going to have to negotiate with the porters. I assume they'll want more pay, or for us to provide an offering to their gods as an apology. I'm not eager to be out on a hunt with a dozen angry locals at my back Bomande. Not to sound ungrateful, my friends, I am glad you're alright truly. Raleigh please rest and recover."
The Nobles turn to meet with a representative chosen by the porters to begin negotiating. If you would like to assist in negotiations feel free, this is just flavor though and will not effect you mechanically
Eventually, another day of hunting is set to begin and the caravan sets out.
If you would like to participate in another hunt feel free make an attack roll. If you would rather take a long rest during that time you can do that as well. After the 1st hunt helping Falroun the hunts are largely flavor but some people enjoy getting the opportunity to hunt more.
I'll move us forward once everyone has responded or Monday afternoon whichever comes first.
Konner slashes at the swarming monkeys, glaring at them menacingly as he does, but the monkeys do not seem fazed.
What does your p/r spoiler represent?
Mortag crisps a few on the outskirts with a blast of fire, a handful turn toward him and begin screeching.
One of the porters drops to his knees, crying.
Round 1
Monkey Swarm 12 dmg taken
Mortag
Raleigh 0/8 Hp Staggered Kroone
Konner 23/31 HP
William
Don 8/16 HP
Count Falroun listens closely to William, and Kroone's advice. Despite being introduced to Don earlier he still jumps a little when the phantom offers a few words of wisdom, but he seems to soak the information in despite the fear.
When he's given the book however all fear and hesitation leave the count and he graciously accepts. "Thank you, I'll get to reading this as soon as we settle for the evening!" You notice that as he walks back to his own tent he can't help but to start reading.
Raleigh and Konner stay back at camp helping a few porters prepare for when the safari returns in the evening. Count Falroun looks much more confident than he did this morning and he and Bomande seem to be getting along despite the mornings argument.
The first few hours are dull, as the party makes their way through some grassland, signs of life are infrequent but at the porters find the tracks of a dhole and the party stalks their first quarry. Just as it's about to get away Mortag unleashes a fiery blast and overcomes the canine. The porters retrieve it for him, lamenting that it's luxurious fur is too singed for use, but offering to fashion a keepsake from it's bones if the dwarf would like.
Later, in the jungle proper, Falroun points behind a few trees as he hears heavy foot falls. Flush from his first kill, Mortag rushes in, shouting to usher the beast into the Counts line of sight, but comes face to face with an impassive Rhino. The gentle creature hardly takes notice and the rest of the safari, not sure if their elderly elephant could handle being charged, chooses not to pursue that particular hunt.
Kroone takes a forward position in the afternoon, scouting for valuable targets and he and a few porters spot signs of a sloth bear. Flanking the creature, Kroone emerges from the brush, frightening the bear with a subtle flick of his tongue and it crashes past the rest of the safari, in direct sight of the Count who fires his gun and bags the creature.
"Good shot son!" Bomande says approvingly.
As it nears evening the rain begins to fall, conditions are muddy and spirits begin to drop. The caravan passes by a river and William spots a particularly large crocodile resting by the bank. Unfortunately the creature sees him at the same time and scurries forward at an impossible speed. Will's crossbow fires but the creature barely notices as the bolt sinks into it's flesh.
In a last ditch effort, Will taps into his Orcish fury and shouts while Don floats up behind him glaring menacingly. The pair of them prove to be too frightening as the crocodile stops in it's tracks. A few tense moments pass, with neither the croc or Will doing anything at all, before a brave porter pokes the beast with his spear and it doesn't react. "You frightened it to death sir." Says the man, his own britches a little wet. "If you'd like us to fashion anything from it's skin we'll make whatever you'd like."
When the Nobles hear the story they share a good laugh.
The Baron himself proves to be the most deliberate of the hunters, and it's not until the safari turns back toward camp that he cocks his rifle and goes running off into the brush. After a loud crack of gunfire he shouts for the porters to retrieve his kill, another sloth bear.
"We've got a matching set now Falroun." He says to his sun in law proudly.
____________________________________________________________________
The party has earned 1 Favor Point with Count Falroun
____________________________________________________________________
The return of the safari is well celebrated, it has been a particularly successful first day. Dinner is a tasty mix of local fruits and veggies mixed with the various meats procured on the hunt and before long everyone is asleep.
On the morning of the hunt’s third day, the smell of wood smoke fills the camp as porters busy themselves tending various cooking fires. Outside the camp, the jungle is alive with the sounds of monkeys, birds, and chirping insects. For awhile at least.
Shortly after breakfast you can hear the sound of containers being upturned and at the far side of camp you see a small band of macaques causing some trouble. The porters however are doing nothing about them instead, offering them bits of food and water, praying to them as they do so. The Baron however is considerably less charmed.
"Little charau-ka as far as I'm concerned. Remove them from my camp Pathfinders before I do it myself!" He shouts, glowering at the monkeys.
"Ok" The Count says after a moment. "Ok. You're right, I'm over reacting. I was just startled an panicked. Thank you for helping me see the reality of the situation."
The Count collects his composure and resumes preparing for the day. Bomande blows some air through his nose but nods approvingly and turns to leave.
"Thank you for speaking sense into my Son-in-law, Pathfinders. I appreciate that you all have some sense, even if some of you are a little rough around the egdes."
With the mornings excitement over, the camp begins to prepare for the days safari. Baron Bomande spends the rest of his time maintaining his guns and checking his equipment.
He calls out to the Pathfinders.
"If you're participating in todays hunt, make sure you're prepared!"
Hunting in this Scenario is a sub system and does not require you to enter combat with any beasts. Instead, if your character wishes to participate in the hunt, simply include a weapon or spell attack roll with your next post. Feel free to flavor it with your own hunting techniques. I will then describe the success or failure of each hunt roll.
At some point before the hunt, Count Falroun sheepishly makes his way to where you have all set up camp. He wanders over to a seat, favoring the foot that wasn't bitten, and cleans his glasses while he speaks with you all.
“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?”
There are a number of ways to help the Count should you choose to do so. You can roll Knowledge (Nature) or Survival to impart advice. If you participate in the hunt you can attempt to Intimidate animals into the Counts hunting path, or use Bluff to pass off your own kill as his. If you can think of a creative way to use a different skill to assist feel free to attempt to assist that way as well.
Falrouns face falls as William take's Bomande's position, it seems the Count had assumed the Spiritualist would be taking his side. Bomande gives William a stern nod of appreciation. It seems to be nearly settled until Konner mentions toxins the the argument starts all over again.
Sense Motive DC 10:
With William and Mortag defending the Baron, the count seems almost ready to give in.
"How would you know, you've never been here?" The count asks incredulous as Mortag shouts at him and then leaves. "There must be antitoxin somewhere in this camp!"
Mortag's groggy, but explosive defense of Bonmande's position has hardened the Baron and he looks at his son-in-law.
"Of course I do, but I'm not wasting it on something as simple as this."
It seems further input by the Pathfinders is still required.
As the part speaks with the locals, the Baron the Count secure the rest of their items and begin to move out from the camp. The locals that spoke with William and Kroone wish them luck.
"Only the Baron knows what really happened that night, but we hear he barely made it out alive!" They say, clearly wondering if you'll share the same fate as the other expeditions.
Despite the clear readiness to hunt, you don't see much excitement on this first day of travel. As the elephant passes you, crushing the underbrush beneath it, Count Matsanda calls out to William.
"I...don't suppose you have one of those Realm of Dusk books on you, do you? I could use something to read."
The Baron rolls his eyes at his son-in-law.
When the expedition party settles down for the first evening the Bomande makes an appearance, taking a seat nearby.
"We're too close to the hunting lodge. The animals are skittish around here. Tomorrow and the days after we'll see some actual hunts. You are all welcome to hunt as well of course. As long as you've got a steady hand any one can hunt." He nods toward Raleigh.
The Baron lingers for awhile, speaking with anyone who many take any interest too, but bids you all good night before too long, and the rest of the night passes uneventfully.
In the morning however, you are all startled awake by a loud crash coming from the other end of the camp. A few of the porters take note but seem hesitant to investigate.
You do however see Baron Bomande limping hastily toward the direction of the sound.
If you go to investigate:
The Baron reaches the tent ahead of you and you enter the tent together. 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.
"What the devil happened here?" The Baron growls. Falroun whimpers from the ground, holding his foot.
"“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!”
The Baron laughs “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!”
"How could you possibly know that Bomande! Do you know how many spiders live in this jungle!? Are you going to return home to your daughter and tell her you let me die here?" The Count is incredulous, refusing to stop inspecting the bite mark.
"I knew I shouldn't have let you come on this expedition!"
The Baron and the Count continue fighting for a few moments before remembering they have company. Looking at the Pathfinders they both point to the other one and command simultaneously.
"Tell him I'm right!"
They glower at each other while waiting for your input.
Konner and Raleigh have missed their 12 Hour Bot check, and have yet to actually participate in this module beyond the introduction. I will post between 6 - 7pm est today. If they have not arrived by then I will consider their seats abandoned and adjust encounter mechanics accordingly.
I'd like to remind everyone that in the recruitment thread I requested that you only sign up if you could maintain the expectations I outlined on this alias, and I requested this again in the discussion. One of those expectations is at least 1 post a day on weekdays.
Baron Bomande nods appreciatively at Mortag and raises his glass to him.
"I've never lived in a monastery, but I've been a few days in the jungle with no luck on the hunt and I imagine I looked at meat the same way." He chuckles to himself clearly reminiscing.
Meanwhile across the table Count Falroun is listening closely to Williams exploits in political whodunnit.
"Less boring - not at all! Politics are all about intrigue and panache. If you were able to handle a mission that required such digression I'm sure you'd be quite capable in Alkenstar!"
Before long he is sitting in rapt attention to Kroone's tale. He gasps at tales of ancient guardians and discoveries of centuries old artifacts.
"I can't promise the temple in Segang is going to be nearly as exciting as that, but you're certainly well equipped for it! It's good to see the Society considers the previous exploits of adventurers before assigning them to missions. If ever you decide to tell of more exploits, please, come find me. I'd love to hear more."
Baron Bomande makes note of the other empty chairs and grunts dismissively.
"A shame your colleagues couldn't accept my invitation this evening. Barely a over half of you arrived. I certainly hope this isn't the level of dedication they intend to show the rest of our expedition." As the meal comes to a close, he bids Kroone, William and Mortag a good evening.
The remainder of the trip goes smoothly, only a small storm delaying the craft. Count Matsande is friendly with everyone in the party but Baron Bomande does not seem to bother making time for anyone who failed to come to his dinner.
Kroone has earned the party 1 Favor point with Count Falroun Matsanda.
___________________________________________________________________________ _
Before long Jalmery is on the horizon and once the boat is docked, the party makes their way to a nearby hunting lodge.
Mundane Survival Gear may be purchased at this location.
Count Matsanda can be heard arguing with one of the lodge workers over the elephant he has been given, unfortunately though she is passed her prime, she is the only available mount. Grumbling to himself Falroun agrees to the purchase and hires a Mahout (an elephant rider) and a dozen porters.
There seems to be a lot of buzz about Baron Bomande returning to Jalmery.
Diplomacy (Gather Information) or Knowledge (Local)
DC 10+:
Hunters at the lodge corroborate the story of the Baron's previous party being ambushed in the Segang Jungle report that several other hunting parties have also gone missing in that part of the jungle. They have no further details about the Baron's last hunt however.
DC 15+:
The Urapangi Lowlands are also known as “the monkey swamp,” and particularly devout Vudrani claim that the monkeys who reside there possess mystical powers.
DC 20+:
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.
"Unfortunately as I mentioned Kroone, the Society budget is tight right now and we don't have a petty cash fund. You'll have to stick with mundane means of securing antivenoms for the time being." Ambrus does at least look apologetic despite his stern demeanor.
He looks pointedly at Mortag and furrows his brow.
"I'd like to remind you, Pathfinders, that as much as this is an expedition, it is also a diplomatic mission. I impress upon you to leave an impression with the Count and the Baron, a good impression.
You are dismissed, good luck in Jalmery."
Ambrus removes a small hand towel from one of the drawers of his desk and begins patting the seat dry mumbling under his breath as you leave.
If you have any purchases to make with Gold or Prestige please include it in your next post. After that the adventure will have officially begun and you'll be restricted to whatever is in the module
The next morning when you arrive at the ship as ordered, the sky has cleared up and the horizon looks clear of anything that may impede your journey. The crew, notified of your participation in the voyage ushers you on board and before long the ship departs.
It's not long before you are introduced 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.
"Pathfinders, good to meet you." He says genuinely, offering each of you his hand in greeting and thanks you for your participation in the mission. "Unfortunately my son-in-law and I have much still to prepare and discuss for the journey so I can not linger for long, but you all have a standing invitation to dinner in my cabin this evening. I expect to see you all there." His voice is welcoming but also commanding.
How you spend your time on the ship is up to you, but when comes time for dinner the crew reminds you of your invitation to Baron Rudyam's cabin.
If you attend, the Baron greets you by name and motions to an open seat prepared for you, Count Matsanda is seated nearby maintaining a stately disposition.
"Well met Pathfinders, I'm sorry my son-in-law and I have been unable to spend much time introducing ourselves today, but we'll have plenty of time to get to know one another in the jungle. That is how you take th real measure of a man." The Baron says between swigs of strong ale. "Have any of you been to Jalmery before?"
Count Matsanda takes a sip of wine and leans back. "I have heard that Pathfinders were well traveled. Each of you, please, tell me of your most recent mission. I have always been curious what the life of a Pathfinder is like."
___________________________________________________________________________ _
Slide 1 updated with the Barons portrait. If you have any questions for the nobles, feel free to ask during the dinner in the cabin.
As a reminder: Please add your stats to Slide 2 and set your marching order on Slide 3.
The Adopted Ancestry feat normally is restricted to common races. The boon provides access to ancestry feats of those uncommon ancestries. It is not the same however as unlocking the full ancestry that those feats are from.
So you could play, say, a Human with Leshy ancestry feats, but you couldn't just straight up play a Leshy.
Mortag makes a point to sit in one of the chairs after hearing this.
"There's always one." Ambrus says rolling his eyes, not bothering to hide his frustration.
William Grimm wrote:
William raises his hand. "What kind of dangers might we expect at the temple? Is there any chance we might find any sort of ancient tombs with undead revenants or ancient restless spirits inhabiting it, that sort of thing?"
"My contacts tell me the locals are very superstitious about monkeys. The temple is very likely to be dedicated to one of the monkey-faced dieties the locals worship. Ragdya and Lahkgya, or to Chamidu the goddess of wild animals. I don't know what sort of protections those may afford the temple. I'm sorry to disappoint you William but I'm not sure you'll be finding any revenants, you're most likely to encounter looters, dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures and disease, etc."
Konner Therinor wrote:
Should we be concerned about the weather? I mean...should we get warm weather clothing?
"Segang is hot and muggy this time of year. It's a jungle, so I'm sure you'll want to dress accordingly but unless you're going in cold weather gear you should be able to manage just fine."
"Any other questions? If not you'd best go make your preparations before leaving in the morning, the Barons ship will be prepared to receive you."
I like to make my Chronicles as complete as I can, I'd ask the same for Mortag and Raleigh but I know they are both newly created.
As a reminder, Botting rules are suspended on weekends, and for those of us in the US and Canada we have Labor day on Monday so I'll allow for some additional leeway. Starting Tuesday my normal botting rules will resume see profile if you're unsure what that means.
resonates through the office, followed by another scream, though not as loud as the first one.
The door to the Venture-Captain's office swings open and Ambrus Valsin pokes his head out and takes a look at the collected Pathfinders. His brows furrow as he looks at the puddles of water pooling in his reception room.
"Don't they teach you to be prepared for these sorts of things?" He asks, the thunder growling lowly in the background as he glowers.
"No matter, just come on in. Watch where you stand, and if you're not dry do not sit in any of my chairs."
As you file passed the Venture Captain into his office, you see the person who he's been speaking with.
“Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,” Ambrus Valsin says. “Pathfinders, may I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across the room to a tall Garundi man with short black hair and goldrimmed spectacles and then takes his seat at his desk.
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!” The Count seems oblivious to the various state of wet that you all are.
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, followed by a third and final scream as the thunder surprised him yet again.
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.”
Feel free to ask any questions or make any last minute purchases if you'd like.
