Praetor Sylien's page

Hmm, indeed. I believe they were likely emboldened by their numbers. Perhaps they expected reinforcements sooner? It is good you got out of there when you could. Truly, you have rewarded my trust in you Pathfinders. Perhaps I was quick to judge the Society for the recent kobold unrest. You have struck a blow against the kobolds, which tells them that Fort Bandu will not take these raids lying down. More than that, you brought back more of the miners alive that I would have expected you to.

He smiles in appreciation at your efforts, but reverts to a frown as he glances at the journal.

Only his journal you say, may I see that?

Assuming you let him have a look...

So, he was indeed exploring the Dwarven settlement, Ashkurhall. Then... he heads into the Mwangi expanse in search of the Krihirik.

His eyes light up and he looks to Croak.

I know these! A tribe of Grippli in the Kaava Lands. It is Northwest of the Bandu hills. A member of the tribe visits several times a year to barter for goods and gems. They left only yesterday morning.

His expression darkens a little as he continues.

Asmersanus Valacosti, the Aspis agent, abruptly wrapped up his business at the fort and departed in the same direction only a few hours later. I take it you won't be staying long...

If the Pathfinders are to find the Krihirik and track down Sharrowsmith--especially if they want to get there ahead of the Aspis Consortium--they must make haste for the Kaava Lands!

To be continued...

As you enter the office, you find the elven general standing in the corner behind his desk looking over some papers. His weathered face looks up and immediately looks piqued with interest at what you might report.

He sets the papers down on his desk, and scans the lot of you.

I... don't see Sharrowsmith with you. You couldn't convince him to return? What of the kobold raiders? Are the miners okay?

He looks at each of you in turn, expectantly.

After allowing the Aspis agent to storm out of the office, Praetor turns back to the Pathfinders and tells them what they originally came here for.

"Sharrowsmith’s last known whereabouts are the Gold Crown mining camp. Nobody here at the Fort knows where he may have gone after that. I suggest you pay the miners a visit, but don't expect a warm welcome." he warns with a slight frown.

Praetor then proceeds to provide trail directions to the group on a map on his desk.

Praetor cautions Lomo, "While dragons are impressive, and kobolds do bear a relation to them, they are very different things to deal with. Very impressive that you had dealings with a dragon though. I would like to hear more about that later."

He starts to look actually impressed as Pinesong explains his connection to nature, and Croak's croak seems to send pleasant shivers up his spine. "Now, you two, I'm starting to think may actually be very effective in the natural environs within which you'd have to work. You give me hope that you wouldn't just be another group of intruders, and actually be attuned to nature and the local tribes you might meet along the way."

Overall, a resounding success.

With a reserved sigh, the praetor relents. "As the Pathfinders are responsible for getting us into this mess, I see it fitting that we give them the chance to remedy the situation. I’m putting my faith in you, and the lives of the people in Fort Bandu."

He seems to focus on Pinesong and Croak as he finishes this statement.

"I pray that you don’t betray that trust, for the consequences could be quite dire for all who call this home."

The Praetor seems a little caught off-guard at the question.

Well, I mean... potentially. It's more a process than a simple, on-the-spot declaration. Young frog-kind, I'm old enough that many friends have come and gone. The most important were the longest-lasting, and on day one I never knew that they would be.

Will give the chance for a few more entries, and move us forward tomorrow evening.

Again, the praetor tries to remain impartial, though it is clear his patience is waning. "Once more I find myself seeing reason in Valacosti’s words. Strength of arms is all well and good, but this is a situation that also requires a certain amount of finesse. How do I know I trust you to handle this situation with a level head and a delicate touch when necessary?"

You may attempt a Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge (history), or Sleight of Hand check to show how you can use subtlety, subterfuge, or historical context to your advantage by discussing your skills or artfully dismissing the praetor’s concerns.

one more success!

Praetor chuckles as Sereia eyes him. He vaguely recognizes what she's doing from his years in the field.

Hehe, you're not going to find anything magically interesting on me. I'm just an old soldier with simple, physical means. However, I know that's a useful skill to have! I used to keep someone like that nearby me when I was more... active.

He then turns to Lin Ki. Very nice form. If you ever tire of the travel, you can always join our ranks here, defending the miners. I'm glad to see there is a show of physical force in this group. Not too much, mind you, but it is necessary to have on hand amongst your other varied abilities.

Then the hissing starts... and Praetor makes a shocked, foul face at the ratfolk's abrupt display. He turns back to the others, softly remarking I think he, uh... needs a cleric?

The praetor remains patient. "Amersanus makes a good point. Sharrowsmith was a well-read and knowledgeable man, yet he disappeared in these jungles and caused damage we’re only beginning to feel the impact of thanks to the local kobold tribes. How is your expedition different? Do you have the necessary strength to survive in this environment where so many others cannot? Show me that those weapons and spellbooks you carry are not just for show."

Attempt a caster level check, combat maneuver check, or Spellcraft check to display some of the magical or martial prowess the group possesses. As always, be creative and roleplay the demonstration.

One success, thanks to Pinesong!

The praetor, seemingly focused on keeping the peace between all of you and the Aspis agent early on, really pauses to look over your group and take in the diversity.

Well, you definitely aren't the typical group of Pathfinders, all meat and rushing in. You lot might have some interesting skills yet...

He listens intently as Pinesong explains his ability to deal with the varied denizens of the wild. His eyes light up as the vanara spins and transforms into a kobold.

You rolled well enough, but if you'd needed it, I'd give an RP bonus for that :)

Well... we certainly need someone who can make the local kobold tribes comfortable... or at least less tense. Just be mindful to not offend them by letting such a ruse become known! That would only make things worse!

Also, nice roll on the goodberries :)

I'm sure you'll try, young master Croak. He turns to Amersanus and makes an apologetic face, as if to say How could you refuse faces like these?

Praetor frowns and narrows his eyes a bit at Lomo's statements. Hmm, you'd better follow their lead. He motions generally to Pinesong and Croak.

Then to Sereia and Lin Ki, Well, it remains to be seen if this duty will be yours. Why attack settlements? What do hornets do when you kick their nest? Hmm? They swarm out of it and attack whoever is nearby, to release their anger. It is much the same with these vile kobolds. For all they know, we sent him and more are coming. Also, we don't really know what Sharrowsmith did to disturb them. If I see fit to entrust you with this duty, you'll get to put these hornets back in the nest. I like some of you already...

"Pathfinders," the praetor’s voice lacks the contempt of his guest, as if trying to subtly apologize for his tone. "This is Amersanus Valacosti of the Aspis Consortium. We’ve been discussing the troubles Fort Bandu has faced of late—troubles caused by your organization. I was unwilling to disclose the details to Mistress Allahe by courier, but now that you have arrived, I feel it pertinent to explain the nature of Fort Bandu's... misgivings."

"Venture Captain Sharrowsmith came through here some months ago, gathering supplies and information before setting off on an expedition into the hills. There, he roused the local kobold tribes and angered them enough that they now actively raid our settlements and mining operations."

"Amersanus Valacosti and I were discussing how the Aspis Consortium may be able to help repair the damage your Society has inflicted on the people of Fort Bandu. Now that you’ve arrived, perhaps we can have a more balanced mediation. Your Pathfinder Society has a damaged reputation in the Bandu Hills, so I ask you state your business and why you think I should allow you to even so much as stay within the fort’s walls. What knowledge do you have of this land and its people that could prevent this situation from deteriorating further? I will only entertain questions regarding Sharrowsmith once I’m assured that providing you information will not further endanger my charges."