"Letters of credit would be preferable for me as well. Though a small chunk of coin to enjoy for the next couple of days would be welcome. I'm in, but I suggest you think hard on my suggestions for equipment. I know you folks tend to pitch a low price on your first offer, and in lieu of haggling for more money I'd much prefer to see us properly equipped to do the job you want us to do. It is clear to me that this is a pretty important mission to the consortium. If you loose the depot, your supply of valuable resources from the jungle will be cut off, and your people will be losing huge amounts of potential profits. If you are going to invest in us, it is in your interest to set us up for success as best you can."
Fippin would like to stalk up on arrows before leaving. He'll try to keep his quiver full at any given time, but a stash of arrows that he can store at the deport and on the boat would be useful. Beyond that he has most of the gear he would want, other than the healing magics he requested, which is more to help ensure the success of the mission than to be of any particular benefit to him.
For a brief moment Esteban's smile quivers and a flash of malice can be seen in his eyes but then he regains his composure: "Of course, ... Faruq, see that we pick up various restoratives at the 'Free Trade Square'. Something for poisons and the like."
The look of malice is not lost on Sykala. "I come with. You need Gozreh watch over you. Take. (hands Fippin every last bit of gold on her and then turning toward the consortium man) you give my gold to Fip. (than turns back to Fippin) Get stick that fix cuts. We both use to help."
The look of malice is not lost on Sykala. "I come with. You need Gozreh watch over you. Take. (hands Fippin every last bit of gold on her and then turning toward the consortium man) you give my gold to Fip. (than turns back to Fippin) Get stick that fix cuts. We both use to help."
"I have some funds available to contribute as well, Fippin. I believe in being prepared, and if yesterday is any indication of how my luck is running, we'll need all the preparation we can get."
"I'd be remiss not to ask," Keliwyn adds, turning to the Captain, "exactly what is the Consortium's interest in the jungle? I don't know much about your organization, but I imagine it's not merely exploration for the purpose of expanding knowledge and clearing up a vague area on a map."
"I will also contribute my fair share to the purchase of any healing magic. Let me know how much you need."
Fippin pulls the party aside for a moment out of earshot of the consortium guys, and whispers.
"I'm not an expert on the Aspis Consortium, but from what I understand they are basically just a bunch of greedy profiteers with little regard for much other than making money.
They have an investment in this jungle, and they want to preserve it. Are you clear on that Sykala? These people we are working for have little respect for the Gozreh's creations. The purpose of the depot that they want us to protect is to provide them with a base of operations from which to strip the jungle of as much wealth as they can find, be it exotic plants and trees, precious metals or ivory from animal horns.
Normally these aren't really the types I'd associate with. However, I came here because I wanted to have a chance to see and explore the fabled jungles of the Mawengi. Working with these folks will give me that chance. I've said I'd do a job for them so I'll do my best, but I don't plan to sacrifice myself for the Aspis consortium.
Now I suggest you stop offering up all your share of the loot to invest in healing magic, especially in ear shot of our employers. It doesn't give them much incentive to equip us right. We can pool some for a wand of healing, and we'll keep it for our own use. However, I'd prefer that they pay for as much of that kind of thing as possible. I think we should wait and see what they can provide us with. Once we know what they're willing to contribute, then we can supplement with gear that we might want.
I personally plan to stalk up on arrows. If we're defending a depot we will likely be fighting off a rampart and will need to have plenty of arrows.
I also suggest that you be prepared for the possibility that the depot has been overrun by the time we arrive."
Quietly to Fippin: "I agree with everything you say. These people are not our friends; I don't trust them at all. I think that's why Sykala suggested we take care of equipping ourselves, and not leave it to them. If we can get them to pay for it so much the better. Just keep in mind that it is in their best interest for us to accomplish their goals without surviving to return to Bloodcove."
"I also want to get more arrows, and a spare bow too."
Nodding at Ixius's words and after slowing Fippin down to speaking at a pace she can follow she says, "I know they not friends. I bring Gozreh's will to them." Her smile seems not friendly at all.
I've read the back cover of the adventure, and know a bit about the Aspis from other pathfinder material, but there is plenty of stuff that is pretty easy to reason out without having read any of the material.
A wand of cure light wounds would cost them a chunk of cash, but considering how useful it would be to keeping their employees alive in the jungle, I figure it would be money well spent on their part. It costs a lot of time and money to rebuild a depot every few months because their guards keep getting killed off since they were too cheap to invest in healing magic. In the long run the wand would pay for itself.
"I sense that you're a quiet man, Baas, but we've yet to hear your thoughts at all. Are you interested? Do you have any concerns? I certainly hope you'll be joining us; you more than proved you can handle yourself in combat yesterday."
"Good Sykala. You speak to them of Gozreh. I will speak to them of Desna. Maybe together we can make them see the error in their ways. If not we can let the jungle punish them as it sees fit."
Nodding at Ixius's words and after slowing Fippin down to speaking at a pace she can follow she says, "I know they not friends. I bring Gozreh's will to them." Her smile seems not friendly at all.
Esteban coughs politely.
"At your insistence, my young priest, I've asked Faruq to go with you to the Free Trade Market tomorrow to pick up what you need. I'll be sure to give him some gold to purchase supplies with. The rest of you, find any more equipment you need from your advance," he points to Faruq the half-orc, "Faruq will settle up with your advance. I have to go see my beauty. I hope to see you one and all at The River Queen two days from now. We leave from the piers at noon!"
Esteban slips out of the Wheelhouse before any more bargaining can be done.
Faruq turns to Bender and asks "You have room for counting coins?". Bender points him to an office behind the bar. Faruq then turns back to the party and says "Any more questions?" in a tone that does not welcome question.
Faruq, by the way, is dressed from head to toe in silks: his peach pantaloons, blousy shirt, and lavender turban make him look like he beat up a Vudrani merchant in the market and stole his clothes.
I've read the back cover of the adventure, and know a bit about the Aspis from other pathfinder material, but there is plenty of stuff that is pretty easy to reason out without having read any of the material.
A wand of cure light wounds would cost them a chunk of cash, but considering how useful it would be to keeping their employees alive in the jungle, I figure it would be money well spent on their part. It costs a lot of time and money to rebuild a depot every few months because their guards keep getting killed off since they were too cheap to invest in healing magic. In the long run the wand would pay for itself.
"Go now too." Looks at Fippin. "You get gold." Then she heads upstairs.
For Tarren,
Fippin requests that Keliwyn, Ixius and Baas join him in Faruq in the coin counting room, while Sykala does her thing.
After Faruq has handed out their advances and has left, Fippin will chat a bit with his friends
To Ixius and Keliwyn and Baas- "How about you three meet me tomorrow in the free market. We'll cover eachother, spend our gold, and see how much useful gear we can get Faruq to pick up for us on the consortium's tab. I have a slight bad feeling about these guys and this expedition. We need to be able to trust eachother and work together as a team if we are going to get through it. Do any of you speak the tongue of my people? It would be good if we had a common language we could speak in that the consortium folk wouldn't likely understand."
Fippin also goes over to Bender and slips him a few gold.
"Bender, anything useful you can tell me about these guys?"
"I sense that you're a quiet man, Baas, but we've yet to hear your thoughts at all. Are you interested? Do you have any concerns? I certainly hope you'll be joining us; you more than proved you can handle yourself in combat yesterday."
In a whisper: I must say I have more than had enough of this place and would gladly leave. I do not trust these men either. So while I think your decision to take this mission is folly, I will follow. You seem like good folk and I expect you might be able to utilize my talents.
"Go now too." Looks at Fippin. "You get gold." Then she heads upstairs.
For Tarren,
** spoiler omitted **
Sykala:
Esteban walks along the walkways slowly working his way downroot. He steps quickly and glares at anyone who looks like they might give him any trouble. At one point, a young man snatches a coin right out of the hand of a sailor buying fish at a stall. Esteban grabs the boy, takes the coin from him and returns it to the sailor. Then, as the sailor stomps off angrily with his purchase, Esteban whips the knife out of his sleeve, slices a pouch off the sailor's belt, and hands it to the boy. The sailor does not notice. Esteban continues on his way with a bounce in his step.
Eventually he reaches the pier and begins to check over every inch of a fairly flat boat with a large paddlewheel at the back. He treats the wheelboat with great love, caressing parts of her as if to apologize for having been away.
"How about you three meet me tomorrow in the free market. We'll cover eachother, spend our gold, and see how much useful gear we can get Faruq to pick up for us on the consortium's tab. I have a slight bad feeling about these guys and this expedition. We need to be able to trust eachother and work together as a team if we are going to get through it. Do any of you speak the tongue of my people? It would be good if we had a common language we could speak in that the consortium folk wouldn't likely understand."
"Unfortunately Common is the only language I speak. But I agree we need to watch each other's backs. The pay for this expedition is way too good. It makes me think they don't plan on us surviving to see the rest. I'll meet you all tomorrow in the market."
Keliwyn is happy to join the others in the office. Once the half-orc leaves -
To Ixius and Keliwyn and Baas- "How about you three meet me tomorrow in the free market. We'll cover eachother, spend our gold, and see how much useful gear we can get Faruq to pick up for us on the consortium's tab. I have a slight bad feeling about these guys and this expedition. We need to be able to trust eachother and work together as a team if we are going to get through it. Do any of you speak the tongue of my people? It would be good if we had a common language we could speak in that the consortium folk wouldn't likely understand."
Keliwyn agrees, and indicates he would like plenty of arrows and at least a case or two of good wine. As for languages . . .
"However we communicate, we should do so carefully. You never know what languages others speak. As for me, I speak four - Elvish, Draconian, Chelaxian and Varisian. I'm also in agreement with all of you, I don't trust the Consortium, and am accepting this assignment to learn what I can both about them and the Mwangi jungle. Looking out for each other is going to be crucial if we all want to return. On that note, I would also suggest we set up an alternative means of return, if possible, in case we have a problem with the Consortium later."
Faruq meets you outside of the 'Free Trade Square' which is a greatly enlarged area of walkway surrounded by small booths, blankets covered in goods, and traders with scribes selling goods not present.
This afternoon, he is wearing a long taupe silken robe buttoned up the front with small, sturdy bone buttons. You are fairly sure that in whatever part of the world this outfit hails from, it is intended to be pyjamas.
As he leads you toward the market he sees a trio of fairly drunk sailors singing a song in an unfamiliar tongue while a fourth plays a pipe.
"Excuse me gents," he says politely but scaring them silent just by his size "That's a lovely song. I myself am a bit of a poet. I wrote this one just the other day," then in a quite lovely singing voice, he belts out:
"I lost me luv in Bloodcove,
I don't know where she went.
She left me at the tavern,
once my money was all spent.
The last time I did see her,
she was with some other gent.
She didn't keep her promises,
but kept the money that I'd lent!"
The four sailors look at him nervously as if he is about to accuse them of being that 'other gent'. Faruq says "C'mon lads, you try it ... follow wit me like 'I lost me luv in Bloodcove ..' that's right, a little louder now ..."
After guiding them through the rest of the song, Faruq continues on with you to the market smiling toothfully. "I don't know why people get down on Bloodcove. Lot's of good people here. Really compliant. I like that."
Faruq hands you a sack of gold and platinum worth 400 gp for you to prepare 'curative supplies' for The Nightfall Station crew. He makes clear that these are not intended for use by the party.
There's not much Fippin can get with 400gp, so he buys 8 potions of cure light wounds (assuming those can be found) and hands them over to Faruq.
"It looks like you boss cheaped out. I had been hoping he might contribute enough to get a few scrolls that might help deal with poison or cure diseases. Hopefully there aren't too many sick folk at the depot. These potions will help to cure injuries. Pack them somewhere safe on the ship.
We'll take care of gear for ourselves out of the pay we've been given."
Later on he'll return to the market with Ixius, Keliwyn and Baas. He also has Sykala's gold, so Fippin currently has 560gp. A five way split on a wand of cure light wounds is 150gp each. That leaves Fippin with 130gp of his own, plus 130gp from Sykala. He'll buy himself 90 arrows, and an extra sword, hand axe, rope, hammock, mosquito netting, bug repellent, 2 extra water skins, 50 more feet of hemp rope, river fishing equipment, extra explorers outfit, 4 weeks rations(stored in a barrel), 3 empty barrels (to create water in and store rations) and a back up healing kit. All that runs him almost exactly 100gp. Leaving him with 30 gp + 130 that belongs to Sykala.
Fippin also suggests that the party try to buy two large canoes that could be towed behind the main boat. They could possible store some gear in them, and maybe use them as a means to get home and scout around a little.
The phb says a rowboat is 50gp. Would a good canoe be about that?
Sykala will be back at Bender's place when the group finishes shopping.
"It looks like you boss cheaped out. I had been hoping he might contribute enough to get a few scrolls that might help deal with poison or cure diseases. Hopefully there aren't too many sick folk at the depot. These potions will help to cure injuries. Pack them somewhere safe on the ship.
We'll take care of gear for ourselves out of the pay we've been given."
"Esteban's not cheap. He's greedy," since Faruq with a smile. "Good boss though. I lost me luv in Bloodcove, don't know where she went ...".
The phb says a rowboat is 50gp. Would a good canoe be about that?
You find some canoes priced at 40 gp.
Keliwyn finds the half-orc's dress, demeanor and singing interesting, and even joins him in song. However, he is also taking preparations seriously. On the return trip to the market with Fippin, he picks up a chest, a bullseye lantern, 10 pints of oil, a sturdy short sword (to use as a machete, if necessary), 100 arrows, a chest for storing the parties extra equipment, and a lock (average strength). While walking around, he also asks Ixius if he could craft a longbow for him during the trip, and gives him 25gp to purchase materials. Keliwyn is also in agreement about the canoes, but points out that three will be necessary, and if they were actually used for a return trip, it would be a very, very long one since Esteban said they were travelling 400 miles up river. With that in mind, he asks around to see if there is another captain who is familiar with where they are headed and attempts to ascertain how much it would be to arrange back up return transportation.
Fippin is only small size, so I think 2 canoes should be able to hold us all fine.
I have no rules for insect repellent. It was more just a character thing- I do have ranks in survival, so Fippin tends to take as many survival type precautions as he can for wilderness travel. I don't think insect repellent would have a huge game impact, other than perhaps to reduce one's chances against contracting a disease transmitted by insect bites.
Fippin will be memorizing endure elements every day and casting it on himself each morning. In fact he has been doing that for some time now. It lasts 24 hours, so it is pretty much always active on him.
According to the pathfinder rules you pick which 0 level spells you want memorized, but there is no limit to how many times you can cast them. That would mean that I could memorize cure minor wounds and cast it over and over and over, which would vastly reduce the need for healing magic since I could pretty much heal the entire party in about half an hour of straight praying. This could come in real handy between fights.
The orisons he will normally memorize for the trip will be - cure minor wounds, light, create water, and purify food and drink.
I'll add the new gear he purchased and standard spell selection for the trip to his character sheet.
Keliwyn finds the half-orc's dress, demeanor and singing interesting, and even joins him in song. However, he is also taking preparations seriously. On the return trip to the market with Fippin, he picks up a chest, a bullseye lantern, 10 pints of oil, a sturdy short sword (to use as a machete, if necessary), 100 arrows, a chest for storing the parties extra equipment, and a lock (average strength). While walking around, he also asks Ixius if he could craft a longbow for him during the trip, and gives him 25gp to purchase materials. Keliwyn is also in agreement about the canoes, but points out that three will be necessary, and if they were actually used for a return trip, it would be a very, very long one since Esteban said they were travelling 400 miles up river. With that in mind, he asks around to see if there is another captain who is familiar with where they are headed and attempts to ascertain how much it would be to arrange back up return transportation.
According to the pathfinder rules you pick which 0 level spells you want memorized, but there is no limit to how many times you can cast them. That would mean that I could memorize cure minor wounds and cast it over and over and over, which would vastly reduce the need for healing magic since I could pretty much heal the entire party in about half an hour of straight praying. This could come in real handy between fights.
I have no rules for insect repellent. It was more just a character thing- I do have ranks in survival, so Fippin tends to take as many survival type precautions as he can for wilderness travel. I don't think insect repellent would have a huge game impact, other than perhaps to reduce one's chances against contracting a disease transmitted by insect bites.
In the market Fippin comes across one merchant selling a balm that he 'guarantees' will keep insects at bay even in the 'deepest heart of the mighty Mwangi'.
damn. I'll change that to stabilize. I guess we'll be needing that wand after all.
According to the pathfinder rules you pick which 0 level spells you want memorized, but there is no limit to how many times you can cast them. That would mean that I could memorize cure minor wounds and cast it over and over and over, which would vastly reduce the need for healing magic since I could pretty much heal the entire party in about half an hour of straight praying. This could come in real handy between fights.
That sounds good. Fippin will take 10 doses, but will probably mostly wear it only when trekking through the jungle. Hopefullly the insects won't be quite as bad out in the middle of the river on the boat.
I have no rules for insect repellent. It was more just a character thing- I do have ranks in survival, so Fippin tends to take as many survival type precautions as he can for wilderness travel. I don't think insect repellent would have a huge game impact, other than perhaps to reduce one's chances against contracting a disease transmitted by insect bites.In the market Fippin comes across one merchant selling a balm that he 'guarantees' will keep insects at bay even in the 'deepest heart of the mighty Mwangi'.
Fippin's pretty much ready to get on that boat and start heading up river as soon as the rest of the character's are good to go.
Sykala will see if she can find some alchemical supplies for insect repellent among other things in the surrounding jungle. Other than that she is ready to go also.
Finding plants to make insect repellent (1d20+10=14)
Apparently the locals harvest most of what she needs in the surrounding area.
Finally having something to do gives Keliwyn some idea of when he might be able to head back to Korvosa, so his mood is considerably better than it has been. Once preparations are complete, Keliwyn passes the time getting to know his new friends, but he is ready and eager to get under way as soon as possible.
Sykala will see if she can find some alchemical supplies for insect repellent among other things in the surrounding jungle. Other than that she is ready to go also.
Finding plants to make insect repellent (1d20+10=14)
Apparently the locals harvest most of what she needs in the surrounding area.
Ixius is ready to go, but he is wondering how he is going to get his chest full of stuff and his canoe from the market to the boat.
Baas will try to help Sykala find ingredients to make the insect repellent.
Knowledge (Nature) (1d20 9=19)
Knowledge (Nature) (1d20 7=14) oops Survival check
Failing that, he spends the rest of his money on balm (43 doses - He hates the bugs)and 40 more arrows.
Ixius is ready to go, but he is wondering how he is going to get his chest full of stuff and his canoe from the market to the boat.
Baas lifts the Canoe onto his shoulder and heads towards the boat (or water if it is closer)
if not so manageable:
Baas checks the weight of the canoe and with a slight look of defeat, looks at Ixius "I think we can manage this, get that side."
Keliwyn is happy to assist everyone with getting the canoes and other gear to the Esteban's boat.
Sykala is already on the boat if Esteban let her on setting up a place to sleep on top of the cabin or whatever the highest point that is relatively flat.
Fippin plans to seal three of the barrels he bought. One will have 60 arrows in it and his spare outfit, sword, axe and healing kit. The other two will contain most of his food rations. The barrels will be sealed with pitch and wax, so that if they somehow end up going over board, they will float and the contents won't be spoiled. He will keep a forth barrel that will be open and on the boat. He will use create water magic to keep it filled with cool fresh water. Hopefully that will endear him to the crew a little.
He will make sure we have 3 paddles for each canoe, and they will be tied to the the yoke so that if the canoes flip while being towed we won't loose the paddles.
The next day, it is easy enough to find some young and willing helpers to carry your stuff to the docks. A copper piece gets a helper. A silver piece gets a helper who doesn't steal from you.
With all the noise and hustle and bustle, you wonder how you will ever find Esteban and The River Queen. Then a trio of peacock feathers in a large mint sunhat catch your eye. The bounce around moving cargo from dock to ship. Eventually your eye drifts downwards to the half-orc wearing the sunhat. Barechested, Faruq is attracting a lot of attention with his baggy pantaloons and the sunhat.
As you approach the boat, you hear Esteban snear to Faruq "Do you have to wear that? Everyone is looking."
Faruq replies, "How do you expect to get a reputation if you don't attract any attention?"
Esteban quips back "I intend to get filthy rich and then buy a reputation."
Faruq sees you and winks and calls back "Esteban, quiet down. We've got listeners. You don't want them knowing about your evil plan to purchase Bloodcove."
Esteban smiles and waves to the boat. "Friends! Meet The River Queen."
Three other crewmen are helping Faruq to load the ship.
Two of them brush past you rudely.
A few notes about The River Queen.
- She's about 85 feet long.
- She has a cargo deck on the back which is loaded with crates.
- She has a cargo area at the front which is covered by the Pilothouse (the smaller deckplan). This cargo is covered with nets. Faruq is loading goods here right now.
- She has a cabin on the main deck. A ladder is positioned behind the cabin. Esteban is standing on the top deck above the cabin.
- The topdeck and the pilothouse are above the cabin and the covered cargo area.
- There are some stairs that go down at the front.
- The bow is raised by about five feet. A pair of stairs run up to the bow (not shown on this image).
- The main deck has no rail to speak of. Ropes run from bow to stern when she's on the river.
Baas will try to help Sykala find ingredients to make the insect repellent.
Knowledge (Nature) (1d20 9=19)
Knowledge (Nature) (1d20 7=14) oops Survival check
Failing that, he spends the rest of his money on balm (43 doses - He hates the bugs)and 40 more arrows.
With Baas' help, Sykala finds the ingredients she needs to make a couple of days worth of the bug repellent. The process of grinding the root down into paste and then boiling it takes up a good part of her evening.
Sykala is already on the boat if Esteban let her on setting up a place to sleep on top of the cabin or whatever the highest point that is relatively flat.
Esteban spends much of his time in the pilothouse and isn't too encouraging about Sykala sleeping on the topdeck. There's always the bow.