The Pathfinders arrive with Kreighton Shaine , having traveled to the city of Nantambu via riverboat. As they disembark at the Speaker’s Stage on the western edge of the Magaambya, the Scrollmaster herds the group toward a similarly-sized group that’s waiting on the dock. Shaine asks the field agents to give him a moment while he speaks with his counterpart, Takulu Ot .
The two instructors have a brief exchange off to the side with pleasantries and expectations being discussed. Takulu Ot has brought an equal number of Magaambya students as there are Pathfinder agents.
But before we get to them, why don't you introduce yourselves?
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Handsome.
Broad shouldered and with a thick “mane” of hair, four powerful limbs shoeed in four metal U-shaped iron rings support the human torso above the large quadruped body that constitutes the lower half of our wild-hided hero. Strapped to her back, the skull of some reptilian animal fashioned into a shield complete with a wickedly sharp protruding tooth spike. Belts and saddlebags with various ointments and tinctures decorate her person in easy-to-grasp pouches, distributed neatly and with care and consideration.
A full head and shoulders over the rest of the party, she introduces herself "There is much to learn through exchange. Shall we start with names? I am called Winter"
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Variel Liadon, a half elf in well-kept black leathers has been difficult to miss on the riverboat up to Nantambu. On many days, when the weather allowed, he spent the day sitting on deck strumming his lute, jotting down notes and, more often than not, cursing. Of an evening, he has led any who would join in raucous renditions of popular pub songs.
Variel joins Winter and Athena disembarking, his lute slung over his back. Jovially chatting with the centaur he says "Agreed, I am not sure what to expect here, but ... looking forward to the exchange of ideas. Perhaps there might even be a new song in it!"
The Magaambya students are mostly young adult humans, who introduce themselves as Esi Djana, Mariama Keitana, Noxolo, and Okoro Obiyo. One is a middle-aged human called Strands-of-Glowing-Dawn Tzeniwe, and the last is a tiny kholo (sometimes known as gnoll) who introduces herself as Anchor Root. Apparently she is a fully-grown adult ant kholo and not a small child, as she might be initially taken.
“Thank you all for being ambassadors for the Pathfinder Society. You can call me Teacher Ot. I have been long at work with your Master of Scrolls to have this exchange. While I believe the Pathfinder Society can and have helped many, I know there is always more that we all could do. There are many wonderful values in exploration, reporting, and cooperation, but to take these all further, the Magaambya and myself look toward acts of service.” Takulu briefly looks over at his group of students departing with Shaine—more out of habit than anything—before focusing back on the agents.
“Please, walk with me through Nantambu and let us chat before we begin. I would love to get to know you all better and give you time to better know me. My students will be left in the care of your Master Shaine, so let us waste no time in beginning.” He then follows Kreighton Shaine across a bridge back toward the center of campus, only to turn off onto another path that will lead into the city proper.
Takulu Ot waves to Kreighton Shaine and his students as they part for a day of lessons. He then leads the Pathfinders through the edge of the Magaambya campus and onto the streets of Nantambu, pointing out the various businesses, buildings, and people that make the city and school so vibrant. He offers to buy various food and drink for the agents from food stalls as they move along, but his primary interest is in getting to know the team better.
“As we walk closer to the center of town and the Magaambya itself, I would love to discuss what all is expected of you today. First, I hope to learn about what makes you who you are and why you are here, if you are willing to share. I also hope to talk about some community service ahead of you. These acts of service are expected of all prospective students, and they perform such duties during their Perquisites before starting lessons. I thank you again for taking the time to be here for this sharing of ideas and methods. I am sure to learn much from observing your methods and interactions today. But please, I have dominated this conversation thus far! Tell me new friends, what are you most excited to accomplish while here in beautiful Nantambu? What is it that drove you to become the Pathfinder Agents you are now? What skills have provided you the most success in your endeavors thus far? I’d love for you to illuminate me with whatever talents you find best define who you are.”
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Variel will sample a few of the food stalls as they walk and will enthusiastically reply to the Magaambyan teacher "It is great to meet you Teacher Ot, I am called Variel Liadon. I will admit that I am the least experienced of this group. This is my first time in Nantambu and I am perhaps most excited about the possibility of learning some new music. I have heard that Nantambu has a great music scene! As for why I joined the Pathfinders, well, I tried to run away for a time but eventually was drawn back to the work my father did many years ago and joined the Society. I like to think it is my performance skills that have been the most useful so far, Erastil knows it isn't my riddle solving skills" and he smiles ruefully.
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"For my people, I have always led consult" Winter testifies to her skill set "From a young age, animals have been drawn to me, as too have people in need of a listening ear" she looks over the party "I have long been a guardian, and now, a wind of change blows me abroad, here, for reasons I need not understand to accept" striding forth at an even trot, our gallant hero shares a little about her life.
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Once the group is moving Dolan finally speaks up.
You can call me Dolan. I'm here to learn a bit of it all. Getting in, getting out, patching things, fixing people... even then godly can't or won't handle everything so I'm preparing to handle anything. Not to mention keeping away from those who won't forget what you took...
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"I am Athena Muse. As you might have guessed, I hail from the Jistka of long ago, though my memories of the war with Ancient Osirion are almost nonexistent. I shut myself down for a number of centuries a few years after its conclusion, and they all faded during that time. I stirred at the presence of a group of pathfinders, and enjoyed my time with them. Feeling reinvigorated, I joined their ranks and embarked upon a new study of arcane magic as well."
Skipping over any notion of food or drink, Athena only pauses once or twice to examine a trinket or folio on display.
"This chassis is built for strength, and that has been my strongest asset when performing my duties. My mind is still keen and my knowledge of magic grows steadily, but nothing as yet has challenged those skills the way the physical rigors have."
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A young woman disembarks last, reaching the dry land with relief as she was sea sick (or river sick) during the whole boat trip. She has black long hair, dark eyes and shows a clear mix of Tian and Avistani origins.
She doesn't have much equipment besides a backpack, no visible weapon. She wears simple clothes under a rather heavy armor that protects most of her body but her belly.
Her belly happens to be the most prominent part of her anatomy: it is enormous and impossible to hide as she's apparently past 9 months of pregnancy.
Her illustration, without the blood of course.
When reaching the group, she introduces herself with a low voice, rubbing her belly while doing so: "Nice to meet you all, I'm Noizumi Katsumi, but you can call me Kat'."
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Katsumi follows the group with a bit of difficulty, panting just behind Dolan. She catches her breath while the others are speaking before answering with a smile: "I'm obviously interested in meeting the people of Nantambu and discovering the nature of your country. Even if my main interest is in the Magaambya itself and your mastery of magic. What drove me to become a Pathfinder..."
She takes a few seconds to think: "Well, circumstances, destiny, an occasion and here I am. As to my best skills, it's obviously my charming personality...", she finishes her sentence by prominently rubbing her belly: "...and my Belly, of course."
"Hm. Fantastic! And do any of you have any questions for me? I'd also like to see what each of you can do. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but show me something that demonstrates your greatest talent!"
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Waving her hands, a gentle wind caresses the skins of those nearby her - she guides the summoned elemental force to blow into hanging metal objects so that they clash into eachother with controlled slowed momentum and making "chang" and "cling" sounds - a makeshift windchime! - causing animals domestic and wild from throughout the market to suddenly gather around and observe the phenomenon with curiosity.
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"Greatest talent, well allow me to demonstrate" and swinging the lute around from his back, Variel will burst into a rendition of a popular Absalom pub song, or at least the first verse and chorus
once the chorus is done, he will bow with a flourish and ask
"Teacher Ot, I am intrigued as to what you have planned for us. What does the exchange involve?"
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Considering her fellow companions choosing to impress the teacher through songs and music, Katsumi decides to accompany them with her voice. She sings with Variel, especially the chorus that she knows much better than the verse. Unexpectedly, her voice is very deep for a woman (deeper than Varius'?). As the bard ends the song, she continues the last note, turning it ultimately in a sort of animal growl, causing all the animals to suddenly flee.
Unfortunately, she adds more confusion than grace to the party performance.
“Both the city and Magaambya were founded by Old-Mage Jatembe; he, along with his Ten Magic Warriors, sought to rekindle the flame of knowledge in those darker times. Magaambya is the oldest academy of learning, and members seek to act in service to all in this world.” Takulu smiles and looks toward the academy’s towers, which are visible no matter where in town someone may be. “We instill these values in ourselves and live them every day. It is a great honor and privilege to share this day with you all.
"A perquisite is the time before a student begins their studies where they act in service to the wider community here. It also helps to give prospective students tasks suited to the different branches of study found in our Rain Scribes, Tempest Sun-Mages, Cascade Bearers, Emerald Boughs, and Uzunjati. Those branches largely determine the focus of a student’s studies. As fluid as the waters of the Vanji, our Rain-Scribes explore and chart the natural world to keep us safe in our journeys. The noble Tempest Sun-Mages —being intrepid and sharp-minded wardens to these lands—are a prominent reason most leave this area be.” Takulu begins to walk backwards to face the party, giving them a wink as he punctuates this last note.
“Beyond those, the creative Cascade Bearers are out-of-the box thinkers with a drive to problem solve. They are our most studious branch, focused on the safety and advancement of magical theory. Meanwhile, the Emerald Boughs are ambassadors, who act as the connection between us and those outside our communities while working to ensure they understand the needs and concerns of those we serve. Finally, the Uzunjati work to safeguard the peace while protecting all our stories. There is great power in all people’s collective knowledge, and the Uzunjati understand this well.”[/b[ Taking a moment to pause, both for the information presented and for the minor exertion of the walk thus far, Takulu sighs a breath of relief. [b]“These are but brief ideas and largely don’t represent any individuals, but all are steps on the path toward the Magaambyan ways.”
Takulu smiles broadly and claps at the performances. "That is a most brilliant song!" He doesn't criticize Katsumi, but his smile is mostly on Saturnine. "And goodness Dolan, I lost track of you entirely for a moment there. You're adult 'students' so I'm not exactly a chaperone, but I'd still prefer that nobody gets lost.
"Oh, and that reminds me that I have a small gift for you, a nice piece of local artistry." Teacher Ot presents the Pathfinders with a small wooden figuring of an anteater. "And look, it can hold your other trinkets to display them." He adds a gemstone, which sits neatly in the animal's forelimbs.
“Now, we seek to aid the community in whatever way is needed. Our goal is to make ourselves available with an open mind and heart. Even just listening to someone’s problems is an act of service. That said, you may find yourself pulling a pet-friend from a tree, solving a disagreement between youths, or simply telling stories of your own to those in need of entertainment. All are valid forms of service if we are there aiding others. Even the more particular of situations, such as impending conflict, can often be solved through a path of kindness and understanding if one looks hard enough.” It is obvious to all of the Pathfinders that Teacher Ot finds this aspect of life in the Magaambya to be an important one.
As Takulu Ot leads the group around a corner in a small section of street market stalls, a small group of townsfolk can be seen gathering near a tree, pulling down fresh fruit. “Early as expected, this group ahead are those who seek your aid. Please deal with their requests one at a time, though you can choose which order you want to tackle them after hearing them. They will also be preparing a feast for you all… if you help enough of them in time today! If you are not quick enough, you will still be fed, but the feast will be theirs. A fair price for your services.”
Takulu will laugh along with the group if they laugh, or chuckle to himself otherwise. “I leave them in your hands while I attend to some business of my own. Please listen to their needs and aid them in whatever ways you can. I am sure you all will do quite well, your scrollmaster spoke highly of you all! Take care, my friends!”
Once the Pathfinders are ready to speak with the townsfolk, Takulu Ot will take his leave so that they can work unobserved. He makes sure to remind them that they have four hours to get enough work done before dinner. Teacher Ot needs to visit an Alijae elf named Tokku about a recent incident that he plans to have the team investigate after their dinner.
As soon as the agents are ready to hear them, the villagers are ready to present their troubles. The Pathfinders are asked to help out with...
Cat Rescue!
The first villager to approach the Pathfinders is a gnome with a great sense of urgency. “Thank you so much for your help! I’m Cora! My cat, Crinkle, has free run of the town, but I haven’t seen him in a long time, and I just want to know he’s okay. He loves these markets so I’m sure he’s nearby. He loves head scritches, fish, and hiding under blankets—I hope that helps! Please bring him to me!”
Sewer Rush
A morose kobold introduces himself to the Pathfinders as Kivzyx. He does maintenance for the sewers and has noted that a few sewer oozes have blocked off the area he needs to examine. The quickest and best means to deal with a mess like this is usually by defeating the oozes. They’re not tough, but they’re tough enough that a kobold with no combat training can’t deal with them.
Aggressive Farming
“We perform lots of farming around here given our natural verdancy. Unfortunately… I’ve been a bit lax on my land. Would you come with me and just help me clear it up a bit? I’ve not maintained my tools or cleaned like I should and I’m a bit embarrassed about it.” The farmer, a song’o halfling named Kana, will lead the Pathfinders to an area slightly outside of the bazaar where their farmland is, as described, in disrepair.
Full Bellies, Warm Hearts
Not only is there opportunity to help with the upcoming feast, but there are several others feeding and providing nourishment to members of their community in more holistic ways. No matter the circumstances of their needs, other members of the community have stepped up to help. A matronly kholo named Leaping Gazelle invites the Pathfinders to help those without the means to buy food by preparing meals, speaking with patrons, sharing stories, or otherwise directly providing care.
Checking Out Unchecked Magic
“You all look quite capable! You see, I’ve been performing some experiments in my home that have gotten out of hand. If you wouldn’t mind following me to my home, I can explain more!” As the Pathfinders follow an anadi named Weaver-of-Tales Djani to their home, they take the time to discuss, in excruciating detail, their experiments using their Familiar as a focal point for a ritual they were researching. However, they often flit between theoretical models, other planned research, and similar digressions, resulting in a failure to say anything of substance. If asked to speed up their point or left to the end of their ranting, they finally convey, “Something seems to have gone wrong with the ritual. If you can get there and just stop my familiar from getting too out of control, I would appreciate it! We’ve grown quite attached and I’d hate to go through the process of finding a new one. Ultimately, if you can’t, could you just report back the findings of the experiment? Thank you! I really appreciate it!”
Two Sides
As with every argument, there are likely to be multiple perspectives. Twin brothers approach the group with one holding a smashed vase in his hands. Their names are Jelani and Zahur, and Jelani is holding the remnants while sadly explaining he believes his twin smashed it out of jealousy. Jelani says Zahur must have knocked it off its shelf so that it would look like an accident. Zahur claims that he would never intentionally hurt his brother, and he was simply careless when he knocked it over.
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"Amazing performance there Winter. And you have a beautiful voice Katsumi!" Variel will gush earlier
After meeting the townsfolk and hearing their requests he will huddle with the party and in a hushed whisper say "Look, Cora sounds pretty keen on finding their cat, but I feel that could take us ages. Should we try some of the others first and see if the cat just turns up? I was thinking maybe we should help with the food first - gives it time to cook 'n all"
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Athena hesitates, clearly not happy with being asked to perform in the middle of the market.
Rather than do anything flashy, she recites a few arcane lessons.
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"Your branches have interesting parallels to the factions of the society. Fascinating."
And she does indeed laugh along with Takulu, though maybe not for the same reason.
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Athena crouches down to look Kana faceplate-to-eye and gives them a reassuring nod. "A shame, but not something we cannot make short work of."
She is momentarily distracted by Weaver-of-Tales, however, and steps back to consider all of the requests.
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Katsumi doesn't seem thrilled by Takulu's description of the Magaambyan way. But she quickly adopts an unexpressive face to avoid others to feel it (but anyone perceptive can feel she strongly disagrees).
When getting to the tree, she has hard time hiding her annoyance. But finally, she decides to get over it. She steps forward to face the townspeople with a broad smile: "What is it that happen to you?"
"You lost your cat... I tend to scare animals but I'm sure Saturnine will find it in no time."
"Danger in the sewers? You call the right persons, we will clean that in no time."
"Your field? You shouldn't let your material possessions own you. You should learn to live off the land instead. Maybe is it the good moment!"
"It's important to keep our bellies filled. If you have a comfy chair and a table a bit higher than my Belly, I'll be happy to help you with cooking. And if you have pregnant women in your community, we can all relate about our experience while doing so."
"Magical experiments can be dangerous. But you're lucky, our party covers all magical traditions so we should solve your issue quickly."
"A vase?", she smiles while adding: "You are claiming in front of your whole community that you want to solve this issue. Isn't it the sign that you both want to move on with this ridiculous argument? The next step is just to acknowledge it to each other."
It looks like Katsumi really loves bathing in the crowd and being the center of attention.
"Interesting! Is that something you learned from your scrollmaster, Athena?"
“You all look quite capable! You see, I’ve been performing some experiments in my home that have gotten out of hand. If you wouldn’t mind following me to my home, I can explain more!” As the Pathfinders follow an anadi named Weaver-of-Tales Djani to their home, they take the time to discuss, in excruciating detail, their experiments using their Familiar as a focal point for a ritual they were researching. However, they often flit between theoretical models, other planned research, and similar digressions, resulting in a failure to say anything of substance. If asked to speed up their point or left to the end of their ranting, they finally convey, “Something seems to have gone wrong with the ritual. If you can get there and just stop my familiar from getting too out of control, I would appreciate it! We’ve grown quite attached and I’d hate to go through the process of finding a new one. Ultimately, if you can’t, could you just report back the findings of the experiment? Thank you! I really appreciate it!”
Inside the home, a bat—said familiar, clearly identified by the trail of arcane sparks following behind it—is zipping about in a panic. If left unattended, these sparks could start a fire, or potentially set off some other arcane chaos.
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Inaudibly, Winter coaxes her vocal chords into a gentle supersonic frequency, singing an animal lullaby beyond the centaur / dwarf / human / kobold / automaton (?) typical range of hearing. Instead of a flashy display, the bat merely soothes it's most violent and confused urges, landing a moment to rest it's wings, clutching the roof, and hanging upside down, soft slumber betaking it's erratic energies.
She smiles and watches her party subdue it.
Takulu seems pretty impressed with Mikmek's stories.
Katsumi knows that most familiars are animals, although they're also usually a little different from regular animals.
Unfortunately that's about all she knows.
Variel tries to work some of the magical equipment to reverse the ritual, but something bursts with a loud popping noise.
The bat sees Dolan coming. Which means it definitely doesn't see Mikmek!
While the bat can clearly hear Saturnine's music, it's less clear whether it's having an effect.
But the point is moot. As Mikmet holds it, Athena reverses the fumbled ritual and draws out the excess magical energy.
The familiar is safe, and the Pathfinders are able to return it to Djani after only half an hour of work. And Athena's reversal of the ritual may have prevented a fire... the community seems grateful for it.
"We perform lots of farming around here given our natural verdancy. Unfortunately… I’ve been a bit lax on my land. Would you come with me and just help me clear it up a bit? I’ve not maintained my tools or cleaned like I should and I’m a bit embarrassed about it.” The farmer, a song’o halfling named Kana, will lead the Pathfinders to an area slightly outside of the bazaar where their farmland is, as described, in disrepair.
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Picking up on Winter's cue, Variel will try to convince Kana to take the land more seriously.
"Kana, this land is bountiful but needs to be tended to produce both for yourself and the people of Nantambu. Farmers are amongst the most important people on Golarian! We should be able to get things back in order and make it easier for you to continue in the future. "
and while it is apparent Variel is no athlete he will pitch in, leading the group in a working song as they go.
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Manual labor of the land is no work for a pregnant woman, so Katsumi spends some time speaking with the landowner.
"Kana, it's obvious you're no hard worker. Clearly, you're not meant for farming. But there are other ways to produce food, more in line with your frame and tastes. For example, you can let nature grow organically and help the species that give the most food. Such a big land can produce a lot of berries, fruits, vegetables and such. Don't let civilization tame you."
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"I have heard that untended lands attract little gremlins called dwende. If you don't take care of your lands, these gremlins might decide your land is a good home. Getting rid of them is hard to do as they can be pretty vengeful, playing tricks on you. You might end up with unknown aches and pains."
Between Athena doing most of the manual labor and all the advice from the other Pathfinders, Kana’s land and their ability to properly maintain it has improved by leaps and bounds.
Good work for only about 30 minutes!
Three hours remain until the feast.