Gameplay thread
As the six of you congregate in the Grand Lodge in Absalom, the familiar fce of Ambrus Valsin enters the room, accompanied by a man unknown to you.
“Ah, Falroun, these are the agents I was telling you about,” Ambrus Valsin says. “Pathfinders, welcome! May I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda of Alkenstar.” He gestures across his desk to a tall Garundi man with short black hair and gold-rimmed spectacles.
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,
touring your lodge and looking at you, you do not disappoint!”
Valsin present a wide smile 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, “And so 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, Ambrus Valsin’s smile quickly fades from his face.
“Ordinarily, the Society would cover the costs of an expedition like this,” he sighs, ”however, between our recent campaigns in Varisia and the Worldwound and this new focus on the Sky Key our resources are stretched thin at the moment. So 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.”
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A woman with long dark hair and hazel eyes stands quietly in the back of the room. Her form fitting crimson red armor sets her apart from most adventures. Laying loosely on her left hip, sets a coiled whip and a longsword.
While the Venture-Captain and Count explain the upcoming objectives, locations, and a bit of the Counts personal history, the young woman looks off into the distance as if she is in deep thought.
(I’m fairly certain I have heard the name Khiben-Sald before.)
The young woman is holding a unique looking Pathfinder banner, which rests proudly atop a seven foot pole in her left hand. The sight of the banner, and what it represents, is somewhat inspiring to everyone in the room.
As the Venture-Captain continues with briefing, the young woman once again turns her attention back to the task at hand.
"Khiben-Sald" Ambrus Valsin corrects Sparkle-Weave. "The man who united Vudra from the start and whose bloodline is still how that land traces its rule."
"As for who or what the temple is for, or what treasures or artifacts may be inside, we're not sure." he responds to the gnome and the halfling. "It's almost certainly one of the Vudran deities' in any case. I've heard reports that the locals around that part of the jungle have several superstitions about monkeys. If that represents some leftover remnants of the temple’s faith, that could mean the place might be dedicated to one of the monkey-faced deities, Ragdya and Lahkgya, or to Chamidu, the goddess of wild animals."
Jalmary itself was gifted to Vudra by the Arclord Nex in 563 AR when the Maharaja visited the island and the Inner Sea with his fleet. While Arclords re-settled the island shortly thereafter, Vudrans claiming to be Khiben-Sald's descendants returned in 2822 AR and drove off the 'squatting' arclords. The nation has remained relatively peaceful ever since.
Tigers in particular are fierce predators. They are mostly solitary, and are territorial hunters.
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The young halfling armed with a long spear listens to the conversation with interest. Thinking to himself, As long as their are no Chelaxians around we should be okay. .
I am in he says. I don't have anything else that I am going to be doing anywho/ [/b] He will tell his fellow halfling Hey Shorty, be careful that the tiger doesn't eat you up in one gulp. he says with a laugh.
"Tigers are different enough than monkeys. I'm sure your excursion will be fine." Ambrus replies.
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Shonne takes note of what is said from the back of the room, but adds little.
She makes mental notes of all that she knows of the region in questions regarding terrain, weather, flora and fauna, noting anything in particular that stands out. If there's a map of the region available she guesstimates travel times--assuming short travelers with short legs.
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The young woman, in crimson armor, shifts slightly then adds her voice to the quandary.
“Captain-Valsin, do you have any idea how long this hunt will take? I ask this in order properly prepare food and water for the trip.”
After taking stock of her current inventory the woman looks up once again.
“I currently have about four days of food, and maybe two days of water. Unless there is food and lodging available, I’m thinking this might not be enough.”
The part of the Lowlands you're headed to is also known as “the monkey swamp,” and particularly devout Vudrani claim that the monkeys who reside there possess mystical powers.
"Well, good on you for being prepared then." Ambrus nods approvingly at Tatiana. "Though given how well-off the Count and the Baron are I'd expect they would bring enough ration for a party twice your size. As for the hunt itself, well that would depend on how quickly you help the Baron bag this tiger, wouldn't it? In either case, I can't imagine more than a week. Besides," the Venture Captain cracks a smile. "part of the appeal of hunting is that if you're any good at it, dinner is provided."
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Tatiana glances around the room, taking measure of the small hunting party, then looks back into her backpack.
(I remember when father tried to train a couple tigers for the circus caravan. The beasts were stubborn and dangerous. I am concerned that the wee-folk, of the group, will be little help against an animal as deadly as a tiger.)
"I'll need a little time to buy additional food."
3 Days Rations
3 Water skins
"My instinct would be that the halfling has a point." Valsin says. "Though if you'd like to bring your own gear just in case feel free. I've been told the Baron will be stopping off at a trading post on the island before you set out into the jungle anyway; I'm sure the basics could be picked up there."
"In either case," he sighs. "Just be sure to get a good scout of the temple. And keeps the lords happy of course."
After you have discussed your mission, Ambrus Valsin excuses himself and departs to deal with other matters. You spend the rest of the night making some purchases before you go and readying yourself for the journey south.
The next morning, as dawn breaks across the harbor, you arrive at the appropriate pier to find Count Matsanda standing at the top of the gangplank of a modest-sized but very highscale vessel. He waves you aboard with a smile and pats each of you on the back as you ascend onto the deck.
"Ah, welcome, welcome! I'm so glad to see you could make it. Please, make yourself at home. You can find your cabins down below. The Ape's Bane isn't the most luxurious yacht I'll admit, but it is my father-in-law's customary transport before these types of things."
As the excited count says this, a cabin door opens to reveal a dark-skinned Garundi man. With a thick mustache and graying temples, he cuts a fine figure despite his aging years. He makes his way across the main deck towards count Matsanda, walking with a notable limp and using a finely crafted cane to aid him.
"Ah, yes. Allow me to introduce you to my father: the Baron Bomande Rudyahm. Hero of the Gorilla Assault and veteran leader of the Alkestran Guard!"
"Hmm, leader of some men anyway." the elder Baron responds with a smirk. "But I've had my share of scraps." With quick procision he turns towards your group. "So, you're the party Falroun's tapped to join me, eh? Think you can hold your own out in the brush?" He looks you over, skeptically.
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It's cute that you're too afraid to sleep alone Benny, but I'll be in my own cabin, thanks.
Hangust will place come distance between himself and the other halfling who was clearly trying to antagonize him.
As the Baron addresses him he puffs out his chest and grins. Of course we can hold our own, who would the Society pick other than their best to help you hunt this tiger?
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Suddenly, there is a commotion from the docks, shouts and cries as a huge lizard-man thing bursts through a group of porters and runs towards the Ape's Bane. He sprint't up the gangplank, and then stops suddenly. staring vacantly about the ship.
A Raven land's on shoulder, and loudly announces to all:
GREETINGS ALL! IT IS I LORD KORBIN! I apologize for my late arrival, Silass here... he says, jabbing a clawed talon ineffectively into the side of the Nagaji's head failed to heed my precise instructions in navigating through the docks, and managed to get us both lost for hours! He is a fool and an idiot and worth no more than the dirt on a beggars shoe! But worry not all, for I am now here to lead this expedition to victory, in the name of the noble and proud Korbin House!
Looking briefly around, Lord Korbin notices the baron and count standing on deck.
And indeed also and mostly for the honor and privilege of working with such esteemed colleagues as the Rudyahm family. I look forward to becoming better acquainted with you both on this grand voyage!
Throughout this speech, Silass stands still, staring dumbly about him, and it is not apparent if he even understands the words Lord Korbin is speaking. Eventually, as he grows bored with the Raven's talking, he approaches Bennybeck, squatting down and staring at him quizically. As Lord Korbin's platform, he therefore also carries Korbin with him, who turns to Bennybeck as though the move was at his direction.
Ah good, you, servant! Take my things and place them in my room. I have not had the time to select one myself, I will therefore accept anything towards the prow of the ship, with en-suite bathing chambers and port side views. Quickly now, some of us have important things to be doing
Looking about the deck, Korbin takes note of his travelling companions.
Well, it is good indeed that I am here. It would seem from the riffraff the society has pulled together that there is none so learned as I upon this voyage. Do not fret though, dear companions. I shall provide my knowledge free of charge in the name of the society. I am learned in all things, and you shall all share in the boon of this wisdom. Now, I hope you all packed appropriately, the jungles are very cold this time of year, and I wouldn't want any of you to catch a chill. I expect the snows will start by the time our vessel arrive, as this trip by sea will likely take at least 3 months, and the local populace is deeply superstitious about the number 7 and will therefore not likely take kindly too......
Lord Korbin drones on, reciting endless details (likely entirely fictitious) as Silass wanders aimlessly around the deck.
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Silass stare's back at the small-man-thing, his serpentine eyes focused, gleaming with dull intelligence. He leans in closer still to sniff at it, his forked tongue darting out to within inches of the halflings face. Satisfied that it is neither food nor foe, he rocks back on his heels and continue to stare dully back at Bennybeck as Korbin continues to drone on about tropical snowstorms and the dangers of frostbite in high humidity climates.
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Korbin yells:
DO NOT TOUCH HIM! He is a savage beast, capable only of violence and bloodshed, with no regard for learning or kindness! A most savage creature, I keep him in line only through the vast and irrefutable power of my own force of will!
But for his part, Silass doesn't seem to mind at all, and sits still, staring back at Bennyback and smiling slightly at the small-man-things trepidation.
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Given the most recent turn of events Hangust nervously laughs in the Barons direction.
You certainly will remember us by then end of this! Despite wanting to keep a bit of decorum his innate halfling curiosity was starting to get the better of him. He kept glancing over his shoulder so see if Sparkle-weave would have to fight Orin off of Lord Korbin, or to see if Silass would ever speak for himself.
The Baron gives all of you a hard stare. "Yes. I've no doubt I will. Well Falroun, let us only hope our luck in the expedition is as triumphant as you 'companions' here." He begins limping his way back towards his cabin, stopping at the door only to call back "Still, I suppose you all should dine with me tonight. Perhaps reintroduce each other once we're on our way."
As the Baron disappears below deck, Count Matsanda sheepishly follows him below, apologizing for his father-in-law's curt manner while hoping you take him up on his offer to dine.
Later that evening, as you arrive in the surpringly spacious dining room belowdecks, Count and the Baron welcome you to the table. A handful of servants reguarly refill glasses of water and wine, while courses of fish and fruit deck the table. As you all dig in the the meal, the Baron calls out from the head of the table. "So, you Pathfinders are always travelling about from my experience. Any of you ever been to Jalmary before?"
"Yes, let's hear some of your tales!" The count excitedly agress. "Tell us about your latest adventures!"
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The halfling enjoying the meal with gusto will begin to tell the tale of his last adventure. And there we were in the belly of an undead whale with these undead creatures coming at us. Some of them had these starfish things on their faces that were controlling them. It was quite a battle, quite a battle indeed. But we won! he finishes.
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Silass stands quietly at the back of the room, eyeing the fish hungrily as Lord Korbin stands atop the goblet provided to him, occasionally dunking his beak into the rich wine within, and regaling anyone nearby with stories of his own great heroism.
After realizing no one is paying him the slightest bit of attention, he stalks down the table to Sparkle-Weave, and says to her:
I see that you have a snake thing to do you bidding as well. You are very smart small-woman thing. Though clearly mine is superior as he has appendages with which to do my bidding. OBSERVE! SILASS! Cut my fish for me!
Silass moves forward and, with a curious grace at odds with his bulk and intelligence, swiftly cuts a small portion of the fish into smaller, (raven) bite sized pieces. Placing his utensils back in their appropriate place, he then grabs the rest of the fish with his bare hands and begins wolfing it down, starting with the head and working his way through it rapidly as he takes up a position against the wall again.
You see. Hands. Good thing to have, I suppose, if you do your own menial tasks, but I've never needed them myself. No, my stern countenance and prodigious vocabulary have meant no shortage of eager followers ready to tend to my every whim. But good help is so hard to find these days. Don't you agree Count Matsanda?
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The halfling enjoying the meal with gusto will begin to tell the tale of his last adventure. And there we were in the belly of an undead whale with these undead creatures coming at us. Some of them had these starfish things on their faces that were controlling them. It was quite a battle, quite a battle indeed. But we won! he finishes.
Curious. I had read of a similar event years back in some human child's Taldan picture storybook--ourneymen egends of bsolam was it? *shrug*
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Having spent the better part of the evening in her room, Tatiana unfortunately missed the arrival of Silass and Korbin. Unaware of the new addition to the group, she pauses momentarily as she enters the dining hall. Her puzzlement seems to subside as she realizes other members of the group have already accepted the two.
Tatiana pulls out a chair and proceeds to makes herself comfortable at the table. As the small crow begins addressing sparkle-Weave she raises her eyebrows in a look of amazement. After watching the small bird administer the fish cutting performance, Tatiana begins to introduce herself.
“Well-met everyone. I apologize for my absence this evening; it seems I’m not quite use to being on the water. It appears that I’m at a disadvantage here.”
The young bard glances over to the lizard man and his talking crow. “It looks like someone has taught this tiny bird to speak. Although I find this to be adorable, I don’t think the dinner table is the right place for a pet.”
Tatiana removes a napkin from the table, folds it inhalf, and then places it on her knee. Once comfortable, she continues with the introduction.
“My name is Tatiana Ungaro, and I suppose that I can now call Absalom and the Society my home. Although I now reside in Absalom, I was originally brought up traveling through the southern parts of Varisia on a gypsy circus-caravan.”
Tatiana takes a bite of the evening meal and then wash it down with a drink from her goblet. “Unfortunately my family has a bit of a dark past. Dark enough that I don’t wish to elaborate too much on the details. Through their lack of judgment, the Pathfinder Society has provided me with an opportunity to redeem my family's name. For that I will be forever thankful”
Tatiana takes another moment to enjoy the meal, then looks over to the Baron. “My complements Baron on the meal, it is delightful.”
After putting some thought into it, the young woman seems to brighten up a bit after settling on an adventure to elaborate on.
"Let’s see, an adventure story that I could tell. More recently I was assigned by the society to assist with an investigation of the Kitharodian Library in Oppara, which concealed a secret archive of knowledge beneath it. We were sent to gather information on the Shining Crusade and the Whispering Tyrant. During my adventure, I had the pleaser of making a few new friends, which included a seasoned warrior named Aramil, a talking man size crow named Hork, a Wayang named Onya, a bomb tossing Dwarf named Flash, and a shady character named Odmar. It was an interesting group to say the least. I would like to add, by the looks of things, this adventure is also looking very promising."
As the small crow makes its way back across the table, Tatiana quickly removes her slice of bread. “Well enough about me. I would like to set back and enjoy everyone else’s wonderful adventure story.”