Wealday, 12 Desnus, 4715 A.R.
Last night's message was short and to the point. "Venture-Captain Valsin wishes to see you in his office, tomorrow at 8 bells." Arriving at the Grand Lodge, you make your way to the familiar waiting room which sits outside the Venture-Captain's office. Waiting with you are five other individuals, presumably Pathfinders, of varying description.
|
A man from the southern deserts, Nick is practically dressed. Judging by his lack of armor and weapons, he is is a caster or a monk. He has a tenancy to pick up random objects and play around with them as if he was trying to determine how to hurt someone with it. When on the move, and not trying to be stealth he likes to play his flute.
I am Nick Otto Thyme. Who do I have the pleasure of traveling with?
|
A young half-elf woman walks into the waiting room. She gently sets down a backpack, which has a small barrel strapped to the bottom, next to one of the chairs. She removes a cold iron elven curved blade from her back and sets it next to her pack. Her skin is recently tanned, and she is dressed for a warmer climate than Absalom. She has two massive blonde braids stilled up in a what could best be described as a hive worn securely on her head. She scans her fellow Pathfinders, but shows no signs of recognition with this bunch.
"Greetings my fellows. I am Field Warden Rapunzel," she nods her head in greeting.
|
Adeah sits in one of the chairs, tapping her foot, waiting for their appointment. This was always her least favorite part of Society missions: the waiting. Least it pays well. Her long dark hair is streaked with red, and she has the pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes of an elf. Her distinctly non-elven feature, however, can be seen peeking out from behind her-- a pair of large, crimson-feathered wings, evidence of her otherworldly heritage. Since they're not strong enough for flight and therefore of no real use to her, she keeps them strapped to her back, out of the way. Also visible behind one shoulder is the handle of her musket, which she'd only just picked up from a local wizard she paid to enchant it. She wears a shirt of chainmail, and her only other visible weapon is a dagger at her belt.
"Adeah," she says simply, raising a few fingers to indicate herself.
|
|
A darkly charming man, perhaps in his late thirties to early forties, is already seated in the Venture-Captain's office as Nick enters. He's dressed in a very finely woven and gold-trimmed clerical outfit of black with crimson highlights, and is bedecked in quality golden jewelry. Notably, an ornate silver spiral prominently hangs over his chest from a silver necklace. A bejeweled saber and matching dagger are sheathed by his belt. Beside his seat rests a crossbow finely crafted from ebony, and a curled leather whip rests atop his posh backpack of black suede. The musky scent of cologne invades your nostrils as you come nearer to him.
In a thick Ustalavic accent, he greets Nick with a slight and very formal bow upon standing. With a regal demeanor, he formally introduces himself. "Father Grigori Yefimovich. Minister to the Soul Mother's Faithful. And Esquire to the Court of Sovereigns. At your service."
But when the lovely Rapunzel enters soon after, the priest's dark eyes light up. Before she can say "comrade," her hand is suavely being raised up to his lips. Kissing the back of her hand lightly, he does not cease direct eye contact while introducing himself, "Vwhy hello, my dear. Father Grigori Yefimovich, at your service." The priest then offers Rapunzel one of the more comfortable looking seats in the office, and seats her like a noble gentleman would.
And when Adeah enters soon after that, once more the priest's eyes light up. Her hand is swiftly yet suavely taken up to his lips with a slight bow, and kissed lightly on the back while not ceasing eye contact. Again, he introduces himself, "And hello to you as vwell, my dear. Father Grigori Yefimovich, at your service." He then fusses to ensure that Adeah is comfortably seated as well.
|
|
Roland is a somewhat handsome man, albeit maybe a bit too intrigued with his own charisma. He wears a large hat, with an oversized feather in it. There is a bow across his back and a rapier at his side.
When he enters, he makes an exaggerated bow, nearly sweeping the floor with his hat.
Then, with a noble accent, he says, "I am Roland. Roland Irestone. I'm sure some of you have heard of me! Some of my exploits are in the latest Chronicles from the society."
With that, he returns his hat to his head, and preens himself in front of the mirror above the mantelpiece.
|
|
Adeah rolls her eyes at Grigori's approach. "Yeah, great, thanks." In truth, she can't remember ever being approached by a man since joining the Society, and part of her is flattered by the compliment. However, judging by the symbol Grigori wears around his neck and the title he gave himself, Adeah can guess what he'll bring to this mission. Like I'm gonna let some pray-er dote over me.
|
|
Rapunzel blushes a little at Father Yefimovich's attention. "Thank you for your kindness, I expect we will be excellent friends!"
Watching Roland preen, Rapunzel says, "Forgive me, Pathfinder Irestone, I have only recently returned from an extended stay in the sands of Osirion. I have yet to catch myself up on the latest Chronicles. Which exploits of yours have found their way in?"
The outer door opens and Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin comes in, accompanied by a well-dressed man sporting a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles. "Falroun, these are the agents I was talking about," he says to his companion, then turns to you all. "Come in, let's get down to business." He heads into his inner office and ushers you to seats.
When everyone is comfortable, the Venture-Captain speaks. "Pathfinders, may I introduce Count Falroun Matsanda, of Alkenstar."
Falroun stands and offers his hand to each of you. "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 them. I must say, you do not disappoint!"
Valsin continues after introductions are made.
"Agents, your next mission will take you to the Isle 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 is where I come in. 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. He's been grumbling about getting revenge on the beast for so long that I thought taking him on a trip might earn me some credit with the old man."
Valsin nods before continuing. "The Count has graciously offered to provide transport to and from Jalmeray, and to outfit us with everything we need for a jungle expedition. In exchange, you're going to help his father-in-law with this tiger hunt and make sure he gets the better of the beast this time. 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."
Count Falroun nods at each of you and then exits.
As the Count's footsteps fade, the smile disappears from the venture-Captain's face. "Ordinarily, the Society would muster an exhibition like this ourselves. However, our resources are stretched thin at the moment, between the recent campaigns in Varisia and the Worldwound. The infrastructure in the Segang isn't well-suited for explorers, and the Count already has most of the competent guides on retainer."
He looks around the room at each you. "I'm trusting you with the Society's reputation on this one. Fulfill our end of the bargain by helping the Baron bag his tiger, and try to make nice with the nobles. Then explore this temple thoroughly. Your ship leaves in the morning. Any questions?"
|
|
A gnome rushes in, female, with green short hair. She has several burn scars on her hands. On her backpack you see a lot of vials and bottles with different salts and liquids.
"Sorry for being late. It took me some time to get back to Absalom from Eto." Lymwin shakes the Count's hand "Nice to meet you!"
Valsin looks up at the late entry, shaking his head but repressing a half-smile. "I knew you'd get here, eventually," he replies to the gnome. "Your colleagues can fill you in on what you missed."
|
|
Rapunzle nods at Roland, "Baron Rudyahm is likely to want his treasure intact, the scorched pelt of a beast is not nearly as impressive."
Rapunzel turns toward Venture-Captain Valsin, bowing slightly at the waist, "Thank you for this opportunity sir. I will not let you down."
"Do we have any good texts or information the the Segang region during Maharaja Khiben-Sald's time? Who were the other major players when the Maharaja left Jalmeray? My apologies, I am not well versed in the island's political history."
|
|
The priest extends the same formal introduction to Roland as he did to Nick. While outwardly cordial, he keeps his dislike of his new competitor for the ladies' attentions to himself. Look at him fawn over poor Rapunzel. And that hat, it's so last year...
He introduces himself likewise to the Count, replying, "You are too gracious, my good Count."
But when Lymwin enters, the priest appears befuddled for a moment. Looking at the Venture-Captain and then back to the gnome, he then appears slightly amused by her presence. Smiling down to her, he seems afraid to interrupt the Venture-Captain to speak to her. Perhaps later.
As Valsin concludes his briefing and asks for questions, Fr. Yefimovich considers what he knows of the relevant details before speaking up...
Valsin answers your questions:
@Roland: " In 563 AR the Vudran maharaja Khiben-Sald visited the Inner Sea, with a fleet of 101 ships. Khiben-Sald's first port of call was the nation of Nex, ruled by the archmage of the same name. Soon after the maharaja's arrival, Nex granted Khiben-Sald the Nexian island of Jalmeray. For a decade, Khiben-Sald and his travelling court erected temples and monuments, using bound genies to help in their construction. Then they left for Vudra, not to return for more than two thousand years.
"In 2822 AR, the Vudrani returned and reclaimed Jalmeray from the Arclords of Nex, who had been "squatting" on the island in the interim. The Vudrani have ruled the island ever since.
"As for the tiger... you'll have to ask the baron about that."
@Rapunzel:
"There are several histories of Jalmeray available in the library which may provide more detail."
"As for your destination: you're going hunting in a jungle. The Segang is hot and muggy this time of year. Expect dangerous plants and animals, venomous creatures, and disease. You may also encounter looters at the temple site, if you don't get there fast enough... I'm sure we're not the only interested parties who've gotten wind of the discovery."
|
|
An abandoned temple? That could either be really exciting or a very boring trip. She hopes that something-- anything, really-- has moved into the temple in its worshippers' absence. At least it'd be something to shoot at. "And if this guy doesn't manage to bag his tiger, can we do it ourselves? Never killed me a tiger before, could be interesting. As for getting to Jalmeray, I don't think that'll be a problem... I've got a few contacts there." She slides a hand into one of her pockets as she speaks, fingering the copper coin she received from the island after her last visit.
|
|
Fr. Yefimovich scratches his bearded chin in contemplation of the discussion thus far. To Rapunzel he replies, "Quite true, my dear. Indeed, I expect there is more to this 'tiger hunt' than meets the eye, as it seems most peculiar to involve a team of Pathfinders for a simple nobleman's sport." After a brief pause, "You know, I am vwell versed in the history of Jalmeray. As our ship departs in the morn, perhaps I could... fill you in... on the relevant details over dinner tonight?"
He chuckles at Adeah's comments, "You have spirit, my dear. I am quite sure the tiger vwould pose little challenge to such a lovely and talented marksvwoman as yourself." He adds, "And yes, perhaps your contacts vwill... come in handy. Vwe should discuss this as vwell... join us, for dinner tonight?"
The priest nods to the monk. "An excellent suggestion, comrade Nick." He chuckles again, "I have recently spent some time up in the frozen northern nations. It vwill be quite a change of pace to head into the steamy Segang jungle now."
Finally, the priest puffs up his chest and confidently assures Valsin, "Do not fret, my good Venture-Captain. Vwe shall ensure the nobles are quite pleased with the Society after vwe are done. And explore this ancient temple vwe shall."
After picking up any items you wish (please note them in the Discussion thread), you meet at the docks in the morning. The Count's ship, Dragon's Prize, is an impressive vessel, three-masted and with a well-trained crew. The Count is waiting for you at the gangplank.
"Right on time, my friends! Excellent. Please, leave your gear on the quayside and the crew will load it into your cabins." He shakes your hands warmly and escorts you up the gangplank.
"I've taken the liberty of assigning you to cabins," he goes on/ "Somewhat limited space aboard... she used to be a pirate ship," the Count confides quietly. "Bought her at auction after she was captured by Pathfidners. The laides will share the best cabin, of course. Roland and Lymwin will bunk together, and Grigori and Nick will share the other cabin. I trust this willsprove acceptable?" he asks, somewhat rhetorically.
He leaves you to settle in to the cramped cabins, and returns once you're done. "Now, let's meet the Baron. he is eager to meet his companions for the hunt!"
The Count takes you to the master cabin, and introduces you. "Bomande, the Pathfinders are here! May I present Baron Bomande Ruyahm of Alkenstar, hero of the realm, and my father-in-law!"
The Baron is a middle-aged Garundi man, impeccably dressed, and very fit-looking. He looks up from his book, and stands somewhat awkwardly. His broad smile seems genuine, although his eyes betray some doubt as he takes you in for the first time. He walks with a pronounced limp to shake the hands of the gentlemen and bowing to the ladies.
"Ah, yes, welcome, welcome. My son-in-law has told me tales of your Society, and I hope they prove true. I hope your accommodations will be suitable?"
At this point, there is a knock on the door and a sailor pokes his head through the door. "Ready to sail, sir, by your command?'
The baron nods curtly, then moves towards the door. "I always like to walk the deck when we leave Absalom, but won't you all join me for dinner this evening? We can get to know each other a little better, and make some plans for our impending hunting." Falroun takes the hint and ushers you outside and back to your cabins.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
He chuckles at Adeah's comments, "You have spirit, my dear. I am quite sure the tiger vwould pose little challenge to such a lovely and talented marksvwoman as yourself." He adds, "And yes, perhaps your contacts vwill... come in handy. Vwe should discuss this as vwell... join us, for dinner tonight?"
Do I have to? It's difficult for Adeah to refuse a free meal, but if this man Grigori intends to spend all his attention on her, she doesn't relish the thought of having him accompany them on this mission. I need allies, not distractions. "Don't get your hopes up, Schmoozer. With any luck, we'll set sail before then." Luck is not with them, however, and they stay in Absalom for the night. She avoids Grigori that evening and spends the night alone in the lodge, like most nights. The next morning, after they're brought on the ship and introduced to the baron, she sighs and turns to Grigori. "Looks like you'll get your dinner after all."
She spends the day talking with the crew and sharing stories, mainly about the time she boarded a ship much like this one to free their slaves. "Killed the captain myself, I did. Took 'er down with one shot, right to the head." She mimes shooting a rifle, aiming it at the face of one of the crewmen listening. "Bang!"
|
|
The foppish priest lets up on Adeah, bidding her a good night with a smile and a flourish. He makes his way to the clothes shops that day, sure to purchase more appropriate attire for the hot jungles they're headed to.
The next day, he greets the nobles once more with a magnanimous and hearty air. "Baron, it's a splendid pleasure to make your acquaintance. I look forward to our hunt together, my lord, and look to dining together as vwell."
He then gregariously smiles at Adeah, "Yes indeed, my dear."
Grigori spends his day telling stories of his own, with the intent of overhearing and gathering information about the baron and the hunt from the ship's crew. He starts getting them talking with queries such as how they must enjoy working for the baron, or if they accompanied the baron on hunts before.
|
|
Lymwin frowns when hearing that the ladies get a better cabin but does not say a word. Let's hope this journey is over soon she thinks.
Lymwin waits until her stuff is taken to the cabin and makes sure it does not use too much space.
She then returns back to the upper deck and tries to talk to some of the sailors. "Hello, my name is Lymwin." she says. "How long have you been working on this ship?"
|
|
Rapunzel happily agrees to Grigori's dinner date. Later, when the Baron's diner request trumps Grigori's she playfully says to the priest, "Don't think this lets you off the hook."
Rapunzel is happy to take in the tales of her fellow Pathfinders, listening to their exploits and learning what she may of both the tellers of the tales as well as the details they relay.
Nick: The crew is fairly busy for the first couple of hours after sailing. A dingy from the Pilot`s Guild meets you in the outer harbor to take you through the Flotsam graveyard, a maze of sunken ships and rocky shoals which are one of Absalom`s first lines of defense against seaborne invasion. After the pilot leaves, some of them have a bit of time to chat. Most are not warriors, having no experience beyond the occasional barroom brawl, but a couple of some tall tales to tell of their combat prowess.
Adeah: as above, although your story does go over well with the crew. You do get the sense that the crew is a bit nervous about passing Stonespire island, which is the home base for the Okeno pirates, and they are quite glad to have brave folk like you and Nick along.
Grigori: You find that the crew actually work for Count Faroun, and are relatively new in his employ. None of them know much about the Baron beyond his reputation as a war hero and great hunter.
Lymwin: most of the crew has only been aboard Dragon's Prize for a month or so; there are several who signed up only yesterday. The Captain, first mate, and quartermaster have been aboard since Count Falroun bought the ship a few months back.
Rapunzel: See above, although you do find that one or two of the crew have heard the tale of the Baron's last hunt. He was hunting and a giant tiger attacked his party in the dark. Half a dozen men were lost and the Baron nearly crippled by the beast. The Baron apparently talks about it to himself now and again, and seems intent on getting revenge on the tiger.
The day passes uneventfully, and the weather is fair as you are summoned to dinner.
As the ship's bell chimes the hour, you are led to the main cabin by Count Falroun. Inside the relatively spacious (for a ship) chamber is a long table and ornate chairs. The Baron stands to greet you, smiling.
"Welcome, my friends. Tonight, we will dine, and you will tell me of your adventures. I like to know a man - or a woman - or a gnome, for that matter - a bit before I trust them with my life. Sit down, and let's share a meal!"
The meal is quite passable, obviously using the best of the fresh food supplies. The Baron and the Count engage you all in light conversation, asking you about your homelands, and how you came to be a Pathfinder. Adeah's firearm garners immediate interest, and sparks some "tech talk" on the finer points of black powder weapons.
|
|
The priest arrives at dinner in a timely manner. He's dressed in the same courtier's quality attire as earlier, minus his breastplate armor. It includes a finely woven black priestly cassock with golden trim, a silken crimson sash around his waist, four gold loop earrings, a golden ring bearing a spiral insignia, and a silver chain bearing a silver spiral pendant.
Fr. Yefimovich is certainly no stranger to noble etiquette. He replies to the Baron with flattering words, "A most sensible precaution, my good baron. And a most enjoyable one as vwell." He reveals he originally hails from the country of Ustalav, a fact easily confirmed by his accent, when asked of his homeland. Grigori also reveals how much of an aficionado he is for liquors and fine wines, sure to comment knowingly and with flattery to the baron's choice on the drinks offered during the meal. He is also sure to show considerable interest in Adeah's armament... and when he thinks none but she are looking, a quick smile and a wink suggests a continued interest in Adeah.
When it's his turn to tell tales, the priest clears his throat and puffs his chest. "Ah, but where to begin... I've led quite the adventurous life, after all." He smiles at Rapunzel. "Perhaps I shall tell you all of my first meesion as a Pathfinder. Since boyhood, I'd longed to go on pilgrimage to the Godsmouth Cathedral, in Kaer Maga. For I've long been drawn to the Lady's faith and Her interests in the vworld. As an accomplished and very vwell respected minister, physician, and mortician to the nobility of Ustalav," here the priest conveys humility in his expression and body language while ironically emphasizing how accomplished and special he is, "I one day discovered a vway to achieve my dream by joining the Society."
"But my visit vwould prove quite different than I had expected..." The priest goes on to perform his enthralling oration, speaking of a great evil beneath the Pharasmin cathedral, and how he himself had led a team to investigate the desecration of the catacombs beneath the cathedral. He goes on about how he personally uncovered ancient tomes and secrets that would have been long lost to posterity had it not been for him, and how he finally put an end to the nefarious scheme with a little help to unleash a great and terrible evil upon the world.
"And to this day, though I seek not the accolades of others," one might wonder about this, as honeyed and convincing his slick words might be, "both the Church and the Society have ever shown their gratitude for my assistance in rather crucial situations since." He concludes with a smile, a head bow, and a flourish of his hand.
|
|
Adeah's normally stand-offish demeanor melts (for a time) when the conversation turns toward her weapon. She happily goes into detail about its workings. "When I first found the thing, it was a piece of junk. Nobody else could even use it, which is why it came so cheap. Dangerous gadget, they said. Well, once you get used to it, it's pretty straightforward. Had to fix it up first, of course..." Later in the conversation, she holds up one of the alchemical cartridges. "Make 'em myself. Fully contained ammunition, I can just push it in the chamber and go." She carefully unwraps the paper casing. "See, inside each one is a single lead bullet and just enough powder to fire it. That way, I don't have to waste time measuring it out in the field."
She then listens to Grigori's story unfold. The guy can spin a tale, I'll give him that. Not like any priest I ever met.
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
Lymwin is not used to be in the noble society. She does not feel very comfortable but she also tells her story. "I became a Pathfinder because I want to travel the world. As a gnome in Iceferry you don't see much." she says and blushes. "One of my early missions for the Society was to save the Blakros museum an Absalom from a curse and a monkey invasion. I killed a gorilla with my bomb! I like fire!" after thinking about her last sentence she adds "Don't worry, I won't use my alchemical stuff on the ship!" after listening to Adeah's and Grigori's stories she continues "I never used one of these things before. I think it's something for larger people. I'm afraid it will hit my face when it fires."
|
|
Rapunzel adds her own tale, "As a novice Pathfinder, I was assigned to help liberate a besieged Azlanti dig sight in the Mwangi Expanse. That was quite the jungle hunt I can assure you. The charu-ka are not to be trifled with! Not long after that I was sent far from Absalom with a new group of Pathfinders into the frigid reaches of northern Avaistan. We travelled around several...less civilized regions of ice and snow. Strange magics there in Irrisen, powerful and ancient." For a moment, you'd swear you saw one of Rapunzel's braids coil around her head, tightening.
"After returning from that trek, I was sent off to Osirion on an urgent mission to aid the Sapphire Sage. This involved a fair bit of tracking prey across the desert sands. I am starting to see why Venture-Captain Valsin though I might be a good fit for this team." Rapunzel smiles at Grigori, then turns her attention back to the Baron.
Rapunzel prompts the Baron, "My lord, if it would not be too much of an imposition I would greatly like to hear the tale of your prior hunt. The more I learn about the beast we hunt, the better a plan I can," she looks directly at Grigori, "conceive."
|
|
The priest adds a brief recounting of his own expeditions in the north, to Irrisen and the Land of the Linnorm Kings as well, after Rapunzel tells her tale, doing so in a way to both impress with his amazing capabilities, yet give the appearance of humility at the same time.
...
Fr. Yefimovich nearly chokes on an olive when Rapunzel makes her last comment. He does fairly well to contain his surprise and retain a smile, though his eyes are notably more widely opened for a few seconds.
Mother of Souls and All that is Holy! That old fishwife SWORE her magical balloons would do the trick...
The Baron's face strains as he recalls the hunt that nearly ended his life.
"There were four of us on that trip, plus a half dozen or so porters. It was our seventh day in the bush. We’d had a bad day hunting on the trail, so we split off to the west to follow a little stream deeper into the jungle. The tiger came for us that night, despite our campfires. He must have been young to be so bold. I never saw most of the carnage. All I could hear were screams, gunshots, and men begging for help in the bush."
"With the gun smoke and the darkness, I could barely see the end of my musket. Something took a right nasty bite out of my leg, but I wheeled and unloaded my gun in its direction. I must have only clipped it, yet that was enough to startle the beast. The only glimpse I caught was its striped haunch and tail bleeding as it ran off into the darkness. I managed to limp my way out of the jungle on my one good leg, and that was the end of it." The Baron shakes his head sadly. "So many good men lost..."
He shakes himself out of his reminiscence and looks aroud the table at you. "Ah, but we’re going to catch that stripey bastard this time,
eh? We’ll give him what for this time around.”