Maidhc O Casain
Na Bith Mo Riocht Tá!
After a week of rest and recreation, re-affirmations of faith and equipping yourselves, you make your way back to the Pinnace at the appointed time. Venture-Captain Pelligrew paces anxiously as you file in and find your seats. The normally gruff man seems somewhat on edge as he bustles about, offering you tea or other beverage and seeing you settled. Once everyone’s comfortable, the big man clears his throat and begins.
“Well, lads, I think . . . that is . . . you’re ready for your first serious assignment. You’ve acquitted yourselves well in that business with the Black Echelon . . . in fact, that by itself might be enough to assure you a place in the Chronicles . . . thereby proving that you can be trusted with an even more weighty matter.
“Some of you, those particularly diligent in your studies, may have heard of a former Pathfinder named Eando Kline. Pathfinder Kline gained a bit of infamy a few years back when he discovered an ancient city of the Serpentfolk in Avistan’s Darklands. He became quite strident in his predictions and warnings about the rise of a new Serpentfolk empire, and the long and short of it is that he managed to step on more than a few toes. When he couldn’t get the Decemvirate to heed his warnings, he quit the Society and headed off on his own.”
Pelligrew pauses for a moment and a slight look of embarrassment flits across his features before he adjusts his stance and goes into what you all remember from your Academy classes as his ‘lecture mode.’
“Well, some rumors have begun to surface that give a little more credence to Kline’s cautionary stance. You may or may not remember from your classes that in the time before the Starfall our world was ruled by two empires. The domination of the Serpentfolk lasted for millennia, and was eventually ended when the Azlanti waged – and won – a war against them that lasted for hundreds of years. The final battle of that war supposedly took place on Garund somewhere deep in what is now known as the Mwangi Expanse. Legend says that the Serpentfolk were crushed when an Azlanti champion slew the Serpent God Ydersius, beheading him in single combat. The Azlanti were rumored to have founded a city over the site of that battle; this city, Saventh-Yi, was to serve as a bulwark against any future uprising of the Serpentfolk should they manage to recover from their defeat.
“A Pathfinder agent in Eleder has gotten word to us that Kline’s been poking around down there, and there are rumors of the discovery of clues to the location of the ruins of Saventh-Yi. If these rumors are true (which I doubt), the exploration of these ruins could lead to the acquisition of priceless knowledge and artifacts about one of the most dimly remembered times in Golarion’s history.
“After speaking with the Decemvirate and with your instructors at the academy, I’ve been granted permission to task you with the investigation of these rumors. Your exemplary performance in stopping the Black Echelon proved your mettle and tenacity. You’re to put these qualities to work in Mwangi. Investigate the rumors to their conclusion, including tracking down the ruins and exploring them to their fullest.
“No doubt you’ve got some questions. I’ve made your travel arrangements, and will give you the details once I’ve satisfied your curiosity as best I can.”
At this point, Pelligrew heaves a sigh as he sinks his great bulk into the remaining chair at your table and waits for your questions.
“Well, lads, I think . . . that is . . . you’re ready for your first serious assignment. You’ve acquitted yourselves well in that business with the Black Echelon . . . in fact, that by itself might be enough to assure you a place in the Chronicles . . . thereby proving that you can be trusted with an even more weighty matter.
“Some of you, those particularly diligent in your studies, may have heard of a former Pathfinder named Eando Kline. Pathfinder Kline gained a bit of infamy a few years back when he discovered an ancient city of the Serpentfolk in Avistan’s Darklands. He became quite strident in his predictions and warnings about the rise of a new Serpentfolk empire, and the long and short of it is that he managed to step on more than a few toes. When he couldn’t get the Decemvirate to heed his warnings, he quit the Society and headed off on his own.”
Pelligrew pauses for a moment and a slight look of embarrassment flits across his features before he adjusts his stance and goes into what you all remember from your Academy classes as his ‘lecture mode.’
“Well, some rumors have begun to surface that give a little more credence to Kline’s cautionary stance. You may or may not remember from your classes that in the time before the Starfall our world was ruled by two empires. The domination of the Serpentfolk lasted for millennia, and was eventually ended when the Azlanti waged – and won – a war against them that lasted for hundreds of years. The final battle of that war supposedly took place on Garund somewhere deep in what is now known as the Mwangi Expanse. Legend says that the Serpentfolk were crushed when an Azlanti champion slew the Serpent God Ydersius, beheading him in single combat. The Azlanti were rumored to have founded a city over the site of that battle; this city, Saventh-Yi, was to serve as a bulwark against any future uprising of the Serpentfolk should they manage to recover from their defeat.
“A Pathfinder agent in Eleder has gotten word to us that Kline’s been poking around down there, and there are rumors of the discovery of clues to the location of the ruins of Saventh-Yi. If these rumors are true (which I doubt), the exploration of these ruins could lead to the acquisition of priceless knowledge and artifacts about one of the most dimly remembered times in Golarion’s history.
“After speaking with the Decemvirate and with your instructors at the academy, I’ve been granted permission to task you with the investigation of these rumors. Your exemplary performance in stopping the Black Echelon proved your mettle and tenacity. You’re to put these qualities to work in Mwangi. Investigate the rumors to their conclusion, including tracking down the ruins and exploring them to their fullest.
“No doubt you’ve got some questions. I’ve made your travel arrangements, and will give you the details once I’ve satisfied your curiosity as best I can.”
At this point, Pelligrew heaves a sigh as he sinks his great bulk into the remaining chair at your table and waits for your questions.
Last edited: