Scholars in the Expedition

**Scholars in the Expedition** is a main quest in *Greedfall.*

## Objectives

* Find the scholars' expedition camp.
* Search the camp.
* Find a trace of the naturalist.
* Obtain information on the island trackers.
* Find the naturalist in the swamps
* Follow Aphra to the native camp.
* Help Aphra to free the members of her expedition.
* Escort the scholars safely.
* Inform Governor Burhan about the expedition's rescue.

* *(If present)* Kurt: A camp, here? In the open wind? It was definitely set up by scholars.
* *(If present)* Vasco: They do not look in very good condition. Let’s have a closer look.

### Search the camp

* *(Upon examining the campsite)*
	+ De Sardet: Signs of combat. They were attacked. By the look of the tents and the campfire, it dates back several days. It seems they were taken prisoner. I don’t see any bodies.

* *(Upon examining the roots in the middle of the camp)*
	+ De Sardet: No weapon leaves this sort of marking. Perhaps they were wielding magic?
		- *(If Síora is present)*
			* Síora: Yes, it is the art of the *doneigada*. One of the valley clans was here.
			* De Sardet: Would you know which one?
			* Síora: One who fights against the invasion of the peoples from your island. I can be sure of nothing more.
			* De Sardet: Why would they attack scholars? They’re not warriors.
			* Síora: They come here as conquerors, this is enough. But they were not killed…warriors would’ve been.
		- *(If Petrus is present)*
			* Petrus: Magic is the miracle of the Enlightened, this bears resemblance with the sorcery of the natives.
			* De Sardet: Not surprising, but not enough to help us locate precisely where the scholars are now.
			* Petrus: I agree. This is the consequence of the tragic and disgusting practices of the Bridge. Every native in their territory has revolted, we cannot know which particular clan is guilty.

* *(Upon examining the equipment on the ground)*
	+ De Sardet: This looks like scientific equipment. This must be the lost expedition’s campsite.

* *(Upon looting the Note from the Leader of the Expedition)*
	+ De Sardet: This looks like the journal of a naturalist. There are sketches of flora and fauna. There is no doubt, we are definitely on the trail of the lost expedition.

### Find a trace of the naturalist

* *(Upon examining the pools of blood)*
	+ De Sardet: A trail of blood. That cannot be good. Follow it!
	+ De Sardet: More blood. We are on the right path, keep going!

* *(Upon examining the corpse)*
	+ De Sardet: A corpse… The clothes cannot be mistaken, it is a scholar of the Bridge Alliance. From the looks of him, I would say he has been dead for days, as we already thought. This isn’t the woman whose journal we found, there is still a chance that she remains alive.
	+ *(If present)* Síora: This man traded his life for all the suffering of my people.
	+ De Sardet: It was only a scholar, a sage, not a warrior on the battlefield!
	+ *(If present)* Síora: Do you think my people see a difference when Bridge men steal our people from their beds? From who do you think all the clans hide their children?
		- *(If present with Síora)* Petrus: I lean towards Síora’s point of view. The practices of these scholars, these so-called seekers of knowledge, are barbaric. Thélème would offer you protection and support.
		- *(If present)* Síora: In exchange for our souls? I think we would prefer to go to war.
	+ *(If present)* Vasco: I have heard stories from the natives describing Bridger atrocities. If they are true, this violent attack, though tragic, would be justified.
	+ *(If present)* Kurt: This man was unarmed, and from the position of his body, I would say he was fleeing. It is not honor that motivates them. Maybe it was vengeance.
	+ De Sardet: I’ll search the body. We might find something to help us understand.

* *(Upon approaching the tent)*
	+ De Sardet: Here is the isolated camp mentioned in the journal. Everything is in order, but the inhabitants are no longer here. Its position would have allowed them to escape the attack.
	+ *(If present)* Síora: The view over the valley is magnificent, and makes it difficult for an enemy to approach without being seen.
	+ *(If present)* Vasco: It’s like being in a crow’s nest. The view we have over the valley is an ideal observation point.
	+ *(If present)* Petrus: This camp was set up to have a clear view of the surrounding area. Whoever was in charge was careful.
	+ *(If present)* Kurt: Isolated. Discreet. Perfect visibility. Great choice.

* *(Upon looting the Diary of a Certain Aphra)*
	+ De Sardet: It is a journal, that of a woman from the expedition, a certain Aphra. She speaks of their research and relates here that she felt watched. She feared an attack was brewing. I believe she was right, the writing stops in mid-sentence.
	+ *(If present)* Vasco: Let’s hope she’s still alive, as well as her colleagues, or our mission will be a short one.
	+ *(If present)* Kurt: A woman with sharp eyes. They might have saved her life.
	+ *(If present)* Síora: These people of the Bridge have either just hatched from eggs or are complete idiots. My people are at war, they do not spare an enemy under pretext that they are not wearing the clothing of soldiers.
	+ *(If present)* Petrus: All her science would have served her well. May the Light have pity on their souls.
	+ De Sardet: We must follow the tracks of the attack. They will certainly lead us to our party of intrepid scientists.
	+ *(If present)* Kurt: This naturalist was obviously more rational than her colleagues.
	+ *(If present)* Petrus: She may be part of the Alliance, but I can't help feeling bad about what happened to this woman. According to what she wrote, her attackers must have come from the swamp, we should follow their tracks.
	+ *(If present without Petrus)* Síora: This woman was right to fear the *doneia egsregaw*. They must have followed this path coming from the swamp. This is where we should go if we want to find these Lion scholars.
	+ *(If present)* Síora: This is where we should go if we want to find these Lion scholars.

### Obtain information on the island trackers

* De Sardet: Look. Those are islanders. They might be from the clan that attacked the Bridger camp.
	+ *(If present)* Síora: That’s possible. They look like trackers, but what are they tracking?
	+ De Sardet: New prey, no doubt. Let’s get closer.

* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: *Renaígse!*
* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: We won't let you take us! We will not kneel down without a fight!
	+ **Ask Síora to intervene**
		- De Sardet: We have no wish to fight you. Síora?
		- Síora: We have not come as enemies, we are only here to find the Lion men.
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: They are ours, *doneigad*. They will tell us that which we need to understand!
		- Síora: They are treasured *renaígse*, and they are not warriors. Let us take them away, they will bring you nothing but worries.
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: They bring us worries already. One of them escaped and threatened to bring their warriors to destroy us!
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: They should have told us where our people are kept. But you are right, it is better if they all leave.
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: Stay away from the main entrance. Our guards will not welcome your arrival.
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: Pass around, there is a smaller entrance hidden there. The Lions are kept in a home in ruins.
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: There must be a key somewhere to open the door, but I know not where it is kept.
	+ **Charisma - Attempt reasoning**
		- De Sardet: Wait! We have no desire to fight you, we only want to find the Lion sages. They are not warriors, but their chief is ready to send an army of warriors to liberate them. If you help us bring them back, you will save your tribe from a costly battle in lives.
		- *(If successful)*
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: He speaks truly. Look, one of them is already eager to bring Lion warriors back to us.
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: All we wanted was for them to tell us where our brothers are being kept!
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: What good is this if we must leave our camp behind? Very well. Stay away from the main entrance. Our guards will not welcome your arrival.
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: Pass around, there is a smaller entrance hidden there. The Lions are kept in a home in ruins.
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: There must be a key somewhere to open the door, but I know not where it is kept.
		- *(If failed)*
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: You will get nothing from us, *renaígse!* We are ready to return to the earth!
			* De Sardet: In that case…
			* *(Enter combat)*
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: Spare our lives, *renaígse*, we will help you!
			* De Sardet: Where have you locked up the scholars?
			* *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: In the old ruins, where we have also made our camp, north of the valley. But if you want to stop a fight against our people, you should avoid the main entrance also.
			* De Sardet: Very well, you may leave.
			* **Natives: Reputation -1**
			* **Síora: Reputation -1**
	+ **Attack**
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: You will get nothing from us, *renaígse*! We are ready to return to the earth!
		- De Sardet: In that case…
		- *(Enter combat)*
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: Spare our lives, *renaígse*, we will help you!
		- De Sardet: Where have you locked up the scholars?
		- *Doneia Egsregaw* Tracker: In the old ruins, where we have also made our camp, north of the valley. But if you want to stop a fight against our people, you should avoid the main entrance also.
		- De Sardet: Very well, you may leave.
		- **Natives: Reputation -1**
		- **Síora: Reputation -1**

### Find the naturalist in the swamps

* De Sardet: I’m not here to kill you.
* Aphra: Tell me then, what is your intended purpose?
* De Sardet: We were sent to look for you.
* Aphra: Apologies, but allow me to express my doubts.
* De Sardet: After this little swim, you could always *try* to pull the trigger.
* Aphra: Who sent you to find me?
* De Sardet: We were not looking for you in particular, but the entire expedition. It was Governor Burhan who asked us to find you. He’s worried about you. You haven’t been reporting.
* Aphra: You should’ve said that straight away. I must admit, I was hoping for a rescue…of a different nature. Do you have a name?
* De Sardet: De Sardet. I’m from the Congregation.
* Aphra: Hmm, the new governor’s cousin…who wears an islander face. I’ve heard stories about you. And them?

* *(If present)* Vasco: Captain Vasco. Though I realize, I am quite far from the sea.
* *(If present)* Síora: I am Síora, daughter of Bládnid. From the people that your own capture and torture.
	+ Aphra: I’ve never taken anyone. On the contrary, we had hoped to exchange our knowledge with your own.
* *(If present)* Petrus: Bishop Petrus. If our young friend hadn’t insisted on coming here, I would have gladly let you rot in this marsh.
	+ Aphra: Behold the charity of the Enlightened, huh?
* *(If present)* Kurt: Kurt, simply Kurt. I protect our Excellency’s back. And if one of your violent fits overcomes you, rescue party or not, I will kill you.
* Aphra: This is a rather odd group. I am Aphra, a scholar from the Bridge Alliance. It is rather rare to find me rolling in the marshes. I study the fauna and flora of this isle. I should imagine you have many questions.
	+ *Ask about the attack*
		- De Sardet: What has happened since the attack? How long have you been in these marshes?
		- Aphra: We were taken prisoner and were brought to a village nearby. I was able to escape while the others were taken to a house that they use as a prison. I wanted to join the Bridge Alliance frontier post not far from here, but I wasn’t able. So I doubled back to keep watch of the village from a distance. I have been hoping to find a way to free my companions, without any success so far.
	+ *Ask her what she has done since*
		- De Sardet: We saw the site where you were attacked. What exactly happened?
		- Aphra: We were taken by surprise. One moment everything was calm, and the next a war party of natives fell upon us. I had an uneasy feeling and kept myself apart, but when I heard my fellow scholars’ shouts, I rushed over. Most of my companions are incapable of defending themselves and we didn’t have guards to protect us. One of them tried to flee, but they brought him down. We decided to give ourselves up to avoid a massacre.
		- De Sardet: Could you lead us to the village where your colleagues are being held prisoner?
		- Aphra: Certainly. We are oh so very close, and I fully intend to participate in this rescue. I’m not to sit around and twiddle thumbs.
	+ *Ask about her research*
		- De Sardet: Have you made progress in your search for a cure?
		- Aphra: Hmm. We were studying some quite remarkable plants when we were attacked. The region is rife in unknown and novel species. Some seem incredibly promising. The local shamans know all these plants and they use them in their remedies. If only we had been about to converse with them, rather than getting ourselves captured.

### Follow Aphra to the native camp

* De Sardet: This is where the natives took your colleagues?
* Aphra: Yes, it is here. These ruins are being used as a camp by the native raiders.
* De Sardet: There are so many of them. Better to remain discreet.
* Aphra: I have spied on the camp and discovered where my colleagues are being held. They are being kept in the old walls of the main ruin.

* *(If present)* Kurt: Let’s avoid a frontal assault. They have the numerical advantage. We should at least try to have the element of surprise.
* Aphra: I’d rather avoid unwarranted deaths. We should wait until nightfall and look around the camp to find a more discreet way to get inside.
* *(If present)* Vasco: Indeed! It would be wiser than trying to get in through the gate.

### Help Aphra to free the members of her expedition

* *(Upon entering the ruins)*
	+ Aphra: I fled as they were about to lock my companions inside a cell. We are going to need a key.
	+ *(If present)* Kurt: The prison guards will certainly have the key.
	+ *(If present)* Síora: Please, *on ol menawí*, let’s try to avoid a fight.

* Scientific Expedition Leader: Aphra? Is that you?
* Aphra: Come quickly, we don't have much time. Thank you for your help.
* De Sardet: Do not thank me yet. We are still in a shipload of danger!

### Escort the scholars safely

* Aphra: Now, we must find a way to get out of this valley without putting my companions in danger.

* Island Warrior: *Trocared*, mercy! You have defeated us. Please spare us our lives.
* Scientific Expedition Leader: If you spare them, they will only hunt us down until we are all dead.
* Island Warrior: No, you have our word. We have been bested, we will let you move on in peace.
* Aphra: How can we trust you? You attacked our camp when we were not even armed!
* Scientific Expedition Leader: They are savages! They had us caged like beasts.
* Island Warrior: We only sought to learn where *you* have caged *our* people.
* *(If present)* Síora: Spare their lives, I beg you! They were only fighting to save the lives of those that have disappeared.
* *(If present)* Petrus: Are you really going to massacre these helpless men to answer the demands of those mischievous scientists?
* *(If present)* Vasco: Killing men that have surrendered does not sit well with me, but you are the master of this ship, it is your decision.
	+ **Spare them**
		- De Sardet: Very well. Leave, and I hope you keep your word.
		- Island Warrior: Thank you, *on ol menawí*. I have spoken and I will honor my words. *Kwa awelam seg*.
	+ **Finish them**
		- De Sardet: I cannot take the risk of you trying to hunt us down again. I'm sorry.
		- Island Warrior: Then we shall fight to the death!
		- **Natives: Reputation -1**
		- **Síora: Reputation -1**
* Aphra: We are no longer in danger. Thank you for your help, De Sardet.
* De Sardet: I must admit, the reasons for my being here are not entirely selfless. Your research to find a remedy against the Malichor could save many lives in our cities as well.
* Scientific Expedition Leader: You speak like a true man of science. Cut to the point. Then you’ll be thrilled, your heroic efforts to save us from those savages could help! We’ve made a discovery.
* Aphra: Is that right? In that case, we need to speak with Governor Burhan immediately.
* De Sardet: Very well, I'll accompany you.
* Scientific Expedition Leader: Let’s be off!

### Inform Governor Burhan about the expedition's rescue

* Governor Burhan: [Lady | Lord] De Sardet! And our expedition! I thank you sincerely for having brought them back, Your Excellency, you are a providential woman.
* De Sardet: Please, sir, it was you who convinced me and my cousin of the capital importance of their research.
* Scientific Expedition Leader: Research that has borne fruit, Your Excellency.
* Governor Burhan: Truly? This is excellent news! You have found a plant with sufficient properties?
* Scientific Expedition Leader: Not exactly. Know that during our captivity, a island woman visited the camp. The natives called her *tierna harh cadachtas* and treated her with utmost reverence. I heard them talk about a remedy, a universal remedy it seemed, that she had concocted.
* Síora: How's that? *Lémat rádids neis yechtem*?
* Scientific Expedition Leader: Well, I grasped the basics of the local tongue, and I am certain to have heard the word yag, remedy.
* Síora: Surprising, but the *tierna harh* is very powerful and very wise. It is possible she did craft such a remedy.