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Cyrus grunts at the genuine smile offered by ibid, snarky enough that down the road he expects to feel guilty about his childish behavior. Not right now though.
stop trying to be nice! I'm trying to be mad!
Wordlessly he snatches up the stone and puts it into the slot of his Wayfinder. He takes an initial reading once the needle has settled, and mumbles the direction to ibid. Affecting a condescending smile, he dips into a polite bow, with his hand out in front as if to say, lead the way.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Say, maybe we should pay this Novaria woman a visit. She could be critical in a couple of our goals... both sabotaging the Aspis activities, and maybe getting an 'in' to get people and goods into Bloodcove for the Society."
A momentariy pause, and then, "Who said that! Gilligan, you come back here this instant!"
The monkey looks up from Cyrus's shoulder, with a guilty look on his face. He was about to steal the Wayfinder.
Finding Novaria's house will be easy, since you have a rough map of Bloodcove, and her house is a prominent one. The Pathfinders elect to concentrate on following the loaded up wayfinder first .
Sneaking the occasional peak at the compass and casually dropping the directions into conversation with Ibid, Cyrus helps Ibid to navigate the city streets. Ibid finds it difficult to hear murmured descriptions of what the compass needle is doing as opposed to being able to see it himself, but he buckles down and makes do with what he can.
Traveling the busy streets of Bloodcove is not easy. Without knowing the final location, the pathfinders are less able to avoid the more undesirable smells. Several times the smell follows them a way before one of their number realizes that they have stepped in something and wipes it off on a nearby broken crate or mangrove root. Broken crates and mangrove roots are everywhere.
After what seems like one of the longest strolls they've ever made, ever heading north and west through Bloodcove, the ninja investigator duo leads the Pathfinders into a portion of Bloodcove that seems not to be situated on swamp. The smell is still present, but here on the dry fringe of town it is thankfully diminished. The city has more permanent and even stone structures here, including a fountain in a small plaza. The needle points to an unoccupied storefront in the plaza. The foot traffic here is much lower than in the town proper, and the group gets some welcome relief from prying eyes.
Malika's dead drop location now marked on the Bloodcove map
There is little of interest inside the building beyond its cellar door, which is sealed with an imposing iron padlock. Everyone but Amaranti notices that the padlock is perfectly clean, whereas the rest of the floor is dusty. Further, none of the dust that the Pathfinders disturb settles on the lock. It is clearly an illusion.
Moving forwards, Gunari and Amaranti open the cellar door, coughing at the dust and dried mold that is raised as a result. The stairs creak under the weight of the companions, but hold them well enough. The cellar is cobbled, and appears devoid of anything useful. Amaranti, perhaps feeling embarrassed for not noticing the lock illusion, is extra observant and sees that some cobbles have been moved recently. He smiles and pulls the stones away to reveal a panel. He goes to open this also when Gunari and Finarin both shout "STOP!" at the same time, having noticed the poison needle trap cleverly concealed behind a cobblestone.
Cyrus pulls out his tools and cleverly sets off the trap onto a piece of iron, bending the needle harmlessly to the side. With the trap disabled, the canny Keleshite opens the panel and discovers a second flawed ioun stone, identical to the one in his wayfinder, along with a wax-sealed scroll case.
The cellar is as private a place as any to open the case and have a read, should the Pathfinders wish to do so...
Gunari's magical detection reveals that both the flawed hematite sphere ioun stones are still magical (and still the same type of ioun stone - since no-one has touched them together yet).
The eager Pathfinders pull out a light source, break the wax seal and pour over its contents.
The scroll case contains dozens of pages detailing Aspis activities in Bloodcove, qualitative data about the upcoming expedition, and even dossiers on several of the agents involved. Some entries stand out from the others, including:
- Pahwoki the Blade, a murderous Bekyar who wears a necklace of ears and is believed able to make the trees walk;
- Lilianna Alazzario, an agent relocated to Bloodcove after she burned down an Isgeri village just to collect a small debt;
- Yola Hask, a one-handed smuggler banished from Rahadoum for “crimes against the state”;
- Micky Threetoes, an Andoren exile with a history of aiding slave traders;
- Zamil Namoth, an Ustalav aristocrat known both for his charm and his claiming trophies from his macabre hunts; and
- “Fiveknives” Kalim, a seasoned explorer of the Mwangi Expanse infamous for his callous treatment of the native people.
Malika also suspects that the mission’s primary purpose is looting, and she reports that the Consortium is particularly interested in a giant golden statue of some type. Finally, her report suggests the Consortium knows about Venture-Captain Nieford Sharrowsmith’s expedition to the Bandu Hills, though it seems the Aspis are merely planning to attack him but have not actually done so yet.
The Pathfinders move on from the dead drop location. After a little experimentation, Ibid notes that the position of the needle direction doesn't change at all no matter where in town the Pathfinders are. It appears to be pointing towards Absalom, but Ibid cannot be certain if Absalom is where the other stone is located or merely in the approximate same direction as the location. What he is certain of is that whatever it is must be a long, long way away (certainly nowhere in town).
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"Methinks this parchment is as valuable as anything we shall find here. We should memorize it ... as best we can, and leave it here. Should we take this with us ... or write it in a journal" looking at Ibid, "and get searched by the Consortium ... " Turing to the group, "There are six of us ... let us each memorize one of the standout names. The defenses left here by our Pathfinder seem to have withstood the Consortium's efforts so far, now we just need to .... cover our tracks. To Novaria's then?"
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"I can keep it hidden Finarin. or Gunari. Either way we should take it with us, our superiors will want to look at it to possibly get a better understanding of how they work. I for one, already have an idea of how we can mess up this expedition. It involves making sure the selected group isn't available for travel. Lets all take a moment to imagine how much Lort would like that idea."
After a purposeful few moments of silence, Cyrus continues.
"If this stone was intended to take us to another one, then it is clear to see that it is not in this city. I don't think we will be finding our intrepid, underground agent. Hopefully she can make it out of here. For now, we should make our visit to Noveria before heading back for a good night's rest. Tomorrow should prove... interesting."
As the group walks along to the spot marked on the map for Noveria's place, he breaks his crabby silence to say a few words. "Maybe we should let Miro approach the house alone, with us waiting in the shadows. Or at least a small group, with Miro doing the talking. Amaranti and Gunari as the proverbial guards? Once he establishes who we are and gets an audience, we can all join them inside, hopefully without attracting any more attention. Aya did say all we need to do is mention her name to at least get the woman to hear us out."
After much discussion, the group makes their way to House Cartahegn to speak with Novaria. Noting how much more pleasant Bloodcove's drier areas are, they elect to skirt around the northern part of town.
House Cartahegn is based in an imposing two-story trading post in the northeastern part of the city. The storefront bustles with citizens and merchants alike, most purchasing staple commodities such as sugar and rice. A busy clerk greets customers as they enter and provides helpful directions to any who ask.
As the Pathfinders approach, the clerk (who from his appearance seems to be a Bonuwat man), looks up from some receipts over his spectacles.
"Welcome to the bountiful House Cartahegn," he says in perfect Taldan, "May I help you?"
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"Yes, my good man. We seek an audience with the Lady Novaria. Is she available? We have much business to discuss!" Miro rubs his hands together like greedy merchants he has seen, giving the man a wide grin. He makes it forced, this time, to give the impression of being a big fat phony...although a different big fat phony than he actually is.
"As house spokeswoman, Lady Novaria is a very busy woman, I am afraid," says the man, peering down at Miro over his spectacles, seeming genuinely apologetic, "Unless you have an appointment with her or a referral, I am afraid she will be unable to meet with her this week. Would you like to make an appointment for next week?"
He produces a massive appointment book and starts to root around for an inkwell and quill.
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"My apologies for such a sudden and unannounced appearance. Aya alleha sent us to make an inquiry. Or business is urgent, and I would hate for the lady to miss an opportunity, even if our arrival is... Unorthodox."
Cyrus slinks back to the back of the group.
-Posted with Wayfinder
The clerk raises his eyebrows at the mention of Aya Allehe, and waves away Miro's proffered coins.
"Please wait here, I will be back momentarily," he says before scurrying off out a door to the rear of the entrance hall. A few minutes later, a tall, beautiful Chelaxian woman dressed resplendently in crimson, orange and golden robes appears from the same door. She indicates an office room to the side of the room and motions for the Pathfinders to follow her inside. The office is tastefully decorated in true Chelaxian style, with a few Mwangi hints here and there.
"Greetings Pathfinders. My name is Novaria and I am the spokeswoman for House Cartahegn. It is always a pleasure to deal with members of your illustrious 'Society'," she says, sitting down behind her desk, "The last time I dealt with your people, it led to a mutually beneficial arrangement that I have not forgotten. In fact, my current position at this trading house is a direct result of our last encounter. I sincerely hope that you come today with another such opportunity.”
She looks to the assembled group expectantly.
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Gunari looks to the more... diplomatic... members of the team to speak up, but his impulsiveness then takes over.
"Well, milady, we believe that House Cartahegn and the Pathfinder Society have a common... complication, shall we say... in doing business within Bloodcove. The Pathfinder Society is always looking to improve our trade within the Inner Sea region, but Bloodcove has always been closed to us. Both for trade, and for the acquisition of new knowledge.
"We believe that if we work together, we can open new opportunities for both of our concerns."
Gunari holds off saying more, as he doesn't want to tip his hand too far, yet.
"Risky business this, that you are proposing," she says, leaning forwards with hands steepled together, "Anything like that to do with the Pathfinder Society would put me at direct conflict with the Aspis Consortium. Getting caught would have most dire consequences. Tell me more about what benefit this would have for House Cartahegn."
Novaria addresses all assembled with that last request.
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"Well mi'lady, I don't know much about the intricacies of trade at such volumes, I generally only deal with... one on one,"
Oh this pick up line is about to go horribly wrong...
"Trading... of blows, weapons. Aaaahhhmm.. I am good with..."
NOT WORDS YOU DUMMY!!! This is what you get when you try to flirt with women when you are still mad about something else... Or maybe when you just try to flirt with women. Hey, she is Chelaxian, maybe she knows something about... Nahh... better leave that alone. For now.
Cyrus clears his throat and makes an attempt to start over, as if what just happened was only in his imagination...
"This is an untapped market for the society, obviously because of the Consortium. You would be the single source of commodities movement into the region, and therefore would completely control the societies market share in the area. There are ways of hiding your goods source, and in the worst case scenario, if you ever have to skip town, you will already be filthy rich, far more than you currently are. We all know that the only law around here is the market, and the merchants control that. With the society secretly behind you, you could rise to a substantial position of power. The society and you stand to benefit mightly from a... more intimate arrangement. "
Sure... now you pull it off...
"I am sure my friends have more to add..."
Novaria waits expectantly for someone else to add to Cyrus's list of benefits. She seems reasonably pleased so far, but will probably need a little more swaying.
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"Ahh, well met my lady. It seems that we both have an ... acumen for the way in which the world works. High risks, like aligning yourself to our ... Society, well it is a high risk. On the other hand, it would be .... high reward. Having a monopoly, always good for business. As for the Consortium .... on top today, on bottom tomorrow." Finarin casts a wry smirk at Cyrus, He is not the only one that can drop a double entendre. "Methinks that the Consortium is .... on the way out. You have a chance to position yourself as an .... ally before your competition knows there is another choice. Your foresight in this will not go ... unrewarded."
"Very well, Pathfinders," Novaria says with a sly smile, "You can have your deal. House Cartahegn will help smuggle Pathfinders and Pathfinder supplies, discoveries and whatever else you need... if you can prove yourselves up to the task. Let's not call it a test, but I have a task for you. If you can do it successfully, it will help put my mind at rest about the risks House Cartahegn is about to agree to.
“Recently, a local pirate crew led by a thug named Ungala has been intercepting our trade barges and wagons and stealing our cargo. It is fate, I suppose, that you came to see me today of all days, as we are preparing to move an exceptionally valuable shipment to Warehouse Row to be loaded onto a ship bound for the Inner Sea this very evening. After our usual guards’ failure to protect the last two shipments from Ungala’s raiders, I’ve lost confidence in their abilities. But where they have failed, you might have a real chance. Up to this point, Ungala and her ruffians have always attacked while our supply carts were passing near Free Trade Square, where they can strike in the narrow streets and disappear into crowds quickly. I have no doubt that they’ll be planning such an attack for today’s shipment, and I want you to be there and ready to intercept them.
"If you agree to this and perform your duties admirably, then you and your Society may count upon House Cartahegn for aid. If you are captured, I will try my hardest to assure anyone who will hear me that I had no idea you were Pathfinder agents, and that you must have been trying to infiltrate the town using subterfuge. I suspect there is sufficient truth in that for a Spokeswoman of a prominent trade house to be believed over a bunch of rowdy troublemakers, if you catch my drift.”
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Gunari looks at Amaranti as if he is surprised by this inspired thought. However... "Yes, I think we shall be most most willing, and able, to take care of your little problem for you. Yes, I think we can manage that. However, after today, perhaps you might want to take Amaranti's suggestion. Have your porters take a different route each time, if that is possible. I've also heard that having multiple caravans can help... either split up the merchandise, or have one, or more, as a distraction. Especially if you are transporting very valuable merchandise."
Gunari looks especially pleased with himself... as if he's been taking the lessons of "Uncle Guaril" very seriously!
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"Agreed, Gunari," Ibid beings, turning from the drunken priest to the towering to the Garundi. "But let's not change the caravan's course until after today. If the attacks have been occurring in a similar location each time in the past, then we know where to expect danger and can turn the tables on these would-be-attackers."
"My dear Lady Novaria, would you have access to a map of the area and be able to show the route your cargo will be travelling?" the old man asks, drawing his journal and preparing to take a few notes. "We could review the route and determine where an ambush is likely to occur, and prepare our counter-attack."
"And in regards to protecting yourself, and disavowing all knowledge of us should we fail, this is certainly the most prudent course of action," Ibid says, reviewing their predicament in his mind and assigning the weight and dangers Novaria is placing herself in simply by talking with the Pathfinders, let alone aiding them. "It would serve no purpose for you to place yourself in any further danger than you are already in. We are prepared for what is coming, as these ambushes are soon to find out, much to their displeasure. We will not fail, we are entirely used to being surrounded by danger and relying upon one another and our particular skill-set to survive. Perhaps the ruin which is about to befall these ambusher will send a message that you are not to be trifled with..."
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A devious smile creeps onto the face of Cyrus.
"Mi'lady, once you see the remarkable effectiveness of these pathfinders, you will wonder why you haven't had us helping you sooner. We all know that the only way your thefts will ever be investigated by the actual authorities is if you pony up enough cash to grease the right wheels. This should serve as an excellent demonstration of how our mutual interests can be best served by working together."
Following up on Ibid's comments - "Yes, understanding where your caravan is typically hit would allow us to get the drop on your thieves. They won't even know what hit them."
"It might be prudent to have one or two of us situated on rooftops. I can move easily enough along the tops of the buildings and should likely be able to remain unseen. Ibid and Miro would be good choices as well - if that is an option to us. Finarin, Gunari, Amaranti and Kaisharga can travel along with the caravan dressed as guards. If there is a better idea, I am all ears though..."
Novaria smiles at the Pathfinders' confidence and nods along with the plan.
"You are indeed everything I have come to expect from the Pathfinder Society," she says when the Pathfinders are done planning, "I foresee great things for us all in the future. As for the goods you will be transporting, simply some goods that we have procured and would like to sell abroad. They are valuable indeed, but more than that I will not say. Your job will be to protect the goods, not inspect them.
"I will take your advice on changing the route, though," says Novaria, putting the previous line of conversation at an end, "Using the same route is expedient and until now there have been no troubles with this strategy. However, in light of recent issues, route changes should become part of our regular protocol. Thank you. I have a map of the town here, and I will draw today's route on it for you."
Novaria provides you with a map. Nothing special about the route, it runs from House Cartahegn, down main streets to the Free Trade Square, where it runs directly through it and out to the docks. She marks the two points where the caravan was last hit. Both occur in the Free Trade Square, but there is no correlation between the locations (ie. they are not close to each other - certainly not close enough to pick a good rooftop location).
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"My lady, although I agree that it is a prudent idea to know what you are entering a ... bargain with, part of our writ is to remain .... inconspicuous. Me thinks that if we ... unleash our considerable powers on the streets of Bloodcove we will loose any advantage we have form remaining hidden from the .... Consortium. Is there possibly another .... task we can perform for you? One that allows us to .... work from the shadows?"
"You came here as mercenaries for hire, did you not? I am hiring you," she states simply in response to Finarin's concerns, "You will be given Cartahegn uniforms, should you wish, and that should help you to blend in. If the ambush goes like it did last time, onlookers will likely flee. Best to deal with Ungala quickly, but she must have paid off the guards. None arrived in any kind of timely fashion the last two times."
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"That sounds like a quite prudent plan, milady. Once we dispatch these... assailants... is there anything special you would like done with them? A calling card, for example, or anything like that. Something proclaiming that you are going to deal... harshly... with such aggression against you?"
"Also, since you seem to know who the raiders are... what can you tell us about Ungala and her raiders? Any information you have on them will help to secure a successful mission, seeing your merchandise safely to its destination."
"Cyrus, that seems to be a prudent plan. I think Ibid might be the better choice, both because he moves a little faster... no offense, Miro.. and is pretty good with his bow. I am expecting that the two of you will be staying in a position for ranged support?
"Then, with Miro, Amaranti, Finarin, and myself, we'll act as guards. Perhaps we should play-act like we're a bit drunken... I know, probably not much of a reach for me! Amaranti, I would suggest that you release Kaisharga for now, and rely on your more normal summons... we want our team to look... vulnerable.
"Finarin, you can play-act at being the leader of our group... play it up... seem effete, elistist... call us slackards names. Miro, I wonder if we could get you some fake armor... ill-fitting at that, that you could shuck in a hurry?"